Favorite Photo Friday

Gymnastics Performance May 2013

Love.  Love.  Love.  We've been trying to find something that both kids enjoy (that doesn't blow the budget!) and that they are both good at.  Gymnastics is it.  While I had hoped tumbling would be a transition to cheerleading for K, she seems to really like just tumbling.  Tanner is a natural too ... he is so strong.  I was a proud momma watching them smile with their trophies. :)

What a difference a few months make!

So I haven't posted since my first day at DMS.  I realize that after posting this morning.  I feel the need to do some follow up so those of you who have been so worried about my adjustment would be relieved.

I posted about the plethora of feelings I was having before my first day in October of 2012.  Now that seems like it was forever ago.  It took me a while to get the hang of everything, but it didn't take me long to fall head over heels for some of those kids.  Just like I said, kids are kids.  And I had a few kids this year who were out of this world.  I cannot begin to describe the pride I felt as I watched their buses pulling away on the last day as they waved goodbye.  I cannot describe the love I felt as I watched 3 girls run to me, arms wide, to give me one last hug before loading.  And I cannot describe the amazement I felt as one girl whispered, "I will never forget you.  I love you," in my ear.

Only a teacher can relate to what I'm saying.  I have always had a hard time saying goodbye, but this time was harder.  It was harder because I don't live in their community ... they are leaving ... going to Walton... I won't see them. Ever. Again.

Devastating, I tell you.

So the last week of school was full of emotions.

I watched as my school kids prepared for their summer vacations.  We had our 8th grade dance (I wish I had gotten some pictures ... it was so much fun!!) and our field day.  We took final exams and signed yearbooks.  I packed up my room during post-planning to return everything to my basement; I'm not sure if I'll be returning to DMS or not.  I think that's what made the end of the year so much more difficult.  I have grown very attached to my school, my students, and my co-workers.  I didn't think I was attached until I had to drive away the last day.  And as I left amongst "Good lucks" and "We hope to see you soons," I had a tiny sense of finality.

I really hope not.  I hope my administrators find a way to bring me back.  I hope I have a chance to work with the amazing teachers at DMS again.  I hope I'm able to see some of those little people again -- Walton football games may be calling my name.

But that's where I stand.  I am forever thankful for a friend who took a chance on me and talked me into  "just come in to meet with the principal."  I'm thankful to a principal who always tells it like it it and doesn't candy coat things.  I'm thankful to the teachers who welcomed me in and helped when I needed it but also let me find my own way if I was capable.  I'm thankful to the parents who made me feel valuable.  I'm thankful to the kids who made me feel like I'm still hip (wait, they don't use that word anymore??).  And I'm thankful to the precious butterbeans who let me watch them grow.  (They hated it when I used my little pet names on them ... especially the boys ...)

(Bitter)Sweet dreams ...

The last thing I did last night before I went to bed was look at the calendar.  It was just as I feared ...

June 5th.

Which means tomorrow (or today, as it is now) is June 6th.

I hate today.


So I suppose it is only natural that I dreamt of him last night.  My dreams of him have been few and far between lately, what with daily grind and all.  I'm lucky if I get a solid enough sleep to have any dreams lately.  But I fell asleep last night thinking about him and he found his way into my dreams.

And I feel blessed that I am still able to remember his voice.  When he hugged me in my dream, he still smelled the same -- like fresh cut grass and sweat.  When we talked, his eyes were still that blood-shot crystal blue.  And when he told me that he was home and he would't have to leave again, I was overcome with joy.


Pure joy and happiness.

Oh, how I wish my dreams could come true.

I miss you, Daddy.  Every day ... but especially today ...

Come back and visit any time. :)

5 Things

Today was a good day.  A great first day. A fabulous first day with no pre-planning.

And while I am completely exhausted and Soo needing another glass of wine, I'm going to take a few minutes and share the things that really stuck with me today.

1) The ice machine at Dickerson has really good ice.  You know the ice at Zaxby's?  The ice that never seems to melt?  That's what kind of ice we have in East Cobb.  It's a perk.

2) You can locate the boys' locker room by following the cloud of Axe.  You're surprised???

3) I should have paid attention in science.  I was a bit (*just a bit...) out of my element today.  There were more than a few times when I had to say, "Ummm, hang on a sec, let me check on that for you."   Do you remember how to find the number of neutrons in a particular atom?  Or do you know why an atom is positively or negatively charged?  Yeah... Exactly.  I better brush up on my science.

4) All middle school girls befriend others the same way: with compliments.  It's good for the ego to be surrounded by 8th grade girls who compliment your clothes and hair.  Made my day.

5) Boys, no matter how old, appreciate a pat on the back.  There were a few times when I had to hold myself back from ruffling their hair (It's not preschool...), but I could tell they appreciated knowing I care, even if I just met them.

So those are the points I took away from today.  The school is great, the staff is welcoming, the kids are amazing, and the learning curve is gigantic.