// Mike's Big Dream (+ Our Plans!)


I've hinted briefly over the past several weeks at some big test and big news coming our way... and the confirmation of said news finally came this past Friday. Over the last several months we've been weighing the pros and cons as a family, and deciding just what risks to take. Now I can finally share what all of that hoopla has been about! Mike is going back to school!

"Going back to school" is honestly a bit misleading since that would imply he'll be doing something similar to what he did originally, but it couldn't be farther from the truth. Rather than pursue the art degree he started many moons ago, he's going to nursing school! Working in the medical field is one of his biggest dreams, and I'm so proud of him for making that call. His plan is to get to the top of the top and become a Nurse Practitioner (with his Doctorate degree!) Back in the day his (medical) goal was to be a Physician's Assistant (which, just like a DNP, is a mid-level physician), but he's since decided that the nursing route is for him. He could always change his mind and choose to apply to a PA program when it comes time, but after countless hours and sleepless nights full of conversations, we think this is the perfect plan. Of course plans and dreams change, but I can tell just how motivated he is by this goal.

Owning a brick and mortar retail store has always been my dream. Being 100% self-employed has always been what I see for myself. And Mike has always been there to support me 110%. Now it's my turn to support his dream. To see him through these long, hard years. It won't be easy, and it probably won't be fun, but I know great things lie ahead for our family.

I can't imagine going back to school in my mid-twenties, so I'm giving him a constant round of applause. He's so motivated and dedicated to making this happen, and it's so inspiring to see that sort of drive in a person. We're trying as hard as we can to get as much done as possible for this baby (and life in general!) before his first day of class on May 1st. He'll spend his first year getting his LPN license, then he'll move on to a few years of training to be an RN. After that we'll have to make the call on where we'll move so he can pursue his MSN and/or DNP degree. Luckily Nashville is a great city for this, you know, being the healthcare capital and all. But there will be a lot of decisions to be made over the coming years. I'm just hoping we can all hold it together while he spends long, exhausting days at school and clinicals. It's going to be a big and busy year for the Flynns! Here we go!

Please feel free to send your congratulations and excitement Mike's way if you feel so inclined! I'm sure he'd love to know he's being supported by so many of my friends! (You can always leave a comment below or tweet him @miikeflynn!)

73 comments:

  1. Congrats Mike and Kaelah! This is a big decision, and I wish you lot of happiness for this busy year!

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  2. This is SO exciting. I didn't go back to school until I was in my twenties, it's no biggie at all.
    Congratulations Mike, you couldn't be doing a more worthy degree!!

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  3. That's fantastic! Sending good vibes your way as you guys figure out all the details. Nursing is something I have never felt like I could do (I get dizzy just thinking about getting a shot, nevermind trying to dress someone's wounds), but I have so much respect for people that do. It's hard work!! Way to go, Mike!

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  4. Congrats! I am sure you are going to make it! I am wishing you all the best in the upcoming year!

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  5. This is so great! Congratulations, Mike! This blog has made it so apparent how caring of a person he is, and working in the medical field really seems like a perfect fit.

    I went back to school at 26, and it's been an adjustment, but the truth is that mature students tend to be much more serious about their studies. Can't wait to hear more about this!

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  6. Congrats! What amazing news!I wish all the best to both of you!

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  7. YAY MIKE!!! Seriously, that dude is such a badass at everything he puts his mind to, I have no doubt that he's going to rock the hell out of this endeavor as well. I'm so happy for y'all! Big fist pumps for Mike, woohoo!

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  8. How exciting!

    My hubby made that same decision (well for him it was to start college at all) almost years ago, so I definitely know how scary the idea of new challenges can be now that we are "grown up". I've even been dabbling with the idea of going back for an associate's degree in something completely different.

    Congrats Mike! So happy to hear other people chasing their dreams!

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  9. Congrats Mike!!! That's so awesome for both of y'all :)

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  10. So happy for you and Mike! I'm sure it will give him a big boost in life, even though it will cost time and energy as well. I went back to school last year at 28, while still working full time, and it's one of the best decisions I've ever made. It won't put me on an entirely different career track like it will with Mike, but it's still the biggest confidence boost, and it gives me so much joy that I've even been enjoying my job more.

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  11. Congrats!!! You guys are going places, I just know it and I am so excited for you! Wishing you the best of luck in everything!

