Graduation festivities are over. July is over. My first enrichment in charge of the food is over. The wedding is over. My life... is NOT over. Yes folks, there were a few stressful moments and there is no way I would have been able to do it on my own, but we did it!... all of it. I have been so busy that I forced myself not to blog so I could spend every waking moment doing exciting things like writing a paper called "Of Rice and Men: An Analysis of the Golden Rice Debate" and studying mighty hard for Statistics. (Questions about golden rice I probably could answer, but stats.... probably not.) While I was doing that Jake took care of the kids, gathered many rocks for me, and kept the house in relative order. My sister made roasted tomato soup, brownie balls and took the kids swimming. Ruth took care of Jake, the kids, and the house! My mom called me every day and willed me to graduation, and got everything I should have been in charge of for the wedding (clothes, etc.). Yes, getting me graduated was a group effort. (Disclaimer : I actually have one online class left just for credit and will start on that on Monday, but for all intensive purposes, I am graduated.) Lets go back to the middle of July:
Pioneer day! We went to Salt Lake for the parade and met Allison in a lovely spot surrounded by people who I am sure were lovely, but with not so lovely mouths. Luckily Grace was too busy watching the parade and picking up treasures (trash) off the ground to pick up any new vocabulary. James flew into Salt Lake that morning and met us at the parade. It was great to see him. My favorite part of the parade was when Grace saw the first horse and buggy and cried out, "There is Pet and Patty!" (The horses out of the books Little House on the
Prairie.) I am always so impressed with Grace's memory. We are on book three of the series and Grace and Isaac love those books (Jake too).
Sometime in the middle of July, I was able to attend Wendy's bridal shower in preparation for the big day! August 11. This is the bridal shower with basket provided by my sisters, my mom and I.
The night before the wedding my parents held a wonderful dinner at the Pizza Factory.
Marmee decorated the tables with white and orange flowers and See's Chocolates! Grace stayed faithfully by the food table where on the end two little fish swam in a big bowl. Cutey and Sparkle have, since then, deceased. James gave a fabulous best man's speech which was able to convey Justin's previous difficulties with personal
hygiene and what a wonderful person he is. Once again, Allison was always there at the right moments when I needed a little extra help with the wild ones.
The wedding was wonderful. My Grandpa was able to fly in from Florida and seal Justin and Wendy in the Salt Lake Temple. It is so beautiful to have my Grandfather be the person to seal them for time and eternity. Family binding families, literally. Needless to say, I got a little teary-eyed. The reception, at the library, was beautiful. We were able to get a few pictures of the little ones, and Justin and Wendy looked fabulous too. Well folks, I'm going to leave it here for tonight. Reliving the graduation celebration will have to wait for tomorrow.
Jake surprised me with a LARGE bouquet of lilies (my favorite) on that Thursday after the ceremony where Elder Ballard spoke. I always protest cut flowers because I love getting flowers to plant, but the lilies have be so pleasant and the fragrance in our apartment has been heavenly. Thanks, Jake!
There have been so many people I need to thank who helped me complete my degree. Thank you is really not enough. Going back to school with kids has been a sacrifice for many people and I really appreciate EVERYTHING. My parents, Jake's parents, Allison, my siblings and Jake's who have
all been very supportive. In January, I started school and in my night class I met Drea ,who is an angel. We have had most of our classes together since then. We have smuggled many a cookie in to the library and in the process I made a great friend. At the beginning of the semester, I didn't even know how to use my laptop, or remember how to write a paper. I know how to work my laptop now and together we navigated a few pa
pers. She even helped me arrive on time to graduation. After the first day of graduation, my family and I celebrated at Joe Bandito's Fiestaurant. It is a family favorite. Isaac could not be held back and dips everything into th
e amazing salsa and then acts like it is the hottest thing in the world, sticking his tongue out, but he gets a drink and goes back for more. Grace says her chip is relaxing, soaking in the salsa. There is no wrong way to eat it. Final picture is a testament to how spoiled I am. I picked out so fabulous wedge heels with navy blue flowers on them to wear for graduation. I Love them. Also right before graduation Allison took me to go get glitter toes courtesy of my Aunt Linda. I was showered with family and gifts for those two days and the whole time I was thinking about how I should be showering everyone with treats and gifts for giving me the opportunity to go back to school and do something that I have always wanted. So here I am world... A college grad. My skills include talking and thinking. I can critically evaluate the world I live in. I remembered what is was like to read books that make me think and I like that. I think I'll keep doing it. 
