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!

First week of school

My first week is over and it was not bad at all. This summer was way more intense, I am happy to report, only because it is over. I feel great about it and I am planning on enjoying it. I only have one more semester after this one!
-Misty

First day of school

I am so glad it is the first day back for the kids. They are happy too! Adam on the other hand is Mayhem, just waiting to happen.






-Misty

Stone Mountain

Hiked Stone Mountain today. It was beautiful. A great way to end the summer. Adam said some funny things, like when we were half way up the mountain he said, "this is exactly where we started!" I wondered how often we are halfway up our mountains and think we are exactly where we started. Sometimes we dont realize what we have accomplished, or what The Lord has helped us with.


-Misty