12 on the 12th

I'm not sure when I last attempted 12 on the 12th.  It's probably been a couple years, if not longer.  But this year, I'm determined to complete this challenge as I have found looking back on some of the previous entries to be entertaining and a great glimpse of a "day-in-the-life" type entry.

So here goes the January edition....

We've been enjoying a very mild winter so far....well, guess what, someone finally clued in Mother Nature and she showed up with some more appropriate January weather.

The past couple of days, I've been fighting off some sort of bug.  I decided the best plan for recovery was to do as little as possible.    Problem is...we were running low on the "good stuff"

I appealed to my loving husband who agreed to take Valencia and make a drug run.
But first things first, he took a moment to contribute to my project....See?  Didn't know cold could be so picturesque.

Aw...thanks Honey...will you sing a round of Soft Kitty to me too?

 

At some point, the boys woke up and learned they were on their own for any type of lunch

Good thing there was some frozen stuff on hand....

 Patrick continues to perfect his skills as a management material...supervising his younger brother on kitchen duty

 Sun is shining brightly  and it looks warmer...but looks are deceiving...

 Cold medicine on board, feeling a little better..

choices choices..

(Decided on a little bit of both: watched Little Women and read for awhile)

Checking in on the guys...

Dom made a trip to Comcast to replace our cable modem.

Fingers crossed that this provides us with an answer to our flaky internet.

Miles is working on some backlogged homework (he too has been out sick with the crud, and now is discovering the joy of making up missed classwork.

 Miles and I decided to go to church this evening,

(poor kid, behind in school work AND sermon notes)

Why yes, the Broncos are playing this afternoon...which explains the near empty service 

At least there was one appropriate commercial on during the game...KFC game day bucket sounded just right for dinner

And here we are, about 12 hrs later, with not much change in the temperature.

I on the other hand am feeling much better.

Stay warm...

Stay Healthy...

Hello? Anyone home?

Oh where oh where has my blogging muse gone?

Perhaps it got buried beneath the worries of work?  No doubt, in the days leading up to winter break,  situations cropped up that they never quite cover in nursing school.  How does one distract a student while you wait for social services to come and interview her.  Keep in mind, you aren't supposed to let her know that's what you are waiting for.  I never was very good at poker, but many more situations like that, and my "poker face" might be considered acceptable.    

Or maybe the blog got pushed aside in favor of spending time with the family? I mean, it has been winter break, and we really should set aside our usual habits and spend time together.  Yeah, right, it looked more like this:

Nah, just kidding:  here is what Christmas really looked like at our house

This year we decided to give a real tree a chance

Verdict?  nobody was too impressed with the difference

Although I am 100% certain we were the only family to bring a color-coordinated vehicle 

to Home Depot to transport our tree back home.

 Even at 13, the box provides a source of entertainment

 Low on Holiday Spirit?  

May I suggest next year you visit the Colorado Symphony and Chorale 

in their annual Colorado Christmas show.   

Between their performance of Believe and the Hallelujah chorus, 

you will be moved to tears (ok, so if by you, I really mean me, yeah...I was a sobbing it was such a heartfelt performance)

 Moosey still hanging in there...

this year the 15 year old discovered the saved Build-A-Bear outfits and had so much fun dressing up Moosey that younger brother remarked "I need to just leave the room, it is just too tempting to not tease him".  

 OK, so those were  my pre-Christmas excuses, what about now?  I mean seriously, everyone else in the blog world has done either a fabulous year end review or they've written beautiful summaries of the plans they have for 2013 (and by everyone I am referring to my hubby and my good friend Karen)

Well, really, who has time to blog, when you've found yourself swept away by two really great books:

 My review:  who knew a great book could include two main characters that the reader doesn't like at all.  The story involves a couple that moved from the glitz-and-glamour of NYC (where the wife was a born-n-bred New Yorker  to Missouri (the childhood home of the husband).  On their 5th wedding anniversary, the wife disappears.  And well, we've all watched enough t.v. to know that the husband is always the killer.  Or is he?  Read it and find out.  But I'm warning you, you'll probably walk away from the book thankful for the sanity of those in your life, and realizing that a book can be good even if you don't really like any of the main characters).

