Jumping for Joy

Today I sent 23 first graders off to second grade! Yay! I am jumping for joy, not literally of course, but mentally. I have had quite a challenging year and I am so glad that it is finally over. I am very thankful that teaching allows you to start fresh each new school year. I will be starting my 6th year in August and I am hoping for a much easier and calmer class this next year without all the whining, tattle-telling, and extreme behavior problems. But in case that doesn't work out, at least I only have to endure it for about six weeks until Baby Seth is born.
I have one more work day tomorrow where I have to pack the rest of my things away for the summer, but I already have most of that stuff done thanks to a very productive half day of working after the kids left. I am going very minimal for my set-up next year seeing how I will only be there for a short time, so I will have more time to finish setting up the nursery this summer. I also have to do some major work on my thesis. I am going to have to set a strict schedule for myself to be able to stay focused on writing three chapters. I also have plans to do some quilting, some reading just for fun, and bargain hunting at consignment stores and yard sales. So with all my feelings of great joy right now in hopes for a nice long summer break, I couldn't be happier and although I can't jump, I think Seth is doing some jumps and cartwheels for us both.