World's Largest Pillow Fight

Last Saturday night our family, plus cousin Jake, went to a Kane County Cougars game. We lost the game but the real fun started after the game where we participated in, that's right, "the World's Largest Pillow Fight"!! We went down in history after all!

This is my cousin Diane's son Jake. He and Hunter are buds.

Gav grabbed a pillow and was ready for a fight!
Afterwards, Lauren wallowed in some left over fluff and watched the fireworks.
Rewind to the beginning of the night where we rode this little tram thing from the parking lot. Here are Hunter and Jake.
This is the ball field after the pillow fight! How'd you like to clean that up?

Here's a quick video. Just so you can say you got to participate in. . .

"The World's Largest Pillow Fight"

Hooray!

Notice Gavin hightailed it out of there when he learned he was gonna get wallopped! Actually, he turned around and ran right back for more action! Lauren buddied up with another 9 year old and they went at it for a bit. It was tons of fun and we all got free pillows to bring home!!

Happy Birthday to you. . .

This is my sister Julie shortly after she brought my niece Kamryn home from China. It's one of my favorite pictures of her! Today is her __ birthday!!! I just wanted to say "Happy Birthday"!! Being 5 years apart, and two totally different personalities, Julie and I didn't always get along. But she's one of my best friends now! She's laughed with me, cried with me, encouraged me through nursing school, she's honored me, and fought with me, and wanted to beat me up- but she's loved me too. She's one of the most inspirational women I know and today we honor her.

Happy Birthday Julie!

My life in six words. . .

My sister Julie's blog friends "tagged her" and she had to blog about her life using only 6 words. Julie then challenged the rest of us bloggers to describe our lives in 6 words. I'll give it my best shot, and for those of you who know me, you won't be surprised:

loyal, happy, carefree, lucky, crazy and busy! That was easy!

Loyal: because I believe loyalty is a far too forgotten trait. I try to be loyal to my friends and family and even co-workers. I don't judge and I don't critique. I accept people for who they are not where they live, what kind of car they drive or how much money they make. I've got friends with degrees, friends without. I've partied with the docs and I've lunched with the housekeepers. I don't see "illegal immigrants" as "illegal immigrants', rather human beings with souls and the same God given rights the rest of us take for granted.

Happy: Life is far too short to be angry. I've lost many friends way too early. I don't take tomorrow for granted. I live each moment to the fullest. I love people, animals, the earth, especially my friends and family. Next time you take a drive look at the green trees, the blue sky, gentle hills. . . the earth is so beautiful and we don't even notice it half the time because we're so rushed to get where we're going. I LOVE hiking in the woods, and sleeping outdoors. I love hearing the birds in the morning. They welcome me to a new day.

Carefree: I admit sometimes I'm a little too lax, but again, I'm all about having fun and being happy. Yes, there are times I need to curtail that a bit but no one can ever say I haven't lived life to it's fullest. I may not have traveled to every corner of the world, but there's enough adventure for me right here in my own home!

Lucky: I thank God everyday for my blessings- for my home, for my family, for my parents, for my children, for my sister and her family, for my aunts, uncles, cousins, friends, my health, even for my job! I've said the same set of prayers since I was a small girl- they've gotten longer as I've had to add more people :0) and I've had to modify a few things (I pray more for animals now- especially the endangered ones)-things like that. Did you know polar bears may be extinct in my children's lifetime? check out www.worldwildlife.org to learn how you can help protect so many animals whose futures are threatened.

Crazy: The same spontaneity that got me in trouble in the past, is the exact same energy that makes me a successful nurse today. In labor and delivery, you often don't have time to sit and think things through- you have precious minutes to make a decision. You've got a baby in trouble and you've got to get back to that OR in minutes. We had a mom with twins run into trouble during labor and in 8 minutes we were back in the operating room getting those babies out- babies who otherwise would have died if we sat and "thought" about what to do. You just have to "go with the flow" sometimes. One minute my family is sitting here at home, the next we're hightailing it out of here to an unknown destination- but we're sure to have a good time. How many times have I been on the phone with mom having a casual conversation the next minute we're dining at Red Robin! We often giggle that we never know where we're gonna end up!

