handsful

Abbey graduated last year, but that didn’t stop her from enjoying ONE more homeschool prom.  This particular one (there are several in our area) welcomes graduates…and, the girl loves dances.

They were practical, though.  Abbey wore one of her prom dresses from a few years ago, and Daniel (rather than renting a tux) went out and bought a new suit.

Apparently, it started to sprinkle while they were outside.  And, this was apparently the logical thing to do when you’re in prom clothes and it starts to rain.  When did she grow up, again?

The rest of the Clark clan was out of town, having a belated Easter with Gram.  I HATED not being there…to see them off and to take about a zillion pictures.  Thankfully our great friend Janice and her girls were with Abbey and helped her get ready, and then Abbey’s friend Aaron came and took some great photos of them.

From what I hear, they had a wonderful time and enjoyed being one of the returning graduate couples.

Abbey informs me there were couples there in their early 20’s, so she’s maybe not done with proms yet.  Ha.

Love this one!

A favorite…but, I can’t just choose one.

These were taken at the prom…no boring, posed pictures for these two.  They always have fun together.

So glad you got to enjoy a “bonus” prom, Abbey!

She’s 19 years old.  19!

That’s only 1 year from 20.

Not possible.

I was in the midst of a yucky winter cold here…not my best pic.

But, this post isn’t about me.

Abbey ALWAYS chooses her fav steakhouse for her bday dinner.

She loves the country music that they play.

She made us promise that they would NOT sing happy birthday to her.

She’s not a fan.

Sweet picture, right?  Can you tell what she’s holding?

Apparently turning 19 is cause for violence.  Daniel is shocked and alarmed.

Abbey and Daniel.  They’re so cute together.

We had to wait till the next day for her to cut the cake…and, let me tell you, it’s gooooood.

So, we celebrated the beginning of her LAST teen year.

I know she’ll make the most of it.

And, when those 20’s start.  Watch out :)

How’s that for a creative title? Maybe not…

A couple of weeks ago, Abbey, Marley, and Ethan had their voice recitals. They’ve been taking lessons from Mrs. Susan, who is also the director for Testify.

They chose two songs, one was their choice of any song, and the other had to be an older song prior to 1990. Footloose (old version), It’s a Wonderful World, and Desperado were A, M and E’s choices. Loved it!

The whole group did an impromptu version of Let It Go…I especially loved watching Ethan suffer through that!

Two days later, it was Father’s Day. The kids had a concert that morning, and then it was all about Randy. What did he wanna do?

A little lake time.

It was a perfect afternoon on the water, just what he wanted.

This past weekend, we celebrated Abbey.

She’s our high school graduate now.  Twelve years of homeschooling under her belt.

And mine :)

Course, I have 5 more coming after her.  I’ll refrain from discussing how old I’ll be when Dylan graduates.  Shudder.

Abbey participated in the North Carolina Home Educators (NCHE) annual home school graduation ceremony.  Every year, during their home school convention, they hold a graduation.

We drove over to Winston-Salem on Saturday, walked over to the convention center, and spent a little time in the book fair…picture a ginormous room, with aisles and aisles full of everything you could possibly ever want or need for homeschooling.

I never get to spend as much time there as I’d prefer.

Then, we let the little kids swim at the hotel pool.

The next day, we met the grandparents (as well as Daniel and his parents) at a restaurant for lunch.  Gifts were given…

Abbey will be going to Mitchell Community College for a couple of years, to earn her Associate’s degree.

After a 3:00 rehearsal with students and parents (I was already getting weepy at this point…), it was time for the real deal.

In between weepy moments.

Abbey and Daniel were seated right across from each other.

Time for Abbey.  During this ceremony, the parents give the student the diploma…after all, we’re the teachers.  So, Abbey walked up from one side of the stage, and we walked up from the other side.

Abbey gave me a rose…

Picture time…Abbey and all her grands

Nana and Paw Paw

Gram and Pa-Paul

Granma and Granpa

Abbey with Uncle Tony and Aunt Dee Dee

Abbey and Daniel

Class of 2024 and 2025.  Heh.

Abbey and John William Frye…we’ve been friends with JW’s parents for years, and they’ve literally known each other since they were babies.

After the ceremony, we met up with Daniel and his parents for dinner.

It’s hard to believe that you’re a high school graduate, Abbey.  So much is ahead of you…we’re couldn’t be prouder of the young woman you’ve become.

