A Celebration...

Today we'll be celebrating Granddaughter #2's high school graduation.

It's hard to believe she grew up so fast. 

When it seems like just yesterday, she was sitting on Grandpa's lap.

I'm going to try to recreate this photograph again with them today.

Congratulations, Granddaughter! Grandpa and I are so very proud of you.

Grandson's Graduation...

Grandson earned his Master's Degree in Business yesterday, and we couldn't be prouder. He's graduating cum laude from Concordia College right here in Wisconsin. The second part of his graduation is this afternoon, but due to limited seating, we won't be there, as his other grandparents will be filling the reserved family seats. We attended this ceremony instead. 

The second part of his graduation is his Bachelor's Degree in Business...yes, the two are chronologically backward, but the important part is that he earned both degrees within a four year time frame, and that he did so with a cum laude grade point average. Also notable, is that he accomplished that and traveled to Australia for study, and business classes in London while he completed his work.

Our elder son and his wife were appropriately proud of our Grandson. Because he graduated with honors, we sat with his parents and about four other families in the very front row of the auditorium. We were "VIPs" because he worked so hard. We even sat in front of all the graduates waiting to be presented with their diplomas!

After the ceremony, we all walked out to the shoreline of Lake Michigan - this portion of the shoreline belongs to the college - to take a few photographs. The weather cooperated fully, too, and it was a gorgeous day for a graduation.

We met with the rest of our family and some of Grandson's friends at a local restaurant, and shared a celebratory meal together. We're all so proud of our guy, and all that he's accomplished. He's definitely due a well-earned rest.

I'd just like to share one short story with you before I close this post. When we woke up yesterday, Handsome and I each had a song in our heads. This happens frequently, and we tell each other what we've been "hearing" each time it happens. During our conversation, I said something about something that had the word "foundation" in it. As often is the case, that triggered a musical thought. 

I asked Handsome if he remembered the hymn "The Church's One Foundation". He didn't know, so I began singing it to him. He recognized part of it, so I went to YouTube to play it for him. After I played it, I hit the replay - this time singing along. Fast forward to mid-afternoon.

The college is a faith-based campus, so the graduation ceremony began with the processional, a prayer - and a hymn. The music started and Handsome looked at me in shock. He said, "You just sang this this morning!" Son and daughter-in-law looked at us and said, "What?". We explained after the hymn finished.

Can you believe it? What a coincidence to have - out of all the hymns I know and love - this exact hymn be the one in my head this morning. I had to share the story with you to help me commit it to my blog memories, even though I'm not likely to ever forget this one!

I'm going to come back to earth after being on Cloud Nine all day yesterday. I think hickory syrup is in my immediate future...after my morning cuppa. I hope you have a great weekend!

Celebrating Our Graduate...

Another reminder of why we're so glad we moved back to Wisconsin. On Saturday afternoon, we celebrated our elder granddaughter's high school graduation. The ceremony was held in June. She and her folks decided it would be just the four of them attending the actual high school gratuation event, so we didn't learn until later that she graduated cum laude. We're so proud of her!

Family and friends gathered for an outdoor party at her parent's home (our younger son and his beautiful wife), and the weather couldn't have been more perfect. There was plenty of sunshine with a gentle breeze, great food, and easy conversation. We had a delightful time visiting with both her friends, and her parent's friends - some of whom we've come to know and love over the years - and some new acquaintances for us.

You knew I'd get photographs for you, right? Well, I didn't let you down. The first is a photo I'll cherish of both our granddaughters with Grandpa and Grandma, and a wonderful photograph of the graduate with her Grandpa. This one melts my heart.

So, I'll close today's post with a warm "Congratulations, Granddaughter! We're so proud of you and the young woman you're becoming." 

I'll be back to see you on Wednesday. The short guy with attitude will be back to chat with you tomorrow. I bet you can hardly wait. wink

I'm Late, I'm Late...

Brynwood Needleworks - Julian and Alyssa

 

Sorry I'm late with my post today. New server. New issues. No worries, though. I did a little end-around, and here I am.

Yesterday, our nephew, Julian graduated from high school. (Don't you love his sense of style? He says it's his favorite shirt.) I recorded much of the ceremony, and will be editing it over the next week. 

