3 Years Old!!!

When did this little girl grow up into a 3 Yr Old?!?

I cannot believe how fast times flies when you have children.  It drives me crazy!

January 18th was the special day and I hope it was special for her.

Starting December 26th, my mind immediately switches over into Birthday mode.  This year I had decided to do a Mickey/Minnie Mouse theme because Eden loves it!!!  Last year, as you may recall, we had a Tangled Theme.  And the weird thing, Eden totally remembers it!! She was telling me all about her cake and the lanterns and letting go of the balloons.  Everyday I am astounded at what this little girl remembers.

That morning I went into her room to get her and take her up stairs to see all the hooplah!

She was a little hesitant to walk through dada's wall of streamers, but she loved them!

I personalized this cute little subway art to commemorate the day and the theme.

Much of the day was spent putting the finishing touches on her cake.

I am, of course, my biggest critic and am usually not so happy with the cakes I make.  However, I learned a few tricks from my friend who made her cake last year.  

I was pretty please with how it turned out.

I think Eden liked it too!

Before all the quests arrived we started to open presents.

I made her shirt just for the occasion!  

Since the grandparents went WAY over board we had to cut the present opening short because our guests were due to arrive and we had some final touches on the food preparation.

All of the food had some sort of Mickey theme to it.  I know some are cheesy but I loved them!

  MICKEY'S "CLUB"- HOUSE SANDWICHES

(noticed how the bread, cheese and meet are cut into mickey shapes!)

MINNIE'S MEATBALLS

"CHIPS"- an - "DALE"

with

DONALD'S DIP

"GOOFY'S GRAPES"

"PLUTO'S PUNCH"

Axel was a champ for sporting the mickey hats we made

So the evening turned out real well for Axel and his little girlfriend Jewell.

All I have to saw is she made the first move!

(The look on Axel's face is classic!!!)

Present time again with her friends!

They were a little excited and decided to help her out.

Grandma and Poopah got her a tunnel and tent.  Sure took the men long enough to put it together! ha ha  Thanks Steve you were a real trooper!

She loves her tunnel!!

The evening ended with the tradition we started last year.  She let go 3 balloons (for 3 years old) and made 3 wishes.  Well.. sort of.  I am sure this will get better with age.

There they go!

It was a great day I think and I hope Eden felt special.  She certainly made a haul!!  

I think we may have to have a chat with the grandparents.  

I love my new lil 3 year old!!! Happy Birthday Eden!  

The end of an Era

The time has come and gone.  When Colby and I first met and he said he wanted to be a chiropractor my first thought was, "Oooo a doctor!" Then, "I've never been to a chiropractor.  All I know about them is my mom doesn't like them." Last, "Wait a minute... that is a lot more schooling isn't it?"

Now I sit here in the presence of a board certified Doctor of Chiropractic.  Where did it go?  Did we reall make it this far.  Yes! We did!  And the best part is we did it together!  

If was a rough road and I will admit that I was not the most supportive at times.  Sometimes I wonder how he made it through with all my complaining and whining.  But he did it in spite of me. :(

Thursday night we loaded up the 2 kids and 6 adults and flew to St louis to begin the graduation celebration.

Now let me just add some gas to this celebration.  Just the week before, Kelsey, Colby's sister, graduated from BYU-Idaho with a degree in Social Work.

So they were all ready for round 2 of the graduation celebrations.

(Back to St louis)

 Friday, Dec 21, they held an award ceremony and breakfast.  

To my astonishment as I flipped through the program Colby's name was under almost every single award.  The sentimental fool that I am each time I saw his name  it would bring tears to my eyes.  I have so much pride for Colby and all that he has accomplished.  He had set some pretty high goals coming into Chiropractic school and he worked so hard.  He achieved his goals and I think to his own astonishment, so much more. 

Below I have combined all his awards and honors he received at both the award ceremony and the graduation commencement.

*Magna Cum Laude (High Honors)*

*Master of Science - Honors with Distinction*

*Masters of Science in Nutrition & Human Performance*

Academic Hooding for masters


Conferring of Masters Degree

*Academic Achievement - 10 consecutive trimesters on the 

Deans List (10 trimester program)*

*Health Center Achievement Award*

&

*Health Center Certificate of Appreciation*

*Who's Who Among Students in 

American Universities & Colleges*

 

Doctorate of Chiropractic

Academic Hooding for Doctorate

Conferring of the Doctorate degree

The graduation proceedings began with The St Louis Caledonian Pipe Band - 

Needless to say it was amazing!  I have always loved bagpipes and this just made this special occasion that much more special.

 My Graduate!

.........................

Colby's father's business partner lives here in St louis and was kind enough to open their home to us for a graduation celebration.  We are so grateful to them and their generosity.  They really went above and beyond and we cannot thank them enough for letting us into their gorgeous home!

This cake was absolutely amazing!!!  For those of you in St Louis

 I sure hope you have tried out LaBonne Bouchee!!!  

The Graduates!

These 2 girls and their family are very special to the Johnson family.  It was their father, who passed away just days before Axel was born to brain cancer, that inspired Colby to become 

a Chiropractor when he was just a young child.  

We love you and miss you Rick and dedicate Colby's graduation day to you!

Rick and his wife Rhonda

..................

The day has now come and gone.  

We still cannot believe that it is finally over.

All we have known together is school and being students.

We are so excited for this new phase in our life.

We know it is going to be difficult but we are excited and know that the Lord will be there beside us every step of the way.

....................

From Small beginnings....

I present to you...

                   Colby Johnson, D.C., M.S.N