JHS 2022 season

The girls had an interesting 2022 season, playing nearly half of their games in the last 3 weeks of the season due to weather. Coupled with fielding extra-large teams due to record turn out and minimal cuts, it was definitely an experience. 

Regan and her pitcher Lizzie tend to pick up each season where they left off the prior season. They don't play together during the summer, fall or winter seasons as they are in different clubs. 

 Lizzie threw a no-hitter one game, with some credit to Regan for calling an excellent game and knowing where to send each ball.  They make quite the team. 

As high school ball would have it, occasionally we meet up with our summer teammates too. 

Regan and Shayden under the lights.

These girls earned Academic letters for their work in the classroom too. And of course, the ceremony was after a game so we all sprinted into the school, full of dirt and still wearing their uniforms. They sat front and center waiting for their names to be called recognizing their academic efforts. 

Regan worked hard behind the plate, serving as the primary catcher for JV. She caught all but approximately 10 innings the entire season. It was great to watch her improve and develop. 

By the time sections came along, there were more teammates playing in the same complex. They were getting pretty excited to get back on the fields together again. 

Sidney had an opportunity as well to meet up against a teammate. They were all smiles after the game, having split the double header and each taking home a win. 

I will never tire of looking at professional pictures of our girls in action. The focus and concentration, the form and all the hard work, paying off in a single image. 

Regan had an opportunity this season to dress/sit and occasionally pinch run on the Varsity team as well. She was happy to be asked to attend their game at the U of M fields one Saturday afternoon.

Playing on that field never gets old , and all the photo ops are pretty awesome too!

Especially when the moms jump in for a quick snap too :) 

With the weather as crummy as it was, Lincoln spent many games in my chair covered up like this, desperately wishing it was warmer so he could race around on his beloved dirt bike. 

Both girls had teams of 16 players, and unfortunately, that meant rotating positions. For the girls who primarily play club level ball, it was a little strange to spend time on the bench, rotating per the high school decisions on playing time. It also meant playing positions that aren't your first or second. Sidney was lucky to see most of her time at short and 3rd base, where she will spend her summer season as well. 

Regan attended the end of the season banquet (Sidney opted to skip and attend her summer club team practice), where she received her second letter of the year and Best Defensive Player. 

Congrats to your seasons girls, we're so proud of you both! 

 

The Homecoming that wasn't (2021)

 Last year, plagued by an evolving epidemic, the High School Homecoming was cancelled. There were no dress up days, no dance, I don't even remember if they played a football game because spectators weren't allowed anyway. 

Fast forward to 2021. While we are still in the middle of a pandemic, we now have some mitigation tactics and Regan was beginning to look forward to a more normal Homecoming week. And then, she looked at the calendar. Homecoming fell smack dab in the middle of her Fall State Softball Tournament. And there was no way she wanted to leave her team on the field. 

I was feeling a little disappointed for her as we waited for the schedule to be released, in hopes she would still make it to the dance. While we waited, we bought a dress (with a good return policy), shoes, and even a ticket to the dance! At last, we pulled up the schedule and discovered if they won their first game of the tournament, her team was finished for the day and would return to the fields on Sunday morning. 

But then they lost. And the next game was at 7pm; right as she should be gearing up for the dance. To my surprise, she wasn't phased a bit. Sure, we headed over to meet up with her friends for a few photos. But she happily climbed back into the car to return to the (very wet) field. 

I quietly asked her if she was disappointed. In a matter of fact way, she declared "I'm right where I want to be" as she walked back onto that field with her team. Her determination and dedication to chasing that little yellow ball amazes me everyday. And as long as she loves it, we'll support her chasing that dream. 

School year 2020-21

Well, we’ve finished week 2 of distance learning, and have what feels like eternity left to go. It’s not easy, it’s disappointing and frustrating and difficult and sometimes maddening. 

But we’re doing it. 

There is a silver lining, we are learning a new way of going about school work, and we have experienced more family togetherness than we have in the last 14 years (....is that a good thing!? haha!). 

Bonus, the toy room got a little cleaned out! 

We rearranged the toy/game room to accommodate this table set up for Lincoln and it’s working quite well. 

He knows when he sits there, it’s time for school. 

