Pomp, Christmas, & Our Circumstances

One might think that because our last post was before my thesis defense and we have not updated it since that I failed miserably. Well check the picture you fools, this freak has a Masters Degree (apparel donated by Mike Anderson). I thought that getting my masters might feel anti-climatic since I have already started my doctoral work in August and I will be in school for at least 2 more years. Well it was very fulfilling and good fuel to keep going. Jodi deserves to share in all the congratulations and praise as she has been an absolutely amazing wife, mother, and friend during my graduate studies thus far. My parents and my sister Debbie (w/ Toby) came out for the festivities and we had a grand ole' time.

For the holiday season, Jodi and I decided to stick around here and do our own thing. Now we both love being with our families, but I must say that we had one of our best holiday seasons ever. This was largely due to the following:
1. Avoiding 32 hours in the van w/ an infant, toddler, & preschooler
2. Having total control over the kids schedule (& our own)
3. Visiting Kansas City & Liberty, MO to do some stuff together
4. Completing many projects that gives more order to home & life
5. No detoxing the kids from the incessant spoiling from grandparents
6. Spending time w/ friends who stuck around here as well
7. Feeling relaxed yet productive
8. More time to get ready for the coming semester
9. You are probably getting bored of the blog now so.....

Needless to say it has been a good break. What made this break even better is to watch the #2 Utah Utes give a thumpin' to the Alabama Crimson Tide!!! There is much more to tell but this will have to suffice for now.