# data[].attributes.body
This year I am grateful for all that I have learned, the patience of the amazing people I am surrounded by every day, and the incredible resilience and tenacity of my students. I am thankful to see the garden grow and the students interact with it, and for the opportunity to continue to build a beautiful outdoor space for the school. It has been a pleasure to see my students thrive in music and art this year and watching them on stage in their music program was the highlight of my year! Working with Stephanie and Laurel has been incredible - having two strong women as classroom partners is fulfilling and has allowed us to push the boundaries of sped education. They always go along with my crazy ideas! I am thankful for Bryton and his collaboration and growth mindset. And for Maggie's creativity and unique ability to see to the very core of our students. I'm thankful for our leadership and school culture. Feeling safe to express myself, learn, and grow is a luxury I don't take for granted. Im thankful for Jessica Tyler and her willingness to allow us to collaborate with other self-contained teachers in the county. Lastly, I'm thankful for summer break and the chance to recharge, rest, and spend some time with my family (and do all the chores I've been putting off since fall!).

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I am grateful for my team. Kindergarten is a difficult world to navigate at times. I am grateful for colleagues that show up for all of our kids and for each other. I am thankful for the encouragements, laughter, advice, and friendship. I am grateful for admin that hears what we need and encourages us to challenge ourselves. With that said, I wish Swede and Bush all the best in their new adventures. They are both phenomenal and will soar high. Their grade level may change but both will always have a special place in my heart! Holly

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This has been a truly rewarding year for me as an educator. Even after 29 years, I still genuinely love what I do and look forward to coming to work - most days, anyway!(lol)

All of our programs went smoothly, and the students were amazing. One of the most meaningful parts for me is seeing kids who typically struggle with being in the spotlight step up and shine. We had quite a few of those special moments this year.

Being part of Fun Committee continues to be a highlight. I love seeing our team come together to make others feel valued, celebrated, and appreciated.

I've also really enjoyed our Thursday morning Bible studies. It's been a blessing to grow in faith and deepen connections with that group throughout the spring.

Even though I am very sad that many of my career long friends (who are now family) are retiring. I am excited to see what next year holds.

Kim

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I am so thankful for my amazing team. This year has brought so many challenges my way, and I have been able to show up each day ready to go because my team is supportive and caring. Even in my worst moments, they have been there with a hug, encouragement, and a Dr. Pepper. What more could I ask for?! I am so grateful for them!

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I am thankful for the past 27 years of teaching at IES. As it gets closer to retirement, I am having flashbacks of all the wonderful memories!

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I am thankful for the past 27 years of teaching at IES. As it gets closer to retirement, I am having flashbacks of all the wonderful memories!

# data[].attributes.body
Burke

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Thankful for my team this year. Holly

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This year has been fantastic- I love my class, my team, IES, having my baby at school with a teacher that loves/sees him, fun committee, the opportunity to move to a new team, supportive admin, phenomenal support staff and great friends that are like family at my job. I am excited about a new position next year and I’m incredibly grateful and thankful that I’m leaving kindergarten on a high note. Thank you IES for making me a better educator and giving me so many opportunities to grow.

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One of my students finally had a light bulb moment with writing. She is sounding out words and using spaces!!!! Wooooo hoooo!

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My struggle wasn't just over Easter. It was actually through most of Lent. I realized that my Dad needed to be moved to a permanent environment as being at home wasn't working. It was a struggle getting everything settled and also Dad's changing moods before the move. But then God! Once Dad got to the nursing home in Alabaster (literally 2 minutes from my house), he has done great! His mood has improved, his memory has improved and he is making baby steps to being more active. It is such a joy to go see him that I'm going almost every day. Lee is also enjoying spending more time with his Pepaw. They even played chess together for the first time last Friday. We had a truly joyful Easter visiting him and he loved my cooking. Now while there is still much to do and other struggles to deal with getting everything settled, I'm comforted that my Dad is in a great place and is thriving!

Thomas

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Over the past few days I have struggled with coming to the realization that this school year is almost over. I am so beyond grateful for this class. They have truly been the BEST this school year. We have come so far academically and socially. Filling out this transition form for OMIS is giving me hope though because I know they are going to do so well next year!!

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These last few weeks have been hard. So much going on in my job, personal life and then the loss of my grandfather added to the struggle. BUT the Hope of Easter gets me through each day and I'm thankful for that Hope. I will see my grandfather again one day and I look forward to it!

