work in progress

Exciting

2010-02-27T19:04:00.002-06:00

Apparently it has been a year since I have written on my blog. Facebook is the reason. Now my brother has started a blog for the new baby, so it brought me back to mine. We are so excited to add a new little baby to the family. March is just around the corner. We will be welcoming Babe-E soon.

Incredible Day

2009-01-20T14:46:00.002-06:00

I had a wonderful opportunity to go on a "Walk for Character" today. It was the second annual "Walk for Character" in honor on Martin Luther King JR. I walked with all ages and all races. It was about 22 degrees but we were warm. We then were able to hear a local high school choir sing "Let THere Be Peace On Earth" while watching Barack Obama walk towards his swearing in moment. It was an amazing and emotional moment.
I met some incredible Americorps members who work hard to make this area a better place for all. We had a wonderful lunch.
It was amazing to be in a room of volunteers, community members and friends all listening to the Inauguation with excitement, hope and renewed inspiration about the future.

What an incredible day.

2009 goals

2009-01-13T10:39:00.004-06:00

A good friend invited me to join her team to become healthier in 2009. The meetings are on Wednesday night which is when I am at church. However, she is graciously sending me information and including me in her goal of becoming healthier. Her team of 4 women go to meetings on Weds. evening for nutrition classes, weigh ins and other information. I have been following their progress on the team blog.

I am also fortunate enough to work with several women who are also working harder to become healthier this year. One has started an excercise program and watching her diet, the other is following the South Beach diet. The great thing is that we are all supporting each other.

I am motivated by all these women but also by the WII FIT. Everytime you get on you can do a body test and it tells you your BMI. Seeing numbers on a screen and watching how excercise and eating right changes it, even slightly is a big motivator.

So the point of this post is to have someone else to answer too.

My goals for 2009 are to excercise...when I can, eat a healthier diet (limits sugars and bad fats) and make sure my kids are eating better. I don't think those are difficult goals. I just have to stay motivated. So thank you CAT for getting me started on this journey with you even though I couldn't join the team.
Now if I could just stay away from the computer and learn to spend more time on wii fit or my elyptical I know... No Guilt No Regrets.

Tradition

2009-01-04T16:19:00.002-06:00

The kids and I took the tree down today. I was going to take it down on New Years day, but was reminded by my wonderful daughter that it is a tradition to take the tree down on a Sunday while watching football. OK, we haven't watched football all season this year but we did today.
I loved traditions as I was growing up too. I guess I started traditions with my kids that I didn't even know I started.
Anyway, the tree is down, the decorations are put away and we are quickly headed back into routine. I'm not sure I am ready. I have enjoyed our family time during the past few weeks. Time to get the backpacks ready and lunch money checks written.

Reflecting on 2008

2009-01-02T22:02:00.002-06:00

2008 was a tough year for my family. I'm happy to say hello to 2009. I'm hoping it will be better. Over the course of the year we lost Irene, my mother-in-law, 6 months after being diagnosed with cancer. This was 2 weeks after a good friend lost her Mother-in-law. A month later my brother had another open heart surgery with a long and difficult recovery. My son, two uncles and my father had surgery. Not good odds if you are a male in this family. My mom had to battle pneumonia again.
We did have some good times too. 3 families, all good friends added children to their families. It has been an honor to watch these babies grow, meet milestones and be a part of their lives. I love spending time with each of them. They are part of what made 2008 bearable.
We went on a wonderful family vacation to South Dakota. We learned a lot about another state and had some wonderful family time.
The kids continue to do well in school without the anxiety and sleep problems we had in early 2008. They were dealing with a lot with grandma Irene being so ill but because of loving family and terrific friends they have done very well. We are blessed with an amazing Church family. They also helped make 2008 bearable.
I realize others probably had a worse year than we did but still, I'm looking forward to 2009. One of my favorite babies has already reached his first birthday. The other 3 will soon reach theirs.
We are planning a trip to Cozumel Mexico in May for my cousins wedding. The kids get to be a part of the wedding. It is beginning to look like a wonderful family reunion.
I am praying for a surgery free year and a healthy year for all. I am so thankful for the special friends that helped us through this past year. With out them it would have been much more difficult. It is amazing how God puts people in our lives. At the time you are just happy to get to know them but then there are days when you know why they came into you life.
So Hello 2009. I'm ready for you.

Engineer, drummer or Maybe Cake Decorating?

2008-11-28T20:35:00.005-06:00

My baby turns 12 tomorrow. It is hard to believe that 12 years has gone by. Our 4 pound 12 oz baby boy is becoming a young man with many talents. He is a wonderfully talented drummer, he is getting better everyday on the guitar, he soaks in everything he hears and sees and doesn't forget things he has learned. He is a straight A student and we are very proud of him. Today we learned he can design and decorate cakes.

This year he made his snare drum birthday cake. Great job buddy.

Happy Birthday.

First Official Family Meeting

2008-11-26T07:53:00.004-06:00

We had our first official family meeting last night. We have been having some problems with disrespect, getting jobs done on the day assigned, arguing and yelling. I had an agenda with guidelines...no interrupting, listen, etc. I went through what we as parents expect when it comes to homework, getting jobs done, practicing instruments, and how we should start communicating with each other. After each expectation, we talked about the consequence. Everyone had a chance to discuss the expectation and the consequence and make comments about it. Some things were tweaked a bit. We had a great discussion. I think the kids felt like they were able to help with the decision making. It opened up a lot of discussion. As my Dad said..."you do have a couple of thinkers". Yes we do.

I hope this meeting helps. Their Dad and I are going to have to enforce the consequences when they are tested. I hope we are ready for that.

We also agreed that we need to try at the very least once a week to have dinner at the table all together. With our busy schedules we do a lot of eating and running. We are going to make a point of sitting at the table so we can talk, reconnect and evaluate "The Family Plan". Say a prayer for us that things go well. I'm hoping for a lot less yelling and arguing.

This May Be The Last...

2008-11-23T18:58:00.002-06:00

Today was probably our last trip to see Santa. Our son told us today he is getting too old. He has not confirmed that he no longer believes but I think he is holding out in fear that the presents will go away if he doesn't believe. Our little girl already knows. She figured it out at Easter. I thought I would be sad when they found out about Santa but actually Mags and I have been having fun. She gets to be Santa for her brother. Even though she knows about Santa, I am still looking forward to doing the "Santa" stuff. Our family loves Christmas and we know the "reason for the season" but we also enjoy the fun and mystery of Santa. Maybe I can get them to go next year if I promise not to show the picture to their friends. :)

We usually go see Santa later in the season but this year is already packed with so many activities. I will not, however, put up any Christmas decorations until Thanksgiving is over. I feel like people forget about Thanksgiving. It didn't feel right going to see Santa before Thanksgiving but we have a special Santa we see each year and between his schedule and our schedule, this was a good day to go.

So, Happy Thanksgiving everyone. I am blessed to have such wonderful friends and a terrific family. Enjoy Turkey Day!

:)

2008-11-05T08:40:00.003-06:00

Yes we can and Yes we did!! Change has begun. Can you feel it? I do.

Emotional Day

2008-11-04T11:10:00.002-06:00

It's only 11am and it has been an emotional day. We went through our normal morning routine. As I was dropping the kids off at school they reminded me several times... "don't forget to vote". They get to vote in school today and were both very excited about it. That makes me proud.
After I dropped them off I went straight to my polling place. It was 8:14am and there was already quite a line. I have never seen this in my small town. I waited about 25 min. not bad. As I began to color in the circle next to Obamas name, I felt a sense of relief. I left and headed to Target. During my drive to Target I began to feel emotional about my right to vote and what that means. I began to think about all the women that paved the way for my right to vote. I decided that from this moment on I will never take that for granted again. It was an emotional morning.
Later today I will pick up my kids from school, find out who the school voted for and head to the dentist. Then we will go to the visitation of a close family friend who passed away on Sunday. He was a close friend to my parents and a huge part of my life. He was also a big part of our church family. We will miss you "Bucky". It will be an emotional evening.

Happy Halloween

2008-10-31T11:12:00.004-05:00

I hope everyone has a fun Halloween.

Comfort Food

2008-10-24T20:13:00.002-05:00

Mexican food and Margaritas, good for times of crisis, family gatherings and especially celebrations. I realized today that my family and I will use any excuse to go out and enjoy some mexican food and margaritas.
Thanks for lunch Dad!

My kids are Hippies.

2008-10-22T10:34:00.004-05:00

It is red ribbon week at the kids school. Red Ribbon week promotes D.A.R.E. which stands for Drug Abuse Resistance Education. It is a fun and informative week for the kids every year. Today they got to dress up in 60's or 70's attire. My kids make pretty good hippies. I just hope they are listening to the message of D.A.R.E.

PEACE

WOW x 2

2008-10-18T20:50:00.003-05:00

Now that's a rally!!! GO OBAMA!!

and a wonderful endorsement too. http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/opinion/chi-chicago-tribune-endorsement,0,1371034.story

Peak

2008-10-07T10:14:00.003-05:00

I have had some time to read in the last few days. So, I decided to read a book my 6th grade son has decided is his favorite book next to the Harry Potter series. PEAK by Roland Smith. It is a wonderful story of a 14 year old boy who goes on a journey and learns a few things on the way. It is a story that I will remember for a long time. I'm glad our son read it. He even shared it with a few of his friends. He liked it so much they wanted to read it. He asked me questions about it as I was reading it. He said he could still visualize the story. I know what he means. It is a quick read that will put a smile on your face and in your heart.

