Emotions of a mom

I had several experiences, just today, that made me experience the emotional joy that is being a mother. Yesterday, I had been asked to be a sub for today, and it was supposed to be in JC's class. I was really excited because she is the one child that I hadn't yet had the opportunity to teach. This morning I received an early morning call asking if I would be willing to work all day in a preschool classroom instead of just the morning in JC's room. I explained that I was available and willing to do whatever the principal thought was best. It was settled then, I was going to pre-k. I went in and broke the news to JC, and she was absolutely devastated. She broke my heart...she was trying so hard to be brave and not show her disappointment but the tears were starting to flow. I was disappointed as well, but explained that this was what I had been asked to do, it wasn't my decision, and it gave us a few extra "fun dollars". I promised her that we would spend those few extra "fun dollars" on dinner at McDonalds this evening, and even that didn't seem to lessen her pain. I felt awful about it, and when I told the school about it, they assured me that they would try to get me into her classroom before the end of the year.

The second situation happened at lunch. I had the misfortune of buying a school lunch (just as awful as I remembered it from my school days) and happened to be passing through the lunch room just as HT was getting in line. He asked me if I could sit and eat lunch with him. Oh, I love having a little guy who still adores his mom! I could only stay for about ten minutes, but I loved that my little guy wanted me to eat with him, and I love that I got to hang out with his friends for a few minutes. Being able to see my kids during the day is my favorite part of being a substitute teacher.

And finally, JR had an awesome evening at karate. It was his first success at breaking a board and he was so excited. I love the fact that he loves karate. I think it's truly a great experience for him and I'm so excited for him. These three amazing kids make me so happy and proud to be their mom!