Welcome to Summer

We brought back Lake Mac this year! It was FAST AND FURIOUS to even get there! So many things going on for the last week of school, so many things happening right now with Russell's business, and people were tired. BUT darnit. We packed our bags and the camper and headed out. It. ended up being wonderful! We had 3 other families join us, 1 family that hadn't been camping with us for a long time. 

The weather was beautiful, the water was pretty cold but ultimately felt refreshing. Lots of games of bocces, football, can jam, poker, black jack, and others. The fire chats were lovely, sleep happened mostly, and friend time was great. We ended up staying a third night, which we have decided is on point. 2 nights can seem like it's too much work to go for that, where the 3rd night feels just right. The third day and night we were by ourselves as a family and it was so great. 

A shoutout to Russell who drives the camper and put in so much work to even get the thing drivable. We are so grateful that we get to have outdoor experiences and sleep/eat well with that thing! Without Russell, it would be impossible. Thanks R.

Love,

Mom

My School Year.

This school year ended pretty epically for me. Well first-I spent 6 weeks out with getting a new hip. When I think back, that wasn't that long-yet the rehab and just everything took awhile. When that is happening I sometimes feel like my work...really becomes just work. In some ways this is good, in other ways I'm definitely not as engaged as I want to be because healing is my priority. 

The last month of this school year included a big event for me. MY work bestie-Katie had found her new dream job and had made plans to move along. This was huge. Katie and I have worked together for 9 years. We both personally went through pretty epics things independent of each other, but heavily relied on one another to get through. She knows everything about me, and me about her. Not only did we personally click-professionally we were a well oiled machine. We both brought strengths to the table. We truly picked up where the other one lacked. AND she was leaving.

The last few weeks was ridiculous as we both grieved together. I don't know if many people know the feeling to work with someone you are SO CLOSE WITH. What a gift, but damn so many emotions when the relationship changes. I felt like I was breaking up with her. EVEN though she reminded me that we were still friends and that is what we would be forever. LOL. It was crazy though. Every day we would cry about something.... last avocado we would split, last time she could walk into my office and ask for tech help, last time we would walk around the building getting fresh air, last time we would schedule together...last time we would eat together...etc. It was pretty sappy. 

I then had interviews for her position. That was trippy. Talking about her as if she was gone, because she would be. AND then picking someone that would step into that role. I had to have a funeral of what we had...because otherwise I'm not quite sure that I could move on and accept the new person like I want to. 

So the end of the school year really was about honoring our time together. That was the focus. 

On the last day of our contract I had done 4 interviews, attended our staff meeting where we said goodbye to 6 of our staff, and I felt like I HAD TO GET OUT OF THE BUILDING. I left and went to my spot in the water. I picked rocks and chucked them sharing out things I was going to "let go" of for the school year. I honored by time with Katie. I welcomed my new partner, Megan. Right? Spelled the same way. Crazy. I let go of the crazy healing journey. I let go of some of the stressful parts of the year that I had personally. 

AND I welcomed summer. I welcomed more joy and happy. I welcomed new beginnings. I welcomed relaxation. I welcomed connection with all my loves. I welcomed the new skin that I'm trying out. 

What a gift to be in a job that has these direct beginnings and ends. It enables the most beautiful of reflections and I'm here for it.

Cheers to summer my loves,

momma

This girl.

Dempsey is just so darn sweet. Let me count the many ways.

1. This is her lanyard for her role as a teacher for her event at school. She wanted to be "Ms. Fru". GUH. I mean seriously. Kind and loves children. Stop it. Right now.

2. She has decided to become a baker. What does this mean? It means fresh cookies every 3-4 days. She'll do the whole thing...well sometimes she asks for help during the cooking phase. Ryker had a friend over the other day and I heard him say, "Yeah, my sister is into being a baker. Turns out it's great for us...cookies all the time." lol. PRettty much!

3. Her teacher shared with us that she can't stand when the chalkboard is dirty-so one of her jobs has been to clean it. She's so helpful. 

4. We witnessed this pretty horrible child custody situation in front of our eyes a few weeks back. Mom and step-mom yelling at each other, each trying to get this young child to come with each of them. Dempsey was so focused on this child and kept saying, "I feel so bad for that kid. That must be so sad for them." This girl is such an empath. I get it girl. Trust me. I want to teach her how to have empathy, and still look at for yourself. It is sometimes such a hard balance. 

She's just the coolest:)

Mom

Mother's Day!

Mother's Day was very sweet this year. AJ has been not so quietly asking me to go to Loveland Laser Tag on mother's day. It was a tradition of his friend's family, and he thought we should partake. It ended up being so awesome! We spent forever playing this game above! Such a fun, team building activity! AJ dominated in laser tag. I got to relive some of my childhood:) 

Some years I think Mothers Day should be an event when I don't have to mother...this year....it was the year of playing. SO FUN!!!!!!!!

The journey just keeps going and changing. I find myself having opportunities to learn how to be a better mom. I tell the kids all the time to call me out. Tell me what is more helpful. I know I'm not perfect, and I want to be better. I want to have a relationship that is safe enough for them to really tell me what they need from me. It's not perfect...but we are trying always!

Love love love these 3,

Mom

High School????

How in the world do I have a high schooler now? I don't understand. What a middle school experience for AJ.... I'm so proud of him. He had solid As, he kicked butt and made a name for Trail Ridge Robotics, he secured a tight and wonderful friend group, and most of all he was an amazing human. I ran into his language arts teachers a few weeks back and she said the nicest things. She told me that AJ is quite possibly her favorite kid she has ever taught. She told me how nice, funny and respectful he is. She told me that she can't wait to see what things he does in life! This was crucial timing as he seemed to embrace being a bear in the last couple of weeks of school. 

