Year in Review

There were so many changes this year. But, it has been a good one.

We moved
I got into nursing school
Dave got tattoos ( Heather and Theresa did, too)
Drew got his driver's license
We got 2 black cats
We got a new(er) car, a 2009 Pontiac Vibe
Dave and I celebrated out 10 year anniversary in Vegas
Dave quit his job at the boys home
Theresa graduated
Heather and Theresa moved out
I turned 36, Dave is now 41. Heather is twenty, Theresa is 18 and Drew is 17
Dave got a job with the Detention center in St George
I finally got an ipod
I commute to Colorado City at least once a week for school
We emptied our storage unit

We have so much to be thankful for. I know more good things are coming. Have a great 2012!

The Most Important Thing

Family

Time together, swapping stories, practicing traditions, sharing meals, hugs and laughter. It always great to get together with my family--in laws, aunts, uncles, cousins and grandparents. It's my favorite part of Christmas

Mack Family Christmas 2011

String Addiction

Roger and Allen

Roger-and his bunny tail fluff butt




We need to have a string intervention with Roger. It starts in the morning when I put on my robe....attack the tie. Then I do my hair...........attack the cord to the curling iron. When I get dressed....attack the tie on my scrubs AND my shoelaces as I tie my shoe. I try to wait until he's distracted to put them on, it's a good day when I can tie my shoes without his "help". Anything even remotely string like (hair, clothing, cords, dental floss) gets attacked if it moves. He also loves to steal Q-tips and contact lens case lids. He can't get through 10 mins without a string fix. I'd kill him, but he's so darn cute. As I type this, he is curled up and (thankfully) sleeping at the computer where the fan blows out hot air. We had to nix the Christmas tree this year and put all the presents well out of reach, lest they enable his addiction. Maybe it's his lack of tail that fuels his need to have long, tail-like things.









Dave just had to have him...........ugh!

29 and still holding.........

At the beginning of the school year, one of the kids in my class was shocked to hear my real age. " I thought you were 29 or 30, tops." he told me. I told him he just made my year! But, I got good genes, I guess.

Anyway, I am older and wiser. I know the satisfaction of realizing a life-long dream. My life is good. I have some things to work on, more goals to accomplish, but I'm on my way.

New for me this year:
Nursing School
Thai food ( I am mad that I have missed out on it for so long)
Pretty purple car
meticulously written patient care plans

My constants:
"polyanna" out look on life
reading--not as much fiction as I would like, however
anything orange
un-ruly curly hair

Ways to de-stress

I may have become something of an expert in this subject :)

• Break big tasks up into little steps


• Organize and plan out as much as possible. I am a list maker and I like to cross things off as I complete them


• Take a 10 min break when stress levels rise if you can, if not take 5 deep breaths and regroup- I have found this really helpful when I'm taking a test


• Learn to laugh--at yourself, at the situation, have a good sense of humor in general


• Take a night off-- you deserve it. Go out to dinner, watch a movie, don't even think about work/school


• Do something physical- I like to clean the house after I have studied so that I can think about the material and allow it to absorb. Going for a walk helps, too


• Take a long, hot bath to relax. This is another place where I think about things I have studied and make connections


• Prioritize and let small things go. I have learned that I don't have to vacuum every week, school is more important right now


• Play with your pet-I have learned that a purring kitty in my lap does wonders.


• Take a break every hour or 2 to get a drink or snack, let things sink in. It helps to go back to the material/job with a fresh mind

(((Hugs)))

All this talk about technology replacing human interaction.......I agree that it is a problem for a few ( I know my kids would rather text than carry on a real conversation) but most of us are able to not let the internet replace the humans in our lives. In fact, I think it brings me closer to my friends and family. Facebook is how I stay caught up on everyone, a quick text to one of my kids lets them know that I'm thinking about them. And when I can, I am sure to have those real face-to face visits with my loved ones. Honestly I am so busy sometimes I only have time to check in on facebook, but it helps me feel connected.