We aren’t perfect, we’ve missed a google meet (because whoops!) and sometimes his assignments don’t get finished until late in the day. But he’s in first grade, and he needs a lot of help to understand the lesson and so I give myself grace. Having 2 parents working full time means we don’t have the luxury of sitting beside him 6 hours/day to provide instruction. So instead, life becomes a lesson. 

For example, Regan took him on a bike ride the other day, he asked about a yard sign with MLK’s picture. She gave an excellent (first grade) lesson about MLK as they rode home. 

The girls pretty much hang out in their rooms for their "school" day, participating in their video classes or doing assignments. They appear to grab breakfast, lunch or ask a question, and then disappear back to their rooms. We are incredibly blessed that they are self-starters, self-sufficient and just get it done day after day. We know they don't love it, and would much prefer to see their friends in person. Although on mornings like today, where Regan missed her alarm and rolled out of bed at 9:05am and still wasn't late for class, I think she sort of appreciated it :) 

 

Start of a new school year

I keep hearing to give ourselves grace during these unusual times; so I'm trying. But failing miserably. This whole distance learning is giving me a run for my money. And we're only one day into the school year. Sadly our kiddos won't even get to meet their teachers in person, seeing as though our district moved us to distance learning before we even started hybrid. 

We started today off and within minutes (literally), I was in tears. It was no fun. Trying to work and teach is nearly impossible. Yes, I am a teacher to Lincoln; there is no other way to put it. These little kids can't navigate these platforms on their own, nor get their work done without instruction and help from a parent. So I teach. And I work. And I cry because it's a lot to manage. 

So here is his first day of school picture, because I failed at taking a real one. 

He looks like he's loving it. (insert eye roll)..he's not. He hated it. Rolled around on the ground, refused to listen to the (pre-recorded) story and only finished his assignment because I told him he couldn't go to hockey if it wasn't complete. 

It's going to be a long year. 

Sidney had slightly fewer tears, but they still rolled down her cheeks as she tried to navigate these new middle school platforms. She was eager to get online, but her excitement faded as she became overwhelmed with needing to go from one google meet to the next. We later joked that she will still have to raise her hand to use the bathroom, even though she's in her own house! 

Regan scored the best of them all today. Her distance learning started, but the assignment was to go to the school, pick up her materials and have her school picture taken. 
Wouldn't you know it she coordinated a time to meet up with some besties because "you can't show up alone mom!". 

I guess since I got one decent picture I'll call it a win for the day (even though I forgot to take a solo picture of Regan). 

And thank goodness for awesome friends who show up at softball practice with a special "beverage" in hand to help me celebrate just making it through the day. 

Cheers to the start of this most unusual school year. 

 

From baby to kindergarten to high school registration

It almost doesn't feel real to even say out loud: high school registration.

I'm only 29, how can I have a high schooler :) ha! Yea right. 29.

 

Oh this sweet baby girl who loved me to pieces, wore whatever I put on her and loved to play in my arm....., she's growing up so fast!

 

I remember getting this pamphlet in January of 2011 and thinking "kindergarten....already!"

 

 

And now here we are, a mere 9 years later, staring at this not-so-tiny-book below, wishing we were looking at that pamphlet. A time when we were worried about lost loveis and missing favorite toys. There's some truth to what they say "little kids, little problems; big kids big problems".

 

Tonight, I sat in an auditorium filled with parents of soon-to-be-freshman and listened as all of her options were laid out before me: geometry, world language, STEM classes and fine arts. Don't forget AP and honors courses and if you want to be considered for something extra-special, there's the pre-ACT requirement next month.

 My head was spinning and my hand was writing frantically.

Us moms gathered afterwards to compare notes, huddled around my cell phone looking at websites to hopefully help our kiddos make the right decisions to prepare them for a future.

One that their 8th grade mind has no idea what it wants (nor should it!).

The pressure is huge, and I vow not to ask her "what do you want to be when you grow up?", so she can choose the correct high school classes.

At least not this month.

 

 

Oh baby girl, your future is bright. And although I still cannot believe we are heading to high school, we are so excited for whatever your future may bring! This mom who loves to learn, is begging you to take me along on this journey because I'd love to take some of those classes with you!

 

 

Pretty please!

First days of school

We are 6 weeks into the school year and I’m finally getting around to posting the first day of school photos. 

