My 202nd post shall be photos....

Somehow I missed my 200th post...so here is my 202nd! I took these pictures of Daniel and Blake tonight at our VBS party....my son is so much bigger than Blake, who is six months OLDER than Daniel! Funny boys...

Counting the cars in the parking lot (there were five, that they could agree on)

Daniel informed me that the blinds were "too heavy" so they put them back down.

Chasing girls is so much fun! Poor Esther...

Playing Follow The Leader....what a fun game!

These little benches were : a dog house, drums, and a seat. What an imagination!!

My baby boy is growing up...

Daniel slept the night through in his Car Bed last night....and he's in there right now, taking a very good nap in said car bed. I'm so proud of him! I'm also happy that we did not force the big boy bed on him any sooner than this. He's been just fine and dandy in his crib up til now. It wasn't a battle for us, and he willingly began sleeping in that bed. He even stayed in it last night. I think the next step will be tomorrow dismantling the crib. I think I'll probably cry when I do that, but who knows. I'm tearing up right now, just thinking about it, but I know it's inevitable. I just can't imagine...he's grown up so fast that it blows my mind. Of course, he never really seemed like a baby...it's almost like he came out half grown.

And speaking of grown up things he does, he tells me now (sometimes) when he needs to go "pee pee potty." For instance, after Daddy put him down for his nap today and I got Zoe asleep, I heard him calling me. I opened his door to tell him night night and he said something I did not understand. I covered him up and kissed him. I went back in a few minutes to change his diaper (he was poopy and it was keeping him up). That's when it happened : "Mommy, I need to pee pee potty!" I said, "are you sure?" "Yeah. Please?" So I took him...and he did! He looked so proud of himself, and I gave him high fives and hugs and kisses. He's growing up so fast! Potty training and sleeping in a big boy bed....what's next, driving????

We went to the "Zoo Pass" today, which is his favorite place to go. We met some friends whose boys are roughly the same age as Daniel. They're our Zoo buddies. It was fun! Daniel got to see three of the four animals he'd asked to see : Lions, giraffes, and elephants. The only thing we didn't see was "Baby Jaguar," because last time the jaguars weren't out. And I didn't want to walk all the way over there only to be disappointed. He's a huge help at the Zoo! He stayed in the stroller today, which was awesome since Zoe was with us. Two kiddos to one Mommy is a big much, but thanks to my big boy he was perfectly willing to stay in the stroller. Once Zoe was asleep I let Daniel out and he helped push Zoe around the Zoo. He walked all the way from the Tigers to the front of the Zoo. We saw the tigers, mommy lion & her babies (the daddy lion was sleeping), the sun bears, the elephants, the giraffes, and many other animals. For some reason the hippos were gone...not sure where they were but hopefully they'll be back next time.

Tonight is the VBS Cast Party. Chef Preston is cooking Mexican food (enchiladas -- YUM!!), and I was promised a margarita machine...we'll see :0) I miss those VBS folks...a lot. Kind of strange, how you become close to people and then you don't really spend much time with them for a whole year....that stinks, but at least we can look forward to next year!

Now I'm off to lament the fact that my baby girl is trying to start crawling....

VBS Night 4 and Superman Returns (*EDIT: MY 200TH POST!!*)

Well, cowbell man did not make a return tonight, but that's OK. Someone else did and it was great!

Michael and I went to see "Superman Returns" at the South Freeway theatre. Normally I love that theatre. I've seen "Over The Hedge," "Cars," and "X-Men 3" there lately. And all of those experiences have been lovely. Last night the show was at 10:45 (after VBS). First of all, the movie is quite near 3 hours long...so be prepared. We weren't. :0)

Second, don't buy popcorn that late at night, apparently......it was all smooshed pieces and kernels. I was so disappointed, because I had been craving that popcorn!! So I'm planning a little phone call because I had to throw away an entire large bucket of popcorn because when the movie was over, there wasn't a single person who worked there to be seen! So, Michael in the spirit of being Michael, said "just trash it and complain later." So I basically wadded 6 bucks up and chunked it in the trash!

