What Makes Mrs. Shetter Cry, Graduation Day and Snow Fun

Our school runs sort of a token system where our students earn eagle feathers for excellent "Eagle Behavior". At the end of the month and only once a month, the students attend the school store to redeem their feathers for items. Unbeknownst to me, my kids collected over 200 of their eagle feathers (most gave up all of their feathers) to go in on buying me two large sized stuffed animals (a dog which they promptly named Rufus and a killer whale named Xavier). Students go to the store during their lunch and recess time so I had no idea they were doing this. It would take a whole year to earn that many feathers. The kids came back to the room singing "We Wish You a Merry Christmas" and proudly presented me with the stuffed animals. When they told me that they went in on the gifts I teared up. How sweet, unselfish and thoughtful my fourth graders are. I truly love them. They are such a good example to me. They work so hard to earn those feathers and the fact that they gave them up for something for me means so much more than I could ever express. Last night I finally graduated with my Masters Degree in Education (Teaching and Curriculum). I wasn't going to walk but my family convinced me that I would regret it if I didn't. They were right. It finalized the ending of all the hard work (one of the hardest things I have ever done once Bennett arrived). Tim wants me to add that I did get to graduate with a 4.0 but I don't want to brag. He put together the video of me graduating at the end of the post. I wasn't going to put it on because I sound nerdy and it is a bit embarrassing, but some of my friends and family that couldn't make it to graduation asked to see it.

This morning we woke up to a lot of snow. It has snowed all day long and is still snowing. We already have 12 inches! It has been so nice to be forced to relax, watch Christmas specials, and enjoy some time spent together. We couldn't resist taking Bennett out to play in the snow. Of course he cried the whole time we suited him up and cried when we made him come inside. Boy is he exhausting!

We had so much fun outside it was worth it. Tim is trying to train Bug early to help shovel snow. We'll see how long that works out!