Jumping for Joy

Wow! School is out! I should be jumping for joy...if I was a real teacher...you know, one of those in public school, who gets at least a semi-vacation. I AM jumping for joy, but not for vacation. I have new plans for the summer, including some summer school moments, outings, and crafts.

I went to a curriculum fair yesterday and found some of our desired curriculum at really good prices. We have the bulk of Science, Reading and Language arts, and History/Geography under control. Now I need to find the math books and one health book,a map skills book, and some fine arts books...found them online...just looking for even cheaper! Bargain hunting is not only a hobby of mine, but it makes me feel good about myself! It makes me jump for joy!

But, where has the year gone? It seems only yesterday that I was devising strategies to motivate an eight year old. I was preparing Science projects and lessons for a series now completed. It seems like just a few short moments ago, I was reciting the mulitplication tables, spelling rules, and parts of speech. Now we have moved on. Oh, I will be reciting those things again, along with others, but there will be new dimensions, and topics, and information.

In the mean time, I have three little minds to care for all summer...well, most of it anyway. They have a trip planned to see the other grandparents for a week, and I must take some time to assist in the miraculous process of seeing my newest grandchild born. She is due towards the end of July. My, how time flies!

There have been days when the year seemed to drag on as well; days when I thought we would never get through certain topics or exercises. Girlfriend had her moments; especially during the potty-training days. Handsome had his struggles like any other child; voicing his opinions of topics he would rather not attempt. But he can ask the most marvelous questions in topics of interest. He has been the reason for many side tracks onto the computer to find an answer to a fantastic question beyond my present knowledge. He keeps me learning and researching...more stuff that makes me jump for joy.

And the days when Girlfriend did not want to take a nap, but her own body betrayed her desire. She begged me to lie down with her. Then she hooked her arm into mine, cuddled up and with her beaming smile said, "You're my faaavorite gramma!" Nothing melts my heart more. Now, I realize that she may have been hoping for a nap reprieve, but I also know she does love me and was so precious in trying to express it. Moments like that make this job worth everything!

And now I will have privilege of having Hunky in my care as well. Keeping him busy after his great Kindergarten year in public school, will, no doubt, be challenging!
But he's my funny man! And he wants to learn. So, we will have a great summer!

Yes, it would be nice to have the summer off like "real" teachers do, but what would I do with myself? And where would I get those cuddles and questions? The more I think about it, the less a summer off sounds good. After, all, my grandchildren are what really makes me jump for joy! And the summer affords me the opportunity to see TDH and Jommo, too, perhaps quite frequently...and little Mr. Boo, too! They are all growing up too fast!

With all the jumping for joy I have to do this summer, perhaps I can lose a little more weight!