Merry Christmas, 2011

Ben-Tenny got Grandma Shari a prayer calendar for Christmas and I would like to share the writings of today's page:

As the year draws to a close, Christmas offers its wonderful message: Emmanuel. God with us. He who resided in Heaven, co-equal and co-eternal with the Father and the Spirit, willingly descended into our world. He breathed our air, felt our pain, knew our sorrows, and died for our sins. He didn't come to frighten us, but to show us the way to warmth and safety.

"Blessed be the Lord God of Israel, for He has visited us and accomplished redemption for His people."

How thoughtful and perfect He always is, Happy Birthday dear Savior... I love You. You care for us all so much that you walked with us, experienced us and what we go through, and taught us along the way. This day is to celebrate You and all that thoughtfulness of Yours, and let us all remember that.

Faces

I just had to post an update to our day and our Nutcracker experiences...I think the Sergeant already knew what was under that sheet (easy wrapping btw). Benny blurted out, "It's a bike!" I got Stink an extra long sappy card and it lengthened the exciting anticipation of what was truly under there. Made him read every word before the great reveal.

He totally loves it... has the sore thumbs to prove it. Breaking in new handlebars hurts. I even let him ride it in the house a bit.

Here we are at Nutcracker #2 after cinnamon and sugar pancakes this morning... Benny asked and made sure they talked at this version. It was a fabulous show at the Children's Dinner Theatre. This was more their style and where we continued to celebrate Stink's Birthday. We just love going to this place! As you can see the kids liked it a whole lot more than Nutcracker #1, which brings me to that. This one was Mom's favorite. I'm the only enthused one in the group here, as you can see. This was Moscow Ballet's Great Russian Nutcracker. It was so soothing... beautiful in every way. Wonderful talent.

This is what mom does to sleeping boys during the ballet at Nutcracker #1... stuffed them with popcorn during intermission.

I have to finish with the best: the candle-blowing scene from today... so fulfilling to know you had a wonderful birthday son. And thanks to both you boys for enduring 2 Nutcracker Shows in 4 days, with a happy heart... troopers!

Little Boys Grow Up

...too fast. HAPPY BIRTHDAY SERGEANT STINK.

I remember the day that I met you. I woke up at wee hours out of my sleep and I was sick. I didn't know how it was going to feel and they say you just know, and I did. It was a feeling like no other and I was without a doubt, certain you were on your way. I took my time getting ready for you as I made your Dad pace around. You came fast... at 12:23pm on 12/23 this world just got better and my little peanut at 6 pounds, 4 ounces and 19 inches long was finally here. You were the most perfect little thing that I had ever seen: color, head, features and all... but feisty. Very different from brother bear. You struggled a tad to nurse, but when we both got it you were like velcro on mom for that entire year. You let me sleep only winks for that entire year too. As long as you had what you needed (and you always and to this day know exactly what you want) you were just the happiest baby. Pretty much always giggling and wearing a grin representing either your bliss or that you were up to no good.

You still give your mom those same eyes as you gaze up at me. You did it last night as we were both singing silent night with our candles at church. You never give those looks to anyone else, thank you. I hope one day you will tell me what your thinking when you give me those precious eyes. I will tell you that I am so in love with you my dear boy. You make me proud. You make me work hard. You make me love harder. You make me laugh. You make me cry. You help make me.

We are celebrating your 9th birthday today and I already love the little man your becoming. You still have your expected kid moments because that's what you are; but your respectful, honest, loyal, considerate, and full of fun. You are the man of this house right now, and take that as serious as you can.

I hope this is more than a great birthday for you, I always try my best to make it that way. We are going to see the Nutcracker again this afternoon, kids style play with lunch and a surprise birthday cake. I'm going to make you your pancakes this morning. I picked out the most perfect red bike for you and it's waiting for you in the living room to uncover when you get up. We were up late last night decorating gingerbread houses. I should have slept in but woke up early this morning just as I did 9 years ago, this time tightly snuggling my growing boy. I was even sick to my stomach but it was from the fresh hummus I had eaten at "The Deli" last night. So I am up, ready for your day, I know you will sleep in... but I can't wait to see your face when you awake. You amaze me and I hope that this amazes you, and your day is full of everything you want it to be.

So In Love,
Your Mom... xoxoxoxoxoxxxxx

They've Made Their Lists...

