Here we go! After weeks (months really) of planning and working toward this weekend – we are here. Our oldest son, Asa, will be graduating on Saturday and will have a big reception on Sunday afternoon.
How does a home-schooler graduate, you ask? I don’t know how others do it, but our plan is to have a simple “Time of Blessing” for Asa in our living room in which family members who have been able to join us will share a blessing, a memory, a scripture, a piece of advice – whatever each person would like to share. We’ll pray over him. I’ll use kleenexes. He’ll open gifts. We’ll have a meal and dessert together. We’ll give him his diploma. (And then we’ll go to a soccer game for our third son – because yes, we still have soccer games even on graduation day) :)
Then on Sunday, it will be “Senior Sunday” at church. That is always such a blessed event, and I’ll be sure to use more kleenexes. That afternoon, we’ll have a joint reception with some fellow graduates in our church fellowship hall. It’s going to be so much fun!! We’re planning on a lot of people coming through that day!
Before and after these events, we’ll be having about 18 people at our house (not all staying here, but all eating here) from Friday night to Monday morning. We are looking forward to this so much! I let Asa pick most of the meals we’ll be eating, with the suggestion to “please keep it simple so that I don’t die that weekend.” He obliged. :)
I’ve been making and putting some food in the freezer as I’ve been able. Beyond the homemade food, we’re going with some “less than healthy but who cares because it’s celebration time” options. This is what splurges are for, right?
Here are a few pictures of what I’ve been working on in the kitchen. A few weeks ago, I made three lasagnas, three pounds of taco meat, and three pounds of sloppy joe meat. They are in the freezer waiting for the weekend.
Yesterday I baked a loaf of banana bread and two loaves of blueberry bread (using my muffin recipe). Then I mixed up a double batch of both chocolate chip muffins and pumpkin muffins. I didn’t bake them, but froze the batter for fresh-baked muffins this weekend. Read here to learn how that awesome little method rocks my world.
You have to know how many times I pulled out my trusty Oh, For Real Cookbook for all this food prep. I know many of you have told me how much you use yours. Let me tell you, I use mine like crazy too. It is a kitchen must-have. :)
Today I made a bowl of Black Bean Salsa to go with our lunch. I made enough to serve over the weekend too. Such a great taste of summer in that bowl!
Below is a little breakdown of what we’ll be eating with our house full of guests this weekend. Some of the notes are really for me, but now you get to read them too. :)
You’ll notice that I asked a few people to help out with the food. ALWAYS say yes to help during a busy time like this. If someone offers, say yes. It’s as simple as that. There’s too much to do during an event like this to try and get it all done by yourself. Plus, it is really important to enjoy these moments. I look forward to being hostess this weekend, but I really, really look forward to being MOM.
Friday, May 15
Dinner ~ Grilled Italian Chicken, corn on the cob, asparagus, tossed salad, cantaloupe
Saturday, May 16
Breakfast ~ Muffins, fruit, yogurt, bacon cheesy eggs – grab and go before Elias’ soccer game
Lunch ~ Family Time of Blessing for Asa and Presentation of Diploma
- Hamburgers and hotdogs
- Salads from Sharon
- Chips
- Veggies and dip
- Dessert following Time of Blessing – Brownie Sundae Bar
Dinner after soccer game ~ Lasagna, salad, green beans, Michele’s Italian bread, fruit
Sunday, May 17
Breakfast ~ Muffins, fruit, yogurt – grab and go before church
Lunch after church before reception ~ Sub sandwich bar with leftover sides from cook-out (Michele is in charge of setting this up for me at our house while I set up for the reception.)
Reception ~ (help in keeping up with food and drinks on serving tables, popping corn, etc – Tim, Mayra, Morgan, Asher, Robin, Andrae)
- Meatballs with dipping sauces (Teriyaki, BBQ, Marinara, Honey Mustard, Sweet and Sour)
- Italian Artisan Breads
- Cold Cuts and Cheeses
- Spreads for Bread (Nutella, Mayo, Butter, Mustard)
- Fruit Salad
- Popcorn Machine with variety of salts and seasonings
- Cake/Cupcakes
- Variety of Drinks
Late Dinner after the reception (IF we need food) ~ Nacho Bar (Tacy is in charge of setting this up for me while I clean up after the reception.)
Other meal choices I plan to feed additional family and friends who have come into town before and after the weekend events:
- Sloppy Joes (in freezer)
- BLT Wraps (bacon precooked and in freezer)
- Whole Wheat Waffles with whipped cream and fruit
- Egg Casseroles
- Taco Salad if we have leftover taco meat after Nacho Bar night
Well friends, those are my scattered thoughts for the day as I type with paint on my hands. (The sun finally came out so I’ve been out painting our porch all day!) I’ll try to pop on from time to time with other posts this week because I do have a few in the works.
