Dear Santa...

I think most people remember there first Christmas after they find out there isn't really a Santa. I know I remember mine. I knew that the day was coming that Kendall would start to question the whole thing, but I was still pretty surprised when Brian's mom mentioned to him yesterday that Kendall had told her she didn't think Santa was real. I was really hoping to get one more year out of her. All of a sudden, I pictured my baby girl wearing a bra, shaving her legs, and wearing deodorant. I just want to keep her innocence! I know that it's not a big deal, but to me not believing is the first step in my eyes. So I decided to really kick it into overdrive this year with the whole Santa thing. Luckily I had letters for Santa that they could fill out and mail to the "North Pole". I don't know what my next step is going to be in my mission, but I'm hoping to make a believer out of my girl for one more year!! I definitely got a few good laughs out of some of the items they put on there list. The first thing Ryleigh wanted me to write down was googlie eyes (???) and a "light up nose like Rudolf". (again???) The girls pretty much said what they think Parker wanted from Santa because he just kept saying all kinds of verious silly thigs. The first thing Kendall wanted was some "Nail kit" she seen on TV. I have no idea what that is or where I can find it. Darn TV commercials!!

Fall cooking-cheesy potato soup style

Okay. If you’re trying to eat healthily(is that a word?) and eliminate fat and calories from your diet, I wouldn’t be a friend if I didn’t tell you right now to RUN. Run FAR AWAY from this recipe. I tried to get embarrassed about posting it. But I couldn’t. And the reason I couldn’t is that I wouldn’t be a friend if I didn’t share its deliciousness with you; it’s really that good!!! I got the recipe from a friend at work and have made it at least 3 times already this fall...best soup ever if you ask me.

This is what you'll need (I did forget to include the main ingredient, potato's in the picture)



Start by boiling 6-7 large potato's. If you have smaller potato's just add some more. I usually cut them in quarters so they cook faster. I take off the skins after they are cooked, but you can always peel them before you boil them. Just be sure that they are cooked through, I made the mistake of forgetting this step and can tell you that crunchy potato's really take away from the soup!


While the potato's are cooking chop up about 8 pieces of cooked bacon (I take the easy route and use the pre-cooked kind thrown in the micro to make them crispy) and also get all the rest of my ingredients measured so they are ready when I need them.

Cut the potato's into bit size pieces and set aside.



Next melt 2/3 cup butter(yup real butter)in a large pan. When its melted add 1/2 cup of flour(packed)slowly while stirring with a whisk.


After it's well blended add 6 cups milk. Add 2 chicken bouillon cubes, and salt and pepper to taste. Now cook on med- low heat until you have a slow boil stirring constantly.


After you have a slow boil add 1 cup of cheddar cheese. Add the chopped bacon. Mix until just melted.

Add your potato's.




After all the potato's are in add 8 oz of sour cream. Stir until blended. Remove soup from heat. At this point you would add more milk or flour to make it thicker or thinner or add more salt and pepper if needed.



Serve with some more crumbled bacon sprinkled on top. Yum!!

Semper Fi

Pain is Temporary...Pride is Forever


3 days until Phase lll
21 days until Video
25 days until Crucible
34 days until Family Day....
35 Days until Graduation.....

****Go Delta Plt 1061****

Happy 7th Birthday to my oldest baby girl!

I think I am finally back in business and have the new computer up and running. I even found some new programs on here that I can't wait to experiment with (including the newest version of photo shop!!)
The last week of September we celebrated Kendall's 7th birthday at our house with a cook out and then a bomb fire that night. It was an absolutely beautiful day with family and friends and we all had so much fun - especially Kendall. Here are a few of my favorite pics from her birthday.




Kendall's birthday was the second time that the family has gotten together since my brother left for marine boot camp and his presence was definitely missed! We did take some pictures to send to him with all the kids and my mom and dad in their new USMC sweatshirts though.




