"Sunday shoes, cap and gown, the whole town gathered around"

My family is the jam. Supportive, hard working, hilarious, faith-filled, talented, and good lookin'...they are pretty much the total package. Tonight we all celebrated my brother's high school graduation. Much to my delight, JB will be attending Florida State in the fall. Go 'Noles!

JB kinda looks like he has an earring in this picture. But I can most certainly assure you that he does not.

I love both of my brothers dearly, but I'm just going to brag about JB for right now. I think all of JB's friends, classmates, teachers, and co-workers would agree with me when I say he is "the man". And he seems to have been the BMOC (big man on campus) since freshman year. 

I would like to commend my mother for that fabulous outfit . Seriously. Can I get those boots in a size 10?

 He was nominated for homecoming king, prom king, and Mr. Falcon. He is a natural athlete, the kind that can hold his own and usually win in just about any sport (including ping pong). He consistently plays a great round of golf, and qualified for the FHSAA Regional tournament three times. He was involved in the Peer Mentoring program and was the president of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes chapter at our high school. He was voted Best All Around as a senior superlative. Oh, and did I mention that he never made a B? Yes, you read correctly. He kept a 4.0 GPA all throughout high school while taking a full AP course load. And sometimes he worked a 40 hour week at his golf course/valet job. Yeah, he's that guy. The one all the guys want to be, and all the girls want to date. 

I don't know which is more heartwarming...his sweet little face, or that original Woody doll.

But aside from his impressive resume, his demeanor speaks for itself. There are no "strangers" in JB's eyes, only friends he hasn't met yet. Always cracking jokes, saying "hey!", and encouraging others, JB is the life of the party and the reliable friend, no matter what the situation.

This one speaks for itself.

After the graduation ceremony, my family hung around the high school to snap a zillion pictures. A teacher came over to say hello to our family and congratulate JB. They embraced in a man hug and JB thanked him for all that he had done throughout the years.

His response: "JB, kids like you are the reason that teachers teach". 

And I think that about sums it up. 

I love you, Jabe. Take care of your Ray Bans, 'cause your future is lookin' real bright.  

Post title: "I'm Not Gonna Cry" - Corey Smith