From her first bath to her first bite of food, her first steps, her first words, her first EVERYTHING has been documented here on my blog, so I absolutely couldn’t let the occasion pass not to recognize that this month, would be her GRADUATION FROM ELEMENTARY SCHOOL.
How did that happen?
One minute, I’m drowning at home in a pile of laundry with two crying babies and the next? The oldest is already done with elementary school.
Here she is the month before kindergarten. I remember taking this picture!! We were at the light on our way to the gym and at that moment, I thought she looked so big! And now? She looks like a baby here! It makes me said because I know that a few years from now, I’ll think 11 looks so little too.
It’s going by too quickly.
For the last six years, Kensington has attended the same neighborhood elementary school. It’s not private, it’s public. It’s not fancy, it’s normal. BUT…it is home to some of my favorite people in the world. We have loved every minute of our time there, and I can’t believe our girl walked out on March 3rd never to return an elementary kid again. I remember the day I walked in (that summer before kinder) to turn in her paperwork, and it all seemed so intimidating, and now? Those people are like family. That building, though it sits empty right now, is another home.
Fifth grade was…not a banner year for Kensington, but no matter how many problems were thrown her way, I promise you all, SHE SMILED!
Fifth grade kicked off with this head to toe rash that would not go away. It lasted about two weeks and yet, she only missed ONE DAY OF SCHOOL. Even though Andrew and I would have allowed her to stay home more than that, she said she really wanted to go back (with the doctors’ and administrators’ blessings, of course!), and her teachers and classmates could not have been more supportive. The rash caused us to dig deep and discover that she had…Celiac Disease (you can read about her journey to being diagnosed HERE) which lead to her first time…
…being in the hospital and going under general anesthesia for a small intestine biopsy. Despite the challenges of fifth grade, her grades have never been better, she auditioned for and made the school’s elite choir ensemble, was a part of the journaling club, the media club (where they worked on the daily announcements and school news), earned awards this year in both art and music, and played club volleyball for the first time.
She really thrived in fifth grade.
Looking back, our sweet spot was the end. The beginning was fun and exciting, the middle was hard (I’ve said this before, but third grade was really challenging for Kensington as it was the year that her shyness really began to affect her academically, and I am so thankful for amazing fourth grade teachers and admin who helped us through that!), and we ended on high (all things considered). She completely blossomed and came out of her shell last year and has continued to grow and mature through fifth grade too.
As I sit here and get sad over another milestone checked off the “raising kids” list, I thought we could all look back at Kensington going through elementary school…
I am so excited to watch her continue to bloom in middle school! She has already picked out her courses and is excited about her new school, new teachers and some new friends too. Andrew and I are just so proud of her.
Happy Fifth Grade Graduation, Kensington Kate!!
We sure do love her. xo
Amy Heinl says
Congratulations Kennsington on this great achievement. I know their are exciting adventures as you transition in to the next phase of your young life. Wishing you love and happiness always
Charmaine Ng | Architecture & Lifestyle Blog says
Time really flies! Kensington is growing up to be a beautiful girl! ❤️✨
Charmaine Ng | Architecture & Lifestyle Blog
http://charmainenyw.com
Valerie Allen says
Oh, goodness! Congrats, Kensington! It’s always so hard to believe how much they grow in such a short amount of time. The days are long but the years are short! I remember the fifth grade graduations and how they tore me up. It felt so huge as a milestone to have them leave elementary, but, for me, it has gotten better. I now have a soon to be sophomore and eighth grader, and it is all flying by. We are getting mailers about driver’s ed and that is hard to comprehend. Just continue to enjoy those kiddos and give them all the love!
Julie C. says
Congratulations Kensington!!!! She is such a beautiful girl!!!
Ahna @ Hammers N Hugs says
Congrats Kensington! Your beautiful smile lights up your eyes (not everyone’s does)! Keep smiling 😉
Sheaffer Sims says
Well, my goodness! What a sweet tribute to a sweet girl. And I cannot get over how grown up she looks!
Lilly says
So sweet. Wishing her the best time in middle school! Congrats Kensington!
Amy Wolff says
My little girl, Addyson, also graduates from our local elementary school after 6 years! I can’t believe how fast time goes! ??❤️
Mix and Match Mama says
It flew by!!!
Jaime says
Will Ebby lee and kensington go to the same middle school!
Mix and Match Mama says
They will!
Erika Slaughter says
???I have so many emotions reading this!! I’m so sad it’s over and it all ended this way for them BUT I can’t wait to see all the new memories they’ll make as MIDDLE SCHOOLERS!
