Christmas 2007 in a nutshell

Christmas was a happy, wonderful, fun filled day. We started the festivities the eve before at my parents for a yummy steak dinner, kids playing, and present opening. We were home by 8:30 and opened our family presents under the glowing lights of our own tree. The kids were tucked into their cozy beds with thoughts of Santa visiting over the night. I then got busy bringing "santa" presents up to the tree, organizing them to look pretty. I also got the stockings stuffed and the letter written and left in the hall for the kids to see upon waking in the morning. We were woken up at 7am by J and made her come into bed with us after peaking downstairs and reading the letter. She patiently waited for B to wake up around 7:30. We then proceeded to go downstairs and wait for daddy to make it down. In the meantime I took some pics and video. The kids were so excited for their gifts and each had 5 to open that morning. Both are now busy playing with new toys. I had a nice turkey dinner on Xmas day for my parents and grandma. We played some games (new kids games) and had a nice time. We are all now looking forward to our trip to see my brother's family. We have a few new DVD's, CD's and games for the car. B got his Nintendo DS and J got a Leapster, which is a bigger hit than I thought it would be. I got DH some new CD's for the trip and we can't wait to meet our new nephew/cousin!

We have many happy memories from this year!!

p.s. does anyone have Webkinz??? Is the site usually accessible? Is it busy now just because of xmas? It keeps kicking us out so the kids have not been able to play on the site. They were really looking forward to it, as they hear about them all the time from their friends.

Christmas Vacation

I am officially on break, and I have been busy getting ready for the holidays. Last night the kids and I made cinnamon applesauce ornaments. They were really into it, and we now have at least 15 new ornaments for the tree. I am trying to talk them into giving a few away but they hate to part with their precious ornaments!! I'd have to say it was fairly easy, although I am never a big fan of rolling dough a million times. And I had to use more applesauce than required of the recipe to even make it dough like. It smelled great while they were baking though!! Right now I am mid-cookie making. I mixed up 3 different doughs and started baking. The sugar cookies are waiting until the kids can use the cookie cutters to make their own. They just love those cookie cutter projects!! They should be home any minute so I gotta run.

P.S. I got an A this semester!

last test

I have my final test tonight, and then I have a few weeks off. By 8pm I will be done with my 3rd semester of nursing school. Hard to believe. Next semester will bring many new challenges. I will have a preceptorship in cardiac ICU for 3 weeks. I will be doing rotations in pediatrics, L&D, postpartum/OB, and general med/surg. This will be my first semester working with kids, babies, and pregnany moms. It is kind of weird because this is why I went to nursing school. I still do not know what area I want to work in, but this next semester will be a good indicator if I do really want to work with kids, babies, or moms/pregnancy. I doubt I will start out in those areas #1 because they are specialty areas and hard for new grads to get into #2 I would like to get a broad base first before specializing #3 I have no idea what I want to do!! I have liked so many areas that it is really hard for me to chose where I really want to work!! It is going to be really hard to fill out applications with so many choices. I am leaning towards float, ER, or cardiac. All would give me great experience. And I may have to take what I can get, with hours that work for my family.
Anyway, I have to study. I really do. I am so excited to be done soon!

donuts with dad

Today the kids had "donuts with dad" at their school. It was at 8am, which is early for us to be up and ready by. Thank goodness we don't live in the neighboring town that starts elementary school at 7am!! Yikes!

Anyway, today was the first time in a while that both kids were in school and I didn't have any obligations. I usually have some type of appointment or have to work at the school. So, instead of doing anything fun I did laundry and studied for my final on monday. I think I'm in pretty good standing to get an A, but I want to study enough to make sure I can get that A!! Then after grades come out I can start applying for jobs already. The new grad programs hire early around here. So, I will be busy over my winter break doing job applications.

The kids will be home soon so I gotta run. Happy Tuesday!

for the whole (well the small amount of people who really read this blog) world to see.....

