10 randoms...GO!

I don't have time to rehash the last 2 months...I'm a bad blog updater...here's a snapshot of where we are today!

1.  Jack is going Trick or Treating as YODA!  He asked to be Yoda this past summer...I found the costume for $5 on a garage sale....SCORE for MOM! 

2.  Reid got a promotion at work and while he spends a lot of time working, he likes it for the most part.  He actually just recently said, "It is such a blessing that I got hired at Cerner."  Thank you Lord, yet again for this blessing.

3.  My job on nights is going well!  I love nights....I've always been a night owl.  I am liking what I do.  I work the postpartum unit currently.  I love educating new moms, young moms, first time moms.  It is wonderful to bond with them since I can relate to the high percentage of moms who get a c-section at my hospital.  I get to train to antepartum (mom's admitted for observation during their pregnancy...not necessarily going to go into labor) during the next cycle schedule.  I'm excited to add to my knowledge of this field of women's health.

4.  Jack started preschool at St. Andrew's Catholic school.  He goes full time Mon-Fri 0700-315.  He likes his friends and for the most part his teacher.  It is much more structured than his daycare, so we're working on learning boundaries...at school and home.  Let's just say I don't think he likes authority much these days no matter who it is.

5.  Funny story about Jack and school.  I met the father of Lucy, Jack's classmate.  He told me that Lucy plays school a lot at their home.  He said, "every time she plays school, Jack Kirby is always on timeout."  Go figure...my child is always on timeout. :)  I shouldn't smile.  But, it's really funny....you laughed. 

6.  My sisters Maggie, Lucy and I got to go to the Justin Bieber concert in KC this past weekend.  We had so much fun.  I felt so old, but they definitely had fun.  JB was cute as a 15 year old, but this 18 year old "man" who sags his pants to his knees, already has 8 'tats', wears sunglasses in the dark, grabs his crotch, and grinds to his music while on stage is a little much for me.  Does that make me old?

Here's a picture of us before the concert:

7.  I'm so excited for Christmas.  It's quickly becoming an obsession in my shopping.  I buy something every time I'm out for a Christmas gift.  Ok, not every time, but I'm probably 2/3 of the way done with my shopping.  I have wrapping paper and ribbon for bows, all ready to make some pretty packages.  I can't wait to put my Christmas decor up, our tree, drink some hot cocoa, and spend some good quality time together.

8. We took Kirby family pictures last weekend at English Landing park in Parkville. It was chilly, but beautiful out and made for some great pictures. It is a task to get us all looking and smiling at the same time. But our photographer got some great shots. So wonderful to have those memories in print and to see us all in one pictures. Jack's great-grandma Peggy even came from Osage Beach, MO to get in on the action. Here's a few for your viewing pleasure...

 The whole group (click for a larger view)

 Our little family of 3:

 All the kiddos:

 Justyn, Jack, and McKenna:

 Happy Holidays from the family:

9.  My TV show that I was watching on DVR just ended and "Jack's Big Music Show" on NickJr came on once it flipped back to regular TV.  Do kids really like that show?  I never had an affinity to puppets....

10.  I have to work Christmas Eve night and I'm pretty bummed.  I'm the only nights person that has a young child and I'm going to miss being Santa and seeing Jack once he comes down stairs to see all the presents.  But, Reid has been so understanding and encouraging.  He told me that he'd keep Jack upstairs till I get home and then bring him down so we can both be there.  He assured me that we'd make Christmas happen with the families whenever we can and it will all work out.  He's so good for me...such a voice of reason in my clouded brain of doubt and pessimism, at times. 

That's all folks.  Until next time...

Can't forget this one...

I cannot forget this comment that Jack made tonight, so I'm making it permanent. 

