Becoming Real

     The past few weeks have been a blur.  Most importantly, I am going to be going to school for Nursing, starting VERY soon!  It will be challenging, but well worth all the hard work.  Last week I went over to the college to have an interview with the Dean of Nursing and as I was waiting in the library others (in nursing uniforms) were sitting a few tables away from me talking about IV's, tube placement, bowel sounds and dosages of medications and how to verify the "Seven Rights of Administration."  I got so jazzed up listening to them, I wanted to get started right then and there.  I know soon enough I will be complaining about the hard research assignments and case studies, so I will hold my tongue for now, it will be here soon enough.  Tomorrow my intentions after work are to drive over there and to test out of medical terminology and introduction to human biology.  I hope to do so as eight credits in on the line (24 hours extra studying per week-for classes I have already taken YEARS ago).  I hope I can apply all of my previous knowledge and of course the most recent information I learned in Anatomy and Physiology.  I should have my final schedule next week.  Getting the acceptance letter to the program in the mail yesterday was the highlight of my year so far.  After the last chaotic six months and all the hard work and everything I have been through up to receiving that letter finally made me feel as though I was accomplishing something great!  I pray that I can get through school without myself or the boys having any major health issues or any thing going wrong in the general 'flow' of day-to-day living.  I have been in another online course, introduction to sociology the last three weeks.  With the course being accelerated due to it being summer and only eight weeks long, there is a push to complete a lot of assignments quickly.  I ask my instructor to release the learning plans ahead of time for me so that I can get a jump on them for when the boys are gone and I have a few extra hours.   I want to have a good portion of the work complete prior to the core nursing courses starting.  Pray that the next few weeks are calm for me and the boys,  I need to stay focused on getting started and establishing 'routine' as much as possible, as soon as possible for the boys and I.  

"Party On Wayne,.... " "Party On Garth,.... Jssschyaa!"

Straight A's!!

Spring Semester 2013 Report Card

General Anatomy & Physiology                             A

Introduction to Psychology                                     A

Developmental Psychology                                    A-

That's right....  I got the brains!!!   :-)   Can't believe I did that well considering the stress of 'life' during the semester.  SO many people to thank and be grateful in return to.  Amazed at my blessings and gifts I receive each day.  I love you all who support this chaotic life I call my own.  



Eye see U

I'm old.

I need eyeglasses.

Got fitted and ordered yesterday.

Hmmmph.

Who's Counting?

Three more weeks and I will be done with the Spring Semester of classes!!   So happy!

In eight days N turns FOUR years old.

Carson had a speech pathology appointment yesterday and is six months 'behind' in speech and articulation.

If Boomer kicks me one more time during the night with his sharp toenails, that dog will learn how to fly through the room. 

Two inches of snow received on this last Saturday.  Really?   REALLY?!?!!   It's practically MAY!

Over $352.00 spent on an eight year old mini-van this morning... fairly certain I vomited in my mouth just a little when the bill was read to me. 

Making the Grade

Currently enrolled in the three courses and doing well in all of them, (A's) (that's about as pompous as I get).  In order to get my foot in the door for Nursing School as soon as humanly possible, I have a few hurdles to jump.  Nothing major, but there are some tests required and coursework to be accomplished.

Not only do I need to complete the Developmental Psychology Course in order to be accepted completely into the program, yet now I have to finish a Thinking Critically and Creatively Course.  I only need that course for the second school I am trying to be accepted through.  It may be an extra course that I don't 'need' right away, but I am certain it will help me in the nursing profession, regardless.  I was a little bummed out when I heard that I had to take that course AND Introduction to Sociology, but so be it.  I will do what I have to do.    Also, in attempt to get into the second school I need to complete an updated Accuplacer Exam.   It's basically a test to gauge a person's knowledge prior to being accepted in a program.  Well, I am uncertain if they are aware or not, but I have been enrolled and completed THREE technical college programs over the last 12 years.... I think I am good.  BUT.....  as before, I will do what I have to do. 

In the summer I will be finishing that course and most likely tackling Intro to Sociology as well so I can just get it over with.  At the end of summer I will be two courses away from being done with all pre-nursing courses. Advanced Anatomy & Physiology and Microbiology are going to be attempted.   If I don't get into a (ANY) Nursing Program in January 2014, I will simply be taking any courses that I can to aid in the program of any school so I have less credits when I am completely enrolled and starting my program.  

I am applying at two schools because one  of the schools is more willing to accept interested students once they have done the pre-course work as well as completing a competitive HESI Exam.  I am nervous to take that exam because any student that wants to start the following semester can test and be accepted; yet they don't know how many students will show up for the exam.  I hope I do well so I can have my schooling for becoming a nurse be official. That exam takes place in the fall of this year after I complete a petition to enroll and test.   If I get into the program, when completed with that semester I will transfer to the school more close to home.   We shall see.   Just some more hoops to hop through... but I'm doing it with a smile on my face. 

Ya Live, Ya Learn

It's been almost a month since the last post and my how much I have learned, processed and participated in since then.  The long and the short of it:

I added another class onto my credit load for this semester.  I am currently taking Intro to Psychology (online), Anatomy & Physiology and the latest, Developmental Psychology (online).  I may be crazy, but I am working towards my goal.   At the end of last month I took into consideration all the course combinations I could be taking and what would be challenging/easiest with my full time job and the boys and my home life.  I decided that if I were doing two courses, I may as well be doing three as it will simply take a bit of the stress off when I am in the core nursing program.  I also applied at another school for nursing so that I am increasing my chances of getting in sooner than the fall of 2014.   My goal now is to get into nursing school the Spring of 2014.  IF I don't get in then, I will simply have a semester (plus the summer) to take some more courses prior to the core program to help alleviate stressors within the program.  I will take whatever I can get to get moving ahead towards my goal of having "RN" after my name.  That's all I can write for now, I have to get back to studying.

