My vacation has finally arrived. Ten days off from work!
We have opted not to go on a trip this time; instead, we are going to get a lot of things done around the house which is hugely therapeutic to me.
as we attended Grayson’s kindergarten graduation on Friday. It was at Concord Christian Academy where Meagan has taught third grade this year.
The school auditorium held some poignant memories for Steve and me. Back when the school was a church, Steve was ordained there–almost exactly thirty-four years ago.
I was five months pregnant with Nathan when Steve and I walked across that big stage with the other ordination candidates in May of 1989. We were so very young.
To be back in that same auditorium and see Nathan’s son walk across that same stage was a beautiful moment.
The end of a school year is exciting for everyone but especially for teachers who work so hard to educate our world’s most precious resource.
Take Meagan, for instance. For this whole school year, she got up at 5:30 a.m. and, working with Nathan, got four kids dressed and in the car. She then drove 35 minutes, taught a large class of third graders, and drove everyone home. And then it was time for dinner, homework, baths, and all the things that go with having a family of six. I am amazed by how she got it all done and am so proud of her and Nathan.
Meagan is very much looking forward to a well-earned summer vacation. And kudos to all the teachers reading this who have finished another year of making a lifelong difference in the lives of your students. You are heroes!
it goes without saying that out of all the kindergarten graduates there Friday night, Grayson was the most handsome, smartest, and most accomplished. (That’s the Official Grandparent Version of things.)
And speaking of grandparents, Meagan shared the ceremony with her parents, Frank and Sheri, who watched from Florida. It was fun to have us all celebrating together.
I especially love this photo as the children folded their hands and closed their eyes while reciting the Lord’s Prayer.
The kids memorized an amazing amount of music complete with hand motions. Each child had a line to say in a microphone and Grayson stood up there and spoke his line with so much confidence.
Here’s a snippet of one of the many songs they did. The main words are, “I’m gonna love God, and everybody else. That’s what I was made to do.” (Grayson is front row; far left.)
One more photo before Grandma and Grandpa took off for home, full of the memories and treasures of the evening.
Last week, Sarah and Gage posted this photo on our family Facebook page and wrote, “Don’t worry. We are all fine.”
Of course, when parents are told not to worry, that’s the first thing we do.
Turns out there was a shooting incident at their apartment complex. Sarah heard the gunshots from her living room and immediately called Gage. A couple of news channels interviewed him and later, the two of them were interviewed together.
The apartment complex where they live is quiet and safe so this was an unexpected and unsettling occurrence for them. Our prayers are with everyone who was involved in this incident; it is tragic beyond words when a life is lost.
Sarah and Gage are about 40 seconds into the video.
So it’s been an eventful week in many ways–not to mention that I’ve spent the first two days of my vacation sick in bed.
Here’s hoping that this week is peaceful and productive for the Charlotte Smiths –and for you and your family, as well.
What about you?
Are you a teacher? What grade? Why did you decide to become a teacher? (And thank you for what you do.)
What are your plans for the summer? Do you have any trips on the calendar?
I am the special education secretary at our high school campus and the last week of school (which came to a close with yesterday’s {5/26} graduation) was quite hectic, hence why I’m reading this blog post a week late. But hectic in mostly good ways – chaperoning grad walks, where the exempt seniors get to go walk through the elementary & middle schools in the feeder pattern they attended in their cap & gowns while the students line the hallways cheering. It’s really fun to witness especially if they have a younger sibling at one of the schools and reconnecting with their favorite teachers. We even have some students who have moved to neighboring districts come back to walk their elementary halls.
As always, graduation was a long (arrived at school at 11:30 am and returned at 7:00 pm) but rewarding day. A whole lot of “hurry up and wait”, but so worth it.
SueEllen,
What a great idea to have grads walk through the halls of their earlier schools. I have never heard of that idea but it is wonderful! They are kind of the “returning heroes” and get to connect with all the things and people that took them to the place where they are.
I’m sure being a special education secretary keeps your hands full; enjoy your summer days!
My father in law was a high school science and biology teacher. He taught for years. I think it takes very special people to teach.