It is a holy day of obligation in the Catholic Church (Assumption of Mary) tomorrow and we went to Mass tonight.  Jack usually walks up to communion with us, with his little hands folded in front of him very reverently.  The priest is very good about giving the children blessings, since they can't receive communion yet.  But tonight we ended up getting in the other line with a communion minister (who do not give out blessings).  On the way back to our seats Jack started to whine saying "I didn't get a blessing!"  I picked him up and quietly whispered "Shh...we will get one after church."  Then so cutely he looked at me and said, "When do I get a magic chip?"  Referring to the communion wafer.  I had to laugh out loud and squeeze him so tight.  His innocence and inquiring mind makes my heart smile. 

Until next time...

Erased

I started a blog yesterday and then erased the whole thing...I have nothing exciting to write about!  And my regular life seemed really boring in paragraph form.  So...we're alive, things are going well!  I'm in my last weeks of orientation to the mother/baby unit at Truman Medical Center.  I'll work one 6 weeks schedule on that unit and then move on to Antepartum/Labor & Delivery.  I had a full patient load by myself for the last two nights and I'm so thankful I survived.  The boys are doing great.  Reid is so busy at work...maybe one of the reasons that I have nothing exciting to say!  Jack is keeping us laughing and happy.  Despite his sometimes difficult 3 year old ways, we're loving life with him. 

I suppose 1 cool thing is that we got a new car.  We upgraded our Equinox to a newer Equinox with MUCH less miles.  It has a built in DVD for my little man to enjoy movies on our long trips, an automatic starter (will really love this in the winter) and a reverse camera in the mirror.  Jack saw it come on when I put the car in reverse and then when you switch to "drive" it goes away.  Jack squealed, "It's a magic mirror!"  :)  Too cute. 


Last weekend we went back home to Hastings for my 10 year high school reunion.  It's amazing that it's been 10 years.  I thoroughly enjoyed catching up with the group of people that attended.  High school was such a care free time in life and it was fun to remember and make new memories together. 

Class of 2002 (the members that showed up):

 Me and the love of my life:

 Me and the girls:

That's about all I've got...STAY COOL...until next time...

Fun, sun, TEXAS!

This past week we decided to take a spontaneous trip to Texas!  It all came together really fast.  Two weeks ago we took the offer from Reid's Aunt Mary and Uncle Jeff to stay at their newly purchased lake house, with them.  Reid's boss agreed to give him 4 days off.  Little did we realize that Memorial Day was Monday, so we ended up being able to stay in Texas from Tuesday until yesterday (Monday).  It was incredibly relaxing and fun.  It was a week without television, computers, and schedules.  We were on lake time. 
Part of the joy of the lake was seeing Jack enjoy his vacation to the fullest.  He did and said SO many hilarious things.  I'll do my best to recap.
Tuesday (the day after I PASSED my NCLEX, nurse licensing exam --woohoo!), we loaded up the car and left for Texas at 0400.  We stopped in Oklahoma City, at the Zoo for a few hours.  It was almost the halfway point and a great opportunity to walk around and get some exercise.  13.5 hours in a car is a LONG time!  I love zoos and I think Jack is inheriting that from me.  He loved running around and seeing all the animals.  Reid thinks zoos are all the same and he fears that I'm going to make him go to every zoo in the US.  (Maybe not all, but several)  :).  On the contrary, I saw several animals I have never seen at a zoo!  We saw Harpy Eagles and anteaters, brown bears, and HUGE buzzards.  Jack loved pointing out those animals because Diego, the NickJr character, saved the Harpy Eagle and an anteater.  It was great to see him regurgitate that information.  He was telling me all about what they eat and where they live. 

Jack at the entrance to the Oklahoma City Zoo:

 Jack walked right up to this window and tried to hug the bear:

 After the zoo, we stopped for a picnic lunch and headed out south again.  The zoo was also incredibly useful in the fact that it knocked Jack out for a long nap! 
We arrived in Canyon Lake, TX around 9pm Tuesday evening.  We were happy to be out of the car and got acclimated to the lake house.  The next morning, the adventures began.  Jack took like a fish to the water.  He was swimming early mornings with Aunt Mary, almost every day.  He spent as much time in the water as we could.  By the end of the week he was swimming from the floating island to the shore, from person to person, over to the jump rock, and every where he could.  He got to ride on a tube with his 2nd cousin Neal behind the jet ski, he was on the sea-doo (or "skied" as Jack says) with his dad, road on a boat with the neighbors, and jumped off the jump rock multiple times.  He had so much fun throwing rocks in the water and finding seashells.  He would find 2 shells together and he said, "Look mom, 2 shells together...it's a clam!"  Then he promptly broke them apart with a big rock.  And throwing rocks apparently never gets boring for a 3 year old.  Every morning he requested to "go throw rocks" or "swim with Aunt Mary".  :)