Extra Credit

2008-10-07T09:57:00.003-05:00

I have been home since Sunday evening with some kind of intestinal bug. In other words...I don't feel good. Can you hear the whining. Yesterday I was supposed to go to work but instead stayed home, slept, read and attempted to eat. When I picked the kids up from school my son says he needs glue sticks and popsicle sticks to work on an extra credit project for History class. Now it isn't due until Thursday but because of extra curricular activities and homework this was the best night to get it done. UUUGGGHHH. Luckily my friend had lots of popsicle sticks at home. So we ran to the Pharmacy and bought glue sticks...they didn't have popsicle sticks, then we ran to my friends house to get the popsicle sticks.

Then I was ready for another nap.

It is amazing to watch my son when he is determined. He finished his assigned homework in record time and started working on this boat about 5pm. He only took a break long enough to eat dinner.

He can visualize what he wants to make and then make it. He finished about 8:30 p.m. or so. His Dad cut the pieces for him but he did all the measuring and designing. It was impressive. I hope he gets all the extra credit points possible. He deserves it. I love watching him work when he does projects like this. It makes me wonder if he will utilize this talent in his Adult life. I hope his teacher appreciates the thought and hard work that went into this project. I sure do.

A 6th graders design of an Eygptian boat

Honduras

2008-10-01T08:58:00.003-05:00

I was watching one of my favorite shows last night... House Hunters International. A very busy family in California decided they wanted to slow down their lives and move to Honduras. hhhmmm

Sounds good to me. My family has been so busy lately. My husband is working 10 hours days Mon.- Sat. I have been volunteering at school more hours than normal, working two 12 hour days a week and trying to keep up with everything at home. My kids have homework and several extra curricular activities. I'm not sure how Moms working full time do it all. I have a friend that reminded me that she doesn't run the book fair or help out with classroom parties and school auctions. We are all so busy.

So, I think I am going to start looking into real estate in Honduras. hahahahahahaha Or maybe I should just start thinking of some more realistic ways to slow down my family so we can spend more QUALITY time with each other. Honduras would be nice though.

WHEW!!

2008-09-26T18:58:00.003-05:00

Bookfair is over and I am tired. It went very well. There was some disappointment. We found out that a second grader stole some bookmarks and a 4th grader stole some erasers. Those are just the kids that got caught. I'm sure there were other thefts. We felt like we were watching pretty close too.
All in all it was a good week. I love watching the kids and being able to see mine frequently throughout the day. I will have book fair withdrawal next week. Then I can start on other PTA projects.
Never a dull moment!!!

Book Fair

2008-09-21T20:48:00.000-05:00

It's Book Fair week.
:)

Update

2008-09-18T09:17:00.002-05:00

It has been two weeks since I have blogged. September is a busy month. Our little girl arrived in the double digits gracefully. She had a wonderful party. It was a fun day!!
The kids are FINALLY in the groove of school. We are back in school routine.
Youth groups have started. Our son moved out of one group and up to the Jr.High/Senior High youth group. It has been more of an adjustment for me than for him.
My women's group started back up last Friday night. We had a great evening with some pretty interesting discussion topics. It is a terrific group of intelligent women. We are very comfortable knowing that we can be ourselves, say what we want and be accepted. We might not agree with each other on several topics but we do accept each other. Another wonderful evening with friends.
Book Fair starts next week. It is a rewarding yet exhausting week. I look forward to it every year. Hopefully this year will be less stressful. Last year I was running the bookfair and planning hospice care at the same time. Two very special friends let me cry on their shoulders and hugged me through that difficult week as well as this difficult year. I thank God for them everyday!
My wonderful husband turns 45 today. We are planning a relaxed evening at home and celebrating with a chocolate cake. Thanks Betty Crocker.
Girl Scouts started this week too. The Saturday after bookfair we will be selling cookies at the local dentist. It's cookie caravan time. In Oct. we will sell door to door.
It has been a great September so far. We are settling in to the school year and some early fall temperatures. I'm ready.. bring on the chili, the soups, the chicken and dumplings. Bring on the bonfires, Halloween and Girl Scout cookies.

TEN

2008-09-05T10:21:00.003-05:00

Ten years ago today at 9:16 am our little girl was born. I remember it like it was yesterday. I remember telling her...you look just like your brother. She was 6 lbs 12oz. I can't imagine my life without her in it. She keeps me balanced. She is our peace maker. She loves to read and she loves to pretend to be a teacher. She knows what she wants and she goes after it. When I am angry, she knows how to calm me down. She makes me smile. She is a blessing.

Happy Birthday my sweet girl. I hope you have many more decades.

I love you.

September is Here

2008-09-03T08:59:00.002-05:00

Here we go...
1. Time to pay the second installment of taxes....yuck
2. Mole removal today...yuck
3. My little girls 10th birthday....yay!!
4. My husbands 45th birthday...yay!!
5. Several other birthdays...yay!!
6. Youth groups start...yay!!
7. Book Fair week...yay!! and yuck
8. PTA is full swing...yay and yuck
9. Mid term grades already...WOW
10. Wednesday Night Live starts...yay!!
It is official, summer is over and the new school year has begun. I have already noticed that my kids are getting into the routine...finally.
Those last two weeks in August are always tough. I'm looking forward to what September brings.

A Proud Woman

2008-08-26T22:44:00.003-05:00

Today has been a day that has reminded me how proud I am to be a woman. I have been given the responsibility of raising two incredible kids. With that responsibility has come the blessing of helping raise and nurture my friends kids. I also love balancing my life as a wife and mother with being a pediatric nurse. Today I had the opportunity to listen to a beautiful little girl talk about everything she saw in the park, at my house, and down the road at the duck pond. She is a strong young girl with a mind of her own. Similar to my own little girl at that age.
I also had the opportunity to listen to two adult women who are also very strong. Michelle Obama and Hillary Clinton. I have been a Michelle fan from the begginning. Not so with Hillary. Tonight changed that. She made an incredible speech that makes me proud to be a woman and a Democrat.
It has been a great day.

Last Day of the First Week

2008-08-22T09:58:00.003-05:00

Today is the last day of the first week of school for 2008-2009. It has been eventful but we made through.
1. Our 6th grade boy, on his first day of swimming took his swimsuit that is too big and had to sit out.
2. Weds. night both kids had MAJOR meltdowns about homework, clothes, etc.., etc.
3. Both kids have been stressed about being late to school even though we have been leaving 10 minutes early than last year.
4. Getting homework finished before tv and computer hasn't been too much of an issue........YET!
5. My 4th grade girl had to sit with all boys. By Weds. the teacher took pity on her and switched some desks around so now there is another girl in her group of desks. WHEW!!
6. My Uncle had to have emergency open heart surgery on Tuesday. So I haven't been able to be totally focused on my kids needs. My mind has been elsewhere.
7. I am trying to get used to a quiet house again and getting organized for the evenings I am at work.

As my Mother always says... "this too will pass". We will get back into routine soon and things will run more smoothly.

First Day

2008-08-15T08:21:00.002-05:00

It's the first day of school. We had some drama and some irritability but for the most part I think they are excited. We met the teachers last night at open house. I'm looking forward to a great year.

last week

2008-08-11T15:18:00.003-05:00

The last week before school starts. The kids have friends over. We were swimming and having a good time until my little girl got stung twice by a wasp or two. They were actually swarming around her head. She is totally traumatized. We might as well get rid of the pool. She will probably never go in it again.

It is a gourgous 82 degrees, the house is opened up, but everyone is inside playing games and watching the olympics. Darn wasp. It is supposed to be a beautiful week. Hopefully we can get my little girl out of the house. We are planning on going to the park later this week for a picnic and more play time with friends before school starts. I hope the wasp incident doesn't ruin it.

I think the kids are ready for school. We are even getting bored with the wii. I will miss them but it will be nice to get into a routine. The lazy days of summer are almost over.

2 weeks left

2008-08-01T08:33:00.002-05:00

Tomorrow we are going school supply shopping. Its hard to believe that our summer is almost over. It went by so fast. My kids had band camp this past week in preparation for school band to start. My little drummer boy is now a drummer in the school marching band. My little girl is learning to play the flute in the 4th grade band. I can't believe I have a 6th grader and a 4th grader. Time sure does fly by.
We went through their clothes yesterday to make room for new clothes. Those don't last as long anymore either. They sure are growing up fast. I'm looking forward to this year but in some ways I wish summer could go on longer. I'm definately not ready for the homework fight. No more lazy days of summer. Until next year.

A bittersweet day at work

2008-07-24T23:39:00.002-05:00

Bitter....one family grieves the death of a 4 year old after a drowning accident.

Sweet....another family rejoices in the baby steps their 4 year old makes today while battling back from a traumatic brain injury.

Bitter...my boss finds out that she is now the Director of 5 departments instead of 3. She also found out she is loosing her assistant. The position has been eliminated. More work/less help.

Sweet...I became a part of an elite group at work today. I am officially a member of the 20+ club. As of July 18, I have been at CGCMC for 20 years. I am now eligible for the 50% discount in the cafeteria! wow

I have seen many bittersweet days during my 20 years at Glennon but this has probably been one of the hardest. About the same time I had my ID badge changed to the 20+ club badge and I was feeling very proud, my boss and her assistant were receiving the news of the "restructoring".
Its been a tough, bittersweet day. The hardest part of all was thinking about the family that lost their kiddo today. Nothing can be worse than that.

