It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas

      It is beginning to look like Christmas around the house.  Kevin was able to get the tree up last night and our wreaths outside.  Today Kevin started hanging the garland along the banisters and he will probably finish tomorrow evening.  We will begin to decorate the tree tomorrow as well.  We have some awesome looking ornaments to put out this year.  The boys are into everything; plugging and unplugging lights and moving everything not nailed down.  They have been bring empty boxes and other items to place under the tree so there are "presents".  They are full of excitement.  Not sure they will make it to Christmas, they might burst before then.  Later this week we will start baking and making fudge.  We have already hidden all of the frosting and marshmallow cream so the boys don't eat it all.  They are pretty ingenious in finding things or getting into locked storage.  Our house feels like Ft Knox sometimes.  We have had to place multiple locks on all the exterior doors and some interior ones.  After Zach ate 45 children's Tylenol ( he managed to get off of a top shelf in a cabinet) and we spent 4 days in the hospital, everything is in a safe.  It is a pain in the rear if you are sick and need medication, you have to know the combination or you are out of luck.  So hopefully they won't find our stash. 
     I finished all of my paperwork for the Assessment of Population class and I am ready for tomorrow's presentation.  Only pharmacology remains, and I will be finished by Monday with everything:)  I am beginning to feel more relaxed.  This is going to be a great Christmas.   

Christmas

      We made it to church last night.  It was a refreshing time.  Our pastor is working on a series in 1st and 2nd Peter.  After church we took Jaclyn and the boys to Fiesta Texas like we promised.  We had fun, but I still don't have feeling in my nose or cheeks:)  It was rather cold and we had not dressed warm enough, at least I didn't feel dressed warm enough.  Matthew and Zach rode on almost all of the Wiggle Town rides.  They got to meet Bugs Bunny and Daffy Duck.  Jaclyn and I decided to try our luck on the Scream.  I had ridden it several years ago, I quickly remembered why it is called the Scream.  After we got off of the ride, we asked ourselves what we had felt we needed to prove-couldn't think of a thing between the two of us.  It was nice to spend time as a family though.  We did have hot coco in an effort to warm up, but most of our bodies were still cold.  As we were leaving the park, Zach became upset over the fact that we had not stopped and bought him a "light saver" otherwise known as a light saber.  He proceeded to cry for about 20 minutes.  Kevin was feeling frustrated at this point.  I reminded him that this was a boy without a nap.  Both of the boys feel asleep about 5 minutes from home-good and bad.  Good they had stopped crying, bad they would wake up and cry again. 
      Matthew woke up peaceful and went sleepily into the house, Zach woke up screaming that his neck hurt.  I carried him into our bed and laid him down.  He kicked his shoes off and pulled our covers over his head.  I retrieved some children's Tylenol and rubbed his neck until he was calm.  Matthew had gotten into his pajamas and had been kind enough to bring Zach some.  I changed him and he slid back under the covers.  Jaclyn tried to get him to go upstairs with her and go to bed without any luck.  "NO!  I stay in mom's room".  He took some blankets and a pillow and made himself a bed on the floor.  Everyone was so tired, I think we all fell asleep as soon as our heads hit the pillows. 
      Today, we have been finishing up a few things and are starting to pull out the Christmas decorations.  Kevin plans to put up the Christmas tree tonight, along with the garland for the banisters and the giant outdoor wreath.  We aren't going to go all out this year since we will be traveling.  Christmas is my favorite time of the year.  It is the time we celebrate Christ's birth.  A wonderful time of celebration and life.  The end of one year and the beginning of another.  A time to look back and be thankful and to look forward and rejoice.  During this time of the year we do more as a family.  We developed traditions over the years that we enjoy.  Kevin makes wonderful fudge and sugar cookies for friends and family.  I bake several different breads for friends and family.  We all decorate and package the goodies together.  We try to have a birthday party for Jesus every year, where the kids can invite friends, decorate cookies, make ornaments, and eat homemade pizza and cake.  We have been doing this for about 10 years on and off.  Even our older children try to come sometimes.  It is a time to be together and enjoy each others company.  Sometimes we are so busy it is hard to fit time in for all the activities.  As I have gotten older, I have found that family and traditions have become more important.  I treasure the memories, I guess because I know how fleeting time and life can be.  Several of our children are grown and on their own now.  I miss the time when they were younger.  I enjoy the memories and I am trying to make sure I don't waste any of the time I've been given.  I tend to fail frequently on wasting time, but I am learning and improving. 
      Well the semester is almost over for me, both school and my job.  Jaclyn's semesters ends shortly in the new year as well as Matthew's six weeks.  I turned in all of my work for my Assessment of the Population class and have only a presentation to complete on Tuesday.  I have one more pharmacology class were we will review several case studies and then a final exam on the 6th.  The semester went by faster than I expected.  So in about a week I can concentrate completely on all things Christmas.  Christ, family, friends, and goodies.  Yeah.       

