God Bless America

Today is a day to look back and remember all the soldiers who fought and died for this country and those who are currently fighting. This country stands for freedom, opportunity, dreams and love and I give my thanks to those men and women for putting their hearts and souls into defending our nation.

My Cousin, My Hero, My Marine!

Four and a half years ago, my cousin Ryan, joined the Marine Corps and has done two tours. I cannot thank him enough for everything he has done for this country. He is truly amazing and an inspiration.  I love you, Ryan!

All pictures taken at my cousin's Marine Corps Graduation. 

I know I can speak for my family when I say, we am proud of you Ryan and every soldier, present and past, for all you do! God Bless the USA! I am proud to be an American

Jacob Brady at 6 Months...

That's right...Jacob Brady is 6 months old.

I cannot believe that 6 months ago, my family welcomed this little boy into our lives and were forever changed...for the better, of course! Sunday morning, I took my camera and did a mini-photo shoot of the beautiful Kasel family out at a local park. (you would never guess the munchkin is sick, would you?) Although, we did forget a little about the heat factor, so obviously we did not stay outside very long.

Since the heat played a factor and cut our shoot a little short, we decided to take a few more in Jacob's room. It was a wonderful photo-session as it's easy when the people your shooting make it so easy!

I GRADUATE FROM GRAD SCHOOL...

That's right everyone I finally graduated, again! After two years studying and learning about the field of Speech Language Pathology, it's finally time for me to step out into the world! 

I cannot believe that two years ago I moved to Flagstaff not really sure what was going to happen and where life was going to lead me. I can say that it has been one amazing ride and I have meet some of the greatest people and greatest friends a girl could ask for.

I was lucky enough to share this moment of my life with my parents, who have been their through everything and I know my siblings would have wanted to be there too. It was one beautiful day here in Flagstaff and I couldn't have asked for a better "hooding" ceremony/graduation! It's official, I'm a Masters of Speech Language Pathology.

Left: The intro. slide to the ceremony
Middle: Handing my hood to Dr. Skelton to get hooded
Right: The slide shown to everyone as I walked across stage

Did I mention that I'm ecstatic to be done!!!!

The Past Few Months.....

Where has time flown.. I recently realized that it's been since February and so here are some things that have happened to me since then.


1) Joel Turned 21...well I know technically his birthday was in February we didn't get a chance to celebrate it until march/spring break. Not going to lie though, it was well worth it because our cousin Rachel was able to celebrate with us. It was a good night full of laughter!

Mill Ave. was our spot for the night!

2) The Jeffries came to Phoenix and Ryan finally got to meet the little munchkin.

3) Easter Weekend and the teething little boy. Oh yeah, did I mention that I love this little boy and got to spend an entire day with him :)

4) NO MORE CLASSES = HAPPY HOUR! I guess this is what happens when graduate students finish up their final final EVER!

5) Canadian Tuxedo...I should mention that this was a celebration of finishing up the school year! We rocked it wearing nothing but jeans and had a blast!



Stay tuned...

Snow Boarding Queen

A few month ago something quite exciting happened in my life. Okay well two exciting things. 1) My little brother turned 21...FINALLY; 2) I went snowboarding for the first time ever and I didn't get hurt. Talk about an accomplishment! Now, your probably saying to yourself, "Nicole, you lived in Flagstaff for two years and this is your first time going snowboarding?" Well the answer is yes. Grad school is tough and not to mention time consuming and I finally just said "what the hell" and went. 

I guess you could say I had some "peer pressure" as I did go with two of my friends, Jeanine and Kristin (roommate), but still I went. Surprisingly, it wasn't talk difficult. I was up standing in an hour, which I think is pretty impressive. This is not saying that I did not fall because did I biffed it hard core one time and got the wind knocked out of me. Nor is it saying I'm about to start doing crazy jumps but I was pretty impressive on the mountain!!! Here are some photos...I know a little delayed but better late then never!

Top left: Jeanine and I on the lift; Top right: Kris and Jeanine at the beginning of the day
Bottom left and right: Me on the Board!!!