So much to Celebrate

What is the best thing to do when you have something to celebrate? If you said EAT, you are correct! Like three restaurants in one week kind of eating... that is how we like to roll. Let me start at the beginning. Michael's sister, Elizabeth, came into town as a surprise for his sister Rebecca who graduated from high school. Last Friday night we decided to get together by going to Nagoya for some yummy Japanese cuisine. The kids loved seeing the fire in front of us as the chef made our food. Unfortunately Michael was working in Arlington and didn't make it in time for dinner, so I made our wonderful announcement for him about his promotion. During dinner Michael's Dad also said that he was promoted at work. How exciting two promotions in one day.

With so much to celebrate why not go out again the next day? We headed into DC last Saturday to eat at Fogo de Chao. It is an all-you-can-eat Brazilian meat fest. Very delicious. I remembered my camera and got a couple of pictures. Miriam loved eating with the tongs that were supposed to be for grabbing meat.

Sunday Rebecca graduated from high school. Way to go Rebecca! We are glad we could be there to see you receive your diploma. Now on to BYU!

Last, but not least, Michael's Mom celebrated her birthday last week. We headed off to eat at Thai Basil, home of a Throwdown with Bobby Flay. (Can I just say that I love Bobby Flay? One of my favorite celebrity chefs.) Anyway, we had some delicious Pad Thai before heading back for some dessert. All in all we had a celebratory, delicious, and cultural week full of food and family.

In all the excitement I almost forgot...

... Michael is officially a CPA!!! Between Miriam's birthday and Christmas this great news almost slipped through the cracks. Michael even asked me if I was going to blog about it. Well, I got a little behind, but we got the news that Michael has finished all the requirements to become a CPA. We were hoping it would all come together by the end of the year and it did... just in time. Way to go Michael. We are so excited for you.

THIS JUST IN

I just got a call from Michael about 10 minutes ago, I am so excited that I had to get on and post right now. I want everyone to know how wonderful he is. I am so proud of his accomplishment. Are you ready to read some bragging about my husband?

MICHAEL PASSED ALL FOUR PARTS OF THE CPA EXAM!!!

I am so happy that he worked so hard all summer to take the test. He is so smart (he did really well on all four parts). It is such a relief to have it all over so he can now concentrate on starting his new job. Michael was training at his new job all last week and will finish training this week. Way to go Michael!

The Start of Real Life

Michael's first day of work is today. He is starting life as a real working man. I am so proud of how hard he has worked to get here. He is a great husband and father. We have enjoyed having him home with us for the past three weeks, but I know he is ready to start working again. Michael was very excited to head off to the office today. He doesn't enjoy sitting around too much. Miriam will miss having her dad around to help her all day.

Does all news have to be new?

What has the Bishop family been up to since graduation, you ask? I feel like I have had a lot to blog about, but now that I actually have a chance to sit down and post, nothing exciting comes to mind. Michael has started studying for the CPA exam. He plans to take all parts of it this summer. Studying is his full-time job this summer. He has also decided he doesn't need to shave since he no longer goes to class or work on campus. Hmm...



Miriam is having a hard week. We have decided to get rid of the pacifier. I have no idea the best way to do this, but it has been hard on all of us. She cries herself to sleep because she wants it. It breaks my heart, but it is time. Here's hoping she is better soon.



Michael received a new camera for graduation. We have been having so much fun using it. I, personally, was super excited for this. My goal for being a better photographer can begin. I have already read most of the user guide and another book about the camera. Thanks for the generous gift!



Michael finally got a start date for his job. We will be leaving Utah at the end of August. We will head to Virginia where Michael will start work mid-September. We are excited for the next chapter in our lives, but look forward to this summer and spending time together. We hope to spend as much time as possible with my family before moving across the country. Miriam is at such a fun age, so we hope to create some fun memories with her before we go.

Conclusion to our summer in Virginia

Michael came home from work yesterday with a paper that said:

Congratulations on your offer to join Pricewaterhouse Coopers as a full time associate!

We are so excited for this opportunity that lies before us. Michael worked hard this summer and we are so proud of him. We will get an official written offer soon and will know for sure what our future holds. We are looking forward to returning to Utah this week to finish the last year of school.