Spring Break

Well, it is finally time for spring break.  I am more than ready for spring in general.  The weather has been pleasant and it seems that the severe temperature extremes have stopped.... for now anyways.  This past week was very enjoyable.  Our oldest son, Kevin Jr, came down to visit for several days.  We had a nice time and he was able to spend time with most of his siblings and "adopted" siblings.  We had a cookout Wednesday night and the house was full of laughter, good smells, and delicious food.  It was difficult to get the little boys to bed, they were so excited to have all their brothers with them for the evening.  Their excitement might have something to do with their sugar intake as well.  Kevin made a coca cola cake which is loaded with sugar for dessert. 
Alas all good things eventually come to an end.  Kevin Jr left yesterday to go back to Princeton, we probably won't get to see him again until summer.  Each time he leaves, it seems to get harder for me.  I was ready for when he left for college.  I knew and understood that this was the phase of life he was moving into.  I know that this is what he is suppose to be doing and I am happy for him, but I do miss him.  At times it is hard to remember him as a baby or little boy.  He has grown into a wonderful young man.  He is more than I could ever ask for.  I guess maybe I have learned to enjoy each moment we have with our children, they grow up so fast. 
With our younger boys, I am trying not to make the same mistakes I made with Kevin Jr.  I hope I am doing better.  I feel Kevin Jr is who he is in spite of me and my mistakes and I thank God for that.  Kevin Jr is terrific with his younger siblings.  I don't know to many 25 year old's, who make time to play hide and seek, as well as tag, with their younger siblings.  He also tries to teach them new things when he is here and makes sure he reinforces school to them.  Kevin Jr has a passion for math and science, I find it wonderful that he shares that with his siblings and helps them cultivate their area of interests too.  I am very proud of him.  He will graduate with his PhD in Mathematics next May.  He plans to continue his studies post-doctoral and teach.  I keep waiting for him to invent a new number;)
This coming week, the younger children and I will be going to help my mother pack and move into an apartment.  She has finally sold her house and she is ready.  Having a house is a big responsibility and she is ready to simplify.  Her plan is to move to San Antonio at the end of the year.  The boys are so excited.  They miss her and want her to be here all of the time.  It will be nice to be able to spend more time with my mom and be available if she needs me.  It is hard for me at times to acknowleged the she is not indestructible.  I still see her as I did as a child, tall and strong.  She does not look her age and she is still tall and strong, but I can see somethings are not as easy for her as they used to be.  I don't want to see any changes, she is my mom and I want her to stay the same.  I wonder if my children feel the same way sometimes.  I guess as I have gotten older the thought that she might not be there one day creeps closer.  I want to make sure I don't miss opportunities to be with her and savor the love that comes from only a mother.

Winter? Spring? ????

The weather in south central Texas has been as varied as the rest of the country has this year.  We went from freezing temperatures to warm short weather in the span of a few days.  It seems like every morning you have to poke your head or body out the door to see how you should dress.  I really haven't minded the weather changes, I just don't want any broken pipes from freezing weather.  With the extreme changes in weather, it has been difficult to keep some of my plants alive.  My poor hybiscus plant died, and several other small plants are not fairing too well at this point.  I will have some work cut out for me this spring with planting new and hopefully fairly hardy plants.  I have found that I am able to grow very few things without killing them.  I am afraid I don't possess a green thumb.  I have even managed to kill cactus.  So far I have not killed any fake plants.  My mother says she can even kill those.  Well I have to go uncover my plants now, today is a warm day and they could use the sunshine:)

The Busyness (sp) of life

These past few weeks have been a flurry of activity for our family.  Getting back in the routine after the holidays has been a little challenging.  It has not been as stressful as I thought it would be, just a full active schedule.  Now it is Rodeo time and Kevin and I will be spending some of our free hours helping in the first aide areas.  It is a nice break from the hospital routine for us both.  We have been volunteering for about 9 years, and we thoroughly enjoy our time spent there.  We have met some wonderful people and feel like we have made many new friends.  We try to take the children at least once so they can ride the rides and see the animals.  The boys love that part, Jaclyn is more into the rides.  Well, have to get back to the routine, have to blog later.