Jack loves Texas and Texas-shaped chips:

The first time we went down to the shore, Jack was so excited to get in and he just stripped off his clothes and went in, in his undies.  He also learned to farmer pee while we were there.  All week he thought it was the coolest thing to pee into the lake from the shore.  He would scream "Ah, I have to go pee" and then run to the shore and whip it out and stick his little belly out and watch himself with pride at the perfect stream.  While I don't condone public displays of private parts, this was hilarious.  You couldn't help but laugh.  He was so excited and proud.  Once he was done, he just tucked it back in and went back to the water!

My little fishy- climbing rocks, finding shells:

 This was the first time he went swimming.  He learned to "launch" off the shore and swim out to Aunt Mary:

By the end of the week he was swimming on his own (with life jacket of course).  Here he is swimming with Neal, over to the jump rock.  He learned from Aunt Mary to say, "Move out of my way water, move out of my way!"  One time he yelled, "Momma look at me, I'm like Nemo!"  I loved watching his little swimmer traits come out.  :)

 Here is a view from Mary and Jeff's lake house deck.  Just beautiful:

One day we spent the morning at the local Children's Museum.  It was really cool.  This is another thing I loved as a child and I might drag Reid to several over the course of our kids lives.  :)  This one had a spaceship, grocery store, campout, cave, ranch, bank, art room, human body/hospital, etc.  It was so much fun.  Here is Jack dressed up in a spacesuit.  He recently learned about planets and loved playing at the control desk of the spaceship:

 Jack doing a little grocery shopping:

 A family picture before we left for home.  I loved being able to experience this with my boys. 

This trip was much deserved after this long year of school-work and splitting my time between my husband, baby, and school.  It was a great way to start our summer off and lots of fun making so many memories.  On the way home Jack couldn't stop asking "When are we going back to Texas??"  So, here's hoping for another trip soon!
Until next time...

a weekend full of "-ations"

The past 4 days have been FULL of celebrations!  Last night, laying in my bed and reflecting, I had an overwhelming feeling of gratitude to the Lord, my family, and amazing friends.
Thursday May 11th was Reid and my 4th wedding anniversary.  Reid's cousin Daniel came over and kept Jack so that we could go to a movie.  We chose the Avengers in 3-D Imax and were not disappointed.  I had never been to a 3-D movie before.  It was fun to experience it with Reid and I am happy we both have an affinity for superheroes.  :) 

My cute hubby and I with our 3-D glasses on:

Friday, happened to be my 28th birthday!  That morning I was able to take Jack to school, since classes were done for me.  His school was celebrating Mother's Day early, with "Muffins for Mom".  Jack picked out a chocolate chocolate chip muffin (a man after my own heart) and OJ to split.  They took our picture and we got to eat breakfast together.  It was a great start to my day. 

Jack and I at his school:

I spent the morning relaxing and doing a little random shopping.  My parents arrived in time for a late lunch.  We grabbed Jack from school and then enjoyed some 54th Street.  It was so nice to get to eat with them and catch up, one-on-one. 

My birthday dessert:

That night happened to be my Pinning ceremony from Nursing School.  It was a huge day.  Reid's Aunt Jayne pinned me during the ceremony.  She is a William Jewell College nursing alum, as well.  It was a fabulous end to a crazy year.  I am still kind of in shock that it's all already over.  It went so fast!  After pinning was over, we headed to Conrad's Alehouse for a party.  What better excuse than Pinning and my birthday, to have a party!  I was so surprised and happy to have time with all of my friends and family that showed up.  I spent the night catching up with old friends, dancing with new friends, and just having a really great time.  It was the PERFECT ending to my special day.   

