I talk so all the time

Hello Kidney.

2012-01-25T06:29:00.001-05:00

I posted this pic that I found on facebook yesterday, for all my co workers, and my friend said we should make it a shirt for work. I think we should make it a shirt for our transplant pts. How cute would that be. Here's a new kidney. And an uber cute shirt. haha.

I'm exhausted.

2012-01-24T17:44:00.002-05:00

I feel like all I complain about is how tired I am. Even when I'm not. It's just habit. It's rare that I'm not exhausted. Tired. Wiped. Run-down. Over-tired. Burned out. I don't sleep. It is rare that I get more than 2 hours of uninterrupted sleep. Esp. during the 6 days a week that I sleep during the day. Regardless of the amounts of Benadryl and Melatonin, I can't sleep. I try sleeping without the help of sleep aids. Nothing works. I don't get it.

Between the Benadryl and the NSAIDs for my headaches, I pray my kidneys don't turn against me.

With the Benadryl, I'll sleep for a good 2 maaaaybe 3 hours then toss and turn the rest of the day. With Melatonin, I get a good 2 hours, then that's it. I'm wide awake until about 3 pm, then I fall asleep, only to have to get up at 330pm. Go figure.

I sleep the best from 5pm-930pm. Which is awesome for when I work my 8's and go in at 11pm. On my nights off, however, I am exhausted by the time my husband walks in the door, and I head to bed before my kids, and am wide awake by 11pm, then up all night. Yay for working night shift and having a screwed up sleep schedule.

I can't blame it on work. I've never been able to sleep. My friend's mom has told me multiple times since I was a teenager that I was "born tired". She's not far off. haha.

I'm hoping I'll sleep well tonight ::looks at clock, counting down until the husband walks in the door::. I've been up since last night, and I am running on my 3 hours of sleep a day since last Thursday.

P.S. It's my husband's birthday. It's going to go something like this, unfortunately, "Happy Birthday. I love you. Goodnight." I'll make it up to him. I'll make a cake. Someday. When I'm not exhausted.

2012-01-22T18:45:00.001-05:00

Word of the day: Irked.

Field Test: Serengeti Lions - Photo Gallery - Pictures, More From National Geographic Magazine

2012-01-19T10:08:00.000-05:00

Field Test: Serengeti Lions - Photo Gallery - Pictures, More From National Geographic Magazine

I could (and have) spent all day exploring the National Geographic website.

Photo of the Day: Best Pictures of December 2011, Gallery - National Geographic

2012-01-19T09:11:00.000-05:00

Photo of the Day: Best Pictures of December 2011, Gallery - National Geographic

22 degree's out? Perfect bike riding weather!

2012-01-19T08:35:00.001-05:00

Gracelyn decided that because all the snow had melted-ish yesterday, it was perfect Bike Riding weather. Despite the fact that it was 22 degree's out. Madalyn's always good for anything. So, after we got home from daycare, outside we went.

Of course, Georgie is always along for the ride.

Steering? Not so much.

Gracelyn Marie.

Gracelyn was teaching Madalyn how to play the leapster, while she played on my NookColor.

Homeschool, Schomeschool.

2012-01-18T16:33:00.000-05:00

This is how I feel sometimes (often) while home-schooling. Gracelyn can be so stubborn, she is difficult, and she sometimes flat out refuses to do anything. Not to mention, I am usually sleep deprived from my awful night/day sleep schedule. I am impatient, I am frustrated. It is hard. I feel like she isn't getting what she should from home schooling. I don't have time for co-ops, and LEAH groups. Granted, she does get a lot of social interaction between my mom (who home-schools my little sister) and our daycare, who both participate in Co-ops and Bible School and the such, but I feel like I'm not doing enough. I feel like a home-schooling failure. I want to quit. Throw the towel in. But, that isn't my style. So, we continue on.

If I was optimistic (which I never am) I would say that I would continue to homeschool her next year, but I don't see how I could possibly have the patience to do it, while maintaining my sanity. On the upside, we do have days when I feel like we accomplish a lot, that I have really taught her something, and that she listens to me and absorbs what I say. Those days are few and far between, though.

Our schedule is very random. I think this is part of the reason why I feel like a home-school parenting failure. I teach her whenever. Wherever. I work nights, so sometimes I pick them up from daycare early, or stay up on a weekend and teach her. I find this hard, as my tolerance level is a lot lower and one or both of us end up in tears, so I don't do it as often, anymore. Mostly, I teach on my days off. Well, my second day off. My first day off isn't a "day off", since I don't get home til 8am-ish that day. However, I rarely have two days off in a row, due to working overtime. Which helps us financially, but not her educationally. We will do a page out of a workbook here and there; before bed, while I'm making dinner, in the few minutes before I run out the door to work. I quiz her on spelling words in the car, she reads to me, we count in the car. We just sort of wing-it. She is caught up-ish as to where she "should" be in the book, but I feel it isn't "quality" education. I need to do better. It is so frustrating.

In the fall our private daycare is closing. She home-schools her four children and has run a full-time daycare for years-I don't blame her. Frankly, I have no idea how she does it, she is super-woman, all rolled up into a Christian, home-schooling, daycare running Mother. I envy her and her patience.

Which leads to the conundrum. Do I find another full-time daycare, and continue to homeschool? Do we move closer to my parents, but further from both our jobs? Do we send them to a private Christian school around here, but then what if we move this year, will my husband want to/have time to drive them to school? And Madalyn will only be 4 next month, we'd have to send her to the full-time preschool. How will she do away from us, and without Gracelyn? If we send them to school, we would still need a daycare for snow days, holidays, summer, ect. How will I do without them being at the trusted/reliable daycare? With them being in separate classes? In a foreign environment? With me wondering if they are sad and/or missing me? With not being able to text and see how they are doing? Not being able to pick them up whenever I wanted? Will I ever be able to find a daycare as trustworthy/reliable as ours, now? Can I find the patience to continue to homeschool, should we find a reliable daycare? It is all very stressful. I have procrastinated on figuring it out. It gives me a headache.

My husband wants them to go to school, he is not all for home-schooling like I am/want to be.

I want to start back to school soon. I want to go straight from RN to Masters. It's going to be very tedious, I imagine. I can barely hold myself together enough to teach Gracelyn now, with working full-time and then the overtime I pick up, let alone, adding a full curriculum to my schedule. Should I hold back on school, and continue to home-school? Do I have the patience for it? Can I find the patience for it?

Another issue with my pushing back my start date for school is the fact that I want to get my NP license. However, sometime in the future, 2013- 2015ish, they are making all Nurse Practitioners get a PhD in nursing. If I wanted to be a PhD, I would be a doctor. I have to start the program before that goes into effect, to be grandfathered in, I believe.

Man. I miss the days when my biggest stressor was where to sit in the lunchroom.

Another Silver, RN?!

2012-01-18T13:49:00.001-05:00

Just found out that Upstate just hired a male nurse named Silver. I am speechless. I prided myself on being the only one.