Awards

Today I had the pleasure of attending my son Matthew's first grade award ceremony.  The class has an award ceremony at the end of each nine weeks.  The ceremony and awards, seem to help the children stay on task throughout the long year.  This was the first award ceremony I was able to attend for this school year.  I went early to have lunch with Matthew.  I hadn't told him I was coming and so he was very surprised when I walked into the cafeteria behind his class.  Matthew is so sweet, he excused himself from the line and went to the end so he could walk through with me.  After he chose steak fingers, milk, and apple juice for lunch we went and sat with his class.  They are a very energetic group of children.  All of the children were excited about the award ceremony and several were worried about when their parents would get there.  I didn't see too much being eating, but I did see quite a bit of bouncing, laughing, and playing.  After lunch they had a bathroom break and then went to class to prepare for the award ceremony.  I waited in the hall so Mrs. Conlee could get the children to focus on what needed to be completed.  Several parents were able to attend, but due to the time many could not.  My heart went out to those little ones whose parents couldn't make it.  Matthew received several awards; one for academic achievement, one for citizenship, and one for being on time for the nine weeks.  The whole ceremony was about thirty minutes.  Each of the children received at least one award, many had more.  Everyone clapped and cheered for their friends and themselves.  After it was over Matthew walked me to his door and gave me a big hug and kiss.  I definitely made his day by being there.  It is not always easy, but many times, he receives such happiness and pleasure when Kevin and I arrange time to participate with him at school or other activities.  Matthew is such a sweet boy, he has a generous and loving spirit as well.  I call him my miracle baby.  When I was five weeks pregnant with him, I started bleeding and passing large clots.  It was the same situation I had several years before and I lost the baby.  It was after office hours and my OB/GYN sent me to the ER.  I had called Kevin at work basically in despair and fear.  He came home right away, which is hard when you are a nurse.  You have to have someone take care of your patient assignment.  We went to the ER and the doctor on call ordered a ultrasound.  It was a relief and miracle that Matthew's little heart was beating and strong.  I had prayed and cried out to God.  I just kept asking Him to keep this baby safe and God did!  I stopped bleeding while in the ER.  At five weeks there is not really anything the doctors can do, so I was placed on bedrest at home and told to call my doctor on Monday for follow up.  The ER had drawn blood, but they had to wait on results for some and would let my doctor and myself know.  My progesterone level was low and with replacement progesterone for 12 weeks, I was able to carry Matthew to term.  When he was born, I felt and feel to this day, that he was and is a miracle.  He has brought joy and happiness to me and our family.  He has a wonderful sense of humor and likes to share with all those around him.  He grows so much daily and at times I want to take him back to those days when he would lay in my arms and just look at me.  He still likes to be with me and look at me, but he is grwoing up much faster than I would like.  Children are such blessings, and we have them for such a short time.  I wish I knew how to draw the time out, he will be off to college before I know it:)   

Sweet 16

Our wonderful daughter, Jaclyn, turned 16 this weekend.  She had several friends over for a slumber party Saturday.  Kevin made homemade pizza and Jaclyn wanted a Krispy Kreme donut cake for her birthday cake.  We clean up the house during the day and since Kevin was home finished a few small projects around the house.  I went out later in the afternoon to get the cake, groceries, and not to be forgotten, soda!  You can't have a birthday party without soda.  I didn't get back until several of the girls had already arrived and Kevin had one pizza made and completed.  I had forgotten my phone at home and did not know we needed more mozzarella cheese.  As soon as I got home, Kevin ran out for more cheese.  Jaclyn and her friends seem to have a good time.  We had bought Guitar Hero for the Wii, so the girls gave that a try and were going to work out to the Zumba fitness game as well.  Since several of the girls could not spend the night, we had "cake" and opened presents first.  The cake consisted of five dozen donuts.  I think 2 1/2 were eaten that night and another 1 1/2 for breakfast.  All I can say is that I am glad most of the donuts are gone.  It is hard to eat just one, just two, just three, Krispy Kreme donuts and stop.  The boys were on a sugar high Saturday night and Sunday morning.  Hopefully they didn't bother the girls too much.  I think Zach has a crush on Michaela.  He really seemed to like her and couldn't stop talking about her.  He is only four, it's too soon for this mama.  We spent the rest of Sunday as a family.  We took Jaclyn to Sprint to get her a new phone for her birthday.  She chose the Sprint Evo, I'm not sure I'll actually talk to her again.  She can voice text, so she may not feel the need to actually talk.  I sure hope not!!  I can't believe how grown up she is.  It feels like just yesterday that she was a baby.  The years have flown by and now she is young woman.  She has grown into a talent, beautiful young lady.  I look forward to spending time with her as she continues to grow into adulthood.  We have been blessed by Jaclyn.  Jaclyn has and is such a help to us, especially me.  I pray that God continues to protect her, helps her to grow into the Godly woman he has called her to be, and will bless her with compassion, kindness, and grace.  I love Jaclyn and I thank God for placing you in our family.  You are truly beautiful inside and out.  Love mom.

Shots!!!!!