My happy family after pinning:

 Aunt Jayne and me at my birthday/graduation party:

Saturday morning we got up and packed to head to Hastings.  2 side stories that happened between the time we packed for Hastings and actually arrived there.
1st side story-- on the way out of town we stopped at Uniforms PRN because I knew they were having customer appreciation day where you could draw for 10-20% off your purchase.  There were 2 chances to win 50% off.  I knew that I'd need to buy new scrubs and I need a new stethoscope, so I told Reid, I might as well go look!  Well, go figure, I pulled the 50% coupon!!  I was SO excited!  I am NOT lucky at all...but apparently somebody knew I needed all new scrubs and stethoscope.  I got 3 scrub tops and 3 scrub bottoms AND my stethoscope for 1/2 price!  (Great way to start my day...shopping and deals!)
2nd side story-- While we were driving to Hastings, my brother's girlfriend Angela became a DOCTOR.  Ok, it really took several years of hard work, but she had her graduation ceremony that afternoon.  We would've loved to have been there, had it not been during Jack's nap time.  But, now she is officially Dr. Angela Schleeper.  We are SO proud of Ang!!  (picture to come...someday).
We spent Saturday afternoon/evening, just catching up with my siblings.  My parents and Ben made it back to town late that night.  It was up early for Baccalaureate Mass on Sunday morning.  It doesn't seem possible that Timothy is old enough to graduate.  Let alone the kids in his class that I used to babysit!  The service was great.  We had a wonderful Mother's Day brunch at the country club in between Mass and Graduation ceremony.  So, not only was it 3 graduations, a birthday, and an anniversary...it was ALSO Mother's Day!!  Crazy busy weekend, but so wonderful to spend with our family.  Tim's graduation was fast...which is kind of shocking.  His class is very impressive and he is quite the young man.  I'm so blessed to have 6 amazing siblings, each talented in their owns ways.  I'm awed at their individual relationships with the Lord, and they all inspire me to be a better person. 

Here is Timothy and my parents.  #5 of 7 kids graduated! 

 Timothy and his favorite sisters:

So, if you haven't kept up...that was Anniversary, birthday, pinning/graduation, graduation, Mother's Day, and another graduation.  :)  Phew---I could probably sleep for a week! 

Until next time...



I'm DONE!....almost

This morning I took my LAST FINAL for Nursing school and I feel SO accomplished!  I cannot believe that I've survived this year.  I can't believe that my family has survived this year.  It's been a crazy, fast, emotional, rewarding, sad, happy, fun, and incredibly enlightening.  I know now, more than before that nursing is the field I'm meant to be in.  I am confident in saying that I'm going to be a damn good nurse.  I cannot wait for my future. 
Speaking of (and if you haven't already read it on Facebook), I'll be starting June 4th at Truman Medical Center in Labor & Delivery!! I'm going to have the best of both pediatrics and adults.  I am so scared about the lack of L&D knowledge I have, however, I know that I will get a great Graduate Nurse education from TMC.  I also found comfort in the fact that I had Jack at TMC and I know there are some amazing nurses and doctors up there. 
Tomorrow we have a day of activities required by the nursing department that we have to complete and then Friday night is pinning.  It's going to be bittersweet.  I've made some great new friends and we've been seeing each other all day, every day for the last 12 months.  It will be strange to get back to "normalcy".  I've got a million things to do though so I know I'll have plenty of distractions. 
To all of you who read this, THANK YOU for supporting me in any way that you have over this past year.  It's been an amazing journey and I have some wonderful, understanding family and friends. 
Until next time...

