The Final Graduate

On Saturday, May 20, 2017, Cornerstone Academy graduated its 5th and final student.

This year has been tough, emotionally. I have been grieving the "lasts" -  last first day of school, last Eagles basketball season, last Liberty basketball tournament, last semester as a homeschool.... and on and on. I have tried to savor the moments and appreciate the goodness.  My head knows that this is the end of one chapter, but the beginning of a brand new one that has fresh potential for growth and new experiences and joys.  But my heart still hurts.  My years of actively mothering and teaching a child under my roof and under my care are over.

I have grieved other stages of life as well. I remember feeling sadness when my youngest started kindergarten, and I realized that I would never again be a mother of a preschooler. Sounds silly, but it felt like a physical blow.  Similar to the when my oldest turned 20, and suddenly I was old enough to have a child in his twenties.  And when the baby turned double digits, and then became a teenager, and ALL my children had left behind those tender years of childhood.

I shed many tears this past week, even as I look forward to seeing what the future holds for my baby boy. I am proud as punch of him, and of his older brothers and sisters as well.  I LIKE my kids. They are good people.  I am FULL of gratitude that they all still seem to like being around me and their dad and each other. I don't take that blessing lightly!

Our support group graduation ceremony featured 43 homeschools presenting diplomas to their seniors. As always, it was a lovely, moving ceremony.  As I told him when I presented him his diploma, I am extremely thankful for the opportunity and blessing of being able to homeschool all 5 of my children. It has been challenging, tiring, and frustrating at times, but most of all, it has been my joy and my privilege.

SLIDE SHOW

Homeschool Graduation

Homeschool Graduation is quite unique and special.  Today was the graduation ceremony for our homeschool support group, Lighthouse, and it was actually the graduation of 36 separate "schools", 36 individual families joining together to celebrate this milestone in the life of their children. This was the largest group yet for our support group; homeschooling just keeps growing and growing!  In our ceremony, parents present the diplomas and have an opportunity to say a few words to their child - a blessing, a charge, a Bible verse, a fond memory ; sometimes a combination of all of these.  We watch slideshows of pictures of the graduates' lives and afterwards eat cake and punch and offer congratulations and best wishes for future endeavors.  There are tears. There is excitement

This group of graduates is going on to study electrical engineering, aerospace engineering, marine science, education, music, graphic design, business, nursing, computer science, journalism, pharmacy, architecture, accounting, history, textile design, American sign language.  One is entering the military, another becoming a mechanic, others still unsure.

Uniformly across the stage, over and over again, parents spoke scripture over and into their children. Many of these young people have already traveled to faraway places to serve those less fortunate than they, and most also serve as volunteers in their communities in numerous ways.  These are young people well equipped to go out and make a mark in the world, to impact people, and to bring glory to God. It was a very hope-filled day.

Proverbs 3:5:6  Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.

Joshua 1:9   Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous! Do not tremble or be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.

Matthew 5:16   .... let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.

Philippians 4:8-9   Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me—practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.


SLIDE SHOW

Weekly Wrap Up : Graduations

Our homeschool year is wrapping up, with just a few more days until "summer" activities start. Jason, my youngest, is finishing his 4th year of our 5-year high school, and will be a senior next year. I can't even begin... nope, not yet, too soon.

 

Tomorrow is our support group graduation ceremony, with 37 homeschooled students receiving their diplomas from mom and dad. Jason is serving as a Junior Marshall and  I, as  a member of the Graduation Planning Committee, am running rehearsal this evening for seniors and their parents.  We'll go over the schedule for tomorrow,  show everyone where to sit, the seniors will practice walking in to Pomp & Circumstance, the groups of seniors and parents will practice walking on and off the stage, finding their marks, learning how to hold the microphone.  "Fist on the chest, not on the belly."  We'll watch the slide shows of "baby to grad" pictures, as well as the group shots from the 2 senior photo shoots we held during the year -  playful shots of blowing bubbles, hula hooping, playing croquet, and cap & gown photos, both serious and raucous!  There will be a few tears.
Next year my husband and I will be up there with our 5th and youngest, handing over a diploma and saying goodbye to 22 years of homeschooling.  I can't even begin... nope, not yet, too soon.
 

