“Go confidently in the direction of your dreams. Live the life you have imagined.” --Henry David Thoreau

I love graduations. I love the excitement and the sense of pride and accomplishment, the feeling of one door closing and another door opening. And the possibilities--I love the possibilities, for life, for the future, for pursuing dreams, that this day holds.

It's so hard to believe, considering that I can clearly remember the day I graduated from ACU, but this past Saturday my little brother got to walk across the stage. We had a wonderful time celebrating with him, meeting some of his new friends, going to some of his favorite restaurants, hanging out at his house and just being in Abilene. Going back there always brings us back to a simpler time and brings back so many good memories.

Aside from the graduation festivities we also really enjoyed staying with Tim and Lindsay, two of our good friends from college and seeing all the new additions to the campus--we went running on the new running track (I'm so jealous! :)) and had fun seeing all the new little details they've added since we left.

We are so proud of you Matthew and so glad we could be there to celebrate with you. Keep seeking God and letting Him lead you as you go into this next phase of your life. We're excited to be with you in this time and see how everything falls into place!


Matt was one of three students from COBA, the business department, to give a speech at their reception the Friday before graduation. He did AWESOME. And I would be saying that even if I wasn't his sister!

Matt and I after the COBA reception--it was a beautiful sunset!

Tim and I, who so graciously let us crash at their house all weekend.

Matt and my mom walking in--she was hooding him and got to sit down on the floor with him.

walking to their seats amongst the sea of black and white

my mom hooding Matthew

Moody Collesieum

Matthew Austin Newhouser

take the diploma with the left, shake with the right :)

It's official!!

now we've got to try and find them outside...

boys :)

the whole family

my handsome husband and I

my beautiful parents

Matthew with some of his friends

the happy graduate :)

Matt with our parents

Matt had to take my new car for a spin on the way to lunch after graduation, to see if he approved...

lunch at Bangkok Thai, one of Matt's favorite restaurants in Abilene--it was really good and we had practically the whole place to ourselves since we were having a late lunch!

my silly brother!
Congrats Matt! We can't wait to see what the future holds for you!