My Michael

2008-07-09T09:37:00.003-05:00

Yesterday I went to work and spent about 4 hours playing Wii games and looking at I Spy books with my favorite patient. I've blogged about him before. He has Cystic Fibrosis and comes in one week or so every 3-4 months for what is called "a tuneup". He is allergic to the antibiotics he receives so we have to desensitize him to his antibiotic by giving him increasing doses every 15 minutes for about 4 hours. We watch for an allergic reaction while giving him the meds.
We are really just there to play with him. At least thats what he thinks. It was going pretty well until I started winning the Wii games. he wasn't too happy.
He is doing pretty well. His mother still smokes. UUUGGGHHH. When she comes back into his room it is hard for me to breathe. I can't imagine what that is doing to him. My smoking lectures go in one ear and out the other. I hope one day she realizes what this is doing to him.
It sure is fun to go to work and play. He has invited me to come watch a movie with him when I work on Thursday. I'm not sure I will be able to do that. I won't have antibiotics to be giving as my cover for playing. I will be sure to spend some time with him though. He reminds me why I went into pediatric nursing. Thanks Micheal...love ya buddy.

Memorial Garden

2008-07-05T13:06:00.004-05:00

BEFORE

This is the weed garden. It actually looked much worse. It was full of weeds and grass. It looked awful. We have never really landscaped this area. When my Mother-in-Law passed away we were given money to purchase a tree in her memory. Instead of the tree we decided to finally landscape this area in her honor. We finished it on July 4th.

AFTER

We love you Nonnie. I think you would be pleased that we finally did this. I promise to pull the weeds before they take over.

Exploring South Dakota

2008-07-04T00:34:00.006-05:00

We had a wonderful vacation to South Dakota. Here are some pictures from Mt. Rushmore, Crazy Horse, Spearfish canyon (waterfalls) and the Badlands (they made me feel like I was visiting Mars). It is a beautiful State with a lot of interesting things to see. We also went to the Corn Palace in Mitchell, SD., Wall Drug, a huge gift shop/diner/icecream shop/drug store/play ground and we spent a day in Custer State Park driving the Wildlife loop looking for buffalo (we only saw one). We did a lot of driving and a lot of exploring. We even tried to pan for gold. That was not successful. It was a great week.

Cooper's Courage

2008-06-18T22:30:00.002-05:00

This Saturday, June 21st, my kids and I will be walking in the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure for Breast Cancer in honor of a friend. My daughter is in Girl Scouts with her daughter. She is the most couragous person I know. She is truly an inspiration. If you are watching the walk on t.v. watch for the blue shirts with the pink mini cooper car. My friend is having yet another surgery tomorrow but plans on being in the walk even if she is in a wheel chair. Pray for Stacey, pray for the Cooper's Courage team, pray for everyone dealing with breast cancer.

1st Summer Book

2008-06-11T22:27:00.003-05:00

I have been running the Scholastic Book Fair at my kids school for several years. I have seen many books become favorite requests. This book has been the most requested book by teachers and students of all ages.

My daughter has told me several times that I should read it. She is my reader. Always has a book in her hands. My son who likes to read but would rather play on the computer said this book is one of his favorites. His teacher in 4th grade read it to the class and then he decided to read it again. So, I decided today to start my summer reading. Not only did I start my summer reading but I finished my first summer book. I read it in under two hours. If you know my history on reading, you know that this is a miraculous journey in itself. I would have read it faster but my little Magpie was chattering to me the entire time I was reading it. "Where are you know?" "Are you going to finish that tonight?" etc. etc....

It is a sweet wonderful book. My kids told me it would change my life. I'm not sure it had quite that impact but it will certainly be in my list of favorites. It does make you realize that even the bad things that happen in your life happen for a reason. Those bad things might just be the beginning of something wonderful and make you a better person...or china rabbit.

I am looking at today as the new beginning to our summer. We all have new summer haircuts. We were able to swim in our pool today. And we are starting to get some landscaping done that we have put off for years. I have to work tomorrow but Friday I will be starting my next summer book, poolside.

Crazy Summer

2008-06-10T20:16:00.004-05:00

The past 6 days have been so busy. My little drummer boy had his surgery on Thursday. The procedure and immediate recovery went extremely well. We were so pleased with the care he received! His recovery at home didn't go so well. He ended up with an infection in the ear that the tube was placed in. He has antibiotic ear drops and seems to be doing much better today.
The same day as his surgery, my family member who received an unpleasant and disappointing diagnosis the week before, went to a different Dr. who didn't agree with the first diagnosis. Instead of "mild early Alzheimers" she is diagnosed with "mild cognitive impairment". The second Dr. doesn't see the signs of Alzheimers just trouble with memory. WHEW!!
I spent the weekend in Chicago with my daughter and some friends. We had an amazing time. It was so much fun to watch the girls at the American Girl Place. They had such a great time. It was great to get away even for a short trip but also to have quality time with my daughter.
My kids and I saw an incredible movie yesterday. Chronicles of Narnia, Prince Caspien. As my son said several times during the movie..."WHat incredible special effects"!! I think I'm going to have to start reading that series again.
The beginning of summer has been busy and a little stressful. I'm learning to take it as it comes.

Yeah Barack!!

2008-06-10T20:13:00.002-05:00

http://www.ksdk.com/news/local/story.aspx?storyid=147903&catid=3
This is definately someone I want for President. Someone who will spend time with people on the job to see what they really do and how they are affected by the economy. I would have loved to have been that nurse.

Disappointment

2008-06-02T22:17:00.002-05:00

This has been a week of disappointments.
1. a diagnosis of a family member I didn't want to hear.
2. My son's surgery and a vacation will cause him to miss 6 of his last 12 baseball games.
3. Our hometown store didn't have the right granola bars.
4. I have to work on the nights of 2 of the 6 games my son will get to play in.
5. My daughter got black tar on her "favorite" shorts today while eating lunch during a visit with daddy at work.
6. My son's baseball team lost again tonight.
7.My husband put a lot of time and emotion into a job he was asked to do and the end result was devastating to him. This has been one of the biggest disappointments of the week. (#1 has been pretty difficult too) Watching my husband put his heart and soul into a task he wasn't sure he was capable of doing and then become defeated, has been difficult. My prayer is that the saying "time heals all wounds" is true.
2008 has been a very difficult and trying year for this family. June is the halfway mark. I hope we are finished with major disappointments for awhile. I pray that the rest of this year is a little bit easier. We have been challenged enough. I'm ready for a little boredom.

One down

2008-05-29T15:30:00.002-05:00

One less thing to worry about. The imaging center had a cancellation today, so I was able to get my diagnostic today. It turned out fine. Nothing to worry about. So, one down one to go. Now I can focus on prayers that our sons procedure will help his hearing. Praise God.

Worry

2008-05-27T17:33:00.002-05:00

I am trying not to worry. I heard a wonderful sermon this past Sunday about just that. Jesus is with me through it all. June 5th my son will have outpatient surgery. June 6th I will have a diagnostic mammogram. Everyday I put these concerns in Jesus hands. Thankfully, I am surrounded by an incredible family and incredible friends. I'm sure my son's hearing will improve and the diagnostic mammogram won't show anything. I'm so glad I have Jesus with me. Thanks Alex for the reminder.

First Game

2008-05-22T09:23:00.002-05:00

Last night was my son's first Baseball game of the season. He had a good game. I'm so proud of how well he knows the game. He shows good sportsmanship and always encourages his teammates. He evened smiled at his friend on the other team. That same friend did a lot of smack talk after his team won the game. "We creamed you" etc. etc. That was really hard for our son to take. I hope he blows it off.
I love watching him play but I am always a little worried that he might get hurt. He is pretty small compared to some of the other players. There were some minor bumps and bruises last night. Interestingly enough one of them was our daughter. She was playing with the sister of the "poor winner" and while playing they ran into each other. I did not see the collision but our daughter has a very sore wrist, nose and top lip. Her friend has a sore head. Apparently our daughters mouth and nose hit the head of her friend. Both girls were fine and continued to play the remainder of the evening. I hope the rest of the baseball games have a little bit less drama.

allergies and adenoids

2008-05-19T09:00:00.004-05:00

About 2 months ago my son failed a hearing screen at school. While we were talking about it with him he said..."I'm sure it has something to do with my ears always feeling clogged". I didn't realize that his ears were always clogged or that he was having hearing problems. He didn't fail the hearing screen last year so at least I know this is something that is fairly recent. We had to wait about 2 months to get an appointment with an Ear, Nose and Throat specialist. I didn't want just anyone. That's the problem with being a nurse in a pediatric hospital. You become very selective about specialists. We found out that our little drummer boy has to have minor surgery. If the fluid in his left ear looks "thick like glue", he will get a myringotomy tube placed. The right ear looks good right now. The Dr. will look at it again during the procedure. He will also have his adenoids taken out. Apparently the adenoids in kids his age with allergies, can get swollen and cause an obstruction at the Eustachian tube which causes conductive hearing loss. So, on June 5th, little drummer boy with have minor surgery. I asked him if he was scared and he said....."No, I will be at your hospital and Uncle J had a much bigger surgery and he is OK." He is pretty brave. I think he is also looking forward to the dippin dots a co-worker of mine promised him. :)

So, please keep our boy in your prayers, that he continues to be brave and that this procedure helps with his hearing and his allergies.

A great Article

2008-05-12T12:50:00.001-05:00

My aunt sent me this article. I enjoyed it and wanted to share it. Happy Mothers Day. http://www.boston.com/bostonglobe/editorial_opinion/oped/articles/2008/05/09/sharing_dreams_from_his_mother/?p1=email_to_a_friend

Mothers Day Moments

2008-05-12T12:13:00.003-05:00

1. Coffee I didn't have to make

2. A beautiful stained glass cross from my family chosen by my daughter.

3. Wonderful musical cards

4. Everyone ready for Church without arguing or screaming.

5. Time spent with my favorite 5 month old and his 8/9 week old friends in the crib room at church.

6. Rocking two screaming children from Africa while their mothers sang in church.

7. Enjoying rocking two children from Africa who fell asleep while their mothers sang in church.

8. Listening to the Baptism of 3 adorable babies.

9. Watching my husband put together dinner for our family and my parents.

10. A quiet day at home, relaxing.

11. A wonderful dinner and evening with my parents.

12. Finishing the day reading to my children, who love to read to themselves but still love to curl up in bed and let me read to them.

