There’s no regular blog update this week. Instead, here are our newest family photos. ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

It already feels like forever since the kids have gone to school. Monday was an exciting day for our girl. Amaya officially completed the beginner level of gymnastics and moved up to intermediate. She was, rightfully, so proud of herself.

Getting her due congrats and arranging her class switch.

This was the week between the end of school and start of camp so the kids had some break week adventures with Sophia including a first visit to the Northville Swim Club. It’s a swim club about 8 minutes from our house and this is our first year as members after joining the waitlist back in the Spring of 2020. I absolutely love the JCC pool but NSC is meaningfully closer and, since it’s in Northville, they’re much more likely to have friends there. The kids also like the pool itself and there’s a high dive! The only comparative downside, so far, is that the JCC pool has a full concession stand.

Steven doesn’t want to go down the slide (yet) because you can’t wear goggles and he prefers to have googles on when he’s under water. No pictures from day 1, but Amaya jumped off the high dive!

Always making friends… especially Steven. He’ll truly talk to anyone.

Back to the pool on Wednesday!

Our new Purple adjustable bed arrived!

While the kids enjoyed the pool, I headed off to Vegas for a quick 2 night trip to visit schools and meet with a vendor. We had an evening event at Top Golf – lots of fun!

On Thursday morning, the kids had a “stay in the closet” contest. I first heard about it when I got a text from Sammy asking me to text Sophia and ask her to bring him water lol.

There’s a Ninja gym in Plymouth, about 20 min from us, and I tried to get the boys in class all year but it was always full. All three kids decided to try it out over the summer which (hopefully) works out well because summer students have the first shot at fall classes. Amaya liked it so much I think she might even consider trading one day/week of gymnastics for this.

Here are some video clips of the kids working on the different activities.

Good times for me in Vegas.

Sara – this is for you! I wanted to get you a pressed penny but it was $5 (!!) so I took a photo instead. 🙂

Steven, Sammy and Amaya helped out with the grocery shopping on Friday. I think that’s why we have so much great fruit in the house.

I’ve been loving my new bike and, on Saturday morning, Amaya and I went for a half hour ride together. We ventured into neighborhoods across Beck road. It was a perfect morning for a ride and I think Amaya really liked the time together. I know I did.

Saturday the family ventured to Ann Arbor where we had a great lunch and shopped for some books for the kids – graphic novels for all.

We wrapped up our day with an evening trip to the pool – my first! Amaya jumped off the high dive and showed me how it’s done before I took my own turn. I had to close my eyes. It’s high when you’re up there!

We had a busy, but somewhat quiet, Sunday. The Cline men spent a good portion of the day working on some dead spots in our lawn. I spent a good portion of the day prepping the kids for the first day of camp tomorrow.

Amaya had her first friend pool party to celebrate her friend Rosely’s birthday. Beautiful weather and good friends!

That’s it for us! Camp starts tomorrow at the JCC!

This blog post feels like a doozy. School’s out for summer (!!!) and it kicked off with a bang!

The kids had a short week with school just through a half day on Thursday and their was big end-of-the-year energy. This was their first time ending a school year at Thornton Creek with Kindergarten interruped by COVID and virutal first grade!

Both boys went to school in the “Trouble” shirts I got them from The Music Man.

The second graders had popsicles on the playground on Monday afternoon and parents were invited so I worked my schedule to be able to pop by for 20 minutes.

On Tuesday, I had an early work meeting (and a late work dinner) so Jason saw these cuties off.

I wasn’t at the game (work dinner) but I got these great pictures of the boys at bat from another mom on the team. This was Sammy’s last game of the season.

Deer on the playground!

Sophia was sick on Monday and we weren’t sure she’d be back on Tuesday. Both Jason and I had work commitments that were preventing us from being home when the kids got off the bus so, as a precaution, we hired a new high school age sitter (who sits for a friend’s kids) to come on Tuesday afternoon. Sophia did make it to work that day but Lily was able to come anyway to get to know Steven, Sammy and Amaya. The kids loved her – especially Amaya – so hopefully she’ll be able to sit on her own in the future.

Wednesday!! Second to last day and last full day of 2nd grade.

Through June Amaya is still doing gymnastics twice a week. She’ll transition to one day in July. She has just two skills to learn to make it to the intermediate level.

Thursday was Steven, Sammy and Amaya’s LAST DAY of second grade! They had such a great year. They learned a ton, made great friends, had fabulous teachers and all agree that school is better in person.

Here they were on their first day of 2nd grade.

Off they go!

To kick off summer, the plan was a trip with all of the kids to Lakeside, OH to visit my friend Hannah and her family. It’s a wonderful gated vacation community right on Lake Erie that has a very small town feel to it with narrow streets and tons of golf carts and bikes. There are activities – organized and freeform – all day every day. It turned out, though, that the boys’ baseball tournament conflicted with the trip so Jason and I gave the boys the choice to stay or go. Sammy opted to take the trip and Steven opted to stay home to play ball. He was really excited about a 1:1 weekend with his daddy.

Air hugs from Steven as we were getting ready to leave. <3

“Meet the Counselor” event at camp. I can’t believe the kids are finally back at camp! They haven’t been since the summer before Kindergarten and will be returning to the JCC this summer. They picked a variety of theme camps – Minecraft, Baking, Ninja Warrior, Around the Town… hopefully it’s as awesome as it sounds!

