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From: paroper
Date: 05-16-2006, 06:30 PM (1 of 19)
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Friday night was the band banquet. Sunday the school Bachlaurette. Monday, awards...(dd cleaned up with $8000 in scholarships...and lots more in honors and awards). Today, ds graduated from techinical school. Tomorrow morning is their senior breakfast and THURSDAY IS GRADUATION!!!!! A week ago Sunday was senior day at the church and I didn't fair well...matter of fact I was in pieces before they even got to either of the twins. As valedictorian, dd will speak at graduation. It is such a high point to see her going on to a good school and seeing ds, after his closed head trauma doing well, I just hope that I can hold it together long enough to enjoy this!!!!! It's too bad, as we sit by the side of our children in trauma and intensive care units that we can't look down the road and see that everything is going to turn out all right. For those of you who have fought your way through special ed services just trying to make sure that your kid doesn't drop out of school before graduation, I'm here to tell you that it does and can pay off!!! He will graduate in the (barely) in the top 25% of his class...and I'm thrilled!! He has job offers to start his journeyman status...I'm so proud! For those of you that have a butterfly, like his sister, for all the times that you've prayed and kept your fingers crossed that the breaks will come, that the right people will notice, and she will be willing to stretch and reach to achieve their full potential...bear with me as I am a wreck for her for the next 4-5 years (or more). Her hard work is starting to pay off. Well, after this week we'll be official spectators in all three of our childrens' lives. Wish us luck. My husband replaced the oldest with a schnauzer around Christmas time (he said to keep ME company...as though the birds do not.) Yesterday he found out that he has cataracts in both eyes and might need surgery in as soon as 3 months! That, with the kids' graduation a hard way to realize that 54 is old!!! He's not doing well!!! pam
Bernina 200e, Artista V5 Designer Plus, Explorations, Magic Box, Bernina 2000DE & 335 Bernette Serger, Bernina 1530 Sewing Machine, Bernina 1300 DC Overlock (with coverstitch) |
User: paroper
Member since: 02-03-2004 Total posts: 3775 |
From: Bama
Date: 05-16-2006, 06:54 PM (2 of 19)
congratulations! You have alot to be proud of.  My oldest graduates next year.
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User: Bama
Member since: 03-21-2000 Total posts: 2116 
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From: MaryW
Date: 05-17-2006, 08:38 AM (3 of 19)
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Thanks Pam, I needed to hear that.
MaryW
owner/editor of Sew Whats New |
User: MaryW
Member since: 06-23-2005 Total posts: 2542 
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From: Laurie H
Date: 05-17-2006, 01:55 PM (4 of 19)
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Congratulations Pam. I'm new here, so I don't know your whole story, but it sounds like it's been quite a trip for you and your family. The graduations sound like a dream come true for all of you. I remember my DD's graduation from high school 6 years ago and from college 2 years ago. She breezed through both, but DH and I were a mess. She was so much fun to have around, even as a teenager, that it was hard to realize that she was an adult and moving on with her life. Especially when her boyfriend decided that he just had to married her a couple of months after their college graduation! Good thing we love him too. DS, on the other hand, has been more difficult. An incredibly bright kid who was bored in school, teachers who didn't care if he was bored, and he knew it. He almost didn't graduate because he figured if the school didn't care, why should he. He was a typical teenager with the mood swings and attitude. We were grateful he didn't get into trouble like some of his friends. Still, he did graduate and after two years of trying to figure out what he wanted to do with his life, he enrolled in college and started a part-time job. It hasn't been easy to do both, but he's determined to work his way through college and that's what he's doing. I'm happy that we raised two great kids who are still working to make good things happen for themselves and are independent. DH, on the other hand, feels old sometimes at the age of 46 and wishes the kids were little again. He doesn't handle the empty nest as well as I do. He had to go out and get a Pug to ride with him in his dump truck to keep him company. I wouldn't give him more kids, so the dog is his baby. We already had a dog, but a Newfoundland doesn't fit in a dump truck cab very well. |
User: Laurie H
Member since: 05-07-2006 Total posts: 40 |
From: paroper
Date: 05-17-2006, 02:20 PM (5 of 19)
