Scrapbook Pages

The newest addition to my scrapbook!

Happy Early Mother's Day...To Me!

I wanted to start a tradition of having pictures taken with my children (just Colin for now), every year around Mother's Day. This is one of the first annual Mother's Day photos! The rest are posted on smugmug!

Colin Pages

Here are my newest scrapbook pages of Colin. I've decided to work backwards using only studio photos until I run out, then I will use random photos.

More Scrapbook Pages!

My next two pages. I'm done for the night folks. Goodnight!

BTW - Please pray for me tomorrow...I start orientation at my new job.

First Digital Scrapbook Pages

My very first digital scrapbook pages! I'm pleased with the turnout, and I think I'll make more. These are my only two so far, but I've posted them on my smugmug, and I'll be adding more as I make them!

Digital Scrapbooking?

Well, I love all of the pages that Emily has been making, and it is inspiring me to start making some of my own. I used to be an avid scrapbooker in my pre-Colin, pre-nursing days...in fact, I worked at a scrapbooking store for almost 2 years! I have tons of supplies, that I no longer need/want, and I am trying to sell them (if you need/want something let me know!), and I think I am going to take a stab at digital scrapbooking. I may find a little more time to do that than the actual scrapbooking. I'll post as I get some pages done!

Yankee Game

Yesterday Miguel, Danny & I went to see the Yankees ROCK the Rangers...and they did just that! We hit some traffic on the way over, and we were worried that we were going to miss part of the game. It was pouring, then it would stop, then pour again, then stop. By the time that we got inside the park the game had just started! It had been delayed b/c of the rain...so we didn't miss anything! There were a bunch of rowdy drunk Yankee fans a few rows in front of us that were starting fights with people and trash talking to everyone. That kind of ruins it...I just want to watch the game!

My mom watched Colin for us, and we got back to her house at midnight, and I decided that I didn't want to wake up Colin, so he spent the night at my mom's house. That was our first night away from Colin! My mom said that he did great, and that they had a good time. I'm glad and sad that he didn't miss us too much!

8 Month Portrait

Colin had some pictures taken of him while we were at the mall yesterday. This is my favorite, and the rest are posted on my smugmug.

San Antonio

After the wedding in Junction, we drove to San Antonio for a day. Mom had never been there before, so we thought it would be nice to take her considering she came all the way to Junction with us to watch Colin while we went to the wedding.
We met up for lunch with Cindy & Imad (friends from work who also went to San Antonio after the wedding).
We enjoyed yummy Mexican food, great margaritas and a nice days on the riverwalk.

David & Kaci's Wedding

We drove to Junction, TX on Saturday morning to attend David & Kaci's wedding. It was a special event for me, b/c I helped set them up on their very first date.

It was a beautiful wedding. Kaci looked gorgeous, and David looked so happy! I wish them a lifetime of happiness!

Our Weekend

We just got back from San Antonio. I'm in the process of putting the pictures onto my computer, so I will post about our weekend along with a link to the pictures once they are up on smugmug.

BTW - Colin is doing great!

More later!

First Ear Infection

I took Colin to the doctor last week, b/c he was tugging at his right ear and crying a lot. The doctor said that he just had a cold, but to keep an eye on him b/c it could turn into an ear infection...

Well, last night Colin woke about every 2 hours crying. Not screaming, but more of a fussy kind of cry. We finally took his temperature at 6:30 this morning, and it was 100.5. I gave him so tylenol, and he went back to sleep until 8:00. At 8:00 his temperature went down to 99.3. I was happy but decided to call the doctor anyway, just to let them know what was going on.

I re-took his temperature at 10:00, and it was 100.8, but still to early for his next dose of tylenol. I took it again at 10:30, and it was 101.1. I gave him more tylenol. We then headed for the doctors office. They took his temperature at 11:00 and it was 101.4.