Last game of the season before the tournament and Steven got stung! 🙁 He was a trooper though and still played the game after a little ice.

Meanwhile, after a two hour drive, Sammy, Amaya and I arrived at Lakeside. We were staying at an old hotel – Hotel Lakeside – right on the water. The building must be at least 100 years old.

Real keys!

View of the lake from the front of our hotel.

Golf carts were fun and helpful. I ended up renting my own so we could get wher we needed to go easily.

The highlight of Thursday night was jumping into the lake fully clothed. Amaya and Sammy were thrilled that I said yes.

In she goes! And that’s Sammy on the left.

Our hotel in the background on the right. (Changed into new dry clothes.)

There’s a beach volleyball court where kids meet up for spontaneous games of newcomb / Nuke ‘Em. Amaya joined in right away.

Basketball with Bubs while Amaya played with the other kids. (He joined in before the visit was through.)

Gotta have ice cream. (Glad I only asked for one scoop! These cones were huuuuuuuge.)

We stayed out until the sun set over the lake. The pictures don’t do it justice.

Before we left for OH, Steven gave us all blank journals with “Lakeside Ohio” written on the covers. He asked us to write about our trip so he could learn about what it’s like at Lakeside. Amaya understood the assignment.

Steven had his own journal so we could learn about his weekend, too. He got busy writing in it on Friday morning.

Grocery shopping with Sophia in footwear he calls “Slide Shoe 3000,)

We all had a fabulous Friday morning in Lakeside. After breakfast we headed to Hannah’s house, Sammy on his scooter. Amaya had to meet up with Hannah’s daughter Lucy for a 9am friendship bracelet making class. While they did that, Sammy had his eyes set on playing chess with me. He met another boy who was better than both of us. Levi both helped Sammy beat me and then beat Sammy himself. It was fun watching them conspire against me.

Amaya’s bracelet class

We spent the entire afternoon at the Lakeside pool. It was hot out, sunny and the water was perfect. Big bonus were two waterslides that both Sammy and Amaya loved. (Amaya also passed the deep end test which was pretty difficult! Tread water for 30 sec, swim on her front one Olympic length and then return on her back. The kids aren’t used to swimming that far on their backs.) Even applying suncreen three times, Amaya’s shoulders got burned. Need to be even more careful with our fairskinned girl.

While we were at the pool, back in Michigan Sophia and Steven did a nature walk in Maybury Park with Sophia. Sophia brought her camera so Steven could get great photos along the way. He was in heaven.

Steven had his turn for an oversize cone – one that ended up half on his pants. 🙂

Steven working hard on his journal and accompanying photo album. (I don’t know what “friltru” is supposed to say.)

Bobes and Sophia, before his big game. Sophia asked him if he wanted to watch TV and relax before they left and he asked what they were going to watch. Sophia said, “whatever you want” to which he responded “this feels so weird.” Kid is used to perpetual compromise with his brother and sister!

Unfortunatley, the Astros season ended after their Friday night game. They lost by 1 run after a great showing and near comeback. Steven had two hits and an RBI. He was really, really disappointed to lose the game but Jason helped him rally for a fantastic Saturday.

See? Happy boy on a Saturday after a downstairs sleepover with Jason. He says he’s a cucumber.

Saturday was cooler in Lakeside so it wasn’t a pool day but Sammy and Amaya had a ton of fun around town and playing with the other kids.

On Friday we rented a golf cart and, on Saturday, we popped back over to the rental shop to rent Amaya a bike. Kids ride everywhere. It’s really cool.

Sammy’s big ask for the day was a game of shuffleboard. If I ever played before it’s been years and years. We were pretty bad at the game but had a great time. Amaya and one of Hannah’s daughters, Bonnie, also played together. (Hannah’s triplets are identical girls – and she has three older girls. Abby has shorter hair so I know her easily but I always confuse Bonnie and Betsy.)

Back in Michigan, Jason took Steven to an art show in Northville and then to home depot. He truly loved, and appreciated, this time at home alone with Jason.

Amaya was having a great time with the girls at Hannah’s house so she stayed there while Sammy and I went out to eat.

Let’s talk about mayflies. Sometime after we got there they hatched and were everywhere. I mean everywhere. It was wild. I’ve never seen anything like it. Sammy wasn’t thrilled by them but Amaya thought they were adorable. We read up on mayflies and learned that they hatch by water, can have up to 400 offspring each, and average lifespan is one day. They’re believed to have been around for over 350 million years and have clearly perfected their reproductive process.

The last activity of the day was entrepreneurial. Amaya and some of the girls made beaded earrings and headed to “town square” to try to sell them. They walked up to people and asked if they wanted to buy jewelry. Amaya sold hers for five dollars and I’m pretty sure all of her money was reinvested in candy. She and Sammy are already making plans for next year’s jewelry business.

On Saturday afternoon/evening, Jason and Steven went to the Tigers game. Perfect weather and it was Negro Leagues Replica Jersey Giveaway day. They had seats right by the Tigers dugout and got to see the Tigers score fourteen runs.

