Last Day of School

And just like that the school year is over!  We are steadily getting closer and closer to the kids growing up and leaving the nest.  I'm starting to panic with the girls and trying to hold on to my boys!  Daxton had Mrs. Ramsey.  She was such a good fit for him.  She loved him with all of his quirks and helped him thrive in that classroom.  

Kelton had Ms. Weiher.  Their class were her Muppet babies and she their Muppet mama.  It was a classroom full of structure and expectation.  She was just the right amount of silly for him which was perfect.  

McKenzie thrived in 7th grade.  We were invited to an end of the year awards ceremony for her GPA-straight A's for this girl!  They were also handing out character and academic awards within the core.  After they had finished math, science, English, etc.  Mr. Wedermyer  stood up to announce the top girl in Timerbline Core, a girl who showed determination, respect, kindness, responsibility, and academic excellence...it was McKenzie!  Her face was full of disbelief as she walked up to receive her certificate.  I was bursting with pride seeing her up there.  

Cambrie had a great year of growth as a sophomore.  She learned how to advocate for herself and worked so hard to overcome some challenges she's had this year. She had a couple of teachers who cared for the person more than just the grades, let her share daily dad jokes with them, and even use the emergency shower in science just to see what would happen.  Thank you amazing teachers!  It was also a year with growing independence.  She lettered for the first time this year and is excited to see if she can letter in more areas next year.  

So many of her friends are receiving their drivers licenses, which means that I am seeing a lot more of this, her and her friends taking off on their own!  I am so excited for everything she gets to experience as a teenager and hopes she loves these years.

Field Day

It has been so rainy this month that we weren't really sure if the weather would be clear enough for field day.  Luckily it was perfect weather.  The stations were so fun and I love being able to watch them run and play.  

This year Kona Ice even showed up for a perfect treat at the end of a very active afternoon!

 

Boys Thunder

Kelton loves his soccer teammates.  They've had a huge season of growth on the soccer field and are fired up for what's in store next season.  Kelton still plays defense and knows his teammates can always count on him to protect their backfield.  His passing has become much more accurate.  His stamina is fantastic.  He just plays with so much enthusiasm.  

The last game of this season was up in Fort Collins and we had the most fabulous sunset.  So while they didn't win like they had hoped, it was a great evening and a great way to finish up the season.

 

I love sitting on the sidelines cheering on my little soccer players.

Mother's Day

I love May!  I love Mother's Day!  I love the simple nature of the day.  I love not having to cook breakfast or dinner.  I love the little love notes.  I love the flowers. I love just spending the day with my family.   

Thanks for letting me be your mom.  Thanks for being patient with me as I learn how to best show you I love you.  Thank you for letting me make mistakes as I try to guide you as you grow.  Thanks for simply letting me a part of your little lives.

Night of the Notables

The third graders end of the year project is Night of the Notables.  They have spent months researching their famous person in history so that for one night they can BE that notable person.  Kelton chose Gail Halvorsen as his notable.  He made a ceramic bobble head of him.  He wrote a full report and turned it onto a digital book.  He gathered artifacts and pictures to use in their living museum.  Once he was in costume he was ready to roll!  Doesn't he look so good?  

The third grade began the night with a few songs about notables with the invitation to ask them about history.  

They then spread out throughout the school and it was up to the parents to go and interview them.  We were tasked with identifying who they were based strictly on the biographies the students gave us.  They were all little experts and did so, so well.  

At the end of the night we went to their classrooms to look at all of the artifacts they brought in.  Kelton had a picture of Gail Halvorsen with the kids who inspired him to do the candy drops, candy with parachutes, thank you notes from kids who received some of the food, and a few medals Gail Halvorsen received for his service.

  

He did such a fabulous job presenting that night.  I was incredibly proud of the work he put in to be successful.

The healing power of sunshine and smiles

The boys had the day off from school, so I decided to get them outside and have some fun.  We picked up Chick Fil-A and went to eat it at a park.  The best park close to Chick Fil-A is one over at the Outlet Mall.  I didn't think anything of it as we were happily munching on our chicken strips until I was hit with the memories from my attack back in November.  My anxiety spiked and I found that I was very uncomfortable.  I noticed that I was trying to watch everywhere at once.  I couldn't relax.  I was slightly shaky.  There was nothing that day that was a threat.  The park was full of kids and their parents.  The sun was shining.  Music was playing over the loudspeakers.  It was the perfect day to play at the park.  While the boys played I sat down and really tried to focus on what I was feeling.  I went through exercises to keep my mind and body calm.  I kept reminding myself that I was safe and ok.  

As I watched the dozens of kids running around the playground I tried soaking up some of their serenity and simple joy.  I was reminded of just how far I've come in my emotional healing and that it's ok to feel this way.  I found myself thinking of others who have experienced trauma and desperately hoped that they too have been able to heal because it isn't right for anyone to hurt another human.  We should all be able to feel the peace and joy like these kids as they run and play freely.  I was also reminded just how grateful I am that these boys have each other.  I hope they always remain such good friends.

Taxi Dog

Moki takes his job as taxi dog very seriously.  Every time, and I mean every time I need to leave the house to pick-up or drop-off kids he wants to come with me.  

On the lookout, morning and night.

His goofy face says it all, this dog loves the car and loves his siblings.