End of the School Year

*Gasp* Summer break is coming too quickly to an end, and I have yet to write about the end of last school year. Seems like just yesterday.

The 5th graders always have an egg drop competition the last week of school. They work with a partner to design something to protect an egg, and then rest of the school comes outside to watch the eggs get dropped from the roof. The 5th graders hold up a red stick if their egg broke and a green stick if it didn't break.

Mr. Seeba drops the egg while our principal (wearing a chicken hat) announces. It truly is a fun activity.

 

 He goes Analise's egg...

 It survived in one piece! They called theirs the "Flying Egg-le."

 Also at the end of the year, they have a 5th grade graduation. The kids watch a slideshow of their school year, and it also shows each student with a baby picture, followed with their school picture. The kids love it. They then get a diploma. It's such a sweet night, and I think I enjoyed it more than any other parent since I worked with these students almost every day.

After the ceremony, the kids take pictures with friends and sign books. I was happy for Analise, yet sad she had finished elementary school.

Here she is with her good friend, Ally.

 So thankful for these Christian friends.

 Oh how we loved Ms. Riley; she's moving and won't be back next year. I'm not sure who was more sad - Analise or me. I went to tell her goodbye on the last day, and we just looked at each other and had tears in our eyes. It was a quick goodbye, but I hope to stay in touch. As a para in 5th grade, I get to know the teachers well.

 Analise had Mrs. Nelson for the occasional math or SS class and loved her. Mrs. Nelson was Brandon's neighbor growing up, and she even came to our wedding!

 And the lone male teacher in the building - Mr. Seeba.

 I see these pictures several weeks later, and my heart is sad she won't be with these sweet kids every day.

 The proud parents (who had to dress like this in May because it was so cold)

 There was an assembly the last day of school. Analise got a certificate for being the top reader (most AR points) in 5th grade.

 And then the real surprise for her was when she found out the teachers had voted on her artwork to be hung at the school until she graduates.

 Here she is with her art teacher.

 Last day with Mrs. Longshore - Maisie had a great year with her.

 And Ms. Vacek will always hold a special place in our hearts.

Maisie's class voted her as the "best girl athlete." She thought that was pretty cool.

 

So as I look back to our 2014-15 school year, I am thankful. Thankful for the teachers in their lives, the friends they have, and that they don't dread school each day. I'm also thankful I get to be a part of the staff; this year had its own perk with my opportunity to teach Maisie's class for 12 weeks. I love seeing the girls throughout the day, and I am really going to miss having Analise around next year. I know it's a part of letting go, but that doesn't make it any easier.

The only thing I wish could have happened this past year was reaching 100 sub days. (Would have increased pay this coming year). I missed it by five or fewer days. :(

What a fast, fun and great school year we all had!

Mother's Day

I could tell my girls and hubby tried hard to make it a special Mother's Day this year. Brandon let me go away on Saturday to Omaha with Gretchen and Lindsey; I think this is our 5th year to get away. We didn't spend the night this time, but we were on the road by 7:30. We shopped and ate great meals. It is always a refreshing time!

Here are other highlights:

 My three lovely daughters. If only one would look like me...

 I'm so thankful for teachers who help create the best gifts.

Sadie filled out a winner in my book. When I asked her why she said I was good at tennis, she told me it was because I hit her in the head. (Though that part is true, I'm not sure it qualifies me as a good tennis player.)

 And then Maisie wrote this darling, yet humorous, letter to me. If she only knew how I wish I was blond. Instead my hair is as dark as dirt.

 Tada - this is me!

AJ made me this sweet card which included the things I love. She knows me well!

I went to bed with a grateful and thankful heart.

Snapshots of Life

Snapshots of life in May

A beautiful rainbow east of our home.

 Caramel likes to sit on Maisie's bed and watch the birds at the feeder.

 Maisie drew herself and sisters dancing.

 We participated in the KPR track meet again this year. Analise got a 4th place ribbon in the softball throw.

 Maisie decided to try the long jump instead.

 She gave it her best effort and came home disappointed that she didn't finish well. A hard lesson to learn.

 Analise was super excited to learn to mow this year!

 Maisie is an artist. :)

 I went to Grand Island with some girl friends to watch UNL volleyball. So fun!

 Our first homemade popsicles from our new maker. Lemonade flavor was yummy!

 Caramel seems to think this is her bed, not Analise's.

 Grandmom sent the girls these animal pots to grow their own grass.

 Maisie decided to have her hair cut. Before-

 After. I do think this bob suits her personality.

 Sadie lost a top tooth! Maisie pulled this one and charged Sadie a nickel this time.

 Maisie and Analise both had artwork selected to be displayed at the art museum.

 Only Sadie finds this comfortable while playing Uno.

BIrthday and Easter

Our favorite guy had his birthday in April, and I am glad I took pictures. :) If only I remembered all that we did....

His birthday landed on Good Friday, so the girls and I didn't have school. After his birthday dinner, we went to the multi-church Good Friday service; it's my favorite every year.

 

The girls spent time creating "just the right" card for him.

 

 Daddy and his girls

For Brandon's gift, he chose some new hunting attire. He was slightly disappointed that it was a little too big. But we could only make the most of it and laugh.

 

 The girls and I met Sarena, Grandma and boys up at the mall for their egg "hunt." The girls had fun assisting Danny.

Later we colored eggs. I love this tradition!

Saturday we celebrated both Brandon and Dave's birthdays. We made smoked chicken, roasted potatoes, pretzel salad, and other goodies.

I made this super delicious and super unhealthy cheesecake.

Here is a side of Brandon a lot of people don't see - the goofy one who makes us laugh.

 Our tradition is to make Resurrection rolls for breakfast. We discuss the events of Christ's death, and put the rolls in the oven where his body (the marshmallow) disappears. Well, this year that didn't quite happen....at least we know Jesus truly was no longer in the grave!

 

We treasured the time of worship on Easter morning with all the family. He is Risen; He is Risen Indeed!

 

 All 8 kids. So sweet; such great kids with sweet relationships.

 Blessed by my husband and daughters.

 After church I forced (yes forced) the girls to let me take some pictures. Finding a nice backdrop at our house isn't easy. This is a nice backdrop, but they didn't like looking into the sun.

 She's growing up too fast

 Squinty Maisie

 After our photo shoot, we headed over to B/J's to celebrate with many more family members.

Maisie was excited to snuggle with Mikey.

 Let the hunt begin!

 

 Pretty sure he was rescuing something from up there...

 GG Muriel sure enjoyed listening to Analise play the piano.

We had a fun three days of celebrating!