Graduation Day!!!

Graduation was a blast! Adam and I flew into Tallahassee on August the 6th and our first stop was TCBY! From there is was on to the Wofford residence, our home for the next 4 days. On day #2, I completed my "exit interview" and it was official.....I had met all requirements to graduate! On day #3, Adam and I had a wonderful lunch with two dear friends at Hopkins Eatery...a confirmation of friends for life! Later that night, Adam and I attended a graduation dinner/party at a professor's house with my fellow graduates. I LOVED seeing the girls that I have worked so hard with for the last 2 years...it brought so much joy to my heart to see them, meet their families, learn about jobs they accepted over the summer, and to stand by their sides as we all brought our rigorous journey of graduate school to and end!

Adam and I found out 48 hours before leaving for Florida that my grandparents, mom, and brother would not be able to make the trip...my grandfather's doctor recommended that he avoid such a long trip due to health issues. Though my biological family was not able to be there, God sent the Wofford's to celebrate with me! For those of you who don't know, the Wofford family basically adopted me while I was in graduate school and their daughter and future son-in-law are great friends with Adam and I. This family even cheered me on from the stands on graduation day! Thanks to technology, my mom and step-mom were cheering me on back in N.C....the were able to watch the graduation live on a webcast at.....

http://mediasite.oddl.fsu.edu/mediasite/Viewer/Viewers/ViewerVideoOnly.aspx?mode=Default&peid=8689e8ba-1fe2-42bd-bb12-674e37a43bee&pid=498c1d93-6a96-4f79-8243-8fe1454d2015&playerType=WM7

My mom even took a picture of her computer screen when I walked across the stage and sent it to me via text message. I also took a picture of myself in cap and gown a few minutes before graduation and sent it to my mom and grandparents....mom responded, "I am with you!" Wow, what blessing that she and I were able to celebrate together across the miles!

My husband was SO amazing all week....he basically followed me around with a video camera for 4 days! I think he must be creating a "graduation documentary!" Thank you Adam for all of your support over the last 2 years and for shouting "THAT'S MY WIFE" when I walked across the stage.....man I love you!

For dinner on graduation night, Adam and I celebrated with the Wofford family at one of my FAVORITE restaurants....Bonefish Grill! I was SO excited to get a beautiful pen engraved with my new married name and graduation date....thank you Brett & Laura! From momma and papa Wofford, I got a gorgeous frame engraved with August 9, 2008 & a FSU Seminole! Last but not least, my dear husband gave me the sweetest gift! To my surprise, I actually received TWO Master's degrees that day! I received my 1st in Communication Disorders at FSU and my 2nd was a Master of Science in best friend, BWOL (beautiful woman of the Lord), and forever wife.....did I mention that my husband is the president, dean, and chancellor of the school? Adam even had my beautiful diploma from the University of McIver framed! To add to my Willow Tree collection, he also gave me a the "2008" Christmas ornament to commemorate such a celebratory year!

Two years ago, I wasn't even sure that I was going to get my Master's....but look at God. Half way through I wondered if I could make it....but look at God. He is so faithful and I praise Him for this accomplishment in my life and pray that He uses this degree for His glory!

Thank you everyone for celebrating with me!

Gold's Convention in Vegas!!!

Adam and I had a great time in Las Vegas! It was a lot of work, especially for Adam....I helped to set up the pro-shop on day 2, and it was fun to see Adam at work with his team (no, I was not the featured product.....that was for protein bars!) Vegas was definitely a bit of a culture shock for me, but it was fun to experience a city that I had only known previously through movies and TV. Adam took me exploring the first day and I loved seeing the beautiful architecture of so many famous hotels! To my surprise, there is also a million great ways to have some good "clean" entertainment! At one of our dinners we had a brilliant artist paint incredible pictures to music....just when we would think "what is he painting?" he would spin the canvas and BAM, a masterpiece in only minutes! We posted one of his paintings....you will see the picture of us with the big arm in the background. Not only was this my first time in Vegas, but it was my first time meeting his team and co-workers that I hear so much about......by far the best part of the trip!