Third, the movie itself : we were in there with roughly 4 other people. Kind of a bummer since it was it's opening day! But at least it beat the alternative. We did feel kind of sheepish, though, for buying our tickets ahead of time on Fandango. Of course, had we not done that, the movie would have been sold out. That's the way it always happens to us. I thought the movie was brilliant. I'm sure Michael will say I'm going overboard, but I thought it was great. Brandon Routh was great as Superman, and Kate Bosworth was a pretty Lois Lane. She wasn't drop dead gorgeous, but then Lois Lane isn't supposed to be, now is she? Kevin Spacey....OH MY GOODNESS....I thought he was amazing! He was evil, with just the right amount of humour. Parker Posey was amusing, but a bit too petulant for my taste. I did enjoy the truth in her emotion, though. I've always admired her work. I thought overall it was a solid film. It's one of those I'll buy on DVD when it comes out, because A) I liked it, and B) The Superman franchise is just one of those you have to own if you have kids.

And, speaking of kids : to those of you with kids who border on the PG-13 rating, I'd suggest you think twice before taking them to see this movie. There is a wicked violent scene that had me in tears. I know that was the point, but still.....it's not for the very young. So please, don't take your 7 year olds to see the movie then get mad because nobody told you there was violence in it! It has a very well-deserved PG-13 rating. It's nowhere close to R, though, and NO bad language. Surprising, and kind of refreshing.

Overall, I give it an A+, and two thumbs way, way, WAY UP!! :) Go see "Superman Returns," but don't expect a repeat of "Batman Begins," because they really stuck to the story in this one, they didn't just start all over. At least I can only assume they stuck to the story.....I've never read the comic books and it's been ages since I saw the original movie.

Off now to dream about my own Fortress of Solitude....

VBS Night Tres

Tonight was a great night! I have very few pictures and they aren't from very good angles (since I was in it....)

Check out the Church's website....maybe they'll EVENTUALLY get night three pictures up ;) Seriously, though, I'm just kidding Brian...don't hit me!! :0)

VBS Night 2

I took pictures tonight, too.... I'll post a few ...


Threshfloor :

Can you move it like Brian?

Hey now, you're a God star!

VBS Night One (the pictures I took!)...Remember you got them here first

The Palm Trees :

We Need Someone to Judge :


Sisera :


The Israelites Defeat Sisera and his Army!


One Triumphant Israelite (he's sexy, too!!) :


Jael & her Goats :


Sisera Bites the Dust :


Hooray We Won!

Then and Now....

Thinking about my friend from High School who gave birth to her baby girl at 34 weeks earlier this week, made me think about Zoe's birth. And I wanted to show the world how much she's changed!! :0)

October 12, 2005 :




Now :



Check back tomorrow for photos from VBS night One :0)

VBS.....(and the last day of level II)......

VBS starts Sunday! Which, of course, means that we have the all day rehearsal on Saturday!! We're looking forward to it.....or are we?? I'm looking forward to it all being over. But in a way it's sad, because you make all these friendships during the months you're rehearsing then when it's over, the friendships are too....at least until next year. And to me that's sad. It's hard enough to make "real" friends in the first place! Without having to worry about losing them in a month or two! Ah well, such is life. I'm taking my digital camera tomorrow so I'll post some VBS working day pictures tomorrow night. It should be good times all around!

PS today was the official final day of Level 2 Nursing school!!! Only 6 months to go!! HOORAY!! I'll post pics of my group later, too.

My Clinical Group at Nursing School....aren't we cute??

We made our own little nurse's caps when we did our clinical rotation at James L. West. Don't we look so professional?

Daniel at 8 months (the same age Zoe is now....)

Kiddo Pics...Enjoy

No, he never wears clothes.....I don't blame him, do you?

This was her first time in the Jumperoo....she LOVED it!!


She loves Biter Biscuits!! Almost as much as Zwieback toast!

I think somebody needs a bath now!!

Daniel is fascinated with his tray....

