Nostalgic & Summer

I love summer!

I don't even care if it's 110 degrees outside, because I love the slow down.  

No more homework, no more books......

 I won't lie when I say that I love summer but this one has made me a touch weepy.

Y'all I have a middle schooler AND a senior!?!? 

My favorite quote is

'The days are long but the years are short'

(one of the truest things ever). 

We have been working so hard to get our vitamin D in this month.  

I have been to the pool so much, I told Carlee I have to take a break before I get sun poisoning.  

Even with 100 SPF and a hat, my skin really dries out after a pool day

(one of the great things about getting old).

 

. 

The pool is just one of the few things that make me nostalgic lately.  Each year I look out into the blue and review all the levels from 2 to 10 ft.   It brings back so many memories. 

I see the TIRED mommies with the babies, floats, pull ups, and fifty bags of supplies (the babies are precious).  

I see the next phase of mommies with the kids who are learning to swim while they hold them up and down (in and out/ screaming over the sunscreen). 

My Connor headed to the next phase of the pool. 

The next level(s) are the mommies that are watching their children jump off the side, rope, and slide about a million times.

Finally the time comes where one can land the coveted spot of the "teen section".  This is near the diving board, and this is where you finally get to read and relax and let the kids do their own thing. 

(Of course, at this point one is old, tired, and wearing an XL bathing suit around the youngsters that have gravity free skin 😜).

Speaking of old...

Our boys have been driving, working, and kick-balling it this summer.

One of these fellows is getting ready to start his very last first day of school.

😢 I. Can't. 

                                         

I started this blog in 2011- Connor had not yet began kindergarten.  I had no idea how long I would document or what the journey would bring.   

Back then the few pictures I placed in the blog were a little grainy with mostly stories and gosh awful grammatical errors. 

I limited names and pictures of other kids.  

Technology and social media made an impact, making it easier to share photos with quick notes of 'goings on'.  

This was one of my very first 'blog' pictures of Connor (pre Carlee).

Documenting your children when they are young is a bit easier than when they grow as teens.  I've shared the good, the bad, and the ugly through The Unbalanced Chronicles for 12 years.

I have found people really appreciate and relate to the humor even in the most serious situations. 

babies

Now I have to be more cautious of my kids privacy as they grow while being mindful of how people may also interpret my words.  

I've definitely been under fire for my honesty.

To that I say-

just wait until I retire people.  

I will bring allllll the tea to my empty nesters.  ;)

As time changes, so does my direction.  

Do I want to continue to blog?  

Without always adding the kids- should I share my writings? wonderings? hobbies for old people?

I'm just not sure but my creative juices must be expressed. 

Speaking of change- at the start of summer I got a NEW CAR 

(not new, but new to me)!!!

I decided to give up the mini van.  

Even Brennan was sad to see it go!  He said it was as much of his childhood as anything.  He speaks the truth because despite the fact I haven't driven any boys in a while, I found like 8 balls, not to mention the ten complimentary nerf bullets left in the van.  🤣

Ole red was a good one. 

Darren is the KING of looking for used cars.  He can find the best deals and the best cars.

I wanted to downsize, since basically I'm Carlee's chauffeur these days.  (Another nostalgic miss- talking to Connor in the car and getting all the info.)

I decided on the Mazda. 

Don't worry- no kids were harmed in the making of this photo.

We were moving 5MPH on a country road.  We made Connor get out and take a picture of the girls hanging out of the sun roof like in a movie.  

 

Of course after the purchase,  I decided to "jazz" up the Mazda with a little 60s vibe.

Everyone hates it (which means they won't be driving my car so much)!

Just call me Hippie Cool! 

Since I was car shopping, we didn't get to really go anywhere, 

so we made our annual Dave and Busters trip. 

 

Mario Kart is ageless. 

 Look at this Hungry Hippo game!?!

Some things are forever cool. 

Trying to take a fourth of July pic like...

I can't wait to see what the next chapter brings!

Happy Fourth & Happy Summer 

School Year End to Summer Begin

Catching Up on a Few Moments.

If this school year had a book title it would be called:  The Never Ending Story.

It did finally end and with many blessings but I'm so very tired.

17 years complete✅  (more on my year later)

First grade complete ✅

Seventh grade complete ✅

No more homework, no more books, no more teacher's dirty looks.

 
First Grade
First grade started like I pretty much expected- in tears (for both of us).  My smart daughter was well aware she was behind in some areas (oh the pressure).  First grade is The Reading Grade.  Lucky, Connor has taught me the ways of children that learn in a different manner.  This time I didn't scream at my child (sorry Connor), I didn't hit the panic button, or schedule multiple meetings while the teacher looked at me a bit afraid.  I did work with her team to create an action plan that I was satisfied with and proved to be really effective.  
Carlee continues to grow in confidence, and she shows the world a bit more of her personality each day.  She laughed at me when I told her I always wanted to be the 'shy/ quiet' type as a child because I was always loud and in trouble.  She says 'why? being shy is NOT fun mom'.  💗 (I really wouldn't know).
I am proud of you Carlee.

