We were only invited to one measly Creston graduation this year. That's what happens when your kids have been out of school for a long time. And you're old and don't have a bunch of relatives in town.
Chad Miller goes to our church -and his mom may have just invited us because she and I are Facebook friends. Bob works in the same building as Paul. We all attend the same church and have watched the Miller boys grow up. Their older son Skyler suffered from Leukemia when he was young.
Anyway, it was Sunday night, and we headed out of town to Miller's place. There were a lot of cars there. We talked to Barb and Gary Coenen when we first got there. This was after a somewhat awkward conversation with the grad - do we hug? shake hands? Chad is a very nice kid - he plans to attend Simpson College, and play some baseball.
Coenens are part of the old St. Malachy group - Jud's grade. Barb runs the Creston Project Facebook page, and she and I have fun trading comments as Facebook friends. But I don't often see her. Son Marc - Jud's age, plans to attend grad school at Iowa. Dan, who is married and has a kiddo, just moved back to Creston to run his aunt's Ebay biz. Kate just graduated from Michigan with her Masters in community planning. Tyler just finished his frosh year at Iowa. Nice update from the Coenens. (who actually asked about Amy and Jud - it's called social intercourse. Some people don't know how to play this game).
Then there was the food! Pulled pork, fruit with dippage. A chat with some St. M teachers who asked about the Goldsmith chillens as well. Cake! We made our way to the garage - which was chock full of Crestonites! Some had to clear out before we could sit down, by Larry and Debbie P. Julie Lanning asked about our precious girl.
Before we left we had to say hello to good 'ol Father Kenkel, who was in town for various parties. He was our priest for some twelve or so years - a lovely man! He used to thank me for all the good things I do, when I would go to confession. Now that's a kindly priest. No Catholic guilt with that guy. I gave him a nice big hug.
I'm glad we were invited to Chad's graduation and wish him well. Another year of CHS grads move on out!
Showing posts with label graduation. Show all posts
Showing posts with label graduation. Show all posts
Monday, May 23, 2011
Sunday, May 8, 2011
Weepy, Bachelors Degree
At Christmas, I got choked up when it was time to say goodbye to Amy. She laughed because she thought I was kidding. I could have blubbered yesterday when Jud called as we drove Amy to her friend Rochelle's. I had written him a letter that I inserted into his graduation card - advising him to read it when he was alone. Yes, I'm a teary-eyed old woman.
When Jud called he said he'd had a chance to read the letter I wrote and he really appreciated it. I could hear the emotion in his voice. And this is Jud. I melted - and get tears in my eyes thinking about it now. So I said something like, "I meant every word of it." Of course my voice was all quavery. Paul and Amy glanced at me nervously like I was going to blubber - I forced myself to pull it together. There was time later for sobbing about my baby boy!
What did the letter say? Hmmm personal - but it was a bit of how proud I am of him. He hasn't had it easy - and some of it was his own doing. But as I've said in other blogs, he was a tantrum throwing child who got easier as he got older. College has been fab for him. So it will be hard to leave. And I couldn't help but throw in some work advice, as I'm a font of knowledge there.
Graduation went swell - long of course, because all those other people think their kids are as important as mine! Amy's longtime friend Aleah received her Masters Degree. Jud's girlfriend Kara, and buddy Noelle (in her Cy the Mascot feet) got diplomas on this day. Paul's sis Jean and hubby Dave were there along with Amy of course.
Afterwards was a madhouse at Hilton Coliseum, so my ideal photos (I pictured in my mind) didn't take place. Then it was on to meet Kara's fam at her apartment for a celebratory meal. The Whiteds are nice folks - easy to talk to. After the events of the day, exhaustion set in - we hit the Gateway.
A bit 'o shopping at the mall with Amy then onto to a fam lunch at Hickory Park, before helping Jud load stuff up in vehicles. We ended our fam time with a sweaty family hug! Then it was time to drop Amy off in Ankeny at Rachelle and Jenna's - her ISU roomies. They're taking her back to the train tonight. I didn't need to get weepy when I said goodbye to her in Ankeny - we get to see her again soon when we head to Denver for Memorial Day.
Jud is stopping in Creston today on his way to help Kara move to Kansas City for her new job. I'm sure we won't discuss the letter. We wouldn't want a chance to get emotional face-to-face...
Wednesday, May 4, 2011
Big weekend coming up!
 |
| If only action inside were this flowery! |
 |
| My fave photo of us - from last summer - Krissy's wedding |
I'm pretty excited, but am having mixed feelings about my baby boy graduating from college. Dang! It just doesn't seem right to be past this era of our lives. On the other hand...to have two gainfully employed children sounds, well, fabulous! I may just shed a tear, and then have a nice cocktail to celebrate.
Other stuff
I walked down to Jimmy Johns yesterday and couldn't help myself - had to snap a photo of the pretty tulips near the State Capitol. Today roomie Joan met me for lunch after mammogram (she's off this week) at the Continental. It was lovely sitting in that old building with the jazz music playing. I had a nice blackened chicken breast sannie. It was tough to get back to work. But I did...
Tonight I kicked ass as I did 3 miles at a 4 mph pace in the wind. My best work out so far this year. It felt quite good, actually! Now it's time to hit the hay. Busy next few days to rest up for! I'm loving thinking of being with my children for Mother's Day weekend! I heart them!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)