You know what I’d love? If any of YOU have a word of blessing to share with Asa, would you leave a comment for me to share with him? While many of you have not met my boys, you’ve heard a lot about them and watched them grow through the years. Your prayers for him and words of wisdom would mean so much. :)
Heather @ My Overflowing Cup says
Congratulation on your graduation, Asa! I hope that you feel proud of a job well done.
No matter what your eyes see in this world, our God is always good and His ways are always best – even when it doesn’t seem that way.
Keep your eyes on Him and He will guide you in the way you need to go. Always be the sheep that hears His voice and never forget that He is your strength and your shield.
“For I know the plans I have for you”, declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future.” -Jeremiah 29:11
Your future promises to be bright, Asa, as long as your hope is always found in Him. May He continue to fill your cup to overflowing!
Ashley says
Asa may God Bless you and use you for His kingdom and glory! LORD JESUS loves you he is the only light! Don’t let man or the devil fool you! Jesus is the Light the truth and the way! Hard times will come life will get hard as you get older and have more responsibilities! Cling to him! May God be with you in your next step in life! Do it all for the glory of God!!
Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.
John 14:6
In Jesus Light and Love,
ashley
Adrian says
Although I am younger than your son, I’d like to offer my advice. Here goes–whatever you do, Asa, offer it to the Lord first. Always remember His even hand works in the microscopic moments that you don’t care about. Remember that Jesus died so every move you make you could make it in freedom. Lastly, though the world hates you for your loving Lord, He has overcome the world.
Prayers for you Coppingers!
Verity says
Laura, I wanted to say that you should enjoy this time with your son and family. Know we all love you and are thrilled for all of you, and while we might miss you, we want you to just enjoy this time and not worry about us!
Asa, the only advice I have for you is the advice I have for every believer, and it is this. Jesus paid your sin penalty in full. It is done, finished, no longer exists. When you believed and agreed that you owed the penalty to a just God, and that Jesus paid it for you, you were adopted into an even more amazing family than the one you have here on earth, God’s family. It’s a permanent adoption, you are now His kid just like you are your Mom’s kid: forever. Every time that you find yourself looking to yourself, either because of the good things you do, or the bad things you do (we all do them), you are taking your eyes off Him and the Work that He did, and that can lead to winding paths of pride and despair. So just keep your eyes on Him, Asa. Remember the price He paid for you, that it’s paid in full, that you are worth it to Him. That He’s your Dad now and loves you, and is eagerly waiting to hang out with you and have you tell Him whatever is on your heart. And remember that the only time the Bible ever shows God in a hurry is when He (as the father figure) is running to welcome His beloved prodigal son home, so never hesitate to come home to Him.
with love for you all,
Verity
shay says
You have a boy graduating highschool and my baby is heading off to kindergarten. It seems so crazy!
This week has been a lot of Isaiah and 1st corinthiansx for me.
40:31 they will run and not groiw weary….
Blessings to you!
Ann says
Congratulations! I prayed for a beautiful, Christian wife for you. I prayed for you and her to remain pure. God’s way is the best!
Your mom is such a blessing! I use her website often!
Psalm 29:11 The Lord will give strength unto His people; the Lord will bless His people with peace.
Kara M says
Congratulations on your high school graduation Asa! While this feels like an end of sorts, it really is the beginning of the journey that your parents have prepared you for with God’s blessing (he did choose your parents for you).
As God shares with us in Joshua 1:9–
“This is my command–be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”
Remember that you have had an incredible 18 years with your parents…now is the time to step out in faith and see what God has in store for you. Keep looking to Him and he will guide you even though it may not feel like it sometimes. Because He promises us that He never leaves us or forsakes us.
Enjoy this weekend and then THRIVE in college and life!!
Gayle says
As you graduate, remember that you are about to embark on YOUR FUTURE. Be certain that you when making your decisions going forward that you remember to LOOK UPWARD as you move ONWARD. By this i mean, when you reach a time when you need to make a decision, remember to keep your eyes on GOD and pray for his guidance. And as you find yourself hitting stumbling blocks, just continue to move forward every day and follow what HE is impressing on you. Congratulations! May your future be blessed!
Cassie says
LISTEN TO YOUR MOM AND DAD. They REALLY do know a lot about growing up!
Dorthy M. says
I have tears in my eyes, realizing that “little” Asa is now grown up and graduating high school! It makes me realize how many years it’s been since we’ve seen you, but I”ve enjoyed reading over the years and watching the family grow.
For Asa: Congratulations, Asa. May God continue to bless you as you continue your education and my prayer is that you hold on to your faith and grow ever closer to the Lord.
Kari says
Oh my word. I’m crying reading this. Love you. Working on an Aunt Kari blessing in my head and will get it to you it ASAP!
Karen S says
Asa, you have received a legacy of love and faith from your parents. My prayer is that you will take that with you as you continue your education and prepare for whatever God has planned for you. Do everything as unto the Lord, and He will bless you and your efforts. Congratulations on your graduation!
