Gradjiashun

Dave made it!  The little ticker on my side bar slowly counted down 2 years of hard work, effort and getting smarts for my sweet hubby.  He received his Masters of Business Administration with an emphasis in Marketing.  Doesn't he look handsome? (and evil in the next one?)

Our Family

Commencement with my friends Kristen and Emily (we clean up well from our intramural pics!)

Someday?  If I am as happy as this graduation made Dave's mom, I sure hope to see Jackson get his MBA!

Can't you just tell he thinks deeper and is much more edjucated?

Steve Jackson and Rand Blair (golf and Racquetball buds)

A few friends in the program: Kyle Freebairn, Ronnell Hugh, Steven Jackson and Ryan Allred

This was Dave's first semester group (4 of the 5) Dave Bishop, Ken Carpenter, Oliver Christensen

Lots of friends in the MBA program!

A don't forget the wives!  (if anyone has a non-fuzzy pic of this I would LOVE it!)

He's looking at us!  Dave got to sit in the plush seats on the floor!  What an honor!

Dave's parents were so proud of him.  It is nice to have such amazing support.

So proud of my man!

P.S.  Dave would like me to pass on that he is to be address "Master Harper" from now on.

Sad Endings

Since Dave is GRADUATING on Friday there will be a happy post soon to celebrate all of his efforts.

However, when Dave graduates, I will also graduate from the MBA Spouse Association- which is NOT something to celebrate with happiness. I would like to pay tribute to MBASA and the wonderful women I have grown to love.

The great thing about this group is we are ALL in the same phase of life . . . wife of a student and most of us are raising children. There were activities, parties, sporting events and girls night out GALORE. My mom even accused me of having 'too much fun' with this program. I will forever cherish the memories I have with my friends from MBASA.

I knew that this was a very special group of women who had a unique opportunity to draw close during 2 quick years of school. But what I didn't know was how very much we love and care for each other. The morning before our closing social happened, the 5-month-old daughter of one of our members passed away. As the word spread we all cried and started prayers for their family. We held our children as tightly as we could. We all felt the loss, she was one of our own. We had watched her pregnancy, sewed baby items together, taken meals after the delivery and watch her beautiful girl grow. In fact, this baby was even with us when she was only 5 days old at our 1 am showing of "New Moon". Although I know we aren't experiencing even a fraction of the pain that her family is, we are all heart-broken. This experience will never be forgotten. I know my son will receive more of my love, laughter and life because I know how precious and fragile the life of a child is.
Elena, your life will be remembered by many. We continually pray for the comfort and peace of your family.

Tri-Dave

Dave and I started training for a triathlon together, but I had to drop out with my hurt back. Dave didn't let that stop him and he did great in the triathlon. He ran a 5k in 22:30 (fastest ever for him) and then biked (on a sweet borrowed road bike) 10 miles. He jumped in the chaotic pool to finish with a 350 swim.

He finished 54th overall and 14th in his age group. I am so proud of his hard work and dedication. I know he doesn't like to workout when there isn't chasing a ball involved, but he did it anyway . . . and did it well!

Swimming

Jackson wants to mimic us in all things . . . sometimes it backfires, yet I still give in to his demands. Sorry about the immodesty :)

One of those days

Back in the day when I hurt my back and didn't want to move at all, I made all the effort to make Jackson cheese toast, and then laid down to rest a bit . . . here is what I found waiting for me.

Seriously?!?!

These pics are a little old, but still . . .

I don't know if I've mentioned that my son is a bit of a picky eater, so when he *politely asked for* (SCREAMED for) broccoli I thought I would get it all spit back in my face. Surprisingly, he ate it and ate it and ate it! I guess he doesn't take after his Grandpa Harper! Broccoli and Green beans are THE only vegis he will allow past his lips.

I can wink . . . Can you?

Along with learning to wink, Jackson learned to smile on command . . . here is his face when I say "SMILE, Jacks!"

Duke Won

Since this is technically our 'family' blog, I guess I should post about the most important event in Dave's life since the last NCAA championship in 2001 . . . Duke wins the championship in 2010!!
We spent a fun (Dave inserts- STRESSFUL) evening with our neighbors and friends. We are so lucky to be close to such fabulous people (Dave insert -There were people in the room?)!

The one year I didn't pick Duke winning it and they do . . . I guess I lost my faith because they haven't been so good in years past . . They have finally proven their worth to me though and Dave knew it all along.

Things I know

After a weekend filled with Spiritual enlightment and encouragement, I'd like to share these next pictures (of the fun stuff) with some of the thoughts I had while listening to the prophets and apostles.

I know our family can be* together forever since we were sealed in the Temple by God's power.

(*Based on our worthiness through Christ's atonement)
I know that my role as a mother is one that God values more than most things I will do in my life (perhaps 2nd only to my role as a wife). I know that it is my job (along with Dave) to teach this little guy to love the Lord and to serve him. I am thankful for the God-given attributes that help me accomplish this and pray I will develop more patience and love than I have now. (Sister Beck)

For those 'seeking' the truth, it IS out there. There is a truth about what the purpose of our life is and where we are going after death. There is hope for a better world. I want to share the truths I've discovered better.
We need to feed ourselves. I wish I had more spiritual nourishment constantly, like this weekend filled with conference talks, . . .but I know it is my job to continue to read scriptures, listen to talks and have prayers to get closer to God.

Here is Jacks and Katie waiting patiently to start their hunt, from the talks I was inspired to develop my patience.

This is Jackson pointing and laughing and there is just no spiritual comparison to that. We'll I guess President Uchtdorf specifically counseled us not to point and laugh at anyone, so this is an anti- example.
Hope you had a day of reflection on the life of our Savior and the Love that flows to us from his Ultimate sacrifice and resurrection. We love Jesus Christ and are thankful for the atonement in our lives.

If you'd like to read or hear more (or if you missed the last talk because you fell asleep like I did . . .) Check it out on lds.org