We had a huge party for our daughter’s graduation. We bought a Bible and had everyone highlight their favorite verse and then sign it. It meant so much to our daughter. 💕
I just gotta say: out of the blue, I was intentionally listening to my daughter's sweet little voice as she was working through her booster cards this morning (kindergarten) and then watching my first grade son's brain work through his math problems this afternoon. And now I'm on the verge of tears watching this realizing how quickly it is going to fly by. Thank you for sharing and being such an example for all of us!
I was homeschooled and when I graduated, I was presented with a diploma, I got to pick out and design a class ring (that was so special to me) we ate at a fancy restaurant with just close people in my life at that time, had senior pictures made and sent them out to all of my friends and family, and went to Florida(my favorite place on earth..I love the beach and sand even though I am to this day terrified of water..😁) But my most favorite thing my mom did was invited a few close gal friends and family and surprised me with lunch at a tea room where we were served yummy girly foods and the best memories were made. 3 years later I had my wedding reception at that girly place where everyone including guys had to endure the feminine atmosphere for an evening!! 😂 A lot of turmoil happened in my life after my graduation and our family wasn’t the same much longer(for good reasons)I still look back at that time to the simple things that were done for me that left lasting imprints on my heart, and it wasn’t because it all turned out perfect, but it was because my mom loved me and made it special because she cared!❤️
You have done a great job and worked so hard, Ashlee. It's hard to see a season close. Our kids will need us in a different capacity and some of that feels incredibly final and unsettling. But on the other hand, moms like you help get their kids to the point of young adulthood...and that's the goal. It's all so bittersweet. But you've done a great job and should be proud of yourself. Well done, my friend. Thank you for the kind words. I'm beyond flattered. xx, A
I’ve watched since you were in your first house using sonlight & Olivia was learning letters. So sweet. We have similar past as well & I have a 7th grader so a few years behind you. 😊
We graduated our #2 kiddo (but first homeschool grad) in 2021.. we did a huge celebration potluck with all of the "social norms". He had a presentation he gave to friends and family about project he had been working on. Started started watching when she was entering 9th grade
So...your channel was the one thing that helped me take the leap as God was pulling me in the direction to homeschool, 7 years ago. Now as I watch your video, it made me tear up because 8 years ago I did not even consider this an option. My son is now in his freshman of HS and this video got me thinking about the next 3 years coming up...and his future HS graduation. Thank you for always being real and helping some of us with the things we don't want to think about (as I would probably cry again if I do) but I know they are things that are a must in this process.
I've been watching since the beginning years before I even had kiddos of my own. Now I have 2 littles and can't wait to follow in your footsteps. Thank you so much for sharing and teaching me what homeschooling can be like, and helping me feel confident and prepared for what is ahead.
What an amazing accomplishment! I cant believe how fast time flew by! My older two are coming right behind ya. Thanks for sharing this. Ill be needing it soon.
Graduating my third next year. Our first got a senior trip to NYC with the family. Our second graduated during the C year, so we bought him a newer car. I’m starting to think about next year’s graduation and we will probably take a family trip to Glacier National Park or Macchu Pichu, as he is a budding anthropologist. Graduation is an exciting time!
I’m not near graduation with my kiddo yet (7th) and then I have two littles (3 & 1.5) who will be homeschooled but I am already emotional and I am sending you all of the love and hugs! Praying for you in this season. You’re a great mom, I feel honored to get to hear little bits of your life- it helps me tremendously in my own journey.
Graduating my first this year. It’s beautiful to see all God has done, yet I must admit I already miss her childhood. It’s been a beautiful almost 18 years and I am praying we will celebrate her and God’s faithfulness well!
We are going to do decision day party to celebrate what she is planning to do for her next chapter this week, and we are having a graduation ceremony and dinner complete with cap and gown.