Thoughts from a six year old.

2012-01-18T09:45:00.001-05:00

"Mom, it was a black man's birthday yesterday". --Gracelyn.
"Yes, Martin Luther King".
"He is famous, but I still think Jesus is more famous".

What a little smarty pants. The way she puts things together, and the things she comes up with fascinate me.

News and Coffee

2012-01-18T06:40:00.001-05:00

This seems so simple. News and Coffee. However, that is what I miss the most, working nights. It seems wrong to drink coffee all night. I want to wake up in the morning, when it's still dark, and drink my coffee and watch (or read) the news before the girls get up.

Instead, I come home at 8am-ish, go to bed (while craving my coffee) wake up around 3ish, (pending I sleep), go get the girls come home gulp down my coffee and go to work.

Coffee should be savored.

Not gulped in-between med passes, or while doing assessments on the computer. Coffee should be enjoyed while doing absolutely nothing, except watching/reading the news, and of course, while doing internet-y things.

Yahoo News. You. You have thoroughly disappointed me. Paula Dean having diabetes. Really? While it is somewhat interesting-- it is not news worthy. Some movie star having twins is not news worthy. Dear Abby, is not news worthy. Everything you call "News", while some of it may be interesting, is not News. It is something I would read at the checkout line in a grocery store on "OK" magazine. Or, whatever magazine is now popular.

Please, think up some decent articles. I am going back to my News Channel 9.

Starting my day, with coffee in hand, and heading to my Nurse Residency.

“You will never be happy if you continue to search for what happiness consists of. You will never live if you are looking for the meaning of life.”

2012-01-17T12:43:00.000-05:00

"No one will ever know the strength of my love for you; after all, you're the only ones who know what my heart sounds like from the inside"--Author Unknown

2012-01-17T10:28:00.000-05:00

2012-01-17T09:52:00.002-05:00

"A daughter is just a little girl that grows up to be a friend".

2012-01-17T09:18:00.000-05:00

Madalyn is so proud of putting together her Princess puzzle!

Gracelyn Marie.

These decorate my walls. (Among many others).

Helping Mommy make cupcakes.

Drink break.

Proud of her Build A Bear Owl, Strawberry, and her new winter gear.

Eating the finished product.

Playing the kinect.

"Prayer is less about changing the world...and more about changing ourselves".

I love when they get along!

Madalyn and her entourage. In a babydoll stroller.

She is growing up so fast.

My Diva's. <3

She always rocks the upside down sunglasses. It's her thing.

Picnic time!

Group Picnic!

I <3 Madalyn's huge grin in this pic!

My list of things.

2012-01-14T13:00:00.000-05:00

Lindsey Stirling. Love her.

The 5 Browns. I saw them live. Be jealous.

Herb Alpert. He still rocks.

--I can remember my dad and I listening to him when I was little. I love that my dad has always encouraged my love of music.

Music Man. 76 Trombones. End of story.

Oklahoma. Possibly, one of my favorite musicals. Altho, every time I am reminded of one, I remember how THAT one is my most favorite. Whether I saw it with my band, or played it in the pitband, or in concert band/jazz band/marching band, I have yet to come across a musical/piece of music I have not loved, or memorized most the lyrics to.

Ragtime. Chicago.

Moulin Rouge. My FAVORITE musical. EVER. I know I said this about "Oklahoma", but this is my favorite. Hands down. It's a category all its own. Period. I have watched it a million times. I have memorized every word to every scene. I have the soundtrack. In high school, on the way to school/work, my friend (equally as band geeky) would sing (loudly/badly) to all the songs.

Gone with the Wind. My favorite everything. My favorite movie. My favorite book. My favorite everything. I have watched this as much, if not more, than Moulin Rouge.

Elton John. I <3 him. I have his greatest hits collection. Which I remember blaring and singing loudly/badly in the beautiful warm weather the year I lived in Florida.

Billy Joel. Another of my great loves.

Angela's Ashes. Love this book. Not real sure why. I have a few more by this author, and his siblings, but they remain in my stack of books that is growing taller by the day. Added on to my NookColor book collection, which seems to be growing faster than I can read.

Friends. I'll admit it. I have watched every episode, a million times. I own every episode on dvd. I counted down to the final episode of this show. I crawled into bed with my best friend, and we cried when it ended. We were pathetic. However, it will always be my favorite show, and I will not be afraid to admit it. I still chose to watch re-runs of this show over any others.

Gwande. Excellent reads. If only I had time to read the more of his books that I have already started.

Summer Sisters. SSVA. A book I worshiped. My best friend/Summer Sister and I read this book. We thought we lived this book. It was everything to us.

Go ask Alice. Another book my friends and I poured over. Spent our time in lunch reading. (Yes, we were THAT group).

Candide. First discovered this book in school, when we learned about Voltair in Global Studies. Bought a used french/english version of the book. Now own it on my Nook. It's a must read.

As I lay Dying. William Faulkner. My mother is a fish. Another book I read in high school, loved and still love today. One of my favorite things has always been to read the 'classic' writers. Or, pretty much, anyone not still alive today.

Beowulf. Read this in one of the many lit. classes I took. I spent hours reading the many poems/stories, many that weren't required.

Auschwitz. An interesting view of concentration camps from a doctors point of view. Very good read.

Salmon Rushdie. A fun read.

Slaughter-house five. One of the many I am halfway thru.

The Front Porch Prophet. The title intrigued me. So, I am reading it on my NookColor.

Ray Bradbury. Farhenheit 451. Heart this book.

Animal Farm. 1984. Other great reads.

I Used to Know That. Best Free Friday book I could ever acquire on my Nook. Buy it. It's worth it.

I could list every book that I have ever loved. But, I will spare you. This list could go on for days. Every book I have ever read, I truly believe, has impacted me in some way. Even if just for a few months, a few days, a few moments.

This started off as my posting about Lindsey Stirling, because I discovered her a few months ago, and I love her. Then I remembered that I also love The 5 Browns, and had never posted about taking my Dad to see them for his birthday. Then I remembered about Herb Alpert because I was thinking about my dad, then thinking of trumpets, obviously would lead to trombones, which of course could only lead to one thing--76 Trombones in the Marching band-- which led to me thinking about music in general, then books-which I love second to music, and so it goes. Kind of like my favorite book as a child,

appropriately edited by my Grandmother. :-)

Asthma

2012-01-14T12:19:00.001-05:00

Well, Gracelyn has officially received the diagnosis of Asthma- exercise induced, cough variant asthma, (which, ironically, is the exact same kind of Asthma that her cousin has)Hence, all the coughing she does when she gets running around, upset, excited or has a cold. We've been trying to manage this coughing for years, (singulair when she was a year old when symptoms first started-then down to Claritin for the last 5 years-which managed it decently most of the time). I had been (what I thought was pro-active), and taken her to the Dr's to start being a little more aggressive about it, as her coughing was starting to get out of control with this latest season. Not pro-active enough, apparently as my husband ended up taking her to the ED (where I conveniently met him, since I was working) d/t her uncontrolled coughing. 6 hours, an albuterol treatment, and a diagnosis of Asthma later, Gracelyn and I were home. Then off to the Ped's office with her on one hour of sleep, and myself on none since the previous morning. That was a fun trip, let me tell you.
She is now continuing her Claritin, back on the Singulair, on Flovent twice a day, and Albuterol as needed (the 'as needed' seems to be decreasing, slowly, thank God). Oh, and Amoxicillan for her ear infection that we discovered was "cooking".

