Graduations {Tanner & Taylor}

Taylor graduated from Apple Preschool on May 17th!  He sure was excited, and loved preschool with his friends.

Teachers Miss Becci, Miss Amy, Miss Jamie,
Miss Tawnya, Miss Kari and Taylor and his little friends. 

Tanner graduated from Hawthorne Elementary Kindergarten, on May 30th.  Mrs. Holton was so patient and kind! We both loved her and are going to miss her when we go to our new school.

Tanner HAD to stop and have a discussion about his diploma with the principal. 

Tanner and Mrs. Holton.  

We are so proud of our graduates!

Congratulations, Graduate!

My middle little sister (got that?!) graduated!

the smudges are for my mom's sanity.  :)  

She's amazing, inspiring, and simply fabulous.

Of course we went back to good ole' North Gem to witness the occasion...and we were so glad we could be there for her!

Love you, Katelyn!!!

You're going to have so many adventures where's you're headed...and you've got the right tools to help you be successful.  You have the skills, the talent, and the standards to be anything you put your mind to!

Go get 'em, Cowboy!

Ooooooooooh, boy!

I have JOY!!!

Today was my last day teaching Tanner's Joy School Pre-school class.  Oh, boy.  is right!!!

I have VERY mixed feelings about Joy School. I had mixed feelings when I started and those feelings have kindof swam around in my brain as I've tried to decide what I love and what I don't love about Joy School...

LOVE the rotation of teaching...I don't mind teaching or even preparing, so the fact that I only had to do it maybe once a month is a plus.  Taylor loved participating when it was at our house.
LOVE the laid-back-ness...If something doesn't fit in or there are kids throwing a tantrum, it's not hard to change it up a bit and do something else.  I had to do this nearly every lesson, and for the most part, it all worked out.
LOVE that all the lessons were on-line for me to print...if I needed a copy, I didn't have to run any where, just printed the exact page I needed.  Even though I ended up printing EVERY lesson so I have a hard copy (school supply nerd!) I still used the online just as much though.
LOVED what Tanner learned.  I feel like he has really blossomed...would he have without Joy School?  I don't know; but I really like the values and principles that were taught and have seen some of what he's 'learned' come out in every-day play and every-day conversations.

MEHHHHH about the lesson plans.  I liked the overall 'themes' that the Eyers started with, but lets be honest...I didn't follow every lesson plan to a "T"...some of those stories and activities were just boring...but then back to the flexibility....then back to the age-group (3-5 yr olds) and then back and forth and back and forth.
MEHHHHH about the lack of updatedness (is that even a word?  LOL!)...I'm pretty sure that if they're charging what they're charging for a membership and fees that it's affordable to update the handwritten music and scratchy recordings, old school images, and whatnot.  Just my personal opinion.

In fact, all of those are my opinions.  So whatever.  I tried to overlook the downsides because they were things I could change if I wanted. :) I just have so much joy that we (Tanner and I) made it through the year.  It was a good enough experience that I'm considering doing it again with Taylor...we'll just have to see.

We are not going to be around when the Joy School does the Graduation Party, but I still offered to help in any way I could...So I made mortarboards and tassels for Tanner and his friends.

They turned out WAY better than I had thought they could.

One mom was saying she 'normally' sews them, and I probably would have, but cardboard is just so much easier...and after thinking about the time and money I could spend and how long they were going to last, I just decided to go the $4 all together route and do poster board.  For reals...Super Easy!

We plan to do a little Graduation Party of our own at my parents' house with my sister who is also graduating...from HIGH SCHOOL!  Ack!  I'm getting old.  

Here's our graduate:

the {bag}

Projects like THIS one (my sister's senior pictures) and THIS one (graduation announcements) have been on my bucket list, and are checked off.  I think we finally finished my sister's grad announcement, which isn't pictured in the group I linked to....it's a surprise, since I know our aunties and cousins read this.  *wink, wink*

Oh yeah...this is supposed to be about the {bag}. I LOVE how my bag turned out! I loved sewing it; simple, fast, and I did it while watching my friends' kids last week...well, they watched a movie during nap time while I sewed.  I didn't really follow any directions, but instead dreamed about it for three months, how I would put it together, and wouldn't you know it, it went together JUST LIKE A DREAM!