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Laurie, it sounds like we have a lot in common. My daughter has chosen to go to a state university that, although less than many, will be one of the most expensive public institutions she could attend (because of its location). She will be working and taking out a small loan to help cover the rest of her expenses this year while we try to make plans for next year when some of the one-time scholarships will not pay. I worry for her because she is so gifted that she'll have a hard time narrowing down her choices. Our son is very excited and encouraged about his furture I haven't seen him as confident. The thing that I learned in college decades ago is that these kids are only labeled while they are in school. When they get out they gravitate to the best career for them (as long as they are willing to look). The most difficult thing for me is realizing that he has been sheltered in school. Because of his popularity, the type of injury he had, and the timing of the injury, the class has rallied behind him all the way since kindergarten. Many parents who don't know him by name still think of him as the little boy in the helmet from the first year after his head injury. His very dearest friend graduated last year but attended trade school with him and majored in the same area. Now he has a job assignment in Boston (which is a couple thousand miles from here). It is going to be a big adjustment for him! I'm glad that my husband isn't the only one who has had a problem with the kids finishing school. (Thank you for the encouragement.) For me it is a time of excitement. I left work to care for them, when they didn't need me any longer, my mother did, and now I care for my dgd who will start pre-kindergarten next year (time marches on) each phase of my life has followed on the heels of the last...no time for me. I'm looking forward to a little time and freedom of my own. There is much to get done around here and I still miss my career. Although I don't think that I would drive 30 miles one way to even work at the old company, I still would like to do something independant. This is a new day for me too! pam
Bernina 200e, Artista V5 Designer Plus, Explorations, Magic Box, Bernina 2000DE & 335 Bernette Serger, Bernina 1530 Sewing Machine, Bernina 1300 DC Overlock (with coverstitch) |
User: paroper
Member since: 02-03-2004 Total posts: 3775 |
From: Magot
Date: 05-17-2006, 03:29 PM (6 of 19)
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an exciting time indeed, Pam. Congrats all round! We are approaching halfway through uni with our two and it is just as hard waiting for the exam results when they live away!
love and kisses, Jan
Guts-R-Us Cells a Speciality DNA to order. |
User: Magot
Member since: 12-22-2002 Total posts: 3626 
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From: DorothyL
Date: 05-17-2006, 05:27 PM (7 of 19)
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Pam -- So much federal aid for students has been cut recently, I feel bad for the smart kids trying to make it through school now -- and for their parents. My youngest made it just under the wire. She worked her way through Cornell as a waitress and her grades were good enough to get her through law school with a sizable scholarship. But she still owes a lot of money. She probably wouldn't be able to do it now with the federal cuts -- not Cornell anyway. When she went off to school the empty nest was a blessing here. But she was less than an hours drive away. When she went to law school in New York it was harder but what great shopping in the garment district when we go to visit. Now my oldest is getting married. She lives less than an hour from us now, but will be moving to Buffalo and I'll miss her. Oh well, they grow up don't they. Even the kid my husband mentored through the Big Brothers program grew up (he's 15). But he still visits and calls. He used to stay here a lot when he was younger and had trouble getting along with one or another of his mom's boyfriends. I think he liked the quiet and stability. We got to be very close to him. That's why we got a Jack Russell Terrier. She will never grow up and move away. Sound like anyone you know, Laurie? Congratulations Pam -- Isn't it nice when you finally know you've survived raising your kids. It was touch and go around here for a while. Dorothy |
User: DorothyL
Member since: 12-09-2002 Total posts: 3883 |
From: swartzrn
Date: 05-17-2006, 08:35 PM (8 of 19)
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CONGRATULATIONS!! You should be VERY proud!!! I am already getting antsy about Elizabeth finishing up her freshman yr in high school and getting ready to start the 10th grade in just a few months..that means that there's only a little while left and I'll be in your shoes. Cannot imagine! They grow up so fast..just makes you realize to enjoy every single day..they are not little for long but I think they are always your "babies." God bless you all and your families! Julie
"To see the future, look into a child's eyes." |
User: swartzrn
Member since: 02-17-2006 Total posts: 436 
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From: toadusew
Date: 05-18-2006, 08:39 AM (9 of 19)
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Congratulations, Pam!! Your kids sound like wonderful young people! Last year at this time my youngest was graduating and the only way I could through it was to start thinking of that time as "endings and new beginnings". That was sort of my "mantra" at the time. Her childhood and high school days were over and she was going to start on the journey into her own young adulthood. She did very well her freshman year in college and we're proud of her. This move (we didn't know that we would be moving across the country last May) has been difficult for her--she's here for the summer, but it isn't "home". I hope it encourages her to take some steps to even more independence. Like you, Pam, I don't have as much time for myself as I had hoped, but that's ok. Yes, these kids do grow up--and they grow up quickly! Continued success to your budding young adults. 
