My Pride & Joy...

Here are the latest school pictures of the boys. So handsome!

Drew Drew Helping Mommy

This is half of the bags of leaves we cleaned up from the front yard. Drew didn't help much while Brady and I were bagging. He kept jumping in out piles. But he had fun and that was all that mattered. He did however help bag some, and then drug all these bags to the trash can for me. I thought this was a cute picture.

Monty Eating

This is Monty almost finished swallowing his rat. I love watching him eat. It is so amazing. This is funny picture of him with the tail of the rat still sticking out of his mouth. He eats about every other month. Snakes are very good pets. Simple, clean, and cheap!

True Comfort

This is a our little guy in one of his comfy positions while sleeping. He is so funny. We love looking at his fat belly. It is so soft and furry.

Dr. Drew

Andrew, as well as the other boys have been very supportive of my decision to go to school to become a nurse. When I brought my stethoscope home, Andrew latched onto it and wouldn't let go. He wanted this picture taken. He always asks me what I did at the hospital, but says hosibal. It is so cute the excitement he has for his mama. The boys have been good about letting me practice taking blood pressure on them.

August 26th Auto Accident

I never really had a chance to write up about my accident. I had my last chiropractor appointment lasst week, finally. I really dont feel much better, but thought I'd take advantage of the visits since it was on someone else's dime. I had to pay copay but at $10 a pop it was worth it. Anyway, the back of my Jeep was munch and if you look closely at photo, you can see my tire imprint in the front of his car. The guy hit me hard. I was stopped at a red light and he decided not to stop. He plowed into me going about 25 mph. It was not pleasant. This was my 2nd day of school so the next several weeks were very painful. I stood in the back of my classroom a lot of the time bc sitting was painful. I got my car back a month later. When I went to pick it up the other guys car was still there and I snapped this photo to show how hard he hit me. Thank God I didn't have any of the boys in the car with me. The cop was nice and couldn't believe the guy just didn't even stop. It was a clear cut case. He was at fault.

Merry Christmas

My Goodness, it's been a while. Life has certainly changed recently and kicked me in the butt. I'm still not used to NOT having any personal time to do what I want and what I like. As I am on winter break right now, I thought I would take some time to catch up. This has been a whirlwind last 4 months. I have enjoyed every moment of it as well, except for the tests. BRUTAL beyond comprehension. So far I have managed to excel at all my classes. I am working harder for this, than for anything I have ever done in my life. It is exciting, rewarding, and challenging. I am in my 2nd quarter right now, taking Clinical Pharmacology, Med/Surge I, Mental Health Nursing. Have done well so far. Pharmacology is kicking my butt, but I refuse to fail at this. I literally do nothing else. I am in clinical 2 days week now in a hospital. I am working on the 5th floor, Med/Surge unit, with emphasis on Dialysis patients, which is fascinating. I am soaking it all up. I have been able to do some amazing procedure thus far, my favorite being changing my patients Wound Vac 2 weeks ago. I observed it being done Tuesday, and did it by myself Wednesday and my instructor told me I did a really great job, and that I was lucky to have had the opportunity, as not many nursing students have this opportunity. It was amazing. The wound was 11x6x2 cm and I could see to the bone. It is a very technical procedure and requires a knowledge of the tools and equipment used. I stayed up the night before learning as much as I could. It was awesome.

I have not had my turn at administering meds yet, but I am on the schedule for the week after Christmas. I have already done insulin injections and changed IV's.

Tanner finished out football with flying colors. He started most of the season and coach said he was amazing. I managed to catch the tail end of a few of his games, as his games are when I am in school myself. TG my school is sort of across the street from his. He is doing wrestling now and had his !st tournament this weekend. He won first 2 matches, made the semi-finals, and lost out for the 3rd place title. He was bummed. I am so proud of him. He is a good boy, turning into a good man. He is 14 now, 6'4" tall, and a good looking kid. He works hard in school, is getting amazing grades, and enjoys seminary.

Brady tried out for and got the lead role in the school play this year. He is rehearsing 3-4 days/ week after school. His grades are top notch; he made the principle's honor roll last quarter. He is my helper and i truly enjoy any time I have with him. He has a wonderful sense of humor and we get along great. He is an awesome kid.

Drew, Drew Drew, Droops, Droopie is an all around hoot. This kid cracks me up one minute and has me in fumes the next. He knows how to push my buttons. I love him to death. He is smart and can tell you the first 4-5 presidents of the U.S and anything about the current president and president elect. UGH! He can count to 100, knows ABC's and is starting to read. He can spell his name, all our names and loves books, Hannah Montana, and cars.

