Samuel's first Championship

Samuel just finished playing on a spring flag football team.  His friend asked him to join with him and although initially reluctant I know that Samuel really had fun.  Most of the boys were a year older and finished 3rd grade.  So, it was a great experience to play more experienced and faster boys. 

Samuel mostly played defense...cornerback specifically and he liked it.  I know he would have liked to play more offense, but he eventually understand that the older boys were just a little faster. 

The season was a huge success.  All the boys and their families were super nice and supportive of the team.  They lost one game all season and WON the A-bracket Championship.  It was quite the night.  The playoffs were postponed a week because of rain so everyone was excited to play.  The boys had to play back to back games against tough teams and they played hard all night.  It was so, so, so fun and exciting to watch the boys play.  They happiness and smiles when the second game ended was just awesome!

It was a beautiful night!

Samuel and his head coach

He LOVES this t-shirt!

He was so tired after the games that he collapsed in our living room!

This was Samuel's 6th season of flag football and maybe his last.  That has yet to be decided, but we do know that in the fall Samuel will be transitioning to the real deal.  He is playing tackle football and this momma is nervous.  He is very excited because he will get to play more offense!  If this was his last go with flag football I am so happy that he and his team won it all!

First day vs. Last day

My kiddos changes a lot this year.  I think Emma and Samuel changed the most!  From the first day of K, 2, 4, and 7 to me being told "I'm a 1, 3, 5, and 8th grader now!

Notice how all the outfits looks really nice on the first day of school.  Nine months later I'm just glad they are dressed and have brushed their teeth!

They had donuts to celebrate the last day of school!  Overall, everyone had a great year and had mixed feelings about the school year ending.  I think we are all ready for a little break and to have a fun summer!!! 

Emma's year

I attended the 7th grade awards today.  That means Emma is finished with 7th grade.  There is one day left of school, but that is just a formality.  All else is done!

It has been quite the year for Emma.  She has physically changed a lot in my opinion. She has no more little girl look to her.  I just see a young woman when I look at her and I'm not sure I like that.  I am so very proud of who she is and who I see her becoming, but it's still hard. She is my baby and she is almost 13!

August

end of April

This year Emma accomplished many goals.  First and probably the biggest accomplishment physically and mentally was gymnastics.  She loves being at AIM after a rough start and horrendous time in the fall.  She made it to the level 5 state meet and did considerably well considering she competed on a broken toe.  Emma has been at AIM for just over a year.  The other week on the way home from practice she and I talked about all she has accomplished in that time.   During our discussion she said "they (meaning Deanna and Debbie her coaches) broke me mom, but I survived and am stronger for it".  She said she has no regrets and is so glad she is at AIM.  In all honestly I was speechless and on the verge of tears when she said that.  To hear your child say they were broken is tough stuff, but it is so true.  They did break her, but in the best way because she is a better and stronger person now than 12 months ago.  It was hard to watch and to know what to do during the process.  I failed her many times I am sure, but Drew and I muddled through with her.  She has much more confidence in herself and her abilities.  She is a self admitted lazy gymnast and she likes to be challenged now.  Seeing her work through all the very, very hard stuff at AIM....no words for how happy Drew and I are for her.  She is a tough cookie and that makes me so proud!  Her last year as gymnast is going to be great!

Emma completed her first year as a NCL Wildflower member.  She completed the required hours and then some, but not too many.  It was a true challenge because of her gymnastic schedule.  However, she dedicated time and effort to more than 10 charities.  She completed more than 50 hours.  Her favorite place to volunteer was the Atria, which is an assisted living facility.  Mine too and it makes me happy to know that we can share this journey together.

Finally, Emma did so well at school.  She was inducted into the National Junior Honor Society in April and she finished 7th grade with all A's.  She struggled all year in math and somehow found the time to go to tutoring when offered.  She worked hard and had a 90 for the year.  Honestly, that is huge.  She hates math, but she had a great teacher and that made all the difference.  This is the second year she earned all A's in her pre-AP classes.  She has already decided she wants to leave Strack next year having accomplished that again.  You go girl!

Getting her NJHS award

7th grade awards with her bestie Ashlynn

It's been quite the year Emma.  You are amazing and we are so proud of you!!!