a golden apple.

 I've been harboring a secret for a little over a month now.  

The lovely Laurie who is in the PTA and over the Golden Apple Award told me back in January that I'd been nominated for the Golden Apple Award by my students, their parents, the community, and the PTA.  

After she told me in the principal's office and I was sworn to secrecy, I walked down to my classroom and cried.  It's something that I didn't expect and certainly did not think was possible being a new teacher.  Sometimes it's nice to be recognized for your hard work.  Especially when you're doing something you love.

I can't think of a more amazing award to receive than from the people that I admire and love in the community of Rock Canyon Elementary.

They announced the lucky recipient [me!] today at our Spirit Week Assembly that was held in the Scera Theater.  My kids have been crossing their fingers, toes, and everything else all week to make sure I won.  I told them that there was no way that the PTA would give the award to a teacher who hasn't even finished her 2nd year teaching [*wink wink*].

[Although I was completely ecstatic when I walked down the aisle, I was completely embarrassed too.  I'm so glad this picture doesn't show how red I was.]

My bunch of 32 students were responsibly crazy (is that even possible) when Laurie called my name as the Golden Apple Award recipient today.  I think they were more excited than I was (which is hard!). 

[Laurie and myself... with the principal's shadow on the side.  Laurie is a wonderful lady and has become a good friend.  I adore her and her children.]

Laurie shared a sweet story with the school about a day last year that I visited her son (who was in my class) who had his tonsils removed and missed school for a couple of weeks.  I didn't realize she remembered the day I dropped by their house to give him some simple letters from our class and stop and chat with him to see how he was doing. 

It was a tender moment for me.

Tyler, my parents, and my grandma came to experience the moment with me (and the rest of the 645 students at Rock Canyon). 

My mom cried.  No worries though, she cries whenever her kids do something she's proud of.

Just when I thought my cheeks couldn't get any brighter, the principal then said I'd give a prepared 15-minute speech.  

Yeah, right.  I was off that stage pretty quick after that!

The PTA was incredibly generous in their gifts (Laurie even called Tyler to see what color of roses I'd like!).  They definitely made this little teacher feel completely and utterly grateful.

 [Beautiful orange flowers!]

Along with flowers and a framed award, they gave me a gift card to a certain wonderful bookstore that I adore and a couple of coupons to Marley's Gourmet Sliders restaurant (Tyler can't wait to use them!).

[from the best PTA in the world]

Honestly?!  My cup overfloweth with love and gratitude for the wonderful people in my life.  I really couldn't ask for more than what I have right now.