Closing a Chapter

It's amazing how fast time flies by isn't it? I mean, it seems like only yesterday I was just starting high school--and hating every minute of it--and suddenly here I am...a high school graduate! Funny thing is I always thought that I'd be excited to end high school. But now I'm actually kind of sad to see it go. I mean, the first two years stunk as far as social stuff, but the later two years were amazing!

I've never really given much thought as to how close I was to leaving high school behind. I mean, I always thought that I'd be SOOOOO happy to leave it...but now it's more a kind of semi sad farewell. It's sort of sad--like any closing chapter of your life...but it's also exciting! This means that I'm starting out on a whole NEW adventure! The College Chapter of my life! WOW!! That's pretty exciting! And while I will be sad to see high school go...I know that I've had an amazing past two years and I hope that my next four will be just as good! :D

But before I go any further, I'd like to take this opportunity to make my appreciation known to some of the people who have impacted my life over these past four years!



Mom: Thank you for your unending support and love--and also for the extreme sanity raising me required. You've impacted my life in so many amazing ways, and have provided strong guidelines for me to live out the rest of my life! You've taught me to work and work hard. You've taught me to take care of myself and plan ahead. You've done so much for me without a second thought. And I know it seems sometimes like I don't appreciate it. But I really do. I'm sorry for all the times I screwed up, or made your life more difficult than it had to be. But thank you for showing me through those difficult times how to get back up and keep on going! I'll never be able to fully thank you for what you've done for me, and even now 'Thank you' seems too little to say--but I guess what I'm trying to say is--that even though you'll never know how much I appreciate you or how much I love you--always know that I do. And I'll never forget the things you've done for me, and the sacrifices you've made throughout my 17 years. I love you mom, more than you will ever know!

Dad: A lot of people don't get very good fathers, but I'm happy to say that I'm not among them. You've always been a strong leader and someone that my siblings and I respected. We respect how hard you work, and how you refuse to live off of others. We respect how you never back down and how you always give off the aura of strength. We respect how you don't take crap but wouldn't deliberately hurt anyone for the world. We respect the fact that you're tough, and don't need mom or any of us to prop you up. We respect the fact that you are you're own man. We respect the fact that even though you work hard, you always have time for us and are always there for us and are involved in our lives. We respect the fact that even in tough times you're calm and manage to carry us through. We respect you Dad! And while I'm sure we often tried your patience...I know that you love us more than anything else. You've trained us the best you know how, and that means more to us than you will ever know! I love you so much Dad! And even though I may not say it as often as I should I really do mean it! You're the best father anyone could as for. Thank you seems too little to say I know, but always know that we appreciate you and that you're a really wonderful dad! :)

Jackson: You've always been right behind me. And even though we fight, and pester each other--I think we know each other better than we know anyone else. We're close, and we look out for one another. You're always there when I need somebody to talk to and you always manage to make me laugh. And even though I don't say it much, I love you. And even though I may fuss about your flaws sometimes--you're an amazing brother and are turning into a really amazing person. I just hope you know that! :)

Joanna: You may not know it, but you've really impacted my life! From the very first time I saw you I absolutely adored you! You are a very VERY important piece in my life, and even though I'm not very good at showing people how much I care for them--always know that you are a vital part of my life and I love you very VERY much! And even though we pester each other, always know that I love you, more than anything in the world.

Papa and Grandma: You've both affected my lives in so many wonderful ways! Ever since I was little, you both have always been there for me, supporting me and encouraging me! Papa, I've always admired how hard you work, and how much you care for you're family! Grandma, I've always admired how caring and sweet you are and how you've always cared for you're family! I've never heard you say a bad word about anyone, and I only hope that I can aspire to be just like you! You're the one that inspired me to sing and keep singing! You both have always been a vital part of my life, and have encouraged to be the best that I can be. You've both encouraged me so much, and I love you both so much! :D Thank you for always being with me, and helping me through my bad times. Thank you and I love you more than either of you will ever know.

