And Just Like That...It's Over!

Hello my friends! I'm finally slowing down enough to take time out for a blog post. It's been a whirlwind these past several days. The end of the school year is as busy as the beginning for a teacher. It seems as if there are a thousand things that must be done by the last day. It is exhausting to say the least. I can hardly believe the year is already over! Tomorrow is the students official last day, but most of them won't come to school. The last day is an early release day so we always have our parties on the day before the last day and then gently encourage the kiddos not to come the next day since we will just be cleaning and packing stuff up. :) 

They sure did have a blast today. We rent those HUGE water slides and they love it! I totally forgot to snap a picture of the slides, but I did want to share a few photos from my day. It was a fun, happy, crazy, loud, stressful,  bittersweet day.

My two crafty moms blessed me yet again with these sweet gifts. I have been wanting to make myself one of these painted burlap "pencils" forever! now I don't have to.

And, I was just admiring one of these crayon covered vases on Pinterest last night! Now I have one of those too! And you all that know me well, know I am a Crayola brand snob! So sweet...:)

We had  a smorgasbord of treats! Here's my plate...:) Speaking of plates, aren't these plates and napkins adorable! I couldn't resist buying them for our party day.

I rearranged my "office" space a few weeks ago. You can see my new pencil sign hanging up there under my blog name.

It's a busy space visually, but I love it...:)

I made all my kiddos treat bags to take home. They were super excited about them. The bag contains a bottle of bubbles and a splash ball....that's why the words blew and ball are capitalized and bold print. :)

It was a day filled with joy. I will miss "my" kinders this summer. I always have a couple I really worry about. I pray they are safe and loved this summer and they have food to fill their tummies. Sad to think that could be a problem in this great nation, but unfortunately it is. As I was driving home after work, I looked up and my Blessings ornament that hangs from my rear view mirror caught my eye. It has hung from my mirror for years now. Today though, I paid special attention to it. I was thinking about all the blessings in my life. Too many to name really...but among these are "my" students. They are like my own children while they are in my care throughout the year. I am blessed to have been called by God to teach. I cannot think of anything else I would rather do. Even in the midst of all the craziness that is a teachers life....the constant changes in education and the push to perform miracles with those same kids that don't have supper every night or have parents in prison, or worse, have parents who NEED to be in prison but aren't. Even with all of the impossible things we are expected to do, it is a calling and I am honored to have the chance to impact young lives. I love "my" kids....I love my job. They are among my biggest BLESSINGS. 

Thank you for letting me share what's on my heart and mind here today. I'm always a little emotional at the end of the year. I hope you are all experiencing a wonderful week. Just a little heads up...be sure to visit me Friday. It's my birthday and I am going to have a little fun with it that will involve a giveaway!

Until then.....