Graduation & Celebration

I can't believe that my little boy - who it seems only yesterday I could rock to sleep in my arms - has graduated from High School and is going out into the world to be a responsible adult.  (Fingers Crossed!)

We were blessed to have family and friends here to celebrate this wonderful happening together!  Here are some photos from the weekend!

 

John and his two best buddies - Jake & Justin

Everyone came to our house before the ceremony for Sausage & Pepper sandwiches - and pictures, of course!

Justin is enjoying one of the sandwiches - and we're all feeling a little giddy and excited for the celebration!

The graduation ceremony was wonderful.  Salem Academy is a small school - there were about 55 graduates in John's class.  Each student is greeted as they walk on stage by a baby photo, a few words are said about each student, and as they receive their diploma their senior photo is displayed.  Really lovely!

 

Waiting for his turn to walk on stage.

 

Each student chose either a favorite bible verse, someone to thank, or a favorite memory.  John said his favorite memory of school was happening right now... walking across this stage.  He's such a character.

 

A little blurry - but their throwing their caps in the air!  Hooray!

 

We couldn't be more proud!

I love this boy so much!

Congratulations John James!  Wishing you only wonderfulness and joy in the coming years!  You've been a joy to your father and me... a true blessing from above.

Learning To Drive - Sentimental Sunday No. 39

Cindy - age 16

Watching my son take the test for his learners permit this past week brought back some funny memories for me of my dad teaching me to drive. Dad and I had a great relationship, but we clashed in the way that we did things. We were very much alike and we both had our ways of doing things. But, if it wasn’t done my father’s way – it wasn’t done correctly… according to Dad anyway. In any case, a few recollections come to mind when I remember those scary days of learning to drive. Exactly who was more frightened, me or my dad, I’m not really sure.

While teaching me to drive, Dad took me to a large empty parking lot in the Marina Del Rey area which was not too far from our home. I had pretty much mastered the art of driving forward by this point. Dad wanted to teach me to drive and steer going backwards. My friend Susan was with us for this particular driving lesson. I was driving, Dad in the passenger seat and Susan sitting behind my dad. Dad explained how to turn the wheel while driving backwards – but it was a little challenging for me. I felt all “turned around” – no pun intended. He was getting a little frustrated with me, so Susan decided to “help me out”. While I was looking backward to see where I was going Susan had her hands in her lap, but she would point in the direction that I should be turning the wheel. That happened a couple of times before my Dad said, “I can see you Susan. Stop telling her which way to turn the wheel.” To this day neither of us knows exactly how he knew. But, that was my Dad… eyes in the back of his head.

Across the street from that same parking lot Dad wanted to teach me to Parallel Park. I was so nervous and I was really bad at getting the car “just so”. Lots of going forward and backing up was going on. The cars that I was practicing between were Mercedes, and Jaguars, and BMW’s. Needless to say, one by one, people were coming out and moving their cars. Hmm… not a great way to give me much confidence. I still think of that parking lesson every time I parallel park - and to be honest, I still doubt my abilities in that area. Oh well, a couple more years of therapy and I should be just fine! Tee hee hee.

All in all Dad was a great driving instructor. He gave me wonderful and useful advice. His voice has come back to me a few times in my life during rather terrifying driving moments. His words have helped me avoid disaster. I hope that JJ will benefit from both Richard’s and my driving knowledge the way I benefited from my Dad’s. If he does, I guess in a way my Dad will be teaching him to drive too and imparting some of that vast and experienced driving ability.

Another Milestone

It seems like just yesterday that he took his first steps, started speaking in sentences, lost his front teeth and went to pre-school. But, the years have flown by and he reached another milestone this week. A quick trip to the DMV, a driving knowledge test and posing for a photography later... we have a young man who is the proud owner of an Oregon Driving Instructional Permit. Good Lord! Now what do we do???

Look Who's 15!

It seems like yesterday that this incredibly beautiful baby boy that was placed in to our arms. Yet, he turns 15 today. Monday he will be taking the DMV test for his Learners Permit. The time just goes by WAY too quickly.
John is funny, sweet, intelligent, kind and giving.

We love you so much, John James. We wish you only wonderful things in life. Happy Happy Birthday

Adventures in Costuming

So, my son comes home and announces this past weekend that he has a report due in his Bible class and will have to make his presentation about his report "in costume" on Friday.

Ok. No worries. I can whip something up to match his chosen person from the Bible, Nehemiah.

Yeah, right! That was before he announced last night - at 8pm - that he was wrong and the report was due today and he needs his costume by tomorrow. OY VAY! So, off to Wal-Mart I ventured to buy the fabric.

Tonight I cut and sewed (without a pattern I might add) and this is what we came up with...

I'm not so sure that he looks like Nehemiah. I think I may have accidentally made a Jedi Warrior costume from Star Wars... But, hopefully his Bible teacher won't make that connection!

An Early Birthday Party

John's 15th birthday isn't until the end of the month. But, he wanted to have some friends over this weekend to celebrate.

Mason & Justin

Reid

Blowing out the candles

It's funny. When they were little they would come with a small bag full of lego's or cars. Their jammies and something to cuddle with. Now, they show up with their computers and monitors and keyboards. Several trips back and forth to the car later - they are settled into one room playing computer games over the internet, while seated next to each other. I joked that it looked like everyone was "moving in" when they arrived. What a difference a few years makes.

It's hard to believe my "little boy" is going to be 15. I don't know where the years have gone. He is studying for his Learner's Permit. He'll take the test in a few weeks. Lord help me.

It's A Proud Proud Day...

Our boy graduated from 8th Grade tonight. Hard to believe. He will be in High School in the fall. He will continue at Salem Academy, where he has been since Kindergarten. It was a little emotional for me. Seeing him, and so many of his friends, standing there so grown up. Accepting their certificates and awards. Where do the years go?

The class chose this scripture to read during the ceremony

John made Honor Roll again - 3.42 G.P.A.

John has been friends with most of these kids since Kindergarten.

It was a really wonderful evening and touching ceremony. Next stop - High School and a Learners Permit. God help us!