     I had to take my two boys to the doctor yesterday for their yearly physicals.  I will admit I dread taking them to the doctor.  It is not because they misbehave or act out or anything like that, it getting to the office, waiting in the office, dealing with insurance, and the possibility that one of the boys might be due for a shot.  The boys' doctor is wonderful and I really like him.  He is kind and patient with the boys and me (the mom).  He doesn't treat me like I'm a dummy or since I'm a nurse I should know or understand everything.  I may be a nurse, but pediatrics is not my specialty!  I leave ped's, as it is known, to braver souls than I.  The first time I had to give a toddler a shot, I cried with the toddler.  Neither the toddler nor I had a good day.  Both the boys are in good health, praise God, but poor Zach needed three shots.  He had to have all his boosters at once, at least he doesn't need any more until he is about eleven.  I had to help hold him, and I tried to reassure him, but after the first shot he knew what was going to happen next.  Two arms and one leg later we were able to leave.  Zach did get a sticker, but that didn't provide much comfort.  So since he was such a good boy, I told him he could stay home from preschool today and spend the day with mom.  That made him much happier and Matthew sad.  Matthew did not need any shot, but he wanted to stay home from school with mom.  I told him he would have his turn another day, but he was still sad. 
     We made it home in time to rest for a short time before I had to leave to go to the rodeo meeting.  Kevin and I help the medical committee out each year at the rodeo.  The medical committee provides minor care for those attending and participating in the rodeo.  EMS is there for major medical problems, but the medical committee volunteers help with minor issues.  I enjoy helping and watching all the people.  Praise God there has never been any major injuries over the years.  The committee provides the services free of charge and many feel comforted knowing there are those around to help if needed.  Kevin and I signed up for several different shifts, some together and some separate.  It is fun when we work together and we get to spend some quality time together as well.  Sometimes the volunteers get to go in the arena station to volunteer and they can watch the rodeo or show after.  I like to be in the outside stations, near the people and horses (I am a horse lover) the most.  I will go if they need me to into the arena station, but it is not my preference.  This year they have Mercy Me (a Christian group) playing on one of the nights.  I might try to get Jaclyn and I tickets if she wants to go.
     So far my thirty days of only Christian music is going well.  I have purchased some new albums and Jaclyn has been down loading them to our ipods.  I bought Kutless's album 'Strong Tower' and it is awesome.  I just want to listen to it over and over.  I also bought a Todd Agnew two album CD with his song 'Grace Like Rain'.  His music is awesome as well.  Of course, my favorites are always with me, Third Day, Casting Crowns, Jeremy Camp, and DC Talk.  I am so thankful for technology.  I can now have my favorite music with me and it fits inside a device smaller than my cell phone, WOW.  Well, I'm going to  put in my head phones and start organizing my linen closet.  Wish me luck. 

Weekends, laundry and the Last Hanah Montana Episode

     I love the weekends, we don't have to worry about school for two days.  I enjoy the downtime with Jaclyn and the boys.  We don't have any set agenda and can do as we please.  Most weekends we try to do some cleaning, and of course the never ending battle of laundry.  For our family we normally have about eight loads of laundry for the week.  I don't mind washing and drying, but I am really not a fan of folding the laundry.  I have been married for twenty-six years and so far I have never encountered a laundry elf.  So this means Jaclyn and I are the laundry elves.  We think we have all the laundry completed, and bam, we find some more.  This weekend we thought we had found it all, but alas the boys out smarted us and managed to hide some in their rooms.  Oh well, that's life.
     We did have some fun just relaxing this weekend.  Saturday was a good day for a fire, which we had and we made smores.  Smores are addictive, you can't eat just one.  At first my husband, Kevin, made fun of me for saying that... until he had eaten three and was considering going for another.  They are simple treats, but taste so good.  The fire felt great as well and having a fire helps with the heating bill.
     This weekend was a long weekend as well.  To me that is best kind of weekend, three or four days.  If every day could be a weekend day, I would be in heaven.  Today, was just a relax day.  We did get out and run a few errands.  Bed, Bath & Beyond is becoming one of my favorite places, we made a short stop there today.  I needed more cork shelf liner.  I have been slowly relining the kitchen shelves and found that the cork liner is more durable for the pots, pans, and small appliances.  I have about half of the kitchen completed and will continue to work on it until all of the shelves have been relined.  We stopped by Sam's Club for a few bulk items.  If I am not careful, I could go crazy in Sam's.  I really like the electronic section.  Today, I made myself walk right by and tried not to even look.  Sometimes looking gets me into trouble.  We finished our errands at JC Penney's.  They have the shampoo that Jaclyn and I like to use, so that was our last stop.  While I was there I found some new nail polish colors and picked up one for Jaclyn and myself.
     Back at home, the last item on today's agenda was the new and last Hannah Montana Forever episode.  We taped (or DVR) this episode so that none of the children (Jaclyn, Matthew, Zach, and Mom) would miss a single second of it.  It really is a cute show, and the boys now most of her songs.  I am happy to say that they know the words to more Christian song, though.  They have been listening to KLOVE with Jaclyn and I this month as well and have their own very favorite songs.  Well this is the end of a very nice long weekend.  Back to work and school tomorrow.   