I have been around since the beginning. I found your channel while researching homeschooling for our family. My oldest was in 3rd grade while I researched and then we started homeschooling the next year. She will also be a senior next year and is committed to play college softball. 😭 I appreciate all your wisdom and transparency over the years so much. 🤍
I'm so happy for you, your daughter, and your family on finishing strong! I shared with you earlier that my son (who is days away in age as your daughter) is struggling with mental health issues. I was planning the pictures, the grad party, the trip, all the things...then sadly last week we as a family decided, to best serve his mental health, to take some time off school and do some intense therapy and focus on his mental health. I hope and pray that this is just a break and not the end of his homeschool journey. Enjoy every minute of this year! I will watch from a distance and celebrate your success.
I just found your channel. I am graduating my oldest daughter, who I've homeschooled from K-12 this year in only 3 months! Honestly I feel so emotional and overwhelmed. We have a traditional homeschool graduation ceremony with cap and gowns for all the homeschoolers in our county, then we will be having an open house for her. I get so anxious mostly because she doesn't have clear direction for the future. She writes music and sings and is involved with music ministry at church. She's so uncertain about college or what to do after graduation and it makes me nervous. I feel like it all happened so fast that we're unprepared for her to be at this stage of life already!
My oldest is 5 years away from this milestone. I've been told by other parents that have graduated their kiddos that it comes with many emotions. Both for the young adults and parents. I plan on giving a binder to each of mine, with samples of their work from each year they were homeschooled. A neighbor of mine has 3 kids that have graduated already (ages are 20 and up now). They still take a first day of school photo together. One was even photoshopped in because he was deployed at the time. It's cute to see the younger ones and then their adult siblings too.
❤️ ❤️ we did all the things with our daughter in 2022 too! I shared a video about that last year. Definitely recommend doing all the things! We did a senior trip to FL and took senior pictures there and some in our home town. We are about to do it again with our son but he wants more of a low key at home graduation ceremony and then cookout party. Enjoy the last bit of this journey! God is so faithful and the time left just isn’t enough. ❤️ congratulations to you both!! Oh, and I’ve watched you from the beginning of your RUclips journey and it’s really neat to see this milestone!
@@GraceandGrit she had a change of plans and stayed at home and that’s been a sweet blessing even though it’s not the same and we don’t see her as much. My son will be leaving almost three hours away and that’s hard and exciting but it’s been really tough on his siblings who are going to miss him so much. So that’s another level of grief and patience required from me.
Been watching since basically tbe beginning! I remember your first TGTB videos and when you moved into your temporary house before this one. I can't believe she will be graduating soon. In a previous video you had mentioned playing tooth fairy for the last time, when just a few days prior I had played tooth fairy for the first time with my oldest! We are just about to wrap up kindergarten with him. All the senior year and graduation plans sound amazing and so much fun! Does she want a class ring? That's probably the only thing I didn't hear you say. I always loved wearing my high school ring, but I know that's not everyone's thing. I'm definitely going to tuck away that graduation trip idea and save that for the future! 😊❤
Pretty close to the beginning…I definitely went back and watched the earliest videos when they were all so little! Praying for you as you navigate this upcoming season of life with your family. ❤
Graduating my eldest this year as well 😢 we are in Australia, and things are a little bit different here, she is pursuing classical music and has auditioned and been accepted in our state's Academy of Performing Arts, so she is doing her final year studying there, which has made letting go a little easier...but it's still tough. The time goes by so quickly. I have 3 more to graduate after her, plus we are foster carers so there is always more kids to come, but it is still heavy. Thank you so much for your videos Ashlee, and sharing your experiences. You are not alone. Your videos have been invaluable to me over the years. May God bless you and give you peace over the next year. ❤
My oldest daughter is graduating this year. She is actually done with her high school subjects already and is just waiting for our co op’s graduation ceremony. I received her diploma in the mail Saturday and got emotional. It’s such a beautiful, emotional season.
It’s great you’re planning for graduation right from now! And 16 college credits in one year is amazing! Could you share what classes she took for dual enrollment this year?