All I'm saying is that facebook, internet and texts have their place, but nothing beats a real hug

You're probably sick of hearing about it........

.........But I can't help myself. I absolutely love it! Even when I have to survive on 4 hours of sleep or spend 7 hours working on my "mini" care plan. It is everything I hoped it would be, and I am still filled with a sense of wonder about it all. Angie Mack will be an RN! In 18 months!

Class is great and I am doing well. I actually got 100% on my clinical calculations test. The first time in my life I have ever done that well on a MATH test. We have a lot of fun, work hard and learn a lot. I know I would not be here with out all of your love, support and encouragement. So, you all will just have to bear with me for the next few years.


That said, I am really looking forward to the end of the semester so that I can rest, read what I want and spend some time with family and friends. I also have a few projects around the house that I'm gonna force Dave to help me with. I love this time of year and I have so much to be thankful for.


Dave is working in Nevada for the next week or so. I miss him but he's making lots of money and working hard for his family. The cats are good. The kitten is a monster but it's hard to be mad at him when he's soo cute. They keep me company and make me smile. The kids are doing great. Heather is doing well, working and trying to get into college. Theresa is liking school and being out on her own. Drew is on the Stage Crew and likes to run the light board. They are all becoming adults. I think Dave and I did alright.

Twenty!

Heather is twenty. It happened so fast. Our oldest girl is all grown up. She is trying to get into UVU and plans to start in January. She is a working girl and is becoming more independent everyday. She loves her family and is still a Daddy's girl. I guess you never grow out of that.

The Constants in Heather's life:
Shoes
Clothes
Sci-Fi and Comedy movies
Easy going attitude
Beautiful Blue eyes

New this Year:
Out on her own
a JOB!
Living in Nephi
New York Adventure
No longer a teenager

We are proud of all that she has accomplished this year, going out into the world to find her way. There were a few misadventures, but that is the kiind of stuff that makes you stronger in the long run. We hope that her first year in her 20's is a good one. No longer a child, but always our girl. We love you!

Cut the cord......er cable I mean

We just called to have the cable (satellite) disconnected. We figured we can watch most of the shows we like online, for free. Our internet connection is cheaper than the cable bill. And, even if we subscribe to Netflix we still come out ahead, a lot ahead. We have to pay for the Internet any way, and the charge for "premium programing" just frankly was not worth what we were getting. It seemed like there was never anything on, anyway.

It has altered my morning schedule a little, as I like to watch the news while I'm getting ready. We just need to figure out how to get the local channels on our TV. Dave and I are watching less TVnow. It seems like it was just background noise most of the time. There are only a few of my faves that I actually log on to watch. I say Good Riddance to Direct TV.

adult children

It is so weird to have this "hands off" attitude with the kids now. While I realize that they need to get out into the world and have their own successes and make their own mistakes, it is hard to step back and let them. Heather and Theresa are doing rather well. I just need to trust that we gave them all the tools they need to become real members of society. I know that they still have a lot to figure out, and I will always be here to offer advice. But, the ultimate decision is their own. It is interesting to figure out how to support them but not swoop in and rescue them when they run into trouble. It has been easier with Theresa, but we got a little practice run with Heather. At this rate, we will actually know what we are doing when Drew is at this stage in his life. One can only hope............

Slacker

I have been slacking off on blog posts, but it just seems so busy. I am working and studying a lot, having a blast in class/lab. The 24 of us are becoming great friends and it makes the whole experience that much better. I really can't complain. I love it. Sometimes I am overcome with this feeling of thankfulness to be in Nursing school. I know it sounds cheesy, but I have worked so hard to be here for the last 10 years. I can't help but be grateful.

Theresa started school at Paul Mitchell Cosmetology last week. She it loving it so far. Heather is living in Nephi with her mom, and is currently recovering from pneumonia, but doing all right. Drew is now a licensed driver, and has yet to master driving a stick shift, but he's practicing. Dave and I are getting used to an empty house and cooking for 2, but we are proud of our kids for getting out there into the real world.

