Miss Johnson's 5th grade class: March 2011

   For the past couple of months, in the mornings before we go to prep, we have been learning new idioms. Just this week, the kids discovered I had some idiom dictionaries. They were looking through them and I heard Nicky so (with a question in his voice)--"no spring chicken." I asked him what that meant. But, he didn't really know, so I encouraged him to look up the definition. He quickly responded that "no spring chicken meant you weren't young." He very innocently looks at me and says, "So, Miss Johnson---you're no spring chicken." Well, I didn't really think that was very funny because---I'm REALLY not that old!!! We all had a good laugh though.
So, fast forward to Friday. The kids had discovered that my birthday was during Spring Break and they had been conspiring with Miss Bonnie to surprise me for my birthday. Since I am such a wise person---I could tell that something was up, but I decided to let them have their fun.When I arrived at school Friday morning, I was flabbergasted at the state of my classroom. There were brightly colored balloons everywhere, and it looked like a confetti factory had exploded all over the floor. It brought a huge smile to my face. I could tell, this was going to be a really fun day. However, I wasn't prepared for just how much I would laugh the entire day.
   The boys were so excited, they could hardly contain themselves. They urged me to open my gift right away, which I was happy to do. But, to their dismay, their card they had so lovingly picked out, was not with the gift. Miss Bonnie must still have it (which she did and when I finally got to read---I had a good laugh). Just a word of caution though, I don't think people like it when you refer to their age in decades---that makes you feel REALLY old!!
   When Miss Bonnie arrived at school, the excitement level was raised even more, for with her, she brought THE CAKE. I couldn't do anything else, by directive of the boys, I had to look at the cake RIGHT NOW!! Now, I have to say that I was very puzzled and had no idea what this cake would have on it. So, I opened it and laughed, and laughed and laughed. Because on the cake it said "Good-bye Spring Chicken."
   I will always remember this birthday for the delightful gifts and thought that went into everything that was planned and done. I doubt I will ever receive a cake that says these words again, nor will I be sung to over the school's intercom system. Guys---You made this teacher's day!!!!!!