Hannah's Graduation 2012

I remember when I registered Hannah for Kindergarten and started filling out her 'School Days' book. You know the one- with a page for each school year where you keep track of vital statistics, her friends, favorite things, etc. I did a mediocre job keeping the book updated throughout the years, but I remember writing her graduation date- 2012- and I couldn't comprehend it. Surely 2012 would never arrive and that little blonde-haired pig-tailed whirlwind in pink would never be 18 years old!

Yes, indeed. 2012 would arrive- sooner than I thought and she would be 18 years old. No pig-tails anymore, but still a whirlwind of a girl!

Her daddy is really proud. He is as sentimental as they come and the things that bring tears to his eyes the fastest are the Star Spangled Banner being played before a baseball game and his children. So we left for the school with plenty of tissues in hand.

It was a VERY warm day, and just like when they were little, they were whining a bit... 'The sun's in my eyes!'

Garrett and Becca were able to just hang out while everything was getting set up. There was a 'technical difficulty' and the slideshow had to be shown on a small screen rather than the large ones, but it worked out just fine. Garrett wore his Covenant School tie from when he was a student just for old time's sake. He's funny.

It's official. She really is graduating and giving a speech. The time is here.

She did a great job in my opinion. Ms. Rodkey, her Rhetoric teacher who gave her the diploma and announced awards, described Hannah as 'always giving her very best- never less' and that included her speech. 

In her speech, Hannah talked about how each generation is often defined by the events of that generation- and that society usually chooses negative ones... a war, a depression, an assassination, a scandal. And she said her generation is often referred to as the 'Post 911 Generation'. She was 7 years old when the towers fell. Then she challenged us to consider God's faithfulness throughout generations. She asked us to consider instead remembering and letting those events define our lives. Yes, I'm happy with her speech. She could have talked about herself and what she's learned over the years or what she's looking forward to. But instead, she chose to encourage- to exhort- all of us, including me, to remember faithfulness.

The moment of truth- a diploma with High Honors very well earned!

A final prayer and charge to graduates. It's the second time in 12 months that Louie and I have stood beside one of our children (one of our babies) as they graduated from high school. Becca has to wait 5 years- and I'm glad for the reprieve. 

Louie's mom, Marilyn joked with Hannah about her high heels. Hannah passed her up in height a while ago- but the heels really were making her feel short!

My parents, Ron and Brenda, were glad to come and hear Hannah's speech and celebrate with us, too.

Angie, Louie's sister, has been an important part of Hannah's life- and a big playmate :) since she was born.

She's heading in a new direction soon- SOUTH- to University of South Carolina in the fall. She received a scholarship to study Retail/Fashion Merchandising and SC's program is one of the top ones in the nation. In June, she'll meet her roommate, see her dorm, register for classes and more. Move-in isn't until mid-August and 6,000 kids (with families and stuff in tow)will move in the same afternoon- heaven help us.

Wow, that baby girl looks GROWN UP!

Her youth pastor, Will, came to hear her speech and see her graduate- coming straight from another graduation. (Thanks, Will)

And, he had to congratulate, Becca. After all, she's going to be an 'only child' in our house next year. She's already plotting the take-over of 'someone's' bedroom.... we'll see about that.

Hannah and her buddy, Karla. It's good to have friends who've already survived (and actually thrived) their freshman year of college that you can call.

  

Mrs. Rodkey has known Hannah since the 'awkward' 7th grade. She's taught her English Grammar, Literature and Rhetoric. She also helped her navigate the process of her Senior thesis- 26 pages- that is a graduation requirement, and encouraged her as she defended her thesis to the school board. The book she's holding is a rather large copy of 'Pride and Prejudice'. A well loved book at Covenant School, Hannah struggled 4 times to finish the book and never did... I guess this is Mrs. Rodkey's final attempt to give Hannah the experience!

Hannah with 3 friends- Maggie, Jordan and Karla- who all graduated from Covenant last year and just finished their freshman year.

My three kiddos- together for the summer, at least. I hope it goes slow!

Ah, brotherly love... or is he crushing her? I can't be sure. It's hard to image them... Thing1 and Thing 2... being 15 hours apart this fall. Garrett at Wheaton College in Chicago and Hannah in Columbia, SC. It'll be weird for all of us. 

My sister, Terri, got to drive in from Atlanta this weekend for the graduation. She's only 3 hours from Hannah and we'll be like 6 or 6 1/2. That's fairly comforting in case she really needs something.

It was a good graduation weekend. I'd be totally faking if I said it was completely free of stress, that I never cried, or that we're all completely confident in what the future holds for our family. But... I learned several years ago a truth that has proven to be invaluable and its this: When I'm feeling worried or unsure about something, I just have to ask myself, "What do I know for certain?" For example, as soon as I'd think, "Will Hannah be safe at SC?" I stopped and told myself, "I know for certain that scripture says God knows every aspect of her life, every hair on her head". I talked to myself a lot this weekend about all kinds of worries. But in truth, I really am also looking forward to all those great things God has in store- not just for Hannah, but for all of us, as our family keeps changing. Great is his faithfulness!

