Just a Little Something Heavy On My Heart...

When Nurse Boy and I first got married, the medical field was battling HIV. More specifically: Running through their very own veins. Needle sticks were fairly common. I was being bombarded with articles in magazines and newspapers about nurses who found themselves HIV positive after an accidental needle stick.

I was a new wife to an inexperienced RN. My faith was new and fragile. My fear was huge and SEEMED bigger than my God. But, I did know that I need to pray for protection for my husband. Daily.

Then it happened. In 1998.

Nurse Boy came home after he accidentally stuck himself with a needle. It felt like my worst nightmare had come true when his patient tested positive for HIV the next day. Nurse Boy immediately started on the HIV cocktail. It made him tired, sick, and nauseous. He basically worked and slept. He was miserable. Plus, we were told we could not start a family for 6 months. He would be tested every other month until we reached the six month mark. If it did not show up in his blood work by then, we would be in the clear.

I was worried that my husband would contract the disease, that we would never be able to have children, and that my husband would not be able to lead a healthy life simply because he was caring for others who were sick. It didn't seem fair. These were REAL thoughts running through my head for six months. I put my trust in God, but still feared that my life wasn't going to play out as I had planned.

My point? HIV and AIDS are real! They affect more than you know, across the globe. This weekend my church hosted an amazing World Vision experience. An experience that "walks" you through the life of a real child in Africa. Their true stories are heart breaking. Not all of them are happy endings. HIV and AIDS are robbing children of their families, their homes, and their health.

I have always wanted to sponsor a child, but never felt that I had an extra $35 at the end of each month. I was humbled on Sunday. Of course we could sacrifice a meal out once a month! We sponsored little Witness. She is almost 3 and HIV is affecting her life on some level, not to mention the poverty stricken life she is living. I can't wait for my children to write her letters and pray for her and her family. It will help them stay focused on others and put their blessed life in perspective.

Plus, we can help her family afford some of the very things they need to survive. Just by sacrificing one meal out once a month. That really isn't even a sacrifice, when I really think about it!

I am NOT sharing this for a pat on the back. God is still dealing with me. We are trying to give back more every year, outside of our regular tithe. We are just being obedient. I know so many more of you are also giving back. More than I will ever know.

I am sharing this because there are so many children in need. Go check out worldvision.org for yourself. The children's needs are great, but they have lots of ways you can help out. They are in need of monthly gifts and are even thankful for one time gifts.

And, don't forget the power of prayer! They NEED your PRAYERS!

Thankfully, we are HIV free over here! Nurse Boy passed all of his blood tests with flying colors and we give God all of the glory! That was 11 years ago, but we are still so thankful that we are not personally facing this disease. However, we refuse to forget that it is out there to kill, steal, and destroy.

Just Keep Your Hands To Yourself and Don't Say a Word!

Yeah, if I only had a dollar for every time I said that.

And another dollar for every time my kids ignored this plea.

(I would be RICH. And, blogging from a island. Somewhere tropical. On a laptop. Not this really heavy thing full of cords, somewhere in the middle of America where the leaves are robbing me of my free time on the weekend. This weekend I'll be raking, not on a tropical island.)

Welcome to True Story Tuesday!

My Bruiser has always been THAT child that blurts out everything and anything that is rolling around in his amazing little mind. Sometimes it makes me proud and other times I wish I were invisible.

It all started on a normal day at the grocery store. My list was a mile long and my kids were bored. To stir things up a little, I let them sit in the "Truck Cart." Fun for them, not for me. Have you ever tried to maneuver one of those things? I am pretty sure they were designed by a man who never once ventured into a grocery store with a couple of kids and an empty pantry at home. They have a small basket, are heavy, awkward, and are a booger to twist and turn through the aisles.

So, picture this:

Only, Bruiser was much smaller and sporting some irresistible cheeks. Ya know, basically the definition of cute.

That is, until he opened his mouth.

