SUNDAY LETTERS.....AND SAYING THANK YOU

Welcome Friends!

I interrupt your perusal of this post I wrote two years ago, to explain.....

I am sharing it today because the sentiments expressed still ring true on the eve of my Teacher Work Day and Open House 2016.  "Real school" with my new group of second graders begins Tuesday.  

Maybe you are also poised to begin your new journey with a mix of excitement and trepidation.  Last year was not an easy one for me, and it has taken a lot of rest to rejuvenate myself and be ready for this one.  I go forward with hope and determination though, and you should too! I hope the positive spirit of my reflections help you do so!  It might even help you to write some "letters to yourself" that you can return to when the beginning of a new week blues set in next!

I am setting aside household chores and a stack of papers to be graded to just BE THANKFUL on this foggy Sunday morning!  I've been AWOL from my blog for approximately 11 days and must feed my need to write this morning before attending to more mundane tasks.  I am going to take some time to create this afternoon as well, because I have also neglected that "happy place" lately.  If only there were more hours in each day and sleep were not a necessary thing, right?

Thanks goes out to my friend Em from Curious Firsties for introducing me to this delightful and thought-provoking twice-a-month linky party from Michelle over at Big Time Literacy!  Here goes!

Dear Darling Daughter-Of-Mine,

Thank you for looking over at me after we left a birthday party where you helped wrangle eight high-powered and highly-sugared nine-year-old girls and saying....."I remember all of the parties you hosted for me Mom.  They were a lot of work, weren't they?  Thank you for that."

Love, 

Mama Jen, The Party Theme Queen

Dear Jet-Setting Son-Of-Mine,

I will be watching for you on the sidelines today as the Lions take the field, and am looking forward to being in the stands at next week's game!  Thank you for making the arrangements so that can happen!  Know that it makes me SO proud to see you as a grown-up, public relations professional.  I hope you've forgiven me for making you sign up to work on the high school newspaper!

Love,

Mama Jen, Who Knew You Were A Gifted Writer At An Early Age

Dear Rosie,

Thank you for finally sleeping through the night and not barking/whining at 

2 a.m. for the first time since Brutus passed away.  I know you miss him.  

I do too.   

I'm glad you have started to hop up on the bed for a night time and morning snuggle.  Together we will continue to keep each other company.

Love,

Your Bassett Hound Mama

Dear Special Needs Students,

Thank you for giving me a very good reason to come to school every day.  Your positive response to the music I share and the smiles on your faces when we sing make my heart happy.

Love,

Mrs. "I've Always Wanted To Be Maria Von Trapp"  

Dear Fall,

Thank you for being the best season of all!  Being able to wear sweaters, boots, and jeans makes this "hippie chick" content and comfortable.

Love,

A Fifty-Something Fashionista

 Photo Credit:  Teacher Treasure Hunter

Dear Johnny Appleseed,

Thanks for being the folk hero my students love to read and write about every September!  Ending our afternoon with apple slices and caramel dip made Room #2 an absolutely delicious place to learn and have fun together!

Love,

A Teacher Who Did Not Teach From My Manuals On Friday

Dear Forever Friends & Family Members,

Thank you for continuing to be my stalwart supporters and confidants as I navigate this roller coaster ride of a school year.  Your willingness to just listen and quietly affirm or advise is so appreciated.

Love,

Jen

 

   

Dear Readers,

Thank you for your patience with me as I try to balance my commitments and hectic schedule these days.  I've decided to strive for quality vs. quantity in all things.  

Love,

A Classroom Teacher Who Knows You Are Tired Too   

As always, thanks for stopping by to share my story.  

Continue to keep a song in your heart and a smile on your face!