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User: toadusew
Member since: 01-08-2005 Total posts: 369 |
From: LeapFrog Libby
Date: 05-18-2006, 12:27 PM (10 of 19)
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Pam, Congratulations ! ! ! I do have a question... When in the world do you sleep????? With all you do and all the help you give on this board, I am so envious of you and how organized you must be to accomplish all you do in a day's time.. Congrats again, on your 2 Grads!!!! Sew With Love
Libby |
User: LeapFrog Libby
Member since: 05-01-2002 Total posts: 2022 
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From: Laurie H
Date: 05-18-2006, 01:59 PM (11 of 19)
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Pam and others who are facing graduations, I have to tell you that I could cry at the drop of a hat when DD (my oldest) was a senior in high school and those last few months were there. I couldn't stand the thought of losing her and she and her friends were so excited. I worked in Adult Ed and my office was at the other end of the high school and they were always visiting my office and chatting about college and things like that. I was always weepy. That summer was no better. Then came the day we drove 250 miles to drop her off at college. She asked us to please leave her so we wouldn't all start crying and we did. As we drove off, DH looked at me and said he was surprised I wasn't crying my eyes out. I was surprised too. I didn't want to cry anymore. She was doing exactly what we had planned for her to do all along and what she wanted to do. We raised her to be independent and helped her along so would get good grades and be involved in a lot of activities she enjoyed and accepted at a college where she could get an education in the field of her choice and that's exactly what she was doing. Why should I be sad? The she called us everynight for a week. She came home (a friend/neighbor went to school in a neighboring town) once a month and we didn't get a chance to miss her. Well, I didn't. DH has always had a hard time, but I finally got a chance to relax at the end of the day. DS was getting a ride with friends after practices and he didn't want to be seen with Mom anymore. I only had to show up at games and events. Much easier. DH has talked about more kids (I haven't been able to have more since I was 26) for quite some time. The kids were all for it. DS always wanted a younger brother or sister, but I said no anyway. I've been taking care of kids in one way or another since I was 8 years old. When I finally had our kids raised, that was it. I sometimes feel a little guilty that DH would like to adopt and I tell him no, but I'm only 45 and I've spent most of my life caring for others and I really enjoy the free time. Pam, you deserve to have time to yourself. It's harder than some people think to always have to take care of someone else. I loved being a Mom and I still love it. But I also love being just a wife when I get home from work now. |
User: Laurie H
Member since: 05-07-2006 Total posts: 40 |
From: paroper
Date: 05-18-2006, 03:07 PM (12 of 19)
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Leap Frog Libby, you know what they say, "There'll be plenty time for sleeping when the day is done." Laurie, I'm really looking forward to having time to get all those projects done that I always planned to get done. Of course, now that the back is not doing so well.... I hear you never get them really done anyway. We'll see. Thank you all for your good wishes. So far I'm doing better than I expected today. It'll be over 90 degrees when we get there this evening so I'm debating what to wear. I hope I don't melt before it is over! Thank you all again! Congratulations to all the other mothers of graduates and graduates on the board. I'm sure that we have some of our number who are finishing up their degrees and extended degrees right now! Best wishes to all.... pam
Bernina 200e, Artista V5 Designer Plus, Explorations, Magic Box, Bernina 2000DE & 335 Bernette Serger, Bernina 1530 Sewing Machine, Bernina 1300 DC Overlock (with coverstitch) |
User: paroper
Member since: 02-03-2004 Total posts: 3775 |
From: Mom of Six
Date: 05-19-2006, 12:03 AM (13 of 19)
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DS will be graduating on June 10th. For a while I didn't think he would make it. He was only reading at a late first grade level when we moved him to public school in the 6th grade. When he moved to high school he was at a mid 7th grade level & he had raised his writing level from early 1st to 8th grade. He has struggled with some classes in high school but I left it up to him to stay in them or talk to his counselor & change. I think he made good decisions for himself. Right now he is into video production & web design. I think that he is almost convinced to go on with that. There is a possibility that if money can be found he will have a job with the school districts TV station next year. He is also very good in math & just took is AP calculus test. He is confident he did well on everything except the last question. His goal was to get a 5 (the highest) because his sister got a 