Pizza, Anyone??

A. got her first official job at our local pizza place. The boys think she is the luckiest gal ever, not only can she get an employee discount on pizza, but she comes home smelling like pizza! Lucky!!  They love learning the latest pizza deals with her and want to work at a pizza joint when they get old enough.  She is a great example to her brothers.

She is also looking lovely in her braces.

 The boys built ping pong paddles out of Lego!  And the paddles really do work!  

The net is made out of Lego too. 

We've had some rip roarin' games of ping pong!

Take Me Out to the Ballgame with a Bassoon playin' boy.

T and I had a hot date, literally, a HOT, sweat-pouring-down-the-back date with L to our local minor league--on some level--baseball team. What a treat!  We had great seats and once the sun had gone a bit, we could see more of what was going on.  

 Plaaaaaayyyyy Ball!

Erik Estrada even made a guest appearance and threw the first pitch.  Throughout the game, they'd show clips from "Chips," the 70s tv show he starred in which I really liked to watch when I was little. SOOO funny. L. didn't know what to think.

 One of the players even tossed L. a ball as he walked off the field. Later L. got the ball autographed by one of the players, we don't know who, but it's still pretty cool!

After the game everyone went out on the outfield to sit on the grass and watch a firework show. We loved the grand finale--BOOMS and BANGs with so many fireworks going off all at the same time. A wonderful evening with a sweetheart--terrific memories made. 

And L. is also a new bassoonist, making some sweet sounds.

 Yeh, I got it. 

Silly guy!

These sweeties help make T a key lime pie for Father's Day.  

Those aprons use to swallow them, now they're mini-aprons!

Our First High School Graduate!!!

Oh, my! How is it even possible??  Where have the years gone??  Miss B. has graduated high school!!  We have been looking and working toward this time for so long and BAM! Here it is! 

B's school journey has been an epic adventure with ups and downs, unexpected turns and quiet, simple triumphs. She had to learn to hold a pencil with fingers that don't bend or grasp, form lines into letters, and then align those letters into words, sentences, ideas and thoughts.  She learned to adapt and then figured it out all over again after each hand surgery. She now has some of the best handwriting and is particular in keeping it neat and legible. 

 

"My mom loves me a lot."

So true!

Kindergarten

 B's writing now. 

Of course, I chose examples of sweet notes.

Baby B

B in 1st grade

                                                    

At the beginning of her third grade year, the bones of her entire mid-face were moved forward, from her eye sockets to her upper jaw. She had a halo-device on her head to help with the movement of the bones.  I wanted her home with me so I could make sure she got her smoothies and didn't get bumped around. She insisted on going to school--no matter that she had this metal contraption on her head and also had a new look, she was ready to take on the world! And she did.  Surgery after surgery, physical change after physical change, she has moved forward, hearing the sometimes hurtful comments of others, but finding her beautiful self deep inside. 

Throughout her school journey, B. has met all types of people--kind people and less-than-kind people, friends who are friends only when it's convenient and friends who are constant and kind, always. She has had amazing teachers who have loved her, looked out for her, encouraged her, and believed in her.  Always, ALWAYS there has been a stalwart person placed in B's life at opportune times to help her navigate the trickiness of life.

B and A

 B's best cheerleaders--her family.

Xman, A, Mom, L, B, Dad

 Bumpa, X-man, Bumma, A, L, me, B, T, Grandpa N, Sharon

So as our daughter walked across the stage to receive her diploma, I thought of the achievements that come so easily for many, but for which B. has had to work and try and try again to accomplish, those accomplishments that will never be applauded outwardly, but which T and I know deeply, and I smiled. Yes, oh, yes! our wrinkles have deepened, the hair on our heads has grayed/whitened, but we have journeyed and triumphed with our B, together.  We have worked hard and long, encouraging, expecting, and insisting--encouraging B to find the good and see the good in every situation, expecting her to do her best in all things, insisting that she write her own name even when a teacher's aid wanted to do it for her, and insisting there be no limits placed upon her. And we will continue learning together and enjoying the quiet triumphs that only we and our God will ever know.

And so while the page closes on this chapter of B's life, we know an exciting chapter is just opening, a chapter where B. continues to find who she is and the great things she can do!  We love you, B!

End of School Awards

The end of school is always a busy time and this year was no exception.  

X-man received the 7th grade All-Star award which entails getting to class on time, not forgetting assignments, turning in assignments on time, and showing good character throughout the entire year. His good friend, J,  also got the award, so I'm glad he's keeping good company.  

L. received his certificate of promotion from the 5th grade at his Learning Celebration. We are all through with elementary school! Gasp!  My baby is growing up.

Elementary school will always hold a tender spot in my heart. 

L. was voted Best Mathematician in his class. 

He really knows his numbers and can support his reasoning. 

Two of my handsome guys. 

 Now it's time for summer fun!  

At the library the boys made stomp rockets out of paper and then tested them out.