Class begins again for me...

     I started my classes this week.  I am taking advanced health assessment and an individual research class this semester.  I felt pretty overwhelmed when I started last semester, but I feel more relaxed regarding this one.  I will have class on Wednesdays only, so that is good.  This will be my fourth health assessment class that I have taken in my nursing school career/learning.  Hopefully, I won't have to take any more assessment classes in my future:)  We have a large class, forty-five students in all, so it should be interesting.  For my research, I am going to work on writing an article regarding the mentally ill and the care they receive in the emergency room.  I have had several experiences with this topic, so it should be interesting and hopefully helpful to others.  Started back to work this week as well, I had a nice four week break.  I really like my job, I basically get paid to act.  I work in the simulation lab, operating a high-fidelity mannequin.  Even though I do the same scenarios over, it is with a different set of students each time.  Each group of students tend to react differently, so it can be a lot of fun.  I enjoy working with the students and the instructors as well.  It has been a win-win situation for me.  My office mate, did tell me that there were several simulation instructors that complained, and I was shocked.  The hours are great, the work is enjoyable, and I get paid.  What is there to complain about?  I don't have any complaints!!!!  I hope that the other simulation instructors start having as much fun as I am. 
     The weather has been cold here lately, so we have been able to use the fireplace.  The boys are in heaven, they have gotten to make smores almost every night we have had a fire.  Such a simple pleasure brings them so much joy.  I remember as a child that was one of my favorite things to do when we had a fire or campfire.  Traditions seem to move on from generation to generation, thankfully this is a good tradition. 
     I just finished reading another book in the gospel series.  I have read Matthew, Mark, and just finished Luke.  The books have been fascinating and I feel like I was transported back to their time.  I had always thought that the gospels were written by those who were actually chosen by Christ.  Matthew and John were, but Mark was a child when Jesus began his ministry and it appears he wrote his gospel from Peter's memories of Jesus and His ministry.  Luke was a physician and historian and it appears he gathered his information from eye witnesses of Jesus and His ministry.  I think Luke was trying to create a historical guideline as well as gospel for believers.  I am a history buff, as well as a Christian, and these books combined the two topics wonderfully.  I plan to start on John soon, I am excited about reading his story. 
     KLOVE, the Christian radio station I listen to, has issued a challenge to their listener for the month of January.  They are asking listeners to just listen to Christian music for a month; either on the radio or their own music collection.  My daughter, Jaclyn, and I have been trying to do that.  So far we both have only been listening to Christian music.  I must say that I feel less stressed and Jaclyn is less irritable.  If the stress remains low, I think, I will just listen to Christian music all the time.  It certainly soothes the soul.  I don't get as agitated when driving when I listen to it for sure.  Might be a challenge for all of us to try.  What do you think? 
       

