Birthday Wishes

My amazing husband is away. Today is his Birthday.

Good thing he is having a BLAST in CHINA!

I took this picture on the morning he left. He was so excited!

Have fun in China! I love you! Happy Birthday!

Nebraska

My undergraduate degree was a lot of fun (International Studies). The classes were interesting and they introduced me to topics I really care about (International Health). Unfortunately, the degree itself has not lead to the type of job I would love. I always knew I would need a graduate degree to do what I want.

After settling in Tucson I started looking into my graduate school options. I decided I needed an online program since we aren't sure how long we'll be here and we have no idea where we'll end up next.

After looking at a lot of programs, I found the University of Nebraska at Omaha's MPA program. The classes are exactly the same for online students as in the classroom. In fact, online students fill a seat in the actual classroom when registering. And the program is ranked in the top 10% of all MPA programs (online or not)!

At the end of December I got the exciting news that I had been accepted as an online student! Luke and I planned a quick trip to Omaha at the beginning of January to meet the professors, my advisor, and attend orientation. We took a lot of pictures... but I can't find my camera. So, here is a picture from the internet...

Since we visited in January it was not this sunny or green.

I started classes on Monday. So far so good.

I'm nervous about starting school again, but since Luke already has 2 Master's Degrees I need to get started. I can't let him get too far ahead of me.

IDAHO!

Last week Luke and I left sunny Tucson, Arizona and spent some time in Idaho. That's right... Idaho. Before you think we're crazy for leaving flip flop weather for arctic chill I should tell you - WE HAD A BLAST! Ok, we could have done without the freezing weather but we had a great time!

We went to Idaho, 'All because two people fell in love (isn't that wonderfully cheesy)'.

But I'm not talking about the bride and groom, whose beautiful sealing and reception we attended, I'm talking about Luke and one of his best friends Brandon (the groom). These two boys met at the Academy and can't get enough of each other. Brandon's Dad says they "giggle like sisters" when they get together. It's true.

We were so excited to be there for Brandon and Whitney!

Weddings are so fun! Congratulations Brandon and Whitney!

Good Things...

Did you know me and my Mom's birthdays are only 4 days apart! 4 days! Isn't that AWESOME! We think so. This year that meant we got to celebrate them together when she came out to visit at the beginning of November.

She saw our house for the first time, we went shopping, we spray painted stuff, we ate a super fancy amazing gelato birthday cake. We watched two of our favorite shows, Modern Family and Chuck. We took the puppy on walks to look at cactus. We shopped some more. I introduced her to pinterest. We made crafty plans for Christmas. Before I knew it the week was up and Mom had to go home. Lame.

Her visit was really, really good. I am so glad she came.

You may have noticed we have a blog, but we do not have one of these...

Weird, right?

For 18 months we have been trying to flag down this guy...

But he has not stopped by our house yet.

So, while we pray and want and wish for one of these...

(Your prayers for us would be MUCH appreciated)

I will try to keep this blog updated with the things we are doing, the good things going on in our lives. Because while there are some pretty rotten days and long depressing nights, there are good days and exciting things going on. You know, in between the infertility appointments. I won't update you about the infertility appointments. That would be weird.

We are so grateful for our family and friends that have been so supportive and sweet during this difficult time. Please continue to keep us in your prayers.

Free At Last!

So, this is Luke. You may be wondering why I'm making an appearance on our blog, especially after it hasn't been updated for almost 6 months.

Well, here's the reason...

yep... Mongolians.

Right now you're thinking one of two things. 1) What do Mongolians have to do with Marquette not updating her blog for so long? or 2) Luke is an idiot

If you're thinking #1, I will tell you in just a second. If you're thinking #2 you should know I think YOU'RE the idiot

Here's the story. Marquette and I were in Florida (see last post) at a training event for my work when the famed Mongolian invasion 2083 began just a bit early (King of the Hill). They took us by surprise and got the upper hand for a couple months.

Marquette and I went deep undercover (our side felt like we were the only logical choice for deep cover because I speak Chinese and Marquette speaks Danish). While we were undercover things got a bit hairy. It wasn't until the invasion was repelled that I was able to get out.

Marquette should be extracted in the next week or so and continue her normal blog posting duties at that time. Please keep her in your prayers. If you would post on facebook and guilt trip all your friends into re-posting this message that would be great, because that's a good way to show support for a cause.

So there you have it. This whole time you've been thinking 'Man, Marquette is so lazy, she never updates her blog!' but really she's been out there defending freedom. Shame on you.

It's either that or we've just been busy. Either way, this will probably be the last time Marquette asks/allows me to update the blog.

Too-ish-in? What's this strange word?

Yesterday, my husband did something he has never done before...

For the first time in his life, he paid money to go to school!

He was not happy about it.

I guess when you are a smarty pants like him you can attend the Air Force Academy for your undergraduate degree and then get a scholarship for your first Master's degree. Oh yeah, and not pay a thing for the first half of your second Master's degree.

Industrial Engineering Master's degree... you better be worth the $3,000 we might spend getting you.

All you tuition payers reading this post, feel free to laugh at my cute husband who thinks that this is a lot of money to pay for school.