Sometimes I wonder if it's annoying to people when I give lots of updates about the things happening in life, or if they prefer that to a once every two weeks summary?  I guess it's my blog so it's up to me.  And today I feel like updating anyone who's interested about what has been happening with the Dennis clan. (Interspersed with cute pictures of my son).

Jamison and I came to Utah to begin the search for an apartment.  I toured a few places, googled a bunch online, and in the end...we got offered the basement apartment of a family friend.  The top is being rented to the family's oldest son, along with his wife and baby.  At first I was hesitant about sharing a house with someone else but we have our own entrance, our own...well, everything except a laundry room.  We share that.  And for a basement apartment it has a lot of natural lighting and is very spacious.  The price is good, the family upstairs is nice and their son is only a few months younger than Jamison (play mates!!!)

We've also been working hard to make sure everything will work out with BYU-Idaho.  Tyler had to apply to graduate with his associates but before he could do that he had to get a "custom cluster" approved so that we could use the classes he's already taken towards graduating.  Then, because Tyler has such an awful internet connection, we had to see if he could withdraw from his online religion class without messing with his graduation date, our on-campus housing contract, and our student insurance.  It was a headache.  And for a while the answers were making us both VERY unhappy.  But when you are doing the right thing and finally talk to the people with authority....it all works out.  THANK GOODNESS!!!

Now that we have several things off our check list, we are set to enjoy the rest of our little mini-vacation with family.

Life changes so fast!  Tyler and I have been talking more about the future.  He admitted he's not happy with the education he is pursuing.  An uncle of mine had recommended something he thought Tyler would enjoy.  It sounds perfect.  And so...if things go how we are thinking, we will be moving to Utah in July and gaining residency so that the following year Tyler can enter the Technology Management program at UVU.  Surprise!  Yes, once again, we will be moving.  We've done that every summer since we got married.  I'm hoping/thinking that this move will be the last one for a few years.

Jamison and I went to the zoo the other day as a late birthday treat.  We had a blast.  Jamison especially loved the goats, dingos, and monkeys.  I think he may have also enjoyed the flamingos because he took a few minutes to talk to them.

Jamison also had his one year well check up and got 6 shots.  Ouch!  I had no idea it would be that many.  He's growing like he should, I think.  He's not even 20 pounds yet, which puts him in the 4th percentile for weight.  The doctor isn't worried though.  I've got a tall and skinny baby because he's in the 71st percentile for height!  I can foresee lots of problems finding pants that fit my little man if he keeps growing like this.  He's a cutie though and I love all the new things he does.  Ready for a list?

-He loves to clap his hands.  Sometimes I think it's the only thing that makes a car ride bearable for him.  He's also become a pro at waving "hi" and "bye."  And he still LOVES to dance by shaking his head back and forth.

-Though he's still not interested in walking, Jamison does love to pull up on everything and explore.

-I've had lots of people comment on what a fast crawler Jamison is.  He really is a little speed demon!  Even on concrete.  Today I put him on the grass and he sped off to the sidewalk, crawling in shorts.  I kept waiting for him to stop and cry but he somehow managed to lift his knees instead of drag them and off he went.  

-He's still a picky eater but his current favorite foods are: peaches, chicken nuggets, yogurt, and raisins.

-I can tell that he wants to talk so bad!  He does his baby babble all day long, he's such a chatter box!  The only "real" words he says are: mama, dada (though since dada isn't around I'm not sure whether or not he knows what he's saying with that one), bummer, no, and sometimes he'll say "ba" for ball.  He also says "ffff" which is "woof" whenever he sees a dog.  And today he also said "ffff" when he saw a sheep in his picture book.  So I'm thinking "ffff" means any animal to him.

Cha-cha-cha-changes...

Our life is changing again!  Is your mind swirling with the variety of changes we've made to our future plan in the past two years?  Mine kind of is.  But we feel confident about the changes and the goals, and that's always a good sign!

Tyler has really been struggling to make up his mind about schooling, a major, and a future career.  About two weeks ago he admitted that he thought he might enjoy teaching, but wouldn't do that because it wasn't a big money maker.  I encouraged him to really think about it and research it, because if that's what makes him happy, we can make it work.

Today Tyler changed his major to Biology education and his minor to history.  Although originally we had planned to move to Utah after Tyler finished up his associates this fall, we will now be staying up in Rexburg until he finishes the degree...approximately three-ish years from now.  Rexburg is not my first choice, but it's the smart choice.  He's already enrolled up here, it's close to at least some of our family, and tuition is way cheaper than anywhere else.  Now if we could just find a steady job....

And just for kicks and giggles, I'll end this post with a cute video of my adorable little man.  Enjoy!

Here she comes, Miss Ame...er, college graduate!

Last night I graduated from college. People keep asking me how it feels...and I don't feel very different at all. It's strange to think that I have accomplished a four-year degree and that I'm now done with my undergraduate degree. As I was sitting in the Hart Building during Commencement, I kept thinking, "wow, this is the last time I will be a student in this building." To be honest, it almost brought tears to my eyes. And to think...I was so excited to leave!

The evening was really great though, and I thought I'd post a few pictures to highlight the event.

A word to those who have yet to graduate...wear comfortable shoes! From 5:45 to 6:15 I was standing in line, waiting to enter the main room where our parents and friends were waiting. I had the cutest outfit on (that no one could see thanks to the wonderful cap and gown we wear!) and the shoes weren't as comfortable as I had originally thought. My feet were so sore by the time I finally sat down!

At 6:15 we started marching into the main room. We walked down several halls, and were surrounded by professors on either side. The professors were clapping for us and congratulating us. It was neat. At the very end of all that, I could spot President Clark, our univeristy president. Next to me was a man that looked very familiar...but I couldn't figure out where I knew him from until he told me "congratulations" with a German accent. That's when it clicked. President Uchtdorf was standing right next to me! He was the speaker during our Commencement and he did an excellent job. As did President Clark.

After Commencement it was off to Convocation in another building. I had been asked to participate in that program. I had been nervous for weeks about singing in front of so many people, but when it came right down to it, Heavenly Father blessed me. I was calm as I sat on the stage and waited for my turn.

And although my knees shook like crazy, my parents told me my voice didn't. I sang "I'll Go Where You Want Me To Go" with my friend Rachel accompanying me on her flute and a wonderful girl helping us out on piano. The Convocation was excellent, and fairly short.

I still can't believe I've made it this far, but it's pretty neat! I am so grateful for my parents and all they have done for me. I could never have made it this far without them. And I'm also grateful for the friends I've had in my life, especially the wonderful friends who have been so supportive throughout my education.

Counting Down...

As the days continue to pass, it's beginning to sink in...I'm almost a college graduate! I'm not going to lie, I've been counting down for this moment all semester. At the same time that I couldn't wait to be done with school, I was scared to death at the idea of entering "the real world." It's a very intimidating thought! Yet, God hasn't forgotten me and things are starting to fall into place. The big question mark that was my future a few weeks ago, is starting to turn into a blurry picture. Although I'm scared to death, I can't wait to see what the future will hold!