Finally got pictures of it today...

Yes.  That's my breakfast sitting on the table, still.  I had Turtle Cake, complements of a very dear friend.  Thank you Becky!  Ryan said to me as I was taking this picture, "That is an AWFUL background!"  Uh...  I have since washed the floor (and cupboards and walls) and done the dishes.  And I do agree with him...it's just hard to take a picture of yourself holding a bag, and I feel dumb asking him to take one...especially since I was still in my bathrobe when I took this.  *sigh*

I really need to work on my lighting skills...they kinda stink, but here you can see the fun make-up of the bag. I totally ditched the ruffles I had in mind.  I like it's geometric simplicity, which is what its designer, Renske, had in mind.   Afterall, she calls it the minimalist tote bag.  But nothing about me is minimalist...hence the lovely print!  (If you know anything about fabric, you'd appreciate that it was printed ON GRAIN!  You'd also be disgusted to find that after I washed it, I discovered it was cut OFF GRAIN by about 5 inches on each side=wasting 8 inches of good fabric. *sigh*)

Just because I'm in LOVE with the leather strap.  Thanks dad, for the scrap!  I think it might have been intended for the straps on my mom's new chaps, but it was 'cut wrong' so he let me use it.

Here the {bag} is, with the pocket for my trusty new-to-me cell phone, since I washed the old crappy one in the washer.  I SWEAR it was a mistake.  On my honor.  I forgot it was in the back pocket.  And I don't check pockets unless I'm looking for spare change. 

And here's the cool hardware my dad helped me to set.  Okay.  He put it on, I just told him how I wanted it.  Don't you LOVE the grommets, and the star-split rivet backs?  Yeah.  Me, too.

And this is next on the docket:

I can't wait!  Pillows.  For the couch.  I am getting really tired of the brown, brown, and brown furniture. I found the solid at Home Fabrics for CHEAP!!!  ($2 a yard) and plan to do some very FUN fabric folding with it...and the sweet Fleur-de-lis-ish pattern on the left will be plain-ole square pillows.

I told you.  I just can't help myself.  Plus, I'm looking forward to some color in my life.  We got another four inches of snow this morning.  It's kinda-sorta melting, but I was really looking forward to a fun day of bike riding ... I've already put away all the snow clothes.


Speaking of color; I had two sweet surprises last night.  Ryan came home with a beautiful bouquet of the most gorgeous salmon (not peach, not pink) roses, and then my sweet and thoughtful friend Becky brought us by that yummy Turtle cake and some gorgeous red roses to finish off our interesting anniversary day.  (Between the ER visit, skipping out on preschool and not having swim practice and having sick kids and feeling like a zombie, it was just a really odd day.)

I think they complement each other very nicely.  Just pretend with me that those curtains are adding in some gorgeous back-lighting to my even more gorgeous subjects.

In unrelated {bag} news, we were able to finish off the night with some chocolate covered strawberries, more freezer jam and an early bed time.  We were wiped out.  I fell asleep the second my head hit the pillow.

*breath*

And now, if you'll excuse me, I need to get started on my bread, so I can then clean my bathroom, so I can take a shower, so I can go to the mall, so I can buy a new bra that will do what it's supposed to do.  

Toodles. 

{Congratulations, Graduate!}

This weekend, we attended two graduation ceremonies for Ryan.  As I was starting to grumble during the second ceremony on Saturday, I realized that these events were a significant part to this wonderful accomplishment. 