I am so blessed to have a wonderful, supportive and caring mother. I am also blessed to have a family who loves me and friends who share their children with me. It was a wonderful Mothers day!

Great Weekend

2008-05-04T19:24:00.002-05:00

1. My son's eye allergies are getting better.
2. We got rid of some stuff at our village wide garage sale.
3. My son is learning to save his garage sale money for another Wii game.
4. The kids learned how to clean the bathroom today! :)
5. They are willing to start a job chart again for their allowance.
6. They helped clean the house.
7. The house is clean.
8. The sun is shining.
9. We enjoyed pizza and a movie last night.
10. We had a great weekend.

Heartache

2008-04-27T22:19:00.003-05:00

Today I found out a PTA mom at my kids school lost her 20 year old daughter in a car accident this weekend. I have felt sick all afternoon. I have been a lot more patient with my kids. The little things that need to get done around the house don't seem so important anymore. Yet I went about the tasks in almost a robot like state. I hurt for this family. Its hard to know what to say or do for them. I know I will pray for them.

My daughter received her Bible today at church and was reading it before bed. As my heart swelled with pride it also ached for my friend.

WEEKEND OF FIRSTS

2008-04-20T19:30:00.002-05:00

1. My little girl had to pick out her first pair of glasses.
2. My son got his first pair of contact lenses.
3. I got my first sun burn of the spring/summer season watching my sons baseball practice on a gorgeous Sunday afternoon.

Book Fair

2008-04-13T14:27:00.003-05:00

I am on the brink on another stressful week. It is a different kind of stress...a good?? stress. Tomorrow I will begin setting up for the Buy One Get One free bookfair at my kids school. I love books and I love watching kids get excited about books. This is the week that I am reminded why I did not go into retail sales though. Tuesday evening through Friday, I will be running a cash register none stop. I will also see a lot of books leave in the hands of children, parents and teachers. It is rewarding in its own way. I will also spend evenings at home that I would normally be spending at work. The best part of bookfair....? I will be rewarded with daily hugs from some of my favorite kids. I'm looking forward to another book fair.

TEARS

2008-04-05T21:16:00.002-05:00

Last Saturdays tears were tears of frustration, fear, helplessness, sadness and anger.

This Saturdays tears are huge tears of relief, happiness, gratefulness and thankfulness...ooohhh and did I say relief.

Dinner tonight was a Celebration of healing that has begun after an emotional Service of healing that is already working.

Tears of joy!!!

Top Reasons why.....

2008-03-23T20:01:00.002-05:00

Top Reasons Why This Was A Difficult Easter

1. My brother is still in the ICU after heart surgery.

2. It is our first Easter without Nonnie.

3. My little girl found out about the Easter Bunny and Santa. :(

Top Reasons Why This Was a Great Easter

1. My brother responded to us today! :)

2. We spent a wonderful morning in the crib room at church with the new babies.

3. My little girl still had a fun Easter.

4. We had some beautiful snow and beautiful sunshine. Sometimes at the same time.

5. I had a wonderful evening with family.

6. My brother responded to us today!!!! :)

Our God is an Awesome God!!

Another stressful week

2008-03-18T09:07:00.003-05:00

The hamster is doing well. He sleeps all day. He is a boring pet actually.

I"m getting over my conversation with the hamsters owner.

I'm enjoying sleeping in late during my kids spring break week.

I'm anxious about Good Friday and Easter weekend for many reasons.

Good Friday is Tinmans surgery.

This will be our first Easter without my mother-in-law.

My kids are questioning the "realness" of the Easter bunny and Santa. I"m not sure I want them to lose that part of their childhood so soon after losing Nonnie.

This has the potential to be another stressful week.

2008 has not been simple yet.

Thank goodness for new babies to enjoy.

I am looking forward to the crib room on Easter Sunday.

AGREE to DISAGREE but she's wrong.

2008-03-12T19:50:00.003-05:00

A church/school mom friend just brought over their hamster for our family to watch while they go out of town for a baptism. While she was here she saw Barack Obamas book that I am reading. WOW, she does not like Obama. I felt like I had to defend him. It didn't help. Apparently she was rooting for RUDY Guilliani. hhhhhmmmmm When she said she was worried that Barack would mess things up, I childishly replied that he couldn't do worse than Bush has. She said she would vote Bush in for 4 more years if that was possible. NNNNNOOOOO. It was at that point I told her to have a great time on her trip and call us when she got back. We went back to a cordial conversation. I guess what made me so angry was the petty things that bothered her about Barack. She even said she wished people would open their eyes. He is brain washing people. Some of the most intelligent people I know are huge Obama fans and have been for years. They aren't easily brain washed. Oh well, we will remain friends and will learn to agree to disagree. We definitely have different views. I will take good care of the hamster. I won't take it out on him.

Auntie Joy

2008-03-08T20:00:00.002-06:00

This has been an incredible week as I discussed in my last post. I have met three adorable babies. I have felt like "Auntie" Joy this week. Two special families in my life have new babies and although we are not sisters by blood, we are sisters!! I was telling another special friend/sister last night that although I have never had a sister, I feel like I have many now. Last week I received so much love and support from my sisters and their families after my mother-in-laws death . We have been sharing our sorrows and our joys.
Two of the babies are adjusting nicely to their families. One is having a more difficult time. One of the twins had to be readmitted to the hospital. It is a scary time for his family but also for all his aunties. We have a phone tree so we can keep up with what is happening with the littlest of the new babies. His mother updates us regularly.
We have an amazing group of sisters/friends. I love these babies as if I truly was their auntie!! We are all bonded in love for each other. God has brought us all together. What an amazing feeling to have an incredible extended family. Welcome to the family kiddos. We love you.

2008

2008-03-06T22:02:00.002-06:00

What a busy, incredible, emotional year this has already been. Several weeks ago good friends of ours lost their mother/mother-in-law. Right around that same time different good friends lost a very important person to them. Then we lost our mother/mother-in-law. All 3 passed away too young and to horrible illnesses. We are all still grieving and learning to live with the loss of our loved one.
This week has been a different, incredible, emotional week. This week we are crying tears of joy. Friends had twins on Monday. They are healthy, beautiful babies and mom and dad seem to be adjusting to a family of 6. Today another baby came into our lives. A beautiful 3 month old boy joined a family of 4 to make 5. We are still waiting for another friend to deliver her baby anyday.
What an incredible wave of emotions over the past few months/weeks. Waiting for life to end and watching new lives begin. 2008 has only just begun. What else will this year bring? Whatever happens with the remainder of this year I know I can face it. What an incredible family of friends I have. We share our sorrows and our joys. We experience it all together. Now thats incredible. Bring it on 2008.

Blessed

2008-02-26T12:03:00.002-06:00

We are truly blessed by wonderful friends, family, pastors and an amazing church family. Thanks for making a extremely difficult time a little easier.

WAITING

2008-02-20T10:06:00.002-06:00

The definition for "wait" in Webster Handy College Dictionary is.. remain, expecting something. We spend a lot of our lives waiting, expecting something. Waiting for a phone call, waiting in lines, waiting for test results, waiting for Christmas morning, waiting for a friends baby or babies to be born, waiting for the time to come when we are called to heaven.
I laid in bed last night thinking about life and death. We are waiting for our friends twins to be born. Two lives just beggining. But we are also waiting for a life to end. We have had a wonderful past 5 months with my mother-in-law. We know the time is coming that she won't be with us. Its strange to be anticipating new life but also anticipating the end of a life. It's comforting to know that God is watching over both.

OOPS

2008-02-16T15:03:00.003-06:00

OK this is very childish and not very christian of me...but does this picture scare anyone else? From her expression to her hand on the flowers. You can't be too careful.

Happy Hearts Day

2008-02-14T09:16:00.002-06:00

Happy Valentines Day. I am truly blessed with a wonderful husband, incredible kids, wonderful supportive and loving family and truly amazing friends. I have a job that I love and a church that is home. What a wonderful day to celebrate love. Thanks be to God.

YES WE CAN

2008-02-10T13:40:00.000-06:00

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/23068044/

Evaluation/Performance Appraisal

2008-02-07T23:15:00.000-06:00

Today I received my performancel appraisal or Evaluation at work. I was very pleased with a very positive evaluation and a nice merit raise. Here comes the but.... but on the very last page under comments I get something like.... Joy is a wonderful Mobile RN (my job title) but she needs to learn to be away from and not do so many things with another Mobile RN. "It is ruining the reputation of the position". WHAT??? How can you get a wonderful eval and then from the same person.... "It is ruining the reputation of the position"? After asking for specifics I find out the Department Director and Patient Care Managers of the floors we do the most work for are upset that "sometimes" the Mobile RNs are seen on the floor together asking if anyone needs help. "It gives the perception that you aren't busy" UUUUGGGGHHHHH So in other words, we shouldn't be walking the halls together. WE DO PROCEDURES TOGETHER!!! "That is OK just don't do rounds together". How can you get a glowing evaluation and nice raise and then a comment like..."Its ruining the reputation of the position".
My boss and I had a good discussion and she changed the wording on the comments to be more specific about not doing rounds together.

