Last Day

 Happy Last Day of School to Timmy!! 

I honestly do not know who will be more excited to put this school year on a shelf- Hamlet or me. He has been eagerly counting down for the past month, excited about sleeping in and enjoying extended play dates with his friends. I am simply looking forward to the absence of the pressure that becomes part of your life when school is in session. 

This school year has been one of change and growth for Timmy. Because his former school closed, his teachers were forced to pivot and develop their own private venture. I am eternally grateful for the dedication and the hard work that they have invested into their school and students. While the platforms were different and took some adjustment, this year there were no tears as we learned to navigate the programs.

As soon as Timmy became settled into his school year I began working full-time outside the home. This put Timmy in a position of navigating instructional and lunch time by himself. He stepped into his new independence like a champion and has grown exponentially through the experience. I am so very proud of him. 

As of 3:30 this afternoon, the Chenoweth's will be on vacation! 

 

Summer Blues

 I've been frustrated by my inability to unwind and relax. My mind is still in 'school' mode. When I do find myself on the couch relaxing, I feel wafts of anxiety hinting that I should be productive. I don't remember unwinding into summer break being this difficult! Of course, Timmy is still in school so that may be a factor in my relaxation difficulties.

The weather is certainly not bringing any summer vibes. It has been cool (highs at 75) and breezy every day. Today is the first day we are going to break into the 80s. While I have been grateful for the cooler temps because my body and leg are considerably more comfortable, it has been difficult to feel summery when wearing jeans and long sleeve shirts. Hopefully the warmer temperatures will blast the summer blues away, because I am longing to feel carefree with sun kissed cheeks. 

Today is 'camp out' day at Timmy's school. To surprise him, we are going to light to fire pit and roast hot dogs and s'mores for lunch. I think he will be delighted that we are staying on theme, and I'm looking forward to doing something summery. 

 

Lounging

 Yesterday was my first day of summer vacation. While I had high expectations for productivity when I awoke, my motivation quickly waned through the day. I found myself settling into the lounger and grabbing for the remote after I poured my second cup of coffee and, although I moved to prepare meals and help the boys, I didn't really do anything of consequence. I certainly did not tackle my highly organized Summer To-Do 2026 list.

After the chaos of the past few years, I am giving myself permission to relax and lounge this week. Timmy is still in school so his needs are relatively few. I have the luxury of lounging, and it would be a travesty to squander it.  My list will be put on hold, because this week is going to be reserved for sleeping, watching movies and reading my books.

What are you doing today? 

Happy Birthday Koopa!!

 Happy Summer!!

Friday morning I attended my final meeting before I headed to turn in my badge and supplies. It has been an amazing year of growth, not only for my students but for me as well. Timmy, whom I thought would dislike navigating lunchtime by himself, has matured so much that he now loves the autonomy and independence that my working outside the home affords him.  Talk about change!

Alas, all good things much come to an end, and the contract position is now over. I'm optimistic that it will be renewed for next year, but at this time nothing definitive has been offered or decided. Fingers crossed. In the meantime, I'm going to do my very best to enjoy summer vacation with my family.

While Friday Scott and I celebrated the end of the school year, Saturday was all about Robby because my sweet little Koopa turned 20! I can't believe that I have been lucky enough to be his Momom for two decades. Thinking about the passage of time made me feel overwhelmed, so I opted to just stay in the moment. We went to Waffle House for breakfast before heading to the Apple Store (an hour away). We picked up his favorite chicken for lunch before heading to Olive Garden for a celebratory dinner.  Basically, he ate his way through his big day.