Done with my classes!!

For the past two years of my life, I have been not only a wife and mother, but a full time college student. There were many days when I wondered why I was doing this to myself and to my family- it was extremely difficult. I even took a statistics class over Christmas Break- the longest and hardest two weeks, possibly ever. Earlier this summer I considered changing my major to a general degree, just so that I could be done with school. Two very wise teachers talked me into staying in the program of Child Development, so that I could graduate with a specialized degree. Today I took my last final and I don't know that I can even express in words how happy that makes me feel, but WAHOO!!!!!!!!!!!! says it a little bit. I do still need to do an internship in the fall, but after the last 2 semesters I have had, I figure it will be a piece of cake. Today as I returned home from school, I made a list (I am kind of a list person) of all the things that I want to do during the rest of our summer break. It was long. But, instead of starting to work on any of those things, I sat on our couch and watched TV for a bit. Why? Because I can- I don't have any homework anymore!!!!!!!!!!!

My Cup Runneth Over...

I could not have survived this past semester without these girls! They have kept me sane through my last semester of classes, when I was definitely ready to be done! From left to right, it's me, Keri (just like me!!) and Tara- some of the greatest friends a person could want. I met Keri about 2 years when we had a few classes together. (We have had many together since then, too!) I was surprised to meet someone with the same name as me, it doesn't happen very often. Tara has been in my ward for about 2 years and we recently got a lot closer while serving together in primary and having our Child Development classes together. They are both leaving after this semester and will greatly missed by me!!!

I just need to take a moment to express my gratitude to the wonderful professors that I have had these past 2 years at BYU-Idaho. They are all great men whom I have come to love and admire. Don’t love some of their tests, but that is another story! This morning they held a brunch for all the girls from our department who are graduating (if there were any boys in this major, I am sure they would be invited too! :) ) It was a fun time to be with our teachers on a more casual basis- and I must say I was impressed at the great food they prepared for us! Love you guys!

We have survived!!

Kelsi and I with her Triple Chocolate Meltdown...yum-o!!

I have been meaning to put an update on here. Kelsi is doing much better and though Andrew did get sick as well, he didn't get it as bad as his big sister. Kelsi had a great birthday today...I am so glad she is feeling better. Maybe we can get some sleep around here now!!

Happy Birthday, Kelsi Lynn!!

Six years ago today my life was forever changed. Early in the morning, (and 5 long days past her due date), Kelsi Lynn came into this world screaming. And she didn't stop for a few hours. At least that is what I have been told. After she was born, I was zonked out for quite a while. It was hard work! Every day has been exciting and wonderful and it's hard to remember life without her...though I vaguely remember sleeping a little more. She has become a beautiful young girl and a great big sister to Andrew. I love you, Kelsi Bug, and am proud to say that I am your mother.

Poor, Poor Kelsi Bug!!

Kelsi and mom cuddling on the hospital bed!
They have to put what in me?!?
At least the bandage is pink!
Kelsi has had a rough few days. She has been so sick that we finally had to take her into the hospital today to get some IV fluids in her little dehydrated body. She lost 6 pounds in 1 day because she couldn't keep anything down. They have taken lots of blood and other samples and are still testing...as of now we think it's E.Coli. We are headed back to the hospital tomorrow morning for more IV fluids....we are anxious to hear the test results so that we can get this girl feeling better! She is starting soccer in a few days and her birthday is on Monday...we hope that she can feel better for her 6th birthday.
We love you Kelsi!!!

The Worst Thing About Rexburg....

Mandy and me...What am I going to do without you??

These are our kids...this is the best we could get with five wiggly kids! Andrew, Logan, Kelsi, Emily, and Aidan. What a great looking bunch of kids!Kelsi with her boyfriends....so cute!!

The worst thing about Rexburg is that you make good friends and then they move away and leave you here!! When we moved here 2 years ago we met the Jones' family right away and got to be good friends. We have shared many memories with them and spent many late nights playing games after the kids have gone to bed. They have decided to leave and go off to grad school in California...I am not sure how I am going to last my last 6 months here without them!! I promise to eat a snowcone in memory of Mandy as often as I can!!!!