P left for Baltimore yesterday early morning, and got home late evening. Then this morning, after sleeping a mere 4 hours, drove to a conference at ACSM, somewhere. Terrible that I don't even know where he went today, I do know that he drove 3 hours to get there though.
The reason for his trip to Baltimore...P collaborated on a paper with a colleague, who recommended him to someone, who set up a phone interview, and well a month or so later they wanted to see his fine mug in person. So he flew to Baltimore to Johns Hopkins University for a face to face grill session from search committee members.
He wore his (only) power suit that he owns, and made some stranger at the airport spiffy up his tie for him. There are a few things about this scenario that are funny. First his suit wasn't dry cleaned the last time he wore it, and in typical P fashion thought I'd take care of it. I need to work a bit in my domestic-ness because I didn't get the suit dry cleaned. Failure. I realized on Monday it still needed done, which was memorial day so every place was closed, so I resorted to Dryel. A quick Target trip and $6.99 + tax later we "dry cleaned" his suit which really just made it seem like I sprayed a crap-ton of Febreeze on it. And secondly, neither of us can tie a tie (or is it tye a tie -however you spell that), which seems really terrible considering we are kinda "southern-ish" now.
We are classy, oh so classy.
So he was all set to go, frizzy-mad-scientist hair paired with Febreeze fresh scented suit just screams hire me, I'm fabulous, right?
Anyway, somewhere between waking up and getting to the interview he managed to get gum on his (only) suit, which is a bummer. First he had to hide his gum coated sleeve for the duration of the day long drill fest, and secondly now we are going to have to drop a lot of money on a new suit.
Whatever.
I spoke to him briefly on the phone and I knew he felt the interview went okay because he seemed up beat.
We obviously have yet to hear about their decision.
P asked me what I would do if he got the offer.
I said cry. Because I would.
It would be a happy cry, tired cry, fearful cry, but mostly a now-what-in-the-world-are-we-going-to-decide/being-a-grown-up-with-grown-up-decisions-is-hard sort of cry.
Tonight we are decision-less, and so I do homework and let the worry about decisions come when we hear back.
This is a good problem to have, and for that I am thankful.
I am so amazed with my Mr. He is a mad scientist.
Live, Laugh, Love…Loprinzi: A day in our perfectly, imperfect life.
Thursday, May 30, 2013
Tuesday, May 28, 2013
Kindergarten 2012-2013
This morning I sent my favorite firstborn off on his very last day of kindergarten.
Such a big change he's made over this year. He can:
His first day of school he couldn't hide his anxiousness as he waited for the bus, giving me a half smile to try and hide his fear. He stood super close to my side, dreading the moment we'd be separated for an entire school day.
He waited at the very back of the line to get on the bus.
I'll never forget the way he looked, so tiny on that big bus his first day of kindergarten. Afraid to say goodbye to his mama, and be away all day.
He looked more of a little man this morning to me, standing there taller and more independent than 9 months ago.
And finally, a picture to remember one of my favorite parts of our morning-off-to-school-routine...his tiny little head peaking out from window #1 of the buss, his spastic hand waving until he can no longer see me, and a smile as big as can be.
So bittersweet. I can't believe he's done with kindergarten!
Such a big change he's made over this year. He can:
- read, like really read. He picked up my book that I am reading for grad school (Fast Food Nation) and read almost an entire page!
- writes (legible, and not just legible according to his mama either, he got an award at the last assembly for "Best Writer") in sentences using commas, periods, question marks, and exclamation marks (though not always used appropriately yet)
- knows how to count to 1000
- can skip count by 10's and 5's
- knows his colors and how to spell them
- is proud of his perfect score on all of his sight words!
- discusses how to write a story with a beginning, middle and end
- Has a mad repertoire of kindergarten silly songs that he's been enticing us with.
- Can tell a silly knock-knock joke (or at least he thinks)
I am so very impressed with his teacher this year, and couldn't be more thankful. She has done an amazing job instilling a passion for learning in my little man. We are so very proud of his amazing accomplishments!
Anyway, a first day/last day of school comparison because I am sappy.
His first day of school he couldn't hide his anxiousness as he waited for the bus, giving me a half smile to try and hide his fear. He stood super close to my side, dreading the moment we'd be separated for an entire school day.
He waited at the very back of the line to get on the bus.
I'll never forget the way he looked, so tiny on that big bus his first day of kindergarten. Afraid to say goodbye to his mama, and be away all day.
and then 9 months later...
Today, on his last day of kindergarten while I walked to the bus stop with my three little loves, R made a comment about how "the babies are walking to slow, I want to get there first mom!"
