Change is Good

Yes, I'm writing again.  It's been a while, I know. Today's topic is change, defined, it means to make the form, nature, content, future course, etc., of (something) different from what it is or from what it would be.  Today I am embracing change.  It started with a haircut last week, as well as a new color.  So I guess that would be making something a different form.   I'm liking that change so far.

On Monday I will venture on a new course!  I am rather excited about it!  I have accepted a position with a home health corporation. (making my future course different.) I'll admit that I'm not looking forward to the 40 hour weeks for the next 2 months while I am in training, but I do so look forward to learning something new and starting a new phase of my career in nursing.  I'm especially excited about having more one on one time with my patients and actually getting to do some patient education, about medications, disease processes, etc.  That has by far been my favorite part of nursing - teaching!  Imagine that!  What better way to combine my 2 degrees/careers.  Ok, I actually wrote this last week - I have already completed my first week. I thought it went rather well.  The online training and huge orientation manual were a bit tedious, but I've learned a lot already!  I actually was ably to observe another RN during her patient visits, and I think I'll like it once I'm on my own - just so much new information to learn.

We've also done some home improvements - on the outside anyway.  It's not quite finished, but will be soon.  Otherwise things here are much the same.  Same hubby - just terribly busy of late, same kids driving me crazy!  Missing Mark and Lindsay a LOT, but enjoying time with Greg - it's truly as if he never left.  



Of course fall brings with it some beautiful changes in color and temperature!

Another big change - Todd got his braces off! 







A new outfit for Garrett -

Mark's also experiencing some recent changes in his mission.  Read his latest email also titled "Changes" at www.marksnymission.blogspot.com.   I guess it snowed in New York City this weekend.  I'm anxious to hear how he survived the early winter visit.  These are a couple of recent pictures on his 20th birthday:

Lindsay is adjusting well to college life.  I only talk to her about once a week, but we share messages by texting and on Facebook once in a while.  These were taken on a recent weekend visit to Utah to tell her best friend, Tre', good-bye as he leave for his mission to Puebla Mexico.




So there have been a ton of recent changes - but overall life is much the same.  I'm striving to live each day at a time, enjoying each moment as best as I can.  Some moments are more challenging than others.  Some are just plain crazy.  Others, quiet and peaceful.  Such is the life of me!

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Day 57 ~ More Thomas Memories Made

The last few days have been exciting for Thomas!  On Thursday night, he had his DARE graduation.  DARE stands for Drug Abuse Resistance Education.  His class selected his essay to be read at the ceremony, so Thomas, along with 3 other 5th graders shared their thoughts on the importance of being drug free.  Then by random drawing, Thomas was selected to read his essay at the next O'fallon City Council meeting.  He was quite impressed!   Here are Thomas's thoughts that he shared that night:

Dear Myself,

My name is Thomas Mattei

     I am 11 years old, I’m in 5^th grade, I’m great at video games, I have 2 parents and 4 brothers and 1 sister, I live in 7 Little Oaks Court  O’Fallon MO and I like to play with my friends and play video games, and I’m a little nervous, sometimes excited, or I’m angry or sad.

     My strengths are being a good friend and family member, I’m good a video games like I already said, I’m wanting to play hockey which I did play a while back and was really good at it, I’m also going to play trumpet and I’m in the choir at my school.

     I feel great about the D.A.R.E program, and it’s important in 5^th grade so young people can learn how drugs affect your life and they can cause bad injuries and sicknesses.

     In middle school I want to play football, be in the band, and I want to join the computer club, and I also want to join any other club that seems interesting and similar with me.

     When I’m in high school I’m still thinking of football, band and that’s all I’m probably going to be in until I find out about more clubs.

     I think after my graduation I’m going to go to college complete my Eagle Scout and get a scholarship to BYU Idaho and between college I’m going to serve a mission since I’m Mormon and I’m going to preach the lord and teach others about god and my religion.

     In my future I think it’ll be wise to be drug-free cause, I have a heart defect and even smoking can cause heart disease even for non-smokers, so I need to keep my heart safe and I’m dreaming of becoming a video game creator and I don’t want any bad ideas for a video game if I accomplish my goal.

     I pledge to be Drug-Free because I want to have a solid heart and help others on my way to growing up and I want to keep others and I safe so everyone can have a good future and we can all reach our goal, and I say if anybody wants to take drugs change your mind and CTR which means Choose The Right and  follow god and what he says and we all want to stay healthy and never stop realizing their goal and for people who do drugs they don’t ever realize what they lost like their career, their friends, maybe even their families and we don’t want that to happen anymore and there’s always a life lesson every day of your life, and I’ve studied presidents for a while and a saying that John F. Kennedy used was…

     Ask not what your country can do for you ask what you can do for your country…

-John F. Kennedy

     And by that we need to help our country and what that can also do about being drug-free is to help your country be drug-free instead of helping only yourself but to help others, and you don’t have to be selfish and look after only yourself.

From,

Myself

Thomas Mattei

Then on Saturday morning, Thomas earned his Black Belt in Tae Kwon Do!  We are very proud of Thomas for all of his accomplishments!

