Today was my birthday and it was great from start to finish. We didn't get a snow day (like last year) but we did start the day with a 2 hour late start due to a teacher in-service. The in-service was pretty painless and we actually finished about 30 minutes early, so there was a little bonus time before the kids arrived. I was bombarded with "Happy Birthday"s and hugs (my favorite daily gift). I also got 2 homemade cards (some of the best writing I've seen these 2 kiddos do all year) and 2 others that had personalized messages from the senders.
One little girl talked her mom into bringing a birthday cake and ice cream for the whole class. Score!! This was a huge hit with the children and they spontaneously broke into "Happy Birthday to you" as they were enjoying their treat. I loved it!
I was also the grateful recipient of some beautiful gifts: cocoa, cappicino mix, a mug, a Willow carving, a bag of goodies from an alumnus, and the class gave me the gift of having a great day together. Who could ask for more??
Well, the icing on the cake came when I took our 'Pennies for Pajamas' collection to the bank to find out how much we had collected. Amazingly, the total was $113.93! I was able to purchase 15 pairs of pajamas in a variety of sizes and designs with the money the children (and their parents) donated. I think that part of the day made me feel the best of all. Tomorrow we get to box them up with notes from our class and Scholastic will add a book to each pair and donate them to shelters for the Great Bedtime Story Pajama Drive.
I am so lucky to do what I do. What other profession can make you feel so loved?
