You just might be addicted to Pinterest if......

1. Your grocery list is created from recipes you have pinned on Pinterest.

2. You have told at least 5 people about your latest Pinterest project!

3. Your husband now asks after you make something fabulous for dinner or dessert – did you find this on Pinterest?

4. You wrestle 3 kidsinto Hobby Lobby just to get that much needed yarn for your latest pinterest project.

5. Pinterest makes you secretly feel crafty. You say to yourself “I can make that too”
6. You have yet to make your Christmas cards because you are too busy pinning the ideas on how to make them…….

7. A day hasn’t gone by in the last week without mentioning the word Pinterest.
8. Pinterest has cost you more money than you care to admit
9. Your non-Pinterest friends look at you like you are a freak when you talk about your latest “food in a jar” find.

10. My Fave: The computers at work have blocked the pinterest site from ALL computers…..yikes!

Happy Pining everyone!

ponchos, flashlights, and kids.....oh my!

It’s noon on Sunday, and I am currently packing to chaperone Naty’s fifth-grade class trip to Sky Ranch. We leave tomorrow morning for a 3day/2 night camping and learning adventure. Naty is so excited, and I am too! I am normally an over-packer, and it makes it even tougher trying to anticipate odd things the kids might need during the trip. So far I have garbage bags, ponchos, wipes, hand sanitizer, Band-Aids, sunscreen, pens, plastic bags in case clothes get wet somehow ……I’m still thinking. I always feel like I will forget to pack something.
The first thing that I packed was my travel coffee mug, we were told in our chaperone meeting that they would have caffeine available...all day long. YEAH!
I am one of twenty chaperones going with the class so we’re only responsible for about five kids each but you still feel stress taking care of someone else’s child while trying to keep drama under control and make sure everyone has a great time. This will be an adventure for us both.
I’ve chaperoned this camping trip when Sydney was in fifth grade too. We had a lot of fun: fishing, smore making, zip-lining, and hiking. It’s definitely an activity filled three days. It’s a great way to spend a few days with your classmates before starting middle school and veering in different directions.
I am glad that schools still think it’s important to allocate funds to take the kids on this type of overnight trip. It’s something Texas fifth graders look forward to all of their elementary years, they all feel like BIG stuff, and I know they will learn a lot and make great memories.

