Conferences...

Conferences always make me anxious...  Besides only having 20 minutes with the teacher (and this year only 5 minutes for each of Blake's teachers) and the fact that I take my kids progress very personally just about kills me leading up to the conference.  I can't stop thinking that my kids social and academic performance has to be a HUGE reflection on my mothering skills.  Did I ever mention that I don't like to fail at ANYTHING???

This year was even a little harder because Blake is in middle school and has been struggling with being organized, getting work turned in on time AND with math.  I have been a math nazi lately with him.  Several nights we have both been in tears...  He did rock his current math test though.  Best score ever on a math test!!!!  Way to go Blake...  A huge relief for me as well.

I scheduled the conference so Brett could for sure come with me.  I needed him to be my supporting half.  WOW...  The conferences could not have gone better.  I am still smiling from what I heard.  Grades are important to me, but even more important is the social and "good" person skills.  I know that my kids will be successful in life, but I really stress being a caring, empathetic, responsible, helpful person.  Every teacher commented on what great people my kids are ---  I couldn't be more proud.

Here is a little tid-bit on each:

Caitlin:
* always smiling
* amazing artist
* best handwriting in class
* loves hangin' with her BFF Claire

Madison:
* loving breakfast club every Thursday morning before school
* making lots of new friends - huge for my shy little girl!!!!
* very organized and always the first to turn things in
* A  model student :)

Blake:
* amazing reader - can't keep enough books on hand for him
* super helpful to all teachers
* empathetic and helps other students - even buys cookies for kids at lunch frequently
* science rock star

During the conference, Blake did the sweetest thing.  I will never forget it.  I made a comment to his math teacher about how it makes me feel like a horrible mother when he doesn't do well...  Blake quickly hugged me right there in front of his teacher and said, "You are always a great mom"!!!!

I went to bed that night feeling very blessed...