Last weekend, we celebrated the achievement of my youngest daughter at her college graduation. Amanda graduated with honors, with a B.S. in Child Development.  She finished her degree on time, in 8 semesters, even after transferring colleges and changing majors after her freshman year.  This is the same child who couldn't read a chapter book until age 12, who took 2 years to get through 6th grade math, who barely squeaked through chemistry after trying 3 different curriculums in 3 years.

 She didn't love school. She took a year off after high school because she didn't know if she wanted any more school, but did decide to go for it, applied to a few colleges and got accepted to one (not her first choice) cried through some of her college courses that she was sure she was failing (but never actually did), made good enough grades to transfer to the college she really wanted to go to, and found her niche.  At the department reception before the college graduation ceremony, her professor gushed over how amazing she is. ( yes, I know!)  She has a job lined up that might not look "successful" to some, based on the pay, but it is an amazing opportunity to help expand a ministry working with immigrant/refugee children in a city apartment complex - running a morning preschool program and an after school tutoring program. She has been interning there for the past semester, her supervisors love her, the kids love her, and SHE loves what she is doing.

My philosophy has always been to take the time we need to learn something, even if it is faster or slower than expected, and to give attention to ALL areas of growth - academic, artistic, relational, practical , emotional, spiritual, physical, etc.  Even though one of our children was struggling in math or reading or writing, we didn't cut back on  things like sports, time with friends, music lessons, camp activities, volunteer work, church involvement, etc. Those other areas were equally important in their overall development and happiness, and that is what I think contributes to ultimate success in life.  Not just taking he hardest courses or getting the highest grades or getting the highest paying job.  I know, pretty radical thinking.

Check out the Weekly Wrap-Up over at Weird Unsocialized Homeschoolers 
for a glimpse into the week of other homeschool families.

College Graduation #4

This weekend was my youngest daughter's college graduation. She earned a B.S degree in Child  Development, graduating cum laude from Appalachian State University.   It really hasn't sunk in yet that she is all done; no longer a student!  She has been living at home for the past few months while doing an internship to complete her major , and they have asked her to remain after graduation.  She will be running a preschool program and also assisting with the after-school homework help program for immigrant/refugee children at a city apartment complex.

It really is an amazing feeling to watch your children grow into awesome adults with lives of their own, separate from you. It hurts like ripping a bandaid off your heart, but it is amazing nonetheless.

Happy Graduation!

Yesterday was Graduation Day for Amanda, the 4th graduate of our homeschool, Cornerstone Academy!

She and 28 other seniors from Lighthouse, our support group, marched into the church auditorium to "Pomp & Circumstance" and were presented diplomas by their parents, who also offered words of congratulations, advice, and blessing to their children.

Mark, following his tradition of presenting our children with a strange yet symbolic gift at graduation, gave Amanda an African Violet plant.  He explained that this represented her upcoming trip to Africa, and also was a reminder that just as plants need care and attention in order to bloom and thrive, so does she, and he encouraged her to make wise choices regarding diet, sleep, relationships, etc.   Also, there are many varieties of African violet, and he proceeded to read a list of the "Ten Varieties of Amanda" -  the whiny Amanda, the athletic Amanda, the prankster Amanda, the creative Amanda, etc.

A video slide show of "growing up" pictures played as each group of seniors and parents walked onto the stage. After that, the new graduates turned their tassels and exited to the Hallelujah Chorus!

Amanda and Emily sang the National Anthem.
(Amanda is singing the harmony)

We celebrated with a Graduation Party back at our house!  This was the culmination of about 2 weeks of serious housework and yardwork! ahh.  It was worth it.

CONGRATULATIONS AMANDA! 

We love you and are proud of you.

End of Year Crunch

Life is a whirlwind around here right now.  Not only is it the end of the school year, but it is the end of the school year with a SENIOR!  whew!

