Proud Mom

K, I don't really like to post things like this post 'cause let's face it, every mom thinks her kids are the best, most smart, cutest kids in the world. But, I have to put this in our family journal for this year because I am so proud of these two.

We recently had parent teacher conferences at the school. I first met with Ally's teacher who only had kind things to say about Ally. Ally is doing really well with her reading and math and every other thing they are learning so far. She enjoys reading and learning so I think that makes things easier on her. The best thing for me to hear is that the teacher often relies on Ally to help out a boy in her class who struggles with Autism. Her teacher said she keeps him by Ally because she knows Ally will always help and is always kind to him. This really warmed my heart. I know how kids can be especially to someone who is different. I'm so glad my daughter is not only kind to this boy but more than willing to help him when he is struggling with assignments, etc. Of course, Ally is Ally and is not perfect. I did need to talk to her about being a little too social and talking when she is not supposed to. The good thing about Ally is that when I talk to her about something that needs to be changed, she is quick to change it. All right, she is quick to change it when it's at school, home is a different situation.

I then went and met with Andrew's teacher. I knew this one would be easy. Andrew loves to read and learn. He is really excelling in all subjects but especially math. His teacher too could only say wonderful things about Andrew. Although it didn't surprise me what he said, it was the way he said it. I could tell he enjoys having Andrew in his class and enjoys the challenge of teaching Andrew. His teacher is also his math teacher. He does timed 1-12 multiplication tables and Andrew completed his in 3 minutes 43 seconds, the fastest in the class. His teacher told me he can't wait until they try the other tables to see how fast Andrew can do them. He also said that Andrew always pulls out a book and reads when they have any down time. He said he thinks Andrew will always excel at school because of his love for reading. I have to say, I struggled with smiling too much and crying because I am so proud of this kid. But, like Ally, his academic achievements aren't what make me the proudest. On his interview sheet under greatest achievement so far he put, 'when I helped (a boy in his class who has cerebral palsy) score a touchdown in football.' This boy had never scored a touchdown and Andrew told me one night he wanted him to score a touchdown and he was going to help him accomplish it. I love that he has such a kind and caring heart too.

I am so proud of both my kids for the way they are excelling in school and also in being kind and loving beings. They make me so happy to be their mom. I love them both so much!