Here's to Finishing Well!

Well, we've made it to the end of another school year. Today was the last half day of the 2007-2008 school year, and I have to say it's been a good one! Our students have come a long way in the past nine months and we shared many laughs together.

Team 8-3 is a great place to be. Our kids love each other and they enjoy coming to school. Scotty, Sherry, April, Lisa and I received many generous gifts of thanks. Even though this year has had its share of challenges, we can all look back on it and say that we finished well.

The morning began with the West Valley Idol Finals. Our 4th period girls had prepared for victory by making t-shirts, signs, props, and, most importantly, a fantastic song that summarized a year's worth of memories! I'll post the lyrics here soon.

Mr. Hicks showed off his break-dancing expertise! Even though he's over thirty now, he can still bust some moves! The day was filled with closing preparations; moving chairs to the hallway, organizing records, and various other duties that must be completed before summer vacation. Miraculously, we did it!

Many of our students received awards at the Awards Assembly. My homeroom finished field day in 2nd place overall, but our team (8-3) managed to come out the winners of Field Day, 2008!

It surprised me to see some of our students with tears in their eyes as the day came to an end. What surprised me even more seeing parents with tears in THEIR eyes as well. It's worth it afterall...

Once the students made their way home, Vickie, Lisa, Sherry, Angel, April, and I headed out for lunch at Rafferty's. We leisurely ate and talked for two and a half hours! We arrived back at school about two o'clock. Sherry and I worked on our records until 6:30! Then I went to Cedar Springs to find a gift for a very special teacher and friend! Tomorrow morning is our last breakfast club at Panera. I'm sad. I will miss this group of special friends. If they only knew how much they mean to me...

Chelcie's Graduation Letter-May 16, 2008

May 16, 2008

Dear Beautiful, Talented, Godly, Intelligent, First-born Daughter,

You DID IT! Congratulations on your first of what are sure to be many major accomplishments! You have officially graduated from high school today.

I’m sure it probably seems like it took forever to get to this point in your life, but I assure you, for your dad and me, it’s been a blur! Today as I reflect back on your 13 years of “formal schooling,” I’m immediately taken back to your first day of Kindergarten. How vividly I recall tightly gripping your hand as we darkened the doors of A.L. Lotts Elementary School together for what was to be the first of many times. Do you remember finding your Clifford® nametag on the wall outside your class, and how devastated you were the first time you had to “bury your bone”? My heart aches with longing as I think of that little girl with a shy grin and a quiet disposition! Then when I see the young woman before me now, I can’t help but be overcome with gratitude to God who, in His infinite wisdom, entrusted your dad and me to serve as your earthly parents!

First grade brings to mind Mrs. Cutcliffe’s version of “You’re a Grand Ol’ Flag,” and the enthusiastic motions you learned as you marched to the patriotic beat of the “…ev’ry heart beats true…”. Do you remember the day she actually pulled your tooth for you? Ah, Chelcie, LIVE your days. Savor the little things in life because when you look back on it, it truly is the little things that matter most. I remember driving to school with you and Drew with me for the first time. Some days we would bow our heads and pray before we went in the doors of the school. Do you remember?

Your second grade teacher, Mrs. Mitchell, was BIG on writing! I’ve read a lot of books in my lifetime, but my all-time favorite is a short story entitled “Sunny, the Sunflower” about a little seed who lived in the dark and believed that the dark was all there was to life. Then, miraculously, through a period of growth and change, light appeared. That little sunflower story was amazingly philosophical about life itself. Sunny had her day in the sun and when it was her time to go away, she left her seeds to carry on after her. You, Chelcie are my legacy. You are proof that my life has not been lived in vain. It’s now up to you to stretch your arms toward to the Son and grow. Always remember where you came from, and Who it was who sent you here to make a difference in this world.