Jaime says
Will kensington be attending a private middle school or a pumpkin one?
Mix and Match Mama says
A public one!
Bernadine says
Pumpkin.. OMG this made my day. I know its autocorrect but gosh, I just laughed out loud. Hahaha!
Monica says
Me too! It just made me giggle out loud!
Sue says
Kensington is absolutely beautiful!!! My daughter thrived during her middle school years. I know Kensington will do the great!
I have enjoyed watching her grow up reading your blog. 🙂
Mix and Match Mama says
Awwww! Thank you for the encouragement!!
jennimc says
Oh my word, you really got me with that one. My youngest is a 5th grader this year. I have that same exact feeling about not being able to believe he walked out of school on March 13 and will never go back. Never be an elementary school kid again. No more recess, no more lunch in that cafeteria, no 5th Grade field trip or Field Day. No graduation. It just feels like so much was taken from those kids. He handles it better than I do, but it makes me SAD! We’ve been at that school for 9 years because I have an older son too and leaving it all behind was already going to be so tough. I just can’t believe it ended this way. ?
Mix and Match Mama says
Sending you love this morning!!
Sara says
This pandemic is such a bummer for all the milestone year kids. I’m sorry she is missing some of the celebration that comes along with leaving elementary school. Best of luck to her moving into middle school!
Tracy Doubts says
She is adorable!! Congratulations Kensington!!
Laci says
Kensington is such a beautiful girl and she will love her next adventure!
Jaime says
Do y’all know If Madeley will have to the same kindergarten teacher that kensington and ashby had? It’s so sweet that kensington’s kindergarten teacher saw kensington’s journey to getting a baby sister and then she got to teach the baby sister 🙂
Mix and Match Mama says
I think she will! All three of my big kids had her, so I bet M does too!
Beth says
Watching these moments leave me with the biggest lump in my throat. As I watch families making memories in the oddest of ways, yet just as special. Thank you for sharing your sweet family, and in these special moments it’s hard to believe, the best or yet to come…Congrats!
Francesca says
Holy cow, she looks 18 in the pic where she’s holding Yankee!! Congrats, Kensington!
Angela says
Kensington, you are absolutely adorable and I cannot wait to see all that God has planned for you!! And hugs to you, mama, as another Kensington reaches another milestone. Our youngest is in 5th grade, too…is it crazy to think that I wonder if just maybe God will bring our son and your daughter together someday?!! Maybe the same college? Who knows?! 😉
Ralinn says
Congratulations Kensington! You are going to love middle school.
Sarah M. says
She’s not even my daughter and I got a little choked up reading this post. Time goes by so quickly! She sounds like such a lovely person with a bright future ahead of her. Picking classes! So grown up 🙂
Alyssa says
Congratulations Kensington!! I’ve been following along since she went to Kindergarten and she keeps becoming more amazing every year! I know she will do amazing in middle school and continue to make your family & this blogging community proud 🙂
Alicia A Worth says
Congratulations to Kensington, you and Andrew! I am in the throws of 2 toddlers crying all the time while I stand on my mountain of laundry waving my white flag. Thanks for the reminder that it goes so fast. Prayers for yall as you enter middle school. 🙂
Mix and Match Mama says
I know it’s crazy right now, but get those snuggles in too!!!
Rachel Embery says
Congrats! What a big mile stone. I teach fifth grade and it’s so bittersweet. We h e no closure for these kiddos moving on to middle school. Good luck next year! Middle school is such a vital time developmental wise! She will thrive because she has tremendous home support.
Taylor says
Congratulations, Kensington!!!! I’ve been reading since before she started kindergarten and it just seems crazy that the time has flown so quickly!!! She’s such a beauty!!
Jenn F. says
Congratulations Kensington! I’ve been reading your blog daily since they were little and have never commented although I love following along ❤️
I am a middle school administrator and work primarily with our 6th grade students and families. She will do great! My biggest piece of advice is that although they seem “big” and our instinct is to pull back, they need you now more than ever. Stay involved, ask questions, all the questions (even about the uncomfortable growing up topics), give them freedom with phones/social media but keep a watchful eye. They are still learning how to navigate this whole new big world and still very much need their parents to help guide their way. Best of luck to your sweet girl, she’s absolutely beautiful.
Mix and Match Mama says
Oh my goodness, THANK YOU so very much!!!
Melanie M. says
Congrats! I’m sure she will do great because she has such a good home foundation. It’s obvious that she is loved by her entire family. Also, she is being raised in a Christian home. All of these factors help kids go through middle school/jr. high.
Sarah G says
Congratulations to Kensington!