Christmas, Birthday, Anniversary, and New Years

Well, I started a blog regarding Williamsburg before Christmas, but didn't finish it until today.  Christmas Eve day, we spent quietly at the resort, watching TV, playing miniature golf and other games.  I had all of my Christmas presents wrapped and only needed to fill the little boys stockings.  We finally got them to bed around nine-thirty that night.  We had let them play hard that day and did not make them take naps to ensure they were tired enough for bed.  The boys slept in until about nine am Christmas, which was a blessing for the rest of us.  Of course as soon as they were awake we had to start opening presents.  They boys had been concerned the night before that Santa might not know where we were.  Kevin made a phone call to Jesus, to remind Him to let Santa know where we were for Christmas.  We have always explained to our children that the real reason we celebrate Christmas is because of Jesus.  We have taught them that Santa is Jesus' helper and gifts are labeled from Jesus not Santa in our house.  They were relieved when they saw their stockings were full and that Santa had eaten one of the cookies we left out for him.  Christmas was quiet and we had a nice Christmas meal.  Christmas afternoon it began to snow.  At first it was not sticking, but as the afternoon wore on it began to cover the plants, cars, and eventually the road.  The boys (big and little) went out to play in the snow.  I stood outside for a while and was amazed that I saw individual snow flakes.  They were amazing, you could see the different shapes and formation of the snow flakes.  I tried to take pictures with the camera but I was not able to capture the beauty I could see with my eyes.  I spent part of the packing up and getting everything ready for us to leave the next day.  When we got up the next day, everything was covered with several inches of snow.  Kevin and Kevin Jr packed the van, while we got the boys and ourselves ready.  I will admit I was terrified of driving in the snow.  We prayed for a safe journey for ourselves and others before we left the resort.  The roads had not been cleared, so we followed in tracts left by other vehicles.  Kevin was only going about 25 miles per hour and I was having a panic attack.  I kept telling him to slow down.  He was so patient with me.  My mother, who I thought would be the one freaking out, was silent.  Kevin said he could her eyes were as round as half dollars though in the rear-view mirror.  It was slow going until we were in the lower part of North Carolina.  Unfortunately, we saw quite a few accidents, most of the vehicles involved had Virginia license plates.  Instead of taking us ten hours to get back to my mother's it took fourteen.  Unfortunately, I was sick all day and couldn't eat or drink.  I had a high fever as well.  When we got to my mother's she put me in bed, made me some tea and let me sleep.  The next day was Zach's 4th birthday (12/27).  I was still feeling pretty bad in the morning, so Kevin got up and went and ordered a cake for him at a nearby grocery store.  Later that day we celebrated Zach's birthday with cake, pizza, and presents.  Misty and Ernest (my sister-in-law and brother), along with several of the children stopped by earlier in the day to visit.  It was so nice to see them and get to spend some time with them.  Avory, my niece, showed me some of her drawings.  I was/am majorly impressed, that girl has talent.  I hope to have a drawing from her some day to frame for my home.  We had to leave on the 28th of December to come back home.  The 28th is/was my 26th anniversary as well.  The drive back home is about fourteen to sixteen hours long, so I was looking forward to that, but I was at least spending time with my husband and children.  We did pretty well on time and decided to stop for a nice dinner in Waco.  We had made it through Austin and we were on the southern end of Austin, when "Big Red" (the van), lost gas pressure.  We were eighty miles from home:(  I was driving at the time, I sneezed and was reaching for a Kleenex when I went off of the shoulder.  I did not jerk it back on the road, but when I steered "Big Red" back on Kevin said he heard a "popping" noise.  I had power, but she wasn't getting any gas.  We were in the far left lane, so I pulled over and tried to get her going.  She gave it one last try and got us over to the right side of the road on the shoulder before she gave out.  We had battery power and all the belts and other things were working, but she wasn't getting any gas.  This happened about nine-fifty at night.  We weren't sure what had happened and Kevin couldn't see anything wrong.  Praise God we have roadside assistance with Allstate.  They were able to send a tow truck, but the truck will only tow two people.  After several tense minutes, we were able to reach our wonderful Rosa, who worked with our wonderful son, Christian, to get the rest of us home.  I praise God that we did not have an accident or get hit by any of the car/trucks passing us and that it did not happen further from home.  I actually laughed about and had the children singing songs until the tow truck came.  It was an inconvenience, but only an inconvenience of time.  No one was hurt and that's what really matters.  Kevin and Jaclyn went with the tow truck and I stayed at a What-a-Burger waiting for Christian.  Christian got there about forty-five minutes after the tow had left, so we didn't have a long wait.  We made it back to San Antonio about two am, I dropped Christian, his friend Karl, and the two little boys off at Christians apartment and then went to get Kevin and Jaclyn from our mechanics store.  We had to transfer everything from "Big Red" to the caravan and then we went home.  We finally made it home and to bed about three am.  Since Christian had kept the boys, the rest of us were able to sleep late the next day.  We received a call from the mechanic late that afternoon, "Big Red's" fuel pump had gone out.  So she stayed for several days to get repaired, she is running great at this time.  New Year's was quiet.  Kevin had to work, but the children and I had a nice evening.  I spent the last week just relaxing at home with Zach.  I had the week off and he and I just hung around and went to the park.  It was nice to spend time with just Zach.  Being the youngest can be hard, but these times we are together seem to help.  This weekend Christian took the boys over night on Saturday, so Jaclyn and I were able to spend some time together as well.  We went and saw the tourist together Saturday night and then rented Eat, Pray, Love to watch when we got home.  I was a nice time and I enjoy the young woman she is becoming.  Today was back to work, and it feels good as well.  I had a wonderful holiday time and was blessed with a much needed break (from everything, including blogging).  As Tigger would say "Ta Ta for now".

