I’m hoping with everything in me that my daughter, Rebecca, doesn’t read today’s post because it’s about her. I’m thinking she probably won’t because she is in the last week of school and studying for her final exams. She is a remarkable young lady who has amazed me ever since she was born. I had a difficult pregnancy and was hospitalized 3 times before she was born. I remember because they asked me to keep a close record of everything for insurance purposes. I had 27 doctor visits and 9 sonograms. I lost 21 pounds instead of gaining with her and one time the nurses even cheered for me when I made it to the halfway point. I had Placenta Previa with her and she had to be delivered by cesarean. Once she was out, she never had any problems.
That seems like such a long time ago… I guess it was… she is 26 years old now and it’s only 3 days until she graduates from college. This is the remarkable part… she has been going to school, paying for it as she went by working, so it’s taken her 7 long years to get her degree. BUT…she has no college debt!!! I am SO SO proud of her! She has been so determined to finish and it is finally here! All her hard work and perseverance has paid off. Her major is Human Nutrition… so she’s got a little bit of Senior Panic looking frantically for a job… something in the health care field… nutritionist, dietitian, etc…she’s not sure what’s even out there, but I’m sure she’ll get that all figured out soon.
So, I bet you’re wondering what I want you for… I wanted to have a little graduation party for her, but my hubby’s cancer sort of sidelined my plans… and my mom had a wreck, so I’ve been working on that too. My problem is time… I just don’t have much, so I was hoping for some help from you.
I saw this cute little jar on Pinterest that is the cutest thing for a graduation present. I’m not sure how to link a picture from the blog post I saw on Pinterest so I’ll just show a picture of it and give a link to her post HERE.
You take a mason jar and fill it with dollar bills, tying them with little ribbons so they look like tiny diplomas. Then you make a little black cap for the top and add a tassel and it looks so adorable.
Don’t worry, I’m supplying all the money… :o)
…but if several of you could possibly write in the comments below or send an email to me…just congratulating Rebecca on graduating, I would love it!
Some of you have bought necklaces for your dolls from her and some of you “almost” know her because I’ve talked about her so much! Everyone deserves congratulations on finishing such a big milestone. I want to copy your comments and roll them up and tie a ribbon around them and put them inside the jar too… to make it look “fuller!” It takes a LOT of rolled up bills to fill a mason jar. I hope this doesn’t sound like a dumb idea…
Rebecca’s bedroom is just a few steps away from where our computer is, so I couldn’t get out my pictures and look for some of her. I had to just use what I could find on the computer… but here are a few pictures I found of my “soon to be graduating baby girl!”
Yes, we lived through the Barney era… and I even made my kids matching appliqued Barney outfits… oh brother…
I used to make little girls dresses for a shop in a nearby town and Rebecca always wanted to try on the dresses, no matter what size they were, before I took them… Here was a “too big for you” dress…
I’ll never forget the look on Rebecca’s face when she received her first (and only) American Girl doll for Christmas when she was 9.
This is Rebecca with her cousin Molly…
…and here she is with her grandma and brother…
Whether it’s baking cheesecakes…
…making necklaces…
or graduating from college, I couldn’t be more proud of her!
Thanks for letting me brag on her just a little bit!
See you tomorrow,
Blessings, Jeanne
Congratulations, Rebecca! You are an amazing woman for graduating college and having no debt! This is almost unheard of these days. You must feel so proud. I wish you nothing but the best in finding a worthy employer.
I have read so much about you, and, if I had a daughter, I would want one just like you. You would even fit into my family because, I had red hair and freckles just like you. 🙂
With warm regards,
Karen Kinyon
Thank you Karen,
Blessings, Jeanne
Rebecca, it has been just wonderful reading about your accomplishments and getting to know you through your mom’s blog. You are everyone’s dream daughter, beautiful inside as well as outside! I will always remember you when I put on those pretty necklaces you made for my dolls, what talent!