Turns out, that Colin has an infection in his right ear. It's not that bad, but it's still painful for him, and having the temperature is making him feel yucky. I am currently waiting for his prescription to be filled so we can get antibiotics on board and get it cleared up. I hate seeing my baby like this.

Not sure yet what we are doing about tomorrow...
My friend from work is getting married in Junction, TX, and we were supposed to leave Colin with my mom for the weekend and head down there. I'll let you know what we decide to do!

A New Home?

This past Sabbath, Miguel, Colin & I went to the Arlington SDA Church. We attended the second service which is called YG Church (younger generation). It was awesome! I absolutely LOVED the music, the atmoshpere, and everything else. After the service we went to the "10 Minute Party" where they have snacks and drinks for the visitors. We stayed for the third service, which was traditional, but still good.

After church we went over to Pastor Ritchie & Shelia's house for lunch and fellowship. (Ritchie used to be the pastor of our current church). Once again, we had a great time meeting new people and catching up with the Pruehs'. Everyone made us feel welcome.

We are planning on going back to visit again in a few weeks. Have we found a new home? I'm praying about it!

My First Paint Job

I've never painted before. I'm a little embarrassed to say it, but it's true. I decided that I wanted to paint something in our house, and I decided to start with the laundry room...I didn't want to do anything too noticeable, b/c it's my first time. I started today, and got almost all of it done. I plan on finishing it tomorrow. I think that it turned out pretty good for my first time! I'm pleased!

Happy Birthday Emily!

Happy birthday Emily! I hope that you have a great day and that you are enjoying your precious bundle!

Welcome Baby Caroline!

I went to the hospital to see baby Caroline this afternoon, and she is just beautiful! She looks just like Katie, and has a great mild-tempered personality.

Emily looks great for just having a baby a few hours earlier, and Sean looks tired. Sean, go get some sleep!

Dinner at the Kolbs' House

Last night we had dinner with Chris & Casey. We haven't really had a chance to get together with them in a long time, but we had a great time! We ate yummy food, played a card game and had good conversation. I took some pictures of the kids, and they can be seen on my smugmug.

When Will Caroline Tovson Arrive?

Tonight? Tomorrow? Is she already here? I don't know yet, but Emily called me this evening to tell me that she was going to be induced tonight. She's going to call me back once little miss Caroline makes her grand appearance, so I'm guessing she isn't here yet. I guess I'll be making a trip back to the hospital tomorrow to see Colin's new little friend!

Congratualtions Sean & Emily!

Cancelled Plans

I was really looking forward to going to the mall tomorow with my playgroup. Pottery Barn is having a free sing-along concert. About 45 members of my playgroup are going...but I just decided a little while ago, that I don't really feel like going anymore. Blah. Maybe I'll go to Babies R Us instead...there are a few things that I need to pick up anyway.

Mom is Home

My mom finally came home from the hospital yesterday evening. We were really hoping that she would get out before or on Easter, but that didn't happen. Her arm looks a ton better, but she is still hurting. Her recovery is going to be about a month long...and she can't work until then. Thanks everyone for your thoughts and prayers. I know they've helped!

Happy Easter

I just wanted to wish everyone a happy Easter. I had to work in the morning, but I got off at 3:00 where we all met at Frances' house for dinner and an egg hunt for Yasmin.

Colin got his very first Easter baskets that were filled with goodies: teething rings, baby food, pajamas, and toys. Colin dressed up in a bunny pajama set and looked very cute!

Yasmin Dyes Easter Eggs

I picked Yasmin up from school yesterday and brought her to my house to dye some Easter eggs for the egg hunt on Sunday. She was surprised, and very excited! We had tons of fun!

Happy Birthday Chris!

A big happy birthday to Chris! Have a blessed day!

Lately I've...

Been spending an awful a lot of time in the inside of a hospital...

