Holidays...

This holiday season was a little rough. Our family has lost many loved ones this year and last week we lost Grandmother (my dad's grandmother) at the age of 94. While at her funeral I couldn't help but be thankful for having her in my life all of these years. She did not suffer from cancer or any other illness other than those that occur as someone simply dies of old age. She had dementia, had good days and bad, but lived a complete life knowing that God was her savior. I can only hope to live a life as full and complete as hers.

Every holiday that I can spend with my family is a gift in itself. We began last weekend and spent Christmas with David's mom, dad, and siblings. It is crazy how things have changed in the last couple of years.







Later that evening we went to my Grandpa Jerry's and Grandma Ronnies. We had a great time and watching the kids open their presents and later had an adult game that was quite interesting thanks to Dana for "shaking it up." Cant wait until next year.

All Monday and Tuesday I spent the day and night shopping with my mom who is the last minute shopper every year. She works too much and next year I am forcing her to take off so we do not have to fight the crowds. After buying a few things here and there and getting really sick of the madness- Dana and I decided we would settle on new purses for Christmas and be done. Mom was worried we would be dissappointed, but I love my new COACH and am very HAPPY (: My husband also made me very happy! I asked him not to buy me things cause I would rather get my windows tinted and my door fixed from the whole locking my keys in the car denting the door fiasco. He got me a new pair of Nike's which I love and a comfy pair of leopard houseshoes. He also got me a wallet to match my purse but I refuse to carry a wallet that costs almost as much as the purse so we are taking that back and getting my windows tinted.

Chrismas Eve was spent with David's Dad's family first and then my Mom's side of the family later. At David's Aunts house every year we have to all share something we are thankful for. I said I was thankful for being finished with school and David said he was thankful for me! That really made me feel special! Christmas Day we went to David's mom's side and then to my Dad's side. By that afternoon we were wiped out! After a long nap Granny came over and we took our First Annual PJ picture. My cord to my camera is at school- so I will have to post the rest of the pictures from this Christmas later.

I hope everyone enjoyed their Christmas as much as we did. I am very thankful to have the friends and family that I am so blessed with!

Graduation

Yesterday was my Graduation and after the week I had I was just ready to get it over with. With school and getting ready for my party after graduation I was tired and frustrated and really wanted to just chill out at home.

My frustration only rose as I arrived to graduation. It was the most unorganized events I have ever attended. I am a "C" in the alphabet and somehow the "P" people were sitting behind me?? Then we are supposed to arrive at 2:15. At 2:50 we were lined up ready to start the procession when about 50-100 of the 487 graduates (all foreigners) walked in at 3:00 without their cap and gown on. I was like "you have got to be kidding me?!?" SO Graduation was delayed. Then after the procession ended- the President of the University began his speech. About 3-4 minutes in- in walks about 50-100 more graduates that they forgot to put in line. At this point I was ready to just walk out. But about half way through the speeches it dawned on me what a major event this was in my life. I have worked so hard and actually kept a 4.0 throughout the last three years. I have not really let myself be excited or proud- because to me it was just part of my plan. But I now realize what a huge accomplishment it is.

During the R's my parents and David got up and went to the car. My brother was gone after they called my name. So when we walked out I was surprised to see my husband still there by the door waiting on me. I assumed he went to the car with everyone else. But there he was. He gave me a huge hug and told me how proud he was. I don't think he really understands how much that simple gesture meant to me.

When we got home we walked in and there was this beautiful spread of food and my guests had already started to arrive. We had a blast and I am so thankful to all of you who came. It really meant a lot to me to have so many people come celebrate! Finally at around 3:00 this morning- David said we are going home! I am so tired today but had such a great time last night.