Looking forward

It's only a few days over 40, until graduation!  There are a lot of things left to do between now and then, but I keep looking forward and that's what is keeping me motivated.
Here's the beginning of a laundry list of "normal" things I can't wait to do after graduation.  I didn't realize how much I've put aside for this year until I started talking about all the things I can't wait to do again.
*reading non-nursing books.  I have a huge pile of books I've accumulated that are just waiting to be read!
*going to the park with my boys
*running...ok, ok I'll probably start with walking.  But, my plan is to start the "couch to 5K" regimen.  I think it'll be a good transition.  Hopefully I can actually stay motivated to do this.
*going to the pool/laying out
*cook meals and enjoy dinner time with my family
*see my girlfriends/drinks/dinners/play dates with our kids
*knit
*travelling (road trips, plane trips, boat trips..who knows!)
*watch a TV show in real time
*deep clean my house and cars-- unfortunately this always seems to get pushed to the end of my to-do list
*home improvements
*sleep in
*stay up late just because
*go TO the movies...not just redboxing it

well, I know there are more things in mind, but I'll have to add them later.  School work awaits.
Until next time...

3 year old stats

This morning we had Jack's 3 y/o Well Child Check and he got a clean bill of health.  Here are the his 3 y/o stats:
Height:  40.5in - 98th percentile
Weight: 38.6lbs- 95th percentile

He has gained 6 pounds and grew 4 inches in the last year.  Dr. Cattaneo told us that his growth has been great, consistent and on track.  This past year he has been consistently between the 97-99th precentile for height and 85-95th percentile for weight.  I just plugged in his numbers on Babycenter.com Height predictor.  A year ago it told us he had a 90% chance to be within 2 inches of 6'8" by the time he was 18.  Today, with his new measurements, he is predicted 90% chance to be within 2 inches of 6'2" by the time he is 18.  That's a little more believable. 

Until next time...

Three at last, three at last!

Jack is 3!  Hold the phone, it's really true...my sweet little bub is 3!  We had a fantastic day of celebrations with friends and family. 
We started the morning with green pancakes, our little birthday tradition.  Jack was adorable while we sang happy birthday to him.  He just had a great little twinkle in his eye.  He also got to open his snail mail cards and gifts. 

My cute little guy watching the candles: 

 "I got some money mom!":

Jack and his daddy went with my inlaws to the parade in downtown KC.  This has become kind of a tradition for them and this year did not disappoint.  He came home with a 4 leaf clover tattoo and seemed like he really enjoyed it. 

My boys before the parade: 

Here is a picture of Jack and his cousins McKenna, Justyn, and Ella:

After the parade we all met up at Smokehouse BBQ for some yummy lunch.  My cousin Jennifer brought her kids Emery and Elle to town for a visit and joined us.  Jack was so excited that Emery and Elle Madeleine were here!  Grandma Judy made yummy cupcakes complete with green frosting for another yummy birthday treat. 

Jack and Emery were excited to see each other: 

After nap time, a few more friends joined us at our house for pizza and games and presents.  Gabby, Anthony, and Owen came over with their parents and just hung out for a little bit.  It was laid back and lots of fun for the kids to play together.  They got to go outside and kick around the soccer ball and run around.  Jack got some really nice gifts.  It was hilarious watching him open presents.  He'd pull something out and said, "WHAT!?" It was too funny- quite the little character.

We had a CARS themed party complete with Spare Tire Cupcakes: 

 Last candle of the day.  Such a big boy: 

 Emery, Gabby, and Jack posing for a picture: 

All in all, it was a fantastic day and I am so grateful for all the love for this special little boy.  We are all so blessed.

Leaving you with one last picture...This makes me think of when Jennifer and I were little girls.  I'm so excited that Jack and Emery love each other.  They will be friends forever, I can just tell.

Until next time...

