Graduation

Graduation day should be a day for the graduate, but in our unique situation graduation day was completely for me and the boys. I loved every second of it. Anyone who know my sweet Steve knows the last thing he would ever want to do is put a cap and gown and walk around for all to see him. This is his 5th degree and 3rd time graduating and he has never gone. However, the boys are old enough to remember and I want them to see why dad has been working so incredibly hard and been gone so much. I dont know of anyone else who has worked and gone to law school, finish in the top of the their class, and keep a happy family. I am proud of him and grateful for him.

My mom and Randy flew in to be there. That meant the world to both of us. I felt like I was dancing around the whole day. Grandma and Grandpa helped with the boys, I didnt feel overwhelmed, and Steve didn't complain about pictures. He let me take as many as I wanted, although I did try not to push it.

One of the happiest moments was when all of the graduates were walking in to the hall, all 300+ of them. I didnt think I would see him because everyone was moving in so quickly it was a blur of gowns. But I got down to the front and hoped for a photo. I couldnt believe it but when I was right down in front Steve walked in. I could see him looking for us and I yelled for him. I caught a photo of him just as he smiled, a real sincere smile. I cried of course, because happiness washed over his face when he saw his family. My picture wasnt centered of course but it is still a photo of his happiness and smile and will forever be a treasure to me.

I was able to listed to the speeches for the most part with the help of mom (my mom) Randy, and dad (my dad). When it came for students to get their diploma my mom was there to help. They let the graduates cross the stage with their kids. I wanted to the boys to have that experience. My sweet Steve was going along with all it happily I know for me. My mom help me take the boys and wait by the stage. I was getting worried again because the last line of students were up and Steve had not passed. I thought we had missed him. So I started walking back and there at the end of the line was Steve. I was so fun to see him cross the stage with 3 little ones. I hope the boys remember it.

Afterward we all filed out for, yep, more pictures. Steve still complied. One of his professers came and congradulated Steve and chatted. Just as he walked away, Evan who had been playing with a chained up hydrant with his brothers managed to find a knob that was not locked and show water out straight at him. Steve jumped over to turn it off and turned on another one that shot water up about 20 feet. I was laughing so hard and poor Evan's shirt was drenched. He did manage to get the water off and it was so hot out if felt good.

It was really a beautiful day and a wonderful ending for me to a long road that we all went through. We had found out the night before that Steve passed the bar also. The were no more hurtles to jump, at least regarding law school. Even now a week later I still feel giddy. We will begin new challenges. Steve will be sworn in, in June. I am getting a babysitter so I can go with him and watch. Im excited for Steve. Im excited for the opportunities ahead of him. He has accomplished what seemed and felt like the impossible at times, and we both know it was with the help and love of our Heavenly Father. I feel happy, overly blessed and loved, and I feel gratefully peaceful.

Morning Good byes

As Jason and I were leaving for preschool Grant walked us out to the car. I thought he was going to cry and want to go, but he shut the door for Jason, waved and said "bye bye Sayson (Jason)" then he shut my door and blew me a kiss and said "bye bye". Wow, he is so grown up. It was adorable. Grant walked up to the door, Jason yelled bye bye Grant and he stood there holding on to the door and yelled back "bye bye Sayson". I didnt think this mornings little parting could be any sweeter, then as I was backing out the car Jason said, "Momma, Grant loves me". Ahhhh music to my ears. Yes he does Jason.

Sneaker Treater Eater

Im late on recording some event but nevertheless they are still hilarious. I walk in the door to see Jason with the stool pushed up to the counter stragtegically under the treat cabinet. Jason luckily was 5 ft away from the stool found this his opportunity to explain that " momma Im not a sneaker treater eater." Hmmm momma thinks yea right. After the inventory of missing treats momma and Jason have a little discussion. He agreed to not be a sneaker treater eater anymore. Good one Jason.