Let's catch up a little...

Livi turned 5! Yikes. Here is some things about her now that she is a whole hand in age:

• sassy


• far to wise


• loving spelling


• a whiz with school


• quick witted


• has the best memory (unfortunately, sometimes)


• learning to read


• loves to talk on the phone


• loves to play school with her sister, as long as she can be the teacher


• likes to cook


• always seems to have a cough


• wants to start cheerleading or gymnastics


• here's a doozy, she can spell and write her whole name: OLIVIA GRACE PATURALSKI

Alex is doing pretty well herself as she is almost completely potty trained and speaks in full sentences 80% of the time.

Jason is working on a local dairy farm and couldn't be happier! I am still working full time and have finished my first class and am knee deep into my second. It is going very fast. One class every 5 weeks is keeping me on my toes and very organized. This program is great because it is for people who are already in the work force. So, I am getting to relate my studies to current position. Seems like I will be able to make a smooth transition into Hospital Administration!

We went to the waterpark for Livi's 5th birthday...Livi, Jack, Alex, my friend Sarah G and myself. Tons of fun except, Jack got the stomach flu and had to leave early, I got a speeding ticket and shortly after we got home the entire family got the wicked stomach flu. I love you Jack, but sheesh it was a doozy!

It's been a loooong time, but I'm back!

I realize I've not written anything in a long time. Much has happened...Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Years, somwhat of a promotion (new title anyways), more tradgedy in the ICU and some serious self-evaluation.

Thanksgiving was wonderful (I wasn't working) and I loved hearing the girls tell what they were thankful for!

Christmas was awesome. We spent great time with family, on both sides. Had a wonderful family oriented church service. Saw my kids become even more spoiled rotten than usual.

New Years was as usual...we didn't do anything spectacular and I was in bed before the New Year. I spent New Years day with my "icu family". Unfortunatley 2010 didn't start out well for us at the hospital. My co-workers husband was killed in a sledding accient. Yes, I know...more tradgedy for the ICU. It is awful and not right. I've spent this week, going to the visitation and funeral. I'm very sad for her and her family and am keeping them close to my heart and spending lots of time praying for them and for everyone in the ICU. Yes, we deal with trauma everyday, but when it is someone in your inner-circle it hurts like you've never experienced it before.

I became a Charge Nurse in the ICU. Those who know me well won't be surprised. Me "in charge", I know, I know. :)

I've been really counting my blessings, taking time to be thankful and hugging my kids a lot!

I've re-focused myself...applied for admission to Indiana Wesleyan University. I will be finishing my Bachelor's in Business Administration. I am excited about it and the possibilities that it brings for me.

I am going to start my journey toward my original career goals...Administration. I will try to keep you updated on my progress! Feel free to send some prayers and good thoughts my way!

Its been awhile...

My computer crashed a few weeks ago...yes, i've been freaking out. But I'm back in business. Here's what we've been up to...

Livi is loving school and doing very well. She went on field trips to the pumpkin patch and to the firestation. She had her first school party (fall harvest) and we will go to her first parent/teacher conference in two weeks! She dressed up as Ariel (the little mermaid) for Halloween!

Alex turned 2! She has been very busy stringing sentences together and starting to potty train. She was the most adorable monkey for Halloween!

Jason and I went on a bus trip to Chicago for our friends Time & Debi's 40th bday party! It was a lot of fun and we stayed out later than we have in a very very long time!

I am keeping very busy with work and Jason is still in Lansing during the week. We are enjoying the Fall weather and colors! I hope you enjoy the pictures!

Fall Fling 2009

Last night was Church of the Mediator's Fall Fling. It is a silent auction/dinner that raises money for their building fund...we are building a new church. My whole family always goes (grandparents, aunt, cousins, etc...) and this year my in-laws came as well. It was good food, good company and a great auction. We are going to be going on a trip to Sarasota, FL, with my in-laws. Disney here we come!

A new favorite...

We started a new tradition at the "Durren Family Xmas Eve" get together. We all make gifts and then exchange. For example, last year I made homemade Kahlua. So, I made 8 bottles and all of the families got the same thing. My wheels are already turning for this year. While I was googling for some canning directions and how-to's, I came across a new website... www.pickyourown.org. This is one of my new favorites, you should check it out.

Silly girl.

Alex and I were headed to drop Livi off at school and then to the "Y" for mama's workout. Livi of course had her back pack and Alex needed a bag for the "Y". Livi passed on her princess back pack for her to use. Alex thought that it was simply the greatest thing ever. I thought I was going to have to strap her in the carseat with it on her back.

So here she is, this picture is pure Alex...leopard print hoodie, pink princess back pack (or pack-pack, as she says it) and her paci upside down!

Adorable.