Cookie Heaven

I love Christmas!! Everything about it is wonderful... the lights, the pine tree smell, hot chocolate, snuggling, and even the baking. I've never actually made Christmas cookies before. I know, I know, bad mom right? Nah, better late than never. It was so much fun! The kids actually got along, my very own kids who agree on nothing sat at the same table for hours and didn't disagree once. We might just bake every day! Ok, maybe not every day, but more often.

I wish Scott would get into the spirit, but the only thing he sees about Christmas is the money involved. Money spent I should say... One the tree, on gifts, just about everything. Every other year I have let it bother me to no end and ended up being miserable. I decided this year to stop hounding him about enjoying the holidays. I suppose I can't make him love something he doesn't. So the kids and I will celebrate how we want and if he'd like to join us, he can. I doubt he will, but maybe we will all be happier in the long run. Boy, is he ever lucky that I love him so much...

Thanksgiving

Hope everybody had a good Thanksgiving! We sure did! Scott had the entire weekend off and so did I so we actually got to spend real quality time together. It doesn't happen often so I take it when I can. And, amazingly enough, we get Christmas off together too. We'll be making a family announcement on Christmas and I am so excited about it. I know certain people who won't be, but it's going to be a happy time for us anyway. (No, I am not pregnant if that's what you were thinking. I don't think so anyway.... =0) I'll keep you posted.
School is going well. Michael had an easy week of homework for Thanksgiving so that was nice. Amber has a field trip tomorrow to see "A Christmas Carol" and is super excited about it. Except she's sick and was sent home from school today, so hopefully she's up to it tomorrow to go. I get to go too so I'm hoping it will be ok since I will be there. I'll try to take pics of some of the kids to post them.

Good Services...

Geez, I'm not very good at updating this am I? Truth be told, I have these ideas every day of what to write about, it just never seems to happen. I either forget, am too tired, or just plain lazy. Usually it's me being lazy. =) So what to write about... hmmm....
School is going well for the kids. They had today off so we had a pretty lazy day. I took them to lunch and then we collected food for their food box at school. I was kind of worried about going door to door collecting canned foods, but was pleasantly surprised to find that every single house we went to had something to give. And it made the kids feel good to know that they were doing a good service. Michael informed me that he is now certain about his place in heaven. So cute... I would like to do things like this more often with them. I think that it puts things into perspective for them, that some people don't even have enough money for food, so when they are upset that they don't have everything they want, at least they will know they have everything they need. Well I hope they remember that next time we go to the store and walk through the toy aisle. They're only human right? =0)

Lots Of Updates

Oh, where do I begin? I feel like I have so much to write about... When I'm done though, it probably won't be too much. There seems to be so much floating around in my head all the time, but rarely does it make it on the computer. Oh well....
So happy birthday to my little man Michael!!! He is officially 8 years old today. It's so crazy how time flies, I am in shock at how big he is, how mature he's getting. We have so many adult conversations these days, about life in general, school, whatever his little mind is thinking. Such a big guy now, it makes me proud and breaks my heart all at the same time. He decided this year he wanted a Halloween birthday party, so we had one for him this past Saturday, and it went wonderfully. He had tons of fun with his friends and family and that's about all a kid can ask for right? (Not to mention all of the awesome gifts and money, that's always good.) Here is a pic of him bobbing for apples.

Ok, moving along now.... So I wrote a long time ago that I would like to try to be a vegetarian for a month or so. Well, Scott and I recently talked about it and decided to try it out. And except for 1 mess up a few days ago, I have been meat free for the last week and a half. Much to my surprise, the kids also wanted to try this out. Amber has been telling everyone for the last week that she is now a vegetarian. It's funny to hear her say that, I don't know why. I think she just likes the word. And her teacher is a vegetarian so I think that has a big influence on her decision. While it has been easier than I thought it would be, (the 1 slip up was truly an accident) I feel really awkward telling people about it. Amber told my mother in law about it, in turn who told Amber it was a "ridiculous" idea. I hate that I don't have the guts to yell at her and tell her that Amber is old enough to make her own decisions, if she doesn't want to eat meat for the rest of her life, so be it. And it wouldn't bother me if she does want to eat meat again... I want my kids to grow up knowing that I support them 100%, and I hope that they feel validated enough to come to me with anything. Maybe I feel this way because I never felt like I could tell my parents everything. Don't get me wrong, they're wonderful people, but they are not exactly what you would call open-minded. I still haven't told them about being a vegetarian (for the time being of course) because I fear their response. I know for a fact I will not be the least bit supported in my decision, and I know it shouldn't matter what they think, but I crave acceptance and I always will. It's part of who I am I guess.

