Graduation

It's been a looong road, but it finally came to an end last weekend.  Ten years after he first started school at SUU.  Not that he was going ten years straight, but it kind of seemed like it.  He got his Bachelors degree in Outdoor Recreation, Parks and Tourism.  So what now?  That seems to be the question on everyone's mind.  We don't know.  So don't ask.  But, I know he'll figure it out.  He's smart like that. And I'm really proud of him for coming this far.  He's had to overcome a lot of obstacles and it hasn't been easy.

His family told him they couldn't come and then showed up as a surprise at graduation with a huge banner they held up when he came out. We were sitting on the front row, so he couldn't miss them.  He was surprised.  They love surprises.  I don't. I like to know when I'm going to have company.  They know that, and would like to continue to have a relationship with me, so they let me know ahead of time.  His brother and sister and their families both came as well as his parents.  My parents also came, but my dad got sick and they had to leave early.  It was a great few days and we were very appreciative to both our families for making such a special occasion.
So, in the meantime, we'll keep making pizza.  It's been a good job for us and business continues to grow, almost to the point of not being able to keep up.  That's a good thing, but it makes for some long days.  That's why we only work 3 days a week.  Or two, depending on the weather.  And no, even though school is out, we're not adding more days.  The 3 days we're open are 14 or 15 hour days for Jason-all day on his feet in a parking lot.  It takes it's toll.
Below is a video that a friend of Jason's put together for us.  He did a really good job.  It's the story of how we got to graduation.  Without this business, Jason would have never had the time to go school while providing for a family, let alone pay for tuition. Before The Pizza Cart and after a few semesters of using government grants, Jason felt very strongly that he should pay for school on his own.  He left school and .....long story short, started The Pizza Cart.  When he returned to school, we were able to cover tuition on our own for the final few years.  

Spencer's Birthday

Spencer turned 10 in March.  He's growing up fast.  Just like they all do.  He's my one boy who doesn't like to hug, cuddle, or basically do anything touchy. However, I'm still stronger than him and can force it upon him.  I'm sure some day he'll tell me how I scarred him emotionally by tackling him and forcing him to hug me, or at least be hugged by me.
This year, once again, he made it easy for me.  He wanted to go bowling with me and Jason.  We had fun, but we didn't get any pictures because I forgot the camera.  I've been a terrible blogger-mother lately.  While we were gone, Regan, Ben and Weston decorated the house and got the presents ready.

Here's Spencer with his favorite cake, fruit cocktail cake.  I know it looks ugly, but it really is good.  And easy.  I'm all about easy these days. 

Regan's gift to Spencer-Battleship.  What a good brother.  We bought him a camera/video camera.  He loves to spend time making movies and I was getting tired of finding Lego movies on my own camera.  It's supposed to be very rugged.  Water proof, drop proof.  You can even film underwater.  If it doesn't get lost, maybe it will last a while. I'm doubtful, but we'll see.