All I want for Christmas, is a normal family photo

December is a busy month for professional photographers and with my familys’ busy schedule, appointments are almost a joke. Fortunately, I have a good camera and I don’t mind taking our family photos.

I thought this year was going to be a success because it was on our schedule, in our house, and nothing fancy.

BUT, NO! It was not what I imagined. Not only was my camera being uncooperative but my kids (including my husband) thought this was ‘fun’ time. They were giggling and being silly as soon as the flash went off.

"I just need one picture!" I said, ignoring the man-child. "Just one!"

I was not trying to get angry but, I was tired and already way behind. I used to be that person who patiently waited until the weekend after Thanksgiving to get her personally labeled, already stamped, ready to go Christmas cards in the mail. Oh, and did I mention that those cards were each handmade.

This year, there is notime to hand make anything....getting dinner on the table at a decent hour is a challenge so, no card making for me.

It is mid December, I'm getting tons of cards in the mail and, we haven’t even taken our family photo!!! Now that I have gotten us all together, everyone is being funny....with that, you can see my frustration.

In the 15 shots that followed, there was not a single picture where at least one of my children were making silly faces.

The quality of the family pictures dramatically improved once my tone got more begging and threatening.

"Close enough!" I shouted gleefully as I looked at the last few shots. DONE! I was just happy o get one.....ONE!

Next year, I think I will do whatever to let a professional take the photos:)

Thankful

So the family is not off on a road-trip to Florida for Thanksgiving. Being a nurse has it rewards but it also has it downfalls, like working on holidays. Not okay, in my book. This is the one holiday that we absolutely must be together for as a family and the one that makes me crave mom's home cooking, watching the Macy's Thanksgiving Day parade and, hours of good family conversation.
But not everything that is bad is actually a bad thing: my fellow labor & delivery staff are making the most of it. We had a Thanksgiving feast at work today and Mike and the kids were able to come eat with me, I delivered a baby, and talked to my parents. Not to shabby for having to work. And since I work day shift now, I was home in time to have dinner with my sister and her family. I am very thankful this year for everything in my life: the ups and downs, my friends, my family, my health, and my career.
Happy Thanksgiving to you all.

they're falling all over

After a month in our neighborhood, we've come to the conclusion that you either have to learn to love the leaves each fall, or you'll go absolutely crazy trying to get rid of them. We live in an older neighborhood, with tons of mature trees all around us--a wonderful thing in the summer when you want to sit on your shaded front porch and sip lemonade, but not such a wonderful thing come this time of the year when you have to wade through piles of leaves to get to your front door.

All you have to do in our neighborhood to find the houses with kids is drive along the streets during November. The houses with kids in them always have front yards covered by the enormous eruptions of strangely shaped leaf piles that look like messy molehills. There might be an odd bicycle or scooter left in the middle of the leaves, or Ethan's soccer ball perched on the biggest pile and you can usually can find a rake or two somewhere in the mix.
When you have kids it's easy to make fun out of the leaves. We've learned to take a no stress approach, and while we'll rake and load the leaves to the curb, we've conditioned ourselves not to mind when five minutes later one child has scattered the same neat pile of leaves in every direction. And every time the front door opens and the wind blows in a stray handful of leaves across the wood floor in the entryway, I'll just go with the flow.
For now, though, we'll just let them fall, and fall, and fall.

Fall is finally here

Oh happy day, so glad it’s Friday! I took a brisk walk this morning to clear the cobwebs after dropping my kids off at school. This fall day could not be any more lovely, with bright blue skies, a gentle breeze, and turning leaves rustling in the trees. I plan to spend most of this weekend outdoors enjoying this autumn weather.

We took advantage of the warm day to get the leaves off of the driveway and walk and back into the yard… Hoping that they can be mowed instead of raked and bagged, we worked hard to spread the leaves around the yard as much as possible. The sad thing is there are still a lot of leaves in the trees!

Moving Along

Four years ago my husband, kids, and I left Florida for the suburbs. But it took four years of living here to scope out the perfect neighborhood.

The moment I drove up the driveway of this cozy home, I was charmed. This house is nine years old and the families that owned this house before us had a dog, a cat, raised children here and gave it lots of love. But, it desperately needed some attention, my husband and I knew it was a diamond in the rough and a house we could be happy in for the next chapter of our life.  We made an offer the same day we walked through and thus embarked on plans to remodel.

Three weeks later, we started the renovation and last week we moved out of the rental and into the house.  The contractor probably could have used another three to four weeks before I brought my three kids and all of our belongings into the house.  On moving day we only had one fully functional bathroom, about 75% of the light fixtures installed, and several other random projects still to be completed.  However, the lease was up at the rental and we decided to move, finished or not, rather than pay for another months rent.  

Every time someone asks me how I like the new house, I just smile and have to admit that I do love it, although I can’t wait to get rid of the smell of fresh paint! I don't complain about the dust or the unpacked boxes that I can’t seem to make time for. And I don't mention the three to four workmen I spend my days with from 8:30am to 5pm.    

