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! 

 

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. 

 

Sidney is 11!

Sidney turned 11 last month! She's growing up so fast and we have some mixed feelings about another teenage girl in the house....(pray for us!).

In one moment, she can be sweet and adorable, teaching Lincoln in their make believe "school" and in the next she can be crying, upset and frustrated with life. These pre-teen (and teenage) years are exhausting and uplifting all at the same time.

Sidney's actual birthday fell on a school day, so in true tradition, we met up with her at lunch. I'll be honest, it's a hassle for me to drag myself across the city, in the middle of the day to pop in for a 20 minute lunch. I have to re-arrange my entire day and put a pause on seeing patients for several hours due to travel time. But the smile across her face each and every year makes it completely worth it. These years go by fast.

We went out for dinner a few days prior to celebrate her birthday (because she had softball practice on her actual big day). She scored a pretty big dessert; that thing was the size of her head!

And she got this big surprise on another birthday dinner! She's one lucky girl!

Most days people tell us "she is something else" because she really is.

She's sassy and adorable and we love her to pieces!

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.

Halloween / Dia de los muertes

I’m fortunate that Sidney still wants me at her holiday parties at school. Today, despite the mountain of work piled high on my desk, I kept my promise to her (and the room parents) and made my way to school for the fall harvest party. We had a good time and I spent most of the afternoon snapping pictures and chatting with parents/teachers while helping with crafts and activities.

After school, with only her in tow, Sidney and I decided we needed a special after school snack. There’s a new restaurant in town; and this place has been packed since opening day. So packed that they literally ran out of food and had to close last weekend! Her and I dined on appetizers and strawberry lemonade while discussing the party. I mentioned to her that this may have been the last harvest party as the school is deciding whether to continue. After commenting about cost and religion as factors, we decided to look up the history of Halloween (so I may somehow help her understand the religion aspect). Pretty interesting stuff. I explained it to her by relating to the movie Coco (side note: if you haven’t seen it, go watch it. And expect tears, like crocodile tears). The movie is all about Dia de los muertos, ie: Halloween. Where if we remember those that have died, setting up a shrine on that special day, their spirit will come visit us. 

We wrapped up our day-date and headed to the evening festivities of trick or treating. 

This year, we opted to go door to door with some friends that live nearby. They took us to streets and houses I’d never been to before but right in my own neighborhood. We were having a good time, when suddenly a cute dog comes bouncing out of a house wanting to play. The owner comes dashing out after him calling: Leo! Come back here Leo!

I stopped in my tracks, smiled up to the night sky knowing I hadn’t forgotten, and neither has my dad. Love ya dad! Thanks for the visit. 

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! 

Grandparent's breakfast and Music programs

Sidney had a pretty busy week recently at school, both Grandparent's breakfast and her 3rd grade music program in a matter of days. Her guests got to accompany her for breakfast and the annual book fair. My guess is that she loved the extra attention (and it was the first time she didn't have to share any with Regan!).

Her music program and the art show were just a few days later. She was nervous beyond words and super excited. Her "monster" art project had a donut head, it looked so yummy I could eat it! 

This little girl has a slew of friends and I'm so thankful for each and every one of them. They were so cute, all excited and nervous as they eagerly talked about the upcoming show. 

They really did such a great job on stage. So proud of Sidney and all of her friends! Kuddos to the music teacher for bringing all of the classes together for this massive 3rd grade program!

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! 

End of school year hoopla

Our elementary school likes to have some fun at the end of the year.

Go big or go home, as I like to say!

I do my very best to get to each and every one of the kids' party days plus award ceremonies, Olympic days and more. It's stressful given my work schedule and each year I swear that I'm taking off the last week of school, but in six years, I have yet to do so.

We started off with Olympic Day where both girls participated in various outdoor relay events. There were plenty of giggles and a lot of sweat! (did I mention it was hot that day?!).

As fifth graders, Regan got to be outside ALL day long. The first half was spent helping the little kindergartners, and the last half was for their own benefit. To be honest, I'm not sure which part Regan liked better :) She sure loved having those kiddos look up to her.

 Then it was on to Sidney's class party and picnic. Again we had a beautiful day and basked in more outdoor fun events. There happened to be a plethora of volunteers that day so I was fortunate enough to wander around and hang with Sidney for a few hours instead of getting assigned my own station. Best day!

Later that afternoon was the annual 5th graders versus the teachers kickball game. I adore a friendly competition, and the idea of playing kick ball thrills me even more! I wanted to jump into that game so badly but was happy watching the kids have so much fun even though they got crushed (as the 5th graders do each year).

I loved that Regan assumed the role of catcher just like she loves to in softball.

And then she scored a run right past her favorite elementary school principal (and ours too!).

From there was Regan's 5th grade award ceremony (more on that in another post of it's own) but I loved how silly she and her two good friends got sandwiching themselves into this portion of their new middle school auditorium. I wonder if they'll fit when they finish 8th grade?....I plan to take another picture :)

With my attention focused on the girls and their end of the year, I was so thankful for my mom to come pick up another day (or two!) of hanging with this little guy. He is in his glory when anyone brings tools and had no problem saying goodbye to me when Grandma showed up with her drill that he got to hold and even play with!

Finally, it was Regan's last day of elementary school (again, more on that later) and her over-the-top end of elementary school class party!! There were bouncy obstacles, pizza, yard games, Maui Waui's and more. Those room parents sure know how to throw a party!

I'm told that slide was super fast, and the laughs out of everyone's mouth at the exist sure proved they were having fun!

Despite the heat and humidity, once Regan got inside of those oversized inflatable, she never got back out. I think she may have played games from inside for close to an hour! My favorite game to watch was when the kids just ran into each other trying to knock one another over. It was like watching turtles laying on their backs :) So much fun!

I couldn't resist taking picture after picture of she and all of her friends. She may not have let me hoover too closely, but she always obliged when I asked to take pictures. Love those friends of hers.

I'm beyond grateful for all of the fun things that our elementary school does for these kids. Sure makes them longing to come back again next September. We miss them dearly over the summer but are always happy for summer vacation!