So now I'm confused about the whole vegetarian thing. I didn't realize what an impact it would have on my life. But what bothers me most is I don't feel like I have a reason for becoming a vegetarian. I know what most of the reasons are, I just don't feel like I fit into any of those categories. I mean, I've eaten meat almost everyday for my entire 26 years of being here. How do you just stop one day and tell yourself it's suddenly wrong? Personally, I could not go out and hunt for an animal to kill and eat, but I've never had to. It's just there in front of me, all ready to go. Do I think it's wrong? Of course I do, I think about it all the time, but it never stopped me before. How do you change? How do you find acceptance? How do you learn to stop caring about acceptance? I truly have no idea... I am amazed and in awe that this "little experiment" of mine would make me question myself so much.

I think there's more I wanted to talk about, but it will have to wait for another blog. I am unbelievably tired after a long day...

What A Day

What a crazy day it was today. Amber had a field trip to the library and Party in a Pinch, which, luckily, I got to go to despite my lack of effort in filling out compliance papers and getting fingerprinted to be a volunteer. It was a lot of fun and very humorous to be with kindergarteners most of the day. I stand back in amazement at how her teacher does it all day and is still sane when it's time to go home. Ok, well maybe not always, but she loves our kids regardless. And man oh man, does Amber love her. It's only the beginning of the year and I'm already not looking forward to May. Although in Michael's case, I wish May were tomorrow. =0) I know, not nice....
The rest of the afternoon, I got to hang out in the nurse's office and slap on a few bandaids. I did feel like a moron though when Amber's teacher brought in one of her kids and I had no idea what to do. Yeah, like I haven't been working in healthcare for almost 7 years. I guess the difference is that when I deal with sick kids at work, I'm taking blood pressures and drawing blood and doing other horrible things to cause pain. All you're allowed to do there is take their temperature and send them on their way. So I sat there like an idiot and looked at her and guessed she was ok. Ugh, she probably thinks I have no clue....
So that was my day. Now I'm tired beyond belief and my bed is calling my name. I think I'll put the kids to bed early and go answer it's sweet call. Hmmm, maybe I'll go back tomorrow for some more.... =0)

I am still alive...

Wow, where do I begin? It's only been, what, 3 months?? Amber started kindergarten, which she loves! And I love her wonderful teacher.... Michael started third grade and it is proving to be quite difficult. His teacher is nice enough, but gives ridiculous amounts of homework. It's like I am in school again, planning the day around homework and studying. Too much crap for a 7 year old. Maybe if he's a super genius by the end of 3rd grade, I will take back all of the bad things I have said and thought about his teacher, but I'm not holding my breath. And Michael is just fine the way he is now.
So I officially know how to sew now. Ok, maybe just a little, but I no longer look at the sewing machine with wonder and hear the crickets chirping. That is how I look at the sewing directions though, it's like another language to me. Every project I do makes a little more sense though, so maybe it will come eventually. I'll post pictures of a few of the things I have made at the end.
Scott and I are doing well. He is still working at the prison and I am still working at the hospital. I am going per-diem in November which pretty much means I work once a week, and then whenever else I feel like it. I want to do medical transcriptioning at home, I just have to find courses and sign up. I'm not sure how it works yet, but I am hopeful. Anything so I could stay at home would be wonderful. Well, hopefully I will start updating more often, no promises but I will try.

I know, I know...

Sorry it's been so long. I am back to work, and with all of my kid's summer activities and sewing class and just everything else, I've been pretty busy. Sewing class is going pretty well. Amber will have a cute new dress soon. I am just afraid that I will have to go to class to make anything because I'm the kind of person that you have to physically show how to do something or I just don't get it. Sewing language is foreign to me... I hope that someday it all makes sense, but for now, I am like a kindergatener in that respect.
Amber is getting better at ice skating, falling down much less now. Thank goodness, she was giving me a heart attack. And both of them love gymnastics. Michael has decided he's going to the olympics.... more power to ya little man!! They're so cute.

Busy Bee

I had my first sewing lesson last night and it was wonderful!!! Despite my grandma and my mom ditching me (They both actually were busy and will sign up with me next session. You guys are forgiven!) and the fact that I was in a class full of girls all under the age of 14, it went really well. I went out today and bought some cheap fabric to practice on and I made the things in the picture. The little pink bag is for Amber (I know I put the handles on wrong, but I improvised) the blue bag is for Michael, and I made the pillowcases for each of them. They are far from perfect, but I think it was a good first attempt.
I have also been making jewelry, bracelets and earrings. They are very cute. I don't know what I'm going to do with them considering I don't wear jewelry often, but maybe I will give them as gifts. Either way it's fun to do. I have to do something before I go back to work next week. Yuck...

Feeling Better

Surgery went well and I'm healing up nicely. A little tired, a little sore, but for the most part, much better. I haven't been up to doing anything crafty or cooking much so there's really nothing exciting to talk about. My sewing class starts next Wednesday so I'm very excited about that. Have a good one!

