National Honor Society Induction Ceremony

The Madonna High School had their induction ceremony for the newest members of the Monsignor Murphy Chapter  of National Honor Society on March 10th.

Although I worked at a catholic school before I came here, we didn't have this kind of ceremony there.  We had recognition each year but National Honor Society is something very new to me.  Glad our daughter is one of the inductees, I get to experience it too.  

The program started with the procession of the inductees, then the lighting of different candles which includes knowledge, character, service, and leadership.  Afterwards the history and emblem were explained.  

Hubby and our son came home after the ceremony so we didn't get to take photos with them at the school.

I got to take pictures  when the ceremony was over.

The senior members received their cords to use for graduation.

The newly inductees:

• Vanessa Alatis - Senior
• Luke Amaismeier - Junior
• Anthony Arnold - Junior
• Rylie Cottrill - Junior
• Elizabeth Elias - Junior
• Lily Harbin - Junior
• Benjamin Jasko - Junior
• Theo Mehillis - Junior
• Isabella Pulice - Senior
• Mackenzie Sargeant - Junior
• Olivia Shafer - Junior
• Luke Sweat - Junior
• Juliana Velegol - Junior
• Julia Winget - Junior

A friend offered to take a picture of me and my daughter.

We took oine as a family when daughter and I came home.

So what exactly  the benefits for getting into the National Honor Society.  This article explained it really well.  It basically opens some opportunities for you in getting geared up for college.  You get to be part of an organization and participate to conferences and other activities.

EJ's 15th Birthday

Here it comes, just like that and he's 15!  How is this even possible.  It feels just like yesterday when I gave birth to him wahh.  I'm a little sad that they are growing up so fast but also glad to see them grow up.  I wouldn't trade motherhood for  any richness on earth.  I'd choose them over gold!  I love my life as a mom of these two .  Aside from my husband, they are the best things that has happened to me.  I'd be forever grateful to God that He blessed me with a wonderful family!

 

Having a daughter and a son is perfect.  These two  are the best kids that any parent could ask for and I am beyond blessed to be their Mom.

Anyway, since my son's birthday falls after Christmas, it is hard to find things that he likes.  Luckily, his interest went back to cars again  so I managed to get him some and also got him a car storage to display his collection.  I also made a DIY project using some  materials we have at home.  

We used to travel on their birthdays but given the situation, we only went to Boardman and hang out for a little bit, it was fun though.

I'm glad we managed to have a little getaway even for just a day.  It gave them a little something to do other than hang out at home.

I am glad that there's pingpong table at the mall, it's been a while since we play it.

Dearest EJ,

As you turned 15

Our love for you has grown bigger

We are grateful to have a loving son

Thank you for coming to our lives and making our life complete.

We love you very much and we will be here for you, always.

May God continue to  guide and bless you with good slate of health.

Love,

Mom

Sadie’s Dance and Her Firsts

The Sadie’s Dance was cancelled due to the growing cases of Omicron and few numbers of sign up but the kids have already picked out their outfits so they had a get together to make up for the lost fun.  

Our daughter is definitely growing into a woman.  She had her very first date on March 5th with this guy who is taking her to the prom.  Since, they don't really talk much in school, they need to get to know each other before the dance to break the awkwardness.  It's an exciting phase of her life so we find it funny seeing her giddy when she talks.  Hubby and I trust our daughter so we didn't see the need for a chaperone on her first date.  Anyway, they were suppose to go bowling in our area but the one they planned to go to was close and the one in downtown has an hour wait so they drove to Toronto and bowled there instead.

Last Sunday, March 6th, we went to the Cathedral of St. Joseph and attended a collaborated reflection event by the catholic schools in the Upper Ohio Valley.  It was nice watching  the young generation come together through praise and songs.

Food and drinks were served after the event.

We actually went there thinking it was just a regular mass where our daughter has to read petition but it was actually more like a play.  

I'm glad our daughter is not afraid to volunteer in this kind of activities because we get to experience it too.

A lot of things have happened but never get to jot it down.  Our daughter started working a part time job at a fast food chain on February 23rd.  She missed to watch her brother's  city championship basketball game but she was excited to work for her very first job experience.  

My husband was against her working but I think she needs to experience this.  It's the only way she'll get a full understanding of real life situation by experiencing it first hand.  I mean, I put myself through high school and college by being a working student and it taught me a lot.

She's still have a long way to go but I hope that she will be able to find a career path that would make her happy and stable. 

She's a pressure player so she does well when she's super busy.  Now that volleyball season is over, she coaches the little kids volleyball team at St. Joseph.  she's also tutoring a Korean student online.  I am so proud of a young lady she is becoming.  She knows her priorities and she's super goal oriented.

Fun Night with Friends in the City of Bridges, #Pittsburgh

 My daughter and her friends went on a fun night in Pittsburgh on November 20th last year.  One of their friends missed the homecoming dance because of Covid so they went out and had fun with a style.  They rode a limo  to and from their destination. These group of kids have a strong friendship bond.

Glad they could go out and have fun given the covid situation.  

These two don't want to be photographed anymore but when occasion such as this occurs, I always make sure to capture some despite their opposition lol.

Thought she looked beautiful in this simple green dress that we bought.

I love the booties she wore as well.

My first baby has definitely grown into a full grown woman.

She's almost done with her Junior year, in few more months, she'll enter senior year.  Ahhh time flies!

A lot has changed and happened for the last couple of years but one thing is for certain, we love watching our children grow.

Tomorrow will be her first day of working part time.  It's always exciting to do  firsts.

It was light up night when they got together so it made it really especial.

Roaming around in the city of bridges during night time must be fun.  I'm too old to  do these stuff but glad that my daughter can experience these things.