Retirement

Last week one of the greatest art teachers in the world retired from the classroom after 31 years. My mom (and quite possibly my best friend next to Wesley) has chosen to enter the next chapter of her life. She's not exactly sure what that will look like, but she does know that it will include more time with the Lord, grand kids, and experimenting with her own art and creativity.

The school had a reception for her and later our family threw a surprise party for her at their home. We figured out that in the school setting alone she has impacted well over 4,000 students' lives! (That's not including all the kids she has taught in Sunday School for the last 10+ years--which she will continue doing!) Whether it was simply teaching kids how to express themselves through art or in a relationship with Jesus Christ, my mom has left a great legacy in the lives of students in her community.

My mom with her mom.

Josie's favorite part was the dessert table.

Isn't he just precious!?



The Superintendent giving my mom her plaque. Before he called her up on stage, he spoke about the importance of teachers and read a beautiful and inspiring essay on teaching. When he finished he held it up and announced that it was my mom's teaching philosophy from her application when she applied to work at RHS.

Our family.

These were the rules my mom had posted in her classroom for years. I remember as a little girl seeing her work on this poster before her time at RHS began. Now they're hanging in the playroom at my parents' house.

Surprise!

Another artistically talented teacher at school drew a picture of Mom (in the background) and it was amazing.

I was privileged to have my mother as a teacher for my four years in high school and enjoyed every moment. She was harder on me than any other student so no one could ever realistically accuse her of favoritism, but that's OK. I think I'm a better person because of how God used my mom in my life.

Honestly, I'm so excited about her retirement because I know we'll get to spend more time together, not only with my kids, but also working together to grow artistically. What fun we will have!

(And if you're wondering why on earth Wesley was in a suit and tie it's because he is an administrator at the school and had to "dress up" that day.)