Happy LAST WEEK OF SCHOOL, friends!
We. Are. So. Pumped. Around. Here.
In honor of this being our last official week of school, I thought I’d share another edition of TOP FIVE, BOTTOM FIVE!
This time, we are chatting…TOP FIVE, BOTTOM FIVE: END OF SCHOOL YEAR.
Because let’s be real, there are some pros and some cons 😉 .
I’m going to share my little list, Andrew will share his and then I hope you share yours too!
The Shull family is R-E-A-D-Y for summertime!
Here we go…
TOP FIVE, BOTTOM FIVE: END OF SCHOOL YEAR
#5: THE WEATHER
The weather and the end of the school year just pair perfectly together. The rainy spring days seem to be gone, the sun is shining, it’s not 108 degrees yet…it’s spectacular. Walking to school, being outdoors for field days and other end of the year celebrations are extra fun with this “end of school” weather. It’s like the Lord himself is celebrating too by gifting us this May weather.
#4: CELEBRATIONS
I’m sure it’s the same at your house, but the end of the year is extra special because we get to honor and recognize our kiddos for all their hard work all year long. Whether it’s the banquets for their sports and/or clubs, the final end of year orchestra/choir performances, academic ceremonies, it’s just a great time to celebrate everything they’ve worked so hard for all year long.
#3: SO MANY FUN TRADITIONS
We are “tradition people” around here and the end of the school year brings about so many for our family. There are certain recipes I make on the last day of school, there is one silly song we sing as we count down the days, Andrew and I always go to pick them up together on the last day (to bookend dropping them off together on the first day). These little traditions just kind of make up who we are as a family. I love them.
#2: EVERYTHING FEELS MORE RELAXED
You want to stay up later? Sure. You want to put croutons in your lunch instead of carrot sticks? Why not? You’re wearing athletic clothes for the tenth day in a row to school? Awesome. Everything just relaxes. My kids have fewer tests to study for, less homework to do, the days are longer and the “load” seems lighter at the end of the year.
#1: SUMMER IS ALMOST HERE
Well, of course! That’s the very very very best part! We see the light at the end of the tunnel. It’s the bottom of the ninth with two outs…the school year is about to wrap up and sweet summertime is so close we can almost taste it.
Those are are great, great, great things this time of year, but I would be lying if I didn’t also admit there were a few “less than great things”…
And here are my BOTTOM FIVE THINGS ABOUT THE END OF THE SCHOOL YEAR…
#5: IT’S HARD TO GET EVERYONE TO FOCUS
Yes, yes for the more relaxed time of year, but child of mine, you still have to go to bed before midnight. You still have to get up and get out the door on time. You must get that homework done and no, you can’t spend the night with so and so on a Tuesday. Come on people, we’re almost done. FOCUS, PLEASE!
#4: THE WEATHER
The weather is both a blessing and a curse. It’s sunny and gorgeous and warm and delightful…and it’s only May 18. If it’s 91 today, what does that mean it will be on August 18? If this is our warm spring weather, what in the world will our summer temps look like?!
#3: SUMMER PLANNING ANXIETY CREEPS IN
Hi, my name is Shay, and I get summer anxiety. I don’t know about you, but I have a SOLID school year routine. During the school year, I can manage my work, my household chores, my commitments, my appointments…I’ve got it down SOLID. Summertime can stress me out though because you know what really throws a wrench into a solid routine? Four children. At home. My school schedule leaves me feeling confident and productive…my summer schedule can often leave me feeling like a chicken with her head cut off.
#2: ALL THE THINGS. SO MANY THINGS.
So many things. There are banquets. And awards ceremonies. Field days. Field trips. Senior graduation parties. Spring football. Cheer fundraisers. Cheer camp. New school year registrations. Sports physicals are due. More graduation parties. Concerts. Art showings. It. Never. Ends.
#1: ANOTHER YEAR DOWN…
Without a doubt the worst part is that it’s one more year down. Andrew and I would do this “raising kids at home” on loop the rest of our lives. With the end of each school year comes the end of one of those years. Next year, I’ll have a graduating senior. The following year, another graduating senior. It’s here. This last chapter of having all four kiddos under one roof all the time is officially coming to an end. Kensington comes into my office every single day after she gets home from school, sits on my chair and talks about her day. These talks are never shorter than 20 minutes and often as long as an hour. On Wednesday afternoon, I hit record on my phone just to record her chatting away…because in about 15 months, she won’t be here sitting in my office telling me about her day. I would do this on loop forever.
And that, my friends, are my TOP FIVE, BOTTOM FIVE: END OF SCHOOL YEAR THINGS 🙂
Now…
It wouldn’t be a TOP FIVE, BOTTOM FIVE without Andrew weighing in too.
