Christmas- Our Way

Christmas for us is a little "nontraditional," we do all the expected things, just a little out of order or on different days. We don't get to see everyone in our families every year- but we try. This year was full tradition, with a twist. We sent out Xmas cards (If I forgot you, please know that we love you and wish you a wonderful holiday season and a prosperous new year), made cookies, saw santa, wrapped and opened presents. Go ahead- take a look.

This year, Garth worked Xmas Eve, and I worked the whole weekend. Therefore we had my husband's family Xmas on the 23rd and my family's Xmas last night. So, now that we have spent the entire holiday season hustling, bustling, caroling, and lying to our children about Santa, it is now, in fact, over. My children, i.e. Lucy, is especially confused about Xmas and the Legend of Santa Claus. She saw Santa at the Mall, at her school, he came to her Grandma's house on Dec. 17 for cookies and caroling, and then he came the day of the 23rd and the 25th. To her, Santa is a super hero and his reindeer are the faster than the bat mobile. All in all, it was a magical Christmas. Lucy got the play kitchen she wanted, Hudson played in the every one's wrapping paper, Kane was drowned by gift cards and cash- just what he wanted. As for mommy and daddy, Santa wasn't too bad to them either (I love you Santa, wink, wink). Lucy glowed as she proudly gave her gifts out to everyone. She made a pencil holder (out of Popsicle sticks) for Boppa, and ornament for Mimi, a coffee mug for Grandma Kerry, and a beautifully painted, handmade bird house for Grandpa Gary. I hope that through all of the lying, I mean lessons of the Christmas season, I taught her about the love of giving.

Take a look at a little Xmas Photo Montage

Lucy and Kane (not) helping with Xmas Lights

Lucy's gift to Boppa

Making Gingerbread Houses with Mimi

Hudson pouting during our Xmas Card photo shoot

Lucy's Gingerbread Village

Hudson, tuckered out after a Xmas filled weekend

Xmas at Mimi's

Mimi

Nanny, I'm unsure what she is doing???

Mimi's beautiful Dinner Table

Lucy with Santa, one of the times

Lucy opening gifts from Santa

Hudson (not) helping with wrapping presents

Wishing everyone a Wonderful New Year, make 2012 great!!!

Love Mama Schuey

She Is No Richard King...

Christmas is full of tradition, memories, and spending time with you family. When I was a little girl, my mom would dress my little sister and I in beautiful Christmas dresses, curl our hair, and force us to sit reverently as we listened to the annual Christmas church service. We were raised Mormon. For those of you who don't know what that means, we believe in Christ- we are Christians. With that being said, this holiday service was filled with little children singing songs of the yuletide and teachers preaching about the birth of the Savior. But, every year there was something special about Christmas. Something unique to being "Mormon." Every year a man, a strong, handsome man, full of testimony would sing in front of the congregation. His name was Richard King. He had the most amazing and mesmerizing voice- deep, rich, emotional. His lyrics would rumble with the spirit of the Lord. This always helped bring the Christmas Spirit to life. It wasn't Christmas until Richard King sang.

Now that I live in Wisconsin, I haven't heard Richard King sing in almost 10 years. I don't know if Richard King still sings every Christmas. But the memory still remains. My husband and I have been taking the kids to church at a local Lutheran Church. This church is small, but full of love. The Pastor is full of enthusiasm and there are lots of kids in the Sunday School that Lucy attends. This year, Lucy was invited to participate in the Christmas Program. Excited and glowing with nostalgia and pride, I dressed Lucy in the prettiest Christmas dress and attempted to do her hair, the way my mom used to. Remember, the key word- attempted/tried.

Here is how this holiday Sunday really went.

He told me he used a baby wipe to clean the shoes. They look good Babe!

I woke up early, excited. I hustled around the house. This excitement quickly deteriorated, into pure frustration. Having laid our Sunday best out the night before, I anticipated an easy morning. I was wrong. Kane either wouldn't wear or couldn't find his dress pants, I'm not sure which is the truth. Lucy wouldn't get out of bed, and when we finally dragged her out by her feet- she wouldn't let me brush her hair. Then came my helpful husband. I'm confused as to how a grown man can loose his black dress shoes, but he did. He then found a pair of old work shoes in the back of the closet. Covered in dust, he put these shoes on and asked- "How do these look?"     ~What do you think?

