The Benders

Happy New Year!

2012-01-14T17:19:00.002-07:00

Hope you all started 2012 happy and healthy! Things around here are going great. Jon and I have been on a house search for months, and we finally found one! We should be closing any day, and can't wait to move in!! It's on 1 acre, 4 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, and a 2400 square foot shop for Jon to play in! :) There is plenty of room for visitors, so come on over!! Work is going well for both of us. Jon hired a guy a few months ago, and its working out really well. He's smart and has been in the oil business a long time, so he's learning quickly! Jon's enjoyed the extra help, and I've enjoyed see my husband more! My job is still amazing! I am not lying when I say I would do it as a volunteer!! I absolutely love it, and work with the best group of people!! And, because I love it so much, I've decided to take it to the next level...I applied to Vanderbilt University to get my Masters degree in Nursing and become a Neonatal Nurse Practitioner! I don't expect to hear if I've been accepted until at least March, but I'll keep you all posted! I'm excited and nervous, and so thankful for a VERY supportive husband and colleagues. 2012 is off to a busy but great start! Hope you're all well! Keep in touch, and come visit! Lots of love from CA!

It's finally Fall!!

2011-10-09T19:32:00.005-07:00

Things are starting to cool down a little around here...well, weather-wise, that is! It's been nice to enjoy the cool Fall evenings and Jon's really appreciating the cooler weather out in the field. We've been so busy...seems like I always say that! Busy and happy...that about sums it up! :) Work has been great for me. I love my job and continue to feel blessed everyday to do what I do. Jon's work continues to keep him busy, as he is the only CA guy for the company. But, we just found out today that the guy Jon interviewed has accepted his offer, and will be starting in a couple weeks. He seems like a really nice, intelligent guy, and I'm so hoping that it all works out!

We've put in an offer on a house, a short sale, and we're waiting to hear if/when it's all going to go through. As far as we know, the bank has accepted our offer, but we are waiting to hear about the final details before officially entering escrow. I'll keep you posted. Maybe we'll have a home of our own by Christmas!! :) I'm so excited!!

A few weeks ago, we went to Utah for a meeting/team building trip with Jon's company. We started off in Park City, where Jon had his meetings. We did some mountain biking at a ski resort, shopped, and had a great time. Next, we headed to his boss's cabin in Heber. It was freezing up there, but we had a blast! Here are a few pictures...

A couple weeks later, we spent a few days in Vegas! :) We met up with Karen and Oscar to celebrate Kathy and Nate's wedding...then the party continued for my 32nd birthday! It was SO fun to catch up with our good friends, and made us both miss them and AZ so much!! I think a visit is in order soon!! Here are a few pictures of the fun...

Can't believe we're only a few weeks from Thanksgiving!! Hope you're all happy and healthy and enjoying the Fall!! As always, you're welcome to visit or at least stop in when you're passing through! Lots of love from CA! :)

The BABY is getting married!!

2011-08-16T09:44:00.004-07:00

I remember the first time I saw Gina Camille...big brown eyes, long brown hair, thumb in her mouth, and dragging her blanky, with a smile that would light up the whole wide world. I went from being the baby to being a big sister; just like that! Turth is, I wouldn't change a thing! She is beautiful, smart, and talented...still with those big brown eyes and long brown hair, and that same beautiful smile. I'm so proud of the woman she's become! In 4 days, she will be a wife to a very lucky husband. They are perfect for each other, and he is the perfect addition to our family. Gina and Vinny...I wish you love, happiness, patience, and forever!

Happy Summer!

2011-07-09T20:48:00.002-07:00

I've started a few updates since my last post, but something always comes up before I finish! I'm determined to finish this one! :) Things have been great...BUSY...but great! Jon's been working hard everyday, both in the field as well as setting up his new office. It's been a big job, but he's doing great, and they love him. My job is just amazing. It has it's moments, but I am so lucky to really love my job. We've been busy and short staffed, so I've been picking up extra shifts. It's exhausting, but rewarding too...not to mention the paycheck! :) Jon and I have been house shopping too. It's exciting!! Be sure to check back for updates! I'll let you know when we find something, and I'll post pictures! It's been getting hot here in good ol' Bako! I think I'd rather have my 120* AZ days than these humid 105* Bakersfield days! I miss my AZ "family" so much, but we are settled in well here for now. Hope you've all been having a happy, healthy summer so far. The Noble family has been visiting from Oregon this last week, so it's been fun to have some needed catch-up time, and some auntie time for me! :) Enjoy your July! We have a guest room if you ever want to vacation in Bako! Lots of love from CA!

Happy St Patty's Day

2011-03-17T18:15:00.002-07:00

Did you wear green? Hope you all had a great day, and that a little luck o' the Irish came your way! :) All's well in Bender-ville. Working hard and staying busy...almost too busy...but taking time to enjoy life too. Lots of love from AZ!

Oh how I love that it's my friday! :)

2011-02-17T22:17:00.002-07:00

Things have been crazy in the Bender house...really more outside of the Bender house! Seems like Jon and I have been on the go for weeks. A couple weeks ago, we went to Sacramento to see my parents and sisters up there. We had a blast! Spent some time with Dawn and Noel when I got there. Noel just turned 4 in November, so I took her shopping for some new clothes and stuff. The next day, I went to Gina's salon and she cut 10 inches off my hair and added highlights! We got to donate the hair too...so it was WAY worth it! It looks great, and it's so healthy!! Can't wait to go back in a few weeks for the touch up! :) After that, Gina and I hit the dress shops, and we found the dress that I'll wear in her and Vinny's wedding!! Saturday night we had dinner at Deanna's, and got to spend lots of time with my niece and nephews. It was so much fun...they are getting so grown up!! After dinner, Gina tried on her wedding dress and decided for sure that it would be the one. One word...STUNNING!! Superbowl Sunday was a blast at Gina's house. Got to meet her soon to be in-laws, and some of Gina and Vinny's friends. Great people, and we had a great time!! Can't wait til the wedding in August!!