ANDREW’S TOP FIVE END OF SCHOOL YEAR THINGS:
#5: Celebrating their success of a lot of hard work and dedication of another school year completed. So many things to remember.
#4: No more lunch making!
#3: Schedules are gone!
#2: Nantucket is coming!
#1: Getting to see my kids so much more!
ANDREW’S BOTTOM FIVE END OF SCHOOL YEAR THINGS:
#5: Nothing
#4 Nothing
#3: Nothing
#2: Nothing
#1: Right now #1 by a mile is that we’re about to have a year of lasts as Kensington finishes high school.
Now, don’t forget to check out these other TOP FIVE, BOTTOM FIVE blog posts:
TOP FIVE, BOTTOM FIVE: VALENTINE’S CANDY
TOP FIVE, BOTTOM FIVE: CONDIMENTS
TOP FIVE, BOTTOM FIVE: HOLIDAY HOLIDAY THINGS
TOP FIVE, BOTTOM FIVE: STORE-BOUGHT COOKIES
TOP FIVE, BOTTOM FIVE: THINGS ABOUT A FAIR/CARNIVAL
TOP FIVE, BOTTOM FIVE: ICE CREAM FLAVORS
TOP FIVE, BOTTOM FIVE: SPRING CLEANING
TOP FIVE, BOTTOM FIVE: TRAVELING BY PLANE
TOP FIVE, BOTTOM FIVE: SKIING WITH YOUR FAMILY
TOP FIVE, BOTTOM FIVE: CHRISTMAS MOVIES
TOP FIVE, BOTTOM FIVE: HALLOWEEN CANDY
TOP FIVE, BOTTOM FIVE: CEREALS
TOP FIVE, BOTTOM FIVE: HOUSEHOLD CHORES
TOP FIVE, BOTTOM FIVE: CHRISTMAS SONGS
TOP FIVE, BOTTOM FIVE: THANKSGIVING FOODS
TOP FIVE, BOTTOM FIVE ROAD TRIP SNACKS
TOP FIVE, BOTTOM FIVE: VEGETABLES
TOP FIVE, BOTTOM FIVE: THINGS ABOUT FALL
TOP FIVE, BOTTOM FIVE: CHRISTMAS FOODS
TOP FIVE, BOTTOM FIVE: SNOW DAYS
Now, it’s your turn! What are your TOP FIVE, BOTTOM FIVE END OF SCHOOL YEAR THINGS?
Please comment and share!
It’s the LAST WEEK OF SCHOOL!
Let the summertime fun begin! xx
Elspeth Mizner says
I love these kinds of posts! I love the relaxed feel that comes with the end of school, but don’t love all the extra stuff that comes with wrapping up!
http://www.elspethsdaybyday.com
Shannon says
As the school year approaches it’s close, we have a saying at our house. We remind ourselves of it so we don’t wish away the last few days of school…
Right NOW we have the MOST summer left!
It reminds us to savor it and not rush through it because summer IS coming!
Emilee says
As a teacher I cannot wait to welcome summer! As a mommy, I totally grieve it. My oldest will be a second grader next year and that just seems way too old. 🥲
Sheaffer says
Yeah sure, things are fine right now. We can excited about no early wake-ups, more time at the ranch, and all sorts of fun stuff. BUT NEXT YEAR AT THIS TIME???????? I’m worried about my future self.
Kat says
I’m a kindergarten teacher with 3.5 days left!
Top 5:
A break from all the admin stuff over the past 10 months.
Vacation mode-loading! Heading to CO for 3 weeks.
The fun days are in full swing with the little kids.
NOT having to mark folders for 82 days. So many FOLDERS!!
Cooking dinners can be fun again instead of questionable acts of desperation on paper plates.
Bottom 5:
No more routine. What do I do with myself and when?
The risk of binge-watching and brain-rotting after vacation.
Summer weather in AL is the worst sweaty armpit of the lowest troll under a bride in Hades.
The frantic last 2 days of trying to complete the Admin EOY checklist at school. It always brings on a migraine.
MISSING THE BEST GROUP OF KIDS IN MY 28 YEARS OF TEACHING. Last year almost ended me. This year was the best every group of kids and parents.
Happy last week!!
Mix and Match Mama says
YOU NEED SUMMER!! Thank you for sharing this list!! xx
Lanisa says
“Questionable acts of desperation on paper plates” made me laugh out loud. 👊🏻👊🏻
Katie Stewart says
I always get a little teary eyed on the last day of school around here. It’s like another year of childhood is gone, another year of innocence gone, another year closer to leaving the nest…I get SO SAD on that last day! I’m sad for YOU just thinking about back-to-back senior years!
Such a blessing to see them grow, but my goodness it’s bittersweet! ❤️
Dana P says
That comment about K coming in after school to chat is so sweet! I used to call my mom at work every day when I got home, too.
