NUMBER FIVE!! Well, almost five. The family showed up in full force, to share the love. The boil began at 12pm, the presents at 1pm, cake at 1:30pm - which included my favorite memory of the day as Bennett serenaded his sister with "Happy birthday", and a total fairy crash landing by 2:15pm.

One incredibly lucky princess.

Let the birthday weekend begin! The boys went to purchase supplies and the girls went for streamers and a party dress.

All we needed now, was the guests, and colie was the first to arrive! Our afternoon consisted of gluten free homemade cheese curds, Paddington Bear, and Broad City.

One more sleep!

I have one more day to mourn the loss of MES, and then I must begin my excitement for PME.  Below is the goodbye message I sent to prior to my departure.  It is important to me to remember my time, as these last years made me the teacher that I am today. 

 

Employees of 912:

 

When I started teaching my mother told me 2 things.

        -Besides the kids - the most important people in the building are the custodial staff and whomever sits behind the front desks.

        -You have no idea what you are doing - but that's ok.

She was right, and fortunately, she also told me how to resolve the second issue.  Mom told me to seek out the extraordinary teacher, and listen carefully.  She told me to say what they said, and do exactly what they did.  She told me to steal if necessary (although, I quickly found out teachers willingly share brilliant - and not so brilliant - ideas).  

I always listen to my mother - and that is exactly what I did when I accepted my job in Milaca.  Seeking out the extraordinary teacher was simple - every single classroom contained one.  And, it is because of you that I am the educator I am today.  There are no words to express my gratitude.

So before Bistrup deletes all my existing accounts - if you need me try ginaprose@gmail.com

And, please someone - ask Lundeen to play if he is sitting on the Buddy Bench.  He's shy.

Always A Proud Milaca Teacher

        ~gina

 

I was so incredibly sad to leave my families, and break up with my partner, and not eat lunch with my team every day. 

On the way home, I was seriously contemplating my decision, and thinking I still had time to pull my letter of resignation.

 

Until I walked in the door.

I know I made the right choice for these little people, and that is the right choice for the mister and me, too.

Last day of school!!  Last day of school!  I cried several times today, as the staff was notified of my resignation.  I did not tell my students, formally.  I knew they would be so so sad, and I did not want them to leave feeling sad - it is an exciting day, and I wanted them to retain that memory.  I did say "goodbye" to each kid, with a hug and a whisper to read a bit this summer.

After school, I was talking to several colleagues as we waved to the buses.  My beloved Kennen walked up to me and said, "Well, I figured it out.  Everyone is saying 'congratulations' and you keep crying. So, OBVIOUSLY you are having a baby soon."  I'm gonna miss that kid.

Sartell liked my dress.

The dream team has 2 more days to conquer the world. 

It'll feel better when it stops hurting.

For dinner tonight, we had the coveted morel mushrooms. Thanks to the mighty mushroom hunter, Adam Meaner, we we able to feast. AP chopped and sauteed with a bit of butter and garlic - it was awesome. Meaty and sweet and I wish I had been able to have an entire burger size portion.

 

I may become a hunter, after all.

Memorable Day moments:

New favorite family show - once again - thank you, HULU!!

Begrudgingly snuggling with your sister - because you love her and just can't resist.

100 flights?! Say what?!?  Winning!

Home again, and Dolson missed us dearly... 

(And, we played Cards Against Humanity, but I will not be posting any of those - although hilarious - quite inappropriate pics.)

1. plant the garden - which has doubled in size

 

2. Try, unsuccessfully, to break in to the Tahoe

3. Spend 30 minutes filling water balloons and 3 minutes breaking them all over the yard

4. M.A.S.H (mansion. apartment. shack. house.)

So many options for this long holiday weekend. My idea was Rose, AP said PC, Bennett picked Sartell due to a birthday party at the YMCA, and Harps wanted to stay home, in bed, and watch TV all day and all night.

Mom wins.