I made the boys a special shirt for them to wear the last day of school. I can’t take credit for the idea, I got it from Cristin.

I have major mommy guilt for being AWOL the last half of the year and really credit the boys teachers for their success. I thought it would be appropriate to publicly thank them by adding it to their shirts.

I believe every teacher of a Turk boy deserves bragging rights! Their teachers got such a kick out of the shirts and felt validated.

Davis walked with all A’s and 1 B. He grew up so much this year and exceeded our expectations as he only got 3 answers wrong on his TAKS test! A huge accomplishment considering his sensory integration issues, lack of comprehension skills, and anxiety.

I was on the verge of tears during the ceremony. I made it through both classes without a hint of a tear. That is… until I saw Christina (Davis’ teacher from last year). Then I lost it and we teared up together.

I’m full of emotions:

Pride, for Davis and all the hard work it took to get to this stage.
Love, for this little guy in whom you have to serve so much.
Fear, for the challenges he will face in Intermediate school.
Exhaustion, for the constant hard work it takes to keep him on task and moving forward.

Unbelief, that we actually made it through Elementary school. Over the years, we have been to physical therapy twice a week, play therapy once a week, countless specialists, Meyer’s Developmental Clinic, Holistic specialist, gluten free/dairy free diet for a year, herbal supplements, and medications. We have gone through developmental testing with psychologist a few times, had to hire an attorney to protect his rights, and have been in more ARD meetings than I can count.

I have had to negotiate, cry, yell, demand, keep my cool when I wanted to explode, suck it up, and humble myself over and over again.

We’ve tried out almost every sport not because he wants to but because he has to gain exposure. We constantly push Davis to try new things, expose him to different environments, and teach him to adapt.

Instead of escaping into lovely novels, I read self help books, autism books, and parenting books every year to keep myself educated and up to date on the needs of my kiddo. I’m constantly having to keep myself in check because you can’ teach what you don’t know. And there’s A LOT I don’t know.

I gave myself a moment to feel all the overwhelming emotions I was feeling. However, it was time to take my boys home and celebrate all that we’ve accomplished together.

“Welcome to Summer!”

Ready or not here we come!

First up, was lunch at a new hamburger joint with Billy and Lisa.

It was Lisa’s birthday so we had a lot to celebrate. Since Jason was out of town, it was so nice to have them there which made it feel like more of a special occasion.

Next up, Davis’ graduation party…

As I’ve mentioned before, I’m on this purging kick. I’ve been getting rid of everything in my home we no longer use. Life has most definitely gotten away from me as my home as become overrun with stuff.

With summer here I needed a plan of attack on how to manage my household more efficiently. The solution – the less you have the less you have to clean.

So the last full day of school I tackled the upstairs and purged it. It felt great emotionally but did a number on my poor back.

I was completely lame with teacher gifts this year. I just purchased beaded lanyards and a summer treat. It’s my go-to gift in a pinch.

I was hoping the boxes made up for the lack of creativity inside. I got them at Canton a year or so ago.

Davis’ class has some OTT room moms which I really appreciate and admire. They went all out with autograph dogs, a framed picture of the class from Sky Ranch with their name on it, and topped off with a DVD of all the pictures they collected throughout the year. {{squeal in delight}}

Oh, I almost forgot! They also made each child their own personalized chocolate bar. I cannot even imagine how long it took the two of them to put this together.

During the party, the kiddos enjoyed an ice cream bar while they watched the DVD of their last year in Elementary school.

It was one fabulous party and Drake was all over it.

Dylan’s party was amazing as well. They had a luau with personalized surf boards that all their classmates could sign, played games like Limbo, with fruit cabobs and yummy food.

Dylan’s 2 year crush is moving this summer. I’m so sad for him. Skylar is such a darling girl and treated Dylan so kindly.

My sweet boy won’t have Davis or Skylar at school next year. So my goal is to arrange lots of play dates this summer so he can make new friends and connections.

Drake made himself right at home as he found all of his favorite things in each classroom. He behaved so well as we yo yo’d from classroom to classroom several times throughout the afternoon.

