FUN Fall Activity

Sunday was a beautiful day, although chilly, but as it was not raining, we decided to go to the Apple Orchard (Melick's Farm) for apple picking and pumpkins in Oldwick, NJ.

The kids had a blast climbing the trees to get the MOST perfect apples.

For the most part they each carried their own barrells. They were quite full after an hour.

We then picked pumpkins...

Then the infamous "Hay Ride" backdown the slopes...

Delicious Empire apples...

We ended up spending too much time in line to weigh in and check out, but all in all it was a fun time. The kids loved spending time together. Tanner was down the shore with his friend for the weekend, so we missed him. Ruthi made a delicious homemade APPLE PIE that evening, and it was to die for.

Latest Creations

After the stress in my life wore down, I felt the creativity bug, so I went to the ceramics store and decided to paint.

Halloween Haunted House

Here was a family activity on Monday night. Brady, Sean, Lily & Drew made this cool little house. I of course helped. I did the windows and door, kids did the rest. It turned out so cute.

My Big Boy in the morning....

Peek-a-boo...I love you! This is my little buddy bright & early in the a.m. Can you tell he is not a big fan of morning? I have to drag him out of bed literally...This kid is hilarious!
I LOVE YOU DREWIE xoxo

State Boards Updated

"Destiny is not a matter of chance. It is a matter of choice. It is not a thing to be waited for; it is a thing to be achieved."
William Jennings Bryan 1860-1925

This is one of my favorite quotes as of recent, and today it came true in my life! I am proud to say I PASSED my NCLEX-PN! I got my paid "Unofficial" results. Not sure what "Unofficial" means but it says PASS so I am gonna take it and celebrate. I read online last night (obsessing) that when you have a lot of SELECT ALL questions, it means you are doing well, and I had more than half of my 85 as select all. I am on cloud 9 right now. Nothing in life has ever felt this good, except for the birth of my sweet babies! Thank you MOM for all your words of encouragment. Thank you Ruthi for all your help with Andrew, a shoulder to cry on when life got too rough, and for helping me study almost every weekend. Thank you Brady for always loving me and saying it daily, and for your hugs and constant encouragment; Tanner for being great with Andrew and always helping to keep him occupied and for helping with dvd to playstation connections while I was studying. Thank you Andrew for being such a good boy and letting mommy study hour after hour. And a shout out to my instructors for everything, and for never giving up on me and pushing me to always do and be my BEST.  I learned so much and I have a NEW life because of it. Nothing is impossible with hard work and dedication!

My Graduating Class

This was just sent to me by a class member and I was happy to get it. This is my class, minus three who didn't show for one reason or another. I spent more time with these guys for a year than my own family. I miss them. From Left: Rachel, Jen, Darnetta, Nacia, Dawn, Christina, Alyson, Lauren, Faatima, Me, Theresa, Aja, Anthony, Monique, Sheena, Susan, Eddie. It was a wild ride, one I actually miss a little.

State Boards

The day finally came, Monday morning bright and early. I have studied hard, and up to the last day. Ruthi helped, Brady helped, I read, did online tests, cd rom tests, did an entire 1400 page NCLEX review book containing 64 chapters, with over 4,000 questions, as well as another NCLEX prep book with 400+ questions. I also did about 3/4 of a 3rd NCLEX review book (2500 questions).

This is an interesting test. Kind of difficult to explain, but it is a computer adaptive test, meaning it adjusts to your right or wrong answers, making subsequent questions easier or harder. A mathematical algorhythm calculates your competence. It was nerve racking. It is a 205question test, with each taker doing a minimum of 85 questions, or the maximum of 205 based on your competency level that is calculated with each question answered; with thrown in questions not graded, but being tested for usage on furture exams.

As I was going along, I was frustrated with the bank of questions I received. No right answer ever jumped out at me like they did in my review books. I found myself becoming quite anxious and insecure. Seems to me like every other question was a "Select All" and I loathe those. As I got question 85 I was prepared for it to either shut off, or continue. I answered 85, hit next and BAM, computer shut off. I flipped out. There is absolutely no way to gauge how you did. You can pass or fail with 85, and pass or fail with more. I took about 90 minutes to hit 85.

As I left, completely stupified, I was handed a pamphlet that said I can pay with credit card online for "UNOFFICIAL" quick results in 2 business days. That will be tomorrow. I am going nuts waiting....the second guessing is horrific. I just don't know what to think. I have been to all my nursing website chat forums and from what I've read shutting off @ 85 is a good thing, but other people had tested up to 170 questions and passed, as well as many people failing at 85. So, I sit here, sick to my stomach...I have completely chewed my fingers up and have not slept well in 3 nights now! I cannot wait for tomorrow...either way I just want to know. If I do not pass, I will receive notification from Board of Nursing as to when I can test again, either 45 or 90 days! If I pass I will receive mail notification with license #, etc. FINGERS CROSSED! Thanks to all for your continued love and support. It has meant everything to me!

Kindergarten Fun

Here is Andrew with some friends at school making the letter "F"