She Was Little

 

As I have said to my friends lately, Noel getting ready to graduate is hitting me a bit different than it did with the boys. I know it is because she is my baby, and I’m not sure I’m ready for this chapter to end. I miss her being so little and innocent. I miss the days of walking her to and from school on my days off. I miss her obsession with pink, sparkly shoes. 

I know this kid will do big things with her life. She is a fighter. She will continue to do everything in her power to  make all of her hopes and dreams come true. 

For now, she is still my baby. 

Spring Formal 2024

Two days ago, Noel went to this year's Spring Formal. She didn't want to wear her prom dress because this dance was before prom, so she chose another long dress that she had in her closet and dressed it up with some heals, a necklace, earrings, and a nice hair style (her specialty). It's hard to believe this is the last year she will be going to this dance. 

Teacher Appreciation

 

Last night, Noel participated in Teacher Appreciation Night at the church. She was able to nominate and honor any teacher she wanted. She chose her middle school band teacher, Ms. Romero. Noel gave a wonderful tribute, and Ms. Romero told her that this time of year is hard as a teacher. This was the pick-me-up she needed. I’m glad Noel could do that for this amazing teacher. She is truly the kind of teacher that kids deserve. 

The Week

This past week has been a bit hectic. I’m not sure I can pin down all of the reasons but I know some of it has been school related. I have three classes this semester. Two are intense. The other is a class I can din in one or two hours. Noel’s school stuff feels intense, too. Taking her to and from school takes a lot out of me. I need to get her and Sean another appointment for their driving tests. I really need them to be able to drive so I can stop being a taxi. I know that things will be difficult for the rest of the school year as she gets closer to completing high school and I get close to finishing my degree. I am starting to see a glimpse of the bigger picture. I am sure this will all be worth the struggles. 

Back to School

 Noel recently started her senior year of high school. Dropping her off on the first day was a bit emotional. I felt nostalgic and a bit emotional when the boys entered their senior year, but it was nothing like this. She is my baby, the last one to hit this milestone. Also, she did online school last year, so the house feels a bit empty without her during the day. Adding to that, she is going to a new school.

I know she will do well this year. She is ready for this. I hope to be able to pack in some good memories before she finishes high school. 

Back to School Shopping

Noel is starting school Thursday, so today we did our back to school shopping. Knowing this is probably the last time we do this is bittersweet. On one hand, I hate back to school shopping. On the other hand, I’m not sure I’m ready for her to be grownup. Either way, I soaked it up today through four stores in two hours. 

We went to Target first thinking we would be able to find the supplies she wanted. We did not. They didn’t have much of anything left. We got a bit of make up and decided we would have better luck at Office Depot. 

On our way to Office Depot, we stopped at Kohl’s hoping they would have clothes that she liked and would fit. (She is quite small and has a hard time finding things her size.) Thankfully, she found a great first day outfit and a backpack. 

Our next stop was Office Depot. After some searching, she found the pencils she likes, a notebook, and a multi subject folder. We decided that if she needed anything else we would find it after she gets whatever lists from whatever teachers. 

As we started to leave the shopping center, I asked if she needed new shoes knowing full well that she has shoes. She has been talking about wanting a new pair for school for a couple of weeks. I basically talked her into going to Famous Footwear (it wasn’t hard). She picked out some shoes that go great with the outfit, and I was happy that they gave her a bit more confidence for her first day at a new school. 

I know we will have to go back to Office Depot Thursday or Friday, but I’m glad we were able to find what she needs for now. I hope this helps ease the nerves of going back to school for her senior year.