After about an hour of hurrying my family along with a stern tone and lots and threats of no Santa Claus, we were finally on our way to feel the love of Christmas, and we were actually one time!

Lucy lined up with the rest of her friends in Sunday school and listened to her teacher Ms. Heidi. I smiled and watched as my little girl sat reverently, just like Jillian and I used to.

Church started and as we all filed into our seats. Our whole family was there, to watch as Lucy helped us celebrate Christmas. My mom and dad (meme and boppa) sat with Hudson so that Garth and I could enjoy our little girl- oh, and get this whole thing on tape!

My favorite part is the end, when she wipes the snot off her arm. When I watch this video I am filled with love, pride, and laughter... She may not be like Richard King, but she sure helped my heart feel the spirit of Christmas, just like Richard King used too. If I close my eyes, I can almost see Richard standing tall- singing, "Listen, now the Angels sing...."

Merry Christmas, may you all feel love, joy, and happiness- without sneezes and snot. May the traditions of your families continue, and may the Richard Kings of the world continue to bless the earth with the true meaning the holidays.

Good Friends, Good Times, and Good Grades

Last night we had our ICU Nurses Christmas get together and gift exchange. We all met at Summer's house for cocktails, hors d'oeuvres and fun. You might think that all we have to talk about is work- patient stories, their crazy families, MDs who make us mad, but you are wrong. We found PLENTY more to talk about. In fact, we entertained ourselves until 11pm. On a Wednesday night folks. You got to remember, we are moms. That is impressive.

Sitting around a beautifully decorated dinning room, we ate delicious food (bacon wrapped water chestnuts, sweet/sour meatballs, pesto bread, cheeses, cupcakes, baklava, cocktail wienies, and of coarse- WINE). We all talked, laughed, and shared stories. Somehow, we came to talk about Summer and her newest job. She works part time as a Nurse Educator for our beloved Alma Matter. She teaches aspiring nurses the clinical skills necessary to survive on a nursing unit. She was talking (complaining) about how this "new generation" of nursing students doesn't have a work ethic about them, they don't study, and it is obvious. Obviously, Summer spends most of her days failing students and making them redo their skills. Apparently, these students are not as good of crammers as Jen and I were.

You see, Jen and I passed nursing school, we have great jobs, and are respected in our field of work. Thank God our colleagues didn't know us in college. Jen talked about her 28 day streak of partying after classes (for 28 days straight). And, I shared with Summer my secret of not opening most of my textbooks, but taking notes, and cramming in the library before exam day. Hey, look at us now. We have matured, a little.

Summer shook her head, okay laughed her butt off, as we joked and drank together. More stories were laughed at. More wine was enjoyed. All in all, Summer, you throw a great party, and I give you an A+. You were well prepared (no cramming) and it showed. Your house was decorated like a Christmas Wonderland and you are a top notch hostess.

This was the gift I received in the gift exchange. It is PERFECT. One of the Best. Gifts. Ever!
Coffee to wake me up. Candy to keep me going. Gum to hide my coffee breath. Lotion for my dry cracked, old lady hands. Personal Items, well for an emergency. We all KNOW what I mean. And wine, something to look forward to. Thank Jen, Merry Xmas!

Okay, now I need to get back to being a mom, I think my kids are feeding themselves breakfast again.

To all the nursing students of the world, when you are ready to join forces with Jen and I (or when Summer finally passes you), we would be more than willing to share our secrets of survival with you, and our survival pack. Until then, happy cramming, oh I mean studying!

You Know You Are a Mom When....

I got married and had my children at a young age. I wanted to be a young bride and mother. I was 21 when I got married (and became a step mom to Kane) and 22 when we welcomed Lucy into the world. To me, being a mom and wife are blessings from God himself, and women should carry the honor with pride.

However, I never really felt like a "mom" until I was in bed one night, with one kid puking and another crying because of monsters in her closet. I found myself thinking, saying, and doing all the things I thought (er- swore) I would never do. I was doing/saying the things my mom used to when I was little.