You see, having several people who come in and out of my house every day has it's benefits.  Seriously. Not knowing who is going to show up at what time of day forces me to get up early in the morning before my children wake up and take a shower.  Before I leave to drop off the kids at school I do a sweep of the house and make sure all the randomly strewn pajama tops, legos, stuffed animals and books are picked up and out of the way.  I'm not usually bothered by a little dust, but we live in a construction site and I find myself picking up the vacuum much more often than usual.  My house has not been this clean and organized in a long time.

But the biggest benefit of having a houseful of plumbers and electricians has been quite unexpected. I've had to find other ways to deal with the sibling smack-down that seems to always happen when we're late for school and no one has combed their hair yet or they can't find their homework.  

Honestly, it's been a wake up call for me.  I can solve problems without yelling and guess what?  When I am not so quick to anger, the tantrums don't last as long and arguments actually get resolved faster. While surrounded by power drills, hammers and chaos all day my family has become calmer.  Hopefully we can maintain the peace after all the knobs have been put on the cabinets and all the rooms are finally put together.

 

Sweater Weather

Fall is in the air – can you feel it?
Yeah, neither can I. But I’m excited that it’s around the corner, because hands-down, it’s my absolute favorite season. I love the smells, the sounds, the colors… I eagerly await the first drop in temperature, hopefully not too long from now.....my favorite Starbucks flavors like peppermint white chocolate mocha and hot apple cider make the whole season, I can't wait! This Fall will be especially memorable because we will be settling in our new home, getting to know our new neighbors, and getting back into a routine again. My sweaters have been packed away since April and I think it's time they make their appearance and I enjoy wearing fuzzy socks to bed :)

Lucky Girl

I have been so fortunate with the friends (OK, take the time to gag and then move on). Really, truly, I am just so lucky. I was a bit nervous when we decided to stay here and not venture back to Florida. Especially because I had (have) such wonderful friends back home. Of course no one could replace any of those girls, but I wanted to have some additional girls up here. I’m a social person and need that outlet. Otherwise, you know . . . I might have that breakdown.

It’s hard to make friends when you’re a older and a stay at home mom. Where am I going to meet people? Well, through my children of course. Thank goodness my kids have such great taste in friends because it was through them that I made my friends. The parents of all the kids who hang out with my kids at school, in the neighborhood, at T ball, and soccer.

My friends are amazing women. So fun and thoughtful, smart and funny. In such a short time they have befriended me and my family in all manner of ways.

By helping me with my kids, drinking with me and giving me that much needed girl time.

Today we picked up the keys to our new house and met our neighbors across the street. I already know they’re going to be good friends. I cannot believe how lucky I am. It’s almost more happiness, friendship and love than one girl can stand!!

Fall Back

I love Fall. For me, it is the BEST time of the year. I love it when the summer heat is finally gone, the nights are cool, and the leaves start turning colors.

Every year I torture my family into taking family photos, I make us go out when the lighting is at its best (either early in the am or early evening.....and it's neither is convenient), we have to match, and it usually takes us a few tries to get it right) Each year we pull out previous years photos and compare, it is so funny, I love to hear the kids giggle over their own photos.

With all that, I stumbled across some old Fall photos from years ago:

Tears filled my eyes when I look back at those days. My kids are growing way too fast. It's more the reason that I will continue this tradition of torturous photo taking.....it's just too precious.

To Those Who Wait......

The foreclosure is officially back on the market! Whew!!!!

As most of you know, I have been literally stalking my dream house since June. A house that just happens to be listed way below market value, in a great neighborhood, full of kids, with a large front porch, and a huge back yard. It's a foreclosure so these things take a while.

Well, last week, after months of waiting for it, the bank finally listed the house and we made our offer. And, so did someone else!!! Someone who offered more than we did and the bank accepted their offer. I was mortified!!!! Our hopes were ALL in that ONE house, the one that we have been waiting for all this time. We have our new carpet, kitchen cabinets, and counter tops picked out. The kids have already chosen their rooms and décor. This was heart breaking.

For the next five days, we sadly began looking at other homes on the market and of course nothing compared. Our marriage was challenged for sure. I wanted a big kitchen, Mike wanted a media room, I wanted a big yard, Mike wanted a pool. It was frustrating. Very frustrating.

But, after much aggravation and no new place to call home, I received a wonderful phone call. The first offer to the bank fell thru and the house was ours if we wanted it. Do I still want it?! What? The last time I answered YES that fast was when Michael proposed. Patience truly is a virtue and I believe that if something is meant to be, it will be. Our prayers were definitely answered.

I can’t wait to get moved in and make this our home.

Truly A Pampered Chef

Today has sure been a rough one! I don't understand why Thursdays have to be so crazy. Yes, all the kids have overlapping soccer practice on Thursday evenings but between two parents, we can sure juggle it. Somehow Thursdays have become my domesticated day as well. The whole house needs to be spotless and all the laundry needs to be washed and folded. I have to have the kids packed for practice and all uniforms for Saturday games have to be clean and ready to go. I sure need a little help on Thurdays and am not afraid to admit it.