After a great week at work, I was off for a girl's weekend and to celebrate my friend Alana's baby shower. Wish I had some pictures, but I can assure you that it was a fabulous time of shopping, girl talk, and lots of fun!

And, after this week at work...Jon and I are heading out to Primm, NV for an off-road race with some great friends from San Diego! Jon's been able to go a few times without me, so I'm really looking forward to catching up and having fun with the crew!!

Hope you're all well, and not frozen! We've been pretty lucky here...although I do have to scrape ice off my windshield some mornings before work! :) Not sure I could handle living back east. What am I saying?! I'm absolutely POSITIVE that I could NOT handle living there!! Hope you're all healthy and happy and enjoying 2011 so far! Lots of love from CA!

Snow days

2011-01-20T10:53:00.004-07:00

We're having alot of fun going to the snow, and Jon continues to be patient with me as I learn (albeit slowly) how to snowboard! :) This last weekend we went to Alta Sierra, formerly Shirley Meadows, with my parents. We had so much fun!! Jon and I rented boards, and my parents skiied (sp?). On my first run down, after falling about every 3 feet, I was about ready to throw in the towel and trade for skis. I decided to give it one more shot...and guess what?! I made it all the way down the hill!! And, after a few runs like that, I was having a blast!! :) I am still working on getting off the lift without falling...but I have a feeling that'll take some time! :) Here are a few pictures...

Happy New Year!

2011-01-09T19:12:00.005-07:00

Got called off from work tonight, so I thought I'd say hello! Hope you all had a great Christmas holiday and that your 2011 is getting off to a great start! We had a great time celebrating Christmas at my mom's on the 23rd with Steph, Terri, Megan and Sam.

I worked Christmas Eve, and Christmas Day, and then we were able to enjoy about 5 days with Jon's parents. They came early in the week, and rang in the new year with us. Well...the New York and Oklahoma New Years...HAHA! :) I had to work in the morning, and we were all tired, so we made it as long as we could. As luck would have it...Jon and I were awake at midnight anyways because our neighborhood apparently LOVES to celebrate New Years! :)

Work is going great! I love, love, love my job! Yesterday, for the first time, one of my families took a picture of me with the baby for his baby book. They told me I was their favorite nurse, and they wanted to remember me, and to tell him about me when he's older. I cried, and it makes me cry thinking about it. How incredibly lucky am I, that I get to wake up and look forward to getting to work...and once I'm there...really love what I'm doing. Lucky and blessed...that's me! :) Jon's job is going well, and it's been SO great having him home. We celebrated our 2nd anniversary by going to Sierra Summit/China Peak (just outside of Fresno) and snowboarding. The first night there, it snowed 36 inches!! :) That's not a typo...3 feet!!! It was my first time to board, and it's safe to say, I'm not a professional! :) Jon was very patient with me as I learned, I found muscles I never knew I had, and we had a blast!! I can't wait to go back and "try" again!

Not too much new other than that. Lady and Deacon are doing great. Went to the vet a week or 2 ago and found out that Lady is 32 pounds, and Deacon is 41 pounds...and still growing!

Hope you're all well and staying warm! Lots of love from CA!

And a partridge in a pear tree...

2010-12-14T15:22:00.002-07:00

Only 12 days til Christmas! It really snuck up on me this year...I feel like Thanksgiving was just yesterday!! Things have been great and very busy this last month. Jon started his new job in Bakersfield, and it's going really well! I absolutely love having him home. I almost feel like a newlywed all over again! :) This year, we're celebrating Christmas in Bakersfield with friends and family. I'm working on Christmas day, so we're celebrating a little early. Looking forward to good food and good times! :) My job is going great! I love the people I work with, and I look forward to going in everyday! It has it's moments, but it's wonderful and rewarding, and so sweet to know that I really do make a difference in the 12 hours at a time that I'm there! Hope you're all enjoying your Christmas holiday. Have a special Christmas, and a 2011 full of love, laughter, and many great memories! Lots of love from CA! :)

Happy 1st Birthday, Lady

2010-11-28T13:32:00.002-07:00

My sweet little Lady-bug! She came to us at a time when we needed her so, and I'm convinced that she was made for us. She is energetic, smart, and loves to cuddle close to your side. She's my sweet little bug, and I'm so glad she's ours! Happy birthday Lady!! We love you! :)

Is it really almost Thanksgiving?!

2010-11-08T19:51:00.003-07:00

Gosh...this time last year I was studying like crazy for finals and writing disgustingly (is that even a word?!) long care plans, and counting down the days til Christmas vacation! Feels like that was just yesterday!! Hope you've all had a great year. Mine's been fast and furious, but wonderful all the same. Speaking of wonderful...I'm am SOOOO excited to tell you guys that Jon finally found a job here in Bakersfield!! It seems like it's really going to be a great deal, and I'm SOOOOOO happy to finally have him home! You know...since we got married, we haven't really had a chance to hang out and just really enjoy living the married life. We moved to AZ 7 days after our wedding, and I started Nursing School 9 days after that. Then, last February, he started working back in Southern CA and I only saw him on the weekends...UNTIL NOW!! ;) I can't tell you how big the smile is on my face!! I almost feel like we're starting our "real life" together finally! :)

What are you doing for Thanksgiving this year? I think Jon and I are heading to Fresno for the annual Olson Thanksgiving. (That's my mom's side of the fam.) I think Stephanie and I are taking our little sister Gina to try on wedding dresses on the day before Thanksgiving! :) I can't wait for the girly time!! I miss my little Gina Ballerina, and it'll be lots of fun to have some sister time all together.

