The End-of-the-School-Year Emotions! 2016

So I've found myself in tears on several occasions over the past week or so, and I know it's because the end of a school year is here. My emotional and mental calendar run not on the standard calendar but the school year. So the end of a grade or preschool class turn my emotions upside down. Or rather, turn them waaaaaay up.

Last week as I met with Mac and Paisley's preschool teacher, we discussed next year and even their graduation-- next year. My eyes swelled up with tears at the mere thought of no more preschool and my tiny tots in actual school-- for 7 hours a day. With this year ending I am grasping the idea that we only have one more year of preschool. Change isn't easy for me, in fact, Jordan jokes that I cried every time I left my parents to head back to college. True story. I like familiar and comfort. Yeah, yeah, I recognize change is healthy and good, but I'm never really ready to close a chapter of our story.

I come to the blog because I love to write, and that's the best way to express my emotions. I am an ugly-faced, gasping for breath, snotty crier-- especially when my chest is heavy with emotion and I am confronted with just how fast time flies.

This year Lilly Scott will finish her second to last year of elementary school. Second.to.last. So next year I may need medication as I endure THREE graduations. Lord, help me.

                                                                      August 2015

My kiddos have been so loved this year. Lilly Scott has received huge praise from teachers as she has accomplished so much. This year she was named one of the 'most improved' in her classroom, and she has worked her booty off. She got to go to the local baseball field where she paraded with others awarded the same and received dinner and a certificate. Even Paw Paw drove into town for the evening.

                                                                         April 2016

May 2016

Mac and Paisley have been so loved and adored by their teacher that I don't want to move on quite yet. When Wells started at the end of January, I didn't think I'd feel so attached to his precious teachers either. But here I am- ugly crying- thinking of another year to end. These women have adored, taught, photographed, painted hands, zipped up costumes, written notes, changed (Wells') diapers, washed hands, text me notes and pictures, shared stories, captured moments that I could not, and so much more. These women loved on my three littles when I entrusted a huge part of my world to them. Ms. Melissa, Ms. Norma, and Ms. Carol all get an award for how much they've 'mothered' M, P and W. All the teachers have a place in my heart just for faithfully teaching and loving our little ones. Even Ms. Brenda (Mac and Paisley's teacher from last year and Wells' for next year) shared her lunch when _________ forgot to take in Wells' lunchbox.

                                                                    September 2015

January 2016

May 2016

Teachers have signed the books that I designate to each of my babies, and I digress to even more emotion as I reflect the story and read their words and memories of the year with each Allen baby.

Paisley asked why I had tears when I picked her up last week, and I hugged her and just said because she's growing so fast. Mac asked if we could pray for him to stop growing-- probably because he's sick of my watering eyes. I smiled and reminded him that his growth is according to God's plan, and I have no doubt that God's plans are huge for him.. for every one of us, really. They/We have to grow in order to become what God created us to be.

                                                  Ms. Paula, Ms. Jennifer, Ms. Brenda
                                                                        May 2016

                                                               
                                                                 Ms. Carol, Ms. Norma
                                                                           May 2016

These sappy books, the fb posts about 'the last baby', and the end of the year are too much. I am a 'gift of time' love language mama/friend, and time doesn't slow for me. When I see how much we wanted and experienced for Mac and Paisley, and now they're 3 months shy of FIVE years old, I know that time is truly precious. I am so much more cautious to leave social media, texts, errands and open my arms and agenda to these precious kids that I've been entrusted with for however long He allows.

End of the year party

On to SUMMER 2016!!

Please tell me I'm not alone on this emotional roller coaster! Friends! Anyone?!

First Day of School 2013

LS started a brand new school, Ooltewah Elementary. She has Mrs. Bryant as her teacher. School isn't walking distance any more, but we love the beautiful drive passed cows and farm.

The first day was August 8. Dad stayed home that morning to help and share in the excitement of the first day :)

She is so big and still growing up every day. 

Lunch with our second grader

We love you, big girl! You have grown SO much in a year! Here is a post from just a year ago! We are blessed beyond measure to have you as our daughter, Lilly Scott. You touch lives all around you with your sweet spirit and loving heart. 

-mom and dad 

LS becomes an Allen :-)

We are finally at the end of the adoption. Lilly Scott Allen is our pride and joy :-)
The Tuesday after Easter, my parents came to be a part of a special event for our family. We so appreciate the love and support of Nana and Paw Paw's presence with us on this special day.
After court, we ate brunch and came home for an egg hunt.

Our Easter

We went to Murfreesboro for Easter this year. We had planned and prepped for a spectacular holiday with family and friends and Aunt Dee's cooking :-)
Our plans were rocked when Lilly Scott ended up with a 104+ fever. We took her to a walk in clinic that was open (the day before Easter, mind you), and when the nurse practitioner walked in wearing a surgical mask, I about lost it. Turns out poor LS had flu B and strep. She was devastated, and I just wanted to make her better.
We decided to go home to minimize exposure. I cried, Jordan kept all of us together and Mac and Paisley were clueless. Before we left Uncle Larry brought us food to enjoy at home, and we were on our way.
The next day we spent quarantined at home. It was sad for us all, but it is what it is. No one was to blame- it just happened. We made up for Easter a few days later... See the next post :-)

LS turns 7!

 Lilly Scott turned 7 on January 11. She was SO excited to share in the month long celebration. She wore her official birthday dress, had a party at school and celebrated with a few close friends and family at the Gymnastics Center of Chattanooga.

 

 Classroom party where we served warm KK donuts.

 

 Lilly Scott came home to a big surprise :o)

 Probably my favorite picture of the whole weekend.

 Her second big surprise... Nana came to Chattanooga for the birthday dinner!

 Party time!

 

Happy Birthday to you!

Go, Gracie!

 Gracie, little Maggie, big Maggie and Logan enjoy their cupcake

 Go, big E!

Lilly Scott,

You weigh 49 lbs, and she is 48" tall. You love art and animals and people. Your heart and outgoing nature amaze me. You're not shy in unfamiliar settings and adjust when your nerves make you uneasy. You have been such an amazing addition, and our family has been blessed by your very presence. Stubbornness is part of what we are working on as well as first time obedience. It absolutely melts my heart when I hear you sing praises to Jesus. I know that you are surrounded by amazing teachers and caregivers at SBA, and it makes me proud to send you there.

Humor is something you come by VERY well. Comments, songs and gestures absolutely have us to the floor in laughter.

Here are some of your 'Lilly-isms':

-In college do you have to wait for your food, or do you have a waiter?

-Me: Fix your headband. Your hair is in your face.

LS: It's not a headband. It's a crown.

Me: If you're a princess then I'm the queen, and you have to do what I say.

LS: I'm a princess with dead parents.

-I want to be president when I grow up. Their house has pools and games inside. It even has a Walmart.

-After walking in circles behind you for 10 minutes in the corn field, we decided to take the lead. You continued to yell 'just trust me!'

-Talking in depth to you about college and the importance of being a good student beforehand. You interrupted me saying 'one, two, buckle my shoe...'

 

Your favorite foods are tomato soup and pizza (you eat about 5 pieces!), and you strongly dislike tomatoes (oh, the irony) and mushrooms.

We have learned so much on this journey, and we look forward to being your mom and dad for the next 184 years :o)

We love you, Lilly Scott!

-mom and dad