I am putting it all out there, these are some before and after pics of me from Aug 2007 to Nov 2007. I was thinking that I don't "feel" like I am any different. I don't feel thinner, but looking back at the Aug picture, I am. Since thanksgiving I haven't been eating the greatest so I'm hoping that posting these today will give me some willpower to get through the holidays without any weight gain. I really like the after pictures much better!!! It is obvious that I gain weight right around my middle. Not only is this unattractive, but it is really unhealthy. Studies show that people who gain "belly" weight are more likely to suffer a heart attack or other heart condition. I am not a person who gains weight in my legs or arms, just around the middle (and the boobs too!) Weirdly enough, I haven't lost too much in the boobs this time around. And I think my legs are a little thinner. Anyway, just taking this picture tonight has made me realize that it is a good thing. It isn't just something that isn't noticable. My husband said that I seem the same as always. He says that I was perfect before. As nice as this is, I wanted to hear that I seem different. Look different. I WANT to look different. I think I DO.

It isn't about the weight, it really isn't. It is about feeling good and being healthy. Now if I can stay off the scale....

I'm off to study, goodnight!!!!

Winter is here to stay

The snow fell all day Sunday, and all day Tuesday. It has turned into winter wonderland here. And as pretty as it looks, to me it is the start of the long, frigid winter. I do enjoy a nice snowfall, and don't even mind the chilly temps. It is when it gets to be 0 degrees or less every morning and I don't just want to start the car, I have to start the car in the mornings. I seriously have to start the car at least 15 min before going anywhere for it to be remotely lukewarm inside, and for the windows to be clear of ice and snow. This time of year also means tons of snow gear for the kids. And it all comes home from school wet and cold. And did you know it is really hard to get boots and gloves dry over night? I have to either come up with a better solution or else find a new kind of boots and gloves. B's boots, especially, are soaking wet. There is no liner I can remove to dry. My solution is to put them by the heating vents and hope for the best. I do this with gloves also. Many mornings, they are still damp. I have dried the gloves in the drier but it says not to on the tag. Maybe I'm buying the wrong kind. I don't know. I have to hang the coats and snowpants each day also. There is also the stuffing of the backpacks, with lunches, shoes to change into, snowpants if they aren't wearing them, folders, library books, snacks and everything else. Can you tell this time of year is a big change for us??? Granted, I am enjoying the holiday spirit and the excitement of the kids over a big snow outside. I am not a big outdoor person when it comes to snow. I will sit out all day in the summer but I don't like to sit out in the cold snow. But winter is here and there is nothing I can do but accept it! :)

Not much else going on with me. I am trying to get done with this semester so I can enjoy a couple weeks off. I am getting close to done with my Xmas shopping. I have the kids presents wrapped even. I got my new purse and can't decide if I like it. If anything, it was free. It is not one I would pick out but maybe I can get some use out of it. I'll try to post a pic:

ok, I think it posted at the top of this post. oh well. I also put in a pic of the kids by the tree. The purse I won is the bronze colored one in front. The other one is my favorite knock off purse that I use all the time. The new one has a big "G" on the front that looks like the green bay packers "G" but I guess is supposed to be for "Guess" brand. It is a little big and shiny I think. The color is ok kind fo a bronzy brown, it looks kind of metallic. And lots of silver things on it, but maybe it would look ok with the right outfit. My guess is that it was up for a drawing for a reason (like, no one wanting to buy it!) The price tag said $45. I would have never paid that much.