I also learned overnight, while picking up OT on a medicine floor, that Albuterol (a stronger/longer treatment) is also used to decrease a pt's potassium (by forcing the potassium out of the bloodstream and back into the cells, by acting on the Na-K recpetor-ish). I found this quite interesting. When I get some time, I am going to research the exact mechanism of this.

I also have to say that I find it incredibly heartwarming-ish that my husband worries enough about our children to have brought Gracelyn to the ED for a cough that worried him, in the middle of the night. I don't know why. I just find it nice to know that he worries about our children as much as I do. Well, not 'as much', since I do not think it is humanly possible for a single other person in this world to love/worry about our children as much as I do.

He is also incredibly adorable when he texts me to figure out exactly what the box looks like/says that is the correct inhaler for Gracelyn to use, when she has a coughing fit, or which/how much cough/cold meds to give one of them.

My family makes me proud.

2012-01-12T06:51:00.001-05:00

Being a big girl in the ped's ED.

2012-01-10T07:53:00.002-05:00

On my previous post, I posted that it was 1AM on a Wednesday morning. It is Tuesday. Fail.

Time

2012-01-10T01:13:00.000-05:00

Clocks slay time... time is dead as long as it is being clicked off by little wheels; only when the clock stops does time come to life.

William Faulkner

OK. I do love William Faulkner and all the genius statements he has made. However, it bugs me that the time on my posts have been wrong since the beginning of this blog. Obviously, not enough to care to attempt to fix it, before now--1:09 AM on a Wednesday morning. (Yes, now look at the blog time. If it is correct, use your thought to send me an internet pat on the back- you may also send back rubbing thoughts while you are at it. I don't mind).

Eight seconds later..... Ok. It wasn't that hard. Took about 8 seconds. Take back your congratulations on my well-doing. Now, just feel pity for me on how lazy I have been, seeing the wrong time on my blog post for well over a yearish, yet not taking the 8 seconds to fix it. Or even attempt to fix it. Or even thinking about fixing it. Ok. I have THOUGHT about fixing it. But, thinking apparently does not often lead to something productive on my part. Fail.

2012-01-09T18:46:00.001-05:00

"Keeping secrets is a lonely business..." --Desperate Housewives

2012-01-09T17:36:00.001-05:00

Gracelyn showing off her handy math skills.

Gracelyn. Her sense of direction is better than mine. When we first moved to where we live now, I am not going to lie- I may have made a few wrong turns trying to get home from places. Gracelyn, however, would immediately point out, "Mom! You're going the wrong way". Thank God for kids. She tells this to my mom as well, because she will take a different way to our house than we usually do.

Today I was taking her to the doctors for her Asthma-ish s/s. (Verdict- Singulair then follow up with her dr. in 2 weeks, as her dr was off).
**Side note. Her pediatrician was mine from the time I was 3, and all of my siblings doctor - and still is. She is the only pediatrician that has seen all the children in our entire family. We follow her from office to office. I find this amazingly cool.**

So, back on track. We have followed Dr. Chaudhary to her new office, which is inconvenient-ish for us. It is near my parents, so we usually stop there, but 40 minutes-ish away from us. So, this was our third time going to this office. In the past I have turned a few blocks up, and taken the back way in. Today, I didn't. I passed the road that I have turned on twice before, and Gracelyn states, "Uhm. Mooom. You missed the road". I found this amazing since we have only been there twice before. She could probably give me step by step directions to almost anywhere we have been at least twice.

Seedless oranges. She finds these amazing. (As do I). "How do they grow without seeds? Aunt Karina says everything grows from seeds". Aunt Karina is my 9 year old sister who is a person of worship to Gracelyn.

Her comments on Reagan's driving, (My 16 year old sister who just obtained her permit)?
"What car does Aunt Rea drive?"
--"She has driven our car before"
"Really? Were you crazy"? (In a completely straight faced manner).
--"I think I might have been"
"You think? Oh. You forgot because you are crazy?"

haha. What a crack up.

2012-01-07T07:35:00.001-05:00

This cracked me right up.

"Without music, what is life?"--Author Unknown

2012-01-06T13:54:00.001-05:00

Wow. I'm getting creative. If you call "creative" stealing good quotes from books.

--as stolen from "Sing me home" by Jodi Picoult.

My Pride and Joy's....and the ones who test my patience.

2012-01-06T13:47:00.000-05:00

I'm pretending I'm creative with Photobucket.

“If what you’re doing is not your passion, you have nothing to lose.”

2012-01-06T10:03:00.000-05:00

‘I suppose the important thing is to make some sort of difference,’ she said. ‘You know, actually change something.’

‘What, like “Change the world”, you mean?’

‘Not the whole entire world. Just the little bit around you’.

”One Day” by David Nicholls

2012-01-06T09:41:00.000-05:00

“You know you've read a good book when you turn the last page and feel a little as if you have lost a friend.” --Paul Sweeny

2012-01-06T09:15:00.001-05:00

2012-01-06T09:14:00.000-05:00

Sometimes I aint so sho who's got ere a right to say when a man is crazy and when he aint. Sometimes I think it aint none of us pure crazy and aint none of us pure sane until the balance of us talks him that-a-way. It's like it aint so much what a fellow does, but it's the way the majority of folks is looking at him when he does it."
- William Faulkner, As I Lay Dying

I have to say, Faulkner is a genius. I do love his books.

2012-01-06T09:05:00.000-05:00

“I felt something catch in my throat, a sudden surge of sadness that caught me unaware. It almost managed to take my breath away. That was the thing; you never got used to it. You never got used to the idea of someone being gone. Just when you think it’s okay, and you think you’ve accepted it, someone points it out to you, and it hits you all over again, and it’s just as shocking as the first time.”--Author Unknown

2012-01-05T17:47:00.000-05:00

Today my mother-in-law would have been 51. I miss her dearly. I wish she could be here for my girls. For sister-in-law, who has become one of my closest friends. For my husband. For my nieces. So that my husband could have a father again. When Laurie died, he lost both his mother and father. Thankfully, he has become incredibly close with my parents, especially my father. I can't even imagine what Toni and Vinny feel, losing their mother at such a young age. I still feel an emptiness, and she wasn't even my biological mother. We spent a lot of time together, the last two years of her life. Esp. once she got diagnosed that the breast cancer had moved to the bones. I would take her to her chemo, or her blood transfusions, as would my mom when I was at school. Altho, honestly, up until the day she died, I was in denial the entire time. I figured she would beat it. She was to good of a person, to close to God, to selfless, to loving, to wonderful of a person to die. She had a whole family, 5 young granddaughters. Madalyn was just over a year old. I try to say that everything happens for a reason. Altho, I can find no reason on this earth why God would have taken her. I know she is in a better place, and I honestly don't think she was scared to die, she was so calm about it, even tho it seemed to happen so suddenly. None of us were prepared, we were all in denial, despite the fact that she had been battling cancer for 3 years. The last 4 days of her life, I will never forget. I think they are permanently engraved in all of our memories. She will forever be in our hearts. RIP. 01/05/1961-06/02/2009

2012-01-04T02:10:00.001-05:00

Super bored on the ortho floor. I guess the best kind of OT is the kind where you don't have to do much.

