My Sweet Baby

Tomorrow is a TAKS test across the state of Texas...so I called Mitchell tonight to give him a pep talk before the 5th grade Math test.

He immediately knew my motives..."I know you called to talk about the TAKS test tomorrow."

"Well, yes, I did. Which one do you have...blah, blah, blah"

After a couple of seconds of asking him how he feels about it, etc. I say, "Well, I have gone to a lot of meetings about the secrets of TAKS. Would you like to know what they are?"

He cracked me up! So seriously and with sincerity, "Well, only if it isn't cheating." I said, "Oh, it's definitely not cheating. What I know is that students who show their thinking get more correct."

Humm, he is listening. I ask if he knows about UPS check. He's never heard of it. So in that style that I can't turn off, I just briefly explain what the letters stand for and let him know that basically that just means slow down, show your thinking, and do your best work. I check for understanding...so, what do each of the letters stand for? He repeats it back to me. Alright, well, if you do that tomorrow....thrown in with a good dose of I believe in you, and I love you.

At this point, my heart bursts with pride...Mitchell says, "Whew, I sure am glad that I have a sister who is a third grade teacher."

He's almost set! A few more affirmations. I check on the plan for a good night of rest and a good breakfast. Check!

Now, just a little prayer that the Lord will take care of my sweet baby tomorrow!

I love him!