Big Guy's Graduation

On Saturday our family and friends joined us at First Baptist Jackson for the graduation of our oldest son.   Even typing it I can't believe it.   I watched him walk across that stage and accept that diploma and it just didn't seem real.  

My sister-in-law came prepared with plenty of tissues, but it was so unreal I didn't cry.   Maybe I was just in denial.   Maybe I just don't want it to be real. 

However, the proof is here in the pictures.  Pictures that I wouldn't even have if it weren't for my sweet S.   She took all the pictures from graduation for me.   Thank heavens for her!

Here is Big Guy walking in with his 43 classmates from our homeschool co-op...

My sweet husband standing in the wings.  He could see our son standing on the other side of the stage as his name was being announced.   He said that he was so immensely proud and happy at that moment.  The look is written all over his face, isn't it?

As they are announcing his name....

It was such a special memory for my husband to be able to give our son his diploma...

Introducing the class of 2015....

Our honors graduate...

Deciding to homeschool was a big deal for all of us.   When we first started I had serious fears that I could get us to this point.  To graduation.   I don't think I did.  I know I didn't.  I know that God got us here.  I know that the intelligence and determination and gifts that God instilled in Todd is what got us to this point.   I am so proud of the man that he is today and so very excited to see where He leads him next.

Happy Graduation, Stephen!

We spent the weekend with our best friends in Atlanta celebrating their son's graduation from high school.   When they moved in next door our boys were three.   We became friends and our boys became inseparable.   They played army men in the sand box.   Ran around in the sprinklers.  Went to the library story times.  Went to school.  Learned to ride bikes.  Played games.  All together. 

How is it possible enough time has passed that one of them is ready to graduate and next year my son will graduate?  I cried tears watching him walk on that stage and my friend cried tears just talking about my son walking on stage next year.  

The toughest part of parenting is letting go. 

Graduation from Boot Camp

"Tomorrow I graduate from boot camp, Mom." said my big guy.

We sat in silence as we let the words sink in. Three years. Three years in "boot camp". No, he isn't in the military. That is just the knickname he and his friends have given the school they attend.

March here. March there. Don't talk. Don't breathe. Fun? That word is not allowed. You can have fun when you go home. You are here to learn, soldier!

Sounds harsh, but it is true. We adore the teachers and I am in love with the kids. It is just that the top administrator does not exactly put "pal" in principal. Until that changes these teachers and future students are destined to keep attending school boot camp style. Or as one teacher told me, "hell on earth."

Picture Perfect for Mom

I saw these cute bags on a website as a gift idea for Mother's Day. Aren't they cute? They are called Snaptotes and they customize all sorts of handbags - purses to cosmetic cases to beach bags - with photos.



These would even make very gifts for the upcoming graduates or bridesmaids in your life too!!



Click here to check it out.