Pumpkins

We had such a great time this weekend getting our pumpkins. These are pictures from the apple orchard, the antique barn we always go to and the Pumpkin patch. Just love it, FALL, MMMMMM!!!

Overwhelmed

I have worked the past seven days straight, plus I had big tests in both my classes this week. It was a hell of a week, but I am happy to say it is over, the hard part anyway. It kinda sucks working seven days straight but the payoff is that I now have five days off in a row. I jumped ahead in one of my classes too so I could really enjoy my weekend. I have class for an hour and a half this afternoon then I am FREE!

We are going to Cranes Orchard this weekend to pick apples, on Sunday. It is a yearly tradition we do every Fall. First we go to cranes and pick apples, then go to the pie pantry for lunch, then we go to an antique barn right next door to Crane's to look at all the cool old stuff, then we go to a farm right next to that to get our pumpkins and gourds. This is one of my favorite weekends of the year. I am huge into traditions, love them, need them, the memories are what life is about to me. I hope these are things my kids will carry over into their families because the memories are so special to them.

Saturday we have two birthday parties. One is for Tatum's friends from school, her first school/friend birthday party. Then immediately after that we are going to my brothers for his son, Luke's, third birthday party. Busy weekend, but at least I'm not working and will be with my kids and Keith. So, it's the good kind of busy.

'Have a happy Fall!'

My cup runeth over

I just got groceries this past Friday. Granted, I do live in an apartment so our refrigerator isn't exactly big n' roomy, but it was packed so tightly that I literally had to tape the freezer shut. It kept poppin' right open. Then on Saturday I went to a garden in at a church and picked all kinds of vegetables, carrots, cabbage, Brussel sprouts, pumpkins, gourds, pears and somethings I don't even recognize. We came home and I put everything away, most on my kitchen table in baskets as sort of an edible fall display. I've been doing my home work all day today, big test tomorrow, and I got up to go get some coffee. I walked into my kitchen and looked at my freezer taped shut and my table over flowing with food and thought of how we are sooooo lucky. We might not have a lot in the bank, we may not drive Escaldes, we might not live in a huge beautiful home, we might not have name brand clothes but we have so much, and even better, we know it.

I hope I never loose sight of whats really important, I hope I keep it real, and I hope I can relay this into my kids. Who you are on the inside, your heart, how you treat people and how you react to people are what matters. Those are the criteria we will be judged on, not what kind of car we drive or our Coach purses. I'm not saying I have any of these things mastered myself, but I'm working on it.

Cruzin'

Well, I got another A on my last psychology quiz. Things are crusin' along!

I am officially back at Brann's, just one night a week until I get full time at the hospital. Boy oh boy did I ever have to swallow my pride to go back there. I really thought this last time leaving would be it. After 13 years one can only hope. But, no such luck, I'm back and it is exactly like I remember it. I got right back into the groove like a well oiled rocking chair. Definitely not where I would like to be, but ya know what?!?!? Thank God I have money coming in, thank God I have an income, thank God Keith and I both got our cars fixed last week. Things are looking up. So, moral of my entry is, it is better to work at Brann's than not to work at all. If you think about it too, I am really in two great industries that won't be effected by a bad economy. People will always drink, probably more if the economy is bad, and people will always be sick/ have babies/ need surgeries ect... I guess I'm sitting okay right now!

Lets talk again soon!

School update!

My psychology class was a ruff start at first. It has been about 10 years since I have been in school. I was a bit rusty to say the least. I got D's on both of my first two quizzes, which was very discouraging. I think I started finding my grove though, learned some better study habits. I took another quiz on Sunday, got an A. Then I had my first Exam yesterday, Mon., I got a B+, so now my over all grade is a B+. I still have a ways to go in the class, but I'm so proud of myself. I really hope to bring my final grade up to an A, but all in all I'll be thrilled to even pass!

My Government class is going well, I still adore my Conservative, Very Right, Old Veteran of a professor, he has such great views. He said he is thinking of running for Gov., that would be so cool. We haven't had any tests yet in that class, the first one is soon, so fingers crossed for me!

Til' next time!

Date Night

We just had our annual date night this past friday night!
Keith with Tae and Ty and I!
This is a tradition I started when Tyler was 4,
and Keith started doing it with Tae when she was 4!
It is something we do once a year and I always look forward to it! Ty and I kept it
casual this year, we went to Olive Garden for dinner then rented a movie,

I Am Legend, then we locked ourselves in my room with some junk food!
Keith and Tae were more ambitious, they went to Craig's Cruisers, got pizza then rented a Little Bear Movie!
I love our date night, I hope we carry on this tradition until the day I die!
I Looooovvve traditions!

