Remember Ashton's last post about her getting a little teary-eyed when she heard "Pomp and Circumstance" at her first (of many) graduation/Grand March practices? Mark, myself, Ashton and Eric went shopping on Friday for her celebration party. I heard "Mom, look what I found" and there she was, holding an ample supply of tissues.
Perhaps we should purchase an entire pallet of tissues? After yesterday's Baccalaureate service I think we should. I did well when I first saw Ashton and her class march into the church in their caps and gowns but when one of the clergy gave a very lovely and inspiring message to the Seniors the tears welled up. I quickly got under control, thinking if I was losing it on Sunday, what the heck will I be like by Thursday night's Class Awards, let alone Class Day on Friday morning, graduation and the Grand March ?
Ashton was delighted that Grammy and Louise came to the service. Grammy is fast and very furiously knitting strips for Ashton's afghan. Dear Louise gave Ashton an early graduation gift of a massage. Ashton will enjoy that on Wednesday after marching practice. Ashton is tickled pink (!) that Louise and Sarah have arrived here after their long journey from Texas via RV in time to celebrate with us.
I must "brag" here a bit. Mark has been with Ashton, Benjamin, Courtney and I for just eight years but has had such an impact on all of our lives.He has been through many ups and downs we have been through, keeping us focused and sane. He has been through the pre-teen and teenage years with Ashton as well as the teen years and college years (!) with Benjamin. To Mark, these are his "kids" and for that we are so very fortunate. He will be just as proud, happy and excited as I will be through this next week. And the calmest! 
Geez, do I have time to lose about 10 pounds by Friday??
Last evening Ashton and her classmates were the guests of honor at the traditional Alumni Dinner. And yes, I did wonder if she should be wearing leggings or knickers under that dress! However, in the next photo there is quite a change from the dressed-up young lady in the prior photo. She asked me if she could wear her "Hooters" shirt to marching practice today. This is the last of three children graduating...why the heck not? I have changed alot since Courtney graduated in 1997....as the kids will all attest! I say life is too short.... If what she wears today is the only crisis of the day then I am happy.
Here is part of our huge yard. Here is a large pile of mulch, delivered almost two weeks ago. See the large pile mulch sitting there....See how it has rained here off and on for almost two weeks. See the mosquitoes and black flies that are as big as B-52 bombers... See Cheryl out in the yard between showers one night in almost complete darkness spreading the mulch around. I am trying desperately to have our home looking nice for graduation/celebration day! Mark is mowing the lawn in between all the rain and his job. Never mind that the dust bunnies inside are reproducing very quickly, the vacuum cleaner doesn't know how to operate itself, and the kitchen floor is white-really!
Here is Miss Ashton's very busy agenda for the week....today she has to rehearse her speech for Class Day as she is the Class Historian. When she asked me to look it over this morning she warned me that I might cry-I didn't, not really-only a few tears. Marching practice this morning, tomorrow morning as well as Wednesday and Thursday. Tuesday night the class will be guests of the Masons at a cook-out. Wednesday she has to help fill hundreds of balloons with her classmates for the Grand March, then her massage. (Hey Tun, if you can't make it to the appointment I know someone who would love to take your place)! Ashton and I will make a (mad) dash for food for the party. Thursday a.m. she has Teacher's Awards at 8 a.m., marching practice (again)and Awards night at 7 p.m. Then Friday Class Day at 8 a.m., graduation at 2 p.m. and of course the grand finale-the Grand March at 8 p.m. Meanwhile I have a call out for a facial appointment for her SOMETIME this week! Its hectic, crazy and nerve-wracking all at once but many, many happy memories are being made. Back to those tissues again, maybe I WILL buy a case on Wednesday....
Geez, do I have time to lose about 10 pounds by Friday??Last evening Ashton and her classmates were the guests of honor at the traditional Alumni Dinner. And yes, I did wonder if she should be wearing leggings or knickers under that dress! However, in the next photo there is quite a change from the dressed-up young lady in the prior photo. She asked me if she could wear her "Hooters" shirt to marching practice today. This is the last of three children graduating...why the heck not? I have changed alot since Courtney graduated in 1997....as the kids will all attest! I say life is too short.... If what she wears today is the only crisis of the day then I am happy. Here is part of our huge yard. Here is a large pile of mulch, delivered almost two weeks ago. See the large pile mulch sitting there....See how it has rained here off and on for almost two weeks. See the mosquitoes and black flies that are as big as B-52 bombers... See Cheryl out in the yard between showers one night in almost complete darkness spreading the mulch around. I am trying desperately to have our home looking nice for graduation/celebration day! Mark is mowing the lawn in between all the rain and his job. Never mind that the dust bunnies inside are reproducing very quickly, the vacuum cleaner doesn't know how to operate itself, and the kitchen floor is white-really!Here is Miss Ashton's very busy agenda for the week....today she has to rehearse her speech for Class Day as she is the Class Historian. When she asked me to look it over this morning she warned me that I might cry-I didn't, not really-only a few tears. Marching practice this morning, tomorrow morning as well as Wednesday and Thursday. Tuesday night the class will be guests of the Masons at a cook-out. Wednesday she has to help fill hundreds of balloons with her classmates for the Grand March, then her massage. (Hey Tun, if you can't make it to the appointment I know someone who would love to take your place)! Ashton and I will make a (mad) dash for food for the party. Thursday a.m. she has Teacher's Awards at 8 a.m., marching practice (again)and Awards night at 7 p.m. Then Friday Class Day at 8 a.m., graduation at 2 p.m. and of course the grand finale-the Grand March at 8 p.m. Meanwhile I have a call out for a facial appointment for her SOMETIME this week! Its hectic, crazy and nerve-wracking all at once but many, many happy memories are being made. Back to those tissues again, maybe I WILL buy a case on Wednesday....
4 comments:
It's going to be an emotional whirlwind of a week for all of you! Hugs...and yes, tissues by the pallet is probably a good idea. ;)
What a great dad Mark is! You're all very lucky.
The tissue business reminds me of my daughter's wedding. I'm usually quite stoic and it NEVER occured to me to bring any tissues to the church. However, when I saw my daughter walk down the aisle on my husband's arm somebody started to sob uncontrollably. Good grief! It was me! My friends saw my problem and started sending up tissues like they used to pass water buckets for fires. Good gracious! Yes, bring tissues!
I can see that the hysteria is mounting, Cheryl. High school graduations are treated as such big occasions nowadays, aren't they, compared with my graduation, at least. I recall a baccalaureate, maybe (but I'm not sure) an awards assembly, and the graduation itself. Maybe the awards were given at the graduation. Anyway, definitely no manicures, pedicures, facials, massages, or any of that fun stuff was part of the deal.
Tun, I am very proud of the things you have accomplished in the last few years, Without fanfare or public recognition.It speaks volumes about your charachter and those that have raised you, especially in a time where it seems that most people your age are self absorbed and oblivious to the ways of the world.Remember a couple of things.
1.Be nice to everyone on your way up,Because they are the same people you will have to pass on the way back down.
2. For some reason there are more horses asses in this world than there are horses.
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