We became a family of four again...just for a night!

Tonight, in honor of Leap Year Day, lol, we went out to dinner. Well, actually, we decided to do it since we only had the younger two kids and some time on our hands. :) Ashley was at an overnight thing with the church and Brad was overnight on an FFA trip.

So we went to Longhorn's and ran into a bunch of friends who were enjoying being kid-free for various reasons (many similar to our own). I guess Longhorn's was the "I'm Free!" restaurant of choice this weekend, lol.

It was weird, though, to think that in the next 5 years or so, we really *will* be a family of four (in the at-home sense of the phrase). Ashley and Brad will both be off at college by then. And then I started to tear up at the thought of them leaving home. *sigh* These next few years are going to be tough b/c they are the realization that our jobs raising Ash and Brad are almost done. Hopefully we've done a good enough job to prepare them for the "real" world out there. But then again, the way life throws curve balls at ya, are you ever really prepared?

The waiting game begins...

I had to turn in my application for the nursing program on Wednesday of last week. The deadline was Friday. I *really* struggled with the "Why I Want To Be A Nurse" essay. I don't know why; I'm a pretty good writer when it comes to research papers and essays and such. I just wasn't sure how to start it and I didn't want it to sound like every other essay that's been turned in. So, I sat down Tuesday and just started writing from the heart. Here is what I turned in:

The search to find my career path ended in the tenth grade when I took a required Health Occupations elective. This was my first experience with hands on nursing and health-related careers and I felt a tugging on my heart like I had never experienced before. I plunged in right away, taking in every piece of knowledge possible while exploring all the different facets of the medical profession to find my own personal calling. After becoming pregnant with my daughter, I fell in love with Obstetrics and Gynecology and felt the desire to pursue my career as an Ob/Gyn doctor.

Throughout my pregnancy, though, I noticed that my needs were fulfilled by the wonderful care of the nursing staff at the office. As I started to pay attention to the monthly visits, it became evident that due to such time restrictions, the doctors could not give me everything the nurses gave: they gave their ears to listen to my problems and help with solutions, they gave their eyes to look at me with compassion and treat me with respect, and they gave their hearts to a profession where they could offer themselves in ways that few others can. I realized that my desires were towards nursing and turned my studies towards getting my BSN.

As life sometimes goes, I faced several obstacles on this road to nursing. It seemed each time I got ready to pursue my degree there would be something in the way - building and raising a family, financial ups and downs, lack of time and opportunity, and little outside support. However, this inner desire and drive never died.

My desire was periodically tested, like the time my youngest son broke his leg at eighteen months old. While others were nervous, scared, and unsure of what to do, I quickly but calmly grabbed a small remnant of 2x4, wrapped a sock around it, and splinted it to his leg with an Ace Bandage. There was a time my husband's grandmother needed daily help with her dressing changes and assistance with bathing; I jumped at the opportunity and was blessed each day I was able to care for her.

Having kids has given me a good idea of the nursing profession, as well. Through a never-ending array of sports and activities, we have had our share of injuries in our family. Every day is different, every injury is different, and I just never know what to expect. I always know that I can help, even if I am only holding someone's hand.

Nursing is the same way, which is why the health field is so rewarding. There are so many opportunities to help, whether it is bandaging a wound, lending an ear, or offering support. I find joy in helping others and get fulfillment when I know I have made a difference.

I showed it to the lab professor I had from last semester and asked her to proofread it for me. She was very impressed, which is a good sign. So now, I just wait to hear back from the School of Nursing! Fingers crossed for me....

So they made it back but not without some boo-boo's..

Ashley and the youth group made it back. One of the girls ended up breaking her leg while they were up there; Ashley witnessed it and ran to help. Hopefully Angela will heal quickly after her surgery to repair the break.

The bus was comfy but had some issues with the air-conditioning. The pastor and his wife went on the trip with the youth to get to know everyone and try out the bus. Other than the air-conditioning issues, I think everything went well with it.

But other than the little things, thank you Lord for keeping the kids safe.

TGIF!

Whew! Normally, I'm not a TGIF kinda person (I was when I worked, but not so much since then..) but I really need this weekend. The kids are out of school on Monday for President's Day so it's a long weekend for them. Aside from having to get up early on Sunday, we'll be able to sleep in. Yes!!

