technical troubles

I'm sure it has something to do with the recent crash, but I can't download/upload anything! I was going to share all the excitement on the faces of my kiddos! Instead, just a description...Speck got an Ipod touch (the small pink one) don't know, didn't ask...and a Kindle. He loves to read and as much as I don't like to do it, I cannot discourage him, at least I have to try not to. Little man got a knee board and thinks we should be at the lake right now. Afterall, he has a wetsuit so whats the problem? And he got a DS, the second one, after trading for a PSP last year, and realizing he wasn't quite ready. Sis got a playhouse and a kitchen. She stays in her room for HOURS cooking. It is the cutest thing ever! Her new phrase this week is "good deal". I cannot believe she will be 2 in 7 days :( And me, I got a beautiful frame and even better picture, to go in the opening by the front door. I couldn't love it more. So, until hubby gets the glitch fixed, you'll have to stop by and check it out. I can't wait to show it off!

I need to be

doing lots of other things while sis is asleep, but instead I am sitting in front of my computer! We had a wonderful Christmas and a quick trip to see hubby's family. The boys stayed for a few extra days and will be home later tonight. My plans are to get the decorations put away while I don't have so much help but so far I am not making much progress. Laundry is done, although there are MOUNDS piled up just waiting to be folded and put away. Still in my pjs and have eaten way too much candy! Lazy day :)

Our little elf

gives someone the creeps! Little man couldn't go to bed last night because he was watching him too close. I think it was just because he thought he might get in trouble for whatever he had planned for the evening ;)

This is what happens

when mom works all night then comes home to take care of the kiddos after dad goes to work!

She got into a drawer and unwound an entire roll of calculator tape. I was awake but apparently not quite awake enough! Last night I worked on the oncology floor. Scary does not even begin to describe it. Have I ever mentioned that I have NEVER EVER worked on the floor?! The 10 years that I have been a nurse have all been in L&D or NICU, (besides the short adventure at the high school) The last time I took care of someone with a central line, TPN, or required q 2' pain meds was in nursing school! The staff was very friendly but assumed that since I wasn't a new grad that I knew what I was doing! Boy were they in for a surprise :) Really, it was all fine. I had a good preceptor, and after I made it clear I wasn't comfortable being on my own, she didn't go far. I didn't love it, but I knew I wouldn't. I also didn't hate it, which was a big plus. And everyone survived the night (hubby & kids included) even better! Now the countdown til Christmas...wow!

M.I.A.

My computer crashed but thankfully it was fixable. Nothing too exciting around here (but a few new pics from the wonderfully talented SW) other than that...just counting down the days!

I knew it

I knew there was a reason I don't leave my house from Thanksgiving until after New Year! And today just proved I was right. I don't like all the crowds or traffic. It makes me cranky. Lets not forget the drama of a sleepy 2 year old. By the time we were through she was naked in her carseat. Enough said. I did however finish what I set out to accomplish, and thanks to SW, purchased the "Santa Key", should he decide to visit ;)

officially...at least I thought so!

I was finished with all my shopping. All wrapped and under the tree. Except for the last few things waiting to be delivered. But no venturing out required. Then today Speck decides he wants a pink Ipod instead of a blue one. Digging out recipt and making a trip to town tomorrow. Only because I love him ;)

"punishment"

So when I talked to Little man about the punishment he thought would make the most difference in learning his lesson on misbehaving at school..."a kiss and hug from you and I'll be good" How do you stay upset with that?! Then again, maybe thats why he keeps getting in trouble :)

After our discussion we spent the afternoon rolling out cookie dough

then cutting out fun Christmas shapes and sprinkling them with yummy green & red sugar!

Oh me, Oh me, Oh me....

*Little man. Thats about all I can say. Its only Tues. and he has already been in trouble twice this week at school! What am I going to do? Seriously? Suggestions, ideas, offers to take him?! Anything? I had a "moment" at bible study this morning related to this, and it was before I even knew what was coming today. What doesn't kill me will make me stronger (repeat to self over & over & over)

*Max a.k.a. Buddah... he's a whole other story. As I said before Zoey didn't take too well to him. They are better, still not best friends but not mortal enemies either. And thats good because the damage seems to be done. He started limping Sat. and by Mon. was not getting any better so we made a trip to the vet. Me, all three kids and both bulldogs (Zoey's shots) WOW! What fun :) Anyway, he has a torn ACL in his knee and is going to require surgery. This will make #3 and we have only had him 2 weeks. The first time hubby came home from work and found him bleeding profusely from his "boy parts". Being the dog lover that he is (just kidding) he rushed him to the vet. He had a prolapse that had caused a blood clot and it ruptured and it required emergency surgery and while they were "down there" they went ahead and neutered him. I'm thinking Little man is getting the dog with a big red bow around his neck Christmas morning. The funny part of it is that hubby has never asked about the vet bills or threatened to take him out & ...well you know! There is something about this dog that he is attached to. Not that its too hard, he is super sweet and loveable. In fact when hubby gets home after work he grabs Max and hoists him into his lap. Thats where they hang out the rest of the evening, laid back in the recliner.

