~Graduation~

Yesterday I finally graduated Summa Cum Laude from Walsh University with my Bachelor's of Science in Early Childhood Education-Intervention Specialist. It was an amazing and really emotional day for me. One part of me is relieved to be finished and another part of me is sad to see this time in my life go. So I closed the chapter on this part of my life and am now looking forward to the future....a future in the classroom.

I am so thankful that so many of my family members and friends came to spend this special day with me. The weather was a hot 80 degrees yesterday and let me tell you....wearing black on top of my dress was no fun:-) But I enjoyed every moment of my commencement and the beautiful graduation party that followed.

It took me 6 years from start to finish to achieve this lifelong dream. I took time off for Mikayla's adoption or I would have graduated much sooner. It was an amazing journey where I met wonderful people and made incredible memories. I could not have asked for a better college education and I feel as prepared as I possibly can be to enter the classroom soon (hopefully).

Thank you mom and dad for throwing me an awesome party yesterday. You both were an amazing support system these past few years while I was in school. Your help with Alec and such meant the world to me. I love you both so much. The party was so much fun and the food was great mom. Thank you Gina, Aunt Chris, Aunt Zell, and Diane for helping with the party preparations.

Thank you Gina, you have been my sounding board for the past 1.5 years while I finished this up. You never seemed to grow tired of listening....and listening...you know I would always do the same for you.

Thank you to my husband, who always believed in me, never doubted my dream for a second, and supported me every step of the way. I could NOT have done this without you Kris. You know that. This was a sacrifice for you and our kids but you always, ALWAYS stepped up so that I could do what I needed to do. I love you so much.

Thank you Alec and Mikayla. Alec, you don't realize the magnitude of this right now, but someday you will. I know you were so proud of me and you made many sacrifices over the years for mommy to be able to do this. You and sister are one of the reasons that I made sure I accomplished this dream. My life is so full because the two of you are in it. How blessed I am to call you both my children.

And lastly, thank you to all the family and friends who were both at the graduation and party and those who could not attend. I appreciate each and every one of you and am blessed to have all of you in my life.

GRADUATION!!!

Ready for us graduates!
The processional

I just had received my diploma here!

Aunt Chris and Me

Dad and Me

Kris and Me

Kris, Alec and I

My Family

Mom, Me, and Dad

Mom and Me

Aunt Chris and Mom

Dad and Alec

Another one of Kris and I

I love this picture of Alec and I...he was SO proud of me...I will never forget him being a part of this.

Me! All graduated! :-)

Me and the Chair of the Department of Education at Walsh, Dr. DeFazio

Mrs. Ousley

Alec and I with the card he made me for graduation

Mikayla helping me open gifts

Ana and Mikayla

Kisses for Christian

Me and my neighbor Rich

Willy and Me

Aunt Zell and Me

Gina and Me

My cousin Brittany and Me

Mike, Diane, Maggie, Victoria, Annie, Percy, Kris, and Me

Kris and I with Mikayla

That's Marie and I (my cooperating teacher) in the background

Mom and I

Loved this cake!

Everyone signed a framed picture for me:-)

Food Table

Christian

LOVE this bag Gina got for me...it's got my initials on it:-)

Mikayla happy!

Mikayla over-tired

Tony and Alec