Jill's Graduation - May 30, 2016

Jill was hooded by Sandra Bermann, who was chair of the Comparative Literature Department when Jill began her work here.

The processional.

An excerpt of the speech by Sanjeev Kulkarni, Dean of the Graduate School.

Some cheers of congratulations!

The recessional.

This outside graduation ceremony was moved indoors because of a weather forecast of 100% rain (tropical storm), which interestingly never occurred but at least helped to cool it off outside.  Yay!

Jake had to get Ben to the airport (Ben wanted to be home in time to celebrate Brittan's birthday with her), but he made it back for the graduation in time for Jill's hooding. Great timing, Jake!

Congratulations, Jill!

And a selfie of the Mom who is so happy about this time together.

Birthday Surprise

So, I arrived in Princeton last night (actually wrote this yesterday on Jill's Facebook post--and my birthday is tomorrow, the 31st) to be here for Jill's graduation on Monday . . . and as we were walking across campus to head to a brunch, I see Daniel leaning against a tree. What?!? I was SO happy to see that he was able to work out his schedule to be here after all. Couldn't believe it. Then, Ben starts walking up the walkway towards me. What?!? How can that be? We hadn't even discussed him being able to come with his family, his work schedule, and studying for the bar and all. And then Jake walks up to us when I'm in the middle of screams and hugs and I was overwhelmed with joy. Are you kidding me? More screams. More hugs. These four really pulled off the biggest birthday surprise for me ever. Guess they've been scheming on this since January. Can you believe it? I couldn't believe it.

Condensed version:  And so well orchestrated.  Jill and I were walking across campus this morning and I see Daniel leaning against a tree.  Then Ben comes walking down the sidewalk.  After that round of screams and hugs, Jake walks up to us.  

Ben has a video that I'll try to get uploaded here.

Here are the schemers.

Another one.  I sent a text to Don of this next one saying, "Happy Birthday Surprise!" and his response was, "That is so exciting!  Did you know?"  To which I replied, "Not a clue."

This certainly topped any birthday surprise I have ever had or ever hope to have.  And it certainly made this big 6-0 a lot sweeter (I had been dreading this one for some reason).

Jill gave us a nice walking tour of Princeton campus.

Some of the gardens at the President's house.

My surprised face (and a lesson not to believe Jill--I thought we were going to get a carpet shampooer to clean her carpets, so I was saving my shower and getting ready for the day until after we finished that chore).  That sneak! 

Love Louise's comment:  "Oh My Gosh!!! Fabulous surprise, Sister!  I am delighted for you!!!"

Rosala wrote:  "Sounds like you're the luckiest mom alive! Having kids that love you certainly does that to a mom! Bless them all for their goodness to you and have the happiest birthday ever!"

And my friend Diane's:  "Heaven!  Best birthday ever for best mom ever!  L.o.v.e. that!"

True that--best birthday ever.  

Big thank you Jill, Jake, Ben, and Daniel.  

Karen's Baby Shower for Brycen James

So enjoyed the time yesterday with family and friends who came to my sister Jean's in Coeur d'Alene to celebrate the upcoming birth of

He is the first of a new generation in our family -- Jean and Tom will become great-grandparents!

Karen is such a beautiful mamma-to-be:

Karen's Mom Teresa (Mama T -- yes, she will become a grammy!) and Grams Jean hosted, and lots of aunts, cousins, and other family and friends joined the fun.

Cousin Tim and his wife Patty from Grangeville.

Karen with Grandma Devin from Grangeville.

Aunt Dolores and Cousin Shelby

Aunt Peggy and Mom Teresa documenting the day.

                                                                     

This video shows a glimpse of the joy.

All enjoyed a sit-down lunch from this lovely taco bar prepared by Jean and Teresa

and then a slice of this lovely cake. 

Congratulations, Tyler and Karen.  We're all so excited for the arrival of Brycen James (due June 12).

Love Jill's Facebook Post Entitled "The PhDeed, fresh off the hand sewn bindery press."

Jill defended her dissertation last Thursday.  Wish I could have been there--but thank my lucky stars (Wendy Belcher) for technology that allowed this small peek into the room.







Some of the celebrators of "JMJ, PhD !!!!":



The announcement and invitation:

Mother's Day 2016

"What do you want for Mother's Day?" Don asked earlier in the week.  "A temple trip with you," I replied.  So, we were off to the temple early Saturday morning.  Sweet experience.

But then, he didn't stop there.  He planted the entire remaining part of the garden, mowed the lawn, and did all the shopping and prep for Parker pizza for this group. They're my AUAP students from Section 3 this cycle, my office mate Jacque and her mom Michelle, Debby Arbogast and family (oh, what will we do without them [they're moving--yikes!] at future Parker pizza gatherings?!?), and Roger Horton.  It's a group effort to arrange the transportation to get all the students here, but it is oh, so worth it!

Don gets a crew working in the kitchen to make pizza while others play ping pong, darts, croquet, badminton, or soccer.  We try to work in shifts . . .  

Sox is always the star of the show.

Skype visits and phone calls always make our day, and it was especially sweet this year to feel the joy.  So glad to be called Grandma by these three!

Caitlin made this for her mom in her Nursery class at church.

James with sweet kisses for his mom.

Calvin -- or is this Jake? -- No, it's Calvin!

 Happy Mother's Day to all--especially the moms of those three grandchildren of ours, Brittan and Lyndsey!  And thanks to Louise, Jean, Peggy, and Joanna for the cards and greetings that helped to make the day so lovely.  I look to your examples more than you know.

After all he had already done, that Don Parker still thought of something we can plant outdoors.

And a Happy Mother's Day to you, dear Mom, and to Eileen Parker.  Think of you often.

johnnyrex

Happy Birthday, Jake!

This seems like yesterday--and it's fun to see how some of those best friends have continued to be best friends.  Who knew that you three in tuxes would dress up like that for your wedding day years later? And look at how young Ben and Daniel are at your 18th birthday party and then at your college graduation (when that last picture was taken).  And Karen?  Oh my!  Who could have imagined that you would both have sons just four months apart? 

 

This looks like an ad for Coca-Cola.