Great update. Hope Eric can understand that she wants to get a degree for herself. It's not that she doesn't feel like she can depend on him or take advantage of him because many women are stay at home moms. It's more of something concrete she can get a sense of accomplishment from. When everything else in life gets hectic she can feel like she can complete something with a job and all. Raising children is an ongoing longterm job. She will never stop worrying about them throughout her life.
I was wondering when you'd reappear! I knew you probably had a good reason though, school and what not. Glad to hear you're (albeit slowly) getting back in the game!