Big Day

Today I went to my very first nursing school informational. I have been busy collecting information online, comparing programs, and trying to decide when to take the next step. We thought nursing school would be a long way off, something to pursue a bit later, but with a fourth child still evading us, Matt and I discussed it and decided it was time for a little action and exploration on my part. In reference to nursing school that is...

In all the programs I am looking at, the common factor is the type of degree I think I will be pursuing. Many nursing schools have a fast track/second degree BSN which would allow me to obtain my Bachelors of Science in Nursing and prepare me for licensure as an RN in anywhere from one year (after pre-reqs) to two years. Obviously, as a former history teacher, I have some sciences to take first. 

Honestly, I was and am a little nervous and scared. I want to do well, at home, in school, and in a profession. I want to manage and balance it all. I want to be successful in all the ways I perceive myself of being able to be a success. I want something that's mine, a profession that I can be passionate about, and a way to serve others. It my head, and my heart, it seems ideal. To find that convergent point at which passion and commitment meet the opportunity to make money is rare in our society. I know that nursing will be good and that I will make it even better. 

Still, I'm afraid of failure, in application, school, and the profession. I'm afraid of what I will miss by committing to more studies. I'm afraid of not being enough. 

Those fears aren't enough to stop me. On one of my pinterest boards I have a quote that states, "If your dreams don't scare you, they aren't big enough." This dream will take a lot of work and energy. It will take sacrifice and devotion. It will take away from many things as I pour more and more into it. But that nervousness and fear is beginning to turn into adrenaline and excitement. It's a good place to be!

For now, I'm just going to informationals and meeting with advisors and beginning to narrow down my next steps. I am looking at a few schools a bit closer and I may take one of my pre-reqs next semester at a local community college if things are still moving that way later this year. I am at peace with acting upon this goal in small steps and taking the time to drink it in. 

What nursing school informational session did I attend today? Do you really need to ask?

It's on a short list, but may not be at the top. We have more schools to talk to. 

Of course, having the opportunity for some of my favorite CS foods so frequently may be taken into consideration on a pro/con list! I cannot tell you how good this sandwich was from Blue Baker today!

I am sure there will be more to write as things develop. Tonight my tummy (because of the sandwich) and head (because of the school) are full of possibilities on what direction we may take next!

Update MacKenzie

MacKenzie,

It's going by too fast! I'm blinking for too long or you fast forwarded time because you change tremendously each day. Daddy and I marvel at each change and show of new growth and cannot believe how amazing you are. 

It seems odd to update you on your sleep at almost five, but in case you are interested for posterity, you sleep ok. You don't seem to need as much sleep as other children and if someone happens to wake you early, that's it, you are up for the day. Additionally, unless we run you and challenge your brain each day, you have a hard time going to sleep. I think your brain just takes a little while to slow down and then, once it's awake, you are too. The other day we were at Dee and Doc's house and you woke up and were fully dressed at 4:30 am, ready to start the day. I had to insist on you laying back down and "fought" with you the next 2 hours with the incessant "is it time to wake up now" questions. That being said, like all growing kids, when you are maxed out, we know it and try to get you extra opportunities to sleep or rest. 

You are a voracious eater although your tastes change from time to time. I guess it's probably not your tastes, but your preferences each day. You love pancakes and waffles, yogurt, noodles without sauce, chicken of any type, whole apples, broccoli, and CHIPS. You are obsessed with chips and I think it's very good that we don't buy chips very often because you may sneak them all out of the house. The past two weeks we have been putting the kid plates on the table then serving our dinners and by the time we sit, you have cleaned every bite of food of your plate. In fact, last night you were literally shoveling carrots and broccoli into your mouth as fast as you could with your hands. I think a growth spurt is imminent! 

Speaking of growth spurts, I was shocked to look at you helping with dishes one day and seeing this-

You are definitely not my little baby anymore. I know I've had that realization before, but this was slightly shocking nonetheless. You have emerged into this even taller, lankier, funny girl and it's amazing to be a part of. Like your sister, you love to help with dishes, but have to be convinced sometimes to help with the dishwasher itself. You do love to set the table or to help get meals ready so we try to encorporate that in as much as possible. You are also very good at helping Mommy take care of Johnny by giving him little things he needs or singing to him when he is frustrated. In other sibling relationships, you have been playing fantastically with Keegan and it's fun to hear your pretend play. 

