It's Elliot's Day to Shine

It's time to celebrate, great-nephew Elliot's eighth grade graduation and an opportunity to take a look back at his K-8 years.

 From play dates at the local park when he was just my "little buddy" to becoming a regular fan cheering him on at sporting events, it has been a joy to be a part of this special guy's life.

 Sports has been his passion from an early age.  Baseball . . .

Hockey. . .

Basketball and flag football!

Elliot displayed his unique style through the years.  His mismatched hockey socks became his trademark and all those hairstyles!

Never one to shy away from wearing costumes, Elliot did manage to find time away from his demanding sports schedule to enjoy improvisational theater experiences at school.

When Covid forced the shutdown of schools, I became a tutor in his home classroom. His teachers did an incredible job of providing engaging lessons online,  so we just had fun supplementing his learning with online museum visits and playing games including our creation, "Where in the World?"

Although, Elliot enjoyed playing in the kitchen at the park when he was young, it did not inspire him to become an adventurous eater.  No amount of coaxing could get him to deviate from Covid classroom lunches of pizza, dinosaur chicken nuggets and white cheddar mac and cheese.

The interrupted school years due to the Covid pandemic will forever be a part of his elementary school memories, including the adoption of  his beloved Bailey. 

When schools finally reopened, Elliot returned to his local school, Portage Park Fine and Performing Arts Center for sixth grade.  However, in 7th grade he traded in the blue and gold at Portage for blue and silver at Taft where he will continue next year in the International Baccalaureate program.

Elliot brings so much joy to his family each and every day.

 

Gold stars for a special young man as he celebrates this milestone.

 

 

You are loved to infinity.  .  .

. . . and beyond!

Leann's Graduation

 

It's time to celebrate, great-niece Leann's eighth grade graduation!

From study dates at the library in the early days at Thorp Scholastic Academy to reviews sessions for the U. S. and IL Constitution tests, I've enjoyed watching her learn and grow.  

Since Bill from "School House Rock" was part of our Constitution reviews, I thought he should make an appearance at Leann's  celebration.

Leann participated in a variety of programs throughout elementary school.  She gave a "thumbs down" to some of the activities, but I am so proud of her enthusiasm and  willingness to try new things .

 

Nothing slowed her down, not even the changes that were forced on her due to the Corona virus.

Leann has always enjoyed sports and even participated in shot put this year when the coached asked her to give it a try.  Several track meets later she emerged as the Chicago City Champion!

Why a soccer ball with a graduation cap?  Because in 2019 when big sister Mary Grace graduated, Leann said, "when I graduate I want a soccer ball with a graduation cap on it." 

Of course, her collection included a few traditional caps and gowns and the traditional "Look out __________ High School" cookie.

Since Leann has always loved puzzles and frequently asked for puzzle cookies when she was younger, her collection had to include at least one puzzle cookie!  I opted to use the school mascot for this one and I am sure that she will be able to piece it together much faster than I could after I baked it!

 Finally, some Harry Styles themed cookies were added to her collection .  .  .

.  .  . because right now she is just wild about Harry!

Leann is venturing far beyond the neighborhood schools next year and I can't wait to see what is in store for her in the future.  

 Whatever path she chooses, I hope she always remembers:

You are BRAVER than you believe

STRONGER than you seem

SMARTER than you think

and LOVED more than you know.

 Congratulations!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Maddy is Sweet Sixteen!

A wonderful girl  is celebrating a special birthday.  From first born and first loved. . .to loving big sis, great-niece Maddy, is now SIXTEEN!

Cookies as unique and special as the girl who is celebrating, was my goal for this collection.

Maddy has been a member of her high school golf team for two years.

Every birthday needs cake!  I added the skulls because when Maddy came to visit us at Christmas she was wearing a jacket that had a tiny print that included skulls.  Little brother, Kyle, said, "it's inappropriate," but I thought it was very fashion forward.

February means Valentines, so here  is an assortment to show Maddy how much she is loved.

Maddy has a new job at an orthodontist's office which requires data entry.  A word of CAUTION, if you eat the skulls in this collection, you might need the services of the ortho!!!!

A few characters from, Mario Kart, a favorite game.

For Maddy's artistic side.

Maddy is adventurous and loves to ride on the family's snow mobiles.

Of course, if your birthday is on February 2nd, you have to have Groundhog cookies!

Cookies are even fun to unpack when they arrive in the mail

Love, Hugs and Cookies 

for  a very 

special girl!

References:
Letter Design - LifesABatch
Groundhog - SweetSugarBelle