There are only 5 and a half weeks until the end of the school year.  The end of the year/last day of school is a bittersweet time.  It is when sweet summertime is literally right around the corner.  It is the time when my sweet angels leave me to enjoy their summer, only to return to school again as 3rd graders.  It is when I try to organize a few things to get them in order for next year.  And it is the time when I try to squeeze any and all focus that is left of my little ones out of them.

I have throughly enjoyed this year.  I have learned so much this year - especially from my kids.  I have learned that they grow up a lot in 2nd grade.  They have started to be more perceptive of things, which has been very fun to be a part of.

When I am feeling down, they notice.  Not only do they notice, but they hug me.  And not only hugs, but they ask how they can help.  Maturity has been starting to creep in.  I love when they make choices and say things in this new, mature way.

I am excited to see them continue to grow, and I am excited to (fingers crossed, I find out Friday!) stay in the same grade level.  I can't wait to hone in on things that I want to do better next year in the 2nd grade.  I can't wait to see my former students when they come visit me as they spend their days in their new 3rd grade setting.  I can't wait for my former students to tell me that they remember what an alliteration is and that Betty Botter simply can't escape their minds for the life of them :)  I also can't wait to have a precious new group of kiddos.

I adore my job.  I love the bond I get to make with my kids.  I love the impact I have on them, the notes that they write to me to show me of this friendship we have formed, and the promises of visiting me next year.  I can't wait to have a whole new group to begin a new year of adventures with.

This year has FLOWN by.  It's incredible, really.  Boy, I've had some long days, but I cannot believe the year is almost over.  It's been a good one.  I'll certainly cherish these 23 blessings I've had this year.  The memories will be with me forever - and if not, I have pictures to remind myself :)

Enjoying the rest of the year at His feet,
Amanda/Ms. B  

EASTER

"Why do you look for the living among the dead? He has risen! Remember how he told you while he was still with you in Galilee: 'The Son of Man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men, be crucified and on the third day be raised again.' Then they remembered his words." 


Remember and rejoice!! Oh glorious day!


Rejoicing at the feet of a RISEN Father, 
Amanda

I truly adore my kids.  There's honestly nothing they could do that would make me love them less.  Trust me, there isn't.  I love my career choice, I love my school, my coworkers, and my kids.  But I also love days off.

My mom is in town this weekend and I am taking Friday off to spend some much needed time with her.  Baton Rouge, Louisiana, where I'm from, is 7ish hours away from Dallas.  Needless to say, I don't get together with my family very often - at most, about 4 times a year these days (Thanksgiving, Christmas, Spring Break, some Summer).  Yes, the times are for spans of about a week or more, but taking into account that I am from Baton Rouge, went to college in Baton Rouge, and MOST of my friends stayed in Baton Rouge, a week is not too long.

So, this weekend, my mom and some of her friends are visiting another Yakkity Yak member (see earlier post about the YY group) who moved to Dallas and I happen to live here, too!!  I'm getting some much needed mom time and some rejuvenation just when I need it.  Plus, I plan on grading papers tomorrow to get ahead of the game.  That's good, too :)

I truly couldn't love or care about my kids anymore.  The Lord has certainly allotted quite a bit of love and care - that's why I don't believe it could be anymore.  I'll think about them tomorrow, that's for sure.  Even if I tried not to, I still would.  But I know they are great, well behaved, self-sufficient kids.  They know their routines - even if sometimes they act like they don't :)  But thank goodness we have days that we can take off.  I really NEED some mother/daughter time.  I can't wait!!!

Thankful at the Feet of the Father,
Amanda/Ms. B

Grading

Tomorrow morning grades are due.  I must say that this is the thing I struggle with the MOST.  I grade papers and then put off entering them into the system.  Then, on top of that, I have some papers that have yet to be graded and I put it off until the night before (aka tonight).

On to another subject, can you believe that there are only 8 weeks left to this school year?  This year has flown by with my precious, sweet angels.  AND my goodness, how they've grown - academically and in height, may I add.  WOW.  They look like 3rd graders :(  I just want them to stay little 2nd graders for life.  The end of the year is bittersweet and I am certainly trying to enjoy the last 8 weeks that I am blessed with.  I'm not quite ready for the tears that will arrive as my students are about to leave me for summer break.  I've had 6 of these students for 2 years.  It will be so odd for me to see them with a new teacher because I truly only picture them in my class.  My goodness, I hope they come visit me next year or I will have withdrawals :)

Welp, off to grade.  I pray that this night will not be a SUPER late night.  Rather than updating this blog, I should be grading and entering.  But, I guess that's why I consider myself a master procrastinator.  Its good to be a master at something, right?

Learning to change my procrastination habits...tomorrow,
Amanda