My Bruiser

Mrs. Nurse Boy here.

I have a child who knows no fear. Never has.


Big, strange, even unfriendly dogs? No problem!

Strangers? Bring them on!

Heights? Love 'em!

No parent in sight? Heaven!



This was the child we caught, at 18 precious months old, standing on top of the kitchen counters digging through the tall cabinets for......wait for it......prescription meds. (And, you thought we were good parents. Shame on you!)

His favorite past time was to unload bookshelves. Every shelf. Every last book. The pile was then an awesome place to practice his surfing skills. Because surfing is a common past time in the Midwest. Um...yeah.

It is no surprise we nicknamed him Bruiser. Ever since he could walk (or, should I say run, since walking was always considered too boring, practical, and calm) he has had bruises all up and down his shins. Well, not bruises, so much as badges of honor.

No corner, crevice, or hidden space is safe when Bruiser is around.

I have always prayed Psalm 91:11 over each of my children. It states, "For He will give His angels charge concerning you, to guard you in all your ways."

Bruiser always put the angels to the test. (Come to think of it, maybe I should have prayed this in the next room so he wouldn't consider it a challenge...)

I would watch this amazing child from the bench at the park or my cozy chair in our backyard and marvel at how many times this precious, endless ball of energy would fall in slow motion.

In! Slow! Motion!

No one else saw it. Just me. Nurse Boy was never looking at the right moment and the moms at the park were always socializing. I thought I was crazy. Maybe in need of glasses.

Then, one day we went to the local indoor mall playland. Bruiser spent the afternoon climbing colorful, soft, plastic tents, rocks, bridges, boats, and waterfalls. I spent the afternoon talking to a sweet, lonely mother. I was enjoying the company and Bruiser was enjoying the physical outlet.

Then it happened.

Bruiser tumbled backwards and head first off of the plastic waterfall.

In. Slow. Motion.

And, my new friend witnessed it.

I didn't say a word. I just waited to see if she saw what I saw. She immediately looked at me with eyes as round as saucers and said, "I have never seen a child fall like that."

It was official. I wasn't crazy. (However, I just might be in need of some glasses...dang aging eyes.) And, I better keep praying for my active, little guy.

And, I've never stopped.

Monday's Random Musings

Mrs. Nurse Boy here.

This weekend was one of soccer games, birthday parties, church, and Mother's Day. I even took a nap on Sunday! So here are some of my random thoughts from the weekend:

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Nurse Boy tried really hard to bless me this weekend. On Saturday, he took it upon himself to get the laundry caught up. He recruited the boys to help fold and put the laundry away. After about the fourth load, Bruiser couldn't handle it anymore. He exclaimed, "ANOTHER load of laundry?! This place is KILLING me!" (You are preaching to the choir, Bruiser. Preaching to the choir...)

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I took Sweet Pea to a birthday party this weekend. She was so excited and talked about it all week long. Once we we there, she was shy and quiet. But, while we were watching this little three year old unwrap her presents, Sweet Pea was eyeing the cake. She suddenly whispered in my ear, "Mommy, I want some cake in my mouth."

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Saturday afternoon, Dimples asked Nurse Boy if he was taking them to Jared's. As in, the national jewelry chain. I love that kid! Of course, Mommy wants diamonds for Mother's Day. OK, so Jared's does have a fabulous play area and free chocolate chip cookies. It may not have had anything to do with me after all. Those Jared's people sure do know how to bring in the business, don't they?

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I did not get diamonds for Mother's Day. Sigh...darn economy. But my folding chair for the soccer games will come in handy. I know, exciting.

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On Sunday morning I overheard Nurse Boy lecturing the kids on the fact it was Mother's Day. He instructed them to only ask him if they needed something. Anything. Only ask him. (Nice try. That never works. But, I did feel blessed that he tried.)

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Dimples asked when it will be Kid's Day. My response? Isn't that EVERY DAY?!

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Nurse Boy and I worked the Nursery at church on Sunday. After a tiring morning with 17 two year olds, the Nursery Director gave me a $5 dollar gift card to Starbucks for working the Nursery on Mother's Day. So, apparently, I change diapers and wipe bottoms for coffee.

And, I think I am OK with that.

I hope all of the moms out there had a wonderful Mother's Day!

Happy Monday!

Show Us Where You Live Friday: My Living Room

Mrs. Nurse Boy here.

It is Friday! Can I get a "Hallelujah"?

Today Kelly, over at kellyskornerblog.com is hosting another Show Us Where You Live Friday. Today, you can hop over there and tour living rooms!

So, do you want to see my humble little living room? When I think of living rooms, I think of a formal front room. Well, we aren't formal.


And, that just might be the understatement of the year.


So, I am going to show you what we did with our front room...

Here is our front door. Nothing spectacular. The 70's spindles and bookcase are dated, but we make them work.

