There’s no denying: we’re in the thick of fall, y’all! ๐ As the autumn leaves paint the world in warm hues and the scent of pumpkin pie fills the air, now is the perfect time to reflect on the many blessings in our lives. This year, I feel particularly grateful. I’ve linked up with several teacherprenuers in sharing our blessings with all of you, my fellow educators and blog readers. Join me on this journey of gratitude as we explore why 2023 has been a year filled with much joy and anticipation!
EDITED TO ADD: If you’re reading this on or after November 21, 2023, you can click here for this year’s updated Sharing Our Blessing 2024 blog post!
A Modest Matrimony: A Blessing of Love
This year, my heart swelled with happiness as Matt and I celebrated the most merry microwedding of the summer. It was an intimate affair, filled with the love and support of our closest friends and immediate family. As a special education and middle school teacher, I know the value of meaningful connections. Our wedding symbolized just that. It was a day of joy, laughter, and the start of a new chapter in our lives.
The Magic of Disney: A Dream Honeymoon
As an experienced educator, I’ve always appreciated the importance of learning beyond the classroom. Our August cruise aboard the Disney Dream was an educational adventure in its own right. Disney, known for its commitment to storytelling and imagination, provided us with a magical journey through Northern Europe alongside our favorite friendly characters.
My husband and I embarked on our honeymoon adventure, stopping at enchanting destinations like Copenhagen, Denmark; Amsterdam, Netherlands; Stockholm, Sweden; Oslo, Norway; and Brugges, Belgium. Each port of call was a unique opportunity to learn about the rich history, culture, and traditions of these beautiful countries. In fact, it was Matt’s Scandinavian ancestry that prompted us to pick this itinerary in the first place!
Expanding Our Little Family: A Blessing in Disguise
How’s the song go? Summer lovin’ had me a blast… summer lovin’ happened so fast! But the blessings didn’t stop there. I’m thrilled to share the news that our little family will be growing by two feet in the spring of 2024! The anticipation of welcoming a new life into our home is an indescribable joy.
As a teacher, I’ve witnessed the growth and potential in my students year after year, and now I’m excited to experience all those feels again on a more personal level. This blessing is a testament to our faithful God and the beautiful journey of life. We are humbled and honored!
Giving Back: A Teacher’s Heart
One thing to know about me is that first and foremost I am a Christian before all other things. I really try my best every day to love God and love His people. It’s not always easy, but I have found it to always be worth it. I was reading my Bible from the beginning and came across this Old Testament promise:
Man, do I feel this Bible verse to my core! The Lord removed me from fruitless regions years ago and provided me with a Godly husband, protector, and best friend in 2023 to live out the rest of our days together blessing others. With the Thanksgiving holiday fast approaching, I’m reminded of the importance of giving back.
As an experienced teacher and curriculum designer, I believe in the power of education to change lives. In the spirit of the season, I’m offering a time-sensitive teaching resource as a token of my appreciation for your support! I love interactive notebooks, and I’m hoping once you try them out you will, too. These foldable activities (7 to be exact) are specifically for decimal operations, and appropriate for grades 5+. Valued at $5, this upper elementary resource is designed to help you in your classroom, whether you’re a fellow teacher or a homeschooling parent. Enjoy!
EDITED TO ADD: If you’re reading this on or after November 21, 2023, sorry – you’ve missed the above-mentioned flash freebie! BUT DON’T GO JUST YET: I do have several other always free teaching resources for you! Sign up for my mailing list to receive the password.
The $25 TpT Gift Card Giveaway: Sharing Our Blessings
Tis the season to be giving! To make this season even more special, I’m hosting a giveaway for a $25 Teachers Pay Teachers gift card. Consider it a small token of my gratitude for the incredible community of educators who have rallied and supported me on this blogging journey. Entering is simple; visit the Rafflecopter to complete your entry form. Want bonus entries? Do one of the following:
- Leave a Comment: Share what you’re thankful for this year in the comments section below.
- Subscribe: If you haven’t already, sign up for my email list to stay updated on future resources and giveaways.
A random winner will be selected Tuesday, November 21, 2023. The gift card will be sent by email to the lucky recipient to use on Teachers Pay Teachers. Best of luck!
EDITED TO ADD: The gift card giveaway is now over! A heartfelt congratulations to educator Callie P. on winning!
#SharingOurBlessings2023 Blog Hop: A Community of Givers
As educators, we know the importance of collaboration and sharing. That’s why I’m excited to be a part of the “Sharing Our Blessings” blog hop. This wonderful event includes a total of 24 teaching products created by 16 dedicated educators, all of whom can be found on Teachers Pay Teachers. The combined value of these resources is a true blessing at over $80, and they cover a wide range of subjects and grade levels. Be sure to check them all out!
Additionally, the blog hop includes multiple giveaways of $25 Teachers Pay Teachers gift cards totaling $400! These generous gifts will undoubtedly help fellow educators enhance their classroom instruction and make a positive impact on countless students.