Busy: Needless to say. With a football playing freshman, a girscoutin', horseback ridin' 4th grader, a VERY active toddler, a full time job, a house to clean, meals to cook and errands to run, I have no problem keeping busy! Busy at home. Busy at work. There is always something to do. Even when you're not doing anything. that's something! But I wouldn't have it any other way!

Big Bugs!

On Friday, we spent the day at the Morton Arboretum. Hunter doesn't care much about this anymore so since he was at his friends, I took Lauren and Gavin. For anyone who doesn't know, Lauren LOVES bugs! In fact her first word was "bug" when she saw a ladybug on the window at Aunt Julie's. So she was in her glory here. Gav is still tempted to smash them just to see what would happen but Lauren's teaching him to be kind to all of God's creatures- even the tiny ones.

Goodluck getting a picture of him standing still- there was too much to do!

Here Gav's marveling at the giant spider.
Dragon flies are Lauren's favorite.
One of four giant ants.
Having fun by the daddy long legs.
(this is Lauren typing now): We had a good day and I caught 2 medium-sized dragon flies and a couple beedle bugs. And when we were leaving, mom and I took a small drive around the park.

Go check it out: http://www.mortenarb.org/ It's a wonderful place to visit any time of the year and they have a wealth of education about protecting the environment and all the little guys who share our world!

"You know you're a nurse when. . ."

my personal favorites are highlighted. . . enjoy!

1) the front of your scrubs reads 'Nurses... here to save your ass, not kiss it!'

2) you occasionally park in the space with the 'physicians only' sign... and knock it over.

3) you believe some patients are alive only because it's illegal to kill them.

4) you recognize that you can't cure stupid.

5) you own at least three pens with the names of prescription medications on them.

6) you believe there's a special place in hell for the inventor of the call light.

7) you believe that saying 'it can't get any worse' causes it to get worse just to show you it can.

8) you wash your hands BEFORE you go to the bathroom.

9) you believe that any job where you can drive to work in your pajamas is a cool one.

10) you consider a tongue depressor an eating utensil.

11) eating microwave popcorn out of a clean bedpan is perfectly natural.

12) you've been exposed to so many x-rays that you consider it a form of birth control.

13) you've ever heard a patient with a nose ring, a brow ring, and twelve earrings say 'I'm afraid of shots.'

14) you've ever placed a bet on someone's blood alcohol level.

15) you've told a confused patient that your name is that of a coworker and to call if they need help.

16) your bladder can expand to the size of a Winnebago's water tank.

17) you have seen more penises than any prostitute could dream of.

18) you believe that not all patients are annoying... some are unconscious.

19) your family and friends refuse to watch medical sitcoms with you because you spend the whole time correcting everyone and pointing out upside down x-rays.

20) you don't get excited about blood, unless it 's your own.

21) you've sworn to have 'do not resuscitate' tattooed on your chest. Soon.

22) discussing dismemberment over a gourmet meal is perfectly normal to you.

23) your idea of fine dining is anywhere you can sit down to eat.

24) your idea of a good time is a cardiac arrest at shift change.

25) you believe in the aerial spraying of Prozac.

26) you believe that 'shallow gene pool' should be a recognized diagnosis.
27) you believe that the government should require permits to reproduce.

28) you believe that unspeakable evils will befall anyone who utters the phrase 'Wow, it's really quiet, isn't it?'

29) you have ever wanted to write a book entitled 'Suicide: getting it right the first time.'

30) you have ever had a patient look you straight in the eye and say 'I have no idea how that got stuck in there.'

31) you've had to leave a patient's room before you begin to laugh uncontrollably.

A "Golden" party to remember

You knew they were coming- the much anticipated pictures of the "golden anniversary" party. Here's a picture of the happy couple as they arrived at Julie's- 12:30pm Sunday afternoon.