Off topic, but my 20 year-old daughter made me cry today. She just got home from college for the summer and was talking to a 19 year-old who attends our church and is far from home right now. We had gone out to a Christmas marché last December and she told my daughter it was the favorite outing she’s had since she’s been here. I was so surprised because I had busted my tire that night and thought the whole thing was a disaster! My daughter goes, “Mom, college girls just want their moms. They miss them and they would always rather be with another mom if they can.” So precious! What a blessing to be a mom or a substitute mama for someone. 🙂 I’m going to remember that comment from now on and make sure to reach out to these young women! I had no idea.
Mix and Match Mama says
Awwwwww! I love this!!
Richelle B. says
In 15 months, Kensington may not be sitting in the chair in front of you at the end of the day chatting away, but she will be calling you EVERY day to talk to you about her day. Maybe not as good as face to face, but nonetheless, she will call every day. I loved that about my daughter when she went to college. 😉
Mix and Match Mama says
Thank you for saying this. xx
Ashley says
Also, because she won’t be in class as many hours a day as she is now, you will be getting multiple calls a day!
Lisa D says
I am quite a few years away from my (now adult) kid’s school days. I have such happy memories of going to all the end-of-the-school-year events! I loved the art shows and awards nights. The busyness of those days fades from memory and what remains are lovely remembrances of the years with my children at home. It’s bittersweet.
“The days are long but the years are short ” is a quote from Gretchen Rubin and that truly sums up the experiences of raising kids!
Alyssa Norman says
Oh man the summer “planning” piece is so relatable. Right now I only have 2 in school but I’m frantically trying to figure out how to adjust my own routine so we don’t all go crazy, and live in a pig sty. Having those 2 crazy boys home with us all day definitely adds some mess and chaos!
That said I absolutely can’t wait until summer and thanks for the perspective. Right now I’m in the trenches and can easily feel overwhelmed but I need to remind myself to really cherish these crazy summers with everyone! Here’s to finding our groove 😉
Jennifer says
We are in the same boat! My youngest just finished 5th so we’ve closed the elementary chapter and my oldest is now a senior. It truly does go by soooo fast! What’s really helping me right now is seeing so many people I follow online with kids the same ages as mine because it feels like we are all going through this together. There is joy in every season:)
Mix and Match Mama says
YES! I couldn’t agree with you more about BOTH things. It’s such a blessing to walk through these stages with others, and there is JOY in every season. xx
Krista F. says
My oldest 2 graduated a year apart from each other and it was a whirlwind of a couple years! It very much reminded me of the intense, busy, fun, crazy couple years when they were both toddlers 🙂 It’s all so bittersweet!
Faith Kapp says
I have all adult children now and only one in college still. I very much relate to your bottom and top five. I have one top and one bottom to add and this is from the college standpoint. Top – moving them home for the summer. Bottom – moving them home for the summer. I was always excited to have them back with us but moving them out of the dorm and then finding space for their stuff was a bottom 🫣 This will be the first year we haven’t moved one out since our daughter is taking summer classes and lives off campus.
Bren says
Faith, I was going to say the same thing. My three are all adults and as of last December, all through college. And…for the first time in 11 years, we are not moving anyone this summer! They are all officially adulting and no one is moving – yay! Yet here I am, its bittersweet, because that also means no one will be home for the summer. Ever thankful for the ways we can communicate with our kids, through this new stage of life.
Amy Androff says
For my daughter I journaled everyday during her senior year. It may have been one line one day and paragraphs the next depending what was going on. When she left the nest to go to college, I gave her the journal. It was a surprise to her and a keepsake for her to look back on. The tears flowed for both of us!
Mix and Match Mama says
Oh this is so sweet! Thank YOU for sharing this idea with me!
Susan P Fitzpatrick says
I can’t really comment on this as my kids are now in their 20’s and my baby is in law school. When the time comes for Kensington to go off to college I do have alot to say regarding that! I love having young adults! They are fun to be with!
Laura Holmes says
Great list! Oh man… get ready for next year. Your heart will soar and break a million times over preparing for Kensington’s graduation. There’s nothing like letting one of your babies leave to go find themselves outside of your home and begin their future. It’s amazing and heartbreaking at the same time for us as parents. My husband and I would also keep doing this parenting thing on a loop if we could. But, we are eventually forced into retirement by our babies growing up on us. One big perk is watching these amazing kids become adults. Adults who will be your absolute favorite adults! It’s incredible to have a front row seat to all of it. Enjoy your summer!
Alison says
Another year down… I couldn’t have said it better myself. My baby heads to kindergarten this fall.
