My Terrific Kids

Each month, the kids' school holds a "Terrific Kids" assembly, where awards are given in recognition of qualities demonstrated by students representing one of the letters in the word "Terrific". This month the quality the teachers were looking for in students was "capable". Connor's teacher called on Tuesday to let us know that Connor would be honoured today as a "Terrific Kid". She said he has certainly shown himself to be very capable through the whole process of moving to a new school and fitting into a new class. He didn't know anything about it, but she wanted to invite us to attend the assembly. I've been keeping the secret since then, and yesterday, Janelle's teacher called to let me know that she also would be honoured at the Terrific Kids assembly. Janelle didn't know anything about it either.

This morning I got up and got myself ready and told the kids they would need to ride their bikes to school on their own today because I had too many errands to run. The assembly was scheduled for 9:00 a.m., immediately after the first bell rang, and Chris and I didn't want the kids to know we were coming to the school, too. I sent them off on their bikes and then Chris and I arrived in the van right at 9. I'm pretty sure Connor caught a glimpse of us on the schoolyard before his class went inside, but I think it just piqued his curiosity. Janelle had no idea we were there until she was standing in front of everyone receiving her award, and I caught her attention for a picture.

They both looked so proud! I certainly do have terrific kids! They have handled this enormous transition with such grace, and their dad and I could not be more proud. I am just so glad they were recognized in a forum that they appreciate: their own school. Days like today do so much to make this feel more like home to them, and to me.