The "in between"

I thought I would give an update about what I do "in between" the blog posts I usually write - I mean, besides laundry, dusting (ok, so maybe not so much dusting), grocery shopping, mommying, wife-ing, etc. I don't often mention Nursing School (because admit it - you really want to know about my two cuties not me) on the blog but thought I would give a quick update since lately I've gotten the question "How much longer do you have?"

I have been in school full-time for the past 2 1/2 years and have only one more semester of class work left until I graduate in December 2010, with my Bachelor of Science in Nursing (then I can sit for the State Board exam to become a RN)! This summer I will get my first break from school while I work at as a Nurse extern (think internship) at a hospital in Macon. I'm looking forward to the break from school and some time to really work in the nursing field.

School has been challenging and juggling family and school has been overwhelming at times but we're all still here and doing fine...by the Lord's grace (I have to remind myself of that fact often). I'm curious to see where I end up in all this nursing - what will be my niche? how does it shape my family? what challenges still await? but in it all I am grateful to so many for their help with our children (especially Jeremy), their listening ear and encouraging words as I take on this adventure of nursing school.

Here are some pics of me with my last clinical group (we birthed some babies together). They are definitely a highlight of the program...



And these are some pics of my clinical group from Emory last fall - don't you love the white uniforms!

Thanks!

The kids spent last night with their cousin Thomas, Aunt Vicki and Aunt Kim. They had a wonderful time playing, blowing bubbles, and having tea! Thanks for the wonderful weekend - hope to see you soon!

The park

It always amazes me what can fascinate my children - the joy of exploration and wonder at the world around. A trip to the park is fun but it's not really the play equipment that draws them in. It's the tree with the knotty roots that becomes a pirate ship, the "little red bug" that crawls by on the sidewalk, the fuzzy caterpillar tickling their hand, the puff balls (dandelions) that fill the field, the stick that looks like a gun, the fat squirrel that is just beyond reach, the whistle of a bird that sings, counting all 124 cars on the train that went by and then deciding which slide is the fastest "Mama, I have to go down both of them 1 more time so I can tell." I love being able to enjoy the spring days with them. Here are some pics of our adventures this past week at the park (I should have been grocery shopping but I came up with some leftovers instead! - maybe I'll make it to the grocery store this week)

"Mama, look!" Lucy and Samuel were fascinated by the little red bugs crawling around. I thought Samuel was talking about the curved nail he found - nope the little red bugs.

A caterpillar - tickling us with his feet
Making wishes...spreading weeds

Relaxing and enjoying the cool breeze under the trees.

For Papa

This past week I took the kids to the park at city hall after Samuel got his spring hair cut. We enjoyed our short trip (pollen and all) and we saw this....
Samuel and Lucy thought Papa would like it.

Tea Parties and Thomas

Cousin Thomas and Aunt Kimmie stopped by today on their way home and we got to visit for a while. Thomas played so sweetly with Lucy and she was ready to load up with them and head to their house by the end of their visit. On their stop Aunt Kim and Thomas gave Lucy her present from them and Aunt Vicki - I had to share it - she got a bunny Mr. Potato head, this cute dance recital/pageant dress and the tea set.

Well - we just had to have tea with her friends (dolly, froggy, bunny, bear and cow) and she just had to wear the little dress all evening. She loved it! Thanks for the visit and thanks for the birthday gifts!!!

Fun at Nana's

The kiddos and Dad headed south to visit Nana this past week. Here are some of the sweet pics that found their way home on our camera - thanks Nana! The kids had a great time!
Lucy, Nana, Uncle Jake and Samuel
Nana and Lucy
My little beach bunnies

Encore Easter pics

I got these off the camera tonight and loved them - thought I would share my cuties on their Easter egg hunt at "Lucy down the street's house" before they headed to Florida. Thanks Lucy and Lexi for the hunt - what a great time!

Doesn't this pic just scream joy!

Good Friends

One of our dear friends was in town from Portland this past week and came by to have dinner with Jeremy. Jin and Jeremy met in 1995 at Georgia Tech and have been friends since. We were glad to have him spend a little time with us and wish we could have met his wife and new baby girl. I didn't get a shot with Jeremy and Jin but did catch Jin showing Samuel on the map all of the places Jin has lived. Thanks for coming Jin!

Helpful Big Brother

Samuel was very sweet with Lucy in the last few weeks as she prepared to turn 3. He was very excited about her party and wanted to help with the decorations and party. Though Samuel and Lucy can get at each other's nerves (and my sometimes) they are really sweet together and for the most part helpful. Samuel was a big help getting Lucy's toddler bed put away and taken down. He was also very excited for Lucy to get a new big girl bed (right now only a mattress) with new quilts and pillows. They have enjoyed bouncing on her "bouncy bed" and playing in her room. He came in the other night just to tell her he loved her and that he liked her new bed. Hope we can continue to foster their love and friendship with one another as they grow.

What part do you eat first?

The ears?

or the nose?

Happy Easter!

Joy and Hope to you this Easter!

Time to Garden

Today we planted our first veggies in the garden and enjoyed the beautiful day outside. Lucy and Samuel helped us plant okra, watermelon, cantelope, red peppers and cucumbers. We have lots more work to do but we are on our way. Here are some pics of Samuel fighting the pile of old okra plants - AKA the Okra monster and Lucy filling her pink watering can in the rain barrel and watering the seeds. Sweet helpers!



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Hope you are enjoying springtime - we certainly are.

Easter Party

Happy Easter!

Here are some pics from Samuel's Easter Party - Good Friday - at school.
Loving every minute of it...
Lucy held onto her three eggs the whole time and loved being with the big kids
The cuties