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!

Friday Fare!

Mrs. Nurse Boy here.

It is Friday. The end of the work week and the beginning of all things soccer. I love fall weekends. It is even starting to SMELL like fall. I love the smell of fall!

It is the leaves in my yard I could do without.

Last night Nurse Boy and I sat down after a long day, put our feet up, and watched Heidi Klum in all of her Project Runway glory. But, first thing this morning, I discovered that we MISSED the season opener for Survivor. It is only our favorite show and I didn't even know it was on!!! I think my "pretend" job is getting in the way of some very important things in my life... like, TV! Ha!

Another thing I discovered this morning... It is national chicken month. Of course, today's recipe doesn't have an ounce of chicken in it! Can you believe it?! Oh, well. I will just post as planned.

Today I am going to share a favorite brunch casserole recipe. And, yes, I do make it for dinner sometimes. It is also an excellent casserole to take to special occasions.

Blueberry Brunch Casserole

(Can you tell I forgot to take this picture until we had devoured 1/2 of it? Whoops!)

6 egg whites
2 eggs
2 cups skim milk
2 (6 oz.) containers nonfat lemon yogurt
1/4 cup sugar
8 oz. day old French bread, cut into 1/2 inch cubes
8 oz. of fat-free cream cheese cut into small pieces and sprinkled with 2 packets of Splenda
2 cups of blueberries (fresh is best)
container of fat free whipped topping

1. Whisk egg whites, eggs, milk, yogurt, and sugar together until well beaten. Add bread cubes and toss to coat completely. Add cream cheese and 1 cup of blueberries. Mix well.
2. Coat a 13x9 pan with cooking spray. Pour egg mixture into the pan, cover, and refrigerate at least one hour or overnight.
3. Bake at 350 degrees for 50-55 minutes. (A knife inserted in the center should come out clean.) Remove from the oven and let stand for about 15 minutes. Garnish with remaining blueberries and whipped topping.

This stuff is so good! You can also use frozen blueberries. I prefer half fresh and half frozen. I discovered that the cream cheese can taste a little bitter in this recipe, which is why I sprinkle 2 packets of Splenda on the brick of cream cheese before I cut it into small pieces.

I hope you have a fabulous weekend! I will leave you with a message from Beth Moore. (I think she is amazing and full of wisdom. Not to mention that I love her accent and want to be her best friend. Seriously, doesn't she seem like someone you would love to spend the day with?!) I pray you will be encouraged.

My Dear Sister,
God has not overlooked you.
He has not ignored you.
He hears every petition
And intimately knows
The heart beneath it.
Give Him full access
To all your longings.
Pray every single day
To become a person who delights in Him.
When it seems to disappear,
Remember to check your JAW.
Are you jealous?
Are you angry?
Are you worried?
Roll it all on Jesus.
He's strong enough to carry it.
Big enough to handle it.
Trust God with all your heart.
Now leave this place
And go into the world
And do some GOOD.

The Next Survivor Series

Mrs. Nurse Boy here. Need a good laugh? Love the show Survivor? My mom emailed this to me. Trust me, it is worth your time to read it!

Six married men will be dropped on an island with one car and 3 kids each for six weeks.

Each kid will play two sports and either take music or dance classes.

There is no fast food.

Each man must take care of his 3 kids; keep his assigned house clean, correct all homework, and complete science projects, cook, do laundry, and pay a list of 'pretend' bills with not enough money.

In addition, each man will have to budget in money for groceries each week.

Each man must remember the birthdays of all their friends and relatives, and send cards out on time--no emailing.

Each man must also take each child to a doctor's appointment, a dentist appointment and a haircut appointment.

He must make one unscheduled and inconvenient visit per child to the Urgent Care.

He must also make cookies or cupcakes for a social function.

Each man will be responsible for decorating his own assigned house, planting flowers outside and keeping it presentable at all times.

The men will only have access to television when the kids are asleep and all chores are done.

The men must shave their legs, wear makeup daily, adorn himself with jewelry, wear uncomfortable yet stylish shoes, keep fingernails polished and eyebrows groomed.

During one of the six weeks, the men will have to endure severe abdominal cramps, back aches, and have extreme, unexplained mood swings but never once complain or slow down from other duties.

They must attend weekly school meetings, church, and find time at least once to spend the afternoon at the park or a similar setting.

They will need to read a book to the kids each night and in the morning, feed them, dress them, brush their teeth and comb their hair by 7:00 am.

A test will be given at the end of the six weeks, and each father will be required to know all of the following information: each child's birthday, height, weight,shoe size, clothes size and doctor's name.. Also the child's weight at birth, length, time of birth, and length of labor, each child's favorite color, middle name, favorite snack, favorite song, favorite drink, favorite toy, biggest fear and what they want to be when they grow up.

