Mike's Graduation Party

Mike's Aunt Lovina and Uncle Ralph threw an after graduation party for Mike. Which we really, really, REALLY appreciated. We have such wonderful family here. They all have been a huge support to us while we've been here. We love them and are gonna miss them so much. Here are some pictures from the party.

This is us just arriving.


This is the cake they got for him. It was yummy.

Mike posing with Uncle Loren and Aunt Penny.

We have been to several family gatherings since we've been here and let me tell you, they always have the best food. This was no exception. I wish I would have thought to ask for the recipe for the crock pot beef stew that someone made. I didn't even think to ask who. Stupid me. :) And Aunt Erma brought her awesome cobblers that are always a huge hit. Soooooooooooo good. My mouth is watering thinking about it.

Uncle Ralph and Aunt Lavina have a BEAUTIFUL home. It such a peaceful place. We love when we get to go visit. Here's Mom and Kacey enjoying the beautiful scenery of the front yard.

They have a fun backyard. The kids (and some adults) had fun playing.

Uncle Ralph took the kids for a ride. Jacob actually went without me or Mike. He did great and I think even had a few minutes of fun.

Had to get a picture with Cathy and Mary.

And Kacey and Mom.

We couldn't keep Lizzie away from the stairs. She has become quite the climber. She had a ball on these stairs. Grandpa got this cute picture of her. Don't know how we managed to not get any pictures of grandpa. Darn it. What was I thinking!!

This is Mikes cousin Vicky and her cute daughter Lindsay. It took me a while to realize who this little girl was, because the last time we saw her she was only a few months old. Mary and I both remember holding her and cuddling with her as a baby. She got so big. She was really fun and the kids liked playing with her.

Well folks. That's all for today. Now I have the task of cleaning out the fridge and stove so we can get them sold. Should be fun. :) Laters.

Doctor Mike in the HOUSE!!

That's right folk. It's official. I'm now trying to figure out what to call him. Dr. Mike? Captain Mike? Dr. Captain. Mike? Captain. Dr. Mike? The options are endless. But whatever I call him from here on out, I am so stinkin' proud of him. He's worked so hard the last 4 years and he finally made it. Congratulations Mike. We are soooooo proud of you!

We are also very proud of Merla who graduated from nursing school last week. I loved this picture of them together and had to post it. Nurse Mary and Dr. Mike. :)

Round and Round We Go

Dr. Arnold

Okay, I know he's not technically a doctor until after graduation, but Mike got his first piece of mail today addressed to Dr. Arnold. haha. It will be even awesomer (yes I said awesomer) when it says, Dr. Arnold DO. There is something about the DO after it that makes it so much cooler. :)

What's a DO your asking? Well let me enlighten you. :)

Graduation

This is for those of you who didn't get one in the mail. Mike only ordered 20. Which, after all his family got one, didn't leave enough for all my family to get one or all of our friends. So, you will have to settle for a virtual announcement. Which really is better, because it wastes less paper and it won't take up space on your table, counter, bulletin board or whatever because you feel bad throwing it away. :) This way, it is here for you to look at whenever you want, without being an inconvenience to you.

In case you can't read that, it says Mike gets to graduate. haha. I wish you all could come. Unfortunately, even if most of you didn't live across the country we are only allowed 5 seats. Lame, I know. However, if you would like to watch it, they are streaming it on line. Let me know if you would like to watch, and I will send you he link to do so.

Rare Sighting

It's something you don't see every day. In fact I felt I needed proof or people wouldn't believe that I actually saw it. I am pretty sure it's on the endangered species list. I thought it might even be extinct, but now I know it's not. I was beginning to wonder if it EVER really existed. Like maybe it was just mythical or something. But no, it's not. It's REALLY NOT!! For those of you who have never seen it, here is what it looks like...














keep






going






your






almost









there........



























The rare laundry folding husband!!
I didn't even ASK him to. I just walked into the living room and there he was. And look...is that a SMILE on his face?!?!? Wow...what a magnificent creature!

Have you noticed how there are certain things that husbands 'forget' how to do when they get married. I mean, I'm pretty sure he did his own laundry when he was in college. lol. In his defence though, he does do other things around the house, like the dishes and taking out the garbage...occasionally. :) He has changed his fair share of diapers as well. He really is a good husband.

So much to do...

In so little time. And yet, here I am blogging about it. :) Since Mike is now officially finished with rotations and will be home all day (aside from when he goes on a house hunt or us) I plan to really get to work on stuff. between Mike being gone for a few days to house hunt and family coming graduation week, we have 3 full days to get things done. This place is no where near being guest worthy. I've made progress upstairs, but this is what we are working with down stairs.

Believe it or not this is after a month of working down there. It is hard to tell, but this is actually an organized mess. Most of this is ready to be taken to recycle or garbage or goodwill. Sadly, this is AFTER we got rid of about 12 big bags of garbage.

The laundry is mostly massage sheets that have been down there so long they smell like rancid oil and just need to be tossed. The garage on the other hand is NOT an organized mess. It's just...a mess.

It's a lot to get done in 3 days. But we HAVE to. It's going to be soooo fun. (Yes, that was sarcasm.) I can't wait to post pictures when I'm done though!! :)