Blogging world is so crazy, I feel like I know yall and have watched everyone grow. I started following right around the time Kensington was heading off to kindergarten. It takes a lot of courage to be an oldest child, I think. It’s an exciting time, but I imagine a little nervousness to have to be the first sibling to experience new things. Best of luck to K in middle school!
Nicole Miller says
Congratulations!!! What a beautiful and sweet young lady.
Gracie says
This makes me all sorts of emotional! My oldest is finishing up Kindergarten this year and I cannot fathom her being in 5th grade but I know it is going to fly!
Congratulations Kensington!!
Mix and Match Mama says
Enjoy this time with your kinder girl!! I hate to say it, but you’ll blink and she’ll be in fifth grade!
Angela Ellingson says
This is beautiful! I’ve been having lots of (somewhat panicked) “it’s going too fast” moments lately. This time is so precious. I pray that I can be present and not sweat the small stuff.
Kacy M says
Wow time flew by so fast! Y’all raised her so well – beautiful inside and out, be proud! 🙂
Casey says
Awww, love this!! My oldest just finished…or whatever we are calling it right now, his first year of middle school. I was so nervous for him, but he did great! It’s sad, but also so cool to see them grow into their own person as they get older. She will do amazing!!!
Mix and Match Mama says
That is really encouraging, Casey!!
Melinda Bridge says
My oldest grandson is also a fifth grader. It is hard to believe that he will be in middle school next year! It makes me sad that he and the rest of his classmates will miss out on all the fun things that only fifth graders get to do. When I took him lunch on his birthday this year, I never dreamed that he wouldn’t finish the school year. Hang on, the next seven years goes even faster!
Leslie S says
I’ve loved watching her grow up here on your blog. She’s beautiful on the inside and loves Jesus, has a supportive family – she will do so well in Life! I look forward to seeing her continue to grow on your blog. Can’t wait to see what adventures she has next year! (My oldest is 1 year behind K) Sure has been a different year than we all planned/hoped for, but I know your family will celebrate her and make this special. And she will have a unique perspective and testimony to share one day!
Congrats Kensington! Hope you have an awesome summer!
Elspeth says
This is crazy to see how much she has grown and changed while following your blog. A new journey begins with Middle School. Thank you for sharing her with us.
http://www.elspethsdaybyday.com
Laurie says
She is such a beautiful girl. I too have a graduate…but from high school! My poor girl missed so many “lasts” because of all of this but she has made the best of it – still hopeful for prom which seemed to mean the most to her haha. The excitement of heading off to college is helping with the sadness. She absolutely loved middle school which I was so thankful for her since I didn’t love it much myself all those years ago. Each step of growing up has been bittersweet but raising her has been everything I hoped having a daughter would be. Good luck to Kensington, there are so many good times ahead!
Mix and Match Mama says
Good luck to your daughter too, Laurie!!
Jordan says
Congratulations Kensington! I’m crying reading this post. Babies certainly don’t keep. <3 Good luck in middle school!
Bernadine says
What a blessing it is for you the last couple of weeks at home with her… Spending much needed quality time together.
You are doing a great job, Mama. The most amazing adventures await sweet Kensington as she is heading into the next chapter.
KariReidBrown says
Congrats Kensington! Our oldest is a fifth grade grad too! It flies by doesn’t it?!
Patty says
It wasn’t until our girls were out of school that I was able to look back and see that there’s a fine line between being their advocate with teachers/administrators and being a helicopter parent. Sounds like you’re doing well with that. Kensington is doing awesome! She’s going to rock middle school! But boy, are you and Andrew going to have your hands full with the boys calling soon. She’s a beauty both inside and out!
Katherine Darlington says
In the photo where she’s holding Yankee, she looks like your mom! So beautiful!
Ashley B says
Congratulations to Kensington! Thank you for sharing these moments with all of your readers. I found your blog after struggling with infertility and now have two children of my own (ages 8 &5). It has truly been a blessing checking in with you guys each day and seeing your children grow and flourish. Thank you for allowing us to be a part of your lives!
Erin Rich says
Shay, I have been following along for years. Thank you for always sharing. I have never left a message. My oldest is also in fifth grade. My daughter sounds so similar to your daughter. Both so incredibly sweet. We moved when my sweet daughter was in Kindergarten from Michigan to California for a job. Now my daughter is in fifth grade. I am sad for these kiddos. I think on March 13th, I would have taken a picture, or hugged her longer at the gate. It just ended for them. I am so proud of her. But as my first child ending her elementary school career, my heart is sad. Thank you for sharing.
Mix and Match Mama says
Ohhhh! This spoke right to my heart!! thank you!!
