Little update

On Thursday evening, May 21, 2020 my dad's biological father passed away. We drove to Jackson that next Friday to check on dad and spend the day.  Ginny had a surprise photo shoot too one day with about an hours notice, she is as cute as they come.  I have applied to work at Chick Fil A, the manager has asked multiple times to apply. I finally did because I am uncertain as to what the fall may look like and we have children that will be in college and possibly marrying in the next couple years and I need to save for that. I do not really want to have work there but there is no Sunday work, it is a guaranteed paycheck, expenses are on the rise, and there is no telling how teaching will look this fall as far as pay cuts, etc.  Jake has begun applying for admin jobs.  A part of it makes me so nervous because of the uncertainties (plus I really like working with him) with budget cuts.  However, I am confident he would be the very best.

Will's STEM essay

Each year, students have to complete an application to be accepted into STEM. One of the questions asked is why do you want to be in STEM, here is Will's response:

"I want to be apart of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math), because I have been in it for as long as I can remember. My dad, Mr.Farrell, is a STEM teacher and I want to follow in his footsteps and be a successful  STEM teacher like him too. He has inspired me to become a STEM teacher. Last year we would start our STEM class as usual and then we got right to the experiments and projects so fast. That year I got my drill certificate and so my dad gave me my own tool set. I learned everything about the drill in 3 days and aced my tests. That year I learned about so many different tools. That year we made the best airplanes ever and even were able to control them. This was all thanks to the tips my dad gave us. He told us all the parts to them. Then, we have my favorite project the catapults. At first we started with the tiny wooden catapults and made our way from there. We got to it and were able to have a small catapult war where we would try to knock down others pieces of paper. Blue prints were being made next thing you know so we could build our own giant catapults to test in groups. My group and I were the first ones done. That is one reason I want to join STEM this year. That last reason is it helps you come up with plans, get better at skills you need in life, and help you grow as a successful person in life. These are all the factors of life. If it weren't for STEM I wouldn't get the grades I'm getting now."

I love that he wants to be like his dad!

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.