Hello

OK OK I'm really sorry, but I've just had a few things keeping me from the laptop. I've had brief moments in which I've tried to keep up with you. So, I thought I'd just let you know I'm among the living. You know when you think it just has to slow down or you may ..... life takes on a whole new level of speed and somehow you manage to stay afloat and actually adjust - rebounding from one day to the next. Well, that's me right now. I'm going to post something I wrote last week and just didn't finish. In the meantime... Lavycountry has increased in population by three puppies. It was a rather traumatic birth as she delivered a bit premature by our calculations. As we were preparing to leave for church last Sunday we were abruptly halted and quickly transformed our house into a beagle neonatal intensive care unit. All said and done we have three little healthy, fat puppies.

Steve came in from Texas this past weekend. He had a whole two days and then it was back to base and lock down until he's deployed to Kuwait. It was nice to see him and can't wait until he's back again.

Racing season is here. This thick winter insulation that I've accumulated must go. First race in about three weeks. AAAAAHHH! I'm undecided at this point if I'll be joining the team for that one, but I have started the training. Oh, the pain!

That's it for now. Hope you all are well and please whoever is enjoying some Spring-like weather PLEASE, PLEASE send it my way. I need it so badly. Catch y'all later.

When life gives you this....

Make these.....

There are benefits to being snowed in! In a feeble effort to keep up with my fellow bloggers I am posting a picture of the result to my labors in the kitchen. Oh, they were so good with our Sunday dinner. And, too, I am just so sick of that other picture I have had glaring at me for too long! This was the snow and dinner rolls from this past weekend.

There is a herd of deer that have been frequenting the back of our field. They're pretty small in the picture as this was taken from my house and it is a long way back there.

Since I'm so far behind which just seems to be normal lately, I'll give you some quick updates.

Gatlinburg last month was wonderful. Me and my hubby headed for the mountains all alone! What a pitiful site we were - just the two of us with nothing more to do than whatever we wanted to!! It was great. We missed the girls and were very ready to see them, but we were thankful to have the time together.

We have been pretty occupied lately with the renovation of a farmhouse. I'm fairly sure neither one of the girls will be a painter or drywall hanger after this is all over, but there is one two year old that has mastered the scaffolding! I'll post before and after pics when it's done.

This is my busy time at work and I usually take advantage of it being that I would rather work in the winter vs. summer. So, I've picked up a few more days during the week by taking on a temporary part-time position. I like to think of myself as a stay at home mom with a job, because for the most part I can stay at home when I want because I schedule myself. And, I also like to think leaving your kids with responsible, Christian influences will add to their character. And, maybe it is because I have a tremendously rewarding job that I really do love. Uh, oh! Hold on a minute while I digress. I just have to share. I have the best job ever. I know what most people say about peds -- "How can you stand it?" "It is just too sad". Well, kids are kids even when they're sick and they need someone to take care of them and yes, I've gotten paid for playing games, singing Barney and the Wiggles, and just recently donning a birthday hat and celebrating with my dear patient in her room - complete with a goody bag. Kids are so tough. They are so forgiving - I have had to start IV's and poke and insert tubes and at the end of the day when it's "all done" - have them jump in my arms and give me big hugs. And, they have given me so much more than I have ever given them. When you see kids faced with death it keeps your life in perspective. You don't forget to thank God for good health and the ease of breathing. OK - I'll quit. I have so many stories, though. Well, maybe if you're interested I'll have to drop one in every now and then. I just thank God for the privilege of touching lives through pediatric nursing and the blessing it has brought to me.

Where was I......?

So, our lives have taken on quite a pace these last several months. I know people get so tired of hearing "I'm just so busy". I get tired of saying it.

Before I headed into work Monday we had some fun time out in the snow. How strange it was being hot and playing out in the snow. We had to take pictures of us in our t-shirts out in the snow. Beth and Isaiah joined us for some 4 wheelin' and snowman building. Didn't post the t-shirt pic - use your imagination :o)

Oh, I'm such a dork - that is the second time I've used that word today - see I told you I didn't finish, but this is just a representation of my life lately. At least I gave you some idea what I've been up to and I no longer have to be greeted by that crazy picture!