Doctoral Program and Rugby

It has been a busy few months in our household.

I have been itching to go back to school and, since working in higher education has its perks (free education!), recently started in Immaculata University's Ed.D. program, a doctoral degree program for higher education administration.  It is challenging -- not only the schoolwork but finding time for the schoolwork.  Joshua, as always, is a great support.  I stay at work late most nights and spend most of Sunday in my office in order to complete all of the required reading and writing assignments.  I'm enjoying it and feel that is a great program for me at this point in my career.

My day job is also going very well.  We have been winning a number of big grant competitions with interesting education and capital proposals for the University.  In March, we are submitting nearly $1M in government funding proposals of which I think we have a good shot at being awarded most of those funds.  The work is exciting and I love my colleagues.  I'm so blessed to have found this position.

Joshua has found a rugby team and began practicing with them in December.  His matches will start in March and go through April.  The practices were on Saturday during the winter (my day off to hang out with the children all day) and now transition to weekday nights after the kiddos are tucked into bed.  It makes for a busy schedule for Joshua but it is so very good for him to have some time without children shadowing his every move.

And I think we still have children around here somewhere .....  just kidding.  They are doing very well -- both loving school and their creative time together.

James is now a preschool non-napper (although in practice that means he only sleeps a little while during quiet time) and this adjustment has wonderfully remedied his nighttime sleeping habits which consisted of Joshua and I sleeping on his floor most nights for the last year.  Now he (and Alma) come into our room occasionally in the middle of the night to let us know that it isn't time to get up yet.  Um, thanks, kiddo.

James is still very affectionate and cannot resist giving hugs and kisses all the time because the love in him seems to bubble over and out of him.  I think his favorite thing to do is stand on the stool in the kitchen with a huge smile on his face and yell, "First person here gets a big hug!" Joshua and I then race to him together and give a big group hug.

James still loves Hot Wheels, Transformers and any little toy he can fly or race around the house and give a manly voice.  But he is also willing to be Alma's puppy for endless afternoons where he is put in a cozy dog bed.  He has also completed his first few smaller Lego building sets, which is always exciting.  I'm thankful that he is very neat about putting his things away.  On the other hand.....

Alma is a creative solution finder and the one whose things are often strewn around the house.  From packing suitcases full of her clothing ("We are going to Paris!") to cutting tons of ribbons ("It's food for the fairies!") to constantly changing her clothes and leaving socks and other random items all over the coffee table ("I was hot!"), Alma is always on the move and thinking of the next creative game or scenario for play.  I write all of this with a big smile because I adore this tornado of a little girl and love the fact that she feels comfortable to be her creative, animated self in our house.  Her expansive play is a joy to behold and only a problem due to our small abode.

Alma and I started attending a family yoga class, which has been delightful.  It is nice to have an hour to give my full attention to her.  While some parents may spend special time with their children eating out or getting their nails done, I'm so overjoyed that we can do something physical together.  She is a great yoga student and we both look forward to class every week -- I leave work early to pick her up directly from school.  Joshua and James then have some time together to listen to loud music in the car, play floor hockey in our living room and make dinner.

I love these ages -- their creativity and honesty are such wonders to behold.   The kids still crawl into bed with us every morning, which is such a great way to start the day ... well, beyond their complaints that they don't have enough room.  Joshua and I love them so much and feel blessed to have such happy, healthy and thoughtful children.

Alma told me the other day that she cannot wait to be a mother so she can experience what it feels to love her child, noting that only then she will fully understand how much I love her.  I love the honesty, creativity and unintentional sweetness of this sentiment.  I hope she is as overwhelmed by the sense of love as I feel for her and James.