So much to do...so little time!

Update: I tried to post this a few weeks ago, but I couldn't get the pics posted...so here it is with the pictures!!

There is SO much I love about living in Boise and since I am finally done with school I am able to do some of these things with Riley!

This past week is a PERFECT example! It has been one of the best weeks we have had in a long time. And we deserved it if I don't say so myself!

We started off the weekend with an afternoon at Sandy Point (I forgot my camera unfortunatly) with our friends from soccer - Rainy and Angelo. It was a blast! I had almost forgotten how much fun it was out there. I haven't been out there in almost 10 years!!

Afterwards we went to my friend Selena's house for a BBQ to welcome her fiance to Boise; he's moving here from Washington! Welcome Steve! Then we went home and watched Willy Wanka and had a camp out!

But that's not all, this was just Friday!! On Saturday we did a lot of yard work and put out the slip and slide (or slick and slide as Riley likes to call it) and played lots of games with our friends Eric, Sara, Nathan, Eli, Will, Mya and Star! Whew! What a day!

Sunday was great as well...after we cleaned the house and the car we watched Nanny McPhee and saw the neighbors set off some fireworks!

Unfortunately I didn't get pictures of any of these great things we did this weekend. But tonight we went to Kathryn Albertson's Park and took LOTS of pics there. K.A. Park is so great (another great things I love about Boise), the wildlife there is beautiful and so is the landscape! We had such a great time. We were a little disappointed though because the last time we went we saw a turtle and a deer!! But we didn't see those this time. We still had fun though! Enjoy the pics!

Kindergarten Graduation

I really never thought this day would come...at least not so fast...

Riley has graduated from Kindergarten!!!!!!!!!!!

I have always found it interesting how life comes full circle in one way or another. Many of you may or may not know this, but Riley and I live one street over almost directly across from the house that me and my mom lived in when I was Riley's age! Being as such, Riley goes to the same grade school I did! Some of the same teachers are even there!

I am proud to say the school has made some great changes in a variety of ways much to my delight. Although her school isn't the fanciest or brand new, there is so much I love about it! I love her teachers, the principal, the diverse population of students and the fact that they switched to uniforms this past year (their colors are yellow and blue)!

But back to the real reason why I am writing this blog. I can't believe Riley graduated from Kindergarten this year. It's really unbelievable. I knew she could do it; that's not what is unbelievable...what's unbelievable is the fact that time has gone by so fast! In just a few short months she will start the First Grade and I'm afraid before I know it, she'll be graduating from 6th grade, then junior high, then high school, and eventually college.

*Excuse me while I wipe away the tear from my eye*

Well, here are some fun pictures from her graduation. I wish more people could have come...no worries, there are more down the road...and they'll be here before we know it!!



Here is Riley's entire morning kindergarten class...she is in the bottom row, second from the end, on the left, in the yellow shirt...



Here is Riley with her Kindergarten Graduation Diploma. She was so excited to have one just like mama!



And last, but certainly not least, one last picture with Riley and her teacher - Mrs. MacKenzie...the BEST Kindergarten teacher ever!!!

I don't know if Mrs. MacKenzie will ever get to read this, but if she ever does I want to send out a HUGE thank you! Thank you for making this the best first year of school for Riley. It was everything I hoped for her!

And to Riley...Great Job Baby Girl!! I knew you could do it. I can't wait to see what else you will accomplish!!

Six years later...

My, my, my...how time flies...
Everyone told me it would...
I had no idea how right they were...

Six years ago today, I was the new proud mama of a one week old baby girl. Being a new parent is scary enough...to be a single parent on top of it was even scarier.

As hard as it has been I haven't regretted one thing. Well, I take that back. Although I have done my best for Riley, I wish I would have been at a better place in my life when I had her...for her sake. There are so many things that I want to do for her, but I can't always do them. However, I've come to learn, it's this way for nearly every parent, no matter what the situation; not just me, not just single parents.