I was the first person to wish my sister Lisa Happy Birthday! We were up late finishing a project I was doing for Davis’ graduation party. I just adore her and am so glad she had the most amazing birthday week! Billy out did himself with several thoughtful gifts and excursions.

It’s been a Woodruff weekend as my darling friend Jen is getting remarried and moving to Arizona. It’s bitter-sweet as I am so happy for her but will miss her terribly.

Her kiddos are my kiddos ages and they are a blast to be around. Her boys are more outgoing and adventurous than mine and have been such good examples to them. I have thoroughly enjoyed having Ella in my home as she’s a burst of fresh air in this testosterone filled home.

Jen has many talents and glides through life with elegance despite the difficult challenges she’s had to face. She’s been an inspiration on how to handle adversity and an asset on how to handle my ADHD son. I’ll miss my go-to-girl for advice and straight forward how-to with the school.

Jen also knows how to throw a party! Armed with $1 squirt cannons, water balloons, baseball, volleyball, and sand the kids had a blast.

The group of kids, even though large in number, were caring and made sure everyone got a chance to play. I was really impressed with the sportsmanship shown and how everyone was just there to have a good time.

The water spout was the focus for my kids as they constantly filled up their water cannons. Davis may have squirted several adults a couple times while trying to get his water as high in the air as possible. Hasn’t his mother taught him better! {{geeze}}

Davis playing volleyball is a sight to behold. I had to remind him a couple times that he can’t build a sand castle on the court. {{I’m not kidding}}

I’m sure the volleyball players won’t appreciate the new sand castles and motes that now surround their court. However, the kids had so much fun creating them.

Drake wasn’t strong enough to use his water cannon, so he used it to poke holes in the sand. The boy was so stoked at his new talent. He did this for at least 20 minutes. It was too funny.

The party was well planned and executed. Everyone had something to do and it was a nice send off for the kiddos to their new life in AZ. We wish them happiness and unity in their new adventure. With Jenn as their mom, I know they’ll have it.

My house is straight up loud. From the moment Turk boys take their first breath – they know how to wail. Their vocal chords are fully developed and they use them for all kinds of noises, sounds, and rhythms.

They mostly use their God-given ability for good; roaring laughs, ear piercing squeals, and pure enjoyment hubbub.

Turk boys seem to believe that being a brotherhood is a contact sport. They use their entire bodies to communicate. They run, stomp, crash into things, and play with enthusiasm.

Turk tantrums are a sight to behold. Set on a stage they would be Oscar nominated as their performance consumes their entire body.

The pure energy Turk boys put out would most certainly run a small power plant for an entire day. I would be wealthy beyond imagination if I could bottle it up in pill form.

Turk boys know how to use their acoustics to their benefit. You’re never left guessing as to what they need or how they feel.

Turk boys are silly beyond recognition.

They love physical comedy and are always up for making each other laugh, doing stunts, and recently video taping their adventures.

Turk boys have amazing smiles and are bit of camera hogs. When the camera comes out, the cheese in them is released and it’s go time!

Turk boys know how to laugh and never seem to tire of it. They make crazy faces, say the silliest things, and will do anything for a giggle.

Turk boys know how to transmit how they are feeling! It’s usually verbal, loud, and with intensity.

Can you believe that I’m still trying to get used to the pandemonium also know as the Turk home? You’d think I’d be used to it by now. It’s a wild and crazy ride and the Turk boys always have something up their sleeve.

I adore these little beings more than they can comprehend. I just hope they don’t only remember Mom as always getting on them to “BE QUIET!”

At times the noise can be overstimulating, overwhelming, over powering. With summer looming in the distance I’m hoping I can make the transition with patience and elegance.

You know I’m devoted to my children’s appreciation when I get up at 7:00am and hustle them all to Muffins with Mom. It’s such a wonderful even the PTA puts on, but I’d rather it be “Lunch with the Ladies”. {{wink}}

At any rate the boys and I had a great time and I even got a couple phone numbers of other Mother’s for play dates this summer. Score!