Life: Idiotropic

Warning: This post does not contain any tidbits of German culture nor pieces of European quirkiness. It may; however, gush just a tad with a mother's pride. My little girl is growing up.

This morning I attended the awards assembly at Tiara's school where she graced the stage not one, nor two, but three times. For her class, she received the Leadership award - the second year now that her teachers have chosen her as the class leader in spite of her quietness. For academics, she received straight A's again this quarter earning an honor roll award for academic achievement all quarters this year. Then, she got the President's Education Award for Outstanding Academic Excellence, an award for 6th grade students who maintain a 3.5 or higher all quarters from 4th grade through 6th grade. It's a beautiful gold embossed certificate with a letter from President Bush. So, she's on her way to a greatness and we're already making notes on her volunteer hours and awards for college applications and scholarships down the road.

Tonight we attended Tiara's 6th grade promotion ceremony. The class sung two songs - Our Lives by The Calling and Proud To Be an American. They had a brief guest speaker, received their certificates of promotion, and per tradition, 6 students were chosen to read their poems entitled, "Yesterday, Today, and Tomorrow." Tiara read hers aloud at the podium with confidence and poise.

Afterwards we enjoyed cake and fellowship. The kids ran around smiling and taking pictures. One of Tiara's best friends is moving away, so the moment for her was bittersweet.

Yesterday, Today, and Tomorrow
By: Tiara Stahlbaum

Yes, I remember what it was like

Everyday having nothing to do but play,

Starting school and always being

Terrified on my first day,

Excelling in everything having my

Responsibilities growing,

Dreaming greatly about the future, and

Always wanting to grow up, but that was

Yesterday when I was young.

Today I have no time to play because I’m

Often too busy

Dancing, trying my best at what I like and want to succeed in.

As for today I am wanting to grow up just like

Yesterday when I was young.

Tomorrow is a new day

Opening my eyes to new experiences,

Making my life mine

On my own road,

Reaching for my goals in life,

Ready for anything,

Often wondering

What would it be like if I was little again, if I would take a different path or stick to this one?