Yikes

Well I found out today that I am going to be having surgery on Thursday. I knew I had a large cyst on my ovary, but we weren't sure what they were going to do about it. Apparently cysts as big a a "newborn's head" are dealt with surgically. Leave it to a OB/GYN to compare it to a child... I thought it was funny. Surgery, not so funny. I've never had it so I'm a little freaked out and don't really know what to expect. I do realize it's this totally routine procedure, but still, it puts things into perspective. Wish me luck...

Ahhh, Vacation...

We went to Flagstaff last week for vacation. One word.... heavenly. It was so nice to be in 70 degree weather instead of 106 degree weather. Except for my being sick on Thursday (the day we came home) it was wonderful. Scott took us sightseeing (he lived there for 4 years while attending NAU), we went to the deer farm in Williams, hit all the popular parks (my kids live to swing), and got some good R & R. And we took some cute pictures, of course. I thought I would revive the old black and white I took of them a few years ago with a new one. I think it came out cute. My poor little guy Michael fell off of his bike and scraped his lip so he wasn't all smiles, not that I blame him. But he sucked it up and took some pictures for his old mom, he's such a trooper. Here are a few more pictures...

Turtles

I love turtles. They have a very special meaning to me that I hold close to my heart. About 4 years ago I met 2 wonderful girls with cancer, they came to the hospital around the same time and were diagnosed around the same time also. Naturally they became very good friends. And while we as staff are not supposed to get too close to patients, it was impossible not to. I will call them J and S. J was a prankster from the beginning, always finding a way to gross us out with her skin collection (yes I said skin collection) or squirt us with silly string. It was her nature. S was a bit more soft spoken (until you really got to know her) and she had a smile that would melt anything you had.
They started a "Turtle Club" one time when they were both in the hospital. They selected a few staff members who were "cool enough" to join. Eventually everyone was said to be in it, but only the real members have initiation papers signed by J and S (myself included of course). Every time one of them would be hospitalized we would find some sort of turtle gift to give each other, I have quite the collection at home. They were like my little sisters.
J passed away on Easter and S passed away the following August. I can't even begin to describe the impact these girls had on my life. I will never be the same. Maybe that's why they tell you not to get close to patients, because the pain is like losing a member of your own family. But I wouldn't change that for the world, I am only human. I love you J and S.

Sewing Lessons

Sewing is something I have always wanted to learn how to do but never had the opportunity. My mom failed out of sewing class which doomed me from the beginning, but as funny as it may sound, my mom is going to sewing lessons with me. My grandma is also going with us, so there we will be, three generations of women learning something that none of us know how to do. It will definitely be interesting... not to mention fun. Michael will finally get the magician's cape he has always wanted and I'm sure I will find some cute things to make for Amber. I am so excited!

Oldie But Goodie

Just wanted to share an old picture of the kids that I absolutely love. It was in April a few years ago. It was nice to be able to go outside before it gets too hot out to do anything. Hope this summer isn't too horrible!

Freezer Paper Stencils

Here is my first attempt at freezer paper stencils. I did it on a cute tank that's almost too small for Amber (in case we messed it up) and it came out all right. I also did a dinosaur for Michael on his pajama shirt. The dinosaur came out really cute, but I need to get brighter paints so you can see it better. First I got some freezer paper (in the grocery store) and cut off a piece, then I used a heart shaped cookie cutter and traced it onto the paper. I used an exacto knife to cut it out. I ironed the freezer paper to the shirt, painted it with fabric paint, waited until it dried and peeled it off. Amber decided she wanted an "A" on her heart, so I made one for her. Not too bad, I just hope I did it right... I have seen more intricate things online and I have no clue how it was done. Maybe I just need more practice.

Pampered Chef

For some reason, I'm having trouble uploading pictures, so I thoght I'd talk about something that I didn't need any pictures for. I got into The Pampered Chef a few months ago. I bought my kit and I've had two parties. I like it a lot, and the little bit of extra money is always nice. I think the only problem I have is getting people I don't know to have parties. I told myself when I got into this that I would not be "the annoying Pampered Chef lady". So far all that's done for me is, well, nothing. Hopefully somebody will come to appreciate that and then my little business will get going. In the meantime, I will just have to crawl out of my little hole and start meeting new people. Very scary...

Happy Mother's Day!

I had an especially good Mother's Day... Amber had a ballet recital today and watching her onstage was better than any gift I could ever receive (Scott gave me a combination printer/fax/copier/scanner machine so that wasn't so bad either!) . Oh, and Michael gave me a beautiful purple candle with a stand that is awesome! Although, I had a slight problem slapping tons of makeup on my already beautiful 5 year old. But after seeing herself she decided she looked like a "freak", and somehow, that was comforting. It came off before we got in the car to leave. HOORAY for Amber, good choice! Thank you Grandma Jean for the beautiful flowers, she's carrying them everywhere. Well I hope everyone had a great Mother's Day!

