Valentines at the Elementary School

It is an amazing experience, a Valentines party at the elementary school. The children are so excited all day, they can hardly be still or quiet. When the time finally arrives for the party the noise level begins to grow. As they pass out their Valentine cards you can hear them calling the different names of their classmates and laughing as they pass each other in the aisles. After the chaos of passing out Valentines is over, they begin to look through their bags and discuss the different cards and varities of candies. Can we eat it one? I say they can but the moms have their food for the party ready. More laughter and they line up for a smogasboard of food; vegetables, fruit, cupcakes, cookies, sandwiches, chips and drinks. They gather aroung each others desks to eat their food, the laughter and talking becomes even louder. Moms try to take pictures and visit among themselves. I, as the teacher, try to keep a smile on my face as I slowly loose control of the room. The noise level is over the top, but everyone is behaving and having a great time. I look at my desk full of boxes of candy, chocolate covered strawberries, tulip plants, roses, assorted little cards with candy taped to them, and a basket containing a teddy bear holding a heart and a pair of house shoes, I realize how blessed I am. I love my students and they love me. We enjoy being together even when I stomp my foot and tell them to listen to me, when I make them think before they ask me a question, and when we are learning new and interesting things. I look forward to going to "work". I love teaching my class about Jesus and what he means to me. I am blessed. In the middle of the chaos and noise, I begin to smile because I realize how VERY blessed I am. I am thankful for the Valentines party in my classroom!