Graduation!!!

Well it's over! I "graduated" on Friday night, April 24th 2009. I say "graduated" because my parents haven't signed the diploma as I haven't finished all my school yet. It was fun though. I will post pictures later.

On Thursday night we had rehearsal to learn when to stand, sit down, walk this way, start here, stop here, etc. I ended up leading the line as we went in reverse alphabetical order...I'm not used to that. All was going well until an uninvited visitor showed up...a bat. I swear that thing was out to get me, it almost flew into me twice! As most of you know I am terrified of mice and bats are just mice...with wings! But I'm proud to say I only squealed several times and covered my face(don't worry, the camera guy got it ALL on tape...). I didn't run around screaming or climb on top of anyone's head, so all is well.

Friday morning, Dad went to work and Mom went to the conference so the kids and I were at home. I woke up at 7:30 wide awake, so I cleaned (or should I say FOUND) my desk and then went and made myself an omelet for breakfast(I have been obsessed with them of late!). I then corralled all the kids and we cleaned the kitchen/Living Room/Bathrooms. We then went outside and cleaned all the leaves out of the front flowerbeds/patio and washed the dogs. Ha ha...that was an experience. Darcy was great, he didn't necessarily enjoy it, but he obeyed. Ginger on the other hand DESPISES baths, we chased her all over the neighborhood trying to catch her. Finally we got her washed and what do you think she did? Went and rolled in the mud!!!! I KNOW she did it just to spite us...

Friday afternoon arrived, the kids were showered, girls hair combed, and Mimi and Papa arrive. We all scurry about getting ready, and finally leave the house at 3:30. We get to the graduation building and wait to have our family/group/individual pictures taken. We finish that, wait around for awhile, take more pictures, then I head out to line up for the processional. I guess they lost the speaker prior to the ceremony and were planning on starting without him, it was pretty funny, all the pages were running around with walkie-talkies checking in every room and bathroom. I guess they eventually found him, for he gave a short, I mean SHORT speech. But that was good for it was a 2 hour long ceremony anyway. We received a letter from the State, and our parents gave us our diplomas after talking about/to us. No tears, so that's good, as I said, raccoon eyes=not good. We walked out, actually the girl in front of me was at least a foot taller than me loped out...LOL I was left trotting along in my heels...;) I then spent the next 20 minutes with lots of hugs and pictures.

After the ceremony my family, Mimi & Papa, Judy, and I went out to eat at Olive Garden. I also opened 2 of my gifts, a pink heart necklace from Aunt Angie & Uncle Aaron, and a tripod from Mom and Dad. They told me we had to go get the "top part" tomorrow(Saturday)! So yes, on Saturday I went and got a new Canon Rebel, which takes such nice pictures! I'm still trying to figure out how to best use it. I also received a gorgeous pink sapphire & diamond ring from Mimi & Papa, I'm in LOVE with it! My piano teacher also gave me a graduation photo book.

So all in all a very lovely experience! I'm sorry you couldn't come Grandma (and any other relations who might be reading this) I will be sending you some souvenirs soon!

To God be the Glory!

Kara

He is Risen Indeed!

Easter. It brings up many different pictures in my mind. There's the cute little bunnies and chicks hopping around brightly colored eggs; chocolate candies and jelly beans, and Easter egg hunts as a kid. But also in my mind is a Cross, a cross that is empty yet so full. A tomb, a tomb that no longer keeps my Saviour captive. There really are no words to express my praise and love for the God who took my place, and surrendered His life for me.

Every Easter I am reminded of a song, one of my favorites. Surprisingly, it comes from a Veggie Tales movie. It is called "Hope's Song" and was sung by Rebecca St. James for the movie "An Easter Carol". Please enjoy the video and beautiful song. I challenge you to take the time today (and everyday for that matter) to spend some time praising and thanking Jesus Christ for His unending love. He is Risen! He is Risen Indeed!

Megan's 9th Birthday

Megan's 9th birthday was on Monday, so we took our family and 3 of her friends to Incredible Pizza. The girls had a lot of fun, and they all came home with some "special prizes". Lol, one of the little girls remarked, "I love Incredible Pizza, because it feels like everyone's birthday!"

The older girls played a game of putt-putt for our golf/PE class. I won with a -2! :D I think I'm going to become a professional putt-putt golfer. :D

Madalyn making friends with the ugly dinosaur on the putt putt green.

Gabe played a "Jackpot" type game and won 800+ tickets! Being the sweet brother, he used them to get Megan a stuffed dog.

The Little Girls LtoR: Mallory, Kate, Megan, & Paige

Luke whacking some hippos!

Megan & Mallory with "the cake" LtoR: Megan, Mallory, Becca, Gabe, Paige, & Kate
Megan received a bat and ball, a sparkly ball, some lip gloss, as well as assorted other things.
Dad getting some work in.

The older girls put all their tickets together, 800+ of them, and got this cute frog we named Mr. Bingley, after the Jane Austen Character.

"My Sunday Kids"

On Sunday nights I babysit for a home group at our church. It is so much fun to play with the kids and hear what they have to say. This Sunday we were playing Hide-&-Seek and Taylor was "helping" me count. I would say the number and she would echo, it was so cute! We got up to "23!...23!, 24!...24!, 25!....Are we done yet?!?" Lol I burst out laughing, it was so funny! Enjoy!

Ellen and Miss Judy(yes I know you love me now...)

The boys LtoR: Eben, River, Cael, Jake

Beautiful little Maddie

The Siamese Twins Ashton & Kennedy

Owen & Taylor (Aren't they precious!!!)

Recital 2009

Saturday April 4th, was our family's music recital. Everyone except Luke performed, and all played piano except Emily who played viola. We all did pretty well! This was probably my last piano recital so it was a semi-sweet moment. Below are pictures with our teachers and a list of what we performed.

Kara: Rachmaninoff Op. 23 #5

Abby: Mozart Fantasia I

Madalyn: "Big Sky"-Jim Brickman & own composition "Ruhrung"

Emily: "Greensleeves"

Gabe: Jurassic Park Theme

Becca & Megan: Piano Duet "Take Me Out to the Ball Game"