A Couple of Wildcats!

After countless finals, papers, assignments, and dollars, Cimaron and I FINALLY graduated! This was such a special day for us. Since both of us are communication majors, we got to walk together! I couldn't think of a better way to do it! 

The day started early...I'd say what time we woke up but everyone would probably laugh that I'm even complaining. Anyway. We started out by going to the ceremony for all of Weber State at 8:30. I'll have to tell you, it wasn't at all what I expected. The line started moving... and before I knew it we were walking through a line of our professors while the symphony played "pomp and circumstance"  

I feel corny saying this, but I thought of all the times I felt like giving up and times that I didn't believe in myself and all of the people who have supported me (family, friends, professors) and kinda got teary eyed. 

Moving on, the speakers were very good and each of them had an inspring message. We had the opportunity to hear from President Monson. I think I a lot of people expected him to talk mainly about the LDS church, but his message was very uplifting and applied to all WSU Graduates.  

In between the first and second ceremony we got to spend some time with Cimaron's parents. It was a great opportunity to relax. We are glad that they were able to come and support us and we're very grateful for their encouragement and advise that they have given us throughout our college experiences. 

The College of Arts and Humanities ceremony was definitely different than I expected. This was where our names were read and we got to walk across the stage. I won't complain... I just felt a little out of place with all the artsy people there :) 

Anyway, after we were all done, pictures were taken and we went with my parents and both sets of grandparents to Texas Roadhouse! I loved it! It was great to spend time with my grandparents and parents. I don't think the know how much their interest in my education and belief in me has given me the encouragement to keep going. 

In conclusion, I feel very blessed for being able to get an education. But I feel even more blessed to have a family and husband that love me! 

Here are some pictures from the day! (this was not a good day for me and the camera...)

Oldies but goodies!

I just got these pictures in my e-mail a couple minutes ago from Cimaron's mom! Seeing these made me smile! :)

{Ice Cream Man}

{Sad Cim}

If you know Cim, usually sweets make him happy... which makes this picture confusing.

{Sleepy Cim}

I thought it was interesting how even though Cimaron is all grown up, he's still the same. 

 He still loves candy. . .  I always know where to find him in the grocery store (candy isle of course!)

And he still takes little cat naps whenever he gets the chance.

 I love these things about him and hope they never change!

Love ya Cim Cim!

General Conference

Last Saturday and Sunday was General Conference. I took a lot of notes, but now that its been a couple of days I'm not sure how accurate they are, but I thought I'd share some of the things that touched me anyway.

Julie Beck- General Relief Society President

"A good woman knows she can't do everything her heart desires." - I don't think Sister beck meant that women should lower their expectations of themselves, but I think she mean to not be disappointed in what we can't or haven't done. Instead we should find joy in the service we have done and continue to do.

"Don't seek appreciation from things you do" - If this is the main reason why you do service, it isn't service anymore. Also, if you seek appreciation from others than Heavenly Father, nothing will ever be satisfying.

"When we are finished, we may STILL feel disappointment, but we will NOT be disappointed in ourselves"

I can't remember exactly what she said, but I thought she was talking directly to me when she said that women shouldn't expect a life that isn't busy or difficult. There have been so many times when I have felt sorry for myself and how busy life seems to be at times. It seems that having more time would be nice, but being busy promotes personal growth, and we should all be excited to gain experience and strength! Right?

Elder M. Russell Ballard - of the Twelve Apostles

"Popular culture often makes women look silly and objectivies them. Don't look to these women as role models, but to your mother."

Elder David Bednar- of the Twelve Apostles

Spiritual Warning System:

1- Reading and Talking about the Book of Mormon
    Regular reading of the Book of Mormon helps to resist temptation and form bonds of love.
    Young children may not understand every word, but they recognize the familiar spirit.

2- Bearing Testimony Spontaneously
    Spontaneous testimonies are remembered most by children.
    A testimony doesn't need to start with "I bear my testimony to you"

3- Inviting Children to Act
    We are to act, not to acted upon
    Parents should help children to act and seek spirituality themselves.
         "Giving a man a fish, gives him a meal. Teaching him to fish, gives him meals for a lifetime."

I don't know about anyone else, but I'm a worrier by nature. The next big step in life for me is to become a parent. I'm not sure when this will happen, but I've always wondered how I will help my kids grow up to be strong not only physically, but mentally, and spritiually. Each speaker in general conference gave me some more courage about parenthood and assured me that I don't have to do it alone.

I'm glad that I had the opportunity to watch and learn. Right now, life is unsure and that makes me nervous, but I recieved great comfort from each talk that was given.

Shaving CAN be fun!

Cimaron had a full beard for a month or so. He decided to shave it off a couple of weeks ago. So you would think he'd just take a razor to it and get it over with. Nope. He wanted to shave it off bits at a time... allowing him to see what he would look like with different styles of facial hair. I was the assigned photographer for the experiment.  Here are some of the pics of the amazing transformation!

{Before}

{Just a goat with long side burns}

{Fu Manchu}

{Lightning Bolt Side Burns}

{Handlebars}

{This pic reminds me of NASCAR haha}

{The Stache}

{I'm Ron Burgundy?}

Well, I could keep adding pictures, but you get the point!