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

 

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

 

Her Last First Day

My Baby is a Senior!!!

I don't really know what else to say.

I want to drink in every moment

Liv, you are an incredible young woman. Have a great senior year.

Love you forever, Mom

This girl has the best class schedule.

Monday/Wednesday start at 10:30, choir and theater

Tuesday/Thursday start at 9:15, AP stats, AP German, AP something else

Yeah, judge me. She's the 3rd child and I can't remember what classes she is taking. 

Friday start 9:15, 8 periods with only 5 classes.

It wasn't like that when I was in high school We didn't have open campus or open blocks during the day. Three days a week she can come home for lunch, I love when I am home with her for lunch. These are some of the moments I am soaking in. They will be over before I know it. 

 

Legally Blonde Musical

Olivia started off the school year with hours and hours of rehearsals for the HS musical “Legally Blonde”

This production did not disappoint!!! 

Four days of performances and so many supporters

Mom . Liv . Em

Joe’s not a fan of musicals but he is a fan of Olivia 

Crystal . Holly . Nana . Papa

Rodger . Laura . Oma . Reagan . Riss

Olivia spent many days at school from 7:30am - 7:30 pm. I have no idea how she did it. AP classes, show choir and school musical is a lot! This kid is smart, talented and has all the feels. ;)  Love you bunches Liv! 

 

A Husker Finding Hope

You’ve read in this blog about Reagan’s soccer “career” over the years of micro soccer to real teams to competitive & travel soccer to high school and then the injury to the recruiting process then the college commitment. We thought once she signed the National Letter of Intent in November 2019 and moved in the dorm in January 2020, the day she would take the field to play her first D1 collegiate soccer fame was right around the corner. Who knew there were curve balls in soccer? 

Reagan has now been in college for a full year and has yet to put on her Huskers uniform for anything more than media day. So again, we are looking toward the spring for game one. It has been hard for Regs but we are proud of her attitude and desire to rise above. 

A couple weeks ago Reagan’s coach recommended her to be interviewed by a Husker journalist who in turn had a writer at FanWord write this article in her voice. (Interesting way of doing things.) So >> Click Here << to read Reagan’s thoughts on her journey to playing soccer for Nebraska. 

Fall 2016

To

Fall 2020

Two Down, One To Go!

 

It's official, our baby girl is done with middle school and hitting the halls of our local high school. I snapped this picture right after a brief orientation, yes we had masks on inside the school. By the time we took another 150 steps, I slid into the driver's seat of my Prius and looked at Liv. My expression must have been one of those weird mom looks, she asked, "what's wrong with you, mom?" Anyone who has sent a child to high school knows those four years fly by. All I could see was this young teen heading off to college when in reality she was ready to start her first day of high school. Oh Liv, I am excited for you to experience show choir, meeting new friends, German, high school dances, sports and activities.

Schools across the nation are investigating all kinds of bizarre schedules in the name of keeping kids, staff and faculty safe. Some schools have sports, some don't. Dances, show choir and all things fun have been cancelled or postponed. It's going to be an interesting year.

Online . Hybrid . Traditional

Strangely enough there are actually some school districts sending students and teachers back to school full time. Full time with masks, social distancing and constantly bathing in hand sanitizer. So crazy!

ANYWAY here is Liv's schedule...

Week 1: one day, 25% of students go each day

Week 2: two days at school and 3 days online

Week 3: two days online and 3 days at school

Week 4: it's a surprise, hoping for 100% in school.

I am thankful we do not have several young children going to school, this would be a nightmare. So for now, I'm praying for the best situation...kids learning and health for everyone.

Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.

1 Peter 5:7

A Different Graduation: Covid Style

We knew all along that Reagan's graduation experience would be different than the traditional student’s journey to a diploma but this year took a curve that no one expected. 

Reagan left for college in January 2020, the pictures that follow are from May and June of 2020. By then time everything was said and done, Regs felt like she experienced graduation and was ready to close that chapter. Millard did end up providing a ceremony in late July, we opted out. 

Grace, Molly, Reagan and Katie have spent the last 4 years together playing soccer, hanging with “gang”, laughing, swimming, party planning and who knows what else. They will always remember their good times as a Wildcat. 

Virtual Graduation 

Diploma, Suma Cum Laude medal and Stare Medal

Senior Parade which ended up being a HUGE success!

All Grads were to wear their gowns so our girls wore swimsuits underneath. 

 The Gang

This last picture is one of those fun and silly things they do in high school. I remember voting on superlatives back in my day. One day when I have nothing better to do I should dig out my senior book and read the results. Anyway, Reagan and Max are both attending Nebraska to play their respective sports, baseball and soccer. I hope these Wildcats turned Huskers do reach their ultimate dreams of playing At the professional level.