Graduation

Robert graduated on Friday, December 12.  Way to go, Robert!  Robert is the bomb, but we give God the glory for leading us and guiding us throughout this whole journey.  Robert completed a 90+ hour Masters of Divinity with Advanced Standing in 2.5 years.  We've actually only had two friends graduate while we were here, and both of them started before Robert.  It's a rigorous program that puts my 30 hours MA to shame.

We were fortunate to have lots of family come for the event of the year.  Robert's dad, his dad's wife, and his dad's sister arrive on Thursday afternoon.  His mom and her husband arrived that evening, and my parents and Memaw arrived late that night.  We were able to spend some time with everyone together as well as smaller groups.  On Thursday we went out to Red Robin with R's dad and company.  Then he and I headed to the hotel to see Serina and Mark.  My parents and Memaw got to RDU around 11:30pm.  I was a zombie but still excited to see them.  All of our family stayed at the same hotel which was convenient.

Robert had to be up at the chapel at 8:00am on Friday, so I went over to the hotel to do my makeup with Memaw and Mom.  Robert doesn't understand, but it's just more fun to get ready with other girls.  We all headed to the chapel and got some good seats.  Since it was a small graduation they combined the college students with the seminary grads.  In the spring they have separate services.  Our friends Anna, Forrest, and Andrea were able to come as well; such a sweet treat!  It was a good service: President Akin was the speaker, we sang Christmas carols, and Robert didn't trip.

After the service we took pictures and headed to Over the Falls.  Lunch was delish!  After that, Serina and I picked up R's graduation cake from Sweet Traditions.  It came recommended by a co-worker, and it didn't disappoint.  I went with red velvet with cream cheese frosting.  We all went to our apartment to eat cake and chat.  The rest of the day was pretty chill - naps and takeout for dinner.  We wrapped up the day with some Christmas lights

Everyone but my family left early on Sunday.  My family was able to go to church, and we all ate lunch together.  Then it was time to take them to the airport again.  It was such a fun time of celebrating!  

Graduation

On Saturday I couldn't help by feeling like Elle Woods in Legally Blonde when she said, "We did it!"  Well, I did it!  I graduated in three years...with honors.  I'm proud of myself. :)  It wasn't easy.  Some have had the audacity over the past years to claim that the area of communication is a breeze, a joke of a major.  To that I say, "Then why do we have so many mis-communications?"  I graduated with a BA in communication with an emphasis in public relations and a minor in English.  And what do I plan to do next?  Go to school some more!  I'll start masters work at Drury University on Saturday, June 4 to pursue an MA in communication.  Exciting stuff!  A few pics from the day:

Looking all smart with my lovely suitemate, Laura

With two of my biggest fans

4 Day Week

I'm nearly done with school for the week.  It's my last little break before graduation.  For the three day weekend Robert and I are going to visit his family in KC.  We're pumped!  I haven't been there since Thanksgiving, and Robert hasn't been there since Christmas.  It should be quite the shin-dig: Robert's parents, his sister, sister's boyfriend, maternal grandma and grandpa, aunt/uncle/two cousins, second cousin/wife/triplets, and us.  Special plans for the weekend include: going to the farmers' market (which is nothing like the one here.  It's more like a farmers' extravaganza), going on a hike, swimming, playing games, eating some delicious food, and maybe even studying a bit.  We're leaving today right after I take an American Public Address test and Robert takes a Hebrew test.  What's with professors giving tests right before a break?

This has been another big week: presentation on Tuesday, research paper on Wednesday, and test on Thursday.  I'm looking forward to next week and it's less busy schedule.

I did room checks for the girls' on my hall on Monday.  I took the new RA who will be taking my place with me on the checks.  I know she'll do a great job.  It's weird thinking about not being in the dorm, but I can wholeheartedly say that I am pumped to live in a house again.  It's been nice while it's lasted, but I'm ready to move on.  And isn't that great?  That God allows certain things to happen and let's changes occur so we're ready for the next step?

Health report:  This new iron medicine (Bifera) is definitely better than the previous supplements.  The new negative occurrence though is that I've started dry-heaving. TMI, I know.  Here's the deal.  I take acid reflux medicine (Omeprazole), and it has to be taken in the morning one hour before I eat.  Well, with taking iron supplements it helps a ton to have a full stomach because otherwise you could horribly nauseous.  I take the iron in between breakfast and lunch and then in between lunch and dinner.  That way my stomach isn't totally empty so I don't get sick but it isn't totally full so I can absorb as much Iron as possible.  In the morning my stomach is empty.  I haven't taken the Bifera for the day, but obviously the iron supplements have built up in my system, so I feel sick.  I'm very thankful that it's not nearly as bad as the first supplements, but we're still trying to work out some kinks.

I sent out my graduation announcements last week!!!!  The process might have forever converted me to DIY.  Here's the breakdown.  Ordering through the school was something ridiculous like $25 for for 20.  Don't remember exactly, but something like that.  I designed my own, had them printed on cardstock, the office store cut them for me, I bought stamps, and addressed them.  Cost of the actually announcements: $2.36, plus like $12 for postcard stamps.  So the whole thing was about $15 for 50 announcements.  For announcements and stamps through the school it would have been $75-100.  Hello!  Side note, 30 days til I graduate!