I tried to see what was getting to him, but he couldn't really identify what it was. My thoughts....exhaustion. He kicked booty and he was done. Pretty normal, but man did it lead to some clashes with everyone! 

AJ is excited for high school. I remember him feeling that way when he was heading to middle school. A very small part of him was nervous, but mostly he was ready. It's a wonderful feeling to walk beside or maybe slightly behind your kid as they venture into their next adventure. I love AJ's confidence, although sometimes....wooof it's a lot. BUT he is ready. He is ready for the next step in his journey. I'm curious what he is going to get into. Russell and I have had many conversations about what kind of expectations we should have for him as he goes into high school. So far AJ is showing interest in football, Ultimate Frisbee, and tennis. 

I just can't wait to see his do all the high school things! I'm here for it all!!!!!!

****OH I also had to include a picture of me and AJ's counselor. She has been so darn clutch in his middle school journey. Not only is she a friend of mine, but she was there for AJ. She noticed if he was off and checked in. She took all the pictures that he didn't allow me to! AND she was just a positive light in his life. I'm so grateful for all of the village!

Love that guy and his beautiful brain!
<3 Mom

It's the Last Day!

Last Day of School! HECK yes! 

AJ is off to high school,  Ryk will be a solo in middle school as a 7th grader, and Dempsey will be at the top of her school as a 5th grader. All 3 Schools next year....which means 3 different parent teacher conferences, 3 different open houses, 3 different schedules, 3 different places....ohemgee!

Oh yeah, and I just completed my 13th year in the district! 

It's really neat being on the same school schedule as my kids. We all get to feel the vibes of the last day of school, the last week of school, summer!

:) Love,

Mom

He's Here, He's There, He's Everywhere!

Ryker boy is a renaissance man! A few weekends ago he played in two football games, headed home, played some tennis, and then headed to his concert!  He really is such a dynamic guy! He is SUPER competitive and struggles when he loses. I'm trying to teach him the art of channeling his feelings, because I feel like once he accomplishes that he will be unstoppable. This guy has more feelings than anyone I know! 

His football team was so lovely. They were coached by 4 high school boys. Many of these boys were in their senior year of high school, so it was insane that they found the time to coach! You can tell that they loved it though. Ryk got experience at quarterback, and man he has a throw. I think the pressure, at times, would get to him. But he powered on. I loved that their main coach was the starting quarterback for Skyline High School, and he mentored Ryker so much. 

They ended up losing every single game. It's hard when you play teams in 7th grade that are 2 heads taller than you! Or the fact that this team was more fun, and was lacking the screaming Dads trying to relive their football experience:) Geesh. These boys ended up having their best game of the season on their last game. I'm grateful that they got to experience the feelings of a close game:) One of the coaches showed up with a McFlurry due to a promise made at the beginning of the season, "Anyone gets a pick 6-I'll buy them ice cream!" Ryker got one:)

Ryker's group sounded amazing at their concert. They played Havana and it was insane how good it sounded for a 6th grade band! Ryk is awesome at trombone! He has knack for listening and playing what he hears. He has decided to not do Jazz band next year, but he is interesting in Advanced Band. I love that he is continuing with music. I think it rounds him out!  

Ryk recently qualified for GT. The good news is that this will require their to be a plan on how to support him both in Math and Science. Next year the plan is that he will be taking Algebra 1 as a 7th grader. Typically that class is for 9th graders. Ryk seems to be not be challenged in Math at the moment, so I think this will be a good experience for him!

He's a great dude, and I can't wait to see what is in store! 

Love,

Mom

Robotics World 2024

Ohhhhhhhhhh yeah! AJ's team the Robozos qualified for Worlds Robotics in Dallas this year. The qualified a few times because of winning tournaments and then of course the winning state! Worlds is a whole other vibe! People everywhere, inside a convention center for 10 hours daily. It's intense. While AJ's team didn't have the showing they wanted to and it might have made for some slightly stressful moments between kids and parents....it was a great time. 

We ended up flying into Austin and got to play around a bit there! We made plans and hungout with the Harvell side. This trip was rather bittersweet. This was the first time that I saw my Aunt Debbie and she didn't recognize me. I've never gone through that experience before and to it hit me pretty hard. Life is very complicated and doesn't make sense some of the time. It was really great to see my Aunt Lisa and my cousins.  Many of my Harvell side haven't seen my kids in a few years, and it so lovely to see them all hanging out. 

I also was able to meet up with my counsin Dani and her kids. It was so lovely to get time with them! Since we are all grown up (ish) and live different places it is hard to see them! There is something so special about seeing your kids play with your cousins kids just like you both did....

My parents came to Worlds which was super impressive considering Della was still recovering from foot surgery and was on a scooter. They were a blessing-taking Ryker and Dempsey at times so they could get a break from the monotony of the tournament. Russell took the kids out toe Meow Wolf, and I was able to get out with Dempsey and Russell to go to the aquarium. The highlight...a manatee. I think the manatee is the water version of the sloth. My spirit animals. 

I think if I had to share my favorite moments from the trip it would be two things. 1- in Austin our family visited this park close to downtown Austin. It was awesome! Played frisbee, hiked this fun mound, and just played around. 2- The moment when the boys were out of the tournament and we all decided to get out of the convention center and go do some fun things! It had been so stressful, and everyone needed a break! 

This closed out the 23-24 8th Grade Robotics season. The boys had a stellar season, and now they move onto high school. They have plans to continue, but also maybe add some other extra hobbies to the list. It should be interesting! Last night we had a family celebration at our house. It was so lovely to hangout with these people that we shared so many moments with this past year. The robotics group has been a sweet group of people to be with!

Love, Mom