Ahhhh....Summer....

With the final days of school comes the final Thank You gift for the teachers. Not that I mind, I really appreciate all that these people do to instruct and edify the young minds in my home. Not to mention the love that they show to my children. However, as a teacher (to toddlers, but a teacher nonetheless), I struggle to decide on what to give the teachers in our lives. I want the kids to choose a gift that is meaningful, but useful; appreciated, yet disposable. Let's face it...many gifts that teachers get are lovingly displayed on their desk or shelf until school's out, at which time, they are guiltily bumped into the circular file. If this didn't happen, every teacher who has taught for any length of time, would be living the story of Sarah Sylvia Cynthia Stout. (You know, the Shel Silverstein character who would not take the garbage out...)

But I digress. When it comes to gifts, cost is also an issue, especially when you start to figure in multiple teachers for multiple children (Joshua had two teachers this year...everyday...) You get the idea. Anyhow, this year, Joshua decided that he wanted to give flowers. GREAT!! I have really appreciated the flowers given to me by my kids because there is no guilt in tossing them after I have enjoyed every beautiful moment and fragrance they had to offer! But, again, the cost must be weighed. Not to mention that when we went to the local (not so local) SuperCenter, the floral department had been scavenged of all but the most expensive, least pretty, simple cellophane arrangements. So to plan B. After a three-year-long learning curve, I finally left my hydrangeas alone this year, and as a result, I actually have some beautiful flowers this summer! So I decided to chop 'em off and give 'em to the teachers who mean so much to me and my kids! At the SuperCenter, I picked up some $2 vases, and some floral foam, and home we went to create what you see pictured below! I was very excited...obviously or I wouldn't be posting about them would I? Anyway, for your viewing pleasure, my hydrangea bushes (pre-cutting) and the gifts that they produced.

Ahhhh...Summer vacation is upon us at last. Now what to give next year?