Can we just take a moment to celebrate me?

Because this momma just survived her daughter's first year of middle school. I'm prepared to reward myself all summer for this milestone. I've earned it.

I've {mostly} played it cool all year long. I've almost bitten my tongue off multiple times trying to keep myself from spewing out unwelcome advice. I've allowed my daughter to leave the house almost every day dressed like she just rolled out of bed (because she did), I've done my very best to under-react to drama, and in order to prove my love to this child, I've memorized the entire Hamilton soundtrack (which wasn't really a sacrifice if I'm being honest). 

And then, yesterday at 3:20 PM it was over! To celebrate, a group of these sweet, oily-faced kids met at Braums. The moms sat together and practically cried sweet tears of relief. 

I'm thankful for the experiences Mia has had this year. She's learned how to manage her time a little better, how to navigate relationships a little better, and, perhaps most importantly, that this too shall pass.

I'm also thankful that girls still sit on one side and boys on the other. 

 And now I have three months at home with this:

I'm currently looking for an 80 hour per week summer job.