Here is Benny's... who ate a candy cane the other night and seriously thought that it took the place of brushing his teeth. Here is my Sergeant Stink's list... who last week gave me this long and very creative theory of why he is so fast. He pulled up his pant leg and began, "Look mom... there's a ball in here (as he is wiggling his knee cap). I think it's like a golf ball or something that got stuck in there and it just makes me take off."

Obsessive Cullen Disorder

I've got it... do you? I have all of the books, started my collection years ago. As I took my dive into this love story the first movie came out and really ruined the books for me (so I thought). I'm so busy that if there is a movie to watch instead of reading the book, I usually just watch the movie. My view is that there is better things to do if I have gotten the story somewhere once. Not in this case at all. I have decided that this series is just that very commendable that I am going to wait. My plan is to continue the reading once I have watched the whole complete story... and not reading a sentence or word more before then. Control myself from those tempting books that sit on my shelf with lots of extras... it's getting harder. But this way I can savor it all over again and because I love to read... I know it will be much more gratifying. I am that excited that I can let patience be the virtue it is.


The new movie, Breaking Dawn Part 1 just released!! I've seen it twice now. Benny and Stink are even into the whole story. We are a "Team Edward" family all the way. My Nurse girlfriends and I went to a private showing on the opening day. I made a shirt this time for the event. It came right from my favorite scene of all the movies.



The new movie was yet another, striking screenplay. I'm not telling anymore... leaving it at that. I hope that I have a great love story of my own someday to write about, because I will. I hope that I meet a protecting, loving man who adores me and my children and all that we possess. I hope that I have a beautiful pregnant belly again someday. I hope that I have someone who really adores me and the family we will create together. I hope that I will finally have true love, something that I have never known aside from my children. I hope that this isn't it, ending in fiction form for me. I hope I have so much that I could write a book about. I'm not settling for a weak chapter, or a blog post. Until then I will indulge in this great love story... the best I've heard of yet!

Thankful on Thanksgiving

The contents of the Thanksgiving decorations box didn't survive for very long around this town. It's partly due to the fact that it is pathetic and contains only a couple of things and part over-indulgence of the Christmas spirit oh so soon. I am still Thankful in my heart this day... and every day. In fact about six months or so ago the boys and I have been adding a new act at the dinner table. Before we eat we each state something we are thankful for that day. We are thankful for our Faith all the way down to coconut M&M's.

There are LOTS. This is just some. Here it goes:

-The unconditional love of my Savior, my Father, my Teacher
-My sweet dear boys
-The health of my family and I
-My girlfriends
-My boyfriends
-Gingerbread Pita Chips
-Those hard working coaches
-Gorgeous Arizona mornings, mid-days, and evenings
-The occasional overdoses of confidence I get these days
-Snuggles with my children
-My jobs
-My co-workers
-The patient's I serve
-Orange Blossoms
-Having more than enough

-Books
-My Honda
-The cozy, loving home I'm in
-The good and the bad jokes I hear
-Rhinestones
-My keyboard
-My country
-Farmer's Markets
-The wonderful school my kids attend
-Teachers
-Tough work-outs
-High heels
-Candles
-Great moments
-Not so great moments
-My neighbors
-You

I'm also thankful for the choice I have made to live life with no regrets. I am thankful for the people from my past, in my present and to come in the future. There is a reason for it all. Sometimes the times aren't so pleasant and it can be a scary world to say the very least. But it's a beautiful life, full of wonderful and amazing things right at our fingertips. The great moments bring many joyous gifts and the not so great moments bring many lessons for growth. I want it all... no returns please.

**Also a big thanks-thanks-thanks to Dr. Tani... a wonderful surgeon who went out of his way one day and not only diagnosed but treated the iliotibial tendonitis that so inconvenienced me. I am running again! What a proud statement. Taking it slow...

Happy Thanksgiving...

Benny's Basil

Well... we had a fabulous weekend. I guess in this house we are jumping straight from Halloween to Christmas this year. I had some Thanksgiving stuff out for a couple days but I was really eager to put up my beautiful tree and let my muffins decorate away. To be quite honest if it was socially acceptable I would have my tree up all year. Christmas is my favorite... always has been. So I will enjoy this seasonal spirit for as long as I possibly can. It started with the music, I'm blaming it on "99.9 KEZ the Holiday Station". I heard a glimpse of it in the car and it sparked the Christmas itch. So yes... Christmas got into my head, through my bones... and all the way down to my toes. Literally. I asked Benny to take off my boots please, I have a hidden surprise. I knew I could get him to smile with my funny Christmas socks. He did. However my sergeant didn't like the holiday footsies by the look on his face. So I went and got out all my other ones to model and he didn't like those any better. He politely asks, "Can't you just wear your other ones?" No way. So I made him take a picture with them.