Oh yes, did I mention that they have to work a 40 Hour/Week job in addition to these few tasks and feed the dog, oops got to keep that water bowl filled!?

The kids vote them off the island based on performance.

The last man wins only if...he still has enough energy to be intimate with his spouse at a moment's notice.

If the last man does win, he can play the game over and over and over again for the next 18-25 years eventually earning the right to be called Mother!

Now that, my friends, is a show I would watch!!!

Boy, Was My Face RED!

Nurse Boy here for another fascinating True Story Tuesday!


I have been a nurse for about 12 and a half years now. Most of my career I have been a GI nurse. Studies have shown that I am a very good GI nurse. No need to reference those studies, just take my word for it.


But, early on in my career was a completely different story altogether.


There was a time when I worked on an oncology floor where many of my patients were post hysterectomy. When sending my patients home I would type their discharge instructions out and send it home with them. (All of that stuff is pre-printed now, but a lot has changed in the last 11 years.)


One day I was typing the instructions out just like I had done for the last six months while working on that floor. One of the complications that you would have the patient watch for is signs of infection. Most of these hysterectomies were done vaginally, which means the incision was through the vagina instead of through the abdominal wall. One way to watch for infection is to watch for "purulent drainage."


Most people don't know what purulent drainage is. A simple explanation is to say it is drainage with pus in it. As an alternative, I typed "look for pussy drainage."


Not a good alternative, since that makes a 24 year old male nurse look like a degenerate.


I had handed my patient and her husband her discharge instructions and was looking over the hospital copy on the way back to the nursing station when I noticed what I had done. What is worse is that I had been telling women to look for PUSSY DRAINAGE for six months!


I got no complaints, but I should have.


What more True Story Tuesday? Go visit Rachel and Mr. Daddy over HERE!

Monday's Random Musings

Mrs. Nurse Boy here.

It is Monday. Monday now signals the start of the work week for me. You see, I just started working at a preschool/daycare. Yep, I am officially "Bringing home the bacon." Except, I'm not sure you can really call it "working." I am only there 3 mornings a week, I work a maximum of 11 hours each week, and Sweet Pea comes with me.

And, bacon really is the ONLY thing that my paycheck can pay for.

But, Sweet Pea and I are really enjoying it. Plus, I work with some amazing women.

So, today the work week begins, the laundry begs to be washed, the floors long to be vacuumed, and all I want to do is go back to sleep. Yet, sleep and I are not meant to be, so here are my random thoughts...

****One of the little girls in my class calls me, "Ms. Feather." It always brings a smile to my face. Yes, even on Mondays.

****The same little girl is from India and does not eat beef or pork. One day we were having hot dogs for lunch and she kept asking for one. I had to tell her that she couldn't eat those hot dogs. She quietly ate her bun with ketchup and mustard, minus the hot dog. After a few minutes, she looked at me with a huge smile and said, "When I grow up big and strong, I am going to eat hot dogs!" I couldn't help but to smile back.

****Last week, I asked another preschooler when he will be turning 4 years old. Sam looked at me with the most precious brown eyes and said, "On my birthday!" But, of course!

****Why is trail mix so addictive? And, why does it taste so much better with m&ms?

****What does it say about me that my nine year old just taught me about our DVR's extra features? We have had the DVR for almost a year!

****Would you believe that I don't text message either? I don't know how to get a text off of my phone, even though poor Nurse Boy has shown me about 20 times.

****I know, I know. That makes me either eighty years old or just plain stupid. And, let's just say, I am not eighty.

****Why, oh why, MUST my 3 year old touch E-V-E-R-Y-T-H-I-N-G when she enters a public restroom?! And, far be it for me to deprive her of visiting Every! Single! Public! Restroom! in the entire city! I plan to pay her back when I am in my nineties and wearing depends. ;0)

****Lastly, there is nothing more precious than listening to your kids sing at the top of their lungs to Christian radio while driving down the road! It puts a smile on my face every time.

Want to join in on the fun? Write a post of your own and leave me a comment so I can read your random thoughts!

Happy Monday!

Moms Are Superheros!

We can grow humans in our belly.


We can feed many mouths in a matter of minutes.


We can pack lunches faster than a speeding bullet.


We can sniff out a bully and put them to shame.


We can discipline with ease and sass.


We can wrestle hair into a ponytail on a moving head.


High pitched screams are no match for us.


We can rid a town of bratty children with one stern look.


We can put multiple children to bed in one clean swoop.


Homework is no challenge for us.


Recipes are a snap.


