last place holder page

 this is for prom and graduation

Place holder pages

 This is a place holder for prom and graduation

place holder pages

 this is a place holder for prom and graduation

Living her best life!

Lily just returned from a week-long spring break adventure from Costa Rica.  She had an amazing time!  I was so proud of her for leaving her comfort zone and traveling to a foreign country with another local high school where she only knew the adult chaperones on the trip and the two 13-year-old boys (Jackson and Nathan).  She celebrated her 18th birthday there as well.  Before her trip, I was pre-sad when I realized she would be away for her 18th birthday, but when the trip leader Jennie showed pictures and videos of how much fun they were having, it made my heart so happy that she was living her best life while traveling!  The night before her birthday, the entire group serenaded her with song, as they gave her some sort of dessert, while she donned a birthday crown and sash.  Her actual birthday was a beach day, and she loved playing soccer on the beach with her new friends!  Hopefully, it was a birthday to remember!

Zipling!

Lots of soccer!

Horseback riding!

Celebrating 18!!!!!

Not a bad place to spend your 18th birthday!

Last night in Costa Rica!

Birthfamily update

 We received new pictures and letters from Lily's birth mom and family

Spanish: 

Lily y Manuel, siguen trabajando en su Iglesia Evangélica, tienen planes de ir a Alta Verapaz, en Abril por un mes, estarán de visita en diferentes Comunidades e Iglesias.

La pareja me comenta: En nuestra casa, todo es muy tranquilo, nadie grita, nadie pelea porque debemos ser ejemplo de nuestros hermanos en Cristo. Tratamos de ayudar a las Familias que discuten mucho por cualquier tontería y se amenazan entre ellos, para nosotros eso no es vida.

Debemos buscar a Dios, tenerle temor y dedicarle tiempo con nuestras oraciones.

Susana, dice: Mis Padres no discuten, no los he visto peleando ni maltratándose como otras parejas que asustan a sus hijos. Yo, me siento muy querida y siempre acompañada por mis Padres.

Ayudo en todas las actividades desde el oficio de la casa hasta las actividades en la Iglesia.

Lily contesta la carta:

Familia que Dios los bendiga por la Canasta Navideña, nos ha servido para la noche de Navidad y año nuevo principalmente.

Susana manifiesta: La ropa me quedó muy bien, me gustó y muchas gracias por pensar en mí. Me corto las puntas de mi cabello, ya me acostumbré a lavármelo y a cuidármelo; Cuando estamos en las comunidades me recojo el pelo o me hago trenzas para que no se me enrede.

Felicidades a Lily, que ya va terminar la Escuela y lo siento que su experiencia no fue la mejor pero en la vida siempre encontramos obstáculos que somos capaces de superar y resolverlo. Su graduación será en Mayo y me alegro que tenga planes para la Universidad.

Qué bien que Lily, disfruta la competencia de Natación, es su fuerte y le gusta. Es una joven trabajadora y deportista, es muy activa y saludable.

Lily, viaja a Costa Rica que envidia, espero que la goce conociendo otra cultura y otras personas.

Mensajes de Lily:

Lily, le doy gracias a Dios porque eres una niña, aplicada, perseverante y activa. Felicidades por tu graduación en Mayo, disfruta ese día con las personas más cercanas a ti; Terminas otra etapa de tu vida estudiantil y comenzaras otra que Dios te dé entendimiento y paciencia para seguir estudiando hasta lograr tus sueños. Te amo que Dios te bendiga.

Kim, Olav y Ashton, gracias por su apoyo, su motivación, protección y amor incondicional a Lily, es una buena chica porque ha recibido los valores y principios en su hogar.

Recibí, víveres, fotos y carta, estoy presente es sus vidas y Ustedes en la mía, le mando mi afecto.

English translation:

Lily and Manuel keep working at the local evangelical church. They have plans to go to “Alta Verapaz” in April for a month. They will be visiting several communities and churches.

Her partner commented: “In our house everything is calm, no one yells or fights because we must honor Jesus Christ. We try to help families who are always discussing or arguing for whatever reason. They have threatened each other at a certain point and for us, that is not a healthy lifestyle. We must search for God, be afraid of him, and spend a lot of time praying to him.”