When I recall third grade, I’m reminded of Mrs. Dalimonte’s insistence on skills, skills, skills. She taught you the “meat and potatoes” of what you needed to build on to be an academically successful student in the days to come. Remember when I got to read to your class on Pajama Day? I think we have a picture somewhere…

Fourth grade got dramatic with Ms. Crossley’s play. You were by far the cutest lightning bug in the show, and I am completely unbiased! Nobody likes a tattletale-remember that!:) This was the year we welcomed Addie to our family and you became a big sister for the second time!

In fifth grade, for the first time in your life, you experienced the death of someone you knew. When Christian died, a part of your innocence was lost forever. You learned that children are not immortal and accidents happen. We had a blast at River Ridge your fifth grade year, compiling “food waste” in buckets and square dancing. I even recall scary faces in the light cast by Delaney’s flashlight on the wall of our cabin.

Then off you went to middle school. What a blur those years were! I was preoccupied with the two babies at home. On September 11, 2001, I watched in horror as two planes crashed into the World Trade Center towers. It seemed at the time that the world was coming to an end. All of us lost our innocence that day. Our country was forever changed. I remember thinking that if this is my last day on earth, I want my family with me, and I headed to school to pick you up and bring you home. Little did you know at the time, but your second little brother was on the way! Use your power of influence to make this world a better place. Remember what Hallerin said at the Baccalaureate service-“Love is the answer. I’m done!”

Oh, those awkward middle school years! You got braces on your first day of school which only served to make you a true adolescent girl! By the time you reached 8th grade, I was once again abundantly blessed to teach at the school you attended. If only other parents could know the joy of watching their children from a distance become adults right before their eyes.

Your high school years have been your “Sunny” years. You have emerged from the ground and have tilted your smiling face toward the sun. My baby girl “blossomed” in high school. Thankfully, you discovered Young Life and the eternal difference God can make in navigating your course in life. I couldn’t help but be prideful when I learned that my daughter and her friends were known as “The God Squad” at Bearden High School. Our two trips to the beach for Spring Break have been some of the most special times I’ve had with you and your six bestest friends on the planet. God has brought you all together for your reason. I know that together you will have an eternal impact on His kingdom.

Lord willing, someday, you too, will sit down to write a letter like this to your child. Will you fill it with thoughts of precious memories as I have? If I am allowed one regret- and I don’t want to think of my life as having anything to regret- it is that I’ve spent so much of my life rushing around in search of things that proved to matter little, while I walked past the things that matter much. Like spending time with you, Drew, Addie, and Sam.

Tonight, when you make your way across that stage, you’ll be leaving behind your childhood. Of course you’ll always be our baby girl. You’ll always be welcome home. Resist the temptation to crawl back into the nest where life is relatively safe, and you’re under the protective wings of your mom and dad. We are here for you now and always, but your life is waiting, Precious One. Change is tough. Uncertainty is unsettling, but you’ve been given the gift of life. Live it. Don’t spend too much time looking back through your rearview mirror and reflecting on days gone by. Put your foot on the accelerator and press on. New adventures await you. There are more things to see and experience. Enjoy the moments along the way and know that Daddy and I love you very, very much. You’ve made us all so proud of you.

Trust God and He will prove Himself trustworthy.
“Trust God from the bottom of your heart;
don't try to figure out everything on your own.
Listen for God's voice in everything you do, everywhere you go;
he's the one who will keep you on track.” Proverbs 3:5-6

I love you, Chelcie, no matter what, forever and ever!...even up to the ceiling!

Making Monday (and Tuesday) Matter!

