GRADUATION! and other stuff

Okay, I might actually be caught up on my blogging now. :)  If only I can keep this up all summer.

On Tuesday, May 1, Kristin and I graduated together.  I received my Master's and she received her Specialist's.  Kristin didn't want to participate, but I sort of talked her into it.  And I'm glad I did.  Otherwise, she would've been bored, sitting in the stands, thinking, "I wish I did that too."  I'm happy we did it together.

It was SO BRIGHT!  Terrible picture, but we're together.

I'll draw your attention to the sleeves--

and the hood. :)

Waiting for it to begin!

I can honestly say that I love learning.  I especially love learning about teaching.  But going to school while working full time and being a mom to 2 small children has been exhausting on me.  I am unbelievably happy to be done with it.  Of course when all things end, I cry about it....starting with the National Anthem (What is it about that song that makes me tear up EVERY TIME?!).  When I was preparing to walk across the stage in the midst of thoughts of "Make eye contact.  Shake with right hand.  Pick up degree with left hand.  DON'T TRIP!"  I heard Ella shout from the second level, "I LOVE YOU MOMMY!" and blow kisses and wave at me.  *Sigh*  And just like that she can melt my heart.  She can break through my thoughts with one sentence and remind me of everything that is most important to me.  Then when everyone was clapping for us, I made eye contact with Kristin while she stood and applauded and almost lost it.  I love my family.

Now, onto preparing for Eli's birthday party.  Thanks to my AMAZING friend Lindsay, we have awesome invitations.  She made 3 to choose from, but here's the final one we sent out:

 I took the invite to a copy center, then bought envelopes and addressed and stamped them all.  Yesterday, I went to stuff the invites....THEY DIDN'T FIT INTO THE ENVELOPES!  SERIOUSLY?!  How could I let this happen?  I even thought of it the night before, but said to myself, "No....I'm sure they'll fit...."  Carla: Get your butt up off the couch and check!  Too late....I had to go get more envelopes last night, then re-address them, cut the stamps off the old envelopes (I was unwilling to take a $20 hit on postage as well!), and tape them to the new envelopes....how hoosier.  Bottom line, the invites are FINALLY in the mail.  Sorry Eli...I tried.  Love you babe!  I'm sure your party will still be fun.  Ugh....I need for school to be out so my brain can finally get a break!