"To accomplish great things, we must not only act, but also dream; not only plan, but also believe." ~Anatole France
Exciting news! We're celebrating another graduation in our house. Approximately sixteen years since the first one and thirteen years since the last one. Almost a whole generation apart this time. Certainly a much different experience--with the former ceremonies being more buttoned down, and official; with a tassel and a diploma. I was a proud mama then, and I'm a proud mama now, but under completely different circumstances. About seven years ago, we veered away from traditional schooling and eased into a more relaxed lifestyle of learning at home, together as a family. There was no grand plan. We simply found ourselves at a cross-roads one day as our elementary school closed (due to lack of funds for safety repairs), and an opportunity to move rural suddenly came up. I knew families that home-schooled and always admired their resolute and self-sufficiency, but I really wasn't that confident myself, and didn't have a clue where to begin or even how to DO it. Given our circumstances though, we decided to try it for a year and go from there. I won't go into all the details, there are many, enough to fill a book, but eventually--we found our way. Thanks due in part, with a little help from our friends. Looking back, it's been an amazing journey for us all. And now that it has ended, in some respects, for one child, I wanted to commemorate this milestone in her life, in a way that would reflect that journey. So we did our own grad-photo shoot here in the garden recently and had announcements printed. I think they turned out exactly right. The quote at the top is on the upper inside flap, and the announcement details are inside too.
I used Zazzles, they have good product and fast turn-around, but I was a bit disappointed with their free shipping offer--it seems a box of 50 note cards falls under their criteria for 'over-sized' and does not qualify. No where on the website does it mention what constitutes "over-size". (So beware.) A $13 s/h charge was applied instead. Their customer service is prompt at responding, but only quoted the obscure "fine print" which still didn't explain how over-size orders are determined. Small details for sure, but still. Not. Good. Business. No one likes a 'bait and switch' tactic. Especially since I had spent four times the amount required to qualify for their "free shipping". Boo.
Making progress on the potpourri. Gathered these pretties yesterday from the backyard garden.
On a final note, thank you for the book orders! I'm wrapping them all up today (with a special surprise) and hope to get them mailed on Monday. Have a great weekend!
Congratulations to your daughter!!! We too homeschool, and I love it...to be home with your children is an awesome thing!
Blessings!
~Nadine
Posted by: Nadine | June 26, 2009 at 09:44 AM
Our youngest just graduated and is 10 years younger than our older daughter. I toyed with the idea of homeschooling, and after much angst sent her to public school. Looking back I feel it was a mistake, she learned far more than the basics! We all stuggled to get her through and now are paying the price of the horrors of the public school system. Kudos to you my friend. Sign me, sorry.
Posted by: Bridgette | June 26, 2009 at 09:58 AM
Congratulations sweet Grace! Your picture is very lovely! ~Mandy (Hello to Ginger(Sarah)too!)
Posted by: Amanda | June 26, 2009 at 11:00 AM
Congratulations!!! We are far from any graduations, but next week I will have taught kindergarten at home for the third, and last, time. I feel a mixture of sadness and relief :0)
Posted by: Amy | June 26, 2009 at 11:36 AM
We are celebrating four graduations this summer: one college, twin high school grads, and one eighth grade. All joy!
And our oldest (a homeschool grad, by the way) is celebrating her own "graduation" as she relinquishes her teaching job to be a stay-at-home mom for a while.
We homeschooled for 12 years, and loved it; I am grateful for their experiences in public school, private school, and college, too. How wonderful to be able to learn in the way we choose, at every stage of our lives.
Posted by: Lisa | June 26, 2009 at 11:56 AM
Congratulation to Grace! The photo is great! She looks very sweet!
Chase
Posted by: Chase | June 26, 2009 at 12:02 PM
Congratulations!
Posted by: sherry | June 26, 2009 at 01:57 PM
Congratulations, Grace!!!
Blessings on you.
Dawn @ (4:53 am)
xo
Posted by: Dawn | June 26, 2009 at 03:41 PM
From one Home Schooling Mama to another I applaud you for your decision.I have been schooling my children for the last 8 years now and would not change it for the world. My son just finished his first year in High School and my little girl has just finished 3rd grade.Congrats to Grace on such a great milestone and many blessings to you and your family.
Mica from The Child's Paper
Posted by: Mica | June 26, 2009 at 04:39 PM
Congratulations on a job well done. We have been home schooling for a long time, and one more year til the last one is done. An amazing experience.
Posted by: Jocelyn | June 26, 2009 at 05:20 PM
YAY for Homeschool Graduates!!!
We've homeschooled since forever and just love our natural, unschooling lifestyle.
Posted by: Molly | June 26, 2009 at 08:36 PM
Many congrats to your family. We are planning on moving to a very rural setting in another state, and I have been seriously considering homeschooling. Thanks for sharing a bit of your story!