Of course anytime the 4 sisters are together, we get their picture. I think we've collected hundreds through the years.
The wedding party 50 years later!
We told guests to come prepared to share a favorite memory of the couple. As guests signed the memory book, they could enjoy a slideshow of the couple through the years- starting with their wedding day through to last Saturday when we went on our luncheon cruise. Julie, Teri and I selected love songs to play along with the slideshow. Mom loves Enya and Charolette Church. Dad loves Josh Grobin. And we picked some "oldies but goodies" that probably played at their reception- 50 years ago. Family from all over the country came to celebrate Mom and Dad's 50 years of love. Here is Craig signing the guestbook.
Of course, to reinact their special day, the couple "cut the cake"- followed by speeches from my sister and I. We didn't know what to say until Linda said "just say what's in your heart". So our hearts spoke for us and needless to say, we were all in tears!
I wish I could say that the party "went down without a hitch", rather, Uncle Fred went down instead! He is now recovering from a scratched eye, multiple bruises and a broken foot. Our prayers for a full recovery are certainly with our dear Uncle Fred. Thank you Aunt Polly for keeping us updated. The day was very special and certainly one we will never forget!

My daddy and me

July 1982

This is my favorite picture of my dad and me. I was 10 years old. I LOVE my dad soooooooo much (and my mom too of course!). Please keep dad in your prayers as he recovers from surgery this week. He got a new knee today! He was in a hurry to get fixed up and rehabilitated in time for the senior olympics this fall! Every morning he gets up and plays raquetball and then bowls in the afternoon. I once challenged him to a raquetball game and 10 minutes into it he was swinging that raquet full gear while I was slumped over wondering if it had been an hour yet- not bad for 72 years old!!! I am so proud of him! Please also remember Uncle Fred, dad's brother, who fell and broke his foot and is also in the hospital. These guys could use some cheering on to pull through their hospital stays. And God bless the nurses taking care of them :0)

Trip to Michigan Dunes

While I was spending the day preparing for a VIP party, Todd took the kids, and Hunter's friend Sam, to the Michigan Dunes. At first I was mad that they were going and leaving me home, but it worked out great that he got the kids out of here so I could cook and get things done. I had the whole house to myself! This picture was taken at the top of one of the dunes.

Gavin was amazed with the water. He and Lauren loved chasing the seagulls.

Christmas in July

Here's a little something to put a smile on your face after that last post. Mom always said "don't let the turkeys get you down", and that guy's just a turkey. But look at little Gavin- he's just so sweet. Everytime my mother-in-law watches the kids she writes out a journal entry for what they did that day. Among other things Gavin's entry included this statement: "Gavin put a pea up his nose. It came out." What a little stinker! I'm so jealous of our neighbor across the street who I see outside getting things done while her 2 year old plays along nicely beside her. The minute I open the front door Gav is outta here! He takes off like a rocket! He is one busy kid!!! No wonder "Curious George" is his favorite show. He's just like that little silly monkey!

Our sweet little Coby

Have you heard enough about my new job and the kids yet? Well here's our other little family member, Coby. Does she look vicious to you? She's a Rat terrier and yes, she's yappy. She barks a lot, pretty much at anyone who walks past. But isn't that what dogs do- they bark? Well, yesterday some man came to our door, with a baseball bat, and in front of my children, told my mother-in-law who was babysitting, that the next time our dog barks or chases after him, he's going to kill her. Isn't that lovely? Coby weighs maybe 10 pounds- and she's got this little "yap"- how threatening can she be? Makes me want to go out and get a Rot Weiller and let him out in the front yard to bark at this guy! So as I'm at work, doing the best I can to take the best care of my patients, some crazy guy is here threatening to kill my dog! I've just had a lovely week- (see the woe-is-me-blog ) At least it's going to end on a good note! We're busy planning a big party on Sunday to honor my parents. You can bet you're going to hear all about it! :0)

A view from my room

This is the view from my bedroom doorway. . . Look closer. . . this is the window on the second level of our two story foyer, above the front door.
Look closer. . . these are the 3 swans that reside in the lake.
It is so pretty in the morning to wake up, walk out of my room and see the sun's reflection on the pond, some trees blowing gently and then all the wildlife that enjoy that pond. All the mommy ducks with their babies trailing behind, the swans, the heron, the cranes. Even in the fall when the Canadian geese stop for a drink on their way south. It is so loud with all their quacking! But they're so cute. It's like I wake up and the day is smiling back at me saying "go out and seize this day", and that's exactly what I try to do :0)

Summer lovin'

On Sunday our family went out to "Hall Quarry Beach" in Batavia. Needless to say it was an old quarry turned into a little family pool. It's really pretty because it's nestled between limestone walls and there are alot of full grown trees. We packed a little picnic and the kids went swimming. There are drop slides and diving boards for the big kids and a zero-depth beach area that Gavin toddled around in. After a day of swimming we were hun-gry so we went out to Red Robin for burgers. It was a nice day together.