My work is still going great. I've joined a couple committees, and am enjoying getting to know my colleagues, and some upper management folks. I love going to work, and leave everyday with a smile on my face...partially cause I love it so much, and partially because I really can't believe I'm getting paid to do what I'm so happy doing!

Here's a recent pic of the cutest pups in the whole wide world. Deacon is 4 months old and quite a handsome little man...if I may say so myself! Lady is 11 months old and is such a sweet little thing. They say hi, and they want you to come visit them and throw them the ball if you're ever in the area!!

Happy Monday!

2010-10-25T19:09:00.003-07:00

Hope you're all enjoying the cooler weather this past week! Something about the rain and dark skies...and a peppermint mocha! :) Nothing too new in this neck of the woods. Had a great weekend with the hubby! I've been working lots of weekends, and it's been a bummer to hardly see him. I loved having the whole weekend off with him. We got alot accomplished and spent lots of time just hanging out. I sure love that man! Work is going great for me still. Just a few more weeks in orientation, then I'm on my own!! Hope all's well where you are. Lots of love from CA!!

The Kids...

2010-10-17T19:58:00.003-07:00

Just wanted to say hello and post a new picture of Lady and Deacon! :) At our last vet appointment, Lady was 30 pounds (think that's gonna be it for her) and Deacon was already 21 pounds! I have a feeling "Little Boy" is gonna be a bigger boy than my little girl! We have another appointment for his last shots in 2 weeks, so I'll keep you posted. They are doing great. They get along really well, and play together all day. Here they are: (Lady, almost 11 months old and Deacon, 16 weeks old)

Hope you're all well and starting to cool off! Lots of love from CA!

It's my birthday week! :)

2010-09-27T20:15:00.002-07:00

It's actually only a couple days away from the start of my birthday month! :) I figure...since I was born on the first, October is my birthday month...sounds good to me! So I'm hitting the big 3-1 on Friday, and I'm pretty ok with it! I was talking to my mom about it today, and so far, I haven't hit an age that's really bothered me! 25 was fun, 30 has been great...31 is nothing to be scared of! :) I think it's all in how you look at it! I am married to the man of my dreams, I have a job that I love going to, and I'm really loving where I'm at right now! From the looks of it...31 has some great potential! :)

Yummmm!! :)

2010-09-14T20:19:00.002-07:00

Thanks to my good friend, Amy Frahm, I have a YUMMY recipe to share with you guys! I haven't made it yet (I will this week), but after looking at the recipe, I don't see how it can't be delicious! :) Happy Fall everyone! Lots of love from CA! :)

Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies
4 cups All-purpose flower
2 cups Sugar
2 tsp Pumpkin Pie Spice
2 tsp Baking Soda
1 tsp Salt
1 can (16 ounces) Solid pack pumpkin
1 cup Vegetable oil
2 Eggs
2 Tbsp Milk
2 tsp Vanilla extract
2 cups Semi-sweet chocolate chips

In a mixing bowl, combine flour, sugar, pumpkin pie spice (or cinnamon), baking soda, and salt. Add pumpkin, oil, eggs, milk, and vanilla; beat on medium speed until well mixed. Stir in chocoalte chips (and nuts if desired). Drop by tablespoonfuls on greased baking sheets. Bake at 375 F for 13-14 minutes, or until edges just begin to brown. Cool for 2 minutes, and move to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy!! :)

Introducing..

2010-09-08T21:32:00.005-07:00

Mr. Deacon Bender! :)

Last week, Jon and I flew on a whirlwind 24 hour trip to Georgia to pick up this little bundle of love! To make a real long story short, he's Lady's baby brother...for reals...same mom and dad! We flew into Nashville, then rented a car for the 3 hour drive to Ringgold, GA. We went straight to the farm to see him, and brought him to the hotel with us that night. He did GREAT on the plane! The people around us didn't even know he was there until we got off and they saw his carrier. He's a great addition to the family. Lady loves him, and they play non-stop! He's 10 weeks old now, and he's a very smart little guy! Let me know when you want to come meet him...he loves visitors!!

As for work...I LOVE IT!!! :) I leave everyday thinking..."I can't believe they pay me to do this!" I work with the nicest people, and have so much support from my preceptor, the other nurses, and even the hospital administration. It's been a great experience so far, and I've learned SO MUCH already. I feel so blessed to have a job that I can't wait to get to every morning! :)

Hope you're all enjoying the end of summer, and the great weather that we're getting a taste of! Come on Fall!! :) Have a great weekend! Lots of love from CA!!

Settling in...