Regan started first, the day after Labor Day. Though it was warm and sunny, she insisted on needing a big chunky sweater because all of her classes are in the basement this year. She was chipper and excited to be back into the swing of things. Though 2 weeks in, she admitted that she missed summer and should’ve better taken advantage of those weeks off from school. 

Lincoln and Sidney got an extra day at home with me, where we ended up taking Sidney in for an ear infection (good way to start the school year) and visiting their classrooms for assessment day. By the time their big day rolled around, they were both so eager and anxious to start a new year. 

Lincoln headed off to kindergarten without hesitation. He loves his teacher, has made new friends and from his self-report, is not one of the naughty kids in the class :) 

He wants to be a tiger trainer or race car driver, and is most excited about adding. We worked on reading last night and I’m blown away by his skills already! And in true kindergarten boy fashion, his favorite subjects are lunch and recess.

Sidney entered her last year of elementary school, and her only year sharing a school with Lincoln. She’s excited to be the oldest in the school and ready to take on her role as Kindergarten Bus Buddy, ensuring several kinders each day get to the right bus after school. 

She adores her teacher, wishes she was with some of her besties, but is happy with her friend group in class. 

They let me walk them into school, but Lincoln stopped me at the door and told me he was good from there. Oh baby boy, growing up so fast :)

I opted to bring lunch to Lincoln and Sidney one of the first days, mostly so I could peek in and meet some of their buddies. Love seeing them amongst their peers.

I'm thankful that she still lets me join her lunch....and I know all too well that this will likely be the last year she lets me do so.

First day of school 2018

Eeek! I'm a little behind.

Regan started school a day earlier than Sidney this year. She was all smiles heading back to middle school, ready to face 7th grade with all of her friends. she seemingly enjoys school...mostly for the social aspect of it! She eagerly signed up for school sponsored cross country, adding it to her already busy schedule of dance and fall Fastpitch. 

Ready for her first day! 

Sidney got to spend that first day frolicking around the Mall of America with her bestie, enjoying rides, sweets and mirror mazes. And when it was her turn, she gave me the eye roll I had expected from Regan. 

And then this was her smile:  

It’s not that she was bothered with going to school. Nope, she was annoyed that I couldn’t tell her if she had gym class that day which impacted her clothing choice. Oh the troubles of a 4th grader!

Happy school year 2018-2019!

End of school yea hoopla

The end of the school year came and went. We had parties and field days, report cards and field trips. Both girls ended the year on a high academically, Sidney isn't actually "graded" yet, but Regan pulled off all A's (a couple A-'s but apparently in middle school, those are the same as an A). All things considered, especially the horrendous experience with a teacher who is no longer employed by the school, we were incredibly proud of her to persevere and finish out the year as well as she did. Never in a million years would we have expected the year to go as it did, but for her to rise above and still pull off all A's was amazing. We even got the sweetest note home from her track coach/school counselor who commented on how great of a kid she is and how she is not only a great athlete, but also a positive leader.....glad she can pull it together for everyone else :) 

Not to be outdone, Sidney also did great this school year. No major obstacles to overcome, but she did have to work hard in class to climb the academic ladder. She has to work a little harder than Regan in school, but when that girl puts her mind to it, she can move mountains. Some lessons come super easy to her, ones that I would expect her to struggle with. It's the more common sense stuff that she can't grasp so quickly. Then again, this is the girl who recently had a conversation with me that went like this: 

Me: Regan, I remember when you used to hum the day away. 

Sidney: What song is "the day away"? 

#facepalm

Oh how we love her! 

Now onto the fun photos: 

End of year party with a group of her besties

Regan joined us and I couldn't resist taking a picture of Regan with her former teacher (now Sidney's former teacher too!). We love love love Mrs Newman! No one will ever top her teaching! 

More fun on field day at the elementary school. 

End of year comparison pictures for Sidney. 

Look at that growth! My brother says her shorts are too short...
I told him that statement means he's getting old. 

Life of a middle schooler, Regan learned a tough lesson as she shattered her screen. 

Phones don't belong in our waistbands (though she learned that from me). 

This was the best I got from Regan for a last day of school. She hung out with this group of friends all night long (where she also shattered her phone screen). Which means between all of the chaos, I didn't get a comparison photo of her, darn it! 

