Happy Graduation, Salem!

Graduation looks a bit different for seniors these days! With the world in lock-down while waiting for the Corona pandemic to pass, we are all sheltering at home and secluded from friends and family.  Graduation ceremonies and parties are being cancelled, and all over the world people are getting creative to find ways to honor their children's' graduations.

We had no party planned because we had determined to give Salem the once in a life time opportunity to travel to Israel for 10 days with friends of ours who tour the Holy Land every few years.  Like Salem, they are lovers of history and are amazing Pastors/Bible teachers, and we knew this was the BEST way for Salem to experience Israel.

Of course, due to travel restrictions, those plans have since been cancelled.  To say we are disappointed is an understatement, but we are trusting God's sovereign plan and His timing. (and planning to try again for his college graduation!)

Yep, that is about the look on his face when he heard the trip was off!  ;)  It was also one of the outtakes of his photo session, which ended up being done by his oldest sister!

Luckily we got some good ones as well!

Salem has been homeschooled all of his school career!  I remember thinking after schooling the two girls first, how will I ever do this with a boy?  Praise the Lord, he made it fairly easy.  While the days of tears with the girls were replaced by the rough and tumble of our first born boy, we did manage to rein him in enough to get the basics done as well as a few fun classes like aviation and architecture.  Salem would tell you his favorite classes are anything history related and he keeps us all up on the latest and greatest history trivia daily!

Like his sisters, he has spent his senior year dual crediting college classes and is just two classes shy of being done with all of his general college requirements.

He will be attending Yavapai College in the fall where he will study Gunsmithing.  Not quite sure yet where it will take him, but it is exciting to see him pursuing a much loved hobby and passion that will hopefully turn into a dream career in a few years. 

What a priviledge it has been to raise this young man and watch him grow and mature into a sweet child of God!  We are super proud of all he has accomplished and cannot wait to see where the Lord leads him next!

HAPPY GRADUATION!
Soar high, Salem!  YOU ARE LOVED!

Hiding behind the camera- Ashton!

A Graduation, A Trip to Texas, and What's Next!

I promised an update today and though it is later in the day than I had intended, I am determined to get this posted.  I know other than 34 Weeks of Clean, it has been pretty silent on the blog lately.  Like crickets chirping quiet, I know!  Not that lots hasn't been going on, but ya'll I have been tired and not very motivated.

That's it.  No other excuses.

After years of reviewing for Schoolhouse Review Crew and being on staff with them, I resigned and now only will be doing a few independent reviews here and there.  It was such a hard decision as I LOVED what I did and the people I worked for but as this family is moving into some new seasons of life I felt worn out by the demand and knew I needed to refocus and put my family first.

So yes, less reviews and more family time.  Which means you get more of just US!  Lucky you!  We are still on the homeschooling journey, but starting next month I will be down to just Colby and 7th grade.  Salem, our 17 year old, is taking online college classes and is pretty much mom free.  (shhh, don't tell him that!)

The thing that took up most of of brain cells last month was this girl!

After just three years away at college, she graduated with a BFA in Musical Theatre.  Since we did get the privilege of seeing her senior showcase, as well as her final college production, we were unable to attend graduation.  I will be forever thankful to the many sweet families that supplied us with lots of pictures and loved on her in our place.  She is now home for the summer with BIG plans for the fall.  More on that adventure to come!

We also just returned from an amazing retirement of one of our dearest friends and his family after 30 years of Air Force service.  Not only was it a special time to celebrate them, but it also allowed us to catch up with old military friends, some of which we had not seen in years!  It was a time of many surprises, lots of laughter, and a million memories.  My heart is full.  Since it was not my event and not every cares for their face to be seen all over the internet, I won't post pictures other than this one I got permission to share.  These friends have stuck with us through thick and thin for over 26 years and we love them dearly.

Since I never ask my kids permission to post pictures of them, however, I will leave you with these.

 

These two were born in Florida just three weeks apart and have been best friends since!  Our resident models and entertainers.

That's all I have got for you now.  If you want to find us, we can usually be found pool side, learning to embrace this new Arizona life.  So far, it's not too bad!

Blessings,

Graduating the Next!

It is hard to believe that we have just graduated our second daughter from high school.  It seems like just yesterday our first child graduated and left for college.  I thought the second would be easier.  I was wrong!

Things looked a lot different this time around.  Different location, different child, different graduation.  We gave Riley the option of doing a large graduation party like her sister had done, or go on a trip instead.  HA! We should have known what that choice would be.  Because we are new to this area, she felt like she may not know a lot of people yet (that's a laugh!) and so she chose a trip.

We meant a little one.

She interpreted- New York City!

Again, should have known.

So yes, she and her father flew to NYC for a four day trip, stuffed full with three Broadway musicals, free tickets handed to them for a one man comedy show, free tickets handed to them for the Museum of Natural History, a backstage Disney tour and more.  Lots more.

They are still talking about the trip.  Well, Riley is talking about the trip, Clarke mostly talks about how much his feet hurt and how he had to buy new shoes in NYC!