March 22 - Interviewed at MCoM
March 23 - Mom admitted to MCoM, visited
March 24 - Visited mom at MCoM
March 25 - Visited mom at MCoM
March 26 - Called in at MCMC, visited mom at MCoM
March 27 - Mom dicharged from MCoM, drove her home
March 31 - Mom admitted to MCoM, visited
April 1 - Worked at MCMC, visited mom at MCoM
April 2 - Visited mom at MCoM
April 3 - Visited Emily at CMC, visited mom at MCoM

Plans for the next few days: Visit mom at MCoM, work at MCMC

I am definitely seeing the hospital a little too much!

Fun Day

I had a fun day with Whitney & Emily today. I don't really need to say anymore...whenever we get together we always have a great time. Our stops included Babies R Us, Half Price Books, Once Upon a Child & Kid to Kid.

Katie kept pointing to Colin saying 'baby", Emily was yelling at Caroline to come out, Whitney was arguing with medical people on the phone, Colin was all smiles, and I was on a shopping frenzy! Great times!

Speaking of shopping...the point of the trip was to buy Colin a walker. I researched them and bought one from Babies R Us, but I think that it only moves forwards and backwards...weird! I may be taking it back...

No Pacifier!

I am so happy! Colin went all day without his pacifier for the first time today. From the minute he woke up, until he went to bed tonight, he didn't suck on his pacifier at all! Yay! I'm hoping that we can use this time to break him of it completely.

Update on My Mom

Another update on my mom...

First of all, thank you to everyone who has been praying for her. I KNOW prayer works!

Her surgery was scheduled for 9:00 yesterday morning, but they took her at 8:00. I was at work, and freaking out, and realized that I wasn't on the schedule anyway. Someone made a mistake...and it wasn't me! So, I left work at 10:00 and went straight to the hospital. The doctor called me at 10:45, to tell me how the surgery went. I got to the hospital a few minutes later, and my mom was in the recovery room. It's funny what people say when they are under anesthesia!

So now the update...

My mom went through the surgery very well! She has about a 4-5 inch incision in the crease of her arm. Her arm is very swollen and red. They pulled a very large blood clot out of her arm. The said it was an "extensive" surgery.

She's doing well, and in good spirits. It helps that people are visiting her and calling. It really shows that they care. Her incision is hurting, but that's to be expected after surgery. She'll definitely be in the hospital until tomorrow, and maybe even Wednesday.

I hate thinking about what could have happened if she hadn't gone back to the hospital when she did, but I know God had a lot to do with it. I thank you all again for your prayers. They worked, once again!

More Prayers...PLEASE!

Ok, so my mom came home form the hospital on Tuesday after having her cardiac catheterization on Monday. They did it through her wrist. She was having pain, but thought that it was normal. Well, the pain hasn't gotten any better, in fact, it's gotten worse over the past few days. I've been telling her to get it checked out, but once again, she didn't listen to me. I'm an ER nurse damnit! I see this all the time! Listen to me!
Anyway, she finally went back to to ER this afternoon, having her doctor told her to, and it turns out that she has a HUGE clot in her arm where they did the catheterization. The clot is from her wrist to her elbow. This is very scary, b/c if any piece of the clot breaks off, it will go straight to her lungs, and she would probably die of a PE (pulmonary embolus). Normally, once they find the clot, they give you "clot busters" to break up the clot, or dissolve it...but her clot is too big for that. So, she is having surgery tomorrow morning around 9:00. She's very nervous, b/c they are putting her completely out, and she will probably go to the ICU after the surgery.
To make things worse, I can't be there b/c I'm working tomorrow. I took off last Sunday & Monday, so I can't take off tomorrow. I'm really nervous for her, but I know the power of prayer...so PLEASE say a prayer tonight and a quick prayer for her tomorrow morning. I TRULY appreciate it!

Emily's Baby Shower

I had such a good time at Emily's baby shower today! It was at Anamia's Mexican Restaurant in Coppell. Emily got lots of cute things for baby Caroline! I took a ton of pictures that are posted on my smugmug! I can't wait to meet Caroline!

