Our Graduate

It was hard to believe at the beginning of the year that Hadley was old enough to start kindergarten.  It is even harder to believe that she is now graduating from kindergarten.  Monday and Tuesday, she had graduation practice leading up to graduation on Wednesday.   I was also informed that she had been practicing a special graduation song, but she wouldn't sing it for me as she wanted it to be a surprise. 

Wednesday she was very excited and kept asking if I was going to be there to watch.  I assured her I would be there.  When I arrived at school, she was playing on the playground, but she took time out to come and give me a hug.  It is nice to know that even though she is graduating, she's still not too old to want to give me a hug in front of her friends. 

As the kids started lining up for the graduation, you could tell how excited they all were.  I'm so proud of my kindergarten graduate, even though I still can't believe she is old enough.  Watch out first grade, here comes Hadley.  

Receiving her diploma from her amazing teacher

Mother's Day

Last year on Mother's Day, Gideon commissioned as a Naval Officer.  This year, he is hard at work on his first ship which is underway.  Unfortunately, this is the first of many occasions over the next year that Gideon will be missing.  While we always miss him and wish he was with us, we are living life and celebrating things as they come. 

Shortly before Mother's Day, there are always lists publicized of what Mom really wants.  We as mom's don't usually want much.  The lists typically consist of sleeping in, not having to cook, chocolates, flowers, jewelry, a card.  The basics. 

Being the only parent at home, I knew I wasn't going to get many of those things.  I was hoping to at least be able to sleep in, but that wasn't to be either.  Even though I didn't get many things on the list, we made it work and had a good day. 

We enjoyed brunch with friends, watched a movie, played outside, and what I really wanted, extra hugs and kisses.  And while it may not have been the jewelry they were talking about on all of those lists, I did get a pin and a necklace, handmade by my girls. 

While it is not always easy being Mom, I wouldn't trade it for the world.

Making me Mother's Day cards

My gifts from Malia

Thumbprint necklace Malia made at school

My gifts from Hadley

Hadley's card

Let's Be Realistic

I've been telling myself for over a year that I was going to catch up with my blog.  I would take the time and write all the posts for all of the events that we have done over the last year.  It is time that I am finally realistic with myself and admit that that is not going to happen.  For one we are always doing new things so I am just getting further and further behind, and for another I am just too busy.

With Gideon gone for a little while and then leaving again for deployment shortly after he gets home, I thought now would be a good time to jump back in where we are now.  The Navy is very different from the Marines.  There are many pros and cons to both, but one of the big negatives of the Navy is the lack of communication during deployments.  Phone calls are only available when they are in port and even email is not always available.  And even at the best of times, Gideon is not good about emailing. 

So I'm restarting my blog to help Gideon keep up with what is going on at home while he is gone.  Even though tomorrow is Mother's Day, this is for you Gideon.  We love you and miss you.  See you soon!