Instead of a half smile to hide anxiousness like on his first day, he flashed an annoyed face, embarrassed his mama still kisses him at the bus stop, and takes pictures to celebrate momentous occasions like the last day of kindergarten.
And finally, a picture to remember one of my favorite parts of our morning-off-to-school-routine...his tiny little head peaking out from window #1 of the buss, his spastic hand waving until he can no longer see me, and a smile as big as can be.
Monday, May 27, 2013
May 27th
Our love story began on the track. He spotted me, the fast, short girl and made a comment to his friend that he'd date me someday. He was right.
I was just a gangly, tiny Freshman when my now Mr. decided to ask me on a date. It took three attempts before I said yes. I'm tough like that.
We went to Baskin Robins after track practice for our first date, if you must know. We ate outside and we played footsie under the table. I got a scoop of mint chocolate chip, and ate like I was with my brother rather than out on a first date.
I was 14, didn't have a worry in my body about trying to be someone who I was not. If he wanted me, than he should get to know the real me - messy ice-cream eater and all.
Now 13 years later, I still eat icecream the way I did when I was 14 (and I have no shame), we still play footsie under the table at Baskin Robins, only now we have 3 little loves to enjoy ice cream cones with. That once gangly freshman girl has turned into a woman with eye wrinkles, and glorious stretch marks on my sides from growing babies. And now I would never, EVER turn down a date with my Mr. :).
I am in love with our love story, and with being in love. He makes it so easy.
Happy day I fell in love with you Mr. Loprinzi, May 27th.
I have officially known you just as long as I haven't, and I am so thankful that you were persistent enough to keep trying when I declined your offer to take me out on a date. I love that we are proof that high-school sweet hearts really can last. I look forward to being a tiny, wrinkly, gray haired, oldie with you!
Friday, May 24, 2013
My favorite firstborn
The school year is drawing to an end. Next Tuesday is his last day as a Kindergartener, and then I have him to myself for an entire summer. I'm not sure who is more excited.
Wednesday, May 22, 2013
Monday, May 20, 2013
Frog
We've got a frog.
A fat frog.
Paul discovered it, then bolted over to the neighborhood kid hangout of the moment to gather up the kids to show off his fat find.
They were too scared to pick the fat-fellow up.
To be honest I was too. It was ginormous, seriously, and this coming from a girl that use to frog hunt all summer long at that one pond that gave my foot a terrible infection the summer going into my 7th grade school year. My mom banned me from that pond after that, I might not have listened though.
He lives under our garbage can, except when it is trash day, then he retreats to under the rain spout, hiding under the splash guard.
I peeked at him today. Still hanging around.
For the love of blankies
It is with her when she sleeps, in the car, she drags it around the house, and complains when I tell her to leave it inside when we got outdoors. She didn't listen today, brought it with her when we went on a morning run (she was riding in the jogging stroller) and then gatorade spilled on it. You'd of thought it was the end of the world during the wash-fest.
A girl and her blankie, such a sad time when they are apart.
Her little sorrowful cry.
She opened up the dryer and carried around a damp blankie for most of the remainder of the day.
A girl and her blankie, such a sad time when they are apart.
She opened up the dryer and carried around a damp blankie for most of the remainder of the day.
Sunday, May 19, 2013
Family moments
Humidity and sunshine has rolled in, leaving popsicles, sprinklers, sunscreen and swimsuits a daily happening around here.
We've shifted from time spent indoor to outdoor play, and are loving every minute of it.
Neighborhood kiddos shift from yard to yard, and watching them interact from a distance is so neat. Our little people, with little friends, playing independently...Growing up!
Little girl swimsuits, they might just be the cutest thing...ever.
and her size 12 month swim suit from last year, fits better this year. Cutest little watermelon I ever did see!
They take turns sitting on top of the sprinkler, while they mumble forbidden "potty talk" thinking I can't hear...
J wears a helmet to run around in the sprinkler...not sure why, but it is one of those things in life where it isn't worth worrying about.
Here R was telling me about how his "wiener felt funny because when you wear swim shorts you don't wear undies"
This, right here, is my dream. A normal almost-summer day spent with three little loves enjoying life, a perfect husband, his arms wrapped around my middle, as I snap a picture of this life of ours. I feel so very blessed.
and her size 12 month swim suit from last year, fits better this year. Cutest little watermelon I ever did see!
They take turns sitting on top of the sprinkler, while they mumble forbidden "potty talk" thinking I can't hear...
Their smiles and giggles, moments I want to cherish forever.
J wears a helmet to run around in the sprinkler...not sure why, but it is one of those things in life where it isn't worth worrying about.
