Graduation/College = Ends/Beginnings

As I just returned from taking Sarah to school at BYU-I I realized this year is a year of ends and beginnings, but probably most are, but for some reason these seem real significant and real to me at this point.  For some reason, I didn't get the camera out for either Meagan or Sarah as I was dropping them off.  I'm not sure why -- maybe a little "mental" block, maybe I'm just not good at remembering that camera anymore, but I have some sweet mental pictures that I am grateful for.  These pictures show some significant ends.  This one on the left is a picture with both Meagan and Sarah on the stand at graduation of Centennial High School.  Sarah is in

 the front row on the left, she read a part of the  program, because she was the  Senior Class Secretary, this year, Meagan is in the second row on the right, because she is one of the valedictorian's and will give an amazing speech later in the program.  (One her grandpa helped her write).  These pictures signify the END of high school for two of my children.  Wow, that makes three now that have graduated, and chosen to go to college.  It is kind of odd that I've prayed and hoped that my kids would make the choice to go to college, but as I dropped them off something ironic happens and my heart hurts and jumps all in the same moment, and emotions I can't control  overcome me.  Gratitude, excitement, saddness, worries, and thank goodness peace, but that doesn't mean tears don't stain my cheeks as I reflect on these moments.  It has seemed to be a year of tears. 

Meagan, Starlee, Alex, Sarah, Daryn, Sarah (Friends - Great Friends)

Coincendentally, It was a night of beginnings for us too.  After we returned home from graduation, Corey Sharpe asked Sheldon for Christiana's hand in marriage.  WOW!!!!                                                   

 Although it is some ends, I'm grateful it will never be the end of our family, or the friendships that we have made over the years.  How grateful I am for good friends who have shared in the joys and sorrows of my children.  But with ends come beginnings.  What a great joy to have a new beginning and get to go to incredible colleges, BYU and BYUI with amazing professors, undescribable devotionals, and new roommates.  I'm so thankful that Brianna and Meagan are rooming together.  Brianna is such an incredible niece and I'm honored that Meagan can be her roommate.  New beginnings of unpacking and being very overwhelmed by the whole "college/dormatory" process.  New roommates who we've never met, but are so kind and gracious and warm as we enter Meagan or Sarah's new dorm.  Meagan was definetly overwhelmed by the process as was Sarah, all that excitement is just sometimes a little to much, but within a day of me leaving, the joy of "college" was good. and adjustments have been made

 and they both know they can do this.

Sarah with her biological Dad and cousin Marco

I was so excited the day Elizabeth called me and asked if I would go with her and her mom to take her to BYU. Elizabeth started BYU in the summer so less than two weeks after graduation, we were on our way up to BYU.  I love this young women and am constantly amazed at her persistance and love for life.  It was quite an experience being in Utah with Elizabeth and her mom.  Elizabeth wanted to take her mom to Temple Square, which we did.  It was sweet to take pictures of them.  Again, a goodbye and hello.  As I prayed this year that Elizabeth would get into BYU, I appreciated her diligence and effort to make that happen also.  We miss her, but know she has a testimony and is growing spiritually through so many experiences.   It was good-bye to our Vegas friends who were Meagan's age.  Danica is off to Dixie and as just stated Elizabeth is going ot BYU.  So many of them will go right out on missions,  a few others to college, but these aren't permanent good-byes either.

 The end of Awards from High School for Meagan & Sarah.  Great job Girls

The end of Student Council for Meagan -- What a great opportunity Coach Collins gave her, and boy did she love being on E-Board her senior year -- many dreams fulfilled and great tender mercies from our Savior

End of Meagan's dress up days,  another great joy for her this year and boy did she take it to the extreme -- I'm hoping this will be the end of mid-night sewing projects for costume making

A Fun end to Senior Prom, but an end to "High School Dances for Meagan and Sarah".  We had a lot of fun preparing and getting ready for these dances. 

We'll never have and end to the joy and excitement a Father feels as his children are going through these ends and beginnings.  He (the father) takes it all a little different than I do.  Mostly joyful, but he will admit concern for them.  It's the sweet insight our Heavenly Father gives, I believe from his perspective

This also is the end of Elementary school years for me.  Sydnee is in 5th grade.  I think I'm in more shock over that than I was with graduation.  She is increidble and knows who she is -- A daugther of God.  She is beautiful, but I won't deny I really am not ready for this END, and would like it to drag on this year.