High School Graduation!

Our first born has officially graduated from high school.  I really thought I would be a huge emotional mess but I actually held it together pretty well.  I was feeling somewhat sentimental but I didn't have the big boohoo meltdown I was expecting.  I am so proud of Michael and all that he has accomplished in his high school career.  I really enjoyed watching him walk on the football field with his best friends.  

There were 408 graduates from Waynesville High School this year.  70 of them have gone through their entire school years here in this district.  Obviously Michael is not one of them.  I believe that his moves during his youth will help him to adapt with the constant moving he will be doing while on his mission.  

Michael, your dad and I are so proud of you and the example you set for your brothers.  You have so much to offer the world, please remember that you are amazing and capable of so much.  Don't ever sell yourself short and reach for the starts, we love you!

High School Marching Band - Another Chapter Ends

 One of the highlights of Michael's high school journey has been his participation in the marching band.  He loves music.  His desire is to be a high school band director.  At the end of his junior year he tried out to be drum major and also to be on the impact team, which was a group of kids from each section that would help lead the band.  When he didn't make either one he was upset and frankly so was I.  In the end, it was a blessing, Michael excelled in his own right and was still a leader in many areas and mentored many people and continues to do.  Him and some other high schools have started a music mentor program with the middle school.

We went to every band competition and was so proud of our kids.  I guess I just don't understand the scoring system like I used to because we were constantly shocked at where our kids placed, especially at the last competition where we didn't even make the finals.  You know you are somewhat validated when people from other schools tell you that you were robbed.  The reality is that our band in some competitions rested on our laurels to slide through to the finals and when we didn't, it was a serious shock.  There were times when you could see on the kid's countenance that they knew they did an awesome job and later many tears were shed.  These moments are emotional.

I loved watching Michael, there is something to be said about having your child in the front ensemble where you can see him plain and clear.  I can tell by the way he moves his body and his facial expressions how he feels he is doing.  It's truly a joy to watch him become one with the music.  I know Michael is going to continue to do great things with his music.  It has been pure happiness watching him the last four years.

Michael during senior night waving to his fans.  Seriously, he had the loudest cheering section.  GO MICHAEL!!!

Tiger Pride Marching Band at CMU

We had our first band competition of the season and I cannot even begin to talk about how proud I am of our kids! I'm also sad that this is Michael's last year...I am still completely in denial that he is a senior.

I know that our band was frustrated yesterday after their 3rd place finish in field. As I sat in the stands shocked at the results along with many others not even from Waynesville, I immediately felt such disappointment for our kids. As I have had a chance to ponder yesterday, I feel immense pride for these amazing youth. I think about all they have endured as they prepared for their first competition of the season.

Many of them have parents or family who have deployed or returned home from a deployment. They carry the constant worry of a loved one in harm's way or are dealing with the aftermath of constant separation. Many have moved into our school district or are preparing to move to another school due to a Military move. They dealt with a massive flood in our community that canceled a week of band camp and has resulted in a lot of shifting as they have had to move around practices, not to mention that many of these students were directly affected by the flood itself.

They endured intense heat during practice and a new turf field which hasn't completely settled yet. Add into that the government shutdown and the fact that many have that stress in their lives as they have parents/siblings/extended family members who were furloughed or who don't know when they may get paid and who do not know how this will affect their livelihood.

I am proud of the Waynesville High School Tiger Pride Band and how they give all they have no matter what is thrown at them!

Senior Pics - Michael, Class of 2014

I was very happy with how Michael's senior pics turned out.  I didn't go in with a lot of expectation and was pleasantly surprised.  I know there are many people who think that senior pics for boys aren't a big deal like they are for girls but I beg to differ.  Mothers of boys want the same memories.  I want to look at pictures and see my child, his personality and the things that matter to him.  I am so grateful that the photographer was able to capture that for me.  We got over 20 images and these are just a few of my absolute favorite!