The tree is up and won something

We finally got our decorations out, including the fake tree. Unfortunately we aren't getting a real tree this year, for a few reasons.
#1 - we are trying to cut down on spending, and real trees are $40 at the least
#2 - we are leaving within a few days of Christmas on a road trip (12 hr) to see my new nephew, brother and sister in law
#3 - we have a fake tree and haven't used it in the past 5 years at least
I was a little discouraged that I didn't get my real tree. I love the smell of a real tree. But after I got over it, I realized it looks pretty good and whether or not I have a real tree won't really change Christmas for anyone involved. Plus, the brances are strong enough to hold all of our heavy ornaments, so that is a plus. I decorated the house as much as I'm going to this year. Some years I go all out (non-nursing school years) and others I do simple but still festive. I did teh tree, mantle and a few other odds and ends. The kids collect nutcrackers so we proudly display them each year, adding at least 1 new one per kids every year. We have a total of 8 this year. I usually let them pick a new one out AFTER Christmas when they are 50% off. J even has some girly ones, a princess and a girl holding a doll nutcracker. So cute. B loves the big ones wearing their fancy costumes. We saw the neatest one dressed in army camoflauge. But it was $12.99 so we passed and hope it will be on clearance later.

Anyway I must be going but I have to add that I won a drawing at a purse party I went to last night and won a free handbag!! I had gone to the open house to buy my mom a handbag for her birthday. I wanted so badly to buy one (or more) for myself, but I didn't. I held back due to a conversation with DH about finances. I had 2 that I really loved but was proud I didn't give in to the temptation. I got my mom a nice conservative black purse that she seemed to really like. As I left the host had me fill out my name on a sheet for a drawing for a free purse. To tell you the truth I don't really remember what the purse looked like but the hostess assures me it is cute. I can't believe I won. I told DH that it is good I didn't buy anything because I would have felt guilty if I bought one then won one also! So, I'll let you know how it looks when I get it. I already have 2 knockoff purses that I really use a lot.

The snow has been falling all day. It is beginning to look a lot like Christmas around here.

The christmas present dilema

I love to buy presents. Not just for my kids, but for my family and friends too. But especially the kids. I love finding that one (or 2 or 3) thing that really want and watching them open it and be so excited. I love going to the store and finding something for someone that I know they will love. However, I really never know when to stop. How many gifts should a 5 and 7 yr old receive? I don't think I typically go overboard. My parents buy them one nice gift (or 2). Their other grandma buys them a couple nice gifts. Then I get them a couple from us and a couple from santa and some small games/stocking stuffers/DVD's. Every year I tend to think I'm getting them too much. That is isn't needed. How do you know??? I remember running into a mom I know from B's school last year at the store, she was alone doing her christmas shopping. Granted, she has 3 kids but her cart was FULL to the brim. Loaded with toys, games, DVD's, books. She had so much stuff in there I was a little shocked. But maybe that is typical. Then I have a good friend who buys her boys one big thing from her and her husband, and one big thing from Santa. That's it. This year they will get a WII from them, and a WII game and controllers from Santa. Typically it is something big like a video game system or big toy they have been eyeing all year. However, I know she buys the kids things year round and I tend not to do that unless my kids have money they have earned or received from someone. I do not give them money just to buy toys. Yes, I buy them a small thing here and there (jewerly, lip gloss, trading cards, $1 items) but I would never buy them a new doll or a lego set for no reason. So, how much do you buy your kids for the holidays and how much is too much? We do many other activities related to christmas that are not gift related. We donate to families in need, do a shoebox for a child in need, make lots of christmas crafts and treats, buy special gifts for other family members, decorate, advent calendar, church activities etc etc. So, I'm not really worried about the presents being the main focus but I do sometimes worry about how much is too much. Maybe I shouldn't worry so much but I do. I don't want my kids to be spoiled, even though it seems inevitable.

HAPPY THANKSGIVING! Drove 10 hours, slept poorly, ate too much (gained only 1 lb) and went shopping

We made our yearly treck to the in laws for thanksgiving. A grand time was had by all. I hardly talked to the kids they were so busy playing with their cousins. I didn't enjoy the drive or the sleeping, but I had a good time. My mother in law makes so much food. I had turkey, potatoes, stuffing, gravy, cheesy potatoes (my fave), and of course lots of sweets. I was happy to find out I only gained 1 lb over the weekend. I am back home exercising and eating well again. Did you know the average American gains 7 lb over the holidays??? Wow.