The quickest way for a parent to get a child's attention is to sit down and look comfortable. -Lane Olinghouse

2012-01-03T21:57:00.000-05:00

“Patience and fortitude conquer all things” -Ralph Waldo Emerson

2012-01-03T08:38:00.000-05:00

I feel like I have become more patient with the girls. At least, I hope I have - that is my goal. Instead of getting irritated (ok, I still do- I just try not to show it), I just let them be. I let them fight their fight, and if it gets out of hand I separate them. I sit them on the couch if they are naughty, and I try not to yell at them as much, after all, it doesn't help anything either way. I find that when I actually get decent sleep, I am have more patience.

When it is a stressful day at home with them, when they are being extra loud, or extra naughty, I try to focus on the beautiful things about my girls. This silliness, the funny/cute things they say. The way they interact. How I am starting to see Madalyn really look up to Gracelyn. How I see Gracelyn is becoming "protective" of Madalyn. These things make me smile. Make my heart full. Make me know just how blessed I am.

I was giving the girls a shower last night. I just get in with them. It's easier. Like an assembly line of washing up. I was washing Gracelyn's hair, while Madalyn was washing my leg. (who knows, but it was cute and thoughtful of her, I guess?), and then it was Madalyn's turn. She wanted a washcloth over her eyes, but I wasn't about to get out, drip water throughout the house to go get one. So, Gracelyn said "You can use my hand", and Madalyn held Gracelyn's hand over her eyes for the hair washing business. It made me smile. Gracelyn is surprisingly thoughtful in a random sisterly kind of way. <3

Madalyn also will call Gracelyn to come play with her, or watch her, or even stand next to her if she sees/does something remotely "interesting". Gracelyn is the same way, usually (altho, she does have times when she likes to play by herself, and I have Madalyn come entertain me). I love it.

2012-01-02T21:58:00.001-05:00

I hate the snow. I hate being cold. So, why do I live in Upstate New York where I have witnessed 4 ft of snow drop in one weekend and record below zero temps? Sheesh.

2012-01-01T17:31:00.000-05:00

One more to good not to share from Jami's Blog,

“Some people think love is the end of the road, and if you’re lucky enough to find it, you stay there. Other people say it just becomes a cliff you drive off, but most people who’ve been around awhile know it’s just a thing that changes day by day, and depending on how much you fight for it, you get it, or you hold on to it, or you lose it, but sometimes it’s never even there in the first place.” – Colum McCann

Happy New Years

2012-01-01T17:29:00.000-05:00

“May your coming year be filled with magic and dreams and good madness. I hope you read some fine books and kiss someone who thinks you’re wonderful, and don’t forget to make some art — write or draw or build or sing or live as only you can. And I hope, somewhere in the next year, you surprise yourself.” – Neil Gaiman

as stolen from Jami's Blog.

2012-01-01T14:50:00.001-05:00

I want to sleep. I know I'm exhausted. So why the heck can't I sleep. This whole thing is getting a little tiresome. Literally.

I run on Dunkin. Or coffee, in general.

2011-12-31T21:52:00.001-05:00

....about sums it up.

Yo, I'll tell you what I want, what I really really want.

2011-12-31T21:41:00.000-05:00

I'm a nerd. What can I say. I totally just enjoyed the rerun on the NYE program of the spice girls. And I sang along. I still know all the words to all the Spice Girls, Backstreet Boys, and N*Sync songs. If they were a pop group in the 90's, I'm there! haha.

90's music is the best. Hands down.

Madalyn Rose

2011-12-31T14:26:00.001-05:00

My punky dancing in the food court.

hmmm. how to rotate this pic? Ah. well. Just turn your heads.

2011-12-31T14:25:00.001-05:00

LOVE this pic of my beautiful six year old. If only I could figure out how to rotate it?

2011-12-31T14:24:00.001-05:00

2011-12-31T14:22:00.001-05:00

My little Diva's. <3

2011-12-31T14:18:00.001-05:00

Wonders if I can still txt blogger?

Viva la Vera

2011-12-31T14:08:00.000-05:00

Who says Vera Bradley can't solve marital problems? It at least helps a little. ;-)

A child's love is unconditional.

2011-12-31T13:05:00.001-05:00

To funny not to share.

2011-12-30T21:53:00.001-05:00

2011-12-30T16:08:00.001-05:00

::insert explicit words here::

Drink coffee. Do stupid things faster with more energy.

2011-12-30T15:12:00.000-05:00

Sometimes it just frickin' hurts.

2011-12-30T13:06:00.000-05:00

I just want to reiterate a previous post;

Why were we all in such a hurry to grow up? When did everything get so complicated?

Breast is Best.

2011-12-30T08:24:00.000-05:00

I figured I'd jump on the band wagon, since this is something I am passionate about. Breastfeeding, pro-life, the whole shebang.

Many of you already know where I stand on abortion. I believe it is NEVER right. Ever. Period. End of sentence.

I also breastfed both my children. Gracelyn for not as long, since I went back to work when she was 2 weeks old, and frankly, I was young. I was single. I just didn't have the 'time'. I breastfed Madalyn for about 16 months. I also donated my breast milk to the National Milk Bank for about a year. It was a good feeling, knowing that all I had to do was sit down and pump, (they even GIVE you a dual electric breast pump), and I would be giving many critically ill babies the chance for healthy Mama's Milk.

As far as nursing in public. Use discretion. Most mother's do. Why would they want you seeing their breast anyways? People have their panties all up in a wad at Target. It's a little ridiculous.

All this talk about breast feeding has me wanting another one. But not enough to actually have one. If I ever have another I would want to do it like I did Madalyn; Stay home for the first year with them. So much happens in the first year, and that is crucial bonding time. I would not want to miss that. So, no where in the near future shall I be having another.

I think that is why Madalyn is my little mommy's girl. I nursed her for much longer than Gracelyn, as well as was home with her for much longer than I was with Gracelyn. I did my schooling online with Madalyn, except one night a week when she was about 10 months old, and did not leave her until she was a year old, when I started Nursing School. Gracelyn was the complete opposite. By the time she was 2 weeks old, I went back to working full time, then started school full time as well. It was just us for the first year, so thankfully we still have a special bond, obviously. But it's different than mine with Madalyn's. Or maybe that is just normal for every mother to have a different kind of mother/child bond with each child? I should ask my mom about that.

