So Thankful - God's Unexpected Provision for School

As you know, C & I are expecting #2 in January, and I am currently enrolled as a Full-time Master's student in OU's SLP program, with 16 hours (including clinic) both in the Spring & Fall semesters of the first year. I wasn't sure what I was going to do about school & the new baby & everything. We had been praying through our options and although I felt that I could probably handle the Fall semester without trouble, I wasn't sure if the 4 days I would have between having our little one and class resuming would be enough for me or the baby. I was nervous about trying to even "think" about class that soon after having the baby. Clint & I have been praying through our options and yesterday I scheduled an appointment with OU to discuss our situation. I hadn't told them yet that I was pregnant.

The conversation was amazing. The head of the department was completely understanding of my situation and so much more flexible than I expected would even be possible. It hasn't been finalized, but it looks like I'll take about 1/2 of the classes this Fall, then only 1 class in the Spring (because I'll be about a month behind before I am able to return to class and that's too much of a gap to catch up on 16 hours). Then I'll basically be on track to start again with class the next year. Basically, it extends my program to 3 years, instead of 2, but I think it's a BIG answer to prayer.

I was prepared for him to tell me that I would just have to re-apply in the Fall, and I was not looking forward to sitting out an entire year. Now I'll be able to stay with J and manage a few classes, and have plenty of time for recovery and the new baby. I'm so excited. It makes me LOVE the program even more. I'm so thankful & excited. I don't think there are many places that this would have been a possibility. Just wanted to share.

I'm taking a free online photo editing class from Jessica Sprague at jessicasprague.com.

I'm working on a Mac and have Pixelmator rather than Photoshop, which the class is geared for, but I've still found it really interesting so far.

Here's my first attempt at a framed photo with some word art. It's not perfect, but it's a start. ;)

Photo fun

So, I am embarrassed to say this, but the main reason my blog is without many pics, is because I haven't quite figured out an "easy" way to load them. Compared to my Facebook app in iPhoto, which lets me select a few pics and then automatically uploads them, this is a much more laborious process.

Can you share your tips and tricks for making your layout look snazzy? How do you guys upload your pics?

Clutter Patrol - Help!!!

Okay,

I feel like I've got craft overload. I've been jumping from thread to thread joining crafting blog after blog....why you may ask? I am seriously wanting to make something.

What's keeping me from moving forward? Well....good question! I have too much stuff in my house as it is. Some of you may know that C and I have a serious problem with getting rid of stuff. We're gearing up for a garage sale, but really don't even know where to start. We're totally clueless, and it's so sad.

If you know much about garage sale-ing or even know how to eliminate extra clutter, or organize, I am desperately pleading for your help!!!!!

I hesitate to make anything new when we already have too many things as it is, but I desperately want to create!

Please help! ;)

Finals are Finished! (for this semester)

Well, I've finished with Finals at UCO for this year! I think I might have another straight A semester - which makes me feel like all the time invested was worth it. I have learned so much so far, and I know I still have so much left to learn about SLP! I will officially start at OU Health Sciences Center in the Fall!

I've started a running program recently. I'm not worried about speed for now. I'm just trying to get myself up and active. So far, Ive hit the gym 4 times this week and I'm LOVING it!

I also have a BIG surprise planned on Mother's Day this year. I can't wait.

In other news: Clint is still a genius, and the best husband (for me) in the whole world. He's working on his Master's in Forensic Science right now at UCO & holding down his full-time job at Nomadics and being an A+ dad and husband.

Clint and Jonas took me shopping yesterday and we had such a wonderful time together. (Shopping is not always such a fun family experience). I got 3 new Mother's Day Dresses, and I'm so excited to get to wear them. ;) I haven't bought a new dress in years!

Jonas is 2! He's so smart, and amazes me every day. He makes connections I would never have expected for a 2 year old. He'll tell me about things he did at school, or while playing pretend piano, he'll ask me if I remember how he played piano at Mimi's. He's speaking in sentences, knows most of his colors, and recognizes some letters and numbers, and he's just generally a joy to be around. I'm so excited to get to have the summer to spend with my precious boy!!!

I wasn't blanning on making this a brag blog at all. I just had so much I wanted to post about, and at the moment I'm feeling extremely blessed!

I hope everyone else feels the same way today!

Happy Mother's Day to everyone!

Decisions Keep Coming...

I'm sorry it's been so long since I posted. Thanks to everyone for your sweet comments & prayers. They were much appreciated & if you don't mind...I could use them again ;)

I'm wrapping up my year of pre-requisites in Speech Language Pathology & have applied to 3 Graduate Programs. Beyond blessed - I got accepted into all 3 programs: UCO, OU Health Sciences Center & University of Washington - Seattle MedSLP program.

At the same time, my husband is dealing with some difficult decisions and we are trying to figure out the direction our family should take.

