Isn't this what Christmas is all about?

Laying on the floor covered in all the remains of what's just occurred moments before, exhausted and elated to just swim in the sea of tissue, wrap, and boxes!

Commencement Benediction

20 years ago I graduated from high school. There were some rough moments that almost kept that moment from happening. But I was fortunate enough to have a terribly mean and ugly English teacher that forced me to stay at school to finish my missing assignments the week that all my friends were out on Senior Ditch Week (I had already had my ditch week...or month...or year). While that week was miserable, it was worth it, my high school diploma was an important step to achieving all that I have accomplished today.
I was so excited the year I graduated from Mesa State with my Bachelor's Degree in Education. I couldn't wait to walk across that stage. I literally felt like a young child with so much enthusiasm and anticipation for that awaited day. Many family members were there to celebrate with me. I have the pictures to prove it! I still smile today thinking about how proud and happy I felt. One of my best memories. So, I have to share with you in contrast my feelings today.
Today, I am pleased to say that this chapter of education has finally come to an end. I don't feel the giddiness that I felt eight years ago; when I vowed to get my masters. I feel a sense of relief and peace. I feel gratitude to my Father in Heaven for carrying me this far. I know I couldn't have done any of it without Him. That's the only reason I can come up with for why I was asked to give the benediction at my commencement.

I did not want to walk or participate in the commencement ceremony this time. I was happy to celebrate this end quietly and privately (which if you know me, is much more my style). That decision changed when I received a phone call from a professor asking if she, "could change my mind about attending commencement, they would like to invite me to represent the program and give the benediction." I actually did not respond with a yes right away. I told her I needed to think about it. Danny kept telling me what a great honor it was. I knew he was right, but I really didn't want the honor. After I prayed about it and talked more with Danny, I agreed to do it.

The road to commencement wasn't easy. I wanted to back out of it a hundred times. It felt like it was just adding to my already hectic life and time of year. But, my sense of responsibility did not allow me to back out.So, as you can see, I did it! Yes, I gave the benediction at my commencement from Regis Universtiy on Dec. 17, 2011 with a Masters in Arts in Education with an emphasis in teaching the Linguistically Diverse Learner.

I can't lie, much of my relief is just because it's over. And I may never know why I was asked to participate in today's ceremony. I have thought a lot about it, and I hope it was for my childrens, friends', or family's benefit. I hope it was to show that I was willing to stand as a witness of God at all times and in all places. I had to stand up for what I believe to be true about how we pray. Heavenly Father blessed me to be able to do it the way that I know honors Him best. I stood in front of many, as a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, and offered a prayer in our behalf and thanked Him publicly for His hand in my life, for helping me reach this goal. For that I am thankful, because I truly feel that this degree should be the Lord's. I couldn't have done it alone. So, I am grateful for the opportunity I had to share that with many.

Our future graduates await!

2 Events in 1 Night!

Now that Isaac is at the middle school and in band, we ended having Marina's choir concert and Isaac's band conference both in the same night. Thank heavens Marina's was at 6pm and Isaac's at 7pm. Between Grandma Layne, Papa Joe, G'ma Chris and Danny & I we were able to make it all work and get to both. We sat so far in the back at Marina's...there are no pictures. But she looked beautiful and sang better than ever. She learned a lot of new songs in different languages. She has a talent for learning language. Her favorite was a Japanese snow song called, Yuki.
Isaac's first band concert was quite good. He played, Hard Rock Blues in a trio group. Yes, he plays the saxaphone. He is very good at learning to read music. He stills plays the piano also, but we're taking a break from piano lessons for a bit.

Aren't they getting big??

CHEESE!

My baby is 18 months old. My favorite age. He is such a "ham" or should I say "cheese." I love this age. I love how they start to become their own little person. The wanting to walk everywhere on his own is pretty comical. Trying to keep him out everything at the store is interesting too. Of course, it's an exhausting age, but fun nonetheless. I am looking forward to him talking. The "eh eh eh"...and screaming for everything he wants, I could pass on.
Say the word, "bath" and Esaias is quick to undress and climb in the bathtub. Actually I should say he gets in the bathtub and then gets undressed. He swims, puts his full face in...it's just now that he's finally not choking every time. Mind you, the choking did not stop him from putting his face in the water. Danny and I end up just as wet as Esaias.

Little People are one of Esaias' favorite toys. This is the stable; he and Marina set up all the animals to watch baby Jesus.

I love you, cute boy! Cheese!

A Common Past Time!

I could take a thousand pictures just like these. My boys read all the time, yes all the boys; Danny, Isaac & Esaias. Marina will read, but it is usually forced. And I would love to read, but finding down time for me is not as easy...maybe someday.

Below is an interview Danny did for work. It is up on You Tube. Feel free to check it out.