i feel the love

when i went to old navy last week, there was a sign posted on the door announcing a discount for teachers this week.  i noted the starting date of may 5, and, looking forward to ‘ritas and fun with my hh girls, all i could wonder was why old navy was honoring teachers for cinco de mayo.  it didn’t make sense but i’m not one to question a gift.
monday morning, while i watched kid after kid come into the school with flowers and gifts, i wondered what was up.  “it’s teacher appreciation week!”  ahhhhh, i thought.  it all started to come together.

so, quite unexpectedly, i’ve had a week of being “appreciated” and it’s been really nice.  everyday, a different student has showed up at the door with my drink from starbucks, there are beautiful flowers in my classroom, and i am officially the source of all dark chocolately goodness for the hall.  seriously, this stash will still be around next school year if i don’t get some help.

some other special treats include a restaurant gift card, jamba juice, random socks, and a mcd’s chicken nugget lunch.

today, however, i get something HUGE: the afternoon.  yup, i get to leave early!  some moms in my class talked to the folks upstairs and from 12 on, the weekend begins.  i could technically leave even earlier cause my kids go to lunch and specials from 10:45-12.  however, today, i’m treating 6 students to lunch because they’ve been extra good helpers for a few weeks so i will still be here til 11:30 or so.
*this just in…the mom can’t make it til 12:30 which means i really do have to stay through.  hmph.  oh well…that’s ok.  i still get outta here sooner than expected, right?!

although all these things are great, i think what i’ve been loving the most these weeks is the neverending cycle of hugs and sweet words.  even though my brain, emotions and patience are always fried by this time of the year, the kids get even lovier because they realize the year is going to end and that helps me make it through…and get a little lovier myself.