My Graduation Gift
July 06, 2011
Okay do not laugh at me, it took me two years to pick out this graduation gift becuase I am so picky. Yes, it was Auberne` who graduated and yes, it was me who got the gift (she got a laptop). I started looking into homeschooling when I was 3 weeks pregnant with Auberne`. I was a little obsessed at the time!!!! I remember her being a toddler and David and I seriously talking about HSing. I told him I would do it but he would have to look at it like I had a job. It was not going to be me being a homemaker and then throw in some HSing on the side. No it would be the other way around. If I did this, I was going to fully commit. Luckly David supported me and even promised if I made it the full 18 yrs. I could get a red convertible.
Well 20 yrs. later, no convertible (actually I have one in my yard, molding. Long story). But I did find a gift, with a heartfelt message to myself. You see, I think when a HS child graduates. WAIT, let me take that back. When ANY child graduates, it is just as big of an accomplishment for the parents, as the child. I do not want to take the spotlight off of Auberne`. I adore her and woman she has grown to be but I have been on my own journey too. I am a different woman thanks to my girls and thanks to HSing. They saved me from myself.
I wanted a trinket to remind me of how I have changed, of how I have found myself more and more. Even though I truly love HSing (I have never regretted or hated it), I made it! I completed my goal. I am flaky and rarely stick with anything. To have stuck with HSing all these years and to have enjoyed it to boot, well I am proud of myself. And hope all you mothers and fathers with grown children feel the same way I do.
So I choose a bracelet made from antique, sterling silverware. The setting is called Violette and is from 1905. I then had each of the girl's initial hand engraved on the front and their name in the inside. This way I will always have my girls with me in my heart and on my wrist. I will also have a reminder that I am stronger than I think I am and the joyful journey HSing has been xoxo
PS. I highly recommend Mon Petit Chou Boutique. They were so easy to work with (they had to make the bracelet smaller), it came beautifully wrapped with a card telling about the setting and year of the silver, the price was great. It would make a special gift for anyone. I will always treasure my bracelet. This is not a paid advertisement I just adore my bracelet.
LOVE, LOVE, LOVE, Clarice!!!! I think you are amazing, even though I've never met you. On a side note, I'd love to "chat homeschool" with you, if you have a minute...
Hope you have a beautiful weekend!!
Elise
Posted by: Elise | July 28, 2011 at 09:45 PM
I loved this beautiful post sweetie! The photos are so lovely and charming and your words so encouraging and heart warming! Congratulations to you and Auberne` both. You are both amazing girls!!! I love your bracelet and that you have the girls initials on it. What a precious keepsake this is and a symbol of all the joy and blessings homeschooling has brought to your family! Love, Paula
Posted by: Paula | July 26, 2011 at 06:59 PM
Beautiful post Clarice...and congratulations to you both for jobs well done. I home schooled for one year and it was the hardest job I've ever taken on!
Love,
Tracey
x0x
P.S. Love love love your bracelet!
Posted by: Tracey McBride~Frugal Luxuries ® | July 10, 2011 at 04:04 PM
What a wonderful idea to have a remembrance bracelet of the years journeying through childhood to adulthood with your girls. This is the year I retire from HS-ing since my baby is graduated this year. I love your idea and may consider it myself. I love the spoon bracelets. L O V E .
Jody
Posted by: Gumbo Lily | July 07, 2011 at 12:44 PM
Congratulations to all of you Clarice. I think that you and your husband have raised two very fine young women, and have created a lovely home and family. Graduation is a huge accomplishment, as is 18 years of homeschooling.
I think your bracelet is lovely!
Posted by: Lena | July 07, 2011 at 11:02 AM
I just wanted to thank you for your prayers Clarice. I needed them and today is a bit better...
Blessings, Debbie
Posted by: Debbie | July 07, 2011 at 10:31 AM
I think that's a really lovely idea! It's a beautiful bracelet and I love how you added the initials of both your girls. I'll keep this idea and use it when my girl graduates from college. Thanks Clarice!
Posted by: Manuela@A Cultivated Nest | July 07, 2011 at 06:15 AM
It's beautiful Clarice! Congratulations to you and Auberne!
Posted by: Thimbleanna | July 07, 2011 at 05:55 AM
Congratulations to you and your beautiful daughter! I love how you note your changes as well, Clarice! What a special person you are! No wonder your young women are just the same!
Love the bracelet AND what it represents!
What is next for the graduate??
Posted by: matty | July 07, 2011 at 04:09 AM
What a lovely post Clarice! Congratulations to Auburne and to you!!! I love the bracelet, that is a really neat idea.
Blessings,
Jan
Posted by: Jan Richardson | July 06, 2011 at 07:18 PM
Oh my goodness I went to the shop and looked...oh I have to have one of these and one for my daughter. Could be a Christmas present. Thanks for recommending. I'm wondering if they did the engraving?
Congrats to you and your daughter for doing so well with the long term goal of HS.
Posted by: Nan | July 06, 2011 at 06:31 PM
I always thought us HS Moms needed graduation parties and gifts! Way to go on blessing yourself and recognizing the work and dedication you accomplished. :)
Posted by: Cindy J | July 06, 2011 at 03:07 PM
What a lovely post! Congrats to Auberne! But a congrats to you, as well. What dedication and love you have shown. I'm sure it has been a wonderful journey for you both. :) And the bracelet you selected to commemorate this journey is so beautiful...what a lovely way to look back always and remember the times you have shared together! xoxo Theresa
Posted by: Theresa | July 06, 2011 at 02:18 PM
PS; such pretty dresses too :) Gill
Posted by: Gill | July 06, 2011 at 01:32 PM
Congratulations to you both!
I first "met" you over in one of the Charlotte Mason Ambleside Online forums, when you introduced your celebration of St Lucia's day, a wee while back now! You have not only influenced your family through your homeschooling, but mine and, I suspect, many others. Thank you for sharing your journey with us.
Lots of love from sultry, mosquito ridden Norway (!) Gill xxx
Posted by: Gill | July 06, 2011 at 01:31 PM
Congratulations to Auberne!!! And to you Clarice for being so dedicated to your children :) What a blessing to have a mother like you!
I LOVE your gift! Precious :)
Have a blessed day!
Sharon
Posted by: Sharon D. | July 06, 2011 at 01:11 PM
Dear Clarice,
Aww, how sweet! I can't think of a better way to commemorate such a milestone in your life (and in both of yours, of course). Congratulations to all; I'm excited to see what comes next for you.
Love,
Marqueta
Posted by: Marqueta | July 06, 2011 at 10:22 AM
Precious. That's what you are. I love the romantic remembrance of something so significant chronicled on your wrist (without a tatoo :)) Hmmm...
I've graduated 2 and hadn't thought of this. I'll catalog this idea for when the last one is finished. I really love it. Thanks Clarice!
Blessings, Debbie
Posted by: Debbie | July 06, 2011 at 09:53 AM
Oh Clarice what a heart warming testimony. I love your bracelet and think it is a wonderful idea. Wish I had thought about it when either of my children graduated from HS ;) I may have to find another reason. Thank you for sharing. Ann x
Posted by: Ann | July 06, 2011 at 08:28 AM