milestones

so much to say.  so little time.  it's june, and june is notoriously busy.  like realllly busy.  spring sports in full swing, school events and class trips.  end of year projects, recitals, and this year~ another graduation.  our dear Hannah has completed grade eight with diligence and grace.  she is moving out of the TCA halls and on to St. Clair Highschool.  she has mixed emotions.  i have mixed emotions.  rather than trying to sort through those and boring you all, i'll just say that we step forward with gratitude for a firm foundation laid by her school, teachers and principal.  gratitude for God's hand in shaping her young life so far.  gratitude for close friendships and warm memories.  gratitude for new beginnings and wide open doors.  how blessed she is.  how blessed we are to be her parents.  enough already, right? :) so, a few pictures to mark the day....photo credits to her older sister~ thanks Joelle, you did great!!

 

 

the picture below is for Coach Burke and Coach Clark.  it had to be done.  Hannah in her wrestling stance....

 

below~ not a complete class, but some pretty close friends anyway...

the day ended with us sitting at the island in our kitchen.  reminiscing about the whirlwind of the day and the many days leading up to graduation.  our wish for Hannah is this, as taken from her letter...."seek God’s will in all things.  ALL THINGS.  don’t be swayed by popular decisions or thinking.  let God’s word keep you grounded. stay open to God's leading and direction.  guard your heart so that you can shine brightly to those whose lights are dimmed. do hard things (because it comes so naturally! haha :)).  in all of this, have fun and joy in the process, knowing God is using you and changing you and shaping you for His purposes.  can’t you just wait to see who you become??  we love you lots and are always going to be cheering you on.  we are happy to listen and promise to be here for you as you continue to grow and spread your wings.  we are so proud of you…happy graduation sweetie!" 

and now i'm off to find the Kleenex...