May-cember 2017

♫♪♩Do you remember the
25th night of May-cember?...♫♬♪

I think I'm going to re-write September by Earth, Wind, and Fire, because someone has got to capitalize on the mayhem that ensues in the month of May. We have songs in December for the holidays! Why not for the end of the school year???

Here we are...playoffs, parties, and awards...OH MY!

Yesterday, we wrapped it up and put a BIG FAT bow on middle school for Sam and elementary school for Fulton. And Oliver is just along for the ride as he rounds out 2nd grade. Such a good sport as we dragged him to and from ceremonies and parties for his big brothers. Bless his heart!

There's a part of me that wants to be sappy and sentimental about their transitions. But I can't. Maybe it's new meds or maybe it's just that I am so damn glad to say that...

WE SURVIVED MIDDLE SCHOOL with our 1st CHILD. 

(Bold is not enough. I feel like that ^^^ should flash or something.)

During the address one of Sam's teacher's gave, they thanked the parents and said we couldn't do it without your support, carpooling, conferences, volunteering, etc. Shan and I looked at each other and added...all-nighters, counseling, alcoholism, near-divorce, money trees, loss of sleep, stomach ulcers, come to Jesus-es, blood, sweat, tears. All of it!

In the words of Clark Griswold..."Hallelujah! Holy Sh*t! Where's the Tylenol?" I realize we've got two more to go, but when you know what to expect, it's bound to be less painful. Right?

Everything about middle school is so awkward. I guess that's why there are countless books and TV shows on the topic.

I think (pray) that high school will be much different for Sam. I love the person he is becoming and know that he will make himself and us proud. His sweet, quiet nature, atypical learning style, and his confused mother are often a train wreck in a tornado when mixed, and might have something to do with our middle school experience. But we do the best we can...teaching each other as we go. And it's gone by super fast. I mean it truly feels like yesterday that I wrote this post. I can hear and feel the words I typed that day. All-in-all, he did well, has great friends, and has managed to keep his amazing sense of humor and character.

Fulton, fortunately for him, this won't be his momma's first rodeo. And that boy...he doesn't leave anything on the table. He sees it. He wants it. He gets it. He was born with a fire and a spirit that I cannot relate to. But whatever it is...I love it! He is eager to leave the elementary school nest because he wants to do "more". I am excited for him in this next chapter. 

 These handsome guys have been together since the Kilbourne Park Preschool days.

Any who...yesterday was a good BIG day for my boys.

At their promotion ceremonies, Sam was recognized for being part of a varsity sport and the A/B honor roll. Fulton was recognized for multiple achievements in academics and character. It was pretty sweet and I couldn't be more proud of them!

Fulton high tailed it to an EOY pool party to celebrate.

Sam and I got him ready for the 8th grade gala put on by the 8th grade team at Crayton.

These guys wanted to go "stag" to keep their "options open". Hehehehehe!!!

And Shan, Fulton, and Oliver had their final football games, where precious Oliver scored ANOTHER touchdown. He's done great this season. But I'm sad to say that with all the dividing and conquering to get the boys to and from, I only caught one game. 😞  I feel good knowing Shan was their coach and that I got the best play by play recap of each game!

Pay no attention to the fact that my children are the only ones without the uniform shorts...because their mother forgot to wash them! Score!!!

Last week we had the Spring sports banquet where Sam received a varsity letter for being part of the AC Flora Golf team in their 8th consecutive State Championship.

And Fulton had his Spring concert for the Satchel Ford singing group called the Sensations. I seriously want to take that group on tour! They are a hit among the whole school and so much fun to watch!

This time they did a tribute to one of Fulton's classmates and fellow Sensations member who died from complications of an auto-immune condition a few weeks ago. With a humble heart of gold, beautiful smile, and dynamic personality, Vijay Sanders was a bright spot in everyone's day...always. There wasn't a dry eye in the room when they dedicated the song "Hall of Fame" to him. Probably the sweetest thing I've witnessed a group of children put together...EVER. During the evening performance for the parents, they also incorporated a slide show. I had the opportunity to attend his funeral and it was a beautiful send-off and celebration of his short, but impactful life. There is no doubt that Vijay will always be in the "hall of fame" and hearts of everyone at Satchel Ford. 

And then there was a zoo field trip for Oliver's class and of course, FIELD DAY!!! Sam, Carson and Emme wanted to exert their 8th grade seniority and go back to their old stompin' grounds to visit. They even got in on a little balloon stomp action and said goodbye to their favorite PE teacher, Mr. Stillwell, who is retiring. 

 

 

 

 

Oh and I can't leave off the Mother's Day Tea! Perfectly precious and priceless!!! It's hard to believe that that was my first Mother's Day program ever. Neither of the other boys had them along the way. I was pretty excited!

Muzzy and NaNa were overwhelmed by the sweet sentiments from Oliver. 

Though it's busy, and I complain, I have to admit that life would be quite boring without May-cember. I think once I stop, breathe, and look at the bigger picture, I feel blessed that we have active boys. And we have a fabulous community with great schools and friends to help us make it more fun. So Cheers to another fabulous May-cember!!

Now...time to take on summer 2017.