Living, Loving, Learning

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

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