Bright and early Saturday morning we made the almost 2 hour drive to Waleska, Georgia, home of Reinhardt College's main campus and the location of Anna's graduation ceremony. Terrell's parents were at our house a few minutes before 7 am so they could get up the kiddos, feed them, grab some of our stuff, and head to Barnesville until we got back to pick them up. (Thanks a TON, Nana and Pops!)
The ceremony was nice and we really enjoyed the keynote speaker, Michael Thurmond. He was funny and entertaining and made us forget we were sitting in uncomfortable chairs. But most of all we just enjoyed celebrating and rejoicing and giving thanks and feeling elated about a goal being reached and a journey completed. Ahhhh. The journey. It was a whirlwind and a roller coaster and a ride like none other... but more on all that later.
Walking in...
Receiving and accepting her diploma... or the pretend one they give you since they mail the real one
Exiting with her fellow graduates
After graduation photos...
The journey to this day was eventful, stressful, busy, overwhelming, and down right crazy at times. Many hats were worn and many hours were spent working... and not sleeping. I would say my sister has been the definition of sleep deprived for the past 2 years. And this is coming from a mama of 2! Throughout the pursuit of this graduate degree, she has worked 2 full time jobs plus a couple of part time gigs. Did I say she was the definition of sleep deprived? I also meant the definition of multi-tasker.
As a full time Kindergarten parapro and Resident Director at Gordon College, she started graduate school in August of 2010... which required a 2 hour commute every single Monday and Wednesday after working a full day at her "day job". She kept up this routine for an entire school year, then became the Interim Children's Minister at FBC Barnesville last summer. After the summer she resumed her regular schedule of working as a parapro during the day, RD every other hour, 2 hour commute to Reinhardt twice a week, and added a new hat... Children's Church leader every Sunday morning and Sunday evening. I think she completed room checks while writing papers about the importance of differentiating instruction and planning fun activites and crafts for 35 plus Children's Church kiddos simultaneously... on a regular basis. I'm just estimating here, but I think she's had maybe 5 minutes to herself over a 2 year span. Okay, that's an exaggeration. But only a little one. She seriously worked around. the. clock. Talk about busy. And making me tired thinking about it. Goodness.
I couldn't tell you how she did it. Seriously. I just know that God wanted her to have this degree and accomplish this goal. Doors were opened and opportunities were provided that made this wild and crazy journey possible and we're all amazed and grateful the day finally arrived! And that now a new journey and chapter can officially begin. That's the part we're all so excited about. Especially her. =)
After graduation we enjoyed lunch together at her favorite restaurant, Texas Roadhouse, before making our way all the way back to B'ville. We picked up the boys from Nana and Pops' house and then went over to Granna and Papa's for a "special day" grill out.
Austin spent time with AnAn...
Garrison spent time riding his Jeep around and playing hide and seek with Granny....
They both spent some time with PawPaw...
Then we all enjoyed hamburgers and hot dogs before partaking in this delicious, sweeter than sweet cake...
Then it was time for presents. Garrison, Austin, and I worked on an art project for AnAn... It said We Love You, AnAn! And the handprints were precious.
AnAn also received lots of spending money and goodies for her future classroom.
We had a great time celebrating and are SO proud of AnAn's hard earned Master's degree! We're even more excited to see her put it to use! Congratulations again AnAn!!
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