-Blocker

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Over spring break, I was able to get some much needed rest. My parents went out of town for the week so I got to have the house all to myself. I got caught up on my shows/books that I have been putting off.

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I love every chance I get to spend time and make memories with my family. Spring is always refreshing and a time to get some much needed rest.

Habshey

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I was thankful to not travel for spring break for once. We typically take a trip as a family, but we stayed home, rested and cleaned out! It was a nice week!

-Blocker

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I am thankful for the Swedenburg boys and their kindness (Claire too!). Over the break, we had some play dates with Liam and Wynn. Both boys were patient and kind to Penny girl. They found ways to include her in playing :) -Harkins

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I was so thankful that my family was able to go to Mississippi to spend time with my in-laws. I love being back home and it is fun to be there with my kids! We had great weather so spent all of our time outside playing in the dirt pile my FIL made for Hayes!

-Stevens

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Thankful for time over spring break to catch up on spring cleaning and cleaning out. Also thankful for much needed rest!

Kim

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Thankful for my parents watching little man while we travel to NYC! It was my first time and we had such a great trip. Got to see the sights, ate great food, and spent time with friends.

-Graham

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I am thankful for a spring break with no plans! We got to just relax and reset.

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Over spring break, I was very thankful to see some of my sorority sisters who I had not see in over 2 years!

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I am thankful for resting over spring break and having a girls trip to blue ridge with my mom, sisters, aunt, and nieces! -Renta

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I was so excited to rest over spring break!

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I am thankful for no sports practices over spring break which meant we got to sit down as a family to enjoy dinner.

Dee Cooke

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I am grateful for time to relax! Holly

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I am thankful that my husband and I were able to spend a weekend away together to relax! I’m also thankful for the lazy long mornings I’ve had this week with my daughter.

Johnston

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I am ready to rest and enjoy some outside sunshine in my neighborhood! Also I can’t wait to visit with friends, my sister, and her 2 little boys ❤️

~Lauren Bickelmann

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I am thankful to head to the beach with my family for spring break! -Warren

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I am thankful for a little extra sleep over the break.

Burke

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I'm thankful for the teenage years! Yes, I said it! I know there will be rough moments, but honestly...so far, Will has been amazing! I'm thankful for the high expectations he has for himself academically and athletically. I'm thankful for Maggie's willingness to try things that may be hard or be in a situation where she doesn't know anyone. She always comes out with a friend. And Audrey..easy going and full of personality! I'm thankful she is easy going in our busy season of life with 3 kids going in all different directions!

-Blocker

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I am thankful for Hayes's kindness, his expressions and every thought that comes out of his mouth, and his laugh! I am thankful for Catherine's curiosity, determination, and sense of humor!

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I am thankful for a thousand things about Hudson but one thing I am thankful for is his precious heart. He has always been a bit of a rascal but he truly is a kind soul.

I am also thankful that he keeps me laughing!

I thankful for my sweet, snuggly fur baby Zoey as well.

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Im so thankful for my daughter’s silly personality! She is so full of surprises and makes us laugh everyday. I am so thankful that my baby is growing healthy and can’t wait to meet her and see my daughter become a sister!

Maggie Johnston

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I’m thankful for our little surprise baby Caroline! She has been the perfect caboose to our family. I’m thankful for Linley’s personality (she’s basically feral) but it keeps us laughing constantly. I’m thankful for Walker’s sense of adventure. He isn’t afraid to try new things. I’m thankful for Beckett’s calmness and willingness to help. I’m thankful for the grace my kids show me every day, especially on the hard parenting days!

Dee Cooke

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I’m so thankful for my precious son, Lee. We waited a long time before we were blessed with our boy and he was definitely worth waiting for. I’m so thankful for his kind heart and his love for Jesus. He loves to take care of others, especially little ones and our animals. If he sees a missing pet poster, he immediately says a prayer for the animal to be found. I’m so thankful for everything about him but his kind and giving heart is the top!

Thomas

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I don’t have kids but one thing I’m thankful for with my pets is when they are super snuggly.

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I'm thankful for Extra toasty cheez-its and Cheetos...you know...the healthy snacks! :)

-Blocker

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My favorite snack right now is a yogurt bowl - vanilla Greek yogurt, granola, berries, and almond butter drizzled on top.

Honorable mention to apples and peanut butter.

-Sarah Grace Stevens

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I am thankful for french fries!! They are my comfort food and my favorite!

