Can A Mom Be More Proud?

Mon. evening my BabyBoy walked with his high school class in a small ceremony in Placentia, CA. You see, last Feb. (on Valentine's Day...The Love family's favorite holiday!) my BabyBoy completed all requirements and graduated early. As a formality, he was invited to participate in the commencement ceremony last week. He really didn't want to do it, but I said, "Do it for your Mom!" In the picture below, he's looking up at the stands of the stadium and saying "Ok, Mom, is this what you wanted?"
At the ceremony, my BabyBoy received an awesome surprise. You see, a few months ago, one of his former teachers contacted him and said she would like him to submit an essay to be considered for a scholarship. The subject of the essay was "Service." So, my BabyBoy, thought 'why not!' and submitted an essay. He worked on it all by himself and sent it to the teacher. Well, at the ceremony they announced his name as the recipient of a $500 scholarship from the Yorba Linda Sunrise Rotary Club for outstanding community service. Pictured below, he just heard his name called and he's receiving the scholarship. I know he's thinking, "You're kidding, right?" Below is the teacher who suggested he write an essay, telling everyone why he received the scholarship. I know he is hating all the attention. Even the teacher said that in her speach! Can I just say a word or two about that teacher? She is one of those teachers that is a teacher as a calling, not just a job. She loves her work and cares about each and every one of her students. She took my BabyBoy under her wing and helped him along. She is awesome.
Let me share with you some of the essay my son wrote:

"As a youth my father was instilled with a love for service and enjoys seeing the smiles on others faces when he helps. He has passed this great trait down to me. At a young age my father would take me along with him to help trim the bushes of an old widowed lady from my church's congregation. I can remember the first time he brought me along. Of course, as with most children, I would have rather been home watching Saturday morning cartoons. After a few hours of hard work with my father, the old lady came out of her house to come thank us. She had a soda for my father and me as payment. I can still remember the smile on her face when she saw the work my father and I had done. It still is one of the happiest feelings I’ve ever had."

Here is the BabyBoy with his proud family. (of course Daughter #1 is in Utah, but sent her well wishes too.) Left to right: The Mom who made him walk with his class, The BabyBoy, The Dad who raised him to love giving service, Daughter #2, who loves to tease her little brother. (as you can see in the next photo below.)
Daughter #2 is not shy at all!
And here is Daughter #2 with her Sweetheart and the BabyBoy. They are all contemplating the great question: What is the BabyBoy going to do with his life now?

Here is the BabyBoy marching in with his class.

Here he is waiting to hear his name called. Oh, he's hating all the attention!

And here he is shaking hands with a member of the school board. He's a friend of our's from church. The BabyBoy has known him for many years.

And lastly, here is a shot of a lovely rosebud he received from his family afterwards. What is it? Yes, it's a rosebud crafted out of dollar bills! Cute, huh?Come back tomorrow, blogging friends, for pictures of the sampler quilt all finished!