Aunt Gigi: A lot of my fond childhood memories are formed around you. You were always the cool aunt that we got to hang out with sometimes. I remember cuizing around town in shades in you're jeep. When I was little that was some of the best fun I'd ever had. :) I remember you taking me shopping and showing what clothes look good and what clothes don't. You've always got such amazing taste, and you're the one I go to when I need clothing or decorating advice! :D You're also the one who helps me move out of some of my nerdy moments! Thanks SO much for that! :) You've always been the life of any party and can make anyone laugh! :D All in all, thanks for being there and letting me pick you're brain all these years.

Mrs. Rita: You always astound me with how caring and talented you are! And how you are so willing to share you're amazing talents with everyone! You've always treated me just like a daughter, and have always gone above and beyond the call of duty! Thank you so much for sharing your talents, time and friendship with me! :D You're such a wonderful lady! You're always willing to help others. You're always there to help people through their rough patches! You are kind. You are caring. And we all love you very much! You're one of the sweetest people in the whole wide world! :D Thank you for being a part of my life! :D

James: I know you better than I know anyone else. You've always been there for me, like another brother. You were my friend when I had none, and you never let me down! You're kind to everyone. You're very intelligent, but unlike a lot of people, you use your intelligence to help others. You're able to do just about anything you set you're mind to. You're always ready to help others. You have a love of learning and exploring new things that is admirable. We grew up together, we've been there for the good times and the bad. So I guess what I'm trying to say is--thanks for sticking with me these past ten years! You are and always be my oldest and truest friend! :D

Jacob: You're like another little brother to me! I've known you since we were little kids! And I think we are about as close to a brother and sister as you can get! We've made a lot of memories, and a lot of laughs! :D You can always make me laugh. You consider other people's feelings. You watch out for your friends and for you're family. You're always so polite to everyone. You're extremely patient, and understanding. You make people feel appreciated. You're fun loving and won't turn down a good time! You make us laugh so hard sometimes we just can't stop. You're an amazing person, Jacob, and don't you ever forget it! You're a very special and a very dear friend!

Jessie: You're the person who cheers me up when I'm down. You always can make me laugh. We've had so many amazing times together! Some of the most memorable times of my life you've shared with me! You're adventurous and you encourage others to see the world and try new things. You bring people out of their shells and help them realise who they can be! You make others feeling comfortable and happy. You consider other people's feelings, and you can turn a frown into a smile in seconds! But most of all you're a dreamer, and you encourage others to dream and to make their dreams into a reality. :)

Hannah: You are one of the most admirable people I know. You've got a leader personality! You've got a strong sense of self, and that means a lot! You know who you are and what you are and you give that feeling to others. :) You make people feel comfortable and confident! You're kind to others and are in tune with their feelings. You stand up for people and you don't let anyone tell you you're something you're not. You've got more talent in you're little finger than most people have in their whole bodies! You can do anything you set you're mind to do! You're level headed, but still love adventure. You're going to be a very fine young woman someday, and I'm proud to be you're friend! :D

Ganmama: My grandmother, or Ganmama as I used to call her, died when I was 10 years old. I miss her everyday, and even though she was only part of my life for 10 years--she still shaped my life in unmeasurable ways. She was always there for me, always supportive. She believed that I could do anything, and that I would become someone very special. She never gave up on me. And even though I never got to tell her how much I loved her, I always hope that she did. Because I loved her more than anything, she was my best friend. To me she is synonymous with happiness, peace and the simpler, happier times of my childhood. When she died a lot died with her. I will always miss her, especially on my graduation day. I kinda thought she'd be there for that. I know she would have wanted to be there, things just worked out different. But she did leave me a graduation present. It's a necklace she bought for me when I was little. It's very special, and I will treasure it always. I know she would have wanted to give it to me herself-- but it will still be given to me on my graduation.
I hope that she's proud of me, I hope that I'm turning into the kind of person that she'd want me to be. I know I have many flaws...but I'm hard at work on them.

