Parent/Teacher Conferences...

    Parent/Teacher conferences were this week...I always feel bad for the teachers.  They cram in 25 + visits, usually over two or three days, and they must be exhausted.  I love the parents who go in and are surprised with how their kids are doing...or one set today, who's child wasn't doing so good, asked the teacher what she intended to do to make her child understand better.  So, yes, I empathize with these teachers, at this time of year - they work hard, take care of our kids for 6 1/2 hours a day and still face parent who have no idea of what is going on...
    This was one of Kim's favorite times of the school year.  She always made sure to bring in some sort of treat, to show our appreciation for the teacher's hard work (especially the poor teacher who had to handle Antonio!).  I wanted to do something like she would have done....but I choked, but did manage to bring Mrs. Schrantz a coke and Mrs. Rudzena and iced tea...
     All of the teachers knew, to have plenty of tissues on hand for Kimmy.  The teachers would be telling us all of our kid's accomplishments and saying nice things and Kimmy's heart would fill up, so proud and thankful for their hard work and the tears would flow...everytime...it was very sweet.  I actually made it through five teachers and my final teacher, Mrs. Lopez, Cody's algebra teacher, cracked me.  I quickly thanked her, gave her a big hug and ran out the door...
      But honestly, these teachers have not only been there academically for the bambini, but emotionally, as well, as they transition to our new journey.  Mrs. Schrantz has consistently been in tune with Tonio's sadness level, giving him jobs to do and making him feel special to keep his mind off of things.  Mrs. Rudzena, has shared her own loss of her father with Autumn, becoming almost a big sister to Autumn and filling her with confidence.  Cody's teachers, Mrs. Archuletta, Mrs. Jackson, Mrs. Payton and Mrs. Lopez, have all taken Cody aside to let him know they are there for him and have worked with him on his studies.  All of the kids have great grades!  We are so blessed to have these teachers!!  I'm not sure where we'd be without their dedication and compassion.
       After these conferences, I was completely blown up, emotionally spent. So proud of the kids, but wishing Kimmy could have been here with me to hear the praises, although I know she heard it all.  I did it solo. And I went home and pulled out another Andreaism...the ocean sound machine.  When Kimmy first got sick, Andrea bought her one of the Homedic sound machines.  Kim loved to fall asleep with 'white noise'. We've always had a fan or air purifier to lend that soothing sound to fall asleep to.  Kim loved the setting with the waves hitting the beach and used it nightly in the hospital and when she was home...When I have a tough moment, I will put on the beach sounds and just empty my mind...and it always helps.  Antonio loves it too, and turns it on every night before we go to sleep!
   After school, Lupe and Manny, who's daughter, Monsi, is in Tonio's class took Autumn and Tonio to Peter Piper Pizza, right after school and then back to their house to play.  They had so much fun.  Cody's friend, Jesus, invited Cody over for a sleep over.  After I got my bearings, I managed to make it over to Jesus' house to hang out with Monique and Joe for awhile, leaving to pick up Aut and Tonio and hanging out with Lupe and Manny for awhile (at least one beer) and then back to Monique and Joe's for pizza (and another beer).  We miss Cody already...
      It rounded out the week nicely - the kids all having great weeks - me too, except for falling down a little today.  We're getting there, one day at a time...

          Love,
               Dave
PS Mrs. Schrantz had her kids write a letter to their parents about what they think she will say about them...
Here's Tonio's:
       "Dear Mom and Dad,
                    My 2nd grade year has been unusually good!  I think Mrs. Schrantz will tell you that I'm doing fantastic.
                                                                                         Love,
                                                                                                   Antonio"