All:

Things have been busy. The boys are doing well in school (a perfect progress report for Jacob) and I am now fully back at the wonderful world of Hyatt.

Today, we had the privelege of going to Star Wars in Concert at the United Center. The boys loved it (and Dad too). Basically, I would describe it as a Star Wars highlight film with a live symphony orchestra.

Also, we found out that NU is going to the Outback Bowl on New Years' Day in Tampa. Not exactly what I expected...if anyone wants a parking pass to the Champs Sports Bowl with Miami and Wisconsin, let me know. So, the three of us will spend the week of New Years in Orlando with a brief jaunt to Tampa. I am determined that we will have a blast.

For those of you who have sent emails or left voicemail which have gone unreturned, please accept my apologies. I have been just trying to keep up with my new world.

God Bless and GO CATS!!!

Deron and the Boys

All:

Here's what I know. Jenn was on the verge of passing three weekends ago. In those three weekends (during and since Jenn passed), our beloved Northwestern Wildcats are 3-0. We knocked off top-10 ranked Iowa, state rival Illinois and Top-25 ranked Wisconsin. In that same time frame, the hated Notre Dame Fighting Irish are 0-3, including losses to such powerhouses as Navy and UConn (which didn't have a Division I football team until 2002). I'm thinking my girl has some pull upstairs.

With this in mind, I took the leap of faith and booked Jacob, Kyle and I for a trip to Orlando from 12/27 to 01/02. Odds are high that NU plays in either the Champs Sports bowl in Orlando on December 29th or the Outback Bowl in Tampa on January 1st. Either way, we are going south for the New Year to experience the Disney magic ans see some football. If anyone is interested in accompanying us, let me know as I can work travel arrangements pretty well.

Tomorrow is Thanksgiving and we will be celebrating by allowing Jacob to play his inaugural Turkey Bowl with the family and then following that up with dinner at my parents.

We look forward to the future and all that we have been blessed with.

Deron and the boys

All:

First of all, thanks to all of you for your support and prayers over the last few months. Without exception, I have been shocked by how gracious and supportive you have all been and I doubt I would have been nearly as supportive were the tables turned. That said, I will try to learn from all of the generosity I have received.

Today was one week since Jenn's funeral and I have honestly been struggling to manage the basic logistics of our "new" household. You honestly do not appreciate the "little" things that your spouse does until they are gone. Still, we are managing and I am sure things will smooth themselves out as time goes on. The boys seem to be doing OK.

Not much to report at this point. My goals are to, 1) survive Week 1 back at work, and 2) watch NU beat Wisconsin in Evanston on Saturday.

I will work to expand this site in the future.

Deron and the boys