Inlinkz Blog Hop: Explore and Connect
To access these amazing resources and giveaways, please follow the Inlinkz blog hop below. You’ll find a list of participating bloggers and links to their pages. Once there, you can discover their contributions to the “Sharing Our Blessings” event. It’s a wonderful opportunity to explore a treasure trove of teaching materials and connect with educators who share the same passion for teaching and giving back. I’m falling deeper and deeper in love with it all this fall! Use the #SharingOurBlessings2023 hashtag on social media to connect with us.
Thanksgiving: A Season of Gratitude and Generosity
This Thanksgiving, I’m reminded how important it is we share our good fortunes with others. Teaching has always been about giving. Through this blog post, the TpT gift card giveaway, and the “Sharing Our Blessings” blog hop, I hope to give back to the incredible community of educators who have supported me over the years. My deepest thanks, sincerest wishes, and heartfelt blessings to you and yours for a happy Thanksgiving! Together, we can make the world a better place, one classroom at a time.
I’m thankful for my health and my family!
All great things to be thankful for. Wishing you and your family a healthy, happy holiday!
Congratulations! Wishing you the best!
Thank you so much, Natasha!
Thankful to be a mom of 3 (adult!!) children, MIL to one, and wife of Santa Claus.
Family is everything. I love it! Wishing you and yours a healthy, happy holiday
I’m thankful for family and friends, the beauty of our seasons, sunshine, great music, and great books to enjoy.
Ahh, yes, the simple things in life! It’s amazing how much we can take for granted in a busy world. Thank you for the great reminders!
I am thankful for my family and my great grand daughter that was born on my birthday. Now there are two April Fool people in my family. What joy grandchildren bring to a family.
How very sweet and special! And hey, nothing wrong with us April babies. We have all fun! Wishing you and your family a healthy, happy holiday. Thank you for sharing!
I am so thankful for my family and that we are able to still remain close.
That is very sweet, Esther. A close-knit family is rare so that must be very special. Thanks for sharing and have a happy, healthy holiday!
Hello! I am thankful that you are transparent about your faith. As a fellow Christ follower, it is awesome to see others share about their faith. God bless and have a blessed Thanksgiving!
Blessings to you and yours, Karen. I’m sure you feel the same: anything and everything that I am, I owe to Him! Thank you for sharing.
Congratulations! Thank you for your generosity. It is also a breath of fresh air to find another teacher firm in her faith in Christ!
Thank you โค๏ธ Blessings from one sister in Christ to another! Wishing you a happy, healthy holiday with loved ones.
Thankful for supportive friends!
Friends are the family we get to choose for ourselves. Thanks for sharing!
I am thankful for my husband and children.
Amen! There’s nothing better. Wishing you and yours a happy, healthy holiday!
I am thankful for my family.
Wishing you a happy, healthy holiday with loved ones! Thank you for sharing.
I am thankful that my grandma celebrated her 100th birthday last month and she is still going strong! Such an incredible blessing.
Oh my goodness, what a blessing indeed! ๐๐ฝ Wishing you and yours a happy, healthy holiday with loved ones.
I am, as always, thankful for my incredibly supportive family! Starting a 3rd career in my late-50’s wouldn’t have been possible without them. But, topping that, is my overflowing thankful joy to have been given the opportunity to work my dream job @ my dream school. It has been a demanding yet rewarding rollercoaster, but we are successfully standing up a new SPED team, and are surrounded by amazing students, families, and community. I feel truly blessed!
What an incredible story and amazing journey! Thank you so much for sharing, Felicia. It’s never too late to dream another dream. Love to see it! Have a happy, healthy holiday.
Thank you <3 Best wishes to you & your growing family for a blessed holiday season!
I am thankful for my friends and support system.
I’m thankful for my friends and family.
Congratulations!! My the Lord bless you always. Thank you for all the work you do to help us on this journey of teaching.
Congratulations!! My the Lord bless you always. Thank you for all the work you do to help us on this journey of teaching.
Congrats on your many blessings!! I’m so thankful for my husband that works really hard for our family which lets me be able to stay home with the kids and homeschool my youngest.
Congratulations on your growing family! Family is the biggest blessing โค๏ธ
Congratulations on your wedding and little one. I am thankful for my family this holiday season.
I am thankful for my husband, who is the best traveling partner!
I am so grateful for God’s mercy. What a joy to read your post, so excited for you during this season of your life!!
What beautiful blessings and most of all what a beautiful witness to Gods immense love for you and yours. Youโll be in my prayers as you embark on the new journey of motherhood and fatherhood. Blessings upon blessings for you all always!
I am thankful for my friends, family, and health. Happy Thanksgiving!
I am thankful for the Blessed Hope I have in Jesus my Saviour. We have had several family and friends pass this summer, but because they knew Jesus as their Saviour, too, I will see them again.
I am thankful for my family and my incredible 5th-grade team!
I am thankful for my fur babies!