Surprise!

I am so happy that Derick has completed his Master's Degree in Aeronautical Science! I am happy for him that he no longer has to stress and study. I am happy for us that we no longer have to arrange our weekends and weeknights around his class schedule and/or his need to study. This is a truly big deal for all of us...

So, I planned a party. I have never thrown a surprise party before, but I thought this would be a good time to try. We had friends over for supper & that ended up being a perfect cover for all of my cleaning and fretting. My friend brought a cake for dessert (the cake pictures are posted below). Just as she put the cake on the table, the other guests began to arrive. Derick was pretty confused for a few minutes, but then he got it! It was so much fun, he really didn't know I had planned it and I think he was happy with the results.

On top of his work with his Master's degree, Derick is only two tests shy of completing Air Command and Staff College (ACSC) in correspondence. This may confuse some of you as we are leaving in a couple of months so that Derick can attend Army Command and Staff College. Yes, it is pretty much the same thing. However, the majority of people do ACSC in correspondence and only some people are selected to actually attend the school in residence. Another big deal. So, the Air Force basically punishes the school selects (although they have been chosen for very competitive slots) by pretty much requiring them to do ACSC in correspondence before they attend ACSC in residence. Otherwise, the school selects are not as competitive for immediate promotion boards if they haven't completed ACSC while waiting to attend ACSC. Only the U.S. Government could come up with a system so stupid.

Can you tell this is a sore subject at our house?

So Derick has blown through five of the seven correspondence tests, with only two remaining. We may have another party! The stress that has consumed our house will be over soon.

Throw your own party for us--we wish you could have all attended anyway!

And check out the new pictures posted below.