Happy Graduation, Abbey.  We love you!

It’s that time of year.

The weather is turning warmer (finally), the pollen is beginning to build up, allergies are flaring up, my lilies are peeking out of the ground…and, teenagers are busy renting tuxes, buying dresses, getting their hair and nails done, and posing for tons of pictures.

In fact, three of my teens did just that last night…attended our local homeschool prom.

And we’ve spent the last few weeks getting ready for it.  After a relatively quick search, we found Abbey’s dress, shoes, and jewelry.  We rented the boys tuxes from a gentlemen’s clothing store downtown, ordered corsages and boutonnieres (am I the only one who can’t spell that without checking first?), and spent the day of the prom taking Abbey for a mani/pedi and a beautiful up-do.

Hope you enjoy the pictures…

The boys were ready first (shocking, right?).  I told them I wanted a picture of them in the doorway.  This is what they gave me.  Goofballs.

Yes, I’m that short.  I don’t mind…I’ve got two very handsome boys.

And then, Abbey was ready.  She looked stunning!  Her boyfriend, Daniel, was already at the house waiting.  Before taking pictures with him, I wanted a quick sibling shot.

We then drove to a park to meet the boys dates, and their friend Trevor and his date, to take photos.

Flower time…

Here’s EJ and Kailee

And, Payton and Elaina

Abs and Daniel

Ladies

Gentlemen

Because this is Abbey’s Senior Prom, here are a few extra shots :)

The birthday girl…

Those 18th birthday pics I promised?  Here ya go…

Everyone arrived, and Abbey gave them a “How Well Do You Know Abbey” quiz.  Her friend Chandler won and box of candy for getting the highest number right.

Then, it was time for everyone to get all dressed up…they had somewhere to go.

Which meant, of course, I pulled the camera out for a photo shoot.

Ladies first…

Marley, Eva Joy, Kayla, Christine, and Abbey

And, the guys

Nathan, Daniel, Aaron, and Chandler

The Marilyn pose!

Abbey and Daniel :)

And then, the limo arrived…

For the record, I’ve never been in a limo.  No fair!

The limo took them to PF Changs for dinner.  Randy arranged it ahead of time, and was told by the management later that the kids were great…very polite and a fun group to serve.  Nice to hear!

No pics of dinner…I assumed they’d take some with their phones!

Afterwards, the plan was to stop at a donut shop in Charlotte, but it was closed.  Drat.  Oddly enough, a highlight of the ride home was being stopped by the police.  The driver forgot to turn off his parking lights!  They scrambled to find the seat belts, and one kid broke out his phone to video.  Ha…

Once home, they changed into their comfy clothes and bashed Sponge Bob till he gave up his candy.

All the teens stayed the night, and we took them to church the next morning.

After church and Testify practice, it was time for her family birthday dinner.  Yes, the party continued, despite them being exhausted from staying up ALL night the night before.

Daniel came along with us…

A fight ensued…

And, she says she’s an adult now.  Sheesh.  :)

Once home, I made her pose for two more pictures.  Before she crashed on the couch and fell asleep.

Still can’t believe you’re 18.  I’ll get used to it.

So glad you had a fabulous birthday :)

They say time seems to go by faster as you grow older.

In my case, I’d say that’s right on the money.

Otherwise, how could my daughter…the one who blessed me with the title of Mom…how could she possibly be 18 already?

But, here we are and she’s 18 and I’m no longer that 30 year old “brand new, have no clue what I’m doing” mom.

Well, sometimes the no clue part still fits.

But, Abbey is growing into a young woman right before our eyes.  She’s a girl version of her dad.  Strong willed, , fun-loving, competitive, a true night-owl, loves the spotlight, prone to hyperactivity, fearless…

18 is a milestone year.  One that brings with it changes…something she’s NEVER liked.  But, I see her growing and embracing the future.  Just a bit.

I can’t wait to see where God brings her.

I hope to add some pictures of her amazing birthday party soon…the site I use to upload pics is having tech issues.  In the meantime, here are a few hints:  a few friends, semi-formal, hummer limo, dinner out, party all night.

I asked her today how it rated…0-10.  Without blinking, she said a 10.  :)

We’re headed out tonight for our traditional family birthday dinner.  At her fav steakhouse, like always.  I mentioned she’s not into change, right?

Happy Birthday, Abbey-girl.  We love you always…