Summer Break Begins

When this school year starte, with all the sadness and death in my life, I did not think I could do one more year. But these little people were a blessing to me. They were a good group of kids. I truly enjoyed teaching 4th grade and am ready for another year. 

I keep saying that I am a lame duck teacher, but I have some new ideas for math and I will have all the newcomers next year so I can focus lessons on ELL techniques.  

I always post my favorites of Summer but toda I'd like to post my favorites of the school year. 

Florida with all my kids. If I had the money I would do this every year. 

Billy Joel concert. What a great way to spend a weekend.

Santa in the Principal's office. Made my day. He is her father.

Sitting in the sun on after snowy day. 

And after a long Winter came Spring. Hope. Wind. A commitment to do weekly temple service. A feeling of peace. 

I have plans for this Summer and can't wait to share it.

Plant a seed and don't blow Away...

Hello Bees

With one week left of school I can start thinking about a break. 

I went to my favorite nursery for the third time this year. I couldn't help myself. 

If the wind stops blowing. I hope to get them in soon. 

When I looked there were bees working on them. 

I'm happy to let the bees work while I stay home. 

What a blessing to have this class. I also got the happy news that I get a class full of Newcomers and ELL's next year. Bring it on.

This news was a sign of God's love. It's what I love to do. Teaching ELL's is my favorite. 

So bring on the Summer. 

Keep buzzing......

 

Mothers Day

This is my first Mother's Day without a mother. She was old enough to go home, but I miss her. 

I've thought of writing about my journey with her at the end of her life, but not today. I will say that the last time I saw her alive she was in so much pain and uncomfortable.  I told her that better days were ahead...thanks Elder Holland.  Because Wes had Covid I never went back to see her. 

Although she was a good mom, I have had so many friends who have helped me along the way. It is safe to say that they have come into my life for a reason and I love them too.

The other mother who influences my life daily is Wes's mom. I will not pretend to to say she was a good mother in law. Her influence that I feel daily is how much Wes acts like her. It scares me sometimes. 

Her ability to talk about things that are not important. 

Her OCD'S.

Her desire to go to the temple.

Sending cards to people that she didn't talk to.

Watching sports with the volume down.

And her memory. 

She still has a hold on me. 

Of course the best part of being a mom is being a grandma. I love these little people. I can't wait for a couple of more.

And my final Mothers Day thought is about my daughter. For whatever reason she is not looking forward to motherhood. I can respect that  but I know that children bring joy. Sure they bring other emotions that aren't warm and fuzzy, but being a mom is a great feeling.  Now, I'm pretty sure no one ever reads this so i am going to write a secret. She's pregnant.  I couldn't be happier. I know she is doubting things right now, but she will never regret this. I cried and am so dang happy for her and Spencer. 

Life is good..God is with us...Love your life...

Hope

This is my student that came here a couple of years ago from Guatemala. He has Downs, was none verbal and had never been to school. 

I had him in my Kindergarten group the first year. He was a 'wild child'. He mostly sat on the floor or played. The kids and I would make a color matching game for him and he would come and play it. They would clap when he did it right.  Through many hours of Speech he can talk. Someone got him a bike and he lived to ride around town. He now sits in a chair and can copy his name. Some times he gets a book...always snakes or spiders... and sits on the floor next to my desk and looks at it. 

I am sad to say that they left Wendell this week. I will miss him. He is a sweet kid. The family had to take a younger sibling to the ER and CPS was called in. This little mom was scared to death and took off. It was my understanding that CPS tried to rell her that they would not take the kuds, that they were there to help make some changes, but mom was terrified that they would all go to jail. 

This year I have had 4 kids move out. Each one was traumatic for the kids. My message is this. If you have kids...you take care of their needs before you fight with your mom,  or find some guy on the internet and move in with them. Kids need stability and it is a parents job to provide it. 

Speaking of stability,  this old Crabapple Tree has weathered the storms this week. I'm sad to say that the bees didn't come, but it has provided me with some beautiful views this week. 

God is good. Hope for a better tomorrow.