Graduation

Even though at times I never thought it would really happen, I finally graduated with a BS from the University of Louisville in Dental Hygiene. Holy Moly I am glad it's over and done with! I was so lucky to have my parents and my sister Jodi and two nieces come to celebrate with us.

Since Jodi is a RDH too, she got to "hood" me. That's when they place this ribbon on you that has a special pin on it. I'm so glad I had someone there with me because I was super nervous I was going to fall either up or down the stairs or across the stage. Don't worry, I made up, across, and down without any incident.

Ella greeted me after I walked off the stage with a "congratulations mommy" and a kiss on the lips. Melt my heart! I couldn't have made it through the past two years without her being such a wonderful little girl! Thanks for being so greatl Ella.

About half my class after graduation. Play "where's Megan" and try to find me!

Me and mom and pops. Bet you never thought one of your daughters would have a degree from UofL did ya?

Me and my good friend Brittany. Anyone who lets you inject them in the mouth with a needle when you have no idea what you are doing is a good friend in my book. Brittany, I couldn't have made it through with out you. Thanks.

Me and my fam (Ella is crying because a big lady stepped on her bare foot with her high heel--ouchies). When I first started school Brad was finishing his last year of his Masters program. Our schedules/lives/brains were crazy and a lot of times I didn't know if I was really going to be able to make it through school, but we did it. Thanks for helping me keep my head on straight and see the big picture Brad. And I promise to be your sugar momma while you are in school. And then MAYBE I will work for you. If you're lucky. And pay me lots of money. And let me be the boss. Kidding.

We are the proud new owners of...

A house. Yup, we did it. We turned into real grown ups and got ourselves a house. We are going to have a mortgage and everything! Exciting.

After months and months of searching we didn't think we were ever going to find a house we liked in our price range. But, our friends had been trying to sell their house since they were graduating and moving and offered us a deal too good to pass up. Fate brought us together. Well, fate and a lot of praying!

Anyway, no pictures of the house yet, but here is one of us and the Meyers (friends/sellers) the night we signed the contract. The Meyers broke out the bubbly (sparkling grape juice) for the momentous occasion.

Meyers, we sure are going to miss you. But we are so happy that we were able to buy your house! Please know that you are welcome to come back and visit any time and we will only charge a slight fee for you to stay with us. Joking.

Thunder 2010

This year we ventured down to Water Front Park for Thunder Over Louisville. For all those non-KY peeps, thunder is the kick-off for all the KY Derby festivities. It's the biggest annual fireworks display in the U.S. They also have an air show during the day while everyone camps out. Just like last year we enjoyed gorgeous weather, fun friends and fabulous fireworks.

Had to snap a photo of the BYU fan and the Ute fan sitting next to each other in Louisville, KY. If there was ever a question of us being Mormon--I mean aside from the million kids running around and lack of alcoholic beverages and cigarette smoking, these two give us away.

Had to snap a shot of this tiny tot chowing down on a giant leg of meat.

The boys rummaging up some grub.

We built us a little tent while waiting for the sun to set and the fireworks to begin

Me and the hubs with the river behind us. Please disregard the UK flag flying behind us.

The girls (Dayna, Ella, Tessa) being silly.

Me and Laura. Laura's husband was a saint and went down to the river after he had worked all night to save everyone a good spot. Thank you Wes!

One of the planes from the air show they do during the day.

The river at sunset. Gorgeous.

About 15 minutes before the fireworks began this little gal just couldn't keep her eyes open any longer! She was zonked out.

Fireworks from the bridge.

The little lady woke up about halfway through and didn't know quiet what to make of all the noise!

Another fabulous fireworks display!

And I said Hey, What's going on?

We have been busy busy busy this past little while. The holidays were great and I was sad to see them go. I had about a month off of school and I loved every second of it. I got to stay at home in my jammy's all day if I wanted to. It was awesome.