This ride just keeps going and going and going! Monday morning at WVMS brought with it a day FILLED to the brim with hustle and bustle! Eighth graders tend to get a little antsy the last week of school. They are anxious to start high school, and ready to leave behind the awkward years of middle school. It's challenging for those of us who teach middle school to keep them focused and relatively calm during the closing days of the school year. Much to our disappointment, we did not have a plan time on Monday. This meant being "on" all day with the exception of a 25 minute lunch break. Whew! Fortunately, Mrs. Foil is in town now and we chose to launch rockets, figure tangents, and problem solve by packaging a raw egg inside the 2-liter bottle rocket. I say "we"- what I really mean is "they." The students did the hard work of building their rocket. Mrs. Foil tackled the task of teaching them the concepts behind effective design, and Mrs. Storms used some kind of angle-figuring-contraption to determine the altitude of each rocket. Mr. Hicks recorded the data on an "official" chart, while I had the arduous duty of filling the bottles with 600ml of H2O (that's water for those of you non-scientists who may be reading this blog). You might think I had it easy, but, trust me, I was challenged! Steady hand control coupled with good balance and coordination were my essential tools for success! Anyway, the kids had a "BLAST" (pun intended)! The rocket-launch was the highlight of my day at school. After school, Sam, Addie, and I headed over to the IMPACT soccer fields for a try-out for a more competitive soccer team for Addie. She said she didn't want to play soccer in the summer, but we'll see. She's a gifted athlete, and I know Tom will encourage her to play.

Tuesday was a marathon day! I had to drop by the grocery store on the way to school to pick up strawberries and pound cake for a "secret pal" revelation party after school. The morning was spent outside with Field Day. Our 8-3 students dominated the competition this year and I was oh, so proud of my homeroom! They put forth 100% effort. We'll find out the results at the awards ceremony on Thursday, but regardless of how they finished, my homeroom made me a very proud teacher!

April had the ingenious idea of ordering lunch from Hibachi Factory, so we were able to savor some flavor for lunch today as the cafeteria has taken to boxed lunches these last few days. I spent my 45 minute plan time preparing for the NJHS Induction Ceremony that was to take place this evening.

The students helped me disassemble my classroom by taking down all the signs, posters, quotes, etc. that have brightened their days for the past school year. Some talented organizers took care of my closet for me and probably saved me at least 3 hours of work next week! Bless them!

After school, I was frantic to get things prepared for the NJHS Ceremony, but I had a lot of fantastic help! Sherry and Michelle handled the details and I took care of the "big picture." Scotty was our keynote speaker, and Charlie Hicks took care of sound for us. I was pleased to see Mrs. Fuqua and Ms. Finley join us for the occasion. We had a tremendous turn-out of close to 200 parents and friends!

As a result of my busy day, I missed Sam's last soccer game of the season and his team party. Tom acted as parent-on-duty, while Drew carted Addie to her second day of try-outs. I almost lost it today due to stress, but a phone call to my mommy made me feel so much better about things. I am blessed! I have people in my life who love me no matter what!

Tomorrow is the last full-day of school for the 2007-2008 school year! Holding down the fort for two more days...

It's Worth It!

Whew! Keeping this blog updated is becoming a full-time job, but I am so grateful to have a place to document the moments of our lives. Without this record, I doubt if I would be as aware of where my time is being invested.

Saturday was a day of recovery after the excitement of graduation. Tom was out showing houses at 9:00, so he didn't get much rest, but Chelcie got to sleep in until about 11.

Addie went to Morgan's house for an hour or two, while Sam and I went shopping for art supplies from which to make a dorm room sign for Chelcie and Delaney. Morgan is spending the night with us tonight. Tom, Scotty, and Drake went to Kentucky to work on a job site, while I worked on painting the first dorm room sign. It will be Chelcie's sign. I'll post a picture of it once I complete it. The text is,

"I want to leave a legacy.

How will they remember me?

Did I choose to love?

Did I point to you enough

To make a mark on things?

I want to leave an offering.

A child of mercy and grace

Who blessed your name unapologetically,

And leave that kind of legacy." -Nicole Nordeman

What powerful words! I want those lyrics to be the theme song of my life. I must live every day in such a way as to please God, not man. Every day, every hour, every minute. Starting now. Lord, help me to leave a legacy.

Along those lines, I received a letter yesterday from a young man that I will share here in its entirety.