My NCLEX experience

I won’t write about the days leading up to NCLEX as they can be described in one word: INSANE.
So, I arrived early to the testing facility. When I arrived on the eighth floor, the door to the testing center was locked and had a sign that said please wait for a representative to open the doors at 7:25.
I immediately starting speaking to another person waiting to take her exam. She was taking a pharmacy tech exam and was also just as nervous as I was. Except when I am nervous, I can’t stop talking…and because I left my phone in the car, this poor pharmacy girl was my victim. I learned many things about her: where she lived, went to school, kids, everything…….but, should have known by her short answers that I maybe I should maybe leave her alone…..I didn’t.
I was trying to get my mind at ease before they opened the doors to the testing center and this poor girl amused me.
Finally 7:30am the doors opened and we were asked to get a number and wait for our number to be called. I jumped at number 1, I can’t wait any longer than I already have to. There was a lady seated attentively and upright behind a desk. She looked up at me as I entered and sat. After I'd arranged myself in the chair, she called ‘number one please”.
Yes, I explained, that’s me.
She asked me what exam I was here to take, and I felt the tears welling up as I said, I am here to take my NCLEX exam.
"Your authorization to test and ID, please."
"Empty your pockets, take off your watch, and leave everything in this basket, grab a locker and keep the locker key with you. Please take this paper and read it. I will call you in a few minutes."
She was a very formal business woman, whose tone was as crisp as her pristine ironed shirt.
I sat and tried to read the paper regarding NCLEX exam policies and violations when I touched the cross pendant on my necklace (to say a little prayer) and my necklace broke. As I held the small crucifix in my hand I thought to myself - oh no, this is not a good sign. I’ve never worn this necklace before and the cross pendant was a graduation gift also not worn yet. I asked and was told that I was not allowed to carry my necklace in my pocket, I had to lock it up with the rest of my things (which consisted of a water bottle and set of keys), so I did.
When the woman was ready for me, I had to sign my name, let her finger print me, scan my palm 5 times, get my photo taken, sign my name again, lock up my things, on and on and on. Finally she gathered my papers, scanned my finger one last time, and walked with me two steps into the hallway.
There was a woman seated in the monitoring station, watching the test takers. Though calling it a monitoring station is a kind of visual understatement. Her station looked upon so many screens. She informed me that I would be monitored at ALL times by video and speaker. Yep, they can hear you breathe as you take your exam! WOW!
She took my ID as well, scanned my fingerprint, activated my test in the computer, and escorted me inside to my terminal. I noted that I was seated at computer #8, right smack dab in the middle of the room. I guess that’s what I get for grabbing that #1 ticket.
When the test finally began, it looked exactly like the review books describe them. I didn't feel nervous at that time. I felt like I had a really good chance.
Until I got terrified…..
I felt the exam was very difficult and then it cut off at 75. What? NO! I'm not done, I need more time. I was already crying so the tears just continued to flow. I had to raise my quivering hand to inform the lady that I was finished and to be escorted out and she scanned my fingerprint and palm again so I could leave.
I cried all the way to my car, I called hubby…no answer. Called my sister…no answer. called parents…..no answer. Called friends….no answer. ughhh. I needed to vent, where is everybody?
I checked the testing website and for some strange reason, my results had posted….I PASSED!
So, I cried even more.
I called a classmate/friend and we laughed and shared stories all the way home. She made me feel so much better. Thank you, Mispa!
Oh, and my broken necklace….it was a sign….a good one. That the Lord was with me that day like I asked him to and he was going to get me through this!
Studying nursing has been good for me in so many ways, I've grown past anxieties and gained a measure of self-confidence. The changes were subtle and slow, but when I look back, I'm amazed at how far I've come.
Finding a path in life that both complements and challenges you is a gift. In this crazy world, I was lucky that my ambition in life actually worked for me. I have shaped my character and strengthened my identity. Of course, it was tedious and downright depressing.
But here I am now, with a degree and initials after my name. After all of it... after everything... I made it.

TGIF

Every Friday, no matter how hectic or stressful the week has been, my family has a tradition to celebrate the weekend’s start. I crack open a bottle of wine and we all roll up our sleeves in the kitchen. Everyone likes homemade pizza: I make/buy fresh dough for the pizza crust, and my husband chops, sautés, and grates the toppings and, the kids have fun making their own special pizzas.
On good weeks I’d make home-made sauce and we have fresh mozzarella. But, over the last year it went from rolling dough to buying premade pizza dough to getting the entire pizza delivered, hot n’ ready. But, when we then sit down to eat, either at the dining table, or on the porch, it’s our family time that matters. So, none the less, our tradition is still alive. It’s a great start to the weekend.
This little tradition of ours isn’t complex or costly, and it takes no advanced planning. It's just something we all look forward to, and it’s become a little something that says “home” to us.

I'm Pinned

I consider myself to be crafty. I am a whiz at sewing, I can paint, scrapbook, photograph, I make cards and paper crafts, I cook, bake, decorate and design......yep, I'm one crafty mom.

But, there are times when I just lose that creative juice inside of me and I sit in my craft room and am truly stumped! I don't like those moments at all. This is not supposed to happen to a crafty person, right? Well, it does! and with my busy schedule lately, I have these crazy un-crafty moments, more and more.

Well, I have a feeling things may be a little different from now on.....thanks to Pinterest.

Pinterest is my inspiration, when mine is lost. When I want to relax or enjoy some me time, I turn on my computer or pick up my phone and navigate my way to Pinterest. I browse boards to see what random people from across the world are pinning. I go through my own boards to feel inspired and see what things have caught my eye in past months.

I have boards for every aspect of my life- recipes, decorating, holiday and gift ideas, art projects to try with my littles, and even an entire board dedicated to outfits. One day I hope to have my home entirely remodeled like the pins I have on Pinterest.