Ashley left today to go on her ski trip with the youth group at church. She's pretty excited about it. She hasn't skied for quite a few years but she's pretty cautious and I know she won't be taking crazy chances. I'll be praying for her safety and the safety of the other kids.

They took the new bus, the one our church voted "yes" on; it's a beauty, that's for sure! It's a huge 55 passenger tour bus type thing, with a bathroom and stuff. That'll definitely be put to good use with the trips the youth has planned for the summer.

Tomorrow we may head out to Albany; I heard there's a ceramic painting shop out there and I've wanted to take Blake to a place like that for a while. He would have a great time. There used to be a place like that in Acworth but they closed a few years before we moved. Ashley and Brad absolutely loved going there. It's the kind of place that is perfect to take kids to make personalized gifts for the grandparents. :)

Happy Valentine's Day!!

One of the most commercialized days of the year and one that upsets more people I know than not. I used to care, I used to get upset when I wasn't publicly drooled over like many other people out there; now, eh, not so much. At least this way when Tommy doesn't do anything I'm not disappointed, lol!

This year, though, he surprised me. He had to go to Atlanta so he was gone all day until around 8:30 or so. I kept Brooklyn awake at his request b/c he had something for her. (I had gotten the other kids gift bags with some goodies, new toothbrush, and some money and had given Brooklyn a little purse.) He comes in with this HUGE stuffed dog; I mean, it's probably 4x as big as she is. Normally, I hate things like this but she loves it so much!! She ran up to it and just flopped right down onto it. What a knucklehead...

He also came in with a dozen roses, a new Wii remote (we think GH3 isn't working b/c of the Wiimote), and blessings on a massage. :) I'll be scheduling that massage for next week, thankyouverymuch!!!!

So, while I tend to not care too much about this day (after a rough start that I've spared you from) it ended kinda nice. ((()))---->---

Blake, what'cha got there?

Tickle, tickle tickle!

Sweet l'il face!

Hmm, what's so funny?!

So, remember when said I'd hate myself....

..for procrastinating? Um, yeah, what in the heck was I thinking?!?!?! With church on Weds, that was NOT a smart move.

I had to bake cupcakes at Lydia's house, which was fine, but it threw me into a tailspin for time the rest of the day. I finished making the mailboxes for Blake's class, made the goody bags for everyone, got his teacher's gift put together and in the bag, and helped him with his Pirates of the Caribbean valentines. For whatever reason, he did NOT want to fill the out. Gosh, I hope everyone's name is spelled right, lol.

I struggled today with something tough, though. I spoke with Ashley on Friday and told her that her room needed to be cleaned by Tuesday or she was not going to the prom with Cory. She assured me it would be clean, not to worry, and then dawdled away all weekend and Monday. She had gotten in late yesterday evening b/c of golf practice and then piddled the remaining time away. She did NOT get it done, not even close. So, what do I do? I punish Cory by sticking to my guns and it's not fair but I'm so sick of not being respected by the kids. I don't want to take this away but I feel like I'm being forced to show I'm serious.

So I let her know after church that she wouldn't be going to the prom. Of course, the teardrop waterfall began. That only aggravated me more b/c it was her fault I was having to enforce this. We came home from church and Walmart and she went straight to her room crying. While I doubt she's in there cleaning, I'll really be aggravated if she now decides to get it done. As it is, she told Tommy and he's on my case about it too. Oh, to be the disciplinarian in the house....

So, now that it's almost midnight, I'm going to throw my grubby self into the shower, wash off the grunge, and try to get some sleep. Maybe Brooklyn will give me an early Valentine's gift and let me sleep uninterrupted, too.

Could there have been any more going on today?!?

Good grief it was a busy day today!! Tuesdays are my longest, busiest days anyway b/c of my school schedule, but the kids all seemed to have stuff they needed me to do today.

Blake's school had their annual "Bingo for Books" this evening. The book fair is going on this week and they have the parents come in and play bingo to win some books, open the fair up for those who wish to make purchases, have snacks and stuff for the kids, and just generally have a good time. Well, I missed it. :( I thought Tommy might be able to take the kids up there but he couldn't. I feel bad for Blake; he was looking forward to it. Hopefully we'll get to it next year.