We all got home around 7:30pm on Saturday. Gives were dispersed and then Steven got to the business of reading Amaya’s Lakeside journal before everyone went to bed.

This morning we kicked off Father’s Day with our annual family photo shoot. It definitely gets easier and less stressful as the kids get older! This year I didn’t have the bandwidth to buy coordinating outfits for the kids so I looked in their closet and dresser this morning and managed to find an option that worked out. I was ready for a total mismash of outfits but I’m happy it looks (falsely!) like there was real intention behind the choice. It was a beautiful day so we got lots of photos outside.

The kids had some “kids choice” photos. (Steven wore his shorts backwards – his idea – to hide the white logo on the shorts and make it look like they were solid black.)

Amaya and her babies! We came in and she was all set up on the couch with them.

It was a quiet family Father’s Day. Jason and the kids had a nice long game of Monopoly, one of the kids’ favorite things to do with their dad.

Steven and I took a trip to pick up his new glases and then I went to the playground by Novi highschool with the kids. Steven really wanted to practice batting so I pitched to both Steven and Sammy for a while, with Amaya helping out in the field.

Baseball ready!

We wrapped up Fathers Day with dinner at Bonefish Grill.

And that’s it for us as SSA head into summer break! Have a great week!

Every now and then, during my workday, I get an email with a link to a school presentation that Steven and/or Sammy are working on. This week, it was a “My Family” presentation. You’ll see that I am featured prominently on the cover which is the result of Steven doing a google image search for my name. Jason can’t be so easily found online.

The thrill of this presentation was that I could see Steven working in it live while I was flipping through. He was adding dates for my birth year and our wedding year but had blanks in the deck. I was able to pop into the notes section of the presentation to povide the info he needed and loved seeing Steven’s note back to me. It was such a fun moment in my day.

On Monday morning, Jason and Steven had a late start together so Jason could take him to an eye doctor appointment. Steven did great with dilation – he’s come so far – and his prescription has improved! His doctor said it’s even possible he won’t need glasses one day in the future, for his farsightedness at least. Steven says he’ll still wear his glasses, though, because he likes how they look.

After school, I hosted the end-of-year girl scout party for Amaya’s troop. It’s such a smart, energetic, friendly group of girls. I hope most of them are interested in continuing next year. I know Amaya is!

Before the activity and pizza, the girls wanted a dance party. Imagine my surprise when they requested Weird Al. He’s still popular with the kids!

Painting frames for a troop photo.

Troop 40831!

We were able to use my printer for the photos so each girl left with a completed frame. This was Amaya’s. 🙂

While we were having fun at home, Sophia and the boys went to Culvers and swim lessons.

Our sweet Amaya, wrote a comic based on Sally’s life – largely centered on the day she left us. This breaks my heart but it’s also such a gift to see how Sally stays with Amaya and how she’s processing through her grief. “You might think I’m just a cat, but I have a story to tell.”

The 2nd page shows our life with Sally, and evolves into the morning we realized she wasn’t well.

Page three takes us to later in the day. Sally was still at the vet and, while we waited to hear more from the vet, Sophia took the kids to the playground.

Page 4 shows the kids learning that we have to say goodbye to Sally and sharing that goodbye at the vet. But it ends with us enjoying ice cream together. I’m glad that, on this sad page, Amaya can still reflect the way to tried to feel a little better.

Page 5 is Amaya’s representation of what Sally had to say to us. <3

“I love my sister.” “I’m 93 in cat years.” “I love my mom.” “I love my family.” “I love the Clines.”

On Tuesday, now that the Astros have full uniforms, we finally had picture day! Can’t wait to see our boys’ newest baseball cards.

Grandma Sunshine and Aunt Annette came to the game! It was the perfect night for it.

Both boys did really well in the game. Steven had hits at every at bat and at least one RBI.

In fact, he was the game ball recipient for his performance in this game and through the season.

Proud boy!

Last week Steven, Sammy and Amaya commented that Sophia walked them to school this year and Jason walked them to school in kindergarten but I never walked them to school so, on Wednesday, we made it happen! Another perfect day for an outdoor adventure. It’s about 20 min each way – less if you hustle – and I make it back just in time for my 9am meeting.

After school, we all met up for a little retirement celebration for teachers including the boys’ teacher, Mrs. Bates. She is amazing and I’m so sorry the school is losing her. Steven and Sammy had an amazing year in her class.

Cookies and cat ears!

Steven is down to one pair of glasses so, with his new prescription in hand, we took a trip to his optometrist where he picked out two new pair of fames. He is adorable narrowing down his choices with “lilke”, “maybe” and “no” piles and had a very specific point of view on what he was looking for.

I had plans last night so Steven and Sammy joined Sophia at Amaya’s gymnastics class. I’m just now noticing that Steven went in his pajamas lol.

I got home from the movies and four the four people I love most in the world asleep together in our master bed. Truly the best.

The boys have two more regular season games next week but, because of my work and travel schedule, Thursday was the last one I’ll get to attend. It always seems like we’re getting right into our groove as the season comes to a close.

Both boys did great! Sammy got a hit at one of his at-bats and did a great job chasing down a ball in the field that went so far it was an grand slam for the other team. Steven got on base twice and scored once.