I think that Pinterest will help me not lose my creative brain the next time I am pregnant. Hopefully, the boards that I have worked so hard to create will inspire me and keep my crafty mom side working despite what my busy life brings.

Time after time....

I have what I think could be considered an “obsessive personality.” I know it, I recognize it and….I it. It’s what brings out spontaneity in me, what drives me to push myself beyond the norm, it’s what gets me out of the rut that we all fall into. It’s why I started and continued house projects. It’s why I write and blog. It’s why I scrapbook. Why my house is so organized. And more importantly why I am the mother that I have become. Ever since having kids, I find time slips through my fingers faster than it ever did. 
I love and appreciate all the relationships in my life but I admit, I’m not always present to those around me. Maybe it’s part of my personality to ponder, reflect and contemplate about life. Sometimes I forget that everyday life has its own richness of taste, feel and touch. When I let myself be in touch with my kids, is when I see their imagination taking them to far-off places. They’re writing plays with their friends, talking with each other about what they’re wearing, how they’re getting to school, family vacations, and what spend their allowances on. Through plenty of trial and error, I discovered something to be managed through choosing the right priorities for myself and my family….TIME.

Time is such a valuable gift. What we do with it is a gift to those around us. When one parent works 12 hour shifts and each kid has their own activities, time together can be an issue. But, I have not let that be an excuse. I have to say that thru all these stressful months of nursing school, moving, and soccer schedules, we have managed to have dinner together every evening. I’m grateful for my family and for the time I can spend with our kids now when they’re still young. Like many wise women tell me, they’re this young only once. Treasure these moments.
 My family and spiritual life are my highest priorities. I still have dreams and aspirations, and sometimes they take me to far-off places, taking more time than I’d like. Thankfully, the people in my everyday life keep me grounded.

Candy Corn Cookies

I found this recipe for these super cute cookies.
I'm planning on making them for our Halloween party.
Hope you enjoy the recipe!

1 pouch (1 lb 1.5 oz) Betty Crocker® sugar cookie mix
1/3 cup butter or margarine, melted
1 egg
Orange paste food color
2 oz semisweet chocolate, melted, cooled

1. Line 8x4-inch loaf pan with waxed paper, extending paper over sides of pan. In medium bowl, stir cookie mix, butter and egg until soft dough forms.
2. On work surface, place 3/4 cup dough. Knead desired amount of food color into dough until color is uniform. Press dough evenly in bottom of pan.
3. Divide remaining dough in half. Gently press one half of remaining dough into pan on top of orange dough. On work surface, knead chocolate into remaining dough until color is uniform. Press over plain dough in pan, pressing gently to edge of pan. Refrigerate 1 1/2 to 2 hours or until firm.
4. Heat oven to 375°F. Remove dough from pan. Cut crosswise into 1/4-inch-thick slices. Cut each slice into 5 wedges. On ungreased cookie sheet, place wedges 1 inch apart.
5. Bake 7 to 9 minutes or until cookies are set and edges are very light golden brown. Cool 1 minute; remove from cookie sheet. Cool completely. Store in tightly covered container.
Makes About 9 1/2 dozen cookies

Fall is here...finally

Today was the first day of fall. Not technically, but for me, it's that first time you wake up with a little chill and feel the urge to put your socks on as soon as you get out of bed. It's the first day you can turn off your AC and open all the windows.

I love it, knowing that there are no more 100+ degree days in my near future and that there will be a good solid month and a half of my favorite weather before it turns into those winter gloomy days.

There are so many things to love about fall... kids soccer games, the leaves changing, sweaters, hay rides, pumpkin picking, open windows and hot apple cider.

One of my absolute favorite things about fall is the use that I will get out of my crock pot and the pumpkin spice latte that will greet me every morning. I'm so glad it is finally here.

HAPPY FALL!

The night shift

Lots of people don't like working night shifts. It makes you nocturnal, you miss out everything because you're comatose in bed, and sometimes people mistake your pasty skin for really bad makeup. For me, it’s a love/hate relationship.

I love the night shift staff, I love the ability to sleep in until 11am and get away with it on any given day.