Anyway, I ended up going shopping on Friday. I got up at 6:30 and was out the door by 7am. The stores opened up anywhere from 4am - 6am so I wasn't there for the doors opening. I went to Target first and found some scooters I wanted for the kids. My mother in law is going to give them for Xmas gifts. I also found a bunch of DVD's to give as gifts. Then I was off to a few other stores. I ended up finding the boy Baby Alive doll that J wants to badly. I guess in IA they have them and up here in MN we don't. They are still going for really high prices on Amazon and Ebay so I got a good deal and was so happy to find this darn doll. She better love it. I think I am done shopping for J. She will get the doll from my parents. I got her some doll outfits, a CD player, 3 CD's, a Leapster with 2 games, and 2 DVD's. I may buy a couple books to add in there and she will be done. However, I am not sure what to get B. My parents got him a DS which he desperately wants. I got him a game to go with it and a board game called Heroscape. It is a new version of one he already has, and he loves it. It has all these tiny battle figures. It is a complicated game but we play our own version. I also got him 2 DVD's. I will also get him books and I really should get him one more present. I am not sure what though. He does not ask for much. I also am done for DH, and still have to get something for most of the grandparents. It never seems to be quite done. I enjoy finding the perfect gift, and love to shop (much to my husband's dismay). I also love a good deal.

I am invited to yet another party this Fri, a purse party. Maybe I'll buy the grandma's a new purse, depending on prices and how cute they are. I always love a new purse but I really don't want to spend the money on myself.

I am home today with J and B went back to school. I have class tonight and wed. I have a big assignment/presentation to do wed then a test in a couple weeks. Then I'm done with semester 3 of 4. YAY!

Black Friday

I'm debating going shopping on Black Fri this year. I usually don't. I don't like getting up early, and I don't like crowds. Plus, we are always out of town for Thanksgiving. I am thinking of getting up and going while at the in laws this week. There are a few things that are good deals that I want to buy. But is it worth the hassle to get a good deal?? On my list so far are DVD's for everyone in the family, razor scooters for the kids (I think my kids are the only ones that don't have one of these and they are going to be $18 at Target), board games, new PJ's for the kids, and clothes for some family gifts. I also was looking at some other things for myself of course! I can't decide the best places to go, and what time I should get up. I am NOT getting up at 3am to be at the stores that open by 4am. I would be willing to get up at 6am. Should I go?

Other than that, I have a test tonight, and plan to study a lot today. I really have to do well to keep my possibility of an A alive. I also have not packed at all for leaving early tomorrow. I am hoping my husband will do some of that today (he has the day off work). I hate the packing part of traveling. I do like that the kids are getting old enough to travel well in the car for 5 hr.

Have a great thanksgiving!

Lucky jeans?

OK, I know the younger crowd likes Lucky brand jeans. We got a new Lucky outlet store at the huge outlet mall 10 min away so I decided to try it out. Still searching, you know, for those great jeans. Anyway, I had heard you could get a $100 pair for $30. Sounded great to me. I first found out that they are by waist size but also have a regular size inside. I started trying some on and found that depending on the type, wore anything from a 4/27 to an 8/29. Why would the same brand have such a big difference??? Maybe that is why these were at the outlet store, but I didn't find anything I was overly impressed with. I then saw some colored jean type pants for $19 and ended up getting a pair of those. Again, they are low cut. Probably lower than I like. I like the look of low cut jeans, don't get me wrong, but some are just TOO low. But I had to get the 8's in those. I know it is just a number, but still. They are an army green color. I will try to take a picture soon. They are pretty cute I think. But not the perfect pair. They are something different than the usual blue jeans I buy so I feel good about that. Now if they just stay up when I sit down or bend over. I will have to wear a long shirt with them.

