She is an official High School graduate

    Jake and I, as of 5/13, have an official high school graduate (1 down, 3 to go) and we could mot be more proud of the young lady she is and the woman she is becoming. As mush as I would love to say "We done good", I am aware that the village of people we choose to surround ourselves influence our children. Life can be hard and our loving Heavenly Father has placed people in our lives to aid as we live in survival mode. These people are our village! Time after time, my village shows up for me, for Jake, and for our kiddos without being asked. You text to check in on us, calm our babies when we can't or they can not stand their parents in that moment, show up with food (meal or treat or a meal to be sampled), mail masks (knowing I do not own a needle nor thread), send cards in the mail or stop by to celebrate isolated birthdays, watch our babies when work prohibited us from being there, etc. You are my village and may never even realize it. There have been times as I experience life and try to isolate myself or pull away but my village doesn't allow it, even if they are unaware I am trying. You show up for me and my crew over and over again in more ways than I can name without passing judgement. Although I am now a mother, my village has continued to "raise me" and continues to help raise my children. My village is kind to my crew, nurtures me, shows me patience, and reminds me of what is really important. Thank you for always "showing up" even at times you do not realize you have.

      Last night we had a small dinner to celebrate Ginny l, while many members of our village could not be there (thank you Covid-19 but I was a little more lax on the 6ft distancing), our closest (not in distance Sandra, Charity, and my parents) all made a little trek to celebrate our Ginny. In some ways, it was the perfect graduation: it was not 3 hours and we got to focus on our most beloved 2020 grad. Ginny felt loved beyond measure last night at her little dinner and as she watched videos and messages sent by others compiled into a slideshow. It was a wonderful day for our family! While I opted out to give a few words last night (I know I would have cried), those are the words I would have spoken. Ginny Farrell and class of 2020, as you begin to expand your village, choose wisely, they will mold you and help you fulfill your destiny.

Waiting to take her AP exam

Cookies by Aubree and I

Charity and Ginny

Sandra, Charity, Ginny, and Nana

He is a proud daddy!

Nana and Papa Eaton with the graduate

Rebekah and Adam Dickey with the graduate

Sandra and Brent Adamson with the graduate

My village

Happy Graduation Day Ginny!

Although it was not the graduation envisioned, it was your day.  Homerooms were set up in 30 minute increments and everyone was 6 ft apart, as you entered the back of the school, the first station was to get your name card, then proceeded to the cafeteria to turn in books, and get your diploma.  Then you got in the line to walk in to the auditorium. Parents went one way and graduates another.  One at at time, names were called. We were at the school less than 20 minutes.  It is your day beautiful and we are proud of you.

It should've been graduation day...

My dearest Ginny-

         Today was supposed to be your graduation day, a day to celebrate academic accomplishments and for parents to cry on the sidelines, beaming with proudness and awe. Could our baby really be “crossing the line” into adulthood?!? Have we taught you all you need to know, have I done my part to prepare you for the tempest that may come, then I recall the world you entered. You do not remember 9/11 … the pain, the fear and the heartaches but you also do not remember the bonds formed and nation unified. I remember hearing of 9/11 lying on the couch becoming struck with sadness. What I did not realize is that a few months later, hope would be restored to my soul as I gazed into your newborn eyes. Ginny, you were born in a chaotic world but also under a banner of a strength as the nation unified. People seemed to be a little kinder to one another. Faith was restored as loved ones and strangers came together. Now, eighteen years later, our world is in turmoil again as your journey into adulthood begins, my heart worries as you prepare to embark into an unknown world. There is much uncertainty and unknowns, however, I believe that your class, the class of 2020 will change world. Though many of the “senior moments” are not the typical ones, you have learned to innovate and celebrate. You have not been deprived but blessed with an experience that has taught and is teaching perseverance, optimism, and innovation. You have proven that you do not have to have all the fluff to experience joy. You are an agent of change with a bright future. Born into country beginning to re-build itself, you set sail as an adult into a country “under construction” and without doubt, you were chosen to do so. I love you Bug….go shine, continue to scatter joy, and be one of the "rare" ones that looks for ways to help others feel joy. Do not fear and be the good! We love you!

On a side note, this little beauty is graduating with a 4.4 GPA and in the top 5% of her class (over 650 kids).

Look at the love between Jake and the kittens and how happy Ginny looks about a text she had just received.

We cut down the front trees and I think it looks nice.

19 years and counting....