We had sitters for our boys for both ceremonies, and in hindsight, wish we would have brought them to at least one...so they could see their daddy walk...but then again, it was really nice to not have to worry about them being too loud our antsy...I somehow think nobody would have survived either experience.  *chuckle*

Friday, May 7th:  Ryan was hooded as a Master in Training and Development in Idaho State University's College of Technology with the Degree of Human Resource Training and Development.  A mouthful, I know. The ceremony was relatively short, and considerably comfortable at the Stephen's Performing Art's Center...they had padded seats, and I had Ryan's iTouch to keep me busy.  :)  Really though, it was a nice one and a half hour ceremony. 

I was even a good wife and brought a towel and my iron to press his gown, given to him an hour before the ceremony....can you tell I like things neat and orderly?  He was the only one there who didn't have creases in his gown and hood.  He was also with the few who wore suits.  He looked very handsome and professional!

pictured above:  Dr. Tom Jackson, Graduate School Dean, Ryan, Dr. Robert Croker, department chair, Dr. Rita Kalody, who pretty much spent all of April spending time with Ryan to perfect his Research Project paper and Defense.  She's a saint in my book. 

Those who came to support me and my sweet husband included: 

My brother Reed (poor kid was sick, though), my mom (my dad was in charge of and in attendance at the 2010 Scout Jamboral in Blackfoot...don't know what is worse:  freezing with a bunch of scouts or sweating in a room full of graduates) and myself.  Sorry for the gomer picture dear - Your mom only took one, and this was it.  :)

Ryan's parents, Ken & Edytha, his brother Mitch (who inspired Ryan to obtain his Master's...Ryan and Mitch are they only two in their family to earn Master's degrees) and his two daughters Rylee and Savannah, and his brother Gary.  Not pictured is Gary's wife, Valerie, who came later with her son Seth. 

(Now that I see myself in these pictures, I see why that woman at work a few days ago thought I was going to have a baby right then and there...I have put on SO much baby weight!  *sigh*)

Significance behind the hooding:  In the 13th century, one who became a master in his discipline was presented before a council to have his head shaved, then hooded to keep warm.  This particular costuming, the hood and robe, are representative of this age old tradition, of distinguishing between students, teachers, and so on...you'll notice his professors in the previous hooding picture have velvet stripes on their sleeves...this is because they have their doctorate degrees, and are qualified to teach the teacher.  

Thank heavens they didn't have the cosmetology graduates (or anyone, for that matter) shave all the Master Students' heads!  Each college is represented by a different color, so on Saturday it was fun to see all the many colored hoods and tassels.

Saturday, May 8th:  Ryan was given his diploma (okay, just the cover) during the university-wide commencement exercises at ISU's Holt Arena.  Sitting in hard chairs for three hours is not a good idea for a pregnant woman who will deliver her baby in 9 weeks.  (Especially when the individuals from other graduates' families were climbing over and around her for those three hours...I counted two teenage girls climbing out of their seats seven times.  sheesh!) 

We were there early to get seats and for Ryan to get in respective line...we took the opportunity to get pictures BEFORE the event...

My mother-in-law was surprised that they didn't have an opening prayer...I just chuckled and told her we weren't at BYU-Idaho any more.  :)  They did sing the national anthem, though, and it was pretty neat to hear all the graduates and their families singing in honor of our country, and our freedom. 

Ryan was presented with his diploma within the first hour...then we patiently and respectfully sat through the next hour and a half, visiting quietly and clapping for those we knew (Tanner's Primary Teacher, another sister in our ward, and two cousins of Ryan's also graduated with various degrees). 

I sent the following message via text to Ryan shortly after he walked (10:30 am), "Baby's coming.  Let's go eat."  We debated on using that excuse for the next hour, but thought better of it, and stayed...and sat...and got climbed over...and watched mindlessly as 2,232 (no kidding) graduates walked across the stage...I have no pictures of Ryan actually walking, unless you can count blurs of black and orange...we were so far back in the stadium, that I couldn't see his face even. 

As it neared lunch time, and as I got antsy and my mom and mother- and father-in-law grew antsy, we debated on leaving early.  A series of texts back and forth between Ryan and I confirmed that we were just as awful as those leaving early...we made a break for it.   

