Happy Birthday, Dan!

I've posted before that he's our rock. And, that he is.

For the past five weeks, he's stayed home with the kids during the day so that I could take my training class. He has been working evening/nights and I know he hates it. But never once has he complained.

He's a better father than any man I know. The love that he shows for his family couldn't be measured in any shape, form or amount.

He suffers through my favorite television shows and never complains. He even pretends to act interested when I ramble on and on about the medical condition of the day (last night it was about staph infections).

He knows me better than I know myself.

He knows when to hug, and when not to say a word. He knows how to calm my nerves. He reminds me often that we can get through anything together. He reminds me to stand up for myself. He tells me often that he's proud of me.

Good God, I am so lucky.

Christmas...

Was wonderful. It came up quickly on me, I had to work up until Tuesday, so there wasn't too much time to prepare.

The kids had a wonderful Christmas.

Jack received a PSP that he has been begging us for, along with a few games and a carrying case.

Sam received a DS, along with a few games and a carrying case.

Will, thanks to my in laws, received a Game Boy, and a ton of different types of trucks from Santa.

Libby received her first American Girl doll. My parents bought her a Bitty Baby. Dan and I were going to just buy her a doll from Target, but no other company can compare in quality. Santa brought her the Bitty Baby stroller, and a white wooden baby crib. My in laws bought her a beautiful little silver horse necklace and my brother and my sil bought her a jewelry box. Needless to say, she was thrilled.

Anne was cute this Christmas. She showed a lot of excitement, though wasn't too sure about opening presents. With Daddy's help, she realized there were a lot of great toys hiding inside :)

It was a typical Christmas filled with a lot of fun and family. Can't beat that.

One More Thing..

Do you think it's cold where you live?


This morning when I woke up at 0515 for work, it was 4 degrees with a wind chill of -14.

Yeah, that's cold.

At Christmas....

I think everyone needs to remember what Christmas is all about.

It's not about Christmas decorations or fancy trees.

It's not about giving or receiving gifts.

It's not about baked goods, newly fallen snow, or even Santa.


What reminded me of this was a patient that coded right in front of me today. Who's son watched as his mother almost died in front of him.


Christmas should be about thanking God for every breath taken, for every minute lived, for the loved ones and friends who make us feel complete.

Nothing else really matters in comparison.

Solve This Medical Problem..

Your patient is a 80 year old male with chf and is hypotensive.

He is a TSL level III, low fall risk, ambulates, was NPO at midnight, NKDA/NKA, and had an echo at 0900 on 12/18.

At his 1400 VS, his BP was 100/58, pulse of 52, resp of 14, and temp of 97.1.

What do you do next?

At The End Of The Rainbow...

...There really is treasure. Sometimes you have to dig deep to find it. And sometimes, the treasure isn't what you think it's going to be.

Today, after passing my test with a score of 96, I found my treasure. It was in the form of self-confidence and pride.

My Husband Rocks Ass

Not many people are as lucky as I am. I have a husband that loves his kids deeply, that plays with them often, that does homework with them, that does dishes and laundry without being asked. That takes the kids to Doctor's appointments, drives them to school, and makes lunches.

He hugs and kisses and tell his kids that he loves them.

He would rather be at home with us than at work. He calls often to see how we are doing.

He's our rock and I love him unconditionally.

When You Get To The End Of Your Rope...

Tie a knot and hang on. (FDR)

And I'm trying to hang on, but it's hard.

There's been so much stress. I am taking a training class at SJMMC. It's Mon-Fri 0730-1400. Quizzes everyday. Lectures all day. I have to pass a HuGe test on Friday with an 85% or better, or they fire me. No pressure though.

And I am afraid of failure. So...yeah, great.

My day is spent with an excessive amount stress, then I come home to chaos. Studying starts at 1907 and if I'm lucky, I'm finished studying at 2330. (Learn military time if you don't know it, because I am using it from now on).

So for any of you that think that it's tough having just one, two, or three kids....live my life for just one day. So, I don't want to hear any complaints about how hard your day is, or how tired you are and how you got to take a nap. Seriously. Suck it up.

SAHM have it so easy. Just about 2 weeks ago, I thought it was 'hard' to stay home. *HA*! Driving the kids around, cleaning the house, doing some laundry, and running a few errands is CAKE. I already miss those days.