Here R was telling me about how his "wiener felt funny because when you wear swim shorts you don't wear undies"
Wednesday, May 8, 2013
Grad school schedule switch
Deep breath.
The first year of grad school consisted of night courses, 6-9 pm every Monday and Tuesday night. We were so blessed between me switching to night shift at work, and having the flexibility of Paul's schedule that Paul and I were able to make things work without any extra help taking care of Ryk, Kip and Jovie. This summer term is the last term of night classes, my school schedule is changing. I will have day classes on Monday and Tuesdays now, and then clinical hours that I have to coordinate during the normal work day (8a-5p) as well.
This means a lot more time committing to grad school, and less time as wife/mama.
My stress level is increasing just thinking of this. I like to remind myself that this stress, that I'm making such a big deal about, is so minimal compared to what others are living right now. So while I prepare to start searching for a nanny, I'll continue to remind myself that.
When I'm frustrated at the cost, and how we'll afford a nanny to make this work...
When I'm tired of being away from home most days of the week...
When I just want one stinking second to be home with my husband, without the worry of needing to do school work...
When I struggle with role strain...
When my kids miss me...
I will just keep reminding myself - That grad school is good stress, temporary stress, and soon enough it too will pass.
So I am hoping to find someone who is dependable, and will be loving to my littles the way a family member would be.
I know this transition will be hard for these kiddos, because they have only ever been home with me the last year. But I also know they will be just fine.
The first year of grad school consisted of night courses, 6-9 pm every Monday and Tuesday night. We were so blessed between me switching to night shift at work, and having the flexibility of Paul's schedule that Paul and I were able to make things work without any extra help taking care of Ryk, Kip and Jovie. This summer term is the last term of night classes, my school schedule is changing. I will have day classes on Monday and Tuesdays now, and then clinical hours that I have to coordinate during the normal work day (8a-5p) as well.
This means a lot more time committing to grad school, and less time as wife/mama.
My stress level is increasing just thinking of this. I like to remind myself that this stress, that I'm making such a big deal about, is so minimal compared to what others are living right now. So while I prepare to start searching for a nanny, I'll continue to remind myself that.
When I'm frustrated at the cost, and how we'll afford a nanny to make this work...
When I'm tired of being away from home most days of the week...
When I just want one stinking second to be home with my husband, without the worry of needing to do school work...
When I struggle with role strain...
When my kids miss me...
I will just keep reminding myself - That grad school is good stress, temporary stress, and soon enough it too will pass.
So I am hoping to find someone who is dependable, and will be loving to my littles the way a family member would be.
I know this transition will be hard for these kiddos, because they have only ever been home with me the last year. But I also know they will be just fine.
Tuesday, May 7, 2013
Joy in the ordinary
Sometimes I am quite here, because I find it boring to write the same old, same old.
A typical routine of home during the day with love bugs followed by rushing off later in the evenings for night class or work. I find joy in the monotony of this, savoring every second of cramming in fun throughout our day together, before I hang up my mama cape to trade in for another role for the evening.
That mama cape, best thing ever.
and popsicles are the best thing ever too, so much that it remained on my favorite firstborns face until bath time that evening :).
This little lady, had a fever of 103 today, so she was my trusty side kick all day. She rarely left my arms. Even with a fever, she is still such a beauty.
and this little man, he is getting closer to 4 and further away from 3, and I am drastically noticing it in his personality and temperament. What a fun loving little man.
For 30 whole minutes J snuggled solo on the couch with her trusty blanket watching Mickey Mouse Club house, and I spent some special one-on-one time with my Ryk.
I said I'd do anything he wanted, just me and him, until Jovie needed me again.
His choice, sidewalk chalk. A little man who knows his mama!
His masterpiece - every angry bird, the green one was his favorite because "it was the best drawing by far!"
We've resorted to using a sand pail to house our obnoxious supply of chalk. Give it a couple more driveway art times and we'll need more. We blaze through it at amazing speed between my artsy Ryk, and my preschoolers who love to throw chalk into the bubble pail and then high in the sky, so high that it comes smashing down into the sidewalk into pieces.
After the chalk fest was complete, we had a jumping contest. Ryk declared he won. I let him think that, because he needs one parent who lets him win at contests :)
A typical routine of home during the day with love bugs followed by rushing off later in the evenings for night class or work. I find joy in the monotony of this, savoring every second of cramming in fun throughout our day together, before I hang up my mama cape to trade in for another role for the evening.
That mama cape, best thing ever.
and popsicles are the best thing ever too, so much that it remained on my favorite firstborns face until bath time that evening :).
and this little man, he is getting closer to 4 and further away from 3, and I am drastically noticing it in his personality and temperament. What a fun loving little man.