I hope all is well with everyone, thanks for all of your support and encouragement--it really does help. Love to you all!

you'll like this

Top 10 Reasons you can tell I'm a nursing student

10. My bookbag weighs more than 50 lbs

9. My new best friend is a creepy dummy, literally

8. I know how many mL s are in a teaspoon

7. cleaning the house is low on my list of priorities

6. I tried to check the pulse on my cat

5. I now wash my hands before AND after I go to the bathroom, using proper technique of course

4. I spend more time with my classmates than I do with my husband

3. Coffee every morning, tea or diet pepsi at noon, then another after work so that I can stay awake to do homework

2. I now have more medical apps than games on my phone

1. I have a permanent smile, even though my house is a little messy, I am tired, I miss my husband, i have loads of homework and no free time.

Live the dream :)

Crazy Busy

WOW! This is a lot of work. But I'm loving it. There are 24 students in my class, we all get along pretty well and are having fun. The commute is good. Studying my butt off........but I would not trade it for anything!

Hope all is well with everyone, I feel so out of touch.

Everyday Heroes

This is the autobiography essay that I wrote for my first school assignment. I thought I would share it with all of you.

My heroes have never worn masks or capes. There is nothing extraordinary or amazing about them. You won’t even recognize their names. They are the people who have changed my life. Now, I know this is supposed to be my autobiography but I can’t tell you about myself with out telling you about how I arrived at this point. I think that you can tell a lot about a person by the qualities they admire in others and about the traits that they seek to emulate. My heroes are everyday people who inspire me to be a better person with simple acts of bravery and kindness that come from the heart.

Parents are every child’s first heroes. My parents continue to inspire and influence me today. I can call my mom after a rough day and she still has the magical power to make everything better. My dad taught me to judge people by their actions and not by how they look, what they wear and certainly not by what they say — talk is cheap. How a person chooses to act speaks about the very core of their character. My parents worked hard to teach my little brother Cris and I that we can choose how we react to any situation. They taught me to be proud of who I am and that hard work always pays off in the end.

As a teenage mother, I was scared enough of becoming a parent. When I went into labor only 31 weeks into my pregnancy and gave birth to a 2 pound baby boy, it was Becky Hatfield that came to the rescue. She is the coordinator of a group of volunteers called Parent to Parent. Their focus is supporting the parents of babies in the newborn ICU. They offer true empathy because they have all been parents of preemies themselves. It was with this group that I found my calling for helping people. I volunteered with them for over 10 years; Becky gave of herself limitlessly and she illustrated to me the spiritual rewards of being part of something bigger than myself.

My husband is my rock, and for this alone he is one of my heroes. Dave encouraged me to go back to school, sacrificed his time with me so that I could study and has a calming influence when things seem to spin out of control. He is really my best friend, and knows me better than I know myself. Cliché, but so true. Our marriage is one of my greatest accomplishments. He loves me and my son like we were meant to be together, and has given me the daughters I always wanted. I know I can count on him, and that means more to me then he will ever know.

My children have enriched my life in so many ways. They have taught me that it is okay to mess up as long as I learn from my mistakes. My oldest daughter, Heather has such a forgiving, outgoing nature. She has taught me to let the little things go. My middle child, Theresa, is headstrong and creative and has influenced me with her view the world’s simple wonders. She goes after what she wants with gusto. Drew, my only son, is determined. He never lets anything get in his way; never lets anyone tell him that something is impossible. He inspires me to forge ahead, no matter how hard it gets.

It would be a long list to tell you everyone that I admire. I have an amazing group of friends and a big extended family rooting for me. I feel their love and support everyday in all of the little, common things they do. They do not seek recognition. It is these little things that can make such a difference in the world. Mother Theresa stated “We can do no great things, only small things with great love.” This quote sums up perfectly my view of heroism. I want to be one of these every day heroes.

3 + Weeks

My first day of nursing school is in a little more than 3 weeks. Most of the details are worked out, just need to buy books (price = mortgage payment) and my uniform. I am excited, a little nervous, impatient. After all this time, I just want to be there already.

