Sunday Afternoon

So today after church I decided to go out to the pool and finish Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone, which I did and can't wait to start book #2, but Garrett said he wanted to stay in the house because Gus isn't allowed in the pool area... Well just look and see what took place...



Gus is a great little swimmer and Garrett is so proud of him. Truly its like a son. At times I am worried we have become those weird people who "really love their dog." If you would agree, please help us... How do you overcome the weird dog-owner status? I really don't want to be that woman who incessantly talks about her dog.

On another note, I am loving Harry Potter. I made the mistake of watching the first movie the other day with my brother and sister, and I am very sad I did so. I kept seeing the story as the movie depicts it and I hate that. Luckily, I don't remember much of what happened in the other films. I watched them long ago, and I am not the person who remembers a movie scene for scene... I have been doing some Harry research, with all my free time, and I am wondering why J.K. Rowling calls the Sorcerer's Stone a Philosopher's Stone.... It is an English thing? Also, Nicholas Flamel is a real guy. He, according to legend, did manufacture and Philosopher's Stone, whatever that is, and he was also mentioned in Dan Brown's DaVinci Code. Who knew?

Graduation Weekend

Graduation Weekend was very fun. It was wonderful how so many people came to share in the party. Here are a few pictures.

Payne Family at SDSU Grad

Me and my Babe at Graduation, notice the Cal Poly colors, not on accident...

With little Bing at Grad.

It was cold at the park, we had to spoon to keep warm.

I love kissing pictures!

Kathy and Phil at Buca di Beppo.

Mom, KK and Michael in typical form.

Little Nissi made it to the party and was a very good girl.

19 at Buca di Beppo!

Grams and Jimmy at our home.

At the Wild Animal Park on the Carousel.

Hannah looked cute on the white Tiger.

Last day of classes

So today was my last day of classes, and I must admit it feels a little anticlimactic. I came home after getting a frozen yogurt treat with Katie, took the dog for a walk, made dinner and got on the the computer. Ummm, nothing in my life has changed. Now I realize that I might sound strange, but I had some expectation that it would feel different, feel exciting, feel relieving. (Granted its only been like 6 hours) I took my very last exam ever... but somehow it feels like any other semester. I am sure once the family gets here and the real "fun" begins it will feel much more like a party, but as of right now, it feels mundane.
Its interesting, the whole idea of a resolution. Accomplishment is weird. Finishing and reaching goals is an important part of being an adult, as well as being a Higerd, but shouldn't it feel like something when you get there. The truth is, I am actually glad I am wrestling with the lack of feeling. More often than not, I am lead to a weird place by my feelings. My sinfulness is deeply linked to my emotions and this linkage is how I get myself in trouble. Now I am not saying that it is wrong to feel, but I am saying that I am thankful that my feelings are not in charge.
I am however, so excited for this weekend. Its overwhelming to have so many people coming to share in this accomplishment. The mixing of extended families is always so fun to see. I'm graduating from college, I wonder what I will do with the rest of my life?