Let's Talk Graduation - Yes, ALREADY!!!

 

My firstborn is approaching her high school graduation.  Before school even started she was discussing some of her plans and ideas and I was listening and nodding in agreement where I thought was appropriate, adding a hmmm? when I wasn't too sure, but mostly just listening.  Finally, she was fed up with me and demanded to know why I wasn't interested and didn't even care that she was about to graduate from high school.  I calmly explained to her that my dear daughter, it is not that I do not care, I am trying desperately to not think about the fact that pretty soon, my sweet little baby girl will be done with yet another phase of her life and the fact that time is going by so quickly that I am dizzy just thinking about it.

You see, as she was sitting there talking about all her plans, all I could see was this sweet little two year old singing her ABC's to me as I braided her hair.  A little six year old big sister so generously sharing her beloved Eegee's with her baby brother.  A scared little ten year old getting stitches after a crash on her bike.  A sad little thirteen year old saying goodbye to her Arizona friends as we left on our grand adventure and moved to Michigan.  A confident fifteen year old as she dedicated her life to Jehovah.  A confused sixteen year old facing the ever present challenge of growing up with and sometimes in different directions than friends.  And finally, as this seventeen year old nearly grown woman discussing her future plans that more and more included less and less of Mom.  So no, I do NOT want to think about this thing they call growing up.  It stinks!  It really, really does.

So even though it was hard and many times while we were shooting she kept asking, why are you looking at me like that, we have been working on her senior portraits.  I know I am speaking as a biased mom, but, gosh, she sure turned out beautiful!



So since we live so far from so many people that she grew up with and loves, we have to plan her graduation and subsequent festivities a little early.  At the moment her graduation is scheduled for May 31, 2015.  The only reason this date will change is if this winter is as bad as it was last winter and they have another, oh I don't know, KAJILLION snow days and it gets pushed back.  Her party is planned for June 6, 2015.  So all my lovely Arizona friends and family, I would love to know how many of you are planning on coming up to see us this summer.  You can e-mail us at camandphoeb@yahoo.com  or give us a call.

Okay, Okay, I'll Start Again

It has been more than a year since I have posted anything on this here blog.  Life is a little busy, a little crazy, and to be honest, I wasn't sure if I was the only one reading the blog anyway.  Anyway....after numerous complaints.....I shall oblige you all and try to keep this thing more up to date.

The past year has been a great one!  We have had many visitors, which is very awesome!  We made another quick trip to Arizona for a wedding.  We attended an International Convention. Went camping a couple of times.  Harvested a garden, put in another garden and harvested it.  Made some jams and jellies, canned some veggies.  And now we are getting ready for the beauty that is fall and winter.  All caught up?  Hee hee.....just kidding, let me break it down for you.  Well, not all of it because that is tedious and most likely boring.  I will give you highlights.

We have had some visitors this year.  Which is super awesome!  We love you all.  Here are just a couple:

This lovely lady came to visit us last summer.  Here we are visiting the lighthouse in Ludington.

This beautiful gal and her family came to visit me on my anniversary.  One of the best gifts I have ever gotten.

Little Dominic (who is not so little anymore) loved playing in the snow with the boys.

My sister and her two boys came to visit us the summer.  Here is my nephew Blade playing some music for my Grandma.

The Crofters came this summer also.  It was so great to see them all again.  We took them back to Ludington.  Man was it windy that day!

We also had a couple other visitors but unfortunately I don't have pics.  But if you would like to be featured on the Freckled Noses Blog........Come visit!!!

Probably the best highlight from this year was the convention.  We were assigned to the International Convention in Detroit.  Ahhhhhhh Maaaaazzzzeeeee  Iiiiinnnngggg! Yep, that's what I got to say about that.  The talks were wonderful, the releases were awesome, we made tons of gifts for the delegates, received lots of gifts, oh....and this happened.....



2014 International Convention
Keep Seeking First the Kingdom

Yep, that is Jake.  Being at an International Convention with 30,000+ other people means I don't get to be up close and capture a better photo, but who cares when you get to be on the jumbotron!  We are so proud of Jake and all our children for dedicating themselves to Jehovah.  They are doing amazing!

That should catch you up for now.  More pics and updates later.  Right now I have to go get the boys back on track.  The joy of homeschool means that if Mom is distracted we can run around and goof off until she catches on.  Yep, I caught on, fun is over.....

Love you all!  Oh, and part of the reason this here blog has not been updated is because I finally gave in to my daughter and got an Instagram.  It is so much faster and easier to just post pictures on there.  If you have one and would like to follow me... country_nelipot is my username.