I Graduated!!

A week ago last Friday I graduated from grad school....such...a...relief!! I really can't believe it's done - the past two years have been really difficult - emotionally, mentally....just kind of draining. The whole time we have lived in Colorado has just been non-stop for me. Working, going to night school, homework every weekend. I am so glad I am through (well, for the time being, but more on that later). But looking back - I did it at the right time in my life. Being in the part time program at DU really gave me an opportunity to meet some really great people. And I am glad that I waited to go back - I'm not sure if it meant more, but I felt like I could really contribute more from my experiences. Don't get me wrong - there were times when I was FLAT OUT miserable and wanted to quit. I'm so glad I didn't. I'm happy I got this degree before my baby is born - that way I can focus on her and not worry about the other million things (I will worry about well over 1 million things, but they won't have to do with grad school).

Last weekend was just wonderful though! My family came up - Amy, Mom, Dad, and my grandma, and my  friend Beth. We had such a nice time, and it meant SO much that they came to see me graduate. I really had not wanted to do it....but my mom talked me into it and I am really glad that she did. Everyone was so proud...I guess I was just feeling like this was something that I did....like grocery shop every weekend, but my family being here made me realize it was so much more and it made me feel proud of myself. I'm not sure if that makes sense....

So for now my college days are through. I have my nights and my weekends back!! I already have a book list and a movie list going. And I want to start watching TV shows....and sewing and cooking and baking...thingsI have dreamed about for 2 years. And of course, priority #1, start decorating the baby's room!

Jesse's visit (and why I'm a bad friend for not posting about it sooner!)

Jesse came to visit us the last weekend in April. I can't believe I haven't posted about it yet....I've been meaning to, but.....I just haven't.

It was such a great weekend!! I really needed to see an old friend. We took a painting class on Friday night which was fun - I don't know why what I saw in my head didn't transfer to my canvas though. Jesse and Tony's looked GREAT and they will definitely be going on the wall. The class was fun though and I really like the concept of it.

Saturday we went to Eldorado State Park. We wanted to show Jesse one of our favorite places and show her all the rock climbers. Serious serious serious rock climbers. Then we drove up to Estes and went to RMNP. This is where her mind was blown - exactly what I was hoping would happen! There was still so much snow on the ground and it snowed on us while we were driving around too.

It was a great weekend and I'm so very glad that Jesse flew out here to see us. It meant more than we can say.

Go here to see what Jesse thought of our rocky state.

YEAH!! Jesse's coming to Colorado!!

I'm so excited, I just found out this week that me and Tony's great friend Jesse is coming out for a visit!!! I'm so excited for her to come out West and see where we live! She's coming at the end of April and Tony and I are already planning what to do/see. I always want to shove as much as possible into the visits that people make. I'm afraid it drives most people nuts, but really, I just don't want people to be disappointed or bored. And our time together always seems so short. The weather should be really nice so it will be perfect for driving up to the mountains. OR if we are feeling adventurous maybe some WHITE WATER RAFTING???
Ahh, so much to do and see!! Can't wait!!

Robin's visit

Robin flew out for the 4th of July and we had a great time! We were so glad to see an old friend! The day after she got here we went to Red Rocks to see Celtic Women - which was awesome! It was really cool to see them in an outside venue like that. Robin and I had gone to see them a couple of years ago in Baltimore and they were beautiful, so when I saw they were going to be here I really wanted to go with her again!
We went up to Vail another one of the days and got to explore around. Tony and I hadn't been up there yet. It was really pretty and it was like you would expect as far as people driving around in their hummers and 3 fur shops in this tiny village! There was a woman trying one on and it was such a crack up to listen to her talk about how she already had a couple but needed another one. She mostly goes to cocktail parties and does things for her daughter's school. WHAT? It's crazy the amount of money dripping around places like that. We ate at a little German restaurant that was really good and it was nice to just chat and catch up.
Another of the days we went up to Eldorado Canyon State Park, but they were at capacity and wouldn't let anyone else in. So we just drove on to Boulder and walked around. They have a nice farmers market and it's always fun to see the people sitting around playing music.
We'll be looking forward to the next visit! Hopefully we can plan to spend a few days in New Mexico exploring around.