All is good

The kids are truckin' in school and I have started my new job, plus I'm going to school! I have been staying home doing basically nothing all summer, it feels sooooo good to be doing something! I love being a Mom, I love cooking and doing things for my family, but I don't know if I could be a stay at home Mom, for good. I always thought that that is what I wanted, career wise, to be a Mom. But I have realized that I really like having something to look forward to, a future career to work towards, something that is my own, something to be proud of, where I am appreciated.

Not that being a stay at home mom isn't something to be proud of, it is just as hard as having a job, only without days off or breaks.

I really am enjoying this new chapter in our lives and everything it will bring in our future!

The kids, school, band, breakfast, hair do's, homework...BUSY

The kiddie's had their first day of school this week! Where did the time go?!?!?

Tatum started Kindergarten, first time on a bus, big day! I cried, snapped pictures and waved like a fool, of course! The bus pulled away and I jumped in my little explored to meet her at the school so fast I think I gave Keith whip lash! {Even though the school is about 5 min. away and she wouldn't arrive for about 45 min.} We've all been there, don't act like you haven't!

When she got home I drilled her with questions about her teacher? New Friends? What did you learn? The only thing she seemed to remember was that she saw her big brother, Ty, on the playground. I think she thought it was odd running into him like that! Cute!

Ty had a great time. He has a guy teacher for the first time ever and he loves it! It sound like his teacher is quite a jokester, which he loves even more! He is on the Lego League this year, I am so happy he found something he likes. It is like robotics, they build lego robots and have them complete courses, then his team competes with other schools.

He met lots of new kids and made several friends already! Even a potential 'crush', oh boy! He says he "has so much more in common with kids at this school for some reason"! The new kids are always so popular at first, fresh meat!

Schools back in session

It's been a while since I've posted! I got very wrapped up in job searching >:{. But, I'm happy to report that I was finally offered a position {patting self on back} with Metro Health Hospital, the new one. It is so beautiful! Plus, and this is what I'm most excited about, it is only about a mile away from us {happy dance, happy dance}. Huge gas savings there! I'm just going to be working part time at first, 1st shift, then full time after I 'prove myself' {put on your game face Nik}! Yay, praise God, we needed me to get a job sooooo bad, especially with the holidays coming up! I think how things came together was all part of his plan! My parents always say, his timing may not be my timing!

The hospital position was the first job I interviewed for at the end of July, when I started looking for work. Because of their Policies and procedures it took about six weeks to have my references and background checks done. Which they told me would happen. I think I wasn't offered any other job because maybe this was supposed to be the one for me!

To make things even more fun, I decided to go back to school, to be an RN {oh boy, lots of science}! I always thought it would be fun and interesting to work in an OB's office or for a Pediatrician. I was going to go to school last year, I got enrolled, picked out classed and everything, but my financial aid only covered about half of my tuition at that time because we weren't residence of GR long enough {so close dang it}. When you have been a resident for at least two years your tuition charges are cut by about 60%, nice.

I took this last year and thought about careers that I would like to do. I researched each one as far as how much schooling would be involved to get that coveted degree and how easy it would be to find a job when I do have it.

I narrowed it down to nursing. I remember thinking from the time Ty was born that I would like to work for an OB.

I feel like everything is coming together in his time, with a purpose.

Maybe this is why we were brought out to live here, so I could have my education 100% paid for. Maybe I didn't get my financial aid last year so I could take the time to decide, for sure, what I wanted to do.

I was down at GRCC on Tuesday, enrolling in my classes and on my way home is when I got the call from Metro with a job offer. That just made everything feel really right, to get a job offer from a hospital on the day I was enrolling in school to be an RN. Yeah, it will take me about five years to get my degree, but either way I'll be 36, I'd rather not be working as a janitor or waitress at that time. I was extremely inspired by the Olympics this year, a 41 year old mom wining swimming medals, a 38 year old taking the gold in the marathon! I kinda thought I was getting to old to go back to school, but I am soooo not!!!

It feels really good to be working towards something. Plus, I'll be making big bucks ;}

So, I'm currently taking a Psychology class, which I find fascinating, and Political Science/American Government. What a great year to be taking this class, with one of the most controversial elections ever in history happening! Plus, my Gov. Professor is one of the coolest old guys I've ever meet. He's a Veteran, strong Republican, Love him! I would have a hard time in the class if it was taught by a Democrat. I think the Democrats in the class are screwed!

My Mom is a hard core Republican, Go Macain/Palin, I think she would love this class and especially my Prof.!

I had my first class room experience yesterday, it was so weird, exciting and thrilling! I just love it! I can't wait for more!

All in all, Tuesday was a good day! The kids started school, kindergarten for Tae and 6th grade for Ty, I got a job and I enrolled in school!

Happy Fall to us, big things in our future! Life seems just a little bit brighter!

