SUMMER IS HERE!

Hello!

I just realized that there's only been one post inbetween now, and the time summer ended last year! Horrible...I know, but to tell you the truth, i'm not sure how many people really read this anyway. I think all blogs should have a tracking device that shows the amount of people that view your blog...oh well...back to what's been going on! Tomorrow is my LAST residency day at Parkland! I've endured 6 grueling months of classes, tests, evaluations and not knowing what the heck i'm doing to make it here! It really did go by SO fast. I can't believe how much I've learned, and the confidence I've gained. But I still have a LONG way to go. There's alot to learn at one of the busiest L&D units in the nation! While I've been working, Ethan's been LOVING school! He's so smart, and recently mastered potty training! So proud of my little man :) James is good too...same ol', same ol' :) I'm looking forward to spending lots of quality time together this summer....We've already taken a mini-vaca to seaworld, and it was so much fun! I haven't been there since I was about 12! Can't wait for all the fun that's to be had the rest of the summer!

7 month recap!

Hello blog friends! I have fallen off the blog wagon for a while, but for good reason. This will be a long post, so don't say I didn't warn you! First off, when I left you, I was starting my last semester of nursing school....well that came and went, and now....wait for it...I'm an RN! I graduated, passed the NCLEX (on the first try might I add) and got a Job at Parkland Hosptital as a labor and delivery nurse! I had 5 interviews before I landed the job I really wanted at Parkland. I was one of the last of 9 residents hired out of about 200 applicants! How I got the interview still baffles me, so I'll just keep on believing it was meant to be :) I love my job, it is challenging, scary, tough and wonderfully amazing! Some days are better than others, but every one makes me a stronger, better nurse. The residency is 6 months long (Jan-Jun) and I'm am about to start the second half, which is C-sections and recovery. I love my 3-4 day a week work schedule, the 12 hour shifts are hard, but I am able to spend more time at home. I am confident that I am at the BEST place for learning the world of labor and delivery! Enough about me, onto Ethan (since he's the one you all want to hear about!) He started at a mom's day out program in September at a church in keller, going 2 days a week. He loved it, and was doing great (despite the water works everytime I dropped him off!). But when I landed my job, we had to enroll him in full time preschool. We put him in Harvest Christian Academy, and he absolutley LOVES it! Even on my off days he would rather go to school than stay home with momma (sigh). He is learning so much and I am amazed at how much he has grown in his time there! We love his teachers, and the staff there. He is the youngest one in his class since his birthday is in August, most of the kids are 3, or turn 3 before him . But I think that has had a positive effect on him. He started potty training a few weeks ago, and is doing great. He only wears diapers when he sleeps, and tells us when he needs to go. By the way, m&m's works splendidly as rewards! I am so proud of my little, uh..BIG boy. He loves to play outside, water our plants, play with play-dough and read books. He also is ALL boy and loves his sandbox and 'tools'. I could go on and on, but for the sake of all your sanity, will stop now! Now onto James....He is still working at Autobahn volkswagon, and continues to be one of their best employees. I am very proud of him and how hard he works for our family. He is a little less stressed now that I am bringing in an income now, and has big plans for my paychecks. BUT most of it goes in savings anyway! Sorry James. We are still doing projects around the house, and living our simple wonderful lives. I am so grateful for where we are now, and can't wait for what's next for our family. Stay tuned....I promise it wont be another 7 months until I update!

Here are a few pictures of some things you missed!

Fall 09 pumpkin picking

Nursing School graduation Dec 09

Christmas morning...I think he was happy :)

First school pictures!

Digging for Dino bones at the Fort worth museum

Happy Easter!

Wait, when did summer end??

I haven't updated in a while, but that's because so much has been going on! We celebrated Ethan's 2nd birthday party Aug. 23rd. We had just family and a few close friends, but that is actually about 30 people! There was lots of food, and we set up pools and some other water toys in the backyard! The kids had an absolute blast, and the grown ups were all thrilled about sitting outside in the heat I'm sure :) All the ones that didn't have kids to watch in the backyard stayed inside! Ethan of course, made out like a bandit with toys (like he needed more) and blew out his candle on his cake! Such a big boy! Here's a few pics(I say few because there are actually about 200 from that day!).

The following day, I started my last semester of nursing school! Of course with all of the birthday party madness I didn't spend anytime reading to prepare for lecture, but am happy to say I am caught up now :) This semester will by far be the most stressful, not because of school, but because it's time to start my job search, AND study for the NCLEX! For those of you that don't know, once you graduate you have your applied science degree and are considered a "graduate nurse". Then you have to pass the state board (NCLEX) to get your RN credentials. But employers start recruiting in your last semester, and give you so long to take the state board. This is a very scary time because I have no idea what area I want to go into! I have lots of ideas actually, its just narrowing that down. SO lets just say I have alot of thinking to do and applications to fill out. I see the light at the end of the tunnel though, and cannot wait! (I'm sure James can't either! haha) I will keep everyone updated, and if you have any hospital contacts be sure to put in a good word and let me know ;)

OH NO! I almost forgot....Ethan also started his first day of preschool!! (see I told you alot has been going on!!) He is going one day a week to Light of the World church, it's a mom's day out program but has such a good reputation for teaching! He loved it, he was ready to go, back pack and all! Not one tear was shed when I dropped him off. (Not even me....and I figured I would lose it) I can't believe our baby is getting so big!

Well that's all folks, hope everyone had a great summer and is as ready for fall as I am!

FIRST family vacation!

Last month we had our first family trip! We spent a couple days in Galveston at the beach and visited the moody gardens aquarium. It was the perfect vacation to take with a 2 year old! Not too long, the hotel had a fridge and a microwave AND not to mention the giant swimming pool and sandbox known as the ocean! We all had so much fun, and Ethan was so good the whole time! Thank goodness for portable DVD players, and spongebob, who saved us from about 5 hours of whining and crying! It was the perfect little get a way, and I'm so happy Ethan got to see the ocean for the first time! Can't wait until next year, maybe we'll attempt to fly somewhere!

4th of July FUN!

I hope everyone had a wonderful 4th! We sure did! Ethan and I went swimming with the family at Heather and Roger's house...James had to work, BOO!

Giving Uncle Blake kisses :)
Ethan LOVED sliding down the slide!! My arms were hurting the next day...

He really is the cutest :)

Mom, Me, Ethan, Christine and Aunt Sherri

He loved the water spout on the side of the pool!

......Friday night we headed over to Park Glen to watch some fireworks with Tina, Tori and the Eichler's! It was Landon's first 4th of July and he was mezmorized by all of the fireworks! Needless to say Ethan was too...and he counted the the fireworks as they went off....that's his new favorite thing, he can count all the way to 10! What a smart boy :) It was a fun weekend and I can wait for our trip to Galveston tomorrow!

All of the kids! Landon~Ethan~Tori

Daddy and Ethan watching fireworks
Tina and Tori

The Eichlers! (Brandon, Lindsay and Landon)

Mommy and Ethan

On the way back to the car....I love this one

"and life goes on" (thanks mom!)

I will post pics when we get back from the beach!!

Love to all,

The Elliotts :)