Here is a compilation of anecdotes, some of them might be familiar to you, too.

You Know You Are a Mom When....

1. You would rather skip a night out on the town to snuggle and watch Tinker Bell for the 1000th time.
2. You start to wear clothes that you wont mind will be ruined with baby vomit, poop, food, etc...
3. You start to shop for these articles of clothing, usually on the clearance rack.
4. You are excited when your baby poops (usually due to a potential constipation crisis).
5. You plan your days around nap time, for your kids, but also for yourself.
6. You sell your cute little car for a minivan or SUV with features appealing to your children.
7. You put away your adorable designer purse and bring out an over sized diaper bag- filled with new essentials: diapers, wipes, extra clothes, snacks, milk, butt cream, snot sucker, pacifiers, and blankets. Where did the lip gloss go? You also, now, instead of wearing cute matching underwear sets, opt for those really attractive nursing bras- you know, the ones with the easy access clip.
8. You can easily find Disney Kids Music channel on the car radio- no more Lady Gaga for you. Your IPod or IPhone have more Dora the Explorer Apps then anything else.
9. Your freezer is full of breast milk and frozen baby food. Move over steaks, frozen fruit, and ice cream!
10. You can easily make any child smile with a silly face, dance, or tickle fest.
11. You are able to multi task like a professional- dishes, laundry, tears, broken toys, phone calls, you name it, you can do it! You can do anything, except get in the shower at the same time everyday. If you shower before noon, it is a good day.
12. You have put away any trendy home decor item, but only after having about a dozen things broken first.
13. You say things like- "Santa doest like it when little girls push their brothers."
14. ...or, "No you cannot eat ice cream for breakfast, and no licorice is not an option either."
15. Instead of cooling down at night with a glass of wine, you are busy with homework, bath time, chores, and cleaning up.
16. In the grocery store you can easily empathize with the mom with the screaming kids. You know the one you used to roll your eyes at before having screaming kids of your own.
17. Your kitchen has become a workshop, bakery, and nurses office- all in one.
18. You cut yourself chopping vegetables, you proudly wear a princess band aid, not because you like them, but because it is all you have.
19. Your kids fight, you separate them and force the older ones to sit in the corner and BE QUIET.
20. You routinely say phrases like: "Really?" "What are you doing? Are you out of your mind?" "You can color on paper ONLY. My wall is NOT your canvas!" "Why is your mouth black? Open, NOW!" "Leave the dog alone, she is not your personal pony!" After stubbing your toe for the 100th time, "PICK UP YOUR TOYS NOW, OR I AM GIVING THEM ALL AWAY!" "No you cannot sleep outside in the playhouse." "No you cannot wear your swimsuit to church." "Is your homework done? No, I wont give you the answers, I already passed the 8th grade. Now get it done!" "What do you mean you left your homework in your locker, okay fine, get me a piece of paper, I will write you a note. But next time, bring your homework home!" "Yes you have to eat all your dinner." "No you cannot have the window seat, why? Because I am the mom and I said so, that's why."

Feel free to add any of your famous one liners when it comes to parenting. I'm sure you have some good ones that I could use from time to time.

"Oh crap, we are out of milk, you can have cheerios, but no milk. Don't get a bowl, just grab the box and go watch cartoons, Mom needs to take a shower."

Rocky and The Precordial Thump

Today, at work, my fellow nurses and I were waking up to night shift's report and warm peppermint mocha flavored coffee, when all of a sudden the CODE alarms went off, signally all of us to run and assess a patient in distress.

When I arrived at the bedside of the patient in distress, I found Gary (I call him Rocky, it's his middle name and I think it is adorable) standing over the patient and yelling out, "it's okay, he is back- I thumped him." Now, being a lay person you might think- "you what ed him???" Yep, he "thumped" him, as in a precordial thump. This is a specific medical technique used in cardiac arrest patients to help relieve the patient of a lethal arrhythmia. Okay, so I have a point.

I watched as Gary (Rocky) calmly took charge and advocated for his patient. But more importantly, Gary acted quickly and saved this patients life. Now this got me thinking, too many times in nursing, nurses loose sight of the knowledge and experience that has made them who they are. Gary, a seasoned nurse, confidently took a chance (while another nurse secured a code cart, of coarse) wasting no time, and made a world of difference, for a patient and the patients family.

