It's about freakin time

I graduated high school in 2006... now it's 2014. For the mathematically challenged (don't worry I had to re-take college algebra) that is eight YEARS. So of course it is with great happiness to say that I am officially a BYU graduate!

Hallelujah!

It feels so good to finally be done. After my graduation Ryan jokingly said, "Great! Now you can start on your masters degree!" Not funny. It would seriously take a personal visit/command from the angel Moroni to get me to go back to school. I am DONE. However, I am so grateful for the experiences I've had in school, and I feel so blessed that I got to go to BYU. Ever since I was a kid, BYU was always my dream school. I can remember the day I got my letter of acceptance. I was so nervous to open it! I was with my mom in the basement. When I read the letter and found out I was accepted, I could not contain my excitement! I was jumping up and down, hugging my mom, and shouting for joy! What happy years and great memories I've had since that moment.

This was one of my dreams, to graduate from BYU.  Let me tell you, 
when they called my name and Sister Lockhart handed me my diploma, 
I was fightin' back tears. Such a happy, surreal moment. I'll never forget it!

I also got to graduate with one of my favorite people, Josephine Bills. I absolutely adore her. She is definitely the best friend I have made at BYU. I hope we will always remain good friends. We had one of those rare friendships where you just click right away and laugh all the time. We had most of our classes together our senior year and had a lot of study dates, cramming sessions, and fun times. I really miss her and wish we lived closer! We had a blast at graduation together.

We did it!

LOVE this girl. Can't stop laughing with her.

It was so great to have my family there! My wonderful Mother-in-law and Karli came to commencement. So sweet of them, especially considering that is the boring part! :) My in-laws were also going on a trip the next day so it was so nice of them to come to commencement.

The next day Grandma and Grandpa O, Mom, Dad, Mandi, Whitney, Roah, Emma, and Harley came to Convocation. and of course my supportive, loving hubster. I was so happy to have them there!

With my family

I think his outfit is sexy. I have a handsome one.

Grandma and Grandpa O. So nice of them to come! 

With my parents. So grateful for their support.

Elder Uchtdorf surprised us! It was so cool to be so close by him!
We waved at him and he waved back! Jo was especially happy. She LOVES him!

Ry took me to Cafe Rio after graduation.. Man. Why can't Indiana have one of these?
There's just nothing like that pork salad.

My Mom and Dad threw a party for me afterwards. My family, Brookie, Kay Kay (with her new fiance) :) and my cousin Sarah and her husband Michael all came. I wish I had pictures of it. I felt so loved and so grateful for the people who came and supported me. I love you all!

When we got back to Indiana we went over to John and Monica Henry's for dinner. We have lots of little dinner get togethers with them and Matt and Jessica Benscotter. (from Ryan's MBA program) and it was the cuteset thing- we walk in and Monica had decorated a congratulations cake for me! haha she's the sweetest! 

I'm so grateful for all the people who have supported me and helped me through my college years and those who have made my graduation such a special and memorable time. Thanks!