Almost Done...

I just want to apologize to everyone whose blogs I usually read religiously.  In the last month I have really, really dropped the ball.  I miss hearing about your children, your families, your day-to-day struggles and triumphs!  But I'm distracted.  First by holiday stuff, now by finishing off the Teacher of the Year nomination packet for Samantha's teacher.  My friend and I have finally just about finished it, which is a good thing since it's due on Friday.  I need to put the finishing touches on a wacky font I used (it was beautiful, but did this totally weird thing to any words that had apostrophes!), and PDF it, and we'll be ready to have all 50-ish pages turned in to the county public school administrative offices tomorrow. 

Seriously, folks, I can't even begin to describe how much Samantha's teacher, Mrs. R., deserves this award.  From my own limited experience in knowing her over these last few months, I thought I had the full picture and have been completely blown away by her devotion, her patience, her abilities, her sheer joy at doing what she does, but my knowledge didn't even come close to the whole story, as I discovered when reading the testimonials from other administrators, parents and former students that were included in the packet.  The voices of the others spoke vast volumes to the character and nature of this amazing woman.  We were only allowed to use 12 testimonials, including my own, in the packet.  I could easily have found 112.  And more.

I'm not sure when the decision date is, but we'll be anxiously awaiting the answer.  Mrs. R. says she has "already won" just by being nominated.  And perhaps she has, but really, we are the ones who have won.  Our children have already won, just by virtue of being placed in her class.  And an award like this, the recognition of a person who should set the example for educators (and parents!) everywhere, should be placed in her hands this year. 

Next week, I promise, I'll get back into the blogging world groove.  I just need to think of something to write about, though!  Can't believe I'm coming up empty.  I think my brain needs a little recovery time, and then it'll all come to me.  In the meantime, if any of you can think of stuff for me to talk about, feel free to pass it along!  :-)