Thanksgiving and Birthdays

      This week has been a busy and full week.  Since this week is about Thanksgiving, I want to share some thoughts.  Every year, I have a list of "things" I would like to accomplish and this year has not been any different.  Well. I can't say different, but I did have a list I wanted to accomplish.  What is different about this year, is that I am learning I don't have to finish the list.  I am basically an over-achiever or type A personality (to the extreme, Kevin would say).  I have struggled with perfection for many years and I haven't won.  This year, I feel that I am finally learning, it's okay not to be perfect.  This year I am thankful that God is teaching me this lesson.  I am not perfect and can never be perfect; God loves me in spite of my imperfections.  He is working a perfect work in me.  I am truly blessed.  I am able to worship my God without fear of persecution, I am able to openly share my faith through freedom of speech.  I am thankful for my wonderful husband (I need to tell him more often) and my children.  I am thankful for my job and the fact that I enjoy it so much.  I am thankful for the home I live in and the "things" that make my life comfortable.  God has blessed me with so much.  Every dream and desire that I have had, He has eventually given me.  So much more than I deserve!!!  Thank you God for all you have blessed me with, thank you for sending your Son to take my place.  I wish that I remembered all of my blessings, when I start to complain or feel that I "need" something.  This year I looked around and decided I needed to share my blessings.  There are some items that are precious to me and I decided I wanted to share them.  I am also looking outside of my home and comfort zone.  I feel I need to share my time and myself as well.  I am praying I find where I need to spend my time, there are many places that need help and I want to be where I can be of the most help.
      Back to the list.  Every year on my list is organize the house.  This is probably not possible, but I try to anyway.  There were repairs to the house on there (always some every year) and down-sizing what we could.  I have organized most of the rooms:)  They are not perfect, but things are straight and additional "things" removed where possible.  I will not finish this year, but might next (ha ha).  I have been sending some of blessings to friends and family as well.  I am going to donate some items to places that have a real need and of course give some to Goodwill.  The home repairs that really needed to be completed are and a few extra were thrown in (able to mark them off of my list).  Finally, I am to the downsizing of things.  I thought this would be painful, but it really has not.  I enjoy what I have and like all the "things" in life that make it easier, but I am okay without all of them.  It honestly took years to get to this point.  I used to feel that "things or stuff" would make me happy, but they really don't.  Happiness can't be bought.  You have to work at it, just like marriage and friendships.  It isn't always a feeling either, it is a state of mind.  Wish I had known some of this when I was younger, would have saved myself a lot of discomfort.  God is so gracious, He makes the learning bearable. 
      Today is my best friend, Rosa's, BIRTHDAY.  She is turning 21 again (she has been 21 for several years now).  We were going to take her to Fiesta Texas, and we actually drove there only to find out it does not open UNTIL 4pm!!!  Blew that.  So we took her out to lunch and gave her several tickets so she and Summer (her daughter) can go and have fun.  I don't get to spend enough time with her, since we are both in school, so it was fun to just sit and visit.  She is another blessing in my life. 
      Well, we are going to church this evening as family; Kevin often has to work on Sundays, so we don't get to go together often.  After church we are going to stop by Fiesta Texas for a while and then home to bed.  Tomorrow we will finish some chores, start wrapping presents, and I have to study for a final exam in Pharmacology.  Almost through with the semester-yeah:)  God Bless.   
 

Black Friday

What a day.  Jaclyn, Matthew, Zachary and I headed out about 7 am this morning to do a "little" shopping.  I only needed a few Christmas gifts and thought I'd try my luck today.  I was able to get all the sales I wanted, except the 10 dollar turning waffle iron.  Oh well, although I would like to have gotten one for 10, I already have one and a second would just be a plus.  Since there are 8 of us, we tend to have 2 of everything, so that we can cook and clean in a timely manner.  We did find some items that we had not been looking for, but were items we could use and the price was too good to pass up.  Jaclyn and I had fun, the boys did not.  We went to Walmart first and found Kevin Sr's requested Christmas gifts, a flash drive for Jaclyn and several sets of pajamas for the boys.  After Walmart, we headed off to Santikos; they were offering $100 gift cards for $20.  We arrived at 8:02 am (they started at 8) and they were already sold out.  We then went to JC Penney's, this is one of my favorite stores, and found several bargains.  We need a new mixer and I was able to get one at reasonable price.  I have been looking for a wool jacket, Penney's had several different styles on sale for 49.88.  I found one I liked and my winter wardrobe is complete.  We are planning to go to Virginia for the holidays and Matthew needed a heavy winter coat, found one for under $15:)  We headed to the check out with our finds.  We had found everything we needed (I thought) and were headed out the door in under an hour.  Jaclyn and I loaded all the goodies into the van, got the boys buckled and Jaclyn says "I really like that wool coat you got mom" (hint, hint).  So I ask, does your jacket from last year still fit?  "No, mom, I need a new one".  So I ask "Do you want a wool one?"  "Yes, I would really like a black one, mom".  So back into Penney's we head.  Zachary starts crying and begs not to have to go back in.  "please just weave me in the ban!!!!"  I carry a crying Zachary back into the store:(  We found one she liked and that fit her and head to the catalog registers; one the way we pass the Wii towers and grab one.  I did have 2 gifts that I needed to find at this point.  We headed over to Bed, Bath & Beyond for one of them, I found the desired item and was able to save an additional 20% off to boot!  We stopped by to see Kevin Sr and visit for awhile.  Kevin had to work, and so he was not able to join in our adventure.  The boys managed to weasel snacks and coffee out of him; they recharged.  Target was last on my list,  or at least that was my thought.  I found the boy's transformers and a present for my nephew Ean.  I also picked up the gifts from Grandma for the boys.  It was now around 1215.  I decided we deserved some food for all of our efforts.  We went to IHOP.  Kevin was able to get off early (the doctor discharged all the patients and the evening nurse came in early-yeah!!), so he joined us for lunch.  After filling our stomachs we headed home, so the boys could take a break (nap).  Zach protested loudly and fell asleep quickly with his legs crossed and his hands under his chin.  Matthew protested, but was much more willing to rest.  While they were resting, Kevin and I headed out to find some garland for the banisters.  We made several other stops, bought an anniversary gift, bday gift, and dog food (dog snacks too).  Finally made it back home and decided to clean the garage and make sure all the faucets were covered.  It's suppose to freeze tonight.  Busy day to say the least, but I did have fun.  I really enjoy spending time with Jaclyn.  She will be sixteen in January.  I can't believe how fast the time has gone.  She will be gone before I know it.  She has been a blessing.  She is a big help around the house and with the boys.  I really don't know what I would do without her!!  She just helped me wrap a gift for a friend's daughter for Christmas and helped me get everyone to sign bday cards for Rosa and Ean.  My best friends bday is tomorrow.  HAPPY BIRTHDAY ROSA!!!  I love you.  I am so glad God brought you into my life.  You have blessed me and my family.  May your birthday be blessed and joyous.  Well I am tired and going to head off for my last destination of the day-to bed!  Good night and God bless.