We are grateful she was also invited to participate in a small homeschool graduation ceremony with several friends.  Unlike her sister, she walked the aisle to Pomp and Circumstance and was presented an official diploma by her daddy.  Her grandparents from North Carolina were able to attend as well, which was a special treat for this Air Force family.  It is always a treat to have family around for a special occasion.

We ended the night with a special dinner and her opening several gifts.  A quiet time of celebration for our sweet princess.

Next step?

Riley heads to Mississippi in a few short months to pursue a BFA in Musical Theatre.  I am so excited that she was accepted into the program and know that she will shine there, but oh, my momma's heart is slightly dreading the day.  OK, more than slightly.

I will miss her smile, her humor, her wit, her laugh, her piano, and singing.

I will miss my Disney Princess.

I have had the privilege of walking through life with this girl for 18 years, and I know it is time to let her spread her wings and bless the world as much as she has blessed us!

Watch out world- she is a handful!  ;)

Blessings,

New York Graduation Trip with Riley

Yes, we are graduating our second daughter, Riley, officially this weekend.  I cannot even believe that I have another child leaving the nest!  And headed to Mississippi on top of that to major in Musical Theater.  I am too emotional to even begin to talk about our journey with this kiddo for now, so instead I am going to let her tell you about her graduation gift from us.

She opted out of the traditional party route and instead asked for a trip to New York City,  Yep, she and her dad flew to NY for a four night, 5 day whirlwind of a trip.

Here ya go-
Hey all! Riley here. I'm gonna give you a brief run down of our trip (since I could basically talk about it forever, I'll try to contain myself.)

Our first day involved wandering around Times Square and seeing a Broadway show for free!

On the second day we window shopped around Times Square and 5th Avenue, went to Bryant Park and saw the musical Tuck Everlasting in the evening.

Day three saw us exploring Central Park and the Museum of Natural History before we got rained on, took the subway back to 42nd Street, and saw Finding Neverland!

During our last day we took a Disney on Broadway backstage tour where I got to become a lioness. I can check that off of my bucket list. We then saw Aladdin on Broadway and met our lovely cousin for dinner!

I loved meeting all these amazing and talented actors after seeing their shows! 

Some more pictures :)

There ya go, five days in my favorite city summed up in one blog post :) It was such an amazing trip! I met so many nice and encouraging actors and people. The quality of theatre I saw astounded me and reminded me why I love acting. By the end of the trip, I felt like I really belonged in New York City.

I can't wait to go back to, as the musical Hamilton puts it, the greatest city in the world! Who wants to go with me? :)

A Weekend of Celebration

My second daughter turned 17 on Sunday.  Before we had her we were very serious parents.  Then God gave us our Riley, and life has not been the same.  She makes us laugh constantly.  Put her with her sister and they can entertain you for hours.  She wakes up a Disney Princess and goes to bed a Disney Princess. (Which is why she is wearing a Santa hat with a tiara!)  She will quote entire scenes of movies, sing whole musicals and crack you up with her one liners.  I love this girl!  I know the Lord has amazing things in store for her...if I ever let her leave me. ;)

We also celebrated my oldest this weekend, who finished her last college class on Friday night at 11:15.  I know what time it was because I stayed up and watched her write her last paper - on sin! (She is a Bible major)  She duel credited her senior year of high school, attended college for 1 1/2 years and the came home to live and finish her last two semesters online.  She is an accomplished seamstress and is working to build her business.  My heart swells with pride when I think about all she has accomplished, but more than that, I stand at awe at the work the Lord has done in her life.

And then there is this guy.  The littles call him plus one. They are nice like that.  Morgan was baptized at our church this weekend.  It thrilled our hearts to be able to witness such a special occasion and to have his family there as well.

And then there is my mom.  She arrived on Tuesday and is staying until January.  I am ever thankful that through the years she has been willing to travel many miles to be with us and help where needed.  Sometimes, just an extra pair of hands is a bigger blessing than you can imagine.

(You were right mom, no picture.  Sorry!)

With our house feeling a bit empty these days, it is nice to have people we love join us to celebrate.

So much to celebrate and be thankful for!

Feeling blessed,

Monday Memories

A few pictures of our graduation weekend.  A beautiful day and a beautiful celebration.

Welcome table and memory quilt

Food  Catered by Rachel

Outside Tables

Flowers by Grandmama

Four generations

Dad's old tee shirts made into a quilt for the graduate

Best buddies from ND

The Graduate

Today is the day I have dreamed of for 18 years.  It is finally here.  My oldest is a high school graduate. (and two classes away from completing college freshman year- just a bragging mom)

When I took her out of preschool 14 years ago I never dreamed I would be the one to teach her for her entire school career.  The plan was to put her in school eventually.  As I have stated many times before, praise the Lord that His plan was different.  I have had the privilege to teach her, watch her grow, challenge her to learn, mold her heart, point her towards Jesus, and love her 24-7.  And I have loved every minute.

Her siblings adore her.
Her dad and I are so proud of her.
She is an amazing young woman and we know that the Lord has big plans for her.

Many of you reading this have loved her and encouraged her right alongside of us.  You have watched her grow and we thank you for your presence on her life.  It takes a village, and we have a pretty amazing one, if I say so myself.

Happy Graduation, Princess!!

Congratulations on a job well done!

We are proud of you!