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Sunday, May 26, 2013

Graduation Ceremony


Spencer, Harry and Alex


They did just great!
Alex rocked in his seat.  Harry hummed.
And you know what?  That's ok!
They were just their sweet selves! ha.
Were they distracting?  No...not any more than
the crying babies or coughing grandpas. haha.

That top picture is my favorite.  And if they had been
made to sit on the floor with the audience, I would
only have pictures of the backs of their heads!

I came home to hate mail on my original post,
but nothing is going to dampen our celebration.
Some people just still need to be educated.
Thanks for all the emails, texts, and well wishes today!


116 comments:

  1. oh dear Im so happy for all of you
    you and family deserved a wonderful and lovely day:)
    blessings and hugs!

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  2. haha!always are babies criying in all sites:))

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    Replies
    1. yes...but you know, that's ok! They can be there, too! haha.

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    2. and when you and I had babies crying, we had more than one! hahaha.

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    3. yeah! was terrible when they cry at the same time! always in church! lol

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    4. lol...but of course! haha.

      ok...I'm off to bed. night, dear! x

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  3. Congrats Betsy! It's a happy day for your family!

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    Replies
    1. thanks, barb! It was short and sweet and everyone did great!

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  4. what a great day!!!
    I'm so glad they enjoyed their graduation but I'm sorry you received hate mail, that I do not understand at all,

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    Replies
    1. Everything went very well. Thanks so much for all the encouragement!

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  5. Congratulations to Harry, Alex and Spencer! They looked very handsome in their red graduation robes, and it sounds like a wonderful ceremony. Enjoy your celebration.

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    Replies
    1. They were so excited to put on the ties. haha...getting them ready was really fun. :)

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  6. Oh Betsy, what wonderful pictures of the boys, and the family. What a great day! So sorry about the hate mail..goodness what's wrong with people. What is next for the boys...more schooling? I'm so excited and happy that you let me share in your joy and your life.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. They are allowed to attend the high school for more schooling until they are 22, but that has not been decided yet. How they like that special day camp will aide us in making a decision. Isn't that first picture great? So glad they were on the platform and we could see them.

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    2. I love that first picture! It made me smile. :)

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  7. The photos are wonderful - love the top one especially. I was thinking of you all evening... even ate popcorn in celebration! So glad it went well. Hope the love mail quashes the hate mail. xo

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    1. thanks so much for thinking of us. They did just fine! yay! I had several people stop me and say they were NO distraction at all and they were happy to see them up there!

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  8. Hate mail!??! I don't understand! :-(

    Now aren't your gorgeous boys just handsome!??! Look at them!! HUGE HUGE CONGRATULATIONS to Alex, Harry and Spencer!! Aren't they just growing up to be fine young happy men!! The world is truly their oyster! I wish them lots of adventures and achievements and good times a plenty to come!! Happy happy Graduation Day!!! I am loving the colourful graduation outfits! When I graduated I was swathed in black! LOL!! I mean come ON!!! Bright brilliant red is so much better!

    Take care
    x


    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. haha...yeah, the are handsome, aren't they?

      High schools here get to have their school colors...then it's on to black for universities!

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  9. Hi Betsy - what wonderful pictures and I'm so pleased the ceremony was celebrated appropriately ... love the photos and I bet the boys actually enjoyed themselves ... I totally endorse Old Kitty's complement above ... just lovely ..

    However that hate mail is unbelievable .. sometimes I think people should be given a piece of their own medicine - ridiculous and just so selfish and unfair .. and anything else that applies.

    Completely put it behind you - Congratulations to the boys ... and to the school head for ensuring that what was right happened - and we get to see the brilliant photos - what an amazing 'uniform' .. red cardinals do not compare - either medieval ones or the beauty of the birds!

    Have a fabulous rest of the weekend ... cheers and I'll remember these pictures - Hilary

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    Replies
    1. thanks so much, hilary....I'm glad they were able to participate to the extent of every other student, too....we noted during the ceremony where they would have sat if this person had her way, and they might as well have not attended. They would have been in the shadows for sure and we wouldn't have seen them at all.