And now that you are graduating, and earning every bit of the way, you can feel very proud of yourself in all your accomplishments! Congratulations on this big step and may all your dreams come true!
Much love to you,
Linda Doyle
Thank you Linda,
Blessings, Jeanne
You are graduating debt-free! That must make you one in 5 thousand or more. It’s a huge accomplishment. You’ve chosen a useful field, and one that will be becoming more and more in demand as people realize how important nutrition is to living a good life. You will be making a real and appreciated difference.
You are indeed a dream daughter, and your parents know that, making a perfect combination. Knowing what a great family is like is as useful as having a degree.
You are starting the next stage in a wonderful place. I wish you great success in work and life.
All the best,
Marilyn
Thank you Marilyn,
Blessings, Jeanne
Congratulations on your graduation after 7 years of working hard and saving for this final occasion, Rebecca!! You seem to be a go-get-r and git-r-done kind of gal. I wish you good luck on finding a job in your field, but hope you still take time out to do what you love. I know your mom and dad are so proud of your accomplishments and love you very much! You are a beautiful young woman, and I wish you the best life full of success, happiness, and love!
~ Karen D
Thank you Karen,
Blessings, Jeanne
Rebecca, your accomplishments are superlative, your creations are inspirational, your beauty is inward and outward, and we have learned to appreciate you through your mom’s words on her blog. Thanks for being a model to those around you….our country needs people like you who are strong inwardly, work hard, are creative and have high morals. Thanks for letting us be a part of your world via your mom. It’s been an honor.
Blessings, Becky
Thank you Becky,
Blessings, Jeanne
Congratulation, Rebecca ! Your persistence has *paid off* – with a degree and no loans to repay! Be proud of your accomplishments! I hope you have many satisfying years to put your education to good use! We’ll be ‘watching’! 🙂
~ Mary C
Thank you Mary,
Blessings, Jeanne
Hi, Rebecca. Congratulations on a wonderful accomplishment. The field you have chosen will surely lead to a fulfilling career. Being able to complete your education debt-free must have been an education in itself and taken a lot of dedication and hard work. It’s been a pleasure to follow some of your creative and cooperative endeavors through your mother’s blog, especially for those of us who don’t have daughters. We would hope to raise a daughter just like you. The necklaces you fashion for the dolls are little treasures. Your contributions to your community are inspiring as are those of your wonderful parents. Congratulations and best wishes for your future.
Thanks so much, Susette,
Blessings, Jeanne
Dear Jeanne —
How is George and how did this session go? I was surprised that you had the energy to make the necklace carrier and prepare a blog entry after a day at the hospital/spa. You really are a wonderful person with the energy of two wonderful people.
It’s probably too late for another Christmas outfit, but not for a new New Year’s dress, if the inspiration strikes and there’s time between decorating and cooking for Christmas.
Did all five of your dolls find new homes for Christmas?
HI Marilyn,
George is doing pretty well, I think. When he first stands up or if he moves too quickly, he gets sick to his stomach, but he is actually working at the table right now, repairing a bird feeder for my mom.
Rebecca had asked me about the necklace carrier the day before, so I was thinking of how to do it while I was at the cancer place. It didn’t take long and I wanted to do something nice for Rebecca for holding down the fort while we were gone. She’s Reuben’s big sister, you know! :o)
You are probably right…I’m sure the Effner girls were my last dresses of the year… and it makes me sad to think of all the girls who didn’t get dresses this year.