It seems like only yesterday Brian & I were anxiously awaiting the birth of Kendall. I don't think that anything can prepare you for the birth of your first child because you simply have not known that kind of love for anything before.
Kendall's was not an easy delivery. I was induced because I was past due, but when my labor did start it was very fast and furious!! Too fast for me to even get an epidural. Never in my life had I been in so much pain and never in my life had fear and worry consumed my heart so violently. After her delivery she came out totally blue and limp. Luckily for me I had a wonderful group of nurses that resuscitated her and after a rough start she came around and started breathing and crying.
And I sobbed with relief that the birth was over . . . and then I sobbed even louder when I realized that Kendall and I were both fine. It was not at all a fun experience . . . not at all the type of birth that was talked about in our birthing class! It was truly a terrifying time for all and Brian jokes that he still has nightmares about Kendall's birth! In fact, I can remember telling him moments after she was born that Kendall would be an only child - because there was NO WAY I was doing that again.
But then they placed my sweet baby in my arms and I instantly felt such an overwhelming feeling of love wash over me. And at that very moment all the pain and worry was absolutely worth it when I looked at her sweet face. At that very moment, I became a mother. And it didn't take me very long to completely forget about the pain . . . and want another baby!
I always refer to Kendall as "my oldest baby" because even though she is seven she is still my baby. And she got to be my first baby, which means that with her I get to experience all my first as a parent with her. This parenting thing is an on going learning experience. I have learned so much from her. She is such a sweet kid. She is so smart and has a memory that doesn't forget anything! She is very kind-hearted and is very in tune with me. Kendall always knows if I am sad or upset or worried about something and does not like me to be sad at all. I love her with all of my heart and soul! Happy birthday baby girl! We love you so much.

MIA

Sorry I have been MIA for the last 3 weeks. We were without our PC for a while and I was only able to use my slow laptop. So I just wanted to drop a note and let anyone whose still coming by to see if I ever update this thing that I am up and running again. We have a new computer now so as soon as I get my picture software installed I promise to start updating again (whats a blog without some pics?)

Nine Years

Its hard to believe that its been nine years since I said "I do". In some ways it seems like just yesterday, in others it seems so long ago. So much has happened in these nine years, most of it wonderful, with a few bumps in the road along the way. But our love for each other has seen us through it all and together we take the good with the bad and the easy with the hard. When I think back over my life I definitely tend to put my memories into different seasons. And as I reflect back over the seasons, I realize that many of them have come to an end. I am no longer a new wife. I am no longer a new, first-time mom. Sad as it may be to leave some of these seasons behind I am looking forward to the seasons to come and I couldn't imagine doing it without my husband by my side every step of the way.

My Husband-
The Father of My Children
The Stealer of My Heart
The Recipient of My Affections
The Keeper of My Joy
The Eater of My Cooking
The Hero of My Love Story
The Subject of My Daydreams
The Tickler of My Armpits
The Poker of My Ribs
The Balancer of My Craziness
The Manager of My Remote Control
The Love of My Life

Sept 11th

School Days!

Whew, What a busy couple of weeks with both the girls starting school!! So far so good though. Kendall looped forward with her teacher from Kindergarten, so I think that helped her adjust quickly to first grade. Going the whole day has her exhausted at night though. (Can I just add a big YEAH for early bedtimes!)




This week Ryleigh had her first day of preschool. It is always hard leaving them at school for the first time. She was so excited in the morning and on the way there, but as soon as I went to leave she started clinging to me. The teacher came and got her busy while I snuck (is that even a word??) out the door.



When I picked her up the teachers said that she did great after I left, and she was so excited to tell me about her day.

Happy Birthday Ryleigh!!

(If you have a daughter you must listen this song, it will bring tears to your eyes.)

Happy 4th birthday Ry bug!! The time has just flown by, and you are getting so big. But to daddy and mommy you will always be our little "buggy". May you always know how deeply you are loved. May you reach for the stars and celebrate each day. May you sing and dance and laugh and love. May you know that Daddy and I love you completely, totally, always and forever!
Happy 4th Birthday!!


As I take a stroll down memory lane I realize each picture represents such a sweet memory. And as I look through these pictures with tears in my eyes - I see the joy my girl has for life. Oh, how I love all 3 of my children - and I thank God for blessing my life with each of them.

