The Great Northwest

Hair Manipulation

2012-02-08T09:26:00.000-08:00

Once upon a time I decided to get a haircut.

I thought of doing something shorter.
Sexier.
Something like this...
The night before, I was in the bathroom...
straightening my hair.
My son comes in and I ask..
"Should I cut my hair up to here?"
(shoulder).
Son shudders and says, "NO!"
"Mom, I like your hair long and straight."
Two minutes later I walk into the living room.
I ask my husband...
"Should I cut my hair up to here?"
(shoulder).
He shudders and says..
"Do whatever you want to do."
Throughout the night my husband tells me..
"I like your hair so much, straight and long."
"You look so pretty tonight."
Blah blah blah..you get the picture.
I was still leaning towards short and sexy...
Jennifer Aniston hair.
Then my husband said the one thing that stopped me in my tracks.
"You look taller and skinnier with your hair long and straight,
just like you have it fixed tonight."
Well, you know what I did?
I left my hair long and straight.
(please excuse the crappy cellphone shot)

That man found my weakness.
Hehe.

Cross country skiing

2012-02-06T15:42:00.000-08:00

My husband and son taking a break from cross country skiing.
I think they went like 5 miles or something.
It was my son's first time.
He isn't the most athletic child.
Poor kid.
It built some character! Ha!

Happy birthday to ME!

2012-01-30T10:56:00.001-08:00

Happy 35th Birthday to ME!
I just love the movie Julie & Julia.

Julia says, "Happy Birthday to Meeeee".
I love it, I love her. :)

I had a great birthday.
I think my birthday means more to my kids than anyone.
I love how my daughter especially tries to
make me feel special.
I hope she carries that on with her own kids someday.
One of my gifts from her?
Special coloring time together.
Makes me giggle.

We drove to Portland.
Went to Claim Jumpers for lunch.
They feature the Chocolate Motherlode Cake.
We didn't order that though...
I'm AM trying to watch my waist line.
Haha
We then went to the mall.
Only one *almost* breakdown from my 6 year old.
No Build-A-Bear clothes for her.
She doesn't even play with the one she has.
It's ridiculous how much stuff my kids have.
No more!
Anyone with me?

I then drug my husband to Ikea.
We sat on the couch I want..
credit
He gave his stamp of approval.
I think he's just tired of debating
about couches with me. Ha!
I've already saved the money for them.
Now just need to take the plunge.
AND find a way to transport them home!

My car decided to make my birthday memorable by
breaking down on the freeway.
In the dark.
In the pouring rain.
With HUGE semi trucks flying by.
A special thanks to my father in law.
He picked us up and saved the day.
The kids even got to bed on time!

Tonight my mother in law is having
us over to do a proper celebration for my birthday.
Am I one lucky girl or what?!

Happy Monday!

Wacky Wedensday

2012-01-25T12:28:00.000-08:00

A few oldies

Derek is the one standing in the middle.
Isn't this pic hilarious?
Hahahaha
Look at that hair!

Summer 2000
(We were married December of 1999).

My daughter's room exactly 3 years ago.
She is/was quite the tornado.

Our trip to Idaho
Summer 2010

Sasha says our Idaho vacation was the best time of her life.
Guess we need to take her on a few more?
LOL

Special message

2012-01-17T15:42:00.000-08:00

This is Jessica's cat.
I've hijacked this blog to say,
I love Macey.

Bye.

Brr...it's cold!

2012-01-16T08:30:00.000-08:00

My living room after the holidays.

I'm always at a loss of what to do.
Here are a few projects lined up for the new year.
I'm sure I'll find more to do...re-purposing and stuff.
I found this great armoire that I'm going
to paint and utilize in the living room for movies/gaming stuff.
My view....love these kind of days

My husband pulling out this morning...it was a little slick!

The kids are off today...
Martin Luther King Day.
We plan to do a little shopping...
Maybe some PF Chang's lettuce wraps.

Have a great Monday!

Wordless Wednesday

2012-01-11T10:17:00.000-08:00

Ten Things I love Tuesday

2012-01-10T16:31:00.000-08:00

1. The day off

2. The smell of a roast in the oven.

3. Bob Seger playing on my iPhone.

4. Salted Caramels from Costco.

5. Anticipating cocktails with my husband tonight.

6. The Baja Salad from Wendy's (it's yummo)!

7. Spending the afternoon with my kids.

8. Chatting with my mom and bff on the telephone.

9. My comfy sweats and hoodie from Forks Washington.

10. Watching Contagion tonight with the hubs!

Hope you are having a fabulous Tuesday!

The party is over

2012-01-04T07:37:00.000-08:00

Well...the party is over.

I've changed from being an on-call nurse

to becoming a scheduled nurse.

The pros are that I get to schedule more of my life!

The con is that I have to schedule more of my life.

I have a Thursday/Friday/Saturday morning shift.

No more lazy Saturday mornings for a long while.

The deal is we have to work one weekend day every week.

I picked Saturday versus Sunday so I can attend church.

The good thing is that I will be off around 3 pm on Saturday

and then will have the rest of the weekend off.

Except this weekend...when I cover a Sunday evening shift.

Confused yet?

I'm so lucky that my mom has watched my kids almost exclusively

while I was in school and during my first few months of work.

I'm hoping to pare it down to one day a week and then

sending the kids for 2 hours each week to the local

Boys and Girls club.

Anyone have any advice or thoughts about sending kids

to the Boys and Girls club?

I'm nervous cause they've always been with someone

that loves them.

I'm fortunate that the kids both go to school full time and

there is only roughly 2 hours they would have to spend somewhere else.

They have their daddy on Saturday.

I know that just when I think I've gotten it all figured out,

something will change.

Never fails! :)

Can anyone say...Drama Queen?

2012-01-02T13:25:00.000-08:00

The lump

2012-01-02T11:30:00.000-08:00

Sasha woke up one morning with a huge (golf ball size)
swollen node on one side of her neck.
It ended up being strep.
She is just fine now (antibiotics make all the difference).
Jackson...he cracks me up!
Oh the boredom!

