Who Put the Grad in Grad-iator?

K-rissa Kim!
Please sing the title and then "K-rissa Kim" in the tune of "Zero to Hero" from Hercules.
You probably think that's lame.

I think it's hilarious.

Jayson and Cameo will tell you it's true. I sang it all the way to Logan on Graduation day.

Well everyone...I DID IT!!! I graduated. I now have a Bachelor's Degree in Psychology with a minor in Family and Human Development!! I feel so very accomplished. My grades are even posted! Not only did I pass all of last few classes this semester, but I got an A- in all three that I took!

Now, let me tell you the tale of my graduation.
It all started on Wednesday, May 5th. I was my last day of work before graduation and when I came in I found this:

confetti. all over everything!

ta da!!

Working with your mom has many perks. One is that you can be sure that your special events will be known and celebrated at work. My awesome mom came in early to work to do all of this for me, and she even brought my favorite cake that she had made to share with the whole department. Our department even had a potluck that day (not for my graduation, but because it was Cinco de Mayo), which was delicous, and it made the day extra special. Everyone in my department at work (and a couple others) showed me their support by giving me a card stuffed with cash. The people I work with rock.

Then the next day I finished my last final and it felt SOOOO good. Jayson and I went to his parent's to watch Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs with the other Karissa, Jana (the sisters), Daniel (Jayson's best friend), and some other folks. I was not that excited to see this, but let me tell you, it's a GEM of a movie and I recommend it to all. I LOVED it.

Then, Friday that week Jayson and I decided we just wanted to spend the day together, just the two of us. His finals were done too and neither of us had to work. We had chocolate chip pancakes for breakfast, lounged around and relaxed for a big, walked around temple square to see the gorgeous blossoms on the trees and then went out for a late lunch/early dinner to the Skybox at Gateway. It was so much fun to be able to spend the whole day together, without a care in the world.

Then Saturday was Commencement and graduation. We headed up to Logan, and I'm so glad I did. It was so much fun to see my fellow graduating friends and celebrate this time with them. Plus, my favorite professor is the one who read the names for our college. That made me so happy. However, my favorite part of Commencement by far was that after the speeches were over we all stood up and did the Scottsman. I got tears in my eyes. For those of you who aren't familiar with this, the Scotsman is a song that is widely known at Utah State. It practically IS Utah State (whatever that means.). It's a dance and song cheer type of a thing that is done at pretty much ever sporting event. It's wonderful and a huge part of school spirit at Utah State.

Me, Sarah (Art History), and Katie (English). Love these girls.
I think that this is one of my favorite pictures of us ever. I think it just captures our relationship really well.

Jayson is the best husband I could ever ask for. I don't know how I would have gotten through the last couple of years of school without him. He's been so supportive of me getting my degree. This semester he was especially great. He knew how stressed out I was about making sure I did well in my classes so that I could really graduate. He spent countless hours cleaning our apartment, making dinner, and making me smile when I was bogged down with homework. I love this guy, with my whole heart.

Me and Vienna (Double major in Art History and English). Nennie is one of my dearest friends. We've been waiting years to have a good picture together and we finally got one. There's no better occasion for us to finally get one!

My Grandma Betty and me. When I was little I used to call her when I was having a hard time. She'd tickle my back, read me stories, and cut my fruit just the way I like it. She's wonderful and still supports me in everything I do.

Me and my youngest step sister Shelbie. We're tight. Love her.

Me and my Daddy! My dad is such a support and has always been there for me. I love and adore this man. My dad always wanted me to go to college. I'm glad I got to make your wish come true, Dad. (He also took Jayson and I to Mandirin Garden for lunch after graduation ceremonies. I told you he's the coolest.)

Me and my Mommy! This woman gets thousands of cheers and recognition for helping me to get where I am today. She got me up for school in the morning until I left for college (and trust me people, that is a HUGE chore), she always made sure I was doing my homework, she sent me home with food when I was living in Logan, and so much more. I could make a list that could be a blog post in itself. Most imporantly though, she loved me. She has always helped me out in every possible way she could. I love her so much.

There was a picture on this post of Justie, my dad and I, but it just dissapeared. I really don't want to put it back on right now because then I'll have to drag it from the top of this post, all the way down here. Justie is the best step mom I could ever ask for!! She is one of the most giving people I've ever met and I'm grateful for her generosity and support as well. I don't know what I do without her. Seriously.

And of course, Papa Todd. I don't have any pictures of him at graduation from mine or my mom's camera so I can't post any right now. I'm so grateful for his constant love and concern for me and that he has always treated me like one of his own.

So, there you have it. GRADUATION!!