a teacher, a friend and a fashion show

i'm so thankful for the teachers that my girls have had the pleasure 

of spending their time with at school.

emery had the same teacher for JK and SK (brilliant!).

her teacher's name is mrs. leis.

she has been teaching kindergarten for 20 years and is a mentor and example 

for her students and other kindergarten teachers.

sadly, this was her last year at our school.

yes, there were tears shed on the last day... 

i could go on and on about the things she has done for emery 

and her classmates over the past two years, but this story says it all:

(i get emotional just thinking about it)

emery's good friend maggie has had a challenging year.

mrs. leis has played a huge role in maggie's life during this difficult time, 

one of strength, love and comfort...

just last week mrs. leis contacted maggie, 

hoping to take her out for ice cream (yes - during the summer).

the timing wasn't going to work for that, because maggie was at a day camp.

 so maggie's mom invited mrs. leis to a fashion show that maggie was going to be a part of.

mrs. leis willingly accepted that invitation.  

she took time from her family and holidays to attend the show and brought flowers for maggie! 

how fantastic is that?!

emery was also invited to the show and they all had a wonderful time. 

i love this photo below...

a special moment captured - that will be remembered for a long time...

mrs. leis,    

you are an inspiration.  

thank you for loving your "room 4 friends" so much.

your new school and students are so lucky to have you in the fall.  you will be missed.

wishing you all the best,

          ~ cheryl

maggie,

i'm so glad that you and emery have become great friends!

based on all the fans that came out, it sounds like you were the star of the fashion show!

way to go girl!

            ~ cheryl

photos taken by maggie's mom (another inspiring woman...)