New Years Day 2012

2012-01-02T11:18:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year 2012!

Daddy woke us up around 11:55 pm on NYE.

The kids were back to sleep by 12:10 am. :)

We spent New Years Day together as a family.

I am a lucky girl to have these people as MY family!

We have decided to make it a goal for our whole family

to get healthier. I want to focus on how things

make us "healthy" and not "skinny".

Stuff like eating local...growing a lot of our own foods...

Walking together as a family...

Hope you have a wonderful 2012!

Images of Christmas

2011-12-27T18:21:00.001-08:00

And it's....destruction time!

2011-12-27T18:02:00.000-08:00

They don't care that's it's been sitting out for 3 weeks...
They love destructing my gingerbread house!

Taking Christmas pics with a 10 year old boy

2011-12-25T20:43:00.000-08:00

Do I need to say anything else?
Haha

Merry Christmas!

2011-12-24T11:20:00.000-08:00

Merry Christmas!!

Snapshots of December

2011-12-16T13:29:00.000-08:00

HI!

2011-12-05T10:03:00.000-08:00

Thanks for visiting!

Post coming soon.....

November? Time is FLYING!

2011-11-12T17:50:00.000-08:00

It's November!
I have to say, this year I totally am in the Christmas mood.
ALREADY!
I just want to throw myself into Christmas crafts and decorations.
Anyone else not minding the Christmas music in the stores already?
I've done a lot of Christmas shopping.
The kid above will be getting
less toys and more electronics.
Sorta sad how fast he is growing this year.

The girl is all into clothes and dolls.
Especially American Girl Dolls.

This is such a funny pic...
Sasha sitting in our backyard,
talking to her best friend
that lives on the other side of the fence.
I wish my best friend lived on the other side of my fence.
I probably wouldn't get anything done... :)

Sasha is busy coloring all the time.

Even while watching TV.

I got a new camera.
This was just on the auto feature.
It's fancier than anything I've ever had.
Hopefully I will learn how to use it.

Have a great weekend!

Picture Post

2011-10-24T15:24:00.000-07:00

My, what BIG eyes you have

I don't even know what to say about this one....Eww

Momma's sweet girl

Vampire Diaries inspired necklace?

I love nail stickers

So, I'm on a diet.
These stinkers had to eat at Cinnabon.

Look at that tongue

I spent one of my days off tearing apart Sasha's room
looking for cat poop.
It was under her bed.
Gross.

My son is cracking me up lately.
He's growing up so fast.

Yes, we are all chipmunks! :)

I haven't decorated for Fall yet!

2011-09-13T18:43:00.001-07:00

I can't believe it. I haven't decorated for Fall yet.

I have been too busy!
I do have this next Friday and Saturday off...Maybe I'll have some fun then.
I have been in training at my new job.
Training is tiring.
It's always hard being the new kid at "school".
Jackson and Sasha started school.
They love it.
Jackson is in 4th and Sasha is in 1st.

I went to Forks Washington this past weekend with some friends.
It was fun to have some girl time.
Not much else going on here.
Enjoy your week!

September...

2011-09-03T19:33:00.000-07:00

September started off with our yearly garage sale. I almost didn't have one.
Now I feel so accomplished!
We got rid of so much stuff and best of all, our garage is almost empty!

Next best thing?
Traveling up to Ikea to spend my $$.

College football has started!
We are Oregon State fans.
Sadly, they lost their first game.
Sometimes being a faithful believer is a little painful.
Sasha starts 1st grade and Jackson starts 4th grade on Wednesday.
They are getting SO old.
:(

Guess what?
I got a job!
I will work as a mental health nurse for a local children's facility.
I won't be able to talk about it.
(HIPAA).
I'm sorta nervous and excited.
It's a casual position (part time).
Just what I wanted.
I start on Wednesday, too.

This next weekend I'm going somewhere fun.
I will blog about it when we get back.

Happy Labor Day!

What a way to start August...

2011-08-08T21:22:00.001-07:00

I love my family.

I love all my aunts and uncles and cousins.

One of my cousins got married this weekend.
All my Aunts came to visit.
My kids took great joy in calling them, "Great Aunt____".
Or wait, was that ME? :)

My cousin's wife is pregnant and having a baby in January.
It was a perfect time to have her baby shower.
Here is Sasha Rose and Me at the shower enjoying the sun...

I put waves in Sasha's hair and she felt very pretty..

Derek and I at the wedding

All the family flew back to Colorado today.
Me sad.

We also got a new kitten.
She is adorable.
A total lap cat.
Her name is Beezus (like from Ramona and Beezus).
She has blue eyes!
LOVE.

Summer finally arrived!

2011-07-26T08:17:00.000-07:00

It just got into the 80s here in Oregon! It's summer!
We finally put our window A/Cs in yesterday.
This week is supposed to be mid 70's to low 80s.
I love Oregon.
I hope August is warm and then Fall comes in September.
I detest warm Septembers. :)

It took me a week to recover from taking my NCLEX-RN.
Now I'm finally ready to start some projects.
First up is this coffee table.
(That's my mom in the back).

I bought it from Macey at her garage sale last year.
I will post pics as soon as I get it done.

My son's room also needs some TLC.
He is so excited for me to spend some time decorating his room.
Who says boys don't care?

Happy Tuesday!

Great News!

2011-07-19T10:52:00.000-07:00

I can officially add RN to the end of my name!
I passed my boards!
The NCLEX-RN.

I studied the week before my exam.
Spent the night before my exam crying because I couldn't go to sleep.
Took my exam on two hours sleep (and that's being generous).
Finished my exam in 55 minutes.
Left upset because it felt too easy.
Thought I was gonna fail.
Man, that was a long 24 hours before I found out!

Anyone wanna buy some nursing books?

Vacation in Collages

2011-07-10T19:12:00.000-07:00

Please click on pics for a better view...
The kids were so excited to be at the coast...
even sunscreen was fun.
I wish I would have taken video of this,
Sasha was giggling so much.

