Mary Graduates from High School!

This post is of course a bittersweet one. I love celebrating with our kids in their accomplishments, but of course am sad that an era has ended. Mary will be leaving us soon, but I can't even go there yet. Today I am happy and thrilled at her accomplishment as she is only the 2nd person in her biological family to graduate from high school. That alone deserves an entire day of happiness. She has worked so hard to get to this day, and while she herself is emotional and sad: We are so proud of her!

The morning started with a Baccalaureate service in which the students received a blessing from the Headmaster and Principals. Remember we attend a private, christian school. I have attended many graduations, even graduated from a private, christian college, but what a special, tender moment to hear the words of scripture read over my child. Words like: purity, diligence, being a woman armed and ready, and a beautiful smile that God gave her! Very tender and emotional. After that, we moved onto the graduation and it was also very personal. The Bible teacher from our school gave the commencement address and read from Hebrews, he gave the girls (all girls in her class) 13 things to take with them. My favorites: Have a clear conscience and live honorably to the Lord.

After that, we came home for a quick party here with family and friends. We had Mary's favorites: CFA nuggets, pickles, deli sandwiches, and buttercream icing on her cake. My favorite party find was the cups I bought for the party. They read, "The tassel was worth the Hassle!"

Enjoy some shots from our day!

Mary in all her pomp and circumstance!





Changing her tassel! Woo-Hoo. An official graduate!







Mary's biological brother made it today, so precious together!

Little J was even super proud of his big sister!