*Work is proving to be quite the transition. Part of it is just because of the holidays, but I have to work 10 shifts whenever they schedule me. After that I get to choose. At one night a week thats until Valentines Day! This time of year hubby is gone A LOT so its really difficult. I have already had to tell her I couldn't work 3 certain days and there are several more. I should get my schedule on Monday. If its too much of an issue I will have to actually meet with her face to face and discuss my options. I'm thinking she is going to "opt" for me not to be employed there!

just to aggrivate

Why do people ask you "What do YOU WANT me to do" when they know good and well they are going to do what they want to do anyway?! Even when its something you specifically said "no" to in the first place. (& it wasn't an opinion it was a "this or that" question) SOOOO frustrating. Really, its completely silly, but none the less, don't ask me if you don't care what I have to say.

Quiet

Our Thanksgiving was good. Quiet and calm. Nothing too exciting. Just us and my parents & grandparents. Lots of good food and a few naps in the floor. Of course I was in trouble for not making the trip to the inlaws but what else is new. Thats why we live here and they live there :)

Success

Stone Ledge Ranch. Junction, TX. Fallow Deer @ 70 yards. 9 points on each side. He told his dad..."you can hunt the doe tomorrow since I already killed this" and "next time we come back I am going to get the Axis Buck". At the ripe old age of 9 he is RUINED!!!

I will have to warn his future wife about hunting season and wedding dates ;)

11-21-98

12 years ago today I married my best friend. If anyone would have told me on 10/31/94 (the day we met) this is where we would be ...I would have NEVER EVER believed it. But no one would have said it because no one else thought it either! In fact all of his fraternity brothers told me to stay away from him, hmmm... I am so glad His plans are not always our plans. I am so blessed to have such a wonderful husband and father for my kids. I wouldn't change a thing. Even though he is hunting in TX right now and my anniversary date was The Scooby Doo Movie and a picnic in the back yard with Sis & Little Man, what could have been better?! I did send a card tucked away in one of Specks books that he delivered for me this morning. Couldn't let him get off totally guilt free ;) But I should have known better than to pick this date considering we postponed our honeymoon so he could go to Iowa and pheasant hunt 4 days after our wedding!

sometimes I forget

I have spent this week whining and complaining and being a big baby. And I knew all along it was coming. And I chose to do it. I didn't look at it as an opportunity. A choice. A freedom. An example to set for my kids. I forgot that not everyone is able to choose to do what they want and have the chance to do it. (& I don't just mean work or even the fun things) I have wonderful friends. I have a great family and support system. I know people who don't have any of those things. We are healthy and happy. I am blessed. Sometimes I forget that.

this weekend

Waiting on a call from the vet...Max had emergency surgery last night. Like I said, lengthy post to come. Speck & hubby are on their way to TX for the big hunt. He was so excited this morning. Little man however just didn't understand why he had to go to school when his brother didn't! Boring weekend planned. Too close to the holidays for me to get out. I do not like the crowds and I am done with all my shopping so no need to make all of us cranky! Thinking we will spend it outside since it sounds like the weather next week is going to stink.

TGIF (almost anyway)

Meet Max. I think thats what they have settled on. They boys at least :) And he will be a permanent fixture around here. More on that later...it will be a lengthy one!

Sis had a great time playing outside on the swingset. But she is getting a little too brave for my taste.

Do you see that "thing" hanging from the tree? It is my 6 year old. He managed to get a backpack stuck at the top so when his dad told him to get it down he climbed right up. And he got stuck too. We were laughing too hard to get him down immediately but he managed pretty well!

