She Did It!!

May 25th at 9am we celebrated Olivia’s graduation from Millard West High School. Wow, this is the end of an era. Our first child started public school back in 2004, twenty years later we are done. We made it! 

Olivia graduated Summa Cum Laude with over a 4.0 in her class of 587 students. What a hard working young lady. We are proud of you Liv and know you can accomplish anything you put your mind to. 

The grandmas

 

Her First Graduation

She is clothed with strength and dignity;

she can laugh at the days to come

As a "victim" of the vid-19 (like everyone else) this girl did not get a high school graduation ceremony. Today was her first. We are proud of her hard work, great grades, multiple interests, overcoming obstacles and fighting to finish strong.

This last semester was a rough one, rehabbing from ACL surgery and struggling to figure out what her future would bring. Time and time again God meets us right where we are. I hope she knows she can do hard things because God has given her great strength. Reagan can meet a challenge and turn it into good. I'm not sure that she is sold on that message yet, but I know it to be absolutely true...every time.

 After graduation Reagan will begin a master's program in Nutrition and Exercise Science and play her 5th year with the soccer team. We look forward to seeing #7 on the pitch once again. The healing path continues but Reagan thrives in competition, she will do well!

Mom and Dad with the Grad

Liv and Regs

Joe, Emma and Willow were there in spirit

I really thought we would retake this picture but it didn't happen. Dang. 

Uncle Rodger and Aunt Laura got up at 4:30am to make it to Lincoln in time for 9am graduation. Now that is dedication. So good to have their support. 

Funny note, Laura is a nursing instructor at UMKC in Kansas City. About half way through our brunch today, Riss' older sister said, "Hey Reagan, your aunt was my sim-lab instructor during nursing school." What a small world. Amber is now a nurse in North Carolina so I guess Laura did a good job preparing her for working in the field. 

Family and friends celebrating our two favorite graduates

Reagan and Riss became teammates and best friends within days of meeting each other back in January of 2020. I am thankful that their friendship brought this whole group together. Ben and Christine are lovely people, too bad we didn't get to know them sooner. 

And then below is one of my chalkboard creations. It's just a fun thing I like to do.

However, it was raining so didn't even take it to brunch today.

And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. Colossians 3:17

 

She’s Comin’ Back

 

It’s been 6 mo since Dr. Claire repaired Reagan‘s ACL in the Operating room. This is not an easy journey! With any surgery there’s pain, swelling, loss of strength, loss of normal activities, but for an athlete such as my daughter, this surgery also represents potentially losing your dream and sitting on the sidelines for your entire senior soccer season. The emotional toil is tremendous. 

It's December and she will be graduating in just a couple weeks with a BS in Nutrition and Exercise Health Science. In just the last few weeks Reagan has decided to stay for her 5th year at Nebraska. This will allow her to start her master's degree while under scholarship and get back on the pitch. As long as I can remember, Reagan's dream has been set beyond college soccer, she has wanted to play in the pros. Going back one more year will give her the chance to complete her ACL rehab and show the world that SHE IS BACK!!! 

This young woman has dealt with some true trials over the last few years but it is in the fire that we are refined. She will come through this better than she was before. God doesn't leave us alone in our dark days, He is right there to help us, grow us and strengthen us. God is good all the time.

I for one am looking forward to cheering on my favorite Husker for one more year. 

GO BIG RED!!!

Senior Photo Sesh

this was me taking a picture while the professional was taking a picture of the other way.

pretty artsy if I do say so myself.  ha

yep, this is one of her favs

showchoir dance shoes

I think these cords are music honor society, academic honors and drama

I have a whole series of dance moves