Zoe's growing....Our own Charlie and Lola

Somehow it's all happening and we're completely unaware....but here goes : she sleeps through the night (like 10-12 hours at a time!!!!), which was unheard of with Daniel (and still sort of is) until he was around 14 months old. She also sits up all by herself, and can stand with assistance. She coos, giggles, says "dadada" and "mamama" and she has started eating baby food meats. Her newest thing is smacking her tongue against the roof of her mouth and grinning. I am struggling right now, because I also feel she is happier receiving a bottle than nursing. She nurses when it's convenient for her (aka when she wants to), so she expects there to be milk in there when she wants it. Otherwise, she likes the bottle. I don't know what to do, because I am not ready to stop nursing her. I am really hoping we'll make it at least another month. We'll see. The transition is not an easy one for me right now, because I feel as though she's not really ready to wean she's just reacting to me not being right here on demand for all of her feedings, like I was with Daniel.

Daniel loves to watch "Charlie and Lola" on Playhouse Disney. It's amazing how much their relationship mirrors Daniel and Zoe. Daniel isn't as much older than Zoe, but it's so cute to watch him protect her. And he's fascinated with holding her. We don't let that happen too often, and only with mom and/or dad helping. He's not big enough to hold her by himself yet!!

Right this very second I am watching Daniel put on his own shoe. Unbelievable! He can also dress himself, but of course it takes FOREVER, and usually his shorts end up on backwards, but who cares? He's growing too! Here are some pictures of them :

For some reason our computer is not allowing any other pics to be added at this time. We'll do some more later! :)

This week....

This week has been insane. On Wednesday I was in the room with a patient when she expired. It was rough. I was proud of myself for holding it together, and supporting the family with words, touch, and emotion. I did not lose it, though I was worried I would. Later that night however, was a different story. I couldn't bring myself to get to the facility the next morning. So I went in late. My instructor was amazing, and she helped me work through some things and I feel really good about it now.

Today I was a nurse!! It was so much fun! Passing meds, changing a catheter, and deciding who gets pain meds and how much to give. It was great! I'm going to miss the facility when we leave, but I'm looking forward to Harris Downtown.

VBS is only a week and a few days away....it's nerve wracking, because it always feels like it's not there yet. But that's only because WE'RE not there yet...right? Well, anyway....VBS rehearsals every night next week (my last week of level 2 YAY) and then the all day rehearsal on Saturday...VBS starts on Sunday. Yay.....

I'm going to post about the kids later, just so you know :)

One of those days

Here I sit, thinking about studying. I really need to study, for you see I have two exams tomorrow and one on Tuesday. But what I am doing instead is procrastinating. Yeah, that's right....I'm putting off for later what I should be doing right now. It's quiet here, something that never happens....both kiddos are sleeping. All I want to do is curl up in the bed and nap. But I have so much staring me in the face, stuff that NEEDS to be done. For example : studying. I really NEED to study, because I NEED the A. I NEED to clean toilets. I NEED to change the sheets on our bed (which, by the way I WILL do tonight because they're gross....change them once a week at least, people!!). And then there's the matter of VBS. I'm supposed to be off-book tomorrow night. I'm not. Not even close. But I will be tomorrow night (so don't worry, jennifer!!).

But all of that is beside the point. The reason I'm doing this instead of studying is simple : I have something I need to get off my chest. It's a catharsis, of sorts. So here goes :

