A Graduate!

We are really not traditional at all.  I guess that is pretty obvious! 

We have LOVED the flexibility of homeschooling our kids! We can tailor their academic studies to each of them individually.  

For Caleb, we began a program called CollegePlus when he was 15.  The essence of the program is dual-credit.  He finished up high school while earning college credits. Because of this program, there was not a huge dividing line between high school and college.  

We wanted to 'draw a line' as a way of formally saying that this season has been completed.  We did that last Friday night in an informal graduation ceremony. Family and a few friends joined us as we celebrated the completion of high school.  We borrowed a cap and gown to make it more official!

Don said a few words and told a few jokes!

I decided to take the opportunity to teach the crowd!  

After all, homeschooling is 24/7! ;)

We did make Caleb share a little bit and then Don called up all the graduates and asked them to line up alphabetically . . . it was a short line. We handed Caleb his diploma and marked his high school career as finished!  

We then spent some time in prayer over Caleb and all that the Lord has for him and his future.  It was my favorite part of the evening. We were so overwhelmed and blessed!

Prayer was followed by lots of hugs, presents and dessert!

Saturday, we invited our friends to celebrate with us at an open house!

Caleb displayed some of his favorite high school memories. 

I made him include his baby pictures!

We were so blessed by all of those that came!

I didn't realize how much the ceremony and open house would really 'end' this season for me.  I didn't ever plan to homeschool.  The Lord led us down this path about 13 years ago.  It has been one of the hardest but most rewarding things that I have ever done! 

One down - three to go!! ;)