Graduation

Graduation made possible by: (see below)


When I married Paul I was working full time and going to business school part time. I had decided to become a business major because it was one of the only majors that offered night classes that would allow me to work full time to support my single self. The life I knew before, which I had grown so comfortable with was turned upside-down when Paul convinced me that I no longer needed to work full time. He suggested me going to school in something I enjoyed a little more.
I didn't really know what to say. For as long as I could remember I had always wanted to go into music.
After much contemplation I quit my job. I couldn't believe what I was was about to do when I took a part time job making half as much money, and started my early morning classes in the music program. I loved it! I was a little behind in age but I will always be so grateful to Paul for being there to push me to do something I love. I love that he continues to support me in all my crazy dreams!

I was a little nervous as I waited in line to walk across the stage. I began to wonder what life would hold for me next. For years I have know exactly what I was going to do as I registered for school every semester. I have a few things in mind but I guess we'll see where the Lord points me next. I am excited to see what the future holds!

Despite my brothers wedding being the same morning my parents made it to support me. Thanks Mom and Dad it meant a lot to have you there! Paul's parents were great to
sit through 2 graduations that day, and Paul's Dad took all of these beautiful photo's. Thanks Rod and Anne, I really appreciate everything you do to support Paul and I!
I am looking forward to the next graduation I will attend....hang in there babe!

Pictures of the event

The Time Has Come...

I'm a little nervous....we'll hope it doesn't show!
I hope everyone can come.

The Closet Performer

(This picture was taken by my sister..isn't she amazing?!)

I feel like I have to hide when I practice. Not because I'm afraid to sing or practice in front of people...to be honest I am afraid people will get annoyed. Practicing whether it's piano, guitar, or voice is not beautiful. Paul's Mom told me that when Paul was younger they never knew he could really play the Saxophone. He was taking lessons and was in band, but they never heard anything but phrases of music he struggled with, played over and over again.
I guess I struggle with something Paul didn't, he's usually better than me at most things but I never thought it would extend to music.
Why should anyone else have to endure the ugly part of music? I have come to the conclusion that this is the reason why most people don't practice. All anyone wants is the performance part of music, the part that comes with adrenaline, lights, and a stage.
As a result since moving to Texas I have become a closet performer. I have a shelf cleared in my closet where my keyboard sits. I have found a way to plug the keyboard in by fishing the wire underneath the door to the plug outside. Once I am in the closet I reach up to the top shelf where the towels are located and stuff one in the opening between the door and the floor. At this point I am committed to at least an hour of practice. The acoustics are terrible....a lot of dead space, and my voice doesn't carry beyond the shelf in front of me. The closet seems to work for now, but I still find myself hitting the walls when I stretch my arms back to help me hit a high note. Sometimes it gets a little boring when I've been staring at my cleaning products for a solid hour proclaiming my love or disgust for them.
I just keep telling myself that at sometime in the future I will have a house where I can make all the ugly music I want while Paul is away at work. Until then...I fear the closet and I continue to grow closer.

I'm a Survivor (Part 2)

Welcome to the "Days of Our Lives"
I literally feel like I have stepped into a soap opera. Each day I wake up thinking that I dreamed everything that happened to me the day before. Last week I woke up a few times wishing the day before had been a dream. I'm glad that at least school is coming to a close at the end of this week. One less thing to think or worry about. Yet even as I write these things I feel that I have no room to complain. Others would have a better reason to ask the question "Why me?"
While I have found my share of downs this semester, there have been a lot more ups, and I can say that I am grateful for the blessings that I do have. I have truly found comfort in the talk given by Elder Jeffery R. Holland posted previously. So if you're having one of those days just find comfort in the fact that someone else knows exactly what your going through, and he is there with you every step of the way.
Em