Hard not to get choked up

This morning I've been checking things off my to-do list left and right and it's a great feeling.  One of the items is "organize Jack's 3rd birthday".  First off, I cannot believe that in 5 days I'll have an official 3 year old.  It's just impossible...right?!  Just the other day he was this roly poly baby that slept and ate all the time.  I cannot believe how fast time is going.  I went back and looked at several of my online albums of all his pictures (and yes I shed a few tears).  He has grown up so much even just in the past year.  But, the physical change is amazing.  I have a little man now!  Just last night we buzzed his head from a MOHAWK into a buzz cut with RACING STRIPES on his temples since he's having a CARS birthday. Last night before bed he was trying to decide what his racing name will be for his birthday party.  It was just another awesome moment we shared.   
Here are just a few more of some of my favorite memories-

Nothing like a huge smile wearing his daddy's hat: 

 My sweet little "burger king": 

 Back in the day (when he used to puke everywhere) we would keep him in a bib all day.  Here is Super-puker to the rescue!  Still smiling: 

 A Liverpool fan from the beginning.  I love that he smiles all the time.  It's getting harder to get him to be so easy going about pictures: 

It's such a joy to have such a happy, funny, smart little man in my life.  I truly feel so blessed that God had this amazing plan for me and Reid.  Jack has changed our lives for the better in so many ways.  It's not always easy being a parent, but seeing all these memories helps me put things into perspective.  The good absolutely outweighs the bad.  I'm so excited for the future of this young boy.  I love you JGK--all the way to the moon!

Until next time...  

Jack's 3...almost

This past weekend we were so excited to spend some time with my family.  They came down early since the kids didn't have school on Friday and it was AWESOME to have 2 full days with them.  That's a rarity!  They wanted to come see us and celebrate a certain grandson/nephew's birthday a little bit early.  We had beautiful weather for their visit and jam packed as much in as possible.  On Saturday we got up early and I drug the whole bunch to the zoo for Pancakes for Penguins!  I was really excited to use our zoo membership (early bday present for Jack) for the first time and of course support the cause of getting penguins back to the zoo.  It was a huge success considering we stood in line for an hour until we actually got our pancakes.  But- they were yummy and a nice breakfast before we trekked across Africa and part of Australia.  Afterward we came home and sung happy birthday and let Jack open a few presents.  It was a fabulous weekend and makes me wish my family lived closer.  Some day, maybe...
Here are a few pictures from our weekend-

Jack's getting so tall:

Uncle Timmy and Jack:

 Love taking family pictures at the zoo:

 Jack and his awesome Eileen's cookie the family brought from Hastings:

 Aunt Maggie wins "best present" award...Angry Birds:

More birthday posts to come later this week.  Until next time...

10 things I love

Did you know that the tradition of 'valentines' started around the 15th century when lovers (insert French accent) sent flowers, confectionaries, and cards to their significant others to express their love?  Crazy that we're still doing it so many years later, but I for one love to receive a good Valentine.  And this year my husband did NOT disappoint.  In fact, it might've been the best one yet!  He planned and cooked dinner- Stuffed peppers, chocolate covered strawberries, fruit, and wine.  AND he showered me with a beautiful bouquet of flowers that even had some of the same flowers in our wedding.  It was very special.  And then to top it off with a very funny, Reid-like card that had a couple, smiling really big, on stilts on the front cover and the inside said, "Even the dumb-ass things are fun with you".  Perfect ending to a perfect night.  :)  Ha! 
So, in the honor of Valentine's Day and the holiday of lurrrve (insert French accent) I will share 10 things I love.
In no particular order...
1)  My little buddy Jack.  His sense of humor, the way he hugs me and runs to me when he's scared, and his big brown eyes.  He captures my heart every.single.day.
2) My hubby.  His sense of humor, the way he hugs me, and his big brown eyes (yes, the two boys in my life are quite similar).  He continues to capture my heart every day, too.  :)
3) I love breakfast for dinner.  Pancakes, french toast, eggs, bacon, anything...so good.
4) Sleeping in.  I feel very sleep deprived these days and any extra second I get I will take. 
5) Taking care of kiddos at work.  Seriously there is something about caring for a child that makes my heart feel full.  They put a smile on my face even in the saddest situations.
6) Movie nights/picnics in our living room.  We do this often since it's cheap and a) we have to eat and b) movies are fun!
7) Playing the piano.  Boy do I miss this luxury.  Someday I'll own a baby grand...
8) A good glass of Moscato or a Margarita.  Relaxing...
9) May 11th...this year it will be my 28th birthday AND my pinning for nursing school.  Woohoo...can't wait for this day!
10) And let's see...#10 today is reality TV.  Yes, I'm a glutton for crappy TV shows.  But, they are just fun and funny and I can always use a good laugh.

