Bitter~Sweet

Today was a bittersweet day for me. Our youngest (until Olga & Vanessa are here) graduated 5th grade.  We are so proud of you Tinka!

11 years ago I left my baby shower and the guests there to rush to the hospital as I had gone into labor, my water had broke and it wasn't time. We got to the hospital and they confirmed I had gone into labor, admitted me. Then everything STOPPED! Yet, they couldn't send me home because my water had already broke. They couldn't induce because their was no room in the NICU at the time. So we waited.  Later that night they finally started the pitocin and after a rough labor our sweet tinkerbell was there. She weighed 5 lbs 2 oz and was doing well. They had to give her a little oxygen and suction her a few times throughout the night but she was healthy. Her lungs had not developed all the way and she had a few close calls (okay more than a few, we were on a first name basis with the fire/paramedic crew) but here 11 years later she is healthy and happy & a graduate! She has overcome many obstacles but the stubbornness in her has pushed her along.

The picture above is the class "mascot" they were known as the Stafki Fluffy Unicorns. LOL

Not sure what's up with name but it was cute. Parents, family and friends  all gathered in the gym and watched as the graduates made their way through the gym up to their seats. And heard their principal Mr. Leitz speak. He is such a WONDERFUL principal. The children, parents and teachers love him. He retires this year and I am so thankful that both Tweety & now Tinka were in the school during his time there. He will be very missed!

We heard from some other teachers, they handed out awards one of them being the Presidential Award and Tinka received one. We didn't know until today that she was getting it. Talk about a proud parent moment. Myself, Chris and Tinka's dad John were beaming with pride of our little girl. She also received an award from the school counselor for being an all-star (conflict manager).  After those awards the 5th graders sang a song called Baby Shark they learn at camp. I think this is something they do every year as Tweety did it last year too. It's the cutest song and they get the crowd to do it with them. 

Above Tinka (in the red dress with white cover) receiving her Presidential award.

Above is Mr. Stafki. I'm telling you he is the all time BEST teacher! I wish my children could have had him from pre-school up. Tweety had him for 4th & 5th grade and Tinka had him this year. He has a heart for the students and makes learning fun. He makes the children be responsible while helping them gain confidence that they can do anything they set their minds too.  We as a family are going to miss him very much. And I'm sure the girls will be making surprise visits to see him next year.

Here Tinka is receiving her All-star manager certificate.

Here's the graduate in her classroom showing her certificates. We are so proud of you Tinka! You have grown so much, we've seen you work hard and keep going (sometimes with prodding) even when you felt like you wanted to stop. YOU earned these!!

Above is Tinka with her flowers daddy brought her. And the jacket on the head is so 100% Tinka.

Below is Tinka with her dad John. He was able to get off work and make it to surprise her.

Now as she finishes this chapter in her life, she starts homeschooling this fall with her sisters. I'm looking forward to having her home and being able to teach her, yet will miss all the people at her school. Once Olga is home we will get to see them again as she will attend the same school :)

During the hustle and  bustle of an international adoption I thank the Lord for blessings like today!