School's Out
I felt more excited this year than before to have the kids OUT OF SCHOOL! We finally have time to do fun stuff together and work on projects without the confines of the school schedule. I love staying up late playing games, enjoying their individual personalities, when the pressures of the day are over and I can just make memories (hopefully good ones) with them. When a few tears came when that last day of school was over, closing that chapter of our childrens' lives, Paul asked if I was going to cry when he's done with school, too. I admit every time I hear Pomp and Circumstance I do get a bit choked up imagining him walking across the stage with the five of us clapping with joy. Hope to experience that soon.
The last day of school also brings feeling of gratitude for the people who I shared/trusted my kids with. Mrs. Nickles was calm and firm and recognized Benjamin's compassion hidden under his roughness. She taught for years, spoke with a kind voice and is one of those people who just makes you want to be better. And she made good on her promise to race him before school ended. Even with her black runners, Benjamin couldn't be beat! Mr. Purcell made Leah feel special. He loved to talk and only had good things to share about Leah. He trusted her to be the class helper and made her feel important by giving her additional assignments for being on top of the work. Isaac hit the jackpot when he got put in Mr. Nguyen's class. He must have spent every bit of discretionary money for items to offer in his classroom store that can be purchased with Nguyen World Money the kids earn. Aside from buying a handful of nose-shaped pencil sharpeners, Isaac saved his money all year for the aucion on the last day of school. For months he had his heart set on a hard-bound World Records book and was not disappointed when he had twice as much as any other kids in class (thanks to those boxtop donators: Kris, Mandy, Sonora and Naomi). After winning that auction he still had enough to win the big prize: a $20 gift certificate to Barnes and Noble. (The Hogan blood in him convinced me to trade it for $20 at Half-Price Books.) Isaac performs much better when he has something concrete to work towards. Thanks Mr. Nguyen for offering that to Isaac, as well as an even temperment. I'm grateful for the good people the Lord sent to bless my childrens' lives. As Benjamin wouls say, "Hal-Ay-YOU-Ya!"