I couldn't make this list without including her. She's been so important in my life. Not a day goes by that I don't think of her. She was such a special lady, so full of life. I love her so very much. More than I can possibly say in writing. And even if I could put it in writing it could all be summed up in three words,

I love you.


There are many more people who have impacted my life in amazing ways. This list only represents some of them. I love all of my family and friends. They are all extremely special to me, and I really hope they know that.





But yea, I've got a lot of memories, but I can't wait to make some new ones! A whole new chapter of my life is starting and while I'm so scared I'd like to wet myself...I'm also extremely excited! My life is moving on and there are so many wonderful things in store! :D


As I've been closing my High school Chapter, I've been prompted to look back over some old photos and memories, and I'd like to share some of them with you

 Well, the first high school memory I have is of course when I turned fourteen! :D It was a pool party. :)

 Yep, that's a little Jacob and James--and that's my head bobbing up out of the water.

They had a bubble machine going! :)

That was my first high school memory! :D A lot has sure changed since then--all of it good! :D

Here I am with some girls from a book club I used to go to. And no that's not my natural hair...I curled it then. Stupid? Yes. Fashionable? No. Not sure why I went through THAT stage! 0_0

Now that's a little more natural. Again about 15-16. And again at the book club. I always enjoyed going and the lady who ran it (Mrs. Emily) was always so sweet. I really missed the book club when it was over.

The Shakespeare Tavern trip. It was really a lot of fun going there! The performances were amazing!

Last year of book club when I was 16. That's James (not JandJproductions James) standing beside me. He's really nice and he played the younger version of Curly in The Dream Scene! :D

My second year of co-op! I'd have to say that co-op was one of the major highlights of my high school experience. And while I'm sad to see it go now...I know that I have other things in my life now. But still, co-op peeps, you guys are AWESOME!

Summer of 2011 was the best summer EVA! I spent the whole summer clowning around with my friends and basically having as much fun as we could humanly possibly manage!

Jessie and I also had a ball with photo shoots! She always has so many awesome and interesting angles for pictures! She planned this one out because she liked the way the sun looked with the flowers!

American Pie became a sort of hang out for us. I mean, we went there every chance we got!

Bowling was too awesome! I'd never been before, but fortunately Jessie and Hannah were there to show me the ropes! However that STILL didn't save me from accidentally throwing the bowling ball backwards! Ooops!

Truett's became another favorite hang out for us over the summer! Nobody makes milkshakes like Truett's!

Another part of my summer was spent by the pool. Both at the amazing Mountain Pool but also at James and Jacob's pool and at a friend of our's pool! It was so much fun hanging out with all my friends there!

And who could forget Jessie and I's attempt to ride the golf cart in the rain!? That was interesting! We came in soaking wet and cold, but heck we had fun!

My 17th birthday also rolled around and I got to spend it with all my amazing friends!

Uh, yea all those years of charm school really paid off didn't they?

The famous Jacob Hides Behind His Cap shot. Why is it whenever I post a pic of Jacob it's this one? Hmm....

I also got to model for Mrs. Gaskill again! It was so much fun! I hope that we can get together again soon! :D I absolutely loved getting to hang out with her that day!

She takes such beautiful pictures! :D She's really REALLY talented! :D

Our trip to Jarrel Plantation! That was awesome!

One of my fav pics from 2011. Jessie took this pic and I love how it turned out! :D Once again another great photography moment by Jessie! :D

 Me in dramatic mode as a late summer storm rolls in.

Jessie and I acting silly! Funny thing is we were actually playing with the camera while bolts of lightening were flashing all over the place! Not the brightest of all of our ideas I'll have to say!

Jessie and I heading off to the fall co-op! We pretty much spent the whole summer hanging out! It was so much fun!

Christmas with my family has always been special! Even when my sister and cousin are flashing gang signs! LOL! Oh well, still not sure where they picked that up.

This is the very definition of my brother's relationship to my father. My brother is always playing some trick on my dad....and vis versa!

My all time favorite picture of my sister and I.