My review:  talk about a very timely read!  This is the book club read for my neighborhood book club.  Jacob is a 14 year old boy accused of killing his 8th grade classmate in cold blood.  His parents come to his defense, as any good parents would, right?  Well, again, not so easy when you learn that not only is Jacob's dad the lead attorney in the District Attorney's office, but there are some family secrets that make this a bit more complicated than it already is.  The author does almost too good of a job capturing the voice of the adolescent and I'm sure our discussion will be very lively especially when you factor in recent current events that have involved young people accused of the unthinkable.   And, hello, I am the mom to both a 13 and a 15 year old:  that averages out to a 14 year old boy.  Could that be anyone of us?  I hope not, but this author wrote such a gripping story that I found myself pondering the "what would I do" dilemma that this family faced.

So, reading books, hanging out, sleeping in, oh yeah I almost forgot, watching movies.  We've watched several good ones here at home (The Help and I introduced my hubby to my all time favorite flick, Love Actually).  Yesterday, I rounded up a few gal pals and we took in this great show

I'll admit, while I have seen the Broadway play, it is not what I would consider one of my all time favorites.  Not sure why, but it just is (I think I am more of a fan of the plays that involve great dance numbers, with happy-go-lucky songs you can hum along to).  But this movie?  OMG:  pack the tissues again.  The songs were so clearly sung that you could really appreciate the story being told.  And while Russell Crowe does not have the strongest voice of the cast, he still does a remarkable job surrounded by a superb cast.  I'm hopeful that Hollywood wakes up and notices the talents of Samantha Barks for her amazing job as Eponine.

So there ya go, winter break is almost over.  We've finished out 2012:  healthier and happier than we were when it started.  I'm heading back to work on Monday, rested and ready to face the challenges that come my way.   Ok, I'm probably not ready for challenges that involve the crisis team:  for now, I'll be happy with just your run-of-the-mill stomach viruses and wardrobe malfunctions.  Those events involving added mental health support and visits from Federal agencies?  We can leave those all in the past, thank-you-very much

I'll finish up this long winded, long over due Blog update with a belated

While many start out the new year with new challenges:  either to take a picture a day, or focus on "Just one Word", I'm going in a different direction (because you know that's just the way I roll).  I plan to focus on this simple blessing, to guide me through the year:

I pray I keep learning

when to keep silent

and when to speak

What to love and what to hate

Trusting through the laughter and the tears

in the One who orchestrates our years

Making all things beautiful in their time.  

Happy New Year friends and family!  

Unforgettable You!

Patrick in first grade...

Miles and friends in first grade...

The events in Newton CT weights heavy on my mind right now.  I remember my own boys at that age.  So full of joy and excitement.  A natural sense of curiosity and oblivious to the worries of the world around them.  My heart goes out to the community as they try to make sense of that which seems impossible to imagine.

Driving home this afternoon, Thing One announced "I hope the Mayans are wrong, I'm not ready for the world to end".

Me neither, son, me neither....and again, my mind wandered back to those precious little first graders who probably were too young to even know about the Mayans, much less their calendar that ends later this week.

Thing One went on to reflect "And if it does end, how will the world remember me?  I'm too young to have made an impression on anyone.".

It was then that I just about lost it....no my son....you made an impression from that first breath you took and continue to impress all of those you meet.  From your funny remarks when we think you aren't paying attention, to your genuine concern for others. You are a determined young man:   working hard to figure out things that for most kids come naturally.  Your focus amazes me (and yes, some days it frustrates me as well).  And so while there are days when you drive me to drink...chances are pretty good I wanted that drink and am using your rather typical teenage antics as my excuse.

The world will remember you, Thing One....make no mistake about that....you are indeed unforgettable!

Best of the Week

I'm sure there is humor to be found in every work place.   But, when you take 2400 teens, toss in a side of 175 adults assigned to their education and supervision, a high school provides more than your average amount of entertainment.    Our dean's office holds an occasional-and-very informal BEST OF THE WEEK competition.  Sort of a "can you top this?" in terms of the crazy stories.    I'm usually a top contender with my tales from the clinic.  

This week I was sure I had a lock on the win.  Young, very fit Latina girl comes in and notes that she is sore, all over as she gestures to her thighs and lady-parts.  She quickly corrected herself with a defensive "It's NOT from what you think!".    At that point, I really hadn't had much of a chance to formulate any thoughts:  too taken aback by her enthusiastic presentation of her presenting complaint.

