For most of you who know me really well, you might think it's kinda weird because I really didn't have classes this last semester. Because I was working on getting my Gerontology Certificate, all I had left to do was my practicum (internship) and my research paper. I was still working toward something for school though, but now I just feel weird. Maybe it's because I really am going to miss school and learning and that I don't want to enter "real" life and find a "real" job - or maybe it's because Spencer and I are headed for the adventure of a lifetime this summer in Ghana, and I just don't know what to expect. So this combination of factors has kinda thrown me for a loop. But you know the great thing about it? It's coming! Life will continue to move forward, and we will hopefully be able to continue to move one step ahead of it.
But anyway, all this "feeling" stuff and is a little too much for me. I'm ready to go! So here's some fun pictures of the ceremony and all the amazing people there that day.
As I was racing to find a restroom before the procession of graduates into the Spectrum I ran into one of my best friends, Stephanie Smith! We went to high school and started up at Utah State together. We both served missions at the same time, and since we've been home we've spent a lot of time in gerontology classes and events together. This all made it so much fun to see her just after she'd finished with her ceremony! It was perfect!
Here are some random pictures of the procession and of me sitting on the floor with all the graduates and then walking and getting my diploma cover (they actual diploma is not really in that little cover). I actually got to sit by Sarah Fassman, the wife of one of Spencer's really good mission friends. I was so grateful to have someone I knew with me :) (There are some pictures of her in there too)
Here are all the wonderful people who supported me and cheered for me there
A day of 2 for 1's! My brother-in-law, Steve graduated from my same college! This made it much easier for family to feel supportive.
(How about those awesome Chacos on my feet!? We moved out of our apartment on Friday (the day before graduation) and my parents ended up taking my packed suitcase - with my nice sunday shoes - home with them. So I only had one option of shoes if I didn't want to wear my tennis shoes. So even though I kinda felt like a hobo - Chacos it was!)
All of the parents together! (Spencer's dad wasn't able to make it. He was appointed as a delegate to attend and vote at the state convention, so we rightfully excused him, and hope that all went well for him there)
This is the only picture I have of Marilyn, I wish I'd gotten more, but I'm glad she was there for this one!
My amazing mother-in-law (Marilyn) is like Super Mom/Grandma, and she is always just so happy and has the most amazing positive attitude. It makes you feel good just to look to at her! :) I'm really glad she got to be there for BOTH Steve and I.
Grandma and Grandpa Cox may have come all the way from Idaho for my brother Josh, but when they heard that graduation was timed perfectly in there, they were so excited that they could support us both, and I was so happy that they would take the time to do so!
Even my friend Jake Reed (who I met way back in the Summer of 2002 when my family participated in the City of Joseph Pageant in Nauvoo, Illinois) was able to hit the 2 for 1 special on this wonderful day! His friend from the mission, Natalie, also graduated with me, so he actually finished all of his finals flew out from TEXAS to be there for it! What a great friend! It was so good to see him again!
Grandma and Grandpa Smoot made it too! They have been so incredibly supportive of all of their grandchildren. They attended 3 different college graduations in the last week. That's dedication! I didn't expect them to come at all, but I am so grateful that they did. It is always so wonderful to have them around!
And of course my parents have been my biggest fans all along! I am so lucky to have them in my life! They have been my greatest examples and I am so grateful that I was blessed with parents who love me and have given me so much in this life. They are the best!
And last, but absolutely and positively, not least, my amazing a wonderful husband Spencer! This picture was taken in the car on our way home, but I had to include it here. In my personal opinion, he is the greatest person EVER!!! I just love having him around, and I'm so grateful to have an eternal companion who loves and supports me in everything I do.
Here's all of my grandparents, parents and Spencer and I together! I feel like I am the most blessed person in the world to have so many amazing people around me. I love you all and am so grateful for what you've done to help Spencer and I get to where we are today. Thank you!
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