Monday, 13th
Lisa, Tim, and I all took Mom out to breakfast to celebrate Mother's Day. A lovely time on a lovely morning- just can't believe we didn't remember to take a picture!
Simultaneously, Colombo met the plumber to start our big fix over at Bunce. It was a big job with a big price tag. After breakfast I popped over to check on the progress. It was clear to me that I was both useless and unwanted, so I didn't stay long. Hard to believe they finished in a day.
Renna's art for Nathanael who was supposed to fly in from Puerto Rico, but the gang missed their flight and were forced to stay in paradise another night.
Tuesday, May 14th
He's calls it 'kick-it-ball'.
Wednesday, May 15th
Kelly took Renna to get her nails done. Renna's a spender, and she had lawn-mowing money burning a hole in her pocket.
The best kind of texts!
Last day of classes. Last time packing a lunch. Even got to wear a non-uniform shirt.
The rain stunted my ability to decorate his car, but I still wanted to keep the tradition.
The rain also pushed Rocco's match indoors.
Friday, May 17th
Maddy texted and I LOL'd at her legit jeans!
I spent the morning at the school volunteering at the Teacher Appreciation Luncheon. I've done it for many years now; it's an easy but necessary 3-hour commitment that the staff all deeply appreciate. We have LOVED the East community for 11 years now.
Ninny and Papa were gracious enough to host us all for a mini-photoshoot beforehand. And Lisa did what she always does and made magic and memories with her camera. Please enjoy way too many pictures.
Trevor's favorite picture from the night.
Ninny showing her school spirit!
Our bright and early tradition- we hit the Farmer's Market for our annuals. We make a good team. Lisa stands guard over our chosen haul while I take trips to load the truck. This morning was very special and meaningful. It's a day we look forward to and have been doing for years, even honing our process. June will mark two years since getting the "we are out of options for you" phone call, and I honestly didn't know two years ago how much longer I'd get to do these things with my sister. So, yeah....this was a special morning.
Gianna and Harlem played 'kick-the-ball' during Renna's half-time at her Cup game.
Once we realized that kids were scattered, we asked if we could drop Renna at Ninny and Papa's and we went to dinner at Mill on the River, where we hadn't been in over 15 years! It did not disappoint! It's still a beautiful spot with amazing service and great food!
Shaun took the boys for 18 holes.
Trevor took Isabell (a 'good' friend from church) to East Catholic's prom and Jason took Amanda (also 'good friends') to Northwest Catholic's prom. We couldn't resist a quick 20-minute cousins/friends shoot.
From there, Colombo, Renna, and I went to Night of Worship in East Windsor.
...and at youth group...
Late-night, after proms, the 4 kids rendezvoused back at our house for a fire pit and snacks, before Colombo made the rounds to drop kids off.
Saturday, May 18th
Round #2 WIN!
Sunday, May 19th
Church, finance office, and then Rocco needed me to snap some pictures of him in Kids' Church for his service hours at school. It was sweet to see him in action, interacting with the kids who really seem to like him. He's patient and kind.
Once I realized people were scattered and it was just Trevor and I, we used a gift card and tried Square Peg for the first time. Most precious- time with just Trev. He was chatty and trusted me to share his heart. I'm so grateful.
I heard once that as a parent, if you get it "right" with your child 30% of the time- meaning 'being in sync' 30% of the time, then that is what is necessary for healthy attachment and that is what your child needs to thrive- 30%. It's referred to as "good enough" parenting. Of course my goal is always 100%, but I consistently and sadly make mistakes every single day (hour!). So it was a relief to hear that if I'm attuned to the emotional needs and in sync 30% of the time, my kids will be securely attached. As one author put it, "30% is not a failing grade." This night, Trevor and I were in sync and my heart was so full.
Here’s the thing. All parents make mistakes, all parents have days that they are not proud of. All parents make sacrifices and compromises. No parent is perfect. It is these mistakes that are the most important in terms of our growth as parents. Each time we don’t quite do our best we can learn and we can teach our children how to handle disappointment, failure and making mistakes. We can teach them grace, honesty and humility. ~Sarah Ockwell-Smith
