A Graduation & A Celebration

Yup. I done did graduate! It's actually still a little hard to believe. It took me so darn long to finish that I'm still convincing myself that it really did happen. Maybe once I get my diploma in the mail it will seem real and final. But for now, I at least have picture proof that it happened:

Yeah. Nice try Brian. There is a reason why I am usually in charge of the picture taking in our family. But hey, don't worry, it was just a once-in-a-lifetime event. No big deal.

Just use a little imagination and picture me walking across the stage in my cap and gown with a big smile on my face, reaching out to shake hands with the department chair (who also happened to be my main professor during my college career) and the dean.

*SIGH*

Anyway, moving right along. We did capture a few photos after the event, outside of Kingsbury Hall, so not all was lost.

It actually was a really nice day. We got up to the University a little bit early so I could gather up a few last pieces from the ceramics department and some memorabilia from the bookstore. A special thanks to my parents and the Eyres for coming to support me. The actually ceremony was nice, but I had to sneak out a little early so that we could go all the way across the valley to Herriman so that Ashlyn cold get her dance pictures taken.

Afterwards we went out to dinner with most members of my family. And the next day I slept in and enjoyed my new freedom. Lovely.

I need to thank a few people:

• First, to Brian, my wonderfully supportive husband who never complained when our kitchen island was covered in clay. And who stepped up and cleaned the whole house (including scrubbing the toilets and mopping the kitchen floors) without any promptings from me, when I had to stay at the U really,really late. I love you.
• Second, to my talented brother Aaron, who believed that I had some artistic talent as well and talked me into going to school with him. Of course he graduated in a much more timely manner than I did and is now in medical school. What can I say?...some of us take the long road.
• Third, to my sister Mindy, the best darned babysitter a girl could ask for. Thank you for making it possible for me to go back and finish! I was so lucky to not have to worry, knowing that my kids were in great hands.
  
• Fourth, to my parents, because they are just awesome and extremely supportive, and believed I could finish when I doubted myself.
• Fifth, to my uncle Wes (an amazing artist who's work I have always admired), who asked me every time I saw him over the past six years if I had graduated yet. I can finally say, "yes!"
  
• Finally, to everyone else who encouraged me to go back and was excited for me when I told them that I finally was!
  

A week after my graduation, I had my graduation celebration. The weather didn't quite cooperate, even though the weatherman said it would all week. They promised clear skies and 80 degrees. But what we got was gray skies, rain, and a heck of a lot of wind. For those who stayed past 9:00, the wind stopped and it was quite a pleasant evening, especially sitting by the fire. So it goes.

I don't think any of the kids noticed how cold it was since they were burning off so much energy in the bounce house. I think I need to purchase me one of these! It was fabulous.

I have to give a shout out to my dear friend Emily, who also graduated from the U on the same day as me, with an English degree.

I have known her since 7th grade Algebra and she is one of my most "comfortable" friends. Now what I mean, is that I am completely at ease and comfortable in her presence. We have know each other for almost 20 years and no matter how long it has been since I have seen her last, when we get together it is never awkward. We can always just pick up where we left off and talk about anything and everything.

We got together on the night before our graduations for pedicures and a big ol' slice of cake from the Chocolate Cafe. We sat and chatted until they kicked us out at 10:00. I am so grateful for her and her friendship. And I am so glad we were both able to reach this milestone together. We did it Em!

Did I mention that I graduated from the greatest school in Utah?