We Have a College Graduate!

Finally I am getting around to this post.

After the great time we had going around the campus of Louisiana Tech University taking pictures which I love and am so glad I have, we headed over to the Commencement Services. This is Mark walking in on his phone with his brother. There was great excitement. We were all proud of him and excited for him. He was pretty proud of himself and excited too. It was difficult to find him in this crowd. I would lose sight of him every now and then. Then it was his turn to make his way toward the stage to receive his diploma.
In his excitement he hugged the President of the University.
He also high fived this dignitary. After his graduation we waited for him outside and hugged and enjoyed the feelings of celebration. Here is a picture of the College Graduate with his family!Then to a great dinner and a piece of this cake! Here is our Son in his new Alumni T-Shirt! :)

Pre Graduation

Before Marks' graduation last Saturday, we did a tour of sorts around the campus at Louisiana Tech University. It was a beautiful day. I had my trusty little camera with me and we went around campus taking pictures at some of the places Mark spent a lot of time. I even talked Josh into wearing his Cap and Gown for a few pictures too. I really wanted some of the two of them together in them. I mean how often does a parent have two sons to graduate 8 days apart?!

Here are some of my favorites from the day.Mark was very excited about graduating. He did very well and we are very proud of him. I will do another post soon with some of the pictures I took once we made it to the graduation.

And then after that post. I should have a few pictures from a little trip we are taking that involves water, a ship, and lots of food. Wait for it...

Sneak Peek

This is just a preview. More to come soon. I will get time to sit down and take care of these. Maybe tonight. Maybe not. But for now enjoy this one! :)

May 14, 2010

Last weekend we had this little matter of a GRADUATION to attend. It was so exciting. I had really been so busy with getting ready for the graduation from "Work" point of view, I really hadn't had time to get too terribly excited about it. But once the day came, we dressed for the event and it was very exciting. We were so proud of Josh. He has worked really hard throughout high school and all the years before as well. When the music began and all 102 of the graduates began their walk down the isle through the masses of people there to watch them receive their diplomas, I felt a swell inside. Lots of things going through my mind. Happy tears began to pool. Until, this-- Well this, and the fact that Charlie walked over to stand in the isle and wave at someone. I assumed it was Josh. I grabbed at Charlie and said "What are you doing?" Then I turned around to see her. Casey and Avery coming up the isle right in front of Joshua! That's him right behind her in the photo. LOL She was late because of the parking issue and barely made it. She did make it though. What a laugh we got!

Josh really isnt someone who likes to be in the limelight. He has always been very very quiet. I was pretty sure he would be terrified to give the Valedictorian Speech. I even thought he might decline. lol But he stepped up to the plate. I thought he did a really good job on his speech. As a matter of fact I teared up somewhat when I first read it. (I know you are shocked! Me too) He said he wasn't as nervous as he thought he would be.
We are really blessed that he was awarded a scholarship that will help greatly with college. It was very nice seeing all these kids who I have gotten to know over the years enjoying their graduation. I know many of them will go on to great things. The night brought smiles, tears, encouragement, and anticipation. Who knows what the future holds for them. So now they have their diplomas and their future in their hands. I reminded Josh to turn his tassel after receiving that diploma because I thought he might forget. I was right he did. But apparantly so did Ali. It seems that they remembered together. I love this picture.

"Ladies and Gentlemen, the graduated class of 2010!"As you can see bottom right, Josh did not throw his Cap. I think he was concerned that he wouldnt get it back in time to start the procession back down the isle so he opted to keep it on. And off he went with his Cap on, starting his class back down the isle as High School Graduates. He looks pretty happy about it to me!

We had a very nice evening. It was wonderful outside. The Bridge was beautifully lit. We visited, took a few pictures, and then went home to cake, family, and a few friends. We also went down just for a few minutes to mini celebrate with Shelbi and her family. I finally got a piece of this at 10:45 or so. What a full and fantastic day!

Senior Night

The tradition at our School of Senior Night is one of my favorite times of graduation week. This ceremony is put on by the Seniors themselves for the most part. With a little guidance and help from Senior sponsors, they put together memories to share and talents to showcase. They all file in dressed in the clothes they will wear under their caps and gowns on graduation day. The sun going down and the tiki light fires make for a nice atmosphere. We get to see slideshows of the year gone by which usually bring a couple of tears, at least to cry babies like me. There is a speech or two which usually bring a smile or two. One speech in particular even brought tears along with it. You can read about that here.

Then there is the rose ceremony where the kids bring a rose to their moms, and or other special people in their lives. I was happy to receive my rose from Josh along with the hug that came with it. I may go to another Senior night in the years to come but none as special as this one, where I attended as a parent of a graduate for the very last time.

Praise To God

Wow have I been busy! Continuing on with our year of CELEBRATIONS, we celebrated Joshua's recent graduation beginning with Baccalaureate. I am so thankful that our school system still HONORS that tradition. I am surprised that this day and age where schools cant pray... that we are still allowed this privileged to enjoy a religious celebration as Class of 2010. This year our family was honored that Todd was asked to preach at the ceremony. He did a wonderful job, if I do say so myself. I got so many comments from people in the community that were blessed by his sermon. I was not only a proud mama of a graduate, but also a proud wife of a wonderful husband.

I was so glad that my sweet friend and her family did the special music for Baccalaureate. I love to hear the Harrigills sing. They are sooooo talented and have a love for the Lord that I have seen for decades.

The service was very nice. One of the best I have been to and a great way to start graduation week, giving honor and praise to our God. It is God who gave Joshua to us to begin with. It is God who blessed him to be able to do so well in school and bring him to this point. IT IS GOD who will go with him as he moves ahead with his life.

Life is Good

When we get together around here the guys always play some basketball. So again this weekend they did that. We all had a good time. Life is good! We really do enjoy spending time together as a family and with friends. I am not sure how Josh is going to handle moving away to school, away from his friends Tance and Lessley. Weekends may see more of him here because of them. Maybe a little more basketball, and golf with family on the weekends...

Whatever life may bring, I know LIFE IS GOOD!

Favorites

This weekend Casey's Father In Law (Avery's Pawpaw) got married. They didnt have anyone to do the photos so I said I wouldnt mind getting some for them. I usually dont turn down an opportunity to photograph. I didnt mind at all. I do however think I have the right to post a few of my favorites. (The cute freckle faced fellow in the first picture and a few other photos is Walter. Charlies little brother.) Also appearing here is Charlies sister Lindsey and her little boy Bram the blondie!



I sure hope they like these and the rest of the pictures. More than that though I hope they are happy and grow old together.