We made it! We were able to fulfill every obligation during the month of MAYhem this year. To say we had a lot going on last month is an understatement.
Our youngest son went to Bryant to compete with the varsity weightlifting team at a state competition. He was the youngest guy on the team and learned a lot and had fun. The Elkins Elks dominated the 4A class championship. Three lifters came home with a state ring for their weight class.
Our youngest daughter competed in a relay event at the state track meet in Ashdown. This was a great end to her senior year athletics. Memories were made and several school records were broken this year.
Our oldest son and I completed his first year of homeschooling. It was a time for rediscovering my education and challenging him in new ways. We survived state testing and are both looking forward to summer break to gear up for his junior year of high school.
Our oldest daughter completed her sophomore year of college at the University of Arkansas. Our oldest son was the family superhero when he helped her move out of her sorority house. She is working all summer and is running for Miss Rodeo of the Ozarks.
We attended end-of-year awards and scholarship banquets for all our children. From academics to athletics, there was a lot to celebrate. The highlight of the month was when our youngest daughter was named a Valedictorian of her Elkins High School senior class. Her graduation was on the football field of our local high school. We teared up as each of the speakers gave thanks to their parents, coaches, teachers and friends. We have so many wonderful memories of these fine young adults. We celebrated the following day with a party for family and friends at our home. The following Monday, we helped her pack up and move over to Okla. to work at a summer church camp for nine weeks.
The rain has been plentiful for the last couple of weeks. We have been enjoying several varieties of lettuce and some asparagus from our garden. As the ground warms up, we are looking forward to other fresh vegetables coming throughout the summer.
We are at an age where we always have extra teenagers (and young adults) at our home and that is how we like it. No matter where our kids are studying, working or graduating, I hope they will always look forward to coming back home, neighbor.
Jody Harris is a freelance communications specialist, gardener, ranch wife and mother of four. She and her family raise Angus beef cattle and other critters on their northwest Arkansas ranch. She is a graduate of Missouri State University. To contact Jody, go to ozarksfn.com and click on ‘Contact Us.’
