I have a job folks.

William's 1st bath

 If you know me at all~you know my love of the newborn stage.  And babies in general.  LOVE LOVE them.  Which may explain why I kept having babies.

 Suzy's first bath~Don't judge the hair...I was just trying to see my natural color. :)

 Ava Noel-just a couple of weeks old

 When my friend Marlys had her baby at New Eden 1.5 years ago~I went to the Birthing Center after Ava was born & spent the night to take care of little honey pie while mama slept.  I LOVED it.  At one point little honey pie wanted some bonding time and I walked the halls with her.  While walking I talked to the nurse on duty (Kelly) and she talked about her job at the birthing center telling me how much she loved it, the people she worked with, the flexible hours, and her overall love of the job.  Telling me how after her kids all got in school she went back to school to get her nursing degree.  I got very inspired that night ~that maybe I should look into school ~ that maybe I could do the same and work somewhere like that.  So that when my youngest was in school that I could have a job that I loved during the day.

While Donovan was very excited when I talked to him about the possibility of me going back to school~I quickly lost motivation & determination. The thought overwhelmed me and I put the idea away.  Little did I know that night back in December 2009 was just a little seed God had planted. 

 My new little nephew at baby dedication~November 2010

So, fast forward to 2 weeks ago when I was talking with a friend that I had just met (our son's were in the same class together at school this past year) & Jamie was telling me about her job.  At New Eden.  Taking care of newborns.  She had my full attention and captivated me.  She explained that she is a Nurses Aide and they train you on the job at the Birthing Center!  Her duties included assisting with the birth if needed, and then taking care of the newborn after the birth.  Checking the vitals of the baby, charting the vitals, doing the footprints, making the baby name bands, and giving the first bath.  Also cleaning up after the birth, sterilizing instruments after the birth, and doing the laundry.

So....after talking to hubby~I applied on Saturday, June 11th.  Waited and prayed.  I was so anxious!!!  Desperately wanting to have something in place when Suzy starts school in August.  Knowing how much of a empty place I will have not having my little pumpkin here with me (after growing used to having just Suzy at home for the last 2 years)  In the fall having NO little ones here to take care of for the first time in 11 years.  Knowing that this will be a new season of having all 4 kids in school.  Wanting a plan~wanting to embrace this new season of my life...but to do so with something to keep me busy.  Thus keeping me from crying the entire day until they get home from school.  And bonus...maybe earn a little cash.  

 Kelby or Kegan??? Not sure which nephew twin was getting a bath

It seems unreal and impossible...and actually I was blown out of the water when 5 days later I got a call from the Nursing Manager and she offered me the job.  Over the phone.  Such a God orchestrated thing!  Did I mention I hadn't had any background in nursing?  And the fact that I hadn't had a job outside of the home in about 10 years???  Thank you Jesus.  So I went in and got all my paperwork done, W4's, and got a TB shot.  Found out I will need to take a CPR class at the hospital, which they will pay for.  I put some dates down for the following week that I could be available to be "on call" and during those times I need to be ready to go into work for training.  If a baby is born, I go in.  I could put any hours down, and I chose to pick hours that Donovan was home in the evenings so that I wouldn't need to get childcare, and could spend this summer with the 4 little ones I love, doing all the fun things that go with summer.  So 2 nights ago, Monday was my first night on call.  And guess what?? I got called!  I went in and trained with an amazing CNA that has done this job for over a year.  She was so patient and sweet.  I loved it.  The nurse on duty that night??? The same nurse I had met 1.5 years before, Kelly!   Overwhelmed just a tad, by all the duty's and charting~but excited for the opportunity to be doing something that I had a passion for.  So this is me....right before I left.....

 My kids were praying with me that week before I knew I got the job, and it was so rewarding to see their child-like faith.   William said, "I just know you'll win the job mom!"  And to see them all whoop and holler when I did get the call giving me a job.  I am amazed at this....so thankful for this opportunity.