     Yesterday Jake and I celebrated our 19th anniversary. It was quite different than others as the economy is starting to re-open this week but in slow phases- certain criteria has to be made and there are three phases.  However, we picked up Mexican and looked at rock.  Actually we purchased rock for the front yard and for Jake to begin his patio out back with...he was a happy camper.  That afternoon, we unloaded rock (2 tons) and moved rock again and again. It was an ideal anniversary to me just being around him.  If I had to do our life all over again, I would do it again.  He is my person.  I did not do or say anything mushy but did post this:"19 years with this guy and most days I still wonder why I was so blessed. He’s the best, a great dad, kind, creative, and .... All Mine! If you want the sweet, mushy mess- you can read his birthday post from March. Happy anniversary Jacob Farrell- I LOVE you!" 
     Last night for scripture though, he shared about marriage and told our children the importance of it. He also expressed that he hopes that they marry someone who brings them joy as I bring him (the opposite is also true...he is one of my greatest joys).  Then today, I see this from this morning: "
Yesterday my wife and I celebrated 19 years of marriage. I would describe our marriage as everyday. It is one where I want to do the everyday stuff with her. When I go to Home Depot I want Renee to go with me even though I know she is going to tel me that I do not need another drill. My favorite part of the day is sitting down, cuddling next to Renee, and watching our favorite shows. When a pandemic comes around and shuts you in the house, she is the one that I want to spend everyday with. In a word, our marriage is everyday.
Now, if I could give a piece of advice to my newlywed self... You have made it through day one and you already made at least two mistakes. This is great. You are setting low expectations, and you will make mistakes on the regular. Thing is, Renee is not looking for superman. She wants someone to listen, and your are pretty good at that even if you forget a lot of stuff. Her favorite is Mexican food and chocolate ice cream. She will eat the generic stuff, but be a pal and introduce her to Blue Bell. When you argue it is best to apologize quickly even though you are right, which is most the time. Good news, the biggest argument you will have is over a burrito. Do not mess with this girl's Mexican food. Renee has the most beautiful smile, do your best to see it daily. When you hug her you get to smell her hair. Your most relaxing moments will be listening to her talk, and this come natural to her. She likes to tuck her thumb when you are holding hands, which is different but still worth it. She will be the best decision and greatest joy of your life, so enjoy each and everyday. You are going to have a fantastically happy life next to her." How sweet is that and how elegant are his words! He truly is the best.

Welcome May and boys will be boys

       Here are a few quick stories to be remembered. The other night Jake was working outside with the boys and Christopher was sharing his chocolate covered raisins with his dad.  Later that afternoon, Will tells his dad not to eat the raisins because Christopher had spit on them.  When Jake asked Christopher, he said that was correct. He had spit on them so that his brother would not eat them.  We had a really good laugh.  That same night, Will caught a roll of paper towels on fire, Jake told his to put it out and drop it.  Of all the places he could have dropped it on the concrete outside, he dropped it on the future......once again causing a good laugh after Jake ensured nothing caught fire.
       Ginny received her cap and gown yesterday (5/1) and has been asked to take photos in it for a slide show by early next week since there is no definite on how graduation will be handled, so we took a few pictures today.

These kittens are getting more and more love.

Jake has pulled weeds for two days now...he loves his lawn.

Ginny loves the cats...she may become a crazy cat lady.

Up to day 46

          I feel fortunate and blessed to be alive during this pandemic. It has forced my crew to slow down and be together (some days are easier than others). A little over a week ago I was feeling sad for my kids (including Ginny and all the senior “rights”, activities, and mess) and then for myself missing out as a parent on those things for a child. However Jake reminded me he prefers the “alternative” because we are getting all this extra time with her before she leaves home. So this week, I have focused on the good- I may be missing senior things (she is officially done with high school as of last week, if corona would’ve paid a visit), Aubree’s role in HairSpray, baseball with my boys, end of year school year activities, Easter dinner with my crazy family, etc....I am glad to be “cooped up” with my crazy crew. I love movie nights, bike rides, four-square, board games, spades, trying new recipes, family prayer and scripture (like daily), home church, and just sitting outside with them, seeing all the good. Despite what is happening in our world, I am grateful to be a part of it and what it’s created in my little world. Here is a shout out to my kid that I posted on the "adopt a senior page" on social media: " Our daughter is Ginny, graduating this year from Bartlett High in the top
5% with a 4.4 GPA. When Ginny sets to do something, whether she wants to or not- she gives it her best and is 100% committed. Ginny looks for the “one”, the one that seems alone or needs a friend and reaches out to them. She has a servants heart and finds joy in others joy. She is one of the rare ones that will be remembered a lifetime for lifting others and helping them see their best too. Ginny scatters joy wherever she goes."
         Saturday (4/25/20), we drove to Jackson and cooked fish for my parents.  It got surprisingly cold but we still stayed outside most of the time to stay the appropriate distance from one another. Sunday we enjoyed church together as family and that afternoon had a drive by photo shoot. We decided to take one with real clothes and the remainder how we really spend the day in our lounge clothes.  We spent lots of time on the driveway and outside so we were just real. However no one bothered to tell me that my shirt was too tight...how embarrassing. Monday, Jake and I volunteered at the high school serving lunches to students.