She continued with her tale:    "you see, my uncle, he rented a bus for my cousin's 16th birthday.  You know, like a party bus.  And well, there was this pole and I was dancing"

At that point, I blurted out, in typical filter less Martha fashion:  "So, you are sore from POLE DANCING?"

yep, pretty much a lock, wouldn't you agree?

Apparently not!  Friday morning my friend and fellow school nurse texted me with a clinical encounter she'd just managed.  Seems a little kindergartner had splash back....in the eye.  And here, my dear friend, with her master's degree in nursing, must ask without a hint of giggle or smirk "Well, was it your pee or someone else's?

That pretty much took away my chances of winning "Best of the Week"....how can you compete with the sweet innocence of a 5 year old, against the trashy  behavior of a 15 year old dance queen?

Yep....we could write a book....but would I doubt anyone would believe?

Day 25-26-27-28-29-30

Rats!  I did it again....I do so well until Thanksgiving and I fall off the old Gratitude Wagon.
And it isn't like I've switched gears and gone all into "Merry Christmas" zone.
(that's only because I honored my husband's request that we wait until at least December 1st before going full on Holiday madness in terms decking halls and such.

So, where was I...

Day 25:   Ok, so maybe a wee bit of decorating happened this weekend.  Thing Two has been asking for years to please put up some outdoor lights.  Hubby and I have not been big fans of the outdoor decorations ever since we were victims of vandals and thefts of our decorations back at the old house.  But, Thing Two   is  finally tall enough to tackle this task pretty much on his own.  Hubby assisted with some of the ladder moving, but Thing Two did a fair amount of the actual work.  I'm thankful that not only is Thing Two at this stage of being able to help, I'm thankful that Hubby recognized this was something the kid really wanted to do...so he agreed to putting up lights.    The jury is still out on whether this was the start of an annual father-son bonding tradition or a successful love-n-logic moment (as the kid's initial remarks were "wow,that was a lot of work".

Tracey's clinic

  a couple of us moms decorated her office for her first day of work this past summer

Day 26:  I"m thankful that my good friend, Tracey is hanging in there with the school nursing stuff.   I'm so thankful  to have a good neighbor friend that does pretty much the same job I do,with the same employer. Just at a different school.    Tracey is getting ready for her first evaluation of her own clinic (last year, she had a slightly different assignment as a school nurse) so I dropped by  her office and helped her get ready.  Truth of the matter is, she's more than ready, but it's always good to have that validation and reassurance from a friend who knows and understands the challenges of your work.  I'm thankful I was able to be that source of support for her as she enters into the worry-zone.

 
Day 27:   am thankful for Hulu Plus.   Yep, as cheesy as it sounds, I enjoy spending a lazy evening catching up on shows I didn't get to watch earlier in the week.

Day 28:  I'm the nurse in charge of 2400 kids.  But I'm most thankful for the 10 or so students that are considered "severely impacted" or "medically fragile".   For they remind me, with their unconditional love and determination what it really means to be a school nurse.

 My feelings were hurt about being left out of some recent conversations. A situation that I should have been involved in, but nobody thought to include me in the discussions.   I found myself questioning how does my administration view my role in this setting?   Am I really part of the team or just the lady that passes out the tampons and the bandaids?  

 But the truth of the matter, the administration can view me however they choose.  I can't change that.  What I can do is be thankful that regardless of the role others perceive me as playing, what really matters is the role I do play.  The fella standing in the doorway?  Every day, one of his rewards for good behavior is getting to come see me and we play a quick round of hide-and-seek.

 Hello?  These kids give me so many reasons to  be grateful and today.....they grounded me and brought me back to reality!

Day 29:  Oh my, I almost forgot to give thanks for my new concrete porch.  What?  You didn't know that the 17th anniversary traditional gift is concrete?  Ok, so maybe it really isn't concrete, but our front porch was so badly cracked that it was posing a threat to the foundation and causing our brick column to lean.  This month, we finally had it replaced and while in the process, they expanded the size and made it look a little less like everyone else's.  When you live in suburbia, those little touches that separate you from all the others are something to give thanks for.

 Day 30:  Ta-da....the month is over. 30 days of giving Thanks.  It's quite the challenge to complete.  But again, I am grateful I do it.  And now I must shift gears and work on the Family Christmas letter.  Wish me luck?!  I fear I used all my good stuff being thankful! 