I guess I should focus on the positive but it has been hard today. So, I'm going to LET GO and LET GOD.

VOTE

2008-02-05T08:43:00.000-06:00

Today is an exciting day in the life of all Americans. We get to cast our vote for who we want to run this country. I have never been this excited about an election. I have never been this excited about a candidate. How great it is to be an American and have a choice.

YES WE CAN! GOT HOPE!

Two 11 year old boys

2008-01-29T08:47:00.000-06:00

1. Yesterday as I was getting ready to take the kids to school, my son asked me, "Mom have you ever campaigned this hard for any other candidate?". I explained to him that I really didn't see my self as campaigning and No I have never been this excited about a Presidential candidate. He said with pride in his voice, "But you are campaigning. You have a bumper sticker on your car and you have sent out emails". He had pride in his voice. What a good feeling that was.

2. Last night towards the end of my work day, I was feeling particularly tired and ready for the shift to end. It had been a busy day. I went into the ER room of an 11 year old boy who was headed to surgery to have his appendix removed. I had to give the dad a form to fill out to be admitted. The boy seemed extremely uncomfortable. Come to find out he needed to use the restroom. Because of a cumbersome IV, I took him to the nearest bathroom. I asked him if he was doing ok and he told me he was scared. We talked about the surgery and what was going to happen. I explained that he would be asleep and wouldn't feel a thing. He then began to talk about his mother who had passed away several years ago from cancer. He explained that she was a christian and that she decided to leave everything in Gods hands in spite of the fact that his dad and he reminded her that God have given the Dr.'s the knowledge to help her. She refused chemo and died. We talked about his dream of wanting to become a professional magician. He said he knows his mom is watching over him. I reassured him that I believe she is watching over him and that God is by her side. When we were finished with our conversation he told me he enjoyed talking to me. I told him I enjoyed it too and that I would be watching for his name as a professional magician.

Those 11 year old boys made my day completely worth while. Its an incredible feeling to start the day knowing your son is proud of you. Its an incredible feeling to end the day with another 11 year old boy who touched your heart through a 5 minute conversation.

A Glimpse of Spring.

2008-01-26T19:10:00.000-06:00

We got a little glimpse of spring today. Yesterday the high temperature was, I believe, 15. Today we were up to 55. It was nice, even though there was a slightly bitter wind.
We signed up little drummer boy for baseball.
Took him to School of Rock (his band at the music store where he takes drum lessons). I had some time to read more of Barak Obamas book.
We stopped at Bread Co. for a mocha for me and cookies for the kids.
Then we went home and washed the car. Pearl is so pretty all clean. She is white again instead of dirty grey. The kids even spent some time playing on the swing set.
We had carry out for dinner while watching Ice Worlds on the Planet Earth DVD. Watching animals fight for their food sure makes me appreciate carry out that much more.
Its been a wonderful day. A little outdoor activity (finally), some education, and good food.
Thanks God for a glimpse of Spring. I even spotted some crocus pushing up from the ground.

why?????? part 2

2008-01-23T13:06:00.000-06:00

1. Why would someone who stopped smoking at least 2 years ago if not more, start smoking again, knowing a family member of his is dying because of....LUNG CANCER as well as other cancers probably caused by years of smoking?

I just don't understand smoking, I guess.

Why??????

2008-01-22T17:19:00.000-06:00

1. Why would a mother continue to smoke while her son battles cystic fibrosis?
2. Why would another mother of 7 children who is on medicaid and receives WIC (women, infant and children) assistance continue to spend money on cigarettes?
3. Why would a mother and child who both suffer from asthma not use the medicines that will control their asthma and allow themselves to become obese?

I am trying so hard not to be judgemental, but when I see children suffering with an illness that is treatable, I get frustrated.
Cystic Fibrosis is not a disease that can be cured. However, if parents are compliant, these children can live long lives.

4. Why would you continue to do something that could cause your childs illness to be worse?
5. Why would you continue to spend money on cigerrettes instead of food for your children?
6. Why do we make bad choices?

List of Things to do Today

2008-01-21T08:00:00.000-06:00

1.Happy Martin Luther King Day. I plan to take time today to think about the importance of Dr. Kings life.

2. Spend a few moments with my kids before work. I"m going to try not to rush around.

3. Pray for my friends and family battling cancer.

4. Spend some time at work today with my favorite patient. If I can't play with my kids, I'll play with someone elses.

5. During my lunch or dinner break, I would like to take time to catch up on the election.

6. Call my family before they go to bed.

7. Thank my parents for all they do for us.

8. Kiss my family when I get home.

9. Pray some more

10. Count my blessings before I fall asleep.

A long Wonderful Day.

2008-01-16T09:19:00.000-06:00

Yesterday, I spent 2 more hours at work than I should have. It was a very busy day. I went in at 9 instead of 11 to help a co-worker with several procedures. Another co-worker of ours called in sick. She missed an incredible day. We helped several patients, some were able to go home after their procedure. The best part of my day began 1 hour before I should have gone home. One of my favorite patients came in for his "tune-up". He has Cystic Fibrosis and has to come in every 3 months to receive iv antibiotics. He is allergic to these antibiotics, so the first time he receives them we have to give them slowly. We start with a very very low dose until about 3 hours later he is up to his regular dose. Every 15 minutes we change the medication on his pump and take his vital signs, while praying he won't have a reaction. This favorite patient of mine and I have a special ritual during this time.....we look at I Spy books.
I have always loved curling up in bed with my kids and reading. It is a special honor to curl up with someone elses kid and look at books. It warms my heart when Michael says to me, "Joy, can we look at I Spy books again". It makes my exhaustion today worth every yawn.
One of our sedation doctors stayed late yesterday as well. Because of that, 2 more children received the procedure they needed. As we thanked him for staying to help us he said, "It's all about the kids". It is definately all about the kids.
It is so rewarding when a patient is happy to see you, gives you a hug and lays his head on your arm while looking at a book together. I miss my kids so much while I am at work but they have learned that I have other kids too.
Thank you God, for patients like Michael who make it all worth while.
Amen

A Family Activity

2008-01-13T20:56:00.000-06:00

I have never truly been interested in politics. I find it boring. But for some reason, this year, I am interested. My kids are showing an interest too. Tonight we watched a half hour show on NICK Jr. about the upcoming election. It talked about the primaries, what electoral votes are and even about each candidate. They had kids on the show telling why they would vote for a certain candidate. My kids were asking alot of questions. It was very informative. It even gave the kids a website to learn more and they can actually vote. http://www.nick.com/kpp So, we decided that we would learn more about the Democrats and the Republicans so we can be informed voters. Tomorrow I will look up the candidates and print out some information so we can learn more. My little drummer boy suggested I google 2008 Presidental Candidates so I could get each ones website. I am actually excited about this. It will be interesting to see what we find out and if we agree on the topics. I let you know how its going.

Thanks Santa

2008-01-12T10:26:00.000-06:00

Getting the kids to clean their rooms has historically been a huge battle. This year Santa (I love Santa) brought the kids their own stereo's for their room. Now they can listen to radio Disney and rock out while cleaning. Its been easier getting them to clean. It may not last long but I can enjoy it for awhile.
Thanks Santa.

Early Dismissal

2008-01-11T17:40:00.000-06:00

Today the kids had early dismissal from school. They were out at 11:30. We drove straight to the movie theatre. We had popcorn and a big pretzel for lunch while we watched....Alvin and the Chipmunks. It was a wonderful afternoon. We loved the movie. The laundry is still piling up and the house is a mess but I enjoyed some time with my kids. OOOHHH gotta go the pizza is here. Didn't cook dinner either. :)

First book of 2008

2008-01-06T16:15:00.000-06:00

I typically like to read mysteries by Mary Higgins Clark. Those are my favorite. I am also a fan of the Harry Potter series. My little girl is a huge reader. she almost always has a book in her hand. I am going to try to be more like her. I was saying I needed a new book to read so she gave me her copy of A Wrinkle In Time by Madeleine L'engle. Its a classic I have never read. So I started it on Friday.
I have also vowed to become more educated especially in the area of polictics. I want to be an educated voter. So, tomorrow I will start reading one of Barack Obamas books. A good friend offered it to me. I'll let you know how I'm doing.

Tomorrow

2008-01-06T16:10:00.001-06:00

Tomorrow I will go to work but it will be a different day. I will spend time with a friend whose daughter is having a biopsy of a brain tumor. This type of procedure goes on every day at Cardinal Glennon. Every day it makes me sad. This tears at my heart so much deeper. I hope I can be of some help to them. The mom in me is going to over power the nurse in me as it usually does. I just hope I can be of some comfort.

Goodbye 2007

2008-01-05T13:48:00.000-06:00

I've been putting Christmas decorations away today. As I take things down and put things back I have also been taking the time to throw things out and dust. New Years day I went through the 2007 calendar and filled in all the birthdays, anniversarys and any other dates I need to keep track off . I'm trying to stay more organized this year and keep on top of things. I want to keep things more simple, so I have more time to enjoy life.

Recently I found out a friends daughter...who happens to be my daughters age...has been diagnosed with a brain tumor. Several of us have lost touch with this friend over the past few years but we will forget about that and be there for them now. Cancer is way to close to my family right now. My mother-in-law, a mom of one of the Brownies in my little girls troop and now Emily. I've seen shirts on parents of cancer patients at Cardinal Glennon that say "Cancer Sucks", it sure does. We have to keep it from taking the joy out of our lives.