"Four is huge"

At least that's what Ryleigh said on Sunday whenever anyone asked her how it feels to be four years old. I think she's right, four is such a "huge" age. It's crossing that fine line between toddler hood and childhood. It's hard to believe that four years have went by so quickly....
We celebrated her birthday at the park and had a great day with family and friends, then we headed to the beach with Aunt Lori, Uncle Mike and Gracie & Eli.

Day shifter??

Today I joined the normal world and actually worked a day shift.(gasp!!) I picked up an extra shift (School cloths to pay for) and worked from 7A-3:30. It seemed so strange to be working during the day after working nights for eight years. I have been thinking about trying to get a "day job" for a while now but now I'm just not sure. It's (literally) as different as day and night around that place. The noise just about drove me crazy. We can be totally crazy at night and things will still seem somewhat quiet. I just don't know if I can get use to it. Every time the operator would come over head (which I learned happened quite frequently) my heart would stop for a quick second because if you hear her at night it means that you better get ready to spring into action because it means that either 1. There's a fire somewhere 2. Someones not breathing 3. Theres been a bomb threat, and the list goes on, but you get the picture.=) Not to mention people are everywhere, stockers, dietary, doctors, Linen people, housekeeping and many others I never knew existed!!
Hmmm I really have some thinking to do.....

And since I'm on the subject of my lovely profession, a co-worker forwarded this to me the other day. All I can say is funny, but also sooo true!!

You know you're a nurse when..

1) the front of your scrubs reads "Nurses... here to
save your ass, not kiss it!"

2) you occasionally park in the space with the
"physicians only" sign... and knock it over.

3) you believe some patients are alive only because it's
illegal to kill them.

4) you recognize that you can't cure stupid.

5) you own at least three pens with the names of
prescription medications on them.

6) you believe there's a special place in hell for the
inventor of the call light.

7) you believe that saying "it can't get any worse"
causes it to get worse just to show you it can.

8) you wash your hands BEFORE you go to the bathroom.

9) you believe that any job where you can drive to work
in your pajamas is a cool one.

10) you consider a tongue depressor an eating utensil.

11) eating microwave popcorn out of a clean bedpan is
perfectly natural.

12) you've been exposed to so many x-rays that you
consider it a form of birth control.

13) you've ever heard a patient with a nose ring, a brow
ring, and twelve earrings say "I'm afraid of shots."

14) you've ever placed a bet
on someone's blood alcohol level.

15) you've told a confused patient that your name is that
of a coworker and to call if they need help.

16) your bladder can expand to the size of a winnebago's
water tank.

17) you have seen more penises than any prostitute could
dream of.

18) you believe that not all patients are annoying...
some are unconscious.

19) your family and friends refuse to watch medical
sitcoms with you because you spend the whole time
correcting everyone and pointing out upside down
x-rays.

20) you don't get excited about blood, unless it's your
own.

21) you've sworn to have "do not resuscitate" tattooed on
your chest. Soon.

22) discussing dismemberment over a gourmet meal
is perfectly normal to you.

23) your idea of fine dining is anywhere you can sit down
to eat.

24) your idea of a good time is a cardiac arrest at shift
change.

25) you believe in the aerial spraying of prozac.

26) you believe that "shallow gene pool" should be a
recognized diagnosis.

27) you believe that the government should require
permits to reproduce.

28) you believe that unspeakable evils will befall anyone
who utters the phrase "Wow, it's really quiet, isn't it?

29) you have ever wanted to write a book entitled
"Suicide: getting it right the first time."

30) you have ever had a patient look you straight in the
eye and say "I have no idea how that got stuck in there."

31) you've had to leave a patient's room before
you begin to laugh uncontrollably.

Crazy busy

We have been so busy that its been a while since I've been able to get on here to think long enough to post anything with any substance. But I was going through my e-mail and getting rid of things I don't need when I can across this link. I know I already forwarded it to some of you but I have to say that I found it just as inspiring and touching as the first time I seen it.
http://www.findingjoymovie.com/

Also here are some pictures from our afternoon at Pere Marquette beach. Hopefully the toxic algae didn't do to much damage to them! ;)

I am such a sap

but this made me cry.

http://mfrost.typepad.com/cute_overload/2008/07/eat-your-heart.html

Pictures from our camping trip up in Silver Lake!