We're just ready to finish the school year. Only one week left! As a class, we decided to hold our own "Spirit Day" that was opposite day. We turned many heads at school yesterday, wearing our clothes inside out and backwards, but it was our own private fun.

We also went bowling! It was quite the job to get it all organized because we had to pay for the bus ourselves as we were only allowed two field trips, plus, I had heard that some parents felt it was an expensive excursion. Thankfully, all parents were on board with the idea and willing to pay. It was not a truly expensive outing, but gosh, did we have fun!

Last week of school! I have so much paperwork to do! Plus, shipping my belongings. I have to admit, I'm procrastinating, but not worried. I can handle this! I'm getting excited for my trip to England. I've been discovering lately that I truly am going to miss my class. They are such a great bunch of kids, and hams to boot! Batman visited me again, plus, he brought me candy too! How lucky am I?

Our last Spirit Day was "Twins" and we had so much fun! One student asked me if I could be his twin and I said, "Yes, of course." He was very planned and had a drawing of how we should look and all. A teacher loves to see planning, of any type! So, based on his sketch, we were dressed 'mod'. I had to borrow black ties from two of the other teachers here (thank you guys!) and we were chosen by the class to be our class representatives on stage for judging because we hand made our outfits. Other children from many other grades had all gone shopping together, but our class voted (we have a democracy, although I still have the right to veto) and they chose our home based clothes. We came in 3rd place, which is okay for us, because the other winners had true twins. It was all fun though! I got into trouble for being too, "Fonzy" on stage and not enough "Men in Black." We still got some chocolate, and the whole class was happy. Plus, I got this idea to make Mother's Day cards. We had to paint, and that led to other shenanigans! The idea was to make a card just using your fingerprints out of paint to spell out "Mom" and maybe make a flower. I printed out a poem for the kids to paste on the card. Mother's Day here is now lumped in with Children's Day, which is June 1st. On that day, no alcohol is served.

I've had to take all my belongings off the classroom walls and it has left empty patches. The students initially were confused, but when I explained that I had to start my packing, they understood. They were sad, but understood. I decided to make a "Memory Book" which is sort of a year book, but just for our class. The kids love it, and enjoy the idea of it, once they got it. I do have to share one submission with you all. It goes: "The best day of this year was when I met Miss M because she's the best teacher in the whole world." I mean...awwww! Geez! I truly am going to miss these guys! Just today, Batman came to pay me another visit! Plus, he brought candy, and gave me a beaked nosed peck on the cheek! How lucky am I? Students who have not spoken to me since last year has expressed their sadness that I'm leaving, and I had no idea. I also have had multiple requests for my email address. I told them I'll give it to them all before I leave. I do so hope to stay in touch with them. Plus, they say they are going to give me end of year presents and birthday gifts because they won't see me when it actually occurs. I'm sorry, but all I can think is, "I love you...but how much extra packing will this involve?" It goes by the kilo people! I truly am touched, and am grateful to have touched so many lives. This is more than something special. And, it's my life. Again, how lucky am I?

It perpetually appears as though it's going to rain, and there are a few teasing drops, but I miss those downpours you get back at home. That would settle the dust and help my allergies to boot! The blue skies to get you, and the abundance of rainbows. Two weeks left. Oh my gosh!