Celebrating Mary Grace's Graduation

 

At a young age, Mary Grace realized that Chicago schools offer a wide variety of programs throughout the district and transferred multiple times before her 8th grade graduation in an effort to participate in various experiences.  However, for her high school years she wanted to stay in one school and chose to attend Lane Tech College Prep.

Little did she know that she would become part of the "Class of Covid."  A recent article in the Chicago Tribune stated:  . . .freshmen when the pandemic hit and, as it happened, seniors on the verge of earning their diplomas when the public health emergency formally ended in May .  .  . for many graduating seniors, it dominated and defined their high school experience.

In March of 2020 when students were forced to switch to online learning, Mary Grace made the best of the experience.  She embraced online learning in the classroom her Mom and Dad created in their home and enjoyed learning in her pajamas.

Throughout the months glued to a computer screen, Mary Grace remained committed to her exercise routine and was outdoors running whenever possible.  When athletics were allowed to resume she was ready for cross country, shot put and even added a weight lifting routine senior year.

Mary Grace's high school years included challenging classes, volunteering in several activities at church and a part time job as a waitress.
 

Congratulations to my sweet niece as she leaves her high school experience behind . . .

 

.  .  . and looks forward to the years ahead at the University of Iowa College of Nursing.  I'm not sure that Herky would be pleased with my cookie version of his likeness, but Mary Grace will appreciate my effort.

Love, hugs and cookies for a very special young woman.

Behind you, high school memories. 

Before you, all your dreams.

Around you, all who love you.

Within you, all you need.

 

 

References: 

https://www.chicagotribune.com/news/education/ct-class-of-2023-covid-graduation-20230601-nbyx4mrqjne6fajqwnhe2427ty-story.html 

 

 

 

 

 

Pam's Retirement . . . Or Not!

 After 28 years in the classroom Pam decided it was time to hang up her hat and she has worn many over the years.

Pam planned well in advance for her retirement and knew that she would be leaving the many duties of a classroom teacher behind.  

 

 

She looked forward to a future of relaxation.

 

However, her plan changed when a new opportunity came along with just one phone call.  "Pam, would you consider teaching part time next year?" 

 

 

As a result, Pam will be leaving the beloved Elk Grove High School Grenadier behind to become a Husky at John Hersey High School.  New adventures await in "semi-retirement."

Happy Easter!

 

 

After a five month hiatus from baking cookies due to a broken wrist, surgery 

and therapy, I'm back to making cookies.  Physically I'm capable, mentally it was hard to get motivated.  I opted for simple minis, the preferred size in my family, with one large cookie for a centerpiece. 

Happy Easter, Happy Spring!

 

Adorable Avery is Four

 

One . . . two. . . three. . . four. . . it's been so much fun watching this special girl grow! 

When Avery was a baby her Mom always dressed her with headbands, but once she learned how to take them off, there was no way she would wear them.  Therefore, she made Mom very happy this year when she embraced braids, barrettes and bows.

 

Avery continues to be a fashionista showing her own unique style!  She can be very strong-willed when it comes to choosing her everyday fashion and costume choices.  It seems to be a tradition on Halloween for Avery to select the costumes for the family, but then she decides not to wear one.

The kitchen continues to be one of Avery's favorite places, she's a lovable, little "foodie."

Doc McStuffins is still her favorite character, but she's become enchanted with Disney princesses, as well as Mira, royal detective.  The countdown to a trip to Disney World later this year has already begun.

 

 

Preschool became part of her routine this year.  She cries when she is dropped off and she says, ""I don't like school," but the pictures the teachers share show her actively engaged in all the activities.

As we move past the pandemic, Avery has also been able to travel, explore and participate in new activities.  She shows no fear on her scooter or skis!

 

 

She enjoys her lake house in Wisconsin. . .

 

.  .  .  and the urban environment in Chicago as long as her best pals:  Mom, Dad and Lincoln are at her side.

Love, hugs and cookies for the birthday girl!

 

 

 

 

 

 

A Busy November

About 200 scarecrows, pumpkins, sunflowers and leaves kept me busy at the beginning of the month in preparation for the return of the CCW Bake Sale.  The scarecrow design has always been one of my favorites so I am always happy when I have an opportunity to use it.

A few days later, I started on some simple designs for the welcome bags for the hotel guests at great-niece Kaley's wedding.  The icing wasn't the shiny silver that I had envisioned, but there is a bit of sparkle that didn't show up well in the photo.

Shortly after completing the cookies, I broke my wrist but I managed to package them using one hand the day after surgery.

There will be no cookies for Thanksgiving or Christmas this year, hopefully, I will be back to baking by Easter!

Traveling From Miss to Mrs.

It's a travel themed wedding shower for great-niece, Kaley and her fiancé, Tyler.

Love, hugs and cookies for the special couple and their guests.

 

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!