This school year felt like 467 years. And the last 2 weeks took up at least 400 of um. But I am proud to say that I made it through teaching a year of severe and profound children. I started with 4 kids, 1 withdrew in March, so I ended the year with 3. The parents of 2 of the 3 I ended with told/wrote letters to the principal telling them that I was the best teacher their kids had had in their 5/6 years in our district. I worked my ass off--at least on most days. I loved these kids. I wiped noses (thank God I convinced other people to wipe asses!), was used daily as a papertowel, sang all kinds of ridiculous songs, endured hours upon hours of Sponge Bob and Kipper the fucked up british dog, and did my very best to do what was best for my kids. I have to say, that it wasn't as bad as I felt like it was going to be when I first found out I was doing it. But it was hard. I got my ass kicked, learned that I can indeed run, and left school many times in tears.

But I also learned a lot about God and his amazing plan for each and every one of us. I learned what pure joy looks like in the faces of these kids. I also learned how to remain patient when I really want to scream. I've learned to see strengths and run with them--hopefully fast enough to hurdle the weaknesses. I will never forget how hard I laughed with these kids or how my heart broke when they would cry. I think I started the year loving them for what they were not; but I ended it loving them for what they are.

But I've also learned that I don't want to be in a severe and profound classroom. SO, I have now, after much deliberation and a few different job possibilities, accepted the job as the 3rd grade inclusion/resource teacher. My dear friend, Waller, who was the 3rd grade resource teacher has decided to move to 3rd grade general ed., so I'm taking her place. She will have the inclusion kids and I'll be in her room a lot and also have a pull out group. But not until a very long, peaceful summer--with the exception of 9 hours of summer school--but after the year I've had--that's nuthin'!

I am also planning to reacquainted with all of the people that I didn't really talk to over the last 9 months! I can't wait to have the energy to have a social life again!

Wednesday (day after tomorrow--wowzers!) Vic and I are going to New Orleans for Miss Whitney White's wedding. Hopefully I'll be over the sinus yuck I'm snorting with right now. We are driving and staying until Monday. I'm pretty excited about it. Tamalca gets there Thursday, Dad & Sheri get there Friday. School starts for me on the 5th. Gettin' hitched on the 8th. Then sometime I'm going to Midland, Denver, North Carolina, and Albuquerque. Good times.

Happy Memorial Day!