I'll be taking my vacay over the next 10 days so I doubt there will be any posts til after I get back.
I may have a part time job over the next couple of months...we shall see.
GAP is over and I'm gonna miss the little kiddies, especially William. The other day I gave him a dime to keep him appeased until his mom got there. He hid it in the rocks and slid it down the slide for over 30 minutes. Worked like a charm. Also, he called it a diamond. SO squeezably cute!
Never got to say goodbye to Cade and now the boy's gone.....sigh.
Got lots to do before it's time to go.
Peace out peeps.
Be back in a couple of weeks!!!!
Thursday, May 26, 2011
The cute, the funny, the silly.....
Photo posts are exhausting and having just finished the grad post, I can't do another!! And yet here's another. Scroll down and have a look at the cute, the funny, the silly and the, "Wait I wasn't ready," photos. They're still some of my favs.
Caitlin's preparing for grad.
Backatcha Carlie.
Melanie's photo bombing moment. I have to say was perfectly placed. Carlie should be jealous.
A close up of the same pic. Well done.
And again.
Caitlin thought she heard something behind her....it was Melanie hon. Olivia and Emma are not ready, John and Owen and I are frozen in time. We haven't moved an inch from the previous photo.
They're still not ready. Our poses are still frozen in time.
Surprise?
Lindsey's threading the needle, Carlie thinks she's on Broadway and Whitney thinks she's in a magazine shoot.
There's lots happening in this one picture but the Gmaw isn't ready for any of it. The group in the front is posing but don't miss the 3 chicks on the right in the back, having their own moment.
Carlie's doing itsy bitsy spider? I don't know. And Whitney? I REALLY don't know. Grandma is shocked at something off camera.
Everyone's still aware of the camera except Grandma. Now there are only 2 1/2 chicks at the back on the right.
Now that I think of it, I don't know where Whitney was during the altercation in the rafters. Looks like it could have been her starting a fight with all that tude.
Olivia's photo bombing moment....nice.
The business majors.
Carlie then found Whitney trying to sneak into the "business majors only" photo and a domestic altercation ensued. Caitlin looks trapped and stunned.
Others began to horn in. Carlie now had lots of shoving to do.
Still shoving....Mollie's using the distraction to take over the pic.
Still....
Not quite finished yet.
No shame people...no shame.
I give up.
Because it never ends.
It happens EVERY SINGLE TIME!
SOOOOO proud of themselves.
I look snooty and the only one that ruined an otherwise good picture.....sigh.
Whitney's trying to cause another ruckus! Look at that! I bet it WAS her fighting as the ceremony began.
Changing focus, Emma was ready for some cheese.
But there's Whitney again. Heaven's to Betsy.
She was like the Where's Waldo of the grad day.
Caitlin's thinking no way is she gonna steal my thunder.
But I'm not so sure about that.
Finally, Carlie's pleased with herself because she took some time to tie an unsuspecting Whitney to a chair.
But she chewed through the ropes in order to photo bomb more pics.
And again.
Billie was working on her facial expressions.....this wasn't it.
Or this one Caitlin.
I'm exhausted......
The end.
Caitlin's preparing for grad.
Backatcha Carlie.
Melanie's photo bombing moment. I have to say was perfectly placed. Carlie should be jealous.
A close up of the same pic. Well done.
And again.
Caitlin thought she heard something behind her....it was Melanie hon. Olivia and Emma are not ready, John and Owen and I are frozen in time. We haven't moved an inch from the previous photo.
They're still not ready. Our poses are still frozen in time.
Surprise?
Lindsey's threading the needle, Carlie thinks she's on Broadway and Whitney thinks she's in a magazine shoot.
There's lots happening in this one picture but the Gmaw isn't ready for any of it. The group in the front is posing but don't miss the 3 chicks on the right in the back, having their own moment.
Carlie's doing itsy bitsy spider? I don't know. And Whitney? I REALLY don't know. Grandma is shocked at something off camera.
Everyone's still aware of the camera except Grandma. Now there are only 2 1/2 chicks at the back on the right.
Now that I think of it, I don't know where Whitney was during the altercation in the rafters. Looks like it could have been her starting a fight with all that tude.
Olivia's photo bombing moment....nice.
The business majors.