I'm 3 years out... My daughter is doing high school in 3 years (because she has her birthday right after the start of school and didn't want to do school high school after turning 18) and starting her freshman year in the fall. I'm further out but it still seems so close.
Oh man. This gives me all the feels. We are right on your heels one year behind. After all these years following your journey mý heart swells with pride on your behalf and I am so grateful for you, sharing and encouraging us along the way. 🎉 well done momma.
We could ask that, OR we could just trust that she is a good mother and that she has her daughter’s best interest at heart. I’m sure the matter was thoroughly thought and prayed through. Based on everything I know of she and her family, I have no reason to assume otherwise and neither do you.
I didn’t assume anything actually. I had a genuine question about how her daughter feels about to. Period. I never implied that she didn’t know what’s best or pray about it or that she was a bad mom …
Question. As a member, I have tried to find the video where you discussed possible post high school options. I went back through this morning and rewatched the Member videos from September 2023 to current day and can’t seem to find it. May you please direct me to which video you addressed this topic. We are assessing our options and I deeply value your perspective. Thank you Ashley, you truly are a blessing 💕
Okay....you have done SO GREAT keeping it together in this video! I'm crying watching it! I've been watching your channel for a couple of years now and I have homeschooled my kids going on year 2. This was touching as I will have a 7th grader and 5th grader. 😭😊❤️ Congrats your sweet young lady! She's worked hard!
We had a graduation for my daughter. We bought her a cap and gown, and bought her a beautiful diploma. We gave a little speech, and had a balloon arch, she threw her cap, and we celebrated her accomplishments. We also gave her a trip with her dad to New York for a weekend to see a Broadway show. It was a special occasion. ~Misty
Yeah! I am so glad to hear that you are taking a family trip to Hawaii to celebrate your daughters graduation! I graduated my first (of 7) two years ago and we took a month off to vacation in Florida. I am graduating our second senior this year and we are taking another month long family vacation to celebrate. We decided to make this our family tradition. Each graduating child can choose anywhere (within reason) to vacation and we will take a month off to celebrate! Some of my other children want to go to Puerto Rico and on an African Safari. The Safari might not happen…. But you never know. We will leave that up to God! 😂 It’s such amazing family bonding time and we have made so many memories. We also get a little sad to think that this might be the last family trip with all nine of us….
Just wanted to say that you have been such a great encouragement to me. I am a step behind you in the fact that I will have a Junior next year! It has been very emotional for me as we near the end, but also a huge accomplishment in that we are finishing what we started! ❤️
We had a huge party for our daughter’s graduation. We bought a Bible and had everyone highlight their favorite verse and then sign it. It meant so much to our daughter. 💕
I absolutely love this idea! Thankyou!
I LOVE this idea!
This is absolutely beautiful.
I just gotta say: out of the blue, I was intentionally listening to my daughter's sweet little voice as she was working through her booster cards this morning (kindergarten) and then watching my first grade son's brain work through his math problems this afternoon. And now I'm on the verge of tears watching this realizing how quickly it is going to fly by.
Thank you for sharing and being such an example for all of us!
What are booster cards?? I’m intrigued that she does this by herself as a kindergartener wow!!! 😊
I was homeschooled and when I graduated, I was presented with a diploma, I got to pick out and design a class ring (that was so special to me) we ate at a fancy restaurant with just close people in my life at that time, had senior pictures made and sent them out to all of my friends and family, and went to Florida(my favorite place on earth..I love the beach and sand even though I am to this day terrified of water..😁) But my most favorite thing my mom did was invited a few close gal friends and family and surprised me with lunch at a tea room where we were served yummy girly foods and the best memories were made. 3 years later I had my wedding reception at that girly place where everyone including guys had to endure the feminine atmosphere for an evening!! 😂 A lot of turmoil happened in my life after my graduation and our family wasn’t the same much longer(for good reasons)I still look back at that time to the simple things that were done for me that left lasting imprints on my heart, and it wasn’t because it all turned out perfect, but it was because my mom loved me and made it special because she cared!❤️
You have done a great job and worked so hard, Ashlee. It's hard to see a season close. Our kids will need us in a different capacity and some of that feels incredibly final and unsettling. But on the other hand, moms like you help get their kids to the point of young adulthood...and that's the goal. It's all so bittersweet. But you've done a great job and should be proud of yourself. Well done, my friend. Thank you for the kind words. I'm beyond flattered. xx, A
I’ve watched since you were in your first house using sonlight & Olivia was learning letters. So sweet. We have similar past as well & I have a 7th grader so a few years behind you. 😊
I love you for being along for my journey!
