As you can see, my picture came out really well! It was cold in the auditorium so therefore my hands..well, every bit of my body, was shaking...explaining the blurred picture. Now on with the good stuff, as to what was going on..in case you can't read the above banner.
Last night was the Jr. High Beta induction. With kids dressed in the Sunday best....gals in dresses or skirts and blouses...guys in slacks, shirts and ties! As Mrs. Ratcliff said, "I didn't recognize some of these kids all dressed up!" Again, a nice group of young boys and girls. Madge was a part of this group....she doesn't get her smarts from me either... Tiffany, it's ok, at least our lack of intelligence hasn't rubbed off on our girls!

She got her Beta invite sometime in the year and was thrilled. Last night a Teacher came to me stating that they couldn't find where we had paid her dues and wasn't expecting Madge to attend so therefore her name wasn't on the program and etc. I told her we had tho I didn't have anything with me to show that....now here Madge was practicing Friday on what to do last night and I hadn't been told any of this? hmmm....anyway I asked if we would have gotten the letter and forms to go on the Beta trip if we had not paid, and she said no. I told her I did get the forms. She said they would put Madge in her place, print up another program with her name on it in case she wants to have it for a keepsake, and they will get her a certificate (they let her use someone's that wasn't there). The program went on, but with me in a different frame of mind. The stage was set, the officers made their speeches...leading the group in their pledges, then certificates were given. There's Madge receiving "her" certificate and pin. It was a pleasure to see the faces of these hard working youngsters as they received something for their achievement.

Here she is with just a few of her friends....lined up to be "shot" by other parents too. Just after this picture was taken, I had to go to Madge and tell her the Teacher wanted this certificate back because it wasn't her real one and explained what happened. She looked sad for a second but then lifted when I told her they would be getting her's done...I hated having to go to her with that but..... Afterwards refreshments were served in their honor, where the fun continued. The excitement in that room had the place lit up!

JoBea and Tristan got a chance to sit and visit....Tristan was inducted also....JoBea is styling his tie.

Here's Ben with Madge. His little sister chased Madge down to get a picture of them together...but she also got her chance to be in them too!
She was very pleased that they allowed her to be in the middle of them...even tho you can't tell how happy she was with that frown on her face! haha She has a beautiful smile.

Last, but not least, Emily wanted a chance to do the "horns" over Madge's head, then her evening was complete. She thought it was so funny for Madge to do the same on her. All in all the night went well. The parents were so proud of their children, the children were so happy of their accomplishment..and the cake and drinks that followed! We are proud of you Madge, as well as ALL the students that are attentive to their grades.

Lord may they learn to see that not only being attentive to grades at school is important, but also to be attentive to the friendships they have, attentive to the one's that are less fortunate in some way, to the kids that are loners, or "don't fit in", attentive to others needs and respect their elders and authority always. Help them to see that all this works together to Glorify Your name!