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I’m thankful for peanut butter pretzels and anything sweet!

Dee Cooke

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I love peanut butter and apples! Such a great snack!

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I love peanut butter and apples! Such a great snack!

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Burke

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I am very thankful for chocolate!

Maggie Johnston

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Peanut butter pretzels!!!!

~Rosie

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I love fruit especially berries!! Ohhhhh raspberries, blackberries, blueberries, strawberries!!!!! Holly

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My favorite snack is Dot's Pretzels! I love the original seasoned ones!! -Renta :)

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My favorite snack is Harvest Snaps Pea Crisps & Lentil snacks. I literally eat them every day!

~Bachtel

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I love eating popcorn! It is so easy and yummy! Plus, I always seem to smile when I eat it, because I am usually doing something fun (movies with my husband, throwing popcorn in the air to not only my dogs, but sometimes our kiddos at school) 🤪

Sea Salt Dark Chocolate is another favorite! It’s just enough sweet with a little hidden salty! It’s not only a comfort when I’m having a tough day, it’s energy and a mood booster! Has a lot of other health benefits too!! -Remke

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Hot honey Pringles… the perfect balance of sweet and spicy (and I’m not a chip person)

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I love bread…all kinds. But I know I can’t eat it all so that is why mini bagels are perfect. A small size and bagelicious!!

Of course…I always only have 1….ish lol

Thomas

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I love working with my amazing GRC students! They astound me daily with their creativity, their insight and their humor. I absolutely love our time together!! In fact, I am starting to struggle with the fact that I have to say goodbye to them in just a few short months. This group will always hold a special place in my heart.

Thomas

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I love watching my students work hard and make progress! January-May has always been when I love teaching the most!! Third graders mature and take their work more seriously! So fun to watch!

Burke

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I love being silly with my kindergartners! It is so fun when they get your humor! Holly

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I love being outdoors and I love being with my family. I love my job and my students.

Susan Lee

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My favorite people are my family (husband, kids, and parents)! I feel I am at my best when I'm with them. They are my support and help get me through each day. These months can sometimes be hard so they are always able to get me through the days.

-Blocker

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I love my husband Martin. He sees humor in everything & he keeps me & our girls laughing.

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I love spending time at home with my family! My kids are starting to play together and I could spend all of my time watching them interact and make each other laugh!

I also love my library card & Taylor Jenkins Reid :)

-SG Stevens

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I love to see my Jessica getting ready to fly. I have prayed so much for this! Holly

# data[].attributes.body
-One thing I love is the relationship my previous intern Sara has with my (our) students! She came on Friday to be a mystery reader and my students were so excited to see her again.

-I’ll keep this brief before I start pouring my emotions but I am so thankful for the friendship Burke and Price have shown me since day one. It’s incredibly hard to know they are retiring this year, but I am forever thankful for the love, lessons, and life they have shared with me!

-Harkins ❤️

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I love laughing with my kindergarteners, my friends, my husband, my family. I find a moment in the day to laugh and enjoy life🙂

-Lauren Bickelmann ❤️

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I love being at home with my family!

-Walker 🫶🏼

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One person I love is Charles. He challenges me, supports me, and loves me everyday especially when it is hard. So grateful for him and all he does.

One thing I love is my car. I am still so thankful for my new(ish) car and having a great ride around town. (For me and James)

One place I love is hard for me. I love my home, I love the beach, I love Chicago.

-Ben Graham

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My true love of almost 29 years marriage and 32 together is Mark. He is truly an amazing husband and father and I am so thankful for him.

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I am on a new Bible reading plan this year, and love reading through it each day. I am reminded of God's faithfulness to us in all circumstances. Many of the current passages are stories I have heard my whole life, yet I am understanding them more deeply than ever before.

-Bush

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My family and the gratitude I’m feeling after an extremely hard day

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My family and the gratitude I’m feeling after an extremely hard day

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I really love my family and how quick they are to take care of me when I need it most. Today I had to go to the ER due to severe abdominal pain. My parents and boyfriend did everything they could for me and were so quick to respond in my time of need. I’m so thankful for first responders who did an amazing job getting me to the hospital and ensuring I’m as comfortable as I could be. I am also thankful for the AMAZING nurse and doctors that treated me. I’m just left feeling super grateful and loved as I am starting to recover at home.

-Sellers Philpott

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I love sitting in the lunchroom with my girls and just talking and laughing about so many things. A time to connect and enjoy each other!!