Susana said: “My parents never argue or fight as other couples I have seen scaring their children. I feel very loved and accompanied by my parents, it is such a blessing. I always help with the domestic work at home and also do religious activities in our church.”

Lily answered: “Family, God bless you for the Christmas basket we received. It really helped us for Christmas and for New Year's Eve mainly.”

Susana manifested: “The clothes fit me well, I liked it and thank you so much for thinking about me. I cut my hair tips myself and I am already used to washing and care for it. When we are in the communities I tie my hair or do braids myself so it doesn’t mess up during the day.”

“Lily, congratulations for being about to end school, and feel sorry to hear your experience wasn't the best. In life, we might find many obstacles but we must be able to overcome and solve them. It’s great to know you will be graduating in May and that you have college plans.”

 “Lily enjoys swimming competitions, she is strong and I am glad to know she loves it. She is a hard-working athletic girl, very active and healthy.”

“She is privileged to be able to travel to Costa Rica. I hope she will enjoy meeting new people and cultures.”

Message for Lily:

“Lily, I thank God because you are a disciplined girl and also very active. Congratulations on the graduation that will be taking place in May. Spend time with people who care about you on that day. You will end another educational phase and will begin a new one soon. God bless you!”

“Kim, Olav, and Ashton, thanks for the support, motivation, protection, and love both provide Lily. She is a good girl with good values and principles. Our family received supplies, pictures, and a letter. Thanks for having me present in your lives, God bless you!” 

Photographs:

Swim Banquet

This past week we attended Lily's swim banquet at the Dutches Daughter restaurant in Frederick.  Lily earned several awards.  First, she earned the Minds in Motion Student-Athlete Award given to Seniors who carry a 3.25 GPA while participating in athletics.  Next, she earned her athletic pin to go with her athletic letter.  Lastly, a wonderful surprise was the swim team coaches named Lily the senior female who most embodies the spirit of Linganore High School Swim!  Lily's coach had some nice things to say about Lily which we were thankful for because some of his comments for some of her peers were a bit more awkward.  He complimented her on her ability to swim all four stokes legally and therefore able to do Individual Medley Relays and her improvement across the board in all areas!  Way to go Lily!

Lily swim friends!

All the senior girls!

Minds in Motion recipient

Also, I forgot to mention a few weeks ago Lily scored her first goal of the season for her travel soccer team!!!!!  Winning the game for her team!  Also last quarter she got straight A's!  

Senior swim wrapping up!

So last week, I went to Lily's last high school swim meet that I would be able to attend.  It was so bittersweet!  It's crazy to think that we have been watching her swim competitively since she was 4 or 5 years old and now at least for us, it's over.  It's been a joy to watch her.  I wanted to express how much I have enjoyed watching her swim the last 13 years and so I sent her a heartfelt text, sharing my thoughts...however I can't spell....and it ended up looking like this:  It's hard to believe that tonight will be the last night you swim competently.  I hope you enjoy your time with your friends and your races.  You've given me so many years of joy watching and cheering for you!  Love you!  Of course, I meant to write competitively not competently!  I'm sure this will be the new family joke!  

LHS Swim and Dive Team

Senior night for the high swim team was fun, but I don't think Lily wanted to stand out too much!

Lily Senior Banner (hung in Gymnasium)

                                                                                   

Class of 2024 Swim Seniors

                                                                                   

Senior Posters

Lily and her friend Sam with Head Coach Hawkins

Senior night flowers with the family

                                                                                      

Lily's senior poster

She has had some great swims, coming in first in her heats and setting some personal records!

Representing LHS on meet day!

Soccer season has been a little frustrating lately.  The coaches have been very disciplinarian with the team for their attendance and interactions off the field, and Lily who for the most part attends practice unless she has swim and does not participate in the off-field interactions is feeling scolded when she hasn't done anything wrong.  I am hoping the Spring season will be better.

Lastly a little sunshine with Pop-Pop celebrating his 82nd trip around the sun!