Theresa is moving to St George this Sunday to go to school and be a live in nanny for my brother in law's family. Heather is set to move back to the east cost in September and Drew will be starting his junior year at Hunter High. In one month we will really have an empty nest--hard to believe. I am excited for the girls to get out on their own, but some what dreading the empty, quiet house. We will have to lure them home with family dinner once in a while.

Sand Hollow, again

We went to Sand Hollow again to celebrate T and D's birthday. Some of their friends met us down there for cliff jumping, but fo the most part, we just hung out on the beach. Can't wait to get back!

Theresa Caitlyn-- 18 yrs

Our creative girl is ready to start her life. She will be moving to St George to start at Paul Mitchell hair school in August. She loves drawing, music, running and being with her friends. She has matured soo much this year and I am confident that she will be successful out there in the real world. She always has her cell phone and is texting away--she's got a lot to say. She is responsible and independent and knows what she wants out of life.

We are proud the young woman she has become.

Theresa's constants:
Drawing
Painting
Ever changing hair color
Music
contagious giggles


New this year:
Taking the car
cell phone
single life
no more high school
out on her own (soon)

Drewper at 17

The constants in Drew's life:

Halo
Green converse shooes
TMBG
Star Wars
Quick wits
Big brown eyes

New this year:
Ears pierced
Truck (his dad just gave Drew the red Nissan that he drove in high school)
Cell phone
Drum set

Drew acts more and more like his dad as he gets older. It throws me out of balance. He will laugh or look at me in a certain way and I have flash backs. He seems to have gotten the best traits from booth of us. Amazing to see my son become a great man. Well, almost. We have a few more years--thankfully. I could not be more proud of him,

List Maker

I have always been a list maker. I feel better if I can see all that I need to do in black and white. I love to cross things off. I have been working on the long lists of things I need to get ready for school-- Financial Aide stuff, physical, drug test, buying various supplies and uniforms--it seemed like a lot to tackle when I first made my check off list, but I am getting to the end. The most challenging has been the financial aide stuff. I went by Mohave on Monday and I though I was almost done with what I needed to get to them but I only got another list of things I need to do.

So, I just made a new list. It looks daunting. Not many things checked off. A lot to worry about. I will get through it. I know it will all work out.

Sand and sunshine

Theresa and I had an appointment in St George, and before we left she asked if we could go to Sand Hollow Resort so that she could meet up with some friends. The house was clean and Drew had nothing planned so I said "What the heck, lets all go."

We loaded some drinks, our swimsuits and sun screen. I grabbed a book and my ipod and off we went. We were running a little behind, but when we finally got there it was great. I had always heard about it and meant to go. I wish I would have gone sooner. The beach is great and it wasn't crowded. It's only 45 mins away from us. I think it will be a frequent weekend destination.

Allen

Our newest family member. We have had him for a while but I have not posted about him. One of the best things about our new place is that we are able to have a cat. Not as good as a dog, but Allen does come running to great me at the door when I get home. He has a great personality, but does not really like to be held. He is about 8 months old, so maybe he will get more cuddly as he gets older. He sleeps in our bed every night and meows at me in the morning until I feed him. And he loves milk rings. Simple tastes........

It was everyhting I expected

Orientation was great, but I have a lot of work ahead. I have alot to do before school starts; getting financial aid worked out and all the immunizations, drug testing, etc... most of which I already have done. Stress, but good stress.

I am having fun reviewing my notes. I realize what great teachers I have had on my journey. The campus is very small, and there are 3 other students frome Cedar City in my class so we will carpool and I will only have to drive down once a month.

I am still so giddy

And so it begins.........

I have orientation for Nursing school on Monday. My head is full of questions, hopes, excitement. One of my coworkers asked me if I was scared. Scared? I have been waiting so long for this, I am realizing my dream. How could I be scared of something so wonderful? I am not scared. Maybe that will come, but I don't think so. Working with patients is what I love, understanding how our amazing bodies work is watching a living miracle, helping people to heal not just with medications but with compassion........I can't wait.

