Year 1 in the Books..

Holy Mother of all things Baby Jesus. I have arrived upon the last day of school as a 1st year Teacher. This time last year I was living it up in my "Last Summer of Freedom" before the "Real World" kicked back in and I was so excited, so anxious, SO ready. I literally remember walking in the First Day of School and I was so nervous I could feel my voice shaking. I remember just thinking "Oh my God, I am in charge of these kids.."

I have definitely had my share of ups and downs but I am a big believer in reflection. I always want to do, act, feel, and give better. I was a "Yes" girl for most of the school year. I would volunteer for anything, help out when it was needed, get to school at 7:30 and leave at 8:00. I was living and breathing my career. There is nothing wrong with passion and hard work. All of this changed as soon as I really started to get tired, burnt, frustrated, and wanting to spend more time with my love. ;)

I had to start drawing back. Come in late, stay late. Come in early, leave early, learn it's okay to say NO, and I had to let go that I was going to mess up. My kids drive me crazy. They do. Lord knows how many times I have text Jason, Jamie, and Charlotte with the word "drink?" and they knew it was "a day" (my general response for when people asked how my day was and it was 50 shades of cray).

I started out with 23 kids, lost 1, gained 3. Math experts, that is 25 kids. I sat down for a second today while they were working quietly (a rare moment) and snapped a pic. It hit me in that moment that when they grow up I will have been "their 4th grade teacher, Ms. Mooney". I hope they say nice things about me. lol

I hope they know that I will always be there for them, no matter what journey their life takes, if they make mistakes (lord knows I have made tons), and my heart and door is always open. These kids are so special to me. They were my first class. They got the good, the bad, and the ugly. We laughed until we were about to cry, we cried because we were frustrated and disappointed, and I am their biggest cheerleader.

I have been trying to be kinder to myself. I remind myself I am a good teacher because I show up everyday with a "fresh" start mentality. If there is one thing about me, I know a fresh start. I don't have children of my own but I have 25 kids. I would do anything for them.

I have met some really great people this year and my bond with others has grown my millions. Tonya, Milessa, Dehily, Liz, Annemarie, Abby, Malia, Leslie, and Ashley. You guys have been so wonderful to me and I value you and countless others that have picked me up when I wanted to quit, make me crack up, and compliment me in so many ways.

18 hours, 38 mins, and 20...19 seconds. Year one will be in the books. Holy.cow.

SUMMER!!!! I found you!

Have a wonderful week!

xoxo-mere