I even danced in them with my little loves. I couldn't help myself. My tree was up and Andy Williams 'Holiday Season' came on. The kids are getting heavy to dance with... kind of winded me.

I did a lot of cooking this weekend too... Benny and I had a special session together in our holiday spirited home. I got him a basil plant not too long ago. He likes these little Caprese bites I make. When I put them together and set them in the fridge they somehow disappear and I know just who is guilty. Benny's basil plant flourished... so we made pesto together. What else to do? I'm sure we will figure out lots more but this was a great start. He was a little upset at the sight of the plant after I took the leaves off but he understood after some explaining of how it will just grow back, and even better. He loved his pesto with his noodles and french baguettes. And son... I love you.

What a glorious Sunday... Happy week everyone!

^Mom's________________________________ ^Benny's

.....The Sergeant was snoozing.

Wheezes and Things

Here is pickle #1 and pickle #2 in the middle of watching the WS at only 7:30pm tonight... it's been a long last two weeks, but grateful ones at that.

This early pass-out is partly due to running club starting this week, yay!! The boys had their first run this morning. I was extremely jealous. It was a beyond-beautiful morning. I have hurt my right knee in some way so I'm not so sure if my half marathon this coming year will be a smart one... downer. So I am living extra vicariously through my babes in these moments. S. Stink ran 12 laps, Benny 7.

This means that my Sergeant is feeling better. I was comforted to hear at the dinner table about all these laps he ran today. He scared me Saturday morning. He awoke at 3am wanting to play a computer game. This is my child who craves his own bed, hardly changes position in his sleep and never wakes up during the night. I gave him an odd look as my tired brain tried to figure out this absurd request. An hour later he crawls into my nest and snuggles with his mom. I awoke another hour later to heavy breathing. It was one of those creepy sounds that will wake you out of any deepest sleep. My first thought- I was squishing him. No, he just wasn't breathing well. The Nurse in me left at that time and all that was there was a terrified mom. I broke his sleep, sat him up and said, "Honey, honey, get up! What's wrong??" He tells me "I don't know mom but my chest hurts." I looked at him wanting to cry over the sounds of his junky lungs not even needing auscultation from a stethoscope to figure out whats going on. The Nurse in me starts coming to and I gather him, his worried brother who cried and kissed him on the cheek, a couple of bags, and off we were to the hospital. No pneumonia per chest xray... thank God. Just a reactive airway due to a crummy virus. I'm hoping this is where it ends needing only an albuterol inhaler and spacer. Mom will be watching you dear boy...

I have filled some hard to fill shoes at work (temporarily) which entails some lengthy standing. I envisioned doing a head-stand at the end of the day or even sleeping like a bat to compensate for what my body isn't totally used to. I also never enjoy seeing someone feel threatened, makes my heart sad. I encouraged my dear and sweet patient through some of his depression after his stroke... the worst type of CVA I never like seeing anyone go through, but always have the heart and feel honored to help.

I still have loads of energy to finish laundry, do homework, play with my cupcakes, pack lunches, make dinners, read, pray, blog, hit the gym, order a new phone cover, hunt for a twilight shirt I can bedazzle, and face any other thing that may come my way.

I do wish you two pickles had the same kind of energy tonight... I kind of really missed you!! Oh well... tomorrow we will play at the park, go to IHOP for those scary face pancakes you want and carve pumpkins together. xoxoxoxo

Your home... it's Fall!

I was tired this morning. I stayed up really late last night... and still woke up at my usual time. My body just won't sleep-in. I awoke thinking deep thoughts about complicated things. Sometimes that's good. What else is good... no, really-really good:

My babies are home!!!

Their sweet and tan faces broke my morning thought as I looked at each one, still in sleep right next to me. Then I kiss those sweet sleeping faces and they automatically and unknowingly move closer to their mom. I quietly escaped the tight nest this morning to go make crepes as I remembered the delicious peach preserves we just got from Schnepfs Farm.