Other news, I am done with clinical this semester!!! I had my last one yesterday. I feel stressed an tired out. I have a BIG test Wed, really great since the kids are off all week and I want to plan for thanksgiving. We are traveling out of town Thur. I want to enjoy the week and relax but that won't happen until after my test. I really want to do well. My clinical rotation went great. I was on a cardiac floor. I now do so many things that used to totally freak me out. I give injections all the time. I give insulin all the time. I hang IV meds, and I give IV push meds (this used to really scare me, some of the meds are pretty strong/scary). I juggle 2-3 patients at a time. I did an admission all alone yesterday. I really am starting to feel like a real RN, like I can really do this.

I am going to bed, I am exhausted. Good night!

Last day

Today is my last clinical of fall semester. We still have a few weeks left of regular class but no more weekends. YAY! I am excited. The weekend is ending on a good note I hope, as I am leader and will get to oversee everyone else. Yesterday I had a crazy shift, my patient was in really critical condition and eventually got transferred to the ICU. I had another patient who, thank goodness, didn't need much. I spent most of the shift in one room draining and attempting to stop bleeding that wouldn't stop. I hope he is doing ok. He was only 54 and didn't speak English. Really tough.

We are having a potluck for the nurses, I have my meatballs in the crockpot. We gave our instructor a nice card and small gift last night. We have our last care plans of the semester to write by Wed, and a test Wed night. I am really nervous about the test. Plus, the kids are home all week so I have to try to get lots of studying in while also keeping them busy and happy. Then we are off to the in-laws for Thanksgiving on Thur-Sat.

Can't believe it is already the holidays!

DH went to J's conferences yesterday and she is doing GREAT. She is above average in everything she needs to know. I was a little worried as she is so young but so far she is doing wonderful. I am so proud of her. I have B's conferences on Tuesday.

I am off to spend a few min with the family before my shift.

Mineral Foundations?

Does anyone know anything about mineral foundation/makeup? I have been thinking about this since I saw a Bare Essentials starter kit at Cost*co the other day. I am thinking about having my mom buy it for me (she has a membership). I have been reading up on the different brands and some people love it, some don't. I tend to break out and have oily/normal skin. I would love something that would cover my skin flaws and not be greasy/shiny looking. I found a website
http://www.everydayminerals.com/
that gets good reveiws also. I ordered the free sample kit (you have to pay shipping of $3.75). So, does anyone out there use these?? Let me know what you think??

Is there such thing as the perfect pair of jeans?

Now that the cold weather is here to stay, I am back wearing jeans every day (well sometimes sweats if I am feeling unmotivated). I have been searching my whole life for a perfect pair of jeans. Ones that are comfortable #1, but also look great. It may help if I had even paid more than $20 on a pair. But I am willing to go above that limit a little bit if I could get a great pair that I love. Currently I do not have a lot of jeans that fit me. Current weight loss has made most of my jeans too loose. I am not ready to get rid of them, as they still kind of fit they are just a little baggy. I have 2 pairs that I got at G*A*P outlet for $14.99 each a couple months back. For one, what is the thing with stores putting smaller sizes on jeans. Does it really make people feel skinnier? I know that the size I bought are not the size they say. It is like they are moving the sizes up (what once was a 9 is now labled a 7). Anyway, that is besides the point I guess. I rarely go to malls, but I am willing to try. I mainly shop at the outlet mall or K*ohls. I am not big on Tar*get clothes. Many times I buy a pair of jeans and after wearing them I realized they are too low cut and I am hiking them up all day. I also tend to buy really boring jeans. I mean plain pockets and nothing interesting about them. I am totally not into jewels or anything on them, but maybe a little something on the pocket or just something with a little more sex appeal?? I am bored of my boring wardrobe and want to spice things up without breaking the bank. Any suggestions?

Halloween already???

