Mission Accomplished!
I finally finished the announcements and ended up doing a transparency overlay onto white. Simple, classy, but not stuffy formal . . . I hate being behind and at the bottom, rather than the top, of my game, but, well, sometimes, that's just the way it goes . . . better late than never, I guess . . . this was my personal favorite of all her Senior photos, done by Island Jenn. These are a few more shots . . .
This Girl: She's stubborn, loyal to a fault, loud and giggly, with an infectious, friendly personality . . . filled with unbridled enthusiasm for the things and people she is passionate about . . . competitive like her father, persistent like her mother . . . compassionate and staunch defender of those unable to defend themselves . . . has a tendency to wear her heart on her sleeve . . . I am proud of all she has accomplished, tremendously excited for her in all that the future holds, and yet feeling forlorn and anxious about her flyin' the nest . . .
She's always been a ball of fire--more self-assured than I have been or ever will be . . . We raised her to make up her own mind . . . to be confident, to stand up for herself and what is right . . .
Despite the headaches, exasperation of the drama years, and (all) the grey hair this approach has wrought (!), I have to believe we've prepared her to the very best of our abilities.
She's gonna do just fine out there.
I know what you're feeling as I have a daughter with similar characteristics! I think we did pretty good!!!
Posted by:Lori | May 24, 2008 at 03:30 AM
Goodness, girl....Hayley is sooo beautiful! She definitely resembles her mom!! And from your description...she is just as beautiful inside!
I love your announcements you made as well! So classy, and I love the transparency overlay!
Posted by:Rose Ann | May 21, 2008 at 07:43 PM
Hi Julie, Clicked over from A Muse to see your 7th anniversary cards. And then saw the pictures of your children. They are both gorgeous kids. Congratulations to your daughter on her graduation. The invitation you made is fantastic! Am looking forward to seeing you and meeting you at Stephanie's in July, am taking two classes on Sunday afternoon. (I'm the one whose mother was born on Kauai as your mom was).
Aloha!
Posted by:Betty T. | May 21, 2008 at 03:54 PM
WOW....FABulous announcements and that is one gorgeous daughter that is obviously quite the whipper snapper :)
Posted by:~amy~ | May 15, 2008 at 04:38 PM
Holy cow! She is gorgeous! What a proud mom you must be, not to mention that she sounds like a wonderful young lady. God bless!
Posted by:Victoria | May 14, 2008 at 10:42 PM
She's beautiful. The invitation/announcement is beautiful. You've every right to be proud. She'll go far, this girl. She's got fabulous parents to back her up!
Posted by:Novell | May 14, 2008 at 10:18 PM
OMG!! I can't believe you have a girl older than 5! But you've raised a model! What an absolutely gorgeous girl. I'm not kidding, she could be on the cover of a magazine, or in fact, whatever her heart desires! Your announcements are really elegant! Fabulous!
Posted by:Debra | May 14, 2008 at 07:54 PM
Julie- Hayley is so beautiful, just like her mom- I still can't believe you have a "college" age kid!!!
(((((((hugs)))))))
Wish her happy graduation from us over here!!
Posted by:jennifer pebbles | May 14, 2008 at 11:34 AM
Such a beautiful card, her photo's are stunning. You should be proud. What a lovely young lady.
Posted by:Irene | May 14, 2008 at 10:45 AM
Oh Stunning Hayley - you have your mom in you - I can tell - What a stunningly perfect card Jules! Good Luck Hayley!!!
Beth
Posted by:Beth Silaika | May 14, 2008 at 09:43 AM
Hi Julie!
Just stopped by to see what you've been up to and here is your gaw-jus daughter--wowee! From the rest of your post, she is truly beautiful in and out...that all comes from good motherin' ya know!
Congrats to you all Ü
Love,
Amy
Posted by:Amy | May 14, 2008 at 09:36 AM
She is absolutely gorgeous!! I hope that I am as enthusiastic about my oldest when he gets to be a senior!! You have such a wonderful way with words, and I'm sure she's going to do fine!!or better than that!!
Posted by:Kim Lenhart | May 14, 2008 at 08:40 AM
Love your card, and your words about your daughter. Both of mine are so young, but already I can sense how you feel!
The photos are great and your card does them justice. I love the one in the letter coat!
Please offer her our congratulations on all that she has achieved, and our hopes that she will live into her dreams!
Posted by:Julie (Joypup on SCS) | May 14, 2008 at 08:31 AM
Julie, your invitation is wonderful. I can't believe how much your daughter looks like you! She is beautiful! Thanks for sharing!
Posted by:Heather | May 14, 2008 at 07:10 AM
Wow, Julie, she is GORGEOUS! And even better than that, she sounds like a remarkable young woman with a great head on her shoulders. Congratulations, Mama! You done good!
(BTW, I was at a Mother-Daughter senior tea the other day and was already losing it at the thought of my 11 year old graduating! But from the sounds of the 'drama years' -- love that -- there are some experiences ahead that will ready me for the inevitable... : ) )
Posted by:Carole (TruCarMa) | May 14, 2008 at 05:46 AM
Julie, she is just beautiful! Your description of your daughter brought a tear to my eye..what lovely sentiments!The pictures are fabulous! You done good girl!
Posted by:Dorinda | May 14, 2008 at 05:42 AM
She's beautiful; absolutely gorgeous!!!
Posted by:Michele | May 14, 2008 at 05:32 AM
Beautiful pictures - she has your smile. Congratulations on raising a strong, determined, beautiful daughter!
Posted by:Kenna | May 14, 2008 at 05:03 AM
Your daughter is beautiful! And an amazing individual! I also have a daughter graduating in June and I share your aniexty about their flyin from the nest. Congratulations to you and to your daughter!
Cheryl
Posted by:Cheryl Horton | May 14, 2008 at 04:27 AM
What a beautiful daughter you have! Congratulations to her - and you! Stunning announcements.
Posted by:Sue B | May 14, 2008 at 04:22 AM
What a beautiful daughter - and I love how you described her. Congrats!
Posted by:Patty | May 14, 2008 at 01:27 AM
Awwww Julie...tell her I think she's gorgeous! I love how you've described her too...just think...all the characteristics you hoped to instill in her are now becoming reality.
You've done good mama!
Posted by:ChristineCreations | May 13, 2008 at 08:47 PM
Your daughter is beautiful. She should get into modeling! COngratulations on a job well-done!! You have prepared her and I am sure she will be successful at an independent life!
Posted by:Theresa Grdina | May 13, 2008 at 08:26 PM
What a gorgeous girl! and, Julie, I love your words - what a wonderful tribute to your beautiful daughter!
Posted by:Colleen | May 13, 2008 at 05:48 PM
What a beautiful daughter you have and a beautiful commentary too. Sounds like you have good reason to be proud. You sure don't look old enough to have a daughter finishing school!
Have a great week.
Glenda
Posted by:Glenda | May 13, 2008 at 05:04 PM