2010-08-27T09:32:00.003-07:00

Hello All!
Has it really been a month since my last post? SORRY!! :) Here's a synopsis of the last month, and some fun things coming up! We are pretty settled in to our new home now. There are a few things yet to be put away, but we made great headway the week before I started work. Jon was able to take the week off, so we really kicked it into high gear and made the house a home. It's a very liveable house, and I really love it. I can't wait for you all to come visit and stay at the Casa de Bender resort! :) For those of you that still might use the US Postal service every now and then...if you want my address, just email me and I'll be happy to share! :) I'll post pics soon...just haven't gotten around to snapping any just yet. As far as work goes...I LOVE MY JOB!! I work with the nicest people, and we're getting so much support from our hospital. I have a day or 2 of class each week, and at least 2 days on the floor (in the NICU). I have the best preceptor, and have learned SO much already! I giggled the first time another nurse asked me to verify a medication, and I signed the chart "S Bender, RN." That made it feel very real! :) My preceptor is a day/night floater, so we have a few night shifts each month. That's been interesting, but really neat to see the life ofthe hospital at night too! I think we were busier during my first night shift than my day shift (Thankfully! It helped keep me awake!). There was about an hour...between 4am and 5am that I had to keep walking around and drinking cold water to keep me awake. This week, we work tonight and Saturday night, then I'm on days only for the next couple weeks. Did I mention that I LOVE MY JOB?!!!! :)

Amy and David were just here from Oregon with the 3 boys for 2 1/2 weeks. It was so fun to see them, and spend so much time with them while they were here. Those boys are so sweet, and getting so big! We had a birthday party for Isaac's 3rd and Xander's 1st birthdays! David's little sister, Sara, got married 2 weeks ago...the reason for the visit...and it was a very special day. Congrats to Mr and Mrs Taylor and Sara Miller! :)

What else...Oh! A very special happy 1st birthday to little mister Warren Jack Sunderland! :) What a cutie pie that little guy is! It's been fun to see him and his mom and dad when they come to Bakersfield to visit family.

One more little tidbit before I go...Next week I'll post pictures of the newest addition to the Bender home. We are picking up Lady's baby brother on Tuesday. And, yes, he really is her baby brother...same mom and dad!! :) We've only seen pictures of him so far, and he looks like he could be her twin, only smaller. We haven't picked out his name yet, but I'll be sure to formally introduce him next week!

I think that's all for now! I hope you all had a nice summer, and are ready for some nice, Fall weather! Good luck for those of you with kiddos starting school. Miss our AZ "family" but really enjoying being around our friends and family here too. Have a great weekend. Lots of love from CA!! :)

So many things...

2010-07-24T14:42:00.004-07:00

Well...I can officially tell you everything that's been going on since graduation! :) Well...I guess you already know some of it...and some of you know more of it... BUT, the weekend I passed my NCLEX, I had an inteview in Bakersfield at Memorial Hospital (side note...where I was born!). I got a call a couple days later with a full time offer as an RN in their NICU (Neonatal Intensive Care Unit). The reason I couldn't say anything right away is that I was tied into a 2 year contract for employment in Arizona, in return for some money for school loans. Turns out, they had 60 days from graduation to place me, and they never did...and 60 days ended this last Wednesday. When my time was up, I officially announced that I had accepted a position elsewhere, and I was relieved of my contract! SO...it's official! Jon and I moved to Bakersfield this past Monday (what a trip!), and I will be starting work as a NICU RN in 2 weeks! I go on Tuesday to fill out all my paperwork and all that fun stuff...and orientation starts on August 9th. Jon and I found a house...a super cute one...and we get the keys on Monday! I'll post pics as soon as I get in there and get the house all set up! I'll keep you posted on fun stuff from work! Bought all my scrubs, my infant stethescope, and I'm all ready to go! Miss our friends in AZ SOOO much, but it's also fun to be home with friends and family here. We'll be back to visit AZ, FOR SURE!! Guess that's it for now...a very brief synopsis of our last month! Hope you're all well and enjoying summer! Lots of love from...CA!!!! :)

It's been a while...

2010-07-12T10:13:00.003-07:00

...BUT, I haven't forgetten about you all! :) It's been a crazy, very busy last 4 weeks! SO much to catch you up on...but it's gotta wait until Thursday...You'll see why when you come back to read! :) Hope you're all well and enjoying the summer! It's been hot, hot, hot here in AZ...basically 112 degrees everyday! But, thank God for a pool and AC!! Come back Thursday for the whole story...Lots of love from AZ!

So...about the NCLEX...

2010-06-16T16:31:00.002-07:00

I PASSED!! :) I am officially licensed to practice as an RN, and I can't wait to get to work! The test was awful...I walked out of there thinking that I failed. See...you take the test on the computer. When it is 95% sure that you have either passed or failed, it stops giving you questions and the screen turns bright blue. You'll get anywhere from 75 to 265 questions, and it can really go either way! I got 78 questions (3 of which I was sure I got right!) and I was out in about an hour and 10 minutes. I wasn't sure if that made me feel good or terrible! ;) I took the test last Thursday (the 10th) around 12:30pm and found out my results at 10am the next day! I looked my name up on the state board of nursing website...and there was a license number next to my name!! :) Needless to say...I was overwhelmed, I screamed, I was happy, and we celebrated with dinner at Tahoe Joe's (a yummy steakhouse) in Bakersfield. Now...about the job...STAY TUNED!! :) Lots of love from AZ!!

Oops...

2010-06-01T20:10:00.002-07:00

Just realized my last post was a little bit of a repeat of the one before it! :) haha...well...in case you forgot... :)

School's out for...EVER! :)

2010-06-01T19:41:00.006-07:00

Well...maybe not forever, but certainly for a while!! :) The graduation events were great, and it was fun to see the family and friends that could make it out. Here are a few pictures of the week and the various events...

Oh, and Lady had her first few swimming lessons! She did great, and she's a PRO now! :) All you have to do it show her the ball and open the pool gate, and she's in! We started with a kiddie pool to see how she'd do, and quickly graduated to the big pool!!

