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?!

Thanksgiving 2013

Thanksgiving holiday was the week after Wells' birth so we kept it super low key. Mimi (Jordan's mom) had visited us once we came home from the hospital and brought homemade food for us to eat. My mom sent food with my brother Jeff, and we ordered a turkey breast from Honey Baked Ham.

 

It was just us plus my brother Jeff for the holiday. It was a nice, chill holiday. We needed that. Especially looking back now as our world was about to hit another bump.

 

I am not even sure if I left my pjs that day. Now that, my friends, is awesome :o)

 

We closed the day with a movie and snacks. Perfecto.

 

 

Destin Beach Trip

We went to the beach Memorial Day week. That's our typical week to go on family vacation. Weather is nice, Jordan gets Memorial Day off so it's less vacation time to take and it just works for us. 

This year we returned to Destin. We haven't been there in several years as we try a new place every year. We actually stayed on Okaloosa Island, but it is so close to Destin we enjoyed all that both have to offer. 

We go on these yearly family vacations with Nana and Paw Paw, and we have such fun and make special memories. Get ready for a picture overload... 

On our way to the beach, we stopped in Dothan, AL to visit my mom's family. We also visited my grandmother's (Gram) grave. This is the grandmother Mac is named after- McKinney (Mac) Graham.

First day

 Paw Paw loves taking them out in the ocean

 Meal time!

 Then we discovered the pool. The kids liked the beach for a max of 30 minutes, then they were ready for sand free fun. 

 I LOVE this view when I am on the board walk. It reminds me I'm on vacation.

 One of our absolute favorite places to eat in Destin. 

 Riding go carts and put put are a must on family vacations. Especially beach vacations when Jordan has had his fill of sand, ocean and sun. 

Last family picture before going home the next day.