We can attack the bills while preparing a wholesome meal AND consoling a friend over the phone.


Piles of laundry are the enemy.

We are one of a kind.

We are Super Moms.

No superhero can even compare.

So, why do I often find myself feeling like this???

(Friday Fare will return next week. I need to rest some of my super powers tonight. It has been one of those weeks.)

I Scream, You Scream...

We All Scream For...

ICE CREAM!!!!

We have a little family tradition around here. It is something I read about while doing a women's Bible study long ago. I couldn't wait until my children were old enough to introduce it to our family. It only happens about once or twice a year, but that is all it takes to make my children happy and create some special memories.

It is always a surprise when we will do it. We only do it when it isn't expected.

It always starts off just like any other night. The kids go through their entire bedtime routine. We tuck them into bed and turn out the lights.

Then we wait a few minutes.

Next, we run into their room shouting, "Ice Cream Run!" I took this picture right when we told them the exciting news. Look at those faces!



They jump out of bed and we head off for ice cream... and, yes, they wear their PJ's. That's what makes it so much fun!

Here they are enjoying their late night snack.

Now, go ahead. Make some memories of your own!

I hope my kids will continue this tradition with their own families. I mean, what's not to love?!

Happy Labor Day!!!

Mrs. Nurse Boy here.

How can you not love this country?! LABOR day is our national holiday where we celebrate work by NOT WORKING!!! Dontcha just love it?!

Just wanted to give you all a little update on our weekend of NO LABOR! (Well, not REALLY labor free. We ARE parents. But, let's pretend, shall we?!) We started off by heading out to a small, historic town nearby to take the kids miniture golfing. But, first we had to get something to eat at a locally owned Italian restaurant. Here are the kids waiting outside of the restaurant...

We are having beautiful weather and this weekend was no exception!

I love this boy's toothless smile!

And, how can you not smile back when you see those dimples?!

After some yummy food, we headed to the miniture golf course. It is built on a hill and is by far the coolest course I have ever seen. Bruiser had the time of his life!

Sweet Pea even played along. Well, except that she CHEATS. A LOT. (That is the ball in her hand, in case you can't tell.)

A fun time was had by all. We played well into the night.

Sweet Pea, that is not a weapon.

We HAD to top the night off with some ice cream.

(The ice cream shoppe had several young teenage female employees. Sitting on this very bench, Bruiser decided that he wanted to have a girlfriend who worked at an ice store when he was older. He had us cracking up!)

On Sunday we all headed ovcr to a very special wedding.

I think they all looked clean, unwrinkled, and snot-free for about 3 whole minutes. But, they were cute for those 3 minutes!

Here is Sweet Pea getting down on the dance floor.

Here is Bruiser getting down. He was moving much too fast for a good picture.

Here's hoping you took some time to relax this weekend!

Happy Labor Day, everyone!!!!

Have You Ever Had a Day Like This?

Apparently, so has Sweet Pea! ;0)

Crazy Betty

Ready for another True Story Tuesday? 'Cuz we are!

Now, we all have relatives that are a little off. Family reunions would be just a little too boring without them.

One of my aunts is a lot off. Now, she is not just eccentric. She is bipolar and not well controlled. There have been many occasions that have not been very funny because it is a terrible disease. There have also been many occasions that made me want to pee my pants.

During one particular visit, we were celebrating my grandmother's birthday.

My mom is a doctor's daughter. She grew up being very proper. We had special silver and china for special occasions. My grandmother loved that stuff as well. So, Ms. Nurse Boy (we were not married yet) and I went into the kitchen to help serve the cake. We had all of the ice cream and cake dished up and were carrying the plates out to the dining room to serve everyone. Crazy Betty came in to help us. My mom had just left the kitchen with a round of plates. Crazy Betty had a plate in each hand and was headed for the door. Then it happened.

She sneezed.

You know how your first instinct when you sneeze is to cover your mouth? Maybe not for our boys, but for the rest of the civilized world?

Well, she brought one of the plates up to her face and sneezed directly onto the cake.

Embarrassing, right? You would have to either take the cake for yourself or throw that piece away, right?

Not if you are Crazy Betty. If you are Crazy Betty you march that cake right into the crowd and serve it.

Ms. Nurse Boy and I just looked at each other and started to laugh. But remember, this is a formal occasion. It was one of those church laughs that you can't control but you are trying to be as quiet as possible. We couldn't stop. My mom came into the kitchen and asked what was so funny.

We told her the story and she laughed too, but then looked stricken. She thinks Crazy Betty served her the cake.

Ms. NB and I made sure we knew exactly where our cake came from.

Now, head on over to Rachel and Mr. Daddy's for some more fun with the truth!