0:30 and I'm crying because some day I'll have to graduate my kids too
We graduated our #2 kiddo (but first homeschool grad) in 2021.. we did a huge celebration potluck with all of the "social norms". He had a presentation he gave to friends and family about project he had been working on. Started started watching when she was entering 9th grade
So...your channel was the one thing that helped me take the leap as God was pulling me in the direction to homeschool, 7 years ago. Now as I watch your video, it made me tear up because 8 years ago I did not even consider this an option. My son is now in his freshman of HS and this video got me thinking about the next 3 years coming up...and his future HS graduation. Thank you for always being real and helping some of us with the things we don't want to think about (as I would probably cry again if I do) but I know they are things that are a must in this process.
So blessed to know this ! Praise God!
I've been watching since the beginning years before I even had kiddos of my own. Now I have 2 littles and can't wait to follow in your footsteps. Thank you so much for sharing and teaching me what homeschooling can be like, and helping me feel confident and prepared for what is ahead.
What an amazing accomplishment! I cant believe how fast time flew by! My older two are coming right behind ya. Thanks for sharing this. Ill be needing it soon.
Graduating my third next year. Our first got a senior trip to NYC with the family. Our second graduated during the C year, so we bought him a newer car. I’m starting to think about next year’s graduation and we will probably take a family trip to Glacier National Park or Macchu Pichu, as he is a budding anthropologist. Graduation is an exciting time!
I’m not near graduation with my kiddo yet (7th) and then I have two littles (3 & 1.5) who will be homeschooled but I am already emotional and I am sending you all of the love and hugs! Praying for you in this season. You’re a great mom, I feel honored to get to hear little bits of your life- it helps me tremendously in my own journey.
Graduating my first this year. It’s beautiful to see all God has done, yet I must admit I already miss her childhood. It’s been a beautiful almost 18 years and I am praying we will celebrate her and God’s faithfulness well!
We are going to do decision day party to celebrate what she is planning to do for her next chapter this week, and we are having a graduation ceremony and dinner complete with cap and gown.
My oldest son will be a senior in the fall! So exciting but you’re right…..ALL the feels!!!!
I have been around since the beginning. I found your channel while researching homeschooling for our family. My oldest was in 3rd grade while I researched and then we started homeschooling the next year. She will also be a senior next year and is committed to play college softball. 😭 I appreciate all your wisdom and transparency over the years so much. 🤍
I'm so happy for you, your daughter, and your family on finishing strong! I shared with you earlier that my son (who is days away in age as your daughter) is struggling with mental health issues. I was planning the pictures, the grad party, the trip, all the things...then sadly last week we as a family decided, to best serve his mental health, to take some time off school and do some intense therapy and focus on his mental health. I hope and pray that this is just a break and not the end of his homeschool journey. Enjoy every minute of this year! I will watch from a distance and celebrate your success.
Hey Kara,
Please email me how I can specifically be praying for you and him!
I just found your channel. I am graduating my oldest daughter, who I've homeschooled from K-12 this year in only 3 months! Honestly I feel so emotional and overwhelmed. We have a traditional homeschool graduation ceremony with cap and gowns for all the homeschoolers in our county, then we will be having an open house for her. I get so anxious mostly because she doesn't have clear direction for the future. She writes music and sings and is involved with music ministry at church. She's so uncertain about college or what to do after graduation and it makes me nervous. I feel like it all happened so fast that we're unprepared for her to be at this stage of life already!