Carlie then found Whitney trying to sneak into the "business majors only" photo and a domestic altercation ensued. Caitlin looks trapped and stunned.
Others began to horn in. Carlie now had lots of shoving to do.
Still shoving....Mollie's using the distraction to take over the pic.
Still....
Not quite finished yet.
No shame people...no shame.
I give up.
Because it never ends.
It happens EVERY SINGLE TIME!
SOOOOO proud of themselves.
I look snooty and the only one that ruined an otherwise good picture.....sigh.
Whitney's trying to cause another ruckus! Look at that! I bet it WAS her fighting as the ceremony began.
Changing focus, Emma was ready for some cheese.
But there's Whitney again. Heaven's to Betsy.
She was like the Where's Waldo of the grad day.
Caitlin's thinking no way is she gonna steal my thunder.
But I'm not so sure about that.
Finally, Carlie's pleased with herself because she took some time to tie an unsuspecting Whitney to a chair.
But she chewed through the ropes in order to photo bomb more pics.
And again.
Billie was working on her facial expressions.....this wasn't it.
Or this one Caitlin.
I'm exhausted......
The end.
Wednesday, May 25, 2011
Caitlin's Graduation Day
Caitlin's graduation was a complete success with the usual amount of pageantry as well as pomp and circumstance. This graduation began like all the others with Melanie, Olivia and I arriving early to secure seats for the whole group. The practice of saving seats is a stressful one for sure as proved by what happened just as the "big stick of knowledge" was making its entrance, but more about that later. The big stick's actual name is the mace, (I like my name better) and according to stuff I found online this is its significance...
"Originally a weapon of combat, the mace is said to have been developed around 12,000 BC. The macebearer is a much more recent phenomenon. The position is derived from medieval times in Europe, when the mace was carried by a bodyguard to protect the king from would-be attackers. Over the centuries, the mace has come to represent the academic authority of colleges and is now used ceremonially as a symbol of office. It is traditionally carried by a distinguished faculty member preceding the president."
Even though I didn't write the stuff you just read regarding the big stick, I'll not be sourcing it. This ain't no research paper.
Back to the story of graduation, as we watched and waited for the ceremony to begin, I used the time wisely and people watched and quickly became mesmerized by a certain woman's pants. I think I shall never forget them. Her job appeared to be helping handicapped people find a place to sit and with that in mind, maybe her thought was, "I'll wear something really eye catching." If so, she hit that big. She was wearing black and white LARGE striped pants. LARGE, 5 to 6 inches wide. She looked like a jail bird on her bottom half. Back in the day before orange jumpsuits became the fashion for prisoners, she would've fit right in. I was unable to keep from following the pants wherever they went. But after some time, Emma slapped me out of my "pants trance" (she had noticed them as well.....how could you not!?) and we both surmised the lady went shopping alone and therefore had no one to politely tell her, "DON"T DO IT!!" So she did. It was a really bad look and I'm so disappointed that I never thought to take a picture of the terrible pants.
The pre-ceremony picture of people awaiting the arrival of the graduates.
During the time before the ceremony begins, graduates can come and visit with their family before they have to be in their processional spot. Caitlin took this time to finish getting dressed. These are her cords for honor societies and cum laud. When Whitney saw her French honor cords were red, white and blue, she said, "You should wear this on the 4th of July!"
Still getting ready for the ceremony.
Gotta love and wear the hat. I really do love it.
She's all ready now. Looking good Cait
These are some of the seat holders. Owen and Emma are late arrival seat holders. Melanie was the first to get there and hold seats. Remember it's a dangerous job holding seats for late arrivers.
Lauren and Caitlin in their processional positions. It's almost time to start.
Sissys taking a pic together.
Another cute pic of the grad.
Most everyone has now arrived and taken possession of their seats. The stress level has now lowered.
Still waiting, Bill took the time to use his witty ways to amuse Carlie.
The next graduates.
More waiting.
Cute girlies.
Lydia in the blue, holding seats for her peeps and the Gmaw.
The waiting eventually passed, and when the place was packed out to the rafters, and about 6 seconds before the big stick made its entrance, Billie June arrived with Jared. They made it RIGHT BEFORE the pres walked in. That's the absolute truth. This is the area where the pants were most of the time. Ugh....if only she'd been in the frame. The stripes were HUGE.