The past 6 years have been amazing. It has been amazing watching her grow from a tiny, helpless, fragile infant to a precocious toddler, to the "spicy" six year old she is today. No one can even imagine how lucky I am. I am truly blessed in more ways than I can count simply because of Riley.

This sixth birthday came at a time when we were experiencing MANY changes. I just graduated with my MSW and Riley just graduated from Kindergarten. I just started a new job and FINALLY we have more time to spend together. Although not as much as I would like, I wish I could just stay home with her.

So, this is for you Riley. I may not always do everything perfect, but I sure am trying...and it's all for you kiddo. I don't know where I would be without you or what I would do without you. My life has changed for the better since I gave birth to you six
years ago. You are the MOST important person in my life.

With all that being said, I cannot WAIT to see what the next year brings...and what the next six years bring. However, I wish time would slow down just a bit so I could enjoy you even more. You are so special and amazing.

I LOVE YOU BABY GIRL!!

LMSW

So, if it wasn't enough that I've been in school for the last 5 YEARS, after I graduated with my MSW (Master of Social Work) I also had to take the state licensing exam. That's right...you need a license to practice this stuff.

The licensing exam for a social worker varies from state to state. Except for the Clinical license - there is one test and it is a national one. However, for the BSW and MSW exam every state has different requirements. In Idaho you need a 70% to pass.

Now, keep in mind this test is not cheap either. First you pay $50 to have your application to take the test reviewed. THEN you pay $175 to register to take the test. THEN you pay $30 for the short study guide. All in all, the test costs at minimum $255 to take the test. Here's the crappy part. If you don't pass, there's a three month waiting period to retake it AND you have to pay the test fee of $175 all over again!!

So, as you can imagine this test is a little nerve wracking...especially where I am not a good test taker...I prefer essay exams. Additionally, it is very hard to get a job without having your license. On top of that, if you have a job, most employers will tell you that if you don't pass you will be fired - including the place where I work.

Again, no pressure, right?? Wrong!! I was literally physically sick for the week before my exam. I will spare you the details of my anxiety induced illness, but it was not pleasant.

So, my test was scheduled for May 30, 2008 at 8:30 am. I went with one of my bestest friends; Christine. We wished each other good luck before we went in for the 170 question, 4 hour long test. Again...nerve wrecking. At approximately 11 am I was finished with my test. However, there were approximately 30 questions I was unsure of and at least 5 or 6 where I had NO CLUE!! So, when it was time to quite the test my heart was pounding, my hands were sweating, and I submitted my test!

Much to my surprise and happiness my score came up that I...PASSED the test!! YEAH!!! I cannot even begin to tell you how excited I was. I was more excited about passing my test than I was about actually graduating. I felt such a HUGE sense of relief.

This was such a HUGE accomplishment for me, I had to share it. I cannot stress enough how crucial this test is...and I passed! I am officially a Licensed Social Worker - LMSW!

YEAH!!!

Pigs Have Flown

After much high anticipation...
5 years later...
Many sleepless nights...
Lots of homework...

MANDY FINALLY GRADUATED!!!!

That's right!!! I have finally graduated from GRAD school...for those who don't know...with my MSW (Master of Social Work). It's been a long journey, but well worth it. I have many thanks to send out to my friends and family who have been a HUGE support system. There's no way I could have made it this far without all of you.

Here is a re-cap of the exhausting, but gratifying weekend.

So, although official commencement graduation was Saturday, May 17th, the School of Social Work holds their mini graduation, aka "Hooding Ceremony"...that's right, I have a hood (because a cape would be too obvious)...


Here's the hood...pretty cool, huh?!

Here's Riley helping me get ready...it wouldn't be graduation without her!!!




Here's one of my favorite professors...he's been one of my biggest supporters of the years...I don't think I would be the social worker I am today without his guidance...I know I wouldn't have made it through the past year without his (and the school's) support. Thank you Will!





