A Week of Giving THANKS...

I'm here to share the final two letters... "K" and "S" in the BLOG HOPPIN'  T.H.A.N.K.S. linky series!

First, and perhaps most obvious in my thankful posts...

I am thankful beyond words for the kiddos in my life.   I LOVE. LOVE. LOVE. my students, past and present, and am so thankful that I teach in a Christian school where I am allowed to TELL them how much I care about them... and actually hug the little sweet darlins'!   

And my own children... {Holdin' back the tears, here!}   Words can't express the depth of my love for them... and the gratitude I have feel to God for blessing me with these amazing children. I love you Hunter, Alexa and Colton!

Now for "S."      In my book...

Go ahead.  Say it out loud... 

"Staff development?! Is this girl crazy?!"

Well.. maybe I am.   But for me... the staff development conferences I have attended in the last few years have literally changed my life! 

{Serious "shout out" to Staff Development for Educators 
right here!  LOVE. S.D.E.}

Yes, I'm "that" teacher... the one who reads brain research books in her spare time and my "pleasure reading" is often about RTI or the latest trends in education.  So, of course I love staff development for that reason...but almost more importantly, I love staff development because it has provided me with some of the BEST and most wonderful supporting friendships a (teacher) girl could ask for!

I mean, truly... did you ever realize that STAFF DEVELOPMENT could look like this? 

I am the only kindergarten teacher in my small, private school... and the friends I've met through SDE events are often my life-line and inspiration on a daily basis!  

I NEED these girls... and I am so very thankful for the fact that attending SDE staff development events have brought these amazing and brilliant friends into my life!!!  {Not to mention... I never laugh harder than when I'm with these teacher-friends!}

So, if you are in need of a little inspiration... a new teaching supporter... or just a good laugh...  come and hang out with us this summer at the SDE National Conferences!   Come on people... Vegas.  Summer.  Shopping. Sunshine.  National Teacher-Blogger Meet-Up.   Do I really need to twist your arm any further?  LOL

What is YOUR thankful "S" this year?

Link up by hoppin' over to BLOG HOPPIN' and let us know!