Associates Degree

It took me 15 years, but I finally have my Associates Degree. Okay, it really didn't take that long, I just took a 14 year break in the middle. 

I wasn't going to walk because I still plan to continue my education and get my Bachelor's Degree in Accounting. But after talking with family and friends, I decided to celebrate my hard work and be a part of the ceremony. 

Two weeks before graduation, my new adviser informed me I was missing a class and wouldn't be able to walk. (This is what happens when you take a 14 year break.) It took some arguing, and I had to get the okay from the main campus in Logan, but I finally got them to agree to use an old class I took back in 2000. This issue wasn't settled until pretty much 2 or 3 days before graduation, so I was really excited when I went to pick up my hat and gown. (This issue also followed me the next semester when I tried to register for an upper division level class; but hopefully everything is set now.)

I'm glad I walked. But everything else about the night was kind of boring. We had to be there a few hours before the ceremony to line up. So I took some selfies in the hallway. It was held at the Jr. High, so my background is weird artwork that was decorating the halls. 

Dallon also graduated that night with his Bachelor's Degree in Wildlife. That's probably why I decided to walk. I knew we couldn't go watch him and have me miss out. 

It has been so much work. I couldn't have done it without Josh. Working full-time, starting a new job, and going to school all at the same time has been a lot of work and has meant a lot of sacrifice. Last year, we only went camping once. I haven't been fishing in over a year and I don't see my nephews near as often as I would like. I stress that my house is never clean and Josh jokes that he does all of the cooking. But I know that it will be worth it. With my new job, I'm already seeing the benefits and I know they will continue to grow as I finish my education. Hopefully just a few more years of hard work and then I will be finished with school. 

Tribute to Zipper

I've put off writing this because it was too heartbreaking for me. Its now been two months and I still tear up and cry like a baby thinking about my Zip-Zip.

This spring, I noticed that Zipper wasn't acting like himself. I knew he was getting old, but it was like he aged 50 years over night. I was worried he was diabetic, so I took him to the vet. Instead, we found out his kidneys were shutting down. We had hoped for a few months, but instead, things progressed rapidly and he was gone within the month. 

I did write THIS blog post the next day, because I never wanted to forget how much I felt God's love during that time. But I still want to do a picture tribute. He really was the best cat ever. I still look for him in bed each night. There will never be another cat like Zipper. Josh would always joke he was a momma's boy, but it was true. I shared a bond with him that I never have with another cat. 

I could never be in another room without him. Sleeping, eating, showering, crafting, homework, he had to be by my side. When we brought Blue home, Zipper started sleeping with a paw either on my hand or my face. It was like it was his way of saying "this is my momma."

 Even when he did crazy things, like bring a mouse to bed, I still loved him. 

This was Josh's favorite picture of Zipper. We were trying to sell our bed. I had just made it and went to take a picture. He wasn't in the room when I picked up my camera, but by the time I hit the button, he was in the middle of the bed. 

I think this is what I miss the most! The sound of him sucking his toes at night. When we first got him, it took us a few weeks to figure out what the sound was we could hear each night. I always knew he was happy when he was sucking his toes. 

Its hard to believe we've had to say goodbye to so many amazing cats. Pyro, Missy & Zipper were the original pets to become a part of our family. Since then, we've also had Ally, Buddy (and the other kittens), Gaby and Blue. I love Gaby and Blue, but I miss these 3 cats every day. 

You will forever live in my heart Zipper.