Orphans?

The girls played outside this evening until I made them come in. It was dark. They had been running and playing and obviously involved in some elaborate make-believe. When they came in, Mia said "I have new Mommy and Daddy." I was a little confused.. and asked what was wrong with her old Mommy and Daddy - Ali explained, "We were playing that we were orphans. You and Daddy took us to Audrey's (a friend) house on your way to New York and we were orphans there." Mia says, "Drop me off please. I get my coat."

All I Need For Christmas

A Student. Again.

Well, it's official. I just attended a four day orientation at the Frontier School of Midwifery and Family Nursing in Kentucky. I am a student. Again. I don't really know if I have a firm grasp on what I'm doing.... it's a little surreal. I didn't exactly think, "I know! I'm going to start graduate school during my last trimester with baby #3, take care of 2 little kids, work nights on the weekends and it will all be great!" I'm beginning to wonder... But besides the self-doubt (which I hear is normal) I'm very excited to be beginning a great program at a great school and while I know it's going to be a crazy, often stressful, 3 years - I know I can do it. Pray for me, will ya??

The school was founded by Mary Breckinridge in the 40's. It is the first school of midwifery in the country and also the first to offer distance education. This is the historical dormitory I stayed in.

My little room. Cute, eh?

The school is in a very rural part of the Kentucky Appalachians about 2 hours from Lexington. We drove there in a school bus from the airport during an ice storm. Quite an adventure.

My new friends and classmates. It was so affirming and inspirational to be surrounded by like-minded people as passionate about birth and committed to the education and empowerment of women as I am. My class is actually about 30 people, but we split into more manageable groups. There are 30 or more students enrolled in the Family Nurse Practioner program as well.

Turkey Day

This is a little late but I've been very busy... as you will see.

We had a great Thanksgiving. I helped out with Ali's Kindergarten Thanksgiving Feast. She was an indian.

On Thanksgiving Day we joined all the local family as well as my Aunt Sandi and cousin Angela from Washington and had a big, traditional dinner with football on ALL day. Good times.