More exciting news...I GOT MY NCLEX DATE! :) This morning I received my "Authorization To Test" through email and got right to scheduling a date!! I thought about making it after my trip to California next week...then I decided that I want to do it as soon as possible...so I'm taking it during my trip to CA!! It's next Thursday, the 10th at 1pm in San Diego! :) I'll drive out there on Wednesday, take the test Thursday, then head up to Bakersfield to get ready for my interview there on Friday! Busy trip...but it'll get alot accomplished! I'm looking forward to seeing everyone in Bako and San Diego...it's been a while since I've seen everyone and been able to relax and enjoy their company (without school, assignments, etc!). SO...I'll let you know how it all goes...and I'll post pictures for sure! Hope you're all well and ready for summer! I heard it might get up to 110* here on Sunday!! Eek! Not sure I'm ready for that yet...thank goodness for a pool and AC!! :) Lots of love from AZ!!

I'M DONE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2010-05-19T21:10:00.003-07:00

...For now! :) Actually, I should say "We're Done!" Jon definitely gets to share the credit with me! :) What a crazy, wonderful, growing, changing, learning, amazing last 16 months! It all started with the best day of my life to date...our wedding...WAY BACK last January, and ended with a fun celebration of my graduation from Nursing School, LAST WEEK!! It was bittersweet, but much more sweet than bitter, to take that last test and walk across the stage. I wasn't sure whether to laugh, cry, run in a circle... Here are a few pics from a couple of the graduation events...

(Threw in one of Lady so you could see how big she is now! :) ) I really can't believe how fast school has gone...and that I'm about to be a "real" nurse!! I am hoping to hear from NCLEX (the National Licensure Examination for Nurses) in the next 2 weeks about scheduling a date. Once I pass that, I'm officially a licensed RN! I'll keep you all posted on a date when I get one! For now, it's sending my resume to whomever will look, and hoping to get interviews! I have a couple scheduled, and I'll let you know how those go too! Other than that...hoping to spend some QT with my husband, and just enjoy spending time WITH him, not just sitting in the same room with him while I do homework! Hope all's well where you are! Lots of love from AZ!! :)

I'm GRADUATING!! :)

2010-05-05T19:25:00.004-07:00

Well, Class of 2010...WE DID IT! All 40 of us, graduating together! Like a good friend described, we've bcome a 40 person family! We came a long way over the last 16 months together, and I'm am proud and honored to know all of you. Thank you for your help and support, and for some of the best memories of my life. My girls, you know who you are, let's always keep in touch no matter where life takes us! You've become a huge part of my life and my heart, and I love you all so much!

So...what's next for me? A week of graduation fun next week, the Kaplan NCLEX review the following week, job interviews, taking (and hopefully passing) the NCLEX, and a job...if it all works out as I plan! :) Today, my first day after my last final, felt weird...weird but great! One side of my mind is still spinning in school mode, and the other side is so ready to relax. I'm sure it'll hit me after next week...once everyone has left, I've gone through graduation, and I'm actually learning how to "do" life outside of school again! I can't wait to be a wife and enjoy my husband...not just sit in the same room with him while I do homework. Thank you, Jon, for your support and love through all of this! What a tail spin we started last January...but I wouldn't have it any other way! I love you, and I couldn't have done this without you! Mom, what a crazy year! Thanks for understanding and supporting me everytime we talked. To the rest of my friends and family...thank you for your encouragement, phone call, emails, and cards...I can't wait to catch up with you all! :)

Well...yesterday I was a college student...today I'm a nurse! Crazy how things can change in a day!! :) I'll post pictures of all the graduation festivities soon. Send good thoughts my way for a job...something that will work for Jon and I both! I'll keep you posted along the way...and let you know when I get my NCLEX date! For now...lots of love from AZ!!

Bittersweet days...

2010-04-17T14:58:00.004-07:00

Well...I'm officially done with clinical rotations for school! Yesterday was my last day in the NICU at Cardon Children's. It was a great day to end on...learned SO much and felt very confident. I was so flattered by all the well wishes and congratulations I got from those I've worked with over the last month there. I have truly enjoyed every second of working in the NICU, and though I did not want to leave, I know that graduation is right around the corner now, and I'll be getting payed to do this! :) I haven't nailed down a job yet, but am working on it. I met many great contacts at the hospital I was just at, and I'm applying to other open positions this week. Wish me luck...I'll keep you posted!

Other than that, not much has changed! Mom came out to visit me this last week. We got all of my announcements out (I only ordered 30, so please don't feel bad if you didn't get one...I barely had enough to cover family!), and started planning for graduation events. I can't believe it's only 26 days away! I have 2 exams and a presentation...and that's about it! Feels like I just walked in the door and learned how to take blood pressures! We've come a long way in 15 months!!!

I hope you're all well and enjoying Spring! It's starting to warm up around here, but the evenings are gorgeous! Sending lots of love from AZ!

The Countdown Continues!

2010-04-06T09:31:00.002-07:00

Sorry it's taken me a while to post anything! This last few weeks has been fun, great, and VERY busy! All that to say...37 DAYS TIL GRADUATION! I have been having a blast in my preceptorship in the NICU. Each time I go, I feel a little more confident, and take on more responsibilities...and it helps that my preceptor nurse is awesome! She is kind and patient, and she is very supportive! I've seen some pretty amazing things in there too...and I can't wait to be a nurse and take care of these tiny babies for my job! I just found out that the hospital I'm at has a position open in the NICU, and I'm talking with the managers and HR to see if they would consider a new grad for the position! If not, I heard that another hospital (about 45 minutes away) is taking new grads, so I might try to get in there and try to come back to after I have some experience. We'll see!! Think happy thoughts for me though!!

