Shine Like Stars: Lauren's Graduation Party!

Today our oldest graduates from high school! While it seems like she's grown up fast, when I think back to when she was a baby, I realize it has been a while.

It's an exciting time for Lauren and for us, but a little bittersweet with the fact that our family will never again be the same. In fact, that's the thing that will make me cry if I dwell on it very long, so I'll move on to another thought!! :)

We're so proud of Lauren! Academically, she's been very successful. In various organizations/sports, she's been successful. But, most of all....we're proud of the young Christian woman she has become, and the example she has been to those around her.

Saturday we had a family party for her.....an extended family party.....with grandparents, cousins, aunts and uncles, great-aunts and great-uncles, her immediate family, and friends.

Grammy (my mother-in-law) made the cute cake and my niece helped out with the heart on top. We decorated all over the house and had lots of pictures and memorabilia set up around the house.

Italian food was on the menu. This shows marinara-type sauce on the chicken parmesan, but if it had been my plate, it would have been the Alfredo sauce! There was also beef lasagna.

Lots and lots of garlic bread sticks! We had 216 of them! Probably 50 - 75 too many! We're used to feeding lots of teenagers, where there are never enough of the breadsticks! :)

See the money hanging around Lauren's neck??! It was a money gift from several relatives, which was all taped together and put in a cute decorated Kleenex box. She had to pull it out in a roll! So very cute!!