University of Utah Graduation Weekend

Ryan officially had his PhD in hand in August of 09' but with his hectic schedule of starting at EOU he never walked at his graduation.  Due to the time of year he finished he was given the opportunity to walk this year and after much persuasion...I finally convinced him to do so!  We made a quick, and I do mean quick trip to Salt Lake this past weekend and with a few fun surprise guests showing up (Bryan and our friend Ben) we had an amazing time celebrating Ryan's HUGE accomplishment of becoming Dr. Ryan L. Dearinger, PhD in History!

Our amazing friend's Annie & Murry threw him a great party and we all loved the chance to catch up a bit...even though it was only for 48 hours!  I even managed a quick trip to see Carolyn and Denise...oh and a bit of shopping in there as well! :)

Congratulations Ryan, I had to hold back the tears as Bob was hooding you during the ceremony...I was totally overwhelmed with pride.  Your students are incredibly lucky to have such a devoted and talented Professor...which is why you are already such a favorite!  I love you and hope you know how proud we all are of you.  A special Thank You to Dan & Glenda who sacrificed being able to go to graduation and stayed home with Taylor and Haley...we really appreciate you both!

Happy Mother's Day Mom!

28 Years Ago You Became A Mother For The First Time...My Mother And Here Are My Top 28 Reasons Why I am so Thankful for that Day! 

1. You are my Best Friend and I can tell you everything!
2. You are such an amazing Backa to Taylor Ann.
3. You can always make me laugh.
4. Your work ethic is inspiring.
5. You call me at the end of each day if we haven't talked, just to check in and see how my day was.
6. You support me in everything I do.
7. You know everything about nothing!
8. Your amazing talent as a floral designer and business owner.
9. You love to throw a good party...almost as much as me!
10. Your love for The Wizard of Oz.
11. Your homecooked meals!
12. Your strength.
13. You love Taylor so much and she adores you!
14. You married such an incredible man that is an incredible Father.
15. You were my cheerleading coach and softball coach.
16. You Facebook, Twitter, Blog...oh so very hip!
17. Your love for Jesus Christ and sharing that love with me from the day I was born.
18. You taught me how to be the hostess with the mostest! 
19. You always have an answer for my random questions.
20. You love American Idol!
21. You & Papa flew your entire family to Maui for Christmas, who does that?!?
22. Your support when I competed in Miss America, you were my biggest cheerleader.
23. Your dedication to the Miss America program even this many years after I competed.
24. You and Papa threw me a beautiful wedding!
25. You stayed for an extra week when Taylor was born and made sure we had it all figured out!
26. You flew out to Utah as often as you could, you'll never know how much I loved that.
27. Your compassion for others.
28. You taught me how to be a Mother, and for that I will aways be grateful.
Happy Mother's Day Mom...I love you!!!

Happy Birthday Brother!!!

My baby brother is 25 today! My Mom loves telling me how I use to pretend Joel was my baby and asked her to put him in my doll bed....I loved having a baby!  Now I love having a brother and watching him grow into an amazing young man and a husband.  I am proud of you Boof and hope you know how much we love you...especially your little niece who thinks the world of you who kept saying "Happy Birfday Unky Joel" today!