Now with that being said, I want to share this great recipe that the pampered chef has introduced me to. I bought the deep dish baker last year and my family has had many meals prepared by this awesome stone baking dish. It works like a crock pot but you can use it in the microwave and have home cooked meals in less than half an hour, including prep time. I love it!!!!

It’s the Easy Tortellini Toss made with cheese tortellini, spinach, and ham. Yes, spinach!!!! And my kids always ask for seconds. Tonights Thursday dinner was delicious, fast, and not picked up from a drive thru window. It's the little things on Thursday evenings that really help!!!

Happy Wife, Happy Life

The keys to domestic bliss may include commitment, compromise, and communication, but if you want to keep this little wife really happy it’s the little things that I suggest!

I could easily give you a list of things NOT to do, but that’s just common sense. So, my dear husband, instead I thought I would just give you a list of the to do’s that will make me a happy little wife.

-Please pick your laundry up off the bathroom floor.

-Speaking of the bathroom….the last thing I want to come home to, at the end of a busy shift (with a full bladder) is the toilet seat up and an empty toilet paper roll. Very. Frustrating.

- Take the garbage out. There should not be bad odors in the same room that I prepare our meals. Seriously.

-Write your gorgeous wife a love letter once in a while. Texts and e-mails are totally appreciated, but not nearly as romantic.

-Kiss me hello and goodbye every time you see me! Every. Single. Time. You know, like you used to.

-Turn the television off, sometimes. I gladly appreciate the Jets, Yankees, & Gators but, I think our TV needs some rest every now and then. Just sayin.

-Remember that Golf may be fun, but those clubs won’t keep you warm at night.

-And sometimes take a turn being the bad guy with the kids.

Sigh….. It’s been almost 12 years so you must be doing something right…but it’s the little things that will get us through the next 50 years.

Love Ya!

Must Not Stress

Today I was lost in thought about the hundred little things that had to be done before Monday!

The ever-growing list of "must do items" was overwhelming.

The laundry. It looks like a small bomb went off in the laundry room. The pantry is overflowing with all of my recent coupon deals and needs some serious organization, it's Labor Day weekend and I must get a list together for a BBQ we are going to, I have items waiting for me at the dry cleaners and I have two overdue movies from blockbuster that seriously need to be returned, and don't even get me started on the garage.

This year I volunteered to help out at the kids school, made myself available to work 2 days a week, and joined a mom group. It’s crazy, every time my iPhone goes ping ping new message I jump! ughhhh

As these thoughts seemed to take over when, I told myself to consider the things that I did today that really matter.

Today, I have a son that has developed a love for sports and always keeps me on my toes, a daughter who is adjusting very well to middle school and making tons of friends, another daughter who is almost out of her braces and a great asset to her soccer team and, a hot Starbucks in my hand and a new found addiction to Twitter.

Laundry, lists, party planning, PTA, will eventually get done. It always does.

So, tonight I will turn my phone off, make some hot chocolate and have a game of scrabble while my Hubby's is distracted by Football. I confess it is the only way I can beat him.

I must be getting old because this kind of day, it thrills me to no end.

For The Love of Shoes

I am completely addicted to clogs. I always have been. Since, I got my first pair, in tenth grade when I was about 16-years old. I’ll never forget those clogs: soft black leather with black wooden soles. I wore them with everything!!!

I’ve owned at least one pair of clogs at all times since that first pair, whether they were Dansko, Berkinstock, or Anywears (you have to remember I’m in the health care field so, comfort is a priority).

But my addiction has been taken to a new level… recently, while I was working, one of our doctors came in wearing her normal ‘surgical colored’ scrubs and as came around the nurses station my eyes were drawn to her green python Dansko clogs. They looked spunky and fun, and she said they made her feel happy! From that moment, my nicely broken in black Dansko’s seemed so dull and boring. Comfortable, yes. Fun, no.

I decided that I needed to go see what was available. So, my next trip to the mall including browsing Nordstrom to see what clogs they had. I found a pair (well, two) that I must have. I just must.

As I shop, I rationalize why I must have them. My feet feel great in them, this is a must. Fall is rolling around and the temperature will be dropping, and I must put my flip-flops away. I must have them!!!!…..in ‘leopard.’ With rolled-up jeans and a slouchy sweater? Yep, sheer perfection.
And the ones in ‘claret’ to wear during the colder winter months are fun and festive, this is a definite must have.
SOLD!
How cute, these will fit right in with my ever-growing clog collection.