"One generation commends your works to another; they tell of your mighty acts."

Psalm 145:3-5

My Week... in pictures.

Such a fun, busy and nostalgic week as each of us this week has been overwhelmed with life! So rather than write what would turn into a novel, I'm going to give you our week in pictures and keep my comments to simply captions.

Since mid-January, Becca has been rehearsing with 1st Stage Theater Company in 'Suessical the Musical'. Two weeks before opening, a girl had to drop out and Becca was offered a bigger part. She was thrilled that the directors, Tommy and Mary, had such faith in her. If you saw the show, you saw that they weren't disappointed. So we spent a LOT of time at the Kieth Albee over 2 weekends. The sign doesn't mention the 2nd full weekend.

She was the 'Pink Bird Girl'. She sang on stage a lot in a quartet of brightly decked girls. Her dancing wasn't bad either! After a while, I even got used to seeing my baby girl shaking her hip on stage. :)  By the last day, I actually woke up with one of the goofy songs in my head!

Isn't she cute? Who would have ever dreamed I've have musically talented, extroverted kids?!? Not me. I'm just glad she was able to have fun with it and make a ton of friends.

OK, I know it's spring...  But, this weather cracks me up. Early in the week, it's freezing- like high in the 50s after we've had 80s the week before. Then, I woke up last Saturday to a horrible storm- and hail. Yep. That's hail among the flowers.

   

Then, it's gorgeous today and my rose bush is covered with dozens and dozens of gorgeous blooms. (Thank you again, Kelli- what a thoughtful gift!) What's next week? I'm afraid to ask!

Well, I don't know why this picture is sideways, but I'm not caring at the moment. In the midst of all the stuff going on this week, I am finishing up a 13 week class. It's part of a 4 semester early childhood national certification. I had to turn in a portfolio and present a short activity that promotes fine motor development.  After a final exam this week, I'll be glad to have my night of the week back! (At least until fall)

   


  After a frustrating afternoon with my older printer (we miss you Jake!!) and whining to my friend Connie, she helped me print all of Hannah's graduation announcements. (Church secretarys really ARE super heros in disguise)
Love them- Covenant doesn't have a standard announcement so everyone gets to create their own. This one is Hannah's favorite color.

 Covenant School Spring Ball. And Hannah's Senior Ball. We had to start the evening with a curly 'do' at EnStyle. She really has some beautiful hair.

Isn't her dress lovely? We just had to stop back into the Kieth Albee for a few pictures. They were tearing down the set after the last show, so they let us in.

This pose reminds me of 'Phantom of the Opera for some reason. The dress suits the theater, I think.

The theme of the Spring Ball this year was 'Masquerade'. It was actually Hannah's suggestion- she was a big part of the planning of the event.

So pretty!

OK, fashion emergency...  nice dress, cheap zipper. It was fitted perfectly at the store and not the least bit tight- then the zipper just pealed open. All the way open down her side. She was cool as a cucumber while I stressed out. After a quick consult with my seamstress mom on the phone, we realized there was only one thing to do. She arrived 15 minutes later with needle and thread. I safety pinned Hannah's dress for security and then sewed it closed- and prayed! It stayed pretty well and when she got home about midnight, I had to cut the stitching to get her out of the dress!

Finally arriving at the ball, she met up with Brooke! Here you can really appreciate how pretty her dress was.

Two beautiful friends!

Here she is with her friends Tara (the other senior girl), Kirsten, Victoria, Ashley and Brooke.  The night was a success! They had a catered dinner, then the dance had 2 parts. The first half, they had a dance card with assigned partners- the waltz, the ch-cha, swing, etc. The 2nd half, they danced 'normal' prom type (but clean) music.

Well, I was exhausted after the 2nd weekend of 'Suessical' and the whole 'dress' near disaster. SO glad it all worked out- thank you, Lord. Then, Monday morning, Hannah donned her cap and gown for the taping of the WSAZ Best of the Class taping. She'll be on a commercial/public service promo featuring valedictorians from schools all over the region. It was weird for Lou and I to see her in the cap and gown for the first time. (oh, my)

















But wait, there's more. To graduate from Covenant School, every senior must write a 26 page thesis. Then, defend that thesis with a 30 minute presentation to the school's board. Tonight was Hannah's thesis defense. She wants to major in retail/fashion merchandising but also maintain her Biblical Worldview. So her thesis was titled, "Beauty is in the eye of the Creator".

  The slide show actually moved people- especially a few dads of young daughters.

Great presentation! 

Becca even asked a good question during the 'Question and Answer' section at the end of the presentation.

Breathing a sight of relief!  Now, she only has to write a commencement speech!














So that's our short little week. Next week? Well, Hannah and I are driving to Chicago to bring Garrett home!!! His freshman year is over. I can hardly believe it. How strange it'll be to have 3 kids in my house again. :)