Other things worth noting

We got a dog for two weeks... then gave it back.

Kaely had a really fun 12th birthday party at the mall.

And got ...

a cellphone!

My cousin got married.

and Skyler grew taller than me and now is trying to pass Shay!

Long time coming

So I finally graduated in May.  It was a crazy whirlwind of a day.  My beautiful friend Brenda Rakes came to celebrate with us along with my sister, nephew and dad.

 We rushed from graduation, to Kaely's play, "Fiddler on the Roof."  She played a villager.

The next week I went to my brothers graduation from dental school at Loma Linda.  I was so proud of him and all the hard work he put in.  His kids are beautiful and so is his wife.  I loved being with them. it was so fun.  I also loved waking up and picking grapefruit from his trees for breakfast.

I came home from my bro's graduation to go to girls camp and be in charge of the food.  It was an eye opening experience. It was the first time I had gone to girls camp since I was a teenager.  It was K's first  time and she absolutely loved it.  She was awarded best first year camper. 

Graduation Announcement

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Long Time Coming

I really can't believe how long it has been since I posted.  It has been a busy semester full of LOTS of really great experiences.  I am so relieved to have made it through my toughest semester of school and to know that I only have one left is kind of crazy.  I hope to use everything I have learned, including the understanding that cleaning my house doesn't have to consume me.  I was able to present my paper at a national conference in October.  I won an award of excellence and 250$.  Not only that but they have confirmed that it will be published this spring in a scholarly journal.  Which is completely crazy to me. 
Shay and I went to Chicago for the first time as he also presented at a national conference in December.  The only difference is that he didn't have to write a 20 page paper.  He did a great job speaking about job growth.  It wasn't the romantic trip I had planned, since Shay ripped his calf muscle playing football at the Turkey Bowl on Thanksgiving day.  I had to push him in a wheelchair the entire time.  That sounds insensitive, but I asked him not to play at the football game because he would hurt himself.  Also, the crowds were insane on the Magnificent Mile and pushing a wheelchair was insanity.  But I do have to say that Garrett's Popcorn, Chicago mix, was delicious and I have craved it multiple times since then.
I have put on at least 8 lbs since the semester finished, I am not used to having time to eat so much.  Which leads me to one of our goals this year.... Cutting out sugar.  I am so sick of feeling yucky.  We are not buying any more sugary treats.  I will see how this goes, but I am excited.  Shay and the kids are on board as well.
It is going to be a great year!