Now, I know that we all have our own specialties. Some of us deliver babies, some of us spend time in the Operating Room, some of us nurse the elderly, some handle the stress of the ER like a pro, and some of us help to heal the hearts of the terminally ill. What is important is, that we take pride in these specialties, abilities, and strengths. Don't ever let anyone put you down or make you feel inferior. You are a nurse. You believe in what you do and who you care for.

So, whenever you are filling down on yourself, why don't you go "thump" yourself. You might just need a real knock to your system to help you realize the value in what you do everyday. You take care of someones mother, father, husband, wife, son, daughter, friend.  That thump might wake you up and remind you what you are made of.

P.S. Way to go Rocky!

A Homemade Xmas

This Christmas season, I decided to pull out the arts and crafts and make us some holiday cheer- with the kids of coarse!

Never wanting my kids to associate happiness with material things, I thought what better way to show meme, boppa, grandma and grandpa shuey how much we love them, then to MAKE the gifts we want to exchange.

I'm crafty- enough, and Lucy loves to make a mess. So, bring on the glitter, creativity, and love!

Lucy and I have spent a few hours everyday talking about, planning, and creating our projects. Picture this- we are like little elves in our Christmas workshop (my kitchen).

We have completed a few. I would share pictures, but that would defeat the purpose of the Christmas surprise. And since the only people who really follow and read this blog are my parents and family- hi mom and dad! That would really ruin the surprise. Bedsides, I can't wait to see the look on my Lucy's face when she proudly gives the gift of love on Christmas day. After all, isn't that the real meaning of Christmas? Love, family, happiness, and joy. These are the feelings I have when I look at the beauty in my kid's spirit. They make me excited for the holidays and to make handcrafted/homemade gifts.

I better get going, I think Lucy is gluing sequins onto her baby brother.

Merry Christmas!

The Rockefeller's Dont Live Here

It is Christmas time. A time for presents, cookies, garland, and joy. It is also time for women across the country to force their kids and husbands to dress up and smile big for the dreaded Christmas Card.

Now, my impression of the "Christmas Card" is not what really is, but what is desired to be perceived. You see, every year, I open the mail to find my friends and family posing statuesque in front of their decorated Christmas Trees, mantles, cabins, yada yada yada. Realizing that the Rockefeller's don't live at my house and tired of planning the perfect scenario to capture the Christmas spirit of my family, I decided to break from tradition, and send a card not of perception, but of my reality.

Let me set the scene.

Wednesday Night, Small Town America, Year- 2011

Characters-
Kane, 13
Lucy, 3 1/2
Hudson, 12mo
Mom
Dad

Did I mention, there was wine involved, my husband was attempting to put up lights on the house (some burned out bulbs, naturally) and the characters introduced above (my 3 kids) did not want to participate in this production, especially Hudson.

what you cant see, is Garth swearing, and Kane and I laughing

So, as my darling children, dressed in their Christmas PJ's, helped to decorate the Christmas tree, I (a few glasses of wine down) decided to start taking pictures. Here is what we ended up with.

Personally, I don't think that the Rockefeller's have anything on us.

Happy Holidays.

Recipe for Disaster

Earlier this year, my girlfriend was looking around town for a Garbage Truck Cake for her 5 year old son Brayden. Having a difficult time finding a bakery that would accommodate such a request, I volunteered. It wasn't a big deal. I like to bake, I like to be creative, I had all the tools necessary. I could make a Garbage Truck Cake. One Garbage Truck Cake coming up!

Now, since I had come through, and Brayden loved his cake, Jen asked me to fill another order. This time for her daughter, Madelyn. Maddy loves Dora the Explorer. So, one Dora cake- coming up! I love Jen and her kids. This would be my pleasure. One problem- there is always a problem with me, Garth had a meeting for work, that miraculously came up last minute, the night I had planned and set aside to work on this cake.

That left me with 3 rowdy kids and a lot to do. This was quickly spelling out a recipe for disaster.