Colonial Williamsburg

Yesterday and Wednesday were spent at Colonial Williamsburg.  It is a facinating place.  Many of the original buildings remain and several of the most prominent buildings have been fully restored.  We were able to tour the Capitol building and the Governor's Palace.  The Capitol building was piviotal in the forming of the Virginia Constitution and Virginia Bill of Rights.  The Governor's Palace was destroyed and rebuilt to almost the exact specifications of the orginal Palace.  We really enjoyed seeing how early Americans lived.  I am very thankful that we have central heat and air, unlike our fore-fathers.  After more sight seeing, we had lunch at a quaint cafe.  The food was excellent and the hot chocolate warmed us up.  We spent the rest of the afternoon at the resort in the activity center.  The little boys had so much fun playing minature golf with their big brother.  Wonderful family time.

Jamestown and Yorktown

We went to Jamestown and Yorktown yesterday.  I was amazed at the amount of history that has taken place in these two towns and Virginia itself.  We visited  Jamestown, which was the first permanent settlement of the Colonies.  The site is beautiful, it is almost surrounded by water and the land is full of trees and meadows.  So much of our nations history has taken place in this area.  I felt privileged to see where our country fought and eventually gained its freedom from the English.  Jamestown was the beginning of the Colonies and Yorktown was were it ended for the British.  Virginia's original capitol was Jamestown and it was later moved to Williamsburg.  At Williamsburg, in 1776, representatives from around the colony of Virginia came to determine a new constitution and Bill of rights for the colony of Virginia.  The document that Virginia adopted is very similar to the documents that became the Constitution of the United States and the Bill of Rights.  We went to the national park at Yorktown, were we saw the Battle Field where the British were defeated.  The original trenches that the British dug, still remain and are now covered in grass and natural fauna.  From the battlefields you can see the York River, which was pivotal to the American forces and the British desired to control.  If the British had managed to gain control of Yorktown and the York River, our history could have been very different.  Both sites were amazing.  At Jamestown National Park we were able to see an original glass house and how they "blow" glass.  There was a demonstration and all who work there are in period costumes.  We ended the day on one of the beaches of the James River, where Jaclyn wrote her name in the sand and the boys tried to throw pine cones into the water.  I was able to take several amazing pictures of the sunset on the water.  I was also able to take several fun family photos.  After all of the days excitement and coldddd weather we went home for hot cocoa and rest.  I had two very tired boys and one very tired momma.  No arguments regarding bedtime.  So far we have not had any snow or icy weather, but it has been cold.  Well another busy day is coming to an end and I am definitely ready for some rest.  It all starts again bright and early in the morning:)   

Williamsburg, Virginia

Wow!  We finally made it to our destination.  The scenery has been beautiful on the drive.  We arrived Sunday afternoon and unloaded our stuff at the resort and then went to pick our oldest son, Kevin Jr., up from a nearby cafe.  We are staying at the Wyndham Kngsgate Resort.  It is beautiful.  The weather has been cold, but no snow or ice to cause any problems.  We will spend Christmas here and head back to Grandma's the day after.  We are going to see some of the historical sites and locations this week.  Today we grocery shopped and are going to a local Christmas store.  We haven't planned tomorrow yet.  There is so much to see and do!  The boys want snow and keep asking us to take them to the snow......  So far it doesn't look like there will be any while we are here, but who knows.

On the Road Again

We have been traveling for the last two days.  We started out at 5am Friday and made it to Grandma's by 8pm.  The boys started with "are we there yet" about 30 minutes into the drive.  They kept asking "what state are we in" about every 10 minutes for the first 8 hours of the drive to Grandma's.  Finally they either fell asleep or decided to watch a movie.  Finally we made to Grandma's and both the boys and the rest of us were happy.  My aunt and uncle where there to greet us as well, so we had a chance to visit with them as well.  My brother, sister-in-law, nieces and nephews, along with my aunt and uncle, came for breakfast today.  We visited for most of the morning and let the kids play with each other.  We had a nice time of fellowship and exchanged cards.  We left my mom's about noon, grandma is with us, and headed to Williamsburg, Virgina.  We decided we would make the drive in two days instead of one, so we have stopped in Charlotte, North Carolina for the night.  I counted, on this trip we will travel through 8 states.  We were all counting in the van how many many states we have been in over the course of our lives.  So far I have visited 18 of our 50 awesome states.  We decided to drive "Big Red" for this vacation, she seats 8 comfortably and with Kevin Jr meeting us in Williamsburg, we will have 7 people.  "Big Red" is a 10 yr old Astro Chevy and I just love her.  She drives great and gets better gas mileage than our caravan.  She is an awesome vehicle and the best of course is she is paid for.  So far "Big Red" has made it through 3 teenage drivers and will have another teen driving her soon.  She has made numerous "vacation" drives and helped several of our children move their belongings.  This vacation she will rack up 8 states and about 3500 miles:)  Our family is looking forward to this time off and visiting such a historical and interesting place.  My grandmother and step-aunt are going to meet with us for a short visit as well.  My grandmother is about 93 or 94, and she gets around great.  We haven't seen her for about 3 years, so we are looking forward to seeing her.  Well, it is getting late.  Off to bed for an early morning.