I'm about to make a confession. To those of you who know me well, or have known me for a long time I don't think it'll be a shock. Who knows, those of you who haven't known me long may not even be surprised to learn it. I'm a jealous person. I'm co-dependent (but not in an unhealthy way...I don't think). I'm over-protective, both as a mom and as a wife. I'm innately trusting, but break it once and I have a really hard time giving it back to you. So here is why I'm writing. I know my husband is attractive. OBVIOUSLY or I wouldn't have wanted to date him in the first place. And he's only gotten better with age. And since he's become so obsessed with working out, he's got muscles. Those tend to drive the gals wild. But here goes : I cannot STAND it when other women look at my husband, when they talk to my husband, when they (GOD FORBID) touch my husband I want to punch them. WHY? Why am I so jealous? Why do I allow myself to feel threatened? Because it really is just me, it has nothing to do with Michael. He's nothing but faithful to me. He makes me feel like the most beautiful person on the face of the planet, and he does a really bang up job of making me feel sexy, even now. But it drives me absolutely insane when he goes out with friends who happen to be girls. I can't even stand the thought. But I think I figured out why : because I don't get to spend the amount of time I want to with him, I'm insanely jealous that he'd spend any time with anyone other than me, especially another girl. I know this post isn't a surprise to him, we've talked about it in great detail before. I just don't know how to control it. I don't know how to control my jealousy, my insecurities, and my feelings of impending doom. Maybe it's my fear of abandonment? Maybe it's just as simple as I don't think it's appropriate for folks who are married to hang out alone with friends of the opposite sex? I don't know. But whatever it is drives me up the wall. I go all crazy, and I'm a raging ball of brown fur when he's out with any friend who happens to be a girl. Anybody got some advice? Been there?? ARE there?? Anything?? OR is this completely normal, and I'm not a nutball at all? Because I need to know.......either way. Let me have it, I can handle the truth.....I think.

And have you ever noticed how when you finally tell someone how you feel they clam up? When you tell someone that something they have been doing has been making you feel awful, it's all of a sudden your fault? And they refuse to speak to you? OR worse, they pretend like it doesn't bother them? I hate that. If I tell someone how I feel, it's because I want them to KNOW and I in turn want to know how they feel. DUH, or I wouldn't do it!! Right?? Gee, I don't know....maybe I should borrow a book from someone else's page and bottle it all up, keep it to myself until one day I juse explode with rage, and it all comes out in a single fell swoop? No thank you. And don't fault me for being honest. Don't fault me for being the same to your face as I am behind your back. I'm a genuine person. If I don't like the things you do in your life, I'm going to tell you. It's just in my nature. I am not good at hiding when there's a problem. Just ask anybody!!

By the way, Zoe is 8 months old today!!

Movie time with Mom and Dad...

We took Daniel to see "Cars" tonight. Here is my review :

The movie runs approximately 2 hours (but it feels like less). It's action-packed, touching, and a nice break from the every day routine. Daniel loved it. It lost his attention now and then, but the big bag of popcorn he was helping to eat kept him right on track!! :)

The voices of the cars are perfect. Mater, voiced by Larry the Cable Guy, is hilarious. It's not the typical LTCG routine, so it's very funny. I actually happen to think he's very funny. He manages to work his two signature lines into the movie. But he's funny because he's funny...I don't care who you are!

Doc is brilliant, but what else would you expect from Paul Newman??

Owen Wilson.....there couldn't have been a better vocal choice for Lightning than him.

Be prepared to really enjoy this movie. Be prepared to forget that these characters are vehicles. It's nice to see Disney/Pixar making a movie without someone's mom dying!

Check in later for an emotional catharsis post.....

Dallas World Aquarium

Today we went to the aquarium. It was great!!!! Daniel didn't want to leave. We saw all kinds of rainforest animals and tons of fish!! Some more pictures here.

Penguin :

Dementia

is the cruelest disease. No matter what it turns into, or is caused by, dementia is the cruelest disease. Not knowing who your loved ones are when you see them is awful, but watching family members change without them even knowing it has to be worse. We just finished a rotation at James L. West, which is an Alzheimer's Care facility here in Funky town. It was rewarding. It was sad. It was depressing. It was uplifting. It was interesting. And it was enlightening. I learned a lot, and I could actually see myself working there....scary huh? Not at all what I truly "want" to do, but it's something I could see myself making a career out of. I've always had a passion for Alzheimer's research and finding a cure..... Could James L. West be my future? I don't really know. I'll apply, but I'm not done searching for my true desires. I want to work with children. But if I can't, I'll love to work for and with the demented.

We made nurses' caps tonight out of poster board. It was a neat feeling, and I am more and more proud each day of who I am becoming..... It makes me smile.