This game, Sammy earned the game ball. The kiddo was thrilled.

We had a special visitor at the game. May May came to see the boys play and was able to see both of them get hits. So special. <3

Friday, Sammy and I headed off to New York! Remarkably, we also went to NY together a year ago today! The same thing happened on my last trip with Amaya. I definitely have a pattern.

Sophia came early to help get Steven and Amaya on the bus.

Psyched to get decaf in the sky club. (Mostly psyched about the sky club.)

Away we go – same as we did exactly one year prior!

I worked from Sara & Dave’s house in the afternoon while Charlie and Sammy got wet under the hose. It was a beautiful afternoon.

Our 8th grade graduate joined for dinner

Back in MI, Sophia, Amaya and Steven got some ice cream at Stuart’s.

It was Friday night sleepovers all around! I slept at Nana & Papa’s with Sammy, Chase and Charlie while Amaya and Steven slept with Jason.

The boys are wrapping up school. I’ve loved getting photos of their school days this year. Truly a treat.

Saturday morning, Sara, Sammy, Chase, Charlie and I went to Dave & Busters and then out for lunch at Applebees.

Sammy and Charlie spent the afternoon getting wet again. They took turns standing on the trampoline and spraying the hose on the other one, who was on the grass below with an umbrella. Sammy was very impressed with Charlie’s aim.

Back in MI, Steven was modeling his adorable freckles.

A huge treat for me was meeting my friend Rachel in NYC to see The Music Man, with Hugh Jackman and Sutton Foster. We’ve been going to shows together since we met freshman year of college and this was high up on my list. It was even better than I hoped and the company was perfect. Such a great night!

Back on Long Island, Charlie and Sammy had another sleepover with some bonus Carvel.

Today we headed out early for the annual SunriseWALKS event to support Sunrise Day Camp – a free day camp for kids with cancer and their siblings.

Before we left, Sammy and Papa took this picture, giggling because they were holding the box to cover Papa in his bathrobe.

The walk gang was Nana, me, Aunt Sara, Sammy and Charlie. <3 It was a little rainy but that didn’t stop us.

They had activities for kids before the walk and a little kids’ carnival afterward.

Explaining how his snake was painted.

Sammy and Charlie, walking together.

We did it!

Bubs at the carnival.

Back home, Steven got in some batting practice!

Our flight back to MI was delayed a bit but Sammy was a happy camper in the sky club and it was worth it for the fun weekend we had.

I’ll wrap up the blog with a photo of a lifelong friendship – Nana and Linda Schwartz – friends since high school. Linda was visiting from FL where she’s lived since I was in kindergarten. In fact, the Airbnb I stay at, across from Nana and Papa’s house, was once Linda’s! So special!

Have a great week!

Leaving Bitcherie Weekend is always so sad, knowing it will be another year before we’re all together again. Coming home to my Cline 4 softens the blow, for sure. Sammy saw me pull up and ran right over for the biggest hug. It was a beauitful afternoon. Amaya rode her bike. There were turns in the car. Jason, and his helpers, cleaned out our garage. I really nice, mellow Memorial Day.

I found Steven, inside, doing math on Prodigy.

Power washing!

Riding around in his automobile…

Amaya spent the late afternoon making a cake for the family. The only thing I did to help was put it in and take it out of the oven. It was a triumph!

Back to school on Tuesday! On nice mornings, I can sit on the stoop and watch the kids at the bus stop.

LIke Amaya, the boys wanted to apply for the Student Lighthouse Team. I made them answer the questions themselves, with limited help, which may have put them at a disadvantage if other kids had more specific parent direction but I was really proud at how thoughtful they were. Sammy, in particular, spent a lot of time thinking about his answers. For “why he should be selected” he said, “I make friends easily. I introduce myself to people and make friends through other friends. When people get to know me they know I’m a good person.” <3

None of the kids were ultimately selected but they do get a chance to be on a different student leader team, instead, and can apply for Lighthouse again next year.

Tuesday night was one of two season games not at Thornton Creek. Both boys played really well. Sammy made an amazing stop in the field and threw the ball to first to get the runner out. At one point in the game, Sammy was on third and Steven was at bat. He told Sammy, “I’m going to bring you home” and he did!

I just love this boys’ bun. He told me he is trying to grow his hair long enough to have a low ponytail in the back. (“Not a ponytail right on top of my head.”)

FINALLY, this week, work continued on the wood in our house.

Thursday night was the Gator Gala at Thornton Creek. The kids attended on in Kindergarten (fortunately pre-COVID) but this one was bigger and better and – being in 2nd grade – they had more freedome to wander off with their friends. There were outdoor activities, indoor games, food and lots of prizes. From my pictures, you can’t quite get the scale of how many people were there.

Sno-cones were a favorite for all the kids. I was volunteering at the food table when Sammy and Amaya got theirs.

The floor is complete! Now all we have left are the stairs and the kids’ room which will be completed when the wood for the stairs eventually arrives. My best guess is the work will be done the week of 6/20 or 6/27.

Amaya, with the CALL to Action team invite that the kids got. They said that everyone who applied for Lighthouse and wasn’t selected got this invite which may be true but they seem pleased enough, regardless. And we discussed that you get 0% of the things you don’t try for. I’m proud of them for going for it.