I'm getting more antsy every day as I wait for my new car.  It's been 3 1/2 weeks since I ordered it.  The maximum amount of time it should take is 8 weeks.  So I have 4 1/2 weeks or less left.  Let's gaze at it for a moment, shall we?

It's magenta and shiny and pretty :)

The inside of my car will look like this except it's an automatic not manual so the shifter will look slightly different.

Ahh!  Ok time to cram before the test.  Happy Easter!

Big Week

This was a pretty big week for me.  The first week back after a break is always interesting.

Monday: I got the paperwork to fill out for graduation.  It was pretty exciting to see that I'll be graduating cum laude.  It's really cool to see that I'll my hard work has paid off.  I also met with Dr. Leo.  I am so very thankful God has given me such an amazing doctor.  He is very knowledgeable and does an excellent job of relaying the information to me.  He said my ultrasound looked perfect.  My blood counts are still low.  He switched my iron supplement to Bifera which is supposed to be easier on my stomach.  The main bummer is that although it's still OTC it costs $20 instead of $3.  It's totally worth it though to not feel sick.  We hired the new RA to replace me.  It's a weird feeling.  It seems like I just became an RA.  I think Bekah will do a great job.  It's hard to balance investing in the girls for the last month and a half of school and starting to let go.

Tuesday: I ordered my new car!!!  I have been very thankful for my Pontiac Sunfire.  It's served me well for the past five years.  We've had some good memories together.  It was my very first car.  It has never broken down or gotten a flat tire.  However, it's time to upgrade a bit.  I ordered a 2011 Ford Fiesta.  It should be here in 3-7 weeks.  It's cool to think that I'll be the first owner.  Although my Sunfire was kept up pretty well, I think the previous owner was a smoker.  What was my clue?  A couple of burn marks on the ceiling and chair.  The dealer said I've chosen a pretty "basic" version of the Fiesta.  It's interesting to see how "basic" has changed over the past ten years when my Sunfire was made.  My Sunfire is "basic" - manual windows, manual locks, manual mirrors, no keyless entry, etc.  My "basic" Fiesta will have automatic windows, automatic locks, keyless entry, MP3 hookup, CD player, etc.  I'm most excited about the locks and windows.  It's the little things, baby!

Wednesday: I worked in the church nursery in the morning and evening.  I'm guaranteed a good laugh every single time I work.  Three year old boy: "I use plastic spoons to bench press, but sometimes Mommy cooks with them."  Obviously, what he's doing is normal, and she's the weird-o.  On Wednesday nights my family always eats dinner with my grandparents (Memaw and Pepaw).  Memaw is quite the cook!

Thursday: I meet with Carey every Thursday morning.  Our time together is such a breath of fresh air.  She's an excellent example of a loving and Godly wife, mother, and friend.

Friday: I got to have lunch with my dear friend Tarah.  Tarah and I have been friends since we were in diapers.  It's a bummer that we don't get to hang out quite as much now, but every time we get together it's great.  Conversation comes so easily with her.  I gave a speech in advanced public speaking.  It didn't go as well as I had expected.  It's different when you don't prepare for a test, presentation, or paper and then do poorly.  But when you prepare and study your butt off you should be rewarded properly.

Saturday: I was the RA on call this weekend so I worked 1:00-5:00.  It was open dorm so I got to go over to Robert's room.  We watched Superstar.  Hilarious!  Then we played a game called trains.  Robert dominated.  I guess guys never get too old to play with trains.

Sunday: We all got to eat lunch with my parents.  Delicious!  Then Robert and I walked around the neighborhood.  It's 80 degrees today, people!  Now I'm working in the dorm office from 2:00-5:00.  I got employee of the month at work last week and was rewarded with a $15 giftcard to Subway.  I think tonight will be a perfect night for a free dinner date with my man.

This week looks like it should be pretty chill.  No tests, papers, or presentations.  Just lots of work and babysitting. 

I've been reading a book called One Thousand Gifts.  It's a great challenge.  The author spent several months writing down 1000 gifts and blessings.  What a great way to show our gratitude.  I think there's something to be said for actually stopping to write down gifts.  It makes it seem more real.  I want a heart that continually seeks an attitude of gratitude.

48 days til graduation.

Happy Friday

It's the weekend!  6 weeks down, 10 weeks to go until graduation!  I don't really have any exciting weekend plans.  I have a dentist appointment tomorrow morning, but it's just a six month cleaning.  Fingers crossed for no cavities!  It's storming tonight, so I've got my window cracked open so I can hear the rain and thunder.  Robert has job training at Windermere this summer.  I'm so thankful that he has already secured a steady summer job.  He'll be working at the Edge which is a ropes course and rock wall.  He might even give some cave tours! Hopefully it's not raining on him right now.  I got to babysit my favorite little guys in the whole world this afternoon.  Highlights include: eating fish sardine stick ice cream and drinking mud soda, making welcome signs for grandma, getting my hair done with a tractor as the comb, and hearing Coop shout, "Don't forget to tell Robert we love him!" as I walked out the door.  

Last night was "Battle of the Air Bands."  Basically people lip sync and dance around to songs.  Robert and two of his friends did "My Little Buttercup" from The Three Amigos.  They got honorable mention!

Intimidating!

Robert drew that impressive eagle free-hand!

This week Robert and I discovered our new favorite hang out place to just sit and chat:

Perfect for a cheap date!

  Okay so the power just went out for a few seconds.  I'm glad I'm in for the night.  Have a great weekend!