Saturday, May 5, 2012

Real life begins

Yesterday was a big day. Star Wars Day. May the 4th be with you. The day Paul walked across the stage, received his empty diploma case, moved his tassel from one side of his hat to the other, and said goodbye to school forever. It was also the day that he was offered his first big boy job as a Junior Commission Analyst (whatever that means). We couldn't be more thrilled!

Andrea wore her matching dress so stylishly.  She even left in her hairdo for the entire. . . walk to the car.  It's a start. . .

These too looked so cute together.  Andrea was a little frightened by his hat though.

We ended up in the nose bleed section at the graduation which was perfect since keeping Andrea quiet is nearly impossible.

Although, snacks helped a little.

The ceremony felt a little like a Vegas wedding.  They had to read off over 800 names and it took just under two hours.  My father-in-law did manage to get a picture of Paul amidst the chaos right after he got his "diploma".

I tried to match also but ran out of time to make a matching skirt.

I am so proud of this guy.  He began working toward his bachelor's at UVU just after we started dating.  In four years he earned not only that bachelor's degree but a master's at the U of U as well.  There has been blood, sweat, and tears.  We added a baby to our family.  I felt like a single mom.  He spent nights sleeping at school because by the time he commuted home he would have had to turn around and go back.  We scrimped, saved, starved, did without a lot, and wondered if there would ever be an end to student life.  Yesterday's graduation AND job offer gave us the answer we'd so diligently sought.  Yes.  Yes, there is an end and we made it-- alive.  Now REAL life can begin.

This week, while filled with joyous events and miracles, was also a very challenging one for me.  As I experienced a particularly difficult trial I was often reminded of the love my Heavenly Father has for my family.  I saw His hand in all things and am grateful for the peace He brings.  But for those moments when I was too distraught to recognize that peace, I was given an angel-- An angel who held my hand, joked with me, and promised to be strong so I didn't have to be.  I'm so grateful that he's stuck with me forever.

Congratulations Master Paul!  I'm so proud of you, and I love you!

3 comments:

  1. Love you Kayla. I am so proud of you too. You and Paul are a great team. <3
    Please post some of these photos on Facebook! I wanna 'share' them. xoxoxooxoxoxooxoxooxoxxoxoxoxoxxoxoxoxo

    ReplyDelete
  2. First of all, how stinkn' cute is Andrea in that dress? You are such a good mom and wife. I am so excited for you and Paul What a wonderful achievement. Struggling together and getting to a place of completion is such a bonding experience. A graduation and a job offer, what a blessed day. Congratulations!!!!

    ReplyDelete
  3. I know exactly what you mean.... be grateful it took only four years and one child and a Master's too! That is so awesome and I'm a bit jealous :) Congratulations to both of you, you both put a lot of work into that and totally deserve an awesome job that will support your still growing family!

    ReplyDelete