the Graduate!

[ the graduate ]

[ me and my baby ]

[ the graduate with mom and pops ]

[ the graduate and sisters ]
By the way, my baby sister Katie is pregnant!!! She's 16 weeks along!

[ side shot ]

[ convocation in the Hart building ]

[ receiving my BYU-Idaho diploma ]

[ my beautiful family, how I love them so. ]

[ So glad my husband caught this candid shot, this is the perfect representation of how I felt. ]

Well folks, I graduated!
My husband, little Charlie, my parents, Leanna, Ernesto, Azaliea, Jeremy and Katie came up to Rexburg to show their support. Commencement was in the new BYU-Idaho Center and it was quite the experience. President Kim B. Clark presided and shared a short talk to the graduates. I was so overwhelmed with emotions during that commencement ceremony.
Tears were in my eyes the entire time as I listened to the
beautiful musical numbers and the talks.

The most important thing I took away from graduation was the confirmation that God loves me. I felt His love the entire time and it lingered with me the rest of the night. I felt so special.

I am so grateful for the family and friends that helped me get to this point.
I am grateful for the many prayers that have been answered this last year.
I am so grateful for my husband who was the most supportive person in this process.
Lastly, I am grateful for my Mom going back to college with 5 kids(3 teenagers, 1 in middle school and 1 in elementary school), you are my greatest example!

class of 2011

I can't believe this is really happening! My husband and I are graduating very soon!
Luckily we are graduating within a month of each other and could
send one announcement out to all our family and close friends.
That probably saved us a few bucks.
My family is coming up to Idaho for my graduation this Friday and
Charlie's family will come for his graduation in August.
I can't wait to see everyone!

Family pictures at Lake Norconian

My talented cousin Lyndzee, of EPlove took our family photos at the beautiful Lake Norconian.
Many people don't know about this lake and resort nestled in Norco because it is now a prison and naval weapons base! Who would have thought?!
It was a glamorous resort for movie stars in the late 1920s and you can check out this site for more details. It was truly breathtaking.

When Charlie and I first got engaged I had a crazy idea about having my reception in the pavilion located right behind this last picture. We would have row boats available at the boat house but then I found out it would be impossible to get 300+ guests through the gates without background checks and i.d's! Believe me, I looked into it.
Luckily my older brother Luke is in the air force and was able to work his magic for our family to get in for family pictures. Plus it was Father's day so they were extra nice to us!