On April 23rd I walked, along with my fellow graduation class, all dressed up with a baby belly, holding hands with the most wonderful man alive, my sweetheart Michael.
It was definitely a day to remember. On the day of the Commencement (April 22nd), the birds were singing, the flowers were blooming, the weather was warm and perfect, and I had my dad and Michael as my escorts of the day :) After hearing Elder Christofferson's commemoration speech, we all went outside to take a couple pictures ... ok, ok LOTS of pictures ;) (our Washington family wasn't able to come but we wanted them to enjoy the experience as well).
On graduation day (23rd), the weather didn't treat us as kindly as it did the day before, it was pouring down hard, the wind was blowing and the leaves on the cherry trees were all gone by the end of the day :( BUT it was still such a joyous day!! I had my entire family there with me: My husband Michael, mom & dad, Dan & Jess, Melanie & Jesse, Kevin, Danny and Vanesita, along with lots of my little cousins!! :)
I will never forget all the love I felt from them that day, especially seeing them all stand up, cheering and screaming my name as they called me up to hand me my diploma and then seeing my wonderful hubby running down the stairs to hand me flowers as I waived at them ... I couldn't help but wonder if this is how it would feel when we are all reunited again in Heaven, hear them cheering and screaming my name once more, and feel Heavenly Father's arms around me and say "You've made it." It really put it into perspective for me when Elder Christofferson, in his commencement speech said,
"Let your cap and gown lead you to your eventual robe and crown in God's eternal Kingdom."
My life is truly so much more wonderful and blessed with all of you in it!!!
To my parents: Thank you for your unconditional love, countless words of encouragement, warm hugs when I needed them most, for teaching me by example with kindness and determination, instilling in me a love for knowledge and a desire for lifelong learning.
To my husband: Thank you for all the love and faith you have in me, for all the sleepless nights you spent helping me stay awake and finish my assignments on time even when you were done with yours already, for cheering me on until the very end, for never loosing faith in me and helping me be a better me, for showing me incredible patience, always so willing to help me with the dishes, the laundry and with dinner ... you are my Super Man, my EVERYTHING!!!! :) Thank you for all that you do for me and our little girl, you are truly the most remarkable person I've ever known!!
To my siblings: Thank you for putting up with me when I had to study long hours of the night with the light on, for all the many acts of kindness you did for us while we lived at mom and dad's like making our bed, leaving us little notes of encouragement and love, sharing laughs and "secrets," and putting up with my cooking haha :) Thank you for your incredible example, for the wonderful people that you are and are becoming. I couldn't ask for better siblings, really my very best friends. I love you all!! Don't ever lose sight of your dreams and goals. You can always count on me for anything and everything!!
To the rest of my family (Mine and Michael's): Thank you so much for your kind words and encouragement, for your love and friendship. You are truly an inspiration! We have had our share of "angels" come to us that have helped us endure through this journey.
I couldn't have done it without you!!!
This was her profile at 16 weeks ... she was so tiny!! :)
Here is a picture of her tiny little foot!!
These were also taken at 16 weeks .... she looked a little scary then haha :)
It's a GIRL!!!!