But, lets not get ahead of myself. I realize that I have 2 years of hard work and studying ahead of me. And, that I will still need to pass the liscensing exam after that. I realize that a degree doesn't come with out dedication and sacrifice. All the same, I am more than ready to face it. Bring it on I say, with that HUGE smile on my face!

Graduation Day

CONGRATULATIONS

Theresa Caitlyn Mack

Cedar High Class of 2011

The whole family got togehter to celebrate.

We are so proud!

Ok, so I have to eat crow

I thought that a smart phone was extravagant and just plain overkill. Facebook on your phone? Google maps? Do you really need to be connected THAT much? But Dave wanted one so bad, and I have to admit I was interested in the aps (to help with school work, of course) so we signed the contract with Verizon and got our android phones. The price was a little steep compared to my $20 monthly pre paid little phone, but I have to admit, as our friend Ben said, I am never bored in the bathroom.

With our new fancy phones we were able to find Popeye's chicken in Vegas, post pics right from my phone, keep in touch with the kids. I was intimidated at first by all the bells and whistles, but I have to admit it has come in very handy. Are there feathers in my teeth?

Mack Library

Master bedroom

Drew's room

Hallway

Living room

We have ALL the books put away

And, there is even empty shelf pace!

Maybe it is time to get a nook........hmmmm

Senioritis

A TCM original

Senior pics

Cedar High Class of 2011

Dang Books!

The ONLY time I hate our book collection is when we have to move it. Books are heavy! We have everything unpacked except for the 8 boxes of books. I guess I have been saving that for Dave to do, since his book obsession is worse than mine. We need a bookshelf in the kitchen for the 50+ cookbooks alone.

I got in!

Today, Dave brought me the best suprise, ever. It was my letter from Mohave, in a BIG envelope!!! My hands shook as I opened it, and I could only read the word "congratulations" before I started crying.

Finally, finally.

What better place than at work, with my husband and all my friends to get the news? I think I actually screamed " I got in!!!" and caused quite a rukus right there in the clinic. Every time I think about it, I get all teared up again.

I got in.

Thank you, Lord, for giving me the strength to get through it, the power to believe that I could.

I can't even tell you how happy I am. The picture above is a blurry (on purpose) copy of my acceptance letter to Mohave's Fall 2011 Nursing Program. In 2 short years, I will be Angie Mack, RN. I have been working so long to achieve this goal--it has been life consuming. I started going to school part time in 2000. I started at SUU full time in 2008. There were a few looooong breaks in between. Persistance is key. I have wanted this for so long. Thank you to all of those who believed in me and encouraged me, you mean more to me than you will ever know.

This means that Drew will graduate from high school the same year that I graduate from college. What a long journey, for both of us. I think it was meant to be this way all along. God had a master plan all along. I just needed to have faith that He knew what He was doing.

Baloons from my good friend, Trish that I got to tie to my chair at the clinic.

I got in!

My new feel good song

2 more weeks

2 more weeks and we will be moving into our new place. It will be great to have a patio and more room. Dave is excited for the gas stove. I am excited to redecorate all the rooms.

2 more weeks and I will hear back from Mohave. (It really is spelled Mohave and not Mojave) I was waiting to get a letter in the middle of April. I had not seen anything so I called-- "Wait 2 more weeks", do they not know how hard it is to WAIT? But, that's all I can do. Fingers crossed and daily positive affirmations.

2 more weeks and we will get Theresa's senior pictures. Then I can send out announcements. Graduation will be May 27th, but I am not sure on the time, yet. We will have dinner at our new place after the ceremony.

For now, we will pack, we will cross our fingers and we will plan...........hurry up and wait!

Now that's funny!

Who knew that I would marry Dan from Roseanne?

My John Goodman look alike.........