A gap year is a wonderful thing to take some time to pray and decide!
Graduating my 1st this year. And I have been around from the very beginning.
Thankful for you and praying for your heart
My oldest is 5 years away from this milestone. I've been told by other parents that have graduated their kiddos that it comes with many emotions. Both for the young adults and parents. I plan on giving a binder to each of mine, with samples of their work from each year they were homeschooled. A neighbor of mine has 3 kids that have graduated already (ages are 20 and up now). They still take a first day of school photo together. One was even photoshopped in because he was deployed at the time. It's cute to see the younger ones and then their adult siblings too.
❤️ ❤️ we did all the things with our daughter in 2022 too! I shared a video about that last year. Definitely recommend doing all the things! We did a senior trip to FL and took senior pictures there and some in our home town. We are about to do it again with our son but he wants more of a low key at home graduation ceremony and then cookout party. Enjoy the last bit of this journey! God is so faithful and the time left just isn’t enough. ❤️ congratulations to you both!! Oh, and I’ve watched you from the beginning of your RUclips journey and it’s really neat to see this milestone!
Thankyou for being here and encouraging me! Did your daughter move away or stay at home?
@@GraceandGrit she had a change of plans and stayed at home and that’s been a sweet blessing even though it’s not the same and we don’t see her as much. My son will be leaving almost three hours away and that’s hard and exciting but it’s been really tough on his siblings who are going to miss him so much. So that’s another level of grief and patience required from me.
Been watching since basically tbe beginning! I remember your first TGTB videos and when you moved into your temporary house before this one. I can't believe she will be graduating soon. In a previous video you had mentioned playing tooth fairy for the last time, when just a few days prior I had played tooth fairy for the first time with my oldest! We are just about to wrap up kindergarten with him. All the senior year and graduation plans sound amazing and so much fun! Does she want a class ring? That's probably the only thing I didn't hear you say. I always loved wearing my high school ring, but I know that's not everyone's thing. I'm definitely going to tuck away that graduation trip idea and save that for the future! 😊❤
Good thought! I might look into that for her
Pretty close to the beginning…I definitely went back and watched the earliest videos when they were all so little!
Praying for you as you navigate this upcoming season of life with your family. ❤
Will so share where you get her gap and gown and the diploma.
Graduating my eldest this year as well 😢 we are in Australia, and things are a little bit different here, she is pursuing classical music and has auditioned and been accepted in our state's Academy of Performing Arts, so she is doing her final year studying there, which has made letting go a little easier...but it's still tough. The time goes by so quickly.
I have 3 more to graduate after her, plus we are foster carers so there is always more kids to come, but it is still heavy.
Thank you so much for your videos Ashlee, and sharing your experiences. You are not alone.
Your videos have been invaluable to me over the years. May God bless you and give you peace over the next year. ❤
My oldest daughter is graduating this year. She is actually done with her high school subjects already and is just waiting for our co op’s graduation ceremony. I received her diploma in the mail Saturday and got emotional. It’s such a beautiful, emotional season.
Praying for you and job well done mom!
@@GraceandGrit Thank you so much! You've been a guiding light in this journey. Thank you for what you do ❤
Can you share where you ordered her diploma, Ashly? I need to get on ordering one as my daughter is wrapping up her senior year this week!!!!
@@Whatsbrewingwithb I ordered from Homeschool Diploma. I highly recommend them. It's perfect! And the shipping was fast!
Would you consider a video on duel enrollment? Like what kind of classes she has taken, what ones you recommend ect.
I’ve made one, take a look under the homeschool highschool playlist!
I have a first grader and I’m over here crying. My heart pours out for you in this season.
