Shhh... She's Off to High School!

How did this even happen?

My Mama heart is still walking our oldest to preschool with her hand tightly laced between mine.

Her voice not yet confident then to share with others, yet friendships grew, play dates existed and then Addison's first graduation from preschool. From there we began our journey with Meridian Parent Partnership School (Mp3) as we home schooled for seven years before entering Ebenezer Christian School in grade seven.

Jeff Caraco was our SLPC (Student Learning Plan Coordinator) for all but six months of our time at Mp3. We started as an off campus student where each week Teacher Jeff would call and check in with Addison. The first year was rough - usually the call was Jeff talking and myself in the background encouraging any conversation. Over the course of years having weekly phone calls, Addison eventually started to share more about her week at home telling Teacher Jeff what she had learned and answering any other questions he asked. We spent countless hours with Explode the Code, Spelling Workout, Daily Grams and Math-U-See along with many other text books that spread across our dining table and homeschool corner at home.

Launching Success knew us by first name as we often came in for more supplies.

For the last couple years of homeschooling, Addison (and Charlie too) transferred into campus students attending the Mp3 campus twice a week. A brief break for me but also a challenge for the kids to interact with other students and teachers. This is when we began to see the incredible change burst from our sweet Addi as one of her favorite memories from mp3 was giving her TED Talk.

From not speaking a word in two years of preschool to giving class speeches, we as parents could not have been more proud of the many accomplishments.

At the beginning of 7th grade, we transferred Addison to Ebenezer Christian School before her final transfer to Lynden High School next year. Addison has built many sweet relationships with friends at ECS as she was challenged, stretched and embraced as one of their own in her small class of 16 students.

A few weeks ago, I was able to tag along to the class trip which was so rewarding witnessing these students interact with another, stop to do devotions three times a day together, goof off and play well all while the parents stood back and relaxed. I love how ECS has partnered with Jesus Christ in education and encouragement to mold and support all their students into becoming respectful adults. What I love more is how strong our Addison is and knowing that she's confident in the exact person God created her to be... whether it goes against the grain of social status or what everybody else is doing. She knows she's loved and that's all she needs. Which is why converse are the shoe

choice for graduation not some awkward heel she may trip in walking into the ceremony.

Sweet girl, Mom and Dad can not be more proud of what you have accomplishment. You are the most task-minded, self-motivated and determined girl I know making sure all school work is neat, completed on time and done to the best you could have done. I'm terrified to see you grow up because I don't want to lose you and wish I could freeze time. You will always have that little dimple smile and pray it doesn't get lost as you get more involved with things such as growing up.

Happy Graduation Day Addison Jean!

You are going to accomplish so many amazing things in life!