You love to play with little animals, especially toy alligators or snakes. You also love to read books and to do artwork. You are very precise and detailed with your artwork and are diligent to make sure it looks the way you want it to. You also love to be outside, to ride your bike, and to run. The running is almost incessant. We will be sitting in the living room, playing, and you will get up and run a few times around the house as fast as you can. You have great form and long strides and the happiest running face I have ever seen! We are trying to figure out more ways to foster that love, keeping you guys active is important! I think you also love memorization and knowing/remembering things. It's uncanny how easily things are pressed on your brain and, again, the gleeful look on your face when you recall some fact or occurence. 

We love you so much Mac! While you present a shy and discerning face to the world, we get to see your silly, kind, and enthusiastic nature. We are honored to be your parents and appreciate tagging along for an amazing life!

Love,

Mommy and Daddy

Keegan update

Keegan,

I cannot tell you how frequently your daddy and I feel the most sincere appreciation that God picked us to be your parents. You make us so happy, you are always sweet and affectionate, and try to make everything fun and silly. There are so many times I think to myself that I want to capture full images of you because you are simply charming and enchanting!

For some of your regular things I like to take note of, you have many favorites. When asked about your favorite color you will reply quickly, "Pink and Purple! Actually, I like all the colors!" Mommy finds that interesting since you will rarely wear anything besides a pink dress. Hopefully you will be happy with dresses and tights this winter, you will have to wear something on those strong legs! Your favorite food is spaghetti with sauce, but you also love yogurt, bagels with jelly, all types of fruit, and lots and lots of milk. You will sometimes eat a lot, especially if there is fruit, but you aren't a voracious eater. You have been like that since you were a baby though, eating your fill, then looking for new and exciting things to do. Interestingly enough, if you are in a growth spurt you eat even less. You still sleep your normal amount, but will sometimes will creep downstairs and snuggle with mommy and daddy early in the morning. While we don't want to make it a habit, we don't really mind because you are a very good snuggler. You really love all of your stuffed animals right now, especially floppy the brown dog, rainbow dash the my little pony, and all of the littlest pet shop pets. We will frequently check on you before we go to bed, only to find you, glasses on, surrounded by animals. 

You love wearing your glasses and insist on wearing them, even at night. If we take them off, you will shake your head and say, "I can't see! I can't see!" The only time you agree to leave them off for a longer period of time is when you are swimming or splashing. It's such a change from even a year ago when you would rip them off numerous times a day or lose them just to make us mad. We had a small tragedy the other day when they fell of in the middle of a game of chase and mommy accidentally crunched them. They were on their last leg anyways, but mommy's big foot sealed the deal. You have been very sad without them and your face just looks so empty without big, spectacled eyes looking up at us. We are in the midst of ordering both a back up pair and a regular pair. I had the good fortune of finding your old pair (broken and less prescription) and we are wearing those until the other ones get here. You seem much happier with a little help for your eyes. 

We often play games at dinner and try to get each of you to do different faces. I love when it's your turn because every face quickly turns into a big smile paired with giggles. You cannot help but laugh at most situations. You will give us an angry face for a few minutes then burst into laughter, you will try to look scarey, but it's not long before a grin spreads across your face. I love your scrunched up nose and big smile that spreads your overflowing joy and happiness. You tend to be a little wild, looking for new ways to do things and have fun. Daddy took you to a birthday party this past weekend and said there was a big water slide. While all the other kids took laps up and down the water slide using the traditional feet first method, it wasn't long before you were trying new ways to go down. You were quickly honing head first, backwards, sideways, turning while sliding, and getting others to go down at the same time you were. This is not an uncommon characteristic of your play, you love being adventurous and making sure you get full enjoyment of everything you do. You seem to have fun in gymnastics and are very good at the climbing aspects of class. You really want to try dance so we may switch you to that next year. You often dance through the house whether that be pretend ballet or shaking your bootie. You do love hearing music and figuring out how to make your body move along with the tune!

While you love to be wild, you also love down time. I tell people all the time that you are either going full out, 120% or you are dead still. You will play elaborate games, both active and imaginative, creating elaborate stories for your animals or dolls, or you will be sitting completely still, resting or, sometimes, thinking. You will gladly give big hugs or sit in our laps to get extra one on one contact. If you sit near someone, we often see you stretching out your hand to touch the person near you. You are very thoughtful and very kind and always look for ways to help others. You love to make dinner with mommy or set the table and you usually scamper bag and forth from the car to bring bags in from running errands. Daddy rarely has to convince you to help unload the dishwasher and we have both commented on what an amazing dishwasher you are. You happily will stand at the sink and wash the kid plates with soap and water. 

When we are leaving the house, you often run towards the door exclaiming, "Don't forget the Keegan!"  How could we ever forget you sweet girl? You have so pressed on our hearts that we love to be with you and near you and nobody could replace that to us. Thank you for being such a large part of our joy!

With love,

Always,

Mommy and Daddy