Aside from school, things have been going pretty smoothly around here. Lady is growing fast, getting into everything she can, and being an adorable puppy. She drives me crazy sometimes, but I think that comes with the puppy territory! :) She's very smart too...too smart for her own good! Her and PoliAna (my cat) get along pretty well, but Poli lets Lady know when playtime is over. During Spring Break a couple weeks ago, Jon and I went to the "Hangar Cafe" at the Chandler Airport (a small, local airport) a few times to eat and watch the planes. He had the chance to talk to a few different flight instructors, and found one that he got along with well to help him finish up his private pilot's license. He's so close to being done, and he loves it...so I'm really glad he'll finally get it done! My mom is coming next week for a visit. We have some shopping to do (YES!), and we are going to plan my graduation party! It's going to be at my house on Friday evening, May 14th...for any of you who want to venture this way! It shouldn't be too hot yet! :)

Hope you all had a great Easter, and are enjoying Spring. Can't believe it's April already! I swear, the years go faster and faster... Lots of love from AZ!!

It's already 1/2 way through March?

2010-03-10T08:36:00.004-07:00

Wow! Time flies when you're having fun...or in Nursing School! :) Haha...or both! I have been so lucky in my rotations through nursing school! I've gotten great nurses, and great hospitals, and I'm really loving it! On the other hand...I'm not sure it's humanly possible to be any more excited to graduate in 64 DAYS!!! :) I just finished up my Critical Care rotation. My group was lucky to be at the Mayo Clinic Hospital in Scottsdale. It was a bit of a drive each morning, but what a cool experience to be there! I learned so much and really enjoyed my time there. The ICU is quite an intense place, and I saw things I may never see again. Next (and last) order of business for school...my preceptorship in the NICU at Banner Desert/Cardon Children's Medical Center. I'm SOOOOOO excited! I haven't talked to my preceptor yet (just got her name yesterday), but I can't wait to find out her schedule and get started! We'll be doing 9 shifts in 4 weeks, and I'm really excited about how much I know I'll learn. I'll keep you posted...on that and graduation!!

Today is Mom's brithday!! :) Happy Birthday Mom!! She turns ?? today! :) Haha...she'd kill me! Anyways, wish we could celebrate together, but we'll make up for it soon! Have a fun, special day today! Sending big hugs and kisses your way!

Friday is Jon's birthday! We don't have plans yet, but I'm sure it'll be a fun day...whatever we decide!

Lady went on her first trip to the snow last weekend! We packed her up and headed north to Greer (about 30 minutes East of Show Low/Pinetop for those of you who are familiar...) with some friends. We got a cabin and had a blast! The people we were staying with went skiing and snowboarding on Saturday, and Jon and I took Lady to a sledding hill to see if she would like the snow. She LOVED it! :) She was pouncing around, chasing snowballs, digging in the snow, eating the snow...it was so cute, and so much fun!! Here are a few picures...

Introducing our little "Lady"

2010-02-17T16:55:00.004-07:00

We've had a recent new addition to our family! "Lady" is 1/2 Blue Heeler, and 1/2 Australian Shepherd. She is almost 12 weeks old, and she's a really good girl! In just a couple days we've almost got a handle on potty training, she's figured out the doggy door, she loves to play, and really loves to cuddle. She is a special girl, and has been so fun to love on! Here are a few pictures...look for more as she grows!

Sweet Kellie, Precious Angel

2010-02-07T11:03:00.003-07:00

Sweet Kellie girl...We miss you so much! You were so perfect and special, and life will never be the same without you. You were a part of us, and will always stay in a very special place in my heart. You helped bring your dad and me together, you always knew what to do and when to do it, you could look at me and know what I was thinking...and I could do the same with you, you had the sweetest spirit and the most loving heart, you were patient, you were so smart, you were more than I ever could have asked for. You changed my life in the best way, and no words could ever decribe how special you were, you are, to us. "Kellie Girl," "Baby Dog," "Pretty," thank you for the memories...I love you so very, very much!

"Dogs are not our whole life, but they make our lives whole." You sure did, Sweet Girl...you made our lives whole!!

Bringing you up to speed...

2010-01-27T21:47:00.003-07:00

So, to keep it simple...this semester started out WAY busier than I expected! I mean, I knew we would be busy, but I really had no idea of the intensity. I know I promised a highlights of 2009 post...but is it ok if I stick with a few bullet point highlights? :) I'll give you a quick replay of 2009, and let you know what's up these days!

Jon and I got married on January 3, 2009. It was the best day of my whole life! Our wedding was at The North Chapel at Liberty Station in San Diego, and our reception was at South Bay Fish and Grill...a gorgeous restaurant right on the water. What an amazing night it was!
We moved to Gilbert, AZ on January 10, 2009. Yes...I wrote that right...We were moving in to our house exactly a week after the wedding. Talk about a busy week!
I started Nursing School at Arizona State University, Polytechnic Campus on January 20th. It's a year-round 16 month BSN program (Bachelor of Science in Nursing). Jon still tells people that we went to Nursing School for our honeymoon! :)
Not much other than school to report about from then through much later in the year! :)
I turned 30 on October 1st! And, I must say...it's not so bad after all!
We got our first break from school in December. We had 6 weeks off...that flew by faster than I ever expected! Our plan was to go to Bakersfield for a few days to see my fam, then San Diego for a few days to see Jon's fam, and then back home with a couple weeks to spare before school started back up. Well...like I said...that was the plan. What actually happened was, my mom ended up in the hospital a day and a half after I got there, and we were in the hospital until New Year's Eve!! I won't go into the details (cause there's ALOT of them), but she's home and getting better, and that's a huge step in the right direction! Jon was such a HUGE support and help during those 2 weeks. I really wouldn't have made it through without him there. We finally made it to San Diego on our 1st anniversary and stayed at the Dana Resort...where we stayed on the night of our wedding. It was a very restful and special night, and a very needed get away for the 2 of us.
We got back home around the 7th of January, and I spent a few days putting away Christmas decorations and getting the house back to normal. Even though we had a week before school started to "relax," time flew by and before we knew it, I was back in school starting my last semester of Nursing School...

