a back handed compliment

They are great!!  How ya doing Cindi?  From your ticker and the stories on facebook, it sounds like things are going well.

Be happy that they are noticing.  I teach teenagers, yes I know I'm crazy, and I haven't heard a word out of the ones in my classes.  I think they are too scared to say something thinking that they will hurt my feelings (very sweet of them, but I sometimes wish they would say something). 

The kids that I'm closer with, my officers and ones that have attached themselves to me (I have one that calls me mom but that's another story for another time), have said a few things.

I am happy she's noticing.  In her own teenager self centered way, she is noticing and underneath that facade of coolness, I know she's happy that mom looks more like the other moms now.  I'm sure your students are noticing and in their own way are happy for you too.  When I taught, I have to admit, I enjoyed the older teens more than the junior high age.  I so admire the teachers who love my daughter's age - she has a couple who she adores and they her too, and are making a positive difference in her kife, as I know you're doing too.  :)