Graduation

When Jared and I were engaged (nine years ago!) I remember many of our conversations about what we were going to do "when we grew up." At that time Jared was seriously considering becoming an opthamologist. Over the next several years Jared changed his plans to several different roads...we traveled on the dentist path for a while, then the doctor path, several times he mentioned graphic design, and there was even a time he considered doing something with computers. It was a very tough decision but after a lot of thought and prayer we ended up on the road to PA school. I'll never forget the week when he got laid off from his job at Aerials Express. The kids and I were on our way to California when he called to tell me he was losing his job. After finding that out he came to join us in CA. We went to Disneyland and while we were in line for Space Mountain, Jared missed a phone call from someone at AT Still. As soon as we got off the ride Jared called them and they offered him a spot in the class that would be starting in a week and a half. It was some of the most exciting news we have ever received at the happiest place on earth!

We were quickly rushed into the school scene and our lives began as a poor college family. We had some concerns with how everything would work out, but as always, we were watched over and protected by our Heavenly Father. PA school was about 26 months long and we had a lot of ups and downs throughout that time. One of the most difficult times was the 5 1/2 week period that we spent with Kyson in the hospital while Jared was in the middle of school finals. I'm so grateful we made it through that time and can say we survived! One of the best days was the day Brooklyn joined our family. Looking back, we were so so very blessed.

Finally the day arrived. Jared passed all of his tests and completed all of his rotations. It was time to put on his cap and gown and walk with his class. That day symbolized a lot for us. We had sacrificed a lot as a family and it was a day to celebrate that we made it! Although Jared still had his certification test to take, he had completed all of the requirements for PA school.

There is something about this picture that I just LOVE!

Receiving his fake diploma (real one to come in the mail soon:)

Even Brooklyn was giving a fist pump!

Jared's parents and Grandpa came to support us.

Those of my family that were able to make it to the graduation.

and last but not least...just the two of us!


On August 21st Jared took his certification exam. What a humongous test that is! Jared studied hard and was well prepared but he still felt stressed and overwhelmed when the day came. I felt bad he was so stressed but I felt at peace knowing he would do just fine. The morning of August 30th I was woken up to Jared telling me that he PASSED! Although I knew he would, it was exciting to see those words written...PASSED!!! We went to breakfast with a couple of his friends from school that found out they passed that same day.

Like I mentioned before, when we got married Jared was a student and he continued to be a student the entire nine years we have been married. School has always been a part of our lives. Now we can finally say, he is DONE! Of course he will always have continuing education classes, but that is different. He has his degree and we have an income again!!!

Speaking of a job...Jared began working at an internal medicine (similar to family medicine) office the day after labor day. He has to travel to Globe two days and week and to Scottsdale two or three days a week (he works every other Saturday). As with any new job there has been a lot of to learn and he is still figuring out how everything works in his office but he is settling in and enjoying it overall. Who knows what the future will bring but for now we have an income again and we are HAPPY!!!