Thankyou for holding space for my emotions
It’s great you’re planning for graduation right from now! And 16 college credits in one year is amazing! Could you share what classes she took for dual enrollment this year?
English 105/106
Psychology 102
University success 103
I'm 3 years out... My daughter is doing high school in 3 years (because she has her birthday right after the start of school and didn't want to do school high school after turning 18) and starting her freshman year in the fall. I'm further out but it still seems so close.
Oh man. This gives me all the feels. We are right on your heels one year behind. After all these years following your journey mý heart swells with pride on your behalf and I am so grateful for you, sharing and encouraging us along the way. 🎉 well done momma.
Wow, thank you!
7:18 have you talked to her about this? And how she may feel about not graduating yet even tho she has all her credits?
We could ask that, OR we could just trust that she is a good mother and that she has her daughter’s best interest at heart. I’m sure the matter was thoroughly thought and prayed through. Based on everything I know of she and her family, I have no reason to assume otherwise and neither do you.
I didn’t assume anything actually. I had a genuine question about how her daughter feels about to. Period. I never implied that she didn’t know what’s best or pray about it or that she was a bad mom …
Question.
As a member, I have tried to find the video where you discussed possible post high school options. I went back through this morning and rewatched the Member videos from September 2023 to current day and can’t seem to find it.
May you please direct me to which video you addressed this topic. We are assessing our options and I deeply value your perspective.
Thank you Ashley, you truly are a blessing 💕
I haven’t released it yet.
Wonderful! I will look forward to it watching it!
Hope you are having a great day!
My kiddo graduates this year. She will walk in a graduation ceremony through CHEA.
Congratulations to her and you!
Grand Canyon University is actually a great school. I will be graduating in may from them.
Okay....you have done SO GREAT keeping it together in this video! I'm crying watching it! I've been watching your channel for a couple of years now and I have homeschooled my kids going on year 2. This was touching as I will have a 7th grader and 5th grader. 😭😊❤️ Congrats your sweet young lady! She's worked hard!
We had a graduation for my daughter. We bought her a cap and gown, and bought her a beautiful diploma. We gave a little speech, and had a balloon arch, she threw her cap, and we celebrated her accomplishments. We also gave her a trip with her dad to New York for a weekend to see a Broadway show. It was a special occasion. ~Misty
I love this idea! Thankyou for sharing!
Oh my goodness, we are graduating our oldest 1 yr after you. Your videos and words are so true! Ty for always sharing your heart.
You are so welcome!
Yeah! I am so glad to hear that you are taking a family trip to Hawaii to celebrate your daughters graduation!
I graduated my first (of 7) two years ago and we took a month off to vacation in Florida.
I am graduating our second senior this year and we are taking another month long family vacation to celebrate.
We decided to make this our family tradition. Each graduating child can choose anywhere (within reason) to vacation and we will take a month off to celebrate!
Some of my other children want to go to Puerto Rico and on an African Safari. The Safari might not happen…. But you never know. We will leave that up to God! 😂
It’s such amazing family bonding time and we have made so many memories. We also get a little sad to think that this might be the last family trip with all nine of us….
That will be so hard for me too!
I don't think I watched your channel from the beginning but I know I followed you / watched your channel back when you used Sonlight.
Just wanted to say that you have been such a great encouragement to me. I am a step behind you in the fact that I will have a Junior next year! It has been very emotional for me as we near the end, but also a huge accomplishment in that we are finishing what we started! ❤️
Is the senior trip going to be a family trip with all siblings or just you, your husband, and her?
All of us 🙌🏻
Have you found a company you’re using to order a diploma? I’d love a link if you don’t mind sharing.
I will once I get it!
Beautiful mama and daughter!
Genetics are amazing!
I have been here since she was in 5th or 6th grade I believe!
Thankyou so much for sticking with us
Thank you so much for sharing, when you share all about God it encourages me so much! Sounds like a great plan!
I'm so glad!
Well done Mama❤
Thankyou 😭