My first night had a little more than the normal one birth~So I was there a little longer than the "standard 2-3 hours" but I loved it.  The time went so fast.  I loved doing the first bath.  I loved holding the babies.  It was interesting to stretch my old brain so much.  I learned the procedures, cleaning, and sterilizing instruments, and many many more things.  And then when I got home at 3 a.m. this is what was hanging in the garage....

 Awww...what a welcome home.  So thankful for a supporting husband & family.  And to God for giving me all of this.

So this fall, I hope to switch to days and be gone while my little lovies are gone at school.  Hopefully this is how it will unfold.  For now~I'm enjoying being on call for a couple of days a week doing training until I feel comfortable to be on my own.  Then maybe 1-2 days on call until school starts.  It's a new season for me folks.

sUmMeR

Ahhhh...the joy of summer!  We've hit some mile-stones this week.....

Suzy learned to ride without training wheels!

I love the contrast in Donovan and Suzy's face.  Dad is very worried about little girlie falling, and honey pie is very proud and beaming with excitement! 

I had to reflect back over the years...and realizing we just taught the last one how to ride bike.  I keep telling myself not to think of "lasts" but with the baby of the family starting school this fall...It's feeling like our life is on fast forward!  How did we get here so fast???

Speaking of school.....

 It's out!  For the summer.  William finished up 1st grade.  He loved school and loves to please.  His teacher was such a good match for him.  This past month he received a student of the month award, and it was a big deal for him.  I'm excited for William that he has such enthusiasm for learning and to excel. 

 Jack finished up 3rd grade....(why does it look like he is pulling away here?)  I'm guessing he is approaching the stage of not liking his picture with his teacher anymore.  Boo!  Too bad.  I got bloggin' to do boy!  Jack also had a teacher that we really appreciated.  She had a great sense of humor and kept Jack interested in learning.  A challenge, since he usually has other things that seem more important.

Here is a shot that cracks me up!!!  As we left the room....Jack got mobbed by his friends that were pretend crying about being separated from each other for the summer.  Ha ha ha.  I don't think Jack quite knew what to do with the all the attention.  But trust me he LOVED it! 

 And then the lady came.  Demanding a hug.  And I'll add here....Not one...but 2 little ladies wanted good bye hugs.  I think he is turning into a "LADIES" man.  Reminds me of his daddy all the way.  He knows how to charm.  Which is why he loved riding the bus all school year....he had "friends" he liked to catch up with and visit with, and receive little gifts from.  He won't admit it...but he does like girls. 

And then Isabella.  My honey.  Mrs. Hawn was such a good match for her too.  We were so blessed in this department of teachers this year.  So thankful!!!  Isabella finished up 5th grade and now moves this fall to Middle School.    I yi yi yi!!  This little lady received the Presidents Award this year.  With a gold pin, certificate signed by her principle and Mr. Obama, and a letter from the White House.  All I know is she get's her smarts from her daddy.  I had nothing to do with that award.

So now we are in full blown summer mode.  For the past few years on the last day of school we make a list of goals for the summer.  Isabella penned this years and this is what's on it.....

1. Pick strawberries.  {If you've ever tried to take toddlers or young children to the strawberry patch...you know why I stopped picking several years ago, and ordered them already picked.  So this year...I will attempt to take them out & make them earn their jelly:) }
2. Freeze sheepnose applesauce. {There may have been some dispute [between Isabella, me and Donovan]  about which apples to buy this year....Apparently she sides with me on this variety since she specified the type to will use and underlined it}
3. Go to the dunes.
4. Camp in the backyard.
5. Go the Beach water park.
6. Bike the Pumpkinvine trail.
7. Host an outdoor movie.
8. Go to the 4 H fair.
9. Go to Indy overnight. {Jack's neurologist appointment. They are hoping for overnight vs. a one day trip}
10. Go to the $ theater.

Ahhh....we've just got about 10 weeks to do all of this....so we better get busy.  :) Hope your summer is off to a fun start.  What will you do with all your time?