Relax...

 

January came and went,  (even though it felt like forever.) February is nearly over. I haven't felt like writing, sharing, or posting. Nothing secretive or special going on, I've just been living in my own space and moments. A new year feels precious and extraordinary, even if winter feels hard, I want to savor these cozy moments. The next six months will be challenging, as I face more milestones with my Boyen Bunch. These last two months have been a time for me to brace myself for the excitement ahead.  Once Spring break hits, the rest of the school year flies by, and before we know it...well, you know how that goes. By the end of 2025, my nest will be empty. 

I'm not a fan of the "new year, new me" concept, because I am a continuous work in progress. I can't start over every year. But the one thing I know I need to work on is relaxing. That's why this year, my word of the year is to relax. This blog post is a prime example.  I give myself a deadline for posting once a month. January came and went, and I didn't make the deadline. But who's holding me accountable to these deadlines? Just me. When the house is dusty, and the floors need vacuuming, is anyone else worried about it? No, just me. I put so many expectations on myself and get anxious about things that don't seem to bother anyone else. My goal this year is to realize these moments in my life with the chaos and mess are fleeting. Instead of worrying about what needs to be done, I am going to try to relax and live in the moment. This is a really fun time to parent. Older teens and young adults are amazing in so many ways. I love how they still need me for advice and help but are budding into independent young adults. I could be worrying about the many challenges of these times, but instead I'm relaxing into the chaos. 

The last two months have been pretty full. I love that I take so many pictures. Without my full camera roll, I may not remember all the moments quite like I do. I've always loved recording moments on film, ever since high school and the days of 35MM film. 

We rang in the new year with some of my favorite things, food, football, books, and friends. 

Jonas had an exciting start to his year. He went on a UT Anthropology expedition to Big Bend. The girls and I drove him to Austin before the semester started or the doms were open. He and his friend Wyatt stayed at The Moxy before heading out.

He said the desert was beautiful and exhilarating. 

Jonas comes home frequently and when he does we hit the trails here in SA too. 

He and Sophia got to spend a long icy weekend with us. We celebrated her birthday. Hanging out with young people is a favorite hobby of mine. It is so good for your soul. I laugh so much with them and have the best time. They keep me young! 

I love the goofiness and shenanigans that are always going on. There have been lots of hangouts over the past two months.

Speaking of hobbies...the gym has been going well with my new gym partners. Jonas and I still go when he is home, but I wrangled some new gym partners up! 

I celebrated my 52nd birthday! I had a great day celebrating at school with my students and fellows teachers. They showed me lots of love. 

Lorelei decorated the table for me. 

My fabulous and adorable student teacher Priscilla. 

Lorelei went with me for my  birthday freebies after school.

Savannah came over and made me dinner, since it was a school night. 

Lorelei had made cake pops the night before for a school project and made me a cake pop birthday cake.

 

My weekend birthday wish was two things: a new piano and a trip to IKEA. I got both! Jonas came home too. 

John got me this cool sculpture, plus he put the new digital piano together for me. 

Savannah had a busy January with her PHD interviews! She got to meet amazing professors and other students from all over the country. I'm happy to announce she got an invite to both programs she interviewed for. Now she has a decision to make. Both programs are here in San Antonio. It will be a 5-6 year commitment. I'll keep you posted!

She also had a roommate move in February 1. I helped get her house rearranged and organized to make room. They are getting along great.

Nana helped too. 

Lorelei finished up her high school diving career. It's so bittersweet. She competed at Districts this year! She didn't move on to the next level, which made her very sad. But she is such an amazing young athlete to come back from two major surgeries on her spine and still compete in diving.

The district also held an awards ceremony with Senior recognition. 

She also started a new job at United Gymnastics as a "coach". She loves working with the kids.

School is going well. I love my kids this year. They keep me laughing and on my toes. It's been wonderful having a student teacher again. I haven't had one since pre-Covid. Priscila is funny, feisty, and smart. A perfect match if you ask me. She makes my job easier, but she thinks I'm helping her! Ha! I guess it's a win-win. The Literacy Lounge continues to be a hit with students and staff. I just love that I was able to have a vision and watch it come to life. 

Lorelei came this week to help with our Love Our School birthday bash. Wernli is 5 years old!

Book Character Day was chaotic fun!

Literacy Lounge in action. 

We've been busy celebrating my parents' birthday the last two weekends, but I'll save that for the next post. 

Today was beautiful weather and I can feel Spring Break, just around the corner. I can't wait to spend it...        

RELAXING....