Here's Jim...my practicum supervisor from the ACT Team...I learned SO much from him and everyone else there...thanks for a great experience guys!!

Here's me and Riley with my mom and the following picture is with my Grandma...that's right...that's where I get my good looks from...

Here I am with Robin...another amazing, supportive, influential teacher...thanks for everything Robin...





So...since I didn't "walk the line" last year I did it this year. The following day, Saturday, was another CRAZY day. Here we are on the way to commencement...YEAH!!



Here I am...the one in the middle...do you see me??




Here we are...three hours later...basking in the glow of the sun and my NEW degree...It was tiring, can you tell??




So, after the commencement, and a long nap, we went back to my house for my graduation party...isn't my cake cool?? Too bad I wasn't really in Hawaii or some tropical paradise to celebrate (miss you Kristin).





Aaahhhh...as usual...the whole weekend went by in a blur...only to be followed by starting a new job first thing Monday morning...that's right...I got a job...YEAH...see me for more juicy details...until then...

The light at the end of the tunnel??

So, as many of you know, or should know, I am in Grad school coming up on the last month of school. It's hard to believe considering I almost didn't go after the fiasco that occurred last summer. However, thanks to the support of family and friends I did it and am so glad I did. Although now I can understand why people have psychotic breaks while finishing up grad school! LOL!

Although I can see the light at the end of the tunnel sometimes I wonder if it's a train!



In the midst of completing Grad School many exciting and fun things have happened with our family so I thought I would give a brief update just to keep you all in the loop.

Riley FINALLY lost her first tooth. Well make that two to be exact. She actually had to have them extracted by the dentist because they weren't budging and the big teeth were almost all the way erupted. Needless to say there was not enough room for two baby teeth and two adult teeth in her little mouth. Anyone who knows Riley may be surprised to find out her mouth is much smaller than what we think it is!










Losing teeth isn't the only exciting thing happening at our house. Riley is also enrolled in soccer this spring. It has been a GREAT sport for her and a great family activity. Her team is the Purple Canines and so far they are undefeated after 4 games! she really has a great coach and great team mates!

They just has soccer pics taken so be on the lookout for those! In the meantime check out these great action shots from her previous games!









In addition to these things we had a great Easter with a family Easter Egg Hunt which was HYSTERICAL!! Riley and Nana ended up with the most eggs. Surprise Surprise!!

Anyways, I hope everyone is doing great. Bare with me as I finish up Grad School. I will soon be back to blogging full force! And hopefully I will have more great news to post, such as finding a job and passing the licensing test. If it wasn't hard enough with all the school work, finding work and taking this test have added even more stress!!!

In fact the only reason why I am able to blog today is because Riley is home sick - a mixed blessing!

GOAL!!!

AAAHHHH...Spring is in the air, the birds are singing, flowers are blooming, and soccer season is beginning!!!

Like many parents I am living vicariously through my daughter enrolling her in many activities I was unable to be a part of. So far we have tried martial arts, ice skating, and now soccer. I can happily say, I think we finally found something she really truly enjoys and it's soccer!!!

Riley had her first soccer practice last week and it was SO MUCH FUN!!! Her coach is great, his name is Dan and I believe he's a police officer (when he's not coaching these crazy kids, that is)...there's supposed to be 6 kids on her team but only 4 showed up. Nonetheless, these kids had a BLAST!!

They started off learning the basics, did some warm ups and eventually played a little 2 on 2. I cannot even begin to tell you how much fun this was...I cannot even begin to describe how excited we BOTH are for her first game.


Here the kids are with Coach Dan getting ready to warm up...Say Cheese!!!


"Stretch just like this..."


"Perfect! Now we got the hang of this..."


Now we're getting some action!


Weave in and out...just like that!

BTW...Riley would love to have as many people as possible show up at her games this season, which are every Saturday (except during spring break) until mid May. If you wanna come let me know and we would love to have you there!

P.S. Guess who's Team Mom?? I couldn't resist!!!