Thanks to my "cheerleader" this week I made it through the dreaded EPIC training. Every morning just as we were starting I got a sweet text. THANKS SO VERY MUCH ;) Its funny...when I opened my devotional last night the title was "Send in the Angels", I think it was talking about her.

what to do

Well this week is on the downhill slide! Thank goodness, one of the longest ever!!! And of course hubby is missing out on all the fun he is in LA. I counted his days too, out of 13 he is gone 10 but only 2 are work related. He climbed to the top of my list rather quickly when I figured that out. Part of the reason this week has been more difficult is Sisters lack of sleep which means my lack of sleep (up from 2-5 am every day so far) and we have adopted a new dog. At least for now. Little man was on and on and on about getting his own. So I told him he had to ask his dad, because I KNEW he would say no. Guess what? He said yes! So we discussed it and visited several humane societies and shelters and scoped out the local pet stores/ads for "rescue" dogs. We didn't really have a specific breed in mind but I knew I wanted something that didn't have to be groomed, small enough to be inside but sturdy enough to withstand 3 kids, and preferably house trained. We came across a family that had bought an english bulldog from a breeder in June. Their situation had since changed and they were unable to care for him & they really needed to get rid of him. We went to meet him on Sat but didn't take him right away. We wanted to wait and talk about it some more just to make sure. So I called the man back on Sun & he was thrilled for us to take him. He is 8 months old and PRECIOUS. I'm not really sure what his name is. The boys picked Max but Sis calls him Buddah. He doesn't respond to anything so who knows! He is fairly well house trained, as long as you are watching him he does great. But Sis screams when he gets too close and Zoey (our female bulldog) is not nice to him at all. In fact we went to the vet yesterday because she head butted him off the stairs and he hurt his leg! They are not big dogs but big enough that two of them in the house fighting is a lot under your feet, especially when you have a 2 year old attached at the hip! And he is a puppy so he does chew on things :) Anyway, a co worker of a friend is interested. She has 2 little boys and has been looking for a dog for them. She is supposed to be coming over to look at him tonight. I am torn. He is so sweet and so cute. I hate to get rid of him because it could get better... hubby should have said no in the first place!

still counting

after my meltdown it was better day. great teacher. likes to get it over and done with. got a long lunch to go see sis and that helped A LOT. however, not liking computerized charting. speck asked me if I knew I was going to have to do this why did I sign up for it?! good question ;) on the up side I have met two really neat people and will probably get the opportunity to work with them.

countdown

Day 1: I guess everyone made it ok. Long about 2:00 I was ready to walk out and not come back. Seriously...what in the world was I thinking? This has to top the list of bad ideas. Still contemplating weather or not I will return tomorrow ;) We had to watch a video about communication issues. It was about an 18 month old little girl who ended up dying because of a medication error by her nurse. There wasn't a dry eye in the room. So thankful this LONG day is over. Going to sneak a few minutes and read "Be Still and Let Your Nail polish Dry" then off to sleep and do it again tomorrow!

beware

of a bored, slightly unsupervised 6 year old.

this is what I found when I got out of the shower. and it was a quick one at that. he was stretched out on the kitchen cabinet eating a BOX of fruit chews.

I just thought the craft supplies were out of reach...above the washer...where I have to use a step ladder to get to them.

apparently he can scale the washer without a problem and reach whatever his little heart desires. He painted a beautiful picture, a lovely dinosaur, and my newly recovered barstools!!

I desperately need to be cleaning my house. putting away laundry or probably even sleeping. instead I am pecking on the computer listening to Little Man and a buddy discuss how to use team work to pick up the 10,000 legos they were playing with. So cute. A few minutes ago they were in a 20 ft snow drift being chased by wolves. what imagination! I don't remember being their age but I would love to live in that world again. Today he asked me (out of NO WHERE) "mom, have you ever had to get dad out of jail?" "WHAT?!" "You know, has he ever been arrested by the police and you had to get him out of jail?" Needless to say we had quite the interesting conversation. The only thing that will be worse is when he repeats his version to his teacher and/or class Monday and I have to explain it!!

I think its old age or maybe an ulcer, but I have had the worst heartburn for the last few days. Friday I seriously thought I was going to kill over. Hubby just wants to know if our life insurance is up to date. Ha Ha. Its probably the thought of working the next 8 days 7:45 am-5pm. Someone else taking the boys to school and then them having to ride the bus home & being away from Sis all day. I'm such a baby.

lately...

Its hunting season. And around here you never know what they will bring home.
This was his "trophy" last weekend. Not as big as last years but the only one out of the bunch for that outing.

Sister got her first haircut today. She did so good. No tears, at least not from her!