Time off

I work as a simulation instruction in nursing at San Antonio College.  My simulation clinicals start at 0630 and I am up by at least 0515 on Mondays and Tuesdays.  The day starts early, but I truly enjoy what I am doing.  The students I get to work with have been pretty wonderful and kind.  This is my first semester teaching and the students have been patient with me.  This week of course is Thanksgiving week, the nursing students at SAC do not have the week off, so I do not have the week off.  I am thankful, though, that I only have to work Monday and Tuesday this week.  I finished with simulation at noon and we just finished checking off several students on nasogastric tube insertion.  The instructor I am working with this flex (SAC nursing goes in 8 weeks flex semesters) is Mrs. Church.  I was a little leary at first, Mrs Church did not appear thrilled with simulation when we first met, but I must say I have really enjoyed working with her.  She has a wealth of knowledge and is a great person to learn from.  I honestly look forward to working with her in the future.  Since I am through for the day I plan to go home and take Jaclyn to a friends to work on a school project for a while and do something with the boys.  Kevin has an appointment this afternoon and won't be home until after 4, so it is the boys and I!  They are always full of energy, I need lots of caffeine to keep up with them.  I should sleep well this evening (hopefully they will too).   

Pharmacology Quiz

Ughhhhhhhhh...
That is how I feel after quiz 3.  I read through the chapters and took all the self assessments and I only made a 72.  That is so frustrating.  I guess it could have been worse, but I am disappointed all the same.  I have one more quiz in pharmacology and the semester is over.  It seems like I have been going to school forever.  Not really, I began school in my mid 20's, around 1992 and completed my Associate's degree in nursing in 1994.  I took a long break, didn't really feel like going for my BSN.  After about 10 years, I decided that I really should complete my BSN.  I started working on my pre-reqs for the BSN in 2004, several classes at a time.  Kevin and I started the BSN program at University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio (UTHSCSA as they like to be called) in January of 2008 and I graduated in December of 2008.  I began the nurse practitioner program in January of 2009 on a part-time basis.  At times it feels like it is never going to end.  I have not felt as motivated this semester as I have in the past.  I have only my health assessment class to complete in the spring and then I begin the nurse practitioner part of the program.  If all goes well I should graduate in May of 2012.  That seems far away, but at the same close.  I feel like there is light at the end of the tunnel and it is not a train.  Honestly this semester has flown by.  I started out feeling overwhelmed, but the semester went better than I expected.  School was actually the least of my worries at times.  We have had to have some renovations to our home, and that was painful.  We did not have a living room for over a month and did not have a TV for over week.  That wasn't so bad for me, but the boys were upset that they couldn't watch Disney or play Wii.  While they were working on the kitchen, we had to eat out (this was not as much fun as we thought it would be).  Now the outside of the house is having a face lift.  We had all of the wood removed and replaced with vinyl siding.  They are almost finished and it is looking great.  The kitchen and family room look wonderful.  It is like having a new house in a way.  Most of the repairs were necessary, but we did make a few just for us.  We were able to invite friends over this past week and enjoy company after several months of chaos.  I am very thankful that all of the repairs and renovations will be completed before the holidays.  It will be nice to have things in order and be able to relax (if one can really relax during the holidays).  I believe I have already gotten my Christmas presents and what wonderful presents they were.  I feel truly blessed.        

November 22, 2010

I finally did it.  I created my own blog.  Hopefully I can share some wonderful memories.