Off for some fun

This past week and this week have flown by.  We are going to be visiting with family and friends starting tomorrow so I probably won't have too much time to blog.  I did complete some projects on my list and feel pretty good.  I was able to clean out most rooms and had a garage sale.  Did pretty well.  Everything that didn't sell was donated to Goodwill.  I took some of my baby items to the Battered Womens' Shelter this week as well.  I finished lining the kitchen drawers.  I still have some organizing and lining of the cabinets, but the drawers are complete.  I was able to cover the bar stools, protect them from the boys and I baked plenty of banana, zucchini, and cinnamon bread.  I feel like I have accomplished a lot.  Right now I am trying to tie up all the loose ends before the visiting starts.  Laundry and making bed and cleaning bathrooms are the priority now.   I figure what does get completed is okay.  We will have a good time anyway and all the other "things" can be completed when  possible.  Gotta go, laundry is calling.

Organizing

    Wow, this week has flown by.  Finished up with my final class Monday and went straight into organization mode.  At work this week we have been organizing the supply rooms and taking inventory.  Doing this motivated me to continue to organize the house.  Every evening this week, Kevin, myself and the children have worked on cleaning, organizing, and finishing projects around the house.  Christian and several of his friends (Matt and Brad), have been helping us as well.  They helped Kevin hang some of the house lights.  Christian has been helping with the yard and pool as well this week.  We should have the pool ready to cover for winter, by this weekend:)
      I am having a garage sale this Friday and Saturday.  We have been going through closets, cabinets and storage boxes.  I am going to try and sell whatever we have not been using for the last six months to a year.  What doesn't sell will be donated.  I have several items I want to donate to the battered women's shelter and childrens' homes.  Unfortunately both shelters have seen about 100% increase in need for services.  Through research and talking with the organizers, when the economy is down, there is more violence in the homes.  Financial stressors are one of the biggest reasons for divorce, unfortunately it makes sense that there would be an increase in stress in the home and increase in violence.  My prayers are with these individuals and their families. 
     Kevin and I are going to start on the baking tonight.  Christmas cookies, fudge, breads, and other sweet treats.  I plan to bake, but not indulge.  So far I have lost 24lbs and kept it off.  I cut my calories back to about 1500 a day and have pretty much cut out sugar.  My doctor had a talk with me in September and informed me my Hgb A1-C was too high.  That means my blood sugars are high and my pancreas is having to work to hard.  I am not an insulin diabetic, by I am bordering on non-insulin diabetes.  I had not been motivated to change prior to this and this was a wake up call.  I feel so much better with the change in diet and the weight loss.  Kevin has lost about 40lbs and has been running several days a week.  He ran in the Rock-n-Roll Marathon here in San Antonio in November.  He ran it in 5 hours and 11 minutes.  He only walked for about 1/2 mile.  I am really proud of him.  He has lost so much weight that his wedding rings falls off (gonna get it fitted:))
      Finished my Christmas shopping and have most of it wrapped.  What a relief, I really don't enjoy wrapping.  This Christmas season has been so much more enjoyable than last years.  I felt totally stressed last year, this year it has been smooth.  I have been playing my Christmas music as much as possible, I love all the Christmas hymns.  Silent Night and Joy to the World are my favorites.  I have been practicing both on the piano, maybe I will be ready by Christmas;). 
    

I'm Finished!!!!!

      Yeah, I am finished for the semester!!!!  I completed my last final today.  I do not start school again until the week of January 10th.  I have a whole month off and I plan to enjoy every minute of it.  I feel like a weight has been lifted.  When I am in school, I feel like I live from one assignment deadline to another.  It feels really good when you don't have anything due.  Tonight I want to finish decorating the tree.  The boys have been putting ornaments on and taking them off, so tonight we will put out a few more ornaments and then hide the rest.  Tomorrow, Christian is going to come over and help his dad with some of the outside lights.  Christian has been helping us around the house with different things and we in return either feed him or let him wash his laundry here.  He is a good kid and I really appreciate his help. 
      I feel kind of weird without anything looming over my head.  During semesters I feel guilty if I am not on the computer doing something.  I wonder what I will do when I am finally finished with my advance practice nurse degree?  I really don't want to be in school the rest of my life.  I have a friend who finished this past May and she is doing well.  She seems to be enjoying her job and role as an advance practice nurse.  I did not get the impression she was missing school:)
      Well, Jaclyn and I have been working on cleaning up and down sizing.  So far we have gone through the boys rooms, the formal living room, her room and some of the kitchen.  We are going to have a garage sale this weekend, so we have to finish the kitchen and game room.  Anything that doesn't sell is going to be donated to Goodwill.  Jaclyn and I are tired of cleaning all of the stuff.  If we aren't cleaning stuff, we are picking up behind the boys.  We had to throw out several games, due to the little gremlins.  At our house, someone, no one, or I didn't, are the ones who break, misplace, or lose stuff.  I have never been able to find out who these people are and how they get into my house, but the boys swear they exist:) 
      Looking forward to a New Year.  This year has been good, and I have been so blessed. 

