I almost feel like a stranger to my blog. I decided to take a break from blogging during the holidays and just soak up all the moments with my family. It has been good, but coming back to blogging tonight, felt like running into a big, warm hug. This nice cozy place to think and to share thoughts as a community is truly amazing.
This new year there are going to be a lot of changes for our family, that I’m trying to embrace and be excited about.
- Sam is starting to work full-time, on salary. YAY. This whole college gig has paid off.
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Sam is finishing up his last semester of college and come April we’ll be doing big Graduation happy dances, all day e’ry day.
3. I’m going back to school and will be taking 3 classes. Ever since I had Parker my schooling has been anything but normal. I crave completion though, and so I’m going back to finish up my Associates Degree. Yes you read that right. After 6 years of college, I’ll be graduating with my Associates Degree. {Meet the part of me that I’m most embarrassed and vulnerable about.} I’m open about a lot of things in life. In fact, I love being open and sharing about my insecurities, but my education is something that makes me want to crawl under a rock and avoid all eye contact with anything that has a heartbeat.
Lastly, I hope to graduate with my Associates Degree in August. I get excited just thinking about it!
So there you have it. Here’s to 2015 and all that it has in store for our family! Do you have anything that you are looking forward to in the new year? I’d love to hear about it!
A Pendulum World 
Welcome back to blogging. I too took the holiday period off from work, blogging and the world to be with the family. Was a great time. 🙂
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Thank you! I agree, it was so nice for me to have a break and relax with my family, too! Thanks for stopping by my blog! 🙂
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Marla!!!! I am so happy for you! And I totally understand that feeling. One thing I have learned from my mother in law is that when our husbands go to school, it is a joint effort. My mother in law had an associates degree but she didn’t know she had completed it until 22ish years later when she finally decided to see what it would take to get one! But she always says when “we” were getting his Bachelors degree, or when “we” got his masters, or when “we” did residency. Basically she has found confidence in knowing where she fit in her family and she knows the sacrifices she made to make her husband’s education a reality! I think that is awesome that you are going to finish up your associates, but don’t short change yourself on what you have accomplished. Your little boy is so happy and has a wonderful mommy, and you’ve helped Sam, you are awesome!
P.S. I’ve been a terrible friend! I miss you!
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I love the advice from tour mother-in-law, Emily! It has helped me so much when i think of Sam’s degree as our degree, because it makes me feel like we are working toward our goals together…which really is reality! And thank you for your encouragement. Really your support throughout my journey has been so fundamental and encouraging. Thank you for helping me feel worthwhile and understood! 🙂 and by the way, you are definitely NOT a terrible friend! We will see each other soon! 🙂
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Yay!! Exciting changes coming this year!! And I’m so happy you have a hobby that you love!! 👏💛
And I want you to know that I love you COMPLETELY just the way you are!! Not-one-more-class-of-college-associates degree-or-bachelors degree-or-no degree…MARLA. However you are, I love you just that way. Way to go sharing something so vulnerable. You ROCK!! 👍👏💖💖💖
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Thanks so much, Tiffany!! There really is a lot that I am looking forward to this year! And thank you, it is such a relief for me to share what I feel vulnerable about. It seems to help me heal and hopefully it helps someone else feel better. Love you! 💗
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I have two maybe three Associate’s degrees. I feel your pain I was in school for way too long and I still feel like I am not done. When they ask demographic questions on surveys I usually put college graduate but sometimes I just put some college. You are amazing no matter what.
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Thank you for sharing your story, Rachel. It is so encouraging for me to see other mothers who are on a similar path to me and still being successful and enjoying life! It is so true, we cannot define ourselves by a degree… It leaves out way too much about us and our life experiences. Thank you for your comment! It is so encouraging to me 🙂
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Wow! There’s a lot of studying and finishing study going on in your house. Since I was pregnant with Caleb in 2006, either Aaron or I (or both) have been studying – it does take a lot longer with little ones around, but in the end, it’s so worthwhile! =)
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Oh thanks you so much, Jen! It is so nice to talk to someone who understands. It really does take a lot of time with the kids around. But I’m finding that I believe my life is extremely full and happy just as it is. Thank you for your encouragement and sharing your story–it definitely helped me! 🙂
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You’re so funny… There is nothing to be embarrassed about! You’re doing it!!!! Goof for you! Happy New year to you and your precious family ❤
And I agree about blogging being like a warm hug… Hugs to you darling!
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Thanks, Rachael, you are sweet! I know I shouldn’t let it bother me so much, but the large majority of girls around me have their degrees and I often feel self-conscious. I’m trying to put it behind me though and remember that I have been blessed with Parker, and that is an amazing blessing 🙂
Happy New Year to you and here’s to 2015 and more blogging! 🙂 Love having you as my friend!
