Graduation Day for Cordelia

Thursday evening was Cordelia's graduation from preschool. We arrived a bit early so she could put on her cap and gown. Then we took our places to watch her graduate. Now let me take a moment here to apologize for those times, before children, when I made comments about how silly "graduation" was for pre-school and kindergarten and whatever. I realize now that they are important milestones and they deserve a moment of celebration.

I had been feeling surprisingly emotional about Cordelia's growth all week. I had a moment Monday when I held her hand and flashed back to the first time her tiny perfect fingers grasped mine. How it has only been a few years, but so much has happened. Anyway, that coincided with graduation and it was an emotional day for a proud mother.

We watched her enter and walk to her place. She searched around for our family and when she spotted us she smiled and waved. I LOVE when little kids smile and wave from presentations. She also blew kisses to each of us.

The ceremony lasted about 30 minutes. Her teacher Kylie from last year sang a song called Let them Be Little that had me sobbing (I feel my feelings and I will probably feel your feelings too).



Then they were given diplomas.


Here she is hugging her first teacher, Teacher Gwen. These two have a very special friendship and I am sure it was hard for Gwen to say"Goodbye." I know it was difficult for Cordelia. Although we see Gwen regularly and it wasn't really a goodbye.


Then the class sang the goodbye song that they sing every day at school (and I cried some more). And then preschool was over. Kindergarten now.
Also, crying again as I write this.

Trial Run

Yesterday was Cordelia's first preschool graduation. All of her friends, the ones she has known for half her life, are going to kindergarten next year. She misses the cut off by 13 days (never mind that she has the vocabulary of a 15 year old) and is destined for another year of preschool.

She wanted to "graduate" with all of her buddies so we went to graduation last night. It was a way to say goodbye as many of these kids will never see each other again. Of course the closest pals all have mothers with whom I am in contact (summer play dates) and will remain friends.

Although it will be strange next year. Many of the other mothers have become friends as we do the pick up and drop off, the play dates, birthday parties, etc. It is the end of a good time with new ones on the horizon.

We went to the ceremony last night, not planning on much more than feeling a little bummed out for Cordelia as she watches her pals move forward. Then Cordelia's teacher sang this song, "Let Them Be Little." I think you can imagine that it is about the fleeting nature of childhood. The song is so long when you are trying not to cry. I failed. I cried and tried to cover it up, but the tears wouldn't stop. So, there was that. I feel my feeling ok?!? Don't make me cry about it, because I will.

The rest of the graduation was great. The kids sang. They each accepted their diploma, they toured the crowd. Graduation number one down. How many more are there to come? Surely I will cry for each and every one.

Motherhood, emotions and stuff.

A Ceremony of Our Own

Last week I mentioned that Eric and I had finally graduated with our MAs. We did not, however, attend our graduation ceremony. Actually we did nothing to acknowledge the occasion---possibly due to shame (it did take us a small eternity to edit our thesis papers). Anyway, once we were back home from our NC trip we decided that we needed to have a little ceremony of our own, why not?!

So I made us some radical diplomas (we have yet to receive our actual diplomas).

We held the commencement ceremony on our back patio. Since the graduating class was comprised of two individuals we decided that we should each give a speech.

Cordelia set up our audience


I handed Eric his diploma and he returned the favor.


He was thrilled, he couldn't believe this day had finally arrived.


After a few tears were shed Eric was able to compose himself and give a riveting 30 second speech.

After what was certainly one of the most inspirational speeches of all time (sorry no transcript available) I was up next.

I graciously accepted my diploma

Then I launched into my speech....it was a bit lengthier

I gave a balanced speech...I believe


I expressed my disappointment in the system


I was also sure to thank those who had helped and inspired me along the way

Truly the ceremony was a thing of magic. I am sorry you missed it, but hopefully this account will bring the experience to life for you...

After our "graduation" we held a fort night party!

What?! You've never been to a par-tay this awesome?!

Pappy Says...

Guess what? After 9 zillion years Eric and I are finally graduating with our Master's degrees today! Yep, we've actually been done for some time, but now it is finally official.
WOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!
Bring on the student loans...

Saving 3: The Cedar Box

I previously blogged (here, here, here and here) about the boxes full of mementos in my life. Today I thought I would continue that trend by exploring this little cedar box which I received for graduating from high school. A furniture store gave my entire graduating class little vouchers for these boxes. You better believe that I cashed in that voucher and started filling my box with, what are now, cedar scented little treasures.

Here is a look inside of the box. Looks like it holds a bunch of papers.

The first bit are letters that Sam, my youngest brother, wrote to me (and Eric) around the time I was getting ready to leave for college. I was incredibly heartsick to leave him, he was 6, so every scrap of paper became a precious treasure.

Next is a picture of one of my first animal rescues, Murphee. He was a kitten that I pulled out from an abandoned shed. I used to have a circuit of stray cat hot spots that I would frequent and try to capture any strays that I possibly could. Murphee ended up living with an older woman named Barbara who lived across the street from us. I would visit him and eventually I became friends with Barbara. She gave me piano lessons and became a non-judgmental ear for my pre-teen worries. Murphee and Barbara became such important figures in my life at that time.

The next layer in the box shows a graduation photo, my tassel, a clipping about my first scholarship and a Cure concert ticket.

Now, this next item is a real gem. My Grandmother gave me this picture of my Dad when he was in jr. high! I can't believe how adorable he was!

Next is a list of likes and dislikes that Eric and I wrote several years ago, they are pretty funny.

Here are some adorable photos of Eric as a kid! So cute.

Finally, the crown jewel. The lyrics to a song my father wrote for me.

I will save that story for tomorrow, it's a good one!