My beautiful cats

The Orangie is my precious Padmae, oddest cat I've ever know, but I simply adore her. She hates other cats but is very attached to me! She follows me all around the house, never looking at me, like she couldn't care less, but always close by. She will never let me pet her until we get on my bed, then she goes nuts, want to climb right inside I think. It must feel like a afe spot to her. She is starting to like our new Bill a bit, and I have caught her playin' with Boba before too, she'll never admit it though!

The big guy is Boba, coolest, funniest cat I've ever know. Very laid back and easy going yet loves to play. He adores other kitties, embraces them immediately, literally. Whenever we bring a new one home he sniffs it, puts his paw around them and starts licking, as if to say 'oh, your finally here'! Never hisses, never meows! He is so smart, one of those cats that seem like they get what your saying, knows his name, climbs ladders, steals food from our plates by sneaking it off with his paw. We don't let him, but we all find it so funny, and he does it every time we eat. I keep telling Keith we need to stat video taping him and make a montage to send in somewhere, it really is funny, because it's so smart and sneaky.
The Baby Bengal looking fella is baby Bill. Bill loves his food and really loves to cuddle, he is sweeter than honey! I love the circles and swirls on his sides!

Sweet Sentiment

A young woman went to her mother and told her about her life and how things were so hard for her. She did not know how she was going to make it and wanted to give up, She was tired of fighting and struggling. It seemed as one problem was solved, a new one arose.
Her mother took her to the kitchen. She filled three pots with water and placed each on a high fire. Soon the pots came to boil. In the first she placed carrots, in the second she placed eggs, and in the last she placed ground coffee beans. She let them sit and boil; without saying a word.
In about twenty minutes she turned off the burners. She fished the carrots out and placed them in a bowl. She pulled the eggs out and placed them in a bowl. Then she ladled the coffee out and placed it in a bowl. Turning to her daughter, she asked, ' Tell me what you see.'
'Carrots, eggs, and coffee,' she replied.
Her mother brought her closer and asked her to feel the carrots. She did and noted that they were soft. The mother then asked the daughter to take an egg and break it. After pulling off the shell, she observed the hard boiled egg.
Finally, the mother asked the daughter to sip the coffee. The daughter smiled as she tasted its rich aroma. The daughter then asked, 'What does it mean, mother?'
Her mother explained that each of these objects had faced the same adversity: boiling water. Each reacted differently. The carrot went in strong, hard, and unrelenting. However, after being subjected to the boiling water, it softened and became weak. The egg had been fragile. Its thin outer shell had protected its liquid interior, but after sitting through the boiling water, its inside became hardened. The ground coffee beans were unique, however. After they were in the boiling water, they had changed the water.
'Which are you?' she asked her daughter. 'When adversity knocks on your door, how do you respond? Are you a carrot, an egg or a coffee bean?
Think of this: Which am I? Am I the carrot that seems strong, but with pain and adversity do I wilt and become soft and lose my strength?
Am I the egg that starts with a malleable heart, but changes with the heat? Did I have a fluid spirit, but after a death, a breakup, a financial hardship or some other trial, have I become hardened and stiff? Does my shell look the same, but on the inside am I bitter and tough with a stiff spirit and hardened heart?
Or am I like the coffee bean? The bean actually changes the hot water, the very circumstance that brings the pain. When the water gets hot, it releases the fragrance and flavor. If you are like the bean, when things are at their worst, you get better and change the situation around you. When the hour is the darkest and trials are their greatest do you elevate yourself to another level? How do you handle adversity? Are you a carrot, an egg or a coffee bean?
May you have enough happiness to make you sweet, enough trials to make you strong, enough sorrow to keep you human and enough hope to make you happy.
The happiest of people don't necessarily have the best of everything; they just make the most of everything that comes along their way. The brightest future will always be based on a forgotten past; you can't go forward in life until you let go of your past failures and heartaches

Gluttony

This was Tatum's fifth birthday bash. One of my favorite ways to do dinner.

We buy corn on the cob, garlic bread, potato wedges, shrimp skewers, king crab, craw fish, mussels, snow crab, rock crab and chicken skewers (for those non-seafood lovers). Then we just dump it all in the middle of the table and dig in.

The pictures are before, during and after. What a feast!

This is where it gets good... {laughing devilishly} You see that mess, well, you just roll up the table cloth and dump, no dishes, that's it. Such a wonderful feeling. I recommend it for everyone to try. It makes you feel almost naughty!

That fella sittin' at the table all alone is My bro Tom, always the last one at the table...

Your choice?

I present to you...

A cup of happy or A cup of sad

what sounds good today

you decide?!?

My sweet Son!

On how I miss him!

Tyler Adam had the opportunity to go fishing in canada with his Papa for a week!

I neveR would have imagined how much I would miss him.

I never realized how much of a comanpion, a pal, he was to me!

He finally gets home tomorrow, I can't wait!!!

