"grad-u-nation" and a little thing called hard work

 After being in school our whole married life together (almost 4 years), Aaron graduated with his Masters in Accountancy from Brigham Young University! 

WAHOO!!!

Michael thought "grad-u-nation," was pretty awesome, and he still talks about it. Aaron gave him a "castle," (tassel) that he has hanging in his bedroom, and he can't wait to grow up and "grad-u-nate."

Aaron graduated at the top of his class and was recognized in a few different ways. While all of that is fine and dandy, the thing that impresses me most about Aaron is his determination to do his best at all times. 

I have learned so much from watching Aaron these past four years. Three things stand out to me:

1. hard work

2. goals

3. gratitude

While some people may say "smarts" got Aaron to the top of his class, he would disagree. The thing that Aaron has had going for him is good old-fashioned hard work! He has worked his stinking guts out these past four years!!!

Honestly, Aaron has never skipped class, or not prepared for a quiz, or not turned in an assignment, or not studied his guts out for a test (all of which I did at some point in my college years) - in all of these years! Aaron has taught me what hard work looks like. He has an ability to just dive into a seemingly unconquerable task, and chew away at it bit-by-bit until it is done. Aaron is super diligent. I remember for many of his tests he would put in at least twenty hours of prep - just for one test! It paid off! And the Lord has blessed Aaron for working so hard. Aaron could legitimately ask for help on a test that he had studied his guts out for (unlike me - always feeling a bit guilty praying for help on a test I hadn't studied much for!). (Now, don't get me wrong, I was a fairly decent student during my years at BYU - and I became a very diligent and determined student after marrying Aaron!)

Yes, my husband is the hardest worker I know. That is why, in my eyes, he accomplishes all of his goals. Seriously, he shared some goals with me back in 9th grade - and I've watched him accomplish all of them! It amazes me. A few years back he taught a Family Home Evening, at my family's home, on goal-setting. He had us all write down a few goals on little slips of paper. Afterwards, I kept his and taped them in my scriptures. It's been beautiful to me to see those goals come to fruition as well. I am so blessed to be married to this amazing man.

Aaron also has a grateful heart. Over the years he has often expressed gratitude (in prayers and in other settings) for the chance to be studying at Brigham Young University, and for those tithe payers who may never see BYU campus or have the chance to go there. What a blessing to have spent these years at BYU! And a huge thanks to our families for their continual love and support!

after commencement

in the Marriott Center after receiving his diploma

so grateful for family support! my family

 

Aaron's family

This lovely lady, Cebre, graduated as well! way to go!!! Hiram & Cebre had to leave early (hence they aren't in the above family picture)

and Hannah was there to support as well, but had to leave early

and Meridith couldn't come to convocations, but came down after to celebrate with us!

oh, and of course, the day after graduation we had to have a little get together with some MAcc buddies - Aaron has made some great friends and we hope to stay close to them as the years go by. michael had a blast playing football with the big guys too!

What a great chapter of our lives! 

We're excited for a new one!!!