"Grad-ja-nations!"

Attempting to capture the events of the past 9 months to publish here on our family blog is likely an impossible feat. As I thought about how to lump some of the highlights together the post title was perfectly obvious...."grad-ja-nations!" This was Ben's response to my cousin Joe when he informed the kids that he is engaged to be married. (To Kevin's wonderful sister! Isn't life amazing?!)Well, in the past 9 months our family has had much to celebrate and so "grad-ja-nations" seemed like a fitting title.

We'll start with the aforementioned engagement. My wonderful cousin Joe and Kevin's younger sister Krystell are engaged to married! We are all so happy for them. They will be married at the end of June. We're so pleased that we can be there to celebrate with them. "Grad-ja-nations Joe and Krystell!"


Beth is preparing to go to High School this fall. Although I am suffering from heart palpitations as I type this, she is anxious to begin her adventures there. She is finishing her Junior High School experience with an outstanding GPA and recently received the faculty nominated Service Merit Award for her school. It was an amazing experience to see her recognized for her many talents and her compassionate nature. She is an amazing young woman. "Grad-ja-nations Beth!"


Jake has celebrated so many exciting things these past months. Not only was he ordained to the office of Deacon in the Aaronic Priesthood earlier this year (truly one of the most joyous moments of my life), but he was recently selected to participate in the 7th grade Jazz Band next year. He is very excited about it! Accompanying his Priesthood ordination and entry into the Young Men's program, Jake also moved into the Boy Scouts program. He LOVES Scouts and is actively pursuing his Eagle Scout. He is looking forward to Jr. High next year and is so proud to officially be an elementary school graduate. "Grad-ja-nations Jake!"


Adam recently celebrated one of the most anticipated milestones of his academic career -- 2nd Grade Safari! This is the event that he has been anticipating since kindergarten. Adena Elementary School hosts a very elaborate 2nd Grade African Safari each May. The 2nd grade rooms are transformed into various environments in Africa -- the savannah, a rain forest, etc. He enjoyed eating indigenous foods, making native crafts, seeing African animals (courtesy of the Cincinnati Zoo) and watching African dancers perform. He loved every minute of it. He is excited to see his great-grandma and grandpa Neibaur this summer to compare notes on Africa. They served a mission in Nigeria several years ago. Adam is hoping to impress them with his knowledge. "Grad-ja-nations Adam!"


Ben recently became a performer. His kindergarten class had the opportunity to work with singer/songwriter Rick Charette. They created their own song "Run Puppies Run" and then recorded their song for a CD. A few weeks following their creative process, All of the kindergarten classes joined together to put on a concert of their songs. Ben was very fortunate as an older sister of one of his classmates created T-shirts for the class to wear for their concert. The front of the shirt features their song title and a logo. The back of the shirt lists the song title and lyrics that they wrote as a class. Ben loved every minute of this project and did an amazing job at the concert. "Grad-ja-nations Ben!"

Caleb has celebrated many milestones in the past 9 months. He has fully embraced the new found freedoms that accompany crawling and can make really good time from room to room. He pulls himself up to standing and loves to make noise wherever he is. His good looks have only been added to with the addition of his two bottom teeth and he is always eager for someone to give him a taste of the "big kids food" from the table. He is doing everything he can to keep up with his big brothers and absolutely ADORES his big sister. He has stolen all our hearts! "Grad-ja-nations Caleb!"


Kevin and I are still trying to catch our breath from the past two years. The last nine months have been an especially exciting whirlwind. We are so grateful that I was able to complete my Associates of Nursing degree in May. It was a tender moment for all of us when I was able to walk at commencement. We have felt the hand of the Lord in an almost tangible way these past months. We are so thankful for the rich blessings that flow from being stretched a little farther than we believe we are able. "Grad-ja-nations Hebdon Family!"