It is Finished

I am so happy to have turned in the keys and walked away. I found myself counting down the last everything. 

The last Halloween party

The last week before Christmas 

The last parent teacher conference

The last field trip

The last fun day 

The last field day

The last ISAT test

The last day

I had a hard class this year. I feel blessed that my biggest challenge was removed from class about 4 weeks ago. Although I thought we could work through it, I decided it was a gift from God and let it go. It was big and complicated and to be honest, I had little involvement in it. The end result was 4 weeks of peace and a very happy class. 

I loved teaching. I loved teaching English Language Learners. I loved meeting their families and hearing the stories. Their lives have been a blessing to me. 

I opted out of the party but received many well wishes and gifts from my friends. Many of these people are my friends for life. 

I did receive Teacher of the Year, which is achieved by  nominations of co-workers. You should read this stuff. I laughed all day. 

I will miss the kids, but not the data driven, crazy, phonics only, business that has become education. 

I think I will spend more time out back and find myself a charity or two who will take my service and enjoy what I love; sewing, reading, gardening, and quiet. 

A Lawyer in the House

We traveled to North Carolina for the weekend. It was a very emotional weekend for me. 

There years ago we helped Richie and Ashley move out here so Richie could go to Law School. That kid had struggled like no other of my children. 

But he is strong. He is smart. And he did it. 

We have had kids in college for 19 years. This is truly the end of an era. 

I was sitting there with my kids and Richards room mates and some guy sitting at the end of our row. We all cheered and made some noise when it was Richard's turn and the guy at the end turns to us and says, Are you Richard's family. He was his Elders Quarm President. What are the odds? 

Did I cry? I always cry at College Graduation.They work hard and they are so poor and the emotional pressure is real. 

So heres to Richard. 

He's staying to study for the Bar and has accepted a job in Greensboro. 

His office is on the 6th floor of the red brick building. 

We love them all. 

I 🩵 North Carolina....

He is watching over us....

Mother's Day

I was thinking about some words of wisdom that my mother had about Mother's Day.

When you have teenagers, Mothers Day is not that fun. 

Never go to a restaurant  on Mother's Day. It's full of screaming kids. 

Church may be depressing. People talk about their perfect families and you know yours isn't that perfect, not to mention that you know that you are not a perfect mother.

Last, the hymn, Love at Home, was not her favorite on Mother's Day. 

I miss my mom, but I'm happy that she can spend this day with her mother. I know she missed her. 

Love my kids....

Mothers make the world go round.....

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Family

I am so happy for this nice of mine. When I meet Stiles last year I knew that wedding was in the works. Krissy is fericly independent. She is successful and beautiful. She also did not want to get married. 

Stiles is in need of a kidney and they married in the court house in December so she could be part of his medical team. 

Their party was very fun. There is nothing like a big family coming together and celebrating. The music was loud. There was plenty of food and the kids had a blast. 

Love my siblings. I know, I'm missing one. They didn't invite him. Their choice. They just felt that they are a negative influence. They are not wrong. 

Betty came....not a fan of loud music, but she did sleep. 

A very enjoyable night. Definitely a destination event. Everyone had to travel to Palm Springs. Lucky for us, it is not the experience season. 

I believe in Temple marriage but I also believe we are ready for convents at different times. This was a joyous occasion and I love all my family. 

God is good....

Families can be together forever....