Hi, I'm Allison

and I'm an interpreter.

Do you know how long it's been my dream to say that??? I received the greatest email yesterday which informed me I had passed my performance test and am now a certified interpreter in the state of Utah! I went from crying, to dancing, to shouting.

I'm so thankful for the teachers, mentors and ASL friends I've had who have helped teach me and push me. Don't get me wrong, I'll still need a lot of help and have a TON of learning to do, but it's so great to reach this milestone. My first certification!

I'm most grateful for my friends half way around the world who really motivated me and gave me courage to work hard for this goal. I wish I could go celebrate with them. I think about my Ghana students a lot and am so grateful for the opportunity I had to work with and learn from them.

Since this is all about ASL here, I'd love to share my favorite Deaf music video. Yes, I said Deaf music video. It's really quite inspiring:

Hip Hip Hooray!!!!

mrs. leavitt

*For some reason the first time I did this post only some of the pictures showed some of the time. Crossing my fingers blogger decides to not hate me anymore and actually show what I post 2nd time around...

Meet the soon-to-be Mrs. Leavitt...

What a babe! Two weeks ago a wonderful bridal shower was thrown for Maddie and I was so happy I was in town and able to attend! Maddie's BFF, Paige, and her mom, Shelley, hosted the fabulous party...

The party was a 50's Housewife theme and the invites told everyone to "tie on your apron and wear your heels!" I thought it was such a cute idea and might just have to copy it in the future. All the Nielsen ladies followed dress code!

Vanessa, Brooke, Maddie, Me, Sallee

A yummy brunch was served while we lounged outside in the gorgeous weather..

Then it was gift time. This girl got a lot of lovin!

Can't wait to see her all glammed up as a bride June 4th!

Hey Man!

Two nights before Sambo and I left Provo, we got to meet up with some of my long lost Heyman cousins. OK, they're not really long lost. I used to get to visit them in sunny Southern California all the time when I was younger, but it had felt like FOREVER since I had seen them. Their brother got married the day after me, so they weren't able to make it to mine and Sam's wedding and STILL hadn't met my lovely husband. A reunion was very much in order.

Shauna, me, Lisa and Cara. (I got to see the missing sister, Heather, the following night)....

It's cool to be a brunette.

The husbands and children were in tow as well and let me tell you, these kids are entertaining. I made the mistake of telling the little ones to smile with their ice cream. All three here quickly corrected me, informing me they had popsicles. Not ice cream. My bad.

This was the best photo I could get of little Ms. Bradli...
Adorable Adurey...
Spiderman and his twin also made an appearance.
The restaurant we randomly picked to meet up at had a private little room set-up for us, which was just perfect! It was so great to see family I love and miss and have Sam finally meet them as well. Fortunately, it won't be long until the next reunion as cousin Heather is tying the knot July 16th in Newport Beach! Whooo-hooo!