How Are You Feeling Today?

A couple of years ago, I was fortunate enough to be invited to Florida with some friends.  These little fellows accompanied me on my return trip and quickly found a new home on top of the pink fridge in my classroom.
People who see them think of them as little more than decorations for the kids to enjoy.  The truth is, they are my mood regulators.  Each day, I move the character that most closely resembles my current mood to the middle.  Most characters are perfectly acceptable, but there are days when Grumpy takes center stage.

Grumpy and small children are not exactly a good combination.  I try to change the lead character, but really, the kids do it for me.  Without even trying, they can often bring Happy back into the spotlight.  Something they say or a look they may give me usually has me laughing or smiling within five minutes of their arrival.  How lucky I am to have constant sources of happiness all around me every day.