My Graduation

What an original title, right?  Sorry; I really didn't feel like being creative so I figured I'd name this post the most obvious thing possible.

My graduation--it seems so strange to refer to this event as a thing in the past when all my life I've been looking forward to it as a thing in the future.  It is, however, in the past, and that's why I'm here to tell you about it.  So, without further ado, prepare yourself for one very long post...

I was so blessed to be a part of a very special graduation ceremony sponsored by our homeschool group and also to graduate with my precious cousin and best friend Mariah.  (By the way, you may notice me using the word "blessed" a lot during this post.  You may, in fact, think that I greatly over-use the word.  I probably will.  For just this once, I'm going to set aside all composition etiquette and use that word as much as I want because it is the best way to describe how I feel about everything that this graduation involved.)  

The ceremony took place at the offices or second building of my cousin's church.  We went early to set up and decorate.

(Most of the following photos courtesy of Kristen Bowers and Gabby C.)

 Our sound man and my cousin Matthew.  He did a really awesome job for us!

 A picture of the Moms of the graduates.  Besides Mariah and myself, there was one other graduate in our homeschool group's Class of 2012.

God has given me such wonderful parents! I am so thankful that they chose to homeschool me (and stuck with it!), but even more importantly that they chose to train me in Godliness, to teach me the Gospel, and to give me a foundation in the Word of God. Also, they have both been amazing teachers and Godly examples to me over the years. I am so thankful for my Mommy and Daddy!

We asked my cousin Josh to give an alumni speech, and he did an amazing job!  I was so blessed by his encouragement, especially that which was directly from scripture.

Mariah and I sang the hymn "Take My Life and Let it Be" together as a part of the ceremony.  Sorry about my funny singing faces.  I inherited them from my Daddy I think.  :)

When the parents presented the diploma to the graduates, they had an opportunity to speak.  My precious Daddy said many things which blessed me so much and caused us to share many laughs and a few tears.  I'm not sure why we all have such somber faces in this picture.  I was probably fighting back tears.  :)

Me and one of my best friends, Hannah

We were laughing hysterically here, and can you guess why?  My friends are so good to me that they try to make up for my extreme shortness by squatting down in pictures.  I was on my tippy toes.

Reality check.  That's how short I really am.  :)

Hannah's sister Gabby (also one of my closest friends) joined us.

More friends.

When we arrived home that night I walked in the door and almost tripped over my graduation present--a hope chest.  I had absolutely no idea ahead of time, so Mom and Dad surprised me good!  I've always wanted a hope chest as long as I can remember.  I was thankful and blessed to receive this special gift from my parents on the night of my graduation.

 I went to bed that night feeling so thankful and blessed.  (Told you I'd use that word a lot!) God has been so, so good to me!

 Eph 3:20-21

Now to Him who is able to do far more abundantly beyond all that we ask or think, according to the power that works within us, to Him be the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations forever and ever. Amen. 

~Kiah