Graduation!

The Graduate!

Well,Thursday was the big day! Shyloh graduated from High School! Her graduation ceremony was very nice and she looked beautiful. She was so relieved when it was all over and she made it through without "throwing up, fainting, or tripping." I still can't believe I am old enough to be a mom to a high school graduate! I can still remember when we first started our journey of homeschooling. Duane and I had decided we would give it a try for one year and if it didn't "work" for us then she would go to school the next year. I was seriously so concerned I would ruin her! I have to laugh at most of my worries now. The Lord will never lead us where His Grace will not cover us!
Last night was Shyloh's graduation party. It was a long week getting ready for the party, but it was all worth it. We had about 70 people throughout the night. Everyone had a good time and Shyloh was so blessed by all the people who came and helped rejoice and celebrate with her. We had a veggie tray, meat and cheese tray, and a fruit bowl. We also rented a popcorn popper from the party store. That was a hit with all the kids! When it started to get dark we lit all the tikki torches (we had 20 of them set up around the yard) and had a couple of Shyloh's friends start the fire pit so the kids (and even adults) could make smores. The weather was wonderful too! During the day it hit 103, so we were really worried how warm it would be for the party. Then it started to get breezy and cooled off a bit and then the wind went away. We couldn't have asked for nicer weather. Even as Duane, Shyloh, and I sat out on the patio after the party at 1:00a.m. chatting it was still very pleasant.
So a new season in Shyloh's life begins! We look forward to whatever God's plans are for her life. We have learned that our children do indeed grow so quickly and before you know it they will be married and have their own lives. We blinked and now Shyloh has graduated. As a new mom I can remember parents with older children telling me how quickly they grow and they gave advice to just enjoy each passing season. When you are in the middle of diapers, teething, toddlerhood, and several little ones you don't always take the time to just enjoy your children and savor those moments. It is so easy to just get caught up in busyness of that season. I got caught up in it myself. With my last 3 babies I have been blessed to have older ones and younger ones. I can look at how fast my time is going by with my big ones and it serves as a reminder to slow down and savor these fleeting moments with my younger one. I am so grateful that the Lord has seen fit to bless us with several children so that I can make some of the changes that I wish I would have made many years ago with Shyloh. I just want to savor and enjoy each season with them. As we wait and watch to see what path the Lord is going to direct Shyloh on, we will savor each moment she is here with us! We are so proud of her! She has grown into an amazing young woman!
Congratulations Shyloh!


Shyloh and her best friend Annie. They have been best friends since they were 5!


The graduate with all the future graduates!


Shyloh and all her friends around the fire pit.

Hop over to Shyloh's blog. I am sure at some point she will probably write about the graduation and have more pictures.