My new baby...yay

If you are familiar with my Dryer story, you'll know that my new, upcoming, addition is bitter sweet. (if not, see beware of dryers)

I introduce to you Bill, my new baby boy! He was born 1 week ago, July 29th. In this picture, Bill is the fourth one from the left, with the markings of a Bengal.

I can't wait to introduce him to my other fur balls, in about 5 weeks.

Were ready for ya Mr. Bill Banger my Bengal!

By the way, Bill's mom was also my sweet Wookie's mom!

SO SO bitter sweet!

Who the heck am I?

My name is Niki! I am very passionate about several things in life; my family, my faith, being a great Mom, healthy living, clean eating, home remedies, animals and crafting. I hope to share information and products I find very useful in all these area’s!
I really look forward to meeting new people and helping enrich the lives of many! I very much believe what goes around comes and try to live my life by that. I hope that if I give kindness to others, it will come back around my way, blessing me and my family!

My life

I have been a bar server for almost 13 years now, I just gave my notice! I’m a bit nervous about it, I don’t have a new job yet and this is about all I have ever done, aside from hobbies. I’m so tired of my kids coming home from school and I have to walk right out the door for work 4 or 5 night a week. It was time, I’m over that life style.
I am so deeply passionate about being with my family, working in a bar is just a really bad fit for me. It really goes against everything I stand for, especially the good health aspect of my life! Bar people are a bunch of drinking, smoking, dirty, loud mouthed, vulgar drunks! Don't get me wrong, there are exceptions and for the most part I really enjoyed the friends I made there, they made it all tolerable! But most people aren't really the kind you want to surround yourself with when your goals in life are to be honest, caring, spiritual, moral, kind, healthy, fit, energetic, fun, friendly and family oriented.

Folks you meet in bars are more often than not the opposite of these things! I’m so excited about the chapter in my life I am about to embark on, I hope you will stay with me on my journey {getting out map and dusting it off}!
With Love and Anticipation, Niki

Short n’ Sweet

One of my favorite saying

'A man stands tallest when kneeling to help a child…'

My darlin’ daughter

I always try to get the positive out of life whenever I can! In somewhat yucky situations, like a rainy day, I tell my kids I love the rain because feeling it on my skin lets me know I’m alive {you know what the alternative is}!

I 'try' to be grateful about everything I have. When my kids give me a kiss, or do a good deed, or for no reason at all, I tell them they “make my heart smile”!

A couple days ago when I was making lunch for my daughter, she looked at me and said “Mommy, you make my heart smile”! I know she was just happy to be getting her beloved spaghettio's that I only allow about once a wee, but I'll take what I can get! My heart was soaring in that moment!

Then, this morning it was raining pretty good when we left for school, and she said “this rain makes me feel alive!... Right Mommy?” Of course I agreed, with a smile on my face and soaking wet cloths. A year from now, 20 years from now, I will remember her words and the look on her face! I already forgot the feel of the uncomfortably wet cloths on my body!

These are the little moments in life I embrace and crave every day!

Your kids will pick up things from you, the good and the bad. Watch your words, watch your actions, watch your attitude and watch your heart! Even when it comes to the little things that might seem insignificant… Like a rainy day!

Watch yourself!

Watch your thought... they become words!
Watch your words... they become actions!
Watch your actions... they become character!
Watch your character… It defines you!

About YOU

Everything that happens to you,

from this moment forward, good or bad,

will be of great benefit to you!

There is a purpose, there is a reason!

Beware of Dryers... sad story

My sweet 3 month old kitten, Wookie, passed away in our dryer on the Fourth of July and I am mortified {shaking and crying uncontrolably}.

I found her myself and will never forgive myself.

I am a huge animal lover. I have two other beautiful grown cats and they loved our new addition we called Wookie. I got her on Mothers Day!

The thing that kills me is that I know to watch for them in the dryer, my sweet baby girl, whom passed, and my male tabby, Boba, love to get in there. I always check for them, always, always, why didn't I check that day, why?

On the morning of the fourth I was busy running around getting ready to go to the beach to visit my inlaws, then to my moms for Fricano's pizza, then to go on their pontoon boat for fireworks. My husband was anxious for me to cut his hair real quick. I had a zillion things going on.

I said,"let me just throw this load in the dryer real quick and I'll do it!"

I, for probably the first time, didn't check for my sweet Wookie, again, why?

The worst part was that my husband and I were only about 5 feet from where our dryer was when I cut his hair. I never heard a sound, not a single cry or thump

'oh sweet girl, why didn't you cry for me???'

I can only pray that that is a sign that she was unconsious fairly quickly, I pray this is true, I need to believe this is true.

I am writing this as a testiment that you can never be to carful with your kittens, they get into many dangerous places. ALWAYS check your dryer before starting a load. I am crushed by this loss and will be for some time!

Especially when I watch my grown cats walk around the house...

...searching

... for her, I just know it!

Thanks for listening, and always be alert!