It was beautiful at the Oregon Coast!
Mid 60's to mid 70's.
Not quite swim weather,
but I wasn't about to stop them.
I just wish the water was more than 55 degrees!

We had a lovely 4th.
Actually...Derek and I disagreed on where to spend the fourth.
We opted to come back to the beach house and watch the
fireworks on the beach that is within walking distance.
There were soooo many people setting off fireworks
from all directions. I thought it was amazing.
Sasha disagreed.
Momma and Sasha watched the last half of the firework show
from the windows of the beach house.

This is a sentimental shot.
The first one was taken in 2004.
The second was taken last week.
Three and Nine Years Old.
:((

Down Time.

The only pics taken of me.
Self pics mostly.

We had a great time.

Derek lost 50 lbs!

2011-06-30T18:51:00.000-07:00

Okay...I did tell Derek to slouch and stick out his belly
in the before shots.
I mean, doesn't everyone do that?
LOL.
He must really love me to let me post these.

My husband lost 50 lbs in a weight loss competition.
There was 142 lbs lost between six people and almost 90 lbs between two.
And guess what??
He won!
He is embarrassed with these before and after pics..
but gave his okay to post them on my blog
(but not facebook).
Guess he knows I don't get much traffic.
He won over $400!
But...the best part is the health benefits!
He still thinks he has a long way to go
but I think he looks healthy!

Yay for good deals!

2011-06-29T21:00:00.000-07:00

I have yet to jump on the coupon crazy bandwagon.

Mostly because I'm scared.
Last week while my mom and I were going to garage sales,
we saw that the Habitat for Humanity Restore was open.
I had never been inside one so I made her stop.

Can you believe that I found these for ONE DOLLAR each?
I was actually looking for this exact detergent a few months back.
Good Housekeeping named it as a VIP and I always am a sucker for the
Good Housekeeping Seal. :)
I bought four bottles.
My mom bought two.
I would have cleaned them out but I felt bad.
See, I could never be that crazy coupon lady, I could never clean the shelf.
I love it sooooo much.
The scent doesn't bother me.
Sooo...I better go back to see if they have anymore,
cause I think I will be buying these at full price when I run out.
Love good deals!

Happy 6th Birthday Sasha Rose!

2011-06-27T20:42:00.000-07:00

My cupcakes

Sasha's 6th birthday was last week...
She is such a sweet, smart, and funny girl!
She did tell me 2 days before her party that if we
did not have a pinata, her whole party (life) would be ruined.
"Mommy, what will my friends thinks"??
I'm here to report that we did NOT have a pinata
and I don't think her friends cared.

The big girl finally got to have her wish fulfilled...
she got her ears pierced!
She has been asking and asking...
She didn't even flinch when getting them done.
She said that she was a lot braver than me...
I think she's right!

We had nine kids show.
That might have been one kid too much.
JUST KIDDING!
;-)
Sasha was blessed with many gifts and her friends showed
much enthusiasm when it was gift time.

We played four fun games and here are two of them.
I'm happy it's over and that I don't have to plan another one until December!

Our silly cat

2011-06-27T14:15:00.001-07:00

It was just Sasha's birthday and she received a little dog toy.
The cat wasn't too impressed.

June is slipping by

2011-06-21T09:01:00.000-07:00

I have been on summer break but it hasn't felt like a break. June is always a busy month for us with my little girl's birthday and end of school activities. We went hiking with some friends and this is the kids AFTER the hike. I forgot my phone along the way, it sure was beautiful. I plan to put up some more posts later this week after Sasha's birthday. See you soon!

My Graduation/Pinning

2011-06-10T12:50:00.001-07:00

The Nightingale Pledge

I solemnly pledge myself before God and in the presence of this assembly, to pass my life in purity and to practice my profession faithfully. I will abstain from whatever is deleterious and mischievous, and will not take or knowingly administer any harmful drug. I will do all in my power to maintain and elevate the standard of my profession, and will hold in confidence all personal matters committed to my keeping and all family affairs coming to my knowledge in the practice of my calling. With loyalty will I endeavor to aid the physician, in his work, and devote myself to the welfare of those committed to my care.

The program

Walking into the auditorium
Our pins and the Nightingale lamp

Waiting to get pinned

One of my favorite instructors pinning me
The hug :)
The pin

My Family
My Friends

Summer Celebration

2011-06-09T19:42:00.000-07:00

Our celebration was low key.
I started this last year to ring in summer break.
The kids were thrilled with their goodie basket.
Derek loves it when I do fun little themed dinners...
He is a kid at heart.
I love these guys!

I graduate tomorrow!

2011-06-08T07:59:00.000-07:00

I almost can't believe it!

Today is my kids' last day of school.
We have to postpone the Summer Celebration
until Friday morning since I'm slammed tomorrow with activities.
Yay for summer!

Lots-O-Pictures

2011-06-05T19:05:00.000-07:00

Me on the way to my surprise Graduation Party.
I thought I was going out on a date!
My husband is quite the little sneak.

Here is the Hubs at the annual town parade.
It was like 50 degrees and raining
all month and then hit like 85 on the day of the parade.
My body was in shock.

The yummy brownie pizza I made for the graduation cap
decoration party I attended.

Did you know my town has the
World's Largest Shortcake?
Hahahaha

My daughter (in the orange and looking at me) riding on a float.
She skinned her forehead right before parade.
She sported a HUGE bandage.
Kids....

Here she is during a performance (the one in orange to the left).

My bruises (they were actually MUCH worse)
that I got during our IV insertion class.
We had to start IVs on each other.

The hubs and me...

These are the days of our lives...

2011-05-27T13:36:00.000-07:00

This past week has been super challenging. I've had to make my first big decision. I was offered a job (Yay!) but had to turn it down. The main reason was that it was 40 hours a week. I just can't do that with my kids... Unfortunately, I told them I would do it about three hours before I told them I couldn't. And....that's me being an idiot. My family is super supportive, my husband saying he would love and support me no matter what I decided. There were lots of practical reasons why I should have taken it. But I have to say, in my gut, I know motherhood is never just practical.