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  10. Look at them--they look so handsome in their caps and gowns. Made me a little teary. :) Congratulations!!!!

    Sorry about the hate mail--some people just don't know any other way to live--except to lash out.

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    Replies
    1. They were so cute getting ready....LOVED the ties. I think they were excited since only dad wears ties . They were giggly with the robes...it was just so cute. :)

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  11. Dear Betsy, congratulations and hugs to you! You´ve climbed the Rocky Mountains three times! And the young men look so sweet and dignified at once!

    How very true you are about the 'distraction' of babies, grandpas and other people! It´s what we call life, isn´t it?

    A few days ago we visited a wonderful garden in England. While walking around in the lovely grounds, I had already met a young couple pushing a wheelchair with a teenage boy, making noises all the time. I saw him even walk a few steps in a very contorted way...

    There was a restaurant in the ancient manor house with a beautiful terrace opening to a sweeping lawn and with lovly views of the garden and overlooking a little lake. In fact a perfect place to have lunch on a warm summer day.

    As it was a rather cool day, not many visitors were there on that day. But as they were English (besides us) they all gathered on the terrace for an al fresco lunch. The three young people already had chosen a table at the far side of the terrace, as if to give everybody a chance to keep away from them. The boy in his wheelchair was humming and sometimes shouting constantly. And it sounded very sad, more like crying than anything else. He was rocking his chair, too.

    As the terrace was very spacious, the few other visitors could have chosen easily far distant and 'quiet' tables for themseles. But I noticed, that everybody gathered around the three young people. And then, believe it or not, two ducks came up from the lake, circled that table several times and than lay down right beside the wheelchair with the noisy boy, obviously not affected at all by his behaviour. And stayed there and had a peaceful siesta till the three had finished lunch and went away.

    Did I feel 'distracted'? (In my opinion a very ridiculous way of looking at the richness of life.) Surely I would otherwise have daydreamed perfectly relaxed inmidst that lovely surroundings and so instead I was a little sad about the boy´s sad tunes. We talked about him, I gave a thought to all your pictures of your boys, smiling and obviously enjoying themselves... But this was perfectly ok. Sometimes it´s good to be reminded, that it´s all there simultaneously, that while we are entitled to enjoy the beauty of this world we must also not forget about the many other sides and better should not flee into escapism...

    Wish you a very nice post-graduation day!
    Christel

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    1. I love this story. Love it. Maybe there ducks were angels in disguise. :) Sounds like the one in the wheel chair was a little anxious. I'm so glad the other guests surrounded them!

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  12. Congratulations to Spencer, Harry and Alex! Congrats to you and the Mister to! This is a huge accomplishment. I love the pictures.
    I can't understand why anyone would leave you nasty comments - they certainly are a minority!

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  13. Congratulations!!!
    I didn't realize your boys were triplets. Fancy, triplets matriculating!! What a clever Mum.

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    1. oh yes...triplets! And one other, two years older. :)

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    2. Yes, my maths should have told me from your famous blog title, "My Five Men".

      1 + 1 + 1 = 3
      plus hubby + 4
      Your 5 men - 4 = 1 another son. Yes it is clear to me now.

      Are you planning to have a daughter? Not 4 surely ROFL
      I can hear you laughing across the pond!!! LOL You can see with the recent tragic events I still have my sense of humour.

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  14. I could name a few more distractions at graduations but will just well done to all of you!!

    Best,
    Bonnie

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    Replies
    1. There are always a few at public events....and that is life! Thanks for the good wishes, Bonnie!

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  15. Congrats to the three
    On graduating at your sea
    The headphones really do go everywhere
    At your lair hahaha
    And you are in the big leagues now
    Making people have a cow
    Hate mail can be fun
    Especially since a post can be spun

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    1. Yep, he sleeps in those.
      Taking them off causes woes!
      Had to clip the side of his cap
      just so his lid wouldn't flap. hahaha.
      You should know about hate mail
      as sometimes people give you a wail.
      Won't spin a post, but let it lie
      and just gave my honest reply.
      :)

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    2. haha still got your words in
      Way to be at your bin
      I just make fun
      And away they run

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    3. I suppose if I get a writer's cramp,
      I could let loose and give them a rant.
      hahaha.
      And we just commented on each other's blog at the same time..
      Giving each other a little rhyme.
      ha.