We were cruising the meat department. Then, Bruiser spotted HIM. A man in his thirties. Sporting piercings. EVERYWHERE. Wearing black leather. LIKE IT WAS GOING OUT OF STYLE. Stroking his dark black, spiky hair. BLACK AS NIGHT AND SHARP AS NAILS. And, let me not forget the tattoos. COVERING EVERY INCH OF EXPOSED SKIN.

So basically, not your average Joe at the supermarket on double coupon day.

Bruiser and I spot him at the exact same time. I try to quickly turn down the cereal aisle so I can tell him that we will discuss whatever is on his mind IN THE CAR. Not here. Not now.

But, I am not fast enough. (Darn Truck Cart!)

Bruiser says, IN HIS LOUDEST VOICE EVER, "Are you a bad guy?"

My face turns RED. The man's back is too us. I immediately think, "If he is, we are dead now!"

He seems to be ignoring us.

Then, EVEN LOUDER. Bruiser says, "I said, 'Are you a bad guy'?!"

I finally get into the blasted cereal aisle. We duck and cover. I bend down to the plastic steering wheel and tell Bruiser that he is not to say another word until we get into the van.

Not one more word.

Head on over to onceuponamiracle.com for more true stories!

Monday's Random Musings

Mrs. Nurse Boy here.

It is Monday and I am already behind on my to do list this week. Yeah, that is the sorry truth. The truth that now seems to be my life. I am counting on all of that changing in about 18 years or so. Yeah, I am blaming it on the kids for now. Once they are gone, I am going to have to find another excuse.

But, you came here for some randomness, didn't you? Here it goes...

----Last week we passed a church with a sign out front that said, "Exercise daily... Walk with the Lord!" I love that! Plus, when I get lazy and skip my workout on the treadmill, I can feel less guilty now. I AM exercising daily! I wonder what my doctor will think about that theory?

----Bruiser had quite the soccer game this weekend. We played a coach who was certain that all of his players' college scholarships were riding on the game. They are SIX!

----Oh, and let me not forget about Dimples' 8 AM game that was rained out. Only, our family showed up to the field... dressed and showered... yes, my makeup was on... 8 AM... on a SATURDAY! Grrr....

----I remember when Saturday morning was used to catch up on sleep. Well, I vaguely remember. It was 10 years ago. If my memory serves me right, it was glorious!

----I am thinking about my Christmas Cards already. It is a sick obsession of mine.

----One of these days a family photo shoot is going to send me to the hospital. I find myself stressing over every detail. Is it really too much to ask for us all to look put together for a total of ten whole minutes?!

----Yes. Yes it is.

----The other day Bruiser was asking when he could move out of our home. He wasn't in trouble, nor had he been. We asked him why he was looking forward to moving out of the house. He quickly responded, "Cuz, I need to get out of this house."

----My sentiments some days, too, my son. ;0)

----I am a horrible front seat passenger. HORRIBLE. I OFTEN hit an imaginary brake on the floor and brace myself with the ceiling. I blame it on the fact that I am a better driver than Nurse Boy, so what's a girl to do?!

----We had a wonderful visit with some friends this weekend. They have some land and live in the country. We were admiring their horses while we were there. Dimples noticed a sign on the horse fence and read it out loud to Bruiser and Sweet Pea. "DO NOT TOUCH! ELECTRICAL FENCE." Guess what Bruiser did? Yep. He not only touched it, but he grabbed it tightly with both of his hands. Now, before you call SRS, the fence wasn't turned on. But, Bruiser did not know that. That kid will try anything once. I blame Nurse Boy.

----No wonder why I am going gray!

Have some randomness? If you give me some linky love, I will give you some in return. Just let me know in the comments that your post is up!

Happy Monday everyone!

Edited to add some linky love!
Head on over to read Lisa's post, over at Boondock Ramblings.
Don't forget to check out Brandi over at My Three Bubs.
And, go read my friend, Jewel's post at Down In My Little Valley.
Suz is joining in on the fun, too!

Friday Fare!

Mrs. Nurse Boy here.

This is the "Leftover Edition." Chicken leftovers, of course!

