Sunday, January 11, 2015

Back to School

So I have big news. It's big to me anyway... but it's still early, and I don't want to tell everyone. But I'm really excited about it. I figure posting it on my blog is safe, since no one reads it anymore, haha.

I'm going back to school! I have begun the process to apply for the Master of Professional Communication program at Weber State University. If all goes well, I will begin this summer, and finish in about two years.

Lauren is five now. She will be starting kindergarten next year, and it has been on my mind what I will do at that point. I love being home with the kids, but with all of them in school, I know I will be bored. I can only clean the house and do the laundry so many times. I plan to spend more time in the temple and in other pursuits, but I have always wanted to go back to school, and the timing is ideal.

I had been contemplating this for a while, considering several options. I had been praying to know the direction I should take. As these things were in my mind, I received a postcard in the mail inviting me to an information session about the master's program. It felt like an answer to my prayer.

As I researched the program, I was nervous to apply. The program's website says that the ideal candidate will show professional accomplishments. Since I haven't really worked in the field since before Michael was born, I was concerned. But Jeff encouraged me to attend the information session anyway. I did, and I am so glad.

Walking into that building on campus, it was like coming home. The building was actually constructed after I graduated in 2002, but it still felt so comfortable - like I was meant to be there. Almost the first thing that Dr. Edwards addressed was that a small percentage of cohorts are people who have been out of the workforce for a long time but are looking to return. I felt like she addressed my concerns completely and immediately.

So I knew - this is a good path for me to follow. I registered to take the GRE and contacted Gerry from the Church News and one of my former professors to ask them to recommend me for the program. I haven't heard back from Dr. Scott yet, but Gerry said she would be happy to. I still need one more reference. I am deciding whether I should ask Brandon from the hotel, or contact another of my former professors, Rick Sline.

It seems that things are falling into place. We'll need to figure out how to pay for it, of course, but the cost isn't actually as prohibitive as I expected.

My eventual goal is to work as an adjunct professor teaching communications classes. I think that would give me the flexibility I want to be home with my kids, but still offer me the opportunity to challenge myself mentally.

I read through my patriarchal blessing the other day. It promises me that through hard work and study I will become very good at teaching. I always thought that applied just to teaching the gospel, but it struck me differently this time.

I'm excited to begin this new adventure.

Lauren's birthday post

Lauren turned five back in December. She had her first birthday party. Back in October, she told me that she wanted a Halloween party for her birthday. So when the stores clearanced out their Halloween stuff, we stocked up. The kids came in costumes, and we colored pictures and played pin the nose on the jack-o-lantern. We had a pinata (a must for every party, she informed me), and of course, cake and ice cream. Well, Lauren chose rainbow sherbet instead of ice cream. Here is a photo of her cake:


Questions about: Lauren Ann Sabin
Date: January 11, 2015 (yeah, about a month late)
Age:5
Nicknames: Lozone, Lo-R-E-O, Lolo, Lologirl, Tweeps


(All questions strictly according to their verbal answers)
What is your favorite color? Blue (this changes pretty much weekly, based on what color they are learning about in pre-school)
What is your favorite toy? My Anna and Elsa Barbies
What is your favorite fruit? Bananas
What is your favorite TV show? He-Man
What is your favorite thing to eat for lunch? Pizza
What is your favorite outfit? My Elsa shirt
What is your favorite game? Bingo
What is your favorite snack? Ham and turkey
What is your favorite animal? A butterfly
What is your favorite song? Let It Go
What is your favorite book? Big Snowman, Little Snowman
Who is your best friend? Mayci (Julander)
What is your favorite cereal? Coco-Puffs with Marshmallows
What is your favorite thing to do outside? In winter I like to eat snow
What is your favorite drink? Apple beer
What is your favorite holiday? Christmas, because that's when we get all the presents from Santa
What do you like to take to bed with you at night? Pluto (a stuffed Disney Pluto dog)
What is your favorite thing to eat for breakfast? Pizza
What do you want for dinner on your birthday? Pizza
What do you want to be when you grow up? A ballerina
What do you want most for your birthday? Anna and Elsa dolls, and paper and pencils
What is your favorite candy? Rips
What is your favorite sport? I don't have a favorite sport
What makes you sad? When somebody takes something away that I'm playing with
What makes you happy? When I get to play with my daddy
What is your favorite movie? Frozen

Other things about Lauren - this girl can talk! She is my little shadow and loves to hang out with me. We get to spend a lot of time together since Michael and Faith are both in school all day. She is also turning into a Daddy's girl, which is so nice for me to see. Lauren is really independent. Even though she likes to be with someone, she is fine making up her own games and playing on her own. She is so much fun to be with. She has the best sense of humor. For example, one day she was being silly, and I asked her, "Lauren, how did you get to be so goofy?" She didn't miss a beat when she replied, "Because I practice my goofing every day!" Haha. So true. She does practice her goofing every day.

We love you Lolo!


*These photos were taken by my amazing, talented friend Emily Julander (Em-J Photography).