Day 71 ~ Short, but Sweet

Short, but sweet - that's how I would describe our conversation with Mark this morning. It was only about a 30 minute conversation, just enough time to know that he's doing well and is ready to get to New York.  It was strange, he sounded different.  I wasn't expecting that.  But it was different in a good way - very mature sounding.  I know, Mark???  He said that Spanish is coming along well, probably not as good as he would like, but well enough to get by once he makes it to New York.  He's just anxious to get there!

So, yes it was short, but oh so very sweet!  I will have to cherish the memory for quite a while.  Christmas is a distant 7 1/2 months away.  That thought makes me a little bit sad, but I'll take comfort knowing that's he's heading to where he longs to be and just pray that he's happy.  I know that the Lord will bless him as he teaches and serves, and that he will be a blessing to others!

I trust that he will love New York and certain people in New York will love him too!  I sure do!

Day 72 ~ The Day Between Two Phone Calls

This sounds like a rather odd title to a posting, I know.  Yesterday after a day at work that can only be described as horrendous (trust me, that's all you want to know about it), I got home just in time to talk to Greg.  He filled us in on what he's been up to and what he's looking forward to in a couple of months once he's home.  All of the kids, except Todd, who was sleeping, were able to talk to him for a while.  We were able to conference in his grandparents as well.  It's so reassuring to hear the sound of his voice and know that he's not just okay, but doing really, really well!  When he said "bye", I was, for once, excited.  Because the next time I hear his voice he will either be on his way home or already in my arms.

Tomorrow morning, early, will be another phone call.  Actually in just a few hours as it's technically already morning!  As early as 6, our time, Mark will be calling from the airport.  He will be on his way to New York.   It seems rather odd to me because I hugged him goodbye two months ago.  But he hasn't really started his adventure yet.  Tomorrow it begins!  I can only imagine how excited he must be.  I wonder if he will be able to sleep tonight, and also wonder how he managed to get everything packed again.  He spoke to Mike for a few short minutes this afternoon, asking him to please increase the limit on his Amex card so that he can check another bag at the airport.  That means he had trouble packing all his "stuff".  But, really how do you pack when you're going off for two years and make it fit in 2 suitcases and 2 carry-on bags????  I'm so eager to talk to him.  His letters, emails and pictures convey an excitement that I long to confirm in his voice.

My pictures today are of both these boys at the MTC.  Both think they can climb walls and are some kind of superheroes.  And to me they are!

Day 78 ~ One Week to Go

Today I will get my last email from Mark while he is in the MTC.  Next Tuesday, I will get to talk to him on the phone as he waits in the airport for his flight to New York.  He's doing so well and I'm so proud of him.    He sent some pictures home last week, so I will share one or two, or maybe five.

You can read about his most recent adventures at www.marksnymission.blogspot.com

Yes, so proud!  

Day 92 - Mark in the MTC

Well since I've finally got my Smilebox working again, I decided to post Mark's pictures from his first couple of weeks at the Missionary Training Center in Provo.  He looks like he's very happy and his letters and emails home pretty much testify of that!  He can't wait to get to New York ~ his Spanish is coming along quite well.

I am so very proud of both Mark and Greg!

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Happy Birthday Greg

Early New Years resolution ~ write more in my blog. More than every 4 months anyway! And update the music in my playlist!

I'm writing today because I'm feeling kind of happy, yet kind of sad. 20 years ago today at 11:36 am a beautiful baby boy was born. Greg was always a bundle of energy, always very alert, very wakeful at times that I didn't want him to be. He was my only baby that really had bouts of colic. Oh how he loved to swing, and swing, and swing! Sometimes he'd be swinging at 3 in the morning. Only constant repetitive movement would keep him quiet. Like the spin cycle on the washer. Been there, done that. But it was short lived as the spin cycle only lasts a few minutes. Constant white noise would keep him hushed too, like the sound of a vacuum cleaner's hum, the static sound from the TV when a channel won't come in. He outgrew the colic in a few weeks, but the constant motion and noise continued. He was always into everything, climbing, running, making noises!

That energy was channeled into sports soon enough: baseball, soccer, basketball, and last but most definitely NOT least... football. He loved football: watching it, playing it. He played in middle school and into his Freshman year of high school. He continues to love watching it, both college football and the NFL. He is, without a doubt, the New Orleans Saints #1 fan!

That constant energy manifested itself in ADD symptoms, difficulty paying attention and organizing his time. Greg also loved to talk, and still continues to enjoy conversation about his interests: sports, politics, entertainment and now religion and his faith.

And so here I am, missing him terribly but so proud of him and the energy he is expending right now. Only he's not watching his favorite team as they make history and are Super Bowl bound. He's not staying up all night any more playing his favorite games on his XBox. He's no longer debating friends, family and teachers about politics. His stereo is no longer blasting his favorite country tunes. His time and energy are spent in much more noble endeavors. The late nights are no more, unless he is struggling with insomnia. The music and sports are mostly things of the past. Greg is now busy finding souls to teach, giving service to those in need. Those busy little feet that were always running and jumping have grown to become steadfast and sure, filling shoes that are likely becoming worn from constant walking and pedaling. The tiny 6 pound 14 ounce babe has matured in mind, spirit and body. I do truly miss him terribly at times, but take comfort in the knowledge that he is Okay.