We just spent Easter weekend in Boone. Sarah and Eric both had to stay on campus due to work duties, so we packed up all the Easter baskets and fixin's for Easter dinner and headed for the hills - literally. Friday night we had dinner at Woodlands BBQ in Blowing Rock. Saturday we drove along the Blue Ridge Parkway to a spot they knew for a short hike up to a scenic lookout.  Unfortunately, my knee couldn't handle anything more than a short hike, and I needed some help up and down the trail even at that. Darn worn out knee.  The knee didn't stop me from showing my kids I can still swing a plastic bat and be competitive in Home Run Derby though, and Mom tied for 2nd place.  I cooked dinner in Sarah's apartment on Sat. night, and then fell asleep on the couch watching "Voyage of the Dawn Treader".   I couldn't really hide the Easter baskets this year, since we were in a small apartment, so they were placed on the coffee table - but Jason felt gypped....sorry, buddy.   We worshipped our risen Saviour at Alliance Bible Fellowship, and then enjoyed a dinner of baked ham, Grandma's pineapple sauce, roasted potatoes, whole green beans, rolls, and strawberry shortcake. 

Carolina Capital Homeschool Prom is less than 2 weeks away now!  We have 131 registrations in, with quite a few still expected to arrive this week. Wristbands, candles, and candleholders have been ordered. We met with the caterer last week and decided on the menu for the buffet. The final confirmation emails are going out. Chaperones are lined up.  There are a whole lot of little details to still take care of over the next. If you would, please pray for good weather on May 6.

Our homeschool group has a graduation ceremony each year, and this June we have the largest number of seniors ever!  Thirty students will receive diplomas and congratulations from their parents in a lovely, personalized ceremony on June 4.  I've been helping the Graduation Committee with the plans this year, and am printing the diplomas for the ceremony.  Amanda, my 4th child and baby girl, is graduating this year.  I'll be homeschooling just one child for the next 5 years, until my baby boy finishes high school. Oh my.

Baseball season has arrived - J is playing little league  and also still doing a weekly  private coaching session for basketball.  He continues to love sports and excels in both of these. His favorite sport is basketball during basketball season,  and baseball during baseball season.

Last weekend, Mark and I flew to MA to attend the wedding of his nephew. It was a nice get-away! We haven't seen a good bit of his family in 8 years, since his dad's funeral, so it was a reunion as well.  Sitting around the table with Mark's brothers and sister, we marveled at the longevity of our marriages -  33 years, 29 years, 29 years, 24 years -  and commented that we hoped ( or prayed, in my case) that the bride and groom would carry on that legacy, rather than that of the bride's family, with its multiple broken marriages and relationships, evident even at this happy occasion.

Our cupcake fundraiser has gone extremely well. Amanda has almost reached her goal for the Uganda missions trip.  Since response has been so great, and my friends don't seem to be sick of cupcakes yet, I think I'll continue baking for a while longer, and contribute as much as I can towards Sarah's support for her internship with Safe World Nexus next year. 

I am passing along the reins of support group presidency with Lighthouse at the end of June, and am looking forward to a period of less responsibility in the group, although I do plan to stay active and support the new leaders. :-)  But I feel like I have neglected my house, my husband, our homeschool, and my relationship with the Lord, not giving them the attention they need, due to my other commitments recently.  I hope to rectify that situation.


There is some major cleaning that has to take place here before graduation.  Family is coming to visit, and we'll be having an Open House for friends after the ceremony.  Better go get started on that. 

Savor the moments.

Another College Graduation

Child #2 graduated from Appalachian State University on May 9th, earning summa cum laude honors along with her B.S. in Technical Photography. We are very proud of our girl and all the hard work she put into her college work. Sarah also had a lot of fun during the last four years. :-)

Here is a little poem Amanda and I wrote, which we included in the graduation announcements we made for Sarah.

In 2004 it all began,

When of the Mountaineers and Yosef she became a fan.

She packed her bags and headed to Boone,

Where in East Hall she settled into her first dorm room.

Sarah soon realized designing interiors wasn't her thing,

But learning photography was much more to her liking.

Shag dancing, gospel choir, club volleyball, and Cru...

Sarah found that at ASU there was so much to do!

An RA for Gardner, Daughton, and App.Heights;

With Sarah on duty, there were no drugs, drinking, or fights.

The winters were long and the weather was crappy,

But summer trips to Vienna and Africa made Sarah happy.

Studying and working took up some of her day,

But picnicking, zombie hunting, and waterfall jumping

was how she liked to play.

Now it is 2010 and her college years are done.

On May 9th she'll tak her diploma and run.

A year -long internship with Campus Crusade for Christ in Raleigh

Is what she'll do next, close to friends and family.