Seventh Grade

I'm glad seventh is over.  The hormones, the cliques, the awkwardness, the curriculum......  
forget Connor, how did I survive it?  Even as I write this I think 'wow, you made it alive twice, once for yourself and once for your son'. 

Connor had a lot of achievements this year.   I have watched that boy sit through six years of awards programs with very few recognitions.  This year he finally got one that he worked his butt off for but he didn't seem that excited.  

Funny enough he sat out this hand-written note by his beloved math teacher.   As Connor grows, I notice he is all about authenticity and he knows what matters.  I also observe that he can see through true character of others immediately.  In many ways this surpasses my thinking and I am very proud of him.

Goody Bag Idea

The only thing that kept this year from being a year from hades was the amazing teachers, my administrators, and my colleagues that God chose to lead, guide, and direct.  While there are times I do question decisions made in public school, God was so faithful in giving my children the best.

I couldn't do a ton for the team (I mean I am a teacher after all) but I did get these little makeup bags with silk lining off of Amazon, then I filled them with little goodies.  I'm not sure they were a hit but for me the purpose was to offer - Thank You Desperately Dearly! 

body cream, mongo lip gloss, gum, bath bomb, travel conditioner, peppermint patties, face loofah

These bombs had little flowers/ blossoms inside for the bath.  They smelled really good.

Baby (Not Mine)

 At the end of year picnic I finally got to hold the new baby born by my colleague Mrs. S.   She is a tiny dolly with the hugest smile.  I could just eat her up.

Prior to her baby shower this year, I had Mrs. S's students decorate a few onesies for baby C.   I scanned in the student art work on transfer paper and ironed them on.  They were so cute.

 

Connor decorated this one.  We added a football rattle to it.
(He thought Baby Birds sounded more girlish over Baby Bears).  

Carlee decorated this one for Halloween.  

We had Baby's First Halloween picture added to the top.

I love her Little Frankenstein 

 

The student who designed the onesie with the cross and scripture was created by a student with a behavior plan for negative and impulsive behaviors. I was so touched, I know his heart is a good one.  
The unicorn was my favorite decorated with fabric markers.  We added a little baby unicorn hairband to tie the theme together. 

Designed by Two Girls-

I found this little infant skirt to go with it.

Tu Tu Cute! 

Wedding

The Sechrist Clan got all spiffed up for a lovely EOY wedding (well we tried).  

Thank goodness we didn't capture the scene in the room prior to this picture:

Connor busted a glass bottle of cologne.

No one could breathe.

Carlee crying over her hair (see below).

Connor nearly crying because I am screaming at him for not packing anything of importance after I asked him 4 TIMES- DID YOU PACK EVERYTHING!!!!

Darren going between our room and his mom's room while everyone has a meltdown.

Thankfully everyone made it.

Here my children are looking innocent and lovely in this photo with cousins.  

Carlee and I wore curlers in our hair for 6 hours from morning until arrival at our hotel.  Carlee has hair as straight as a stick that can't be curled with heat, so we decided to try with sponge curlers.

BUT THEN, 

I let them take a quick dip in the pool before the wedding and 'someone' got their hair SOAKED.

#bad

#decision

Sorry gal, straight hair for you but of course still pretty as a picture.

The bride was beautiful.

 Although it was hot, it was a beautiful day for a wedding celebration.

Note to self- don't wear mascara on a hot day ever.

Everyone had a good time. 

Cousin O's Graduation -

remember Mr. O and Ms. O ??

Well Mr. O has not only graduated high school but he graduated #1 in his class.  We are very, very proud of all of Mr. O's accomplishments. 

I loved his graduation party.   It contained a small group of friends and family with cool games and activities.  It was so much fun for everyone. 

water ballooning dad

Carlee executing her revenge on Connor

The Freaky Frog was a HOOT

Connor having a blast!

End of Year Celebration at Gigi's House-

Once I packed up my classroom we were on our way to see my sister, mom, and niece.  The end of the year was a bit stressful due to health concerns with MeMe, so it was really good for everyone to have a little silly fun.  (Meme is doing well also.)

 

Chucky Cheese (and slot machines)

The Aquatic Center

Secret Life of Pets II with reclining seats and popcorn.  
We all enjoyed the movie, it was too funny.  Who doesn't love those reclining seats?
BiG FuN


So ,

That's a Wrap Folks:  Now for some R&R! Stay tuned for our summer fun.