The administration has been informed that Billie has arrived, and therefore we can now begin.
So, the order of peeps entering goes like this: big stick, pres, faculty and lastly the graduates. I took a pic of the big stick but sadly it was far too blurry to pass muster. The moment the big wigs began their entrance, something new and unique took place in the cheap seats. Suddenly, we heard a commotion and all eyes were drawn to an area directly across from us but still pretty far away. And there in the rafters of the coliseum, we saw two screaming women, fists reared back, ready to throw punches. I'm not EVEN kidding. We later found out the women were fighting over seats being saved! Gadzooks! It could have been us! See what I mean when I say seat saving is stressful? People can get mean real quick like. AND, because I was rubber necking, I nearly missed the entrance of the big stick of knowledge! I would have been so ticked. Even though the incident could have been quite interesting to see played out, I managed to refocus on the more important reason for being there. Somehow, no idea how, the situation was quickly diffused, and the graduates and faculty found their seats without further incident. It was a new and different way to start the ceremony for reals.
John coming in with the faculty.
The graduates are filing in. LOVE THIS PART!
Graduates are in their places.
Podium peeps are in place, let the diploma giving begin!
Then, introductions, acknowledgements and speeches were made, a little too long I might add, and finally, we got to the good part, the diploma giving! YAY! And because each and every hard working student deserves his or her moment in the sun, 863 names were called and 863 people got what they came for. It is an accomplishment that can never be taken away, and I was happy for all 863 of them. I love a graduation and the celebration of accomplishment.
Caitlin just after receiving her college diploma! YAY again!
I love this picture a lot.
After the marching out was completed, we met back in the coliseum for a photo taking session.
I made a mistake in an earlier post when I said this was John's first time to walk in a graduation ceremony as a faculty member, he actually did once before many years ago. And even though this was his second, clearly it was the most special to date, as evidenced by this picture of the proud dad with his daughter.
Super proud parents with our first college graduate.
All my kiddos. I love these people.
Grandma with one of her many college grad grandchildren.
Lindsey and Bill still holding their seats. Hey guys....IT'S OVER, you can let them go.
Three of the four.
Lauren graduated in dental hygiene. YAY for you Lauren! Her sweet parents thought of flowers. I DID NOT. Sorry Cait Lee B.
Billie with some of her grands.
My family.
Sissys and cousins.
And again.
It's almost a wrap.
Love this pic as well.
Just a few more photos.
One more with the gmaw.
What a great day we had with our family. This milestone will forever be a sweet memory and will forever live in my heart. I know I've said it so many times before, but I can't believe our kids are grown and the oldest is starting her next phase of life. If I could slow it down a bit, I think I might give it a try.
Slow motion for real life might just be awesome.
Congratulations to our Caitlin Bess on a job well done.
And here's to great things ahead.
I can't wait to see what happens next.
Love Mom
"Originally a weapon of combat, the mace is said to have been developed around 12,000 BC. The macebearer is a much more recent phenomenon. The position is derived from medieval times in Europe, when the mace was carried by a bodyguard to protect the king from would-be attackers. Over the centuries, the mace has come to represent the academic authority of colleges and is now used ceremonially as a symbol of office. It is traditionally carried by a distinguished faculty member preceding the president."
Even though I didn't write the stuff you just read regarding the big stick, I'll not be sourcing it. This ain't no research paper.
Back to the story of graduation, as we watched and waited for the ceremony to begin, I used the time wisely and people watched and quickly became mesmerized by a certain woman's pants. I think I shall never forget them. Her job appeared to be helping handicapped people find a place to sit and with that in mind, maybe her thought was, "I'll wear something really eye catching." If so, she hit that big. She was wearing black and white LARGE striped pants. LARGE, 5 to 6 inches wide. She looked like a jail bird on her bottom half. Back in the day before orange jumpsuits became the fashion for prisoners, she would've fit right in. I was unable to keep from following the pants wherever they went. But after some time, Emma slapped me out of my "pants trance" (she had noticed them as well.....how could you not!?) and we both surmised the lady went shopping alone and therefore had no one to politely tell her, "DON"T DO IT!!" So she did. It was a really bad look and I'm so disappointed that I never thought to take a picture of the terrible pants.