Hope your day was full of LOVE! 
Until next time...

L.O.V.E.

Tonight my little man and I had dinner together while daddy was planning something (likely more details to come as I believe it was a V-Day surprise!).  anywho- Jack looked up at me, mid-bite and said, "Mommy guess how much I love you?"  To which I replied, "How much bub?" 
"All the way to the moon!  That's really far isn't it mommy?"  My heart melted.

Until next time...

Another milestone?!

Today Jack has reached another...er....milestone.  I guess you could call it that.  He has his first case of strep throat.  (ugh)  I feel compelled to write this down since I've kept track of mostly every other 'first' in his life.  And it gives me a chance to update the blog.  Not a very happy subject, however.
This weekend the poor little guy has been running a fever and I had to do everything in my power not to go to Urgent Care.  It's really sad that I have to put so much thought into whether or not we should take him there, all because we don't know how insurance would pay for it.  We treated his fever and cough the past 3 days and this morning he woke up with another 101.5 fever.  So, thankfully our awesome pediatrician has Easy Care hours on Monday mornings and we were there at 0700 for a check up and sure enough, we're positive for Strep!  Interestingly enough I had a sneaky suspicion this was part of the diagnosis.  He smells 'streppy'.  And anyone who's had strep knows what I'm talking about-- rancid strep breath.  Poor little guy was gifted with an awful morning breath to begin with and with strep it's just unbearable.  (he's going to love me when he reads this in 10 years) :) 
Secretly I'm excited to have him home with me all day.  Likely he'll take my attention away from my to-do list, but who wants to do school work anyway.  Procrastination is my 2nd middle name.  We picked up some donuts, gatorade, a new toothbrush (yes nursing friends, the doctor really says buy a new toothbrush!), his meds, and Kung Fu Panda 2 on Redbox.  Pj's are on and we're going to snuggle all day.  (Again I secretly love this sick day)

Here is the happiest sick boy you'll find.  He got GREEN popsicle from the doctor while we waited for the strep test:

Hope this finds YOU healthy!  Until next time...

Procrastination!

Another Monday test = a day full of procrastination.  I slept today for the first time in forever, due to shear exhaustion after this week.  We've been doing laundry, baked some ginger pumpkin bread, fixed some computer issues, updated my calendar, and now the only thing on my list is prepare for my exam tomorrow.  Yep, you're right...3rd exam in 3.5 weeks!  So, instead of studying I'll recap you in the happenings over the past two weeks!

*Just finished our first week of Management in Nursing.  I'm overwhelmed and scared for this semester.  BUT we're almost to February and it's just going to keep moving fast. 

*I've decided to take the NCLEX (boards for nursing) in Kansas.  Kansas does not require transcripts before allowing you to sign up for a test date.  So, instead of waiting until June-ish to test, I'm going to try and test during the last two weeks of May.  I'll be able to get a duplicate license in MO after I pay a small fee. 

*Reid and I toured 10 homes yesterday.  I think we're going to try and sell or rent out our house.  We found two homes that we love and could move into, tomorrow. But, a slight obstacle stands in our way and that's the current home.  Whichever comes first- renting or selling, we'll do...so if you know friends/family/acquaintances that need a home...send them our way!!  You cannot rent an apartment with 3 bedrooms for what you could buy this house for. 

*Jack has been getting great reports from school and I think he's really enjoying being in the 4 y/o's classroom.  He's learning a lot and comes home with the best stories.  We're going to visit a preschool open house this coming weekend.  I'm really excited about this and hoping Jack enjoys it so we can sign him up for school!

*Reid won his fantasy football league and got a nice chunk of change as the prize.  So, after 3 years of nagging on him for spending $50 each year and losing miserably, he finally won.  AND he was smart and put $50 of it away for next year's league.  (Who says you can't train 'em with good habits)  :)

Not a whole lot else has been going on.  Just very busy with school and work and trying to squeeze in family time whenever we can.  Hope this finds you well.
Until next time...

