Graduation Pictures with Family & Friends...

We had fun getting pictures with family and friends after the graduation ceremony.

Graduation Video...

Here's Tim's graduation video:

We Have a Graduate in Our Home...

This is the official graduation announcement of Tim from our homeschool:

Empty Nester...

Everyone keeps asking how I feel about becoming an empty nester. The truth is—I’m not there yet… but I’m 32 days away.

I know life will feel different after graduation. That reality hasn’t escaped me for a second. I’m stepping into a brand-new chapter, and while it’s a little bittersweet, I’m also looking forward to the freedom that comes with it. For so long, school has been the constant in our lives. Soon, I’ll have more time—time to reconnect with friends I’ve barely seen, time to say “yes” to things I couldn’t before, and maybe even time to explore working outside the home. Who knows? It feels like doors are about to open.

For years, my life has revolved around Tim. I took him to every training session, handled his schooling, made the appointments, and met his every need. Our business made it possible for me to be there in all those ways, while Scot worked tirelessly to provide for our family. He’s been an incredible partner through it all—supporting Tim, helping with school when needed, pitching in at home, and even cooking meals when I was stretched thin. Life with Tim has been full, busy, and anything but boring.

And honestly, after graduation, not everything will change. Tim will still be at home, working with his dad, taking online college classes, and continuing his weightlifting. The biggest difference? I won’t be reminding him to do his schoolwork anymore—LOL. He’ll be fully responsible for himself. We’ll always be here to guide and support him, but now he’ll be the one steering his life and shaping his future. The “Tim show” is about to take center stage, and it’s his time to run with everything he’s been given.

As for me and Scot, I’m excited for what’s ahead. This next season gives us a chance to rediscover life as a couple—to go places, do things together, and simply enjoy each other again. It’s been a long time since it was just us. In many ways, this feels like a new beginning for us too.

Am I a little sad? Of course. My baby is all grown up. But more than anything, I’m excited—excited for Tim, and excited for us.

We’ll always be here for him, cheering him on as he chases his dreams. But it will be nice to have the time and space to explore life in new ways—together, and with the friends we’ve missed along the way.

Graduation Checklist is Done!

Homeschooling has been quite the journey. It’s not for everyone, but I’m truly grateful we chose this path—it’s strengthened us and brought us even closer as a family.

That being said, I finally have everything finished for Tim’s graduation on May 16th, and it feels so good to have it off my plate—unless they come back asking me to trim the parent speech some more. Keeping it under 250 words has been no easy task—it’s such a tight limit. I used a lot of these "&" to trim the word count. It's not counted as a word in word counters. I truly hope it’s acceptable, because making it any shorter will be a real challenge.

I have to admit, I’ll be relieved when all of this is behind us. Senior year has been pretty overwhelming with everything that’s had to get done by me for his graduation. While I’m incredibly proud and excited for our son, I’ll also be glad to finally stop thinking about it all the time.

We know Tim is ready to move on from this chapter. His focus is firmly on weightlifting—earning a spot on Team USA and representing our country on the world stage. He’s really only participating in the graduation ceremony for us, his MawMaw, and for his aunts, uncles, and cousins—truth be told, he’d happily skip it. But he’s worked too hard, and we’ve worked alongside him every step of the way, for this moment to pass by unrecognized. Whether he likes it or not, it’s a rite of passage moment—and one worth remembering.

Next, he plans to take classes at Wake Tech Community College, where he hopes to explore opportunities in computer engineering and see where that path might lead him. His coursework will be online, allowing him to work alongside his dad while continuing to stay committed to his weightlifting training schedule.

So Many Thoughts...

So many thoughts have been running through my mind as I think about Tim turning 18 in just a month—and then graduating high school only five days later. It all feels a bit surreal. Some days it seems like just yesterday he was a baby in my arms. Oh, how I miss those days.

As a baby and toddler, he was such a character—full of energy and life. He went from crawling, to wobbling on his feet, to taking a few steps… and then he was off and running. From that moment on, he was everywhere and into everything—like a curious little explorer. We had to stay on our toes to keep him safe as he discovered the world around him. Somehow, even when he managed to slip away and take a few “express routes” down the stairs, he always came out without a scratch. Crazy, right?

As kindergarten approached, we knew traditional school might not be the best fit for him. With all that energy, we worried he’d be labeled instead of understood. We wanted to nurture his curiosity, not stifle it—so we chose to homeschool. It turned out to be one of the best decisions we’ve ever made. He has absolutely thrived. He’s become an independent, hands-on learner who isn’t afraid to figure things out on his own. Honestly, he can do things on a computer that I can only dream of…LOL!!

In fourth grade though, Tim faced a significant medical setback that required him to repeat the year. When he reached high school, he was determined to graduate on time, so he took on an intense academic workload to make it happen. In 10th grade, he completed both his 10th-grade studies and half of his 11th-grade coursework. Then, during his senior year, this school year, he's finished the remaining 11th-grade work while also completing all of his senior requirements. We knew he could do it and in just 28 days or so he will have it all done.

