The 2026 Graduate

It’s graduation day! Turkey received his Bachelor of Science in mathematics, which is just amazing to me…he knows and loves math so well!

Very early this morning, we all headed to UMSL for the graduation ceremony for the College of Arts and Sciences.

The rain held off long enough afterward for us to get some pictures:

And the traditional parents and graduate photo at home, of course!

Turkey picked Star Wars Ronto Wraps for his celebratory dinner:

And we toasted him with the “High Republic Cordial,” a sweet and spicy drink from the new Star Wars: Galactic Drinks cookbook:

For dessert, we had Biscoff cookie butter pie:

I’m so proud of all of Turkey’s accomplishments, and it was my joy and privilege to celebrate him today!

  • Bachelor of Science in Mathematics
  • Alumni Award for the Senior Math Student With Highest GPA
  • 4.0 GPA
  • Dean’s List
  • Pierre Laclede Honors College
  • Accelerated Master’s Program
  • Phi Kappa Phi
  • Highest UMSL Score–MAA Putnam Exam
  • Mathematical Association of American Missouri Section Meeting Attendee
  • 2026 Graduate

Sartorial Saturday–A Dirndl Apron Inspired by the Alps

Today I’m taking a look at a dirndl apron that reminds me of the many beautiful and different wildflowers found in the Alps!

This colorful edelweiss and floral print apron arrived from Rare Dirndl just in time for Maifest at Grant’s Farm. I paired it with my blue Everyday Dirndl, but it was a tough decision, because it will go with so many of the dirndls in my wardrobe!

I accessorized with even more florals, including a floral crown and edelweiss necklace and earrings from Rare Dirndl:

I also wore my dirndl socks and Dr. Martens Mary Janes:

I love the soft green apron ties!

It’s such a cheerful look for spring and summer!

I love getting dressed up in a dirndl for a German event, especially one at Grant’s Farm!

It’s great how a new apron can give a dirndl a completely different look…there are so many options for mixing and matching!

M*A*S*H Quote of the Day–5/15/26

“That’s a new directive from the Pentagon. That’s right out of G2 and G3 making a G5 Combined Officers Op-Tech Glitch. We’re experimenting with a new rank: Corporal-Captain. We’re down here taking a survey, to see, uh, you know, if everybody likes it, uh, asking everybody in Seoul.” Captain Hawkeye Pierce, “Welcome to Korea,” season four, episode one

2025-26 Curriculum

For the first time in the history of my little homeschool, I only had to plan curriculum for one student in one grade! Of course, by this point, I have a strong foundation from all of my previous years as a home educator, so most of what we used for Chickadee’s eighth grade year has shown up at least once, and in some cases twice, before. Honestly, the biggest change this school year was a literature study of The Wind in the Willows, a book even I had never read before, and I kind of regret that it’s not something I taught all along, because it was a charming story!

Religion

  • Lutheranism 101

Math

  • Horizons Algebra

Language Arts

  • Spelling Workout H
  • Wordly Wise 3000, Book Eight
  • Writing with Skill, Level Three

Literature

  • The Wind in the Willows
  • Treasure Island
  • As You Like It
  • The Phantom Tollbooth

Social Studies

  • The Story of the World: The Modern Age
  • The US Constitution

Science

  • Apologia Exploring Creation with Physical Science

Electives

  • Duolingo
  • Cooking featuring the American Girl Sweet & Savory Treats Cookbook
  • Tennis

Up next…high school for Chickadee!