My College Grad

Here’s a little background information on our daughter. After high school she went on a mission trip for six months with YWAM (Youth With A Mission). She spent three months in Perth, Australia and three in Cambodia and Viet Nam. We were very proud of her. When she came back she wasn’t sure what she wanted to do, so she took some classes at the local college until she found her passion. I’m proud how she actively pursued choices until she came upon what she wanted to do with the rest of her life – psychology.

She went to Eastern Washington University and graduated Summa Cum Laude last week. We are very proud. We flew to Spokane, Washington just in time for an Awards Convocation. She received the highest academic honor her college bestows – the Frances B. Huston Medallion. A professor nominates a student who shows excellence in both academic and extracurricular activities. This year there were about 2,300 graduating students and only 20 received this award. Every professor we met told us what a great student she was and what a pleasure it was to have her in their class.

We had the joy of spending time with friends back in our old neck of the woods. Tom preached at our former church. It was fun to see so many friendly faces. The current pastors are dear friends and they housed not only Tom and I but both our kids.

The best part of the trip was seeing our daughter and our son, who flew from LA to see his sister graduate. The worst part was saying goodbye to them.

As far as my girl is concerned – Tom and I are so proud of what she has accomplished. We know she will do great in grad school this fall. (Did I mention she was accepted to three grad schools?)

We love you baby girl. Way to go!!

Here are some pictures from the trip. This is the whole family on Awards Night.
Our kids on Awards Night.
EWU
Graduation Day
© Nadine Zawacki 2010

Maybe We Should Have Done This On Our 5th Anniversary?

Today Tom and I celebrated our 29th wedding anniversary. My wonderful husband suggested we go to Montauk Point Lighthouse and have a picnic. How romantic is that?

It was an absolutely beautiful day. The weather was perfect. The Lighthouse has a museum that displayed interesting facts about the first Lighthouse commissioned by President George Washington in New York. Below are some pictures of the museum.
The Lighthouse @ 1796The Lighthouse @ 1860
The Lighthouse @ 1945 until present

Previous light.The Lighthouse itself has 137 steps to the top. Below are pictures of these stairs.
I didn’t let my bad knees deter me from getting to the top. I took one step at a time and rested when I could. After a while my pocketbook felt like it weighed 100 pounds. My very sweet, handsome husband could tell I was struggling and carried my pocketbook for me all the way to the top. He’s such a stud.

While eating our picnic lunch, I commented to Tom, “Maybe we should have done this on our 5th anniversary when we were young and had healthy legs.” We had a good laugh.

Enjoy the pictures. It was a great day. Thank you handsome for planning this wonderful day.


The view from the top of the lighthouse.
© Nadine Zawacki 2010

Taking Chance

On Memorial Day, Tom and I watched the movie, “Taking Chance.” I’m glad we did. I highly recommend this movie to everyone.

The movie is based on the true life journey of Lt. Col. Mike Strobl as he volunteered to escort the body of Pfc. Chance Phelps home. I was moved to tears by the honor and respect shown to our fallen military heroes. I had no idea all that is involved in this process. So many scenes had little dialogue, but none was needed.

Thank you to all of you who sacrifice so much for freedom – the soldiers and their families.

This HBO movie was well written, well acted and simply well done.

© Nadine Zawacki 2010

Hat tip to Dad for suggesting we watch this movie.