Graduation Week

Good Friday morning!

Quiet. Absolute, total quiet.

There are sleeping bodies everywhere. The den... the living room... the bedrooms.

If I did a Top Ten List of Things I Love About Teenagers right now, "They love to sleep" would be prominently displayed.

I know I said the following yesterday:

1. I would post a Date today, but I'm not.

2. I would post the next segment of Josh's Journey today, but today isn't the day for it. Monday is the day for that post.

It has been a week of "not sticking to the original plan." A week of overwhelming emotions. A week of not being able to put feelings into words. A week of looking back and trying so hard not to look too far ahead.

It has been Graduation Week.

Let the stories and pictures begin...

Josh woke up Thursday morning feeling sick to his stomach. He wouldn't lift his head from the kitchen table. He mumbled in response to anything I asked.

I was worried.

And then Roxie bounced in. "Josh. Can you take me and Kelci to the strip mall and Firehouse Subs at 11:00? Oh. And I need to drop by the eye doctor to pick up a new pair of contacts for tonight."

Josh never looked up. I told Roxie I would take her and Kelci, but they would need to work around my time table. I left the kitchen to finish working on "The Board."

One hour later, Josh came into my bedroom jabbering. Jabbering, I tell you.

"Are you feeling better?"

"Some. I'm going to take Roxie and Kelci to the strip mall and have lunch with them. Then I'll come home and do what I need to do before Graduation."

Roxie is officially in charge of Josh beginning today. She does a much better job. She isn't tired and defeated like me. She doesn't insist he make his bed, clean his room or do chores of any kind because she doesn't care for those things herself.

I think we should have done this years ago.

The finished Board and Josh's table.

Josh's favorite candy is the Twizzler! He loved the two containers full of his favorite on his table. He and Brad munched on them most of the evening.

We're on the way to the church... and Roxie photobombs. (Of course, she is a cute photobomber, so I let it pass.)

The Choir sang one last time during the ceremony.

Here's My Josh on his way across to the stage to pick up his diploma. His eyes are closed, but he's smiling. I decided to post because of the smile.

Roxie was so proud of Josh. She hovered over him most of the day... which freed up a lot of my time. (To work on The Board, you know.)

Josh and Kyle. Kyle has been a great friend to Josh this year. We have enjoyed getting to know him and his family. Sweet, sweet guy.

A very proud Dad with his son.

Josh and Morgan. These two have been together forever. Morgan is going to become a missionary, so we are excited to see the plans God has for her life unfold over the next few years.

Two out of three high school graduates. Wow! That happened a little too fast.

And now we're off to the church Reception.

Uncle Guy, Josh and Jared.

Roxie and Grandmother.

Josh and Grandmother discussing the Board. No, no. Discussing how MARVELOUS The Board looked!

Sweet Darren, Josh and Roxie.

Aunt Becky and Josh.

Roxie and Katie. Is it just me, or does it appear Roxie has forgotten who the Graduate is? Hmmmm.

Nope. I don't think it's just me. Roxie, Josh and Brad.

Roxie and AP. (AP doesn't like to have his picture taken, but after three kidney punches from The Chick, he decided to smile. A very wise move.)

Aunt Bev and Josh

I have more pics (of course), but I'll end today's post with Grandma giving Josh some much-needed advice... about something.

After the Reception, Brad, Katie, Zac and Melia came to the house before heading to the midnight showing of Men in Black III with Josh, Austin and Roxie. They came home around 2:30 a.m., declared a good time was had by all and headed straight to the nearest couch and/or bed.

It was a lovely, lovely way to end an exciting day!

I must make pancakes now. Lots and lots of pancakes.

And later this afternoon, I will nap.

That is my plan, and I'm sticking to it.

Just think. Next year Austin will graduate from JSU and Katie will graduate from high school. (And I will NOT have to prepare a Board for either one!)

Have a great weekend. I'll be back with everything I promised you today... Weekend Happenings, Josh's Journey and pics from anything and everything that will take place Friday, Saturday and Sunday!

Definitely something for you to look forward to with great anticipation!

Take care, and I'll talk to you Monday.

Sincerely,

The Enchanting Belinda