But, I do love this sign above our door.

This is our living room as seen when you walk in the front door. I love my black leather. It is kid friendly and wipes clean.

I painted the walls with sand paint which gives it a suede look. I really like the texture on the walls.

I painted this in college for an art class requirement. I have zero talent, but I love the color it brings to the room, not to mention the memories of that time in my life.

This cabinet is one of my favorite pieces in here. It hides our TV and DVDs. I am not a fan of clutter that is out in the open for all to see. The black chair was my grandmother's. She painted it black years ago. It is my very favorite piece in here. It always reminds me of her.

I also did this shading in college. I fell in love with it after I got it matted and framed.

Looking in from the family room.

Another view.

I like to keep special photos on this table. I have one of my favorites of just my boys, a rocking chair frame of my parents' senior photos, Nurse Boy and I, and our wedding invitation. I also have a basket underneath for those random toys that constantly end up in the living room.

My grandmother painted this beautiful scene. I think it is amazing! It is hanging in the hallway leading into the kitchen.

Thank you for allowing me to share our humble little living room. I can't wait to snoop in everyone else's!!!

Have an awesome weekend!!!

The Blue Dumpster

Mrs. Nurse Boy here.

Yet another replay from the days when only our parents read this blog. Ironically, we don't think any of them read it anymore. Come to think of it, maybe we should be leaving these posts in the archives. Oh well, humor me one last time...



So, I have a confession to make.


Boy, I sure do air a lot of my dirty laundry! My Dad always says that if we don't, our children will. (I think he may speak from experience.) He is right. I like to think that with me, what you see is what you get. No, I won't tell you that your butt looks big in those pants. That is a danger zone I am not willing to enter. Besides, I am more worried about my own big butt. However, I try to be an honest and genuine person. I always want to remain approachable. I want to be trustworthy. I want to be a person of good character and true to my word.

OK, I need to stay focused here. Back to my confession.


Are you ready?


I drive a dumpster on wheels.


Yes, you read that right. It may look like a regular old mini van on the outside with three car seats on the inside, but it is a glorified dumpster on wheels. I think the whole neighborhood must be using it as such, because we couldn't possibly be the ONLY family adding to that hot mess. Surely not!


I try to clean out the loose papers and trash about every week or so, only to find the van filled with more trash the very next morning.


THE. VERY. NEXT. MORNING.


There also seems to be an odor that just can't be covered up with a yellow cardboard tree hanging from the rear view mirror. The tree seems to wave at me and mock me as I drive around town, as if to say, "Nice try, lady. You thought a three dollar purchase was going to cover up that nine year old stench?"

Every where we go, people give my children suckers, cookies, candy, papers, stickers, memory verses, crayons, and more PAPER. These items swim around my van. I am so tired of it, not to mention embarrassed when someone peers into the van to talk to the kids. I want to yell out, "No, look away! Look away! We really aren't slobs! Really, we aren't! "


And, we aren't. I take pride in my home. No, it is not ALWAYS clean. Or picked up. But, it USUALLY is. On a bad night, it might take the boys 10 minutes to give their room a thorough cleaning. And, that is with a little wrestling on the side. Our home is not our dumpster.


Our van is.


I have even made cleaning out the van one of the weekly chores for the boys, but the papers still find a way to multiply. The worst part is when my parents borrow the van to take all three of the kids somewhere. (Yes, Dad, I know you taught me better. In all fairness, you never had three kids. I know you had two, but the third one put us over the edge.) My Dad and I used to spend our Saturdays cleaning out the cars. With Q-tips. And, that is no lie. We took pride in our clean cars.


Now, I spend my Saturdays carting kids and Gatorade bottles to soccer games.


Honestly, I wouldn't change a thing.


Bring on the Gatorade bottles and orange peels! The van couldn't possibly look any worse...or, could it?!

Idiot!

As we celebrate 2 years of blogging bliss, please enjoy this golden oldie from me, Mrs. Nurse Boy, to you!

So, have you ever been out shopping and noticed a car with one of its doors wide open in the parking lot? I mean, who does that?!

I always wander over to the car (which is usually a mini van) and mumble something about an idiot under my breath while I close the door for them.

The other day I ran to the grocery store with the boys to pick up a few items. (You already know where this is going, don't you?!) I took the boys so Sweet Pea could nap and Nurse Boy could work on school stuff without anyone climbing on his back in hopes of some wrestle mania. I actually had to bribe the boys with suckers to get them to willingly go with me. That's right, I am not above bribery. Judge me all you want, but when in a pinch it works.

We pulled up to the store and marched right in. Boys. Suckers. Mom. (I know. Who is the real sucker, right?) We ran through the store at a very rapid pace. One thing about being a mom is we can fill our cart faster than a speeding bullet. With kids, or without. It is a super power given to us once the baby is placed in our arms. Honestly, sometimes I amaze even myself!