The End of A Long Summer

This morning, all of my children climbed on a school bus and for eight hours I will have total peace and quiet. I crave quiet and structure. I crave the lack of chaos.
Although, summer wasn’t as hard as I expected, I’m glad it is over. During the last couple of months we have moved…twice…and are ready to get settled and begin a great year.
We all had a fun, busy summer and survived it. So, I don’t plan on doing much today just drinking coffee, writing a little, reading a lot, and listening to the sounds of silence. I may use some time today to schedule volunteer hours at the school. Or maybe sign up for the Fall festival. I do enjoy helping the teachers, decorating the bulletin boards, stuffing folders, and making copies. Dang, there I go scheduling my free time already…and it’s barely just started…….
With all that said, I am going to enjoy my day. I don’t imagine I will get out of my pajamas. I’ll think about volunteering later….you know, when I am a little rested.

More Texas...for now

In this economy, my family has been through many life changing situations (as many, I’m sure). Our most recent condition has been the one to move back home. Unfortunately, Florida’s economy is still suffering and although being a nurse allows me the opportunity to live anywhere that I choose, my fire fighter hubby is not fortunate to have the same.

So, after much debate and soul searching, we decided to stay in Texas (for now).

I’m at peace with this decision because I was finding it very hard to say goodbye to all my Texas friends. My family has been blessed to make many friends in our short four years of living here. Not just great friends but, the ones that we consider family.

So, for now, we will stay put. With that decision, Mike and I started looking for another home and I think we found one. It is a cute little American traditional home in a cute ‘arts & craft’ style neighborhood. In my four years of living here, I have never even heard of it so when I stumbled across it…I fell in love. These houses all have a front porch of some sort and are not covered by the traditional Texas brick and stone, they are each painted differently to give their own unique charm. There are no current houses for sale in this neighborhood but after some snooping around this is what I found:

· Houses in this neighborhood don’t go on the market often.

· When they do, they sell really fast.

· This neighborhood is full of young families like mine, with kids that are my kids ages.

· These houses are not zero lot line, so you get more yard….I never thought this was a possibility here!

· The amenities are wonderful!

· ONE house is being foreclosed on. It has the biggest lot of the neighborhood and sits directly across from the park on a pie shaped, ¼ acre lot.

· I WANT THIS HOUSE!!!!

Foreclosures can take a while so we will have to wait and see what happens.

I Have It All

I was recently driving home with my husband next to me in the passenger seat and my kids in the back. It was about 10pm, the kids were all sleeping. It was peaceful. As I was driving and thinking about my life, my marriage, and my family. I realized something amazing, I want nothing more. I don't need anything else. I have it all. I husband I adore, kids that are happy and healthy, a great family, a growing career, and good friends. It is a wild and freeing realization. Liberating. I am content. Truly content.

Back To School

I must admit I get excited about the notion of shopping for school supplies. It takes me back to the days when my mom would take us shopping in my small hometown. We’d stroll through aisles of neatly stacked workbooks and the whole place smelled of paper and pencil shavings and pristine erasers and held the promise of new beginnings, new friends to make, new things to learn, and new ways to avoid eating cafeteria food.

There was only one store we would go to but back to school shopping is just not that simple any more. Last year I hit three super stores, two pharmacies, and four office supply stores in search of every last item on the list. By the time we made it to the checkout line at each store I found myself flustered at the shortage of Fiskars scissors or 10 cent glue sticks. After getting completely burned out on shopping for school supplies last year, somehow I managed to miss the end-of-the year sign up for pre-packaged school supply packs. Seriously, is there a worse time to send out announcements than May when you’ve already OD’d on field trip forms, permission slips, and other announcements related to end of school year festivities? Besides, I really think that back to school shopping is a tradition, one that marks the end of summer and the start of new beginnings.

Take it from me, shopping for school supplies is not as memorable as you recall from your own childhood but, I still can't bring myself to buy the pre-paid packages. That takes all the fun out of this frustrating but fun shopping experience.

So not a Stepford wife

Even though I have lots of days where I might not feel like it, this is the best time of my life. I have really hard days though. Days were the morning starts too early and I stumble around in my pjs all morning long. Days where I want to take that smiling housewife with pearls and heels and stab her with her unscratched stilettos. Cause that is not me. My floors are sticky my sink is full of dishes. Reality is I would much rather take the kids to the park and the library or play dress up and make cookies then wash dishes and sweep the floor. I do this and little by little the housework piles up.

I am not a ‘full time’ mom, but I am home 5 days a week with the kids. In essence I am a stay at home mom most of the time. For some reason, I have come up with this ridiculous ideal stay-at-home-mom in my head that I strive to be like. I love the idea of being the perfect mom and wife, like in Stepford, but who am I kidding???? They were robots!!!! I did notice that my entire demeanor and attitude change when I am not in scrubs and my hair all fixed versus if I just stay in my greasy hair and ratty clothes to run errands.

We all have frumpy days. Days where our energy levels are zapped, the house is atrocious and you feel overwhelmed. I call these frozen dinner days because you just want to stay home and do as little as possible. But this should NOT be the norm. More stressed? Certainly! Sleep deprived? Undoubtedly! I am plan Jane but, if I just wash my hair and wear something other than workout clothes (2 very easy goals to achieve) I think my household moral will improve! But as I said earlier, these are the best years of my life!!!!!