I want I want I want...

I feel like I could get along real well with Brother and Sister Berenstein bears in the "Case of the Gimmes" book.  I have so many things I'd like to be able to purchase, change, decorate with, wear, use, etc.  So, I'm just going to keep a mini-bucket list of sorts and what better place to do it!  Wants (as of 1/7/12):
*New house- big-- 5 bedrooms! With a big backyard, finished basement, and more storage than I know what to do with.  Those are 3 deal breakers as we search for a new home.

*A new car...I know I know, we have 2 really great cars, but there always something nicer and newer.  I fell in love with a car on my uncle's lot, so maybe something like this: 

*After an accident, I'd like to purchase a new screen for my phone...but that's like $180 for parts and labor.  Considering I spent $0.01 on the phone in the beginning, thanks to my upgrade, I probably could spring for it, but I'm also going to have an upgrade in 16 months.  (That's a lot longer when you write it down)

*A maid- dusting, vacuuming, toilets, scrubbing tubs.  Ahh--that'd be wonderful.

*A rose colored watch such as this: 

*A trip to Disneyworld!  Oh how I love Disney and I have been wanting to go with my family for a couple of years now.  Maybe 2013 is the year!? 

*A romantic getaway to somewhere...all I want is a beach, sun, all-inclusive food/drinks, and fun activities.  I think that's doable.  2013 Anniversary trip will happen!

That's about it for now.  I know there are several a million other things I'd like to buy, but these are the main ones I keep thinking about most frequently.

Until next time...

I went to jail...

No really...I went to jail.  But...not because I was under arrest, but because we had to tour there for our Community Health nursing course.  And yes, that means classes have started again and life is off to the races again.  It's a little crazy how much I didn't feel like I had a break, but that's neither here nor there.  I loved getting to spend time with both of our families and we have been blessed with B-E-A-Utiful weather this "winter".  Here's hoping for no serious snow this "winter".  I can't even imagine it, but I would be totally fine with it happening. 
Life around the Kirby's is busy...as usual.  We're finishing up holiday parties this month and I'm working at Children's Mercy almost every weekend.  We will hopefully get to go celebrate Emery's birthday (my cousin's first born) at the end of the month, so maybe even a quick getaway.  We'll see how the weather plays out! 
A few facts/quotes from Jack's world:
1) He's moved up to the 3-4 year old's classroom.  No, he's not 4 and not even 3 yet, but his teacher from the 2-3s moved up and asked if he could move too.  He does very well with her and he communicates very well for his age, so I guess it's good.  He loves school so much and came home after the first day in his new room basically bursting with excitement about all the fun things he was doing.  I love to see my baby happy, so I'm happy too.
2) Jack weighs 37 lbs.  We haven't had him weighed officially on the doctor's scale, but he likes to jump up on ours occasionally and that's the latest weight.  I cannot believe it.  He's solid because he weighs as much as some kindergartners but I don't think he looks like one! 
3) Today he saw a commercial for the Fresh Beat Band concert tour and he looked at me and said, "I wish I could take you to it."  So. sweet.  I had told him that probably a week or so ago when we saw it the first time and he remembered it and said it to me.  Can you say sponge?! 
4) Jack's room has been transformed into a 'big boy' room!  All the baby decorations are down (and ready to sell).  CARS has taken over.  Jack got an awesome sheets set for Christmas from my parents and we hung 2 posters up.  I took his old letters and painted them solid colors to go more with the sheets, instead of the previous jungle theme.  He loves it and calls it a "big kid room". 

That's about it for now.  I'm procrastinating for my 1st test tomorrow; maybe my next blog will come on Thursday next week, since we have another test next Friday....oh the joys of accelerated nursing...4.5 months people.

Until next time...
A few pictures from our Christmas:

 Jack and his new CARS stocking cap and book

 Our little family

 Jack had to pose with this duck

Grandma and Jack made Christmas cookies

Aunt Sarah and Jack matched!