I guess my throwing out is a way to get rid of those "things" that aren't important. That way I can focus on what is important.
My hope and I guess resolution, is to spend more times saying "yes, I will play a game with you or read to you or watch t.v. with you" to my kids, instead of saying "no, I have to do laundry, or clean, or check bank statements, take decorations down, etc." All this stuff that is happening to friends and family around me is such a reminder to enjoy every second you have.
Sorry to be such a downer today. January always makes me a little melancholy. The house seems dreary without all the bright decorations.
Tomorrow, after the tree is down and all the decorations are put away, we can truly clean out the dust and maybe even rearrange a little( in many ways).
So, here's to 2007 and welcome 2008 with whatever you bring.
Gracious and loving God, be with us all in 2008. Help us to turn to you with the ups and the downs. Especially be with my family and friends that are dealing with the downs right now.
Amen

Sunday Mornings

2007-12-30T20:33:00.000-06:00

What is it about Sunday mornings?? My morning started out with putting on a sweater that I love and realizing it had a hole in it, right in the front. Did my wood shelf snag it or is something in my closet eating holes in my clothes? Then my children continue to fight over EVERYTHING which causes my husband and I to fight due to our frustration. I started feeling a little better after watching my family perform in a Sunday School skit. My husband was one of the three wise men (or Magi), my daughter the star child and my son...King Herod ( a role that fits him perfect right now). ;) After realizing one of my good friends was in the same mood I was...because of similar reasons, I started feeling better. As my friend said "Misery loves company". I thought things were better as we sat down as a family for Worship. I have been looking forward to hearing the sermon all week. About the time during the sermon I was remembering my own sons birth and reliving those amazing feelings you have when you first hold your child, my son says...."MOM, what time........". I immediately cut him off by holding up one finger...no, not that one, the finger you hold up as if to say...one minute. So he preceded to write me a note and held it in front of me. When I grabbed it and didn't read it, he kept tapping it. It took everything I had not to elbow him in the chest!!! After the service we had a talk about letting me worship even if he didn't want too. His comment...."Mom all I wanted to know is when my friend can come over" UUUUGGGGHHHH.
So, my dear friend, what I heard of your sermon today was wonderful. Thank you for helping me relive that first moment I held my son. It has kept me from sending him away today. :)
I know I am blessed to have two incredible kids. They make me laugh, they make me cry, they make me angry, happy and proud. But what is it about Sunday mornings?

Wii

2007-12-26T13:35:00.000-06:00

"Wii" had a wonderful Christmas with family and friends. It is awesome to have family you love to spend time with but also to have friends you love enough to consider family! It has been a relaxing, low stress Christmas this year!!

The highlight of this Christmas has to be playing "Wii" with my family, including my parents. How many people can say they bowled, played baseball,and tennis on Christmas. We had fun. We probably even worked off some of the cookies we ate. I never thought I would enjoy a video system this much but it's fun. Let the Wii tournaments begin!!

Happy Holidays

2007-12-23T15:25:00.000-06:00

Recently at work, we were having a conversation about retailers not saying Merry Christmas but saying Happy Holidays. My friends/co-workers were surprised that as a christian I wasn't more upset about it. Some comments were made that "they" are trying to take Christ out of Christmas. My thought was...(and I wish now I would have spoken up, but the words weren't there) nobody can take Christ out of Christmas. That is what Christmas is about. Regardless of how we greet someone during the holidays...oops...Christmas season. As I learned today in a Sunday School class, Christmas is also about a lot of other things. I am not less of a christian because I smile and feel warm inside when I hear the story...Twas the Night before Christmas or I say Happy Holidays.

In the car on the way home from church today we were talking about this subject. My 11 year son said..."What is wrong with saying Happy Holidays? Then all the people who celebrate through other religions are included. " Thank You. My comment was...why can't we all just get along. Why does it matter if Santa comes to your house? My kids know the reason we celebrate Christmas but they still love getting presents. I love seeing their faces light up when they get exactly what they asked for. Do we talk about Jesus birth? You bet. Usually one of the kids will sing Happy Birthday to Jesus on Christmas day. Do we read or watch movies about Santa? You bet. We watched the Jim Carrey version of "The Grinch who stole Christmas" the other night. The best part of the movie for me is when the Mayor is very upset that the Grinch stole Christmas (because all the presents were gone) but the father of Cindy Lou who says something like...even the Grinch can't steal Christmas. We still have each other.

I guess what I am trying to say is, Christmas is about family, friends, presents and so many other things including Jesus birth. Its all in what you make it. Why argue or get offended because someone is celebrating differently than you or not greeting you the way you want them too. I think God just wants us all to get along. Let's be happy for goodness sake it's Christmas.

So, Happy Holidays everyone. I will see you at the recycle bin with all the wrapping paper. I have to go help the kids get cookies ready for Santa and make sure we have enough carrots for all the reindeer.

Ready for Christmas

2007-12-22T16:07:00.000-06:00

Only a few days left before Christmas. I am actually ready. Today we had our annual cookie baking/hang out and visit party. It has grown from 4 families to 8 families. Just the moms and kids come. The husbands are on their own. Usually it ends up that the moms bake, the kids play and then we all eat. It was a fun time. My kids had their closest friends over for at least 4 hours and now all I am hearing is....."I'm bored". UUUGGGHHH what is a mother to do. Of course they don't like my idea of cleaning their rooms. No, they actually have the nerve to ask me if they can have a friend over. "WHAT, You just had about 10 friends over here." "WE'RE BORED" wow. When is Christmas break over?? Another week and a half....uuuggghh. I'm sure it's just the pre-Christmas excitement. After Christmas we will have all kinds of things to do.

I am looking forward to a few relaxed days without big plans. Tomorrow we will go to church and.... uuuhhh thats really all we have planned. I love being ready and relaxed and able to actually enjoy Christmas. Maybe this year I won't have the big Christmas let down/Christmas Blues. Now all I need is enough snow to make it a white Christmas but not enough to cause traffic troubles.

I wish everyone who reads this a wonderful, relaxed, peaceful Christmas.

Happy Birthday Jesus.

National Young Scholar

2007-12-17T19:53:00.001-06:00

For the second year in a row, my little drummer boy has been nominated for the National Young Scholars Program. This year his band instructor nominated him as well as 5 other students from his school. This nomination gives him the opportunity to go to a University, spend a week with other Young National Scholars and take fun advanced courses and also learn leadership skills. It seems like an incredible experience. It is very expensive and we wouldn't be able to see him the entire week. He could call us, on a cell phone we provide, in the morning and in the evening. I have mixed emotions about letting him go/not letting him go. If I let him go, I will wonder about his safety (mom won't have control). If I don't let him go, will he be losing an opportunity to increase his knowledge and challenge himself? He is such a bright kid, most of the time the way his brain works amazes me. There is also the expense, but you can't put a price on a good education. UUUUGGGGHHHH what's a mother to do?
Here is the website.... http://www.nationalyoungscholars.org/
If you have time, take a look at it and tell me what you think.
We decided not to send him last year because of the expense and because of his age. I'm starting to wonder if that was the right decision.

It's Beginning To Look A Lot Like Christmas....

2007-12-15T21:44:00.000-06:00

The first snow fall of the season and its a good one for our area. We started out with about 2 inches of snow, then some rain and now a beautiful thick fluffy snow fall. We are supposed to get anywhere between 3-9 inches. It is so beautiful with the Christmas lights.

Little Drummer boy turns 11

2007-11-29T11:11:00.000-06:00

Today is "little drummer boys" birthday. He is 11. I remember the day he was born as if it was yesterday. I had been in early labor for a week. Even being monitored he was born quickly without time for medication. He was 4lbs and 120z and fit in his dads hand. He was so tiny. It has been a quick 11 years. We are so proud of the person he is becoming. He has his moments but for the most part he is a wonderful son, who makes us proud. I thank God everyday for my children. Those first 11 days were tough and the past 11 years have not been easy but I wouldn't trade them for anything. Our little peanut is now our "little drummer boy". Happy Birthday Buddy!! We love you.

Righteous Anger

2007-11-26T21:57:00.000-06:00

I have been dealing with my own anger over the past few days. Even after a powerful, emotional, and healing worship service on Sunday, I am still getting fired up and angry. Today a very dear and special friend said to me..."It's righteous anger". That statement is slowly calming my anger. I know I will eventually get over these strong feelings even though my beliefs will not change. I am slowly learning to focus on the incredibly good things that have been happening over the past several days. So to my dear friend who took the time to listen to me today...Thank you. I hope I helped you a little too. We will all be ok. As a wise person said recently... GOD REIGNS. Thats what I need to focus on.

I love Christmas...but....

2007-11-17T17:49:00.000-06:00

I love Christmas...the entire season of Christmas, not just Christmas day. I love the lights, the music, the special services, seasonal food, all of it. BUT....shouldn't we be thinking about Thanksgiving now. Even before Halloween the stores had Christmas decorations out. Adds on t.v. were coming on. People in our small town have Christmas lights on already. I understand putting them up while it is still warm outside, but maybe we should wait to turn them on until after Thanksgiving. I couldn't even find Thanksgiving towels at my beloved Target. I think we are forgetting about Thanksgiving. I love this time of year, the fall colors, the crisp air, the earthy scent in the air. What has happened to enjoying Thanksgiving. I can't wait till Thursday. We watch the parades, relax with family and eat, eat, eat. Then take a walk. Its a day to count our many blessings!! I am looking forward to it. Then....the day after Thanksgiving....the shopping and decorating begins.

I was talking to my brother today about presents. We have decided not to exchange this year. Christmas gets so expensive and in the hustle and bustle of shopping and spending we felt like the true meaning of Christmas is getting lost. So this year, Christmas will be about spending time with each other and celebrating the birth of Jesus. Uncle Tinman still plans to get the kids something, but the adults are just going to enjoy each other. It makes it easier for all of us...and less expensive.

