Shopping Season

I can honestly admit that I have enjoyed the back-to-school shopping season this year. In years past it has seemed like just one more thing to do this time of year. Because of my new schedule, I have been able to take the kids one at a time. And believe me a 13 year old boy and 16 year old girl shop totally different.

Brandy made it home!

Brandy made it home safe and sound and on time last night around 8:00. She had an awesome time and met girls from all along the East coast and from Cal (that's California - - you learn something new everyday with teenagers). We now have to put together a presentation board and a slideshow of all her photos so she can present to council and our service unit since they made donations to her trip. She thanked Mike and me for letting her go on this adventure at 16. We are now titled "cool parents." As least for a couple of hours!

Now it's time to get back to a "normal routine". Brandy returns to her lifeguarding job today. Kyle is going to Adam's house while Debra and I go to the Day Camp Director's Wrapup party at council, and Mike is working a swing overtime shift. I still have him a little "stressed" about my career change.

The New Job

Okay...I have a new job that actually makes me feel like a nurse again. It is something I never thought I would do but I truly feel all of my previous experiences have brought me to this point in my life. I'm taking care of children and one adult in their homes on vents. What a huge undertaking for me after 12 years in the school district. I work the days and shifts that I want so I do work some weekends depending on the kid's schedules. I work a 10 hour shift on Saturday since Brandy is arriving home on Saturday night from San Juan. I like to think of it as the best of both worlds as I get to deal with the hi-tech stuff that I love but still have the one on one relationship like in ICU.

Kyle and I finished his school shopping so that is good so now I only have Brandy to finish up. She has called a couple of times at night and appears to be having an awesome time. The snorkeling has been the best activity so far. She said she wants to check into scuba diving classes after her swim season is finished this year. WOW! I guess the one thing Mike and I both wanted for our children to love the water as much as we do has come true.

Mike is going to Victoria today with Kevin to pick up a new "toy" for the hunting lease. Sometimes I think I have two little boys living at my house!

Update

Mike and I put Brandy on a plane Sunday morning headed to San Juan for her Girl Scout destination. She has worked all summer saving her money for this trip. She called this afternoon to say "This is the reason I'm still a Girl Scout. I went caving and it was totally awesome." They are moving to the other side of the island tomorrow to go canyoneering and snorkeling and canp in the rainforest. She will be home Saturday night late probably with lots of pictures and many new facebook pals.

Kyle and I are shopping for school clothes and swimming at the local pool. We are pretty content with our "clean house" after the garage sale and that we have the dogs now trained to take their naps on the living room floor in the middle of the afternoon.

Mike is working overtime because I have him a little "stressed" since I don't have a job. I start next week...I'll share about that later after I get started....it's totally different then anything I have done before just remember that.