Thursday, August 28, 2014

CFA




Twelve years ago, Tom decided that he wanted to change career fields so he went back to school to get his MBA.  Three years later we were moving to Texas and he was starting his first year at a job in the finance industry.  This also was the start of his path to getting his CFA.   I had no idea what a CFA was as most out of this field don't.
The Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) Program is a professional credential offered by the CFA Institute.  A candidate who successfully completes the program and meets other professional requirements is awarded the "CFA charter" and becomes a "CFA charterholder".

Only 11% of people who embark on receiving their CFA Charter succeed. Those that do are the most dedicated guys in Asset Management and Research.  Candidates report dedicating in excess of 300 hours of study per level to prepare for each exam.

CFA Institute has nearly 125,000 members in 145 countries and territories.

Tom and I thought that getting his MBA while still working full time, having 2 small children, and me pregnant, delivering baby #3 and Tom leaving the hospital to go and take his last final exam was an adventure.......CFA adventure was a totally different chapter in our life. 



Tom was the one who had to endure all the studying and exams.  He was the one that felt the most impact when success was or wasn't achieved on a certain day.  He had a family that went through it all with him.  We each had our own CFA experience. 

Tom has been the greatest example for our four kids.  They were very much a part of this process and they watched their Dad never give up.  He has been such an example for each one of them to follow. 


So proud of Tom and so happy for him.









Wednesday, August 20, 2014

Happy BDay Tom

 Happy Birthday Tom!

 We hung out at the lake on Friday night at Toms request and his other big birthday wish was this homemade dinner.
Happy Birthday to our amazing husband and father!

Tuesday, August 19, 2014

Sun Set, Sun Rise


Friday night on Lake Travis.
This has very quickly become my favorite summer time spot.
Tonight we brought a grill for hot dogs and smores.
Its like a secret that no one knows about.

Jordan was a good sport not being able to swim.  She just had her wisdom teeth out.

Sat on the cliffs and watched the sun set.
Loved our family night here.
 About 9 hours later, back at Lake Travis.  This time we watched the sun rise!

Another first for us in Austin.  We woke up early to go see the hot air balloons take off from Mansfield Dam.

 We could go as close as we wanted to any of the balloons.
It was really cool watching them inflate and take off.


 It was quite the scene.  People were tailgating with breakfast foods.  We will have to bring some food next year and watch the sun rise.


 View from the back side of the dam.
 The kids enjoyed this event.  We will try and make it next year.

Monday, August 18, 2014

San Antonio Temple


San Antonio LDS Temple
One of the most peaceful places I can ever be.

I make sure that when the youth are taking a temple trip that I'm there with them.
Nothing gives me greater happiness than seeing them here.

Could they be any cuter?
Jackson you are a good sport and brother to Jordan.




  Then in the same week I was able to attend with Tom, Jim, and Michelle.
Brandon Smith was going through for the first time as he prepared to leave on his mission in Argentina.

 Such a beautiful day.
My heart is full.

Sunday, August 17, 2014

Hawaiian Falls



First time to Hawaiian Falls water park.
They had some really good slides.

 We just enjoyed a family day in the sun.




They have a fabulous adventure park with rope courses and zip lines.

 This course was really tough for Larson and he could just barely reach to clip and unclip his way through the course.


Then he did 2 of the big zip lines.