I am sure the latter is true. Each child is different. They excel at different things. I am certain that each mother's bond is different with each child, just based on these things.

To sum it up--being a mother is the most important responsibility in the world, and it should never be taken lightly. Breast is Best. Not that I am enforcing my beliefs on anyone, but really, it is.

2011-12-29T19:23:00.000-05:00

run froggie, run!!!

Well, that bites.

2011-12-29T17:49:00.000-05:00

Brutus, the 18 foot, 3 legged crocodile.

poor guy. but what a great story he can tell. If he lived?

Sometimes it lasts in love, sometimes it hurts instead.

2011-12-29T15:59:00.000-05:00

2011-12-29T13:02:00.000-05:00

I want to memorize everything, not forget a single moment of my life. All the little things are what your life is made of.

2011-12-29T11:20:00.000-05:00

I have found that if you love life, life will love you back. - Arthur Rubinstein

2011-12-29T11:05:00.000-05:00

Every new beginning comes from some other beginning's end.

2011-12-29T10:35:00.000-05:00

Don't make a New Years Resolution if you can't keep it.

Chances are, if you are waiting until January 1rst to start doing something, (or stop doing something), then you most likely aren't all that serious about it, to begin with.

My "New Years Resolution" starts today.

To eat healthier. To be happier. To love better. To pray more. To exercise more. To take things in stride. To start school again.

2012

2011-12-28T10:33:00.000-05:00

I can't believe we are nearing another ending to another year. ::rolls eyes:: How cliche that sounds.

A lot has changed since this time last year. As in, I am no longer jobless. haha. I have an excellent job that I love, and most importantly, I really love my fellow (night shift) co workers. I really got lucky with this job.

The girls are a year older and they have both grown so much. Madalyn is actually talking now. In a language that (most) people can understand! Gracelyn has learned to tie her shoes. finally. I gave her the deadline of her 6th birthday. She learned the day before she turned 6. She is also reading. Slowly, but surely, she is getting a grasp on it.

We still have the same daycare provider. Who is excellent. She is closing in the fall. My girls (and myself) will be heartbroken. I am thinking a private school is the way we are going to go. This homeschooling thing is hard, and I really don't want to go about finding a new daycare, if I kept homeschooling.

Reagan now has her permit. That is a scary thought. Jon is still a part of our family, as her boyfriend. Karina was in remission from her UC this Christmas. Grandma June is still apart of our family, and doing well. My parents are my best friends. as always.

I still love Toni. We are going out to see all our AZ family this March. We'll see how Toni and I get along out there. bahaha. Since, we tend to piss each other off when we spend physical time together. Laurie was always commenting on how much alike we are.

I'm still married.

Whiskers is still a nutjob that likes to play fetch and steal things.

Obama is still president. I still dislike him. Possibly, even more than originally.

Rolo is gone. We put her down in January. It's weird without her. This time last year she was injured, but still always tried to run and play in the snow. That crazy dog loved the snow, and playing with the girls. Madalyn was her buddy.

Other than that, not much has changed. So, really, I take back my beginning statement. Not much has changed. at all. What a boring year. We went to camp. Like always. We ordered delivery to much. like always. We spent a lot of time with my parents. like always. However, we didn't have as many bbq's this year, because I'm actually working now. Spent all summer outside with the girls. like always. I drink coffee by the gallon. Like always.

I can't complain that my life is boring. All of these "as always" things, are things we love and want to continue. Camping. Food. Spending time with family. Food and Family and Friends combined. Spending time outdoors in the nice weather with my girls. Everyone is healthy. My girls are beautiful and smart. I am close with my family. I have a good job with people I like. I have great friends. I have nothing to complain about. I love my life and the people in it. I am very fortunate.

There's no such thing as perfect people, there's no such thing as a perfect life....

2011-10-20T16:47:00.001-04:00

A great facebook status from a co-worker.

Going to church doesn't make you a Christian any more than standing in a garage makes you a car.

I'm full of artificial sweetener.

2011-10-20T11:11:00.000-04:00

I find myself choking on all my contradictions.

This is not how I imagined things would be, when I was a teen, wishfully thinking about my 'grownup' future.

Then again, is anyone's life the way they imagined it would be?

Two brownies and a peach snapple.

2011-10-17T22:09:00.001-04:00

The only time you should be completely honest is when the paramedics ask, "what did you take?".

LOL.

Can not believe it....

2011-10-08T21:23:00.000-04:00

My oldest baby is going to be 6 next Friday. That I can not believe. I remember the day she was born, and everything we went thru in the year afterwards, when it was just her and I, dealing with the shit from her father. I wouldn't change anything, it made me stronger in the end. She was such a good baby, adapted easily to wherever we were living, whoever was watching her while I was working/at school. Now she is going on six. Holy Crap. She has turned into such a big girl. I can not even believe it. She is doing good in the school department. I have a few days off this week, we will be playing catch up on school, until my sched changes and I have a longer stretch off of work, that will be easier for homeschooling. She is a little genius tho, and is already ahead of it all.

2011-10-04T08:23:00.000-04:00

We could of had it all...

2011-10-04T08:21:00.000-04:00

Spent a while going thru old pics of the girls (mostly Gracelyn), that I found on my old Myspace page. Remember when Myspace was all the rage? Then it was deadjournal/livejournal, then facebook, now google+ is coming in. sheesh. We just need something to obsess about. It works. I am apparently out of touch with my pop culture. Who knew that kid Justin Beiber was popular enough to have his own online section on Kohls.com? I am still in the days of Julia Stiles, Jennifer Aniston and Brad and Angelina Jolie.

I think I may like Two and a half men with Ashton Kutcher.

Gracelyn will be 6 on the 14th. Holy Crap.

love this song

2011-10-04T08:15:00.000-04:00

2011-09-22T21:18:00.000-04:00

Grey's Season Premier. Uber Excellent. My Acid Reflux is really starting to be a bother. Everything I eat makes me nauseas. Yuck. Ok. Fine. So Chips and salsa and Tacos are prolly the reason why my Reflux is acting up. That and I keep forgetting to pick up more Prevacid. So, it's on me. I admit it.

2011-09-22T19:53:00.001-04:00

Learning Google+ Score.

2011-09-22T13:13:00.000-04:00

We're hot, we're cold, we're up, we're down; but we're mostly cold and down. Sigh.

2011-09-19T22:36:00.001-04:00

Charlie Sheen is a tool. That is why he was perfect for that role on Two and a half men. I think I will stick to my reruns.

2011-09-09T16:00:00.001-04:00

On the upside; my kids are doing less arguing. On the downside; they are doing more of the "let's put our two children minds together and see what kind of trouble we can make together before Mommy finds out". I think I liked the arguing better.Also. God bless all the people who have the patience to be teachers, out there. I am on day two and I want to smack someone.