Knowledge

I'm two weeks into the semester and thus far I have learned about bonds (covalent, non-polar covalent, ionic and hydrogen), major chemistry's of the human body and the specifics on each.  I have learned about APA format for paper writing.  I have learned the definitions of structuralism and functionalism and how it pertains to psychology.   I am learning what methods of study are best for me and how much I can handle when under stress.   I have also learned a few new skills and techniques at work.   Simply observing my physician (back from medical leave) I find it wonderful to have him as my 'side-kick' each day.  He is so personable, intelligent and a wonderful teacher to the patients (and me).  I feel like my head is growing by the day with the knowledge that's pouring in.  I want to keep going-- I am motivated to learn right now.  I find it to be a challenge for me in this semester ahead; these two courses.  I want to add yet another course on, but a couple of my friends are telling me to hold my horses until I am a few more weeks into the semester as the stress could increase.  I and the boys have been relatively healthy, for that, I am thankful. 

I look forward to Spring.  I know that once it gets nice out or even a day full of sunshine could turn my positive opinions of school right off, but hoping that is only temporary.

Thinking a lot about some of my friends right now who are in tricky relationships or relationships that are struggling to survive.  It makes me sad.  It also makes me fear what is happening to "love?"  It feels to me that love in the world is really having a difficult time surviving even the simplest things.   The devil has crept his way into the hearts of so many.... I want my children to have a strong knowledge and belief in Jesus so that He is in their hearts should they ever question faith, love or hope.

Today was a rambling sort of day.  For that, I apologize.  Just had to get out the words. 

Contemplating (above everything else) how I can make the boy's bedroom and play room a little more 'fun.'

Stay warm.

Pre-School & PRE-School

I was talking with Nathaniel's teacher about a week ago and my eyes almost bugged out of my head when she said,.... "Nathaniel should be getting his Pre-School 4K Packet in the next few weeks."  

WHAT???   My baby is going to be in 4K??   Pre-Kindergarten?  Pre-SCHOOL?  Holy Moses!  I am SO excited for him!   He will absolutely love learning.  I can't wait for him to get going next fall.   Of course it's a transition that may impact our every day lives and routine, but bring it ON!   Can't believe he is getting so big! I have been trying to help him with starting reading and working with his Leap Pad more (that thing is amazing).   Numbers right now that he can recite are almost to 20, but somewhat out of order.  "1, 2, 4, 6, 8, 11, 14, 17, 18, 19, 20!"   I praise him no matter what, it's pretty great that he can remember all of that in his little brain.

PRE-School:  Spring Semester starts for me next Monday.  I am taking two courses.  One will be my first "online" Internet course-Introduction to Psychology. I am nervous about having to motivate myself to get those assignments checked and updated frequently. I love Psychology and study it even when I don't need to, so I am hopeful for a good great grade.   The second course will be General Anatomy & Physiology for the Nursing Program.   I LOVED A & P when I was in the M.A. Program.   Lots of memorization and understanding of systems and theories. I will also have a laboratory class where I believe (based on the lecture notes I picked up) we will be dissecting a sheep brain and heart.  Yummy.  I have a sitter lined up for a couple of the nights that I know I will need to study or in class a little longer; and I have two 'back ups' in case that falls through.  Always need a Plan B and Plan C when children are involved.

Nerves are setting in.  I brought out my books and placed them on the kitchen counter.  LOTS of information in those books.  I read through the syllabus and I know I will have to stay extremely focused.  These two courses will be the most of a credit load until I am in the nursing program full time in about 2 years. I am nervous I will come down with Influenza,... the boys will break something and need surgery, my car will break,... anything.  You name it, I am paranoid it will jeopardize my schedule for completion and my goals.   I know it's pre-mature and I will know my timeline better when I finish my A & P course this semester, but I am estimating a graduation date from Nursing of May 19, 2016.   Here we go....

Here Comes 2013!

December Magic

Time to bundle up for parade FUN!

This year "Jingle Bells" (Nathaniel named him) finally made his way to our home.  He is a magical elf that Santa sends down from the North Pole after Thanksgiving to watch over the house.  He reports back to Santa EVERY night on how good the little boys and girls are who are in the house (Even the mommys!)  Each night he usually finds a new place to hide out.  "Jingle Bells" can NOT be touched.  If he is touched by ANY human hands, his magic disappears and he will most likely return to Santa that night and not return until the following year.  The boys and I are having SO much fun every morning waking up and trying to locate him.  Sometimes Nathaniel predicts where he will be the next day, and HE'S THERE the next day (he has REALLY good ears!) 

               

Christmas Parade, 12/1/12.

Breakfast with Santa at Eagles Club, 12/2/12

Boomer showing his Christmas Spirit

St. Nick came to visit us on the night of 12/5/12.

Carson was SO excited with his new cars and coloring book.

Nathaniel shows off his new toothbrush.  He got the Cartoon Avengers Movie and a Superman Cape! ! !

                   

A little quiet time at the library with Momma.  Carson loves to color and Nathaniel ran right to the computer to show me he knows how to use the mouse.

Goofballs

My snow angels in the first fallen snow of the season.

Carson was fascinated as he most likely doesn't remember last years.

I came home to a little gift from Santa for the boys--two little shovels for the boys. Thanks, Santa!