Graduation 2012

High School Graduation.

The Beginning.
The End.

This past Friday was Tyler's high school graduation. How could 13 years have gone by so quickly? Seems like it was only yesterday that he was headed off to Kindergarten.

He was the only one I knew who didn't want mom to take him to school...he wanted to ride that bus!!!

Oh, how my heart melts when I see that precious face! My arms ache to hold that little body and smother him with kisses! It's been a really long time since he'd let me do that :(

He attended Lynden Christian from Kindergarten through 10th grade and then transferred to Lynden for 11th and 12th so he could do the Running Start program. He wasn't too attached to the school and had no intention of walking through graduation. But a few days before, I went to Baccalaureate and he wasn't there. My heart broke just a little bit.

                                                             His friends without him!


 Then I was looking for a special picture for a friend and came across Ashleigh's graduation pictures and my heart broke a little bit more. So on Tuesday night I asked if he'd do me a favor and walk. He said YES!!! Joy and shock!!! I had gotten a cap and gown at a garage sale last summer, just in case! And I was on the phone bright and early Wed. morning trying to secure a stole and tassel. Thank goodness for Jostens, who said it would be no problem...they'd deliver it to the school on Friday in time for graduation!!

So a few pictures at home, without said stole and tassel...nor would he put on the hat...

I'm so glad he participated!! Don't think he really cared one way or another, but it sure made this mama happy!!

I waited and waited for him to walk through the doors and when he did I realized my camera was off. I think he's laughing because I miss a lot of moments this way!!

Lining up before walking in...

He's always so happy to have me take his picture!

Finally.... a Smile!

 Empty, but pretty just the same! They actually had to go to school on Monday to get their actual diplomas!

Getting ready!

What a moment...

for his mama to remember...

And before you know it, it's over. Thirteen years...finished.

And by the time we found him, the cap and gown were off and thrown in the back seat of his car. He had plans with Max, his best friend, who was leaving in a few days. We did not rank as high as Max on the important meter!

He said he'd take a photo with us the next day...but I knew that wouldn't happen. I've waited three days and finally decided to just take one of the gown before I pass it on!

Congratulations Tyler! Job well done!

Mama's happy!!

Trying to get Back in the Groove!

 It's been a wild, hectic, emotionally challenging, life altering month around here. Don't want to go into too many details, but the "high lights" were that my husband lost his job a few weeks ago and I have a skin cancer on my nose....yes, those are the highlights! I can boldly proclaim that we serve an AWESOME GOD as He has given us such a calmness and peacefulness and even downright joy in the midst of many trials!

This past weekend was prom for Tyler. He had no intention of going and really isn't involved in any high school goings on at all, as he's pretty much done with all that! He loves working and going to the community college, so I haven't had many senior photo ops!

Thankfully his dear friend, Joci, talked him into going to the prom! She has a Jr./Sr. banquet at her school and really wanted to go to a "real prom"!. They decided to go the Monday before prom and went out shopping on Tuesday night! Tyler bought himself a suit, tie and some lovely white Vans for the occasion. He bought the ticket and they were set! They didn't want to spend a lot of money, so they decided to forgo the flowers, had a "nice" meal at Burger King and I took the pictures!


I think they make a pretty cute couple!

 These are completely out of order...don't know why, but we'll just go with it!!

 Would have been nice if he'd washed his car, considering the white dress!!

 I think he's pretty handsome!!!

Prom ticket = $60.00!! Can't remember what the cost of mine was way back when! I think the juniors always put the prom on for the seniors.

The pretty shoes!!! Joci's heels were a good 4" high and a little difficult to navigate in the grass!

Got out the chalkboards!

Did some climbing!

Liked the matching nail polish and the flowers on her thumbs!

A fun night was had by all!

A little bittersweet as this is one of the "lasts"! Graduation is just around the corner!