Just one more milestone to remind me how big she is getting :(

And little man...what can I say? We are SOOO blessed to have such a wonderful, patient, understanding, caring teacher this year. The little bit of time I have spent in the classroom I have seen him in action. Don't get me wrong, I live it everyday, just thought maybe it would be a little different for her. And maybe, just maybe, it is slightly better, but still just enough to get his color moved again. This time for talking and not following directions. Did I mention how happy I am with his teacher?! Anyone else and it would have been a lot more than 2x so far :)

Ugh

I am cranky today. I knew it was coming. But the closer it gets the more I am wondering, WHAT WAS I THINKING?! I am too old to go back to school. I have 3 kids and a husband and maybe a new dog (but thats another post). I don't mind going back to work. Thats not the part I am worried about. It will be 7pm-7am. nobody will miss me and I won't miss out on anything. I haven't ever had a day job...except the school...and that was short lived ;) But starting next Monday, orientation is 8 days from 8am to 5pm. That means sis with my mom at work all day with no nap and the boys will have to ride the bus. I know families do it everyday but I am not handling it very well. Hubby laughed at me last night when I was complaining. That really didn't help. He doesn't realize what his life would be like if I wasn't home everyday :) Then to top it off I was reminded about a prior obligation for next Tue and guess where I will be? Oh yes. I had a meltdown. I called nursing administration this morning to tell them I wouldn't be there that morning but I would be there by 1 when they returned from lunch. She was not too understanding. Apparently I HAVE to be there. Maybe its just my mood today but I am thinking there is a possibility I will not be returning to work or school. Think they would understand if I said I couldn't start til Jan 1?

second post today

After thinking we were supposed to be here, then realizing we were supposed to be there, and not really knowing where "there" was, but finding it anyway, a friend and I saw a family say good bye to a loved one. It was said "she left a legacy" because of the way she lived her life. Although I didn't know her she sounded like such a neat lady. And by the family she raised you know she really was just as wonderful as they all said. It made me think about the people that I have in my life. Do I appreciate them enough? Do they know how much I love them? As the pastor said, tomorrow is uncertain. So I hope they know, but it wouldn't hurt to take a minute just to make sure.

4 a.m.

Sis decided to get up. So, we rocked a while and about the time she dozed off, hubby's alarm went off so she was up again. You would think getting up that early I would get ready and out of the house on time...but, nope :)
As I was getting ready Little Man comes in the bathroom and says "whats wrong with you" because I wasn't in my pjs and had make up on. How sweet! After I answered to his satisfaction he proceeds..."I need a shitzu dog for Christmas" "A what" "a shitzu dog" "a real dog" "yes. a shitzu" "ummm, no" "but why not, Speck has his own dog and I need one of my own and I want a shitzu" You get the picture. This went on for sometime. Well, I FINALLY figured out what the facination was. He knows shitzu kind of sounds like something he isn't supposed to say. but he can say that without getting in trouble. Gotta love him for thinking!

he's back

Finally, after 9 days, no phone service, an 18 hour car ride (each way) & with a full beard...he has returned :) There are 8 of them that go every year. Sometimes New Mexico, this time was Wyoming. So far its the shortest trip. Two years ago it was 21 days! (& I was about 7 1/2 months pregnant with sis) After 12 years of marriage I should be used to it, but I still get excited to hear his voice the first time he calls when they come off the mountain. Almost like a teenager in "love"!

10-31-10

Not exactly what you would look at and see a devotional, huh?

We found this a few weeks ago, its about very different and strange animals and God's plan for them. He loves it and reads it several times a day. We have used it a LOT while making the adjustment to his new school. The last week or so I have seen him showing it to friends and telling others about it. But not just the animals, the way God made them and how he uses them. He was (is) so excited to share.

And this morning as I was getting ready for church he came in and said, "Mom, I'm ready" with a big grin on his face. It was funny, I knew he didn't just mean ready for church. He decided about 6 months ago to accept Jesus but was too afraid to stand up in front of the entire congregation. So we took sis to the nursery, and left her screaming, chased Little Man to Kids Church (as he left me behind) and Speck went with me. When Bro. R lead the invitation I asked if he was ready. At first he said no and grabbed my hand. Then he buried his face in my side and I saw tears running down his face. So we walked to the altar. Bro. R asked him if he prayed the prayer to accept Jesus and he said yes. I had been teary all morning but at that point they were dripping :) On the way home he said "Mom, I'm so glad I made that decision. I am proud of myself. I was crying because I was scared, but as soon as I said it I had a warm feeling inside". My big guy has one proud mommy today.

