Annnnndddd....they are done!

Graduation was Saturday. I cried on Friday when I gave the Senior's my little speech about "there are a hundred people in the gym who love you" "this is the beginning of your journey not then end" "manners get you farther than most anything so remember your pleases and thank yous"  "make good choices" "have RESPONSIBLE adventures" yadda yadda yadda.

They don't usually get all of it because it's really hard to understand me when I am doing the ugly cry. It was ugly. I always cry on the seniors last day and not at graduation, I can hold it together in public pretty well,  but this year it was worse. I cried on the way home Friday, on the way to school Saturday and on the way to my cousin's graduation after. There was even a little tear when a particular student that has become an important part of my daughter's life walked across the stage.

This group of kids has been really special to me because they were freshmen my first year teaching here. I and only two other high school teachers are still here that they began high school with. They changed me and made me a better teacher because they are not the easiest class....trust me they are good but they are squirrely as all get out!!

They speeches the kids made were really good and the power point presentation of their pictures was flawless. I am really proud of them.

And for me it is not the end of the journey either...I am just as excited about next years Seniors!! They will be in two new classes I am offering and will be the pilot class for some exciting projects.  Next year is going to be great, but man do I need a break - here comes SUMMER!!

Reference Point

Some of my friends who have not seen Carly lately have been asking "How big is she now?" Well friends, she's about as tall as my mom's toilet. How's that for a reference point?? HAHA!!

She also thinks she has to have a coat or jacket on at all times. I should feel lucky that she likes to put it on but mostly it's just irritating when she gets to hot or when she wants to wear someone's jacket besides her own, like she his here. I have let her run around in just a diaper and a jacket before.

Trippin'

So you know how I worry, about everything, all the time, and I worry about worry. Well I have this friend Sharita and she worries too but her blog is helping me to worry less and have more faith. Funny how our friends help us even when we are a bazillion miles away from them. Thank you internets (and Sharita) (and Jesus).

So in my last post I mentioned going on a little trip. I was sad one student didn't go - even though this student and I are not particularly fond of each other I encouraged this student to go. Be a part of your class. Make memories. Cause me worry. But my words did little. So we went and it turned out great even though we were short one. A brief itinerary of our events - only a few pictures and none good pictures because honestly.....I can't post students on my personal blog if there are defining features. So here ya go....

Thursday- 12:00pm The other sponsor, Ben and I checked bags and locked them in the board office before he scampered off to a track meet. I worry the whole time that we will find something and have to tell a kid he or she can't go.

Friday - 3:30 am I am up and heading to Wal-Marts to get breakfast for the kids so that we don't have to stop.
Ben and I check purses and back packs for contraband - NONE found. These kids!! Leave, 2 minutes behind schedule and I am worried we will be late. Arrive at Amtrak 45 minutes before we need to board, board and get settled.

Arrive on time, get to hotel, get vans and leave for SkyZone. This is a whole building FULL OF TRAMPOLINES!!! Which is pretty great unless you have had a baby and your bladder is all jacked up. Never fear - I came prepared and YES I wore Depends underwear. I had a great time - f you baby bladder you can't ruin my fun!

Saturday- Six Flags...Who needs real entrances when you can climb under the big sign to get to the ride you want. Thankfully we had a lookout and no one got kicked out.

Tattoos anyone?? TEMPORARY!!  Thank goodness.

Then to the NASCAR Speedpark. It was a lot of fun - there were really fast go-carts, putt putt, Laser Tag and a rock wall...yep that's me, sans Depends underwear.

We grabbed a bite to eat at the world's fastest and most sketchy Arby's and headed back to the hotel.

Sunday - It rained a lot, all morning. Took the MetroSketch as the kid's dubbed the MetroLink public transportation system. I was worried they wouldn't get on all the right tram or would get off at the wrong stop or get approached by an unsavory character. Nothing even remotely close.

Went to the state History Museum and the Science Center so it was a good day to be inside. I got splashed at a cross walk by a car just like in the movies. Kids thought it was great.

Went to Delmar and the Loop to Fitz Botteling Company and ate lunch it was SOOO GOOD.

Then back to hotel to get ready for our big evening at Caleco's Resturant on the class. Two girls ate only dessert. I should have too instead I got the ravioli florentine and the chocolate fudge cake. Kids were really tired by the time we got there so I didn't worry too much but I did make my 2 and 4 O' Clock rounds.

Monday - Up early, get to Amtrak Station and head home. I slept most of the way. Bus got lost at Amtrak station trying to get out of the city.

When I got back I went home and snuggled my baby and husband. It was a wonderful trip but very very long.

All in all it was a great time.