It was a big birthday party weekend so the kids went shopping for gifts with Sophia and spent some of their own money along the way.

Amaya’s new babies – Sammy and Sophie.

On Saturday, while the boys were at baseball practice, Amaya and I went mattress shopping for a new mattress for the upstairs guest room. A purple mattress with an adjustable frame is on order! Amaya also finagled herself a purple pillow out of the trip. One for me, too, because they’re so comfortable.

Last afternoon, through dinner, Amaya had her friend Clarie’s birthday party. There were at least 20 girls from the grade there. Clarie had a huge inflatable water slide and a ton of other games to play. I’m friends with Clarie’s mom so I hung around to help, much to Amaya’s chagrin. She was clear with me that it was fine (better, even) if I left. She got over it. 🙂

While we were at the party, the Cline men went out for mediterranean food. Steven looooves shwarma.

Today was a day of birthday parties. First, the kids had Ruxin’s birthday party. There was a bounce house obstacle course, a race car craft and lots of junk food.

Right after that, we went to Claire’s family party – which is for entire families they’re friend with instead of just girls from Claire’s class. I hung around for this one with SSA so I could visit with some of my friends. Again, the bounce house slide was a huge hit.

Photo booth!

Story time – with Amaya as purple haired goth-style princess.

That’s it for us! Have a great week!

*Blog title by Amaya

This will be a shorter blog because I am vacationing on Lake Michigan for our 14th annual Bitcherie Weekend (which should be 15, but COVID).

The kids had a great week. I’m definitely getting “end of school year” vibes and, really, it’s a first for them because the end of kindergarten was interrupted and the end of a year of first grade at home isn’t quite the same.

The kids are still getting their reading in while they eat dinner, which is so much more fun when your dinner is served in a pineapple!

This girl is always ready for gymnastics! She has two skills to learn before she can move to the intermediate level, which I hope happens before fall registration. Getting into classes is extremely difficult and I’m hoping moving up a level will ease that a bit.

Jason thought Amaya might like to sort ball cards in her sleep lol.

Tuesday was bananas. The kids had after school art until 5pm. Then there was a 2nd grade art show at the school at 5:30pm. And the boys had baseball at 6pm. To make it work, lunch was sandwiches on the playground. I took at 5pm call from the parking lot so I could make it to the art show before the boys had to be at the baseball field. And it all worked out!

Amaya bumped into Milan <3

It was “change your name” day in her class and Amaya chose the name “Sally.” (Her name tag is in the heart on her shirt.) She also had show and tell and brought Sally’s paw print. Sweet girl.

A sample of the art from the show. This was silhouette work.

Steven said, “This was when I was really, really into Hot Wheels.”

Sammy’s

Amaya’s

The boys finally got their uniform shirts! Steven had a great game! In his words, “two hits, two runs, and two stops in the field!”

Friday night, while I was away, Jason and the kids had a downstairs sleep-with-parent night. Fun daddy!

The kids had a great Saturday with Daddy. A relaxing morning, baseball practice and Amaya picked up the new bike we ordered last weekend.

Amaya had 14″ wheels which were too small for her so, now that she can ride a two-wheeler confidently, she moved up to 20″ wheels and hand breaks. Big move for our girl!

Sunday morning was quiet. I called Amaya and she told me, “The boys are watching racing and I’m making a board game.” Jason sent me this pic of Steven recording the race on his iPod. 🙂

The kids had an amazing afternoon today! Penni came by and took them to Kensington State Park. I am so happy they got quality time with Penni.

They were so excited that they were waiting outside for Penni to arrive. I got to talk to them all through the Nest cam.

Lake time! Summer is here!

Finally, here are some pics from Bitcherie Weekend! We had a wonderful little house, a short walk from the lake, in a little vacation community.

Have a great week!

I was away in New Mexico from Sunday- Wednesday night but that didn’t stop lots of activity back home in MI. When I travel, I love getting texts from the kids. “ILYMYIW” is my new favoirte from Amaya.

On Monday, Sophia took the kids to the boys’ swim class with a break for a treat before all going to Amaya’s gymnastics class.

The boys had baseball on Tuesday and, no, their uniform shirts still aren’t in yet. Their coach said that four teams in the leauge are still waiting. The boys try to wear orange, red or yellow when they can. Right now the Astros have a 1-4-1 record.

With her own money, that she’s been saving, Amaya bough herself roller skates. She’s still getting the hang of it but we know this girl will get it if she puts her mind to it.

Cuddles with Sophia after Amaya’s Wednesday gymnastics class.

Amaya is applying to be a member of Thornton Creek’s Lighthouse Team. (They boys might, too, but haven’t yet.” Under, “why I’d be a good member of the team”, she said that she is “responsible, brave, helpful and kind.”

“Thornton Creek Elementary Lighthouse Team members are to understand and practice the 7 Habits. Members will work closely with the faculty’s Lighthouse Team and represent the student body’s ideas and goals for Thornton Creek Elementary. Members will also help plan leadership events and leadership opportunities throughout the school year and ensure Thornton Creek’s consistency as a Leader in Me school.”

The boys both had a great game on Thursday with 2 hits a piece and multiple RBIs and runs.