Posted by: brooke | June 27, 2009 at 12:24 AM
We homeschooled second grade for the first time this past year. It was awesome. Hope to continue in spite of dh's job loss. Congratulations to your graduate!
Posted by: Paula | June 27, 2009 at 04:21 AM
congratulations to you and your daughter. It's a landmark you will both remember, and Grace looks beautiful in her picture x
Posted by: Claire | June 27, 2009 at 07:34 AM
Oh my!!! Congratulations Grace! You are a beautiful young woman and may you continue to learn throughout your life.
Congratulations to you too Vicki for a job well done!
I have friends that homeschool and the kids just seem to be so much more well rounded than public school kids. I'm not knocking public school, this is just my opinion.
Posted by: Yvette | June 27, 2009 at 08:11 AM
Congratulations to Grace! and to the rest of you for doing whatever it must take to homeschool your children. I am in complete awe and wonder - what an amazing gift and accomplishment for all of you!
Posted by: Barb | June 27, 2009 at 08:51 AM
Congratulations to you and your daughter! It is quite a journey and I know you feel a real sense of accomplishment.
We just graduated our second homeschooler! Our county does offer a homeschool graduation with cap and gown, but we opted to do our own little ceremony and then a English country dance!
Blessings on you both!
Posted by: Deanna | June 27, 2009 at 03:22 PM
If you ever want to make further entries about your experience as a home school family, I think they would be quite welcome!
Congratulations on the accomplishment!
Posted by: Dana | June 27, 2009 at 06:36 PM
Congratulations to Grace! What a wonderful accomplishment for a family! Well done Vicki!
P.S. The potpourri are gorgeous!
Posted by: christy | June 27, 2009 at 07:46 PM
Congratulations to ALL of you! We're a homeschooling family too and the journey has been "one to remember." What a beautiful young woman.
Jody
Posted by: Gumbo Lily | June 27, 2009 at 09:11 PM
Thanks Nadine, you are so right.
Posted by: ~vicki | June 28, 2009 at 08:22 AM
congratulations to all of you! I was tempted often when my stepdaughter was growing up to homeschool her. but I believed she really needed to break the ties from home. she was very shy and quiet and needed to get used to being around others! you're all wonderful.
and as far as zazzles, I'd try to get in contact with them and voice your dissatisfaction. In this day and age, customer service is everything!
Posted by: Lisa Martin | June 28, 2009 at 02:44 PM
Congratulations Grace, what a lovely lady! I am sure she will be on to amazing things:-)
Posted by: Suzanne | June 28, 2009 at 04:36 PM
what a great idea! I home school my oldest three with the baby trying to crawl all over the table- its chaos but massive fun!
Posted by: Zia Meadows | June 29, 2009 at 07:30 AM
What a beautiful photograph of "our" sweet Miss Grace. After reading here almost everyday, I feel as if she is a very real person in my own life, and I truly care. Congratulations and lots of love to her, and to you and your family as well, Vicki. Please tell Grace that I wish her a bright and happy future full of all good things.
xo
Lena
Posted by: Mrs.Staggs | June 29, 2009 at 08:34 AM
Thank you Lena--I know what you mean about feeling that connection with other bloggers. After years of following each other's lives, and stories, I guess it's only natural that we form bonds of friendship and caring. I feel the same way when I visit your little haven.
The well-wishes are making Grace's day!
Mine too.
xo
Posted by: ~vicki | June 29, 2009 at 10:30 AM
Kudos to you dear mama!
Posted by: ~vicki | June 29, 2009 at 10:31 AM
Congratulations to Grace and to you Vicki. A wonderful accomplishment. I know the future will hold wonderful things for your beauty. I am thankful for the wonderful public and private schools in our town as I know I wouldn't have made it as a teacher.
Posted by: jam | June 29, 2009 at 11:21 AM
Congratulations Grace! You are such a beautiful young woman. May your future be as wonderful as you are!
Posted by: Velma | June 30, 2009 at 06:12 AM
Congratulations to the Graduate and to you.
The flowers for the potpourri look beautiful.
Posted by: Mo'a | June 30, 2009 at 07:02 AM
Congratulations to the Graduate! I wish you the best of luck wherever your life takes you.
Seeing how positive homeschooling is, I wish we had taken the homeschooling route.
Posted by: Judy @ daily yarns | June 30, 2009 at 01:23 PM
Congratulations Grace!
Posted by: pam | July 01, 2009 at 08:02 AM
Congratulations to your lovely daughter! And if you ever do have a chance to write your homeschooling stories, I'd love to buy that book. My daughter is six and we've already switched schools once...
Posted by: Amy | July 01, 2009 at 09:10 AM