Jessie and I on New Years Eve. No we weren't drunk, just a little wired from too much sugar! LOL!

It's so funny, Jessie and I have done so many memorable things together over the past two years! For example, meeting John Waller and Jason Howard!

And going to Accelerant! I'll never forget that weekend! It was, I'd have to say, one of the best in my life!

Going to Accelerant was the first time I'd ever been away from home on my own. It was a little scary, but not for long. We had so much fun and learned so much, it was really an amazing opportunity!

Plus we got to go go-cart racing! :D

WEEEEEEE!!!! That was SOOOOO much fun! Except when you got hit from behind....that part kind of sucked. LOL!

Jessie was a really amazing racer! She was a natural! :D

John! LOL! You are so funny! :D

We had so many funny and memorable moments! Heck, we'll be telling Accelerant stories for YEARS! lol! Maybe someday I can go back or do something similar to it! :D

The messages at Accelerant were truly inspiring! I've never been so moved in my life! And to be able to share it with such awesome people! Accellerant was just too amazing for words!

We also got to hang out at arcades and 'tried' to play round of miniature golf! I don't think anyone except the youth leaders had played it much! I know I hadn't! But still it was a lot of fun and we had so many laughs over that course! Especially when I accidentally hit a plastic prop gorilla in the head! OOPS! :D

Our last day was a little trying, as we spent it driving after getting up at six A.M. But we still had fun, and we were treated to a delicious meal at a restaurant called Rumor Has It! I got a shrimp salad and MAN It was good!

Before we left we also got to drive through the mountains and see some spectacular views! :D I loved every second of it and was snapping pictures all the way! :D

Of course I couldn't forget Oklahoma! :D This was the first play I'd ever been in and I loved it! It was so fun and everyone did an amazing job!

The dance scenes were some of my favorites! Square dancing is a lot of fun, especially in a big fluffy skirt! LOL!

I got to sing a solo line in The Dream Scene of Oklahoma and I was so thrilled! It was just so much fun to be able to participate!

My dear friend Mrs. Gaskill was taking pictures during one of the dress rehersals! She took all of these beautiful pictures of the Oklahoma cast! :D Thank you so much Mrs. Gaskill! I LOVE each and everyone of of these pictures! :D

The whole cast in one of the dance scenes!

A brief behind the scenes look at Oklahoma! Tatum (Laurie) had a 'smelling salts' prop bottle and we decide to have some fun with it! We call this picture, 'Smelling Salts Gone Wild!'

And of course co-op began again and Hannah, Jessie and I got to see a lot more of each other! This is a pic of me at Hannah's b-day sleep over! We were all wired from cake, chips and soda! That's the life! :D

I love this picture of Jessie! We call it 'What's Up'. We had a few minutes between classes so we decided to clown around with our cameras! LOL!

Hannah, Jessie and I at the Hunger Games! The movie was completely amazing! Thanks so much for taking us to see it Hannah!

Hanging out with Hannah at co-op! We had so many laughs there! :D

The Grand Ole Opry! One of my favorite memories! :D I was so nervous getting up there, but after I started singing it all went away! I loved it! :D

My mom loves this picture!

Me and Mrs. Rita! She made my entire costume and everything! Thank you so much for doing that for me! I really appreciate it! :D The costume was absolutely perfect! You really went above and beyond the call of duty!

I'm so thrilled that I might be able to wear the costume on stage again soon! But more on that later! :)

Me and a really sweet lady named Mrs. Shannon! I really enjoyed talking to her!

Again, LOVE the costume and my hair due! Mrs. Rita made the whole costume and Mrs. Kay styled my un-stylable hair! Thank you both SO much for all that you did!

All in all my high school experience has been great. And while I am sad to see it go, I am excited to see what new adventures and blessings the next four years of my life will bring. And while there are things I wish I could undo, most of my life I wouldn't change--and I figure that's pretty good. 

That's pretty much all I can say I guess, other than thank you to all the people who have helped me get this far in life, and here's to the next four years! 

You're now graduated blogger,

Rebecca