Mele Kalikimaka or Merry Christmas!

Time for a little reflection...

So life is always busy. Because of this fact posting has been slow going. But with Christmastime comes a much needed break and a moment for pondering. I am so grateful for our Savior and for his life and sacrifice. I am filled with joy for the two beautiful, funny, and insightful children who's love for God is a constant blessing.

Now for the commercialism of the season! Enjoy!

And the Diploma Goes To...

So yes, after the tragedy of the afternoon (car accident) Jonathon did in fact, take his first "walk down the aisle". (so to speak) I am so proud of him. I see his future changing and him growing. I am proud of who he is and what he will become. Congratulations Jon! You are a class "A" kid and a person I am proud to know. It wasn't easy. I raised you on my own. But I wasn't really ever alone. My parents, friends, and church family have been there for you and we all love you! We can't wait to see what your future holds!

(Pre-Graduation Class Day)

(Close Up)

(Finding him was like playing "Where's Waldo!)

(Walking In)

(Class of 2010!)

(Grab the Diploma and RUN!)

After the ceremony which was long but good (during which I cried almost the entire time) We all met up for hugs and "pats on the back" and all that other wonderful congratulatory stuff that happens after the ceremony. Along with the graduate, Emma (his sister), and myself (mom), we were blessed to have my parents there, (Granna and Grandpa) Jon has been blessed to have so many wonderful people be a part of his life and support him and all his endeavors. He is, who he is, in large part the the people below and an even larger part to God who is a source of strength and comfort to him on a daily basis.

From Diapers to Dents

Well it wouldn't be a complete High School experience without the token car accident. Jonathon was true to the teenage cliché getting into at least one accident in their high school driving years.

But Jonathon waited until the very last day of his senior year to complete this feat!

On the afternoon of graduation on his way to lunch, Jonathon started to change lanes while a truck hid in his blind spot.

Jonathon's Car Door

The "Other Guy"'s Truck

One of the biggest things I have taken away from this is how blessed he was in that he and his sister (she was sitting in the passengers seat) were not hurt at all. Looking at that car door still brings tears to my eyes because I know that my little boy was sitting behind the wheel with that dented door protecting him. I can see the reinforced steel that the door shell started to mold around and I am thankful that there are safety standards that car makers must meet. I can actually visualize what happened in my mind as Jonathon described the "slow motion" feel as he watched the shattered glass fly past him peppering the car seats and floor boards toward his sister.

The Lord has blessed me every day that these children have been a part of my life and I am grateful for every breath they take! They are amazing kids!

Central High School Spring Choir Concert 2010

Well, I really enjoyed listening to how great the choir has gotten. Emma has enjoyed herself immensely this year in choir. I think her being in the musical this year really helped. She is looking forward to next year where the School will be performing "Grease"! She can't wait for another fun year. I love Emma and I am so proud of all her accomplishments this year. I can't believe she will be a JUNIOR when School starts in the fall! GO EMMA!

You're the One That I Want

(On The Left, Back Row)

Fireflies

(Back row second from right)

I Thought I Lost You

(First one in back row from the right but it looks like the second person from the right)

Finale

(Second green shirt from the right in the front row)

Can He Really Be 18?

April 17, 2010

Turning 18 is a milestone I never thought would come this quickly for my first child and my only son Jonathon. As we do with every birthday, the choice of dinner is in the hands of the one celebrating their birthday. This year Jon wanted to go to Buffalo Wild Wings.

We (Emma and I) sang Happy Birthday and Jon lit his own candles. I can't, just CAN'T believe that he has turned 18! Sometimes I have a hard time remembering what he looked like as a baby, toddler, child, and pre-teen. I am so glad we have photographs to go along with the ever fading memories. There is so much life happening to him at this time. I hope he loves every minute of it!

Sweet 16!

The Nagasaki Inn!

Emma's Birthday Dinner!

The chef cooked right at our table! The video is of him, after he built a onion volcano, he sets it on fire. You can hear Emma in the background as some point saying "No WAY!". I think this dinner made her year!

This photo was my attempt to photograph the fire. It didn't work very well.

This is the chef grilling the vegetables.

There were really great people who dined with us.

This was Emma learning to use the chopsticks. She actually ate most of her dinner with them. I played around with my chopsticks but when the food was put on my plate, I used my fork.

She And Jon got the hang of it. Now Emma is ready to fly away to Japan!

Emma blowing out her 16 candles. The icing started to melt!

Yea for Cake!

Jonathon put more effort in picking Emma's gift than I did (working) and he stated, (so we would be aware of his sacrafice) that he walked all the way through Target holding that darn Twilight book!