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That is great, Marla! I admire you for sticking with it. You can do it! I always look at those moms who raise kids and take classes in awe…I think you’re amazing. I let my teaching license lapse because I was too scared to take a few classes while raising kids, and now I regret it. Best wishes to you on this new 2015 adventure, it will be an exciting one!
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Thank you so much, Chelsi! You are so kind. Honestly, it is hard taking classes while being a mom, so I definitely don’t blame you for letting your teaching license lapse.These young years with our children really are precious and having classes is tough. I have gone back and forth SO many times wondering if taking classes is worth it. But, I feel like I’m so close, that I may as well try to finish before I have more kids. I’m so excited for YOU and all that 2015 will bring!!! It sounds like both of us should have an exciting and meaningful year 🙂 .
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Go for it girl!!! Even the last runner in the race can still be proud no matter how fast he finished– he still finished : ) No shame here! Only cheers to keep going! Happy 2015!
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Heather, I LOVE what you said. Thank you for being so encouraging and cheering me on! Just reading your comment made me feel like I got this school thing 🙂 Happy 2015 to you, too!! I look forward to getting to know you even better this year!
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As long as you have God on your side you do indeed have this school thing! : ) Looking forward to knowing you better too Miss Marla! Happy Friday! ♥
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yea you!! and i felt exactly the same about blogging last night!
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Thank you so much! And really, it is fun to come back after taking a break! It is like coming back to another family 🙂 Happy New Year to you and thanks for stopping by!
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What an exciting time for you and your family! I completely understand your frustration about finishing school. I applaud you for your seeing the finish line and sprinting towards it with all your might (not to mention with a little boy to care for and a husband who’s also finishing school!). You are so brave to be taking this on, and I can’t wait to see where your journey takes you!
Happy New Year, Marla! It looks like it’s going to be a good one!
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Thank you so much, Maria! It really is an exciting time for us and I appreciate your encouragement so much. You defined it perfectly–I keep thinking of a sprint race and how I can see the end in sight. It may be more busy for a while, but soon it will be behind me and I think I’ll be glad I finished. Happy New Year to you, too, Maria!! I’m excited to continue getting to know you better in 2015! 🙂
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Marla, I think this is what makes you relatable… that you are willing to share the things that make you insecure. But in reality, this makes you courageous. I know we all have those things that make us want to “hide under a rock.” There is so much strength in this kind of honesty… thank you for sharing. 🙂 Also, all the best to you as you start your classes! Here’s to a great 2015!
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Thank you so much, Kim. Your comment touched my heart, because I’m so glad that you feel as though you can relate. Although what I’m insecure about is unique, it is freeing to share that emotion and realize I am not the only one who has something that makes me want to hide under a rock. 🙂 Thank you for sharing your heart with me! Thank you for the well wishes and Happy New Year to you! 🙂 I look forward to getting to know you even better this coming year!
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Pingback: Always a Student | the joy of momming
Marla, you inspired me with this post! If you want to see, please take a peek 🙂
http://thejoyofmomming.wordpress.com/2015/01/07/always-a-student/
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I don’t even know what to say. Thank you so much! I feel honored and so incredibly grateful. Your post meant so much to me, especially since this 6th year of college has really been frustrating. Thank you for being so very kind and thoughtful. You gave me a new perspective on my schooling. Thank you, thank you! 🙂
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Marla,
Like everyone else has said you should rejoice in the finishing not be embarrassed by how long it takes you to get there. Embrace your journey for it is uniquely yours. And I agree with @thejoyofmomming you are a B.A.; so many other young moms might have given up on getting their degree. Good luck with the rest of your classes.
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Wonderful start to your new year, Marla! Am very happy for you!
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Thank you so much, Torrie!! I do feel happy knowing that there is much to look forward to this year 🙂 Happy New Year to you and your family!
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I don’t know why I’m late to the party, but I apologize for my tardiness! Finish your degree, yes, but for you and you alone, not for what anyone else may think of you. I “only” have an associate’s degree, which I translated into a successful 15-year insurance career. If you want to further your education for your own self-fulfillment then go for it! You are defined by who you are and how you treat people, not by what you have or what you do.
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Oh you are so sweet, Karen! No need to apologize–I’m just so grateful for what you said. I think you are so right about being defined by you who are, not by a degree. I am just beginning to realize that my family, and my circumstances are mine, and that I shouldn’t let the fear of what people think of me guide my decisions. It is much easier said than done though! Thank you for your support and kindness! 🙂
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