Burke

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I love this time of year in kindergarten. This is the time when you see them blossom. You see the fruit of the seeds that you have planted. Holly

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There are so many things that I love and am thankful for when it comes to my sweet class this year. My favorite thing about this group is their genuine innocence and enjoyment for actual "kid" things. My kids this year love simple things like coloring and seeing what carpet designs Mr. Cecil left for them. It doesn't take much to impress them- they are just happy being with each other, chatting, and having extra free draw time. I love that they have actual kid imaginations. I love to watch as they make elaborate fairy gardens and towns outside. They bring stuffies and baby dolls for Fun Friday. When our Elf came to our classroom for December, they made an entire bedroom suite in the corner of our classroom...our elf even had a homemade sleep mask. My kids are the best part of my job and brighten my day EVERY DAY in some way. Is this job tough and stressful?? Yes, of course! But when I'm overwhelmed, I thank God for my 6 and 7 year olds, and we make a circle on the rug and have share time. Reading this back, I realize it may sound like all we do is play lol, but they also love to learn!!!!!!!! And are obsessed with searching for homophones and homonyms...I told you it doesn't take much!

<3 Ash

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I love to see the change in their writing this time of year. We work so hard on phonemic awareness, grammar, phonics, and sight words!! It is amazing to see the pay off! They learn that their writing gives them a voice to express their ideas! Holly

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This is truly the best class I have had and will ever have! I have such supportive and helpful parents and very kind kids. This entire year, we have made such sweet memories together. My room moms have been the backbone of making this year successful! I have been able to build a bond with each of my kids, more so than previous years. I genuinely don't know what I am going to do at the EOY.

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I have struggled with being enough this year and getting everything done when it comes to my kids and their needs. My class has so many various needs and abilities, and most of those things we had no idea about coming in. That is such a tough part of teaching kindergarten - we never really know what to expect! When my team saw me fading, they stepped in with all the Dr. Peppers, treats, and encouragement. They looked for ways to support me in caring for my kids and helped me look at things rationally. This class has reminded me of the pride I carry when it comes to teaching. I had to rely on my team - my grade level, ESL, SPED, speech, counseling, custodial, special areas and admin - you name it. I’m so grateful to feel seen this year by our admin and know that they know my needs and my kids. I have never once felt alone, even though I had to get out of the mindset that it was on me to fix it all. This is the most challenging class I have ever taught when it comes to needs, but I know there is a deep purpose in the challenge that will help me become more empathetic, more knowledgeable, and more ready to serve my kids in the future.

-Bush

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When I got my roll I was worried about this class since we had so many “known needs” coming into the year. I wasn’t sure how the dynamics and all of it would work out but it really has been a great year. I love this group with all of their quirks and big personalities. They are funny, kind, and want to learn/please. I am grateful and thankful for this class and making me a better teacher. Ps Couldn’t do it without my right hand woman this year, Bachtel.

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I have noticed over time how my class loves each other and wants to help their friends out however they can.

L. Bickelmann

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I love seeing their growth as a class family! They truly love each other. I love seeing their interactions and how they encourage each other! Holly

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I will be honest that this one is hard for me as I typically don't like being outside....allergies and too many things I could fall over. Also if it doesn't warm up soon, I am going to have a full on temperature tantrum lol. But when we had snow a couple of weeks ago, the silence and majesty of the winter landscape covered in snow early in the morning before the snow came in struck me. That silence and moment of serenity allowed me time to pray and to truly listen to God. Also watching Holt, Lee and Buster play in the snow was a delight to watch.

Melanie Thomas

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I love that is it a great time to hike!! No snakes!! Holly

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I am thankful we got snow in Alabama in January to make more memories with my family. It was beautiful scenery.

Habshey

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I'm thankful for the bareness of winter (despite it being my least favorite season) because it makes the budding of spring so much more wonderful. I enjoy looking at snow, but not always living with it. Ha! I'm thankful for the quietness of winter.