Sometimes I imagine hearing his odd noises, banshee yells, and nervous hand rubbing...

I cherish those memories, yet I realize he's creating new ones, touching people's lives in countless ways. I can yet hear the pitter patter of his little feet running toward me. But then I hear the sound of those same feet, slower and more steady walking away from me and towards a

new world just waiting.

My Summer So Far. . . in a Nutshell

The last 3 months have passed too quickly. . .

In May I graduated from St Charles Community College School of Nursing. I did not actually attend the graduation ceremony (been there, done that once before), but did attend the traditional pinning ceremony. It was a special night and all of my family including my mom, dad and sister, Stephanie were able to attend. Except Greg who had to work. The following week I accepted a position at a well-known long term care facility in the St. Louis area. I completed my training about 3 weeks ago and am now "on my own". I stay very busy and am usually on my feet about 9 hours a day. I am working part~time right now and that is more than enough! I am happy to say that I passed my boards and am a licensed RN! I enjoy the time I spend working for the most part.





At the end of May after much anticipation, Greg received his mission call. He will be serving in the Boise, Idaho mission. He leaves on August the 16th and will report to the MTC (Missionary Training Center) on August 19. I am excited for him and am proud of his decision to serve, but am of course heartsick at the thought of him being gone for 2 years! We (or I should say, I) am in the middle of getting things ready for his departure. Shopping is just about done, but there are always little last minute details. Greg will probably become ready about 24 hours before he boards the plane! He is such a procrastinator! One of the ways he has prepared is by attending the temple in Nauvoo, Illinois. Michael and I, as well as Michael's parents were there to accompany him.




Garrett, otherwise known as "my baby" turned 4 on the 8th of July. It's hard to believe how fast time flies. Although I think the same thing when I look at Greg and try to imagine him being gone and grown. In fact today Garrett was laying in my lap and I called him "my baby" to which he promptly responded,"Mom, I'm not a baby anymore~I'm a kid!" So he is and so I must get used to it!






The rest of the gang will soon be starting school. Thomas just earned his red belt in Tae Kwan Do. Todd is preparing to try out for the "C" team in hockey. He's excited to be playing with the big kids (7th, 8th and 9th graders). He and Mark both attended Boy Scout camp a couple of weeks ago. Mark also went to University of Missouri in Columbia to attend EFY (Especially for Youth). Lindsay went also and both had a wonderful and memorable time. Lindsay is our major traveler of the summer. She spent a week at Girls' Camp, a week at Cheer Camp, a week at EFY, and is now gone to Pennsylvania and New York with family friends.






As we have prepared for summer to end and Greg to leave, we decided that now was a perfect time to have a family picture, especially since it had been years and years since our last one! So last week all 8 of us climbed into the Durango~ an adventure that doesn't occur too often anymore with all the teenage drivers in our household ~ and drove to Quail Ridge Park in Wentzville for a photo session. I'm including just a few of our favorites of the MANY, MANY pictures! We're so grateful to Ben and Becca for their time and patience and am including a link to their blog: blimbam.blogspot.com

Still Catchin' Up

Not an original title, but oh well! I was just reading through my last blog entry and decided it needs to be updated - and will try to be more upbeat.

Let's see, Greg is still preparing for his mission and is making progress. Mark has set aside plans for another war documentary so my house is spared! Lindsay still has not asked to retake the driving test - and I'm not pushing so the vehicles and nerves are still intact! Todd is playing hockey with the BIG KIDS! He is the youngest on the team and has scored a goal and has no fear of those somewhat larger than him hockey players. Thomas had an awesome progress report (all A's and B's) and we are still waiting on that psychologist's appointment. And by far the biggest news of the last month is that Garrett has FINALLY mastered the art of using the potty all the time. Mike had a job interview AND his present job has been extended until the end of the year. I finished preceptorship in Labor and Delivery and absolutely LOVED it! Yes, I most definitely want to practice OB nursing one day. I have begun the job application process, but it is definitely slow and I'm satisfied to wait and see what comes my way. I have only 11 more days until my pinning ceremony - the end is so clearly in sight now, just a couple of tests to go! Hmmm . . . what else? Life is good and we are definitely blessed.

April also gave us the opportunity to celebrate Easter and remember and give gratitude for the Lord's atoning sacrifice. The bunny came and left way too much chocolate - but I haven't gained any weight back and in fact am ready to start back on that lovely road of weight loss. The trees and flowers are blooming, grass has to be cut already. Spring has finally arrived with warmer temperatures and also reminded us of the new life we are promised. That promise of life and better things to come has taken on even more special meaning these last few weeks. I have had the opportunity to reflect on memories of someone dear who has left this life way to soon. I have to have faith in the knowledge that our Heavenly Father has wonderful things planned for Henri - but I know also that so many will be impacted by this tremendous loss. I am especially saddened because I had not seen him for so many years, but hopeful that I will see him again!

So, it was a little more upbeat, but sad as well...... and full of Hope and Promises!