Here's to the school year wrap-up! We not have a 4th grader and 7th grader! 

Eagle Bluff 2018

Back in September, Regan 's 6th grade class (and 7th too) were presented with the option to attend a 3 day field trip in Lanesboro at Eagle Bluff. She was intrigued and didn't waiver much on the idea of signing up. After chatting with some friends, she was all excited to sign up for the field trip. So we filled out forms, paid the fee and waited. 

Her trip was set to depart just after my birthday and before the big dance recital (more on that in another post). It was a busy week and as much as I wanted to go along as a chaperone, I just didn't think it was very practical to leave Ryan with the other two in the middle of show week rehearsals. Plus she wasn't very keen on my requests to chaperone....

Until that week before departure and we started organizing her packing. I could tell she was getting nervous, but was trying to act cool. So we discussed her concerns (mostly being without a phone and ability to reach out to me day/night), and how we could remedy them (her friend's mom was going and already had my number in her phone). 

Unfortunately, we had a bit of weather come through on my birthday, which cancelled school for the 1.5 days prior to their field trip which added more concerns for her: she wasn't able to collect all of the required homework that she would be missing! That poor girl was unncessarily fretting and there wasn't much I could do about it. Thank goodness for technology and an email reply from her teacher reassured her that she could still go and they would worry about homework later. Whew! 

They had so much fun those 3 days: snow shoeing, ziplining, high ropes course and outdoor learning. Seventy-five percent of their days were spent outside! Thankfully it was pretty warm (30-40's) so they could enjoy the outdoors rather than freeze in their outdoor classes. Once again, the beauty of technology proved helpful because those amazing teachers/chaperones created a private Facebook page to keep those of us back at home updated with photos of their daily adventures. I loved seeing how much fun she was having! But boy did I miss that girl of mine :) 

I was elated to have her back home (despite that she was tired, stinky and crabby!). The stories of adventures are still trickling in, and I know she had the *best* time experiencing something new. She's literally growing up before our eyes! 

Bring your parent to school day

We've all heard the whole "Bring your kid to work day" (which by the way doesn't occur when you work in a hospital), but I was pleased as punch to experience the opposite this year when Regan's school hosted a "Bring your parent to school day"!! How fun is that!? 

Seriously, she was mortified when I signed up, and then begged me to leave at the first class. Which I totally would have done, but when it came down to it, and the first class ended, she was happy to have me there and allowed me to stay the remainder of my time :) 

It really helped put so much into perspective, in terms of understanding what middle school is all about. As we bopped from class to class, I got a quick handle on why she loves her reading teacher, and struggles with the social studies teacher. Their styles are polar opposites. And who wouldn't love someone who dances at the front of class, chants and cheers the boring rote memorization tasks and then at the end of class, has the students shout "tell someone you love them!!" as they prepare to exit the class. It was pure FUN! I loved it too :) 

And now when I help her with the nightly homework routine, I can use the teacher's style to my advantage.

Thanks for letting me tag along Regan!

First day of school 2017

With the calendar moving into September, we've had the "unofficial" start of fall....the beginning of school. Labor day weekend came and went (insert tears!), and the kiddos all started a new journey in their school careers. We now have 3 pick ups and 3 drop offs each and every day (insert more tears!). We're working over-time here folks and wishing with all our might that we could hire an afternoon nanny to manage the chaos from 2:30-4:30pm! Wishful thinking. 

With the new year, brought Regan to a new school. She entered middle school and left the familiar faces of elementary school behind. Sixth grade has all sorts of adventures waiting for her and she was eager to get started. Few nerves and no tears (on her part...I may have shed a few as I dropped her off on that first day). 

Sidney continues in her elementary school, this year with a homeroom teacher above all the rest. We hit the jackpot again by scoring the same 3rd grade teacher that Regan had. We adore her and cannot wait to hear all about Sidney's 3rd grade stories. 

Lincoln, although is in the same school, moved up to the big kid preschool room. He was hesitant, but excited, for his new journey and surprisingly, let me leave without crying and outstretched arms! I was shocked. My baby is growing up and I'm so glad he feels secure in his school, because it sure makes me feel far less guilty leaving him! 

Here's to a new school year!