We enjoyed a very un-crowded dinner at Texas Roadhouse with our parents, and as we were leaving around 1:30 pm, we saw quite a few families of graduates walking in to get their lunch.  Poor souls...had to endure a full three hours of commencement exercises.  Mwahahah!

All in all, it was a fabulous two days worth of celebrations...and a long discussion on the way home about how long Ryan had to wait to start on his Doctorate Degree.  And if I would like to or want to earn my Masters...and what was next...and how the job market is...and what our future holds...I could go on and on...

Thank you, mom and dad, and to Ryan's parents, to siblings, to baby sitters, to friends, to family, to teachers, and to our loving Heavenly Father for support and encouraging words.  :)  We couldn't have done it without you all.

Congratulations, Graduate.  

You Did It!!!  

And we couldn't be more proud of you.  

♥ XOXO ♥

{our daddy did it!}

We wanted to shout from the rooftops that {our daddy did it!} and we are so proud of him!!!  So to spread the word amongst family, I put this little diddy together last night.  I'm embarrassed that I didn't get it done two weeks ago, but really thought we'd have time this week...then I got a yucky bug that has put me out of commission, so this is what we got last minute. 

When cut and folded, they look like this:

And when stuffed in envelopes ready to be mailed this afternoon, they look like this:

I was elated (understatement) that our printer will bleed photos off the edge of paper.  (It will print a picture CLEAR TO THE EDGE without any white boarder!!!!!)

I was dissappointed that after adjusting the image several times, the printer STILL cut off the loop of the "y"...but what can ya do...It was 1:30 am when I went to bed!  And they're done!!!

March 18th

...can't come soon enough for me, and may come too soon for Ryan.

March 18th is the day my sweet husband defends his Graduate Research Project, better known as a thesis (but I'm told they're two totally different things, yet the same.  hmmmm...)

If I'm going to be proofing this beast, I'm going to tackle it with ammunition on my hips.

Ryan has worked incredibly hard, putting in long hours, early mornings, late nights, and countless trips to a library, campus, or Barns & Nobel in search of references.  He's coordinated multiple mediation sessions (not to be confused with meditation sessions) and even mediated several cases himself.  That's just the tip of the iceberg though.  He's done so much work, and learned so many new things, over the past two years.

I'm so proud of my sweetheart, and soon-to-be graduate of graduate school.  Oh, I am so excited for him to be done and begin the undaunting task of looking for, finding, applying for, and accepting {the perfect job}.  I think I'm looking forward to being a stay-at-home mom even more than that though.

I have no idea what the title of this paper is, and to my knowledge, he and his professor haven't even decided on one yet.  It's not THAT important, right?!  When he's all done, he'll have earned his Master's in Human Resource Training and Development.  (He also has his Associates in Business Management, and Bachelor of Science degree in Communications.)  As far as careers and life-long dreams go, we're not sure where we're headed.  Sounds like a plan, huh?  Careers within the government spectrum are likely, and he enjoys training, putting together those types of events and coordinating programs, as well as developing new programs.  We haven't seen many opportunities within individual companies to do this, (and by we, I mean, WE, because I've been anxious and looking for prospective jobs for him, too), but are confident that faith, obedience, diligence, and our hard work will pull us through.

While I'd like him to have a job already lined up and to start working on March 19th, I've come to the conclusion and peace of mind that this whole 'job thing' will happen on the Lord's timetable.  I've had to really rely on my Father and Heaven and have faith in His plan for us.  It's been quite a learning and growing experience for me...and I know it's not over yet.  

That said, if you'll say a little prayer for us, it'll certainly be appreciated.  Already, we're feeling the prayers of those around us, including loving family members, and for that we thank you publicly.

