There's This Cool Guy I Know...

his name is Josh and he's a junior in college. He can be kind of silly sometimes...

He's working on a double major while working 2 jobs, and somehow still finds time for his girlfriend and his family.

He loves his family...

 and they love him. A lot.

21 years ago yesterday, he made me a mom for the very first time. Sometimes I forget that he's my son and not just some cool guy I know..., because he's amazing and I feel privileged to have him in my life.

Happy 21st Birthday Josh!

Surprised?

Me too! 

I can't believe my son turns 19 today!

He's amazing and I love him.

 Happy Birthday, Josh!

Graduation

Josh returned home from his senior trip to Disneyland Friday. Just in time to graduate high school on Saturday! 

He was one of three valedictorians and gave a great speech!

Sorry the picture isn't the best! Terrible lighting!

How did he grow up so quickly?

We gave him a small graduation party complete with a special cake made by his grandma,:

A lion because he was the Cowardly Lion as his last role.

some yummy food, and a graduation banner:

I cut out graduation caps and letters on my Silhouette SD and glued them together!

Here's a close-up:

Nothing too fancy, but got the message across!

We are so proud of you, Josh!! Congratulations!

The Wizard of Oz

Last night was opening night for the kids' school drama, The Wizard of Oz. Josh, Emily, Megan and Seth are all in the show. They did an amazing job!

Dorothy and Josh as Zeke

Emily as Auntie Em and Josh as Zeke

Megan as Miss Gultch

Sisters Megan and Emily playing Miss Gultch and Auntie Em :)

Emily as Glinda, the good witch

Seth, holding the lollipop, as the head of the Lollipop Guild

Megan as the Wicked Witch battling Emily as Glinda

Seth as an Ozian

Josh as the Cowardly Lion

Wow! What a show! They have worked so hard and it shows! :)

Off to Banquet

Junior/Senior Banquet is tonight! Emily gets to wear her finished dress!

Beautiful!

And we even got a headband decorated for her.

Not to be left out, Josh found a great deal on what was originally a very expensive suit.

(Of course I had to fix a hole, mend the waistband, and uncuff and re-hem the pants....) :)

And no, they aren't going together. Well, they are going together, but with their dates.

Here's a just-because-we're-that-kind-of-family picture. :)

Hope they have a great time!

Joshua,

I am amazed daily at the person you have grown up to become, and I know I had a very small role in any of it. God has shaped you and molded you into a wonderful person. I am thankful that He trusted me enough to give you to me; to let me borrow you for the last 18 years. You, my first, we learned everything together. Will you forgive me my imperfections? :) I pray for your happiness always. I love you so!

Happy 18th Birthday, Joshua!!

Friday Focus

This Friday I'm going to focus on my son, Joshua!

• Josh is the oldest mini Mack

• He was born about 4 weeks early
• He weighed 6 lbs 5 oz
• He is one of our two redheads
• Josh was an easygoing baby

• He attended a private Christian school from kindergarten until halfway through the 5th grade

Josh holding his baby sister, Sarah.

• Josh was home schooled for a year and a half until he entered the 7th grade

• Josh has a great sense of humor
• He loves Disneyland

• Josh is a senior this year
• He played soccer:

• He sings in the choir
• Josh has been in several dramas, including A Christmas Carol, Joseph and the Technicolor Dreamcoat and Antigone
• He's now rehearsing to be the cowardly lion in the Wizard of Oz
• Josh is the president of National Honor Society at his school

• He will be graduating as valedictorian with a perfect 4.0 GPA in advanced classes
• Josh stands up for what he believes in
• He loves his big family and would like to have his own someday

When Josh was 8 years old, a dog ran from behind him and knocked his feet out from under him. He sustained a major concussion and a skull fracture. He was bleeding from his  nose and ears and had to be life flighted to a special hospital. It was terrifying! Thankfully, he recovered quickly and had no lasting effects.

Josh is an amazing guy! I know God has big plans for my smart, loving son, and I look forward to seeing what they are! :)