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  16. I'd love to hit whoever's leaving hate mail a good slap Betsy, but I love seeing these graduation photos, I can only imagine how proud you must have been, they all look so smart and I want to give the three lads a massive well done on their graduation!

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    1. thank you so much, matt...we're very proud of them! 12 years ago we wouldn't have been able to get them to sit through something like this, but they did great. They've come a long way!

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  17. yay...good on them...that is awesome...and i am glad they got to be a part of it...and did so well..thumbing my nose at that one...smiles....congrats boys....

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    1. thanks, bri....this was how it should be and it was absolutely fine. No sticking them in the shadows!

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  18. Congrats to your sweet boys! The pictures are wonderful and I'm so happy for all of you that things went well. I'm appalled that you received hate mail...there is still so much ignorance in the world...but I'm glad you're not letting it dampen your spirits. I hope the rest of your weekend is relaxing and enjoyable...you deserve it!

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    1. Thanks, Dawn. I slept late...felt so good! We're planning a fun, relaxing day!

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  19. Congratulations to all of you!!! So happy that all went well and that you had a such a wonderful day. The boys look like they enjoyed the ceremony. Yaaay!

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    1. They weren't perfect...they were just themselves..and that's how it should be. When Spencer received his diploma, he stopped and tried to look inside. That made the audience laugh...it was really cute. haha.

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  20. Oh what a fabulous day!! Congrats to the three gentlemen. What a huge accomplishment!!

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    1. thanks so much...and hey, that's a great new picture of you!

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  21. They look so handsome! I love their robes and I am glad Harry hummed! I was hoping he would! Don't we all hum when we are happy and enjoying something? I do!
    So proud of them. ♥

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    1. thanks, Kim....they looked SO handsome. I enjoyed it very much. :)

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  22. Boys look so nice! Congrats to them. :)

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  23. I just read the original post....I can't believe anyone would tell you not to have your boys participate! HORRIBLE! I am so glad they did! What a wonderful experience for them. God bless you!

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    1. well, it wasn't that they couldn't participate..just not sit on the platform with the rest of the class...so the guests wouldn't be distracted by them. Which is almost worse. ha.

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  24. Wooo hoooo!! Glad you all made it through the night unscathed! LOL.... the boys look great in their caps and gowns, and I know that picture will be preserved for years to come! Oh, you and the Mr. look pretty impressive too! So now what? Boys off to college? Future plans?

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    1. Not sure about the future. No to the college, though....they aren't up to that by any means. They won't leave the nest...but there are several programs in the area for special needs adults. We're still weighing our options.

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  25. I think there are some hateful people out there who need their tires lashed daily! I can't believe you received hate mail. Well, we know what goes around comes around...we can trust in that fact!

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  26. They look great!!! So happy for you all. Congratulations to Alex, Spencer and Harry! Love, Cat

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  27. Love that first picture, too!
    Prayers answered.
    Remember, God will give you double for your trouble.
    Enjoy today, you and The Mister deserve to be recognized, too.

    My prayer is now for those who hate.

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    Replies
    1. yep...me, too. She obviously wasn't told the full story.

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  28. Hi Betsy,

    Congratulations to the boys and to two great parents who have been there for them through everything. Anonomyous will receive karma for her sayings as well as the teacher she let out of the bag. I am so proud of the boys for doing as well as the other kids and I know there was a lot of hanky panky going on at mine. Some boys only wore boxers, some girls just their underwear, other girls were pregnant and looked ready to pop out the baby any moment. And since it was boring as heck there was a lot of teasing going on along with talking. I think the boys probably did a lot better than the "normal" boys. I am still trying to figure out what is normal since I think I am not really normal. I have things wrong with me that are not normal so the boys are my heros for coping with a world we will never understand in such a beautiful way. Oh and you all look fantastic.