2011-09-08T12:08:00.001-04:00

I hate the feeling that your life is slowly unraveling, one thread at a time.

Hello. An optimistic email from your past self.

2011-08-30T15:37:00.000-04:00

August 30, 2010

Dear Me,

How are you? I am doing fine right now. I am almost ready to graduate, come December. I am pretty terrified of failing. I have never failed anything major, and hopes that this letter finds me in the future, a year from now, a successful nurse that graduated in December of 2010. Hopefully in the NICU, but who knows, maybe I found myself another calling.

I really hope that this letter also finds myself having made up my mind about when to start school for my Nurse Practitioners License, as well. Nursing school, managing a family, and paying bills on what little money we have is the hardest thing I have yet to ever do. I truly hope that as I am reading this letter, I am not laughing at the fact that my life is now a million times harder.

Gracie and Madalyn are crazy little people. Their attitudes are enough to want me to commit myself. I really hope this letter is not read, a year from now, in one of those nice white padded rooms-- as tempting as the quiet, alone time may be.

I also really hope that this letter finds me also not buying diapers anymore. Madalyn really is being temperamental about everything. Including the potty.

I am really bad at this writing the letter to my future self thing. I hope I get better for the next one.

I hope that this letter finds Chris home, or rather, in the states, instead of warside. This letter is turning into a “I hope” list instead. I am going to change up my style now, and be much more optimistic. Speaking of that, my future self; you are such an optimist now, it looks good on you.

Chris sure handled that divorce well. He is doing much better with his happy, cute, non organic, family oriented Fiance. They are talking about having lots of cute little babies. They visit all the time, and you love her almost as much as Toni.

How are you and Vinny (or should I say “vinny and I?”) What did you do for your 4th anniversary? I bet the Billy Joel and Elton John concert you went to for your anniversary was AWESOME! Your relationship should be smooth sailing after the tortures and stress of nursing school are off your shoulders. Also, the nice paycheck should relieve some of the stress.

You look good 10 lbs lighter. 107 is a very fitting weight for you. Good job at hitting the gym!

Gracelyn sure is such a nice almost 6 year old. The attitude is gone, the slamming the doors and stomping her feet has stopped, along with the blatant disobeying, and she enjoys cleaning her room. Madalyn has stopped climbing EVERYTHING and has not broken any more bones. Good Job. Oh yeah, and aren’t you glad that they get along so wonderfully now?

How is Reagan? Has she outgrown her attitude, or is it worse now that she is almost 16? I am glad her and Jon broke up. She needs to experience some part of her teenage years on her own, finding her OWN identity. Not identifying herself with a boyfriend, but finding her true identity, before they break up later in her life and she is left clueless with no idea who her true self is.

Has Karina’s attitude gotten even worse, being 9 and closer to the preteens? Does she like your cooking, yet? Remember those terrible hotdogs? We don’t want to relive that experience. I am glad that those new meds are working so well for her, and that mom has agreed to do the J-Pouch surgery. I am sure it will benefit her greatly.

How is that new van working out for you? Sure is nice to have AC, I bet. That lifetime warranty sure is nice.

I know you are also enjoying Vin watching Pregame season right now, I bet. I bet he is watching it on the new flatscreen and dish network that he has been hoping for. I think that may be the only reason why he so badly wanted you to graduate....haha. Gotcha! He wanted you to graduate so he could have his happy, less stressed wife back.

His overly cleanliness has stopped now, as well. You no longer argue about cleaning. Isn’t it nice.

Have you guys found a house yet, that you want to buy? Remember, it has to have 4 bedrooms, at least. Jarin will need one for when he comes to visit, as well as a guest bedroom for when Toni and the girls and Heidi come out. Unless, of course, the baby fever has hit you. Again. Then you will need the extra bedroom for the baby. Somehow, I doubt that it has though. Babies are expensive. Babies take a lot of time. Babies awake every two hours. You want to be able to stay home as long as possible with a new baby. You can’t just take a year off of work. Remember these things. Let them be another deterrent for you. You can only have as many kids as you have bedrooms. Remember this also. You don’t want to move, do you? You have a stepson. He is a wonderful kid, despite his mother. You don’t want to risk gaining 50 lbs. You don’t want to risk not losing it. You don’t want to risk being as sick as you were with Gracelyn. If you had to be hospitalized, who would watch Madalyn while Vin worked? Repeat all this, over and over to yourself every time you think you may want another. Altho, unless you steal a sperm sample from Vin, I doubt you are having another. He is pretty against it, right now, and for very good reasons. Remember. Babies are expensive. Babes cry alot. Babies need to be fed every two hours, 24/7, Babies wear lots of diapers......

How does Mom and Dad’s property look? Is the house almost done?

Ziska’s funeral sure was long. (Ok. That was a little morbid.)

Gracelyn did great in soccer this year. She sure is the little athlete. Vin loves coaching it, as well. Madalyn thinks that Gracie is the coolest big sister ever.

Ok. I hope this letter didn’t depress you, if none of what you wanted accomplished happened, if Chris is still with Heather, if the girls still drive you insane, if you are now ten lbs HEAVIER that last year, if Ziska is still alive, if you still have the Taurus, if you are not house hunting. Just put it in your letter for next year.

Always,

Me.

truly, madly, deeply.

2011-08-08T18:53:00.000-04:00

i love my nookcolor.

The end.

They tried to make me go to rehab....

2011-07-23T18:01:00.001-04:00

They tried to make me go to rehab but I said 'no, no, no'
Yes I've been black but when I come back you'll know know know
I ain't got the time and if my daddy thinks I'm fine
He's tried to make me go to rehab but I won't go go go

.......Maybe she should have gone to rehab......

RIP Amy Winehouse.

2011-07-18T10:47:00.001-04:00

.....

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2011-07-16T10:00:00.001-04:00

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2011-07-16T09:59:00.003-04:00

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2011-07-16T09:59:00.001-04:00

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2011-07-16T09:57:00.001-04:00

Nookcolor

2011-07-16T09:35:00.000-04:00

My wonderful husband got me a nookcolor. It was love at first site.

I plan on reading Radcliffe's 100 best books of the 20th century. Someday before I die. I have already read 4 or 5. I am on my way. LOL.

I also plan on reading a few that aren't on there and re-reading a few that I strongly believe should be on that list.

This morning reminded me why I hate having medicine pts. The Medicine oncalls are idiots. It was a long night.

Working lots of OT this pay period. Might as well keep up the trend I have started this summer with taking all the OT I can get. So what if I don't sleep, eat or see my family? ha. well, really, I just want to save and prepare for winter when the hubs is laid off.

And for my cats up and coming vet bills. She needs a cbc, bmp, and tsh. All for a grand total of 180 dollars. The vet thinks she has feline hyperthyroidism. Really? Sigh.

Had a spectacular time at camp this year. Even if it was only for three days. Fish Creek Ponds is my Heaven. Love it.

aw man.