The school’s Cub Scout troop had a bike safety event at the same time as the boys’ game and Amaya brought her bike to attend. There was a riding course and also people there to help teach bike safety. Amaya is now an expert on helmet safety.

She also gave her roller skates a try!

Just growing up faster and faster, and telling me that parents (especially moms) are embarassing! It’s too soon for that!

Our weekend was amazing with a visit from Nana and Auntie! The last time Auntie was here, SSA were still in cribs in their nursery!

It was a beautiful Friday afternoon and the kids were excited to show Auntie their shells from Florida.

Kids had a lot of fun showing Auntie and Nana how the ride bikes and scooter.

Amaya needed a little roller skating support. At the rink, they have the helpers for kids who are still learning.

Saturday morning Auntie got to join Nana on her regular trip to Starbucks. (With an added bonus of a van that wouldn’t start, a rescue ride back in my car and a tow truck for the van.)

Baseball practice was on and off due to rain and, when it was officially on, Sammy bowed out but Steven was excited to practice and Amaya came for playground time.

More shell sorting! Steven wants to sort his shells by type and when/where he got the. (Vs. right now where they’re just sorted by location and date.) The Florida shells just keep on gving!

Our afternoon activity was roller skating at Bonaventure. I may have had the most fun and would love a roller skating date with Jason.

Can you spot me in the photo below? 🙂

Nana napped on Amaya during bedtime shows <3

This morning the boys had an extra baseball practice so all 7 of us went. Amaya drank her coffee and played on the playground while Jason and the boys practices. Nana and Auntie had very comfortable seats to watch.

We had a wonderful lunch outside at Centre Street Grill. So, so happy it’s nice weather again.

Photos by the fountain (which isn’t on for summer yet but still looks really pretty).

This afternoon the kids spent time outside and then the boys went to a trampoline birthday party.

It was such a great weekend!

We made it through last week, with lots of great moments despite our sadness. (In case you missed it, we said goodbye to our sweet, sweet Sally on Monday. I wrote about it here.)

I can’t say enough about all of the amazing friends and family who took time this week to reach out about Sally. It’s meant everything.

Monday, as we went about our day waiting, we had a great family breakfast together at a little place in Commerce. We had to place 2nd orders for Sammy and Amaya after their finished their first order of pancakes.

The van really needed a thorough vacuuming so, while we were staying near the vet, 4/5 of the Clines took care of that work. One Cline played on her switch and lifted her feet when asked.

I’m not sure I mentioned this when writing about Sally but, depsite the time in the day to get the kids back to school, we decided to just let them have the whole day off. There were still unknowns and focusing was difficult. (And it turned out to be the right move.) Since it was a beautiful day, Sophia took the kids to a playground while I tried to get some work done.

After – on our way home from the vet – we all needed a pick-me-up so we stoped at Stuart’s for some ice cream – first visit of the season.

At one point I put my head in my arms on the table and I felt a little hand take mine. It was my sweet, empathetic Steven. <3

Tuesday we dove back into life which included a baseball game for the boys. The Astros lost but Steven made it on to base (twice, I beleive).

Sammy, taking his sweet time making his way back from the outfield.

Amaya, trying to make her lap a solid seat for her daddy.

These days I’m rarely outside when the kids get on the bus but the weather is so nice now that I love stepping outside in the morning. Especially when it means I get a few more minutes with these three. It’s hard to believe we have less than 5 weeks of school left!

This time of year, it’s common for the kids to eat dinner outside on our deck. This time of year it’s also common for me to work outside on the deck! I spent a lot of this week outdoors and it was fabulous.

At gymastics on Wednesday, Amaya achieved her backbend kick-over. I wanted to bottle the pride I saw on her face, to pull out again when I need a pick-me-up.

On Thursdays the Astros had their first win and it was a big one! Both boys got RBIs and one of their teammates hit a grand slam. They also got their hats – but no uniform shirts yet.

Amaya is making friends with all the other siblings at the games. It’s great when they’re at Thornton Creek, which is most of the time, because she also has playground access.

Our girl…

On Saturday morning, Jason had help from Amaya and Steven while he dethatched our lawn. Expert rakers to the rescue!

Meanwhile, I went to Motor City Comic Con for my chance to meet William Shatner. I took my photo (separate by plexiglass), attended his panel and got an autograph. Definitely a “must do” experience, especially given Shatner’s age. (While we were in line for autographs, he zoomed right up to the table on an electric wheelchair. Not only was it fast, but it got him through the crowds quickly without the normal fanfare of people trying to stop him.)

The afternoon activity was our friend Elly’s 6th birthday party. All 3 kids were invited and had a blast. Sammy said it was his 2nd favorite birthday party (after his freind Ben’s). Bounce houses and cotton candy machines are surefire kid pleasers!

I had a 12:30pm flight to Albuquerque today which was delayed to 2pm which meant I got extra time at home with everyone. <3

Jason took an early trip to Home Depot and Steven was so excited to join him. He even got dressed early this morning in preparation for more yard work.

One of the boys (Sammy?) took this picture of Amaya with her bubbles.

Amaya found a frog on the kids’ climber. She named him “Spot the Frog”, says she’s seen him before and is sure he’s calm with her because she’s a “friend of nature”.

