The Last Day of School

Well, today was a half day at school. Most of the day was spent Christmas caroling, opening gifts, playing games, & eating lunch. However, I did get a chance to quiz my students this morning about their best gift ever.......wow, note to self: be prepared for some loaded answers.

One boy told me it was the first time he had gotten to see his grandmother, another girl said it was just to have friends and families, and then another boy said it was when his mom got out of prison and he was able to see her. FOLKS - THESE ARE 10 AND 11 YEAR OLD CHILDREN!!! They should be telling me bikes, toys, clothes, etc. I am so thankful to work with these students and as I hugged each one good-bye, I said a silent prayer that God would keep them safe until I see them again. Today I learned.....the best gifts really do come from the heart. Merry Christmas!

Do I really need another hobby?

Well...here I am blogging. My sister said it is kind of "c...." something but all in all therapeutic. I'm a fifth grade reading teacher with two small children, I could use some therapy but who has time or the money for it? So, we'll try this.

To explain the title of my blog. I have two children ages 9 & 5. They are my world. There was a time in my life that I would have never dreamed of having one child, much less two. But, through the miracle and beauty of adoption, I have the most amazing children. They truely grew in my heart. As I mentioned, I am also a teacher. I teach at a school that is very low-income and many of my students have a parent or parents in prison, jail, on the street, or live with aunts, uncles, & grandparents. They are amazing little people and I love everyone of them. Sometimes their behaviors and attitudes are very unloveable but then again, so are mine.

Those who know me, know that I always have a "kid" story to tell. I think that is because they shape who I am. A few years ago, I had a student get killed and I will NEVER be the same. I was very close to he and his family and he changed who I was a teacher. My son is extremely compassionate and teaches me daily to have compassion for others. My daughter is free spirited and lives each day as if it were her last.......I want to be more like her.

Well...there it is! My first blog....Therapy in action!