Jessica Lee Fuller Class of 2008

Well the day that we knew would eventually come finally came. When your first child is born it seems as if 18 years will go by very slowly, that could not be further from the truth. Not only did the last 18 years go by very quickly, the last year in particular went by like a bolt of lightning. You prepare yourself in the best way you can but nothing can actually prepare you for the mixed emotions you have when your oldest graduates from high school and makes plans to leave home and go to College. That is exactly where we find ourselves today, preparing to take Jessica to Utah where she will be going to the University of Utah. A lot has been going on but I thought I would start by sharing pictures from Jessica's graduation.

It was a wonderful day full of excitement, thankfully the graduation ceremony was indoors at the Frank Erwin Center on the UT campus. It was incredibly hot outside and I felt for all of the graduates in their caps and gowns looking for their families after graduation. The speakers were very impressive and shared thoughts that allowed reflection on the last 4 years while intertwining that reflection with thoughts of the future that lies ahead. We are so proud of Jessica and the many accomplishments both in school and outside of school. She is an amazing young woman, she is a wonderful example to everyone she comes in contact with. We appreciate the example she has been for her brother and sister, she has truly been a blessing in our lives and one we will always be eternally grateful for. We hope you enjoy a few pictures from Jessica's special day.

 

 

 

 

Happy Father's Day

 

 

 

 

To my wonderful husband, Happy Father's Day. Each and every day I look at our kids I realize how lucky we are to have them in our lives, we have truly been blessed. I am so grateful for you and for the wonderful Dad you have become, you work so hard to provide for our family and strive to make everyone happy. I know I expect a lot and often forget to thank you for all you do. I recognize how important your family is to you, you often say that you feel our kids teach you more than you teach them. I hope you are beginning to realize as they get older how much of an influence you truly do have on them. They love you very much and so do I. Thank you for always guiding our family in the right direction and providing a stable foundation to build upon, thank you for your patience with me as I found my way back to the gospel. I will be forever grateful that through that process we became an eternal family, I wouldn't have it any other way. All my love, today, tomorrow and always.

Happy Fathers Day Dad

 

 

 

I consider myself very lucky to have been blessed with an amazing Dad. My sisters and I recognize how lucky we were to be raised by such an awesome Dad and Mom. My Dad is kind, patient, loving, caring and understanding, he always puts the needs of others ahead of his own needs. He truly taught me the meaning of unconditional love. No matter how old I get my favorite thing is still a big hug from my dad or hearing him say "Hi sweetie, how are you" when I call him on the phone. His love and support have always been and continue to be a big part of my life. I wish my dad a very Happy Father's Day and hope he will always know how much he is loved and respected, and how important he is, and will always be in my life. It is my hope that the boys my daughters choose to marry will have been raised by someone like my dad.

A lot to Blog about

I have so many things to add to my blog, once I figure out how to download pictures from our new camera to my blog I will do so. Life has been extremely busy lately, we have the end of flag football for Houston and soccer for the girls. Seminary Graduation for Jessica, the end of the school year, Jessica's Graduation open house and of course GRADUATION! We continue to have family in town for the festivities, it has been a wonderful time and one I will always remember. It is hard to believe that this day has arrived and even harder to believe that the soon we will be driving Jessica to College. We have a Senior trip, girls camp, BYU soccer camp and EFY to look forward to as well as a trip to Utah in August or possibly sooner for orientation. Stay tuned for pictures and updates.

Thank you to all who have been so kind to wish Jessica well and congratulate her on her graduation. So many have played such an important role in her life, we treasure your love and friendship.

Kids Say the Funniest Things

 

On Memorial Day we were on our way to a movie and decided to stop for lunch first, everyone had a different suggestion of where to eat when Houston decided to give us his vote. As we were driving down Highway 183 Houston said "My friend Will said that Hooters has good food, can we eat there?" This comment caused everyone to laugh which puzzled Houston, he could not figure out what was so funny. That prompted an interesting conversation of me trying to explain why everyone was laughing, once he figured it out he laughed right a long with us. This is just one of many funny things Houston has said, he is definately proof that kids do say the funniest things.

Happy Mother's Day

 

There is no better day than Mother's Day to show gratitude for three of the most amazing blessings in my life. I am so lucky to be the mom of such wonderful kids. They inspire and encourage me, they make me want to be a better person and ultimately strive to be the kind of Mom they deserve. I am grateful for the love they show me, while I may not be perfect they accept me for who I am. There are many lessons I have learned the last 17 years, and I am reminded that I have many more to learn in the years ahead. Each passing year brings new experiences but with each experience my love and appreciation for my kids grows. I am so grateful to my Mom for being such a wonderful example to me, not only as a mom but as a Grandma. Her unconditional love taught me the true meaning of being a motherhood and for that I will be eternally grateful. I am also grateful and humbled by all of my friends and family who are amazing Mom's I learn so much from each of you. Thank you for the example you are in my life and for your love and support. To my beautiful children it is my hope that you will always know how much you are loved, what amazing blessings you are to our family and how much you teach me each and every day. I am honored to be your MOM!

Is That Your Final Answer?

As of today Jessica's decision for College is to go to the University of Utah. I am very happy that she has made a decision and that she is excited about her future and I am excited for her. I would be lying if I didn't admit that I was a little sad that she did not choose Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD). I really think she would have enjoyed the learning environment at Savannah and would have enjoyed that experience. Ultimately it is her choice and it is time for me to recognize that she is growing up and needs to make her own decisions. We are so proud of Jessica and look forward to all that lies ahead for her.

Decisions, Decisions

 

Senior year is here and graduation is right around the corner which in turn means that it is time to pick a College. Jessica has been accepted to the University of Utah and Savannah College of Art and Design, she has a desire to study Architecture and Interior Design. She is having a difficult time deciding which school to attend, to help her make a decision we took a weekend trip to Savannah to visit the campus, take a tour and get a feel for the City. We had a wonderful time despite getting lost a few times, if only we would have had a GPS while we were walking around town. The school has so much to offer and the campus is absolutely beautiful. I'm not sure the trip helped Jessica made a decision, it actually made it more difficult. She is taking the time to consider all of her options and make the right choice, keep an eye on our blog for her final decision.

Hannah's game

 

Here is a picture of Hannah at Saturday's soccer game going for a header.

All good things must come to an end...

Last week Jessica's high school soccer team played in a playoff game on Tuesday and won their game. They advanced to the next round against a Houston team on Friday evening. The game was very exciting and the girls dominated most of the game ending in a 1 - 1 tie, playoff games can not end in a tie so it went into a double overtime still with a 1 - 1 tie. Then the game went into penalty kicks, after several amazing penalty kicks by both teams and a back and forth tie the game finally ended with the Houston team winning. It was very sad, the team worked so hard all season and should have won that game. It was especially sad for the Seniors who realized when it was over that would be the last time they played together. Unfortunately all good things must come to an end, thus the end of Jessica's high school soccer career. Hopefully she will have an opportunity to play in College.