Let the Tears Flow

It was T-man's first day of Kindergarten today. He was so cute. All last week he would get really somnolent and I would ask him what was wrong. He would tell me how nervous he was to start kindergarten. He has been so excited all summer, but I think reality finally hit him. Last week the school had a fun Summer Social that we got to go to and that helped ease the nerves. He decided today that he was BRAVE. I did really well and actually didn't cry. The only time I about did when I was talking with a neighbor lady and her little girl. The older brother of this little girl was at recess and he came over and gave her a big hug with a pat on the head and didn't say anything. It was really sweet and you just knew that he knew what she was going through. He had fun today, but told me it was so LONG. When I told him he had to go back tomorrow, he just threw his head back and sighed. He will do great and we are excited to be back on a routine!

Last Week's Family Night

We headed up Big Cottonwood Canyon last week for Family Night with the grandparents. We had fun having a picnic and playing in the creek. We are hoping to get up there one more time before it gets too cold! That kid standing on the table definitely isn't mine (what kind of parent would let a ONE year old do such a thing?). I didn't take my camera down by the water (I am not sure why, I have pictures on my phone from the creek). The kids loved playing in the water and the little one threw a fit when it was time to go.

The Great Advances of Medical Technology

I must say, we truly live in a world of amazing medical technology. The advances that I have seen in the ICU field alone in the last 5 years are absolutely unbelievable. We save more and more lives, yet it seems that we have more and more that are dying. I have pondered upon these two issues, talked amongst my colleagues, and tried to get a grasp on if all advances really are that great. The hospital I work in is one of the best in the country for CardioThoracic Surgery (Heart Surgery). The treatments and technology combined with the skilled expertise of the surgeons and nurses has made it so less and less of the complex anatomy hearts actually die (or die during surgery or within hours after). We also are a Trauma 1 facility. That means we get some pretty horrific accidents. The field response for the emergency medical services has gotten so good that more and more make it to the hospital for treatment. I know most of you are thinking, that is so AWESOME, what's the dilemma?. Don't get me wrong, it really is a great thing, but as a result, the stay for these patients in the ICU has increased dramatically, and with that we get an influx of secondary problems that the patient will either survive or not survive. The quality of life that they face if they do survive, usually isn't what one would call ideal either. So, I have this ongoing debate with myself: If it were my child, what would I want? Obviously, it would depend on a number of factors, and every situation is different. I don't want to get into all the ethical issues that surround such subjects because the list can go on and on. Not to mention that cultural, religious and personal beliefs are so different that there really never is a correct answer. But I do know as a result of these advances there definitely is a shortage of nurses out there. With the advances and life sustaining measures that the field of medicine has introduced, it will only get worse. It makes the demand even greater for healthcare professionals. I get a call at least 5/7 days to see if I can work. My heart sinks each time as I know that right now it is not my time to be there consistently in the hospital. As a result, I embrace the moments of taking care of my 3 beautiful, healthy children. Will this problem ever be resolved? I fear not. I don't think there is a way to produce enough nurses to keep up with the job demand based on these advances. But I also don't think that means advances should be slowed down either, because it could be that break through treatment that one day may save the life of a loved one.

The Waterslide

"This is Totally Awesome"

We went to Idaho this weekend to see the fam one last time before school starts. T-man just loves to play with his cousins. We stayed at my sister-in-laws and they have this "totally awesome" (as T-man likes to call it) slip-n-slide water slide. It wasn't that warm but the kids had a great time going down it. I even thought about putting on my suit and giving it a try but I wasn't so sure about the end result. I don't think it would have been pretty. We had a great time and said bye to my Aunt moving to Missouri. And the best part is, Brett didn't even go with me. He spent the weekend golfing and eating out with his parents. Tough life.

The Worth of My Soul

Conversation while signing up for benefits with Brett's new job:

Brett: "Oh, I can get life insurance for me up to $500,000"
Me: "Well, why don't you get me some"
Brett: "I don't know if I can"
Me: "Yes you can, it is usually up to $50,000"
Brett: "There it is, it is only $6 a month, no wait, it is $13 a month for $50,000"
Me: "Get it, it will help cover the funeral costs if I die"
Brett: "Yeah, I don't think so, if you die then I will actually be saving money"

At It, Again

We were crazy and had another camping one nighter this week. We headed up to Tanner's Flats up Little Cottonwood Canyon with the Jamieson's. We had a great time relaxing in the woods. The kids played great and stayed out of trouble. The little creek running through our campground was beautiful and helped provide some nice white noise for sleeping. I think it takes me over a full day to recover from camping, but I am so glad we had the chance to go again. Now, only if I can talk my husband into investing in an air mattress so I don't have to sleep on his bed that he makes up with 30 thousand blankets from our house. He is convinced this provides maximum comfort although I still feel as though I am sleeping on a concrete slab. I need a good massage from all the sore muscles from sleeping wrong.