She passed!

After three attempts to schedule the test (government bureaucracy at its finest), Savannah finally took her road test today.  She passed.  Savannah does not rattle easily over tests, and that's a good thing since her instructor showed up at our house instead of school to take her to the test.  Their shortened time together meant very little pre-test practice.  

This experience differed for her from Zach's.  Zach gave up his learner's permit and received his actual license on the day he took his road test.  His license had a sticker on it to indicate that it was a restricted license.  That sticker was removed six months later at the County Clerk's office.  Savannah kept her learner's permit, and the sticker was placed on it which makes more sense.  I guess she will get her new card indicating that she is fully licensed in six months - if she doesn't blow it and have to start over from scratch.  While free to drive on her own, Savannah must live with some restrictions for the next six months.  She cannot drive from midnight until 6:00 a.m., and she cannot drive with more than one non-family member in the car.

I took her out to celebrate with dessert from a local ice cream and bakery shop.  I thought she would be more excited, but her excitement over passing the road test was dampened by a very difficult physics test today.  Andy and I lost some of our joy in the occasion when he added her to our car insurance -- a big drain on our income.  Yikes!

Savannah enjoyed cookies 'n' creme cheesecake while I enjoyed one of the best desserts known to man - pecan pie with chocolate chips.  I also celebrated the fact that for the first time in a couple of weeks, I came home from work and did not take pain medication.  I still have pain, but it has been bearable today.  It's worse in the morning and improves gradually throughout the day.  I know I will likely take something before I go to bed, but one small victory gives me hope that this may soon be behind me (that may or may not be a pun).

Ring Ceremony, Class of 2016

Big day for Savannah!  She received her class ring along with several of her classmates tonight.

Zach's ceremony seemed more meaningful to me.  They kept the focus on the community of the class and the rings while Savannah's ceremony almost seemed more like a graduation.  Zach's ceremony occurred during the day followed by a nice luncheon.  Savannah's ceremony took place in the evening which allowed for Andy to attend as he could not attend Zach's.  It made it easier for me to attend, but I definitely think there should have at least been a dessert reception afterward.  Instead, it was a crazy free for all as people tried to gather for pictures.  I will also say that Zach also visited his elementary campus which was near the luncheon and shared his big day with the teachers who remembered him, and I know the teachers loved that a few students did that.  Savannah's class was not afforded the same opportunity.

I love the cut and color of Savannah's stone.  It is really eye-catching in the right light.  Because her name is long, and her ring is small, she opted to have her last name on one side of the stone and her class year on the other.  One side of her ring reflects her school experience with both visual and musical arts.  The other side includes her sports: field hockey and track along with a cross.  She really debated about field hockey since she has not played since freshman year, but I reminded her that for most students a class ring is solely a high school ring.  However, Savannah has attended the same school since kindergarten making this a school ring, and she spent more years playing field hockey than track, so it makes sense.  

We finished the evening with ice cream and a few friends.  Savannah is having a very stressful junior year, but good things are happening weekly.  Class ring this week, maybe a restricted driver's license next?  - We shall see.

Frugal Moms tip:  We paid for Savannah's ring by saving for it from the time she was in elementary school.  All the kids have savings accounts that were started when they were babies or when they joined the family.  We put a very small amount in each of those accounts each pay period.  We started with $5 per child.  When they reached fourth grade, we doubled that amount. Just a little bit accumulates nicely over time, and these accounts should cover class rings, senior pictures, and the senior trip.  Our original goal was that they would kick-start college, but high school has its own pricey details.  Zach's account has covered some college expenses, and Savannah's account covered the fee for her dual credit class which will give her four hours of college credit when she completes it.

The Launch

We did it!  We drove hours away from home and left our firstborn on a college campus.  So far, everyone is still breathing.

A new brotherhood begins.  The football team had much to do yesterday.  The head coach met with the parents and pointed out that about 1% of high school football players get to play college football. His team has an opportunity to play in Africa next year, and this will be only the second organized football game ever on that continent.  I would like to see Zach have that opportunity, but he has to raise $3500 to do it.

 Because Zach was busy, we did much of the leg work of moving him in.  He and his roommate turned their beds into loft beds under the direction of his roommate's dad.  After that, the siblings of both these guys took over.  John's sisters unpacked and organized his stuff.  Savannah set up Zach's desk. Julia made his bed and is now very concerned that he will turn over and fall off or that he will hit his head on the ceiling that is only about 2.5 feet above him. Wyatt folded his clothes and put them up in his dresser.

Did I mention that Zach started packing for college at 4:00 on Monday afternoon?  That was supposed to be departure time.  We discovered that both his brake lights were out at 4:30ish, so they had to be fixed.  Somehow he made it, and everything we had to purchase after we got there was not left behind, we just didn't realize he would need it.

We stuck around on campus far longer than we should have with school starting at home today, but we were determined to pray over him before leaving, and he had lots of football stuff to do.  We had to miss the team dinner to which the parents were invited. Savannah prayed for his adjustment and noted how much he means to her.  Wyatt prayed for his ability to handle good and tough times.  There were tears, and we left him.  He was nervous and uncertain. It is hard to leave everyone you know and go where you know nobody especially when you are more than a day trip away from home.  However, hints at a tough midnight practice were being spread, and an apparent slip 'n' slide that appeared to involve girls had him a little more at ease about the night ahead.