I'm not sure why Lauren's pointing at her foot- she's trying to show you somethin'!

The water was soooooo cold!!!
Lauren also enjoyed sculpting the sand and making a moat that Gav's little toy boats sailed around in.

The "woe-is-me" blog

Remember that old commercial "Calgon take me away"?

Admit it, I think everyone at some point uses their blog as an "outlet" right? Well here's my turn. . . I just worked 27 hours in the last 2 days! I am so pooped! (this is where everyone goes "awhhhhhh" ) I wondered if it was my "initiation" into Labor and Delivery but from what I saw, we were all running around- not just the new girl! Monday I got to work at 7am and ran until 7pm- and I mean that literally (you can "awhhh" again here :0) We had a baby boom on Monday and the pregnant ladies were coming in droves! There were babies everywhere. Then knowing we had 6 scheduled c-sections and 5 inductions (where they come in scheduled to have their baby), we knew Tuesday would be just as bad- and it was. On Tuesday I finally took my lunch at 3:30 when "normal" people who work 8 hour days go home! (I didn't even get to lunch Monday- awhhh again here) And do you know what I learned? That when it's that busy- you're better to just keep going! I couldn't get back up after I sat down (insert another "awhhh" here :0) then when I did, I couldn't get back into it. That quickly changed when I learned they were throwing me in with the triplets delivery!! First one baby- then another-then another. That OR got awfully loud awfully quick. Mom, Dad and their 3 new daughters are doing well. You know what else I learned? That it really was no different than any other cesarean section except that there were 2 more babies- and it gets really crowded back in that OR! (each baby needs a neonatologist, a NICU nurse and a respiratory therapist-plus the anesthesiologist, the MD and his assist, usually another MD, the circulating nurse-which was me w/ my preceptor, and a baby nurse) The circulating nurse is the one running the OR and doing the documentation. If a case goes to court, you have to be able to account for every minute- including what times everyone enters the room, what time the incision is made, what time the water membranes rupture, what time the baby is born, what time the placenta came out, what time you closed the incision, and in between you have to count all the intruments, lap sponges, needles, etc. at 3 seperate intervals. It's a very busy place to be. I've also learned that it doesn't pay to get all ready in the morning because your hair ends up in a hair net all day anyway. So please excuse your labor nurse if you have your baby at 5pm. There may be a very good reason she looks like crap :0) Then after my second 12 hour day, I went to a mandatory meeting that was 2 hours long! I couldn't even focus on what they were talking about- I couldn't tell you what the meeting was about. I hope it wasn't important! But do go check out www.edward.org and look around under "healthy living " and "health library". Edward offers all sorts of information on how to be healthy, get healthy and stay healthy. Take some time to check it out- there really is some valuable information there!

50 Golden Years!

"On this day, I thee wed. . . "

July 5, 1958

On this day July 5, 2008, our families celebrated 50 years of life, love and happiness by taking a luncheon cruise on Lake Geneva in honor of my parent's 50th wedding anniversary.
The day was made for them.
We were all together. The sun was at it's brightest. The temperature was perfect. We were together with our families. It's a day I'll remember and cherish forever!!
Happy Golden Anniversary mom and dad! You are the BEST parents in the world and I will always remember this day! God couldn't have blessed me with a better set of parents or a more wonderful example of marriage. Thank you!!

I love you!!

Save for a rainy day. . .

Todd and Lauren went to a movie Sunday night. They went to see Wall-E. Lauren says that we "absolutely have to buy it the day it comes out". It is her "all time favorite movie-ever!" Todd had a great day with the kids Sunday. He spent the morning with Gavin fishing at the lake. He and Hunter went on a 10 mile bike ride Sunday afternoon (they're building Hunter's stamina for football), and then Todd went to the movie with Lauren Sunday night. It gave him some one on one with everyone and I got some quality time with each of them too. You miss that "one on one" time with the kids the more you have!

Next time your looking for a rainy day activity get out to see Wall-E. You can never go wrong with Pixar!