Catching Up

First things first--I (Jen) PASSED! I PASSED MY COMPREHENSIVE EXAMS! Woo hoo! I studied all summer long (plus all of the years prior) and took my written August 10-13 and the oral on September 1st. When they say "comprehensive" they are not kidding. I answered 12 questions in the written and then each question was revisited during the orals. Then they added any other question they thought I should know. It was a bit frightening because the five professors on my committee are like walking encyclopedias--so it was difficult to know what they would ask and I hoped that they would be pleased with my answers. I could not answer every question, but I felt good about the things I said and the professors seemed pleased. All in all, there was a lot of laughter and when they asked me to step out at the end I could still hear them laughing. After a few minutes they opened the door and Dr. Gentry (they head of my committee) shook my hand and said "congratulations." I was extremely relieved and very excited! So now I need to do the research and write my final paper. I do want to add one more thing about this subject--Matt is the best husband in the world! He gave me time each day to study and the week before if I came out of our bedroom he would say, "what are you doing--get back in there and study!" I appreciate all of his help, I could not have done this without him. He's my inspiration.

On to other things, we obviously started another semester. Matt is teaching two classes--one on-line class and one normal class. He is excited about having great discussions with his classes. He is trying to write his dissertation, applying for post doctorate opportunities and the few jobs that are available. We are not sure when he will graduate, so we are attempting to plan for every possibility!

I am directing the ASU Women's Chorus which now has almost 90 members! A few years ago they had a total of 30, so we are really excited about the numbers and more importantly, about the sound and positive energy! I'm honored to conduct them! I also conduct the Arizona Deseret Choir, teach private lessons and play for some vocalists. What is missing? Classes--no classes for me! I just love spending all the time I can with my Abby! She is the sweetest little girl with endless and I mean endless energy! She now climbs on everything. Yesterday I came into her room and she was standing on her changing table dancing. She saw me and squealed with excitement. I find her on the table and anything else and she has bruises from falling off of things! She is saying many more words and we are currently working on "football" and "BYU" as we are currently watching the first BYU football game! We are having a football party as we speak--blue and white balloons and all!

So it has been a while since we've posted pictures, so here are a few pictures from the past. It took a while partly because we were busy and because my computer crashed after the second day of my comprehensive exams. I lost every file, video, picture, etc. I just wanted to cry. Here is one from July--Abby now likes to put on my shoes, especially if they have high heels! Take a look closely at her feet!

Here is just a cute one--Abby actually sleeping! She doesn't do this for very long, so I had to get a picture.
This is just a good picture of Matt and Abby and a picture of Abby and I (we match!).


The morning after I took my written exams, Abby and I boarded a plane for Utah to see Brent (my brother) graduate from BYU. So here are a number of fun pictures from Utah!

Abby and Grandpa Mark:

Proud siblings! Jen, Tiff, Brent & Kevin

Christie and Abby
Abby actually eating--watermelon, yum!

A trip to Park City with Christie, Kylee, Kennedy, Tiff, Abby, Jen
The girls at dinner
We were also happy to see Amanda (Abby's birth Mom) and her new husband Richard.

Abby has no fear! She went right up to Aunt Cindy's big dogs and didn't think twice.
Jen and 3 of the students from Wasatch High--Brandon, Brian, Austin! What a reunion!
Kylee, Brynley, Jen, Kennedy at the Salt Lake Temple.


Abby sees the Salt Lake Temple!

To finish things off, here is a funny video of our darling Abby. She LOVES to dance and try to jump so she will turn on her little farm toy and it plays music. She will push the button and then dance all over the house!

Okay, last thing! Abby climbs on everything now and she often climbs up on the piano bench and plays. Watch and see!