Non-Pony Related, (but still fun)

In my non-horse time I am a teacher. I teach kiddos who are in K-2 and have severe emotional/behavioral problems. I use to have a self contained program, but starting last year I decided to do "full inclusion." It has gone really well, and my kiddos are some of the best behaved (FOR the most part!) They are pretty much amazing kiddos, and I love them more when I'm not getting bit. Friday at school I was going about my business when a man in a suit came into my school and asked to talk to me. I had no idea what he was talking about, so I suggested he find my principal.

Flash forward 30 minutes and I'm told to go to the office. All of my students are taken to lunch, and I am stuck sitting in the office. Something was up, but I couldn't quite figure out what. I hate surprises.

After another 5 minutes the principal called over and asked for me to come to the cafeteria. I think to myself, "I told you that I should go with them, why would you let "Johnny" go to lunch anyway, he usually eats with me." So I did what I normally do and I took off at a dead run into the very quiet cafeteria. There in the front was a man with a giant check being held by my students, a man with a camera and a lady with a big smile. As soon as I hit the door 200+ kids yelled "Surprise."

Side Note: SO Happy that I decided to actually get dressed nice for Friday. SO Happy.

Anyway, the man was from the Seattle Seahawks and apparently I was nominated for an award, and won. I am one of 24 teachers picked for the "Heroes in the Classroom" Award, and I was picked by the Seahawks. I have never won anything for teaching before other than some silly awards here and there that they gave me so I would keep killing myself.

What did I win? (This is from their website):

• $1,000 donation to their classroom
• Two tickets to a Seahawks regular season game
• In-game HawkVision (JumboTron) "spotlight"
• Pre-Game VIP sideline experience
• "Heroes" award certificate
• School visit by sponsors to recognize their achievement

I'm most excited about the fact that I get a jersey with my last name on it. I also got a $350 gift card to Office Max and a "special" discount card for 50% off at Office Max and a bag of goodies. 

The guy went over what I won, and instantly I had 72 little boys ask if they can go with me to the game. I'll probably take my hubby. It was pretty fun day. 

Today I spent it shopping for food for my "Pantry." I started a program last year and send home backpacks to kids who might need more food over the weekend to help them make it to Monday. 

Overall, a pretty good weekend. Even if horses weren't involved.