Julie is still with me… I wanted to get her listed yesterday but it didn’t happen… maybe today…
Thanks for asking,
Blessings, Jeanne
Congratulations Rebecca!! Such an accomplishment to graduate from college with no debt!! You are a very talented and smart girl and I wish you all the luck in the world!! 😀
Thank you Christine,
Blessings, Jeanne
Congrats Rebecca, I don’t even know you but I am so proud of you.. Your mom talks about you here and there and from that I gather you are quite a wonderful daughter.. I have seen where you help out and volunteer at different places and even encourage your mom to do it with you.. It is such a joy to see peeks into your personality and character. I know that God has specific plans for you and you will just have to wait on His timing and trust that He knows what is the perfect place for you to be and also with. The field you are going into is a much needed field because of the industry filling us with such hogwash about what is good for us. Stay strong and do what you know in your heart is right. Again Congrats, Kath
Thanks so much Kath,
Blessings, Jeanne
To Jeanne,
Congratulations to you and George for producing a lovely talented daughter. Coming from another mother of a red head. They are special people.
To Rebecca,
Accolades to you and your future endeavors. I think you have chosen your field well and will find a perfect fit in no time.
Thank you Joy,
Blessings, Jeanne
Rebecca, you are an amazing young woman and I am proud of you! My dolls have several of your beautiful necklaces and I keep catching them sneaking off to the computer to look for more on your Etsy page, but I don’t blame them as your work is wonderful! I know that whatever you end up doing in the future will turn out to be successful and I wish you much heartfelt good luck. Hug your parents for me…they are awesome! Jane M.
Thanks so much Jane,
Blessings, Jeanne
Dear Rebecca,
What a wonderful young lady you are! The accomplishments of working and going to school at the same time are commendable. In this day and age, graduating debt free is practically unheard of but it shows your character of being smart and working hard. You were raised by wonderful and caring parents and they are so proud of you. And even though I have never met you, I have enjoyed hearing about you and I find you such a sweet and loving daughter. You are just precious, Rebecca. May all of your dreams come true and may you be blessed by God over and over through out your life. Congratulations!!
Thank you Paula,
Blessings, Jeanne
Dear Rebecca,
Congratulations to you for graduating from college. What an important milestone you have reached and although the road was long your perseverance have finally paid off. I have so enjoyed getting to know you through your mom’s blog. Your parents must be so proud of you and your accomplishments,and rightly so. Your field is very important as our nutrition determines our overall health. I’m sure you will find a position in a hospital, nursing home etc. soon where your skills will be valued.
May God watch over you and keep you in His care as you being the next chapter of your life.
Many blessings to you,
Laura
Thank you Laura,
Blessings, Jeanne
Congrats to you Rebecca and your family. I know how your mother must feel, take care and I am so excited to hear of your future adventures.
Robin
Thanks so much Robin,
Blessings, Jeanne
Hi Jeanne,
Congratulations to you and George as well for raising a wonderful daughter. I’ll share an idea for a fun treat that I used at my daughter’s high school graduation. Bake a batch of mini cupcakes and dip them completely in melted chocolate as you would do with petit fours. Then place an After Eight dinner mint (I love those) on top. Fasten a colored m & m to the center and cut tassels from fruit leather in a matching color. They make adorable mortarboards. You can also dip pirouette cookies in white chocolate and tie with fruit leather as well for diplomas.
Laura —
What an amazing idea. Thank you for sharing. Jeanne will probably make 400 for some upcoming event and we’ll get to see the pictures.
HI Marilyn,
You always crack me up!!! :o) :o)
Blessings, Jeanne
Thank you, Marilyn, I like doing little parties for family and also back when I was homeschooling I helped with Christmas and end of the year get togethers, so I was always on the look out for fun ideas. Sometimes I find them places and sometimes I could see something that would work.
HI Laura,
What an adorable sounding treat! I’m going to look on Pinterest and see if I see pictures of them too! (I LOVE those dinner mints too and could eat the whole bag!)
Thanks for the idea…
Blessings, Jeanne
I’m sure there are pictures there. I found the idea in a magazine when my daughter was still in grade school and saved it for the big day.