I love my family and am so Thankful to have the honor of being their mom. It truly is the highlight of my life thus far. Kids are wonderful and they have been so supportive of me in school and in the lack of time I seem to have with them lately. Can't wait for that to all change. We do have fun here together though, when I don't have my nose stuck in a book, studying for a brutal test the next day, or researching online for any number of papers I have to write at the drop of a dime. I have 3 group projects due over the next few weeks. Psych is a project on my heritage, so I figured I would delve into the Spanish bits n' pieces a bit, as I didnt have a chance. I was placed in a group with 3 other spanish girls. Should be interesting. We present in front of the class and are bringing in some spanish food items; rice & beans, flan, and some drinks. Med/Surge is a group project with 1 other student on Diabetes Insipidous. We have to research, do a write up, make a poster board presentation and present in front of the class. Pharmacology was a draw and we got constipation, and stool softeners. Not too thrilled about this one, but it is an important issue, so we will do our best. It is also a write up, poster board presentation or Powerpoint. Seems I will be getting over my fear of public speaking SOON! (lol)

This has been a wonderful year, and a hard year, but thanks for family and friends who help and support me I am managing just fine. Thanks Ruthi for all you do for me and the kids. Thanks for having Drew in your home on nights I have clinical. I would be a wreck without all you do for us.

I hope everyone has a wonderful Christmas (i refuse to say holiday) and an even better New Years. I have the boys this year for New Years and we are going to have a fun party!

Nursing 101

August 25th started a MOST interesting week in my life. After all the waiting and testing, and classes and certification requirements, I finally began my nursing program. I have to say I was extremely nervous, but once I got there and met everyone and my 2 teachers (this semester) I was able to relax. I forgot how much I enjoy a school setting. My teachers are awesome; both down to earth, cool, understanding, and extremely helpful; excellent teaching techniques. Monday, my first day, was pretty much Orientation, getting different class info, syllabuses, etc. I got my photo I.D, which I wear to school and MUST have around my neck on all Clinical days, which begins Sep. 23rd in extended care facilities, which I will will enjoy, as I love the elderly. This semester, well technically, through October, I have A&P I, Nursing Fundamental, and Math & Medical Admisitration. End of Oct I start 4 new courses which go through January, then another 3 through April, then 2 more through July. At this point I will be in a hospital 3 days a week, so there is less class time. I was told I will get to witness and help with a live birth (which I am over the moon about) and pretty much anything else I can imagine. YES!!!!!

Tuesday I had a great first day of Nursing Fundamentals. We get a 10 minute break almost hourly for restroom and drinks, and an hour lunch Tues-Fri and a 2 hour break (11-1) on Mondays. I like this a lot. As my school is less than 8 miles from home, I was able to run home one day and make some lunch.

Tuesday on my way home from school, I was rear ended pretty badly and the back of Jeep pretty much destroyed. Police came, took reports, and sent me off. I went home immediately called the claims dept. and got the ball rolling. Ruthi took me to enterprise to pick up my rental. On my way home from there, I realized I left my school book bag in their building. I immediately drove back; they were closed and I literally "lost it" mentally. I had none of my school work, my homework, etc. I was in a lot of pain from accident, had splitting headache, was still shaking, and the night just got progressively worse. The only thing worth mentioning was I got home, and realized I was locked out as my house keys were also in my book bag. TG for friends who live close...Thanks again for letting me in :) I rented a new Dodge Charger and I LOVE it. I don't think I want my Jeep back....

That day was pretty much a wash. I was able to somewhat explain to teacher why I didnt have my 10 pgs. of written homework and she worked with me. As our books had not yet arrived, we did that Wednesday furing lunch (which is when I was supposed to finish my late homeowrk) and then again after school. That afternoon I took my smashed up Jeep to the autobody shop, and guess what I saw??? The guys car (BMW X5) who slammed into me. He beat me there and we ended up at the same place. Pretty funny. Very interesting process as we both have Allstate. Hoping to hear from them early this week as to how long they will have my car.

The homework load has been everything I was told to expect and then some. Reading 3-4chapters a night per class, and usually 5-10 written worksheet pages per class. They were not KIDDING when they said this was an accelerated Program. I have met some great people and have exchanged several phone #'s for study groups etc. Hoping This week is just as exciting, minus the car accident. I really didn't need that. It's difficult having to go through something like that alone, no family here for support, but in the end the people I've chosen to have in my life are my family here. I love you and thank you for all you do for me. Thank you for rides for Tanner from football practice, thank you for getting faxes from doctor documenting my immunizations, ,thank you for coming to my accident site to make sure I was ok. Thank you for rides back and forth to help me with what I needed as far as my Jeep was concerned. Thank you for hot cooked dinners and for the company. Thank you most of all for helping me with my 500 medical terms flashcards. If I pass this test on Tuesday, I owe half of it to you. You made my week so much better than it would have been. I miss my kids so much, but it was really great having this first week alone to dive in and get a routine going. I cannot wait to see my babies again.

