Congratulations, I am so proud of you!

For those of you who do not know, a little over a year ago I accepted a position as a nursing instructor for Rasmussen College in St. Cloud. I left a job I desperately loved to take this position; call it a higher calling. I started at the beginning and started teaching with the first official group of nursing students. Some call them the "guinea pigs", but I call them the pioneers. Through the past year, we have had bumps in the road, lots of stress but much more laughter and friendship. Being a nursing student is unlike any experience in the world; you grow a bond with your fellow students like no other in your lifetime. I have experienced this personally while a student at St. Ben's and now I have witnessed it in this truly wonderful group of nursing students. Despite the many times I have doubted my decisions about a career change, all the stress and long days have finally left my memory and have been replaced by the pride I feel by watching this group of students graduate. They have grown before my eyes and will make fantastic nurses. I feel honored to have had the opportunity to teach them. Congratulations everyone, you have earned it!!

A busy, fun weekend!

Claire and I spent Friday night sleeping with the animals at the Zoo Snooze at the Duluth zoo. We enjoyed the wild, fun night with her girl scout troop. We slept at the zoo and went on a hike at midnight observing the animals in the dark. We couldn't bring flashlights so all I concentrated on was trying not to trip and fall. Thankfully, we all survived the night!
Brett took Charlie and Greta to the Children's museum while I had a mom day with Claire. They loved petting the snake, playing with the bubbles and singing along with Shrek. It was a fun day spent with daddy!!!!
On Sunday while Brett was at the museum, Claire and I had the wonderful opportunity to see the Phantom of the Opera play at the Orpheum. Claire has loved this play since she was four years old (I know, so cultured for her age!). I took Brett to see the play when I was pregnant with Charlie and Claire fell in love with the music from the soundtrack. When the movie came to theaters a few years back, Claire insisted that she see it. She loved the movie and it is still one of her favorites! I always promised her that I would take her when the play came back to Minnesota. She was quick to point out the commercials for the play on TV, but I played dumb by telling her the tickets were too expensive. OK, I told a little fib, but I wanted the day to be a surprise!! She was so surprised when Brett dropped us off in front of the Orpheum under the marquis that read "The Phantom of the Opera". She squealed in delight and now she new why she had to wear a dress to the "museum" when Greta and Charlie did not. The show was awesome and Claire loved it! What a wonderfully crazy weekend!

The need for speed....

Charlie has officially found his new passion, BMX bike racing. I signed Charlie up for a class through community ed to allow him the opportunity to do something all by himself that was totally boy stuff and outside. He loved it; he loved catching some air on the hills, racing the other children and even crashing. He believes he looked "awesome" in his racing helmet. He enjoyed it so much, we plan to take him back for more. I guess I should be thankful that I am a nurse who will be prepared to bandage the wounds, bumps, cuts and bruises from future crashes and falls. As long as he has his cute little face protected, I think mom will be to handle his new past time.