*No More Homework, No More Books...

...No more students' dirty looks.* Just kidding. School's out! I'm retired! I did it! I'm done! Woo hoo! I fulfilled my promise to Autrey. He told me we could have a baby while he was in school if I would work until he graduated and could make money to support us. Done and done. I didn't know it would about kill me to do it, but I did it. Don't get me wrong. I love kids and I love teaching, but not when I am juggling a million things and would rather be at home with Dylan. Now I can be a stay at home mom. Tomorrow I start my new job with a classroom of one. I wish I could post a real picture of my class, but there are privacy issues involved. Oh well. I hope you enjoyed my catch-up blogging blitz last night. I have to return the school's laptop in a few minutes and wanted to do it while I had the chance. The other night Autrey helped me finish packing up my entire classroom. Not a quick or easy task. To his great pleasure I am bequeathing my teaching stuff to Meagan, who will be doing an internship in 1st grade in the fall. Meagan, you're welcome. Now you just have to figure out how to get it all to Utah. Tomorrow we fly to Texas to be with the Duke's. (St. Louis-ians, we'll be back before we move.) If you don't hear from me, I either don't have computer access or I have fallen into a deep coma to recover from this sleep deprivation. Ahhh, I wish you could see the prema-grin on my face right now as I'm sitting at my desk. Now, if you'll excuse me, I'm going to go enjoy my first few minutes of retirement freedom. Have a fantastic summer! I know I will!

Graduation and Blessing Weekend

This weekend we celebrated Autrey's graduation and Dylan's baby blessing. Doug and Mona, Matt, Allyson, and Tommy, Lori and Maggie, mom and dad, and grandma and grandpa Holdaway all flew in for the festivities. Aunt Elaine and Aunt B were planning on using buddy passes to fly in, but there were NO seats available. That made me really sad. Aunt Elaine did a fabulous job on the blessing tuxedo. Dylan looked so handsome. The men in the family were involved in the blessing as well as Keith Heideman and Dave Oscarson (YM president Autrey works with). Dylan got fussy at the end of the prayer, but at least he didn't have a blowout. I was sure he would because he hadn't pooped in 2 days. I am happy to report the outfit stayed clean. It was a special weekend. It's the first time both of our families have been together since we got married. We had a blast!

Graduation:

Innsbrook:

Our Apartment (Man Cave):

Blessing:

This is a short clip of Dylan laughing in his outfit. We had him laughing for a long time after I stopped recording. So cute!

For posterity, G-ma took notes at Dylan's blessing.  Dylan, these are the things your dad blessed you with:

*To know the love your family has for you and the joy brought into our lives, that we are grateful for you and your spirit.

*That you will learn in your youth the principles of the gospel.

*To learn to discern the Holy Ghost and follow the promptings you will have.

*To be patient and understanding with your parents and leaders.

*To heed their counsel to prepare to enter the temple and to be a missionary, a husband, and a father.

*With health and strength.

*To be an example in your home, school, and community.

*To learn the value of charity and service to your fellow men.

*That you will be an instrument to bring about God's work.

Counsel you were given:

*Always remember you are a child of God.

*Strive to build your testimony.