There were 12 students in my nephew’s graduating class.  Yes, 12.  I begged my niece, who graduates next year from a school with a graduating class of about 1000 to change schools before I had to attend hers.  hehe

And during the part of the ceremony where the graduate presents his mother with a flower, he shyly did that …

and then he gave one to his maternal grandma…and walked to the end of the row and gave his Aunt Tammy a flower.  And his Aunt Tammy cried… 

because it dawned on me … he’s the only male child from my dad’s lineage, to carry on the family name … his dad is in prison … his dad and his uncle (my youngest brother) never graduated from high school … my older brother, who loved Cody to pieces, died in 1997 and was unable to attend this momentous event, the relatives who raised my two younger brothers didn’t bother to even show up to the ceremony or send well-wishes … he’s joined the navy, and looks SO MUCH like my dad did, when he was in the Navy.  It really hit me that I was so damned proud that Cody lived through that horrendous car accident in 2006, and was able to walk across the stage….and that I was able to travel up to Missouri with my oldest daughter, to share in such a blessed event.

Way to go Cody – you’ll always have a piece of your old Aunt Tammy’s heart!

The theme of the eighth-grade dance, that was hosted by the seventh-graders, at my girls’ school was Masquerade.  Since I have a seventh-grader, I was one of the moms to help plan the event – and it was held last Friday evening at the school social center.  Since the school ends at eighth grade, there’s a big ta-doo about the graduating eighth-graders, with this dinner and dance being the social event of the year – outside of the upcoming graduation.

The art teacher at the school was in charge of creating masks for all of the eighth-graders, trying to fit their personalities with some type of bird.  I don’t know the kids very well, but I think the masks were outstanding – filled with colors, glitters and unbelievable character.

Not to be outdone by my creative daughter #1, she made masks for her siblings yesterday:

I have been hurting my brain, trying to think up an appropriate gift for the kids’ Sacred Arts teacher at church.  Ms. Judy is the musical director at church, as well as the teacher for the Wednesday evening Sacred Arts classes.  I find these classes fabulous, and it gives the kids of the church a chance to sing, dance, act, craft and learn about Christ through facets that aren’t usually stressed in Sunday school.  I think Ms. Judy participates to keep young at heart.  She’s one of the best teachers of young people that I’ve ever encountered.  And when a mom of four kids says this, you can bet I’ve had my fair share of experience along the way!

Wednesday is our final meeting this year, and we’re having a big pizza party and games night.  So, I wanted to give Ms. Judy something.  I don’t know if it’s because other moms are too busy, but no one else thinks of a group gift – at Christmas, even though I asked the others to bring something, only 1 child’s Grandma did.  I find that sad, of course.  But, it doesn’t mean that our family can’t thank Ms. Judy for her wonderful care and fun that she’s shared with us this school year!

Last night, I put together this quilted prayer journal for her:

On the inside, I put 2 pockets on the left and a notepad holder on the right:

In the lower pocket, I printed out a photo of the Sacred Arts kids in action, performing in church one Sunday.  For the top pocket, I thought I’d make up some business cards, and have each Sacred Arts child write their name on it.  That way, Ms. Judy can have cards with their names, so she can pray for them.  On the 2 pockets, I also ironed on some Martin Luther quotes, that seemed appropriate for both music and prayer.

I sure hope Ms. Judy likes it!  Her father is a retired Lutheran pastor, so she’s lived a full life in the church.  And she’s a lovely woman, definitely gifted with a musical talent that we get to enjoy every week!

If anyone would like the pattern, I need some incentive.  Please leave a comment here, and if I get 5 comments, I’ll be happy to write the pattern instructions.