This is really unlike me but I just got out the halloween stuff yesterday! So, today was a frantic, get in the halloween mood day for me and the kids. Tomorrow we have halloween parties at school and then trick or treating at night. B is gone so I have to skip school to take the kids out. Not a huge deal (I hope, we'll see on the next test). I have never skipped class, EVER, since going back to college. I am such a goody-goody! I am feeling really guilty about it but I would feel more guilty not being with my kids on a holiday they love so much.

Today we decorated the house a little bit, made BOO bags for 4 neighbors, carved pumpkins, and roasted pumpkin seeds. I made cupcakes this past weekend to frost and decorate, but those aren't going as fast as I thought. We will probably give some away to neighbors.

I finished my paper from hell and am now looking forward to a busy clinical weekend. They aren't that bad when I am there but the anticipation and the time away from home is hard. And the paperwork, can't forget that. I usually have 3 patients so that means 3 careplans due the Wed after. Lots of typing, but I have to admit I am getting faster at putting the careplans together. Last year I couldn't imagine taking care of 3 patients and doing all the paperwork. Now I know it is do-able and I am doing ok with it. I got an A on my last test but I am still going to have to work really hard to get an A in the class since I got a low B on my first test. I will work my hardest and if I end up with a B I end up with a B. I will be ok. It will be ok. Right?

I am off to exercise then to bed, without studying tonight. Bad girl that I am!

One day at a time

That is how I try to do it, take it one day at a time and eventually you get where you need to go. I hate to wish time away but I really look forward to school being done. I really want to NOT study anymore!! I want to be able to work part time and come home and not do any extra reading or homework. Sounds so nice! But things are going well. I feel I do pretty good at keeping a balance. I spend quality time with my family. It isn't always enough quantity for me, but we have to get by. I miss B the most as he is in school every day and 2-3 of those days I leave for my school by 5pm. So, I see him about 1.5 hr those days. I have been going in to volunteer at his school just to see him more and for him to know that I think school is important. This weekend I am home all weekend and plan to spend a lot of time with both kids. B is also really into friends so some days after school he wants to play with friends, rather than spend time with me. And I totally understand that, but still I miss the days when I had them to myself all day every day (even though I went crazy many of those days!) I have realized when they go to school, it opens up a whole new door for them. It is a good thing, but it still is a big change. They find a social life and friends and other interests. They are no longer just YOURS they have their own little life outside of the home. Crazy how fast they grow.

Tonight we went to the fall festival at church, where B won bingo and J won at the cakewalk. Made their day. We then went out to family dinner and I ate way too much. Tomorrow we have a halloween party at a good friend's house, and J has cheerleading camp in the morning. Hopefully it will go better than dance. She claims she really wants to to go and being in the morning with no school before "should" help a lot. We will see. It is 2 Saturdays in a row for 2 hr each. Her little friend down the road is going also. Wish us luck.

I have a big paper due Monday but I'm not too stressed about it. It is an OB teaching guide so I really know most of what I'm reading already. It is more fun for me than work, although tedious. I still really love OB nursing even thought I will probably gravitate towards something more along the lines of critical care. I may pursue OB nursing someday. I would love to get my lactation consultant certification someday. But my heart really lies in the fast paced environments such as ER or ICU. I started out my journey wanting to be an OB nurse/midwife, funny how life changes as you are on the path you started. And possibly my path will still end up there. Who knows. I am so open to whatever comes my way and we will see.

I applied for a preceptorship through school, so we'll see if I get one. I'd really like to do one, for the experience and to get more hands on time in the hospital.

I am going to get a little more of my paper done before bed!

