Comprehensive Exams

Most PhD programs require students to take comprehensive exams.  These exams take on may forms.  Some may be a paper to be written in 2 weeks.  Some might be a grant proposal.  Mine were actual comprehensive exams.  I took 2 of the 3 required for my program.  The Human Development major had a possible of 11 theories with many additional potential applications of those theories.  The Research Methods asked about terminology and how/when certain research designs would be appropriate.  A majority of my summer was spent in studying for these two exams, which were held the Friday before school started in August.  The actual exam was 2 hours for each topic.  I basically typed like a mad woman for the entire 4 hours.  This past week, I had orals, where a committee of professors in the department ask clarifying questions.  It's been a long, tiring, and stressful process.  BUT, I PASSED!  I was told that they could easily tell that I had studied, which makes me question if other students don't study.  I was also told that I think well on my feet and that I was quick to answer in accurate ways.  It was all very supportive.  I am so glad that they are done.  I have the Family Relations minor left to take in January.  But, I think I can do it.  Thanks to all who prayed and supported me in my stressful time.  I truly appreciate it.

August 2012

Our whole family was able to get together in August.  I don't remember if it was for a specific reason for us to gather.  The kids always enjoy being together and they play with each other so well.

Mr Blue-eyes

The grandkids with Grandma

Back: Sariah, Hannah, Bekah, Whitney

Front: Hayden, Heidi, Wilson, Weston, Grandma, and Ethan

 

 Love those blue eyes

 The niblings and I.  Heidi was being a stinker and didn't want to sit with us.

More of Weston.  Can't get enough of this cute face.

Hannah didn't want to be left out of getting pictures.

 More of Weston

A few of Ethan-boy

Another blue-eyed, handsome fella

 

 

 The kiddos at the park.

Hayden, Hannah, Heidi, Whitney, Wilson

Two little monkeys

Hayden, Whitney, Hannah

Whit, Wils, Hannah pretending to drive somewhere.

Heidi at Horseshoe Bend

 Ethan.  He LOVES the water.  I had to 'save him' several time from drowning.  The boy had no fear.

Erik and Weston

Hannah and Hayden chasing the ducks/chickens out at Richard's house.  They thought it was a great time.

Hayden at the whale pool.

Wilson swimming.

Hannah

Whitney and Hannah

Weston trying to stay cool.

Sleepover

While home at the beginning of June, we had a mini sleepover with the W's and H's.  They love being with each other.  And even more, they love spending the night at Grandma's house.  So doing both is a special treat for them.

Whit and Weston

Weston

 Hannah and Whitney are great friends and they giggle so much when together. They become pretty silly.

Getting ready to sleep.  Hayden was entertaining the girls.  He, too, can get pretty silly with these girls.

And a picture of my cute mommy with a new haircut.

Ethan's 2nd birthday

I was able to be home for Ethan's 2nd birthday.  I don't remember much of what happened, but there were plenty of pictures.

There were plenty to help with the opening of gifts and the reading of birthday cards.  Here, Sariah is reading a card for everyone.

Sandy and her mom are great at taking pictures of all the gifts.

Bekah enjoying the fun.

Whitty-bug

 Ethan opening a gift.

Sariah, Heidi, Hannah, Ethan, Bekah, and Hayden

I absolutely LOVE these smiles!