Even though this week has been difficult, I am thankful I had to look within myself and up to God. I don't want to live with regrets and I'm afraid that much lost time with my kids would give me some.

So....what to do now? Focus on graduation and passing the boards. Hopefully an open position will become available that fits our lifestyle. Hopefully after the summer passes. :) I'm looking forward to spending some quality time with my family.

The moral of this story...well, shoot, I have no idea. The thing to take away? When you are feeling idiotic over something, remember my idiotic move...it will make you feel better. :)

Just Me

2011-05-24T20:02:00.000-07:00

My passport photo to send to the
Oregon State Board of Nursing.

I just have one more little 20 point test to take and then I'm finished!

I then just have to watch my points start rolling in as my instructors grade my assignments.

But...I'm pretty confident that I will graduate.

If you have a moment,
Please pray for me.
I have some hard decisions to make by Thursday concerning a job opportunity.

Hope you all are having a great week!

Almost done!

2011-05-22T17:58:00.000-07:00

(Noele and I at our IV class)

It's been forever since I've posted.
I've been one busy girl.
I spent this month at the local jail...
as a nurse.
Hahaha
It was definitely interesting!
I spent time learning how to insert IVs.
I finished up going to class!
I have two and a half weeks to do a few assignments..
Then I graduate.
It's lovely.
It feels weird.
Like I'm missing something.
Hope you all have a great week!

Happy Mother's Day!

2011-05-08T18:41:00.001-07:00

Happy Mother's Day!
Hopefully your day was lovely.
I did homework, stayed home with a sick child, and went to see Thor.
Thor is kinda cute.
MiMi and I both think he should be Jamie from Outlander.
My family surprised with with breakfast in bed.
Also, look at what they bought me!
This will come in handy next month for Sasha's 6th birthday party.
Have a great rest of your Sunday!

#26514 Reason I love having a little girl....

2011-05-01T10:45:00.001-07:00

High Tea while watching the
Royal Wedding.
I Dvr'd it.
She wouldn't let me fast forward it,
she wanted to watch every minute.
Ahhhhhhhhhhh......

Easter Pictures

2011-04-26T11:47:00.000-07:00

Ugly bathroom

2011-04-26T11:41:00.001-07:00

My bathroom is the most neglected room of the house.
I recently painted it.
Yep. Last year.
I knew we were gonna change the moulding..
so I let it drip.
We still have that moulding.
I have no storage.
No tub (just shower).
My stuff was always all over the counter.
I finally found a little cabinet that fit on the wall by "my" side of the sink.
It barely fits.
I love it.
:)
Yay for storage!

Self Tanning

2011-04-21T08:07:00.000-07:00

This is me with self tanner.
Is it pathetic that I'm still white?
Just not as white.
Plus my hands look zebra-ish.
Really bad.

Do you all have any self-tanning tips?
Any favorites?
I am so white, I can't bring myself to go tanning.
I hate that sizzling feeling.

The pukes, poops, no power, and scouts

2011-04-17T10:11:00.000-07:00

Yep.

It's the pukes and poops here.
I thought I was gonna escape it.
Those dang kid germs, they lurk EVERYWHERE.
Seriously.

My power cord broke for my mac laptop.
I didn't know what to do,
life is so foreign without my computer.
My lovely husband spent $90 on a new cord.
Love him!

Cub Scouts and Pinewood Derby fun...
Derek was the master of ceremonies.
He was asked especially to do this because of his mad MC skills.
I tell ya, Derek and I are TOTAL opposites.
I hate talking in front of people.
He loves it.
What am I doing...
(hubs is the one starring out into space)

Ready, set, go!

My daughter had a playdate.
They pretended they were at the beach.
To be five again...
Jackson and Spike

Oh, both kids had their school conferences last week.
Both are SO smart and doing so well.
Jackson is an excellent reader
and Sasha is at the top of her class.
Yes, they both get it from me. ;-)

Random Craziness

2011-04-04T16:13:00.000-07:00

My aunt got married this past weekend. My mom and I threw together this veil for her bachelorette party.

The kids had so much fun trying it on!

I had so much fun on facebook teasing Macey with these pictures. She just loves kitty cats.

My last term

2011-03-28T18:47:00.001-07:00

I just started my last term before I graduate.
I can't believe it's almost over!
It's been long and hard...
but totally worth it!
I have made some of my closest friends
in the nursing program.
The instructors said it would be that way...we would bond.
And we have. :)

This year has actually been so much easier compared to last year.
Both kids are in school full time
and most days I am there to send them off
and there to pick them up.
When I'm not, they have my wonderful momma!
Love you mom!

This month I get to work in Labor and Delivery/Postpartum.
The nurse I'm working with has my dream schedule and dream job...
just 11 days out of the entire month.
I'm lookin' for part time work, y'all.

Today we had a representative from the
Oregon State Board of Nursing
come talk to us.
It's very exciting to talk about getting our license!
(and a bit scary too).

Just thought I would update the five people that still read my blog.
Have a great week!

Freaky Friday

2011-03-25T12:27:00.000-07:00

Yikes!

Spring is here!

2011-03-23T08:06:00.000-07:00

We celebrate with S'mores!
Happy Spring!

The Pioneer Woman must pay!

2011-03-20T15:35:00.001-07:00

I've gained 5lbs after these rolls.
Yum.
She will pay big time!
(yeah, right...who am I kidding).

It's a new month

2011-03-01T16:18:00.001-08:00

Derek and I taking a cheesy self portrait in the car.
Sasha is priceless.

Mama is sick!

:(
I missed clinicals today..
Luckily I have a VERY nice neighbor
that walked the kids home
and took Sasha to dance.
She is lovely...thank you, Jennifer!

Big news!
I got a new table!
Love craigslist.
The thing is, I've been looking for this EXACT table for like 2 years.
With me going to school and all, I just didn't want to spend
the money to buy one new.
Plus I didn't know where to find it.
Not only did I find "it" in my hometown,
the sellers live less than 1 mile away....
and go to our church!
It was meant to be. :)

Here she is...
After we moved her in (thanks honey),
I was like..well, she doesn't really go with my other gal...
The Hoosier (hutch thingy).
The hoosier was my moms.
I've been in love with her
for a long time.
But....I love them both...
so who cares, right?

