Graduation: Came and Gone In a Flash

Several things to get to, but in the past couple weeks (still lazy on my posts) the biggest was Jake's high school graduation. You always hear parents say time flies and I am one to agree as it's hard to believe Jake is already done with HS and heading off to college in the fall; wow, that went fast.

I didn't realize there were so many different 'activities' taking someone thru graduation, but there are bunches:

1) Baccalaureate - kind of like pre-game; gets you in the mood for 'tassel day'

2) Making sure everyone* gets a mailed invitation. * means those who have impacted Jake's life and not just sending out to any/everyone (not a fan of that) just because

3) Awards/Scholarship Program - during the day and it goes kid by kid and details academic achievements from HS and what/to where scholarships they get. Jake was recognized on the Preparatory College Achievement, the A+ Program, National Honor Society, Magna Cum-Laude GPA (3.85-3.99), and received two scholarships (1 academic and 1 I'm not sure about) from SBU worth around $9,500 a year (nice for my wallet).

4) Senior Church Recognition Night (Saturday) where in 18 different kids had displays and tons of church folks came out

5) Senior Recognition in Sunday morning church where in he also provided a very inspirational testimony to the congregation (so proud).

and finally

6) Graduation (with after-party for family and friends)!

Jake's a level headed kid so he never got real 'amped' up for any of these, but took in all in while wearing a solid smile. It was great seeing my Grandma Smith along with my Uncle Ed and Aunt Linda at the graduation (along with the regular crew - Gma and Gpa Jones, Gma and Gpa Appleby, Mandee, Jim and Cheri and girls, and Ira - who might as well be family). After the ceremony we all headed to our office (more on that later) for some chow and cake. Speaking of the cake, Mandee works in a cake boutique in STL and they made a custom graduation cap cake for Jake which not only looked incredible, but tasted even better. She had ruined us for all other cake...

So HS is a thing of the past for Jake and while he never really got any kind of 'senior-itus' this year he is more than ready to move on to the next phase of school and life. As I type he and a buddy are out on a 'road trip' for the next 4 to 6 days with no real destination planned. I do know they were heading toward STL when they left, would like to make a pass thru Memphis for some ribs, and possibly do some hiking and goofing around in the Ponca, Arkansas area, but how long they are gone and where they go is unknown - how freaking fun is that.

On a side note: Jake got a new (to him) car for graduation and didn't even shed a tear parting with the Rodeo (imagine that).

So, on to other topics...

It took all of three days after receiving our foster license for us to get THE CALL. Turns out a young man (9yrs old) needed a temporary place to hang out until a long-term placement could be made so we are helping out for a bit with this. So far so good as he is a good kid and we are having a good time together. He loves to ride bikes so we make it a priority most days after school (lucky me). The night before graduation the little guy and I got to spend a quality night as he got a stomach bug and it was non-stop hurling 'til early morning. A super friend of Deb's was kind enough to keep an eye on him during graduation; he turned out being fine by mid-day (rough night). Although not shocked, it is interesting how so many things covered in our training are true to real life fostering. God has blessed us and we're just trying to pass that along.

Ian is got picked up on a 5th/6th grade basketball team and so far he is fitting in really well with them; even if he is only up to their armpits. Last weekend his team got 2nd in a tourney losing the championship game by 1 point with 2 seconds left - arg!!! Last night he went for 14 points and 9 points in a double-header (hitting a couple 3 pointers). He is having a blast!

Training/Racing: No racing since Waffle #1 as I skipped Waffle #2 since I wanted to spend some time riding with our new visitor. Training/riding has been super good lately with a nice mix of road and mtb'ing and the increase of intensity in prep for a solid month of June racing. Saturday during a ride with Dale and Nate Dale took the below photo of us closing in and eventually drafting off a horse and buggy (common sight northwest of Bolivar).

Weather, like in all of Missouri, has been nutty as of late and Saturday's ride I was layered up and still chilly. Glad I skipped on Tour De Grove as I heard it was miserable.

This weekend Ira and I are teaming up at the ICC 3/6hr mtb race in STL and we're doing the 6hr duo. We have no idea as to the course, but we're sticking with SS's and it should be fun.

Many more pictures and clips to come, but for now