GRADUATION!!!

Ok, well, this was actually two 
five and a half  
nine weeks ago......

Graduation was AWESOME !!!

I am so proud of my son and all of his friends for graduating high school.  They persisted and not only succeeded but excelled.  I could never have predicted the journey Justin's high school years would take him on or the growth that happens in four short years.  It was so fun to celebrate these successes and was filled with more joy than tears.  Praise be to God!

I have to admit that the previous week's rain and rain before and after the ceremony really put a damper (pun intended) on things, especially getting pictures with friends.  It definitely made it memorable, though, and I was more than grateful to have remembered my umbrella.

...............MORE PICTURES COMING SOON...............

Now, my next "baby" is going to high school.  Rachel just finished middle school with a fun-filled 8th grade dance.  She looked gorgeous!

Rachel is going to continue with percussion, so she has already begun to bond with the members of that group.  This helps not only her transition but Mom and Dad's, too!  Still, it once again feels weird to be crossing this bridge with our child.

Hannah has finished 4th grade, I have one more year of elementary school left.  She is so excited to be an "Officer" next year on the Safety Patrol.  She will get to raise and lower the flag and fill in wherever she's needed.

Holding it Together and Falling Apart

So, I've surprised myself.  I've been really excited for graduation and for my kids moving into high school and college.  I've only cried a little bit, even during the slideshow at the end-of- year Band Banquet.  Ok, there was a bit of sobbing at the middle school Chorus concert, but they DID play a heartwarming video of the kids recording "I Have a Voice" to include during a live benefit for Stoneman Douglas High School.  Plus, it all of a sudden hit me that she was graduating, too.  (I get one more year of elementary school next year-then done forever).

The way home from the banquet and many times today were another story.  I just kept getting triggered, totally depressed and overwhelmed.  I hope tomorrow is better, because really, it's ridiculous, like PMS on steroids.  I think all the various stresses, anticipated changes, and just staying strong finally caught up with me.

The next two weeks should be interesting.  Then, my calendar is blank.....wow.....

Philippians 4:7

"And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds n Christ Jesus."

They Grow Up Fast

So, my oldest is about to graduate and my second (1st daughter!) will enter high school in the fall.  The youngest is finishing 4th grade and will be my last elementary schooler ever next year.  Yes, I'm starting to feel a bit sentimental.

Toddlers, especially, are physically exhausting.  Kids need a lot of hands-on in the early years.   What you don't realize when you're "in the trenches" of  raising young children, though, is that it won't be long before the dynamic of your family changes.  The fascination with even the simple things fades, as adolescents naturally start to get "bored" with the things that used to amuse them.  Their interests change and their desire to be alone, engaging in technology, or with their friends increases.  This is a good and natural part of the independence process.  With it comes a whole new parental experience.  It's amazing and it happens really quickly.  The division of the last 7 years of school into middle and high school, the increase in independence and variety of activities seems to speed up those last years of "childhood".  The equivalent amount of time that is spent from preschool-5th grade seems so much longer than the latter seven years. As embarrassing as we sometimes are to our teenagers and almost teen, they really do want us there, and they really do care.  They still need us, and we need them.

Being on the "other end" of the growing up years, I can't say that I regret anything we did to invest in our kids and family.  The vacations were sometimes expensive and maybe not the "best" choice financially.  The sacrifices of time, money, energy, and even sleeping in our own bed have been totally worth it.

Your relationship with your children changes and takes on a whole new identity.  The roots and oneness of the nuclear family are strong and will always be the foundation of the branches that spring forth and grow away while still staying connected.  This is our ideal and it is interesting to experience.  It directly mimics the relationship that God wants to have with each and every one of us.  We are to be rooted, connected, drawing strength and energy from our foundation while branching out to draw others into the embrace of His love.

Proverbs 3:5-6

"Trust in the Lord with ALL your heart, and lean NOT on your OWN understanding. In all your ways, acknowledge Him, and HE will make your path straight."