I think Dave has a vest like that :)

The Good Life

Just a quick update on everything. HEATHER- She is loving her job and the BIG city. I am glad that she is happy. She nannies for 4 kids and keeps the house clean. Like a mom, with weekends off. THERESA- She is just waiting to finalize her SUU application and will start classes in the fall. We are having her senior pictures done on Saturday ( I promise to post them ASAP) Just 2 more months of high school left. DREW-- He just needs to get in some more driving hours so that he can get his license. Grandpa Usky even said that he could drive the mustang. He is doing well in school and excited to come spend the Summer hanging out with Jamon. ANG- I will get my letter from Mohave in a couple of weeks. It is hard to think about anything else. I am keeping busy with packing. We will be moving into our condo on May 6th. It is literally a block away from my work. DAVE- Is now addicted to tattoos. He has 2 now and is planning on at least 4 more. What can I do? He is a stubborn man. But, I love him. He has planned a trip to Vegas for our 10 year anniversary next month. How romantic.

East Coast Girls are Hip

Heather left for Brooklyn, New York today. She found a job as a nanny making fairly decent money. She came over for dinner on Saturday, and though she didn't stay long, I was impressed by the amount she has matured these last few months. She has taken a step forward, no longer stagnant. And though it is not college, it is a step in the right direction. I am in awe of her bravery; taking on New York and a whole new life. I hope it will all work out for her. We miss her already.

Nook vs. Book

I like to hold a book in my hand; I like the feel of the pages, the weight of a novel in my grip. Dave and I like to display books (anyone who has been to my house can atest to this). We like to read them again, group them, converse about them as visitors check all the titles on our shelves. They hold memories, connections.

I love browsing used book stores, finding that great book. I love the smell of them, the colorfull covers. I can spend a whole Saturday at Barnes and Noble, browsing and sipping great coffee. Dave and I have had many book store dates. (it is fun to give Dave $20 and watch him try to decide what he wants--he will narrow it down to 5 0r six things and change his mind 10 times about which 2 or 3 he wants the most) If you ask him, he will tell you that this is torture.

I think I want a Nook or Kindle, but I don't know how it will fit in to my love of actual books. I see all the advantages, but I can not ignore the disadvantages. I am conflicted. Thousands of books in one device, portable, instant. Will theymake actual books obsolete? Can books actually become relics of the past? I am sorry, but electronic words on a screen just are not the same thing. Maybe I only say that because I don't have a nook.

What are your thoughts?

Sam Sheepdog & Ralph Wolf - Woolen Under Where (1963)

So you can see the resemblance

Cool tat!

Dave got a tat of Sam the sheepdog. When I read the sheep dog article (from an earlier blog post http://mwkworks.com/onsheepwolvesandsheepdogs.html) I told him that he reminded me of the sheepdog from the Looney Toones cartons. One of his friends does tatoos, and the idea was in the right place at the right time. The sentence under the image states (in latin) "let them hate, as long as they fear". You will have to ask him to explain that statement.

Lemon Chicken Sandwhiches

This is one of Dave's signature dishes, a Family Fave

1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts

juice from 3 lemons ( the fresh stuff is much better than the bottled stuff)

3 Tblsp lemon pepper

1/4 cup cornstarch

1 tomato, sliced

1 package alfalfa sprouts

1/2 red onion, sliced

1 peeled cucumber, thinly sliced

6-8 hamburger buns or whole grain bread

Pound chicken flat (less mess if you put them in large zip lock bag) and coat chicken breasts in lemon pepper. Brown chicken in skillet with a few tblsp. of olive oil and set aside. Mix fresh lemon juice with cornstarch and add to the chicken pan, stirring in with the coating the chicken left in the pan while it cooked. ( This is called deglazing the pan, as Dave taught me) The lemon juice, yummy pan glaze and cornstarch will combine and thicken to make a sauce. Add cooked chicken breasts back to the pan and coat in the sauce.

Serve chicken/sauce on bread as a sandwhich with the veggies and some mayo. Sometimes we add avocado, too. Enjoy!

This is also good as a salad: slice the chicken into strips and serve on bed of lettuce with all the veggies. This way, we can get 2 meals out of it, if there are any leftovers.

Can't wait!

Harry Potter

07/15/2011

Even Vader is excited!

