End of School

 We wrapped up 3rd, 6th and 8th grades today. I actually had a little bit tougher of a time today accepting that it was Rowan's last day of middle school.

Rowan and Cruz were the recipients of the Man in the Arena award given by their PE teacher and baseball coach. They were also given a book on spiritual leadership to read together. I am so proud of these two. They both leave everything on the field when they play. They are dedicated and hardworking. They played alongside each other in three separate sports this season and did so with grace (for the most part). Sports are such a big part of their lives and while they may never play anything professionally, the lessons they are learning are priceless. 

Rowan also received the "Deep Thinker Award" (shocking) in Science and a Most Improved Award in Spanish. He also had the highest grade in his Math class. Cruz was recognized as an honorary Presidential Fitness Award recipient as he just did not qualify in one area. He's planning to shave that 45 seconds off of his mile run and make the cut next year. 

Cora's student teacher Mr. Winningham stepped up and finished our the year when Mrs. Tedder had baby Arthur. Cora loved him! 

Last week I got to go to an escape room with Rowan's Algebra I class. I had the pleasure of being in a room with Rowan and few classmates and I was so proud of the way they worked together. We were the only group to escape! 

Coco had a Read In day the second to last day of school. The kids can bring blankets, stuffed animals and a ton of books. They spend the day reading and hanging out together. 

Sweet friend Piper! 

We're so ready for summer although this one may prove to have its challenges. Apartment living is slowly (or not so slowly) losing its luster. We are very much feeling the small size of the apartment but the thing we miss most is having an outdoor space. The kids miss having a pool in their backyard, they miss a trampoline, a yard to play baseball, a basketball hoop to shoot baskets, etc. We have a lot of fun planned this summer and are going to do our best to stay relaxed yet busy and enjoy every moment.  

Rowan's 8th Grade Graduation

I can't believe my precious baby Rowan has graduated from 8th grade and will be off to HIGH SCHOOL in the fall. Time has flown entirely too fast. The day that we brought him home from the hospital truly doesn't seem that long ago. It's hard to stay too sad for too long though because Rowan is one fantastic kid.

He helped me choose the photos for the slide show put together by the school. I just love this baby photo! 

His first batting helmet... 

 

Ready to graduate! 

Rowan continues to be confident in who he is and rarely worries about what other people. He's not afraid to do the right thing even if it's not popular. 

In addition to our little fam, Grandpa and Linda both came to celebrate Row's graduation with us! Deona couldn't be there as she was in IL for her granddaughter's birthday. We had dinner at Outback prior to graduation.

2026! Wow! Doesn't seem that far off! 

Rowan received an award for "Understanding" from his Science teacher, Mrs. Allen. Rowan always wants to fully understand concepts whether its Math, Science or Bible and asks A LOT of questions. He enjoys learning and is so bright. 

My favorite pic! This sweet boy has had many opportunities to put his faith in action this year and he continues to inspire me with his maturity and desire to grow. 

From us Rowan received a new suitcase for travel and a cross necklace with his life verse engraved on the back, Matthew 16:24-26. I'm not sure I've ever shared this on here but we deliberately gave each of our children one name that would point them to Jesus. Rowan's is his middle name Christian. We also chose a verse that went along with that name to pray over and share with each kiddo as they grew up. If they should ever lose their way or go astray, it is our prayer that their name will always be a reminder of WHOSE they are.

Thank you Grandma for sending the check and sweet journal!

Thank you Grammy & Grampy for the card and check!

The speaker at graduation challenged the 8th graders with a phrase "transform or conform" taken from Romans 12:2. "Do not conform to the pattern of the world, but be transformed by renewing of your mind." She reminded them that through out high school, they will have many opportunities to conform to the ways of the world OR to use those opportunities to be transformed by God. We love you so much, sweet Rowan. We pray that you would continually be transformed into the man that God wants you to be, that you would have the strength and courage not to conform and that you will follow Jesus all the days of your life. We love you more than we can even put into words and are so so so very proud that you are ours.

-Mom & Dad 

Beginning of the May!

Elementary Art Show: 

Cora and Piper

Sweet Brothers came to support their Sis! 

Happy 39, Roger! 

Roger celebrated his last birthday in his 30's which he's super excited about! He's wanted to be 40 since I've known him! :) 

Happy Mother's Day! 

I am so so so thankful for these three. They are the BEST kids I could ever ask for and I am trying to cherish every day I have with them as the days are flying so fast! 

Poetry Project: 

I loved going to Cora's class and hearing her share some poetry from her poetry project. 

 

Luau Day at School: 

 

Spring Flag Football: 

Rowan had a great second season with his flag football team. He improved, they improved, and ended up with a second place in their age bracket. 

Upper School Choir Concert: 

 

 

Varsity Baseball Wrap Up: 

Rowan ended up having a wonderful season on the Varsity baseball team. This first picture makes my mama heart so happy! He just had the best time. The boys were so sweet and inclusive and it was just the best experience for him. 

 

 My favorite part of this video is the way his team and his friends in the bleachers cheered for him. There was a lot of change this year for this guy but he's fitting in and feeling comfortable here and I'm so grateful. 

Receiving his Varsity Pin as an 8th Grader! 

Gershwin Spirit Week & Masquerade Competition: 

 

Neon Day! 

We had our final regional competition in Orlando this past weekend. Masquerade was such a fun competition and Cora and Grace had the best time together. Their jazz and tap dances received a Platinum score and jazz received second place over all. Grace's solo placed 10th out of over 50 solos. My favorite part of the weekend was watching how excited Cora was for her friend. 

 

So thankful for this friendship! 

Sweet Gershie Girls and tap teacher Ms Geena! 

That's a wrap on competition season although we have Nationals in Orlando in July. 

House: 

They're getting ready to dry wall, stucco and then paint. Love how peaceful this view is with the birds chirping.

Meet in the Middle

 We finally got to bring back our annual Meet in the Middle tradition with my side of the family after a two year break. It looks a little bit different now that we live farther apart but it was still a blast! We met up in Bowling Green, Kentucky. My fam flew to Nashville and then made the hour plus drive.

No masks!!!!! 

Big girls with their Starbucks! 

Bowling Green is home to one of the Tampa Bay Rays affiliate baseball teams. 

Our cute cabin for the weekend! Each couple had their own bedroom and bathroom and then upstairs was a huge loft with five beds! Perfect for the cousins. 

 

Uncle Nate brought some police flares to help light the fire. Rowan had fun assisting. 

Bowling 

Chuck E. Cheese

We split up for the afternoon. The boys headed to the Corvette Museum where they had a fantastic time! 

The girls headed to a local mall for some shopping. It was so fun to shop with mom, my sister and our daughters!!! The girls all brought along some spending money and it was fun to see their purchases! 

We met up for a delicious dinner at Roosters! 

We had another fun evening of S'mores and hanging out around the campfire. 

 

Thanks Mom and Dad for a wonderful, special time together! 

Also, she really loves her biggest bro.