Here is a "before & after law school" picture. Although the changes aren't blatantly evident on the surface, I can't even begin to explain the growth that has occurred within myself, Gage, or our relationship. It's been quite the ride....but I wouldn't change a thing.So if you'd like to join me on an attempt to navigate through the happenings of the past 9 months, read on....
How do I begin? Well, as you know, Gage and I returned from Spokane last August in order for me to start my teaching career. I was lucky enough to get a job teaching 2nd grade and Gage was lucky enough to become a "visiting student" at the University of Utah School of Law for the fall semester. He also completed an externship while attending classes this fall. Needless to say, this fall went by like the blink of an eye. I was at school all day every day, planning, teaching, planning, and teaching. Gage was hard at work with his externship and traveling to SLC for his last semester of law school. December came quite quickly and Gage was an official LAW SCHOOL GRADUATE. The funny thing was that we didn't even begin to celebrate because we knew the real test (quite literally) was violently approaching. All of Gage's hard work over the past 3 years wouldn't be worth anything if he didn't pass the Utah State Bar. So two days after Christmas we began two of the hardest months of our entire marriage. Gage and his buddy, Taylor, spent ALL day EVERY day studying and preparing for the bar. Aside from studying all day, they spent 30-40 hours driving to and attending classes in SLC every week. I never saw Gage and when I DID see him, it was almost like he wasn't there because his mind was constantly worrying, thinking, and stressing about the bar.
Well, the time came - February 23rd & 24th - and the bar was finally over and done with. We spent another seven weeks waiting to see if he had passed or not (talk about a brutal waiting game). I'll never forget the day we found out what his results were. Gage was out running errands when I called him with the news that results were out. While on the phone with him, I found a thick envelope in the mail and started shaking. I remember saying "Do you want me to open it or do you want to wait?" For about two seconds Gage wanted me to wait, and then he said, "No, just open it now!" So I opened it and burst into tears....he had PASSED! All the stress and pressure from the previous months was gone! Just like that....GONE. Taylor and Chelsey had been going through the same battle (and came out victorious as well), and we went out to The Cheesecake Factory that very night to celebrate.
I think we all had permanent smiles on our faces for the next 24 hours. Oh and yes....those are braces on my face....another climactic event of the past few months. :)So what have I been up to during this crazy time? Well I've been busy too; I've had the privilege of teaching 28 magnificent second graders and loving every second of it (well, ALMOST every second).
I have met some of the sweetest, smartest, most talented children on this earth and it has been a gift to be a part of their lives. I learned a lot this year...I could tell you everything I've learned, but that would take a whole new post....let's just say I take my job VERY seriously. We have one more week left of school and then it's SUMMER VACATION...I couldn't ask for a better job.Just last week we traveled to Spokane for the ACTUAL Gonzaga Law School Graduation.
Click on the collages if you want a better look.We made many life-long friends while we were in Spokane, so we decided early on that even though Gage would technically graduate early, we wanted to go back up in the spring so Gage could walk at commencement with all of his friends.
The night before graduation, we had a party with all of our law school friends.
The boys shared memories and gave each other "awards." None of the girls really understood what was going on because everything the boys mentioned was an inside joke of some kind. The graduation itself was awesome. The speakers were fantastic and the whole morning was something we'll never forget.
Our little vacation came to an end quickly and leaving Spokane for possibly the final time left me with a lump in my throat. As a whole, the trip was amazing because we got to reunite with some of our favorite people on this earth. I love the people I met there (L&H friends, friends from our church, and law school friends) and I know that the people are what made this whole experience so special. 
Finally, just last Tuesday, Gage became an official ATTORNEY. He was sworn into the Supreme Court of Utah and the United States District Court.
I try not to brag (I swear the blogosphere has turned into the "brag-o-sphere"), but I have to say that I was so unbelievably proud of my Gager that day. It was the final hurdle in this seemingly never-ending process. Gage is an amazing example to our future family and I'm so happy he's mine. :) So until next time, I guess. If something occurs that we feel is "blog-worthy," you might see another post; however, it might be another nine months before you hear from us again. Thank you for keeping up with us over the past three years and thanks to those of you who have left such kind comments and supported us throughout this process. We love you all and I know none of this would have been possible without the support of our wonderful family and friends.
