Graduation

       The wonderful weekend started out with graduation banquet on Friday night. I was very excited because I had been asked to speak! I had been very emotional the week leading up to graduation. The past few weeks have just been very overwhelming as I have started a new full time job and tried to finish up going to school. It was so wonderful to celebrate over a meal with my family. In addition to a great night, I was surprised to hear my name called when they were handing out honor medals. There were many times when my only goal was just to pass! So I was quite pleased when I discovered that I would be graduating Cum Laude!

I don't know what I would have done without my mom at graduation. She is an amazing women and she went above and beyond to make sure that I felt special.

 I am so glad that Grandmother Anne could make the trip as well! She is so special to me. Having her there was wonderful!

 HANNAH!! Oh how I love my Hannah! I have missed her so much these past few months since Leah has been here. I was so excited to see her and Ty for a few hours!

Me and my sweet fam

 I am so thankful for my father and the man that he is. I am glad I have another teacher in the family to chat with :)  (and Hannah too) I love you so much dad!

 The Bergren's!! I have the best in-laws in the entire world. I am so glad we were all together this past weekend to celebrate together.

 Me and my grandmother "at-the-lake." I thought she looked so beautiful in her blue for graduation! I am so glad that she was able to make it. I am very fortunate to have so many people who love me...

 Aunt Debbie! I am continuously amazed at how much we are alike. I love being with Aunt Debbie (and so do my kids) I am so glad that she could make it!

 Our friends Stephen and Rhea! Ryne and I are so blessed to call these two friends. Thanks for driving out guys! We really appreciate it!

And the lovely lady behind the lens... Caiter! I am so glad that Caitlin was able to come this past weekend. This time of the year is so busy for college students. I loved having you here and getting to spend some time with you. Love you!!












    This past weekend was pretty much a whirlwind of everything! I was overwhelmed by the amount of love that I received in person, on the phone, through cards, and on Facebook. It feels so nice to be done. I am thankful that I have not had any lag time between graduation and a job. I was recently hired at a middle school in town and I am a new 6th grade science teacher! I am really loving it too! We celebrated Riley's birthday along with graduation this past weekend. And in a couple of days we will be celebrating our Christmas by hitting the slopes in Colorado! I am so excited!!! After that we will have some down time before heading out to Israel. I can't wait to share with everyone about that!

Thanks to everyone who has loved on, prayed for, or thought of Ryne and I as we have tried to finish up our goal of receiving a degree! Ryne will graduate next semester and then is when the real adventure of "life after college" will begin. We are so thankful for the people that God has placed in our lives, especially during this difficult journey. Thank you for all the love and support!