...Which leads us to right around now...We got back to school on January 19th, and hit the ground running. We're in Critical Care (ICU) right now, and the last half of the semester is a preceptorship where we are partnered with a nurse and actually work his or her schedule. I'm excited and nervous and anxious...but mostly excited! After that is the NCLEX exam (the national licensure exam for nurses) and then a J-O-B...hopefully! :) Graduation is May 13th...106 days away!! It's truly been one of the most challenging journeys of my life, but so rewarding and amazing at the same time! I hope you all had a wonderful and special Christmas and New Years! I hope 2010 is off to a good start and brings lots of great memories and special moments! Lots of love from AZ!!

Happy New Year!!

2009-12-31T17:47:00.002-07:00

Wow! Is 2009 over already?! That went by FAST!! Just a quick note to say Happy New Year to you all. I hope that 2010 brings you happiness and joy that you've never seen! Stay tuned for a "2009 Memories and Highlights" post coming soon! :) Lots of love to you all! HAPPY NEW YEAR!!

We've been so busy!

2009-12-09T20:13:00.006-07:00

It's been a wonderful, but VERY busy last few weeks! We had company, finals, Christmas decorating, and more. :) The weekend before Thanksgiving, the Nobles (Amy, David, Xavier-4, Isaac-2, and Xander-4mos) came for a visit! We hadn't seen them since the wedding, and they have moved to Oregon in the last few months. I was so excited to see them and to meet Xander for the first time. We had a fabulous visit! We went to the Grand Canyon (AWESOME!), and David's grandma (and the rest of the family) adopted Jon and I for Thanksgiving. I wish I had pictures, but I will post them as soon as I get the CD from Amy. They are all on her camera, and I forgot to copy them before she left. It was great, and I already miss them terribly!

While they were here, I had finals week, and now I am on a 6 WEEK BREAK! We have been going non-stop since January, and it feels so nice to just relax a little and enjoy spending time together. We went and got a Christmas tree, decorated the house, and have been throroughly enjoying mornings without an alarm clock! :) Here are a few pictures of the house all dressed up...

I hope this time of year finds you happy and healthy, and enjoying the Christmas season with loved ones. We are looking forward to heading to Bakersfield and San Diego to visit our family and friends this Christmas, and I will definitely post pictures of our trip. Lots of love from AZ!

I can see the light... :)

2009-11-20T09:52:00.004-07:00

In two weeks from today, I'll officially be on my Christmas break...for 6 WEEKS! :) I am so excited to have some down time, and some time to hang out with Jon. We'll get to go see family for the holidays, and celebrate our very first anniversary! We don't have big plans yet, but I'm sure it'll be something fun! We actually just got home last night from a trip to Philadelphia! Jon had a training conference to go to, and I went along for the ride. We left this last Saturday, and spent the whole day on Sunday doing the tourist thing in downtown Philly. We saw the Liberty Bell, and stood in the room where the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution were signed. And, there were actually colors on the trees! It was beautiful! Here are a few pictures of our trip...

We saw the Delaware River, the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, the US Mint, and ate at Geno's for official Philly Cheesesteaks. YUM! It was a great trip, and I loved all the history there!

Monday through Wednesday, Jon had his conference so I found a Starbucks next door to the hotel and got LOTS of homework done. It was nice to be away...even though I brought my books with me. It was accomplishing for sure, and nice to look out the window at the beautiful Fall colors while I worked! And, now we're back at home...safe and sound. Right back into the swing of things! I have an exam today and Monday, but then we're off for the week for Thanksgiving. The following week, we have finals, then it's break time! :)

Also, today is Karen's birthday AND Xavier's birthday! Happy birthday you two! Karen, I'm so glad we met and so glad we're friends! Xavier, Auntie loves you and can't wait to see you on Sunday...I love you so big!

More exciting news...The Nobles will be here on Sunday! I haven't seen them since the wedding, and I can't wait to meet Xander! They'll be here for about a week and a half, and I'm so excited! We're going to try to hit the Grand Canyon, and lots of other fun things! I'll definitely be posting lots of pictures as the week goes by. I think that's about all for now. Hope you're all having a great Fall! In case I don't talk to you before...Happy Thanksgiving! I'm so thankful for all of you, my friends and family. Lots of love from AZ!

Starting the countdown...

2009-11-09T18:45:00.003-07:00

Well...I guess I'm starting a few countdowns! The first countdown: 13 days until the Nobles arrive! :) I miss them SOOO much, and I can't wait to see Xavier and Isaac and meet Xander!! To be honest, I can't wait to see Amy and David too...I guess I'm just all around excited for their visit! We haven't seen them since the wedding; I think this is the longest we've ever gone! It's understandable, seeing how they moved to Oregon, and we moved to AZ! We sure have alot time to make up for though! I'll post lots of pics! The second countdown: 25 days til Christmas break...aka 25 days til 6 WEEKS OFF!! I can't tell you how much I need it...how much WE need it! I'm not far from counting down the hours for this one! :) Countdown #3: 55 days til our 1st Anniversary! I can't believe how fast this year has flown by! I know that school is a big reason it's flown so fast, but this has been one of the best years of my whole life. I LOVE my husband, and I am the luckiest girl EVER! He has been SO supportive and helpful to me in school and I still get butterflies when he says "I love you!" I hope that never goes away! I love you babe! Can't wait for LOTS more anniversaries to come! And, the fourth and final countdown (for this post anyways): 185 DAYS UNTIL GRADUATION!!! Oh my goodness...I can sse the light! Mark your calendars everyone...May 13th 2010! Come on out...you're all invited to celebrate with us! I assure you it'll be quite a day! :)

And...a couple things other than countdowns to keep you posted on...My mom got a new puppy on Halloween! Welcome to the family, Hunter Bailey! I can't wait to meet you! :) Here are a couple pictures of him...

