The Kohlmans

This week, I'm thankful... for the beautiful (albeit windy) weather. for a productive, yet restful, Spring Break. that Jazzy got a clean bill of health at the vet Monday. And that I didn't have to take her. for Brad, who always makes me smile. that its' now warm enough to run outside in the morning with Jazzy. for rain last week. that I bought Starburst jellybeans to put in the candy jar Grandma Lu brought me at Christmas (the Fostoria one from great-grandma Mary).  What are you thankful for this week?

This week, I am thankful... for good things happening in coworkers' lives for financial security that you care enough about my life to read this that after Spring Break, my students will be ready to write their research paper (meaning that we are done researching, citing sources, and taking notes!) for time and the possibilities that lie in the future, even when it's difficult to wait to know which will work out for our Kindle Fire that my kids sing along to my Pandora stations while they work that Spring Break is NOW!  (and happens to coincide with March Madness) that my husband who loves to cook (and is done with basketball, so cooks almost every night!)

“A thankful heart is not only the greatest virtue, but the parent of all other virtues.” -Cicero Every year, for as long as I can remember, my mom has "stuffed" a package of thank you cards into our stockings, among a variety of other useful items. (hint, hint, mom.) Whether it's a not-so-subtle hint or something inexpensive to add, I'm not sure. Either way, it's handy to have a stack in the desk drawer. And, it's a good reminder. (Here's your fair warning: I might rant in the coming paragraphs.) Speaking of thanks, I've been wondering for the past year or so... Since when did writing a thank you for a gift become optional? Maybe I'm old-fashioned in this respect. And maybe thank-yous are completely outdated or optional, in an age of texting and email and expected gifts. But I think not. At least, they shouldn't be. I'll be the first to admit that I love receiving gifts. Yes, I know that "it's better to give th...

Happy Thanksgiving! The sun is shining, and my grass is greener than it was all summer. Today, I'm thankful for so many things... so many of them cliches.  And here are just a few... Brad my family my in-laws a job I (mostly) love and amazing coworkers (and a good evaluation from my principal, that I've been so worried about!) my health and the health of my family home my crazy dog sunshine our church family friends that friends have had healthy babies in the past couple of weeks that I have family members who will appreciate my handmade Christmas goodies I know there's so much more, but here's the quick list. What are you thankful for today?! Have a great Thanksgiving!

Today, I'm thankful... ...that I have a free place to stay during my weekend intensives. ...that this week is over. ...for books to read. ...for the days when I actually have time to read those books. ...for cookie-baking extravaganzas. ...that our freezer issues have not resulted in any spoiled food (yet). ...for quiet weekends at home with Brad (not that this weekend is one).

Today, I'm thankful... ...for summer. You know, that it happens. Because I am not a fan of cold. Yes, I know it's only November and it's going to be a long, cold, icy winter. Don't remind me. ...for my Grandma Donna's cookie recipes. Yum. ...that I get to see my sister Sarah tomorrow! (I just wish I could see Hannah and Daniel and Jamie and Jason, too...) ...that basketball season means I can sneak in a little bit of Christmas music before Brad gets home. ...for my best friend. :)

(it's been a rough Monday, so this list tonight is a bit short.) Today, I'm thankful... ...that my first job ever was amazing in just about every way. ...that there are nights when leftovers come out of the freezer to magically become supper. ...that I have a husband who's also a teacher and understands.

Today, I'm thankful... ...for quiet evenings at home. ...for workshops that make me feel like I can do what it is they talk about - tomorrow. ...that sometimes, when I click the auto-edit button in picasa it does nothing. ...that Brad is getting pretty darn excited about basketball season. (I am, too.) ... we'll see what the verdict is on Monday evening. ...for a great big freezer in my basement.

This weekend, I'm thankful... ...for a mom who likes to do projects with me. ...for a husband who cleans bathrooms and does laundry (so I can relax and have fun doing projects with my mom). ...for BBQ with my parents, brother, and grandparents. ...for Sunday Secrets. ...for sunshine.

Today, I'm thankful... ...for sweatpants (um hm, I am all about the comfy this week). ...for a job I get to leave at 3:30 (even though I have to be there are 7:30, and even though I usually don't leave then). ...for beautiful mums that bloom all fall. ...for texting. ...for hugs. ...that next week I "get" (not sure if it's a good get yet) to go to a two-day co-teaching conference with my co-teaching partner. ...for great meals made by Brad.

Today I am thankful... ...that you are taking the time to read this post. :) ...for books. I could probably write a whole post on my thankfulness for books, but I will spare you - for now. ...for quiet evenings at home. ...for sweet text messages from Brad when he's gone for the evening. ...for snowflake pants (yes, two nights in a row). ...for my sixth grade students.

Today I am thankful... ...for snowflake pants. ...for patience (when I have it). ...for the right to vote (even though I am not always happy with the results or do not always feel my vote truly "counts" in a state that seems to make the same choices over and over). ...for breakthroughs with my students, however small or short-lived (though this one will hopefully be long-lasting and come yearly now that I have my stuff figured out). ...for morning laughs with my husband (about exercising our right to vote, no less). ...that the holidays are coming, and with them, time with family.

Today, I am thankful for... ...my husband who (almost) always goes grocery shopping with (or for) me. ...a fantastic family. ...heat. ...the means to complete my master's (and Brad's too, when he starts) without loans. ...a big freezer where I can store leftovers (so that sometimes I don't even have to think about cooking) and food (especially beef). ...coworkers who are also friends.