Official Offer

I got my official offer today from Medical Center of McKinney. I accepted. Now I just have to decide if I want to be part-time status or PRN. PRN pays more, and you work as little or as much as you want. Part-time offers health benefits...which will probably be cheaper than Miguel's coverage...but I would have to work a minumum of 20 hours per week. Yuck. We'll see. I'll let you know what I decide to go with.

Update on My Mom

I brought my mom home from the hospital today. She is doing much better. She still has the chest tightness, but no more pain.

In a nutshell, the results of the heart catheterization were fantastic! No blockages! Praise God! They went in through her wrist, and that caused a lot of pain, so she stayed 1 more night last night. Her poor arm is hard, swollen and bruised.

She isn't in the greatest of health. While in the hospital, she found out that her thyroid is out of whack again, her cholesterol is high, blood pressure is high, and she is now a type II diabetic. All but the thyroid can be controlled by diet and excercise...basically lifestyle changes that she would have to make, but until then, she had medication to help get things under control.

Thank you all so much for your prayers. I know they were the reason that she ended up not having a heart attack. I ask for your continued prayers for her...for continued recovery, and a willingness to change her lifestyle. Thank you!

Quest for the Truth

So here starts a long post. Brace yourself if you plan on reading the whole thing.

This topic is one that I have been thinking about for a while now, and just haven't gottten around to actually posting about it, but after recent reads, and a commitment to getting it done, here it is.

For quite some time I haven't been happy at our church. I can't really pinpoint what it is that is bothering me, or that isn't right, but I just don't feel like it's the place for me anymore. I blame our church, but really, I think it's me. I think that I'm not happy with my walk with Christ and my relationship (or lack thereof) with God. Wow, did I just say His name? I'm even back at the point that I feel funny saying Jesus or God. What a scary realization.

Anyway, my new quest is to regain that relationship that I once knew and felt. I'm not really sure how to do it or where to start, but I do know a few fundamental truths:

1. I believe in a supreme being, namely God
2. I believe that the Godhead is 3 beings that act as 1, and that all 3 are God
3. I believe that Jesus is the Son of God
4. I believe that Jesus came to Earth, lived a sinless life, and died...for me
5. I believe that Jesus' death on the cross is sufficient for my salvation...if I accept that wonderful gift

Now here is where the "problem" comes in. I would love to visit other churches (inside & outside of the SDA church). Visiting other SDA churches isn't going to be a problem, but churches outside of the SDA church will be. Here's why:

I believe that the 7th day is the Sabbath. The 7th day is Saturday. I can't justify to myself worshiping on Sunday if I know Saturday is the true Sabbath.

The 4th commandment (Exodus 20:8-11) states: (NASB)

Remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy.
Six days you shall labor and do all your work,
but the seventh day is a Sabbath to the LORD your God. On it you shall not do any work, neither you, nor your son or daughter, nor your manservant or maidservant, nor your animals, nor the alien within your gates.
For in six days the LORD made the heavens and the earth, the sea, and all that is in them, but he rested on the seventh day. Therefore the LORD blessed the Sabbath day and made it holy.

So that really limits the number of churches that I can visit. I'm sure that there are some really great Sunday worshiping churches out there, but I can't get past the Sunday worshiping part, so I'll never visit them. It stinks.

I'm searching for the truth. I'm not saying that the SDA church has it...but whoever does, that's where I want to be. In my search, I've decided to contact the pastors or ministers of several local churches of different denominations. I want to know their explanation of the 4th commandment, and why they worship on Sunday. I really hope that they give me a response.

While I wait for answers, I'll be researching churches to visit, and studying my Bible, and hopefully I'll find a new "home". Maybe it will be the church that I've been at for the past 5 years, or maybe it will be a new one...but it has to teach the truth.

I welcome comments, thoughts, & questions. Thanks for taking the time to read.