Yes, I do love Christmas but....I want to enjoy Thanksgiving first. Then I will be ready to get into the Christmas spirit. HAPPY THANKSGIVING EVERYONE

Do Nothing Days 2,3 and 4

2007-11-14T09:03:00.000-06:00

One "Do Nothing Day" has turned into 2, 3 and almost 4 days. I got over whatever was making me tired and drained last week and ended up this week with some gastroenteritis thingy. YUCK. I basically have done nothing for the past 2-3 days. I don't plan on doing much today either. I'm tired of being tired and sick!! whah, whah, whah. Yesterday, I actually got tired of laying down. So, today I will take it easy and try to eat a little more, do a load or two of laundry to try and catch up. Luckily, I have a great family who doesn't expect much when mom is sick. Tomorrow I will go back to work at the place that is probably making me sick. I wash my hands continuously, so I'm not sure how else to protect myself!!! I guess as a mom and a nurse I am probably going to get sick. I'm just glad it was me and not the kids. Anyway, I hope everyone else out there in blog land is healthy. I'm trying to get there.

Do Nothing Day

2007-11-09T09:01:00.000-06:00

I have been feeling a little under the weather lately. I haven't been to the Y, I'm not getting things done around the house. I feel like I could just sleep all the time. No Tinman I am not depressed. I think the flu shot has kicked my butt. Last year I got the stupid shot because we are basically told we have to working in a hospital setting. Last year I was flu ridden for a couple of weeks, months after getting the shot. Different strain, I was told. Yet, as my boss said.....YOu didn't die. So, I will continue to get a flu shot, even if it doesn't prevent all strains. Maybe its not just the shot making me feel so worn out. Maybe its Gods way of saying....have a "do nothing day". My husband says I deserve them too.
So, today is going to be a do nothing day. No laundry, no housecleaning or picking up. I'm just going to lay around and read. I might even take a nap. As my mother would say.....It will all be there tomorrow.

I've been tagged, 10 things you don't know about me.

2007-11-07T10:19:00.000-06:00

I have been tagged by Liz. Gosh, most of you probably know most everything about me...lets see.

1. I do not have very good time management skills when it comes to keeping up with housework, laundry etc.

2. I get more things done the busier I am.

3. I live in a log home that I helped build, log by log, with friends and family.

4. I do not cry easily, I don't like people to see me cry.

5. I jammed 2 fingers playing basketball in high school P.E.

6. I have lived in Germany as a child

7. I have two kids that are in high math and I still have to count on my fingers??!!

8. In college my sorority sisters voted me as their Greek Goddess my senior year. I lost to a friend at our rival sorority.

9. When my kids were babies/toddlers, it drove me crazy when the lids to the bottles or sippy cups didn't match.

10. I am a jack of many trades........master of none.

Happy late Halloween

2007-11-03T10:40:00.001-05:00

This is a little late and the smoke from the fire is distorting the picture...but oh well...you get the idea. YO HO HO....we hope you had a great Halloween.

WHERE'S JOY???

2007-10-30T19:39:00.000-05:00

1. Spending time at the new Target :)
2. Spending hours on the phone making dentist appointments, Dr's appointments and trying to find a Wii (mission accomplished)
3. Spending a half hour several mornings a week at the YMCA
4. Field Trip to the ARCH with 100 3rd graders and 86 parents....we had lunch at the "Old Spaghetti Factory...yumm
5. Girl Scout Field Trip to the Alton Lock and Dam....awesome, something everyone should see
6. Getting ready for Halloween
7. Helping out parents with house renovations (not as much as I should have)
8. Spending time with my in-laws (not as much as I should be)
9. Helping out a friend (wish I could have done more)
10. Volunteering at the kids school and at church (probably more than I should...I did say No to the church Nominating committee today. My family would not be happy if I added another evening away. The Youth Ministries committee would have been fun though.)

Hope to be back soon. Maybe November will be slower!! hahahahahahaha

Retreat

2007-10-15T09:04:00.000-05:00

I just spent an incredible weekend with about 40 other women. We spent time sharing, relaxing, thinking, praying, learning, listening and eating, lots of eating. We heard the faith stories of our friends. We met women that we recognized but have never talked to. We also spent time thinking and talking about our own faith stories. We renewed and strengthened established friendships and made new friends. Most of all, I think we all left feeling closer to God and each other. Its amazing what just a game of Yahtzee will do.
My husband will attend the men's retreat in a few weeks. I pray that his retreat leaves him refreshed, renewed and feeling closer to God.
Dear great and loving God, thank you for the experience of the women's retreat. Thank you for the treasure of friendships. Help me to continue to feel close to you and share my story with others. I pray that the men's retreat leaves my husband and all the men that are attending feeling closer to you. Thank you for sending your son Jesus.
Amen

shopping part 2

2007-10-15T08:57:00.000-05:00

Our new Target is wonderful. It seems a little silly to be excited about a store, but when you live in a small town where all "the good stuff" is about 20 to 30 minutes away, its exciting to have something so convenient. The best part of the new Target is......it has a STARBUCKS. I thought I was going to hyperventilate when I saw it. I will be spending a lot of time and money there. So good bye Wal-mart. See you later today Target.

shopping

2007-10-12T11:28:00.000-05:00

I have had a great week of shopping. JCPenny had a great sale...basically everything 50% off. The best part was that on Weds. I only had about 1/2 hour and I found exactly what I was looking for and........it fit. UNBELIEVABLE!! That never happens to me. Today I went to Kohls and actually found pants that fit. Its a great week of shopping. Nothing cures a down day/week better than a successful shopping trip. I even found things for the kids....that they liked. I only had to exchange one pair of pants for little drummer boy because they were too big. We should be ready for fall now!!!

Later I am meeting Alex at Target. The day has finally come. Our new Target is open. Now I only have to drive 15minutes not 30. YAHOO We have been planning this trip to Target since probably around April. Its a great week of shopping. Wonderful therapy!!!

A Day of Emotion

2007-10-10T21:29:00.000-05:00

This has been a day filled with nausea and worry, to my heart bursting with pride. All this caused by my children.
My little girl has been working through some pretty powerful anxieties. Her teacher called me today so that my little girl could talk to me. Her teacher was hoping I would be able to calm her down. My little girl had herself so worked up that she was nauseous. We talked for about 10 minutes. It turns out that her cousin and a quick trip to the nurse got her through the rest of the day. She was so wound up with happy energy the rest of the day that I almost forgot about the heart wrenching phone call. It took all my strength and energy NOT to go get her from school and bring her home to make it all better. We made it through. I am very proud of her strength. Yes mom, I told her that!! :) Hopefully her tomorrow will be better.
Little drummer boy had a school band concert tonight. He told me he had been working on a piece with the tympani (kettle drum). Tonight, just before the 5th grade band was to play. The band teacher said...."We have a 5th grader (little drummer boy) who is going to play the tympani, we don't usually have someone in 5th grade with such skill". I was bursting with pride and couldn't stop smiling. He was awesome!!
So the day didn't start out so well but it is ending with my heart swollen with pride, love and admiration for the accomplishments of my children.
Thank you God for my children!

I've been tagged

2007-10-10T08:31:00.000-05:00

Sorry, I have been gone for awhile. Hopefully we are back into a routine and I'll be able to blog more. I'll start with this.....

Besomami tagged me for this meme:

Four Jobs I've Held
babysitter
waitress at Ponderosa
nurses aide
Library assistant

Four Films I Could Watch Over & Over
Top Gun
St. Elmo's Fire
Posideon Adventure (The original...I can't spell it)
Grease

Four T.V. Shows I Watch
ER
House Hunters and most HGTV shows
The Today Show
The Bachelor/Bachelorette

Four Places I've Lived
Louiseville, Kentucky
Las Crucas, NM
Germany
Laurinburg, NC

Four Favorite Foods
popcorn
pizza
anything chocolate
Filet Minon (thats probably not spelled right either)

Four Websites I Visit Daily
email
blogs
whatever peaks my interest for the day
(I know, thats only really 3....sorry)

Four Favorite Colors
Grass green
Cardinal Red
any shade of blue
deep purple

Four Places I Would Love To Be Right Now
snuggling with my kids
a beach in the Carolinas
Breckinridge, Colorado
napping in a bed with fresh clean sheets

Four Names You Love, But Could/Would Not Use For Your Children
Elizabeth
Margaret
Zachary
Michael (we wanted names that didn't have nick names....Michael/Mike.....etc.

I'm tagging:
Tinman
Sheepdays
Lambsoup (if she reads this)
and anyone else who is reading and wants to join in

OK Tinman and Brett, you have been tagged twice!!! I'll be looking

Change

2007-10-01T14:05:00.000-05:00

I decided to change the look of my blog. I get bored with things easily. I"m constantly changing my hair. Grow it out, cut it short, highlights, etc. I was starting to get a little bored with the way my blog looked. I am ready for a change. This picture of a harbor was relaxing to me. Just what I need right now. Maybe, I will make this a monthly thing or a seasonal thing. I'm definately ready for fall. I love the changing colors of leaves, the crisp air, the smell of bonfires, and pumpkin pies baking in the oven. It needs to get cool again so we can start making chili and open up the house. Goodbye September, Hello October.

