My Scent

The scent of Downy dryer sheets pleases my nose immensely. I tuck them in my pillow case, and when I wake up, my hair smells like clean cotton mixed with a gentle spring breeze.

I got a whiff of my second favorite aroma during my evening walk. As I rounded the bend in the trail, the smell of sweet honey suckle rushed through my nostrils. All of a sudden, I was nine years old again, and my siblings and I were carefully pulling the stems off the tiny white and yellow flowers. Hoping to catch a tiny drop of liquid sugar on our tongue, we would inhale the fine fragrance and savor the syrupy taste. When memories are tied to our olfactory nerves, nature's perfume transcends time and space.

I Live Here

Mrs. Barnes's cookies will always represent home to me. I've moved around a lot in the last two decades, and not matter where I land, these delicious treats remain a constant. My current residence is The Preserve @ Pecan Creek, and although Chris and I have thoroughly enjoyed our year here, we are relocating to the swanky new Urban Square apartment community at Unicorn Lake next month. I look forward to mixing up a batch of these delectable desserts there too!

Sweet

There is nothing sweeter than a doting daddy who showers his little girl with praise, affection, and love. Chandler Shade is so lucky to have a father like Chris. Watching him parent his children has been a healing force in my life. 

A Life Changing Book

I can't think of another title I've returned to so many times. Brené Brown's guidepost for wholehearted living changed my life. My annotations, highlighted snippets, and sticky-note tabs are evidence the book is well loved. 

10 Years Ago

As I searched for pictures to post for today's prompt, I realized how much the world has changed in a decade. Back in 2005, I'd created my first Myspace account, and social media wasn't even part of my vocabulary yet. Anybody else have Tom as your first friend?

I still had a tiny silver flip phone that took crappy digital images, and text messaging was the craze. Back then, I still dropped plastic film canisters off at Walmart, and all my photos were printed and stored in plastic tubs. I kind of miss those days. 

Luckily, I was still sporadically writing in a journal, and I found a gratitude list I'd composed on Apr. 14th, 2005. Ten years ago I had just bought my first house. My 4th graders called me Miss Franks, and I was finishing my final year at Jackie Carden Elementary. 

Loneliness, insecurity, and self-doubt were my constant companions. I'd recently discovered Al-anon, and my journey towards healing the wounds of alcoholism and codependency was just beginning. When I think back to this season of my life, I'm amazed by how quickly humans can evolve in such a short time. Grateful for my trip down memory lane tonight. 

Yellow

Spent the day trying to come up with an idea for this evening's prompt. Out of nowhere it hit me! Penny's logo popped into my head, and then I realized SHE represents yellow. Light, goodness, and generosity radiate from her pores. Wisdom and positive energy burst and shine when she enters a room. The friendship we share is a gift, and just like spring she blooms, brightens, and nourishes. If you're free next Friday come celebrate her new counseling practice by joining in on a gratitude walk! 

Current Obsession

I'm afraid I may be a little late to the party, but my current obsession seems to be planning my first PBL unit on Transforming Schools. The  month of May is my favorite time of year because I am finally free to teach again without the constraints of standardized testing. My new administrator is a passionate proponent of PBL, and by the end of this week I will have 10 new Ipad minis in my classroom to help with the research. I'm stoked! I am excited about this learning adventure, but I'm also struggling with my novice status. There is so much to absorb, plan, and consider. I know mistakes will be made. I won't do it perfectly. Letting the kids take the reigns and allowing true innovation to emerge will be a serious challenge. I'm hopeful this new unit will re-energize me and allow my aspirational values and practiced values to become more aligned. 

Love Note to Self

Evening Rituals

Evening rituals are incomplete without my Iphone, Laptop, and Ipad.

Thinking I may need to take a screen vacation soon.

An Inspiring Person

Several years ago Nora went on a Walk to Emmaus. The letter below the image encompasses all the reasons she is hands-down, the single most inspiring person I've ever known. 

Nora,

I hope that this letter finds you fresh and rejuvenated. You deserve some time away from all the worries and cares of the world. I am so proud of you for taking care of yourself, and my prayer is that this weekend will help you see the fruits of your life’s labor.

You are my hero Nora, in every sense of the word. When I consider all the amazing people God has placed in my life, you always come up #1. You are my safe place in a chaotic world, and I could not ask for a better mom. You have always provided stability and security for me, and you continue to be a fortress in my life today.

Your willingness to sacrifice your retirement years to raise your grandchildren saved our lives. We owe all of our success to your constant love and attention. Any resiliencies we have came from the foundations you laid for us, and I am forever grateful for your role in our lives.

Nora, I want you to know you are more than enough. Your whole life, I have watched you give of yourself until there was very little left. You were always serving others and making sure our needs were met before your own. I was blessed to have such a remarkable example of Christ’s love in my life, but I often worried about your own journey. I wanted you to have all the things you hoped for us, and it was difficult to watch you forfeit your own dreams so ours could become reality.

I love you more than I could ever express. When we almost lost you last Christmas, I pleaded with God for more time. I need you in my life. Not because of all the wonderful things you do for me, but because of who you are. You represent everything good in the world, and I gain so much strength from just knowing you believe in me.

Your positive outlook has taught me that life is not about the obstacles we face, but the way we handle those trials. Your path has not been soft, yet you always seem to find the silver lining. I remember all the times I would complain about my parents, and you never once joined in on the gripe sessions. Instead you chose to find the good in the situation, and you always said they were the ones who missed out. You taught me that I had value, and you reminded me often that being my parent was a treasure. These truths helped combat the constant feelings of worthlessness, and when everything in my life seemed out of control, I would cling to your unconditional acceptance and love.

I am certainly a very lucky young lady to have been raised by my grandparents. The values and work ethic you taught me have helped me become the person I am today. Your love for learning inspired me in so many ways, and I am so thankful that you instilled a sense of patriotism in me. I have learned so many valuable lessons from watching you walk through this life, and I hope that you know how important your example has been. Your light offers hope when life seems unbearable.

Last time I was home, someone in town told me I reminded them of you. This was by far the greatest compliment I have ever received. Your life has touched my heart in such a deep and lasting way, and I cannot think of better role model than you. If you ever have days when you doubt your own influence, please know that your impact will last far beyond the grave. I will carry you in my spirit, and prayerfully my future family will benefit from the gifts you have planted in my heart. I hope I can be half the mom you have been.

Nora, you are my guardian angel. You are the wind beneath my wings. You are truly a gift from God, and I will never be able to repay you for the sacrifices you have made on my behalf. Thank you for helping me become the woman God intended for me to be. Have a beautiful weekend, and know that someone is praying for you. I love you so!

Your daughter,
Tenille

My Superpower

My superpower is cajoling ninety exhausted fourth graders to take a group photo after a ten hour field trip to the Texas State Capitol. 

Touch

An empty bed = no nightly cuddling while my husband is out of town for work. 

Human touch matters.