Graduation Begins

It is hard to believe but Luke graduated from seminary yesterday.  It is the beginning of the end of his high school career.  There has been so many activities, deadlines, meetings, etc to get to this point.  I was starting to feel like it wouldn't come.  But, now it has started and I'm not sure how I feel.

In my mind, he will always be my little boy.  My little friend that came racing home from kindergarten with puppy dog ears and a black nose stuck to his face.  I could not be prouder of the young man he is becoming.  Some of those teenage edges are starting to soften as he looks toward his future.  I truly have been blessed to be his mother.

Luke spoke at his seminary graduation.  He did a fabulous job sharing his testimony and lessons he learned in seminary.  He shared thoughts about taking personal responsibility for growth in the gospel.  

Prom Week

Prom week was a fun time for our family.  Luke and Lindsey were both headed to prom this year.  Prom at Clearfield High also involves a prom assembly that both kids were involved in.  This meant early morning practices and preparations.

Because it was Lindsey's first prom, we had the opportunity to go dress shopping.  As a mom, I was looking forward to the experience.  We had a lot of fun.  We found a dress shop that assigns a dress specialist to each girl.  The specialist sat down with Lindsey and walked her through what style, color, and type of dress she wanted.  She then pulls all the dresses that fit the description and Lindsey tries them on.  All of this is done while the mom, me, gets to sit on a couch and drink hot chocolate.  It was fabulous!  Lindsey found a dress that she loved.

The highlight of prom week was when Lindsey was crowned as attendant in the prom royalty.  I know she was very excited to be nominated and even more excited to win.

Luke took his long time friend to prom, Lexi.  They have been through many experiences together in school and church.  It was fitting that they got to attend their last prom together.

Lindsey went with her friend Matthew.  They had a great time together.

Student body Officer and Cheerleader

Lindsey decided to push outside her comfort zone and fulfill her desire to be an student body officer.  This is quite an uncommon thing at her school.  She had to actually ask permission to run for office and cheerleader because it hasn't been done in, at least that anyone could remember.  She ran for Spirit Officer on the platform that she could be a great liaison between the cheerleaders and the officers and student body.  I always feel nervous when my kids put themselves out there to be judged by their peers.  The morning she was supposed to find out was nerve-racking and exciting.  When they came to get her it was a big relief.

A couple of weeks later it was on to cheer tryouts.  There was some concern as there seemed to be a little back and forth going on between the coaches in regards to Lindsey.  We weren't sure if they were going to be on board with her doing both.  Lindsey finally talked to them and they were glad she did.  Lindsey was supposed to be captain of the cheer squad and they weren't sure how to tell her that the principal had told them she couldn't be captain and an officer.  Lindsey was happy they wanted her to be captain but understood the reasons why she couldn't do both.  In the end, the best news came when we found out their faculty advisor was quitting!  It has been a stressful year working with her and everyone is ready for a change.   The results came in and Lindsey made cheerleader.  She will have a very busy and eventful year next year-- her senior year.

Heather is 15

It's hard to believe, but Heather is officially fifteen years old.  We celebrated her birthday this week with the traditional breakfast in bed followed by presents.  We tried for family dinner that night but had to try again the next night in order to get everyone there.  I have to say, that was probably the best family dinner we have had.  The four teenagers sat at the end of the table and really talked with each other.  No one fought and everyone got a long so well.  My heart swelled with love as I caught a glimpse of their eternal friendship that has been developing for ages.  They are such great kids and so supportive of one another.

I was in the temple earlier that day and I was thinking of Heather.  I was struck by how much I admire Heather.  She is an incredible example of peace.  She generally finds peace within herself and is genuinely happy.  She also likes to create peace in the family and will often make sacrifices to encourage peacefulness.  I know that I don't naturally do that and Heather's example has inspired me to do better.  I realize that each child has their own gifts and talents to help everyone in the family grow.  What a blessing Heather has been in my life and those around her.