Had to Share

 

Tanner was a student in my class who stole my heart.  He grew as a student, as a little individual, and as a young boy.  He had a rough 4th grade year, and I was determinded to make sure he had a super 5th grade year.  Tanner really became attached to Will and his art and it actually helped him focus and learn the 5th grade material.  This little note that he gave me on the last day of school made everything I did for him this year worth it.  Makes me cry each time I read it.  

Mary Lee is one amazing Mom.  She has a web site in which she writes a comic a day about her life as a mother, educator, women, and super star.  She is awesome.  I have taught all her boys.  And this is the comic I got on the last day of school. 

End of the School Year 2010-2011

These are the kids that loved me all year.  They are the students that Heavenly Father knew I could be pregnant and teach, and they are awesome.

In this picture, they are being a bunch of "hams."  

It was field day yesterday, and it was cold, but they are 11 and they had a blast.

My Mama

As I am down to the last few weeks of being pregnant, I can't help think about what I am going to be like as a mother.  I have had a lot of practice being a mom to a lot of 5th and 6th graders over the last 7 years - but never my own child.  I have had a lot of "Moms" who have always been there for me like a true mother.  But my own Mother, Karen Rust, is someone that I only hope to be like. 
I can't help but think of the love, time, patience, and care she put into being a mother to my brother and I.  She put us first, she always went out of her way to make sure we got the best care, love, education, coaches, and anything else we needed.  While at BYU I would call my mom and talk to her each day on the way to class, and then on the way home from class.  She would listen to my stories and I would listen to hers.  We were always connected and made sure that even though the miles separated us, we were never that far away.
Even now that she is not with me here on earth, I can feel her love all around me.  
I hope and pray I can be a mother like her. 
I know that she is with my little boy right now taking care of him, loving him, caring for him, and preparing him for his life on earth. 
She is already the best Grandma, and will always be the best Mother. 

Chris and Kalei's Wedding

May 18th, 2011 marked a very important date for Chris and Kalei - they got married.  It was an amazing day and Will and I feel so blessed to have been a part of it.  They both were beautiful and so happy.  You could see the spirit all over their faces.  Their sealing in the Manti Temple was priceless and I am so happy that Will and I got to go inside to witness the special event.
Being sealed is something that I love in my life.  I love knowing that I get to spend time and all eternity with William.  I am so glad that Chris and Kalei will also get to feel this joy and happiness their whole life.

Will and I stayed at a cute bed and breakfast in Manti the night before and we are so glad that we did.  It was adorable.  We enjoyed our last "hoorah" before the baby comes.

Beautiful Trip (Even in the Rain) - Beautiful Couple - Beautiful Temple - Beautiful Friends!

Wax Museum

Today was the 5th grade Wax Museum.  It was a HUGE success.  The students did an amazing Job.  They had to pick someone born before 1980, a US citizen, and somehow influenced the United States.  We had an eclectic group, but the kids had a blast and really took their historical figure seriously.

But I have to say the best part of the day was when Donny Osmond came to see how a 5th grader documented him into history.  I was a pretty special moment for the 5th grader.  Donny is such a nice guy, a true friend to Will and I, and gentleman.  Thanks Donny!!  

The Dinner Table

Each night Will and I take a walk and I tell him about the day and my students.  Today was especially chatty for me because ALL my students passed their state writing test.  I sent the parents a gushing email about how AMAZING they are, because to be honest - THEY ARE AMAZING!

I got this adorable note from one of my parents in response to my email:

"Thank you for your love and caring for our children.  As you were talking about your class, Mary was at the dinner table talking about how fascinating your ankles are. I tried to explain that water retention is very normal but she was amazed.  She had never seen anything like it! Haha, funny kid Ü

We love you!"

Why I love my 5th graders

I have the best class in the world this year.  I know that I say that each year, but this year has been different.  They are the class every teacher DREAMS of.
Here is the TOP TEN reasons I love this years 5th graders:
1.  They are so innocent.  Most of the still believe in Santa.  When we had to give them a "chat" about not saying the "f" word most of them didn't even know what I was talking about, or what the word even was.
2.  They have been so supportive from day one with my pregnancy.  They love to know each week how big my baby is, and always ask me in the morning how I am feeling.  We have been looking each Tuesday at Babycenter.com to check out what fruit/vegetable my little guy's size is compared to.
3.  They LOVE to draw/color.  They don't htink coloring is for "little kids" and they would color all day if I let them.
4.  They have learned Billy Joel's WE DIDN'T START THE FIRE.  Enough Said...they are the best!
5.  They still laugh at my jokes and think my singing voice is amazing. HA! 
6.  They make me cry when they do well on their tests.  A lot of them have been working their little tails off to pass the DIBELS (reading test).  And all of them did!  They are just awesome!
7.  They are an answer to prayers.  They don't realize how much they helped Will and I get pregnant.  I wasn't stressed out in the beginning of the year and I truly believe that Heavenly Father knew my class was going to be great this year and that is why I am pregnant.
8.  They LOVE Will.  They think that he is amazing and when he comes into school they all think it was "the best day ever."  I know Will is wonderful, amazing, and super adorable - but to have all my 5th graders love him too is a double bonus.
9.  They love taking pictures!
10.  They love coming to school!  And I love being their teacher!

This school year has been hard in many ways.
The students when they came into my class didn't rally like school, they had a tough 4th grade year, and needed a lot of confidence.  But they were willing to give me a chance and let me earn their trust.
Being pregnant and teaching is hard.  But worth it!
I have had other challenges at work - to say the least, and I do have a class size of 34.  But having a WONDERFUL class makes everything better! 

 

April 28th, 2011