-Blocker

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So thankful for the closeness we have at IES

Mike Daniel

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I love walking outside to get some fresh air as well as seeing all of the birds fly around along with the trees swaying! I can’t wait for warmer weather, so I can be outside more=(summer time 😉) I am so thankful for nature 💚

•Lauren Bickelmann

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I love walking outside even when it is cold outside. I miss the leaves but you can really see the nests when the trees are bare. I love coming across animals too. Holly

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Christmas eve was good!! Our brunch on Christmas Eve was great!!  We rested and then went to church.  We got to spend time with Keith's brother, his wife, and his parents that night.    Holly 

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Christmas eve was good!! Our brunch on Christmas Eve was great!!  We rested and then went to church.  We got to spend time with Keith's brother, his wife, and his parents that night.    Holly 

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I have loved watching all sorts of shows on Hulu and movies on Netflix and Hulu over the break with my husband. We had some great laughs~ creating memories :)

*Lauren Bickelmann

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My family was able to go to the creation museum and the ark encounter over break with our extended family. It was a great experience getting to spend time with our new family members.

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Although our Christmas break had a rocky start with sick kiddos, I’m thankful for our second half. I was able to catch up with my brother who lives in St. Pete over break. My crew also enjoyed spending time with our neighborhood friends. Our dog, Violet, certainly has loved the slowness that comes with school breaks and taking a pause from winter sports🐾

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I am grateful for UAB’s Doctors, Nurses, PAs, NPs, and PCTs that showed empathy, love, and encouragement to my Mom over the last two weeks. Holly

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I was so grateful for the chance to rest, reflect, and focus on what really mattered. It was a time full of peace and love. So many new memories were made. It was the perfect opportunity to recharge and enjoy the simple things in life.

- Remke

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I enjoyed staying local and resting with my husband and pups. I took full advantage of the break:)

-Lauren Bickelmann

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So thankful for time with family and friends over break. Love the Christmas season and just the rest it allows us. 🎄

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I am so thankful for restful time with my family over the break. We got to spend time with all brothers, sisters, grandparents, etc... Love my family time!

Susan Lee

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I love bringing the Polar Express to life for our kindergartners each year-it’s all so sweet ❄️🩵🤍

Thank you to Cobb, Rose, Youngblood, Bush, Browder, Swedenburg (our conductor), and Beard to make this all happen!

-Lauren Bickelmann

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Today I am thankful for all the holiday fun we have as a faculty, from dress-up days, to snacks, to sing-alongs and everything in between! I am definitely in the Christmas spirit!

Susan Lee

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Christmas Eve is my favorite day of the year. Hudson and I make cookies for Santa (yes, he is almost 20) together and goodies to take to our neighbors and sometimes to the Fire Station. Then Mark, Hudson and I all go to Christmas Eve candlelight service at our church. After we have Chinese food and watch "A Christmas Story". It is a simple but fun tradition that I look forward to all year!

Kim Youngblood

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I have been thankful for this time at home with my sweet baby boy, and am ready to celebrate the holidays with my Inverness family ♥️

Griffin

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Our dog Bailey has made it her own tradition to open at least one present under the tree each year—when no one is around to catch her. She also loves helping everyone open presents Christmas Day. Holly

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I have been thankful this week for some fun crafts with the kids and to be able to make memories with them. This time of year is so special and some of my favorite things we do all year.

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Christmas Eve Mass and listening to our beautiful choir singing above- especially Silent Night- a holiday favorite of mine

❤️🤍💚

~Lauren Bickelmann

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I love combining traditions I had growing up and what my husband had to our family. I'm thankful for family that lives in town and can be apart of all the holiday activities with us. Christmas music is probably what I love most about the holidays! I never tire of hearing it in the car. Grateful we have songs to sing during this time of year!

-Blocker

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My family loves driving around and looking at Christmas lights. I have always loved lights which is probably why I was a lightboard operator for a local theatre in my younger days. Lights flickering in the darkness reminds me how Jesus came and lit up the world on a very dark night. I can't wait for my family to do this again.

Melanie Thomas

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This Christmas season is so special with Penelope because she now recognizes Santa Claus and tells us "he bring presents if good" :-) The only problem is she wakes up every day saying "Presents?" so we are working on knowing that Christmas isn't here jusssttttt yet! We normally travel to Tennessee on Christmas day, but this year we will have Christmas at our house (I am SO excited!!!). -Harkins

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For 42 years my parents have put an angel on the top of their tree. This angel was made by me in first grade. It has my face on it. I have begged them not to put it up there! They get pure joy from it—and my discomfort with it! 🙃 Holly

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I love a fully decorated tree with lights and a fire all cozy up on the couch with my dogs and wearing my fuzzy socks and wrapped up in a winter blanket while watching a Christmas movie :) Oh for the holiday time!

*Lauren Bickelmann