Pomp and Circumstance

On Saturday, May 1, Alan Burke Adams officially* graduated with his masters degree in Business Administration from Southern Utah University. (If you'll notice, there is a star following the adjective, "officially." This is due to the fact that Burke is not technically done with the program until we return from our semester in Paris, but he was still able to walk and receive his diploma.)

Just in case you are not aware: my husband is a champ! He has worked full time and gone to school full time and I cannot think of a single complaint that has passed his lips this entire year (besides Dr. Woodburry's 15 hour take-home tests, but that is certainly something to moan about)! While I am constantly whining about how exhausting our schedules are, Burke simply smiles and says, "Isn't it awesome that we can work AND go to school full time. We are so blessed!"

His positive attitude has served him well as he has excelled in all of his classes and impressed both professors and peers. It has not been easy, but he has worked diligently and I can attest that he deserves this diploma and all the hours of tenacity and rigor that it represents. At the commencement ceremony on Saturday, I just couldn't help but smile from ear to ear through the entire program. I am so proud of my sweetheart for his sharp intellect, his incredible work ethic, his unfailingly positive attitude, and his creative mind that have allowed him to achieve this huge accomplishment.

While in the MBA program, Burke has associated with a lot of great people. He has studied alongside old friends and roommates like the Homer brothers and Issac Isom, and new friends such as the Patil brothers from India who are constantly delighting Burke with their kindness and one liners. He is sad that his time with them has come to a close after toiling through the program together this year, but grateful to the fond memories they formed. Almost every night after class Burke would share a good laugh with me over the antics of his goofy classmates. What a good group of men.

I would be remiss if I did not also include the immense support of our family during this busy stage of our lives. Our parents have been nothing but encouraging and excited for us and our goals. It was evident at graduation day how pleased Alan and Marie were with their son, his accomplishment and the good name he is creating for himself and our little family. Thank you to both Adams and Bush families for cheering us on and reminding us that we can do great things.

As we embark on our trip to Paris and face the unknown on our return, we have both felt optimistic about the future and what the Lord has in store for us. The sky truly is the limit!

It's knowing where to start that can be the most befuddling. :) Onward and upward!