Happy Fourthday!

So patriotism is all well and good as a culturally accepted virtue, but can I just say that the Fourth of July is even better when there's a birthday to celebrate? We loved celebrating the Birth of our Nation with our fellow citizens, and I always get choked up watching veterans march in the parade, but I must say the highlight was celebrating 29 great years of Jeremy's life. Here's to a happy Fourth and to a happy birthday for my favorite person.

To commemorate this epic celebration, please enjoy this footage of Clara dancing to the parade. Note that her movements are somewhat restricted by her seat in the backpack and by the fact that she's clutching a soybutter and jelly sandwich with two hands. Nevertheless, she is obviously a girl who loves The Dance.

Jeremy B, ABD

After two long years of PhD coursework at Syracuse University, and after nine years of post-secondary education, I am thrilled to report that Jeremy will never again set foot in a classroom as a student. Yes, Jeremy is now officially ABD, which is shorthand for "All But Dissertation," which is code for Jeremy is not really a "student" anymore. He passed his oral defense of his comprehensive exams last Thursday, which was the final hoop to jump through before being able to focus all of his academic time and talent on researching and writing his dissertation. Of course, the dissertation is arguably just as grueling as the PhD coursework, but Jeremy loves to research and is thrilled to be done taking classes and exams.

Jeremy's advisor and his wife graciously treated us to a wonderful dinner on Saturday night to celebrate, and Jeremy has done nothing but relax and sip cream soda ever since. OK--if you know us at all you will know how far from the truth that is, but he does feel great about being finished! I am just tickled with what a great student he is and how much he invests into working hard in everything he does. It feels great to be married to an official PhD Candidate rather that to just a PhD Student. Congrats, JB!