There are, however, some things that make me wonder if I'm a little bit jacked in the head from working all these nights. Like this morning. I came home after 2 nights in a row of night shifts (after being on days for over a year), and was seriously craving for some waffles. I was so tired and really want to go to bed...but those waffles needed to come first.

There I was, standing at the counter with my toaster oven trying to stay awake. I’m still in my scrubs, I need to shower…. I really should...I could...but I don't.

Finally, my waffles are done, I sit on the couch, put on last nights’ Real Housewives of New Jersey, and begin to chow. I don’t care that I still have my scrubs on nor do I care about what could be on them after a 12 hour shift in Labor & Delivery! I was hungry and tired.
I don’t even know at what point I fell asleep but I was awakened by the sound of the garbage trucks taking my trash.
And guess what? Yep, my lovely waffles are now stuck in my hair, on my face, and on my beautiful 12 hour worn scrubs. Somehow I managed to keep it from getting on the couch, what a relief!
It’s not until I look in the mirror and laugh, that I shrug my shoulders, throw my arms in the air and say whatever!
I'm full, ten minutes from a carb coma, gotta work again tonight, and I'm going to bed.

I love/hate night shift.

Foolish Pride

In the 12 years that I have been a mother, I've learned a lot about myself. I have discovered both good and bad characteristics. And while it may be hard to recognize my own flaws sometimes, it’s necessary for personal growth. How do you have a relationship with anyone, including yourself, if you cannot take responsibility for your wrong doings? This is precisely the problem I am struggle with sometimes……
I am stubborn when it comes to admitting when I'm wrong. I am the type of person that justifies my every action. After realizing this, I immediately get upset thinking about the many altercations I could have avoided if I had just apologized.
I realize that no one is perfect. No matter how much I try to be a good person and how good my intentions are, I am going to make mistakes. I need to embrace my mistakes and own up to them. I have to learn that my mistakes made me who I am today and will continue to mold me into the person I will become.
So, from this day forward, I will try my best to let go of my pride and humble myself because making errors and being in the wrong isn't necessarily a bad thing.
It, at times, can be a learning experience that can change me for the better.

Tassels to The Left......

I knew that my nursing degree, would be my most valued and hardest earned. During school, I worried a lot about working and going to school full time, and that I would miss out on time with my kids. I realize now that they were totally ready for whatever sacrifices they had to make. They wanted to see me in a job and career I liked. And as they approach college, it wasn't the worst thing in the world for them to see me getting a degree, and to see that sometimes you have to keep trying even when things don't go perfectly.
That middle shelf of books, has been my life for the past two years. Well, not completely.....I must say, the friends I made in the classroom and in clinicals were too. They will be lifetime friends. We will be following one another's career progress, and will definitely cross paths again.
These people who I studied with, commiserated with, cried with, sweated test scores with, people who came from every background and every age: we are forever bonded by this experience.
Those early red-eyed mornings, when coffee was just not doing the trick, another mess in the patients bed to clean, days we really missed our children, or those days when we felt like we did not know what the heck we were doing.....we got each other thru those crazy days! The best of times will be remembered too......the first time seeing a live birth, group lunches, squiggly neck hairs, getting all your meds administered on time......those are some good times.
But, as we say goodbye to the classroom, we open the door to a new life......can you believe we are nurses?!!!!
We all felt like this day would never get here and here we are!
CONGRATULATIONS, my dear classmates.....we made it!
I wish you luck in everything you do and wherever life takes you.

My cup runneth over

I am overwhelmed with emotions right now and I am going to attempt to put them into words so, here goes......

Yesterday, we felt the wonderful effects of a cold front that is traveling thru the north. And in the midst of the wonderful weather; last night my husband, kids, and friends hosted a congratulatory celebration in our neighborhood park for me. It was so nice to drive through my neighborhood and see people just casually enjoying the beautiful evening and also giving me hugs, presents, and congratulations. It is wonderful to know that I am surrounded by such caring people.

