Posts

Griffin is 19.

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My heart is all jumbled up on this big day.  Last July, Griffin moved to Muhlhausen; Germany to attend university and live with his love, Alicia.     He has regaled us with stories of exploring Berlin, using the train system on his one hour/each way commute every day to school,  embracing the traditions and holidays of his new community,  learning to live independently and all the responsibilities it entails and perhaps the biggest challenge of all...becoming fluent in German.   I am so proud of him.  This is what we raised him for, to be independent, to have big dreams, to work hard to make your goals a reality.  I am stunned by his bravery, joyful at his quest for adventure and impressed by his commitment.  And today, like most everyday, I carry a deep ache to hug my son, to go to bed and know he is tucked in safely just a few feet away, to make him a birthday fruit pizza and snap pictures when he blows out the candles.  I will content myself to video chat with my guy tonight and spe

Happy Birthday Lucy!

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My sweet girl is 15 today!  She is so cool and I feel super lucky to be her Mama.   It has been a year of MAJOR SUCCESS...she received the award for highest GPA at the 8th grade promotion ceremony.   A year of HARD WORK...her marching band competed at the state level this year.   A year of GRAND ADVENTURE...we went to Scotland with her Granny, Aunties and cousin Ally, in October.    A year of NEW LOVE...we welcomed our new furry friend, Juniper, into our lives.  And a year of BIG CHANGES...Lucy has adjusted wonderfully to be being a Freshman.   We could not be more proud of our smart, sweet, kind, talented, sassy daughter.  She is an  original and she is AMAZING.   Birthday Interview What activities/sports/clubs were you involved in this year? Marching Band, Academic Team, Beta Club and Literature Club What pets do you have? Juniper, Cookie and the fish What do you want to be when you grow up? Something in a STEM field Where is 1 place you really want to go? Tokyo with Lily! What is y

Griffin George is an ADULT...well, on paper at least.

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  This guy turns 18 today!  What a year it has been.....filled with unyielding love and consuming terror, with partings and reunions, with first romance and first steps to true independance.  The closing door to childhood and the rest of the journey just beginning.  As a parent, it has absolutely been the most challenging and heartbreaking year yet.  I know most parents have BIG FEELINGS as they watch their children finish up high school and start making decisions about the next chapter, but ours has had a lot of unexpected twists and turns to navigate.  I've learned many lessons about letting go, trusting the process and loving my kid even when it is really hard.  And boy do I love this guy.  My first child, my only son, a huge piece of my heart out walking around this earth.  I know the next years will bring him so many challenges and accomplishments, joy and sadness, love and frustration and I hope to continue to have a front seat to love him through all of it.   Birthday Interv

Lucy is 14....whoa

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  Heyyyyy!  It's been a long time!  First of all a warning, this post is going to be photo heavy.  Over the last year I've basically completely cut myself off from social media (fantastic decision for my mental health!) but I would love to have a space for the kids to be able to look back and access photos quickly.    This has been quite a  year for Lucy.  She has had many incredibly happy experiences and some truly tragic ones as well.  Throughout it all, Lucy has remained strong and loving and positive.  She has spent her year getting back into the groove of "normal post-Covid" life.  She is conquering 8th grade without breaking a sweat.  She has developed several deep and meaningful friendships that bring her so much joy.  Her skill on the flute is truly impressive.  She is an avid reader, enjoys creative pursuits and LOVES talking with her people on facetime.  Her analytical mind has been a perfect fit for leading her school's Future Problem Solving team.  She