Easy Day

2007-10-01T13:28:00.000-05:00

Book Fair is over...whew!! It was an exhausting week. It was also a lot of fun. I finished the financial forms today. I had a lot of other things I wanted to do today too, but I am forced to take it easy. My little drummer boy is home today with a fever. Seems like it wasn't too long ago I was spending quality time with my little girl while she was home with a fever.
I have spent a lot of time on the computer today...not for me, but to watch several computer games. Some on the internet, some on discs. We have built a city with roads and buildings. My son is actually the mayor and has to make decisions based on the cities needs.
We have also played in Webkinz world. He has 5 different animals and each animal has its own room. He had to feed them, harvest his garden, bathe them and put them all back to bed. It is much more involved than that but I decided he needed to get off the computer. He would spend all day on the computer if I let him. Its nice to have time with just him. It is also nice to have a quiet day.
Tomorrow, I go back to my paying job. It will be nice to get back into routine. I miss my friends at work. They are such an incredible source of comfort and support. I need to tell them that. So, book fair is over and hopefully we can all get back into our normal routine. Whatever normal is.

Book Fair Week

2007-09-23T21:58:00.000-05:00

Its the eve before a crazy week. Its book fair week. As exhausted as it makes me, it's one of my favorite times. I love being in the school, seeing my kids and their friends several times throughout the day. My co-chair and I feel like its therapy. I actually go through book fair withdrawal when its over. I am thankful that I will be with a good friend everyday this week. We are good for each other. I'm looking forward to a therapeutic, exhausting week full of laughter and several hugs a day from some of my favorite kids. Just what I need.

Busy Tuesday

2007-09-18T14:21:00.000-05:00

Well, my little girl is home again. We thought she was fever free but about 1:30 she had a slight fever. Not as high as it has been but up again none the less. The cough doesn't seem any better either. Stupid virus.

We have been busy today with homework. Its amazing how much they miss in one day. Good thing she is caught up, she will get more tonight. We also made daddy a cake for his birthday. Today he is 44. We aren't having a big party, just the 4 of us. He and little drummer boy have their music lessons tonight. So we will have dinner and cake. We will sing happy birthday and then they will head off to music lessons. It will be nice. Hopefully this weekend my little girl will be better and we can go out to dinner to celebrate.

His new guitar is his present. Which made things easy for me and him happy. I'm sure it will be a nice night.

Lazy Monday

2007-09-17T13:55:00.001-05:00

My little girl is home from school today. She has had a cough and a fever. We did go see the Dr. this morning. We are fortunate to have a place that gets sick kids in fast. The cough is caused by drainage from allergies which has caused one of her tonsils to swell. The strep test was negative. Luckily, my little girl does not have a sore throat. The Dr. said the fever is just a virus. We were trying to treat the allergies with Claritin but apparently thats not helping. So, she will now be on Zyrtec. I hope it helps.
Sometimes its nice to have one kid home from school. They both want me to sit with them when they are sick. It forces me to slow down and relax. It also gives me quality one on one time. Not that I want either kid to be sick but I have to take advantage of this time when I can. We have had two fairly lazy days. I guess I better enjoy it now, book fair is next week. I will basically be working full time retail at the school. So, for now I will enjoy my lazy days and spend some quality time with my little girl. Hopefully her fever is gone for now...but if it comes back, I will snuggle and comfort her again.

lazy Sunday

2007-09-16T10:03:00.000-05:00

OK call us heathens. We skipped church today. My little girl had to stay home anyway. She has had a cough this past week and a fever on and off all weekend. She didn't need to be spreading her germs. My little drummer boy and I went to the Cardinal game last night (the Cards finally broke their loosing streak and kick some Cub b---!!). He kept me out a little too late. That boy knows that stadium better than he knows his school. I had the grand tour. He even showed me Jim Edmonds gold glove award. We stood by an outfield camera man and found seats in the bleachers right above the bull-pen. The best part was that the Cards beat the Cubs!!! We had a wonderful time. I hope little drummer boy grows up with fond memories of going to Cardinal games with his mom. I know he enjoys the games with his PawPaw too. As wonderful a night as it was....it was a late night. Needless to say it was hard to get up this morning. He actually got up and then fell back asleep in the recliner. Its hard to get one kid going when the other one gets to stay home curled up on the couch. So, we all stayed home.

About the time I started feeling guilty and missing my worship time, we saw a doe and her fawn in the yard right next to the swing set. What a wonderful, time stopping moment. I bet we watched them for about a half hour. They were nibbling from our yard and we even witnessed the fawn nursing from her mother. We haven't seen deer in our yard for awhile. It was so peaceful.

After the moments with the deer, I was lounging on the couch with my coffee, in my pj's watching an episode of HGTV's Curb Appeal listening to the sounds of little drummer boys snoring and an acapella jazz version of "Show Me Your Ways", one of our praise songs. My bass playing husband spent about a half hour going over music for our Praise band.

I still miss the fellowship and worship at First United but it is nice to have these spiritual moments at home with my family. We have so few moments at home to relax in our pj's and do nothing that maybe just maybe God planned this for us, to remind us to slow down and enjoy the simple things like a doe and her fawn, the sounds of peaceful rest and joyful music.

Great and loving God, thank you for time to worship, at church and at home, in our Sunday best and in our pj's. Amen

MaryMartha night

2007-09-14T11:28:00.000-05:00

Tonight is one of my favorite nights of the month....It's MaryMartha night. Mary Marthas is my Presbyterian Womens group. We are just a group of moms, all different ages, who come together once a month for a lesson, treats and a short meeting. We spend a lot of time sharing our lives with our friends. We help each other with problems, we pray for each other and we play. We might go to a movie after the meeting or we might go out for a drink together. We have made some great friendships. Our fearless leader asked us to think about 3 things we can share about ourselves that nobody else knows. hahahahaha, I'm not that deep. Most people I know, know what there is to know about me. But I did come up with a few things. It wasn't easy.

1. I would love to go up in a hot air balloon someday.

2. I would love to sky-dive someday.

and last but not least.....3. I would love to be up on stage singing with Rascal Flats, Vince Gil, Chris Tomlin and especially with Darlene Zschech With Hillsongs.

I don't know how if that's really what she was looking for, like I said...I"m not that deep.

If anyone reading this wants to share three things about your self that nobody knows, please comment. It could be fun.

Driving Home

2007-09-12T08:42:00.000-05:00

Driving home from work is usually a way for me to get my thoughts back to home. Once I am over the bridge, I try to leave work behind. Last Friday it wasn't that easy. We all had been praying for rain for so long. It finally came. But with the beauty and need for rain comes the dangers of rain. Lots of bad car accidents. About 2 hours before the end of my shift a beautiful blonde headed boy came in after a bad accident. His mother went to another hospital. His father came with him. By the time I was leaving for home it was apparent that the boy probably wouldn't survive. His mother might not either. I left home knowing my family was safely in their beds also knowing a husband and fathers life was surely about the change. I felt horribly guilty. Between the rain and the tears it was difficult driving home. I found myself yelling at cars speeding by me to slow down. They had no idea what this poor man was going through. I didn't want anyone else to have to go through it. Knowing they couldn't hear me I started yelling at God. I knew God was listening. It took me awhile to feel like I could go to bed. The hugs and kisses I give my kids when I get home from work took much longer. I didn't want to let go. It was a rough night. Saturday, I was physically and especially emotionally exhausted. It was a long tiring day. My heart was not totally into my little girls birthday party with our families. Sunday came and it felt like I was getting back to normal.

I did find out on Monday, when I went back to work that the beautiful blonde boy had died. It helps to know he is with God. How can he not be. So, pray for this family and the nurses and Drs who took care of him. I was only on the sideline but I hope my prayers for the dad have helped in some way. Driving home Monday night was much better. I was able to bring my thoughts back home.

WEDNESDAY

2007-09-12T08:28:00.000-05:00

Yah!!! It is finally Wednesday, September 12th. PYC or Presbyterian Youth Club starts today. My little girl will be joining PYC this year. For the past several years since little drummer boy started PYC, I have been picking up my two kids as well as my niece and my friends two kids and taking them to PYC. It is the highlight of my week. I love to listen in on the conversations of these wonderful children. Sometimes they sing all the way to church. Don't get me wrong...I'm still not sure how mothers of more than two survive. But I love it. In 6th grade, my niece is now too old for PYC, so she won't be joining us anymore :( however, another one of my friends daughter will be joining us. She is also a good friend of the rest of the carpool. I am really looking forward to this afternoon. The kids are excited too. :)
Its also an exciting day for another reason. WNL or Wednesday Night Live starts tonight. The praise band...The Four Legged Lambs....that my husband and I are in, will start a new form of worship tonight. We will play and sing for the first part of the hour and then our senior pastor will start a BIble lesson. Tonight it is about Dysfunctional families. We are looking at Adam and Eve. It should be good. I will miss our intimate, just the praise band rehearsing Wednesday nights, but if we can share what we all experienced on rehearsal Wednesdays, I am all for that. Its going to be an exciting day!!!

September 5, 1998

2007-09-05T10:57:00.000-05:00

Nine years ago today at 9:16 am a beautiful red haired baby girl was born. My little girl came quickly into our lives. I often call her my saving grace. My mother has always said..."Every mother needs a daughter". For my friends who only have sons, you will someday have daughters-in-law that hopefully will bless your lives.

My little girl is 9. That is hard to believe. She is beautiful, bright, has the most incredible giggle and knows how to make me laugh when I am angry. She also knows how to push my buttons...as my mother would also say. She has a beautiful singing voice and uses it daily..especially in the shower. This summer she has began growing and changing from a little girl into a third grader. My 6lb 12oz baby is now reading at a fifth grade level. Wow, how fast the time goes. We have gone from buying baby dolls to Nintendo DS. At least she still likes to snuggle with her mommy at bedtime. I hope she never grows out of that.

Happy 9th birthday my sweet girl. I love you more than you understand...Until you have a child of your own.