Connor's Sophomore Year Awards

As his sophomore year of high school was winding down, Jeff and I began to realize what a remarkable year it had been for Connor. Along with his intense schedule of high school basketball and baseball, he managed to juggle a difficult course load and make straight A's throughout the year. He was also receiving quite a bit of recognition from his teachers and coaches for all his leadership and hard work at school. For the first time in his Katy school career, Connor was invited to attend the high school awards night where select students are honored for their accomplishments from the school year. We didn't know what award he would receive, but we were beyond proud of him and excited to attend this special event. Side note: Connor was far less excited when I told him to dress nice for the event, because apparently collared shirts are a special kind of evil punishment inflicted on young men. 

Jeff was attending another event with Kaitlynn, so I attended the KHS Awards night on my own. The school did a great job of setting the stage to honor these hard working students. They began by recognizing the students who had earned an Academic Award, which was the award for top students in each individual class. I waited patiently but Connor's name was never called, and that's when I realized that Connor had received a different type of award - the Honor Award, described as the highest recognition given to students at KHS. Wow, I was so surprised and happy for him! Connor's name was finally called as he was presented with the Achievement Award - described as the award "presented to students who have demonstrated strong academic performance in at least one area. They are leaders academically and socially, and they have achieved success in many areas both in and out of the classroom." To say I was proud was a true understatement!

With his sophomore year almost behind him, Connor's achievements had surpassed our expectations and then some. I think he even surprised himself at times! His academic success was the result of incredibly hard work and dedication, and we continue to feel so thankful and proud of his drive and motivation to excel at school. At the end of the year, we surprised him with new iPhone to show our appreciation for his continued success. Way to go, Connor!

Siblings

Amidst our hectic spring schedule of sports and activities, there were times when I would glance up and feel like I could barely recognize my own kids. They were growing up and changing so much right before our eyes, to the point where I might glance over at them and do a double take at how mature they'd become - seemingly overnight. 

Throughout the spring, they always seemed to be going in opposite directions with very little time to spend at home together or even out supporting one another in their various activities. It was a rare occasion when their schedules aligned and even more special when they could hang out together and actually get along for a certain amount of time, ha! 

They've been at that age where they cuddle with each other one second and then fight and scream at each other the next. In other words, they are typical siblings! There are occasional times where I catch a glimpse of them together and marvel at how much they still favor one another in appearance and expressions.

Lately, Kaitlynn is enjoying the perks of having an older sibling who can drive her around for fast food, while Connor likes to let his guard down and embrace his silly side with his sister around.

But one of my favorite parts of watching these siblings together is when they support one another and cheer each other on during their many activities, bonding over their accomplishments (and struggles) while also managing some healthy competition along the way. Love these two and so thankful for their close sibling bond!

Connor Turns 16

In what felt like no time at all, Connor's 16th birthday arrived and we could hardly believe it. How was it possible that my oldest had reached this milestone?! During his birthday week, we were consumed with a hectic schedule of school and sports, but I managed to make some awesome rolls for his birthday breakfast followed by his favorite chocolate cake a few days later when we could finally celebrate.

Being that he had already received his G-Wagon as his primary birthday gift a few weeks prior, Connor really only wanted one thing on his actual birthday: he wanted to take his driver's test and get his official driver's license! It was a bit ironic that he was so anxious to get his license because we practically had to force him to get his learner's permit and learn how to drive with Jeff. He said that it felt so much more real when he actually got a car and realized he would be able to have that freedom to drive whenever he wanted. That is, whenever Mom and Dad would let him, ha!

On Connor's actual birthday, we pulled him out of school a little early for his driver's appointment at our local DPS office. They checked his paperwork, snapped his photo, and then he was sent to wait in a line to take his official driving test. 

Jeff and I lingered nearby to watch the driver's test unfold, and we were both anxious on Connor's behalf. As Connor's home driving instructor for the past year, Jeff was confused and somewhat appalled as he watched from afar while Connor attempted his parallel parking, because he seemed to be completely out of the provided cones.  But soon enough, Connor confirmed that despite the remarks by his DPS instructor about his parallel parking being "iffy" (LOL!) Connor was now an officially licensed driver!

Connor admitted that he had struggled with the parallel parking but he was overjoyed at having his license and being able to drive on his own. Of course, I was going to need some time to adjust to this new situation and reminded Connor (and Jeff!) that we needed to EASE into this phase of solo driving. Jeff had the honor of snapping the photo when Connor pulled out of our driveway on his own for the very first time. What a strange and frightening feeling as a parent! I can't even imagine what it was like years ago without the use of cell phones and tracking apps to help parents keep up with their kids to know they're safe. For now, I'm thankful that Connor has a healthy fear of driving and mostly continues to live up to his "grandma" driving style as we let him venture further and further from home. And admittedly, it has been SUCH a blessing to our busy household that Connor can drive himself to his many activities for school and sports. Overall, it's a whole new phase for us that I'm not quite ready for, but ready or not, there he goes! 

Spring Updates and Photos

In my current role as a change management consultant, I work remotely 100% of the time. My consulting firm along with my current clients I'm supporting (PepsiCo) are both located in the Dallas area. In April, I spent a few days in Plano and Dallas for a client workshop and firm onsite meeting. It felt really strange being in a corporate office for the first time since before Covid struck, and it was even more bizarre to meet colleagues in person that have been on my computer screen for 2 years. 

With an incredibly busy spring of school and other activities, Connor and Marie often had trouble aligning their schedules so they could hang out. On the rare occasion that it worked, we loved having them over to spend time together playing games or goofing off outside. They are too cute!

In his occasional free time, Connor could usually be found playing video games or hanging out in his room. I have no idea why I snapped this photo of him assembling a Lego set, but I suspect it had something to do with the fact that I'm realizing his time living at home with us is running out far sooner than I'll be ready for.

For her part, Kaitlynn can usually be found in her room on FaceTime with friends while simultaneously playing computer games. But she also loves finding activities outside like swimming or trampoline time and attending her regular tumbling classes.

It became obvious that Kaitlynn was hitting a growth spurt this spring when her appetite increased dramatically. She can put away a huge amount of food like kolaches and pizza, but no one has any clue where it ends up except for the 1-2 inches of growth she's had this year alone.

In mid-April, Kaitlynn and I attended the spring Mother Daughter Tea which is an annual event to welcome new members into our Azalea chapter of National Charity League (NCL). It was a beautiful venue and we made sure to snap some pics to mark the occasion.

This girl is growing up so fast and changing into such a mature and beautiful young women right before our eyes. One morning before church, I couldn't resist taking her picture with Jeff because they looked so sweet together.

And finally, on Mother's Day, Jeff snapped a photo at church of me with my babies to mark the special day. Of course, these two clearly no longer resemble anything remotely close to a baby, but little do they know in my mind's eye they will remain those precious babies forever.