Friday evening, we celebrated the graduation of Jesse Maxwell. Jesse is the 7th Maxwell to graduate from our homeschool. Jesse worked hard at his school: he was diligent, he applied himself to his studies, and he excelled quickly.

Our graduation celebration started with dinner, and Jesse chose the menu: ham stew, cornbread, potato casserole, and for dessert: chocolate brownies with fudge sauce, and chocolate custard.

Bethie brought balloons to Uncle Jesse.

After dinner and cleanup, we moved into the living room for Bible time.

Next, everyone had come prepared with a special verse (s) for Jesse. They read him the verse, shared some thoughts, and then prayed for him.

Joseph’s verse was presented in a special design which he had done.

Abby recited a verse she had memorized.

Grandad was able to read his verse, which was precious, with his failing health.

Dad and Mom gave Jesse his diploma.

As part of our celebration, we gave graduation gifts to Jesse. Everyone had put thought and effort into their gifts. Abigail gave Jesse a stuffed penguin.

Christopher being his funny uncle self. I can’t wait to see him with his own children.

The Maxwell alumni.

Jesse and John after the party was over.

Truly, the celebration was a special time of blessing Jesse, celebrating his graduation from school, and recognizing his hard work. Near the end, Jesse gave Mom a card he had written. As Mom got emotional, there weren’t many dry eyes in the room. Mom has invested so much in our education, and it is something we are extremely grateful for. She’s been homeschooling for 27 years, and Mary is her last student!

Congratulations, Jesse!

Love,
Sarah

“Only take heed to thyself, and keep thy soul diligently, lest thou forget the things which thine eyes have seen, and lest they depart from thy heart all the days of thy life: but teach them thy sons, and thy sons’ sons.”

–Deuteronomy 4:9

Thursday evening was a special time of celebrating with ladies the upcoming birth of Baby Maxwell.

The shower idea was initiated by Abby. She loved reading about the baby shower in Spring with the Moodys. About four years ago, the ladies in the neighborhood had thrown a shower for Melanie and Abby. We thought we’d host a shower this time for Anna Marie!

Dad and John helped us with decoration hanging.

Ready!

Anna and Abby taking the balloons and sign out to the mailbox.

Anna Marie, GiGi, and Anna.

Anna had a last-minute idea for ladies to sign a onesie for the baby. It was a practical guestbook.

The first game we played was “guess mommy’s tummy size”. You couldn’t try out the yarn on yourself to get an idea, so it was strictly a guess. There were many giggles as ladies tried to figure out what length to cut their yarn.

Then, we started out with two ladies. They each tried their yarn around Anna Marie’s stomach, and the lady who was the closest, stayed standing until another lady’s beat hers.

Mrs. L, to Anna Marie’s left, won the game, with an extremely close piece of yarn.

The next game was “guess the baby item,” and we passed seven paper bags around, each containing a useful baby item. Would you believe Mrs. L won both games?! We didn’t make the items easy to guess either. Way to go, Mrs. L.!

A and B helped Anna, as she opened each bag and announced the item.

While Mom shared a poem, Scripture, and some thoughts on raising children, Anna prepared the little girls for a special presentation. By the way, Mary made the matching outfits.

Abigail sang Jesus Loves Me, and then she and Bethie presented Anna Marie with a flower. For those who have read Spring with the Moodys, you’ll know Maddie sang a song and gave a flower to Mom.

Anna Marie was given an amazing assortment of items. Our hearts were overwhelmed by the generosity of our sweet, neighborhood friends. They showered Anna Marie and her new baby with so many practical things. I enjoyed seeing the thoughtfulness and creativity put into each gift.

Mrs. L not only brought a gift for Anna Marie, but she also gave gifts to the little girls. Mrs. L’s mom made A and B two sets of matching sweaters! They were so sweet.

Anna Marie with the cake.

The whole group.

Christopher came to get Anna Marie and her gifts after everything was done. Don’t they look like such a happy couple?

It was a very special evening, celebrating the upcoming birth of Baby Maxwell with our friends from the area. We are grateful that the ladies took time out of their schedules to come and bless Anna Marie and Christopher.

Jesse’s graduation post will be in the next day or so.

Love,
Sarah

“For thou hast possessed my reins: thou hast covered me in my mother’s womb. I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvellous are thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well.”

Psalms 139:13-14