Okay... this past week was my crazy busy week. I was going non-stop and often did not even have time to eat. I cried a few times- happy and sad tears. Mostly happy... I just have to admit that this past week has been amazing!!!!
Yesterday, McKay graduated from high school. She leaves for BYU in TWO WEEKS. Everyone keeps asking why is she starting the Summer session. Ha! Well, when she applied McKay marked Summer admission by mistake. Even though she would have rather started in the FALL. So when it came back and we realized it, we talked and decided that it was probably a good thing. She could go to school when it's less crowded, she could look for a job there for the next year and that it would have been hard for her to find a job around our home for just the Summer. Plus, she can go and get some of her harder pre-requisites done. Poor girl is SO NERVOUS!!! I remember feeling the SAME thing.
It is tradition for me to take photos the day of their graduation. I do a little photo shot for the me to remember the day. It is a important milestone in life.
So many times in life- it's WHEN did you graduate?
I think being a mother is my "crowning" and most important thing I can or ever will do in this life. I stress daily if I am ENOUGH and if I am doing a good job. I realize that I need to guide them through example. Unfortunately, I grew up with a father that was ..."Do as I say and not as I do!" I wanted to be different. Oh, man have I made so many mistakes. I just hope they know my intentions and forgive me.
Have you ever wished that your kids came with a MANUEL? I have. I admit that I do often feel so confused and every single one of my kids are different. What is best for ONE is not right for another!
Like my silly McKay- she is so YELLOW. *personality test color! This girl is over the top just sweet, carefree, and not a care in the world. She is my easy going, just full of life and lives in the stars. She sees the best in others. Everyone has always loved her and she is blessed with countless friends. I love that she is a friend to everyone and is kind. She is always saying silly things and making everyone laugh. She just has a way of making everyone feel loved and special around her.
She is super close with Gentry and Taylor. I love watching the girls together. It is so special to me. They call each other EVERY SINGLE day... and me too! Family is everything to us and I worked hard to make sure they know that we are here to help each other.
I have put a lot of my focus on making sure my kids know how important education is. I have always felt that ANYTHING is possible if you work hard enough. You can be and do anything if you BELIEVE. I think as parents we need to give our kids WINGS of beliefs so that they can FLY... I am a firm believer in telling my kids positive affirmations. Well, all kids need this. If we dwell on the negative it will "sit in their heads forever." Honestly, it was because my dad was very cruel to me. I think maybe I over compensate at times. ha! I just don't want ANY child to have to have the feelings of doubt and feeling unloved that I faced every day from my dad. I just try to focus on the good I see in people. My kids have lots of weaknesses and faults. I think there is way to help them see them and grow from them without making them feel like they are doomed with the weaknesses.
Here we are at the graduation. It is held at SLCC- since they had 500 graduates. It was a beautiful warm day. I saw so many of McKay's friends from K-12. THIRTEEN years together. I simply love her friends. I love them so much and am thankful for their goodness.
McKay is here getting her diploma. You can see her photo on the screen. Can you believe I did not cry? I was and am just happy for her and her friends.
Here she is with her best friend Josilyn. Now they are going off to college together.
I took 133 photos at graduation. Yes, thankfully I can and did post them all on FACEBOOK. McKay wanted photos with all her friends. We spent over hour after graduation ended taking photos. I am printing them out today to make her a book.
I am so thankful for Gentry and Devan who helped me by making the money leis for her graduation. I called to order one and they were out. So Gentry googled how to do it and they made it the night before. This one held 43 dollars. Cute huh?
McKay was hugging and telling all of her friends how much she loved them... every single one of them. She said over and over... YOUR my favorite... and she meant it. I was touched!!!!
I hope that she will make an effort to keep in touch with her friends. I know how hard it gets with life.
It was just a fabulous day and I am so thankful for photos to help her remember it!
Today we are going on a fun hike up the canyon and I have lots of crafting to do. Love Saturdays at home with the family!!!!!!