I don't think I have ever set foot on a friendlier campus.  Everyone introduced themselves and welcomed Zach with open arms.  He is definitely in good hands.

They are so very close, and this is hard for both of them.

Football camp started at midnight last night.  We aren't allowed to call him for two weeks, but we can text.  I hope he is having fun being on the field again for the sport he loves.

Savannah challenged Zach to get a 4.0.  Julia told him not to get involved with many hot chicks.  Wyatt told him to be careful of hot chicks (they are trouble).

We arrived at home at 11:00 last night and left Zach in another time zone.  We were so tired last night and starting today which happened to be the first day of  school.

Go Panthers!  Go #67!!

We have multiple levels of education covered this year - college, high school, middle school and elementary.

Zach - freshman

Savannah - junior

Wyatt- 6th grade

Julia- 5th grade

So far, everyone is off to a great start.

It's a good week

One of Savannah's friends regretted missing her birthday so much that she promised to make it up to her.  Savannah joined E and her family at their lake home over the weekend where Savannah enjoyed tubing and knee-boarding for the first time.  She actually got up on the knee-board on her first try.

She returned home beat up from the tubing, but Neosporin and the fun she had totally make up for the scrapes and scabs.

Savannah received her first paycheck today.  She and I were both surprised that it came to $92.91.  Savannah is a saver, but I think she might enjoy a little splurge on something fun with her money.  We have a great little eclectic jewelry shop in town where Savannah found some fun earrings about a month ago.  They are very affordable too, so maybe we will head over there for some earrings later this week.

Yes, her checks come the old fashioned way.  Savannah learned a few things about reading gross vs. net income on her  check stub. She also learned to complete a deposit slip at the bank.  

 So far, she's enjoying a fabulous week. I am so glad as this is my last week of summer, so we have very little time to get in any fun.  It is too cool today for the pool or a water park, so Savannah and I (hopefully Wyatt and Julia too) are going to visit the walking bridge.  Savannah is very intrigued after seeing the pictures from our anniversary visit.

We are really hoping for more good news to share about Savannah on the blog tomorrow, so stop back by.

This girl...

This girl, the one who drew the following pieces is growing up on us.  

Yesterday, she was hired for her first job and opened her first checking account.  Learning to drive is progressing slowly but nicely.

One of these pieces will be submitted to the state fair.  She has decided that it will be one of the first two.  Thoughts?  Leave a comment.

Psalm 127:1  (June 5, 2014)

June 2014

1Corinthians 12:14  (June 23, 2014)

1 Peter 3:4

Remember that you can click on any picture to see it bigger.

Graduation 2014

We did it!  Zach graduated from high school last night.  The ceremony was nicely done.  His class has really faced some challenges that are not forgotten as they graduate high school.  One member died an accidental death before they reached 8th grade. His mom teaches at the high school, so I can only imagine how difficult this year has been for her.  Another has battled cancer twice- 8th grade and senior year.  He made valedictorian and inspires everyone with his faithfulness in adversity.

The ceremony started with a video of the teachers sharing their prayers for the senior class. Zach was recognized a few times in speeches over the course of baccalaureate and graduation.  One speaker mentioned that he will now have to start using his real name- amazing how few people know it.  Another mentioned that because the school is small, people believe the sports aren't good, but several students including Zach will continue their sports in college.  Our valedictorian mentioned that they tried to fit Zach through a tire on senior retreat - would have liked some photos or video of that one :-0

I shed no tears.  Yay me!

ready to go

Savannah was with the band, so she was unable to sit with us.  They lost her music, so she did not actually play.  

scrolling pics of the grads were a prelude to the ceremony

Our family took up a lot of a row.

He's a lifer! Zach has attended the same school for 13 years.  This slide got a big response from his class.

He gets his diploma cover.

hugs the principal

grandpa

cousins

parents and grandparents, hoping the two in Heaven got to take a peek at the celebration

granny

Aunt Tiffany

Aunt Tara

Uncle Jonathan

He lost his tassel one the cap toss.

Uncle Joshua

Mom and Dad

Aunt Tessa, Uncle John, and Kinsley (who was very good for the ceremony I might add)

Dad would not get in the group picture below, so we did this.

We tried to get the whole group then realized my dad snuck out of the picture.

Graduation would not be complete without a photo of these two together.

Josiah and Zach have been friends since middle school.  

Somewhere there is a picture of Zach and Morgan together on their kindergarten graduation day.

Morgan's mom (Mrs. H) was Zach's first grade teacher.

Zach's outstanding writing teacher -Mrs. C

I looked through old photos yesterday and found that I can watch Blake and Zach grow up together in photos.

Zach loved having English with Mr. K.  

We capped off the night with a trip to IHOP.  We were so tired, but it was nice for just the six of us to do something together.  Everyone decided to make Wyatt faces for the picture.  He was pretty whiny and difficult for both the baccalaureate and graduation.  We are all works in progress.

During the ceremony, the graduates present a rose to their parents. This happens to be one of the prettiest roses I have ever seen.

Remember that you can click on any picture to see it bigger.