Happy March 1st.

Wow! It's late February!

2011-02-23T08:28:00.000-08:00

I know I can do better than posting one time a month.
:(
We are doing good.
Very busy.
We are supposed to get snow tomorrow!
The weather man says that although he was
wrong about snow the last 4 times
(said we were gonna get some, but we didn't)
that he isn't wrong this time.
We shall see.

Happy Wednesday!

i'm alive. I'M ALIVE!

2011-01-31T08:53:00.000-08:00

Yep, it's true.

I'm alive.
I'm in the midst of winter-term-doldrums...
Didn't think you'd wanna hear about that.

I actually just had a birthday!
34 big ones.
My kids LOVE my birthday.
It's sweet.
Really, that made my birthday.
Sasha opened all my gifts for me.
I loved their cards the most.
Sniff.

School is going good.
Lots of work.
Big test on Thursday for kidney/brain/spinal trauma.
Drink water, people!
Your kidneys will thank you! :)

Oh...did you know diabetes leads to everything bad?
Really, it's a nasty disease.

Here are a few random pics:
I am IN LOVE with chalkboard markers!
I picked up Sasha from school looking like this.
Fair skinned babies shouldn't kiss the pavement.
OUCH!
My brother and his family just moved to Minnesota.
He gave my 9-year-old son this blow dart gun
as a going away gift.
thhhhhhanks....
haha.

Things I love this week:

Amazon prime.
I ordered a new coffee pot on Friday
and it was delivered Sat.
LOVE!

Turbo tax.
I love how easy this software makes
my life each January.
Thanks turbo tax!

One thing you should never do:

Under no circumstances,
no matter how much they beg,
no no way,
don't try to guess what your
child's gift is for your birthday.
If you say, "candle"
and if it was, "candle",
someone will end up in their bed sobbing
(my 9-year-old boy).
I felt like SUCH a heal.

Have a great week!

School Days...

2011-01-04T17:00:00.000-08:00

School has started for all of us (besides Derek).

We are all hitting the books hard.
It's soooo cold here right now.
I need a heavier coat.
Derek reminds me that Alaska is SUPER cold.
I tell him that I would be fine
(cause I would have a super coat).
Don't you want to see me blogging from Alaska?
:)

This is my last academic term of my nursing program.
They say it's the hardest.
Next term (which is my final) will be made of mostly
clinical rotations in the hospital/community.
I hope to learn a lot and push through this term.

Hope you all have a great week!

Happy New Year 2011

2011-01-01T07:21:00.001-08:00

I hope you get to do a little relaxing....

(painting the candle sticks and table are two projects
lined up for the new year)!

And a little something you love....
Happy New Year!!

Snapshots of Christmas

2010-12-27T07:47:00.000-08:00

Looking for the pickle on Grandma Hoehne's tree
on Christmas Eve

Opening her big gift from Uncle Wil

What did Santa bring?

We made a BIG mess

Cousin Jacob and Jackson putting Legos together
at Grandma Wisherd's house

Derek close to freaking out my sweet little niece

One little girl is tired...Pillow Pet time

Merry Christmas!

2010-12-24T06:00:00.000-08:00

We pray you all have a blessed

Christmas.

Our 11th Anniversary

2010-12-22T09:32:00.001-08:00

Our 11th wedding anniversary was on December 18th.
Derek's parents surprised us with a trip to the coast.

We ran into a little bit of snow...
It was lovely.

Birthday Winner!

2010-12-22T09:28:00.000-08:00

Jackson was the birthday winner
on one of our local
television networks.
Guess what we are having for dinner tonight?

It's a boy...It's a birthday...

2010-12-22T08:19:00.001-08:00

My little guy turned nine
on December 19th!
Jackson's birthday is the day
after our anniversary.
Derek and I were surprised with a getaway to the coast.
I literally had one day to throw something
together for Jack.
Don't judge me too harshly.
Whew.
Momma and her son (who didn't want to take the pic).

Yay for Dads!

The morning after...I think he was happy!

My favorite song...

2010-12-16T11:50:00.000-08:00

Take a listen...

December Days

2010-12-13T06:52:00.001-08:00

My December days are spent being thankful

for my family.
My precious 5 year old in a tutu
with her little dolly.
These are the days....
Sasha and her little friend Lexi.
Little girl friendships...
warms my heart.
Jackson making even his gingerbread
decorating experience
into something scary.
(Look at the stabbed gingerbread man).
That's my boy....
Playing Wii with his friend Kyler.
He always stands when playing
Mario.
Me getting dizzy with all the Christmas activities.
I've been sick...
Hope to be on the mend for my super busy week ahead.

Have a great week!

The Christmas Lesson #1

2010-12-10T06:47:00.000-08:00

Scary, right?

This little girl (age 5) is a little control freak.
She wants her stamp on everything.
I anticipated this situation...
I bought her an adorable pink tree for her room.
She decorated it.
Then decorated her brother's tree.
Then came out eying my tree.
She met another control freak in the living room (ME).
I told her that since she already decorated two trees...
Mommy was going to decorate the big tree.
Yeah, didn't go over so well.
Lots of crying (on both our parts... :)).
Lots of soul searching...
My tree is now sporting "Sasha" ornaments.
Like I said, I'm a control freak.
I've grown this year.
Yay Me.

My new love

2010-12-01T07:51:00.001-08:00

Yep, it's THAT good.

Thanksgiving 2010

2010-11-27T10:32:00.000-08:00

We had such a nice time this Thanksgiving.
I hope you all had a blessed holiday too.

Daddy took our pic, I'm sad we didn't get a family picture this year.

I have also been melancholy this year...
a little guy we met camping one year has cancer...
not doing well.
Here is his site if you want to look and add him to your prayer list.
Thanks.

Pray for Gage.

