We're Moving!!

According to Andrew, "We are going to be our own landlord!"

We get the keys on Friday. We are so excited. I am still in awe and can't believe that it's real. We weren't even really looking and then a house on our street came up for sale. We took one look and fell in love. It all happened so fast-- it was only on the market for 5 days. Although we hadn't been actively looking to buy a house the Lord had been preparing us so when it all of a sudden came up it was easier for us to say, "This is the place-- we'll take it!" The kids are way excited to have a basement-- according to them they just "love" basements. Derek is excited to have a home of his own and likes the idea of being able to do whatever he wants to it. He can't wait to stock up on home improvement books. Me-- I am excited to have some room. We will be moving up from 1800 square feet to 3200. I can't wait!! Now to just make it through the move. Why do we always move when I am pregnant?!

It's FINALLY done!!!

It's official-- Derek's thesis is FINALLY done, handed in, and signed off on!! It has taken three years to get to this point. It has been a LONG process with many sacrifices and numerous sleepless nights. We've had to jump through many hoops to get here-- but, we're here!! We are so excited! Now we can spend our weekends together as a family again. :) Official graduation is on July 29th. Now Derek will have is master's degree in Strategic Intelligence. Woo-hoo!!!

Derek with his finished thesis:

Being silly!!

This is the acknowledgement Derek wrote to go with his thesis. It melts my heart every time I read it. :)

"To my wife Jodi and our children; Brian, Andrew, Timothy, Kylie, and Philip who had to

forego many family activities because daddy had to “work on his thesis,” thank you for your love and patience. Additional thanks to friends and co-workers who continued to support and

encourage me throughout the process. Lastly, a most humble and heartfelt thank you to Dusty

Stewart and John Davidson, two of the greatest in-laws I am blessed to call family."

Thank you to everyone who has been praying for us/Derek all this time. We know it truly helped!! We feel very blessed to have been given the opportunity to make it to this point and to achieve this accomplishment. :)

Blogging from phone

Figured I ought to try out this blogger app since I've had it on my phone for months.  Currently I'm on the Metro heading in to work to finish my thesis on the 4th of July.  Hopefully this truly is my independence day from this paper.

Have to try and add a picture too.