Congratulations, Venisa!

My beautiful niece Venisa graduated from George Fox University yesterday, with a Bachelor's Degree in Elementary Education Cum Laude. Just look how totally cute she is! (If you can't read upside down, it says Mrs. Saviola.)

One of the great things about Venisa is that she is even more beautiful on the inside. Kind, compassionate, loving, thoughtful, smart--- the beauty of Jesus is so visible in her. She is going to be a fabulous elementary teacher! She is has already started teaching Pre-K at a private school in Beaverton, which she will continue through the summer, and will teach kindergarten in the fall. Those lucky kids! Children always love Venisa.

We were privileged to provide the location for her graduation party, with about 40 friends and family attending today. Her parents, Doug and Anisa, brought the food, so all we had to do was get the yard presentable and Traeger the chicken. The weather was fantastic, mid-80s with a nice breeze.

She got many gifts for her classroom, including this beautiful sign of 13 Dr. Seuss quotes, made by her mom and grandma.

 Her mother also made these nifty smocks for painting or the "sensory" table.

Anisa, the queen of amazing thrift store finds, has been shopping for a long time for classroom treasures, finding many new books and other items.  Venisa was unwrapping presents for quite awhile, and packing peanuts were dancing on the patio floor like crazy! Her husband Anthony thoughtfully planned ahead and used cash gifts from friends and family to buy her a much desired Nikon camera and iPad. She was thrilled!

Venisa brought me a beautiful pink rose bush to thank me, and explained it was pink to celebrate my health and fitness, and to remember my mother. Though Venisa never knew her grandmother Darlene because cancer took her from us at age 45, long before her birth, the desire to honor her is just another example of the character that makes her such a special person. 

 I love being an aunt to babies, toddlers, children, and teenagers; but it is especially rewarding and wonderful to have relationships with nieces and nephews as they become adults. Venisa is truly a blessing!