Dancing Queen

Kira started dance class this fall. I was a little worried because of her performance and cheer clinic, but she has done so well. She loves it.

Kira showing off her moves at dance class

This is how they walk on stage--on their tiptoes.

"hands on hips, smiles on lips" That is what their teacher says to get them all ready and in position.

Stretching.

My Birthday Bug

With work so crazy, we were unable to celebrate Kambree's Bday until Sunday. So we all got together and had a little Birthday Bash for Kambree and Kyle. As every mother does, I found myself asking where the time has gone. I just can't believe my baby is two already.

I was able to take a few fun pictures of Kam on her birthday when I picked her up after work. We had so much fun together! I really feel so blessed to have her in our family. There have been so many times that she has reminded me just what life is about. From the day she was born, she has been different. It's almost like she knows something that I don't--in fact, I am sure she does. She is a girl of few words but can always tell when mom needs a hug or a laugh. She is very good at reading people, which is one of my favorite things about her. She makes you laugh when you want to cry and she makes you calm when you're stressed.

She was having a blast posing for all the pictures.

I always love making cakes for the kids--probably because I love cake and fondant. So this time I decided to make the fondant as well. I usually buy it, but it turned out yummy.

This is one of my favorite pictures because everyone looks so stinkin' excited!!! I captured the exact moment when everyone had a serious face--funny.

Kyle and Kambree blowing out the candles.

When everyone was singing Kambree just looked around and smiled at everyone. She is just so dang cute.

After she blew out the candles she decided it was time to pass out gifts to everyone to unwrap. She noticed that everyone was asking if they could unwrap gifts. I don't know how many two year olds would give up unwrapping presents on their own birthday.

She opened one gift by herself.
So happy birthday bug!!! A couple days late :) We love you.

Busy, Busy, and more Busy

I never really wanted to be a circus clown, but ever since I started my new job I have found myself in a juggling act. Trying to balance everything has been a challenge, but I am so excited to be a part of the new hospital team. Sure I have shed a lot of tears, some because of post surgical frustration and not being able to do everything I wanted to do (this whole surgery just didn't fit into my schedule very well, after all I have things to do). However, most of those tears were because of the guilt of leaving the kids. I feel like I am in nursing school again--not sleeping, not eating, and leaving my kids with sitters. I am truly blessed to have family help out with the kids and Jalee has been nothing short of a LIFESAVER. I had gotten so used to my night shifts and it worked out so well. I was home with the kids during the day, and could still have a career. That is what is so great about nursing--its the best of both worlds. I really don't know what I would do without my career. Having the ability to impact someones life or save a life is amazing. I am also lucky enough to have a job that changes me for the better. I can step outside my own life and problems and learn from the special people that I take care of. It is the patients that make my job so rewarding. My new job however, has started off a little rough, and only because I find myself outside of my patient care role. We are so busy trying to get everything ready for our big opening, and of course, it is all done 8am to 5pm Monday through Friday. So, though I am so excited to be working there--I will be even more excited to get back on my part-time, night shift schedule and care for real patients. That concludes my venting session tonight--off to bed to prepare for work tomorrow, then I am going to enjoy my two days off.