7 Months Old

Colin is 7 months old today. I know I say it every month, but I still feel I had him just yesterday...and to think that he's almost a toddler! I can't believe it! Time flies. He's learning so much every day, and we see him doing something new every day. It just amazes us. He's such a blessing in our lives!

Baby Dedication

Today we went to Robert Clark's and Emma, Madison & Kaetlyn Kolb's baby/child dedication. It's always such a blessing to see children dedicated to the Lord and parents commiting to raise their children that way. After the church service, we went to Doug's parents house for a luncheon. After eating good food and yummy cake that Lisa made, and tons of pictures later, we left for home. You can see the rest of the pictures on my smugmug.

Sabbath at the Dallas Arboretum

Our family spent Sabbath at the Dallas Arboretum to see the "Dallas Blooms" exhibit. We had a nice picnic, and took some great pictures. The rest of the photos are on my smugmug!

Please Pray for My Mom

My mom could definitely use some prayers right now...

She's in the hospital. She went to the ER at 9:30 this moring for chest pain. She had been having chest pain since last Saturday and I've been telling her to go get checked out, but she doesn't listen to me. Anyway, she went to work this morning with the chest pain, and while at work got extremely diaphoretic (sweaty) and her blood pressure shot through the roof, along with the chest pain. They had someone drive her to the ER, where I met her.

They ran her cardiac enzymes, did an EKG, chest x-ray, and a bunch of other blood work. Everything came back ok, thank God, but they wanted to keep her to watch her overnight and to draw more enzymes later on.

The cardiologist saw her and made her do a stress test...which she didn't do so well on, so he wants her to stay in the hospital until Monday. On Monday he is going to do a cardiac catheterization.

My mom is a typical nurse...a person who takes care of everyone else, but not herself. She doesn't want to stay in the hospital, doesn't want the catheterization, and probably isn't willing to change her lifestyle.

She had a scare today. She could have had a massive heart attack and died. Hopefully this will be her wake up call to change her lifestyle for the better. Please pray that God works in her, and changes her heart to want better for herself. Thank you.

So I Got a New Job

Well, I applied for a PRN ER RN position at Medical Center of McKinney about 1 1/2 months ago, and hadn't heard back from them...until Monday. I set up an interview for this morning with the nurse recruiter and with the ER Nurse Manager. My interview was at 10:00 this morning. By the end of the interview, the nurse manager told me that she really likes me and would love for me to work with them. By 2:00, they were already running my background check, and they told me that by Monday afternoon they will give me the official offer.

I'm excited and happy that I got the job, but I'm sad to leave my current job. I actually love my current job, and the people that I work with...but the commute has finally started getting to me (after 2 1/2 years). It seems like the new job is better all around...closer and pays more...I guess I should be a little more excited than I am. I thank God for the blessing of my career and this new job, but I can't help but to feel sad about leaving good 'ol ghetto Charlton Methodist.

My Little Colin

So, my little Colin isn't so little anymore. He's starting to look like a toddler, and that scares me! He's such a ham for the camera...every time he sees it, he starts making different poses.

Great Visit

I had a great visit with my cousin Patty the past few days. We have always been pretty close even though we don't talk that often and hadn't seen each other in 5 years. I was a little nervous about how things would turn out, b/c people change so much in 5 years...especially during the ages of 18-24. There wasn't any weirdness, and I feel like we picked up right where we left off. We had a great time seeing the Grapevine outlets, Stonebriar Center, getting lost in downtown Dallas, and eating Dicky's, Chipotle, Scotty P's & Sambuca...none of which are in NY. I was sad to see her go, but really enjoyed the time we got to spend together and I hope that we can do it again sometime soon!

Patty's Visit

Patty and I went to the Grapevine outlets and downtown Dallas yesterday. When Miguel got home from work we ate at Scotty P's for dinner. I am having so much fun with Patty!

Whoo-hoo!

Off to the airport I go (in 30 minutes)!