The picnic was a great opportunity for Uncle Handsome to discuss Julian's future plans, which include a career in music education. Of course, we're on board with that program, and will support his decision as we're able. It was also great to visit with his sweet girlfriend, Alyssa, and his brother.

The foccacia was a hit, and there was so much food, a person had to put on blinders. I do believe a good time was had by all, and near the end of the party, we packed up the Nesco™ I'd brought to heat up our contributions, packaged the last of the four foccacia halves I'd brought - as Jules wanted to take that home with him - and loaded up to drive back down the valley from Green Bay to the farmhouse. 

I was (as the British say) knackered. I had a cuppa tea and promptly fell asleep in the chair. Bedtime came early, but I'm refreshed and ready to face a new week. I've got a full dance card, so I'm going to get right to it today. The sun is shining, the temperature will be perfect for drying clean sheets on the line, and the studio calls. 

 

We also have to pick up new kennel panels some time this week (so the dogs will have new digs as we prepare to breed Bella to a handsome Texan with an impressive pedigree), and I have an upcoming show that requires a whole new inventory. Yep. I have a feeling June is going to fly by. You'll want to follow along, so you don't miss a single bit! See you tomorrow.

I Haven't Forgotten...

Stitching Silk Butterfly Wings

 

I haven't forgotten about this project. (This is my Red Spotted Purple Butterfly project from my studies with The Royal School of Needlework in Kentucky.)  I've been busy in other directions, but finally decided to sit and stitch yesterday afternoon.

 

Silk Threads

 

I'm using single strands of silk threads, so this is going to take a little while. I will say, that it's extremely restful and satisfying working on these wings. I'll update as I continue working on each wing. I just didn't want you to think I forgot about it.

 

 

My class reunion is tonight. I'm looking forward to seeing old friends. I'm working at the registration table, so I'll get to see everyone as they come in. Hard to believe I graduated decades ago. I still feel as though it were just yesterday. Okay...almost just yesterday. It's going to be a great time!

 

Sunday Scripture...

Our newest graduate!

"Commit to the LORD whatever you do, and your plans will succeed."

                                                    - Proverbs 16:3

Another Celebration...

My niece, Stephanie and her son, E

Today, we'll celebrate the tenacity and commitment of my beautiful niece, Stephanie. This young, single mother of an active eleven year old will be graduating from Marian University with a Bachelor's Degree in Marketing. Magna. cum. laude!!!

While she completed her studies she continued to work a full-time job, wass den mother for her son's Boy Scout troop, and still managed to make their little house a home. On evenings when she might be able to have some time to herself (like when E. goes to spend an overnight with Grandpa), its not unusual to find her cleaning house and doing laundry. She's so dedicated to making a better life for herself and her son that she's willing to do whatever it takes.

She and I talk on the telephone frequently, usually as she's on her way from one thing to another, and I've been proud to be one of her biggest cheerleaders. I marvel at her energy, her integrity and her sense of responsibility and purpose.

I'll be right there next to her mom, dad, son and of course, Handsome as we celebrate her achievement. Never one to rest on her laurels, Steph has already set her next goal - to save her money to be able to purchase her first home for her and E, and I just know it won't be long before she realizes that goal, too!

Our family will gather together to salute her achievement and applaud the culmination of all her hard work. Today we shall make merry! Congratulations, Stephanie!

Time Sure Flies...

You may have noticed the picture of the good looking young man on my left sidebar. He's my nephew, Lydell III, son of my brother by the same name (except his name has a II after it!). Lydell is graduating from Centennial Sr. High School in the St. Paul, MN area this weekend.

Now, I want you to know that it seems like just yesterday that I took this photograph of him (second from the left) with his younger brother and two cousins. The whole family was gathered for his brother's birthday when I managed to get them all to pose for me on their slide. Aren't they the cutest collection of little boys ever?

Aunties are known for bringing out the family album at the slightest notice, and considering that I'm now a Grandma, too, the impulse to pluck a golden oldie out of the archives was impossible for me to resist.

So, Lydell, my nephew, you've grown up almost in the blink of my eye and you've become a fine young man. Congratulations on your graduation, and all our prayers and best wishes go with you as you embark on your next great adventure.

l-r: Westyn, Lydell, Cain and Logan (four of my six nephews)