The College Graduates

Four long years has finally paid off....

Today Josh and I officially graduated with our Bachelors degrees.  I personally have been working toward this day for the past four years.  It has had its up's and downs.  At times I honestly felt like giving up because I got discouraged, but I hung in there and persevered to the end. 

It was especially fun for me because Josh and I graduated together.  I'm sure that there aren't many couples who get to graduate together. So it was extra special for me...and I think for Josh too!

Josh & I before graduation

Graduation was at the Orleans Arena, which I had never been to before.  We had to be there by 8:30 in the morning to get ready for the event.  Holy crap!!! Whoever decided the set up wasn't thinking about all the people who would be wearing black.  All the graduates had to stand in line to check in.  Checking in was not a pleasant experience.  We had to go to the third tent, but it was actually the fourth.  Thank goodness Josh ran into his Delta Mu Delta buddy who let us get in line with him!  I was seriously sweating under that gown!!!

I was really happy to see friends who I started school with.  Many of them I had in most of my classes until I transferred to online courses last year.  I have to admit, I was just as happy for them because they each had many struggles just like I did!  Congratulations my friends!!

Josh and I weren't able to sit with one another because apparently we have different degrees, which we didn't know about...Oh well!  So we had to find each other, luckily we were separated by three rows on different sides of the aisle.  He sent me a text message and asked me to stand up.  Then we saw each other, so it was nice to know we were close enough to each other.  He then found our family and showed me.  I looked and blew kisses to them  :)

Our kids...LOVE, love them!!!

I think that's me at the front of the line...

The ceremony was long as usual. The student representative who gave the speech did a really go job. Instead of a long boring speech that nobody will remember, she gave a Top Ten List of things she's learned in the past four years. Most of which were true to the graduates as well.

This guy was a riot...he kept messing up!  And the entire program was scripted right in front of him...

Finally we were able to receive our diplomas.  Josh did his typical, arm raise in excitement... I was so happy for him, yes I cried a few tears of joy.  Then it was my turn, I was a little nervous, but excited.  My name was read and I walked across the stage, I was trying to listen for my family, but there is so much going on in the moment, you can't hear a thing...

Josh walking the stage...

I walked down the steps and was overcome with emotion.  I didn't want to cry, but I couldn't help it. I knew Josh was close as I was walking down the aisle.  Once I finally saw him, I had to run and hug him.  I cried a little when he said "You did it, be proud of yourself".  Then I had to go site back in my seat and wait for the rest of the students names to be read...that seemed to take FOREVER!!!

I think this is me walking/running down the aisle to Josh

Once the ceremony was finally over, confetti fell from the ceiling.  It was kinda cool to see and have done.  Then aisle by aisle was dismissed.  Josh's row went before mine, but he hung back near the usher and waited for me.  We were able to walk together holding hands...yes were heard some awwww's, but I didn't care.  We are proud of one another.

Raining confetti!!  Cool experience I have to say!

Once we got outside the building to find our family, all we saw was a sea of black.  Josh couldn't see anyone from our family.  Then all of a sudden Tyler found us.  He took us over to where our family was.  We got congratulation hugs all around.  It was fun.  I'm so glad that everyone who made it was there.  It does make a difference!




We finally found our family...

Our family...

Family members...

Josh & I with my mom...

Josh & I with his dad...

Now with Dad & Joni... So glad they were able to make it!!!

I had to pee SO bad, so I had to cut the standing and talking short, but not before announcing we had lunch reservations for everyone at Buca di Beppo.  Of course we needed to celebrate with food!

Breezy & G'pa Ken

The soon to be EDGEL'S (Cuteness)

After lunch, just talking

Lunch was good.  Good company, good conversation...what more can one ask for?

At the end of the day, I'd have to say it was a very memorable day, that I hope everyone in my family will always remember.

It's official...we're college graduates!!! Yeah us!!