Mission Impossible?

This is my next big project. We loosely call it Michael's room. I know, I know, absolutely filthy. I have no excuses, I just am petrified to tackle the mess. Where do you begin? I keep telling myself that on my days off, I will do it, then I march in there... and turn back around with tail between my legs and flip on the TV. I really need to clean it when Michael's not home though, otherwise he finds toys he had years ago and will suddenly be interested in them. Hopefully I will post pictures of it when it's had an extreme makeover. Sometime soon anyway... yikes.

The Little Ones

This is me with my kiddos... aren't they beautiful?? I love black and white photos, photography is another interest I have yet to pursue. But this post is not about me...

Michael turned 7 in October. While he may be a bit (ok a lot) short tempered, the kid has a heart of gold. He's probably the most forgiving person I know, and the most loving. He lets me kiss him in public and hold his hand whenever I want without dying of embarrassment. He actually likes it. It's just nice to see, the fact that you can love your kids and they can love you back without worrying what other people think. People are so crazy these days about not wanting to seem weak or something, it's just beyond me. Sooner or later, they will grow up and start a family of their own, so I plan on enjoying every second I have with my babies while I can. Anyway, back to Michael. He loves school, yeah, imagine that, a kid who loves school. He is in the second grade at a Catholic school nearby. In first grade, he won his class spirituality award. (That's the heart of gold I mentioned earlier.) He plays soccer, takes swimming lessons, singing lessons, and this summer will start gymnastics and have science camp for a week. He definitely likes to be active. He loves magic, and just today bought his very own magic kit. I hope that when I learn to sew, I can make him a magician's cape with stars on it like he wants. And that's my Michael, well not all of him, I could go on forever. He's not perfect, but hey, who is?

Amber turned 5 in January. It was quite the milestone birthday, I think perhaps she thought she turned into a princess. Not that she's not our little princess, but the new princess came with a bit (ok a lot) of attitude. But she is the sweetest little thing out there, she's my little cuddlebug. She started preschool this year, and it was not her who was crying, but me. She loves it, I mean loves it... she gets along with everyone and everyone is like her best friend. Her teachers are wonderful people, we got really lucky. She starts kindergarten in the fall, and I have faith that she is more than ready. Hopefully she doen't get sick too much this year. I swear, every time I turn around, the poor girl has strep throat or something else awful. But she's definitely not the whiny complainer when she gets sick, so we have fun when she has to stay home. She also takes swimming lessons, is doing ballet, and will take gymnastics and is going to learn how to ice skate. Yeah, ice skate in Arizona. Her taste is definitely random. She gets bored with thing very easily, (she's been through ballet/tumble class, tap dance, regular ballet class, some gymnastics, soccer, the list goes on) so hopefully she will find something soon that she likes and stick with it. Or not, she's that kind of girl. I love her either way.

So there's a little taste of my children, I'm sure I will talk about them more often than not, but hey, what can you do when you're in love with your kids? =0)

First Time

There's a first time for everything...this happens to be my first time blogging. I don't know what to expect, how it will work, who I will meet, but I suppose I will find out. Maybe it will be something I stick with, maybe it won't. But in the meantime, I'll give it a whirl and see what comes of it.
I used the term "au naturel" because I wanted this to be a place where I could be myself. My insecurities, my imperfections, everything, good and bad. I am far from perfect, but I strive daily to become better. It's all you can do I think...become better. I am unorganized, impulsive, afraid of ruffling a few feathers now and then, and my potty mouth gets me in trouble quite a bit. But, overall, I think I have a good heart. I always have good intentions, sometimes they just don't get to where they need to be.
I have a husband (Scott) and two beautiful kids, Michael (7) and Amber (5). They are my world, my reason for being here. (I will elaborate on them another day though, otherwise my blog would go on forever and people will stop reading.) I live in Arizona and work in healthcare. I would love to be a stay at home mom, but unfortunately, our bills don't allow for it. Maybe someday, but right now it's just not an option.
I do have a list of things I would like to modify about myself (change is a strong word, I just need tweeked a bit) and a few thing I would like to try out eventually). I will list some now, and add as needed:

1. I would like to become more organized in daily life.
2. I would like for my house to be cleaner.
3. I would love to be a stay at home mom.
4. I would like to try out being a vegetarian for a month or so.
5. I would like to be craftier.
6. I would like to finish things I start.
7. I would love to become a better parent.
8. I would like to start a business at home someday.
9. I would like to become a more religious person.
10. I would like to lose weight.

Of course those are in no particular order. So I think that's enough about me for now. I mean, it's all I can digest for the moment. Peace...