Tracy says
Why do kids have to grow up so darn fast? My youngest is finishing up college! Congrats to K. She’s such a beautiful girl!
Mix and Match Mama says
I wish time would stand still!
Lisa Richardson says
Congratulations Kensington!!! Hold on mama, time is going to fly. My youngest graduated college Saturday (virtually) and starts PA school in 3 weeks. Andrew better have a big bat, that little girl is so beautiful!!! XOXO
http://www.coasttocoast2.com
Mix and Match Mama says
Congratulations to your son, Lisa!!
Dawn says
Congratulations Kensington! I am sitting here in tears as my son is taking is last exam at the University of Oklahoma and remembering it was not that long ago he was my little boy…..Time is a thief. So excited for his future. I will be cheering Kensington on in all that is ahead of her. Thanks for sharing your family with us!
Mix and Match Mama says
Oh Dawn!! Now, I’m all teary too!!
AliJ. says
Congratulations beautiful Kensington Kate! I know my daughter is now in 6th grade (remotely of course) and it has been a great year. I think she has enjoyed having a bit more freedom than what they had in elementary school. I hope you have a great 6th grade year! Just stay true to yourself.
Lucy Bertoldi says
Such a beautiful post that made me sigh…I feel you! Time really does fly- so make every moment count, they say. My fifth and last child turned 18 in September and it just came as a huge blow- my baby (I still talk to her like she’s 10- I’m terrible!!) Enjoy and God Bless:)
Jaclyn says
Hi Shay! I’ve been a reader for a very long time and I remember each of her 1st day of school pics!! Congrats to Kensington and I’m sure she’ll rock Middle School! xo
Mix and Match Mama says
Thank you so much!!
Ashley says
As a mama to another 5th grade graduate, this post made me cry ? It really does go so quick. I, too, feel like our elementary school has become a second home, so middle school will be a new uncharted adventure for us ?
Mrs. B. says
That first photo with her on the steps!!! Such a beautiful child.
Alison T. says
Kensington, you are such a beautiful young lady! Although I’ve never met you I can tell your heart is as pretty as your face. Congratulations on finishing that first chapter of school and moving on to the next!
Kim Hayes says
I have been smitten with Kensington since I started reading your blog several years ago. Those blue eyes and that genuine smile just lights up her face. But it’s her seemingly sweet spirit and gentle soul that continued to capture my attention. I am the mother of two adult boys/men and my oldest gave made me a grandma this week for the first time and she is a precious baby girl!? If our Olivia Jo is as sweet as your Kensington we will be truly blessed. Happy graduation to you, K!
Katie says
So exciting what an achievement! I must know where that beautiful yellow headband is from (the pic on the steps)! So sweet!
Mix and Match Mama says
It was from Etsy many years ago.
Candice O. says
Wow! I still remember reading your blog when you had a party for all the kids before Kensington started kindergarten! That seems like yesterday! Congrats!!
Victoria Mazzola says
How is she doing graduating during quarantine?! I thrived in elementary but had the hardest time leaving 5th grade and adjusting to middle school. Just the thought of having to have gone through it and leaving elementary during quarantine makes my anxiety spike!! She’s so brave. Congrats Kensington!! ❤️
Patrice says
Wow! Hard to believe. Seems like yesterday you all had that sweet Kindergarten kick off party for all the kids. (I feel like an aunt with the cliches but it’s true!)
Congratulations Kensington Kate! Way to go!!
Kristy Moore says
Wow! She’s looking so grown up! Not only do you feel old, but it makes me feel old!!! All the best as you transition to middle school Kensington-you’re going to do awesome!
Christa Liso says
Congratulations Kensington! Shay, I just love your blog. I have been following along for a few years now and I really appreciate your genuine kindness and positivity. You have created such a beautiful space for women to share and celebrate one another’s accomplishments. You have inspired me to start my own blog. Just wanted to say thanks for all you do! You are appreciated. 🙂
Liz Thorson says
Oh Shay, what a tender, sweet post! Kensington has always appeared to be such a gentle soul, kind, thoughtful, quiet and generous. I’ve thought for years that she has your mom’s personality, gathering that opinion from reading your blogs and looking at the pictures you’ve shared and the things you’ve said about your precious mother. Am I correct? I’ve certainly been impressed with the way Kensington handled herself during her health crisis and delighted in learning about all that she has accomplished academically, in sports and dance! I love her friendship with Ebby Lee. What a special friendship and to have their moms besties, too, what fun!