    God bless.

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    1. haha...aw, Sherry...you're better than normal. Trust me. :)

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  29. As I read this post, I thought back to Friday night when our local high school held it's graduation. There were over 500 students graduating including those who were in wheelchairs, had assistance because they were blind, an interper because one was deaf. Were any of them a distraction? Nope. Did my heart good to see their classmates give them a standing ovation each time one of them went across the stage. Now, on facebook, many are posting pictures of ALL the graduates including the previously mentioned ones.
    When my own sons graduated from the same school, my in-laws made a comment to me about those students which one would have deemed inappropriate. I explained to them the whys and whats and was happy that the days of hiding our special need students are on the way out. Yes, make them part of it all! It's the limitations of the 'well meaning people' that will hold them back.
    Congrats to them and you. Now comes the fun part: Deciding what's next :o)

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    1. Such good thoughts here...I totally agree! totally.

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  30. I'm so happy for you all!--The boys (your three young men) looked very handsome. What brought tears to my eyes was to read that you received hate mail. Woever can stoop to that deserves to live with themselves. People like that will (and deserve to) live a miserable life. Sooooo, onward and upward--enjoy your lovely family and all they share with you.

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    1. I know...very sad. Maybe it's hard for some to believe that happened just because it is outrageous. But like I said before, accusing me of making it up is outrageous, too. Why would I ruin a wonderful time for our family and destroy my relationship with some at school? There is no reason in the world I would fabricate such a thing.

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  31. Congratulations to everyone! What a great picture of your boys on the platform. People will hate but in the end, they are the one who lose. Your sons' and their classmates are the winners!

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    1. The classmates were great. Just great. Made me smile. :)

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  32. haha I comment before but I loved these pictures Alex is really Alex:)))
    A hate mail ?? pffftttttt! some people are absolutely stupid and you cant ask more:)
    All of you look awesome, make me smile:) hugs!

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    1. Yes, Alex is so cute. He smiled through the whole thing...even walking in! You can't see her in the picture, but there was a cute little girl...classmate...beside him that kind of watched over him. She made sure he did what he was supposed to do. She was really sweet about it. Made me smile. :)

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    2. I love him and find sooo cute! you have a lovely family betsy!

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    3. thanks, dear. You're so sweet. :)

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  33. I love Alex headphones! isnt thos the life?? I think so , a nice world is where all people, all, have their space and can be happy, absolutely happy, Blessings1

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    1. Yes, he loves his headset! Makes him feel comfortable..and that is fine! yes, just so he is happy!

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  34. Never talk so much about this Betsy but only you know I suffered a lot of stupid things when adopted my kids (the people are ...) and still someones have perjuicios (i dont remember in english)because they are adopted OMYGOD, the difference is not important to me now, LOL

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    1. Oh, that is crazy! When I had trouble getting pregnant the first time and mentioned the possibility of adoption to someone in my family. They said I shouldn't because I could never love them like I would my own babies. OMG is right. That is SO not true!!! I know many adopted kids and they are loved bigger than the earth itself!

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    2. Yes Im agree but you know how is some people, is not matter to me now!And my kids are happy to!

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    3. Your kids are so lucky to have you...they love you!

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  35. I want to say Is not matter to me now ehat peoPLE SAY OR THINK:)

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    1. Yes, in the end, you have to live with yourself...and they have to live with themselves. God knows the truth!

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  36. Wonderful! I am glad it went so well, and I loved the pictures. As far as the hate mail, that is just a shame. Ignorance abounds.

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    1. I was a little nervous right before it started, but when they walked in with smiles, I relaxed and enjoyed it. yay! :)

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    2. Great that the nerves vanished and you enjoyed the ceremony.

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  37. It's great they had the graduates on the stage, where everyone could see them. I was wondering if all the boys would be wearing their headphones, and the pictures told me the answer :-)

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    1. Yeah, only Alex lives in his. But Harry used his fingers for a while. He was fine until a girl gave a speech and she had a loud, shrill voice...and in went his fingers. haha.