There are many competing factors about the different programs. Each has it's great points & it's not so great points.

UW-
Pros: is a very prestigious program (Ivy League for SLP) and I am honored to have been accepted into the MedSLP program. The professors who instruct in this program are experts in the field, and I would be thrilled to attend. Plus - it's in Seattle - where we've dreamed of living for a while ;)
Negs: It's in Seattle - which is a long way away. It's more expensive than where we live now & would mean that several things would have to fall into place to make it possible. i/e - selling our home, Clint finding a job, finding a place we could afford to live there & reliable child care....also, it's a 3 year program, when most SLP programs are 2. I'd almost be assured a great job upon completion, but it's still another factor up for consideration.

UCO -
Pros: It's a great program, with professors I enjoy and am comfortable with. I know what would be expected of me, and I have many friends entering the program. Also, they have offered me a GA position - with scholarship. I know they genuinely care about me and want me to succeed as a skilled clinician.
Negs: They have several night classes. The program is only 2 years, but over the course of that two years, there are 7 night classes. I'd be committed to being in class Tues. & Thurs. from 5:30-10:30 pm for the next 2 years - along with a full schedule during the day all week. This would mean on Tues./Thurs. I probably wouldn't even get to see Jonas, as he's in bed by 8:00pm. Additionally, I 'd have to come up with the $$ for childcare during the day & childcare at night, and find someone trustworthy & responsible for my little guy. Clint is also getting his Master's right now, so he has classes on Tues./Thurs. nights as well - which means neither of us would be home for Jonas. This is hard for me to think about. Also, the classes start this summer - no break. Straight from finishing pre-req's to entering the graduate program. In a way this is a good thing too though, because they are spreading the hours out a little further rather than cramming them all into 5 semesters.

OU HSC -
Pros: It's a solid program with a focus on the medical field, which I'm interested in. The classes are during the day, and the school is ranked in the top 30 nationally. I also have friends in this program, and other friends planning on attending next year. The first summer is off - but the hour load is pretty intense as a result. They produce skilled clinicians and have a reputable name if we were to move, etc...
Cons: Just not as familiar with the program or professors - thus making it a more risky decision. They also don't have any financial aid available (or very little).

I don't think with any of these programs that I'd be able to keep my PT job. Right now I'm working at Jonas' daycare in the 3-year-old classroom & really enjoying it. My hours are good and my bosses are pretty flexible. Working there gives me a discount on Jonas' tuition, as well as a small paychcek & allows me to spend time with him throughout the day too. Unfortunately, with the courseload and study committment, I don't know if I could make it work during Grad. School.

Along with all of these decisions - there are a myriad of others we're facing as a family. More kids? Work options, etc... It's a lot. Your input and prayers would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks!!!

Mandy

state of flux

Hey friends. I would really appreciate your prayers right now.

I have so many decisions to make in the near future & so little time to make them. I am considering going back to school to pursue a Master's Degree in Speech Pathology. I've been accepted into a program to pursue the prerequisites for the Master's program. Those of you that have spoken with me much, know that I've been trying to pinpoint a direction for furthering my education for a while. I think that will be a good fit for me for many reasons, but mainly because it will allow me to have technical expertise in a field that requires a specific degree, while utilizing my creativity and passion for making a difference in people's lives. I also recently coordinated a wedding with a friend whom I was planning on entering into business with. We are scheduled to do a bridal show this Sunday & she just told me that because she doesn't need me financially to run the business, we will not be partnering, but that I will instead be a contractor to her & I'm not sure if that's worth the time & effort to me. It also is not very motivating in terms of seeking out additional business. This has really upset me, mainly because I feel like I've wasted a lot of my time and effort already. I am trying not to be upset, and don't want to jeopardize our friendship, but I have a lot of praying and thinking to do as far as how to proceed. I need to do something at least part time to help my family financially. With gas prices sky rocketing and me staying home - it leaves very little for us. I could also get a full-time job if I found one that was a good fit for my passion and qualifications. Also, Clint is preparing to go back to school and has a few different paths he is considering. His decision will very much determine the course of my decisions on all of these things. With him going to school, this will put a little more strain on my evenings, as I will be alone with Jonas most days & evenings.

I feel torn in many different directions, but am needing some clarification and guidance. I enjoyed helping coordinate the wedding very much, but do not see myself doing that on my own in the future. It's too much for one person without support staff. I do not think I could do that full-time and be a full-time student as well.

Also, I have to consider child care for Jonas. It is sad for me to think about not spending my day with him, but I think now is a good time for me to pursue higher education, especially because I feel that the outcome will allow me to work and have a schedule similar to his when he begins school.

Anyway...there are so may considerations and I'm a little overwhelmed. I'd really appreciate your prayers and wisdom.

Thanks friends!
Mandy