Unexpected Visit

An unexpected visit to see my old students on Friday, caused a moment of reflection.

I wasn't suppose to head into school on Friday.  It was not planned.  A total spur of the moment thing.  Three weeks in and I was already making a visit?  Could this be true?  YES.  It is true.  And honestly, I'm surprised it took me this long.  Teaching and the school have been too much a part of my life to step away from it cold turkey.  I will always be a Raider.  I will always feel welcomed there.  And I will always feel a part of the Decatur family.  With that being said, here's the WELCOME I received that WILL bring me back to teaching whenever the time comes.

When I walked into the cafeteria with my two kids in tow, I never truly expected to get the welcome I was given.  I honestly felt like a celebrity.  Okay, maybe that is a bit of an exaggeration.  But I felt pretty special.  And loved.  And in the limelight.  And just plain great.  That's a celebrity right?  Anyways, it still makes my heart happy reflecting upon the scene we made in there.

About 30 or so 6th grade kids rushed over to hug, jump up and down in excitement, smile, and/or say hello to my kids and me.  AND more kept coming!  All I could hear was "Mrs. Newell!"  "We've missed you!"  "Your kids are so cute!"  "So excited to see you!"  If I EVER once had doubted that my role as a teacher influenced lives, this scene would prove me wrong. 

We sat.  Had lunch with the kids.  And oh the stories they told.

"My sister had her baby.  She is so cute.  She's only 3 1/2 weeks old."
"I'm doing really well in Math this year." (From like three of them.  Yes, I taught math to them last year)
"My brother can drive now.  He's 15."
"Did you see the new neighbors that moved in down the dirt road by you?" (a student neighbor)
"My grandma has to have surgery this weekend.  I'll be stuck in the hospital all weekend."
"I got braces."
"Did you notice my haircut?  It's longer now.  But it was really short."
"I'm playing football.  See my jersey."
"I grew a lot over the summer. I am taller than you."
"My aunt had her baby."
"Did you notice my new glasses?"

To share a few....so cute.  And there were MANY comments on my own kids.  Many.  All trying to chat with Mal and Clay.  Trying to get them to give them high-5's or say Hello.  So sweet and genuine.

We said our good-byes and I reassured them I would be back.  How could I not??  When the walked out the door, it hit me. Hard.  I started to cry.  Tears of gratitude.  Tears of reassurance.  Who knows.  I just felt really moved.  Really missed.

We took a long, walk down the hallway to say Hello to fellow co-workers and friends and to catch up.  It was so great to see familiar, smiley faces.  Hugs, laughter, small talk.  It was wonderful.

A lovely visit which left me pondering.  How in the world can I LOVE two jobs?  How in the world can I do TWO jobs?  I can't tell you how many times people have asked me if I am going back next year.  Friday's scene had me think twice.  But, last year was a horrible year for me.  Trying to balance being a good teacher and mom was just too much.  I honestly don't know how working moms do it.  How they keep themselves collected. 

My friend/co-worker who witnessed the scene and who knows me so well gave helpful advice.  Stay at home--where I should be for a few years, where I want to be--then head back into the classroom.  "Your tears show that you are a great teacher."  And how could I not?  Is it that simple?  Who knows.  I just thought this leaving business would be easier than it has been.  I thought I would leave without looking back.  Oh, how I was SO wrong.

Top 10 for the week:
This week was great! Lots of funny, cute memories that I am excited to share!
10.  Hairdresser.  I cut Clay's hair.  No I am not licensed.  No I have never cut hair before (if Barbie hair doesn't count).  It was a first and it won't be the last.  I have not found another calling like my mother thinks.  BUT I will be saving us money every three or so months on Clayton's haircuts. 

9.  TV.  I had a day without television this week.  Not that big of a deal.  In fact, the only time I watch TV is at night after the kids go to bed.  A bit of an unwinder.  But after getting everything done for the day, I read instead.  It was great.  Even greater that I can brag about not watching TV for a day:o)

8.  Daddy & Daughter Dinner.  This past Sunday Mal and Jay cooked dinner together.  A breakfast dinner of pancakes, bacon, and hash browns.  It was priceless.  Mal in her T-shirt and underwear, standing on top of a chair, flipping pancakes alongside her Daddy.  Adorable.  And even more adorable how in sync they were with each other.  Smiling, laughing, having a ball.  Sunday dinners will now be made by Mallory and Daddy.  Tonight is chili. 

7.  Clay's Check-up.  We have a big boy on our hands.  97% in height, 86% in weight, and STILL off the charts with his BIG head.  EVERY single time I go to the doctor with Clay he asks me WHO has the big head in the family!  And EVERY time he sizes up MY head and nods understandingly.  UGH.  Yes people, I have a big head.  Thank-you dad.  Anyways, he did well and the doctor confirmed what I already knew.  His nonverbal cues show he is smart.  He will talk.  Someday.  (We were ordered to get rid of the paci.  Hard when you have a screamer in public and in the car and anywhere).

6.  God's Timing.  Tuesday on our way to drop of Mallory to preschool, we noticed a HUGE rainbow.  Mal LOVES rainbows.  I pulled over in the gas station so she could see it.  I told her it was a good luck sign from God to wish her well at school.  Love the grin that girl gives.  Needless to say, I will be pulling over with EVERY rainbow from now on.

5.  French Fry.  Thursday after picking Mal up from school, we grabbed Wendy's for a picnic in the park.  Clay was screaming in the backseat due to hunger pains.  Mal was clutching onto her Kid's Meal.  I asked her if she could give Clay a fry.  To my utter surprise she did.  In fact, after pulling it out of her bag, she blew on it to cool it down, and then proceeded to tell him to make sure to take small bites and that it might be hot.  Love my little mother hen. 

4.  Nana's Visit.  Having my mom visit is always a blessing.  Not only because the kids LOVE her but it also gives me a little break.  Due to requests, I don't have to go through Mallory's LONG, bedtime routine or even take her to the potty.  Small, but SO big.  Thanks mom.  Love you.  Come ANYTIME you want.

3.  Mallory quotes for the week: 

"I smell like angels." Referring to touching my Guardian angel pin in the car.  No honey, that's metal.

"No mom, that is not a baby deer.  It is two years old.  It doesn't have spots." Wow.  Guess I need to listen to Daddy and Papa more.  Miss All-Animals-Are-My-Friends.

2.  Girl's Night Out.  Oh Kattie Northrup.  Where would I be without you??? LOST.  She drove with me up to Kalamazoo Thursday night to shop at the mall, buy groceries at Meijer, and have ice cream at Coldstone Creamery.  It was AWESOME.  And I love how we can catch up so quickly with no dull moments.  Girl time, catching up, and shopping. What is not to love about that?

1.  Clayton the Locksmith*.  Oh Sir Clayton.  He is one smart boy.  While Mal was at school on Tuesday, Clay and I headed to Walgreens.  On the way out I let him play with my keys.  I buckled him into his seat, closed the door, and was about to put our purchases in the car when the car alarm started going off.  YES, Clayton locked himself in our car.  You should have seen the look on that boy's face.  Pure joy.  PURE joy.  I was freaked.  TOTALLY.  Luckily, it only lasted a second because then I noticed he was continually pushing the buttons on the clicker.  I was able to open the door at one point and turn OFF the alarm.  Oh, the joys of motherhood.

That is it friendly readers.  Have a great week!!  Let's hope it will be as great as last:o)
Mrs. Newell

*My school visit tied for #1