Saturday, March 29, 2008

Celebrate!

As of 1:30 PM Friday afternoon, Todd has completed his higher education. He had his final oral defense via conference call and it went smoothly and they all agreed that he passed with flying colors.

Each of them requested a personal copy of his final project to use and put into force in their own businesses or classrooms! I couldn't be more proud of Todd and the amount of time and work he has put into his education. He's done!

Tammy insisted that Todd and I get out alone and celebrate together, so she volunteered to watch the kids. I couldn't wait to get out, Todd, however was exhausted and wanted to stay home and sleep. I said "no way! Someone has offered to watch our kids, we are getting out! You can't throw away opportunities like that!"

I asked him what he wanted to do...he wanted to take a nap. So I bullied him out to the car and we went to The Old Spaghetti Factory (he did suggest that Lasagna sounded good and you all know how much I love their food).

When the meal was finished and we were picking our teeth, I asked what he wanted to do. He said he was still tired and right then a lightbulb lit above my head. I told him to get in the car, but that we weren't going to far. I ran into the "location" and asked if there were any openings and surveyed the current customers and knew that he would be safe. It took me prying his hands off of the steering wheel to get him to come with me.

We entered the "location" and he was like a small child being forced into a swimming pool (the metaphor is one that has recently been vivid in my mind). However, once he got into the chair and pushed the buttons, he relaxed a little and the PEDICURES began! It was so wonderful and relaxing and we both benefited from it. As Ken would say "we owed it to ourselves."

Then we headed over to the sports store so he could get some more running gear (he's been prepping for a Marathon).

The celebration continued this evening with a surprise party that I flawlessly planned and followed through with thanks to the precision and secrecy of my favorite little helpers (thanks Tammy and Ike, I couldn't have done it without you).

The guest list composed of some of our "ohana" that survived (and graduated from UH) the Hawaiian Islands with us and have witnessed the struggles and joys that we have been through as well as our dearest friends that have been with us here on the mainland since Todd and I became "the Riches."

My heart is so full tonight with the love these people have for Todd. This world would be an awfully lonely place without family and friends that encourage and cheer you on. You know, everybody wants to be reminded that they are doing okay once in a while...tonight affirmed that the friends we have made have helped encourage us down this path in life and think we are doing okay.

Yeah, life is good. And I think that you are okay, just because you are reading my blog and think I am interesting enough to spend your time reading about.

15 comments:

Miranda said...

Well it's about FREAKIN' TIME! We are planning on coming to the graduation FYI!!!
Um, totally cute page...how did you do it?

Mia said...

Congratulations! I'm sure its wonderful to be heading for a real income after so long.

Nik said...

Great party with good food and fish. I mean friends. I can't wait to see Todd wear his new shirt. You may have to take a picture and post it!

Shay said...

Congrats! I still can't get over how you got him to get a pedicure! There is no way my husband would do that. Love that you suprised him also...you are such a great wife!

Live everyday to its fullest said...

YEah way to go TODD! We are so proud of him! And I am so glad to hear that you got a good night/day out without the kids! Wish we were close enough to swap as we did in Hawaii...its always nice to know you can swap with friends! So glad you have family close by to help out though! Miss you and I am counting down the weeks till we get to see you guys again...and St. George sounds GREAT!

Meredith & Company said...

Congrats to you and your hubby! What a great feeling. I'm happy for both of you...don't let anyone tell you that it isn't an accomplishment for BOTH of you, because it definitely is!

The Riches Family said...

We are so proud of you and Todd! I know it's been a long road and you guys have done great! We are so excited for his graduation in Hawaii! It will be so fun! Way to go!

The Reading Armadillo said...

Congratulations! I will never get over the image of you and Todd getting pedicures. That is hilarious!

Heather B said...

That's AWESOME! And I am SO impressed you got Todd to get a pedicure, I tried that on Valentines with Samuel...no go. It's so silly, I KNOW he'd love it if he'd just swallow his pride. Anyway, I miss Spaghetti Factory. YUM.

ashley g. said...

Hooray, hooray, hooray! Congrats to your family! Good luck in your next few adventures- jobs, marathons, making up for millions of years in school... you deserve a HUGE break!

Congratulations!

angie said...

Congrats Mel and your page looks so stinkin' cute!!

Lindsay said...

Congratulations to both of you! We are so happy all went well. We've been thinking about you and are so excited for your family.

Bethany said...

What a great date!!! I can't believe you got him to get a pedicure. I've been trying to get my husband to do that with me for years. Just goes to show that your husband is much more MANLY than mine. :)

The Potter Pack said...

I am so excited for your family .... I know his graduation is a celebration for EVERYONE in your family !! Congrats and good luck ... now you will be making all the big bucks in the world !!

Nichole said...

Congrats!!! What exciting times these are! What's the plan from here?