Going crazy

There is so much on my mind tonight! Good stuff, not good stuff, worries, doubts, excitement, you name it. I think if I don't go to bed soon I will turn into an emotional basket case!!!!!!

We Are Family, my brother and my sister and me!

My sister, Amethyst, was able to come visit me this weekend. She's a senior at college and has been so busy this semester that this was the first time I've seen her in months. My brother, Tom, took off the evening and came and hung out with us. I have a strong feeling that I will be seeing each of them getting married in the near future. I'm so happy for them.

Goofing with the girls, again

Five Year Old

Tonight, I was visiting with Tammy as Dan put the girls to bed. He then headed off to his room to dress for a boys' night out playing basketball with his friends. Almost as soon as he left the girls' room, Sara started bellowing, "Dad! Dad! I need to say my prayers!!!" This went on for a short while and then she added in, "It's not fair to Heaven!!!"

Baby, baby, I get down on my knees for you...

I have, as I've said, and I will say again....the best job in the world. For six nights in a row over the weekend I held, cuddled, burped, patted, walked with and generally just loved on two adorable baby boys. This isn't always how my job goes. Sometimes I take care of the really sick babies who don't tolerate touch or feedings or much of anything very well. This weekend though, I had my hand held by one of the cutest baby boys on this planet every four hours each night.

Ditziness

I went to work last night, after about a week off. It always seems that I have to work to get back into the swing of things when I've been off for a while. I knew it would probably be one of those nights when it took me several tries just to get to work. I left my apartment about my usual time, in enough time to get to work 15 or so minutes early. About the time I reached my car, I realized that I'd forgotten my water bottle. I thought, "Oh well, I can survive one night with out it.". So, I went ahead and drove off towards work. About halfway there, I realized that I'd also left my lunch behind. I decided that was ok, I could just run to the cafeteria for lunch. I reached the hospital, parked, and started walking in. Five steps in, I had a funny feeling that something was off. I looked down, and sure enough, I didn't have my name badge. I can't even get into the NICU without it. I dashed back to my car to discover that it wasn't there either. I'd left it at home! I arrived home and ran like a madwoman around trying to figure out what I'd done with it. Silly me! I'd put it where I thought I for sure couldn't miss it, hanging up by my keys! Grabbing the water bottle and lunch, I ran for the car and sped back to the hospital. Sure enough, I was 5 minutes late.

Luckily, the rest of the night was actually pretty good. I even managed to walk the stairs (all 15 floors) with a few other nurses.

One night down, and five to go. I hope I can start tonight off with my head screwed on straight.

Wednesday

On Wednesday, Tammy and I dropped Sara off at school and returned to the trail. This time, we had a stroller and the two little ones with us. The sun was brilliant and the wind when we started off was stiff. I got my first (mild) sunburn of the year. We stopped at a playground so the girls could stretch their legs and enjoy themselves as well. Another beautiful afternoon!

Spring is in the air

Wow, what beautiful weather. It feels like the gray dreary coldness of winter has been shed from the earth and we are brimming with warm golden light. Glimpses of green are poking out all over and there is a feeling of joy and anticipation lingering in the air. My bulbs are growing at a noticeable rate and I cannot wait to see their brilliant colors light up my patio. The doves, ducks, geese, and other various fowl filling the skies and trees in the vicinity of my apartment are providing Gizmo and Oliver with hours of live entertainment.

Walking is a must in such weather and Tammy, Shelly, Sara and I took off for a few hours down the Jordan River Parkway today. Shelly managed to twist one ankle and scrape up the opposite knee. Luckily, she was only walking halfway with us and met up with family not too long after the spill. All told, Tammy, Sara, and I strolled (or in Sara's case, biked) about 5 miles.

Sara really amazed us with biking most of the way before needing to be towed a bit. Tammy devised a strategy of tying the arms of her sweatshirt to the handlebars of Sara's bicycle and pulling. Sara did the steering and got a chance to rest her weary little legs. She's a trooper.

All of the water fowl on the river and the new foliage peeking out around the edges of the trees and bushes were a sight to be seen along our path. The sun was soothing and all was well with the earth! Can't wait to go again tomorrow!

St. Patrick's Day?

Tom (my brother)'s girlfriend is on spring break from her job right now and is visiting. We went to Music and the Spoken Word this morning (I forgot my camera!!!!!!!), then church this afternoon. Finally, this evening, Tom, Margo, Shelly, Tammy, Dan, and the girls all came over for dinner. I fixed corned beef, cabbage, and potato in honor of St. Patrick's Day tomorrow. Loads of fun!

Girl play

Tammy entertaining Abby

Another day spent with 'my' girls. We goofed around, mall walked, and went out for dinner.

More cuties

For the record, this is Abby...

and this squirt is Jayne.

Silliness

Last night I was chatting on the phone with my cousin, Tammy. Her girls (Sara-5, Jayne-2 1/2, and Abby-1 1/2) started fighting over getting to talk to me on the phone. Last year, I shared a house with their family and we are all in withdrawal. I really miss having Tammy and the girls around all the time. I even miss having Dan, her husband and a really nice guy, around. I guess they miss me, too. We live about a 5 minute walk away from each other now, so I went over and visited for a bit today. When Jayne and Abby went down for a nap, Sara and I decided to be silly for the camera.

The boys

Mi Familia

A Beginning...or a Continuation?

Ok, so I've been convinced to try out blogging. I've done something similar in the past, but it was a sporadic thing at best. It's always fun to share your life and experiences with others, though. So...here goes...I'm a 31 year old nurse. I kind of played around for years trying to figure out what I wanted to do with my life. I worked geriatrics for a number of years, and then moved on to working in a hospital. I've discovered that nursing is my great love. I took care of adult patients for a number of years, but moved to a Newborn Intensive Care Unit about a year ago. I LOVE it!!! It is the best job in the entire universe!

I'm the oldest of 7 kids. Two of my younger sibs are married, but so far there have been no nieces or nephews; however, I have many cousins with young children who have become basically my nieces and nephews. I don't think I could love them more if they really were.

I currently live with 2 cats and a friend (temporarily). My cats are Oliver (3 years old) and Gizmo (4 years old). Oliver's my big chubby baby and Gizmo is, well he's Gizmo. He had a brain injury as a kitten and is very unique to say the least. My friend Shelly is living with me while working on applying for a greencard/visa for her husband, who is currently still in his native South Africa, waiting patiently.

I grew up all over the Midwest of the United States. I went to 4 elementary schools in 4 states, and had lived in 6 states by the time I was 14. My parents settled in Missouri when I turned 14. I, on the other hand, moved to their home state of Utah, on my own when I turned 20 and have been here since. I love the snowy white winters and the lack of humidity, but sure miss the green. Also, all of my grandparents and the majority of my extended family are here.

Ok, so that's a bit of me, in a nutshell. I just got off a verrrry long night shift and my eyes are not staying open very well. I must sleeeeeeeeeeeeeeee.....................