Domestically Challenged

I’m going to let you in on a secret. Well, not a secret, more like I’m going to vent about a few things. You are my good friends, people I enjoy sharing with, and I know you will not judge.

Sometimes I struggle with not feeling like I'm good enough. I know I am a wonderful mother, with great kids, and I couldn’t get a more supportive and loving husband. But there are moments when the kids won’t nap and then get super cranky at 6pm, the house is messy and Mike is on his way home and I feel like the day was a failure. I was a failure. I am working on this.

I try to find joy in the small victories throughout the day. The mountain of dishes are now a mere little pile! I transferred the towels to the dryer before they started to mildew! Ethan randomly snuggles with me on while I’m balancing the checkbook. I get to socialize while the kids are at soccer practice. And, dinner does not consist of take-out or nuggets and mac n’ cheese! These treasures usually over shadow any self-worth issues, unless I chose to focus on my shortcomings. Which I must stop doing!

I shock myself with how capable I really am. I know my strengths. I’ve been told my entire life I would make a good mother and that is all I ever dreamed I would be. Yes, I will soon be a nurse and it heals my soul when I help people. But I have also conquered other huge obstacles in my life I never thought I would! For example, I am able to be a mother that doesn’t lose her cool 90% of the time and I have a pretty happy home. For years I thought I could never be a mother, I didn’t think I’d be able to handle a child (let alone 3!) without yelling and screaming all of the time. But here I am! The kids are clean and sleeping peacefully. Bedtime was not a screaming death match tonight. The house is only slightly junky with only a small bit of dishes in the sink. And I have the next three days off from work so I get to do this all over again.

I can work at any job but put me as a full time stay at home mom and I am all kinds of confused. Being a mom you get (unwanted) advice from all ends of the parenting spectrum and worry that you will ruin your children for life and they won’t be “normal” like the other children at school (who have moms just as overwhelmed as me, they just fake it better).

But I am a working mother and not failing! In fact I think my children are turning out very well and I am doing it all on my own.

Ramona & Beezus

I got a great opportunity to take the girls to see the new movie Ramona and Beezus, and we were able to meet up with some really good friends! It’s been a very long time since I’ve even touched any books written by Beverly Cleary, but the movie brought me right back.

I loved how Ramona’s imagination played out on the screen. Everything was so much more vibrant and larger than life, whether she was on the playground or jumping on her bed in her new room.

The girls really enjoyed it, I could hear the giggles at Ramona’s antics, and I know they all liked how she seemed to get into trouble without meaning to, much like they do.

This movie was bittersweet…I don't remember the last time a movie made me laugh so hard and also cry. I didn't know how the kids would take this....with the fathers job loss, potential divorce, moving (basically, our life over the last year). But everything got tied up very neatly and happily for the kids in the end. It is a great sister movie :)

This movie gets two thumbs up from us!

The Thunder Rolls

Thunderstorms. I love thunderstorms in the summer. I loved them when I managed swimming pools and it meant we got to shut it all down and hunker in the guard house playing…I love it now when it means certain respite from the heat and a cooling darkness in mid-afternoon. I love the sounds and the wind and the fact that my plants can always use the rain. Bring it on!

A Good Day

It’s hot, humid, and horribly sticky.
Just packed clothes for vacation.
While sitting on the porch, sipping on coffee..... I count my blessings:
1) quiet morning
2) Mike had two days off in a row
3) A clean house
4) A clean heart
5) A clean slate
6) A long, long talk with Lisa, where, among other things, she shared with me some lessons on criticism, perfectionism, and friendship. Our long distance relationship has grown such much and I am ever grateful for her in my life.
7) I've made a haven at home, one that welcomes big kids and little kids, both my own and the ones that come my way for a just a little while
8) Life is Good!

The Incredible Book-Eating Boy

I was looking for some new books to read to the kids at bedtime (yes, I still do that) and recently discovered Oliver Jeffers’ books. I ordered 'The Incredible Book-Eating Boy' from Barnes & Noble.com and am happy to report it is one of the very favorite selections during bedtime stories.
The story is so clever and funny. The little boy, Henry, discovers he likes to eat books. He devours them whole and his brain absorbs all the information in the books. But he starts to eat books so fast and so often that his body can’t absorb all that info and things start to go nuts.

Even if I didn’t like the story (which I do!), I would want this book for the illustrations. The book is filled with details, texture and mixed media. It’s very cool. It makes me want to collect all of Mr. Jeffers books. If you get a chance to check them out, you should.

Summer Nights

It is hard to believe that school is but a memory. The temperatures have quickly elevated such that I lie on top of the bedspread instead of snuggled beneath the covers. My nightly ritual of hanging out with the kids consists of cold dinners (i don't want to turn the oven on), ice cream for dessert, and swimming in the evening....it's great!
I enjoy summer, gotta love those free Cinemark movies, $5 bowling days, the community pool, and the beach but, mostly getting to sleep in. In fact, my husband will tell you that I sleep waaaaay in, now that I don't have to drive the kids to school at 7:30am, it's a wonderful thing. As long as we get up in time for lunch, my errands are done, and the kids are having fun...sleeping in is allowed, right?
As much as I am enjoying sleeping in and not having to "assist" with homework, I expect that I'll be eager to get rid of the kids come August when I'll want more time alone to get work done or have my own appointments.
But, so far this summer is terrific, we are spending it with great friends, taking naps, and visiting family. I'm enjoying every hot sticky moment of it.

