It's Graduation Day!

WARNING:  This post may contain an excess of mushiness.  Do not continue reading if you have a strong gag reflex. :)  Sorry, but my heart is full today, and I am feeling blessed and grateful.

Do you ever have those days or moments where you feel your heart might explode into a million tiny pieces with gratitude for people or events in your life?  Well, I get that way a lot when I think about people that I know and love, God, and how wonderful it all is.  Today is one of those days.  And since I want this blog to be kind of a journal for my family, I want to share how I feel today.  Not every day is perfect, or easy, so I like to record these moments, so I can look back on them on the days when things are hard.

Dave graduated from Medical school today!  I am so proud of this man, not so much for WHAT he accomplished, but HOW he accomplished it.  I remember when we were dating, Dave's Mom told me that Dave never does anything half way, that whatever he loves, and sets his mind to do, he does 110%.  I have to say she was 110% right. :)  Dave has worked so hard to be able to do what he loves, and truly has given it his all.  He has spent countless hours studying, and learning to become a doctor.  But what I am most proud of is how he balanced THAT goal with the more important priority of family.  He has had to work and study long hours, but always makes time for us.  When he is home, he is HOME, he is PRESENT.  Dave has his priorities straight, is a wonderful husband and Father, and I feel blessed to call him mine.

I am also very keenly aware that we COULD NOT have made it through these past 4 years without the love and support of some pretty amazing family and friends.  I loved coming back to graduation in Kirksville, to see all our friends that have become like family to us through medical school.  It was a great week filled with good friends and fun. We have friends here who watched our youngest during the graduation and then brought her to us for pictures after, so I could enjoy the ceremony without having to chase after an active toddler. :). There are people here who have literally saved my kids lives (Landon had a little choking incident when we lived in Kirksville, and we had a friend who was there and knew just what to do), and me from loneliness while Dave was studying.  These ladies are strong, amazing women who will be life long friends.

Dave's parents and Anne made it out to graduation even though we weren't sure if they would be able to come. We are so glad they did!  My in-laws have loved and supported every decision we have made, even if it meant we would be living way too far away from them.  They have made phone calls, weekly emails, visits, prayers, and sent the most thoughtful and fun packages, and have been there for us, and the kids in every conceivable way.  They have truly been a life line, and we love them more than words can fully convey.  My parents have been there to help us have some fun in the midst of the craziness, and given us advice and words of encouragement on lonely or hard days. There have also been some amazing Aunts and Uncles who have sent packages, and given love and advice, visits, and prayers, from afar.  We will never be able to fully express our our gratitude to you for loving us and our kids so much!  We love you!