A lot to celebrate!

• last day of school for the year!
• picture slideshow of fun times in 2JB
• singing praise songs (complete with motions, lots of jumping, and even some air guitar) that we learned as a class this year
• hugs & high-fives as we said good-bye
• "Oh the Places You'll Go," by Dr. Seuss
• gifts and sweet notes from students and their parents
• "I'm going to miss you" from a particular student who will forever hold a special place in my heart, despite the frustrations we both faced this year
• enjoying happy hour at Blue Moon with fellow teachers to celebrate another successful year

a bittersweet shot - my empty classroom - not for long!

more to celebrate, at the ECMS graduation!

giving encouraging words and smiles ahead of time,
listening to my brother give his valedictorian speech,
and catching his eye to give a thumbs up after

way to go buds!

my not so little brother

proud parents

• end of the year video, complete with singing, cheering, and even hugs
• class moms to help control my antsy kids and celebrate our year in 2JB
• making festive t-shirts and signing the backs
• coming "home" to see my future sister-in-law (also the first time I was able to see her ring in person - my brother did a spectacular job!)
• talking to my husband 2 days in a row
• a considerate male teacher in the school to lift the heavy bins in my room into storage
• making cookie brownies to treat my students one last time tomorrow
• 2nd grade picnic, a chance to be outside on this beautiful day

• watching my students smile and cheer as they received PE awards
• getting 2nd grade help to pack up my classroom - we made a lot of progress!
• Bible Jeopardy
• Skype date, with no tears this time
• craft and catch-up time with a long-lost friend
• "You are Special" by Max Lucado

• spending some time outside to write spelling words in chalk
• wonderful class moms
• "mentoring" my mentor with organizational advice
• turning on some tunes and packing up another year
• finally coordinating schedules and catching up with a friend, even if it only means over the phone
• Monday night TV
• e-mails and pictures from my husband

• talking to my love on Skype
• Mom's home-cooking! (I will be eating good the next couple months)
• listening to a powerful speaker in church this morning
• finding out how our church can get involved with the ministry of Love 146
• making time for a walk
• planning my last week of school for the year - only 3 1/2 days to go
• congratulating my cousin on her engagement, looking forward to her wedding!

• volunteering at ditto with mom
• designing a collage with beautiful photos
• hearing that my husband made it safely to Irbid, Jordan
• making progress on report cards
• listening to my brother practice his valedictorian speech (so proud of him!)
• coupon for 25% off everything, even sale items, at Michaels
• reading notes my love left for me

• savoring last hugs and kisses from my love
• family party to celebrate my Grandpa
• changing the Netflix queue to a line up of chick-flicks
• moving in to my old bedroom for the next few months
• phone conversation with the hubby before he departs
• prayers & support from loved ones near and far