So, last Thursday my niece, “Princess So Fabulous” graduated from elementary school. Because I had such a heavy driving weekend ahead of me, I *almost* didn’t go. ALMOST.

But then…it WAS “Princess So Fabulous” who just *happens* to be one of my most favorite people in the whole wide world. (How diplomatic is THAT statement for a woman with 14+ nieces/nephews? LOL)

I left early enough to get to her house, hang out with her and my other niece/nephew but…would you believe…I got lost? As many times as I’ve traveled that route? It wasn’t my fault. For real. See, what had happened was…there was a car in front of me and an 18-wheeler in front of that car. The truck moved to the right like it was going to take the exit. But you know how you drive behind people and they make a maneuver but don’t fully commit to it? Yep. This big a** truck swerved back into traffic almost clipping the car in front of me. I noticed another 18-wheeler barreling towards me with no signs of slowing down so I moved to the left to get out of the way. As brakes were squealing on the other vehicles and gears shifting in trucks, I realized I’d passed my exit. *Sigh* No matter. I found my way (eventually) and met up with my family at the school.

Anywho…on to the festivities. We were early so we claimed a row of seats behind some of the graduates (actually the Princess…she didn’t want us to sit there but oh well - it was the first row available to visitors). My brother unloaded all these bouquets of flowers - for a couple of teachers, one for the Princess and one for each of her closest friends. We’re joined shortly by a former neighbor & her daughter, Princess So Fab’s godsister & her father, another former neighbor & two of her sons (the Princess’s “big brothers”…BigBrother #1 was still at work).

First award of the night - the President’s GOLD Award of Excellence (complete with a letter signed by your President…) awarded to students who maintained all A’s in grades 3-5. The Princess is the first of 3 students called. She was so surprised - she stood up, and looked at her classmates before realizing she had to walk up front for her certificate, medal and a pin. LOL

After they call the “Silver” Award winners, they move to the second award - for students who maintained all S’/S+ from Kindergarten to 2nd grade AND all A’s from grade 3-5. Yep. The Princess got another one. We were screaming her name by then. And Lawd, I KNOW her “big brothers” embarrassed her cause they were L-O-O-U-U-D!! She got some other awards - outstanding artist, attendance, and a couple more academic awards and we were on our feet for all of them. To the point that, after the graduation, her teachers asked if she paid us to yell for her like that. LOL

Ha! That teacher ain’t seen NOTHING yet. My sister-in-law was stopped and congratulated by so many other parents that she didn’t know.

To say that I was proud of my niece would be an understatement. That chick is soooo focused, so driven. She set her own goals every school year of being on the Principal’s Honor Roll every reporting period (all A’s). And she did it. We try to keep her from putting too much pressure on herself - she’s loved regardless of grades, etc - but she’s very dedicated once she sets a goal. I need some of that to rub off on me. LOL

Anywho, that’s that. Me so proud of that little girl. Definitely worthy of a “Girls Day Out”…movie, bookstore, mall, and a sleepover. I better get to planning cause Princess So Fabulous does NOT accept shortcuts. LOL

Oh, I sent her a silly text message yesterday. Here’s the convo:

Me: “Hey Princess So Fab! Just wanted to say that I’m sooooo proud of you & I’m so glad I came to your graduation. Oh, are you still smart?”

Her: “Thanks Aunt J. I’m glad you came to. And yeah, I’m pretty sure I’m still smart.”

LOL Her plans for the summer? To swim as much as she can, to cut back on snacks, to read alot, and maybe finish her book. You did know she was writing one, right? Yep.

I tell you…me LOVE this kid!!

Happy Monday! I hope the kids in your cirlce have had a successful school year.

*~* MsJayy *~*