Forty Years of Wedded BLISS!

Teresa, Cameron and I just got back from our weekend in the valley.  We were there to attend the 40th Wedding Anniversary Celebration for my cousin, Cecilia and her husband, Jay.  Their six children surprised them with a party on Friday evening.  

We all were waiting for them to arrive at St. Mary's Basilica around 6:30 Friday evening.  They were coming under the pretense of a church choir concert.  Yaya belongs to the choir at St. Mary's.  We had a "play by play" commentary from Katie about where they were and when they would arrive. 

Cecilia and Jay got to the church around 7:00 p.m.  They were accompanied by Dave and Meg from Idaho and their two beautiful girls, Bisbee and Piper.  I can honestly say that I think they were very surprised--at least Jay was--Cecilia might have had a little inkling.

Everyone stood and said "happy anniversary" together as they walked into the church.  Father Alonso, a Franciscan priest from St. Mary's, had them renew their wedding vows.  Austin, their oldest grandson, read a reading.  It was a simple and quick ceremony.

After that, we went to the Social Hall which is underneath St. Mary's for dinner and fun!!  So many of our family events have been held at St. Mary's--both joyful and sorrowful.  Many people were there to honor Jay and Cecilia!  All of her children were there with their families---Monica, Derik and Austin, Tyler, and Parker; David and Meg and Bisbee and Piper: Mark and his girlfriend, Annie, Jeremy, Mattox and Cole; Katie and Bob; and Matthew.  Of course, all of her sisters were there!!  Many of our cousins also came.  And their many friends through the years were in attendance.

Cecilia and I have always been good friends.  Although we are cousins, she is still my very dear friend.  I have always been able to count on both Jay and Cecilia over the years.  They have ALWAYS been there for me and I truly appreciate it--more than words can express.

Cecilia is one of the truly good people of the world and Jay has been by her side through thick and thin!  I so love and admire both of them.  We can't pick our relatives, but we can pick our friends.  It is so nice to know that they are my friends!! Love you both, Jay and Cecilia, and here is to 40 (well maybe not 40) more!!!

Many Memories Made in May

Wow!! It is hard to believe that a whole school year has gone by so quickly!  Moving down here to Douglas last July was such a whirlwind event and school started right after I arrived down here. I can truly say "I hit the ground running."

What a year it has been!!  So many events occurred, both good and not so good.  However, I truly feel blessed to be here in Douglas and I really love my job.  

May is always a busy month because of it being the end of the school year.  So many events take place this month and it is very different from a district point of view.  

I have mentioned in previous posts that the only regret I had leaving Gilbert El was that I never had closure with the kids and families.  Well, the wonderful Gilbert El PTSO eliminated that regret for me.  They had wanted to do a reception for me and we could never find a good date.  We finally found a common time that worked for everyone.  I was very nervous about this event for some reason that I can't explain.  However, it was a WONDERFUL evening.  Many families came by and it was so awesome to get all of the hugs from the kids.  There were even high school kids who came by, too!!  PTSO is putting a plaque in the library of me so that the kids will be able to see it. 

I think that what has meant the most to me over the years is the relationships I have had with some of our more "energetic" kids that I spent a lot of time with.  Several of these kids and there families were also there.  There was a mom there that I didn't recognize.  She came up to me and introduced herself.  They were new to Gilbert El this year and she said she had heard so much about me that she wanted to meet me.  Wow is all I can say!

Back to Douglas and the last week of school brought completion ceremonies at the two middle schools.  Friday was the DHS graduation.  I knew that I was going to give out the diplomas, but didn't quite expect it to be so awesome. All of the educators wore gowns with our Masters' Hood.  That is a great touch!  Shaking hands with each graduate, handing them their diplomas, and having my picture taken with each of them was very special to me!!  After 20 years of kindergarten graduations, these students knew which hand to offer to shake and which hand to take their diplomas in!  I came home very tired that night, but it was a good tired.

As I reflect on this first year, I feel good about what has been accomplished.  Our Governing Board is very supportive and our district leadership team is coming together and I truly believe we are going to be able to do some great things this next year.  I love the people I work with.  I never had an assistant principal so it has taken some getting use to having an assistant superintendent.  I can honestly say that I could not have picked anyone better than Bonnie if I had been doing the hiring.  Together, we are quite a team!