Just a few pictures

I wore her her out shopping all day :)

hanging out at his fall party enjoying a few snacks

candy races at his...

and a little pumpkin painting

who needs toys when you have laundry basket and a big brother that will push you like a race car?!

my sweet ballerina

my unhappy soldier (although the mask hid it well) no time for pictures

and my baseball player who almost wasn't...he is too big for this now ;)
with a very scary zombie friend!

It has begun

So a friend and I ventured up the hill today and did a little shopping. Wish I could say it was more Christmas shopping, but today was just some good old girl time! (I did get 3 gifts) I did however get quite a bit done yesterday! Speck is almost done and Sis has about half. Poor Little Man...maybe we're just waiting to see how it all goes :) just kidding, he is WAY to indecisive to do it yet.

better ending than beginning

The drs office called and Specks blood work came back normal. They want me to watch him and make sure he doesn't develop any problems and we will "go from there". Not a great answer but I will take it!
Sis & I had a busy stay home day. She got in the shower with me but out before I did and ended up in a drawer with no clothes on!
Then she let me "fix" her hair. I dried it and used the curling iron to flip the ends.

She looks a little wild here (emptying out all the cabinets) but it really was cute for a few minutes!

The boys were a little sweeter this afternoon but it was just too much to ask for an afternoon without arguing. So they got put to work...folding the laundry. It was torture ;)

They did manage to be nice long enough to decorate some ghost cookies.
Then we took dinner to a friend and had dinner with my grandparents before the K music program.

I love my little soldier.

My middle child

is testing me in a BIG way. Part of it is just his personality, part of it is being too old for some stuff and too little for others, part of it is my lack of patience with him, and the rest I'm just not sure! This morning he got up very easily (compared to most mornings) he asked for cream of wheat so I got up and cooked. He got dressed and ate without an argument. Thats about as far as we got. When it came time to brush his teeth, he was too busy coloring. When it was time to put on his socks and shoes, he rummaged through the closet to find a jacket then went outside barefoot to ride his bicycle! By this point we were late so I hurried him in and got the shoe (& boot) on, then off to school. Minus the backpack, snack and class shirt for the trip to the PAC:) His punishment, not getting to watch the movie in the car. Terrible. Mean. Stinky mom. We had the whole discussion about who made the choice to go outside and deliberately disobey & that an attitude would not be tolerated. I repeatedly told him I loved him and tried to find interesting things to look at on the way. Nope, nothing. It was all "ugly". When he was getting out of the car I asked him if I could have a kiss. Reluctantly he leaned over and I got a very small peck on the cheek. I said "have a great day. Love you" To which he says, "you have a good day too. Keep doing what you're good at" and even though I knew better, I said, "whats that"? "BEING MEAN"! and he slammed the car door.

Dear Lord, give me the strength

Panicked but thankful

Well, the drs office just called & Specks MRI came back "mostly normal". There isn't anything torn or broken in or around his knee. Good news. But, there is an "abnormal growth", that appears to be enlarged lymph nodes, behind his knee and next to his femur, and they want to do blood work to check his white count. My stomach hurts. My hands are shaking and I might possibly be sick. Today didn't start off the best and I have been very teary eyed anyway. This just might send me spinning because my "nurse brain" is in overdrive not to mention I am a little sleep deprived. That is NOT a good combination! So, at this moment, I guess I am thankful for the bike wreck that lead to the MRI. and I am very thankful for the bible study this morning (that I probably would have skipped if given the choice just because of my mood...wrong, I know) but a very dear friend said "God has you where he wants you". Maybe this is why. He knew this phone call was coming and I would fall apart at the thought. I'm sure its nothing. I am just over reacting and panicking. Being that crazy mom. I know it will all be fine, but a prayer would be appreciated :)

weekend in pictures

he wasn't too sure about letting me take his picture so I was having to duck the nerf bullets!

Sweet hostess & host who let us invade & destroy their house!!

he loves his mom :)

she wanted to kiss him, he wasnt so sure

cracking jokes with lots of laughter & a little embarassment :o)

edible creatures in a jar...enough said

one of the great cooks and his better 1/2 (sorry J...just kidding!)

t.r.o.u.b.l.e

cheering him on as he tried to eat a frog

but not such a good result. and a few of the adults about lost it too!

so the cowboys arrived to save the day

true love, even when they top our "list" ;)

almost all the kiddos. WOW!!

after church we headed out to a local farm for some fun (thanks SS for the idea!)

helping sis feed the goats

picking a pumpkin

shooting corn (the noise scared sis to death)

posing with her pumpkin that she had to carry ALL day

even through the maze

not liking the horses too well

so she had to take a nap on the hayride

and so rotten he stinks!