NOT ANY EASIER

 

 We thought maybe the third time bringing one of our kids to college would be easier.

It wasn’t, it was just as hard😕

We are really going to miss this girl…

in the blink of an eye,

you grew up

Dear Lydia,

I think for these past few weeks, I've been holding my emotions back and being in denial about what your graduation means to me.

But this morning, the floodgates opened.

Your graduation is much different even than Abigail's or Stephen's.  When each of them graduated, I had the reassurance that there were still more of you at home yet.  I wasn't done. 

I know I still will have the little boys at home (forever probably J), but in terms of our "first family", you graduating marks the end of that era.

You three older kids have been my life's work for the past 23 years.  And now you are the last of that group to move on to the next season of life where I no longer will be able to parent you up close and personal.  You will now have 2 places where you live, and your heart will start to belong to more than just this home.  You will have many more people influence your life than just Dad and I.  You will make big life decisions on your own.  We will always be here to guide and advise, but it will be up to you whether you ask for or accept our help.  

This morning, despite my tears, I was filled with such gratitude and thankfulness to the Lord that He allowed me to stay at home and care for all of you for all these years.  It has been such a privilege, joy, and incredible opportunity to watch over all your growing up moments.  I have just loved this season of life . 

I know that great and incredible experiences are ahead of me as I parent during this new season of life, but right now I am just a little sad because I have to say goodbye to one of the best times of my life- being a parent to you, Abigail, and Stephen as you went from newborns to high school graduates.  

Thank you for all the joy you have brought me over the years.  

You are amazing Lydia Grace!  We love you so much!  May you experience the blessings of God in your new adventures in life.

And now, two of my favorite photos of you and Dad and I.  

 

     

HERE WE GO (AGAIN)

         

OUR LYDIA'S GRADUATION!

Last day of high school

Getting ready for her graduation party in the park

Lydia displays some of her favorite artwork at her party    

Cake No. 1 we used for the party

Cake No. 2 we used for Graduation Day at-home celebration

Our family on Graduation Day minus Stephen who is busy with his college finals up in MN

Lydia and her very best friend, Tucker

The big moment when Lydia’s name is called.  Announcer mistakenly said “Lydia France” instead of “Lydia Grace”- our Sue Heck moment 😊

My favorite show 

“The Middle”

Click HERE for funny Middle clip #1

A funny but meaningful thought about leaving a legacy

Click HERE for funny Middle clip #2

HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATION-TAKE 2

Stephen will be graduating from high school on 6-3!  So many emotions, happy and sad, as I think about and prepare for that event. 

Here are some thoughts I shared with him about my hopes and dreams for his future:

THE WIND ON YOUR BACK

For me when I think about wanting you to have the wind on your back, my first thought is I hope you have much happiness and success in your life.  However, perhaps more importantly, I hope that all that your dad and I have taught you over the years will stick with you, pushing your forward in your endeavors.  I hope that we have given you a good foundation that you can build your hopes and dreams upon. 

Proverbs 1:8-9

Listen, my son, to your father’s instruction and do not forsake your mother’s teaching.

They are a garland to grace your head and a chain to adorn your neck.

THE SUN IN FRONT OF YOU

Stephen I hope that you will always keep Christ as the center and main focus of your life.  I hope that in all you do, you do it for the glory of the Lord.

Hebrews 12:2:…Fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.

YOUR FRIENDS BESIDE YOU

I hope you continue with the many wonderful friendships you have formed over the years here in Cedar Grove.  I hope that you make good friends and have great fun when you are at Carleton College.   But most of all, I hope you always have at least one or two good Christian friends in your life.  These friends will encourage you, guide you, and keep you accountable in your relationship to the Lord.  I also hope this is true of your future wife someday- that she will share in your love of Jesus and that the two of you can build your marriage upon that firm foundation. 

Ecclesiastes 4:9:Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their toil. For if they fall, one will lift up his fellow. But woe to him who is alone when he falls and has not another to lift him up!

I love you so much Stephen.  You have brought me so much joy and happiness.  I am so proud to be your mother and to call you my son.  I am so excited for your future even though I will be so sad to say good bye to you this fall.  I will miss you greatly.  Please remember we are only a phone call (or text) away.  Please don't forget about us. 

CONGRATULATIONS STEPHEN!  

WE LOVE YOU SO MUCH!

One of my favorite photos of 

Stephen and his little brothers!

Two of my favorites of Stephen and I

(Look! He's giving me a hug and kiss!)

GETTING READY TO GRADUATE OUR OLDEST

Our oldest Abigail Joy is graduating from high school in less than 30 days.  I don't know where the time as gone because it sure feels like just yesterday she was my little baby girl.  We are very proud of her and excited for what is in store for her.  But I can't help thinking often these days, "If only they could just stay little."  Letting go is hard for me.

I wrote Abigail a letter as one of her graduation gifts to tell her how much I love her and how much she means to me.  I shared with her that someone once wrote that everything they needed to know about life, they learned in kindergarten.  Here is my version of that idea that I wrote to Abigail:

1. Read your Bible and pray every day.

Don't forget what is most important in life and

what your true purpose in life is.

2. Always wash your hands before you eat.

Take good care of yourself and make good healthy choices.

3. Always cover your mouth when you cough.

Take good care of others.  Be a good friend and show

love and concern for those around you.

4.  Walk , don't run.

Think things through before you act.  Be safe.

5. Always look both ways before you cross the street.

Make good smart decisions in life and have correct

information to base those decisions on.

6. And finally, memorize your name, phone number,

 and address in case you ever get lost.

Don't ever forget we will always be the

place you can come home to.

I love you Abigail Joy! 

Congratulations on your graduation!