Degree progress: your questions answered

I am fortunate to possess several talents: one of which is the ability to keep myself busy. So, as you may recall, the summer Lilly was born, I began another degree. It's been a long journey; very rewarding and very challenging, especially with two small children, two dogs, a husband and a job. Many of you have asked me "how's your school?" or "when are you done?" I thought I'd take a minute to outline my doctoral program at Northern Arizona University and let you know where I am along the path...

Program Requirements and Status:
1. Doctoral coursework: DONE
2. Comprehensive exams: DONE
3. Dissertation:
a. Chapter 1- Introduction: DONE
b. Chapter 2- Literature Review: DONE
c. Chapter 3- Methodology: DONE
d. Prospectus hearing with committee: DONE (this gives the approval of chapters 1-3 and the green light for data collection)
e. Data collection: DONE
f. Data analysis: In progress
g. Chapter 4- Data analysis: Not done
h. Chapter 5- Conclusions and recommendations: Not done
i. Dissertation oral defense: Not done until dissertation is complete
4. Graduation: scheduled for December 11, 2009.

I can see the light at the end of this very long tunnel. I'm technically "in candidacy" after completing the prospectus. The goal at the end of this degree: Doctor of Education, emphasis in Higher Education and Leadership

I think I can. I think I can... choo choo. This train keeps moving!

A new favorite...

Every child loves the park, right? Lately, Lilly and Claire are more interested in "how" we get to the park rather than actually being at the park. When our neighbors moved to Florida (we miss them!) they gave us a million fabulous things their children had outgrown, including a green wagon. This wagon has become the favorite mode of transportation for the girls. Claire gleefully rides inside while Lilly either pulls the wagon, also rides inside, or terrorizes Claire while riding inside. The wagon has a super-cool door which the girls love to open and close. Of course, Lilly informs me every time it is not completely closed when the wagon starts to move. It also has two cup-holders, perfect for sippy-cups, and a hidden storage compartment under one of the seats. The wagon is even wide enough to sit two little ones side-by-side. When Emma and Kate visited in March, we even attached the caboose to the back of the wagon, allowing for an extra passenger. So, needless to say, Lilly looks for every opportunity to "take the wagon." Enjoy the photos from our most recent outing.

So cool... you gotta wear shades!

Being big girls
Cutie Claire waiting in the wagon for big sister to join her

Lilly terrorizing Claire on the way home from the park

Summer Project #1... Complete!

My mom made stockings for Amy and me when we were little, and I always thought it was so neat that my stocking was handmade by mom. So, making stockings for my own girls has been a goal floating around in my head ever since they were born. At the end of the semester I began making Claire's stocking - I started on hers first because the Sugar Plum Fairy stocking Lilly chose is quite complex. I figured Claire's would be a good transition into the embroidery world.

It took me about 3 weeks (countless obsessive hours) to create the stocking for Claire, but I think it turned out well and will hopefully give her much joy during future Christmas seasons. For those of you who know me, you know that once I have a "project" I obsess about completing it.

Lilly's stocking kit is coming in the mail anyday, and as expected, she is very excited. Hopefully I will have a finished fairy stocking to post within the month. Until then...