21 Point

"THE 21 Point!!!"  

The term strikes fear in the bravest of hearts! 

Okay, not really.  You might not have even heard the term, except  when getting your car's oil changed.  "21 point inspection with your oil change" or something.

Well it means something different to us.  It's the eye exam that the optometry students have to do on their "patients".  They are tested on how well they can do it, in a given a time, which only adds pressure.  It takes roughly an hour to do the exam.  James and his classmates have been practicing this 21 point for 7 months!  They did at least one 21 point exam, every week!

Well, James' "21 point" test was on Thursday at 3pm!  We were all nervous for him, but knew he'd do well.  We prayed for him several times that day.  He'd gotten a priesthood blessing and I think that helped us all have peace of mind.  

He did awesome!  Passed with flying colors!  Of course!  It's not official yet because the points and grade haven't been tallied yet.  But we know he didn't fail it.  We know he doesn't have to retake any part of it.  He did amazing!

We made posters and hung them where James would see them as he walked through the door. 

Taylor's poster.

Taylor's other poster.

Logan's poster.

We made posters and pie and got Chinese takeout for dinner to celebrate.  James took the evening off from studying so we could watch a family movie together.  It was nice and relaxing. 

The pie, which was the kids' idea. (They're good at coming up with ideas that involve mommy working and themselves playing.  My idea was the takeout dinner).

This is a HUGE milestone.  Passing the 21 point means that he's able to continue in his schooling.  He can work in clinics as an intern.  He'll get his "white coat" in a special ceremony in the beginning of May.  To me, him passing the 21 point is bigger than finishing any single semester.  It's as big as getting into Optometry School itself.  

So in honor of the 21 point and James doing well, I made up my own little 21 point.  (I hope James will forgive me for talking so much about him on the blog).

21 Point 

1. We are soooooo proud of you James, we practically burst when we talk about you.

2. Oh, how much we love you, James!  

3. We miss you when you're gone to school and/or are busy studying, which is 90% of the time. 

4. We know you're working so hard at school.

5. You're doing awesome in school.  You make it look easy, but we know it's not.  We know how hard you're working.

6. You're already a great eye doctor, even though you're only 1/2 way through with your schooling.

7. You've made it through 2 years (almost) of optometry school and through the 21 point!!!

8. You only have 2 years of school left!  (And one of those with just traveling the globe).  ;)

9. You are a wonderful example to our children.  I remind them often that if they want to be as smart as you, they need to study and work hard like you.

10. You're the best dad, just ask the kids.  They adore you!

11. You're also the best husband, very supportive and patient.  I love spending time with you.

12. You've got ideas and plans for the future, our future.  You're often thinking of how you can best provide and take care of your family.

13. You're a friend to all.  Everybody who knows you, likes you.  You haven't got a mean bone in your body.

14. You're a wonderful teacher and you love showing and explaining things to others in a way they'll understand it, whether it be about eyes, electronics, physics, bikes, or the gospel. 

15. You're always willing to serve and help others.

16. You're a wonderful son to your parents (and to your parents-in-law too).

17. I'm glad you're really enjoying what you're learning in optometry school, even though it is intense, stressful and overwhelming most of the time.

18. You have a great enthusiasm for life and learning.  Logan will ask, "What did you learn today?" and you'll excitedly tell him something in a way he'll understand it.  I love that because it gets Logan excited about learning.

19. You also ask the children what they learned about.  And just as importantly, you DON'T ask, "what's for dinner?" very often!

20. You've never missed a class in the 2 years you been in optometry school.  You're up every morning, no matter what and off to school, rain or shine.  It means a lot that you're taking it seriously and that you're willing to sacrifice to do what is required.

21. Oh, we're at 21 already!?!  I have so much more I could brag, I mean say about you, James.  You're my very best friend, my whole world, my support.  I hope you know that we're trying to support you too.

Love you, so much!!!