July 4th: Let Freedom Ring!

I've always been a huge fan of the 4th of July...what's not to love? Fireworks, family, friends, watermelon, parades, soaking up the sun (most years :). But for the past few years the 4th of July has meant much more to me than all this. It holds a special place in my heart. This year I kept thinking about the summer my dad went to Kuwait with the Army. He stayed with us on the 4th just long enough to watch the fireworks and say a few goodbyes, and then he left to serve our country for 7 months. He was in an Arabic Nation on 9-11, and continued to serve us willingly. I have really come to love that quote, "Freedom Isn't Free." I've seen firsthand, first with my dad and then again with my younger brother, that our freedoms haven't come without a price...whether it's through blood and trauma or simply time away from home, it's a sacrifice I'll be forever grateful these men and women willingly take.



Getting ready to go to Riverton Days :)


The camel we saw...isn't she cute! She's only 3 months old.


We got to feed the camel!


My sister Racheal and her husband Sam. They were kind enough to invite us to go see the Bees game with them on the 4th.


Dale and I at the game- it went 12 innings...wow, L-O-N-G game! The fireworks afterwards were definitely worth it!

No more pencils, No more books! No more teachers, dirty looks :)

Well, school is officially out for the summer. Well, "Summer"...3 weeks isn't much of a summer, but as I am constantly reminded by my sister and brother-in-law, not everyone is lucky enough to get even 3 weeks off. I had really mixed feelings about letting my class go...I absolutely love teaching, and have especially loved the sweet class I have had this year. To be honest, I've been blessed with such a good class that I'm a little nervous about what's in store for the new school year! Oh well, only time will tell, right? One reason I love teaching is because these kids are hilarious! These are my 2 favorite memories from this year:

- My kids earned a class party- poor kids, I made them fill this jar with marbles...it took them all year. Apparently the jar was a lot bigger than I thought :). They chose to have a Pajama Day/Popcorn Party, so they all came dressed in their adorable PJ's and slippers. Well, this one skinny little boy dressed in these cute little sports PJ's came up to me and said, "Mrs. Jessee, I hate wearing these shorts- they show my leg fat." I couldn't help but laugh :).

- Dale came a few times to play the piano for my class- my kids were absolutely mesmerized by him. One little girl came up to me after he had left and said, "If you and Mr. Jessee ever get a divorce, let me know!" Apparently a few of my girls had a little crush :). Dale and I both got a kick out of that one.