Is it already almost Thanksgiving???

2010-11-18T10:36:00.000-08:00

Let see....

The other day Jackson came home from school
with a chipped tooth.
Sasha came home with wet pants.
Lovely.
I just read that you should add cinnamon to your coffee.
Something about brain function.
I've been making this coffee concoction..
It's yummy.
Regular dark coffee. Skim Milk. Cinnamon. Agave nectar. Whipped cream (spray).
It's soooo good.
Down side?
I can't help squirting extra whipped cream into my mouth
each time.
Maybe that's why I only lost 0.5 lbs last week.
It struck me how thankful I was the other day...
everything about me is sensitive.
My skin, my stomach/intestinal tract, my feelings...
BUT NOT MY EARS!
I can wear any cheapo earrings.
Hey, that's something, right? :)
I only have 5 days of school plus one final left of this term!
It's spread out over the next two weeks.
Whew!
I love how people are already asking me health care
related questions.
I totally got cornered at a party with a guy
telling me about all his health-care run-ins.
That was a total...UGH.
I just finished watching Sarah Palin's Alaska show.
Loved it.
Can't wait to go on our Alaskan cruise.
AND
IT MAY SNOW NEXT WEEK!
Ahhhh.....love fall/winter.
Ohhhhh....no new hair yet.
I haven't had it cut since spring break.
Any recommendations from the locals?

Have a great rest of your week!

It was one crazy/fun weekend

2010-11-02T08:25:00.000-07:00

We had the BEST weekend.
Full of parties, candied apples, and fun.
Now onto one of my favorite months...
I get to be thankful all month.
I'm making a conscious effort to write
down what I'm thankful for each day.
Maybe I should continue this
throughout the year?
We shall see.
Right now, I'm thankful that you are reading my blog!
Thank you!

Happy Halloween Eve

2010-10-30T15:28:00.001-07:00

Today's Theme:

Transformations

Hair and such

2010-10-29T10:28:00.000-07:00

I haven't gotten my hair cut yet.

Rethinking bangs.

I have had my hair cut in an a-line type bob for such a long time.

I decided to start messing with my hair a little.

I'm enjoying long hair again.

I have this flat iron

that I love.

It curls my hair too.

It also heats up in 15 seconds flat.

Loooove.

You know my busy week?

Guess what?

I got sick.

Still running low grade fever today.

It's just a cold, I have my lovely daughter to thank.

I got her back by poking her in the forehead

this morning while cutting her bangs.

Bad mom. :(

Did you know they won't let you work in the hospital with a fever?

I mean, Come on!

Who made up that rule?

sarcasm.

I did ace my test yesterday.

I felt like crap,

so I thought that was a major accomplishment.

It's a big weekend around here.

What if I still feel under the weather?

I'll dope myself up on cold meds

just like any respectable mom.

And draw a smile on my face.

Hope you all have a nice, fun, and safe weekend!

Wow! The 50s!

2010-10-25T08:00:00.000-07:00

We won't be out of the 50s this week!

Before you get too jealous, it'll be raining all week too.

But I love it.

Remember last week when I talked about

Sasha writing her letters backwards?

I talked to her teacher.

Basically, I need to give the child a break.

I need to stop freaking out and just let her write

to her little hearts content.

Also, today is my kindergartener's first day of going full time.

She was SUPER excited.

The plus side?

I get all day to study for my test on Thursday.

I have a full week.

Really really full.

Once Tuesday night hits, there is no looking back

until Friday night.

Seriously.

All I can think about is my mom's annual Halloween party

this Saturday.

Then we are having the whole family

over for pizza, caramel apples,

and trick 0r treating on Sunday.

I just need to ride the crazy

school wave until then.

Have a great week!

Randomness

2010-10-20T20:43:00.000-07:00

I'm in the midst of my bi-week.

I usually have everything piled up

between Tuesday night and Thursday night.

Classes. Tests. Clinicals.

This week all I have is class.

I am in a funk, totally tired, crabby...

Negativity surrounds me.

I should be joyous.

I have nothing important to say.

No new haircut (need a new stylist).

Getting frustrated with Sasha.

She is starting to write her letters backwards.

The more I work with her,

the worse it gets.

Frustration.

Then I beat myself up for getting frustrated.

Ahh, being a mom.

The stuff they don't tell ya.

All I want to do is eat candy.

Dieting+Candy=nothing good.

Ugh.

On the upside..

My 4th week of school is almost over.

I love love love the Cake Boss,

watching all the episodes on instant play (netflix).

I cry during almost every episode.

I want a big italian family.

Okay...so I never get to host Thanksgiving.

Never.

Ever.

It sucks.

So, I decided to do my own Thanksgiving feast on the

Saturday after Thanksgiving.

I miss having any sort of leftovers.

Turkey Sandwich on a roll...Yum.

Sound like a weird idea?

I won't be crazy and do double pies or anything.

It will be slightly healthy..but still,

WE WILL HAVE LEFTOVERS!

Could this post have been any more random?

This is ME on NURSING SCHOOL.

I turn around in circles and have no idea

which way I'm going.

Whew.

Thanks for the ideas

2010-10-07T09:38:00.000-07:00

Someone sent me this picture.

What do you all think?

Bangs??

It's cute on her...I wonder if the layers are too short to pull back?

What do you think?

I need some advice, ya'll

2010-10-04T12:50:00.000-07:00

Are the huge feather earrings a little much?

I hope not cause I love them! :)

Alright girls, give me some advice.

It's time for a haircut,

do I keep it long or chop?

I'm leaning towards long cause it's been short for awhile now.

Then...

bangs or no bangs?

Layers?

Thinning?

Help!

Wordless Wednesday

2010-09-29T06:00:00.000-07:00

Yeah, I'm complaining

2010-09-28T08:55:00.000-07:00

Do you know what irritates me?

Yeah, I know... a lot.

BUT, right this minute?

No?

When people post little cliff hanger updates on facebook.

"Oh no, this is SO terrible". what's terrible?

"They came and got him, what am I going to do"? who? about what?

