Hastings' Grandkids

Trying to get pictures of these 6 grandkids is almost impossible. There always seems to be someone with their head turned or looking the wrong way. Katy and I pick a day each year, and try to plan it just right to avoid tears or other complications. It may take us 15 shots, and the kids getting so fed up with us, but the end result is always so priceless. The picture at the bottom left is the one we presented to Grandma and Grandpa Hastings on Christmas Day this year... with accompanying ooooh's and aaaaah's, and the one on the bottom right is the one we let the kids release their silliness and frustrations for having to be put through this year after year. Top to bottom the kids are: Zoe, Hanna, Tristan, Madeline, Ruby and Samuel.

So many memories being captured!!!

Early Bird Catches the Worm...

This morning Tristan was up first, bright-eyed, bushytailed, and ready to get his day started. Without ANY prompting he picked out his clothes, got himself dressed (shoes and socks included), and wanted to make his own lunch. Usually I have to go and stir him a few times before he finally gets up and gets dressed. I think the excitement that comes with Christmas vacation is sparking his initiative. He is such a fun kid to have around. He ceases to amaze me with his enthusiasm for life!!! Two thumbs up for Tristan!!!

Pinning Party

Since our school only has graduation once a year, in May, a bunch of us decided to put together our own little celebration at a friend's house. We are all wearing our lab coats. This is a small portion of the students from my class, but a good representation of the people I've been going to school with these last couple years.

It was a night with good friends, good food and a pinning ceremony. One of the girls in our class gathered money from those who wanted to participate, and bought an "RN" pin for each of us to pin on a fellow student. It was emotional for some, and such a neat experience for all. At the end of the night, in the outside fireplace, we had a ceremonial burning of scrub tops, notes or anything else that represented the tough road we've all been on the last couple years. It was a night to remember!!!

This is my good friend, Shari. She and I spent a lot of time together going to class together, studying, eating lunch at the hospital, carpooling, practicing skills, etc... She and I both have four kids. Only hers are older. Her oldest is in college and her youngest is the same age as Zoe, my oldest. We relied a lot on each other to help get through the tough times. Her friendship really helped make the days more bearable! I am forever grateful for her dedication to our friendship!!

Thank Heaven... Jim's 37!!!

Jim's birthday was Monday, December 7. So, the kids and I sent him off with a family breakfast before school (a rare occurence)... It was a little rushed, but a fun way to start the day and week.

Later that evening, we had a family dinner and invited Jim's Mom & Dad, Nick, Katy, Maddie & Sam, and Katy. We wanted to make sure Jim had a special day from start to finish. He is so busy this time of year with private lessons and teaching classes, that we don't get to see him very much, and I wanted to make sure that he had a nice enjoyable day on his birthday... A GREAT end to a GREAT day!!

Let Your Light So Shine Before Man...

Zoe turned the big 13 on November 21, and she decided she wanted to invite friends to ice skate at Galleria Mall. Zoe's been friends with the girl in this picture (Rina) since they were in Kindergarden together. They haven't been in the same class since then, but they ride the same bus home, and have managed to stay friends. While at Zoe's party, Rina's mom was telling me how glad she was that Zoe and Rina are friends. Apparently, some kids at school were giving Rina a hard time because she hadn't kissed a boy yet. I guess Rina and Zoe were talking about it, and Zoe told her not to pay attention to those kids because when you do have your first kiss you want it to be special. I was so glad to hear that Zoe was being an example to her friend, helping her to be the best that she can be! It really made me proud of her. It's hard to believe that she is getting so big!!!!

Ruby Red

My sweet little Ruby... The other day Jim had to reprimand her for doing something wrong. I don't remember what it was, but she immediately ran over to me and said, "Mommy, Daddy's breaking my heart!!! (boo hoo hoo)" I couldn't help but laugh, and give Jim a hard time for breaking Ruby's heart. It was the funniest thing!!!! I love having kids around... They say the funniest things!

September 28 (Belated)

I've been meaning to post this for some time now, but have just been so busy with school that I've had very little time for extra things... My birthday was back in September, and my family made me breakfast in bed. It wasn't until I was about half way through the meal that I realized I needed to document this event because it may be a while before it happens again. Later in the day Jim told me that Tristan insisted that I needed breakfast in bed. So, Jim ran to the nearest breakfast joint (Barbec's) to get the pancakes (I thought they were better than usual) and grits (my favorite), and then he and the kids made eggs (one of Jim's culinary specialties) and fruit. It was so yummy!!! And the red roses were a bonus!!! It really got my day off to a good start. In the afternoon, we went to a movie together as a family. Jim invited his family over for cake and ice cream. I decided to make my own birthday cake, German Chocolate with coconut pecan frosting, because when you buy it at the store, it's never as good as if you make it yourself, especially if it's all still a little warm from the oven!!! Makes my mouth water just thinking about it!!! I had a great day and I owe it all to my kids and the master mind behind all the love... Jim!!!