Maryn's Awards Ceremony

Me and my Peanut

Yesterday morning I had the chance to attend Maryn's end of year awards ceremony. I was grateful for the opportunity to be able to be there for her and just her. So often when there is a bazillion schedules and many people to coordinate, one on one time can become few and far between with the kids...which is hard for me because I wish there was more of me to give. So chances like this were priceless to me.

Maryn and her teacher, Mrs. Hughes

This year has been full of highs and lows for Maryn. New school, new people, new experiences. It was a lot to navigate at times in her little third grade world. But through it all Maryn was able to find opportunities to let her talents shine. In addition to being recognized for her attendance, she was one of the two kids in her class who maintained straight A's the whole year through.

Accepting her award from the Principal, Ms. Suarez

Maryn was nervous about getting up on the stage in front of everyone to accept her award. As she tippy-toed across the stage to shake the Principal's hand my heart just swelled with pride for her. After she came down off the stage she ran to me with a grin and threw her arms around me and squeezed and squeezed before going back to sit with her class. I loved that she hasn't outgrown me. When other kids seemed embarrassed by their parents, Maryn sought me out...and it made me grateful.

I looked down the row at her and couldn't help but think, here was this amazing kid who shyly had no idea how dang awesome she is. A girl who has struggled with other people's perceptions of her at times, but has remained true to who she is at the core in spite of it. Smart, lovable, funny, introspective and imaginative. I hope this next year she is able to see herself for the true gem that she is. Truly, 100% one in a million.

 Maryn with Sister Johnston, or Mrs. Johnston as she is called at school. Judy Johnston used to watch Maryn and Brynna for me when they were little and I had to go to work. Now she is a teacher at Cherokee Charter Academy and I am SO GRATEFUL that the girls get to see her face and feel her loving hugs each day at school. I simply love this woman and am so grateful for her influence in my children's lives!!!

Brynna's Awards Ceremony

 

Brynna accepting her Presidential Award for Academic Achievement

I feel weird bragging on Facebook about my kids, but this is my blog and I will do what I want to! This morning I was able to attend Brynna's end of year award ceremony at her school. I was so proud of that little nugget and the good kid that she is. Not only was she recognized for her attendance and academic achievement, but was also one of the few kids in her class to receive a citizenship award as well. I whispered to her after it was over that I loved that she was smart, but I loved even more that she was smart AND had a good heart. That was what made me the most proud of all.

Brynnie and her 1st Grade teacher, Mrs. Welsh

**As a post note, we did not get the memo that kids had the option to not dress in uniform this day and could dress up for the awards ceremony. So when Brynna showed up in her P.E. sweats and many other kids were wearing dresses and ties I thought I was in trouble. But Brynna didn't even mention it bothering her. She just went with the flow. One of the things I love about Brynna is that she has an understanding heart. She's learned being my daughter, that I truly do try my best but often fall short and she is so often so forgiving of my shortcomings. I just love that about her! 
P.S. I still think she is a beauty even in her old P.E. sweats! ;)