I can't believe I am going to say this, but I loved going to parent-teacher conferences this year. In the past I've been a little worried about some of the things I might hear. But year after year those concerns have been largely unfounded. Sometimes as parents, we need to be reminded of all the things you have accomplished and achieved, instead of focusing on how much you have yet to master.
Nolan, your teacher thought you were a conscientious learner, a role model for other students, an enthusiastic learner and an all around great kid. She pointed out two test scores that seemed representative of you, and one lower one she explained with "he must have just had a bad day, because this isn't the Nolan I know." Perfect, I love when someone gets you. I hope you know how lucky you are to have Mrs. R for a teacher, Nolan, and that 4th grade continues to be a great year for you. We are so proud of you.
These pictures sent by our friend Kim, were just icing on the cake. Even though a trip to the zoo became a trip to the park, you seemed to handle the disappointment well, and found it in you to be a good "big brother" to a little girl who looked to you for a little help. (Btw, could Kenzie be any more darling?)
even though I don't have pictures to accurately portray what a great kid you are, I have a story to share.
It didn't surprise me in the least to hear that you have 100% accuracy on all of your tests so far. School has always come easy to you. But what Mrs. L really focused on? Was how humble you were about it. She says instead of bragging, when you finish with your work, you offer to help the others around you do their work. In fact, the one you help the most is a boy who is nonverbal, and you have taken him under your wing. This boy's name was the first one on your list of "friends" you have in class. Colton, that means more to me than all the 100 percents combined.
What I really walk away with? Is how lucky we are to have educators that work so hard at their jobs to foster more than just academic growth and achievement. It isn't the easiest thing to do, to find the positive aspects to focus on when it comes to some of the challenges our kids present to their teachers. But they do, year after year.
So even though, boys, I yell at you for leaving the hockey gear in the truck overnight, or get frustrated with the stains in the sink from the "food coloring experiment," please know, underneath it all, who you are becoming is worth it all... every stinky, colorfully stained part of it.
Oh how this rings true!!!!! So many days we get irritated at the small things in life and take everything else for granted.
ReplyDeleteI love this post! And a huge hug to you for what a wonderful job you are obviously doing with those boys!
I think Mom gets an A too for raising good sons. I too loved the good visits with teachers, so much better than the other kind! ;D
ReplyDeleteSounds like you had good conferences all the way around ...
ReplyDeleteYou rate an A+, too ...
You are a great Mom and you have great kids.
ReplyDeleteAnd they have fine teachers.
It is such a relief when everything works out for you.
Makes every ones' life so much nicer and easier.:)
Thumbs up to the boys!:)
what a gentle, sweet boy portrayed in the pics of N., and what a kind, tender soul portrayed in your story about C. aren't these the things that make your heart sing? bravo to their parents!
ReplyDeleteThose pictures just melt my heart. Your boys are so caring and loving, just like you! I'm happy that you heard such praises from their teachers. You and your husband should be very proud of these terrific boys!!
ReplyDeleteThis is so sweet! I love "good" kids!
ReplyDeleteGreat boys you have!! And, as a retired educator, I can tell you, my dear friend, these attributes that the teachers have shared with you regarding your sons not only reflect the hearts and minds of your young 'men'...but the love and caring that comes from your home.
ReplyDeleteLove to you,
Jackie
Hello Vicki !!
ReplyDeleteWonderful post again,..just reflecting the simple loving and caring nature of you and your children.Parents are the most ideal people in the world.There is a saying which means that even guru(teacher) and god are only next to parents.
Mothering your modern-day child is no easy task. Essentially, it requires that you slow down, keep things simple, and recognize that mothering is noble work.That's what it seems to be prevailing out there in your family.
The helping nature of your kids just reminded me of an old story where in; a four year old child whose next door neighbor was an elderly gentleman who had recently lost his wife. Upon seeing the man cry, the little boy went into the old gentleman's yard, climbed onto his lap, and just sat there.When his mother asked him what he had said to the neighbor, the little boy said, "Nothing, I just helped him cry."
I'm so happy for you and your kids, to be so loving and caring for the needy-ones.
Just..just..just keep it up.
With love and regards,
dr ss yadav.
Oh my, I remember those days of teacher/parent conferences. Glad to hear the boys are doing well.
ReplyDeleteYou have so much to be proud of in your boys!!! But then, they have the BEST MOM ever!!! Love you so much!! Janine XO
ReplyDeleteGo boys! What fun pictures too Vicky!
ReplyDeletelove this post vicky! you should print out your letter to each of them for a scrapbook - they'll treasure them.
ReplyDeleteand a big pat on the back to you! it's under your guidance and care that they're growing in just the right way.
This is beautiful! I can't wait to watch my son grow and mature. I just hope he becomes an intelligent and kind-hearted young man like your sons. :)
ReplyDeleteIt's no shock to me, knowing you, that your boys have such sweet hearts inside them...
ReplyDelete