We did hit a snag when we got to the check out and the clerk started talking to me. I mean, they don't usually even make eye contact with me! Of course, it is when I am in a hurry that they actually show some customer service. As well, they should. I don't even want to think about the percentage of our annual income that goes to that store! Scary!

But, I digress.

The clerk started asking me about potty training. OH. YES. HE. DID. If only he read this blog, he would have known that is a very sore subject with me. He wanted advice for his three year old. I said, "PRAY! PRAY HARD!"

He looked frightened, as well he should have.

I digress again.

We raced out of the store. Then I see it. A mini van with the side door wide open. What kind of idiot leaves...

Oh, wait...That is OUR minivan!

I am that idiot!

Monday's Random Musings

Mrs. Nurse Boy here.

My random thoughts and mutterings while at the grocery store this afternoon:

*I hope it doesn't start to rain while I am in the store.

*Who am I kidding? I hope it doesn't rain the rest of the month. If it keeps raining, I might consider building an ark...

*Why must I shop with my 3 year old?

*I can't wait for watermelon season!

*Sweet Pea, do not make fun of the bald baby. And, do you know how to whisper?

*An employee just asked ME where the mayo is! OK, so he was 16, but STILL. (And, for the record, it is in aisle one next to the salad dressings. Duh.)

*Why must my 3 year old visit EVERY public restroom? Sometimes I think potty trained kids are overrated. OK, just when it gets in the way of my agenda.

*Sweet Pea, PLEASE use your inside voice.

*I just asked my 3 year old if she wanted a spanking. I know, I know. Dumb question. What would I do if she said, "Yes?" Feel free to nominate me for parent of the year.

*5! DOLLARS! for a box of Honey Bunches of Oats! Yikes!

*Very clever marketing. Toys in the cereal aisle. Not finding the humor in this.

*BACON. Need I say more? (Why must something that tastes so good be so bad?)

*It is official. I cannot control a kiddie "truck" cart. Why do I let Sweet Pea talk me into these things?

*Why are everyone else's kids sitting so quietly in their carts and peacefully watching everything?

*I wonder if that lady who refuses to stop coughing all over the produce has the Swine flu? Huh. No apples for us today.

*I said, INSIDE VOICE! Oops, I mean, please use your inside voice.

*Almost forgot my prescription of Dove Dark Chocolates. Yes, I should only have to pay the copay for these yummy morsels. Have you seen how much they cost?!

*How much did you say the total was?! Are you taking applications?

I think it might be time for a nap...

Don't forget to come back this week for some funny "replays" from our earlier days of blogging!

Happy Monday!

Friday Fare! & Show Us Where You Live Friday

Mrs. Nurse Boy here.

Kelly, over at Kelly's Korner, is hosting Show Us Where You Live Friday. Today, you get to tour my kitchen. It was my favorite room in our home when we purchased it 5 years ago. Probably because it was the only room that had been remodeled. I now have a love/hate relationship with my kitchen.

Come on in! One of my favorite features of this kitchen are the cabinets. They go all the way to the ceiling! Great for storage. And, yes, I do need a step stool to get to the top shelves.




Here is where you can find us most mornings and afternoons. I would love to have a round table for this area, but it just hasn't been a priority thus far.



My refrigerator says, "Giggle a Giddy Laughter." With three kids, that is the norm around here. And, next to the fridge, you will see my Kitchen Aide. Boy, do I love that thing! I just got it this year as a birthday gift from my in laws. How did I survive 12 years of marriage without that thing?!


Hey, no bikes in the kitchen!

The floor is made of wood tiles and I love them. They clean up well and are very forgiving when it comes to food, crumbs, and the random cat hair. Hey, don't look too close...that is cheating!

And, I do love this kitchen garage. It is a mess inside...I love that it hides all of our junk. I will spare you the photo of the inside.


Here is where I spend most of my days, or so it seems. The lady that owned this house before had an obsession with pink and hunter green. Together. In the same room. So, the woman remodeled her kitchen with PINK counter tops.

Yep, PINK! Oh, I am sure they are called, "MAUVE." That sounds so sophisticated, doesn't it? Well, I am NOT crazy about the color of my counter tops, but I will live with them. And, in case you didn't notice, there is some green in the flooring. It is more subtle than the pink, but it is still there.

You want to see what's for dinner? Salsa Chicken and it smells awesome! Here is what I put in my crock pot this morning: 4-6 frozen chicken breasts, 1 jar of salsa, 1 can corn (drained), and 1 can black beans (drained and rinsed). Really, that's all! Cook on low for about 6 hours.

I love this stuff with corn bread. Wait, I forgot something...

Cheese and sour cream make it taste ever better. (We won't talk about the added fat. No. We. Won't.)

Thanks for stopping by! Go over to Kelly's Korner and check out some more kitchens!