Proud as a Peacock

It's no secret that I think my boys are top-notch, cream of the crop, and practically perfect in every way but sometimes it's nice to hear other people sing their praises. :)

Nick and Nolan worked really hard all year long in school. They are both enrolled in honors classes and strive to do their very best. They stretched themselves this year by doing some tough assignments, keeping up on classwork, as well as playing sports. They both brought home stellar report cards and I'm so stinkin' proud of them.

Last week, we were invited to an awards assembly for the 7 th graders. Connor was able to crutch his way to the gymnasium to watch Nick receive an award for "Student of the YEAR" in his art class. Nick was born with an amazing gift of artistic ability. My brother, Todd, also possesses this gift. It's almost eerie how closely Nick's art resembles Todd's style. I think Nick was proud of his award and I'm happy his teacher chose him... a little boost in confidence is a good thing at this age.

On the last day of school, Nolan proudly handed me his report card. He had a wonderful year. He grew by leaps and bounds in his writing abilities and at the helm of his class was a teacher I wish could follow him through each and every year of his school life. Mrs. R is amazing. She's smart, fun, caring, and a wonderful example to her students. She wrote Nolan a comment on his report card that I thought was very nice. It went beyond the usual "pleasure to have in class" comment. Here's what she said... "What a wonderful honor to have been Nolan's teacher this year. I look forward to hearing about all Nolan's future accomplishments and successes as he continues through his schooling and beyond. Nolan is capable of greatness, and I predict college scholarships and opportunities for leadership in his bright future." Whoa. What a comment! That would make any mom and dad blush with pride, no? :)

Way to go guys! Keep up the great work! Your hard work is paying off and will continue to do so.

But, luckily, Summer has finally arrived and you can put the hardwork on the back burner... time to relax and have some fun. You deserve it!

Making Lemonade out of Lemons

Sometimes life throws you lemons.

Like for instance...

A particular U2 concert that you have been dying to see gets cancelled. (Sorry about your back Bono, get better real soon so I can perch myself in the stadium and watch you with glee.)

or...

You booked an awesome hotel room for said concert date. An awesome NONREFUNDABLE hotel room.

or...

Your husband injures himself by taking a nasty, nasty fall and needs crutches to get around for several weeks.

What do you do about all this???

You take the kids to grandma's house for the night (Thanks Grandma!), put the crutches and hubby in the car, drive to the big city to take advantage of the awesome hotel room regardless of concert being cancelled, throw open the curtains and stare at the amazing sights from sixteen floors up, enjoy being cooped up in the ultra mod-four star opulence with your very best friend, find yourself laughing at a shoebox full of vintage pictures of your hubby from his youth (Thanks Grandma!), venture out into the city to enjoy a delicious dinner and potent cocktails, retreat to room 1654 to relax and sleep the night away knowing that even though life deals you small blows, you and your hubs will make the most of it and be happy no matter what!

Food For Thought

Just a little Nolanism I'd like to remember....

Nolan-"Madre, did you know that something yummy plus something yummy equals greatness?" (Spoken as he is dipping part of his candy necklace into some muffin batter, then popping it into his mouth.)

Me- "Well, I guess that makes sense."

Nolan- "Except if it's bacon plus sugar, that would just be gross."