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  12. Wow! This is so exciting! Well done Mike, Big Respect for you going back to school! It's never too late to chase your dreams!! I'm sure you will be fantastic!

    Kaelah I'm sure you will do a fabulous job of supporting Mike as he chases his dreams as he has done for you! I'm doing something similar with my hubby just now too. He has always dreamed of having his own custom motorcycle shop (not as easy in the UK as it is in the US!) and I'm supporting him on it! It can be hard work but the rewards are endless. My favourite is just seeing how happy he is at the end of the day covered in motorcycle mess and seeing a pretty vintage custom bike in our garage! Haha!


    Well done again Mike! Such happy news and good luck!! :D

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  13. That is awesome for Mike AND your family!! Congrats! I can't imagine going back to school either, but I never finished my degree and only have about a year left so I want to do it one of these days.

    Unfortunately my husband doesn't have a "logical "dream. His dream is to race cars so... once we can afford that I'll support him 100%, but I'm thinking it's going to cost us money instead of become an income ;)

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  14. Thats so exciting. Definitely a big congrats to Mike! I actually know a few people that finished high school with me and while they were deciding what to do next they had some kids, now they're in their mid twenties and they also decided to go back to school for nursing. (nursing is a popular choice in my hometown) I know a girl that actually finished her schooling last year, while taking care of a 3 year old.
    Anyways, I wish you guys both luck and congrats again! :D

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  15. Congratulations to you, Mike! I think it's awesome! I have a deeply respect for everyone, who is working in a medical field. And you're never too old to go back to school and change the things in your life! I wish you all the best!
    xo from Germany :)

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  16. Congratulations Mike! That's a big decision for you all to make but I'm glad he can follow his dreams. This'll be a big year of change for the Flynns! :) x

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  17. it's so cute to see how supportive towards each other you both are:') you're both truly an inspiration! i wish you all the best, to you, mike, toby and the little baby ♥

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  18. As someone who won't be finishing a medical program until I'm 30, I just want to applaud the tenacity! It will definitely be an amazing experience! Congratulations on taking the leap, Mike! (and the years would have passed anyway, with or without nursing school so don't worry too much about the numbers).

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  19. Congrats to Mike! I'm in my first semester of nursing school now and most of the people in my class are actually older than mid-twenties, so he's not alone. Good luck with everything!

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  20. i'm going back to school in the fall too!!! finishing my music-school degree that i never finished back in the day!!

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  21. Wow, congrats!! My husband is a nurse--it's a needed job, and one where you can accomplish a lot of good!

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  22. Super awesome, what a great step in life this'll be for him and for you guys as a family! Nursing is such a respectable field to be in, and opens so many doors once you're in the healthcare world! Eek! I'm very happy for Mike!

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  23. How great is that. Congrats on following your dreams Mike and you are such a supportive wife girl - keep up the great work!!!

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  24. Congrats Mike!! How exciting! I wish you guys the best xx

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  25. Many congrats to both of you! Especially Mike with all of the hard work of testing and the journey ahead! Such an exciting chapter for both of you--plus Toby and littlest Flynn! We are all rooting for you and supporting you!

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  26. This post hit home! I'm in my mid-twenties and decided that I want to become a Registered Dietitian after spending years in the music industry. It can be daunting to return to school, not to mention pursue a completely different field. It's awesome to know I'm not alone :)

    HUGE congrats to Mike and I wish you and your adorable fan the very best!

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  27. Woohoo! Go Mike! It's so wonderful to see people pursuing their dreams, no matter the difficulty! You guys are truly in a whirlwind of change but I know you can handle it. :) Can't wait to follow along! I'm going to tell my husband that if you guys can do it with one child and a baby on the way, then we can do it (he wants to go back to school)! We have no kids yet and I just keep thinking.. if there was ever a time.. it's probably now!

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  28. That's fantastic news! Congrats Mike!

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  29. yay Mike! this is so exciting! and motivational as well! both of you sharing your dreams and the progress towards it is really pushing me towards my own goals. how do you get past the fear, though? it's where i get stuck.
    cheers to Mike!

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    1. i'm 99.9% positive that you never get over the fear :) we're certainly not fearless about this situation (in fact, i'm totally terrified!). i just have faith in it being what he truly wants and what will benefit our family as a whole in the long run. short-term sacrifices for long-term gains! sometimes you just gotta jump!