The pre-ceremony picture of people awaiting the arrival of the graduates.
During the time before the ceremony begins, graduates can come and visit with their family before they have to be in their processional spot. Caitlin took this time to finish getting dressed. These are her cords for honor societies and cum laud. When Whitney saw her French honor cords were red, white and blue, she said, "You should wear this on the 4th of July!"
Still getting ready for the ceremony.
Gotta love and wear the hat. I really do love it.
She's all ready now. Looking good Cait
These are some of the seat holders. Owen and Emma are late arrival seat holders. Melanie was the first to get there and hold seats. Remember it's a dangerous job holding seats for late arrivers.
Lauren and Caitlin in their processional positions. It's almost time to start.
Sissys taking a pic together.
Another cute pic of the grad.
Most everyone has now arrived and taken possession of their seats. The stress level has now lowered.
Still waiting, Bill took the time to use his witty ways to amuse Carlie.
The next graduates.
More waiting.
Cute girlies.
Lydia in the blue, holding seats for her peeps and the Gmaw.
The waiting eventually passed, and when the place was packed out to the rafters, and about 6 seconds before the big stick made its entrance, Billie June arrived with Jared. They made it RIGHT BEFORE the pres walked in. That's the absolute truth. This is the area where the pants were most of the time. Ugh....if only she'd been in the frame. The stripes were HUGE.
The administration has been informed that Billie has arrived, and therefore we can now begin.
So, the order of peeps entering goes like this: big stick, pres, faculty and lastly the graduates. I took a pic of the big stick but sadly it was far too blurry to pass muster. The moment the big wigs began their entrance, something new and unique took place in the cheap seats. Suddenly, we heard a commotion and all eyes were drawn to an area directly across from us but still pretty far away. And there in the rafters of the coliseum, we saw two screaming women, fists reared back, ready to throw punches. I'm not EVEN kidding. We later found out the women were fighting over seats being saved! Gadzooks! It could have been us! See what I mean when I say seat saving is stressful? People can get mean real quick like. AND, because I was rubber necking, I nearly missed the entrance of the big stick of knowledge! I would have been so ticked. Even though the incident could have been quite interesting to see played out, I managed to refocus on the more important reason for being there. Somehow, no idea how, the situation was quickly diffused, and the graduates and faculty found their seats without further incident. It was a new and different way to start the ceremony for reals.
John coming in with the faculty.
The graduates are filing in. LOVE THIS PART!
Graduates are in their places.
Podium peeps are in place, let the diploma giving begin!
Then, introductions, acknowledgements and speeches were made, a little too long I might add, and finally, we got to the good part, the diploma giving! YAY! And because each and every hard working student deserves his or her moment in the sun, 863 names were called and 863 people got what they came for. It is an accomplishment that can never be taken away, and I was happy for all 863 of them. I love a graduation and the celebration of accomplishment.
Caitlin just after receiving her college diploma! YAY again!
I love this picture a lot.
After the marching out was completed, we met back in the coliseum for a photo taking session.
I made a mistake in an earlier post when I said this was John's first time to walk in a graduation ceremony as a faculty member, he actually did once before many years ago. And even though this was his second, clearly it was the most special to date, as evidenced by this picture of the proud dad with his daughter.
Super proud parents with our first college graduate.
All my kiddos. I love these people.
Grandma with one of her many college grad grandchildren.
Lindsey and Bill still holding their seats. Hey guys....IT'S OVER, you can let them go.
Three of the four.
Lauren graduated in dental hygiene. YAY for you Lauren! Her sweet parents thought of flowers. I DID NOT. Sorry Cait Lee B.
Billie with some of her grands.
My family.
Sissys and cousins.
And again.
It's almost a wrap.
Love this pic as well.
Just a few more photos.
One more with the gmaw.
What a great day we had with our family. This milestone will forever be a sweet memory and will forever live in my heart. I know I've said it so many times before, but I can't believe our kids are grown and the oldest is starting her next phase of life. If I could slow it down a bit, I think I might give it a try.
Slow motion for real life might just be awesome.
Congratulations to our Caitlin Bess on a job well done.
And here's to great things ahead.
I can't wait to see what happens next.
Love Mom
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