Of course, we also knew he needed a strong outlet for all his energy. He began TaeKwonDo at just 4 years old and continued until he was 15. During that time, he earned his 3rd Dan black belt, along with countless medals and trophies. More importantly, he developed discipline, resilience, and a strong work ethic. He has dreams of competing on the world stage, but ultimately he realized that path would not come through TaeKwondo.

In 2023, he found Olympic weightlifting—and it was like everything clicked into place. This is where he belongs. His build, his mindset, his drive—it all fits. And all those years in TaeKwonDo? They weren’t wasted at all. They laid the foundation for the success he’s experiencing now.

It feels like everything is moving in fast forward as he steps into becoming his own man. Turning 18 is a huge milestone, and graduating high school just days later makes it even more significant. I’m so excited for what lies ahead for him, because I truly believe it’s going to be something special. He has a determination that can’t be taught—a fire to chase his dreams with everything he has. I have no doubt he’ll stand on that world stage one day, representing our country—or give everything in him trying. And through it all, he knows he has our unwavering support.

His dad and I are so grateful to have a front-row seat to this journey. Our greatest dream is simply to watch him achieve his own.

In just 31 days, he’ll turn 18. In 36 days, he’ll be finished with high school. With each passing day, the excitement builds as we get closer to these incredible milestones.

We are so incredibly proud of you - Tim! We love you to the moon and beyond! 

Thank You, God, for the gift of Tim. These nearly 18 years with him have been such an incredible journey. We’re so grateful for every moment and look ahead with excitement as we watch him continue to grow into the man he’s becoming. This next chapter may look different, but it’s one we welcome with full hearts and great anticipation.

From This, To This, To This....

Tim has been an elite athlete since the age of 8. From then until he was 15, his whole world revolved around Taekwondo sparring. He was a fighter—and a very good one. But what made it difficult for him to truly excel in that sport was his height. In Taekwondo sparring, height creates a major advantage because the sport is so leg-dominant. Taller athletes naturally have more reach, allowing them to strike from distances their opponents often can’t match. Add talent to that physical advantage, and it becomes an incredibly powerful combination.

Tim absolutely had the talent—there was never any doubt about that. The challenge was consistently facing opponents who were taller and had that reach advantage. No matter how hard he worked, it limited how far he could go in the sport. So, he made the decision to switch paths.

That decision changed everything.

When Tim discovered Olympic-style weightlifting, he truly found his calling. For so long, he believed Taekwondo sparring was where he was meant to be, but stepping into weightlifting revealed something even greater. In this sport, he has grown by leaps and bounds and found success right out of the gate—success on a level that simply wasn’t possible for him in Taekwondo.

I’ve often said since he switched sports that I wish I could get back the thousands upon thousands of dollars we spent on sparring. But the truth is, that journey laid the foundation for the success he’s having now in weightlifting. I don’t think Tim—or even we as his parents—fully realize just how much his years in sparring prepared him for this moment. The discipline, explosiveness, body control, mental toughness, and athletic foundation he developed all helped shape the athlete he is today.

Now, in just a little over a month, Tim will turn 18, and five days later he’ll graduate high school. He’ll continue pursuing his weightlifting dreams while also working alongside his dad in the family business.

Through it all, Tim has always carried the same dream in his heart: to represent our country on the world stage—at Worlds and the Olympics. The path to that dream may have changed, but the dream itself has not. His goals are still alive, stronger than ever, and he is relentlessly driven toward them.

We are beyond proud of everything this young man is accomplishing.

God has an incredible plan for Tim’s life, and we have the blessing of a front-row seat to watch it unfold. What a joy and privilege that is for us as his parents.

LH Class of 2026 Pictures...

This one is of the entire homeschool graduating class.

This one is of just the guys.

You might have to click on them to make them larger if you are looking at these from your computer.

Tim's Pro Shots from Mr. Keller of Final Shot Photography...

Mr. Keller got some amazing shots of Tim on Senior picture day on March 22nd.  

Baby-Tween-Senior Class of 2026...

                Baby                                 Tween                             Senior                   

Tim has grown up entirely too fast💨!

There truly aren’t enough words to capture just how quickly time has flown with this kid. Watching him grow into the young man he is today has been nothing short of incredible. As a mom, I deeply miss the days when he was little—when he’d curl up in my arms, use me as his jungle gym...LOL, and when our days were filled with museum visits and park trips alongside our homeschooling friends. Time doesn’t slow down for anyone, but I’m so thankful we made the most of those moments while we had them.

We’ve cherished every season—and we still are. There’s never been a dull moment. Watching him grow, learn, and step into who he’s becoming has been both a joy and a privilege. It hasn’t always been easy, but it has always been worth it.

With graduation just around the corner and his 18th birthday just days before, we’re stepping into a new chapter. But one thing will never change: our support. We’ll always be right here, cheering him on as he continues to chase his dream of making the USA Weightlifting Team and one day representing our country on the Olympic stage.

Tim Through The Years!