Patty's Coming Tomorrow!

I am so excited! I haven't seen my cousin Patty since my wedding 5 1/2 years ago! Patty is coming to spend a few days with us. It's her first time to Texas, and I'm excited to show her around!

Happy St. Patrick's Day

Colin wanted to wish everyone a happy St. Patrick's Day...I know, I know, we are a day late, but we didn't have our traditional corned beef, cabbage & potato dinner until today.

New Look

Ok, so I figured that I would jump on the bandwagon and change up my blog. I've been wanting to do it for a while, but never got around to it. Thank you Bonnie & Emily for making your pages so nice that I had to get rid of my crappy layout! Let me know what you think, and if there is anything that needs fixing!

Colin's 6 Month Portrait

I just got Colin's 6 month portraits back. Isn't he adorable? The rest of the poses are posted on smugmug.

Colin

I just wanted to share a photo thaat I took of Colin today. His eyes are so striking!

Day at the Park

Miguel, Colin and I went to the park in our neighborhood today. It was Colin's first time at the park, and he enjoyed swinging in the swing! He also went down the slide (on mommy's lap). More pictures are posted on smugmug.

Poor Baby Girl

Poor Rachael just can't seem to get a break. First she got pink eye. It cleared up, then a week later she got pink eye again...but this time in both eyes. That cleared up. Today, Courtney took her to the doctor, and she had a pretty bad ear infection. My poor poor neice.

Colin's 6 Month Appointment

Colin had his 6 month check-up today. Everything is going great. He weighs 17lbs. 14oz. (50-75th percentile), and is 27 inches long (75-90th percentile). What a tall baby! The doctor was impressed with his social skills. He's doing great with his leg muscles and standing. We took Colin off of his reflux medicine almost a month ago, and Colin is tolerating well without it. He got 3 shots today, so he was a little fussy for the rest of the day, and he ran a low-grade fever tonight. Other than that, he's doing great. He's just moved into 6-9 month size clothing. He's getting so big! He'll be walking and talking before we know it!

My Baby is Standing!

I can't believe it, but Colin is standing! I wanted to see if he could do it, and he did! He can't balance by himself yet, but he holds on to furniture and stands for a couple minutes! My big boy!

On another note, I took Colin for his 6 month pictures today, and they turned out very cute! As soon as I get them back, I'll scan them and upload them.

Colin has his 6 month month appointment tomorrow, so I'll post about that.

6 Months Old

My precious baby is 6 months old! I feel like I was in labor with him just yesterday. He's growing and changing every day. It's amazing!

9 Years

Today Miguel & I have been together for 9 years! So much has happened in that time...I graduated from high school, we both graduated from college, got married, and bought a house, and had a baby!

My life is so perfect. I love you Miguel, and thank God for you every day!

Happy Birthday Katie, Valerie & Emma!

I just want to wish Katie, Valerie & Emma a very happy birthday!

My Birthday Party

Last night Miguel organized a small get together of family and a few close friends to celebrate my birthday. I had so much fun, and everyone really made me feel special. This was my first nirthday as a mommy, and it was a very memorable one. Thank you to everyone who called, e-mailed, myspace commented, and celebrated with me!

Colin Had His Face Painted

Colin had his face painted at Kaylee's birthday party yesterday! He had so much fun turning into a baby clown!

Happy Valentine's Day

Colin would like to wish everyone a Happy Valentine's Day! He's enjoying his first one. He decided to pose for a few pictures in his Valentine's Day outfit. The rest can be found on smugmug.

Who's Not Watching the Superbowl?

ME! Why, you ask? Because I'll be working. I forgot to request off. Kind of sucks. Last year I called into work and had a superbowl party instead. So while Colin is enjoying his very first superbowl party with his papi, I'll be working. Yay for me.

A Pretty Picture

I took a few pictures of out house yesterday when it was snowing. Not quite a wintery wonderland, but 1/8 of an inch still counts as snow!