Steve has graduated!

It has happened! My husband is officially a college graduate. He has earned a Bachelor's of Science in Construction Management. A mere 10 semesters, a wife and two kids later, we are finished. I am so proud. I took so many pictures that it was a little embarassing, but I couldn't help myself...

The graduation was held in the newly built BYU-Idaho Center. It is HUMONGOUS!!! It seats 15,000 and looks and feels like a mini-conference center. It was dedicated just the day before and even with every graduate being given as many tickets as they wanted, we didn't come close to filling it up. This picture only gives a little idea of the scope of the place.

Liz was so excited to give her Dad a hug after commencement. She looked for him the whole time but was unable to identify him amongst the sea of black hats.

Steve was home-schooled through high school and never had a graduation ceremony. So this was a great opportunity for his parents to celebrate his accomplishments. It is impossible to say just how much we owe to our parents for their love and support.

I felt much more of a sense of completion at Steven's graduation than I did at my own. This symbolized much more for our family. We were done. We were leaving Rexburg. We had all worked and sacrificed for Steven to get an education. This degree feels like it is partly mine (is that weird?) I am so proud of him.

He came as one man, all of his earthly belongings fit in the back of his truck, and this is how he left...

Doesn't he look happy? This is the smile of a man who is ready to take on the world! (And it doesn't hurt that homework and tests are a thing of the past... sort of...)

Liz kept insisting that I take pictures of her. After an hour of commencement, and an hour of convocation, she was so ready to be done.

Steve presents his name to be read as he walks across the stage, shakes hands with the uppity-ups and recieves his official BYU-I diploma cover (the actual diploma will be mailed, provided all classes were passed...)

Shaking hands with the department head. Steve was the only student I noticed that also got a hug. Steve is pretty likable... and pretty special.

Leaving with his official BYU-Idaho diploma cover...

And finding his way to his seat with his official BYU-Idaho diploma cover...

As we arrived at the Taylor Chapel for convocation we ran into a few of Steve's teachers. Both told me how great Steve was (I already knew that!) and how they loved to teach him. However, the students who have taken classes after him, hate him. This is because Steve was always going above and beyond on projects and he apparently raised the bar a bit. Several of his projects are still being used as examples by teachers in the department. All of those really late nights were worth something!

The man graduates and what is the first thing he does?! College graduate he may be, but dad he is first and forever.

On the way out of graduation we ran into some friends from the ward who were also graduating. This is Ava, one of Liz's best friends, who she was so sad to leave. Liz made some very good friends just this semester.

And so we close a chapter in the life of the Cowling Family. Perhaps we should call it: Journey through the frozen tundra... or maybe: 101 ways to slip on the ice.. Not sure...

I came to Rick's College (and yes it was Ricks College then) exactly 10 years ago. It was my 19th birthday. I was so excited, so full of hope and expectations, and I was also scared to death. I leave it now, 10 years later, feeling much the same way. As I watched Steven's graduating class file into the building (it took a while) I felt as if my Rexburg life was flashing in front of my eyes. Let me give you a rundown:

During my time in Rexburg I have had 21 roommates (Shauna, Becky, Michelle, Janae, Jen, Erin, Cami, Laureen, Amy, Kaylee, Dee, Cassie, Emily, Lacey, Alicia, Cammi, Nicole, Gina, Rachel, Jessika and Anna... sorry if I forgot someone, and I am pretty sure I did). Steven had three (Chris, Matt and Myke).

I have lived in 5 different apartments.

I have lived in 3 different wards with 7 different bishops.

I have seen the extensive remodeling of 4 buildings on campus: the Library, the Benson, the Snow and the Manwaring Center.

I have seen 4 different buildings go up on campus: the Spori, the Hinckley, the Ricks, and the BYU-Idaho center.

I have seen the Rexburg temple from the groundbreaking, total construction and dedication.

I have gone to the temple, recieved my endowments, served a mission and learned to speak Russian.

I have been married to the love of my life and had two children.

I have earned a bachelor's degree in History education.

I have learned to sew, cook, how to walk on the ice, and also how to shovel a sidewalk.

It has been an amazing 10 years...

But as I stood there lost in my sentimental sea of memories, I knew there was something more that I was failing to recognize. As the choir began their musical number, it hit me. They sang: "I Believe in Christ". All of my time here, all of my efforts: both to earn a degree and even to develop my family were all because of my testimony of my Savior. All of the efforts put into me and my husband by our teachers, bishops and leaders; all of the scholarship money that had been spent, had been to teach me that one truth that this university was uniquely qualified to teach. I do believe in Christ. He is my King. I do not know all that the future holds, but I do know this truth, and because I know it, the future looks bright.