On Thursday I had my last final. I was so glad to be finished with school and to start my summer! Later we attended Cory's commencement and had dinner at Iggy's.
Friday was the big day. Cory walked and received his diploma! After we headed to the bookstore to get him some BYU keepsakes. I got him a nice blanket. (Which I love) I also got him a BYU ornament and a BYU magnet to add to our collection. But the biggest present Cory got was an alumni ring. He loves it! We also got mom the cutest hoodie that says, "BYU Mom" That afternoon we had a BBQ at the park across the street. We played a little horse shoes and had some tasty Brats.
Saturday we decided to go up to Salt Lake to stop by "This is the Place" monument since none of us have really been there. Then we had dinner at The Old Spaghetti Factory and said goodbye to Tyler at the airport.
After church on Sunday, Me and Cory, Amber and Warren, and Mom took a drive through Nebo Loop. It was beautiful! None of us had done that before and it was a lot of fun.
Monday, Me and Cathy had the day to ourselves! We lounged around in the morning watching TV. Then we decided to ride the ski lifts at Sundance. It was SO much fun! When we first got there it was raining so we had to wait for the storm to pass. I am so glad it rained though because the smell of rain and woods... while sitting on a cabin deck... watching the rain fall...while having a great conversation was AMAZING. It was beautiful up there! And it was nice and cool by the time the storm passed. Afterwards we had lunch together at Subway and took GREAT naps on the couch.
When Amber and Warren and Cory got off work we all had FHE and Amber cooked us dinner. Then we spent the rest of the evening bowling! It was such a great day! We all had to say goodbye to Mom though because Tuesday morning I dropped her off at the airport to head back to NC. We love having Cory's family in town. They are THE best. We all had so much fun. We wished everyone could stay longer! And baby Andrew is so stinkin' cute!
Now we are enjoying our break from school. And it feels SO good to not have to study or do any homework. Having finals and graduation was a bit stressful. I'm a diligent list maker. And everything on my list must be crossed off by a certain time. I usually am very good at getting everything on my list checked off. But last week as I was studying for finals and trying to get everything in order before Cory's family came in, I got a little sick. I couldn't get up to do what I needed to do. And I was stressed out over not being able to complete everything on my list. Cory helped me understand that if there is something on my list that doesn't get done, it's not the end of the world. He helped me carry on and forget about the other things I wanted to do.
This time reminds me of the week before our wedding. It was the only time I have ever felt so stressed. I had finals, Cory's family to meet and host, no where to live, realize I was actually getting married, my wedding arrangements to get in order without any help from my family, and the emotional stress and problems my parents were throwing at me. I have really been able to see the Lord's tender mercies. I do not see how I was able to emotionally handle all of that. I truly believe I would not have been able to physically or emotionally make it through my last week of being Celeste Jerome without the Lord, close friends, and Cory's loving family and my extended family. I not only made it through that week, but also did well in my classes and not once got sick or got a headache (which is a miracle for me). Amber gave me a place to stay for a few days and helped me tremendously with wedding plans. Maddison not only was my maid of honor, she also listened to me complain and did way more than she needed to. Her family was even there for me. Her mom Michelle did my make-up for cryin' out loud! They probably don't know this but that morning before I got married her whole family made me feel so much better. Even Meg who was getting ready for her Prom made me like a bride. I walked out of their house feeling reassured and ready to get married. My roommate Jaimie did my hair. All of Cory's family -whom I had never met- all reached out to me. They took care of me and helped me through those last days. Perris gave me a car to use. And she and Jimett were there for me and did everything they could to help me. They too made me feel so much better about myself. Cory was so patient and caring. He helped so much! He was there with me every step of the way. And the Lord. I never once felt like I couldn't do it all. I constantly was reassured of the decision I had made. I felt loved and comforted. I was handed loving people to support me. It was because of Him I didn't have an emotional breakdown or get a terrible migraine. I have come to understand this more this past week. I am very grateful for the people in my life who love and support me no matter what the circumstance may be.
And now Cory is graduated. He says he didn't deserve to graduate. But he did. He did work hard. School may come easier to him than others, but he definitely worked hard. I'm proud of him. REAL proud. In a few months he'll start all over. Another, "first day of school." Another four years. Another graduation.