Photo Tag...Phinally :)

I got tagged by my friend, Wendy, to play photo tag over a month ago. Here's how you play:

You go to your 1st photo folder, then to the 10th picture and do a blog post about the picture! I'm going to change the rules a little and let *you* pick the folder and then go to your 10th picture. You then pick 3 people to tag and don't forget to mention the person who tagged you...

First Attempt: First Folder, Tenth Picture...

Ahhh....the day I graduated from BYU-Idaho with my Bachelor of Science in Family and Consumer Science Education, December 20th, 2006. What an interesting experience....the day itself doesn't stick out in my mind so much as the new shoes and new dress that were both too tight did...there was nothing too out of the ordinary of the day, even with my parents, in-laws, and husband there, because they've always shown their loving support...I believe Elder Monte J. Brough spoke, and he is the individual who my dad and uncle and my grandpa bought part of the Robertson Wyoming ranch from in 1990...I remember tucking my lip gloss up the sleeve of my sweater because I forgot to put it back into my purse...I also remember getting lip gloss all over my graduation gown. I will be ever grateful for the encouragement from my family, as well as my parents for instilling in me the desire to gain an education.


Second Attempt at something a bit more random: Second Folder (because I figured there was bound to be something random in the year 2005), Tenth Picture...

I don't remember the date, but I DO remember the occasion. My parents' stake did a commemorative musical about the Prophet, Joseph Smith, and my younger siblings tried out for parts. My brother Clay, is seen here as the young Joseph Smith, telling the 'doctor' that he won't take liquor for a leg amputation, and preparing to tell his 'mother' to leave the house. My sister Katelyn, is seen as the last on the right, as Lucy Mack Smith, Mother to the prophet. I don't remember the part that Deseret got, though I am sure she was in it, too.

My loving, patient and talented mother made both of their period costumes, along with several other costumes for the production. (this picture would be great, if it had a quilt that had period colors & pattern!) Many of the participants wore our family's period clothing, and it was fun to see it all on stage.

One more memory...I remember that when I was about ten, my mom took a few 1800's clothing classes at BYU. She had to have just had Clay, because I would go occasionally with her and sit in the foyer of the building her class was in so she could come out and nurse the baby...her classes were SOOO long! My mother sewed many things for many people when we were little, including most of our new school outfits (Kellie and Megan and Rachel, I was SOO thankful for your hand-me-downs!) I remember a dress she made for a Miss Utah contestant, and another for my cousin...

When it came time for me to find a wedding dress, I BEGGED my mother to make mine...she convinced me that it would be easier and less headache for her to buy one...we ended up splitting the cost...but alas, when I someday have a little girl, I would LOVE for my mother to make her blessing dress. My mom has a rich heritage, and an even greater posterity that would LOVE to have some of her work. As it is, my mom has made both my boys' blessing quilts, which are each unique. I hope that I can somehow pass some of her legacy down to my own children!

__________

I tag:
Kellie L., Rachel L., and Megan T.
...just because! :)

{Our Little Graduate}

Tonight our little guy graduated from preschool. They put on a fun little program, and as you can see in the short clip, Tanner really knew his part...

...okay, so he didn't know it as well as the other kids, but in our defense, he only goes to this 'preschool' twice a week, for two hours. All the other kids are there all day, every day...

♥

I thought their little hats were kinda' cute...and we got to keep the tassel...I KNEW there was a reason for that hefty sign-up fee! :)

♥

I loved the sheepish grin on his face...such a cutie! He did surprisingly well, and got a bunch of giggles out of me...I love my little boy!

♥

This picture was actually captured right after we sat down...They occupied their seats for an entire minute, and then Ryan was a good sport and sat at the back of the auditorium with Taylor so I could take pictures. Nevertheless, Tanner has a strong support system: a loving family.

♥

Afterwards Tanner got a popsicle...it was pretty tasty!!! Don't worry, I didn't bawl my eyes out at Tanner's graduation, but I am as I'm making this post. I can't believe how fast he's growing up, and I'm missing it...

♥♥♥

And MORE Congratulations!!!

