So different, yet so much alike

We've been attending parent teacher conferences for two weeks now. With five kids, the task can drag out for what seems like forever! Just coordinating times to get in without driving back and forth ten times or more is half the battle. We had three schools, 18 teachers, 40 miles and two of us! I did the three youngest ones by myself. It took me over four hours and an entire afternoon of waiting, talking, listening, suggesting and note taking to get learn about my children's academic success. All of their teachers said that the boys are cordial, respectful, and well behaved. Phew, so far, so good! There always seem to be pressure to do these required school visits. My children's teachers know that I am a teacher, too. So, we both tread lightly while discussing the details of their schooling. My husband and I went to the older boys' conferences in the evening with the child in tow. At the middle and high school level, tables are set up for the teachers with large signs of their names in the middle of the table. We wander around a large gymnasium looking for the right one. After a simple hand shake and greeting, the 10 minute countdown begins. Our oldest son's teachers all said the same thing in the first 30 seconds. "Your son is funny and loves to laugh and crack jokes in class." I gasped, and swallow hard. "Oh, is he a disruption?" Thankfully, the teachers said that he is very kind and has a great sense of humor. Our oldest is also smart with a difficult class load. Gee, where is that kid when he is busting on his brothers or tells me at 6 am that my eggs are rubbery! Our second son's teachers say that his is quiet, nice, and works hard. That's nice to hear, I'm thinking! But, what about that attitude when it comes to doing the laundry at home? In conclusion, I guess it's good to know that our children act appropriately while away from home and are socially and academically functioning "normal." I'm glad that they can be little stinkers at home where our comfort zone is suppose to be safe. Good luck to all the parents out there who tackle parent teacher conferences with a large family!