A magic moment

Getting ready to receive my diploma

So typical of Madie! Me and the kiddos after graduation

Before Graduation ceremony. Look at those nice nails :)

Gold and maroon cords represent Suma Cum Lad 3.8-4.0

The purple and green cord is representing the Honor Society I was a part of; KDP

Me and my sista's after graduation. I thought I got a picture of the Russell's who came. I guess I didn't ask quick enough.

On May 14, 2010 after 6 years of schooling I finally reached my goal! Graduated from ASU at the Wells Fargo Arena on main campus. It was an unbelievable experience and perfect closer for the whole daunting task of schooling for a BA. It has not been easy from all the hiccups life has given us but my family was a huge support and I THANK THEM very much! Jay has been awesome to step up these last two years, epsecially when he has had to endure so much pain due to his back.  The intense program was something (he was not ready for).  It's a new turning page for our family, for me to help support the family financially.  There will always be stress in our life and this will be a different kind of stress.

On May 11th mixed emotions ran through us. Calm as a cucumber Jay laid patiently in the hospital bed for his procedure (not like him).  The hospital goofed by not getting the right equipment which bumped our time and room for surgery. Instead of him going into surgery 8:30 in the morning he had to wait until 6:00 pm. The surgery went very smooth and he did great. So while he waited I left to get my teaching certificate down the street at ASU . It was a marvelous event. I then went to lunch with my friend and pampered myself by getting my nails and feet done.  The massage was much needed.  I then came back to the hospital and we waited, and waited and waited.  He did great by not having any food since Monday night.  He came home on Sunday May 16th.  It is good to have him home and we feel very optomistic that he will start feeling better and feel that he has life again. Chronic pain is no fun and really makes you appreciate having good health!

Our way of entertaining ourselves...

                     Nothing like being snuggled up by these faces! What a hot hunk and sweet princess :)

What a classic! I just love Madie and Jay's face! Why I fell in love with him.

Where is Gila River?

Never been as far as Globe, AZ. I volunteered to be a driver for our youth to go to the open house for the Gila River temple.  I am so glad that I took that opportunity to do so! We started at the stake center (on the left) and walked over to the temple that is straight ahead.  The inside is absolutely goreous! So peaceful, calm, and eligant. 

Our next stop was Spencer W. Kimball's homestead in Thatcher, AZ.  That was a really cool house! The front room is still original and the rest of the house has been renovated here and there.  I love old homes and how they have character in them! This home was definitally for short people! I highly recommend the chance to get the tour. The front yard also had walnut and pecan trees, this entertained Madie when she got bored from the tour. We gathered up the nuts on the ground and counted them.

Our future missionary! What a handsome kid!

Hmm, maybe Drake is thinking about what Pres. Kimball was like when he is sitting in his chair! We went to a museum in Thatcher, AZ and in the music room there were a lot of cool antiques! A Thomas Eddison machine, an old organ that you had to pump to play music, and fun stories about Spencer W. Kimball.

We also caught a glimpse of Eastern Community College. I mentioned to Brock that he could attend that college. "It has a lot of mormon girls that are cute". He commented saying how that school reminded him of his elementary school in Pocatello, ID. I had to laugh, it's not that small!

The trauma...

April 2, 2010 My first child breaking a bone.

 Here is the proof of Madie's elbow broke. You can see her elbow on the top swollen, bruised, and ugly looking.  After 5 days of her arm in a splint and sling she received her blue cast.  It only lasted for another 5 days because I wanted to have a second opinion.  From the regular orthopedic to the pediatrican Orthopedic we did not need surgery (which was music to my ears)! However, we forgot the x-rays so Madie got to have the blue cast taken off for another set of x-rays and she decided to have a green one be put on in place of the blue. I never did get a picture of that cast. She was a great patient and a real trooper! Her cast is off now but she still needs to take it easy for 2 more weeks. She still baby's her arm too which lets me know that it is not completely healed.

The same weekend my husband is hobbling around the house with his back in the brace and on crutches barely walking. This is actually a better picture of him.  The surgery date is set for May 11th to hopefully get him to feel his legs again and not be in so much pain.