One Hit Wonders

Am I really a soccer mom? If so, how did I get here?
I’d always thought of myself as a stay-home-and-read-a-good-book kind of mom. Or how about a stay-home-and-bake-cookies mom? I could do that. I have done that.
This business, though, of driving my kids from this sport to that—of being ready and able and willing to hang out at the field all night…
Well, I’ll tell you. This has taken some getting used to.
The hardest part about the whole sports thing this year is that our lives have been so busy lately that I never know if I’m coming or going. Summer was supposed to be our sports break spent with days by the pool and taking vacation. So, why is Ethan playing summer baseball and more importantly, why did Mike and I sign up for an adult softball team???? I’ve been asking myself that question for days.
The answer I came up with….. I must love the chaos!!! For some reason, I function better when my hands are full.
And, I love my sports family. This group of parents have hung out on the sidelines watching our kids play soccer, football, basketball, and baseball for the past 3 years and we have become good friends…..and I will do anything for them, including embarrassing myself on the field. So here’s to a great summer and, with every ache in my body from our practice last night…here’s to a good season, my friends…….GO ‘ONE HIT WONDERS’

SOLD!

Our house has been on the market for 3 weeks and we have an offer, a full price offer!
YAY!
In our struggling economy, there’s little doubt that the housing market has been hit the hardest. Families across the nation are being forced to sell their houses at half the purchase price. Often, the financial stability of the family depends on whether or not a house will sell. In such a situation nothing is more comforting than a buyer’s promise of earnest money. This initial down payment stands as a guarantee that the deal will go through. As an added benefit, the money is given and is immediately available for the family to use.

After much havoc keeping the house clean and de-cluttering, it's time to pack four years into boxes and move onto bigger and better things. Our new journey will soon begin and we are so excited.

Real Estate Craze

Our house has been on the market for 2 weeks and with only 4 showings I've had many days of hoping for some activity.Wondering if I will ever sell this house in this down market. I know that Texas real estate is not like Florida. Houses here tend to sit for a while and we are prepared for that.
This week, for some reason, the phone calls kept coming. Now we have 3 people interested and fighting over our house. This is crazy and a blessing all in one.
This is actually going to happen.....

Diary of A Wimpy Nursing Student

Another semester down...and as I head toward graduation, I have advice for future or current nursing students. I hope this helps in your path toward the nursing world.
1. Be prepared to work hard. You will have to do a lot of reading, and it will be very confusing at times. Do the best you can to get through it and, don't dwell on it.
2. Find a few classmates you get along with, and stick with them through the whole program. At times when no one else in your life fully understands what you are going through, they will. I can't emphasize enough how important this mutual understanding is, and I guarantee that these people will talk sense into you every time you REALLY need it. Thanks Paige & Meagan!!!!! Muah!
3. Be prepared to feel lost. My first time doing everything (including putting a patient's sock on her foot), I was so scared I was shaking. It is normal to completely forget how to do everything (even the most simple tasks) when you are nervous. So don't let this make you feel stupid or inferior- it is NORMAL!!
4. Ask tons of questions. If you are told by a nurse to do something on a patient and you are not familiar with it or are uncomfortable, ASK for help.
5. Be prepared to laugh at yourself. When I do something stupid, I simply laugh. I'm not embarrassed, we all do dumb things.
6. Even though I'm extremely busy, I take one night off. This means do not do any school work whatsoever one night every week. Thursday night is my night off. I watch TV, catch up with friends, just do whatever I want. On Monday, when I really want to watch something on TV or feel unmotivated to work, I keep telling myself that I only have a few more days until Thursday.
7. Find an outlet for your frustrations. This blog has been wonderful for me- I just write about what I feel, and even though I usually don't end up posting those things for the world to see, just writing about them makes me feel a lot better. Although this takes away from my study time, it is well worth it. I don't think I could keep going all those hours if I didn't have some way to release some steam.

St Joseph...do your thing

I want to sell my house. Like, yesterday. It's only been on the market for one week but I am tired of showing the house and all the work that comes with it (cleaning, laundry, picking up toys, etc.) I am tired of having projects not done around here. I want to stop worrying about how much my house is worth, and I just want to be closer to family already.
Naty and I burried St. Joseph today, in hopes for an offer to come our way. I did this at our last house and it worked so, I believe that he will help us again. Sometimes, I feel that selling our house is just a dream; that it’s something that will never really happen. I don't want to be 'stuck' here like some people. I guess we will leave it up to faith (and St. Joseph), if it's meant to happen, it will. And if it isn't, well that's ok too.