Despite the accident, this has been a great week. I am super excited for the direction my life is now going in. I am learning something I love and I cannot wait to be able to implement my skills.

The Dishes Are DONE Man.....

Here is Wilson playing in the dishwasher, one of his favorite things to do!

Tina moves out!

We all knew this day would come, and it has. Tina moved out last week. She has decided to move to Portland, OR this time. She took most of her things with her, including her BFF Sara. She is almost there and is making excellent time. We all miss her and wish her the best in her new digs. We had a family dinner the night before she left and it was a good time. We love you Tina! xo

Gorgeous Sunset

Quality Time

Drew and I headed to the nursery today to pick up new flowers. Our cucumbers ran their course and man did I enjoy eating them almost daily for weeks. That was exciting. Here are the new flowers Drew picked out. We had a blast planting them. Drew is quite a natural although he hates the dirt being on him....hmmm. I was happy to spend some quality time with him, before I no longer have much time :(

Six Flags Great Adventure

I wanted to do something fun with the kids so we headed to Six Flaggs. Looked like a beautiful day out. Tanner was tired and would NOT drag his butt out of bed to go with us. He ended up not missing much. We had two hours of beautiful weather before it started pouring rain w thunder and lightning. We ducked for cover, had a nice lunch, then ice cream. The boys had a blast in the rain and puddles. We were all soaked. I bought Drew a batman rain poncho. Brady opted for a trash bag. It was hilarious. We were hung out for another few hours. Drew and I had fun on the tea cups, as it was one of only 3 rides open during the rain. Our friends had a blast too. Brady had his picture with Taz and Drew and I had our picture with Porky Pig. I chased down Sylvester, but he was too busy.

Andrew's 1st time at the dentist

Andrew did really great. I was worried. He had some pain as he had to have an abscess drained. A few months ago, he and the boys and Tina were running around the house and things got out of hand and Drew slipped and slammed face first into a wall. He smashed his front tooth really bad and bled for quite a while. After a few days he seemed fine, but apparently he got infected. The dentist cut it open and drained it for what seemed like forever. Poor kid. He was a trooper though. He didn't even cry when he saw all the blood coming out. Brady and I could not believe it. He got his teeth polished and took x-rays too. No cavities. Apparently all the torture of brushing teeth has paid off.

A few days down the shore

I recently had a few days down the shore in Wildwood, NJ. Rex's mom and sister were in town so he took the boys for a week so they could all hang. I hear they had a good time minus a tornado watch and severe storm that really freaked them out. It didn't effect my vacation. Had some rain Wednesday night (overnight) but none during the day. The ocean was amazing. So beautiful. Our hotel looked out at the ocean and we had a nice balcony too. We were right by the MAJOR piers as well, and had a blast on all the different roller coasters. My favorite was the one with 3 loops and 2 cork screws; quite the thrill. I had the best lobster dinner along with steamed clams, shrimp and king crab legs one night. We did this cool boat ride called The Silver Bullet, which is the largest speedboat. It held around 50 people I think. We went down around the Cape May area of NJ and then out into the deep Atlantic Ocean. It was such a beautiful ride. Once out we stopped for a bit for the dolphin watch part of the trip and we were surrounded by 20+ frolicking dolphins. Several moms with calves as well. It was simply amazing. It was a nice 4 day break from LIFE!

More Projects

Man when I get the bug I get it bad. This time I replaced the vanity lights in my bathroom. It should have been a simple job, but urned into a bit of a nightmare, a the socket was off kilter and I could not get the screws planted as the holes were stripped. I had to improvise and try a few things, before I found one that worked. Brady helped keep me calm and was a good holder of tools and lights, as I had to do this in the dark, with electricity off in bathroom. UGH.

I also replaced my marble counter top in bathroom. With new paint and redone cabinets, I could no longer look at the ugly old (21 yr.) sink/ counter top. I found one I really liked at Home Depot, so with some help from Brady we managed to get it off the shelf, into a cart, and into the Jeep. It was a super easy install. In the process of securing the faucet and plumbing I cracked the plastic lead pipe from the drain, so I have to go replace that today so I can use my sink again. It looks so nice.

