A "Real" Dentist's Award

 A few days ago I was explaining to McKay that BJ would be graduating. He has always known that daddy goes to school so I wanted to explain that daddy was finishing school and would begin working as a dentist. McKay looked at me with some confusion and said, "So Daddy won't be a pretend dentist anymore. Now daddy will be a real dentist. Right?" Sure. So now BJ is a real dentist. 

 Speaking of "real" dentistry, I have to take a moment to congratulate BJ on an award he recently received.

Each year the graduating dental class attend a banquet honoring the students and presenting awards. This year's event was held in the reception hall of the beautiful Fasig-Tipton horse farm in Lexington. The class visited with each other and their professors, we all enjoying an amazing dinner, and then there was an awards ceremony. 

Most of the awards presented were for those who had spent extra time in various specialties or for those with significant academic achievements. However, at the end of the proceedings, six awards were given for Excellence in Restorative Dentistry. Restorative dentistry refers to the practical work of dentistry: fillings, crowns, bridges, and the other clinical work of a dentist.

BJ was the first of six students from his class of over 60 to receive this prestigious award. BJ is one of the most kind and wonderful people I've ever known. He never draws attention to himself or seeks accolades. However, it was wonderful on that night to watch this humble and gentle husband of mine be recognized by faculty, staff, and students as one of the top dentists in his class.

We are so proud of you, honey! Congratulations!

Dr. Cox Graduation!

Congratulations, Dr. Jamison Cox! Today BJ graduated from the University of Kentucky College of Dentistry. It was a beautiful day and the perfect way to celebrate this momentous achievement.  

BJ's official graduation picture, as seen in the program.

The procession of the 2012 Dental Class

 

BJ receiving his doctoral hood

 

The new Dr. Cox

BJ with wonderful friends Kassie Kulb and Brittany Eirwin-Maqueda

+ Devin Davidson, BJ's study buddies

On the steps of Memorial Hall. Four years ago we stood on these same steps, following BJ's white coat ceremony. Now, four years and a wealth of experiences later, we are on the same steps, closing a chapter of our lives.

We were joined by many family members. It was so wonderful to have a regular cheering section for BJ. The Brothers: David, Dallin, BJ, Damon, and Josh

The Cox family

BJ and Mom Cox

I'm so proud of this guy! He worked so hard and now, 10 years after our wedding, we are finally finishing school!! 

Through it all, BJ has kept our family top priority, He has come home and spent time with us each night until the kids went to bed. He would stay up late studying so that he could still spend time with our family. Two nights a week he would feed the kids and put them to bed so that I could teach. Then he would wake up early to teach Seminary each morning. He is our hero! 

 

 

Damon and Lety, BJ's brother and sister-in-law drove from Alabama to support BJ. They also gave him a beautiful rose gold watch to commemorate the occasion. 

Thanks to everyone for supporting our family on this very special day. Congratulations Dr. Cox!

McKay's funny of the day

Yesterday, McKay and I were doing a puzzle... it was actually a pretty decent puzzle with about 150 pieces or so.

Anyway, McKay was doing really well with little to no help from me. So, naturally, I gave him a compliment: "Good job McKay, you did that one all by yourself."

To which he responded: "That why I'm a genius!"