Since my husband is a nurse, his lunch break is short. Sometimes nonexistent. He often "inhales" his food so he can get back to his patients. So, I cook accordingly. I almost always make more than enough food for dinner. Nurse Boy and I rely on leftovers for our lunches. When we are cleaning up our dinner, I usually pack Nurse Boy's lunch at the same time.

And, sometimes I cook WAY too much. Or, we get tired of the leftovers after a few days. So, what's a girl to do?

Get creative!

The other day I had 3 chicken breasts, hot dog buns, and mozzarella cheese in the fridge. So, I came up with a delicious sandwich creation.

Chicken Hoagies!

You will need:

3-4 cooked, cut up chicken breasts

1 can of rinsed black beans

1 cup of mozzarella cheese

1 cup of salsa

taco seasoning or chili powder, optional

Throw everything into a pan on the stove top and simmer on medium heat until heated through. Serve in a hot dog or hamburger bun.

I use almost the same recipe for chicken soft tacos, but I replace the mozzarella cheese with 2 cups of cooked, brown rice and increase the salsa by another cup. This mixture can be topped with cheese and sour cream and served in flour tortillas.

And, before I forget... Check out our new button over on the right hand side! Our new bloggy friend, Michelle made it for us! We love it! Thanks so much, Michelle! She ROCKS!! And, everyone else can feel free to grab our button!

I hope everyone has a wonderful weekend!!!

Oh, How I Love Google!

Mrs. Nurse Boy here.

Really, google is my friend. I love it. Everything is at my fingertips. I mean, how did our parents survive without google?! My kids are always asking questions and I often found myself saying, "I don't know."

But, not anymore. Now I say, "Let's google it!"

Another bonus? No need for a bookcase full of encyclopedias that cost about as much as a college education. We got off easy there. Except everyone now thinks they need their very own laptop. (Nurse Boy needs a little lesson on patience...but, I digress.)

I recently used my friend, Google, to see how people are landing on our blog. Honestly, it is a little scary, people!

Where did Washington sleep?-- Um, I don't know. I know our house is old and needs some repairs, but I don't think he ever slept here. Nope, pretty sure. I mean, have you read this blog? We avoid deep thoughts like history, politics, and government. Those things make my brain hurt. This is our happy place.

What does the saying "going bananas" mean?-- You have come to the right place, my friend! You see the picture of those three, innocent children at the top of this page? Well, they aren't innocent. Almost never. Still need to know what going bananas means? Come spend a day or two with us. You will leave with a FULL understanding. I guarantee it!

Neighbor hates our hedge-- Well, consider yourself lucky if that is their only complaint! Our neighbors barely wave hello and all we did was soften the blow for 2 (yes! TWO!) of their trees with our own home and van. Yeah, I would say if the hedge is all they hate, let them live with it!

Why do I have jelly poo?-- Now I am wondering why I like google? Mystery CAN be a good thing!

Why won't boys let you watch them poo?-- Maybe so you won't go bananas? My question is why do you want to watch? I am guessing they just want a little privacy. I have been begging for it for the last 10 years. I am guessing it will be 10 more before my wish will come true.

Do bananas make you poop?-- I KNEW we shouldn't have named this blog Poop on Jelly! This google search is starting to sound like my dinner conversations with 2 boys and GI Nurse. Yeah, I know what you are thinking. You are thankful you aren't eating dinner with us tonight. You're welcome.

Heidi Klum wearing blue eyeshadow-- I am afraid google has failed you, sister. But, since it brought you here, let me just say that Heidi Klum can wear whatever she wants to. She always looks amazing. Frankly, she makes me sick.

What effect did Martha Washington have on the world around her?-- I have no idea. I just wondered if she fretted over having bangs or not. (Something Heidi Klum and I actually do have in common.) Yeah, I am a deep thinker.


Deciding on bangs-- Really? I am still stressing over the moustache the hair dresser spotted on my upper lip! And, I should warn you, you will always want what you don't have. When I have bangs, I hate them. When I don't have them, I dream about they way they would frame my face. So basically, I got nothing.


