Good bye for now Mrs. Tidwell

(So sad...My classroom looks so bare with everything gone and packed up.)

I can't believe it's already been a few weeks since my last day of teaching. I just finished my 3rd year teaching first grade and I have decided to stay home with Owen for now. I feel blessed to be able to just be his mommy but it sure was bittersweet saying good bye to my sweet students, fellow teachers and friends. I have made many, many special relationships at Jennie P. Stewart Elementary School. I have taught over 60 students and have had the privilege of teaching next to some amazing teachers. I totally cried like a baby on the last day of school. I had a few students and some parents crying as well. I hate good-byes, and so I like to call them "see you laters". I couldn't have asked for a better school to begin my teaching career. Everyone was so nice to me and welcomed me with open arms. They all gave me the confidence to be the teacher I wanted to be. My wonderful principal helped me grow each year. I will always remember those smiling 6 year old faces that I got to see each day. I will never forget the feelings I had as I watched them grow, learn and discover new and exciting things. I absolutely LOVED my job. And even though it was the hardest thing I have ever done, teaching and being a mommy, I truly think that being a mom helped me be a better teacher. I love each and every one of my students and will always remember them. Some great and lasting friendships were made that I will cherrish forever.
I will always cherish this friendship I made...Mrs. Mullins. :) We were neighboring teachers. She was my mentor and friend at Jennie P. We definitely just said "see you later." She is the type of teacher that I one day would dream to become. Truly a remarkable woman and friend. I love you Lynda!
I still plan on teaching in the near future. While we're in Arizona I plan to tutor from my house as well as teach dance so I can still develop and nuture my passion for teaching. But I will be so excited to one day have my own little class again. Here's to a new chapter in life!