Fun Summer Activities

The days are long and hot here right now. Brady has several friends with pools, so luckily he gets invited over to swim occasionally. This was one such day. He had a great time, and I had fun talking to moms and dads for a bit. While Brady was with his friend swimming, I took Andrew to the mall to Build a Bear. He was bored and needed to get out, so Tanner and I took him. He had such a good time, heck I had a good time. We made a cute panda bear. He really loved Kung Fu Panda (movie) so he made a Kung Fu Panda and named him Po. He also got him a few other outfits. We were able to avoid the Hannah Montana section, due to Tanner being taller than a grown man. He stood his ground and planted in front of the stand and we managed to keep him from seeing the clothes. LOL

After returning to pick up Brady, we spent 30-40 minutes visiting with Ian's pet goats, Boo Boo, Sparky, & Tips. Ian's dad gave us a bag of pretzel knots to feed them and I literally had a blast. They were so sweet and gentle and their soft little fuzzy lips tickled so much. Dew had a blast as well. Brady got kisses and had his chin nibbled. It was hilarious.

A Gorgeous Day in NJ

An empty field by my house

"Project Bug"

As I did not have the boys this long holiday weekend I got the "Project Bug". I decided to refinish my bathroom cabinets and paint my bathroom walls a new color. The old color was a light sea foam green and the cabinets were a light oak color. They looked awful and worn.{{see photo above}}

I started Friday and finished Tuesday. It is a long drawn out process, with stripping, drying, priming, drying, painting drying, (3 coats) then applying my 2 coats of polyurethane. This was my first time refinishing cabinets and I was a bit nervous, but it worked out amazingly. I am so happy with them. I love the colors; they turned out to accent beautifully.

Tomahawk Lake in Sparta, NJ

Last weekend, I took Brady and Andrew here for some fun in the sun. They have amazing water slides and a nice beach to play on. Brady and his buddy had fun on the slides, well we all did actually. Andrew even went on the kids slides in the roped off section for kids under 4 ft. tall. The coolest inter tube slide was 500 ft long. Pretty fun. All the slides go right into the lake. I even went down Geronimo, which is an 80 ft. drop, straight down. I was more scared than I think I have ever been, but after Brady went down it and survived, I had to do it. I loathe being afraid of things...so I made myself do it and I was so glad I did. I immediately got right back on! Drew loved the paddle boats with Ruthi. We got rained on; BIG surprise, but only about 1/2 hour. Not so bad.

4th of July Sparks

I didn't have my kid this year, which makes going to fireworks not quite as exciting, but I did it anyway. I had a nice bbq w friends at their house. Steve, who cooked is a professional caterer, and he made the most delicious ribs and a plethora of other side dishes. It was delicious. It started raining about 8:00ish, and lasted pretty much the whole night. Needless to say I got soaked at our park. They put on a great show as always, even with the rain! I missed my boys, but they had a nice time with their dad.

Look at Me Mommy

A Typical Late Afternoon Rain in NJ

Every other day or so, we get pounded by serious rain. It lasts anywhere from 15 minutes to an hour. The sky gets dark, the winds pick up; sometimes we get rolling thunder as well. It is pretty awesome to see Mother Nature do her thang!

Andrew's 1st day at Goddard

Today was Drew's 1st day of summer camp. He was not thrilled at drop off, but after an hour or so I called to check on him as the director suggested, and he was doing great. He was interacting, and doing better. He ate most of his lunch, took a one hour nap and loved computer time. He played outside twice and the best part of the day was when I went to pick him up. Miss Meredith called to him as they were outside for playtime, and he came running full speed ahead to see me. That felt good. Wednesdays he has outside water play in the morning, then the usual routine throughout the day. Thursdays are his swim lesson days from 9:00-11:30, with rest of regular day to follow I hope he does ok there and cooperates nicely. He did great on his first full day of camp/school. Yay!!

Andrew's last day of Preschool

Andrew's last day of preschool on June 13th with Miss Jen

Brady's Award Ceremony

This is the ceremony where Brady received his award for 6th grade Student of the Year. The other 5 kids are from the other local middle schools. It was a great night. I attended with Tina. Rex, his fiance, and the boys showed as well. We are so proud of you Brady.

Roosevelt Island Tramway June 21

As I’ve heard this is to be taken down by 2010, it is something I have wanted to do for a while now. Also wanted to see Roosevelt Island since it was mentioned in the movie Dark Water (2005) with Jennifer Connelly. After Liberty state park, we took the ferry to Manhattan and headed up to 59th & Lexington to find the tram. We ended up taking the F train to Roosevelt Island so we only rode the tram back to Manhattan. It was $2.00 each way, but we used our Metro cards. The view from the tram across the river was beautiful. I cannot wait to take the boys. I think Brady and Andrew will love it. For history see:
http://en.wikipedia.org/Roosevelt Island Tramway

#1 Tram car
#2 Tram over East River to Manhattan
#3 Looking Back @ Roosevelt Island
#4 Tram over NYC @ 250 ft. up
#5 Tram over NYC 60th & 2nd