a job well done

Jillian is such a diligent, conscientious worker and aims for perfection in all she does. I love seeing her hard work recognized and rewarded. Her middle school has over 400 7th graders, so receiving one of only a few awards given, is really quite an honor.

Jillian & her friend, Alex, at the 7th grade awards breakfast.

So very proud of you both!

the red plate

As I was washing this plate this morning, I was reminded of all the occasions that it has come out of the box and placed on our table. I love my red plate. My mom gave it to me the year Mallory was born, and I love that it is part of our family on our very special days. I love that the girls expect it, and I love that Jillian remembered to get it out for me to use when she cooked Mother's Day brekky yesterday.

hello again & happy mother's day

So it's been a VERY long time since I've posted - not because nothing has happened. In fact, I feel like it's all happening, and some days I feel like I can't keep up. It's all good though, and I wouldn't trade this season of our lives for anything. It's a joy and a pleasure (at least most days) to be Mallory & Jillian's mom, and I know that in 5 years when both girls have left the house for college, I will miss these days.

Peter and I have much to be thankful for when it comes to our girls, and on this day that we celebrate mothers, I would love to celebrate the things these past few months that make M & J amazing daughters.

MALLORY: selected to go to State Federation for piano, choir finished first in state, lettered in academics (didn't know you could do that), made the decision to commit to the final 2 years of the International Baccalaureate Program, completed her first AP exam in US History, becoming a confident & skilled driver of both of the family vehicles, continues to develop encouraging and positive relationships with great girls...and a certain boy

JILLIAN: selected to go to State Federation for piano, selected for National Junior Honor Society with a 4.0 for the last two terms, just completed the Futures program for the US Field Hockey Olympic Development Program & is heading to St. Louis to compete in the Regional Futures tournament, soccer team is undefeated (wins & ties but no losses), had her first babysitting job & is becoming a great cook

...and thank you to my girls and my wonderful husband (& advice from Jordan & Sharla) for my new Canon DSLR. It's an EOS Rebel XS - though I don't know what that means, I know it's awesome. I have been without a camera since June when "we" left it on the plane on our trip to Florida, and I am looking forward to capturing the moments & details that tell our family's story.