Sam Graduated

Sam is leaving the small world of elementary school and is headed to junior high. Sam started public school in fourth grade, a school year that ended abruptly due to COVID, his next year was a mix of online and in person. Sixth grade was his last chance at a normal year, even though he was masked for 3/4 of it. Halfway through the school year, though, his beloved teacher left and Sam was left to finish up elementary school learning about interpersonal conflict management skills. It has been a bumpy few years, but he came out unscathed, and pretty well educated. His new teacher and Sam even came to appreciate each other, and were able to work together.

This year he played basketball, participated in track, and even tried baseball, on top of achieving academic honors. He graduated elementary school with honors and is ready to take on junior high.

I can't believe all my children are done with elementary school. It feels very weird to have a houseful of people who used to be babies and are all now taller than I am. 

Another official Teen

Grace finally has reached the pinnacle of life, teenage-hood. She turned 13 and there is no going back. Sometimes I miss the sweet little girl she used to be, but she's turning into a pretty great young woman full of drive and passion. (and a little bit of attitude)

Her birthday ended up being a crazy day, but we ate pizza, family came over, dessert was served and gifts were opened. All her expectations were fulfilled, even if the Saturday was a whirl of activities.

She got clothes, 

more clothes, 

and money, which she plans of use to buy more clothes. Yep, definitely thirteen.

Madam Librarian

Once the kids were all in school, three years ago, I started to look into going back to work. I finally settled on substitute teaching, as it was very flexible. I rode the bumps of subbing up and down through COVID, through several different schools, and with a lot of students. It was an amazing job and an absolutely dreadful job, often both in the same day. 

Then one day I happened to be looking through the city's job postings. I can't even remember why. And then I saw it! The Hillcrest branch of the public library (just two miles from my house) was hiring a Library Assistant! And I met the qualifications!

So I created a resume for the first time in twenty years, filled out the application, and crossed my fingers.

And now I'm a librarian (almost). I've been working for a month now and am still barely treading water. But I love it! I've created decorations for the summer reading party, I've learned a lot of new computer programs, I've worked with the public, and I even got to do a toddler story time! I have found my happy place.

Prom

The original plan was for these six girls to come to our house for dinner. Then they invited two young men to join them. One of the young man's mom is a wonderful friend and known amazing host. With my blessing she took over! The kids all had an amazing time. They were fed, pampered and photographed. 

Even though the boys weren't planning on attending prom, they all had an excellent time. By the end of dinner the girls had convinced the boys to get dressed up and head to prom with them. I was so proud of this great group of people. Even though some in the group were virtual strangers, everyone was best friends by the end of the night! My heart melted to see how awesome they all were! 

The photographer took a injury to his face to get this picture, but he shook it off and was able to continue in his duties. He was a pretty awesome man.

Michael played photographer, chauffer, and personal assistant to Libby's prom group and I played chef, florist, and organizer. We were exhausted by the time everyone was at prom, in a good way.

Meanwhile, Ethan decided to go with his friend Gabby. 

He left the house around 5pm and we didn't see him again until midnight, and then only briefly. All the following pictures were lifted from his friends' social media.

Everyone seemed to have a fantastic prom. 

 

Easter

We kept Easter really low key this year. We dyed eggs with our favorite short humans after taking them to a church-sponsored Easter egg hunt.

And even though the kids are getting bigger, the Easter bunny still visited. 

We went for really easy and quite this year. Nobody objected. It was nice.