Dear Mrs. Crawford,

I know this letter is a little late, but I don't know if you remember in 8th grade in our final letter to you I said something along the lines of, "it would mean the world to me, " when referring to you coming to my graduation. And even though this letter is late, it would still mean a lot to me. After 13 years of school i can still say that you have been my favorite teacher the whole time. I have yet to have anyone that taught me so much and made it so fun at the same time. I have so many memories of being in your classroom not only in 8th grade, but in third grade as well. Every once in a while your name will come up in conversation with my friends and we will talk about a great time we had in your class. Believe it or not I am still good friends with the majority of the friends I made in your class in 3rd grade. Anyway, thank you so much for everything you have done for me over the years. I owe so much to you. If it were possible I would have you live in a dorm with me next year and teach me all of my classes because I know you could do it better than the professors. I hope to still occasionally see you around. Seeing you more would be even better.

Again thank you,

Dylan Wood

So, now you know why I HAD to attend the second graduation of the weekend. Sam and I met Chelcie at McCallister's for a quick bite to eat before heading back down to Thompson-Boling arena. She leaves Sunday for a Royal Caribbean Cruise with her friends and Young Life leader, so any moments that I can spend with her before she's officially moved out are precious to me, and hopefully, they are to her too.

The FHS Graduation speakers were excellent. Two of the three received a well-deserved standing ovation. But I wasn't there to listen to speeches. I was there to see a young man who took the time to say I mattered to him. Fortunately, I was able to find Dylan in the sea of blue caps and gowns. I gave him a hug and told him congratulations. When I mentioned his letter, he smiled and said, "So that WAS your house." Apparently, he hand delivered the letter the very day of graduation. He told me it meant so much to him that I was there and said, "I love you, Mrs. Crawford. You have no idea how much you mean to me." When I shrugged it off and told him he better stop saying things like that or he was going to make me cry, he said that he would cry too because he's kinda soft on the inside. It was moment in time in which I knew that what I do each day in the classroom is "WORTH IT!"

The Lord knows just what I need, just when I need it! As my heart is breaking, He knows. He knows.

Sunday morning was hectic as Chelcie, Morgan, Addie, Sam and I were up early. Chelcie had to meet her group at Taylor's house at 8:30 a.m. for their departure to Orlando. After quick hugs good-bye, the remaining kids and I headed to NorthStar. I am in need of someone to "point the way home" to me as I am dealing with some tough personal issues. I sat with Mom and Dad and Anderson and Deron. Scott preached another excellent message on repentance. One point that particularly stuck me was that we should make our decisions on pleasing God, not on pleasing men. Not coincidentally, Drew approached me about a beach trip with a friend whose mother and mother's boyfriend were taking next week. I felt the conviction of the Holy Spirit tell me to take a stand. I tried to explain to Drew the reason why I could not say yes to the trip. I want to leave a legacy...How will they remember me? Did I choose to love? Did I point to You enough to make a mark on things? I want to leave an offering. A child of mercy and grace who blessed Your name UNAPOLOGETICALLY, and leave THAT KIND of legacy...

Now Drew is upset with me. Tom said the trip was okay with him, so now I'm torn. Show me, Lord. Strengthen me and sustain me. This is hard.

We had a Reach Them Board Meeting today at Ed's house. We met in his "office/basement." Jo Bruce, Dave Gorden, Anderson, Ed, of course, and my dad showed up. We were missing Scott. It was a productive meeting and we are concentrating on structuring the organization in preparation of our independence next year.

Thankfully, Tom and the boys made it back home safely from their trip. I know he's tired. Speaking of tired...I'm calling it a weekend!

Highlights from May 14th-16th

These relatively random pictures require a brief explanation. The first picture is of "Reba" also known as Jordan, one of my favorite students!

Mallory and Cathy point out that Friday is their last FCF day at WVMS!

The third picture is of Papaw as he read Chelcie's graduation letter. And you wonder how I got so sappy?!

Picture number 4 is Sam after devouring one, count it, one chocolate sucker! We should buy stock in Tide!