I’m off to NM for a few days where I’ll miss everyone too much but will look forward to getting home later in the week.

While i was flying, fun continues at home with more raking, reading and dinner out. ❤

That’s it for this week. Have a great one!

We said goodbye to Sally this week. She was a best friend for seventeen and a half years, and a loved member of our family, deserving of her very own tribute here.

In October 2004, I was getting ready for a move to Florida. I was out for lunch with my friend Tony and I commented I wanted to get a cat after the move. He mentioend that our mutual friend Tyler’s wife, Kim, just found a kitten in the bushes near their home in Jersey City and were looking for someone to adopt her. It was meant to be.

When I met Sally she was just 8 weeks old and recovering from fleas and an eye infection. Her name was Chervil at the time – the friend named pets after herbs and spices – but I name pets after astronauts. Our sweet Sally was named for the incredible Sally Ride.

I picked her up in Jersey City and took her home on the Path and subway in a big Ikea bag, feeling like I was holding the best secret in my lap. Sally and I bonded from minute one. She was my girl and I was hers.

Going to pick up Sally in Jersey City

Home with me!

My apartment was almost empty in preparation for my move.

I remember this so vividly. We went to Nana and Papa’s house for a night or two before heading down to FL.

As small as Uncle Dave’s shoe

It was only two weeks later that Sally and I moved to Florida together. Just us girls in our Naples, FL condo. She was full of energy and did all of her early growing in those years.

We lived in a 2nd floor condo with a screened in lanai so Sally was able to get lots of “outside” time. In fact, since we were on the 2nd floor overlooking a private preserve, sometimes I left the screen door cracked to the lanai so she could spend her day in fresh air.

Right away she decided that sitting on my lap, and sleeping on or next to me, was the best place to be. It’s difficult to fall asleep right now becuase I miss her weight and warmth on my back.

My girl grew a ton in our 20 months in Naples and then we were off to Ann Arbor, MI where she lost her warm, FL lanai and had to settle for part-year screen door. But she had more room to roam and as much love as ever. This is the house we were in when Sally first met Jason. We had a wonderful time there together.

Sally had a lot of moves in Michigan. From Ann Arbor we move in with Jason in Pinkney for about 4 months and then spent a year back in downtown Ann Arbor in a small condo. From there it was off to a rental house in Plymouth for two years before we made it to Cheltenham Drive in October 2013 becuase it’s the time in Sally’s life when I have the fewest pictures of sweet Sal. But she had more love than ever – it got bigger and bigger with every passing year.

When I was pregnant – especially in the later weeks when I was mostly bedbound – Sally didn’t leave my side. I was always so curious about what she did or didn’t intuitively understand about what my body was doing during that time. When Steven, Sammy and Amaya were born, I brought home hats from the NICU each night so Sally could grow accustomted to their smell. It took her a while to get comfortable with the kids – and vice versa – but I think she always knew they were important. (Jason just said, “She watched over those babies. She’d stand guard outside their nursery but she wouldn’t go in their room. She knew they were delicate.”)

This was my first photo with all my babies.

With my baby girl

Jason and Sal. He always respected the flop down.

Sally and the kids

The best cat.

I met Sally on October 24, 2004 and I said goodbye to her on May 9, 2022. Her goodbye came quickly which means Sally didn’t suffer long – and either did we – but, even knowing how old she was, I’m still reeling. I know all 5 of us are still feeling it. There’s a Sally shaped whole in my heart.

Circumstances on Monday morning led us to take Sally to an emergecy vet wtih surgical and hospital facilities. Jason, the kids and I all took the morning off to be there with Sally while we learned what was going on with her medically and what the options might be. I was hoping we’d bring her home but preparing myself that it might not be the case. I’d taken her to the vet on Friday, 5/6 because her litter box behavior had changed. The vet throught it might be stress related to construction in our house but, unfortunately, that wasn’t the issue.

Before we left, I took this beautiful photo of my sweet girl.

Jason and his sweet Sal.

The vet did intake for Sally and then Jason, the kids and I left while they did initial tests. We had a wonderful family brunch together and stayed in the area until I got the first call from the vet. She said that there were no initial major issues except that her bladder was filled with blood. 🙁 It was possible the issue was bladder stones but it would be some time until we knew more so we decided to go home. Jason headed into work and Sophia took the kids to a playground while I tried to work.

Around 1:30pm I got a call that broke my heart. The extradordinarily compassionate vet gave me a rundown of all that was well with Sally and then got to the point – a tumor in her bladder. She wasn’t a good surgical canidate due to a heart murmer, kidney function and age and, even if she was, it wasn’t a cure. The vet explained that I could bring her home if I wasn’t ready to say goodbye but her symptoms would continue and her quality of life would decline. She agreed that humane euthanasia was the most selfless choice I could make for my beautiful, sweet cat.

At 3:30, with Sophia as our emotional support guide, Steven, Sammy, Amaya and I went to say our goodbyes to Sally. It was crushing. There were many, many tears. The experience was compassionate and gentle and so terribly sad.

My last pictures with my first best girl. She was so loved.

Steven and Sammy opted to stay with me while Sally went to sleep. I want to spend a little itme as possible thinking about that moment but I will also be glad she went to sleep in my arms, hearing how much I love her.

