My 2012 Graduate

Alas, the time has come; the first three of my children are officially out of high school.  I never thought the day would arrive, but sadly enough, it is now passed.  Nathaniel James Baker graduated from the Electronic Classroom of Tomorrow on Sunday, June 3rd, at the Jerome Schottenstein Center in Columbus, Ohio.  Watching my son enter the large auditorium made me feel proud, but seeing him donning both an honor cord and a National Honor Society sash made me even more proud!  The honor cord meant he had attained a 3.5 grade point average or above throughout high school!  That is something to be proud of!  

The graduation ceremony is very long since every name of every present graduate is called as they march through a line shaking hands and receiving diplomas.  Over 1,500 students were expected to be part of Sunday's graduation ceremony, while over 2,000 students were actually 2012 graduates.  This is the largest graduating class ever from ECOT as well as in our nation!  Jack Hanna, the famous man who is head of the Columbus Zoo, was the speaker.  He had a very inspiring message for the young people, as did the Valedictorian speaker!  Following the turning of the tassels, confetti usually drops over the students.  This year was different, as green and silver balloons dropped down over the student body.  It was quite a sight to behold. 

 Graduation crowd

Again!

 Waiting for Graduates to come in.  The signs show the different counties in Ohio where ECOT students are represented.

 Ohio Education School Superintendent speaking (I think)

 Pledge of Allegiance and National Anthem

 Again!

 Jack Hanna, head of Columbus Zoo

 Jack Hanna brought animals to display ~ This is the cheetah he brought

 Evangelyn and Joshua waiting for it to be over!

 Nathan in line to receive his diploma (with yellow sash)

 Receiving his diploma

 Following the ceremony

 Avoiding the sun

 With Grandpa and Grandma Rish

 Jerome Schottenstein Center, Ohio State (where graduation was held)

 Finally home!

 My handsome son at his graduation party

Love the smile!

 Three Baker generations ~ Grandpa Baker, James Baker, and Nathan and Joshua Baker (being silly)

 Heritage Park ~ Graduation Party was here

 What's a party without Corn hole?

My Boys

Memorable Days

Beautiful rose Nathan gave me for Mother's Day

My precious Mom and I on Mother's Day!

My wonderful Dad on his birthday a week ago!

Born May 13, 1994

18 years old!  I can't believe it!

Seems like yesterday when he was born!

These are a few pictures taken in the past couple weeks.  It is so hard to believe Nathan, my baby boy for a long time, is now officially an adult!  Time marches on ... and it makes this Mama's heart sort of sad at times.  My children are growing up are grown up (except little Joshua)!  

My parents are getting older, and I'm learning to cherish every special occasion I have with them.  I love my parents so much.  They have been GRAND examples of consistent Christians throughout my life.  

Easter Family Photo

We don't take family photos very often. This one isn't the greatest, but it is better than nothing. It was rather cold out, and everyone was shivering and anxious to get back in the house.

God's Beauty

A rose on the same rose bush. I think these are so beautiful!

Here is the same rose that was pictured as a bud in my previous pictures. I have been waiting for it to open.

"April Showers Bring May Flowers" and More

The roses from this bush were once yellow.

Cute little buds soon ready to bloom!

Columbine

Dianthus

Columbine again

Pansy

Small roses on a huge bush that soon will be full of blooming flowers

First bud on this bush

My very favorite rose in our yard. Can't wait till it opens up!

JOSHUA'S "GARAGE"

(in reverse order ~ bottom to top)

Great! It's all fixed now and ready to go!

Hmmm .... something is wrong with this tire. Mom's salad tongs work well as tools. :o)

Hoist it up!

This car needs repair. Pull it up on the cardboard, so there are no oil leaks on the floor.

I had to wake Joshua up from his nap on Sunday and thought it was so cute to see him all snuggled up to his "Blue Bear" (as he calls him) that Grandma Baker gave him when he was born. ~Both laying side by side on his pillow~

Aging?

I don't know what experiences everyone faces as they get older, but I know one thing is definite for me, I seem to stress out more easily! The past few weeks have been filled with days when I have just wanted to run away from everything and everyone. Tears come more quickly and I feel life is too much for me.

On the other hand, I have found myself running to Jesus for help and guidance. Going through difficult times can be a growing time spiritually. I do not enjoy these dark times filled with an unknown future, but I am so very THANKFUL for a W.O.N.D.E.R.F.U.L. Heavenly Father who I can run to with all my cares and concerns. I have found His assurance in prayer time and again these past few weeks. He has reminded me that He will take care of things. I just need to lean hard on Him and trust Him. He does have everything under control and knows what is best for us! I surely don't know what I would do without MY Savior! He is my only HOPE and my only SOURCE of rest and comfort! ~I LOVE HIM SO MUCH!!~

I have finished two of my classes for this semester, and should be wrapping up another course this week, for which I'm thankful. Then, I will be starting another class which hopefully I can finish in one month's time, only to begin another one which needs to be completed in the month of June.

Besides my educational pursuits, we found out that Nathan's wisdom teeth must come out. The dentist was quite concerned since a rather large cyst is growing underneath one of his wisdom teeth which have not come through yet. Obviously, Nathan is quite anxious about this upcoming surgery and will be much relieved when it is all over with. I've been trying to provide reassurance that he will come through this just fine, which is hard to do when you've never had wisdom teeth. :o) I have had a tooth extracted before, but I know that is not much of a comparison. His dad (my hubby :)) attempted to provide the gory details of his experience, while I tried to intervene with happy, more consoling words. :o)

Anyway, if you think of me, please pray for me and my little family. We need God's help at this point in our lives. I am not free to share everything that is going on, but there are quite a few trials and decisions that we are currently facing. I know "The Lord Knows the Way Through the Wilderness" and "All I need to do is follow." Please pray that we will be obedient to His voice and follow every last command. I do not want to miss Heaven by missing His will!