The weekend I became a Master of the Universe

Well...not really a Master of the Universe, but a Mater none-the-less. I realize that it has been over a week since these events took place, but during that week I have been "detoxing" from all the fun and celebrations, as well as toying with some life decisions, disappointments, and anxiety about what is to come. Those thoughts will come in a later blog, but for now, I want to run down and share some pictures of what a fabulous and wonderful graduation weekend I had.

First things first, I must admit how absolutely spoiled I was to have my whole family commit to coming to my graduation. Everyone came....my Dad from Oregon, my sister from California, my brother and sister-in-law from Philadelphia, my in-laws from Arkansas. I wonder how many miles total everyone traveled to get to Grapevine for little ole me! I felt blessed and overwhelmed to know that they were all coming, and a little bit guilty. Of all my siblings (6 total from the Norvell and Vendsel side) there are a total of 5 Master degrees, and I have only attended one of those ceremonies (which just happened to be in Fort Worth). So, to know that I had skipped out on the other four ceremonies, yet they still decided to travel to come see me was exciting, but I was very humbled also. When they all graduate with their PhD's, I'll be there with bells on!

So, the weekend started with everyone arriving on Wednesday afternoon. I picked my dad up in the early afternoon first, and was delighted to have a few hours to myself with him. It has been over a year since I had seen my dad, and during that year he had recovered from colon cancer. I must admit, I was a bit nervous about seeing him. I was afraid his appearance may have been altered from all the treatment, or that he had some lingering side effects that I didn't know about, as this was the case with a very close friend of mine who died of cancer when I was in college. But, my dad, ever the worlds strongest man in my eyes, looked fantastic and as healthy as ever! It was great to see him, as I cherish all of the time we get to spend together. My sister and grandmother arrived later in the afternoon, so we picked them up from the air port and proceeded out to my mom's house in Dallas for a "family reunion". Mom made a wonderful buffet dinner and everyone had a great time talking and visiting...

Sarah and Rachel, wine in hand and girly talking to their hearts content

Sarah and Dad.....

Mike and Rachel, who just celebrated their 6th anniversary!

My husband and my brother. Not quite sure the story behind this photo......

My mom holding the marvelous Lemon Meringue Pie she made for dessert.

Thursday afternoon, all the "kids" on the Vendsel side came out to Grapevine for the day. This picture below is after a full day of fun. I made a simple lunch, and then the girls went out to the spa for mani-pedi's and the boys went.....book shopping! Afterwards, I cooked a birthday lunch for Rachel (which just happened to be the same day as my graduation) and we ate (some more) and laughed and talked (some more). It was a great day to spend with family.


I love this picture of the Vendsel kids and dad. I don't think one like this exists besides this one. Despite our weariness from two long days, we all are smiling and happy to be together.

My sisters and I at the table

And then Friday was graduation day! And what a day it was. My in-laws came over in the afternoon, who had arrived the night before, for lunch and we visited. The ceremony was at 4, followed by dinner at an awesome Mexican restaurant close by our house in Grapevine. The ceremony was very....surreal. It was very anti-climatic. Walk across the stage, get handed a flower (in lieu of handshakes to avoid swine flu) from the President of our University (who I had never seen before that moment), walk a few more steps, get handed an (empty) diploma folder with a letter stating I would have my diploma mailed to me in six weeks, sit back down, and it's done. I spent the rest of the two hours goofing off with my friends from school, trying to be patient when all I could think about was the amazing Mexican food waiting for me to consume. I was glad that I did walk, but was a little disappointed no fireworks went off when my name called (just kidding).

My best friend and college roommate, Brooke, came to see me graduate. Again, I was spoiled and humbled to have her there

After the ceremony with my mom and Mike

And with my dad...I'm such a daddy's girl!

And with my siblings.

At the restaurant with my nephew, Caleb. He's not even six months old and has already been to two graduation ceremonies. And, he didn't cry the entire time at both. Such a good boy!!

Me and the bestie!

The best in-laws a girl could ask for. I am constantly blessed by their generosity, support, wisdom and the unconditional love they have offered me from the very beginning.
Daddy-o!

And the Vendsel/Bardes women. Such beauties.

Saturday, Mike and Sarah come over to see Dad off, as he left that afternoon for home. I made brunch and we said our (tearful for me) goodbyes. That evening, the Norvells came over and prepared the most amazing cookout ( I have pictures of this event,but can't seem to locate them). They grilled shrimp, kebabs, and made a triple berry cobbler in Walter's dutch oven that he brought all the way from Arkansas. Sunday, after church, we had a family photo session with Lydia (who, I realized I don't have a single picture with, or my brother-in-law John. It must be because Lydia we behind her own camera most of the weekend). Lydia took us out to the seminary for professional family photos that I can't wait to see! By Wednesday, everyone was gone, and I felt more fulfilled, care-free, and humbled than I had in a long time.