My house feels emptier. At night, for sure, but also during my work day where she was a steady companion over the past two years. I look at the pictures I posted, though, and I feel so much gratitude for our time together and the life we shared. She was the best companion.

This was a busy, busy week for Team Cline. Lots going on for all of us.

Steven was all curls on Monday morning. He put some gel in his hair after his Sunday night shower and what a difference!

The kids – especially the boys who have to track for school – are doing a great job with their daily reading.They’re even asking for new books in series they like.

This week, at long long last, work started to replace all the carpet in our house with wood – upstairs and downstairs. It looks like it will take about two weeks to complete including work on the stairs – timing of which is TBD because that wood isn’t in yet.

Looks so nice!

With her swim graduation, Amaya is trying out 2x/week gymnastics in May. It’s a later class – 6:30pm – which makes it much easier for me to take her some days. She’s doing so well and working to level up from beginner to intermediate. I just love her focus.

On Tuesday I headed to a work conference at the Detroit Airport Westin and work continued on the house…

Bobes and Sophia

I miss the kids a ton when I’m away and they definitely miss me, too. Love these texts so much.

Wednesday – May 4th – Jason’s birthday!! It was a busy day for everyone including the birthday dad.

Thornton Creek had walk/bike to school day so Sophia and the kids walked together. It took about 20 minutes. Not a bad walk at all except they have to cross Beck without a crossing guard. I think that’s why, even though there’s a route just under 1 mile, we get a bus.

Amaya rescued every worm she found on the sidewalk. By the time she got to school she had 7 in her hands and carefully placed them in the grass. Our friend of animals.

Stickers for walking!

Sophia helped everyone celebrate Jason’s 53rd! It was a May the Fourth Star Wars themed party with keto cheesecake dessert and cards from the kids.

Text from my sweet girl, thanking me for giving her life

Amaya has struggled to fall asleep lately. She’s sometimes up until near 10pm but falling asleep on one of us always seems to help move the process along.

This was in Amaya’s school work on Thursday. One again, friend of the animals.

The boys’ first baseball game was rained out on Tuesday so Jason and I both got to go their first on Thursday. Uniforms aren’t in yet but the boys don’t seem to care. (Though photos will be difficult on Monday if they’re not in by then. Fingers crossed.)

All of the boys on the team are first or second graders at Thornton Creek and the coach is the same coach they had last year- their friend Ruxin’s dad. This year the boys play machine pitch, like Amaya did last year on her softball team. They get five pitches or 3 swings, whichever comes first.

Steven playing catcher

Sammy at first

Steven got a hit at his last at-bat! We were playing the best team in the league and the Astros (boys’ team) lost by a big margin but they had fun and Steven was thrilled with his hit.

Steven on first.

Wood complete in the princess guest room! We defintely need a few rugs for noise dampening, especially for when Sally jumps off a bed in the middle of the night. *THUMP*

Amaya was up late on Thursday night and eventually fell asleep on the couch with our sweet Sally.

1. Go to sleep late
2. Wake up late
3. Get a ride to school from mommy

Not a bad way to start a Friday!

Sophia was off on Friday for her birthday (Happy Birthday, Sophia). It was an afternoon snack of cupcakes that Jason brought home for the kids. Then we took Sally to a last minute vet appointment to check in on some little box issues she’s been having. 🙁 It seems manageable and soemthing we can help her through. My sweet cat.

Before bed, Amaya threw a birthday party for Jason – Star Wars tablecloth and all.

Amaya was proud of this math achievement so I want to share here. 🙂

We think the housework is stressing Sally so she has some gabpentin to help with anxiety. It knocks this girl out – face straight into the blanket. They suggested I try a half dose if she gets very sluggish so I may give that a shot through the week.

Saturday the boys had baseball practice and Amaya joined them so she could ride her bike at the school. Afterwards, the kids spent hours outside.

We had a big family adventure to see Stars on Ice at Little Ceasars Arena in Detroit. It was 12 skaters – olympians, world medalists, national champions – you get the gist. Very impressive. Nathan Chen was obviously a stand-out but we also really enjoyed Jason Brown and pairs / ice dancing skaters.

Midway through the second half, Sammy said to Jason, “I don’t want this to end, do you!?!”

Each half opened and closed with group numbers. The rest were solo/pair performances.

Steven was totally engaged. He even remembered how some of the ice dancing teams ranked in the Beijing Olympics in February.

This morning, while I slept, Sammy got an overdue haircut. He said his head felt smaller lol. He looked at some pictures of past haircuts he’s had to pick the length he wanted.

All his hair!

Mother’s Day pics with my amazing kids – human and feline. I truly feel blessed. No idea how I got this lucky but I’m grateful.

We had brunch out with Grandma Sunshine and Aunt Annette and then came back to the house. Steven decided that Amaya shouldn’t always be the party planner and planned a Mother’s Day even that inluded gifts, show and tell, goody bags, a slide show of cute animals, lemonade and a Miguel Cabrera presentation.

Steven with my goody bag

Loving cute animals

Watching with Grandma

Back to cruising around the neighborhood.

The kids spent hours outside and wrapped up the day with dinner on the deck. A perfect May 8th.

Happy Mother’s Day to all the mamas and have a great week!