Thankful for Day 24

I'm running a day late right now....but today I'm pausing to give Thanks for the gift that comes with having a big sister.  She has always been there for me....whether it is helping with the chores back in the day, or  planning a picnic for 40+ family and friends.

So yes, I may  smile because she's stuck with me.....but I am thankful that there is nothing she can do about that!  

Thankful for Day 23

today proved too bright of a day for pictures to turn out.

this photo was taken on a previous trip to this beautiful park just a short distance from our house.

For some, the day-after Thanksgiving is all about scoring a great deal at an over-crowded shopping mall.
For me, I'm thankful that my boys are now old enough to stay home alone, and I joined Hubby on a short ride to Red Rocks.

And while the sun was out, it was still a little brisk....thankfully, hubby had me covered with a heated blanket.  Sit on said blanket and VOILA:  bun warmers!

Thankful for Day 22

Last night, I was indeed thankful for Tums!

Too much of a good thing...was indeed a very good thing!

Thankful Day 21

Tonight....I'm thankful that I'm not cooking tomorrow!

Donna...thank you for including us in your plans

and for helping us 

create new traditions!  

Thankful day 20

Beef....it is what was for dinner.  Should have taken a picture as the steaks turned out perfect and of course, having weather that is warm enough to grill in November is indeed something to give thanks for.

I'm also thankful that Hubby and I are financially secure enough that we can enjoy steak even when it is isn't on sale.  I mentioned this at dinner, and both Hubby and Thing Two gasped "You bought something NOT on sale?"

No, silly guys...it was still on sale.
But even if it wasn't, and I was in the mood for steak, we could have enjoyed it for dinner.

Being able to feed my family:   it is something I take for granted, but really should pause and give thanks that we are able to meet this most basic need without even a hint of worry.

Thankful for Day 19

Then....

Now...

I've never minded wearing a uniform.  It makes the decision of "what to wear" to work a no-brainer. 

  That top picture, while not me, was what I wore pretty much every day for the first 5 years of my nursing career. 

Ironed and  starched?  Check.  (and for those that know me, you know how hard it was to meet this particular requirement.  Neatness and attention to detail is more typically associated with that OTHER Martha)

white stockings?  Check

White shoes polished?  Check.

Cold?  Then grab your military issue black sweater but don't even think of going outside with your sweater still on (it was for indoor use only, just like your cover, aka hat, was for outdoor use only).

These days I'm thankful that I still get to enjoy the the simplicity that comes with wearing a uniform but I get to pick out what I wear (and yes, I do own this particular set, it is one of my favorites).  

And trust me, nothing beats the comfort that comes with wearing scrubs.

It makes a Monday...almost bearable!  

Thankful for Day 18

Giving thanks for a good book.   I've been experiencing quite the book-drought (FYI:  don't bother with Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close or Bad Mother.  Well, unless you are looking for validation that yes, you too could become a published author if what these two wrote passes as worthy of publication).

My friend-co-worker Susan mentioned this author and so I went in search for anything that the library might have for immediate down load.  And I too am reminded what makes her work good.  It's quick, easy, not a lot of thinking required, with likable characters.  I haven't finished it, so I can't vouch for the ending, but the first half seems to be pointing in the direction of an end to my book reading drought!  

Any other suggestions for good books?  Please include them in the comments.

Thankful for Day 17

This evening, I am giving thanks for friends that follow through.  

Earlier this Fall, I mentioned to some friends how I thought it would be fun to go see this one woman (or man,as Dixie is really a man) performance.  The show had been in Denver before and when I finally got around to looking into tickets, it was all sold out.

Much to my great surprise,  the ladies took the simple mention I made and ran with it.  Two women suggested dates, a third coordinated with the "large group" ticket sales office to see about getting a discount.  And next thing I know, 10 of us were making plans for attending this show.

I'm usually the one organizing and planning.  I am so thankful that this time,  all I found myself doing was sending my check in and deciding what to wear.

And for the record, it was indeed a fabulous show.  It was an actual  Tupperware show with all the laughter, snark, and fun that comes with this cultural phenomena called a "home party sales".     And yes, Dixie had me even putting a few things on my wish list!

  This Martha?  Always welcomes a chance to step down from the leader position and just follow!  Thank A,  K and Miss MB for making it all happen!

