GRADUATIONS 2019

My 60th birthday with three grandchildren born in 2001
Birthdays: Carter Dec 26, Abbey Sept.7, and Dawson Jan.22
(The Mother Goose quilt made by Sandra now hangs in Elly Clara's room in Førde, Norway!)

I am the eldest of four siblings but was the last of the four to be a grandparent.  That happened in 2001 when I was blessed with three grandchildren that year!  Now in 2019 they are all in grade twelve and have graduated from High School.  Fortunately, the grad exercises were all on different weekends so we could take them all in and the cousins could be at all the grads too.

CARTER NICHOLAS JOHNSON

Posing at the farm where he's been working

The first graduation was for Carter Nicholas Johnson at Lampman High School on May 25th.  The banquet was held in Lampman Curling Rink and Alan and I were able to attend that too.  Each grad's family had their own table so we sat with Kirk, Shauna, Lindsay, Jamie and the parents of Carter's escort, Alissa .  The grads all sat at a long row of tables at the side of the rink.                        

Alan and Grandma

Following the meal we moved to Lampman School for the exercises.  Clare's and Laurel's joined us there.  Each grad was introduced and the emcee read a bit about each one.  There was also a slide show and several speeches.  This was followed by the Grand March, after the chairs were gathered up to make room for the dancers
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Carter and escort, Alissa 

Kirk, Shauna, Carter, Jamie, and Lindsay

A proud mom with her son!

Ready to dance!

Then family and friends were invited to Kirk's where we enjoyed a tasty lunch and lots of visiting in the Johnson's neatly decorated garage.

DAWSON DAVID DIEKRAGER

The second one to graduate was Dawson David Diekrager at Milestone School.  He took part of his grade 12 at Vanier Collegiate in Moose Jaw while he played hockey with the Moose Jaw Generals but was home to graduate with his class after hockey season ended.

Alan and I attended the banquet at the Hall in Milestone.  We were at the Diekrager table with Laurel, Greg, Grandma Gaylene, Auntie Danita, Shauna, and Kevin, who were Dawson's billet parents in Moose Jaw.

After the meal, we moved to the Milestone Rink that had been transformed by the grade eleven decorating committee into a Greek setting.   The grads were each introduced as they entered and were seated on stage.  The exercises consisted of speeches, toasts, special music from the school choir.

Eric, Laurel, Dawson, Greg, and Ashley

Dawson with Johnson cousins

Girls from Moose Jaw!

Dawson posing with Grandpa Danny's 1935 car
Dawson shares his initials DDD

ABBEY GABRIELLE JOHNSON

Abbey's grad took place after exams were all done, on Thursday, June 27.  We gathered at the Weyburn Comprehensive School for a punch reception at 2:00 followed by the Graduation Ceremonies at 4:00 in the Cugnet Centre.  It was full to overflowing and many people had to stand. (Alan choose to sit in the pickup!) Laurel and I were happy to find seats that weren't reserved. 

Each graduate was introduced and presented with a diploma.  There were several speeches, presentations of awards and special music by the school choir. 

Following the exercises, we gathered at Jodi and Clare's for a special meal in Abbey's honour.  Kirk's and Laurel's, as well as Jodi's sisters and brother,  were able to be there too.  (Terry flew from Edmonton on Wednesday and flew back Friday morning in time for the principal to be back for the last day of school!)

With Aunts Terry and Patti

Posing in the back yard and one taken earlier at the curling rink!

Alan, Abbey, and Grandma

Abbey with her Johnson cousins

Abbey with her proud parents

In the evening a Grand March was held back at the school at 8:00.

With escort Cody 

So now you have had a glimpse of these three special graduations.  It was wonderful to be at each one and realize that these "little kids" are now fine young men and a woman.  We are very proud of each of them and pray that they will make good choices as they mature and go out on their own.  Our love and prayers go with you!

I am going to publish this today but will be open to revisions or additions!