We are going to Tahoe in a week and then to Sturgis in July for our usual week long trip with our group of friends to trail ride. It’s always such a great time.
What a frightening experience for Sarah! That’s just too close for comfort!
LeeAnne,
I am amazed by anyone who can teach science and biology–two of my worst subjects. Yes, it truly does take special people to teach.
Sounds like a busy couple of weeks for you; enjoy every moment!
I am a retired middle school teacher and my hat is off to Meagan keeping it together with four children. They are a good team. I always wanted to be a teacher and loved every minute of my 30 years. It used to make me mad when people said I got three months off. I worked hard for those three months off and it wasn’t ever three months.😁
Now, I am a full time Gram keeping my grandson and that’s the best job ever!
I am sure that was very scary to Sarah. They did a good job with their interview.
Lisa,
Thirty years? Amazing to think of the hundreds of young lives you have impacted for a lifetime. Thank you for making a difference.
And I definitely agree you have the best “teaching job” ever right now; enjoy that grand!
I’m SORT of a teacher: I homeschool my son, who also just graduated from kindergarten, so he must be just about Grayson’s age!
Ellen,
You are definitely a teacher!
I loved homeschooling my kids; I especially love that I was the one who taught them to read. You get to experience that privilege, as well.
Wow, what excitement of a nature that is unexpected. Sarah and Gage did good on camera.
A teacher – well, when I was about 7 or 8 and my students were very quiet and did a lot of staring at me. Didn’t last long. At one time I did desire to be a teacher but it never came to pass. Vacation plans – yes, we are leaving on Wed. for Gatlinburg, TN for the family fest gospel sing. Really looking forward to it. Will also head off to Pigeon Forge – only about 10 min. away. Then in August, going by train to Oregon to see our son and his family. Love riding the train.
Such a cute graduation and the first thing I always think to myself – Lord may they stay with you and continue to serve you as they grow older. Your grandkids certainly have a good start with the grandpa and grandma and their mom and dad loving the Lord.
Sharyn,
I’m jealous you are taking a train trip; definitely on my bucket list. Sounds like you have a fun summer planned.
Yes, I’m grateful for the strong foundation our grandkids have. And also so grateful we finally live close enough to be more a part of their lives.
Hope you are feeling better and that you get lots of projects marked off your to do list while you are on your vacation. I don’t have any trips planned this summer. I took a two-week trip to Florida in mid to late April to see friends.
Congratulations to Grayson for his kindergarten graduation.
I am not a teacher but both my brother and sister-in-law are retired from teaching. My sister-in-law gives piano lessons in her home and my brother keeps busy directing both their community philharmonic and summer band. He also teaches middle school band on a parttime basis. My niece will start her first fulltime teaching position this fall – she will be teaching music for K-12 at a school about 20 minutes from their house. She has done lots of substitute teaching this school year.
Phyllis,
Lots of teachers in your family–combining music and teaching is the best! Steve and I have both given music lessons over the years and it is a joy to be able to pass that skill on to others.
I’ve gotten a few things done with a few naps in between. It’s been a great vacation.
I like Gage’s shirt!
Jackie,
I hadn’t even noticed it so had to go back and look. I took a screen shot so I could zoom in.
I agree; very cool. Thanks for pointing it out! 🙂
Glad Gage and Sarah are safe and prayers for those involved. So scary to hear gunshots and not know what is happening.
Sorry your vacation started with sickness, but hope the rest goes well and you can get some relaxing time with all the house projects.
I was a teacher-preschool and kindergarten. I retired early when my husband did. I wanted to be a teacher from high school. I loved watching little ones and figured that would be the easiest way to do that and get paid. I always counted down the days till summer and getting to my summer job in Montana.
No vacation plans for this summer. Grandsons car races on most Saturdays and a Farmers/craft market on Fridays. Hopefully some good bike rides on the many trails nearby.
Patti,
What a fun age to teach! I love that you knew what you wanted to do, even as a teenager.
Sounds like a summer with enough space in it for unexpected surprises and activities. Have fun at those car races!