well i've certainly been MIA

It's been so busy this past month! From beginning my online classes through Ball State, to packing up my classroom to change rooms next year, to planning kindergarten graduation, to finishing up the school year, it's just been really crazy around here lately.

However, I'm happy (and kind of sad) to announce that school ended yesterday, so that takes care of most of those things on the list above. The only thing I have left is to finish up my online classes (1 more week!) and then I have the entire summer ahead of me! So let's catch up, shall we?

I've spent a lot of time studying outside. I quickly got into the routine of coming home, changing into more comfy clothes, and getting some work done. I'm definitely noticing that this time around, taking classes is a lot different. I did well the first time I was in college, but there's just something different this time. I think it's more relevant because I'm already teaching...it's not something that's soooo far off in the future. It applies to me now. I care a lot more about doing well on assignments and projects too, and I'm putting a lot more time and effort into it. I literally have 100% in both my classes right now. And I'm proud of it. And I brag to anyone who asks!

As if I needed any more distractions lately, I decided to paint a wooden sign instead of my normal canvas ones. I really like how it turned out, and look forward to doing some more this summer.

My school participated in McTeacher Night at McDonalds a couple weeks ago. That's when the teachers go and work at McDonalds and families come in and eat. A portion of the money made during the time we're there goes back to the school. It was fun, and I was happy to see so many of my past and present students come out!

We had our annual K-1 field trip to the zoo. It was HOT, HOT, HOT out that day! But we had a good time, and I had lots of parent volunteers to help out. I actually had 4 dads come this year, which is practically unheard of!

 We walked a TON that day. It's the first day ever since having my FitBit that I exceeded my daily goal without working out and intentionally TRYING to exceed the daily goal.

 Then it was finally the last week of school. We had a lot going on, but we were told that we needed to make sure we were doing academic stuff all day, and not just playing games and watching movies. I'm moving to a new classroom next year, so I had to pack everything up throughout the week. I wanted to do some worthwhile activities, but also wanted to pack up my stuff. So I compromised. I packed up my stuff, but we still did academic stuff. This was Shaving Cream Spelling Review! We wrote all the words we've learned to spell this year in shaving cream. The kids got a great review, had fun, my tables got cleaned, and the room smelled nice the rest of the day!

 Later that day, we watched the first graders who met their goals for testing throw pies in my friend's face!

We had a pizza party in the afternoon for winning a school contest, and my mom was a special visitor in the afternoon! She brought goody bags for the kids for being so awesome this year. They loved meeting her, and loved their special treats!

Tuesday was Kindergarten Graduation. I can't show post any pictures, for the safety of my students, but it was so great! I wrote the entire performance this year. Every student had a line and they sang several songs. Ty made a video of the entire year to play for parents as well. Lastly we handed out diplomas. There were a lot of tears, and many of them came from me! When one of my sweeties walked across the stage to get his diploma from me, he said in a shaky voice, "I'm gonna miss you so much, Mrs. Miller." The parents all said, "Aww!" and I pretty much lost it! Luckily I still had a few days left to enjoy my babies.

 Wednesday was Field Day. We decided to do it at a park down the road instead of at the school. So the entire student body walked about a half mile to the park. After about 2 blocks, my kinders were complaining that their feet hurt haha! But once we got there, they had so much fun! Tug-of-War, snow cones, a photobooth, soccer games, playground, face painting, games, and a staff vs. 8th grade kickball game.

Thursday I really focused on cleaning and packing. I even put my kiddos to work! One of my centers was: Lysol the Blocks!

And then it was Friday. The last day. It was also National Donut Day, so naturally my principal brought the teachers donuts. 

Most teachers had their students making trips back and forth all day moving things to new classrooms. I chose to spend the day soaking up every last minute I had with my precious babies. We did one last learning activity, we talked and reflected on our favorite things about kindergarten, we played muscial chairs, I danced with them at the K-1 dance in the hot, sweaty gym, we ate snack on the floor, we met Mr. Miller when he had to come borrow my spare truck key (because he locked his in the truck), and we snuggled and watched a movie together. We all hugged each other with tearful eyes when each student was called out to their car for dismissal. At 4:00, I was left with this:

I took a moment to myself and thought back upon the year. I'm so thankful that God placed these beautiful children in my care for 10 months. He knew I needed them. I needed them to renew my love of teaching after how rough last year was. And I like to think that they needed me too. They would've grown without my help, but it was such an honor to be a part of their journey, if only for a short time. I'm so lucky that I'll get to have a couple of them again next school year.

It's also the end of an era. I'm not a kindergarten teacher anymore. I'm moving to a new room. I'm doing something completely different next year. And while I'm excited for what's to come, I'm still sad that this is over.

So that's why I've been a little absent this past month. It's been so busy. But so good, too. I'm looking forward to 9 weeks of resting, relaxing, recharging, and preparing for my new adventure starting in August. 

xoxo, wife.

PS. Congratulations if you actually made it to the end of this long, long post!