Graduation Day!

Andrew and I had the rare opportunity to graduate together from Brigham Young University this month. Andrew graduated with his Master's degree in English, and I graduated with my Bachelor's degree in Ancient Near Eastern Studies with a minor in Management. It was an exciting two days! 

 

We had the love and support of our family from both sides celebrating with us. Especially my Mom and Dad who made a special effort to come from Texas, as well as Andrew's grandparents from Arizona. Thursday was Commencement Day where we got to hear from Elder Dallin H. Oaks of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles. My Mom and Aunt Kara did a great job watching our little Rose while we sat with all the graduates. Then we all went out to eat at Olive Garden.

The next day was Convocation where we walked across the stage and received our diploma. Since Rose had done so well the day before, I decided that she was going to walk with us. That morning I scrambled to put together a little cap to go with her beautiful blue and white dress. The results were better than I could have ever hoped for.

She looked absolutely adorable. I don't know how many people asked to take our picture throughout the evening or stopped to take a peak at our little family of graduates. And I'm so glad I decided to walk with her because it was the most wonderful feeling to walk across the stage with Rosie in my arms. After all, she had been there with me, kicking away, as I finished up my last semester at BYU. It was only fitting that she should be there too. And it was amazing that she was so good throughout the whole ceremony. In fact, the speaker must have been a little boring, because she slept peacefully in my arms for most of it. It was while she was sleeping that it really hit me that I was graduating from BYU. There were a lot of times I didn't think I'd make it. It wasn't easy, but I'm so glad I did. I couldn't have done it without the support of my sweet husband, my parents, and others. I will always treasure my time at the Y.

Well, graduation was a success! And it was so fun to have our family there with us. And now it's on to University of Utah where we'll begin a new degree for Andrew, a new city to live in, and a new chapter in our lives.

Eggciting First Easter

We had so much fun with our little Rose bud on her very first Easter. We started the fun by painting Easter eggs Saturday night before Rosie's bedtime. She helped us pick what color to dye the egg and like a true girly girl picked pink and purple.

Then it was time for Rosie to go to sleep, so Daddy read her her favorite book Good Night Moon. It was perfect too because the book came with a little bunny rabbit that she could hold while she looked at the pictures.

Then on Easter Sunday we got Rose all dressed up in a cute springy dress and she went on a Easter Egg hunt with Daddy. This is a picture of her after they found the eggs looking so cute.

We couldn't resist putting her in the basket. She didn't like it all that much.

It was a fun day!

Happy Easter

easter.imamormon.org

I am so grateful for the Lord Jesus Christ. We celebrate Easter in honor of Him and His great sacrifice for all of mankind. He willingly suffered and died and then rose the third day so that we can repent and live again. Christ is the perfect example of selfless love and obedience. My life has purpose because of Him. I know that He lives and loves us. He will return again. I hope I will be ready for that day.

All About Rose

Here are some fun facts at 3 months:

• She can sit up when she is propped up now.
• She loves to go on walks with her Mommy in the park and smiled really big today when she heard the birds chirping.
• She used to hate tummy time, but now doesn't mind it so much and is getting better at lifting her head and shoulders up.
• She always smiles at Daddy when he walks into the room or when she hasn't seen him for awhile.
• She's getting really good at laughing now and does it when she is being tickled, when her parents make crazy faces and voices, or when she is really tired late at night and her crying evolves into a laugh.
• She only sleeps in her swing or car seat, but we are working on getting her into her crib before too long.
• Everyday she is getting better at her hand coordination and is grabbing on to everything she can and sticking it in her mouth.
• Lately instead of crying when she wants something, she just looks at me and makes lots of goos and coos with a very determined and serious face like she is having an adult conversation in baby language to let me know what she needs.
• She is getting closer to rolling over, so I feel like I could happen any day now. She is always turning on her side and swinging her leg over like she's going to finally do it.
• I think she is a bit of a social baby because she loves smiling at everyone she sees and likes being in a busy place with lots of commotion and people.
• She's never liked to be held much. Rocking her to sleep hasn't really worked since she was a newborn. She prefers to be propped up sitting or lying down on her back most of the time.
• Whenever we have the TV on, she is mesmerized and likes to smile and laugh at the actors.
• She has a little toy duck that has a bell in it that she loves to play with. We've named the duck Sony and Rose loves to call out to him when she sees him across the room.
• She's never been a good eater, but she is getting better all the time and lately gets excited when she sees me making her bottle.
• She seems to be favoring her left side. Could she be a lefty?

Fun Films for the Family

Andrew and I have been having fun watching some old classics the last few months since we can rent them for free at BYU. Getting to know stars like Jimmy Stewart, Gene Kelly, and Olivia de Havilland have been an absolute treat and have made me nostalgic for the 'good old days' when movies were always clean, family friendly, and highly entertaining. Here are some of the ones we have recently seen:

 Sometimes you just want to be thoroughly entertained, and with Singin' in the Rain, you aren't disappointed. Although the plot of the movie feels more like an excuse to show off Kelly's ingenious dance moves and tricks, you don't seem to mind much. It's hard to go back to watching Dancing with the Stars and So You Think you can Dance after you've been mesmerized by all the fun and talent this film has to offer.

 I had already seen this Jerry Lewis comedy, but Andrew hadn't, and boy was he in for a surprise. Lewis creates two hilarious characters so effortlessly that you begin to question if it is really the same actor. This Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde remake made us laugh, almost cry, and feel pretty awkward alongside this nutty professor. 

 Unfortunately this movie was a little bit disappointing. Although James Stewart and Doris Day gave great performances, and there were thrilling Hitchcock elements, the plot simply didn't work. The film did feature the song "Que Sera, Sera, (Whatever Will Be, Will Be)" which would later win an academy award for best Original Song. Doris Day sings it beautifully and is one of my personal favorites.

 This is an exciting war movie that captivates your attention from the beginning as a daring group of POW try to escape. It takes place at the end of World War II with Frank Sinatra cast as the tough American Colonel that is leading them. We were on our toes the whole time hoping that they would make it out against all odds. 

 I had never seen this classic before, much to Andrew's dismay. But I've rectified the situation and can now proudly adore this film along with the rest of the world. The story is timeless, contains adorable humor, and has a "wonderful" message that touches your heart and makes you shed a few tears.

  This was a bit of a flop for us. The plot was pretty good, but the star roles of Paul Newman and Julie Andrews were underused. Newman's character was pretty boring even though he was supposed to be this exciting spy. And Andrews played a pathetic clingy girlfriend who was clueless for most of the film. However, the villain was very convincing and there were lots of exciting thrills along the way.

 We've both seen this one before, but couldn't resist watching it again. This is probably one of Andrew's all time favorites and it's easy to see why. The music is so enchanting that you find yourself singing the songs for days after watching it. Audrey Hepburn's Eliza Doolittle is simply perfect and I love the beautiful romance that develops between her and Professor Higgins. 

 This movie was as exciting and adventurous as a Robin Hood film should be. Errol Flynn is the classic white-knight hero of idealistic speeches, and daring missions. It warms your heart to ride along side Sir Robin as he triumphs over evil, creates hope for the poor and weak, and charms the girl of his dreams.