The Graduate

I'm learning that graduating from high school in Ohio is BIG. Zach is our first of four potential Ohio graduates in our family and this thought makes my head start to swim...

There is the basic planning--announcements, cap and gown. Then come the graduation photos--four changes of clothing, props, location, proofs, touchups, framing. Zach's photographer said that grad photos are second only to weddings in Ohio--and sometimes are bigger than weddings! In March you start planning for the Graduation Party for all friends and family--complete with invitations, tent/chair/table rentals, games, dinner for all. While this is going on, you have to put your post-high school plan into place by filling out piles of college and scholarship applications.

Somebody pass the Tylenol!

My graduation celebration was a bit more low key--I took my graduation walk through the giant "O" (Orem High School) at the Marriott Center, and then I think Mom took me and maybe Orimi's family to Sizzler or Chuck-A-Rama (two of my Mom's personal favorites) for dinner. Then we called it a night.

Times have changed. But because we love to celebrate, and Zach is worth celebrating, we will plan this festive event! Consider yourselves all invited to what I hope will be one of the most memorable times of his life. When his Grad Day approaches, I will devote my blog to him. In the meantime, here is a glimpse into his photo shoot...

P.S. Zach will attend BYU-U in the fall.

"Firsts"

This is my first attempt at creating a blog! Although I am inching toward middle age (Scott thinks I've arrived), I am experiencing a lot of "firsts" in my life right now-- My first blog, my first son graduating from high school--he will then be my first child in college, my first exposure to teenage girl drama, my first year teaching experience. This is a really great time of life! Whoever said that having teenagers was a drag was so wrong! (Oh, and I should say that having a 9 year-old is pretty amazing too!)

I love being a mom to four kids.

I love having teenagers!
I love having the energy of their friends and activities in our home.
I love our conversations--we talk about dating, politics, sports, science--all the good stuff!
I love hearing their fresh perspectives--it makes me think about my own perspective.
I love hearing about their plans for the future.
I love watching them play sports and instruments!
I love their sense of humor--Jake has us in stitches--CONSTANTLY. I am convinced he should do stand-up.

Most of all I love them because they have become my good friends...

We live in Uniontown, Ohio--neighboring a Mennonite community. It is truly mid-America, and home to some really down-to-earth people. Ohio is a great place. The kids get their hair cut with Barry at the Uniontown Barbershop. I always think about how Hollywood spends millions of dollars trying to portray life in a small town--when all they really need to do is bring a camera to Uniontown, Ohio and go to the barbershop, sit, and film Barry and barbers talking about the upcoming Lion's Festival or when to plant crops or the price of gas. We regularly see the Mennonite and Amish around town--Life is just a little bit slower here and, for the most part, we like it. Scott works for Diebold and I teach at the University of Akron. Our kids, Zach, Josh, Carly, and Jake are involved in soccer, track, scouts, and music. They are the busiest kids we know.

This blog is dedicated to our family and friends (who have become "family") who live far away. We hope this helps us to stay connected.