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  38. Oh Betsy - I'm soooo excited to see these photos. How I have thought of you and prayed you through this exciting time. So sad to think that anyone would send hate mail. The truth is...that speaks very little about you, and MUCH ABOUT THEM. =( So thankful you can rise above it and enjoy the time of celebration. You are an amazing woman! CONGRATS TO ALL!!!

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    1. thanks so much marsha...we really appreciated the prayers. The boys did just fine and we were able to relax and enjoy ourselves!

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  39. I'm cheering from the far-away-bleachers, Betsy!!! Yay!! Yay!! Yay!! The boys are angels! big hugs to all!! blessings ~ tanna
    ps I'm trying to just pretend I did not see the line about hate mail. I hope you will too... xoxo...

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    1. thanks, tanna...we were cheering, too...and it was so great knowing there were far away bleachers literally all over the world!

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  40. Love it Betsy! You all have done so well! Congratulations! You didn't receive e-mails, texts, etc. from me but I did think of you and talk to God about all of you :) He heard, and I'm sure not just my prayers but the prayers of many on your behalf. It makes me happy to hear (and see the photos) that it was a good day for everyone! Thanks for sharing!

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    1. thanks, martha...I could feel it! There's nothing like God's peace and control and knowing others are praying on your behalf. yay! :)

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  41. I am sorry that you came home to hate mail. You have such beautiful boys and I love seeing this post. I even showed my husband. And by the way, you are gorgeous yourself there.

    Keep posting :-)

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    Replies
    1. thanks so much, Whisk! That means a lot. We're still celebrating today! :)

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    2. Oh heck ya. I'd be celebrating all week.

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  42. Congrats to the boys! I've been waiting to see pics of them in their full glory!
    I'm sorry you're having deal with hate comments by a coward. :/
    I was honestly shocked to see the thread. And since thr rude commenter outed the teacher, I hope the teacher is ashamed by her actions. Its pretty sad some teachers choose to be ignorant instead of standing up for our children.
    You handled yourself with class, Betsy!

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    Replies
    1. well, I tried!...although some don't think I did!

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  43. congrats to your boys Betsy, tears in my eyes!

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    1. thanks, christine....it was really great to have them up there!

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  44. You are proud of them Betsy. I tell you. I have never met them (or indeed you), I live thousands of miles away, but I think of you all as friends. I am proud of them.

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    1. You most certainly are my friend, Alan. And thank you for that...you always say the sweetest things! xo

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  45. SO WONDERFUL! SO HANDSOME! I knew they would be fine as did EVERYONE else that knows them! M and E were SOOOOOOO proud to watch them from the concert band! I am giddy with excitement over them. What a proud moment for the WHOLE family!! YIPPPPPPPPEEEEEEEEEE!

    Hate mail? OY. DELETE it and forget it. NOT CLASSY.

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    Replies
    1. We were so proud of them and I couldn't stop smiling at how handsome they looked! We had SO many people stop and said they cried when our boys got their diplomas. So sweet. We are blessed.

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  46. Congratulations, times three! Quite the achievement!

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  47. Congrats, congrats, congrats!! I know you are just bursting. I totally missed this post- but I wanted to make sure I got to comment! I just watched my little grandson graduate from kindergarten and it took me back to when my own kids did. Time flies by so fast.

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    Replies
    1. thanks so much...and I just know that kindergarten graduation was really fun!

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  48. Are they twins?
    They're three... and identical!

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    Replies
    1. no, they are not twins. They are triplets. :)

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  49. Congrats to your handsome trio....just found your blog and I will have to catch up on all your blogs...I also have triplets all with autism...almost 5yo..2 boys and a girl...thanks for sharing!

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  50. congrats to your handsome trio!! I have triplets that are all on the spectrum...5 yo..2 boys and a girl...just found your blog so I will have to go back and read your older post..thanks for sharing and congratulations on their high school graduation!

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    1. thank you, julie! I'm so glad you found me here! Another set of triplets with autism!? I have heard of that...one other time. We are an elite group, aren't we?

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