last day of school

June 17th was the kids last day of school. I always think the last week is such a joke because it's filled with a trip to the roller skating rink, parties, field days, picnics, assemblies, half days etc. Maryn's last 4 days of school she only attended her classes 2 times and that was for 9 minutes in each class. (a total of 2 1/2 hours at school.) Such a waste. Was school like that when I went? I sure don't remember all the short, fun, non-academic days. Anyway, the kids are happy and around here their days are so flippin' academic and strenuous that it was a welcome relief to have no work or homework to do. Hallelujah!

Fortunately our children have always been blessed to have the BEST teachers who we have just loved. (except Maryn's 4th grade teacher.) As a mom I get a bit teary saying good-bye to their teachers and thanking them for being so great. It surprises me each year that I have that emotional reaction. There's something about having teachers honestly love your children; teachers who build your child's character; teachers who see the same great qualities that you see in your children and teacher's who praise your children and make them want to be better that makes it hard for me to say good-bye to them. I love the teachers we have had because of the love they feel for my children. They spend more time with the kids than I do so I am extra thankful when they are wonderful people, good examples and positive influences.

This year was no exception...

Adyson's teacher was Demetra Trull. She was adorable and had the cutest classroom. She was the kind of teacher who went the extra mile in all her projects and learning. Every time when I volunteered in her classroom I got the tiny desire that someday I want to teach again. She saw Ady's potential. Throughout the year she called several meetings with us to find out how she could reach Ady better. She saw Ady's strengths but she also saw a bit of her strong-willed side too. She understood that Ady was embarrassed easily and tried hard to only build her up in front of the class but she was also able to help Ady blossom socially. By the end of the year Ady was known for having the funniest laugh and for writing the silliest stories. Ady loved Mrs. Trull's creativity and loved all the art and "cutsie" stuff that went on in the classroom. Thanks Mrs. Trull for being a great teacher.


Emmy's kindergarten teacher was Toni Osotio. She was such a short lady that it seemed appropriate for her to be a kindergarten teacher. At the end of the year Mrs. Osotio cried as she hugged all the kids because she knew she wasn't going to be teaching kindergarten again... she will be the assistant principal... that's how great she is! Mrs. Osotio helped Emmy learn to follow rules and taught her that you can be a class leader and still be a good friend to everyone.... even if they have brown skin. (did I blog about the time when Emmy told a little Indian girl that Emmy couldn't play with her because her dad told her she can't play with children who have brown skin. Oh my! I got a call from the principal on that one.) Anyway... Mrs. Osotio gave Emmy the love of reading. She went from barely knowing all the sounds of the ABC's to ending kindergarten on a 3rd grade reading level. Whew! She's energetic and fun and so darn cute! Thanks Mrs. Osotio.

I asked Maryn if I could go to all 6 of her classes at Beaver Lake Middle School to take pictures of her and all her teachers. She died of embarrassment just thinking about it. I'm sad that Maryn is growing up so much. She did have great teachers this year... except her math teacher who was a lady without much personality. I don't understand why they can't make math a little more fun and get non dead-head teachers to teach. Anyway, I had several conversations with most of her teachers and they saw MUCH progress with Maryn over the course of the year... especially from January on. That was when we started giving her medication for ADHD. I was in denial about that before but now I should be a spokeswoman for it and for medication. It has helped Maryn SO much. I mean SO SO much!!!! I love it! I have a testimony about giving medication for ADHD...my understanding has expanded and now I'm a believer. Call me if you are one in denial. In the end, Maryn had a great 6th grade year at middle school. It wasn't as bad as I thought it would be socially... we'll try to keep it that way.

The best part of the summer for me is NO HOMEWORK. I don't remember my parents being so involved in my homework as I am with my children's. School is so flippin' hard here. They have so much homework and it's so hard! Jeff and I both struggle in understanding what they are supposed to do most of the time. So Hallelujah for no homework for 2 1/2 months!!! Yea for not waking up early! Yippee for not having to pack lunches daily! yeehaw for being able to take life down a few knotches for a while. I want to enjoy my kids (and Jeff for that matter) this summer and make some great memories just having FUN!!!