Matt's graduation and a gettaway weekend

This past Friday Matt graduated from RCC's paramedic school program. The best part is, he did it with a 4.0! This was a long journey for all four of us, but I look back now and realize Matt had the hardest part in all of this. He didn't want to let me and the boys down. That's a lot of pressure to put on someone.

The first semester was 16 units. All four classes were science classes with labs. He went to school from 6:45 AM to 5:30 PM and that was on a good day. Often times he was later than that. There was physical training every morning starting at 6:45 and it went until 7:45. He had to be showered and in a uniform with shoes polished and clothes ironed by 8:10. From there he did skills labs until 12:30. Lunch was an hour then it was lecture until 5:30 and this was Monday through Thursday. The first semester was extremely rigorous. When he would get home, he'd eat and then lock himself in the office to study until all hours of the night. He's get some sleep and then get up and do it again.

The winter session was two days a week of classes and then 2, 12 hour shifts in the hospitals all the while working 2, 24 hours shifts to earn money. The spring semester entailed 2 days a week of class and 3, 12 hours shifts in hospitals a week. The summer was the end of the road but was a LONG road. This was his time to go out with the fire department and the ambulance company. MANY, MANY hours and MANY MANY nights away from home later, he was done!!!

The last leg of this journey happens November 3rd. On that day, he takes his written National Registry test. We would really appreciate your prayers.

The graduation was lovely. After it, Matt's friend from work took us out to dinner to celebrate. Delicious Chili's! Yummy!! Next we were off to Rancho Mirage for the Sandals Marriage Getaway!! We missed the first session because of the graduation, so we joined everyone on Saturday morning. Two other couples from our fantastic small group were there and our dear friends, the Bourbonnais'! We all had a great time connecting! I loved the sessions. They really hit home for me. I realized I need to get my priorities in order and coming to some conclusions on what or who I worship. All serious stuff and now a lot to ponder on....

Here are a few pictures of our time this weekend.