MLIS Graduation

5 years ago...I went back to school to pursue my Master's in Library Sciences degree from UNC-Greensboro so that I would be able to be a certified librarian. I didn't anticipate it taking quite this long...a pair of twins who will remain nameless threw quite the wrench in my plans...but I was eventually able to finish!

I am now certified to be both a public librarian and a school librarian.

I was so glad that we were allowed to do an in person graduation where I actually got to walk across a stage!

 

I was only allowed to have two guests with me.

 

And Finley was so glad to take off of school for the occasion!

It is kind of hard to make friends when all of your classes are online...but one friend, Candice, who took several of the last few courses with me was also there to graduate in person!

After graduation we went up to campus for a few photos.

Later that evening I had a zoom graduation with just my LIS department. I wish that one could have been in person too, but they did such a nice job with everything and made us feel very special!

The next night I invited close friends & family to help me celebrate the occasion and to thank them for supporting me on this journey. I totally forgot to take any pictures myself, but here are a few from some of my friends who came!

There is no way I could have finished this degree without the help of some key people. My mom and Grammie helped out so much when the babies were little. Keeping us alive, the house in order, feeding us, and allowing me to get back on track with my school work! Karen & Andrea also took turns watching the babies for me so that I could get away for some much needed tennis sanity breaks and also run errands. This past semester Karen also watched the babies for me so that I could complete my school internship program. And of course so many friends were supportive and helped encourage me and saved my sanity over the past 2.5 years in particular when things were a little crazy. I am so glad to be done and even though I won't be working until the twins go off to Kindergarten, I know I'll be ready and prepared when the time comes! Thank you everyone for your love and support! We did it!

Two 2 1/2 year olds!

We've got 2 crazy and energetic 2 1/2 year olds over here!

 

Our sweet Jackson! 

He is a big time mama's boy right now. He is also very stubborn, assertive, and often a volcano of emotions. He loves reading books, playing outside, throwing things, jumping up the stairs, wrestling with his brother, and exercising with us in the morning. 

Jackson is always my helper right by my side when I am cleaning or folding laundry. If only it didn't make things take longer! 

He is really good at hiding things! And occasionally finding them again lol. Took us days to find a lid to the salsa container. Was driving me mad!

I love his cute little curly locks! Jackson is obsessed with clocks and printers, and loves watching things print. He also loves repeating whatever you say.

 

Jackson is a huge cuddler and loves just lying in bed with me in the mornings. He is good at being still and quiet unlike his brother. He is quick with an "I Love You" or hug any chance he gets.

Our crazy Hunter! 

Hunter is also very stubborn, opinionated, and strong willed. He is quick to reprimand others and try to put them into time out or on the naughty list. He loves reading books, dancing, singing, and playing with bubbles. 

 

He loves heading up to the tennis courts to "play tennis", ride the elevator, and play in the dance room.

Hunter can be very mischievous! He tends to get a devilish grin on his face when he is up to no good. He is my early riser and not such a great sleeper, but is finally sleeping through the night! He loves helping me cook in the kitchen but also very impatient. He is a good counter and can make it into the teens before messing up.

Both boys love going on outings to help me on my errands.

They love anytime Finley plays with them or reads to them.

More and more the boys are starting to play with one another!

We have one masker and one anti-masker in the house.

They often only want me to read to them...which I love and hate at the same time.

These two love being outside and are always on the go!

They also have a super sweet tooth and I indulge them daily with lollipops, popsicles, and gum. 

They know most of their letters, shapes, and colors now!

They also enjoy building things and helping out with projects.

Time out is sometimes a joint activity.

They just adore Miss Karen, Ally, and Cora.

A rare moment when they are both cuddling with me.

Loving their rainy day curls!

They are huge Tar Heel fans! And love attending soccer games and cheering for Pop Pop's team!

Even the rain can't keep them from being outside!

Our next big adventure is potty training!

So far it is really hit or miss...with Finley things were so much easier. Really hoping we can conquer this soon!