On the last day of school telling them (thankfully with Mark by my side ;) ) that I would not be teaching the next year and that I KNEW they would be in great hands brought tears to my eyes and theirs but they took it almost more maturely than I did myself. Of course there were the comments "We are going to adultnap you "(opposite of kidnap), and "Why do you have to leave you are one of the good and fun teachers!" all the way to "You can leave AS LONG AS you promise to come to our middle school, high school and college graduation!" I'm not sure I can describe the love I feel for these kids even though anyone close knows how often I would complain about them not listening, or not trying hard enough etc. etc. These kids have truly changed their mindsets and behaviors for the better and I KNOW that if they stay at that school they will meet our joint goal of going to and graduating from college!
And now, begins a new chapter in my life, starting with in 8 days, marrying my best friend :) I can't believe I will soon be a wife, but I also never knew I could care for our love anyone as much as I do him! I'm SO thankful for the 10 days I get to be here in NC before the wedding. Mom and I have been doing yoga, pilates, zumba. She's helped me buy ALL the things I'm going to need for the wedding. She's gotten me a massage ( I think she's trying to make sure I stay relaxed!) Dad has helped me with all the technology, fixing a virus on my computer the DAY I arrived. I am just so thankful for these two and know without them I would be a mess! Paul arrived today and we have already gotten to enjoy our new favorite event together, GETTING FROZEN YOGURT (yes this is just one way he is better than my fiance :)) And we've all gotten to love seeing the new Jack Russell puppy terrorize everyone else in the house, yet be SOO sweet and cuddly at the same time. (Just don't get too close or she WILL bite, and it WILL hurt!)
So now in 1 week I will be becoming a part of a BIGGER family, and be a Gerlach and an Aronson :) I'm excited to spend a couple of weeks with Mark on our honeymoon, get to see one of my close friends get married in July (then another in October, then November, then June, then July) and then move and start a new chapter in Minnesota! While it will be quite a change for this Carolina girl, I know that it is going to be great and I'm excited to start my new job teaching in Spanish again at an immersion school, teaching.... FIRST GRADE! Essentially this is a year of new beginnings for my husband-to-be and myself. We are excited to embark in the adventure together and know that even though there will be twists and turns we have so many great things happening and amazing people who will always be there to help us along the way.
So to new beginnings and a crazy road ahead!