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  30. Wow, that's so amazing! Congratulations Mike on pursuing your dreams! From one student to another, I'll be sending you good vibes! :D

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  31. Congrats. I'm in nursing school and I can tell you (him) it is the hardest thing I have ever done. But also the most rewarding! I'm sure he'll kick butt at it!

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  32. That's so exciting! One of my sisters is a nurse and absolutely loves it... congrats to your family!

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  33. Congratulations! Can't wait to hear how he progresses!

    http://skinandroses.blogspot.co.uk

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  34. Oh wow, that's awesome. Good for him.

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  35. This actually inspired me very much. Go Mike!

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  36. The big advantage of going back to school in your mid-twenties is that, because you know what you want, it can be much easier.
    Good luck and don't forget to have fun!!

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  37. Mike, congratulations! It's never too late to fulfill your dreams! I'm proud of him AND YOU for being an amazing wife and cheering him on with full support. You guys have so much going on! I can't wait to continue reading about all of it.

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  38. Having a clear path that you want to take in life is a wonderful thing! Best of luck to you all!

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  39. So happy for you and Mike! Such great things happening for you both.
    And so lovely of you to support his dreams too.
    Much love,
    xx

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  40. Congrats! I went back to school at 25 but only for a two year program. It's difficult handling adult life and responsibilities with school. But the great thing is your mature enough to know what you want and can get the most out of school. Good luck!

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  41. Sounds amazing and so inspiring - congratulations to both of you on this new journey! It will probably be a bit of a bumpy journey (no pun intended!), but so worth it in the end. And how beautiful to support him in this dream along the way. Wishing you both all the best, good luck Mike!

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  42. Wow that is ah-mazing! Congrats Mike, hope it goes well for you.

    Very pleased with how it is going well with you Flynns, career wise (and baby!). With my art business, it has been very difficult and even though I totally don't want to give up being a full time artist/ photographer, I am considering of getting 9-5 job for a stable income and of course to be able to pay for the rent. I am soon living with my boyfriend and he will be paying most of the rent..

    But since running a business is my biggest dreams, what do you advise? I need your wonderful words of motivation and encouragement! <3

    Katrina Sophia Blog

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    1. i'm all for living your dream and taking chances. but sometimes it really is smart to try and plan it out. there's nothing wrong with taking a temporary job if you think it'll help prepare you in the long run (whether financially or experience-wise). the trick is to just know when to walk away from that safety net. i don't think any of us are ever really "ready" to make the call. sometimes you just have to jump!

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  43. How exciting! Good for you guys! <3

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  44. Very exciting! You are so supportive, it's inspiring! Sometimes it's hard to look past our own dreams to support those of our spouse's. Love is sacrificing your dreams for theirs. This post was a lovely reminder of that for me. Thank you<3

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  45. Congratulations!! Its So great that you are following your dreams, what a fantastic example to set for your children. Good Luck!

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  46. congrats and good luck! What can't that guy do??

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  47. I currently work in the medical field and while it wasn't what I originally saw for myself, I absolutely love it and find it very fulfilling. It's wonderful that you're supporting his dreams, and I wish him the very best in pursuing what is likely to be a fantastic and fulfilling career for him!

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  48. Hooray!!! I can totally relate! I chose healthcare as a second career and went back to school at 25, and now at 28 I have finally reached my goal of becoming a physical therapist. The past 3 yrs were so hard, but it was so worth it. Also, we need more friendly and compassionate people in the healthcare world. Congrats to Mike!

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  49. man you guys are determined and busy bees!!!! best of luck mike!!! congrats!! i'm so happy for you guys!

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  50. Congratulations! That's so awesome seeing others follow their dreams!

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  51. That's awesome. But I'm curious about why he wants to do LPN first. I know a lot of LPNs and they're all either doing the bridge program or planning to. It seems like kind of a pain in the ass when you could just get your RN over with in the beginning.

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    1. the LPN program he's enrolled in is literally like a half-mile from our house. Since he wanted to start immediately it was really our only choice. The closest RN program is at least 45 minutes away from our house and with me being pregnant (and the possibility of me going into labor at any time during his school year), it just wasn't feasible. Plus the RN programs near us have a wait list of up to 2 years. He'll do an LPN program then work for a few months while he gets his pre-reqs for the RN-Bridge program. In the end it'll tack on an extra 6 months maybe, but it's just whats best for our family at this time. It took a lot of thought and a lot of faith to make the call. He has no desire to be an LPN, but he sees it as a necessary stepping stone for our current place in life :) He's been advised to just go straight into the RN program by many people, but they don't understand why it's simply not possible at this time. We'd rather he get started and get his foot in the door at a local institution.