For 30 whole minutes J snuggled solo on the couch with her trusty blanket watching Mickey Mouse Club house, and I spent some special one-on-one time with my Ryk.
I said I'd do anything he wanted, just me and him, until Jovie needed me again.
His choice, sidewalk chalk. A little man who knows his mama!
We've resorted to using a sand pail to house our obnoxious supply of chalk. Give it a couple more driveway art times and we'll need more. We blaze through it at amazing speed between my artsy Ryk, and my preschoolers who love to throw chalk into the bubble pail and then high in the sky, so high that it comes smashing down into the sidewalk into pieces.
After the chalk fest was complete, we had a jumping contest. Ryk declared he won. I let him think that, because he needs one parent who lets him win at contests :)
and while it was only 30 minutes of special time, it was savored by my big man - the one who often misses out on special mama time because I am busy tending to littles. "I love our time together" he tells me with his shy smile. His eyes show his delight, and that happiness I see in him plaster a permanent smile on my face.
I asked K to make a goofy face, and he gave me a flair of Michael Jackson. Lately K has mastered dressing/undressing himself. He is so proud of himself every skill he masters, and his little beam as he pulls his shirt off before bath time is priceless. So his outfits lately don't really match, but this mama doesn't care.
I'm hopeful that Jovie's fever will break and we'll be back outdoors all day tomorrow. We sure have missed playing in this 70-80 degree spring weather, sure enough summer will roll around and we'll be in the 100s with terrible humidity, so we love to savor this spring weather while we can.
Monday, May 6, 2013
Nurses week
I got a hair cut today. Nothing fancy, just a trim to clean up the damage that a combination of cheap shampoo, windy runs, and curling irons bring to long hair. My Mr. encouraged me to enjoy the afternoon solo. To get my hair cut and do...whatever.
By myself.
This may seem outrageous to some, but as a wife, mama to three, RN, and grad student...well I haven't really done this before.
In fact, my daily run (if I don't run during the day while pushing the Kip and Jovie, in the stroller of course) is the only time I am ever really alone.
So I sat at a local book store, white chocolate mocha in hand, with a trashy magazine. I wasn't super interested in Kim K's latest life crisis, or how Princess Kate's pregnancy was going, so I sat the magazine aside and just people watched. The mother who seemed frazzled with her two not-listenening toddlers, the business guy with the geeky socks, the grandma with the bedazzled cane and her "Fifty Shades of Grey" book in hand...it all made me giggle. I've been that frazzled mother, and my Mr. dresses in a way that might make some giggle (think Dr. House style), and well granny with her (from what I've heard) rather sexually charged book, and the fact that she used a cane and was reading such a book...well.
I left after 30 minutes, bored as a gourd.
I'm so use to doing, being, working, moving, thinking, cleaning, tending, running, loving, mothering, disciplining, nurturing, etc that I don't know how to be still.
Perhaps this constant movement that is my life is the reason that I half-jokingly, half whole-heartedly whisper to Jovie "don't be a nurse, don't ever be a nurse!"
Being a wife, mama, and nurse means that you are always taking care of someone. Always. I have been blessed with the hardest, best jobs in life. I wouldn't change anything.
I mean, I'm pretty lucky to get to wear work attire that closely resembles pajamas every day!
Anyway, it is nurses week this week, so go love on one!
This August is my 4th "Nurse-versary"
4 years of doing a job that is mentally, emotionally, and physically challenging. In these 4 years, because we've moved so much, I've worked in a variety of areas:
*pediatric psychiatric nurse
* neurology/oncolocy (stroke/seizure/cancer) nurse
*mother/baby nurse
*and as a medical surgical nurse (my floor is specific to ortho)
Hopefully my experience will help me to become an amazing APRN!
By myself.
This may seem outrageous to some, but as a wife, mama to three, RN, and grad student...well I haven't really done this before.
In fact, my daily run (if I don't run during the day while pushing the Kip and Jovie, in the stroller of course) is the only time I am ever really alone.
So I sat at a local book store, white chocolate mocha in hand, with a trashy magazine. I wasn't super interested in Kim K's latest life crisis, or how Princess Kate's pregnancy was going, so I sat the magazine aside and just people watched. The mother who seemed frazzled with her two not-listenening toddlers, the business guy with the geeky socks, the grandma with the bedazzled cane and her "Fifty Shades of Grey" book in hand...it all made me giggle. I've been that frazzled mother, and my Mr. dresses in a way that might make some giggle (think Dr. House style), and well granny with her (from what I've heard) rather sexually charged book, and the fact that she used a cane and was reading such a book...well.