2011-06-28T14:42:00.001-04:00

So, this thing I do everyday, where I don't sleep, has got to stop.

Mommy Guilt.

2011-06-26T10:06:00.000-04:00

Ok. So I am totally stealing this word from another person's blog that I stalk, but it is very appropriate for the subject of todays whining, ranting, and/or pointless blog.

I have come across at least 4 different people in the last few weeks that have made me feel this "Mommy guilt", which I will describe as an awful, gut-wrenching feeling in the pit of your stomach that makes you panic, knowing that you can't possibly being doing what's best for your children. After all, doesn't everyone else know what's best for your children?

This "Mommy guilt" has been brought on by a variety of people. People I have randomly met at the grocery store, standing in line, talking about our jobs, and most of all, patients of mine, who wonder, "Where are your children while you work? Wow. You work alot, you must not be spending a lot of time with them. Wow, their father works to? Who are you entrusting your kids futures to, if their parents must work everyday?"

Yes. My kids are at daycare 5 days a week, 10-11 hours a day. Yes, sometimes we even have to have a babysitter on Saturdays, if we both have to work. Yes, I feel bad about this. However, I would rather have my kids fed, have a roof over their heads, and electricity, than worry about their futures without the supportive presence of their parents. Does that make me a bad parent?

I do feel guilty, and on my days off, despite how tired and/or cranky I may be, despite the days I go without sleeping, I make our days full of fun. Trips to the park, trips to the museum of play, the bounce house, the zoo. We have a good ol' time, making me forget about the fact that I spend more time at work, it seems, that with my children.

I was arguing this point, yes, arguing, with my bed-ridden, sick patient, who was arguing to the death that "can't you work part time, so that your children have a mother?". No. I can not work part time so that my children have a mother. The bills must get paid. What kind of mother would I be if we were living in a box on a corner? Oh, but I would be home with them. I would be a supportive presence in their lives. That would be okay. Thank God, a Doctor came in to save me. When he came out, he suggested I just bring my girls to work with me, and make them candy stripers. They could sit and talk to people in comas, just gab away all day/night, then I would always know where they were, and they would always be with me. Forget all the germs and diseases I would be exposing them to, at least I would be a supportive presence in their life.

I felt a little better, knowing that that doctor spent less time with his own children than I did. Does that make me a bad person?

However, when that doctor becomes an Attending, he can buy his kids 3 horses and a third house on the beach so that they forget he is not around. I am lucky if I have enough money left over after bills to give my girls a second helping of food. (Okay, this may be a slight exaggeration).

Does working a lot make me a bad person? Does the fact that on a day when the girls will not stop arguing and yelling and fighting, I am just counting down the hours until I go to work? However, when I have had a hard night at work, the thing I want most is to just come home and hug my little girls. Does that make up for my wanting to get away? Is it selfish to want to leave and go to work and converse with adults that I do not share a life with? That I won't argue with about bills and how to raise our children? To be able to have normal everyday conversations with grownups?

If ever a day

2011-06-24T17:00:00.000-04:00

If ever a day I could go without screaming at my kids.....well, I don't know what I would do. Such a day does not possibly exist in my next 15 years....

Oh what a beautiful morning, oh what a beautiful day...

2011-06-15T08:08:00.000-04:00

So, I have an entire week of of work. well, now I am half way through said week. This is the first decent day we have had. High around 80. The past few days have been typical upstate NY weather. Rainy. Cloudy. 60's. Last week, the week I worked 6 12's, the weather was 90s and beautiful. Go figure.

I had my little sister this week, who will be 9 on Monday. The girls all got a long great. Still not thinking I want another one. Or. Maybe, if I could be promised not to be so sick I have to be hospitalized, have an easy labor like with the last two, and have a full time nanny to take care of the baby when I run out of hours in a day. hahaha. So, yeah. No more for us. But, man. Babies are so darn cute! I am totally content in my decision to have no more, and would most likely suffer a massive anxiety/heart attack if I ever found out I was pregnant.

We have to move soon. I can't deal with this neighborhood. Altho, this neighborhood is most likely the safest around. Our car was broken into (well, 'broken' is relative. we some how left our car doors unlocked) on Christmas morning, and our GPS was stolen. My neighbors truck was broken into, (for real), the other day and his CD player was stolen. Bad drivers back into our vehicles a handful of times, (our fault for continuously parking across the street from their driveway), and I am scared when walking out to my car at 1030pm, when I am on my way to work. But, overall, aside from my scaredy catness, this area is the best in the city. Living in the city is convenient. It is a 10 minute drive to work. It is a 2 minute drive to Price Chopper. The gas station is down the street. I love it. But, I also miss having a yard that I can send the kids out in, without being scared to turn my back for 3 seconds, for fear that some weirdo will snatch them, or they run into the road. Plus, I want a dog. I would not torture another dog by having to live here, with our little yard. Altho, Rolo loved it, and didn't seem to mind.

Rumor has it, that I can add "RN" to my drivers license, therefore, getting out of tickets easier. Most cops will let nurses go from little tickets like speeding and what not. After all, we keep the doctors from killing you. hahaha. Altho, I have run across some first year residents, that that sentence really isn't that far off from.....

Off to enjoy this beautiful day with my girls, my mom & sister, and prolly my cousin and her little boys.

This is the highlight of my summer. hahaha. But I love it, and wouldn't trade my life for the world.

Camping is in a few weeks! WOOOOOT!!!

my girlies.

2011-06-15T07:56:00.000-04:00

the girls and my step son.

Saturday-Fun Day

2011-04-30T20:13:00.000-04:00

Went to the Strong National Museum of Play today. Visited the Butterfly Garden there, as well. The girls, and mommy and daddy, had a blast!

Mommy had a butterfly land on her 3 separate times! IDK if it was always the same one (i did catch it 'following' me. or just the same species.)

Piggies loved it, as well. Until two landed on her arm and she had a nervous breakdown.

Sorting mail at the post office.

My little girls. <3

Madalyn's favorite area. An area filled with flat rocks and toy bulldozers and buckets.

excited to go into the butterfly garden. Until, Gracelyn started having massive anxiety the second we stepped in!

a little white bird.

a puuurty flower.

yep. The second and third time, the butterflies landed on my face.

These ones were so beautiful, but hardly ever landed!

Gracelyn in the Bernstein Bears restaurant! this was her favorite area.

Princess Gracelyn on stage.

The giants room.

SuperGracelyn!

Shopping at Wegmans!

Taxicab on Sesame Street.

Magnetic Mr. Potato Head!

They built a tower of blocks! With Daddy's help, of course!

All in all, a great day.

Altho, Gracelyn did not like the room with the slanted floors. It made her 'feel weird' she said. She did not understand why people would want to feel weird and go into that room, or why people wanted butterflies to touch them. LOL.

My silly little girls.

OH yeah.