Gossip

      Gossip.  This has been on my mind for several months now.  It has come to a boil for me now and I am going to vent.  I am and have been guilty of gossiping, probably most people are.  I have been trying to make a conscience effort to not gossip and to choose my words carefully.  I don't always succeed, but I do try.  For many of us, work is a hot bed of gossip and where I have worked and currently work is no different.  My previous job, the gossip was pretty vicious and hurtful, it seemed like we all stabbed each other in the back.  Over the years, I became more aware of what I was doing and started to watch myself.  I did and still do fail.  Since I have started my new job, I have heard all types of rumors and gossip; I am not surprised, just aggravated that people take conversations out of context.  I really like my job; I enjoy working with the students.  When I graduate I will have a minor in teaching, as well as my advanced practice nurse in family mental health.  I did this for two reasons, I love working in mental health and I want to make a difference in the nursing profession as an instructor.  Once I finish school, I haven't really decided what I want to do.  I know I want to work in mental health and I want to teach.  When I am asked what I am going to do, I answer with "I haven't decided yet", which is the truth.  This week someone went to a co-worker and alluded that I was going to leave as soon as I graduate.  They went on to say that I was talking about doctors I wanted to work with and so on.  Well, I have talked about doctors I want to work with.  I will have to work as a nurse practitioner to maintain my certification and license as an advanced practice nurse.  There are some doctors that I respect and really want to work with and in the course of conversations I have said that.  But!!! that did not mean I was planning on quiting or anything else.  Just conversation and a desire to work with who I consider the best.  So often we repeat only part of the conversation and that is the part that becomes distorted and repeated.  So frustrating!!!!!!  Well enough about that.  I hope I set the record straight.  I guess I will have to have scripts to read when talking to others, so that I don't say anything that can be misconstrued. 
      This week flew by.  I'm not sure where the time went.  I have one test left on Monday and the semester is finished for me.  So much to do, I am going to enjoy myself and if some things don't get completed, life will go on.  We have steadily been working on Christmas decorating.  The lights are beautiful as well as the tree and garland.  Things look like Christmas, but the weather feels like spring.  I want it to cool down some more.  I guess that is one of the draw backs of living in south Texas.  I am okay with out snow, but I do enjoy the crisp temperatures (not enough in south Texas).  Going to do a little studying then off to bed.  Good night. 
 

End of the Semester is in sight

      Yeah!!!!  I finished one class and only have one to go.  Yesterday was my last Assessment of the Population class.  We had our final class presentations and course evaluations.  Our instructors were so kind, they brought snacks for the whole class.  Now, I just have pharmacology to finish.  Tomorrow is our last class and we have our final on Monday.  Then I am free for several weeks.  I can't wait because that means I can start baking.  I have most of the presents wrapped and only need to do a few things to get ready for Christmas. 
     Kevin and I were talking about Christmas and exchanging gifts.  I told him about how I over heard a little girl, about 7 or 8, telling her teacher about how on her birthdays she asks her guests not to bring her presents but to bring things for other needy children.  I asked Kevin about doing that with our children and their birthdays and he thought is was a good idea too.  We both decided for Christmas that, if our family or friends want to exchange gifts that we ask them to consider doing this instead.  We both feel that we have what we need and there are others who aren't as fortunate.  I am excited about this!!
      With the end of the semester, I can read again.  During school, I feel like I should only be reading my school books so I tend to neglect my leisure reading.  Not now, I can pull out my books and get started.  I have a couple of mysteries that I can't wait to tackle.  I found a book on Abraham Lincoln and his presidential Cabinet that I want to get started on as well.  I think it is called a "Team of Rivals".  So much to do and so little time.  It seems like the weeks I have off between semesters is over in 48 hours.  I look forward to my graduation date, so I can relax and not have to worry about semesters and deadlines. 
      Off to do a little studying and then dust off those books:)
    

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.