Other ways to Prince Charming-- I am afraid I married him. He is all mine! Just don't ask him to shovel the driveway. He just might use a tiller! ;0)


Jon Bon Jovi + bald spot-- What?! Does Jon Bon Jovi have a bald spot?! He will always have a head full of permed, teased hair scrunched into messy perfection in my book! ALWAYS!! (Not that I would be old enough to remember him that way, mind you!)

OK, so google just might be failing all of us. Maybe I SHOULD purchase a set of encyclopedias after all...

Man vs. Machine

Nurse Boy here for another True Story Tuesday. This one is an oldie, but goodie. This was originally posted in the spring of '08. And, let me state that my Dad is now doing awesome...


So, my dad is having open heart surgery and I ask my mom if there is anything she needs done around the house that is manly. She tells me that she would like the areas that she is going to plant flowers to be tilled.


Sounds simple enough.


I go to the garage and pull out the tiller. The thing is huge. I fill it with the 50:1 gas that my father tells me to use. I then go to the start the thing up. I set the choke and pull the cord.


Nothing.


I prime it, pull it and nothing.


Again and nothing.


After about 50 pulls and a bruised hand from the pull string attachment, I decide to read the picture instructions. It looks like there is a key. I go looking for a key and nothing. I then ask my father, who is post op day one, and he insists there is no key. I should look for the switch on the handle. So I go back and hold the gas down while I give it another 60 tries.


Nothing.


My pride is now damaged and I give up. Just then I put a few pieces of the puzzle together and I look for my Dad's snow blower. I can't find it. Do you know why?


Because it is the tiller.


Only it's not, it's the snow blower. Right there in my parents' front yard, on a beautiful spring day.


This stupid city boy has been trying to till his mother's flower garden with the stinking snow blower. I'm just glad I didn't get it started. Anyway, I then drained the 50:1 fuel out of the gas tank of the regular gas snow blower and found the tiller. It turns out the actual tiller is quite easy to start.


It also turns out that I am a moron.


That may not be news to you, but it's news to me. Nurse boy strikes again!


Go HERE to read more True Stories!

Monday's Random Musings

Mrs. Nurse Boy here for yet another exciting Monday.

Yep, it is Monday. And, I am home with a sick Sweet Pea. I actually think she is better today, but she was running a fever last night, so we are laying low just in case. Here's hoping it is nothing!

Time for my random thoughts...

-----I am not a coffee drinker (at least not the black stuff that comes out of my boring coffee maker) but, what is it about a $4 cup of designer coffee that makes it smell and taste oh-so-good?! Once that cup is in my hand, I am certain that I deserve a small beverage that is the equivalent of 2 hot lunches for my boys.

-----Yes, I am drinking one right now. I just KNEW that I deserved one since I am stuck at home with a sick kid. Never mind that she seems fine. I DESERVE it!

-----Our trees are dumping acorns by the bucketfuls. This is no good for a family that prefers to be barefoot in our yard. Ouch!

-----I have been watching a lot of Supernanny reruns. That lady is a genius! Not to mention her "miraculous" ability to solve every family's problems in 60 minutes. Oh, the beauty of editing.

-----I would love to edit out some of my life. Let's start with the middle school years, shall we?

-----The older my boys get, the louder Nurse Boy's voice is on the soccer sidelines. He seems to be oozing competitive spirit. I will start praying for the high school years now.

-----It is never good when you lie back for your brow wax and the hair dresser asks if you want an upper lip wax too.

-----Thanks. I was completely (and happily) unaware that I have a moustache.

-----Since I refused the upper lip wax, I am now certain that everyone is staring at my moustache and not my raspberry pink lip gloss.

-----I shalll NEVER have that lady wax my brows again. Thanks for the new paranoia, lady!

-----Why do I still get zits? I am in my thirties. Didn't my teenage years count for something?

Join me for your random thoughts in the comments or with a post of your very own! Happy Monday everyone!!!!

**EDITED to say that Theresa is playing along over HERE!
And, check out Michelle over HERE!
Don't forget Jewel over HERE!