It seems lately that I only have time to update the old blog when school’s out and we are celebrating a milestone. Both have happened in the past week so here I am!
I finished school last Wednesday and on Thursday morning I finally got around to packing and we hopped in the car to hightail it to Wisconsin for Hosanna’s high school graduation. I was really trying to pull this off with minimal planning on my part, praying that all would come together and I’m thrilled and grateful to report that it did!
With Fran in the back seat of the Explorer and Will driving separately the next day (to keep his social options open), we were desperately hoping that all of Zanna’s worldly possessions she had collected over the four years of dorm living would fit in both vehicles without us having to rent a trailer to get it all back to Texas. Let me tell ya, it was pretty touch and go for awhile. I may have repacked her stuff when she wasn’t looking. Swear words were possibly uttered by each of us at some point. My parents were the lucky recipients of some consumable items we just couldn’t stuff into a space. No one dare open the one side door for fear of an explosion of teenage girl random items. It was cozy. And when we dropped Fran off at the airport on our way out of town, the space she left was quickly filled.
For this blessed event, we rented an Airbnb back in early winter (I’m impressed I managed to think that far ahead) so that whoever ended up coming could stay together. We had always struggled finding a decent hotel to stay in either in or near Watertown and since we had had such a good experience doing this for Will’s college grad in New Ulm a few years ago, we settled on going this route. We don’t have relatives in Wisconsin anymore and no place nearby to easily host an open house like so many of the graduates do, so the rental would also double as party central. What we didn’t know at the time we booked was that Rebekah (my sister) and her husband Tom were coming from the UK to join us in our celebration!!! It was soooooo special that they were there. But they stayed at a hotel (one of the less than exciting ones I alluded to earlier - however it helped that it was across the street from the outlet mall).
I really don’t take the amount of pictures I used to. Basically I’m too tired coupled with a desire to not worry about taking photos and just focus on the moment. So I don’t have a single picture of this adorable home tucked into one of the old but charming neighborhoods of Watertown. It was a Victorian that the owner had renovated in keeping with the period. It was cozy, beautiful, and decorated with attention to detail. There were comfortable sitting areas inside and outside with a front porch and a back patio. It was perfect for our needs! Unfortunately I noticed in the binder that greeted us at the entrance that the first rule of the house was “no parties or events”. Being a self admitted rule follower, this bothered me to no end. But since the invites had already been given and the address circulated … too late!! So instead of a party or event, we just called it “people stopping by to visit”.
The first event to attend was the Friday night Commencement Concert. Because no one in my family gets anywhere early, it’s impossible to get a coveted chair on the floor so we were all relegated to the bleachers. I’m not going to lie, this was a little rough. It was cramped, never ending (almost three hours), and required us to sit through a lot of music and awards. Of course the highlight was when Hosanna was either part of the music being made or receiving a scholarship of which she was blessed with several. In that respect, it was a great night for our girl! She had worked extremely hard over the years to keep a high GPA and it paid off at the end. But the one scholarship she received that truly makes me proud as her mama is not one that rewards her for how smart and hard working she is, but the one that speaks more to her character and heart. Called the Christianos Agape Scholarship, the description reads “for a senior continuing in studies for ministry based on the humble demonstration of Christian love”.
I regret not taking a picture of Wayne who was sitting behind me and in between my mother and his mother. I took a brain snapshot though and it’s humorous. We’re pretty sure he has ADD, especially when it comes to meetings, concerts, museums, speeches, and episodes of “When Calls the Heart”, so this was pushing him to his limit. Being sandwiched between our moms was comical. When we were allowed a five minute “stretch break”, he flew out of there faster than I’ve ever seen him. We all knew it was coming and were impressed he lasted as long as he did. Having said that, my British brother in law, Tom, seemed to be truly impressed by what he was seeing and hearing and it was a good reminder as I saw it through his eyes. It’s pretty impressive to listen to high school students sing in four part harmony from memory, display dancing and acting talents, and play a variety of musical instruments. They are taught well and encouraged to grow in their unique abilities through a variety of opportunities on campus whether that is in the musical and plays, band and ensembles, or choirs and handbells.
Saturday morning brought graduation day! We were met there by her godparents, Skip and Karen (from our Ottawa days and now they live nearby in Milwaukee). We worshipped God in the closing service and then watched her walk the stage to receive her diploma. So exciting!
We did have picture time once we herded all the cats together. I regret that it was in front of the gross boys’ dorm but at least we took some photos to remember this day! It was now time to party. I mean, get ready for people to stop by.
Again, my preparation for this was minimal. I had called Jimmie Johns in Watertown to place an order for the “people stopping by to visit” as we were driving up from Texas. The other part of my plan was to just go to Aldi once we were in town and fill in with the basics. I had already discussed the cake issue with Zanna - that it might be hard to deal with the leftovers, etc and she decided that she’d rather have root beer floats anyway. Perfect! About a month earlier I had ordered from Amazon some 2024 graduate plates and napkins in her school colors and picked up coordinating plastic table clothes so we were in business!
I couldn’t have done it without Mom and Fran who were put in charge of the fruit and veggie trays. Will picked up the JJ order. Tom and Bekah picked up ice on the way over from their hotel which was a great help. My Dad is always super helpful too and up for anything needing to be done. Will’s friend, Mike, was on trash duty which let me tell you is a big deal to a hostess not to have to worry about!
We had many people come and go throughout the afternoon. Many of her teachers, professors, tutors, friends stopped by to congratulate her and wish her well. It was touching to hear how many lives she’s touched and made an impression. She spent the whole afternoon with her blue robe and tassels around her neck as she worked her way from guest to guest. I know everyone thinks their kid is something special but …. she’s really something special.
Finally our chapter with LPS closes for our family. Both Will and Zanna have received an amazing Christian, classical education like no other. They’ve had experiences that have molded their characters and been taught by numerous Christian mentors who have honestly cared for their souls as only the Body of Christ can. We are grateful and thank God that they have spent their high school years in this environment. We would do it all again - but are thankful to be done!
Next stop - MLC!
