Friday, May 31, 2013

Transformations

Life would be a whole lot simpler if everything I posted on Instagram and Facebook would automatically post to my blog. Then it would look like I'm actually keeping up!  Sounds like something one of the tech geeks needs to figure out.

Sooooo, the last time I posted (about a month ago) I was all puffed up with pride over my attempts at gardening. Unfortunately things are already beginning to go south. Look at the transformation of the hanging basket on the left. So sad.

And the climbing vine ... well, it's beginning to climb but the flowers all fell off and I currently only see one bloom.  Whether or not it opens remains to be seed.

I did add this flower and it seems to be holding its color well :) 
It would really help if it would just STOP RAINING! For once I don't have to worry if the plants will get enough water. Now I'm worried they're getting TOO much and not enough sunlight.

Sigh. I just can't win.

Tuesday, May 28, 2013

Photos for Mother

I'm experiencing excruciating pain and frustration trying to show my mother some photos. Between her problems navigating Facebook, my iphone's sudden inability to email photos right-side up, and fighting with Windows 8 (which I hate with every fiber of my being), I am resorting to posting the photos on my blog in hopes that she will finally be able to see them.  For those of you who've already seen them on FB, sorry!!

Here ya go Mom!






Just in case you're wondering why I'm all giddy about these photos, I am NOT a plant person. My thumb is much closer to brown than green so it's a miracle in itself that I am attempting to grow something this year. Everyone keep your fingers crossed that everything survives. 

And while I'm at it, I'll just go ahead and let it be known that the one thing that would secure success for my garden would be a great big ol' Beyonce chicken. Gosh I'd give just about anything for one of those crazy things. If anyone sees one give me a shout out, ok?

Monday, May 6, 2013

Graduation!

For the third year in a row we traveled to Knoxville Tennessee on the first weekend of May. The event? Graduation! 

This was the year for our youngest son to graduate from Johnson University and oh what a graduation it was. He graduated Summa Cum Laude and was inducted into Delta Epsilon Chi Honor Society.  

Graduation celebrations actually started the week before when the Junior/Senior Banquet was held and Senior Superlatives were awarded. Andrew came home with a few: Most Huggable, Best to take home to Mom and Dad, and the second part of Should Have Been a Couple. Here's a photo of him and some of his fellow awardees  (Andew is second on the left)

Upon arriving on campus Friday afternoon we attended the annual tea at the White House that was hosted by Dr Weedman and his wife. Dale took a panoramic photo of the table spread (first time using this feature on his phone) 

Here's our graduate cooling off with a little punch  
I was NOT dressed for the day. when we left home it was raining and COLD. Up in Tennessee it was still sunny and hot!

Dale wasn't dressed for it either ... and I stink at taking photos, they're squinting because they're facing the sun. 
Andrew and his friend Jacob. "seriously Mom, go away!"

Dale took some outside shots - they look a lot like they did the previous year!
     

On to Graduation Night. This year the event was held at the Knoxville Civic Auditorium. Gathering outside, getting a little anxious to get the show on the road.
 
in the front here is Ben, Andrew's roommate for the last three years.


Last year when we met Ben's parents his mom told me that Andrew was the brother Ben never had. Awww, sweet!

We were lucky to get there early enough to get seats fairly close to the front. Ian had to work but made it just before they started. Of course we had to find our boy's name on the roster 

Andrew's boss, mentor, and friend, Dr Cook got a photo of him crossing the stage to receive his diploma


Dr Weedman presents his diploma 

Now let the fun begin. Celebrating with friends
After graduation roomies! Andrew, Cody, Ben, Austin, and Tyler
Big group shot 
Gretchen, Andrew and Maria
The Brainiacs - Sam, Austin, and Andrew. They have so much to be proud of!
Andrew and Alex

Devon and Andrew

Dr  Steve Cook and Andrew

and family, the proud parents and big brother.  

 Mom is so proud of both her sons, she can't stop talking about it ... even to get her picture taken.

Dad and Ian remember this time last year ....

It took forever to leave. It's hard when suddenly you realize that all these people you just spent the last four years living, learning, and growing with are suddenly moving on to the next step. But, for Andrew it won't be quite as hard. His plans for after graduation include moving into an apartment with four of his friends (see photo near the top) and he has procured a job working in the Registrars Office at the University.  He's so excited and I'm excited for him even through my sadness knowing my nest really is officially EMPTY.

As our sons are moving on to new phases in their lives, Dale and I are finding ourselves doing so also. None of us is sure of what the future holds but we are certain of one thing - no matter how much distance separates us - we will always be bound by the love, admiration, and devotion we hold for each other. Family ... it's what life is all about.

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Thanks to modern technology - Skype, Facetime, and text messaging - we're all just a click away! Woohoo!!