End of the school year thoughts...

It is the end of the school year. I can't believe how time has flown by. Ethan and I survived (barely) his first year of middle school. Tristan flew through 3rd grade with A pluses and is bummed that summer is here. Next fall, Tristan will be in the 4the grade, and will start the GATE (Gifted and Talented Education) program. I am thrilled, it will be the first time in his entire schooling career that he will be challenged. He is bummed that he will have to change schools AGAIN. It will be his
5Th elementary school, but I told him..it will be the first time you get to attend the same school for 2 years :) we have no plans for change until after 5Th grade.

Tristan was asked to represent his elementary school at the district science fair this past month. We had a great time, walking around and looking at the other exhibits, and getting ideas for next year. Science is one of his favorite subjects, I hope the joy of science continues to grow for him. He also earned his Bear badge in cub scouting, and golfed in the Long Beach Golf Little League for 2 seasons. I think in the fall he will be able to move up from the Mini's to league play!

Ethan was in the 6Th grade boys chorus at school this year. His chorus teacher is an amazing man, who taught Ethan far more than how to sing. He earned his Scout rank in boy scouting and tonight was presented with his first ever merit badge "Disability Awareness."

I fell in love with my students this year, and last Friday we had a graduation ceremony for 9 of them. They will be moving up to Kindergarten in the fall. I will miss them this summer, it has been an incredible, rewarding experience watching them grow. The little girl who didn't say a word until after Christmas, is now working on learning how to read, and rambles in paragraphs. The little boy who was so angry and butt his head on everything and everyone, now gives me hugs daily and sits through circle time. Small miracles in our world of special education.

I finished my first semester of graduate school, with a 4.0! I am taking one course this summer, and 4 in the fall. My 20Th high school reunion is this summer, has it really been that long? I have had a blast finding old friends on face book..can't wait to see them in person!

We had an amazing year at Disneyland..having year round passes was a dream come true..I am ready for a break though, and we are looking forward to exploring other places in the L.A. area!

I am blessed beyond words, my boys are growing up, we have a loving church family, and I have finally found my true calling in life! I love working with Autistic children..they amaze me everyday.