Here is the actual recipe (for disaster)

Start with the 3 rowdy kids (from before)
Mix in a little Sponge Bob Square Pants, a dash of bribery, and a lot of yelling
Stir in some tears, broken toys, and pouty faces (to taste, of course)
Move on to adding Alvin and the Chipmunks The Movie (for distraction)
Sift in a last minute run to the grocery store, for the butter I forgot on my first trip

Finally, gather your favorite items for a white chocolate buttercream frosting

See mine below-

1 cup butter, melted
1 cup shortening, melted
1 tsp vanilla
Blend first three ingredients

In microwave, melt 2 bags of white chocolate chips and set aside

To butter mixture, add 1 cup of powdered sugar and stir, adding up to 8 cups of sugar.
When all blended, frosting will appear stiff, add melted chocolate and 1/4 cup milk. Continue stirring until desired consistency.

Next, dig through all your baking supplies to find enough containers to hold 8-10 individually colored frostings (to be used at a later time)

In the midst of all your baking, crap, find your frosting colorings. Add color to your containers of frosting, according to the directions, duh.

My directions, so set forth by birthday girl Maddy and Mom, Jen

When your frosting is tinted to your liking, find room among all your leftovers in the fridge to store overnight. To make room, I had to finally throw out the leftover tacos, that no one was going to eat.

My colored frosting, and more leftovers

Now, time to clean up. If your kitchen is like mine, you should see something like this-
Powdered sugar, everywhere, frosting dripped on counter and floor (from Lucy sneaking tastes), and a glass of red wine waiting, on the table, to be enjoyed.

Just when you think you are done, remember, Jen also wanted cupcakes. I love to make cupcakes, they are easier to make, you can whip up a batch at a seconds notice, and who doesn't enjoy a good chocolate cupcake? I know I do. Okay, back to business.

Now, I couldn't just make any old cupcake for my little Maddy. I wanted them to be Dora-rrific! So I decided to scour the pantry for some leftover fondant. I FOUND SOME!!!! Pink, light pink, and orange- perfect!!!


Now, put down your wine, and roll out the fun. I chose to make flowers to go with my girly Dora the Explorer theme. They will sit great, right on top of the chocolate cupcakes I will make with the left over chocolate cake batter, tomorrow night, of course.

Fondant Flowers

Tonight, I am thirsty, now where did my wine go???? Ah, there it is. Goodnight!

Desperate Body Pump Housewives

Today, my girlfriend Tasha invited me to join her at the YMCA for a morning Body Pump class. She warmed me to arrive as early as possible, she told me that women line up and fight to attend this particular class. Laughing her off, I agreed to meet her. She sighed and said, "I will save you a spot- trust me."

So the alarm clock went off at at 7:45. I arose and started getting ready. My sweet children still asleep. I had laid out all their things the night before, the words of Tasha ringing in the back of my mind. I hustled as I awoke my two darlings. The were surprisingly mild this morning. No screaming or crying.

Lucy dressed herself- big surprise, as I got Hudson ready. Since Garth was working today, the kids were going to play at the YMCA child center while I worked out. We went to pile in the car, that's when I realized. My keys were locked inside my SUV. CRAP..... Thinking, I remember, Garth can remotely unlock my car from his cell phone. Technology is great. That is, if Garth answers his phone to help. Okay next plan..... I can call OnStar, they will help me. That is when I embarked on the long, and difficult process of unlocking my car doors. After answering a slew of questions and offering to sell one of my children in order for the OnStar lady to hurry, I was finally inside my car and headed to the YMCA.

8:30, I arrive at the YMCA. Thinking I have plenty of time, the class starts at 8:45, I stroll in and drop my kids off at the child center. With hugs and kisses, they run off and start to play. I, glancing at the clock, start to feel a little nervous. Not about leaving my kids, but about body pump. I run downstairs to Studio B when I see it, the line of desperate housewives, fighting their way inside the class. Tasha was right. I look around, no Tasha. Great. I fought locked car doors for this. When, out of the corner of my eye, I see Tasha. Covered in sweat, more ambitious than I, she apparently had arrived early, secured two spots in the back of the class- thank you! And then warmed up on the treadmill for nothing less than 5 miles, I'm sure.

