The Giving Thanks Posts- Monday Edition

Some sage advice I picked up along the way.... count your blessings to forget about your problems. That is my philosophy about Tuscaloosa. Even after five years of living here my heart still longs to be in Birmingham with my friends and our families. But I often remind myself of all the things in Tuscaloosa that I am thankful for:

The River- I love living near water. I love to drive over and see how peaceful it is. I love the River Walk. And the Bama Belle.

Dickens Downtown- In December Northport transports itself in time to one of my favorite holiday traditions!

Downtown Northport- Cute shops, historic landmarks, a new toy store!!, beautiful houses, art night, sense of community

Local Restaurants- Tuscaloosa is home to many great restaurants that can't be found anywhere else (or few other places). Adam and I have celebrated and had many great dates nights at some of favorite spots!

Calvary- Our church is fantastic. We have had some turn over but all of our staff spots are now filled and God is really moving at Calvary. I love the preschool program for Noah and the contemporary service Adam and I attend has truly brought me closer and closer to God these past few months.

Friends- The friends we have made in Tuscaloosa are irreplaceable. They have sharpened us, supported us, taught us, laughed with us and loved us. We are blessed by their forever friendship.

Clear Creek Colony- We love our neighborhood! Sidewalks galore. Playgrounds. Kids by the thousands (I'm exaggerating of course). People here know how to celebrate the holidays(I promise to post about Halloween soon!). Safety. Good schools.

Neighbors- I think we might have the best neighbors anywhere hands down! They are some of my dearest friends and definitely Noah's! We love playing outside and spending time together. I have learned so much from them and have been blessed by their neighborlyness. (New word, like it?)

The University's relationship with the local schools- I hate to say this... but here it goes... the University of Alabama has made me a better teacher. I have benefited from so many programs the University has partnered with Bryant. The new methods, materials, speakers, workshops and ideas are things my students and I would have missed.

Synchronized traffic lights downtown- I think this one is self explanatory. Imagine rush hour and nine blocks of green lights. Enough said.