DONE.

There are hardly words to describe how proud of and excited (and relieved!) for Brandon I am. After three LOOONG years of working part-time, going to school full-time, and then coming home to be a husband and father, he did it!

Brandon told me he wasn't sure he wanted to attend graduation because he "never wanted to think about law school ever again." I told him too bad, we weren't missing it for the world! I have been anxiously awaiting this day for a few years now and I wasn't about to let him miss it. His parents flew out for his graduation too so we've had a busy and fun-filled week. 

Over the last few weeks, I've been reflecting on how good and faithful God has been to us over the past few years and brought us through this trial that was harder than either of us initially thought it would be. It's really difficult to graduate in 3 years as a night student, nearly all the night students take 4 years- but not Brandon. He took full loads of classes all while working 20-30 hours a week. He persevered through some very long nights and early mornings. The month leading up to finals was always extremely hard on all of us. Brandon would work around the clock for several weeks at a time. But God sustained us and allowed him to make it through law school in 3 years.

The Lord also provided some perfect jobs for Brandon during school. All were very flexible with him changing his schedule every few months. The internships he got gave him some great legal experience. And he thoroughly enjoys the job he has now as a law clerk with the Air Force- and it seems as if it's going to lead into a really awesome new career later in the year!

I've been so blessed to stay home with the boys the entire time Brandon's been in school. I've loved getting to see them grow and learn each and every day. I've loved getting to care for them, cook all their meals, and spend all my time with them. I'm SO thankful Brandon was willing to work incredibly hard so I could enjoy being a stay-at-home mom.

God has also blessed us with families that have been supportive and helped in any way they could from across the country. Whenever we've visited them, they've allowed Brandon and I to rest, relax and enjoy our time together before a new semester started. When I broke my foot last summer and had to be on crutches for 9 weeks, it could have been a disaster. But God providentially worked everything out so that my Mom, Sari and my sister Renee were able to be with me nearly the entire time. I only had to spend a handful of days caring for the boys alone. 

Our friends from church and our neighbors have also been overwhelmingly helpful and encouraging. I was blessed to be in a small group for 2 years that provided me with accountability, support and encouragement. I know without a doubt that I never would have made it through the past three years without my friends from small group. There were so many times I struggled with doubt, self-pity, bitterness towards Brandon, discontentment, and just plain selfishness. Without my friends from church encouraging me with truth from God's word, praying for me and providing practical help (like babysitting, meals, letting us borrow their cars, blessing us with hand-me-downs for the boys, I could go on and on) I doubt I would have survived the past three years. 

I can't imagine having lived in a more perfect neighborhood for us either. The pool, playgrounds, walking trails, library, and parks all within walking distance have provided me with plenty of things to do with two active boys during long days home alone with them. Our neighbors have watched our cats while we visited our families, given the boys lots of treats and toys, and provided Jack and Cullen with hours upon hours of outdoor playtime. And the other moms in our neighborhood have saved my sanity many times by giving me some adult interaction after days on end of only speaking to toddlers!

These were some of the biggest ways God provided for us but there were countless small, seemingly impossible ways too, some were even "mistakes" that turned out wonderfully. I literally could go on and on about all the ways God has met our needs and even blessed us abundantly through these hard law school years. Just the fact that I can say that is testament to God's grace in our lives and the ways he's grown us! I'm ashamed to say that I'm sometimes surprised we've not only made it through in one piece, but that we've both grown a lot as a result of going through this trial. Brandon and I went on a date last weekend and were reflecting on the past few years. We both agreed that we're each very different people than when we started, and we're so glad we have changed! The Lord has truly blessed us and it's overwhelming to think of how good He has been to us. I hope we always remember the lessons we've learned during these past years and will trust God more in the future as a result.

Here's Jack and Cullen toasting their Juris Doctorate Dad!

The proud parents

And an even prouder wife!!

J & C right after the ceremony. They did so well sitting still for nearly 3 hours!