Katie's Graduation

Last night was Katie's Graduation. Katie said last night was so special to her. She worked very hard to graduate and then one of her best friends,who she has not seen in a while, made it to see her Graduate .It was such a blessing to see her so happy. Her family was very excited and also very proud of her. She was so thrilled to have her family and friends there. We started the evening with dinner out and then headed over to Hershey Free Church for Graduation. It was a nice program with the various speakers, one of them was one of Katie's favorite teachers that left the school and area after she got cancer. The staff gave each senior a character awards that they felt demonstrates the student's character. Each senior gave their mom a single rose. Katie plans on attending HACC in the fall and would like to transfer to Liberty University in a year or so.

John's Preschool Graduation

Okay it feels so odd to have one child graduating preschool and another graduating High School at the same time. John's graduation was small but cute they sang songs, got their diploma and had a small party. He is all set for kindergarten in the Fall WWHHOOO!!

He is growing so fast....

Today Johnny was at the Pathfinder fair at BMA. He was so excited to wear his uniform and march in the parade. As I was waiting for Johnny and the other Adventures. I started getting teary...He is my baby and growing so fast. I am enjoying watching all of my children grow up. This month is full of events at our house. I will post again

soon. :)

Thanksgiving, Ryan's first visit, and Johnny turns "5"...

Wow it has been a while since I have posted. The past week went by so fast and was super busy. I enjoyed it all. The week started with John's 5th birthday. We got Batman cupcakes which we took to his preschool so he could share with his friends.

Wednesday Ryan came home. That was awesome. We all went to the train station to get him. He has not been home since he went to school in August. We have missed him very much. There were tears of joy!! One of the first things that I had him do was go see Melissa to get his hair cut...it was long!! I was so thankful he could get it cut. Then on Thanksgiving we had dinner at Grandma and Pop-pop's. It was a lovely meal. There was 16 of us. After dinner we had the rest of John's cupcakes.

He wanted to celebrate his birthday when Pip, Ryan and grandapretns could all be together.

He got to open his big gift from mom and dad. He was so excited!

After dinner I headed to Sea Isle City to see my dad and family. I was able to have Thanksgiving dinner with them since they have dinner later. It was a great holiday. It is now Sunday and I am decorating for Christmas to help brighten my spirts. Ryan is back at school and it was very hard seeing him leave again. We all enjoyed having him home.

It was not long before he was wrestling with his little brothers. I hope everyone had a wonderful holiday.

Ryan Graduates!!!!!

I can't believe it but my son has graduated high school. It was a lovely weekend. On Friday night the juniors marched and then the Seniors in their cap and gowns. When I saw Ryan in his cap and gown I cried. I can't believe he is graduating. He looks so grown up but yet he still has to be told to clean up his dirty clothes!! The speaker Friday night was Elder Manente. He spoke about profit and not comprising your self, family or values for a profit. It was excellent. Then on Saturday the seniors marched before church. We did not see Ryan march since we were at home getting ready to go up later that day and spend the night. My mother in law went up and was there for Ryan and Kara. They enjoyed having lunch and spending time with her after church on Sabbath. Then we went up Saturday evening for dinner and the parent tribute program. The seniors gave a short testimony how they appreciate their parents. It was very touching and I cried. I started crying Friday night and didn't stop til Sunday night after everything was over.

Then after the parent tribute the seniors pass a candle to each one of the juniors to symbolize the juniors becoming seniors. It was very nice.

Then Sunday morning Pip and Cody were so sweet and stood outside the gym doors until they opened to make sure we good seats to see and so I would get a good picture of Ryan during graduation. Early Sunday morning Ryan was out on the field playing soccer with some friends until we made him come pack up his dorm room. Then at 9:15am all the seniors were to meet to get ready to line up for graduation. Ryan of course was still dressing....and running late.

When I saw Kara and Ryan march in for graduation it was so touching. They are so grown up and looked so wonderful.... this was the Principal's last year at Blue Mountain Academy. The commencement speaker was the principal. He has been there 23 years and this was the first time he was asked to be the graduation speaker. He was very touched that he was asked to be their speaker. Then it was time to watch Ryan and Kara get their diplomas it was awesome.

I can't explain how moving it is was to hear his name called and watch him receive his diploma. I just broke down. We are very proud of Ryan. He graduated with honors and the presidents award.

Then when it was over we had a party back home in Hershey.

For Ryan and Kara's gift I put together a frame with their baby picture and senior picture. It had a matte so everyone could sign it for them to wish them luck. It was a great day.

I have 3 cousins and two nephews that will be graduating the next few weeks. This weekend was the first of many graduation parties....

Katie's Formal Dinner

Okay first let me say I barely survived preparing for this formal dinner I will never survive when it comes to her wedding. Katie did not want to go the formal but her friends insisted so she gave in. I am glad she did. Well with only 4 weeks to get ready she needed a dress, shoes, her hair done and someone to go with her. She went with her friend Tylar to the dinner. She went shopping and found a dress it was a nice dress and looked great on her. She brought it home and a week later changed her mind. So she returned it and the shaw. So then she went shopping and could not find anything she liked or the dress did not fit her well.

Well after searching many stores she found one. It was very pretty better than the first one. Well then she needed new shoes because the other pair matched the first dress not this one. Then that became the challenge finding shoes she liked that worked with the dress. Finally two nights before the dance she found a pair. Oh wait did I mention both pairs of shoes were black.... So the big day was here and I had to work. So I asked Katie to take a camera so her cousin Melissa could take a pic after she did her hair. After school Katie came home and painted her nails to match her dress. Then she went to Melissa's to have her hair done. She called me at work to tell me she was coming by work to show me her hair. She liked it so much!! Here are the pictures that I took before the dinner, of her flowers from Tylar, he is so nice, and then the pictures taken at her dinner. It was a very nice evening. Katie had a great time. I have not seen Tylar to ask him but I think he did too.

Today is my 40th Birthday......

My 40th birthday has been very special. It started with my wonderful husband was planning a surprise party for me. I stopped him when I found out since we were going on a cruise and our son's graduation is around the corner. We went on a family cruise last month to Nassau. We all had a wonderful time. For my birthday my mother in law took me out to breakfast yesterday at Martin's Kitchen.I love their homefries. It was very nice. I love to eat especially when someone else is cooking and cleaning up. Today I went to mother's group and my sister in law said a prayer of praise for me and they sang Happy Birthday to me. It made me teary.
Then this afternoon I got fresh roses from my children. My sweet daughter organized with her brothers and they paid for them. Don't they look awesome. My mom and step dad are taking us out to eat tonight at Friendly's. Then on Friday I am having lunch with my best friend at TGI Fridays. I got cards from friends and family. I am a card person. I really like cards and think cards are thoughtful. Somone had to take time to find the right card for your special day. Then tonight I will watch one of my favorite shows Law N Order SVU. I will probably scrapbook too. The only way today could be better is if I won the lottery, (cash or chocolate). It has been so special! Turning 40 is not so bad! Now 50 that maybe harder....