I call my classroom a family. We are a family. Children hear me say all the time, “Once an Aqua Roomer, always an Aqua Roomer.” That means family is always there for you. Children can take Gloria home long after they move on to older classrooms- and they do. Children can return to visit anytime, especially being a Guest Reader- and they do.
My family visited this past weekend, plus more days. It was wonderful. Hubby Steve is the baby of the family, and he and his sister are the last of the siblings. We reminisced in a loud, wonderful, laughing, interrupting way- just the way it always was in his family.
She brought Steve a photo of their parents the day they were married. He had never seen this photo and was moved to tears.
She also brought Steve his favorite childhood book. Oh my, I have heard stories about his mother reading aloud this book to him and his sister since we were married. It’s nice to finally see the book, after well over 40 years. Steve couldn’t even speak.
Family is everything! Whether it’s my Aqua Room preschool family or Steve’s family, it counts as #1.
I am catching up with all of your blogs. Family first.
Jennie
A Teacher's Reflections 
Perfect! ❤ xo
🥰
A very heartwarming family post!
Wonderful memories. Thanks for sharing, Jennie
Thank you, John. 🙂
As the saying goes……”Many moon ago” when our species were hunter gatherers. We gathered together into Clans for not just protection but survival. Individuals who were by themselves would have higher mortality and a shorter life.
This objective has been passed down through the millennia in our ancestral DNA.
So basically he/she who has lots of social connections has a better chance of surviving (both physically and emotionally). The social net you rely upon when you fall.
Loners do not have this social catch net and so fall through the cracks and perish.
So when you mention “family”,you could exchange that word for Clan.\ Jennie.
You have a great looking Clan!
Well said, Wayne!
Family first should always apply. What a precious photo! I’m glad that Steve and his sister had that special moment.
You’re absolutely right, Pete. I’m having the photo framed- very special.
So true about family, Jennie! And I also love Uncle Wiggly, especially the board game with all the characters.
Yes!!
family is everything. Glad your husband got to enjoy this special time.
It is, Lori. Thanks so much.
Leave it to Big Sister to save a few precious items from her Baby Bro’s childhood and present them to him at just the right time in life.
Really special…
You hit the nail on the head, Laura!
Absolutely family is everything 😍
Yes!!
🥰
Hold on to the good in people and your centre is safe. Lovely class, family and objects that hold memories.
Hear, hear!
these are such treasures, people and special family and items included
Yes, they are. 🥰
Love the story. Family always first. What an amazing wedding photo. Love the dress.
Thank you, Norah!
A delightful post of family memories and treasures, a wonderful photo and that book what treasures to have and reminisce over how perfect a gift from big sis to little bro…Hugs x
Thank you, Carol. Priceless! 🙂
I agree, Family is very important. And a family can be created anywhere. I love the wedding photo and that old book is a gem. Reinforcing the importance of reading to children. The memories that must have flooded back to your husband when he held that book in his hand.
I was the fly on the wall as his sister talked about the book and the photo and presented them to him. It was wonderful! They both have strong memories of their mother reading to them, including her ‘voices’ as she read. The photo is a real gem. Here’s to family!
Yes family first! Awesome!🥰
Thank you.
Hi Jennie, this is wonderful!
Hi Charles! This was intended to be an “I haven’t been able to read your blogs, and visiting family is why” post. Of course once I started to write, there was so much to say about family… 🙂
Good times, and priceless treasure!! Yes, family first. 🥰
Yes, indeed! 😍
What a lovely wedding day photo of Steve’s parents. They look a bit like Bonnie and Clyde! 🙂
Best wishes, Pete.
Yes, they do! Best to you, Pete.
Awww, so wonderful to be around family. That’s the thing that this pandemic has robbed me of the most (and everyone of course) is to be around family and watching my niece and nephew grow up… I wanted Charlotte to grow up with her little cousins down the road but here’s hoping for better days! Love the antique boooook, wow how cool it would be to gently leaf through the pages…. heaven!
You are so right about being around family, and how the pandemic has robbed people (especially children) of doing just that. This family visit with Steve’s sister was the first in two years. That in itself was wonderful. Oh, the stories and laughter! Then add the photo and book, and that was the icing on the cake. Yes, you would love to leaf through those pages…I will be reading the book to my class.
Uncle Wiggly and His Friends! I remember that book with that cover. I don’t know if I read it though, just that it was in our house having come from grandpa’s house.
I’m so glad this gave you a memory. Do you have your grandpa’s book? There are little things from the book that Steve and I still say, such as calling me Nurse Jane Fuzzy Wuzzy when someone has a boo-boo or feels sick.
No, I don’t have the book anymore. Too bad as it sounds like there could be some fun stuff in it, Nurse Jane F.W. 😁
At least you have the memories! There is great fun in the book, and I’m happy to be Nurse Jane F.W. 🙂
All families are created. Some by combining DNA and others by combining a simple thing like love.
My goodness, that is simply wonderful. And love can conquer so much.
Family is indeed everything. Gosh, Jennie, I had forgot all about Uncle Wiggly. Thanks for reminding me. It was one of the books the teacher in the one-room schoolhouse read to us.
I’m so glad you were lucky to have a teacher who read Uncle Wiggily. A one-room schoolhouse? Wow! Thank you, Don. Here’s to family!
One room, one teacher, all 8 grades. Had low of 10 kids and a high of 18. My 1st year teacher was Miss Fee. She finally retired at the end of that year. Here’s story about her you might get a kick out of.
https://donostertag.wordpress.com/2013/04/06/miss-feethe-dial-switcher/
I really enjoyed the post, Don. Thanks! She had to be a rock. One room and all 8 grades. Wow.
I loved it. When I went to a city school my last 3 elementary years I remembered so much of the lessons the older kids had in the one-room.
🙂
Wow! Very nice and thank you 😊
Thank you.
You’re welcome 😊
Most things come after family. 👏
I hadn’t thought about Uncle Wiggly since I was a kid playing the Uncle Wiggly board game. I don’t remember much about the book or the game, but I know that I loved both. I love seeing the brother and sister together.
The Uncle Wiggly books left you with some memories; that’s a good thing. I don’t know the board game, but Hubby and his sister reminisced about that, too. It was wonderful to have them together. More than wonderful! I’m glad you liked the photo.
I love to see the people I only read about. That is why I finally posted me with the Easter bunny.
I’m so glad! I love to see the people I read about, too. Your smile was enormous.
Reblogged this on NEW BLOG HERE >> https:/BOOKS.ESLARN-NET.DE.
Thank you, Michael!
A delightful post, and a wonderful remembrance, Jennie! These are the things ever kept in our hearts. You are having a home in every heart of your (former) students too. Fantastic! xx Michael
Your words are very kind, Michael. Thank you!
Family bonding. Nicely penned down with beautiful photos 📸
Thank you.
You’re welcome 😊
So beautiful Jennie….
Thank you!
Well said. Your post made me think of this quote from Eva Burrows: “The love of a family is a life’s greatest blessing.”
Eva was spot on! Thank you.