On the Move

If it's been a while since I last blogged it's because our house is officially on the market. Many people are asking why we're selling our house, so I'd like to take this great opportunity to share. When we moved to Texas it was a great opportunity for our family to live in a lower cost of living area and save money, which is exactly what we did. The market has picked up in Texas and it seems like the best opportunity to sell. Four years ago, we traded palm trees for rolling hills, the ocean for man made lakes, and concrete block for brick. Although we have enjoyed living here, we are ready to get our lives settled, plant our roots, and enjoy watching our children grow up.....near our families.
Moving back to Florida could cause so many problems it’s not even funny. For starters, we both have good paying, stable (as they can be) jobs right now. We should just be thankful for that. And we are. We’re fortunate that we can pay our mortgage. We’re lucky that we’ve got property to grow our own garden, room for the kids to play, and have privacy that we thought we’d never be able to afford. But, we are 20 hours away from our families and I miss them (and the beach).
There are just some things that are more important in life, and this os one of them.

Home Sweet Home

We are the type of family who doesn’t settle, we follow our dreams and we move forward, never looking back and, because we have each other and that’s all that matters. So, when Michael decided to change careers, I knew that I would do whatever it is to allow him to follow his dreams just like he has done for me.

We closed on this house on a beautiful September day. I remember loving all the orange and red leaves that trickled down the streets. This is a picture from one of the first days here with no furniture. I remember having dinner with our kids on the floor but, we didn’t care, we were soooo happy. I will always remember that night!
Today we put our house on the market and although I am very excited, I am also having mini melt downs a couple times a day as we officially start to leave our 1st Texas home, which is the only home my kids really remember.


Moving is super stressful! There is so much to take care of, let alone change states. Right now I want to share some before and after pictures of the house as I say goodbye to our home. We worked really hard on the house for the short time we lived here. Its fun to look back and see what we started with…….it was a nice home and we made a lot of great memories here but its time to move on to the next chapter in what will probably be a big book, haha!!!!

Stop, Drop, and Roll.....with the changes

My husband is now a certified fighter. It’s amazing how a career change makes a huge difference. Our entire married life has consisted of daddy architect, dressing in shirts and ties, running to meetings, wearing a hard hat, carrying a lap-top, and two blackberry’s on his hip. Now that he is a fire fighter things have changed……
Working out and keeping in shape has become a priority.
Aside form the cool fireman attire, the smoke mixed in with his natural smell takes some getting used to.

HE questions ME about medical things…..ok we won’t go there.
The golf clubs are back!
I think I will love having the bed to myself every third night.
My son can tell the difference between a police siren and a fire siren.
My children have a built in hero.
I have a husband who saves lives, cooks dinner (on the grill), does laundry, and takes time to watch a movie in his pjs with his family.....what more could a girl ask for????
We are so proud of you, Mike :)

Spring is here......finally

I enjoy cold winter days when the house is filled with just enough chill to make us wear socks to bed. I also love having crock pot dinners and hot soup with warm bread. Heating the car everytime we have to leave the house is not so bad anymore but,....thank goodness that spring has finally arrived.

Yesterday during the day was in the 70’s. Last night is was so cool I turned on the heat for a while to warm up the bed. This morning the window is open and it is cool. I have a light jacket and a nice hot cuppa while working at the desk.

I just love it.

And I know when I blog about the weather, it is because I am worrying about things I do not want to discuss. I suppose it is like making conversation about the weather during ackward moments. I hope you have pleasant weather today where ever you are.

My so called intentions.....

•I intend to lose 10 more lbs
•I intend to quit drinking Coke
•I intend to read all lecture readings prior to lecture, like I am supposed to.
•I intend to return to yoga every day and honor myself as well with the study of relaxation.
•I intend to become more mindful and spread more compassion.
•I intend to study more intently than I have other semesters.
•I intend to release myself from past pain and anger from my "former life" that frustrate my current life progress.
•I intend to live my life with more vitality and health!