I didn't say very much because I knew I would cry. But I want to share what I wanted to say last night:

The last year has been the most difficult year of my life. At a time in my life when my cup seems to have so many holes in it, people around me just kept coming forward and pouring and pouring to fill it back up, when I felt at a loss. There were so many times that I wondered why I was in school so late in life. I know that it was my decision to start a family early and although I really enjoy being a mother, I felt the need to accomplish my life long goal of becoming a nurse. And I have painfully missed soccer games, school activities and birthday parties that I can never take back. Ours lives are filled with so many hard decisions these days. The emotional weight of it all has been wearing us down, but we can keep putting one foot in front of the other because we are surrounded by such loving friends and family.
Mike, kids, family, and friends: I have survived this year because of all of you. Thank you' doesn't seem like enough but I mean it from the bottom of my heart.

I don't know what I ever did to be worthy of such an outpouring of affection but it sustains me.

Thank you.

Hello: My Name is ROOM MOM

Tonight was meet the teacher night at the elementary school and I must have been in a deep fog from lack of sleep or something because before I knew what I was doing…..I was trying on PTA t-shirts, signing up for parties, and writing out a check…..to volunteer my free time ALL year long!

It hit me when I was discussing cookie dough sales with anther PTA mom, that I must have been suffering from temporary insanity. It’s going to be comical to watch myself juggle working full time, taking my kids to practice, cooking dinner from scratch, helping with homework, and keeping my house clean & organized….and what about all the ME time I have been looking forward to all summer???
Oh, crap!

Unintentional Pity Party

I want to take this moment to thank everyone for your kind words, texts, and emails yesterday.
I didn't write yesterdays post to throw myself a pity party. I was just trying to blow off some steam (virtually) and be honest about the struggles I was having at the moment.
I consider myself blessed in many ways but, in no way is my life perfect, nor do I pretend it to be. Yesterday was an off day for sure. And, I think I was really more tired than anything else.
Venting gives me peace. Some days I surf blogs to see if any one else is going through whatever it is I'm dealing with at that time....and I always find someone who writes and makes me think......wow, she is totally blogging about my life right now!!!! And in a weird way, it makes me feel better to know that in certain situations, I am not alone....... then I laugh, cry, laugh (its a vicious cycle) and finally I feel better.
So, I'm hoping that yesterdays drama helped someone or at least made them laugh because I'm laughing about it now.
But to everyone who gave such kind words to me yesterday, you really made my day:)
Thank You!

Need to vent, just a little

I normally don't do this but, sometimes it's just down right necessary! I'm human and I have a breaking point and react in ways I normally wouldn't......... hence, airing my dirty laundry via blogger. But, this will be the only and last time, I promise because I am bigger and better than this. So, here goes........

Some people don't know the truth and spread lies they heard from others. Others don't know the truth but, they promote misquided and faulty information......the worst thing you can do is lie to me or about me. Please don't do it, it just makes you look like a fool.

Always remember Proverbs 19:9

There, all done!!! Now, back to the old me :]

Senioritis

I’m sitting here, in my last weeks of nursing school.......studying those last few chapters and having a really hard time concentrating.With graduation right around the corner, I almost wish I felt more excited about it but really, I am so over it!This must be what senioritis feels like. The senioritis that I thought I would never have.I still have so many chapters to cover but, right now all I want to do is sit and read a book or watch a good movie.Well, I actually am watching a movie while typing this, and trying to study- which probably isn’t the best combination.I think my brain has officially checked out…..

Friendship

I went out today to find a friend, but could not find one
So the next day, I went out to BE a friend, and friends were everywhere!
~author unknown

Some other beginnings end......

The first day of school for me, is one of the most exciting days of the year, especially as a child. There's was always a breezy excitement in the air. There’s a smell that I can’t quite pinpoint, I think it’s a mix of pink erasers, sharpened pencils, and new backpacks, that used to hit all my senses and made it that much more exciting.  
It sounds cheesy, but I actually got very nostalgic. That excitement came rushing back as I was pulling out my last syllabus of nursing school. I've waited a long time for this day. From this point on it’s the final count down.
This is itl…..the end of the nursing school road. Best of luck to everyone this semester, whether it’s your first or last – we’re all on this road together.
 

oh, lemons!

