Saturday, May 29, 2010

Class of 2010

Sand Creek High School Class of 2010

Class Motto:
"Nobody can go back and start a new beginning, but
anyone can start today and make a new ending."
-- Maria Robinson --


Class Song:
"Man in the Mirror" by Michael Jackson

Color:
Yellow

Flower:
Yellow Rose


Kevin's Graduation

Kevin's graduation was held today at the World Arena.  It was an amazing experience, with several high points.  The Valedectorian gave a great talk, and asked his classmates to, instead of being a light in the world, to be a light saber.  He whipped out a light saber and swung it around, saying the a light saber was concentrated  and able to slice through the things in life that may try to discourage them.  The Salutatorian reminded them to live in the moment, and the Senior Class President told them to not be afraid of making mistakes and to learn from them.  "Eat things that give you bad breath, make messes," he said while reminding them that they were on the cusp of the rest of their lives.

Two things that were very touching during the ceremony was when one of their classmates, who was left paralyzed from the waist down during surgery when he was a sophomore, actually stood to receive his diploma.  With the help of two aides, braces and a walker this amazing young man stood and got himself across the stage where he accepted his award while the entire class rose to their feet and gave him a standing ovation.

The other thing that happened was that as each student left the stage, the principal Mr. Collins (who is retiring) met them to offer handshakes and hugs.  Each student clipped a bright yellow closepin on his robe.  This is a game the Class of 2010 played this year called "pegging" where the object was to clip a closepin on someone without them knowing and you got points.  BUT, if you got a closepin on Mr. Collins you won the game--period.  No one ever got one on him.  Until today.

"The class of 2010 has always had me pegged!" he proclaimed while looking like a yellow porcupine.  I have a feeling he didn't mind at all.  Kevin says Mr. Collins is the best principal ever.  I think so too.  Sand Creek High School has been a positive experience for him.

Here are a few pictures:

Two crazy brothers!
Mr. Collins gets pegged!
The Sand Creek High School Class of 2010!!
AJ, Kevin and Me.  What a great day.

Friday, May 28, 2010

A THOUGHT FOR THE WEEKEND

“I carry my adornments on my soul.  I do not dress up like a popinjay!”

Cyrano de Bergerac
Edmund Rostand
This was Cyrano's response when told that he looked shabby. 

Tuesday, May 25, 2010

Strawberry Shortcake!

When I was growing up we had a tradition in our family for the last day of school---strawberry shortcake!  It is something I have carried on with my boys.  When they were little I would make up a giant shortcake and that was all we would have for dinner.  Just strawberry shortcake until we were about to pop!  It was fun.

But now it's for after dinner, and we've added sparkling cider to toast the boys with for a job well done.  It's sort of fitting as Kevin had his last day in high school today.  AJ had his last day a week ago.  Both boys have done so well, and I'm so proud of them.  Can't wait to raise that glass and cheer their accomplishments.

Stan sliced up the strawberries and the house is filled with their sweet aroma.  Smells like summer to me.  It also smells like the end of school and the beginning of .... possibilities!  Can't wait!

Friday, May 21, 2010

A THOUGHT FOR THE WEEKEND

I don't really have a quote for today.  I've been thinking today about blessings.  This week my aunt Charlotte passed away, and today I celebrated my 22nd anniversary with my husband.  Both of these events have given me pause to stop and consider how much we each have. 

If you have a loving family with parents and siblings and also aunts, uncles, cousins...how amazing is that?  That we have these people that are always there teaching, loving, laughing, sharing with us.  Our lives are so rich with such a blessing.  And when we lose someone here on earth to know they will be waiting to welcome and embrace us on the other side when we pass is something I find comforting. 

Then on top of that, I have been so fortunate to have found my heart's companion.  Sure, we've had difficulties over the past 22 years, but to know that I have Stan alwys there....supporting, laughing, loving and keeping me centered.  I knew when I met him he was special.  I knew when I married him I loved him.  And now, all these years later, I cannot imagine my heart beating without knowing he's there. 

As they say, my cup runneth o'er.

Blessed be.

Wednesday, May 19, 2010

Another Goodbye

My Great Aunt Charlotte, 98, has died.  Even though it was expected, it still saddens me.  I know she is back in the embrace of her sweetheart, Uncle Pete, and surrounded by the family she loves so much.  Those of us she left behind will have to wait a season before we see her again, and it comforts me to know she will be there waiting for my mother.  The two of them were so very close, and loved each other so much. 