I’ve been going through all of Tim’s pictures—from the day he was born until now—and it’s been quite a journey. Sorting through years of memories to choose photos for his yearbook pages, his graduation bio, and the senior slideshow has been both meaningful and overwhelming. On top of that, I’m putting together a graduation video for our family and friends. There’s so much to do, and with only 50 days until graduation, I know the time is going to fly. And just five days before he walks the stage, he’ll turn 18—another milestone to celebrate.

We are beyond proud of the young man Tim has become and all he has accomplished so far. There have been moments when the enemy tried to take him out, but God’s hand has always been on his life—protecting him, guiding him, and shaping him for a purpose. Tim has a calling on his life, and it’s our deepest prayer that he continues to honor God in all he does as he steps into this next chapter and becomes his own man. We pray he seeks God in every decision and stands firm against anything that would pull him away from that path.

We are so thankful that God blessed us with Tim later in life. There was a time I wasn’t sure marriage or children were part of my story, but God had a greater plan. And now, as graduation approaches, we place this incredible gift—our son—back into God’s hands, trusting Him to lead, guide, and direct Tim’s steps in the years ahead.

We know we haven’t been perfect parents, but we have loved Tim deeply—with a love that Father God has for us. He is an amazing young man, and we believe with all our hearts that God has an incredible future waiting for him.

Enjoy these picture collages: 

Graduation To Do List....

This is just one part of what I'm having to do for his Homeschool Graduation from our Homeschool Group.  I've already filled out all the information for his diploma, next is choosing 5 pics from birth to now (that took some time to sift through the pics to use), after that is Tim's bio for the program (which I've gotten done) they will be giving out at the door, then there's our speech that has to be done.  I pretty much have it all done although I keep going back and tweaking it.  So excited for Tim to be done with this portion of his life so that he can move on to what's next for him and for now that will be working with his Dad learning/growing the business and continuing to train and do weightlifting Meets.    

Homeschool Bowling Social last Wednesday...

Tim had a great time at the homeschool bowling social last Wednesday. After the ice from the weekend before everyone was ready to get out of their homes for a bit before the next weather system of snow came in. Here's some pictures:

Life Goes On....

I'm so excited for Tim's graduation coming up in May but it also saddens my heart because both his grandparents are gone and will be missed deeply at the ceremony.  When I think of that my heart aches.  My husband's parents were more parents to me than my own ever were.  Even more than that they were absolutely wonderful to Tim.  He loved them so much.  I'm so very thankful for the years that Tim got to have with them making memories that will last him all his life.  They are gone but they are never forgotten.  They are always in our hearts and memories.  

Slideshow Pics for LH Graduation...

 The collage I'm sharing with you are the five pictures that between myself, my husband and Tim have been chosen for the slideshow at graduation.  You might be wondering why I'm getting things done so early?  Because once January hits we will be busy with weightlifting events as well as my mom possibly having knee surgery.  I need to have all my ducks in a row so to speak so I don't have to think about taking care of the graduation stuff because it will already be done.

I still can't believe he's actually graduating High School in May.  It seems like he has grown up so fast even though we have taken the time to cherish all the moments with him along the way.

Coming Out of The Homeschooling Fog...

I'm coming out of the Homeschool Fog that I've been in for 14 years now.  I've been an MIA Friend to many of the friends that I was extremely close to prior to marriage and having Tim.  I want to go on record and apologize for having been MIA for so many years.  I was just starting out in marriage and having a baby when most of you had been married and in the throws of raising kids for quite some time.  We were in two different times in our lives.  I was in M.O.P.S when you were doing middle school, if not, high school with your kids.  Not excusing not having stayed in touched better just pointing out that the roads we were traveling on were very different at the time.  

Now, all these years later, my journey of being a homeschool mom is coming to an end.  As Tim graduates I'm hoping and praying that these old friendships that I've held near and dear to my heart all these years will meet me on a new journey in life where we can reconnect. A journey that will allow us to grow together as we navigate these later years in our lives.  Where we can share our lives and all we've learned on the journey that we've been on while apart.  Where God can enrich our lives even more deeply as we spend time together.   

I've been more intentional recently about making connections again.  I'm sure some have been scratching their heads & wondering why now and the change in my journey in life is the why now.  

It's actually weird to be on this side of things now.  It seems wild to me that Tim will be 18 in May and just 5 short days later a High School Graduate.  

I take solace in the knowledge that even though Scot & I missed the mark at times, all parents do, while raising Tim that we have taken our job as parents and his teachers seriously.  We've poured into him to overflowing.  And now we pray as we release him fully into God's hands who gave him to us to raise.  We pray that God will be 1st in Tim's life above everything and everyone else as he goes out into this world and lives his life.   

I pray as a mom that Tim lives a life worthy of God.  That his is a life that represents the Kingdom of God well.  

I pray as I seek to reconnect with friends that God opens doors and that our reconnection will be even better than our initial connection years ago.

Above all I pray that God is Glorified in all of our lives in a Mighty way!!! 

God Bless!!!  

10th Grade Report Card...

Here's Tim's 10th Grade Report Card.  His 11th will be posted by the end of the summer.