Boarding Pass for Middle School

I'm not going to lie, I have had some trepidation about this upcoming season: MIDDLE SCHOOL.  This stems from my own struggles at this age, and all the challenges this social media world brings.  However, I'm thankful that Zoe is excited about this new era in her life.

Her future middle school had a drive through for them to get excited and love on them a bit already.  It had a flight theme, complete with her boarding pass.

While it mostly involved driving through their parking lot, my heart was just so filled at all the efforts her future teachers and staff had made to be out in the hot sun long after their school day had ended.

Zoe may have been just a tad embarrassed but handled it like a pro.  She did hand me my sunglasses, at one point, explaining that she wouldn't want the staff to see me crying.

They got an adorable box that had a t-shirt for their new school!

 

And a chance to hop out and take a picture with the mascot. 

Ready (Zoe) or not (me), we are heading to a new stage in the near future!

Mother's Day and the Sweetest Cards

While I tend to want to focus on the good in the days, I, also want to be authinic to reality.  This particular Mother's day was so very hard for me.  However, it did start out on an amazing note with the best breakfast!

With some of the best kind of treasures from the littles.

From Ezra:

I love the poem that he made that I know he worked so very hard on!

This paper was, also, quite funny (and perhaps a little less accurate in parts).  I suppose he views me as very strong, considering all the weight I lift with one hand compared to his one pound weight.  (He views himself as strong as well in life.)

"My mom is 41 years old.  Her favorite thing to do is go shopping.  She is really good at reading.  Her favorite food is beans.  I make her laugh the most when I fart.  The best thing about my mom is she gives good hugs."

Zoe made up an interesting and kind poem for me.  "MY MOM  My mom is pretty.  My mom is nice.  My mom smells like sugar and spice. My mom is neat.  My mom is kind.  She kind of looks like a porcupine.  My mom is strong.  She doesn't like being wrong.  My mom is fair. Although, she doesn't like the cotton candy there.  My mom likes coffee.  Yes, it's true.  I love my mom, yes I do."

When given a blank book at school, Shiloh used it to make the sweetest book for me.  

"I dedicate this special book to my mom on this Mothers Day!  I love you very much!  Shiloh May 9, 2021.  

I love it when you read a book.

The best thing you cook for me is hot dogs and mac and cheese.  I want to thank you for snuggling with me when I am sad.

I love it when you cook cupcakes!  I love it when you take me to the park.

I love it when you give me candy!

I love you because you are my mom! I love you!!"

Along with a card as well.

They had a photo station set up at church that we snagged a picture at afterwards.

There were a lot of hormones and some tears most of the rest of the day, yet months later in actually writing this I cannot tell you what they were even about.  I can say that I just adore these little children of mine that made me a momma!

April is Here!

April, a time for beautiful weather, some great mens' birthdays, and outdoor fun. Man were we glad that some festival fun had return.  

An egg hunt at the park began with an interactive show.

Shiloh's energetic hand raising caught the host's attention and she quickly ran to participate in a game.  

When he told her to "stand right here", while patting the table, she got the audience laughing by hopping right on the table.  While embarrassed at first for misunderstanding, the laughing quickly appeased her entertaining heart.

She won her game and loved her prize (which she ended up giving away to a classmate who was, also, playing).

The littles opted for grocery bags instead of the Easter baskets in hopes that they would, then, be able to hold more eggs.

The egg hunt went quick, as it always does.

Happy Smiles from all the treasures!

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While I am not a fan of all the business, soccer nights with beautiful weather to watch my girls try out a new sport.

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Sweet Shiloh often has art spill out of her.

Her sitting here reminded me of when she did the exact same thing when she was little.

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Zoe was excited to find a caterpillar.

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One of our dear employees "retired" for the most adorable reason.  She will be missed but we are so thankful for her time with us!

I had to commemorate the occasion!

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Zoe trying on her new outfit that she got for her birthday from her Grandma.

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How cute are these 7-year-old cousins. We are so thankful that this year they got to be in the same class at school and...

did soccer shots together.

The 9-year-old cousins got to have some pictures as well!

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One of the girls wanted to take a picture of this goose on her nest that is on the route of the school's drive. Made for an interesting process as we would spy her everyday.

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I love our employees! 

And making them laugh and their willing hearts!

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Man it is a beautiful time in SC!

Halfway through soccer season the players got ice cream.  (Their mother was gracious and got her siblings some as well.)

Then they got to watch one of their PE coaches who happened to be playing baseball.

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Another dug out during a fun playdate!

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Shiloh loves finding creatures, and stopping by the creek, she found many a little frog to hold.

They all loved exploring, until we had to leave early due to rain.

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The mural on the side of our building has always been a part of the plan, and we were excited that this month we began to see it come to fruition.

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Silly kid faces playing with phone apps!

Makes me thankful about how they are really made ;-)

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The grands came to cheer on Zoe for a soccer game!

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Annnndddd ending the month with a photo of the completed mural!