Conni says
May the Lord bless and keep you, Asa! You have been blessed with an AWESOME foundation upon The Rock. As you continue to build upon it, “….pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace, along with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart.”. 2Tim. 2:22
Priscilla F. says
Congratulations Laura on seeing one of your boys all the way from start to finish, at least in the schooling area! That is a real encouragement to me as I just begin schooling our 4 boys. Your graduation ceremony sounds great. Just like homeschooling, there is no “must do it this way or else” is there… :)
And to Asa: you have a good name. Always nice to have a name with an honorable Bible character behind it. My husband and I have that name in the back of our minds if we’re blessed with another boy someday, and you’re the first Asa we’ve actually “met”, though of course we’ve never met. (We’ll meet in heaven someday and know it’s you, the video guy behind the all-famous Cake Boys “show” ;). Any how, there will be so many choices to make in the days, months, years to come; when you’re not sure what God wants you to do next, never ever be afraid to just quietly carry on in simple every day living, by doing the little things so clearly ordered in His Word, and IN HIS TIME He will faithfully show you His will in the bigger things, by giving you that “peace which passes all understanding” when you make a decision according to His perfect plan for you. Peace is the “green light”. And He does have a perfect, individulized plan, just for your life. Keep on for Him – He will see you through. Congratulations from Wisconsin!
“And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus”. Philippians 4:7
Donna L. Miller says
Asa as a fellow firstborn I know how we have a tendency to reach for perfection. While this is not all bad, it can be if we look to others to see what “perfection” should look like. One thing that I have learned in life is that what Jesus thinks is more important than what other people think about us. When the Holy Spirit tells you to do something that you don’t possibly think you can do (and believe me he will many times if you listen to Him). Remember that you’re right, you can’t do it. At least you can’t do it on your own. You can only do it with Him by your side.Sometimes the only thing he will tell you is ” I love you and just trust me”. Many times I have found out the reasons why He has told me to do certain things and some I look forward to asking Him when I get to Heaven. But always remember this He ALWAYS has a reason and a plan in mind. I’ll finish with a quote that I think comes from Dr. Gary Chapman “Physical presence in the time of crisis is the most powerful gift you can give someone you love” You will NOT be able to FIX every thing for your family , friends, or your wife or children should the Lord gift you with them. You can however BE THERE for them and that’s what counts. May the Lord Bless You and shine his light always on your path.
Judy says
For mom”: Glad to see you have food helpers. Have someone be the designator photographer also to capture all the friends/family that have come to help celebrate.
For Asa: Never stop learning new things. I strive to try one new thing each day and I’m waaaay older than you. Congratulations! :)
Annie T. says
I’ve found it somewhat amusing that you posted today… My graduation is in exactly one month, June 13th, also my 18th birthday. And this morning I sent out invites to my numerous friends and relations.
And congratulations, Asa!
~Annie
Bobbie P. says
Congratulations Asa!
Rose says
CONGRATULATIONS ASA!!!!
The time has come for you to shut the door to your homeschooling years and open the door to your future . Oh , what blessings await you as a young adult! May the Lord be your guide and your strength through the good and bad things that you may face. May He guide you through your college years with the wisdom that you will need on a daily base. May He direct your life as only He can and that you be willing to let Him.
Laura,
You are a very gifted and talented person! I have enjoyed your site for several years now . I also LOVE your cookbook, Oh, For Real. May the Lord give your family a truly wonderful and blessed weekend !
Julie says
Hi Asa from Australia…Congratulations on your Graduation . I can only say to you that our Lord knew you as He knit you in your Mother’s womb, knows every hair on your head…and loves you beyond all measure. He knows the great plan He has for you, whereas at this time, you don’t have the ‘big’ picture…but put you whole trust in Him and remember, He is always with you…so go into this next stage of your life with confidence , wisdom and strength gleaned through being His son.
God bless
Julie…Adelaide Sth Australia
Angie says
Laura, first of all, let me say that you are a ROCK STAR for all the prep work you’ve done in the food department to get ready for graduation weekend. Wow! You are very good at planning for and feeding lots of people.
I have so enjoyed watching your boys grow up through your blog. We have four sons and they are just a few years younger than yours, so I’m learning so much from you on how to parent as they grow. I love how you plan to honor your graduate this weekend and I am definitely taking notes for when our oldest graduates from our homeschool in a few years. Wow, I can’t even believe that’s possible! Anyway, I feel like you are a very dear friend to me and you have such a beautiful family. I pray that God continues to bless you and Matt with wisdom as you parent and love on your boys. And thank you for your “A Surrendered Heart” journey. I am really seeing how important it is to keep my man first in my heart.
So, may God bless your future, Asa. I don’t know you personally, but I do know that you have a mom and dad and brothers who will always be your cheerleaders. My God use you for His glory!
Nova Quigley says
Congratulations, Asa, on your success in graduating from high school. “Do not let [the] Book…depart from your mouth; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do [it]. Then you will be prosperous and successful…. the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:8-9
May God continue to bless you and continue to make you a blessing!
Nova and George