Another Milestone Marked

One weekend in July became another milestone marked.  Zachary graduated from 8th grade and participated in our state homeschool convention’s ceremony.  They do such a good job putting the program together, although I would have liked to seen a little more modest clothing on some of the girls.

I was feeling rather emotional that week just thinking that now I have two boys finished with grade 8.  It felt like a door to their childhood had closed.  Four years of high school and then the closing of their childhood forever.  At that point things will really start to change. 

I am so thankful for the blessing God gave us in Zachary. 

Here Zachary is filing in along with all the other junior high graduates.

A few months ago those graduates who wanted to participate in the ceremony by playing an instrument, singing a song or reading a poem gave auditions.  The committee picked several pianists, one violinist and another who did sign language to a sound track. 

Kevin Swanson from Colorado gave the commencement address, speaking on leadership.

After the graduation, Zachary was hoisted up on the shoulders of a friend and cousin.

We had rented a large suite at the Wyndham.  I had prepared food and brought it in ice chests from our home a few hours away.  The final preparation was done right before the ceremony started.  The Wyndham is a fancy hotel, so to be as non conspicuous as possible, I put all the serving pieces in a suitcase to carry to the room.  

The suite we rented had a pool table in it.  It doubled as our serving table.

The menu consisted of:

Roast Beef Wrap w/ Asian Slaw & Swiss Cheese

Chicken Salad w/ Raspberries & Walnuts (I forgot to put the walnuts on.)

Vegetable Pizza

Rotelle Pasta Salad

Red Potato Salad w/ Bacon & Fresh Herbs

Sesame-Glazed Shrimp Salad w/ Sugar Snap Peas

Spinach Dip w/ Melba Toast

A friend of ours, who worked in a bakery in the Czech Republic, made these gorgeous desserts.

Our happy family.

Right before we prayed, my dh made some comments about Zachary and myself.  As soon as he was done, Zachary said he wanted to say something.  He then went on to thank me for everything, for the evening, the food and all I’ve done to homeschool him.  He even became teary-eyed, and that’s not Zachary.  With his words it was like being handed a silver box as Florence Littauer says. 

My parents came from Illinois to join in the celebration.  Their presence really added a special touch to the evening.

We were honored to have friends and family there.

So much fun they had that Zachary just couldn’t keep his eyes open a moment longer.  Time for everyone to go home, I guess.

Congratulations, Zachary.  I love you.