Head exploding

I just have this lingering cold thing I can't shake. It isn't so bad that I'm not functional, but it sure isn't fun. I have the sinuse pressure and itchy eyes. Just really congested feeling. It is only October and I had a stomach thing-y ing in Sept and this now. It isn't even cold/flu season. I guess my good health last year is not going to be my luck this year. I called to get an appointment for a flu shot next week. I usually get one and it is even more important now that I'm in the hospital frequently for school. I also am taking the kids in to get one. They are not going to be happy with me, but they need to have it. I know B will be brave but J will start crying as soon as we pull in the parking lot. She already cried once just asking me if she was getting one. That child. She walked home today from school, and came in and said "I'm exhausted". Too funny, that girl. I had a really boring night at school. Cost me $25 for a sitter since my husband is gone for work until tomorrow. I am burned out with school. I know I am. I do not want to spend time studying and writing papers and doing projects. I want to sit and watch TV for just one night. I want to rent a movie and just sit there for 3 hours doing nothing. I want to go to bed at 9pm without feeling guilty. I know I can do this, but I just don't want to!!! On that note, I better study a bit for my test before bed...... goodnight!

what would you do?

J has been in dance for like a month. She seemed to like it ok at first. Nothing she would talk about a lot or anything but she went and didn't complain. Well, the last few times she has had crying spells at dance. I am outside and she can see me and she will just start crying when she looks at me. Last time she would not stop (could not stop). And we had to stay because I had driven the neighbor girl. It was terrible (for me, her, her brother, everyone) she was saying "I can't stop crying" She tried to go back in twice and disrupted the class. It is not anything she can explain. So, I am debating even going back. It is $40/month and truthfully I am not a big fan of the whole dance thing anyway. She says she doesn't want to be in dance. Her reason is that she likes it but she can't stop crying and doesn't want to go anymore. She wants to play basketball when she is 6. She says she does not want to play sports this year. One thing that I am thinking is that 6.5 hr of school and then dance almost immediately after is just too much for her little body/mind to handle in one day. And she wants down time, not dance time. Another thing is maybe dance isn't for her. I don't want to be a quitter but I don't want to pay for something she does not like. It isn't a short term dance, it is the whole year with a recital at the end, with costs for costumes, pictures, recital fees, tickets etc. It is a lot of money. If it was a 6 week class I would make her finish but it isn't something that has an end in sight. I really thought she would love dance, but I guess I was wrong.

update

Of course he made it through his day just fine. I know that if he wasn't fine, I'd get a call from the nurse at the school but still I worry. I can remember a few times as a kid when I would feel sick all day at school, not telling anyone (of course I never said a word to my teachers at school, I was a TAD bit shy, unlike my kids!) and I would be miserable all day. I have told my kids if they feel sick at all to tell someone. But he was running home from school, and I had gone up in the truck because it was raining and he didn't even want a ride from me.

Tonight J told me that she doesn't like it when it is "crowded" at school. She is talking about when they have to wash up for lunch and there are a few classes there at once. It does get a little crazy. I hope she doesn't get too bent out of shape about it. She has been doing so good, and likes school for the most part. The poor kindergarteners sometimes get overwhelmed by all the kids at lunch and recess. The lunchroom gets really loud and J is really sensory sensitive.
Her good friends got separated from their class after lunch on the way to recess and now cries every day going to school. Just a little thing can really traumatize a 5 year old. I pray nothing happens to make J not want to go.

I am studying and studying this week. I have a big test next Wed and since I have clinical this weekend I will not have any time to study all weekend. I have to do it this week. I got a "gasp" B on the last test so I'm really trying to get a better grade. It would not be the end of the world if I did get a B in this class but I want to keep my record. I put too much pressure on the score and should just focus on getting through. I also have a head cold so I do not want to stay up late and study, I want to sleep. I really want to exercise tonight also since I didn't have time today (had to sit for J's friend) but if I do it now I will be up really late.

I better make sure my kids are asleep. B is gone again this week :( but just until Thursday.

Do you ever have this problem

Kid sick with low grade fever and headache. Keep him home from school. Wakes up saying he feels ok, send to school. Feel guilty/weird all day wondering if he is ok. I hate this. I hate having to send a kid to school a day after he was sick, but I know I can't just keep him home with no symptoms. I just hate winter and all the yucky sickness.