We didn't have games this weekend, but we sure had a whole lot of love. My home is filled with sounds of joy again and smells of good cooking. We even have the Halloween spirit in our house with Halloween hay, lights, pumpkins and candles. We added a couple of new scary movies to our collection too. The boys wanted to watch sports center, sip on cinnamon apple cider, and run around in silly wigs while mom decorated this year. They are getting bigger and growing out of some things. Benny told me I should have done this decorating while they were gone and then he helped me put up some bats in his subtle dismay. Stinker. I didn't mind though... just glad to have my muffins back.

We had more memorable times at Schnepfs this year. My Sergeant won the pig nose prize at the pig races. For some reason my children always get chosen and win at this show... every year. S Stink had help from mom this time. The director asked the audience what we all thought he fed the pigs to get them to run so fast. This wasn't our first rodeo so I whisper "oreos" and then my child flew out of my lap to blast out the answer without hesitation. The next thing I know, his pig won the race and he returned to mom with a snout. Benny even went up there next. His pig didn't win, but he recieved some chewy taffy out of the deal... so he didn't mind much at all.

I recommend if you go to bring graham crackers and chocolate like we did for roasting marshmallows by the fire. If you do... you may snag a cute smores photo like this:

There was a great BMX bike show added this year and the boys can now reach the pedals to race me at the road rally. The swings and the spooky train were a hit as it is every year. We even got to sit at the front of the train this time. It was extra scary because we were the first ones that the monsters jumped out at. We stayed until close and watched the fireworks. Stink fell asleep with candy in his mouth on the way home.


I'm sure glad to have you two back in my arms and house again... kissy kiss kiss.

Muffins, Pickles and Cupcakes

We all have our own cravings.

Mine... a good gym class, a better book, wise advice, nice glass of wine, my cutting board and stove, my keyboard, my patients, my babies.

I'm missing a couple of these right now. My computer has crashed and I am crushed. My favorite little men have gone on vacation with their dad. So here that leaves me... tapping on a foreign keyboard expressing my love with moist eye-lids tonight... how crazy in love I am with you two.

I miss my Muffins. My Muffins that at the end of any hard day can always make me smile.

I miss my Pickles. My Pickles that truly fill my heart with joy and soul with laughter.

I miss my Cupcakes. My Cupcakes that have the most loving arms and sweetest touch.

While I worry about you... Mom was excited to have some time to herself. My heels were dusty, what a shame I thought. So I did some dusting and went on a couple of fabulous dates, girly dinners, and had a few leisurely days. I also went through all of your stuff and formed two capacious bags of donations out of old toys. In the process I discovered every missing sock in a toy drawer and even a full school uniform wadded up in the costume bin. I found all the candy wrappers in the very creative places from sneaking treats in your rooms, busted. Each of those made me grin. :)

It's always a bit refreshing to dress up and meet great, new people. Or spending uninterrupted time with those I don't get the chance to very often. Not to mention the quiet in the air or the freedom to do as I please, whenever I please. It was a good taste until Monday. The tears came that day. I had just hopped out of the shower when "Bennie and the Jets" came on. That's an odd song I sometimes sing to my Benny in the car as he pretends for a brief minute he doesn't like it but dearly delights in it and especially as I do the Buh-buh-buh Benny part. I couldn't hold back any longer, I was really missing you guys.

I have had enough of the napkin in the lap. The freedom was nice for a smidgen. I want to pick grass out of your dirty soccer socks as I fold laundry. I miss the sound of camaraderie in my home. I want our crazy schedule and busy weekends full of games back. I want to make you breakfast, cook you dinner and bake you after school snacks. I want to break up the brotherly love squabbles. I want to kiss your face, look at your jolly eyes as you tell me about all of the things you have been doing and squeeze the dang crap out of you. I want to read with you and snuggle. Home is where my heart is... with my family. It's just not the same without you... I don't care if your dirty muffins, sour pickles or rotten cupcakes when you get back. In fact, I would prefer it for a tid-bit please. Our favorite season has begun... it's park and bike time! I'm excited to decorate the house for Halloween with you, so hurry home. I had to light my Spiced Pumpkin candle without you this year.

Well, my moist lids have now become moist cheeks. I can't wait until you babes come home, where we belong together.

Ha'o wau ia 'oe... Aloha wau ia 'oe

Mama Needs a Sundae, Sunday

It started with a fabulous service at church... the kind where you leave walking to your car a little more challenged than so. Love it.

