a favorite thing...

i have decided that children begging me to continue reading to them is one of my favorite sounds.

i hope that doesn't sound too strange.

or cruel.

right before christmas we finished a series of books.  the kids LOVED the books and i loved reading to them.  i was in a quandry as to what to read to them next but decided on a new series.

yesterday we started reading The Mysterious Benedict Society.  saying that they loved the first chapter would be an understatement.  they begged my continue reading yesterday...past the 30 minutes i usually read to them.  of course, i didn't.  i want them to be eager to hear the next "installment", if you will.

one of the best things, though, was that the main character, Reynie Muldoon, is tempted to cheat on a test he is taking.  most likely, he wouldn't get caught.  i could hear my kids whispering, "No, don't do it."  "Don't do it, it isn't worth it."  my heart swelled with pride.  when they found out that Reynie resists the temptation and doesn't cheat, they actually cheered.  they were so proud of him and i was so proud of them.

having this class for two years in a row has been such a huge blessing.  i love them like they were my own.  i am absolutely DREADING the end of the year.  the end of last year was tough, but i knew there was a chance i could have them again.  the end of this year, though, signals the end of my time with this group and thinking about it makes me so sad.

they are already plotting together to get me to move up....

;)