It also irritates me when people announce some sort of medical crisis

but then don't want to talk about it. why the heck did you announce it in the first place?

Okay. That's my tidbit for today.

A New Day

2010-09-27T06:00:00.000-07:00

I start the last year of my Nursing program today!

Just three terms and I will be done.

I think about all the work between today and June.

Whoa.

Now onto a less stressful topic...Pictures!

I'm so proud of this little girl.

She's been a thumb sucker since she was 2 months old.

This summer she decided to quit

(with some incentive by mommy).

She worked hard for this toy

and felt so accomplished.

She even thinks her thumb tastes yucky now.

Thank goodness.

BUT, I see braces in our future.

Ugh.

This was my little girl by Thursday of her first week of kindergarten.

She never had to use the bowl

but was under the weather until Monday of the next week.

She was sad to miss her first "pizza" day at school.

Daddy was on a business trip this week.

The kids missed him.

Derek took this picture of his dinner

from one night on his trip.

We saw some TV special about White Castle

a few months ago and have been wanting to try it.

I was so jealous.

He said it wasn't anything special.

Boo.

I sent him this pic of his daughter buckling in Mr. Bunny.

It made him homesick for his family.

My boy played so hard with his dad,

he's sleeping so well.

Have a great week!

How fast they grow

2010-09-19T16:24:00.001-07:00

I made these for Derek

and thought I would share.

Jackson definitely hit a growth spurt!

My baby starts Kindergarten!

2010-09-13T15:10:00.001-07:00

Sasha Rose started kindergarten!

She has a summer birthday,

so she's a young five.

BUT, all looks good.

Just for fun, here is Jackson

his first day (at 5 and 3/4 years).

And here he is now.

He just wants some peace in the 3rd grade.

The drama...oh, the drama

2010-09-01T19:50:00.000-07:00

I took this one out school clothes shopping today.

Just a few things since she has a closet full of stuff.

I had to bring her because I have a hard time fitting her in jeans.

I got lots of begging,

lots of crying,

lots of pleading,

lots of dirty looks,

lots and lots of drama.

While looking at shoes (I didn't see anything good),

she was ticked that we weren't trying a bunch on her little dramatic feet.

"Honey, I don't see anything, lets go to the next store".

"What?! MOTHER! Am I just supposed to stand here and not do anything"??

UGH.

Drama.

I grabbed all the little jeans/pants she'll need for the next 6 months.

I don't dare take her out again.

I can buy all the rest without her there.

I thought this stuff wasn't supposed to happen until age 13?

I have a monster.

Today she was Derek's child, not mine.

LOL

I'm happy! My craft area is finished!

2010-08-26T13:39:00.001-07:00

My table is CLEAN!
Remember what it looked like HERE?
All that stuff has been moved into here...

The Hubs still needs to put up my
ribbon rod/holder.
I need to do some tweaking, but I love it!

I also painted this super old huge chalkboard
wall hanging I got at a garage sale for $1.
It's in Jackson's room.
He loves it.

Yeah, I suck...

2010-08-25T09:46:00.001-07:00

I sure have been posting a lot.

Geez.

Anyways, the kids go back to school two weeks from today.

We are all super excited.

Not much else going on here.

Dog days of summer.

Dress up time.

Daddy ironing his daughter's dress on a Sunday morning.

Relaxing shopping day at Borders

TGIF

2010-08-06T07:25:00.000-07:00

Creative title, no?
It's Friday.
Tis the night before The Hubs vacay.
Pray for me as I spend the week (or maybe 3 days)

tent camping.

I'm off to do my fave thing:
"Look through people's lost dreams".
Yeah. You know...
Garage Sales!

Monday Musings

2010-08-02T07:36:00.000-07:00

I'm happy to report that progress is being made,

my craft room shelves are almost finished! :)

Soon I can be oh so crafty...

I helped my friend out with her garage sale last week.

Now I've put on 1.5 garage sales this year.

I always say, "not next year".

But who am I kidding?

I can go through my kids rooms 1 time each year

and make a grand.

Derek has his vacation next week.

He's going backpacking with my brother and then....

I'm going camping! Tent camping.

I bought Derek this for Father's Day

I got the idea from Vivs blog.

I'm excited to use it!

Happy Monday to you all!

Same old stuff

2010-07-27T09:01:00.001-07:00

Nothing much new here.

As you can see,

I'm still living with this mess.

Soon....I hope to have my space back.

Honey?

Monday Musings

2010-07-19T08:19:00.000-07:00

How come I've been out of school for 5 weeks and have yet to feel really relaxed? I have 10 weeks left, I totally need to work on that. One way is dividing up the chores.

And then letting them have some fun.

Did you know I'm going to Forks in September? We live about 5 hours away and it will be Bella's birthday afterall (Bella is the chick in Twilight). I'm going with this gal, you know it will be some craziness. Just what I need before heading back to saving lives and stuff.

I've been cooking a lot. I made Shrimp and Grits. My husband couldn't get past the grits to enjoy the meal. :( I've been making bread--this yummy No Knead bread.

It works and is amazing!!

(raw dough rising)

My husband is redoing my craft area. It's been in the works for a while now. My crafty stuff was out in the garage, but then we had a garage sale and I moved it all inside. I don't wanna move it back out cause it gets HOT out there. Soooooo.....I'm suffereing with all this stuff on my table until he finishes it. I can get pretty naggy. Won't be too long now.

Of course, after I had my garage sale, I had to go back out.

Filling the garage back up for next year.

Did i ever show you my souvenir from Idaho?

Who cares if it was from TJ Maxx?

Who cares if the kids had to ride home with it in their laps?

They were happy to do it.

We survived...and so did the kids

2010-07-11T06:58:00.001-07:00

We didn't have to sell the kids. :)

It was hot here, record heat, but people were still out shopping.

I joked (not really joking) with Derek that now

I can hit up all the garage sales this summer to...

.....fill the garage back up.

Hahaha

Garage Sale. Here. Tomorrow.

