Julia (at her 6th birthday Party) along with her brother, Sam would like to share their latest family news. ANNOUNCING: We are the very proud children of Mrs. Pam Rutland, TEACHER OF THE YEAR for Johnson Elementary School, Floyd County Georgia! Although we had to let mommy leave every morning to go to her school, it was worth it because our mommy proved that not only is she a wonderful mommy--she is also a wonderful teacher!

Yes, Julia and Sam had a little help writing this one, but they love their mommy so very much! Of course, MeMe and G-Daddy, (our mom calls them Mom and Dad) are so very proud of her too!

A little story about Pam--When she was a last semester senior at Jacksonville State University she held a summer job at Camp ASSCA, a camp for special needs kids and adults. In July, one month prior to graduation, she called home to say that her plans to be a physical therapist had changed, and she had decided to change her major to education and to prepare to teach Special Education. Because Matt was already at JSU also, and Amy had previously graduated there, we insisted that Pam accept her undergraduate degree, since it was already earned. She entered Grad school in the Education arena, and a year later, graduated with her Master's in her newly chosen field! She has a very special gift and loves her students more than anyone can imagine! She maintains her love of teaching although there are many challenges in managing a classroom of special needs children.

WAY TO GO PAM!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!