The fifth picture was taken at Addie's soccer practice on Thursday. For some reason, I could imagine Tom and me racing around the park in our scooters in the not-so-distant future! Notice that SHE is kicking HIS butt!

The sixth picture if from Addie's Fun Day with her bff, Morgan. Unfortunately, shortly after this picture was taken, it started to rain and the kids had to head back inside to resume their studies.

The seventh picture is PROOF that yes, Crawfords do occasionally eat at home. This was a specially requested dinner of Chicken Pot Pie lovingly prepared for my daughter, Chelcie.

My personal favorite, however, is the last picture. This may look like a rubberband and a gold-plated paperclip to the untrained eye. To me, this is a one of a kind creation that Tiffany's could never come close to duplicating! This bracelet was presented to me in recognition of Mothers' Day, 2008 by the most handsome of young men! Samuel Ryan Crawford took good care of his momma by designing this exquisite piece himself. Notice the thickness of the band, the way the light catches the delicate curves of the charm-it's almost whispering, "I love you, Mom" with every flick of the wrist! Yes, crafted from his six-year-old hands, this rare piece is sure to be treasured for many years, or until the rubberband give out! :) I am loved!

Chelcie's Graduation!

She did it! Miss Chelcie Brooke Crawford has officially graduated from Bearden High School with the Class of 2008!

My morning got off to a great start. As has become my custom on Friday mornings, I met my WVMS friends as Panera for a cinnamon crunch bagel and unsweetened tea. I was actually the first one there, that in itself is an accomplishment for me as I tend to be a day late and a dollar short these days.

The school day was ummmm, interesting...as apparently a rumor has been circulating about a planned food fight for the history books. As a result, Ms. Finley came to each class and issued a stern warning that anyone involved in such an event would have criminal charges filed against him and would be suspended from high school for the first week! I gave a valiant effort to convince the kids that any such "prank" would most certainly NOT be worth the 15 minutes of fame he/she would earn from peers. The 8th grade teams were not permitted to eat together in the cafeteria and the boys were separated from the girls. They were made to walk in a single file line without talking. Hopefully, they will heed the warnings and finish the year well.

Another school-day highlight was the Yearbook Signing that was held from 1:30-3:30 in the 8th grade hallway. We have so many amazing students that I feel certain that I'll have the autograph of someone sure to be famous in the future!

Since today was our last FCF (Free Choice Friday), I spent my time at my desk pouring my heart out in a graduation letter to Chelcie. The letter will be posted here next week so that it will be recorded in a place where I won't lose it!

When I finally arrived home, I changed proverbial hats and kicked into "mom-mode." Addie and Sam both had soccer games at 5:00, so I prepared their change-of-clothes bags because they planned to meet me, Drew, Chelcie, and Ricky at Aubrey's at 6:30 and they wouldn't have time to return home to change. Chelcie and I had a few moments together as I ironed her graduation gown. She's ready...I'm not...

Ricky arrived and Drew, Chelcie and I were on our way to Aubrey's. Fortunately, I had remembered to call ahead for seating, but apparently, I didn't call ahead enough. Mom, Dad and Natalie arrived, Katie and Lauren also, then finally Tom arrived with Addie and Sam. Unfortunately, the wait time was underestimated and we had to make alternate plans. In the process of leaving Aubrey's, Katie and Lauren decided to head home, so we lost two of our entourage. In the interest of time, we opted for McCallister's on the strip and we salvaged our dinner plans.

The graduation ceremony was pleasant. I enjoyed seeing students I had in third grade at Lotts and eighth grade at West Valley emerge as leaders and role models in their senior class. Of the four senior speakers, I had the good fortune of having taught three of them-two of them I had twice! Ben Shires, senior class president, and Sarah Jordan Stout, were two-time survivors, and Brandee Kent is a former eighth grade student. All three did a fantastic job! Of course, the spotlight shone most brightly on my own graduating senior, Chelcie Brooke Crawford! She was radiant and confident! I had to battle the parent paparazzi to get recognizable photographs of her amidst the sea of burgundy, but I managed to snap a few shots for the memory book. Chelcie had a special yellow cord indicating her membership in National Honor Society and the program designated her GPA of a 3.5 or better! Tom and I were both proud of her.