Today is the first day we have felt the warmth of the sun in weeks. I thought I was over reacting when I pulled out the winter storage bins and started putting away our sweaters and gloves but, the kids had their own way of saying goodbye to winter.

Somehow, the kids got the idea to do the traditional '

kid thing' yep, a lemonade stand. Far it be from me to deny

my kids creativity but, I knew that this was going to involve me in ways that I did not want to be involved.

I could be doing a dozen other things like: laundry, reading, or taking a nap. Am I not the worst mother? Don't get me wrong, I love spending time with my children but, that's also why we had three, so that can keep each other company...geez! WEll, I decided I would help them. I pulled out those Otis Spunk Meyer fundraiser frozen cookie dough and started to bake. And I made Kool-Aid lemonade with real slices of lemons inside so that it looked more home made. Unfortunately for our little entrepreneurs, we live on a low traffic street but, before long, the neighbors were out and did the neighborly thing...they bought cookies and lemonade. It was really sweet to watch the kids sell their hearts out and have a great time with their friends. And they even made a little profit :)

Snow worth it

Weird, unacceptable things have been happening around here as of late Monday evening. After the big ice storm, schools shut down for four days. By Friday at noon, I was getting a little stir crazy.

As I pondered thru the house I couldn’t come up with any good reasons to leave the house.

The refrigerator was full of enough groceries to last thru the weekend and the news keeps showing cars stranded on the side of the road but, I wanted to get out just for a moment. Just to get a change of scenery. But, still no good reason to leave the house until…..I went to make some coffee and noticed that I was out. Now, THAT is a good reason to get out.

So, instead of fighting the crowds at the grocery store for instant coffee grounds I decided to venture out for a venti anything. I was ready to drive up to a window and let someone wait on me for a change, especially a Starbucks!

But, when I finally made it there…..I was shocked to find that they were closed! And I could not believe it.

I sat there for a moment, wondering if I should attempt another Starbucks (there is one just down the road) but I decided not to. I almost hit the grocery store when I looked over and saw the really full parking lot. Nope, I don’t do busy grocery stores. It’s one of the few things have little patience for. Instead I just headed back home. Empty handed. BIG SIGH!

As I headed down the street (at 15 mph), I couldn’t help but notice how beautiful everything looked. The sparkling sheets of white snow and the laughter of kids sledding and playing in surrounding neighborhoods filled my view and I couldn’t help but smile, especially when I reached in my purse and found a package of Starbucks VIA instant coffee……ahhh, it what worth getting out.

A letter for my kids: an apology

Dear Sydney, Naty, & Ethan,
Yes, I could have continued to just ‘stay at home’ but this family has one thing that many families don't: the eagerness to accomplish anything we set our minds to. When I got accepted into nursing school, love & support is the very least that I received from you all. This last year has been full of sacrifices from everyone around me, mostly you. At times I felt as though I was the only one going through the rocky times so, I just want you to know that I take full responsibility for the bumps in the road and promise to get things back t normal (if there is such a thing!)
I’m sorry for the mornings I wasn’t there to make your lunch and kiss you goodbye in front of the school. I’m sorry for the dinner plans that rotated around McDonalds or Chik-fil-a. I’m sorry for the mornings you woke me up instead of the other way around. I’m sorry for the last-minute book reports and projects that were forgotten. I’m sorry for the field trips and competitions and sports days that I wasn’t there to be a part of and to cheer you on. I’m sorry for the cupcakes I couldn’t bring, the cookies I didn’t bake and the class parties I couldn’t make. I’m sorry for the times I bought gifts to keep you busy instead of spending the time with you that I should have. I’m sorry for the times I yelled or snapped at you for minor things. I’m sorry that I projected my anger and frustration onto you way too many times. I’m sorry I couldn’t be the mother I should have been over these past months, that I had to focus so much of my attention school and exams. I hope you know that although it might have felt differently, I love you all more than anything in the world. I am thankful every day for the privilege of being your mother and I could not have gotten more perfect children. I pray that someday you will understand what happened during this time and that you will be forgiving of the many upsets and mistakes that were made. Mostly, I just pray that you always know how much you are loved.
I will make it up to you, that I can promise you.
Love,
Mommy, RN