7QT: Scholarships and Spikeball and Sacristans

Dumping some phone photos here for memory's sake, because Lord knows I need all the help I can get!

1)

JP received a scholarship for college from a medical group and we attended a reception for the recipients.  It was very nice, except for the part where JP choked on a meatball and apparently I embarrassed him when I asked "Are you choking?" a little loudly.  Twice.  Moms.  They are the worst.  You'd think in a room full of medical professionals and soon-to-be medical professionals, someone would have run over and helped him.  Nope.  Nada.  He worked it out but it was scary for a second.

2)

Summer is in full swing around here (see what I did there?)

I've had a few days off this week, and I've been able to take the kids to the zoo, library, playgrounds, beach and Burger King, so you could say that the rest of the summer is downhill from here ;)

Some Deals and Dad's Day

A few Prime Day finds:

Eric Carle Around the Farm book with 30 sounds

Kindle Fire HD 10 

Fire TV Stick

College Dorm Room package

A great deal on the phone we got Maggie (no app store, no social media):

Use this link from June 21 - June 25 to get $50 off your Gabb phone

And some photos from Father's Day:

Best Dad to these kids, for sure :)

Phil got some new work shirts, a nose hair trimmer (hence the smiles), his own set of nail clippers that nobody else can use (ha!), cologne, a hat, candy, sneakers, a promise to clean out his van, and lots of sweet cards.  He's a lucky guy!

My side of the family was able to get together at my sister's house for the day, where we played some competitive volleyball, cornhole, wiffle ball, and had chicken fights in the pool.  Plus there was lots of good food and conversation.  It was a perfectly lovely Father's Day.

7QT: The Presidential Poet, Scamming Sixteen Year Olds, and Sweet Shops

Happy Friday!  Linking up with Kelly and the betters.

1)

Today is the faculty's last day of school for the year at the high school where we work.  It's always weird to see them go on summer break, especially since some of us (ahem) have to continue to work all summer.  The building gets weirdly quiet and it takes some getting used to.  We are having a lot of retirements this year and losing some great people.  On that note, if you're looking to teach Spanish or English or become the Head Custodian at a lovely Catholic high school in Massachusetts, let me know!

2)

Maggie won for Student Council President next year!!  She put a lot of effort into her posters and speech (a poem) and has truly blossomed this year in confidence and ability.  I am so proud of her.  Her bestie is standing right beside her, and she is the VP - what a perfect team!

And Just Like That, We Have Another Highschooler

Eamon, my thirdborn son and mini-me, graduated from 8th Grade last week.  How is he ready for highschool already?  I grabbed a photo of him outside of the church before the Baccalaureate Mass began and he looks so grown up to this sentimental mama.

They processed in wearing their gowns and caps (but no hats for boys in church!) and Eamon read the Prayers of the Faithful during Mass which was nice to see since he normally plays the role of Altar Server at every Mass instead.

7QT: Books and Beaches and Burrata

Happy Friday y'all!  It's a gorgeous sunny 60 degree morning here in New England and I have the day off from work, so I'm a happy camper!  Actually, I'm never a happy camper because camping is terrible :)  Let's look back on the week, shall we?

1)

Speaking of happy campers, Phil is one because he is devouring this book right now and buying copies for family and friends he thinks would be interested.  

Teaching theology in this changing "woke" world where people easily get cancelled and called haters for defending the faith has made this year very hard for him.  This book has given him hope and makes a lot of sense.  He highly recommends it!

2)

Speaking of recommending...Growing up, my brother used to read me a saint story each night, and it really helped deepen my faith and paved a good path for me in my life.  When I saw that Rosie's sister wrote a Saints Around the World book, I knew my kids would love hearing about these less common saints.  

The book is beautifully illustrated and I'm trying to wait until Brendan's birthday in August to give it to him, but it's burning a hole in my secret present stash ;)

Celebrating the End of High School

Sorry, not sorry for all of the photos.  I'm sure by the time the last child of mine graduates, I'll be lucky if I remember to pull out the camera, but the first kid gets the works!   To make up for all of the pictures, I won't write much...

First up, Baccalaureate Mass:

No photos of the actual Mass, but the students received a blessing and a shell at the end:

It was a beautiful night, and my parents were able to attend (but none of our kids as we only had four seats):