Stink did not love what came up next... a challenge of his own. I asked him to clean up the living room and put the games away. The lack of enthusiasm was presently overwhelming, and so much that we weren't paying attention to what we were doing. Very bad things can happen in this haze. I hear a lingering trickle of clinking on the wood floor that came to a slow halt with pure silence at the end. Stink just stood there in this silence, looking at his mess. The mess of the contents in the 500 melty bead bucket now scattered about the room. I look at him standing there right in the middle, just staring at what happened. We have all been there and I could totally read the look on his face.

~Did this really just happen?
~If I close my eyes will it disappear?
~Can I hit the "undo" button?

Then what he secretly dreads came out of my mouth... "Well, clean it up." Thoughts on the face were read and continued.

~Crap... this really sucks.
~Where the heck do I begin?
~I'm still standing here back at first thought and I can't move... did this really just happen?

So my sergeant threw a colossal fit and complained that mosquitoes were attacking him. I didn't buy it. Instead, gave him a tip and equipment that would help clean up the mess quicker. He scrunched his eyebrows and didn't want to hear it. Then when he realized he wasn't in the jungle being eaten alive, he took the tip and amazingly the mess got cleaned up quicker than the length of that stretched episode.

Then we were off... to cut Benny's cotton. His cotton is his hair. His hair that is white as snow and soft as silk. He wants long hair and was growing it out- but deciding not to take care of it in the process. I couldn't see his eyes clearly, he had this Bieber-twitch flicking it away from his baby blues. That was the start. Then comes the disturbing silhouette I spotted one morning at breakfast before school... I had to confront.

Mom: Benny, you have a sleep-nest on the back of your head still, go comb it out please.

Benny: No mom, I did already. It's okay, when I play at morning recess I get sweaty and do this (rubs his hand to pat down the tangled mess). Then it's gone!

I took him to the bathroom where I felt the coarseness of his now non-silky hair as I de-nested with a comb. This is where I found out we weren't using the conditioner as mom prescribed for growing out the hair. Mom made some home modifications with her scissors, caused tears, and we still didn't take care of our hair over the next couple days. So off to the barber shop we go this Sunday after the melty bead melt-down. I prepared him for this day. I gave him the weekend to enjoy his mess but we were getting a cut before pictures on Monday, final say.
I detected the disappointment on his face as we talked to the hair-dresser about the plans. She did a very nice job- I could see those gorgeous eyes again. He looked straight forward at the end and not at mom (see the picture above full of attitude). My Ben-Ten was mad at me. It took multiple praises and a picture to convince him that he is still oh-so-dang-handsome. So if we want to grow our hair out we now know that:

A) We need to condition it. Daily.
B) Comb it.
C) Do not develop or disclose gross boy habits that frighten mom. :)
D) Keep it out of your eyes, mom really loves them, LOTS.

I couldn't tell if the day's events were exaggerated from our late night sleepover with friends or what. But at the end of the day my boys were happy, still told me I was a great mom, and our snuggles were as heartfelt as always. Remember... I love you two pickles. So very much.

We sure did sleep well...

Just for You

Stink was very specific about this request. He wanted a blog post only made up of the surf pictures and videos of him and his brother on our website. Here you go love... and great job in La Jolla! You know you rocked it! You deserved this. ~so many kisses

Photos courtesy of Lance Smith

http://www.lancesmithphotography.com/Sports/surf/LearntoSurf-with-Heather-Pine/18909722_ZzVGBp

Break... Challenge... Memories

We weren't planning on another trip this year but I personally needed a short get-away at this moment in time, the boys could always use one, and this was an incredible opportunity and something Stink really wanted... and I wanted that for him. After all there is no way I would want us or I to miss out on the Sergeant's first out of state soccer tournament.

Family Traveling: Mom's number one challenge as a single parent so far. I have been mastering yard work and the laundry is always kept up with. There's not much else I ever had help with so the unachievable isn't a distant thing to me. It shouldn't ever be anyway... you can do it, whatever it is I've learned. But yes, this parenting job was certainly meant for two- it has it's hard moments for two, and double hard moments for one. I'm happily rid of a few things so in some ways it's a whole lot easier. Though these trips can be a lot of work for me, the prize is worth it all. In three days I squeezed in the exercising, manicure, cleaning, shopping and packing plus worked 10-13 hour shifts <------ Exhausting. Prize-time.

