More Graduation Pics

 

A Decade of Service

Today your Uncle Bill was released from his calling as a counselor in the Stake Presidency.  He has served as a counselor for ten years.  I was able to watch as the Stake President released him.  Uncle Bill and Aunt Cathy were called up to speak after the release and both bore beautiful testimonies of the gospel.  I was touched when the Stake President wept as he released Uncle Bill.  They have served together for five years.  Bill served honorably, but a great deal of credit goes to Aunt Cathy who was always there to encourage and support him in his various assignments.  

Class of 2023!

 I had the wonderful opportunity to see your cousin Meg graduate from Brigham Young University this week.  There were 6000 graduates.  The commencement program was held on Thursday.  The program was beautiful and there were many standing ovations (one of the things I love so much about BYU!)  The next morning we attended Meg's graduation program where she received her diploma.  That program went from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m.  It was not as enjoyable as the previous day--only because the time element.  But Meg is now an official graduate.  Congratulations!!

Happy Birthday Amy!

 

Graduation Week

This coming week Meg and Lexy will graduate.  They have both worked hard and have accomplished much at Brigham Young University.   I posted earlier a picture of Meg doing her Senior Project and today I wanted to share Lexy's profile of her time at BYU. 

What is the best learning 

experience you had at BYU?

The best learning experience I had was working as a French student instructor for 4 semesters and 2 terms. My students taught me so much, and learning how to teach as an undergraduate improved my pedagogy and French-language skills. I also acquired professional competencies that will help me as I pursue further education and work.  

Activities

French student instructor, fall 2021-spring 2023. France service internship for Les Petits Frères des Pauvres in Toulouse and Sète, summer 2022. Research with Drs. Rose and McBride, winter 2023. Child psychopathology class teaching assistant for Dr. Jensen, fall 2022.

What's next for you?

In the coming year, I plan on living abroad and teaching English in the Middle East and in Morocco. Once my husband and I settle back in the United  States, I plan on pursuing a master's degree in second language.

Who are you grateful for as you reflect on your college experience?

I am grateful for Dr. Céline Rose and the French department professors who have changed my whole life trajectory. Thanks to them, I have discovered a passion for teaching French and aspire to be like them one day.  

Happy Anniversary!

Lexy and Ellis

One Year

             The best thing to hold onto in life is                                                each other.

Did You Know?

I don't know if you are aware that your Grandma stopped a school bus from crashing into a house and kept almost 40 kids from being injured.  It is true!  While working at Green Tree East one of my responsibilities was to work with the district's transportation department.  I was also responsible for student behavior.  One of the things I made a point of doing each month was to ride the bus with the students.  I found that the bus drivers loved it when I did and the students actually liked me on the bus.  Once the bus was emptied the driver would drive me back to the school and drop me off.  On one of those drives I had a very scary experience.  At the first stop, the driver stopped the bus and opened the door and then exited to cross students once they left the bus.  I was visiting with the kids around me when the bus started rolling forward.  We were on a small incline and apparently the driver hadn't put the parking brake on correctly and so it began to move.  The driver was off the bus and students started screaming.  As I realized what happened I jumped up and started towards the front of the bus.  I was pushing kids back into their seats and yelling for everyone to sit down.  Ahead I saw that we were heading straight to house.  As the bus hit the curb and headed down into the house I reached the front and prayed that the bus would stop in time.  I grabbed the steering wheel, put both feet on the brake and pushed as hard as I could.  The bus stopped about 8 inches away from the garage door.  The children cheered and I thanked Heavenly Father that we were all safe.  I kept my feet on the brake until the driver got there to put the brake on correctly.  Once I was able to get up I apologized to all the kids for pushing them out of the way and yelling!  The next day I had a number of parents come in to thank me fort saving their child and I even got flowers from one family.    

It's Prom Time!

 Ava attended their Stake Mormon Prom with her friends.  How Fun!!!

The Maxwell Institute

 

Happy Birthday Peter!

 14 Years Old

Happy Birthday Rachel!

 26 Years Old

Happy Birthday Duncan!

 14 Years Old

Meg and Lincoln

Meg will soon graduate from Brigham Young University.  This week she gave her senior project to complete the requirements for graduation.  Lincoln also took part in a presentation for his class at BYU.  Both of these wonderful grandchildren have done an amazing job and I'm proud of their accomplishments. 

Bloomington, Illinois

Easter weekend provided a perfect time to head south to do some house hunting.  On Friday and Saturday they looked at a number of houses and eventually made an offer on a house in a beautiful area just 15 minutes away from Ben's campus and in the school district they wanted for the boys.  They made an offer on the house and the sellers accepted it.  Illinois--here they come!

The North Dakota Duncan's

Easter for Uncle Ben, Aunt Becky, Peter and Jeremy involved a trip to  their future home in Illinois.  While there they did some exploring and house hunting.  They were able to attend church there for the Easter service.  As you saw in the previous post--they also found a house and made an offer that was accepted.  

Easter 2023

I hope everyone had a wonderful Easter.  Thank you for the pictures that were sent so I could share them with all of you. 

The Arizona Whitney's

The Utah and California Duncan's and Lincoln and Ruth shared the holiday in Utah.  

Happy Birthday Jane!

 16 Years Old

Woo Hoo!

In case you didn't know, Jane was very excited to have a drivers license.  She turned 16 today and headed to the ADOT (Arizona Department of Transportation), took the driving test, and came out with a big smile on her face.  Congratulation and Happy Birthday Jane!

Happy Birthday Grandpa!

 76 Years Old

When the Wind Blows...

 grab a kite and have a great time!  That's what Caleb did.

Caleb's First Temple Trip

 The trip was only across town to the Fresno Temple but Caleb and his dad were able to go with the other young men in the ward and do proxy baptisms for the dead.  And of course a visit to a McDonalds followed.  Good choice Caleb.  

Done--Almost!

                        After a busy season Ava's final competition ended on Saturday.                                           She will continue to practice through the end of the year.

Eden