Also, trying to buy the adequate amount of groceries to keep these kids fed. It always takes me a solid three weeks to acclimate to summer grocery shopping.
Anne says
Now is the time to start touting to K about how fabulous the local colleges are! Hint hint, still live at home and attend one of them.
Kate says
Senior year is a roller coaster!! I never fully understood the true meaning of bittersweet until it. While it can be so hard watching them grow up it is also amazing to see the young people they are becoming. I’ll also add it. It’s really fun when they come home for the summer. -mama of a kiddo that just finished freshman year of college ❤️
Kourtney says
I’m with Andrew on the no more making lunches – my son is already done and my daughter has a few more days but chose hot lunch today and I was like wow I have an extra 15 minutes in my morning today! I get summer anxiety too as a WFH mom – I’m so blessed with the flexibility to be home with them (with help from sitters of course and camps!) but also I’m nervous about the lack of productivity, haha! But you’re right, there’s only going to be so many summers like this so I want to soak it in.
Elizabeth H Valenta says
We have 8 1/2 days here in VA. I love end of the year fun at school and watching my 5th graders get promoted and watching my Kindergarten read last day blues. End of year means…sleeping in hard, watching movies outside and not worrying about when I have to get up, not packing my lunch every day, TIME…time to walk, go for coffee, take road trips, and take care of me. I always look forward to heading back and what that brings, but Summer is so appreciated.
sandi says
All the emotions with this post! With two out of college, one about to start her senior year of college and the “baby” of the family graduating from High School and starting college, this post really resonates! The best, all time best, will be NO MORE SCHOOL EMAILS! Someone commented a while back that they created a separate email for school emails only and I thought that was brilliant… too late in my mom career for that move but man it would have made a difference 15 or so years ago.
Texas has many great colleges, so maybe K will not end up too far away!
Debra says
This is such a great list from both you and Andrew. I feel you on the last year for Kensington – it is a bittersweet time.
kristen says
Not having all your kiddos under the same roof anymore is definitely a major shift. Major. Our oldest got married in March and just finished grad school. The second just graduated high school and is headed far away to school. Three kids left and without the oldest two everything feels “off” or like we want to save all the fun things until the boys can join us, and we can’t live like that. Leaning in to making special memories with the ones currently around my table, but like you, we would do those “everyone at home” years on continual repeat. You’re good at treasuring and savoring, Shay – lean in make the most of every minute!
Rebecca says
I love this post! I love that you shared pictures of when your kids were tiny!!! And thank you for your honesty about summer making you anxious. We live in PA so we have until 6/5 before summer starts. I love your blog. Thanks for the work you put out into the world.
Sarah DeWald says
Oh gosh – I’m tearing up thinking about how sweet your daily chats with Kensington are and how amazing that you recorded one. <3
AliJ. says
I enjoy celebrating all the achievements of the students, including our daughter. Though this year is harder because she is a senior so we are experiencing all the lasts – I am a hot mess. I am excited for her next adventure with a military service academy but she will be further away from home – she attended a boarding school that was 50 minutes from home so while I did not see her all the time, my husband and I were able to attend all her sporting events, senior nights, special events. We also made such great friends from all around the US and world.
I am looking forward to the next chapter an am excited to see our daughter flourish.
I am definitely looking forward to summer at the end of every school year – life slows down, and there is a lot of time relaxing on our boat.
Natasha says
My number one bottom 5 is that my oldest will be a senior next year too. I will also be a basket case most of next year.
My second bottom 5 is that we still have SIX WEEKS of school left until we hit summer. I wish all the schools were on the same schedule. Many of my blog reads will be in summer mode and we’ll be in “trying to hang on until the end” mode. Pray for us!
Mix and Match Mama says
If I had my way, summer break would run Memorial Day through Labor Day…I wish we were all on the same schedules too!!
Kathy says
I know what you mean about doing these school years on a loop forever. There is genuine sadness when it is done. I still feel it. I wish I could go back and redo some things!
Sarah says
Senior mom, nearing graduation. It goes too fast!
renee says
I get summer anxiety too, but mine is related to we never know where to go for summer vacation. What is the least amount of time your travel company needs to plan a summer vacation? This is where my anxiety during the summer is!!
Mix and Match Mama says
It depends on where you want to go (as you can’t book a cruise and depart the very next day)…buuuuut we have been known to book trips that are leaving within days. It’s not ideal, but we can do it. My point is, reach out to us. We can make it work!
Susan Jeffries says
I sure miss these days. Our daughter has graduated from college and lives in another state. We always had the best summers when she was growing up. We look forward to traveling with her this summer. Cherish these moments while your kids are home. They go by way too quickly.
Alexis Meacham says
Whew! I got a knot in my throat reading about Kensington’s senior year and realizing it will be my girls before I know it! Time flys by!