Bittersweet Endings

Today was a great day and a little sad too. Definitely a bittersweet one.

It started this morning when I gathered the things that I needed to take John Michael to his last day of pre-school and his last day at Hilldale. I am so proud of how much he has grown and how amazing he truly is. I cannot believe that he is headed to Kindergarten though, it seems like only a few days ago I was dropping Danny off for his first day. Now Danny is in 2nd grade and my baby a kindergartner. WOW! Seeing Mrs. Hays this morning I knew that it would be a hard day, but I was determined to stay strong. We enjoyed a fun morning of field day type activities followed by popcorn and the snow cone truck. Then inside for hot dogs and chips and well then the goodbyes. I gave Mrs. Hays her gift from the class. This memory book is so much fun for me to do and it means a lot to me and to the teachers. Mrs. Hays also gives all of her students memory books, these are so heartfelt and meaningful. I am not sure that I can find enough words to describe how much they have meant to me through the years, but this one was even more special as it is my last. When John Michael and I came home I really looked at it and took the time to appreciate the work and care that she puts into them all.

We had to get Danny and then get homework completed before the second round began.

Danny got ready for his last baseball game of the season and John Michael got ready to go sing at the 5K Graduation at Hilldale. This helped to maintain my tears, I knew that we were going back at least once. Brandon took Danny and John Micheal and I headed to Hilldale for the last time as a parent and student. When we go back it will just be as visitors. I loved the fact that they all matched, even the teachers! It was such a special Graduation ceremony for the 5K and First Grade they are ready for you. The K4 classes sang great and this is definitely one proud momma! Then the goodbyes came. I had to say goodbye to people that have been such a huge part of my family. I consider these people more than teachers, they are friends, they are a part of who my children will become and for that I am and always will be bonded to them. I told them that I want to get together and I mean it! This was not just talk it was from my heart. I also told them I would come up and photograph for them anytime that they need it! Just give me the dates and I will add it to my calender. There are parents who I have known and grown close to and I will miss. We will have to get our kids together so that they can play and stay in touch and so that we can stay close. This I also mean from the bottom of my heart!

We left the school, and once I regained composure I dropped John Michael off at my mom's because he really wanted to spend the night and I headed to Danny's game.

Danny's team won their game and they played great, at least the 2 and a half innings I saw. I cannot believe that baseball is over. I truly enjoy spending time at the park and getting to know other people. We will work with our catching, hitting and running and maybe next year we will make all stars and the season will continue even longer.

Well, Brandon is home and we are going to get Danny in the bed and then head to bed ourselves. I am exhausted. Today was definitely one with so many reasons to celebrate and many tears fell. Before I go to bed I will remember each of you in my prayers. Please do not ever take that moment that you have for granted or the people who are in that moment. While there are many to be had these are the memories and the people that we keep in our hearts forever!

A Day with Danny

Today was Easter Monday so Danny was out of school, John Michael had school and Brandon had work. Today started with Brandon headed off to work and me having a few minutes of quite, because the boys' got to sleep late. Not too late, but later than 6:30, in fact an extra hour.

We took John Michael to school and then went and ran a few errands that I had to do. Then we came home and Danny helped me scrapbook some. Trying to get these caught up can be slightly overwhelming so he had fun cutting and even glued some for me. He got some gift cards from the Easter Bunny also known as EB. Needless to say spending them was a top priority so we headed to Target so he could use his card there and I could get some coat hangers. Then to Michael's where again he used his card and I ended up getting a scrapbook for these little notes that I want to keep but do not really fit in with my other books. Anyway they had some 12x12 books on sale for 4.99. A deal I could not pass up, especially when they will work perfect for these! I might go and get another, but we will have to see.

We went to lunch, which was nice because it has been a while since the two of us have had lunch together. It is nice to have some one on one time with my boys. While talking he told me that his teacher used to teach at St. Barnabas, which is cool since that is where I went.

We headed out to get John Michael and then came home. They played since there was no homework. Tomorrow will be a different story as we will have to rush home, get homework done and get to the ballpark. We had the left over chicken and dumplings for dinner. I am hoping that I can stall until winter on making them again, but they are Danny's favorite so it is doubtful. When Brandon got home we went to CVS and Walgreens so that John Michael could start spending his cards and Danny could spend his last 2.

Now I will say John Michael wiped out the CVS card and has about .75 left at Walgreens. He does still have $10 at both Target and Michael's since he was not with us. Danny was much more careful, he has money left on all 4 cards. The funny thing is had it been my money he would have had it spent and more. If only he knew. Of course since I did not have money to help him get more than what was on his card he had to keep it under $10. I was really proud of him.

The picture is of the new blooms on the knockout rose bush that John Michael picked out to add to the Rose Garden we are making in the back yard.

Well, I am off hopefully to bed soon. I have to get these boys to bed and get ready for the day tomorrow. I have a lot to get done around the house and am confident that I can get it done, as long as I stay focused. If only they still put ephedrine in Stackers...I loved those in college.

Before I go to bed I will be praying for all of my family and friends. I know that prayer is our way of communicating with God and I also know that it is the one thing that I can do for everyone, whether asked to or not.

Jump Rope For Heart

Today was definitely a day that I could have stayed in bed all day! It was cold and wet. At least we were able to sleep in a little since school did not start till 10. I was also VERY thankful that all the ice had disappeared. Not too excited that snow was in the 7 day twice, but we shall see what happens.

Brandon hit his 40 hours yesterday so he was home with us today! We all got to go and watch Danny's Jump Rope for Heart at the school. It was a lot of fun, and I took a lot of pictures. I am posting a few now, but watch my facebook page for many more to come! Hopefully by the end of the weekend. It was great to see all of the students jumping for the American Heart Association and I cannot wait until next year. I did find out that we are taking donation through Tuesday so if you would like to make one let me know and I will send you an e-mail with the link for Danny's site.

Catholic Schools week definitely ended on a bright note despite the rainy day! I was so thankful that as parents we are allowed to be there. Next year it will be both boys jumping, so double the fun!

EARLY game in the morning so I am off to bed...still not before 9 though! Before I go to bed I will be praying for all of my family and friends as usual. I also am saying a special prayer for all students, parents, teachers, faculty, and supporters of Catholic Schools.