Thankful

I sometimes wake up and wonder how in world did I get so lucky! It could be my emotions being a bit more heightened or the holiday season...who knows! Either way, I am so thankful for everything in my life.  At times, if something doesn't go right, I think, good, it's not all perfect!

My job is amazing!  At the end of last year when we heard of the budget cuts, I was sad my position had been cut and we didn't have the numbers to give me a full class.  Working half-time was a total blessing in disguise.  Pregnancy has bit a LOT easier without the stress of paper work, a full class, etc. I LOVE my team.  In Texas, I loved MOST of my team.  Here, I love everyone on my team.  They are honestly the best teachers in the school and couldn't be happier to work with them. Yes, some of our kids this year are a bit of challenge.  In teaching, I love a challenge.  Therefore, when the "winter" season (can't use Christmas) came around, I wanted to get something for every students.  So what does a someone get 95 first graders?

 Multi-colored holly shaped crayons!! I melted crayons in a cookie holly leaf mold.  

Step 1: Pealed crayons with an x-tacto knife, didn't want to ruin my nails.

Step 2: Cut crayons into small pieces. 

Step 3: Place crayon chucks in mold.

Step 4: Put filled mold into a 230 degree oven and allowed crayons to melt for 11 minutes.

Step 5: Took out crayons and let them cool for about 5 minutes then put mold into the freezer.

Step 6: After about 5 minutes pulled out from freezer and flipped mold and crayons just pop out.

Step 7: Wrapped crayons and watch the kids faces! 

The kids really loved them! They all wondered how and were surprised I made them. Seeing the genuine thankfulness made it totally worth my time.  

I am also thankful for the parents at the school.  They all got together and got a very generous gift card to the shops of downtown Boulder, WOW!!!! I couldn't believe it.  Plus, some parents got me little separate gifts. I honestly didn't expect anything.  

Christmas was great this year! Yes, we didn't have our family here this year, but thanks to technology we were able to FaceTime and be there live as we watched the family open presents!

 Brian's favorite present, Light-o-Rama Controller! We are excited for next year.  Have you met my husband, meet Clark Griswold, aka Brian. Since this set-up obviously takes several weeks even months to prepare, he did a mini show with our tree and lamps. I was very impressed.

Look at everything Baby Girl Mueller got!  Someone is going to be spoiled!! As for me, one of my favorite presents was my artificial mistletoe.  I told Brian it was what I wanted for Christmas. Again, how did I get so lucky!

How far along? 29 weeks, 1 day

Maternity Clothes? Yes, finding outfits that look good are becoming a challenge.  My belly isn't the only thing getting bigger!! 

Stretch Marks? Yes, little tiny ones on my hips, that's something that growing besides the belly.

Sleep: pretty good, although recently I find myself wanting to take naps. 

Best Moment this Week: buying items for the baby's room, for example, a chair!

Miss Anything? Bringing in the new year without my favorite champagne

Movement: Yes and I giggle every time, it tickles 

Cravings: fruit, guess what Brian got me for breakfast...MANGOS!! 

Anything making you queasy or sick: No

Have you started to show yet: Yes, but I feel like my belly is more round and wide than round and out. 

Gender: GIRL!!! 

Labor Signs: No

Belly Button in or out? In

Wedding rings on or off? wedding band only & my hands fall asleep a lot
Happy or Moody most of the time: Happy  

Looking forward to: beginning to get the baby's room together & my upcoming doctor's appointment