Congratulations on your hard-earned and well-deserved success, Rebecca! Your college graduation is a great day for you, the culmination of many years of dedication and perseverance, and a dream come true for your family. They are so proud of your achievements, but more importantly, they are proud of the wonderful person you have become. Your momma writes glowingly about you, and it has been a pleasure to get to know you through her eyes and her words. You are a lovely young lady, inside and out, and I hope you won’t mind if your momma continues to update us occasionally on your future accomplishments, as I’m sure this is only the beginning of many good things to come for you! You have a big heart, and you will do great things with your life! Warmest thoughts and congratulations on your graduation, Rebecca, and best wishes and prayers for your future. May the Lord bless you and keep you in all of your pursuits!
Thank you so much Anne,
Yes, we are VERY proud of her…
Blessings, Jeanne
How much is Julie? I kept meaning to ask, but ’tis the season to ….then again, it is a constant thing for me to be abscentminded.
Hi Donna
I just sent you an email about Julie,
Blessings, Jeanne
Congratulations Rebecca on your wonderful achievement! It takes a lot of dedication and discipline to keep your grades up while working your way through school, and you will no doubt have a successful career ahead of you. I have purchased one of your necklaces, a red one to match a special outfit, for an American Girl doll. I am sure your creativity and talent will contribute to your future success. Best wishes for the next chapter in your life!
Sincerely,
Carolyn Bradshaw
Thank you Carolyn,
Blessings, Jeanne
Hi again, Jeanne —
Contact me about Julie.
Hi Marilrn,
I saw your email and will get back to you after dinner…chicken parmesan tonight! :o)
Congratulations Rebecca!!!!! Great job! you are so talented! I won one of the beautiful necklaces that you made. I love it and wear it a lot mostly this time of the year and get many comments about how pretty it is. I hope that you get a wonderful job.
Thank you Sylvia,
I appreciate your kind words…
Blessings, Jeanne
Hello Rebecca, I’m another of your mom’s readers. Your mom speaks so highly of you that I feel like I know you. She is so very proud of you and I wholeheartedly agree. What a wonderful achievement, graduating in your chosen field (Awesome) doing it totally debt free! Wow Huge! My warmest thoughts and highest hopes are with you as you celebrate your graduation.
Congratulations
Ingrid Banach
Thank you so much Ingrid,
I appreciate your kind words to Rebecca,
Blessings, Jeanne
Congratulations on your remarkable achievements, Rebecca! (Graduating, and debt free!) As you have probably figured out by now, you have a lot of “honorary aunties” on your mom’s blog, and we are all so proud of you and your accomplishments!! May God richly bless your future!
Hugs, “Aunt” Charlotte
HI Charlotte,
I got your comments in the jar… so I thank you so much! I like her having SO many Aunts!
Blessings, Jeanne
Oh dear… What a day to not check my email!
I’ll did my Congratulations away late. It doesn’t matter that you took longer on finish your degree…just doing it yourself us an amazing feat!
Those of us who read your Mom’ s blog already know what a sweet dedicated daughter you are. You will enjoy the next part of our life..working for your own goals now.
Best of luck job hunting and Congratulations again.
HI Kathie,
No problem… I’ll just read what you wrote to Rebecca tomorrow…she’ll be happy to know more comments were made… she enjoyed what everyone wrote… I may just copy yours too… I might as well. she has them all stacked on her dresser… :o)
Thank you so much!
Blessings, Jeanne
I know I’m a little late for this, sorry!!
Rebecca,
Congratulations!!! I too, am SO proud of you for obtaining your degree without incurring ANY debt!!! Good for you!!! I came from a large family, of 11 of us, I was one of three that went to college (back in the day) Yes I DID have some college loans, but I also worked while at school, and saved as much as possible during summer jobs while I was still in high school. My youngest – of 4 children is in her junior year, and has a full scholarship for tuition, but (as I’m sure you’re aware), books are also mighty expensive, so she has student loans for her housing, etc. Yes we helped all four of our children, but didn’t outright pay for everything, and I feel it made them work harder, cause at some point it was THEIR money! It would seem you did something similar, Good for YOU!!! Good Luck with your future – you probably have that job already!!!
PS: Love your hair!!