2010-07-08T10:00:00.000-07:00

I'm busy working on ways not to sell the kids.
If you live nearby, email or leave a comment and I will
send you the directions.

The heat, oh the heat....

2010-07-07T09:23:00.000-07:00

Summer has arrived! It's supposed to be 95 degrees today and 99 degrees tomorrow! Derek installed our trusty window AC units that keep my living room/bedroom around 65 degrees. I'll be under the blankets for sure today.

I have come to understand something about men and garage sales. They complain about all this crap taking up space and how we need to purge and make some $$ off the junk we have. Then, when we are purging, somehow all the crap is mine. Somehow....he has no crap. I was pondering last night about my garage sale choices. Like, whether or not I should put out my 3-plate stand. I was torn because it's not my favorite design BUT plate stands do come in handy. He was so concerned. His answer was, "well, where do you expect to store that thing (he was thinking crap) if you don't sell it. NOT IN THE GARAGE". Number one, when did the garage become all his? Number 2, it doesn't matter what he says anyways, he has no decorating sense. All the junk=my junk. Not the 400 better-yourself-books-stuck-under-our-bed-that-he-hasn't-touched-in-10 years. Not those. BUT, I'll bet people would rather buy my junk than his junk, what do you think? :) SO, if you live near, do not fear, I will be selling my junk, not his junk (ancient self help books).

Ahhh, the heat. Me against the heat. Maybe someday I will have central air. Until then, I will be wearing my mittens in my ice-box living room. Happy ice chipping.

Busy month

2010-07-05T10:06:00.000-07:00

I know, I've been MIA since school has been out. I was finishing up home projects, making all sort of pink things for Sasha's two Pinkalicious parties, and going on a road trip/vacation. All in 3 weeks. Butttttttttttttt....I'm done. Well, not so done, putting on a garage sale this weekend. Shoot me now.

is doing some fun things this summer!

We are reading

this month.

I read it on my vacation and it's such a great book!

I loved it!

I promise to post more often, I'm ready to get into the summer blog mode.

Hope you all had a happy 4th!

Scenes from a Pinkalicious Party

2010-07-05T09:26:00.000-07:00

Vacation

2010-07-03T13:01:00.000-07:00

My legs frying in the sun...

My two kids

2010-06-21T09:46:00.000-07:00

They both need haircuts,

but I love them! :)

My Burlap Window Treatments

2010-06-15T16:42:00.001-07:00

The Before

The After

I know it's from a different angle but I'm not ready for you to see the rest yet.

Simple, fun and CHEAP! :)

Slow Progress

2010-06-15T09:16:00.000-07:00

Remember over spring break we were painting?

Home makeovers when one person

works full time and the other is a mom that goes

to school full time is almost impossible.

I thought I would show you the paint and the

moulding/door changes.

Derek is my handyman! :)

Summer Celebration Breakfast

2010-06-12T06:40:00.000-07:00

Friday was our first day of summer vacation.

I decided to start a new Breakfast Celebration tradition.

I got up at 5:45am to make the yummies

(so Derek could also participate before going to work).

I hit up the Dollar Store the night before

for some quick decorations

and presents for the kids.

They were thrilled!

Success!!

We hope you all have a great summer!!!!!

Thank goodness!

2010-06-08T19:05:00.000-07:00

I passed and am moving on to my last year of school!!!!

Thank goodness school doesn't start until the last

week of September!!

16 weeks...........ahhhhhh.......

0 Weeks

2010-06-05T09:48:00.001-07:00

Just 3 Days

0 Clinical days at the Hospital

0 SIM days.
0 skills to pass

0-2.5 hour lecture to attend.
2 exams to take.
0 Papers to finish.

0 Math Competency to pass.
2 kids and 1 husband to love.
The joys of nursing school.

Mid Week Update

2010-06-01T19:29:00.000-07:00

I've been running a race (marathon) all year.

I'm in the last few miles now.

I can feel every blister.

My legs are cramped.

I'm so thirsty.

Every checkmark I make on my list

keeps me going.

The finish line (for the year) is up ahead,

each step takes SO much effort.

I will finish.

I will be graduating next year.

8 Days (three left of this week and three

next week for finals...oh...and two for the weekend).

2 Clinical days at the Hospital--finally labor and delivery!

0 SIM days.
0 skills to pass

0-2.5 hour lecture to attend.
3 exams to take.
0 Papers to finish.

0 Math Competency to pass.
2 kids and 1 husband to love.
The joys of nursing school.

1 Week

2010-05-29T10:31:00.000-07:00

1 week.

2 Clinical days at the Hospital--finally labor and delivery!

0 SIM days.
0 skills to pass

1-2.5 hour lecture to attend.
4 exams to take.
0 Papers to finish.

0 Math Competency to pass.
2 kids and 1 husband to love.
The joys of nursing school.

P.S. Edward & Jacob always want to celebrate with me!

2 Weeks

2010-05-23T13:14:00.000-07:00

2 weeks.

4 Clinical days at the Hospital.

1 SIM day.
1 skills to pass

3-2.5 hour lectures to attend.
4 exams to take.
0 Papers to finish.

0 Math Competency to pass.
2 kids and 1 husband to love.
The joys of nursing school.

Who cares about school right now, the LOST finale is on tonight!

I've watched every.single.episode.

I stuck with it when Derek said, "this is too weird".

FINALLY...the payoff.

For all two of you who still read my blog, go check out Quirky Tales.

It's written by one of my "quirkiest" friends from Louisiana.

She had me saying "random" for years.

Yeah Derek, that's who you can blame, haha.

3 Weeks

2010-05-15T09:24:00.000-07:00

3 weeks.

6 Clinical days at the Hospital.

1 SIM day.
2 skills to pass

5-2.5 hour lectures to attend.
6 exams to take.
0 Papers to finish.

0 Math Competency to pass.
2 kids and 1 husband to love.
The joys of nursing school

I know that school must be out soon.
It was 80 degrees yesterday!
I'm doing my homework on the back deck.
The kids and I spend our time together dreaming about
all the things we'll do this summer.
I can't wait.