It's Official

I am completely done with school... for the moment. I have my degree, passed my state board exam, and now got my red letters!!! Oh how exciting this day has been. In the car, I had to keep glancing at those two letters on the corner of my badge, so proud of myself!! It feels legit. It is legit.

I paid a visit to my old school today, the one where I completed the Nursing Program. I needed to do a few final things there and this will be the last time for a long time if ever that I will be here again. I didn't really miss it. I ran into one of my favorite instructors however and we greeted each other with the most happiest of smiles. I told her about my legitness and she was so elated about the news. As I shared some info with her about my new job I was reminded about how lucky I am to have such a great job, that I am loving, in these difficult times. I truly am blessed. Before I left, I had to stop by the cafe where I got what used to be my usual: cherry Italian soda with creme. Gosh I love that pink bliss in a cup. I even finished it before I got to the car. :)

Here's to new beginnings...

Love, Nurse Nenny :)

100% Boy

He's fierce. He's fast. He grins his grill. He charges. He loves football.







Here is our competitive S. Stink starting up in flag football. He is doing awesome and it is so much fun to watch him practice something he loves. Hopefully this will help me learn the sport a bit better. Can't wait till' the games!

Still Ill

Heavenly Father, HEAL MY BODY... please. Cold and flu season has been hitting me pretty hard and couldn't come at a more worse time. A couple of weeks ago I had a terrible cold, which ended in a nagging cough and left me with a hoarse, barely there voice. Then I got a double whammy last night which included a sore throat, fever and those horrid body aches that make you not want to budge. The boys slept with me last night because now we are all sick except for Steve (who is NEVER sick). It was musical coughs in the bed, I would moan/cough, then Benny would let out a couple of dry coughs, then s. stink with his juicy cough... It was a sick situation and quite pathetic. The humidifier is becoming a permanent fixture on my nightstand, plus my bed is never made because it seems there is always somebody in it. Okay bring on the Z-pack... I've gotta get through these next three night shifts.

Yup, he's old...

Steve turned the big three-oh! It was either trade him in or plan a bash... of course option one was out so a bash he got. First we had a lovely dinner at our favorite place, Kona Grill, with all of our families. The nice waiter was having one of those days we all have once and a while and dropped the beloved carrot cake for dessert we brought in, but we got free warm brownies at the end. Which indeed was a warm-too many calorie-chocolatey-almost better than carrot cake dessert. I had gathered his friends and booked a party bus for 28... yes, too much fun we had! It was bound to happen: no kids + firemen + neighbors + friends from back in the day + really good drinks + really really good drinks + bull rides= one heck of a time. We must do again.

It was a birthday I hope he won't forget. And yes he got another carrot cake. It's his favorite and I just couldn't let him have a birthday without one. Happy birthday old man, I love you!

PS- Steve woke up with a grey hair in his beard the following morning..... guess the "old fairy" paid him a visit!

A Champion Amongst Us

Wow, I am one proud Mommy... my heart is filled with joy. Sergeant Stink loves to run (naturally), and just had his first race. He was so excited the morning of I caught him playing in his toy room at 5:45 that morning all dressed for his race, the belt and all works. I took one look at him and knew he was pumped up for it.

He ended up getting first place!! Look at those big brown eyes filled with pride. Then to top it all off he got 100% on his phonograms and spelling test that day. That deserved the banana split he got. Way to go Stink!

Backed Up

It was a poopy morning, literally. My Sergeant Stink was sitting having his cereal this morning when he told me his tummy hurt. He got down from the table and layed on the couch... not my Stink. Then it was time to go off to church and he only made it up halfway to the top of the stairs when he crunched into a ball and said he couldn't move. You all know that when stoic Sergeant Stink says something hurts, something is up. So I packed him up in the car and instead of church we visited the ER. The whole way he says, "mommy go faster, we really need to get there."

Here he is, waiting for the x-ray results that gave us proof of the traffic jam on his freeway. In childhood he has had many firsts and today was one of them and the terrible enema. But he is better, much better. Apple juice here we come! :)

Benny in the Night

Meet Mr. Snuggler from day 1. When I had Benny in the hospital, that first night I wrapped up my new baby and put him in his little bassinet beside the hospital bed. Nope didn't cut it for this kid. He just wasn't happy being away from mom. So, I know it's against the rules, but he slept with me close to my heart that night, all night that is where he stayed in that hospital bed with me... and it was a beautiful sleep. I remember the pediatrician walking into the room the next morning and I, thinking to myself in half sleep "on no I'm gonna get a lecture". But he just stood there, paused, smiled and looked at us. He actually told me how some babies just need to be close and thats the way they are. That's my Benny. He often comes in the night to snuggle me, and sometimes now with Brother...... so sweet.