Leaving The Nest

I am sitting here watching the new baby birds that are finally showing themselves outside my window. I am watching the momma and daddy birds take constant care of them. It reminds me of taking care of my kids. They always seem to be hungry or needing something. It is a never ending thing. There are times when I wish I could slow down and take a breather. Well today I am able to have that breather although I am not too sure about it. My house is extremely quiet. The older two boys have left for youth camp and my youngest is at a friend's house for the day and evening. Jeff and I will have a very rare time of no children at home tonight. I am constantly on the go with the boys and used to dealing with their noises and such that the quiet is almost too much. I find myself turning up the radio or television to make up for the lack of noise. You know with all the hustle and rushing around that we do, there are times when I just wish for some quiet time of my own. Today has taught me that quiet isn't all that it is cracked up to be. I guess I say that now because of what has happened this past week. I am wanting my children close to me. Jeff would say that my apron strings have tightened up again. He is right. They seem to be tighter these last couple of weeks. I know that just as the momma and daddy birds will help their babies learn to fly and leave the nest, I am doing the same thing with my babies. At some point we have to let them fly on their own just as the baby birds will someday do.

Karla Ford

This is Lynne's blog today. On Friday morning, we learned that a beautiful young lady in our community had passed away suddenly in a car wreck. We had the privilege of knowing Karla this year because she was Andy's date for his senior prom. She was very athletic and excelled in everything that she put her mind to. She had a very sweet personality and a lot of spunk. I know that several times I observed her with her family and I knew that she was close to them all and loved so much. She will be missed greatly by all the students at Maypearl as well as those of us who knew her. I would ask that you pray for her family. I can only imagine what they are going through at this time. I was happy to learn from Andy that she was a Christian so I know that one day we will see her again. As her parents told the media, hug your children a little bit more than you normally do. Someone at church today reminded me that the dishes can wait, the house can stay messy, but the time with our children is fleeting. Spend more time with your kids and let them know you love them more than they know.

Andy's Graduation

Well, it only took 17 years, but Andy is now a High School graduate. His Momma didn't even cry at the ceremony. The entire class came down before graduation started for a group picture. Can you see Andy in the picture? (It's kinda like Where's Waldo?)
There he is! There were a lot of smiling faces in the group. A lot of goofin' around too.
This was the Valedictorian, Simeon. He gave a good speech with a lot of humor in it. Then we sat through a long slide show of every student in the class. They finally started handing out the diplomas to the kids.
And there comes Andy! Right before I took this picture our youth minister, John E., set of his air horn from the balcony. He almost made GranPa jump out of his seat.
Andy first shook the hand of the School Board President, Allan Wilson. I graduated with Allan and he was one of Andy's little league coaches.
He then received his diploma from the High School Principle, KayLynn Day.
He then had his tassel move by Rosanna Simpson, one of the math teachers.
They then gave him a rose which he brought over and gave to his Momma.
After all the diplomas were handed out it was time for Andy to give the closing prayer.
Then everyone threw their hats (hoping not to put an eye out) and it was over.
When we got to the house all the family that was there had their picture made with The Graduate.