So off to gorgeous La Jolla, California where S. Stinks tournament took place... a beautiful place! We added it to our collection of favorite beach cities along with Carlsbad and Del Mar after our 5 day experience. I get in a different moment when the windows are rolled down and it hits you when your there- that moist fresh air with a hint of sea salt. It flows through Benny's cotton (his hair) making dewey locks concentrated with his baby smells... makes me crazy. He just wears it with a jolly, teasing smile knowing I want to tackle him with my kisses. I wish my hair had that effect in the humidity, not so... at all.

Now for the soccer, sweet soccer. The fields were soft, the air was cool, and the attitude was right. My Sergeant was ready to take on these Californians with his team. Being out of state sparks a little fire in him I see.

They won the first game, not without a whiny fight from the opponents though. Our coach got thrown out when California realized we were going to win and a couple of yellow cards got thrown in... one of them on Stink. The second game was loss for us, but we got to explore La Jolla Shores and experience the greatest pizza at this dive pizza parlor run by only one guy. So I say it wasn't really a loss. The next day's game score was a tie. A win, a lose and a tie... not so bad. The team played absolutely phenomenal though. They looked great and it was fun to watch. The Sergeant stated he doesn't like how California kids play... and I will agree it's different... but what a great experience for him and all of those boys.

There was only a couple of disappointing things, one of them being Coldplay's newest full album I was excited to listen to on the trip... and the other being some dear children of mine who took advantage of a napping mommy. That second one caused a night in that could have been a great night out in our beautiful new place we were visiting. Challenges. Lesson's learned.

We had a late night filled with the best nachos shared and a cheesy San Diego ghost tour.
I decided to stay an extra day for a full, relaxing run of the beach for just our family. We set up our spot and it rained. The boys hardly knew it, but I surely felt it in my little bikini. We got two hours of sunshine that we took total advantage of (very, very nice). We had to take advantage of the rest the weather brought too of course (just nice). Stink decided to teach a buddy he met how to skim board. Benny was out at sea... diving into the waves as he just loves to do and did for hours.

Some friends recommended surf lessons from a nearby surf instructor that the boys were totally all over. It's been something they have wanted to do for the last couple beach trips, so on our way home I decided to make a stop for the lessons. Just when I thought I was improving on my geography I was reminded of how pathetic my sense of direction is on the road. We got there, and like I wrote: the work is worth the prize. My prize was seeing their little muffin butts in wetsuits- made me get my pincher's out. ***More to come on this surf topic***

La Jolla: Thank you for this break that I really-really needed, challenge my dear son will never forget, and more memories we made. See you soon. Love, Nens

Stinky's Sequence of Events

My Sergeant and I finished a school project together... called the penny time-line. S. Stink had to pick out pennies to represent all the years of his little life he has had so far.

Then we got to dive into the real fun when he needed to pick out a favorite story from each year to go with each penny. I create and keep picture books for the boys that I try very hard to keep up with. I always know these books will be much appreciated some-day but they most definitely came in handy for my dear son and his project. So we started going through all of Stink's books from birth to the current day.

I couldn't wait until the day Stink took his first steps... not knowing at the time that the walk just means a new level for toddler exploring and getting into things. Then once that's quickly mastered we run... everywhere.

Brother-bear was born and not only did he love holding Benny, I would always catch big brother in his crib checking on him and playing with the weird Baby Einstein mobile I hung for both the boys (that thing was a popular hit). Or better yet pushing him in his automated swing sometimes sending me flying across the room when I thought he was trying to see how high his brother could go.

Then there comes the laughs with the farm goats that I frequently introduced Stink to, obviously. There are many pictures of us on different farms and events where I stuck my poor son in front of these things and his little face shows sheer terror and fright in every single one. I'm sorry honey... maybe mom thought it was a fear you needed to conquer or something. Whatever it was I can tell you now your over it.

Oh how my Sergeant just adored Thomas the Train and spent hours at his train table humming the tunes from The Island of Sodor. He even told me one day that he was cross... and I knew right where that sort of lingo was from. I remember painting Stink's room in bright blues with all Thomas decor. He even went to the first day of preschool with the whole Thomas set up: shirt, shoes, and backpack... you-were-it.

Stink went to his first day of school and just trotted on into the class like he's done it for years. I was the one that was crying... the sort of good tears. That's how you want your child to take things on but it was a unique sweet to taste. Then there was our trip to Disneyland... unforgettable for all.

My sports fanatic son found his personal love in soccer... in which I am currently watering that seed. Your fabulous. Stink really enjoyed our summer trip on the cruise where we celebrated our bonds, our tight family, and escaped the everyday for a bit.

