Griffin's Senior Banquet

Well........we are quickly approaching graduation day. I was talking with a friend the other day. We were sharing  our breakdown moments during this senior year and how busy we were lately! I explained the reason why I thought we were so busy with graduation details towards the end of the year. It's so we don't have time to ball daily over the fact that our family life is about to change forever. Don't get me wrong......I am so happy for this new chapter for my son. I am just really sad about the changes(I don't adapt to change very quickly). I only have a few months left for him to wake up in his bed, to see him come through the door in the evening or the random face to face chats throughout the day. I am going to miss it!!!!!! Now here I go having a breakdown moment while typing this!

(pause for tissue)

His dad and I have discussed the idea of being dorm parents just so we could see him everyday! I don't think Griffin would appreciate that idea! Seriously, we would be ecstatic if he remembers to call or visit us often.

Okay...... enough of the sentimental  jibber jabber.......back to the banquet.

At church, they set aside a night after evening worship to honor the seniors. We had a dinner filled with the seniors favorite foods, a table decorated for each senior, speeches and a slide show to finish the night. It was a night filled with wonderful memories. 

This year the church had 5 seniors.

 Yes, Griffin was surrounded by ladies. I don't think he had a problem with it!

Here is Griffin's table. 

We provided the pictures while another family in the youth group made his board.

 

A family member of each senior spoke for a few moments to and about their senior. I told Carmel he had to speak. I don't think I could have been able to get one word out. Besides, I couldn't have puffy eyes for pictures that would come later!

This is the youth minister and his family. They are such a great family! We were glad Griffin was able to spend his senior year here with Will and the other youth. Laney can't wait to be a part of it in just a few weeks!

Now that we live near family again, they are able to come to events like this.

We have loved the fact that Griffin was able to spend his senior year with his cousin. I think Michael saw him more this year than we did!

When I was looking back at the pictures from this night, I came across this one with these beautiful girls.

Funny....I never knew my camera went missing for this photo. 

A few other friends.

A few more photos of our family and then I will be finished.

The next big event will be him walking across the stage.

Hotel slumber party with friends

My girls have really missed their friends from Warner Robins. Most weekends our house was filled with laughter from several little girls. While we were in Atlanta for L2L, my girls begged to have friends sleepover. I wish we could have had a huge girls sleepover but due to sleeping arrangements and early church the next morning, we had to limit them to 1 friend. While most people were fast alseep at 1:00 am, these girls were ready to pull an all nighter!

 Just about the time I think I have them calmed down and ready to sleep............

someone comes in to get them wound up for round 2.

Several  minutes later........

 he went to bed and I was finally was able to calm them down for one last shot before the lights went out!

L2L 2014

We have been involved in Lads to Leaders for 10 years now. Griffin was Ella's age(8) when we went to our first convention. Can't believe it has been that long! Our children had grown and learned so much from being involved in this program. I truly believe Griffin gained his courage to lead songs, read scripture and even preach in front of 200 or more due to L2L. 

The church where we attend now was not involved in L2L. We knew that before we placed membership. Since we have been involved in L2L for so many years, we thought it was time for us to take on a new challenge. We decided to be leaders and give families the chance to participate in the program. We had 8 families involved this year!

Due to moving and our family being apart for over 6 months, we decided to keep it simple this year. We did not do a lot of the competitive events. Here is what our children were involved this year.

Griffin 

Good Samaritan, Year Round Song Leading and Year Round Bible Reading

He was selected to be a host this year.

He also received a L2L scholarship to Faulkner University.

Although this is his last year, we are hoping he will be able to come back with us to support his sisters!

Laney

Good Samaritan, Bible Reading, Song Leading and Gifts.

Ella

Good Samaritan, Bible Reading, Song Leading and Know the Books

I am so proud of my kids and all the other children who were involved!

We are hoping  that several more families will decide to join us next year and we can be involved in more events! Here are a few highlights from the weekend!

We were so excited to see our friends from Warner Robins.

Looking forward to next year!