Not only was Tasha right about this class, the fighting women, she didn't tell me that some women get angry when spots are held for late comers, like myself. These women want this class, these women need this class. It was completely full. Late comers, pressed their faces against the windows, in anguish, when the doors closed. It reminded me of college finals, when your professor would shut the doors at the time of the exam and flunk anyone who wasn't there. It was pathetic. But, I felt great that I had a spot.

We endured a butt kicking hour of weight lifting and core body strengthening. It was torturous, but amazing. When we were all done, I felt victorious. On my way to the next class of my day, I was stopped by one of the YMCA workers.

"Are Lucy's mom?" The girl asked.
"Yeah, why what's wrong?" All the time thinking Lucy was bullying some other kid.
"Lucy has a belly ache and just threw up. We think you should take your children home now."

Feeling terrible about my sick child, but triumphant over the other moms and housewives, I gathered my children and headed home for snuggling and chicken soup.

Lessons learned....

When someone tells you to watch out for other women at the gym, you better believe them, I think I saw someone throw an elbow.

Karma is real, beating out other moms to get a spot in class can lead to sick children in the child center.

Attention: no pictures for this post, out of respect for the other women, okay.... and myself.

Dont Cry Over Spilled Sugar

Monday night, after dinner, Garth made a last minute decision to go for a jog. And I, decided to make Christmas cookies with the little kids.

So we set up our little cookie shop. I pulled out the flour, sugar, and all the ingredients. Lucy pulled up her assistant stool and grabbed her favorite wooded mixing spoon. While I was getting ready, Hudson was helping himself to the pantry. I found him covered in powdered sugar, sugar all down the pantry, and sugar on the kitchen floor. He of course was all smiles, no crying for him- he was helping, and having fun.

The dog helped clean up Hudson, Thanks Babe.

As I took time to clean both him and the kitchen, Lucy, I'm sure, helped herself to the sugar cookie dough on the counter. 

After we regrouped and set out to roll out the dough and make our cookies, Lucy claimed, "Mama, I want pink sprinkles."

Frantic, I scoured the pantry. No pink sprinkles in this house. Disheartened and demanding pink, she told me, very matter of fact, "Okay mama, tomorrow we can get pink sprinkles. Tonight, we can make chocolate cookies."

That was that. We packed up our dough and set out to make one batch of chocolate chip cookies to have as a snack before bedtime. Remember, I am trying new strategies to improve my approach and attack on bedtime.

Lucy helped mix and spoon the dough on the cookie sheet, sneaking bites of dough every now and then.










We laughed at Hudson as he tried to reach for a taste himself. He didn't mind much, he was busy knocking over his dinner tray and sharing his left overs with the dog.

I hope Babe likes turkey, cheesy potatoes, and mixed veggies?!?

By the time Garth returned from his evening stroll, the cookies were cooling on the counter and ready to be eaten. Lucy and Garth each found a spot at the kitchen table with their cookies and cold glass of milk.

Now for my sneak attack for bedtime....

The Battle of Bedtime

I have a love/hate relationship with bedtime in my house. Hudson is the only child that makes bedtime easy. The other two kids, make it- a step above miserable. Kane is poky, taking as much time as possible to put on pajamas, brush teeth, and prepare for bed. Lucy just hates bedtime. She is our strongest soldier in the war against bedtime. She always has creative ways of manipulating mommy and daddy into not just a later bedtime, but a whole new bedtime routine- including where she decides to lay her beautiful head to sleep at night. Think of it as her conquest- the crown she adorns each night.

Tonight was no different. Hudson wet down lovely, with a rub of the eyes and a heavy head on your shoulder. Kane poked around. And Lucy, she fought hard. After about forty-five minutes of frustration, snuggles, bathroom trips, blanket searches, hugs, kisses, and a few stern reminders, I finally thought I had won the battle of bedtime. With all kids sleeping, I decided to relax with a hot shower.

Feeling rejuvenated and calm, hoping to slip into bed and channel surf, I walked into my bedroom to find this.

Aw, defeat. This warrior fights unfair. While my defenses were down, she took advantage of me. She is smart and stubborn. I guess the apple doesn't fall far- huh?

I will need to rethink my strategy for tomorrow night. Lucy may have won this battle, but this war is not over.