My Mister at 41

The zombie obsession has only gotten worse, but it makes him sooo happy. He occupies himself by making paracord bracelets and keychains. ( Let me know if you are interested in one. ) He has that great intellegent sense of humor. The same old Dave, only 1 year older. I love him more than ever. Happy 41st Birhtday!

What's in your purse?

Here is what is in mine:

• 3 different lip products--I can never have too much yummy lip stuff
• Dental Floss-- if I get something stuck in my teeth, it drives me crazy
• Green (spearmint) Extra gum-- it reminds me of my mom, and I chew it all the time
• 2 lotions-- I hate having dry hands
• A grocery list (last week's)-- I kept it because I wrote some new items on it for this week
• A bank receipt--it just needs to be thrown away
• 2 panty liners and 2 tampons--because with 2 teen girls and myself, they come in handy
• My cheap little pre paid cell phone-- It's not pretty, but it only costs me $15 a month
• My orange wallet-- cards, money and a love note that Dave wrote me 8 yrs ago and hid in my purse ( I always keep it in my wallet)
• A plastic purple pill case with plenty of ibuprofen-- when I need it, I really need it
• Dayquil tablets-- I just got over a cold
• Green Tea and honey drink mix--sometimes I need a little color in my water
• Travel size hand sanitizer spray-- because germs are everywhere but clean bathrooms are not
• My favorite pen
• Pepper spray--because Dave insists
• Stripped sunglass case-- it doesn't help me to remember to wear them

Thanks for the great idea, Becca!

The Power of Positive Thinking

There is one thing that a lot of the greatest people throughout history have in common: they believed that they could do anything. Even when others doubted them, they set out to accomplish the seemingly impossible. They never gave up on themselves. They saw a problem as a challenge; a set back as an opportunity. They put in the hard work and made the sacrifices because they could see what others could not: there is power in your thoughts, in your faith. They always look to the bright side.

I run across medical cases all the time where a patient has done the impossible. A man that should not be able to walk will walk if he believes he can and is determined to overcome. I see a miracle in my own grandmother. After her stroke, the doctors told us over and over that she would be bedridden and that she would never be able to talk again. On her good days, she can talk, and most of the time she is able to communicate. She is walking and interacting with us as she normally would; laughing at the old family stories and recognizing us with a bright smile.

There is so much about thought and energy and faith that we don't understand, but those that believe can overcome. If a patient considers themselves an optimist, their healing time after surgery is quicker and their pain levels are lower.

I draw inspiration from these cases. I try to remember that it will all work out if I believe it will; if I have faith in THE BIG PLAN that God has in store for me. I focus on the positive. I hear "next" and not "no". I sign my name as Angie Mack, RN in my notebook doodles.

Dave in the Kitchen?

Testing her wings

Heather moved out. Not officially, she is staying with a friend. She took most of her clothes and states the she will get the rest of her stuff later. I have mixed feelings about all of this.

On one hand, I am happy that she made the grown up decision to live somewhere else. She did not want to follow the rules we had made for her, so the choice was to do it anyway or find somewhere else to live. I am glad that she is out there, testing her wings, trying things out on her own. It is hard to let her go make her own mistakes, but I know in my heart that it is the only way to learn certain lessons. I wish her luck, and I hope that she knows we will be there to help her should she need us. Note that I said help--not rescue.

I remember moving out of my parents house, moving in with Jeremy and his family. It was fun at first, I felt so grown-up. The life at his parents house was so drastically different from what I had grown up with that I soon became homesick. I moved back home within 6 months. But, it was mostly because Jeremy and I were not getting along. And, I needed help with Drew.

On the other hand, we have resorted to communicating with her through facebook. (Is this just a generation gap--am I crazy to want a real conversation?) I have sent her messages to call us, or to come by for dinner. Her reply is "I miss you, too. I will call later. I will come over some time." She did call Dave this week and made arrangements to take him out for his birthday. The truth is, I miss her. I don't want to smother her if she needs this "space" to grow up and assert her adulthood, but I want to talk to her, to know what's going on in her life.