Brad has been keeping busy with work. We are so grateful he has his job. He works at the University of Louisville Med School in the cardiology department. He has been able to participate in some really cool research and he has learned a lot!

December started out with a bang when we got the most amazing news. My honey got accepted into Dental School here. Looks like we will be in KY for another 4 years and we couldn't be more excited!

Ella is still as cute as ever and surprises me everyday with all the new things she is learning. She is turning into such a little lady and I love her to pieces! She makes me laugh and she tells me we are best friends and then my heart melts. Have I mentioned I love her???

Have you checked out my graduation ticker on the left? It says THREE MONTHS until graduation! I can't believe it. Two years flies by. I am getting ready to take my GINORMOUS written test in March and then I take my clinical boards in April. Anyone out there in need of a good teeth cleaning? If so, I'm your girl!

The next few posts are of what's been going on the past couple months. Enjoy!

Baby, It's Cold Outside.

Louisville got some snow so we decided to get out and enjoy it. We have the perfect little sledding hill right outside our front door so armed with our swimming floaties and warmest clothes we could find we set out to get some good quality time in the snow. We didn't last too long (we've all turned in to big babies when dealing with the cold and snow), but sure had a good time.

Winding up to throw a big snowball at me. Look at her face, she means business. She got me good too!

I know I carried her in my belly for six months and gave birth to her and all that jazz, but you have to admit that she's the cutest ever, right??? Love that girl.

Love him.

Getting ready to sled.

Word to the wise: swimming floaties pick up MAJOR speed in the snow. There is probably a reason why they are meant to be used in the swimming pool. We crashed into this bush. It was awesome.

We're best friends.

Ella sledding.

Snow boots.

Hair Cut.

This girl was in desperate need of a hair-cut. She has only had ONE before in her whole life and a professional was the one holding the scissors. I decided to brave up and attempt to trim it myself. Other than her not being able to hold still for two seconds I think it turned out somewhat descent. However, next time I will leave it to the professionals.

Before. Yikes, it goes down to her cute little hiney.

During.

After.

Christmas.

We spent Christmas this year right here in good 'ole KY. Although we missed our families, it was so nice to relax and be in our very own home on Christmas morning. Ella was really into the Christmas season this year. She had to be told the story of when baby Jesus was born every night before she went to bed the whole month of December. She was very specific in asking Santa for a "real baby, a big ball, and a candy cane." Seeing how excited Ella was for Christmas made me remember what it was like to be a kid again. It was so fun!

Ella and Santa. They haven't had a very good relationship in past years, but this year was the beginning of a beautiful friendship. She now fully understands that Santa=presents and it brings a smile to her face!

Our Christmas tree. Shepherds, this one goes out to you. This is the tree you gave us before you moved. It's gotten some good use out of it and we love it. It's the perfect size for our tiny apartment!

Candy Cane cookies for Santa. My first attempt making sugar cookies from scratch. They didn't taste half bad and they turned out super cute.

Reading the Christmas story from the Scriptures.

Christmas PJ's! My favorite part of the night was when I was trying to get this picture. Ella wouldn't hold still long enough for me to get a shot. Our conversation: Me: "Ella, stop jumping so I can take your picture." Ella (while still jumping): "I can't! I'm too excited!!!" Priceless.

Cookies and milk for Santa. Carrots for the reindeer.

Note for Santa

Christmas morning. Oh how she loves Tink.

The aftermath. I forgot to charge my camera batteries and ran out of battery when I needed my camera the most. Go figure.

Birthday Bash.

Ella turned THREE years old in November. Since last year we just laid low we decided this year we needed to have a big bash to celebrate this little lady's special day. Ella wanted a castle party so we rented our apartment clubhouse and told her it was her very own castle. She loved it. So many friends came to help us celebrate. It sure was a lot of fun. Here are some pictures of the special day.

The cake. (Thanks for the idea Kim. It turned out perfect)

The friends.

The presents.

Cute girls.

Love this girl.

Silly birthday girl.