Let the fun begin!

Driving, cooking, cleaning, visiting, giving, receiving, laughter, tears, memories, sights, sounds, smells, tastes........

This time of the year is busy, but oh so worth it! I have officially finished my holiday shopping, now on to the fun part of wrapping and giving! I can't wait.

Tomorrow is our family night. Food, fun and gift giving wrapped into one not long enough night! I can't wait!

For all of you driving this holiday season, be careful! Tonight was a bear out there! I felt like Santa in his sleigh - lol.

........singing, dancing, relaxation, conversation, drinking....

Let it snow, Let it snow, LET IT SNOW!

Wow, talk about waking up to a Winter Wonderland! At 5 a.m. the district officially canceled school. We all slept in till around 10:00 a.m. What a wonderful surprise! Well can't say the snow is all to wonderful, but a nice sleep in day was pleasantly welcomed!

While Mark is snow-blowing us (or I mean the neighborhood) out, the girls are enjoying some fun time in the snow. All except Mia, I just haven't ventured out with her just yet! (yeah that means Mom would need to get out in that lovely white fluff).

If you don't have snow, here is some for you!!! Happy Holidays!

It is with great pleasure....

to state I am DONE with school (but only for the semester ;)!! This semester seems to have dragged on, possibly because I was off all summer. What is even of more great importance to me is that I ended this semester with another 4.0. That is a full year of being a straight A student! That amazes me in itself!

Next semester I have Introductory to Algebra (ugh! not another Math!) and Microbiology. Then all I have left to complete is Human Body Holistics and Nursing Pharmacology.

I apply to the Nursing program in March, gosh only 3 short months left - before I begin my actual career - clinicals and all that jazz! I seriously can't wait. Come fall I will be into the Nursing program (thinking positive here) and then I have one year left!

This is all hard word, the dedication and participation from family and friends is something that must be first and foremost. I put alot of things on the backburner for this, I just hope it all pays off in the long run.

Now...I can move on to the holidays!

Finals Week

This picture just about sums up my life as of right now. I feel as if I have been running a marathon. I am tired, no scratch that exhausted! If only I could have the real benefits (health wise) of participating.

This week I have finals. Tutoring also ceases until the new quarter. I feel like possibly now I have time to breathe and take in some events with the girls. Yesterday was my Pathophysiology final. I am happy to say that I walked out of that class with an A. Tomorrow comes Algebra. My ultimate fav! NOT! So far I am carrying an A, however if I don't pass my final, I don't pass the class regardless of what my grade is. Nice, huh? I'll update on that later.

The girls have holiday parties coming up, I still haven't mailed my Christmas cards, and I have not even started my shopping. But it will all be OK. I know it, because I have faith! At least I have my Christmas tree up.

So thankful for Friends and Family!

Even though, the joy of Thanksgiving Day is past, I wanted to touch base on two important things that I have been most thankful for as of late.

My schedule, lately, has been nothing but hectic to say the least. But with the support of my family and friends, this time that I would have otherwise been stressing over has been a lighter load.

This last week, with Mark working overtime (which I am in no way complaining over), we have had to find alternate childcare for the girls.

On Tuesday and Thursday the girls went and spent time with their Uncle Keith, Aunt Mary and cousin Ella. They had a wonderful time. On Thursday, Keith and Mary, braved the feat and took all four girls to the Roseville tree lighting ceremony. The girls were all great and had a fantastic time. They enjoyed hot chocolate, donuts, glow necklaces, balloons and even Santa. They ended their evening with a matinee of The Polar Express.

On Monday and today the girls are spending time with their Aunt Stephanie. The girls have been so happy to spend more quality time with her. They love the time they share together. With her help Rose is now hooked on word finds and crossword puzzles. Mia's speciality has been leaving little surprises in her diaper for Auntie Steph to find, but it is all in LOVE!

On Wednesday, didn't I tell you my schedule is busy, the girls are split between my friend, Ellisa and my sister, Tricia. They experience what they call "Payton's church", Ignite. The girls love learning and participating in all they have to offer there. They come home with fantastic stories and good times shared.

Without the love and faith of these people, and there are many others, I would not be able to accomplish my dream.

At one time I felt that I was depriving my girls with my schedule, having them go here and there and everywhere when times get busy, but now I don't look at it that way. I realize that they are spending time with people who love them and care about them and it will be these time that they remember growing up. The exact kind of memories that I have today and am so thankful for.

So, if you read this - Thank you! Words cannot express my gratitude!

Friends, Family, and Fun!

2008 Thanksgiving has passed without a glitch. The family, friends, food and fun were perfect! I prepared the most scrumptious dinner. The recipe from my dearest Ellisa topped off the day. There were those that thought I purchased the cake (that’s how good it looked!). I even made my own caramel sauce. That was a lot for me. Thank you, hun!

I can’t believe that November has now passed. It’s December and now comes the rush. Finals, Cooking, Cleaning, Shopping, Working – all that fun stuff. Mark and I have decided that this year we will be getting the girls a Wii for Christmas. We only do one major gift from the Jolly man and three small gifts with a symbolization of the gifts from the Wisemen. Like others have said, we are cutting way back. There is no need; that is not the reason for the season.

I volunteered for McRest over New Years. My mom and I will be overnight hosts on New Year’s Eve. Seeing how we usually don’t do much on that night anyway, we might as well do something really worthwhile. I can’t wait.

This weekend, since the weather was nice, the girls were helping Mark in his
Grandparents yard. Without complaint, whine, cry – NOTHING they raked three full bags of leaves. They knew it was needed, they expected nothing. However, they did receive. Papa was most generous and provided them with some money towards their new winter jackets. They were more than thrilled, and so was I. It teaches them that by giving without expectations, you will always receive!

Rose and I watched Nim’s Island over the weekend. We both loved it! It’s one of those happily ever after movies. If you haven’t seen it, take this as our suggestion!