I left after 30 minutes, bored as a gourd.
I'm so use to doing, being, working, moving, thinking, cleaning, tending, running, loving, mothering, disciplining, nurturing, etc that I don't know how to be still.
Perhaps this constant movement that is my life is the reason that I half-jokingly, half whole-heartedly whisper to Jovie "don't be a nurse, don't ever be a nurse!"
Being a wife, mama, and nurse means that you are always taking care of someone. Always. I have been blessed with the hardest, best jobs in life. I wouldn't change anything.
I mean, I'm pretty lucky to get to wear work attire that closely resembles pajamas every day!
Anyway, it is nurses week this week, so go love on one!
This August is my 4th "Nurse-versary"
4 years of doing a job that is mentally, emotionally, and physically challenging. In these 4 years, because we've moved so much, I've worked in a variety of areas:
*pediatric psychiatric nurse
* neurology/oncolocy (stroke/seizure/cancer) nurse
*mother/baby nurse
*and as a medical surgical nurse (my floor is specific to ortho)
Hopefully my experience will help me to become an amazing APRN!
We sit on Kip's floor, throwing Georgie (his stuffed monkey) and their little voices, and belly giggles just get to me. I instantly want to go get the video camera to capture it all, this moment, but I can't leave. They are captivating, and lately I've been neglecting documenting that.
It is hard, to find the balance of enjoying the moment, and then capturing it too. I am often too hidden behind a camera lens, that I forget to just sit.
So I've been doing that, sitting, enjoying them. Making mental memories of the way they sound, right now at 2, 3.5 and 6 years old.
Tomorrow I'll be back behind the camera, but with new perspective.
Friday, May 3, 2013
The cost of higher education
$318.79 is the current total of my Amazon shopping cart. Unfortunately none of it is happy mail either, all books for this upcoming summer term. I can't make myself purchase it yet.
$800 is what I've spent so far for this upcoming summer term for supplies for my assessment course.
This cost is just purchasing all of the required things, used, on Amazon - I searched around for the best deals too.
This doesn't even include tuition yet.
The cost of grad school is overwhelming.
Someday, I hope this is worth it. That this can be seen as an investment in our future, and not a financial burden like it feels right now.
In other news, I earned my first "B" in grad school (it is actually a B+, but a B is a B to me). I'm okay with that. In fact, I think it is a huge blessing. SInce I've already earned what I was striving not to, it takes the pressure of perfection off. And whatever, "Bs" get degrees, and then go on to sit for boards to become APRNs. I'm not sure why I've hyped up getting all As anyway, no future job interviewer is going to ask me "what grade did you get in your graduate statistics course?"
Statistician I am not, clinician I will be.
One more term down, 4 more to go! Goodness it will be a beautiful day when I am done with this all!
$800 is what I've spent so far for this upcoming summer term for supplies for my assessment course.
This cost is just purchasing all of the required things, used, on Amazon - I searched around for the best deals too.
This doesn't even include tuition yet.
The cost of grad school is overwhelming.
Someday, I hope this is worth it. That this can be seen as an investment in our future, and not a financial burden like it feels right now.
In other news, I earned my first "B" in grad school (it is actually a B+, but a B is a B to me). I'm okay with that. In fact, I think it is a huge blessing. SInce I've already earned what I was striving not to, it takes the pressure of perfection off. And whatever, "Bs" get degrees, and then go on to sit for boards to become APRNs. I'm not sure why I've hyped up getting all As anyway, no future job interviewer is going to ask me "what grade did you get in your graduate statistics course?"
Statistician I am not, clinician I will be.
One more term down, 4 more to go! Goodness it will be a beautiful day when I am done with this all!
Wednesday, May 1, 2013
82 and a Wednesday
R informed me since it is May 1st, he has 23 days left of school before summer break.
I'm not sure who is more excited.
We celebrated with a popsicle date on the front steps.
and bubbles, barefoot because that is how Kentucky girls roll.
and a 2 year old wearing a 12 month old summer outfit from last year.
a 3 year old so proud of the "huge-o bubble" he made.
Then the idea for some "sprinkle fun" by K. His little smirk never switched from a huge smile.
and the squeals came out.
I'm not sure who is more excited.
We celebrated with a popsicle date on the front steps.
a 3 year old so proud of the "huge-o bubble" he made.
Then the idea for some "sprinkle fun" by K. His little smirk never switched from a huge smile.
and the squeals came out.
and two heads might have collided in the sprinkle running chaos.
But they had fun
We all got a taste of summer. and it was so, so good.
'
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