Spring 2017 Finished!

I used to say that I would never go back to school, that it wasn't for me and that I hated it. I was discouraged by the grades I received, the anxiety I felt, and the conflict between career and family. Having grown up in a very patriarchal religion, it was beat into me that my duty was first and foremost to my husband and children, and every other success would be insignificant if I failed as a wife and mother. I rebelled for a time, if only in my head, but eventually got an associates degree for the only real purpose of supporting my husband through school so I could stay home with children. It was a terrible mistake. I wish I hasn't been groomed for academic failure, but my teachers telling me I wasn't good at math and science, my religious leaders telling me I should only be a mother, and one kindly gentlemen who thought god had revealed to him I should pursue classical singing, led me to make some poor life choices.

It took me several years before I found the courage to start again. And one night last summer I thought, "why not?" and submitted an application to Iowa State University. I was accepted and started a few weeks later. I was amazed by the overwhelming support from my teachers and advisors. I was impressed by the students, and the curriculum. My first university experience was tainted by religion; and I was basically reminded  on a weekly basis that I was worth nothing unless I married and had children. I came away from my first semester at ISU with a 3.93 GPA, the best academic performance I had ever had in my life. Then the winter semester, my husband left for Panama, and I was alone with my two kids and 16.5 credits of classes. It was tough. I was constantly reading or writing something. I was busy. And I still managed to find time to fill out applications and write submissions for scholarships and awards. I came away with a 4.0, and enough awards to fund my next school year completely. 

For everyone who didn't think I could do it, I did. And for those who pushed me and believed in me, thank you. A woman's place is not in the home. Her mind isn't any less capable than a man's. A woman's place is wherever she chooses it to be, in whatever vocation, and for whatever duration of time. I am proud of my own strength, and for the effort I put into my studies, and for my personal motivation. I am excited to be a teacher, so I can show other young women that it is possible to be whatever they want, and that they are smart too. If someone had just told me I was smart, that I was good at school, perhaps I wouldn't be in collage at 29 years old. 

But nevertheless, I finished my first year back to school with a 3.97 GPA, and I intend to keep doing my best, because now I know what I am capable of. 

Emma

Welcome to the family Emma!

Nick and had been thinking about having another one, and we finally made the decision after Christmas to see if Bae's parents were having puppies anytime soon. To my surprise, when I messaged to ask, the breeder told me they were expecting a litter in February!

Of course, we were very excited and got on the list. When she wrote me on Feb 19th to let me know the puppies had arrived, the boys were ecstatic. They had been counting down the days for weeks, asking if Emma had been born yet (of course we already named her!)

Nick got home from Panama in late April and three days later we drove to Davenport to pick her up. She was a crazy ball of black and tan fur. She terrorized Bae, but was sweet as pie the whole ride home. It's crazy what having a new puppy is like. We'd forgotten. 3 AM potty breaks, barking in the crate, nipping and whining. But it will all be worth it :) we can already tell what a special sweet girl she is, very different from her brother!

 *new puppy picture courtesy of Docked Tales Farm, Mini Aussies of Iowa*