4. This will give him college math credits before he starts. The math teacher thinks he should go into accounting or some other math field. This would be his 2nd choice tied with working for Dad & skipping college for a year. Whatever he does I will be proud of him. I just found out that their high school was approved for the international Baccalaureate program. DD (freshman) is on the list for being in the program. Her teachers told me that she is on the probably list. She already has a 2 yr. scholarship at our community college as long as she graduates on time with her class. She received this in 6th grade. It is something the city & police started to motivate kids to stay in school. It was for at risk kids so I didn't think she would get it but they said because neither parent went to college & she was in a large family she qualified. Now if I can just keep up with her next 3 yrs. Congrats to all parents who helped their kids through school. Working in the school I see what a difference it makes when parents care. Barb
Happiness is having time to sew!! |
User: Mom of Six
Member since: 11-03-2001 Total posts: 1115 
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From: paroper
Date: 05-19-2006, 04:38 PM (14 of 19)
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It was a lovely evening for a small school graduation. The ceremony didn't drag on forever (unlike the technical school graduation for DS the day before). Anyway, I thought some of you might like to enjoy the evening with us...here are some of the pics. Also, Ken doesn't have them all posted yet (and he posted one or two I didn't want him to use), but there are some pics of the new sewing room at this link too....if you would like to take a little visit.... http://kensphotos.smugmug.com/ By the way, Wilmont is the Church where Patsy (Pirlegal) attends. They have a lovely annual ladies tea that is out of this world. My husband did some of the photography for them this year (and last). She was so gracious and invited me to attend at her table. I thought I would be working with my dh but when I got there he had it all under control. Her table was number 12 (she is in some of the pics) and she helped with at least one more table and did linens for still more. She had made beautiful machine embroidery napkins with matching table linens. Her china and silverware were absolutely lovely! pam
Bernina 200e, Artista V5 Designer Plus, Explorations, Magic Box, Bernina 2000DE & 335 Bernette Serger, Bernina 1530 Sewing Machine, Bernina 1300 DC Overlock (with coverstitch) |
User: paroper
Member since: 02-03-2004 Total posts: 3775 |
From: Patty22
Date: 05-19-2006, 05:22 PM (15 of 19)
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Pam.....thanks for sharing the photos! You have a beautiful family. Congratulations on the double graduation! Don't worry about an empty nest, I have a feeling that you know how to keep busy and enjoy life. Patty
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User: Patty22
Member since: 03-29-2006 Total posts: 1194 |
From: paroper
Date: 05-19-2006, 06:34 PM (16 of 19)
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Thank you!
pam
Bernina 200e, Artista V5 Designer Plus, Explorations, Magic Box, Bernina 2000DE & 335 Bernette Serger, Bernina 1530 Sewing Machine, Bernina 1300 DC Overlock (with coverstitch) |
User: paroper
Member since: 02-03-2004 Total posts: 3775 |
From: plrlegal
Date: 05-19-2006, 10:56 PM (17 of 19)
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Pam thanks for sharing the pictures. The tea pictures are awesome. as usual. Hope you enjoyed the tea and the Dove chocolates that were in the birdhouse teapot. Patsy Patsy
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User: plrlegal
Member since: 05-19-2001 Total posts: 318 |
From: paroper
Date: 05-19-2006, 11:31 PM (18 of 19)
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Yeah, those chocolates were SINFUL! Thank you. Not only do I collect sewing things, I collect bird houses and tea pots too.
pam
Bernina 200e, Artista V5 Designer Plus, Explorations, Magic Box, Bernina 2000DE & 335 Bernette Serger, Bernina 1530 Sewing Machine, Bernina 1300 DC Overlock (with coverstitch) |
User: paroper
Member since: 02-03-2004 Total posts: 3775 |
From: Mom of Six
Date: 06-19-2006, 11:30 AM (19 of 19)
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I got through it! Graduation is over. DS graduated on June 10. We had his party last Sat. It was hot & humid!! Luckily we started at 11 AM so the heat (92 degrees) didn't hit until the end about 2 PM. We had between 150 & 200 people here. Just enough food left for a couple of meals( except Meatballs, I made twice what I needed & put them in the freezer). Now I have 3 yrs. to get ready for our last 1. 5 down 1 to go. I am so proud that my kids have all done well in school. Both boys struggled but made it through ending with a B/B+ average. Now maybe I will find some time to sew. My sewing room has been a dumping place as we have been cleaning the more public rooms. Barb
Happiness is having time to sew!! |
User: Mom of Six
Member since: 11-03-2001 Total posts: 1115
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