So I'm a LAME-O sister-in-law and am just now getting around to Congratulating my sweet sister-in-law (Keith's Wife), Tricia, on her outstanding accomplishments.



On May 1st, she graduated at the top of her class from Utah Valley University in Dental Hygiene. What is even more impressive, is that she missed the first day of the semester at BYU to graduate from UVU. She'll be done with her Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science from BYU this fall.



We are SO proud of you Tricia. We're also overjoyed to call you our sister! ♥ So, without further ado, Congratulations on Graduating!!!



I stole this picture from Steph's facebook. :) My cute little brother (who is almost a foot taller than me) and his darling wife at HER graduation.

Numb3rs

Here's a quick re-cap of our fantastic weekend get-away to Utah for my little brother's graduation from BYU Marriott School of Business in Finance.

3 - the number of times Taylor threw up the night we were packing to leave. (See? we're already off to a good start.)
4 - the number of cavities Tanner got filled the morning we left, and the number of stops we made on the way down, as well as the number of times I climbed the stairs at the Marriott Center (and Tricia saved us seats on nearly the front row. Awesome seats BTW.)
5 - the number of hours it took us to get to Springville Thursday morning (it usually takes 3 1/2 hours).
6 - the number of people we stuffed in our car from Orem to Springville.
7 - the time we arrived at our cousin's wedding reception Thursday evening.
2 - the number of fingers that took a swipe at the bride's cake at the reception.
1 - the number of cupcake-thingie-desserts our three-year-old threw at my dad.
8 - the number of times I threw up Thursday as well as Clorox-ed the bathroom after each episode. (and yes, I stuck to one bathroom. Pat-on-the-back)
9 - the time we left to be at the temple for our cousin's sealing ceremony (yes, the reception was before the wedding).
10 - the number of times Taylor has thrown up total this weekend. Including the time he barfed all over my little sister and her shoes and clothes and my aunt's house.
0 - the number of times Tanner or Ryan barfed - neither one of them ended up sick, throwing up or with diarrhea (though there was much dry-heaving on Ryan's part as he helped clean up at home). Weird. (the part that neither of them ended up sick. The dry-heaving was normal.)
11 - the number of people who ended up sick because we were too dumb to stay home and too prideful to miss my little brother's graduation, which by the way, was awesome.
4,239 - the number of people whom we came in contact with, as close as I can guest-i-mate as well as the number of apologies I owe.
3.5 - the number of hours Ryan got us home in, and that was with a stop in Malad for us all to stretch our legs off and play for 15 minutes.
17 - approximately the number of times Tanner pumped laundry detergent onto the washer and dryer this morning (in my defense, I was cleaning the bathroom, and Ryan was getting ready for a meeting when our little angel decided to help us do laundry.)
a gazillion - the number of times we've washed our hands and the hands of our children this weekend. Apparently it wasn't enough.
1 - the number of people from our family who is attending church today. (Obviously it's not me. I've been washing barf, poop, and germs from every surface in our house. I've also done 4 loads of clothing, 3 additional loads of sheets, 1 load of towels, pulled out the washer to mop up detergent, and edited 2 photos from the weekend, which can be seen below. I'd say I've quite broken the Sabbath. But just maybe I'll be forgiven for not giving this bug to everyone at church! )

____________________________

Congratulations, Keith!!! We are so proud of you and your fantastic accomplishments! We love you so much, and your beautiful wife, Tricia. We do hope that neither of you get/got sick from/of us. :) Tricia is graduating from Utah Valley University in Dental Hygiene May 1st and from BYU with her Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science in December. Below is their Graduation Announcement that I had such a blast making!

____________________________

Needless to say, I think it's going to be a LONG while before we show our face in Utah. A LONG WHILE.

***Ryan visited with our pediatrician/Bishop today (we hate asking medical advice at church but He started it by asking where the rest of us were). We apparently had a stomach virus, not influenza. I am not sure exactly what the difference is, but Google is a great resource...check it out!