I very much agree with tarekayna about your verbose descriptions. Your resume needs to be scannable so individuals can quickly assess whether you are worth exploring further. Think of the resume as getting your foot in the door. You don't want them to know everything about you, but they should get a good idea of your highlights and best moments. You'll have a lot of opportunity to elaborate further during your follow-up interview.

Personally, I'm not a fan of the way Linkedin lays out your experience. I understand what a great tool it can be and that many people use it. But for presenting an online resume for myself, I've been using StackOverflow Careers. Take a look at how I've laid out my resume there. (http://careers.stackoverflow.com/mikegreenberg) Note how I bring attention to the important parts with appropriate formatting, give very short descriptions which demonstrate action (begin with verbs!), show metrics where possible to show how I improved the company I worked for, and tried to identify the best ways I could be beneficial to them.

I can see the lacking degree working against you in some respects, but I really don't feel this is going to prevent you from getting a job if you're qualified to perform it. But I'm also not saying jobs will land in your lap. You need to compensate for that "hole" in your resume with a significant showing of your own. A portfolio, if you will. Do side projects whenever possible. (I know this can be difficult with a family. I have two kids myself, but I tend to be married to a project when I'm not spending time with them.)

If you have any specific questions, I'd be happy to answer. Or email me in private, if you prefer. (my initials at nobulb.com)