Thankful for Day 16

Thankful that nobody in our house is that into Twinkies?

All kidding aside, yesterday, I was simply thankful that I have good friends who will serve as my sounding board.  It was a rocky end to the day and a parent left me questioning my skills as a nurse.  It was so good to be able to phone a couple friends, and hear the validation that how I handled the situation was exactly how I was supposed to.    

Thank-you Tracey and Susan for always being there to listen to my rants, raves, and not just nod in agreement, but help me see the situation more clearly.    

Thankful for Day 15

..

One of the family stories told throughout the years was how my Grandpa Norman insisted that my name should be "Enuf".   As I was the 8th grandchild, I guess he figured he had plenty.    And as luck would have it, I did indeed end up being the last and thus proving that I guess 8 really was Enough.

Today, I'm grateful that I have enough...I have enough of the material stuff:  a house that provides shelter for me and my family, a reliable car that gets us where we need to go, money in the bank to pay the bills when they come true.

Thankful for....Day 14

Today I am again thankful for my short commute.  Oh yeah, I'm sure I've been thankful for this in year's past.  We're talking less than 1.5 miles, a handful of stop signs, a stop light or two and BOOM I'm at work.

Today's gratitude also tied into a little "love-and-logic" in action.  Older Thing was being well...a teenager.  He didn't want to get out of the cozy bed.
Ok, fine, you can walk!

I issued this consequence knowing that the commute is short enough that makes the walk reasonable and the weather, while crisp, was not unbearably cold.

And guess what?  It worked.  He showed up in my office with a sincere apology.

And that made it the perfect way to start my day (with your teenager saying "I'm really sorry Mom!")

Thankful for Day 13

Having just spent the better part of the evening helping oldest Thing work on a project for school, I am ever so thankful for the gift that is google!  

Oh my...how else would we find facts about Brazil when they don't issue a textbook?  And the book he was using in the library was for "reference" only.

With just the right search features, we found an abundance of information and sigh of relief from the child "thanks Mom!".  No, Thanks Google...as I have no clue what the answers are to the assorted facts you had to research.

Thankful for Day 12

17 years ago...we both said I DO!

I'm thankful for the marriage I have.  In my job, I have a front row seat to see some of the challenges kids face when mom and dad are no longer a happily married couple.   I value the marriage I have. No it isn't always easy, rough spots along the way, but there is nobody else I'd rather take on this journey than my loving hubby.   I can honestly say I love him more today than the day we exchanged our vows.   We are indeed well on our way to growing old together for that I give thanks!  

And just in case you think I'm going all Hallmark sappy...guess what we got each other for our anniversary?  A new front porch and a repaired driveway.  What?  You didn't know that the traditional 17th gift is concrete?   Well, in the Dom-and-Martha practical gift giving guide it is...

Thankful for day 11

We often take for granted the very things that most deserve our gratitude.  C. Ozick

Thank you to the veterans...for those who have served and to those who are serving.  It is indeed an honor and a privileged to have served my nation and I give thanks for those who continue to protect and serve our nation.  

Thankful for Day 10

Cloud cover kept the sun  in hiding for most of the day today.  As a result, I found myself weary and out of sorts.  I'm thankful that these gray cloudy days are few and far between and  most of the time, we enjoy lots and lots of sunshine here in Colorado.  

Thankful for Day 9

Thankful for Fridays....as simple as that.  It marks the end of the work week.  It holds so much potential for what the weekend will look like.  What's not to like.

 In my years as a hospital nurse, Fridays were frustrating.  When you work shift work, your work week looks different than the rest of the work world.  Oh sure, when your stretch of shifts ends on a Monday, there is still that sense of joy, but it doesn't convey the same feeling as working where everyone has the next two days off.  

In my years as a stay-at-home-mom, Fridays were ok.  A relief of having to supervise homework and enforcing bedtimes.  But they still lacked that sense of pure joy that I enjoy now that I'm working a Monday-Friday gig.

At work, Fridays take on a relaxed and happy attitude.  We're supposed to wear school spirit wear:  which is fine by me...jeans, tshirt and tennis shoes?  Talk about comfie clothing.  I participate in a "Friday snack club".  On a rotating basis, we bring in treats to share and spend the better part of Fridays grazing on the delights brought in by others.  Overall, we see fewer kids and those kids we see bring less drama to their visit than earlier in the week.