I love you Sergeant Stink! This was fun, and again I'm sorry about the goats baby. Way to go on your grade in this project too... 65/65!

Back to Banner!!

Here is the first day of the new job as well as the boys' first day of school. Other than Stink being home sick with his Mexican flu-bug all was great.

We were so very excited, for school and Mom's new job. Thrilled with the idea of a more consistent schedule with free weekends. Glad to dive into something new to keep me on my toes. Things seemed great! They aren't always what they seem, even with thorough research done. This was a classic case of the grass not being greener on the other side... just as my Grandpa says.

I was sure this was a sealed fab deal. Some reserves but not too many ideas otherwise. Stuck in a high of "something new". Gave away my Banner scrubs and threw away my clipboard with brain sheets and any other sheet laying around. Wrote a sweet sayonara card to my dear 7S.

I'm now back at Banner... and I got my card back during the first shift. My card had a personalized cover card full of kind notes... thank you. I was taken back in, quicker than I ever would have thought. Not only taken back in, but welcomed with hugs and sweet words I will never forget.

I learned a lot. There are flaws and trials in everything of course... but this was the first time I left something that made me realize how great it was to begin with... despite the flaws and trials. It's a unit solid in foundation and full of loyalty, integrity, and honest/caring people. Respect greater for me than I had for it. ***hard to find***

I'm so glad to be back. Back to a place where my hard work and love for my patients is not only appreciated but shown by my other co-workers as well. Which is what matters and just what I need my career to be surrounded with.

Plus the Monday through Friday thing I was finding wasn't as hot as I really thought either. I need a full weekday here and there to fill with my gym classes, lunch dates, school volunteering, good cooking, and errands... in addition to I really hated grocery shopping with the boys.

Change is good. It can sometimes bring new opportunities, or make you thankful for and realize the value of what you had. You know my take!

I love you "Nurse Goddesses" I work with, kiss-kiss!!

A Vent Here, A Vent There

It's been an odd last couple of weeks... just different. It was a tiring shuffle with a brief disappointment there in the mix. I never know what comes before me, and it takes a lot to surprise me these days. But I always face it, with the best face I can show.

We went through the usual routine this morning- back to our usual that is. Glad to be back, btw. I was ready to send my boys off to school. As I get them out the door in the morning, instead of being in my gym wear while smothering my boys with kisses and wet handed hugs from breakfast dish duty, I was dropping them off at school all dressed up. They told me I looked pretty this morning. They examined my colored lips that are usually uncolored at this hour. That caused a brief hesitation before our kissy part this AM. They didn't know where I was going, some meeting I told them. Mom's on a quest... to fix some things that have been bothering my children.

I've been feisty. There are three things that can switch me to this mode. Hunger is a minor one of them. Messing with my kids or patients are major others. Both of those major types put some serious trust in you while they are in vulnerable times. I don't take that lightly, and a different side of me can be seen if I sense others treating those without sincere concern. Your wrongly brave if you get in the way. No one is perfect... not me nor you. I don't ever expect perfection from anyone but I do hold high standards. There is not one reason for me not to have those types of expectations.

I have done some worrying lately, which I believe is unnecessary and counterproductive for me. I don't like to do it and I need to just stop it because things always work out the way they are supposed to. That's always been a hard thing for me to remember though when it comes to my "majors".

The babes came home to a relieved mom today. I squeezed my sweet boys who smelled like sun and school... mom's quest is going in the right direction, and so are you two. I will always do my best to help you with that.

Ok... sigh of relief... things are better... de-feist done. :)

Tooth, Be Gone

Excuse my unmake upped face and dirty feet... I was on a mission.

I had a dangling tooth to pull. I planned this when I stole a glove at Urgent Care earlier that day. I bought a tube of orajel later on in the day. My plans were coming together. Then I broke the news to S. Stink... he was about to have the childhood gap of missing his two front teeth. He was excited... after all the front teeth are the high-dollar teeth according to him and his note to the tooth fairy about his other front tooth he lost before.
He goes around the house acting like he's a vampire... hissing and making this odd wrinkle as if that's what he thinks vampires actually do. To answer your thought, yes, I do feed him. I fed him corn on the cob the other day and just when I realized how cruel that was he had cleaned half of the cob already with his side teeth. It was amusing to watch. Happy hissing love-bug. xoxo

PS- Thank you Benny for the action photo-shoot. ;)

PSS- The tooth-fairy is not cheap!