The Price of Jack

How do I set the limit on the price of Jack...well, below is what led up to my realizing what the price has been set at if I continue on this path...

The Relle Clan headed to McGowen on the last Saturday of May for the end of the year carnival. While Nick worked the bounce house (I volunteered baking for the bake sale) Jack and I walked around & Jack did a little ring tossing.
At the end of Nick's shift him and Jack took a trip on the giant bounce house slide Nick was stationed at together.

That smile just lights up my heart!

This smile too!

Warmth!

After playing around we had some Dicky's dinner of hot dog for Jack, bbq sandwich for Nick, and my turkey leg for Jack. It was almost bigger than him...but he handled up on it no prob.

Wednesday of the last week of school due to the scores resulting in McGowen being Exemplary again the administration, 5th grade teachers, and Nick (boys of the school band named Staff Infection that had just previously preformed at the Pep Rally-Nick's band name is Winston & he sang-so proud I tell you) had their hair mohawked & dyed blue. I had the honor of being Nick's beautician!

I've seen way too many pics of this, with way too many chins, and then saw one where we were HUGE on the jumbotron....I bet some of those future first graders on the front row were squished in my chins. Notice the pants...always shocks people when I reply that they were already in the closet on a hanger and get worn for things other than playing in a British Band named Staff Infection in front of elementary students and parents. Thanks Jeffrey!

Staff Infection
Here is where the price of Jack comes in....I work my ass off for over 12 hours a day at least 2 days a week in a room with no cell phone reception or window while someone else raises my sweet angel (that is not counting the weeks where the days are longer, the number of late nights are greater, and work is continued at home). The parents expect way more than I'm paid for, the paperwork and district expectations are (pardon my french) bullshit, and you know me....I take all that above and beyond because I don't do anything half ass...well, by the end of the year I think that this picture although appreciated and unnecessary on the part of the parents (don't get all "how rude is she to not be grateful for the gifts"-I am SUPER GRATEFUL), is still disheartening to me because Nick and I's gifts combined no where near total the price of how much I missed my Jack while working this year! Thanks to one particular mom who had already spoiled me with a mani/pedi/wine the week before (her son was my butterfly...came in trouble with a capital T, long hair, thought he was living in High School Musical and by the end of the year with Nick and I both teaching/mentoring him...he made a 180 and left a model student), I'll use the wine glass to inspire me to figure out a plan of action and the notepad to document it all so that I learn to balance OR better yet, get out of the system of teaching and into the system of Mommy. We made it through alive and now I'm ready for the summer with my little man!!!!!!!!!

I do feel that I should quote two particular cards that did touch me and helped to stomach all of the time I missed this year with Jack and Nick a tish more...but not fully:

Miriam's Mom included on the card attached to her summer breakfast for my family basket these sweet words:

Mrs. Relle,

Thank you so very much for everything that you have done this year. Miriam has truly thrived in your care. I could not have asked for a better teacher for her. You have managed to get her enthused about school again and instill within her a love of learning that will last a lifetime.

Thank you,

Jessica

Lucas's Mom wrote at the top of her card attached to wonderful gift cards the following note:

Jenn,

Lucas wrote his card first, I don't know what else I can say...he said it all. I'm so thankful Lucas had you for first grade. Thank you for seeing what a smart, loving kid he is. Have a great summer.

Michelle

PS- Your homework is....do not write us a thank you note, just enjoy

Here is what Lucas wrote:

Dear Mrs. Relle You=#1,

You are truly the best teacher I've ever heard, seen, and learned from. You are the best person in my world.

Sincerely,

Lucas

The ironic thing is that these two were my brightest, yet almost most challenging students (no one tops my little friend that thanfully will be next door in first again next year and not in my classroom) this year with tons of potential...just needed someone to work with them to make use of it, learn how to work with their anger issues, and love them for who they were rather than try to change them into something they aren't and will never be. Honestly I think they would have died in any other class....but those misfits just become my goal and in the end....I love them the most! I pray that next year their teacher continue with their growth!