At the conclusion of the ceremony, I was on picture duty for about an hour, then we headed home for a quick change for Tom and Chelcie for Project Graduation, bedtime for Addie and Sam, 11:30 isn't too late, is it? Drew headed to Andrew Soreano's for the night, Ricky was bound for the Jameson Inn, and I slipped into my pajama pants in the hopes of getting a jump start on the documentation of the festivities before my memory lapsed.

One down, three to go!

Kindergarten Fun Day, Soccer, and School (for some of us anyway)!

God is teaching me, molding me, making me into the woman He needs me to be. I'm learning to trust Him. I'm finding Him in unexpected places and when He meets me where I am, it surprises me. Today I found myself wrapped in His love and provision for my needs.

Just this morning on the way to Lotts, late as usual, Sam and Addie munching on Oatmeal Creme Pies and Pop-Tarts (is that a nutritious breakfast?), Sam declares, "I forgot to wear my class t-shirt, and it's Fun Day today!" Now, you tell me, I thought to myself. "It'll be okay, Sam, you can just wear what you have on! I'll try to call Drew to see if he can bring it by on his way to school." Drew owes me one anyway because he accidentally slept in yesterday and didn't make it to school until 10:30! I'd never have known had it not been for Bearden High School leaving a message informing me of my son's unexcused absence yesterday! Anyway, I called Drew's cell phone in the hopes of catching him early enough, but he didn't answer his phone. Sam got out of the car with his head hanging low, obviously upset about not having his shirt, but understanding that I have to be at school and Daddy's out of town. Addie and Sam gave me my hugs and kisses and I told them to have a great day, but I knew that Sam's day had started off on the wrong foot.

As I made my way out of the congested Lotts parking lot heading to West Valley, I was struck by the realization that there is nowhere I have to be that is more important than being THERE for my son. I did a U-turn and headed for home to retrieve a little red shirt. After much searching, I finally found that little red Lotts t-shirt under a pile of dirty clothes in the laundry room. Fortunately, it was dry and the dirt was virtually invisible to the naked eye. (Drew was in the shower and never knew I was there)!

Back to the Lotts school zone to wait in the long, long line of cars. Amazingly, I had a peace that passes all understanding as I listened to my buddy, Hallerin, and thanked God for prompting my heart to think of Sam instead of myself. I called my reliable friend, Phil, and asked him to unlock my classroom door for me since I was going to be late for school today. He sounded irritated, but was willing to comply with my request. When I FINALLY found a parking place and made my way through the maze of knee-level kids and frantic parents in the colorful hallways at Lotts, I got a sneak peek of Sam in action when he didn't know I was there. All the kids in his class were decked out in their red shirts, and Sam, the odd-ball, was putting his library books in the library crate. You would not believe the cantaloupe smile that spread across his face when he saw me there with his shirt! He reached up with his sweet arms and hugged me so tightly he squeezed a tear or two from my eyes. "Have a wonderful day, Sam!" Just proof of God's incredible provision, I made it back to my car with 10 minutes to spare. I wasn't going to be late after all! To add a miracle on top of that, the "Emissions Workshop!" light in my car picked this moment to go out and fix itself! My car is running smoothly after having been touched by the Master's hand. Hard to believe that the God of the universe heals sick cars too!

I was on time for school, and Ms. Finley allowed me a "pass" to go back to Lotts for a few minutes during my plan time to visit Sam while he enjoyed his Fun Day! God taught me a valuable lesson today! I am abundantly blessed! We've got soccer this afternoon, so I'll update again soon! Thanks for bearing with me as I share my life in words and pictures.