Should I call her? Or let her come to me when she is ready? We had our disagreements, but when she left there was no anger. She just came home one Saturday and said that she found a job and was going to stay with a friend for awhile. I told her to please call and check in with me, because I want to know that she is okay. That is the last time she actually talked to me. It has been 3 weeks.

It is hard to know what to do. Dave says that she will start to miss his cooking soon, and she will come around. I just want her to know that she is still a part of our family and we still want to spend time with her.

Is it like this for every mom? I am sooo not a good empty-nester. (Or maybe I am, I don't really know)

Dave is a sheep dog

Dave is known to have a weapon on him at all times (or within easy reach). Though I have accepted this as normal behavior for him, I have always thought that he was a bit paranoid. I appreciate his willingness to protect his family, but I never understood what exactly he was protecting us from. We live in Small Town, USA. What is going to happen here? Dave ran across this article last night, and I must say--now I understand. I understood so much it brought tears to my eyes.


http://mwkworks.com/onsheepwolvesandsheepdogs.html

Once again, I am reminded of what a wonderful, brave, loyal husband I have. I won't tease him about "packing heat " ever again.

What are your thoughts on this?

Getting Crafty

Back when I had time, I loved to scrapbook. I started a "Family" photo scrapbook and one individual book for each of the kids that I plan on giving to them when they get married and start their own families. I will get back to that eventually, but the piles of sorted pictures has become very overwhelming. And, there is a lack of workspace in our current dwelling. If I get the paper, scissors, glue sticks, etc. out, it overtakes our kitchen. This makes a good, extended scrapbooking session hard to accomplish, as I am always in someone's way. (When we settle in to a house a craft area/room will be a must; between Dave and I we always have some type of project going.)

Lately, I have been coloring in my Anatomy coloring book, but I have needed to be able to actually create something. Yesterday, Dave and I stopped by Joanne's and while Dave was looking for a certain item, I found myself among the cross stitch kits. Perfect. I have never actually done a cross stitch, but how hard could it be? I was excited to get home and start on my new venture. I worked for 3-4 hours last night, and I am getting the hang of it. There are a few mistakes. I realized that it really is a good idea to work from the middle out. But, all in all, it is going well. And, my need to create is satisfied. Maybe this will keep me out of trouble now that Dave is working swing shift.

I couldn't resist

Dave and his little sister while they were in highschool (late 80's)

So cute!

Creative Caitlyn

Our Theresa Caitlyn has become quite an accomplished artist. Even as a little kid, she was always crafting and creating, drawing and coloring. I love to look through her sketchbook. She has an amazing talent. This is the picture that she drew for me for Mother's day. She knows that I like elephants and orange is my favorite color. It was honestly my favorite gift. I have it hanging in my bedroom.

This is part of a gingerbread house project for her foods class. The theme they choose was Hansel and Gretel. This is her fondant witch. I like her eye for detail--the wart on her nose and her black fingernails.

This is her self portrait for art class. She loves those stripped tights. She did a great job of capturing her personality.

Here are the fondant Hansel and Gretel. She worked all night on every detail.

I just wanted to show off a little. I am proud of her huge artistic talent and look forward to many works of art to come.

twenty eleven

I have a good feeling about the coming year. Here are my hopes for my family

Dave: I hope that you continue to find fulfilment in your job, and that you discover the books you have been searching for........................


Heather: I hope that you find some direction. The first step is always the hardest, but you just need to put one foot in front of the other.

Theresa: I hope that your master plan works out. Knowing what you want to do will be all the motivation you need.

Drew: I hope that you take advantage of the opportunities that come up. Be decisive and do what is best for your future.

The Mack Family as a whole: May 2011 be the year that we finally buy our house. Things are finally falling into place.

and, for myself: I hope that this is the year of a Nursing School admission. Think positive and have faith that it will all work out.


To all my friends and family: I hope that this year will be better than the last. I hope that we will spend more time together. I hope you all know how much we love and appreciate you.