Her daughters, my cousins Charmaine and Diane, gave her so much love and devotion.  I am glad that Charlotte was able to die at home in her own bed, surrounded by love and peace.  What a beautiful gift her daughters gave to her. 

I'm glad I am a member of such a loving family.

Goodbye Charlotte.  Love you.

Sunday, May 16, 2010

Seminary Graduation!

Kevin graduated from seminary this evening.  We're so proud of him.  We took some pictures of him there.  It was a nice ceremony.  He's gone before school for four years and earned a wonderful diploma to recognize his efforts.  So happy!  And no more getting up at 5:00 AM!!!

Sister Nancy Perucca has been Kevin's teacher for the last three years.  He adores her!  You can see by her beautiful face and smile what a terrific person she is.  The best sense of humor and such a wonderful teacher.  He was lucky to have been in her class.

Bishop Ellery Miller used to be our home teacher when Kevin was younger, and he was also his 11-year-old scout leader.   He's been an important part of our family for a long time, and as our bishop he's been so supportive of Kevin and all his endevours.
President Brent Smith used to be our bishop, and before that he and Kevin formed a special relationship.  Kevin loves him, and knows that President Smith loves him too.  It meant a lot to Kevin that it was President Smith who handed him his diploma.
Here's our graduate with the two men who have helped to guide him and get him to this point in his life.  Between these men and Sister Perucca I know that Kevin has the knowledge and skills that will help guide him the rest of his life.  I'm so proud of him and know he's on his way to a good life.  Now, one graduation ceremony down, and one to go!!!!

Some Lessons on Love

As I've posted before, my thoughts of late have been with my Great Aunt Charlotte who is preparing to leave this world soon.  I've learned a lot from her at different points in my life, and recently remembered something I learned from her when I was about 13.

My sister and I spent a few days with her at her home in Minnesota.  She took us into Minneapolis, out to an amusement park, and a few other things.  As we spent this time with her she was very generous in talking to us, telling us her thoughts, asking questions and sharing memories of her life.

When we were at the park she wanted to ride the roller coaster.  She told us that she loved roller coasters and found them not only fun but exciting. 

"Pete," she told us (her husband), "never liked roller coasters, but would always go on them with me because I liked them."  She smiled at the memory and lightly laughed.  "That was very brave of him."

I'll say.  I HATE roller coasters, and don't know if I love anyone that much.

Another time she told us about how when she and Pete were first married and she would fix a chicken, she would always make sure that he got the breast.  It was her favorite piece on the chicken, and she wanted him to have it, and she always ate the thighs. 

A few years later they discovered that his favorite was the thighs, and that they had both sacrified their favorite pieces for the other because they loved each other that much.

So sweet.  I'm sure Pete is as anxious to see his sweetheart again as she is to see him.  That kind of love doesn't end with death.  I'm praying her passing will come sweetly and peacefully, and that she'll soon be with Pete and happy again.

Friday, May 14, 2010

A THOUGHT FOR THE WEEKEND

After silence, that which comes nearest to expressing the inexpressible is music.
Aldous Huxley
1894-1963

Thursday, May 13, 2010

Spring Has Brought Me Such A Nice Surprise

Many of us are familiar with the song "Popcorn Popping On The Apricot Tree," which is a lot of fun to sing as you drive around seeing all the trees that blossom this time of year.  Well, I don't have an apricot tree, but I do have a Crab Apple Tree which looks so pretty I had to share a picture of it before the snow and wind make it go away ......



Friday, May 7, 2010

A THOUGHT FOR THE WEEKEND

Be a Mother who is committed to loving her children into standing on higher ground than the enviroment surrounding them.  Mother's are endowed with a love that is unlike any other love on the face of the earth.
Marjorie Pay Hinckley
1911-2004

Monday, May 3, 2010

Poetry for Mother's Day

Whenever we send greeting cards, Stan always writes a poem inside.  This year he wrote a couple of poems for our mothers to go in the cards we sent them.  I thought they were nice and decided to share them here.  Hope you like them!

For Grandma Mullis

For you we wish
A special day
This year it’s on
The 9th of May

But more than that
We wish for you
Happiness that lasts
The whole year through

We won’t be stopped
Or even deterred
In our vocabulary
Mom’s the word!




For Grandma Hillyard

We want to let you know
That we all love you so
And that we’re here for you
No matter what you do

If this all sounds bizarre
Since we are where we are
So very far away
Again on Mother’s Day

You know these words I say are true
We all wish we could be with you