2011-04-28T19:37:00.000-04:00

The night shift PSL (aka-charge nurse) told our nurse manager that I am doing excellent and am very competent. She said the only thing I could use some 'guidance' with is possibly finding a more 'organized' system of keeping my 5-7 pts organized and making sure everything is done on them, and that crap. She is right. I am super unorganized. I just run my night off of a long list of things to do and sticky notes upon sticky notes. haha. It's worked so far, don't get me wrong. I haven't killed anyone yet.

LOL.

I am just pleased to hear that I am doing phenomenal and everyone assures me that I will be just fine when I get off orientation.

Pics

2011-04-28T19:10:00.000-04:00

Easter. Madalyn was to moody to look for eggs. The mission was on Gracelyn's hands. (I had just got home from work.)

(Notice the lovely hair?--need I remind ppl that she gave her self a haircut with disastrous results in Dec--a week before Xmas Pics....) We sponge painted eggs.

Whiskey doos joining in on the Easter fun--crazy cat. The love of my life. Outside the girls and my husband, that is.

Madalyn was all Eastered out. She has her George, her blankey (that mommy made her for xmas), her sippy, and her random object. (this one being a toy pot with a little tiny toy flower in it.)

The night the skies opened up.

Hail from the Crazy storms.

I will never again complain about living on a hill. See that water that is rushing down the road in waves? Yeah. It flooded the rest of the area in 3+ feet of water.

What little 'damage' we had. Our little 3 inch. deep stream. NEVER will complain about that hill that kept us out of the disastrous flooding.

My girls and I.

IDK. I guess I should just be happy they have been in loving moods towards eachother for the last few months. They are finally becoming Friends.

After Haircut.

Before Haircut.

Hail storm blows through CNY, causes flooding

2011-04-28T19:08:00.000-04:00

Yes, that would be down the street from my house. Like I keep saying. I will never complain about living on top of the hill in Eastwood!

Hail storm blows through CNY, causes flooding: "UPDATE: A fast-moving storm packing wind gusts as high as 60 mph swept through Syracuse, pelting the area with torrents of rain and quarter-size hail and forcing closure of I-81 just north of downtown."

This was just one street over and one block down.

Same street

This apartment complex sits a few blocks before shop city, and about 6 down from me.

Downtown ppl were getting around in Kayaks, and cars were stuck in 4ft of water.

Oh yeah, did I mention--the hospital I work at went on Incident Command as every floor flooded? Windows had to be covered with blankets, elevators were shut down, and incident command was implemented. THANK GOD it was my day off!!

YUM YUM YUM

2011-04-28T18:48:00.000-04:00

G: I have a little frog on my Leapster.
M: I'm going to eat the frog. tehehe.
G: EWWWW.
M: Yum yum yum ::in a low grumbly voice::
G: MADALYN you don't eat frogs.
M: TEHEHE. YUMMY ::in the low grumbly voice.::

I do believe this was Madalyn's first attempt at a joke. She must have the "Rusaw" humor. LOL.
This conversation went on for about five minutes. With Madalyn all along going "YUM YUM YUM" in a low growly voice and giggling all the while. Gracelyn informed her that she needed to eat something healthier than frogs, but not snakes, and Madalyn said "I'm going to eat the snake. YUM YUM YUM." LOL. Gotta love my girls. ♥

I really should save all the funny things that my girls say. It has become quite amusing just to sit back and listen to them talk amongst themselves. I am sure I will not find it as amusing 10 years from now....

Spring.

2011-04-27T21:57:00.000-04:00

I like spring. It has the best picture ops for me to take of my beautiful girls. Bring on my picture taking obsession!

As if one trip to the park looks different than the other? As if the girls sliding down the slide looks different than them sliding down the exact same slide 5 minutes ago?

I take a picture every time. Of every thing. Every flower picked. Every bubble blown. Every pouty look. Every temper tantrum. Every cookout. Every game of tag. Every sibling fight. Every outdoor game. Every trip to the park.

You'll thank me later.

Tornado warnings? Flooding? Mother Nature, this isn't Kansas.

2011-04-27T21:45:00.000-04:00

If it keeps raining like this, I am going to need a kayak to get to work. Seriously.

A few blocks down, was flooded by over 4 ft of water.

Thank God we live at the top of the hill.

YAY! I second income!

2011-04-27T19:55:00.000-04:00

Vin is going back to work!

::does a little jig::

Fail on blogging again.

2011-04-24T18:16:00.000-04:00

Fail.

How I long to be a blogger.

It doesn't seem to work out, tho.

I long for sleep more than I long to blog.

A new 'song' that I heard today,

"I am a nurse. It probably don't get better than this, but it sure don't get worse."

Haha. So true.

Crazy pt's with Alias' that get shot or stabbed on every holiday. WHO DOES THAT?! Poor little 4 year old that spent Easter morning in the hospital with her dad who was stabbed, and all his baby mamma's.

"how many GSW's have you had?"
"what? You've never been shot?"
Uhm. No.

Exhaustion

2011-03-26T17:54:00.000-04:00

I am exhausted. I only worked 4 12's this week since Monday, but I am more exhausted than when I worked 6 12's in one week on days. I am off until Tuesday night at 11pm! yay. Now, I am going to bed. Yes. at 6pm. I'd be in bed already if I didn't miss seeing the kids.

2011-03-21T18:52:00.001-04:00

I just saw a big ol' black man walking a tiny, tiny, white toy poodle. I should have taken a picture.

Slam your body down and wind it all around.

2011-03-21T17:32:00.000-04:00

Yes. Those are lyrics to "Wannabe", by the Spice Girls. My five year old has been singing the first verse and chorus to that song for a week. She claims she heard it on Chicken Little. I can not validate that claim. I, however, know the entire song, so I have picked up singing the first verse she has been singing--and continuing the rest of the song. I sing it, I hum it, I whistle it. I can not get this dreaded song out of my head. I whistle it, while Gracelyn sings it. It is a curse. I am stuck in the 90's. Which isn't a bad place to be.

I was to young to really enjoy the 90's. I was born in 85. All the good music (what I call good) came from the 90's. My favorite radio station on XM is 90's on 9. My ring tone is "You gotta be" by Des'ree. It was a hit in 1994.

I don't deserve to call myself a 25 year old.

2011-03-21T14:33:00.001-04:00

I wonder if this still works, sending txts to my blog?

I have failed at the blogging scene.

2011-03-21T09:13:00.000-04:00

Why did I think I could do the blogging thing? I don't have enough time to blog, or when I do, I can't find an interesting way to say it. I have even failed at staying caught up on my two favorite blogs. Apron Strings, and Bethany's freelance life. If you have never stumbled upon these two blogs, you should. I discovered them both quite by accident, and now I read them obsessively. Okay. I used to. I have been lacking on the blogger skills lately.

I started night shift at the hospital. I love it. 7pm to 730am. LOOOOVE IT, as wheezy would say on "dragon tails". haha.

Time to catch up on some blogs then catch a few zzzz's before work tonight.

I should probably feed my kids, as well.