Hail the Conquering Graduate

 We Did It! Justin graduated yesterday. There aren't really words to describe our feelings. Everything we've worked for and hoped for in the last five years has been realized, and we feel so blessed. SO BLESSED. We literally were living on a prayer the last two years, and now that prayer has been fulfilled. I am so proud of Justin and how hard he worked. He never gave up even when things got really hard, and he always tried his best to put family first. What a CHAMP!

We are so excited to move to Oregon, and put some roots down. We will miss so many of the dear friends we have made here. My heart really breaks when I think of leaving my dear sisters in Relief Society. They have changed my life forever, and I will never forget them. I know there will be a wonderful ward to move into, and more wonderful sisters to get to know, but the Forest Dale Ward RS will always hold a very tender place in my heart. 

We still haven't quite figured out where we will live in Albany, but as soon as we do, I will update everyone with our new address.

This is My Mother

 At my wedding

 Mom and I the day I graduated from BYU-Idaho

Granny and Katie the day she was born

Granny and Grace Mothers' Day 2011

"All that I am, or hope to be, I owe to my angel mother."

-Abraham Lincoln

I have an angel mother. She is probably the most kind, most giving, most remarkable woman you'll ever meet. No exaggeration. 

The longer I am a mother myself, the more I realize how incredibly blessed I truly am to have her as my mother. A memory has been on my mind this week as Mothers' Day approached.

When I was in junior high, I got this letter in the mail saying that I was picked to be in the "Who's Who in America Junior High Schools" book. My picture and a small blurb was going to printed in the book, and my proud parents could buy this book for only $$$. My mom saw it for what it was, just a company trying to make money off of proud parents, but I was hurt, thinking that this recognition of my achievements didn't matter to her. My mom saw that I was hurt. In her own quiet way she reassured me that she was very proud of me.  A couple weeks later, despite the fact that we had no money, a copy of that ridiculous book showed up in the mail. I felt humbled and grateful. I realized then I didn't want the book at all-I had just wanted a physical confirmation that my mom was proud of me. I don't even know where that dumb book is now, but that book symbolizes so much to me-my mom's willingness to do whatever she could to show her support, love, and confidence in me. My feelings mattered much more to her than money.

Our Own Oregon Trail

Does this image bring back any memories for anyone? Well, we will be forging our own trail to Oregon in a few weeks...because Justin got a job!!!!! in Albany, OR. We are so excited for this next adventure in our lives. Here are a few pictures of the wonderful place we are moving.


Emerald Gorge



Willamette River

Bridge in Albany, OR

Northwest Balloon Festival, Albany Oregon