Make Mine To Go

So there's this big hoopla over studying, reading, or doing your homework at Starbucks. In all my years and as one who loves Starbucks, you might find it hard to believe that I have never studied there before. I certainly wasn't waking up to be there at 5 a.m. (There's not really much that would make me get up at 5 a.m.)
So today, I did it. Word on the street is that Starbucks is the place to be when you want to catch up on your daily news or finish off those last chapters of your current read. I was fortunate enough that I have completed a lot of my nursing courses so, for me, I had a 2 ½ hour lunch break. Since I have a big commute, running home was not an option. I decided to put the Starbucks study ritual to test. I was very surprised at my disappointment.
Here I am, backpack on my shoulder and craving my favorite Grande White Chocolate Mocha.
This particular Starbucks had a cozy setting filled with over sized couches, lamps, and small tables lining the windows. As I stood waiting for my latte, I skimmed the room to notice there was not one empty seat. Well, let me make a correction, there were tables.......outside. There wasn’t many of those left either and the ones that were, had smokers surrounding them.
It’s 11am, don’t you people work????
So, here I stood…latte in one hand and backpack in the other wondering what to do. Wondering how long it would be before a table or huge comfy chair would become I thought I was going to have to leave when, I found an open table. Well, it was one chair by a very small table just big enough to hold my purse and book.
I was determined to have this Starbucks experience so, I took it. As I sat by the large over sized glass windows, I sipped my mocha latte and started reading my latest, The Lovely Bones book. Ahhh, perfect!
Who was I kidding….I couldn't’t concentrate.
There was an interview at the small table next to mine and I could hear every word. I felt sorry for the applicant; her voice was timid as she answered the questions regarding her experience with customer service and her previous work experience.
Not to mention the other college students who I could hear from across the way, they appeared to be quizzing each other for an upcoming test.
Oh, and don’t let me forget to tell you about the guy who had a larger table with four chairs all to himself (with his lap top) watching YouTube videos!!!! I wanted to ask him, if his volume button was broken or if he needed to borrow some earphones.
I just don't get it! Why is it that every time i am in line at Starbucks on my way to one of the kids soccer games or just running errands, I see people in total harmony with their Wall Street Journals or latest Nicholas Sparks book. It always looks so relaxing, I thought as, I packed up my book and took my mocha latte for a walk.
I haven’t given up, I will probably try it again soon.
Today was definitely a to-go day.

Looking Good

I remember getting my first pair of glasses at the age of 12.

I was in 6th grade and the chalkboard at school was never blurry to me. I couldn't sit in the back row and read the board but, I didn't think anything of it. I just figured no one could see from way back there.

I remember like it was yesterday when my mom told me she was taking me to get glasses. I had failed the vision test for my school physical and we were told that I had Myopia (near sightedness), I was mortified. I ate more carrots then I care to remember and even drank V8, hoping to improve my vision before my appointment. But no such luck! I still failed the eye exam.

Then it was time to choose my eye wear and this was 1989 so the choices were horrible!!!! I tried on ALL the frames and hated every single one of them. They all had thick plastic frames in solid colors and didn't have much to choose from regarding the shape. So I ended up with the ones I thought were the nicest. They were huge red plastic frames very similar to Sally Jessy Rafael. I hated them!!!
I found out last month that Naty might need glasses. She's only 8 years old and was eager to get glasses. I didn't get it, she WANTS to wear glasses?! At first I thought she might have failed the vision screening on purpose in order to get them but, as it turns out, she definately needs them. Thank goodness for technology these days, Naty had an array of choices from round shape to square, thick frames or thin, metal or plastic, and Disney or Gucci....it's crazy!!!! I am glad that they were all very stylish and cute because I dreaded my glasses.

So these are the glasses that she chose:

She looks great!

Just Another Manic Monday

I had everything ready for our first day back to school from winter break. The kids clothes was layed out and snacks were packed. The sound of coffee brewing was my morning sountrack. Everything went according to my plan, until it was time to head out the door. Ofcourse, at that time, I realize that someone hasn't brushed their teeth, someone could't find a shoe, and another someone couldn't find their library book.
So instead of being as organized as I so desperatley want to be, today turned out to be another normal chaotic morning.
Lately I feel like it is a crazy chaotic mess, offset by small clusters I have organized in an attempt to regain control. Like a pair of old shoes, it is scuffed. I find myself continually frustrated as I once again step on a Lego, and gather up stray shoes, cups, and make repeated pleas to the girls to pick up after themselves.
But..... it is home.
Finally I get the kids out the door being only a few minutes off schedule, and I sigh in relief.
Today was my busy, manic Monday. Yoga in the morning, followed by grocery shopping, lunch with a friend, and (hopefully) an afternoon nap. Running late was not ann option!
My life is an unpredictable series of comedies in error, incidents of unknown origin, and fly by the seat of my pants parenting.
I am slowly learning to embrace the chaos because it means I have a house full of life, love, and not to mention dirty laundry:)

A New Change

This year is not going to be easy.
After Christmas I start making a list of the things that I need to get done, things I need to change, and things I need to appreciate.

This is what 2010 will be like for us:
Sydney will be entering middle school and I am nervous for her. I am not ready for the middle school drama, hormones, and boys. She is still my little girl.
Naty will get glasses and braces. This year she will go through a dramatic transformation and I don't look forward to her changing smile.
Ethan is starting to lose teeth, this year he will also go through changing face, height, and weight. He will still play sports but, he will start hockey soon!
Mike will become a fireman. He will work long hours and we will miss having him home every night. I am proud of him for making the career change in order to support his family but, it also makes me scared.
This year I will become a nurse. The lives of many will rest in my hands and depend on my knowledge. I will have finally reached the goal I have worked so hard for.

I have realized that I have so much to get done, appreciate, and change.With every new year I set new goals, new dreams, leave the anger, hope for better, lose the drama, and cherish my loved ones but, I have made it my priority to make sure this BUSY year will bea great one!!!!
Happy New Year!