Allena says
My oldest is also in 5th grade but is in a public Montessori that goes through 8th grade so he doesn’t graduate yet, and I can live in denial about how grown-up he is getting. I went and picked up my toddler’s clothes from her daycare because she is moving over to the same Montessori school as my older 2 (yay for 1 drop-off and pick-up!!!!), and I was so sad – what an anticlimactic end to a 6-year relationship with a wonderful school. 🙁
Tiff says
Congratulations Kensington! All of us in blog land are so proud of you!
Emily says
What a sweet little girl you have. My oldest is also in 5th grade and I’m so sad that she isn’t able to finish the year with her friends and doing all the fun 5th grade things she was looking forward to. A milestone that I never imagined happening in this way, but here we are and all we can do is embrace every moment and pray for good things. Thanks for always sharing positivity through your blog.
Melissa says
I feel you! My son is also in 5th grade and it’s bittersweet. He’s my youngest so I am READY to be done with elementary school and I think he is too but this is not how we wanted to end it. I’m hoping their return to school will be somewhat normal this fall! I have been following you since both our kiddos were 3. Time flies!
Lisa D says
Your daughter is a lovely girl, congrats on her elementary school graduation. Time flies! I really like how she is wearing her hair now…. super cute!
grace says
Shay this was so very touching and beautifully written. Thank you for sharing this with us. I wish the best for Kensington as if I knew her personally. She has so many rooting for her and I bet that is the way for many of us in life and we even don’t know it. Thank you also for sharing so much of the good but not painting a picture as if Kensington has no struggles and her life is perfect. It helps me keep perspective with my own children and really embrace all of it and know that they are complete and whole just as they are right now. Perfectly imperfect 🙂 Thank you for being real. Love ya for it!
Aimee says
She is just beautiful! Congratulations to Kensington!
Mary says
OH gosh It is SO true – you blink and then they are grown and heading to college!!!
she is gorgeous and I’m betting will do wwell in Middle school especially with her best pal there also!!
Debbie says
Congratulations to Kensington. Time sure does fly, my daughter is now 28, a labor and delivery RN and mother of a one year old and a two year old. Treasure all of these moments because they are gone in a blink of the eye. She truly is a beautiful girl with the greatest smile!!
Stacey says
That post made me tear up. I have been reading your blog for so long, I feel like I know you guys.
Congratulations Kensington! All the best to you in your move to middle school.
Stacey
Jenn Huff says
Our oldest is finishing 6th grade this month! I was so so nervous for him to start middle school. We are in Juneau AK and we have two middle schools with lots of kids and it seemed so overwhelming but the year could not have gone better. He loved it and we loved his teachers and everything else. I didn’t need to be worried at all.
Mix and Match Mama says
Thank you so much, Jenn!! I really appreciate this!! Also, Juneau is BEAUTIFUL!!!
Becky Carl says
Kensington is not only beautiful outside but more importantly her heart is beautiful. From watching her grow up, you can just see it. We are all proud of you sweet girl and wish nothing but happiness in your future. My oldest just turned 42 and believe me, a mama never forgets these times. Cherish each moment.
Mix and Match Mama says
Thank you so much, Becky. That really means a lot. xx
Shani Wiggins says
Stunnnnnning! Look at that beautiful dolly…, and the amazing parents that have brought her to this day! ❤️
Kara says
First, Kensington is gorgeous!! I cannot believe how pretty she is and is appears to not have to go through that awkward middle school stage.
Second, you are going to have a BIG year next year-one starting middle school and your baby starting Kindergarten.
Katelyn says
This one really hit home. I also have a Kensington who will hopefully be starting Kindergarten this fall. I am so nervous for her as I think of all the things she will be exposed to but reading this I see the positive that can come. It all goes too quickly.
Susan says
Kensington is just the cutest little girl so pretty. My youngest is also a 5th grade graduate and makes me so sad to think I am done with the elementary school phase of my life. And to top it off our county is closing several of our elementary schools this year and ours is one of them. I never thought the day she left there in March would be it forever and we had to end things the way we did, it just breaks my heart. The school is hoping we can have some type of get together this summer.
Staci says
Such a beautiful girl!
Kim C says
Beautiful post for a beautiful girl! My oldest is also in 5th grade, and my middle in Kindergarten. Both boys are handling this shutdown so well but I feel like they’ve been robbed of so many milestones — the last 2 weeks March was a very rough patch for me.
Congratulations, Kensington! You will do big & great things in middle school!
Mix and Match Mama says
Congratulations at your house too!!!!
Lisa N says
I have loved watching this beautiful girl grow. I know she will do well in whatever she chooses to do and grown up Kensington will be such a blessing each step of the way! Congratulations!