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  52. Congratulations. From someone who graduated undergrad and worked for 4 years before going to medical school, I can understand his decision. Tell him good luck and that he can do it.

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  53. Congrats, that is so exciting! I am in my first semester of nursing school for my BSN and LOVE it. I plan on getting my DNP like Mike, which is such an exciting prospect.

    Good luck, Mike, and I hope you and your family enjoy the journey! It really is something else.

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  54. Congratulations!! That's a huge step but it's an amazing profession and he's lucky to have someone so supportive by his side! I wish him the best of luck in his studies and you the best of luck by being his rock! <3

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  55. Congrats to you all and especially Mike!! I don't know if it will be the same for nursing school but as someone who stayed in college until they were 27, it's kinda funny to discover just how big of a difference that age difference makes and how often you laugh to yourself about someone not knowing what something is/was from your childhood and whatnot. Or maybe it was just me, lol.

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  56. At 37 I went back to school and pursued my dream job. I now run a youth mentoring program. My hubby --- age 44 --- is now pursuing his degree so he can do the same. It's NEVER too late!

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  57. How fantastic, my friends went back to to Nursing in 2012 (and graduates this spring) and is 32 you are never too old!

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  58. Congratulations Mike! That's awesome news and all the best of luck to you guys and your family. My sister's a Midwife and my mum's a nurse who went back to school when I was 12 and took the 'long' way to become a nurse but loves her job and I couldn't be prouder. I'm 26 and last year started a chefs apprenticeship and while it is scary, I'm loving what I'm doing now and can see myself doing it for the rest of my life.

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  59. Congrats Mike! I know how hard going to school is in your mid-twenties or thirties. My husband and I (i'm 25 and he's 31) are both attending a university and i'm planning on going to Grad school for my PHD is clinical psychology. It's hard, but as long as you both love and support each other you'll do great! Many wishes!!

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  60. Congrats Mike! I know how hard going to school is in your mid-twenties or thirties. My husband and I (i'm 25 and he's 31) are both attending a university and i'm planning on going to Grad school for my PHD is clinical psychology. It's hard, but as long as you both love and support each other you'll do great! Many wishes!!

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  61. Congrats Mike! I know how hard going to school is in your mid-twenties or thirties. My husband and I (i'm 25 and he's 31) are both attending a university and i'm planning on going to Grad school for my PHD is clinical psychology. It's hard, but as long as you both love and support each other you'll do great! Many wishes!!

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  62. My good friend's dad got laid off from a factory in his mid 50's and decided to go to nursing school. He graduated last year and loves what he does now! Best wishes to you both!

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  63. Going back to school is never a bad idea...especially for something that you're so passionate about. I think this is wonderful, congratulations to you both! Making a huge step like this is always a massive decision and never an easy one so kudos to you both for coming up on top! You guys will be great, I know it!! What a power couple, my goodness.

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  64. Wow! that is so amazing and exciting! I always saw myself in the medical field and now here I am doing a double bachelor of arts and education - it's crazy how dreams change but I wish you, Mike and your little family all the best for this pursuit! xx

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  65. that's so exciting! good luck with everything :)
    xo, cheyenne

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  66. Man, that is awesome! You go Mike!

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  67. That's amazing news! Congrats to you and Mike! My hubby is going back to school as well, once his chain of command approves the paperwork. :D

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  68. Sounds like our life is sort of similiar as far as babies and going back to school. I just had my second son on 12-11-2013 and have been wanting to enroll for cosmetology since May 2013 after doing my sister's hair from blonde to platinum to lavender. I always wanted to do retail management but after coming to the realization that I've always loved doing beauty since I was like 3 years old (literally, my grandmother taught me how to do her makeup back at that age!), I figured it would be better as a career for me while I build up my home businesses (cupcakes to help raise funds for cats, ice cream trike business with David, and selling dreadfalls), volunteer at C.L.A.W.S. (cat adoption and rescue site), and train for roller derby.

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HEY! Thanks for dropping by. xo KB