Both Ashley and Brad need things for Valentine's day for their friends, Ashley needs forms filled out for cheerleading tryouts, she didn't get home until late because of golf practice, and I've got a ton of baking to do with an oven that doesn't work (thanks Brad!). I think the new range is coming in next week, thankfully. Where do the hours in a day go??

I don't get home until around 6:30pm on Tuesdays so I think at this point I'm just going to procrastinate and put all these things off to do tomorrow. I'll hate myself for it tomorrow, lol, but I'm just beat tonight.

On the subject of my dad, his oncologist is having him start on oral chemotheraphy for his leukemia. He has to take a pill 3x a day. I'm not sure yet what he's taking but I'll find out tomorrow. I wish, if he was going to be plagued with something, that it would just be one thing. Why the diabetes AND the leukemia? Unfortunately, it seems like they may work against each other in the treatment process. God has it all under control, though, and no matter what happens He has his hand in it the entire time.

Sometimes I just don't understand...

I haven't talked with my dad in a while. We don't talk too much anymore anyway so when I saw he had called my phone twice and then had my sister tell me to call him, I thought something must be wrong.

When I got a hold of Dad, he sounded a bit nervous. He told me that his numbers had come back high from his diabetic doctor (numbers being his WBC count) and that he needed to get back over to his oncologist tomorrow. Numbers being high for Dad meant they were likely over 65,000 since that's what he is normally at these days with his CLL. Well, his numbers were around 160,000. :(

He's had about 2- 2.5 years of not needing any treatment so that's been great for him, but now that treatment is likely looking him in the face, I can tell he's anxious and scared. However, he's got a strong faith in God and knows that's what will carry him through all of this.

For me, though, it's sometimes so hard to look at people with such strong faith, unwavering, and see the kinds of struggles and hardships they face. In your mind you know it's the principalities and powers of darkness that are attacking and you know that God is mightier; but it's hard to have to watch the ones love go through any kind of trial or struggle, especially when there is nothing you can do about it. We serve a mighty God, though, and there's nothing Satan can do that overpowers Him. I have to hold on to that....

It's the first Thursday of the month....BUNCO baby!!

I so look forward to Bunco night each month - since I don't know too many people around here, it's nice to hang out with the ladies and have fun. Our groups have been getting smaller, though, and tonight it was REAL small with only 5 of us. So instead of playing with ghosts and trying to figure out who was going to win the $25, we chatted it up! We had such a fun evening!!

Hopefully next month will have more of our regulars but if not, we can have a girls gab night again... :)

GIANTS WIN!!

Ok, so this TOTALLY makes up for the rest of the day.... :)

Super Bowl Sunday - Not So Super

Here it is, Super Bowl Sunday 2008 - one of my favorite days of the year. I just can't get overly excited though. For one, I freaking hate the Patriots so it makes me mad they're in there. We usually have the SB party here at our house, which is always fun. But now that we're here in south Ga, we don't do that anymore. Instead, we meet up at the Country Club and have the party there.

I didn't want to have the kids up there tonight (otherwise I wouldn't get to see ANY of the game) so I made a deal with Ashley to watch the younger three kids. Everything works out that way, right? Um, not so much. In the 2nd quarter, we get a frantic phone call from Ashley that there is a fire in the kitchen. Tommy tells her to get the kids and go outside, he calls 911, and I get in my car and rush home. I'm seriously doing 75 mph with my hazards on to get there asap. To my surprise, I show up and everyone is inside, watching tv, no firetrucks are anywhere....wth is going on?? Turns out, Brad started to cook a pizza (even though he knew he wasn't allowed AND Ashley told him no). Somehow the pizza caused a fire in the oven. The fire was put out and a neighbor came over to help (he just turned the breaker off for them).

I'm EXTREMELY relieved but soooo pissed! I'm pissed that Brad chose not to eat what I'd made for them before I left, that he disobeyed my rules (no cooking when parents aren't home) and Ashley, and that I spent 10 minutes shaking and crying while flying home because it turned out I was worried for no reason. I just knew I was going to pull in to a House Flambe' and I was concerned for the kids and the animals (our dog just had puppies and are currently housed in the dining room). Thankfully God protected!

We will need a new stove now. I guess this is a sign that we need to get on with our remodeling plans for the kitchen? :)

The best news of all, beyond the kids' wellbeing, is seeing the Patriots really struggle in this game. Hopefully the Giants will keep their lead (or even increase it!!) and win tonight!! Go Giants!!