And, HAPPY BIRTHDAY, Stacy! Well, it's tomorrow...but I'll put it in this post anyways! I miss you like crazy, and I can't wait to see you over Christmas break! I hope this is a great year for you! Have Warren give you a great big hug for me! Love you! Another celebration tomorrow...Happy Anniversary Chris and Candi! Hope you have a special day! Get a big hug from Claire and Zachary!

As for the rest of you, friends and family, I hope you're all well! Hopefully we'll see you soon! Lots of love from AZ!

Visit from Mom

2009-10-27T21:12:00.004-07:00

I'm not sure if I've said this before...but the last 3 weeks have been 3 of the busiest weeks of my entire life! Not bad...but BUSY! Jon's mom was here a few weeks ago, then Jon was out of town for a week, then my mom came for a few days, and school never let up for a second! :) We didn't get any pics when Carol was here, but we had a nice, relaxing time! Jon went home with her for the week to take an Electrical Contractor license test; which he passed with flying colors! That weekend, I met him out in the desert for a race, and then we came home. Maybe it's cause I'm a newlywed, but I couldn't even look at him enough when I saw him! I missed him SO much! Awww... :) When my mom came out, we had a blast. We did some shopping, I taught her a few things on her computer, and just enjoyed spending time together! She doesn't get out here much, and I really love it when she does! Here are a couple pictures from her visit...

After all that, I started my first rotation in Pediatrics. Have I mentioned that I LOVE this semester! OB was awesome, and my first day in Peds was in the NICU (Neonatal Intensive Care Unit). I was a happy woman! If there ever was a doubt, there isn't now...that's where I want to be! I'm looking so forward to the rest of this rotation! Tomorrow I'm in the PICU. That's the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit. It should be very interesting! I'm excited, and anxious to see how the day goes. I still can't believe how fast this is all flying by! We are already starting to make preparations for graduation...that's only 6 1/2 months away!!! This semester goes until December 4th, and then we're off until January 19th!! I'm looking SO forward to the break! I can assure you that it is well deserved! I think that's about all for tonight! I have an exam on Friday, and I need to get to studying...aside from the fact that 5am always comes too early! Hope all's well where you are! Lots of love from AZ!!

6 1/2 weeks left...

2009-10-13T19:35:00.004-07:00

But who's counting?! :) I'm starting to look SO forward to Christmas break! For one, I need a break! We've been going non-stop since January in school, and I'm ready to have some time off! And the other thing is that I am looking SO forward to having time to enjoy my husband without having to go to school everyday! Since the wedding, we've been on full speed, so it'll be nice to just enjoy each other's company! I'll be off of school from December 4th to January 19th, and I'm counting down the days! :) After that, we have 14 weeks of our final semester, then graduation! Whew! It's flying by!!

This week I started my Pediatric rotation. Today we had a hospital tour and saw the departments we'll be working in. My first Peds day is in the NICU, so I am super excited! I'll be sure to update you on how it all goes! For this week, it's some lab exercises and practicing skills.

Last week, Jon's mom came for a visit. It was fun to have her. She got here on Wednesday, and we had a fun, relaxing visit! She and Jon left on Sunday. Jon has a contractor's license exam to take in California, so it worked out that he could hitch a ride to San Diego with her and save us airline ticket money! :) I hate that he's gone all week, but it really was the best option. I miss him like crazy! It's so weird coming home to an empty house! But...I get to see him in 3 days! I am leaving on Friday, after my Community Health exam, to meet him and a few friends in the desert (it's just a little more than half way to San Diego). We'll be at a race on Saturday morning, and then we'll be home later that night. Can't wait to have him home! My friends are taking good care of me though, and having me over for dinner while he is gone. Tomorrow evening, I am going to our friends the Frahms house for a visit. They are special friends...not to mention I am in love with their 5 month old! :)

Then, next week, my mom comes for a visit. She'll be here on Monday, and I actually have Tuesday and Wednesday off of school while she is here. It'll be alot of fun to have her here. I'll post pictures of the visit next week.

I think that's about all for now. Hope you're all well and enjoying October! :) Lots of love from AZ!

Happy Monday! :)

2009-10-05T12:33:00.002-07:00

Hi Guys and Gals!
Just a quick post to say Happy Monday, and have a great week! Things are cooling down here now...it's SO nice! It's supposed to be in the 80s all week with lows in the 60s and high 50s!! I love when I can open all the doors and windows and enjoy the fresh air! School is going well...1/2 way through this semester already! Just about 7 more weeks, then a 6 week break, then 14 weeks to go til graduation! I finish my OB rotation this week, and the rest of the semester will be Pediatrics. I'll be sure to keep you posted on how it all goes! I'm sure it'll be great! :) Hope all's well where you are! Hope you can take time to enjoy the Fall and the beautiful weather it's bringing! Lots of love from AZ!

Lordy, Lordy...look who's...30!!

2009-10-01T22:09:00.003-07:00

Well...if today is any indication...my 30s are going to be great!! :) I had today off of school...coincidentally, I didn't ditch...and we had a great day! We slept in a little, and then went to breakfast at Cracker Barrel! YUM! (When I came downstairs before breakfast, there was a very sweet birthday card from Jon on the counter. Awwww!!) Then, Jon bought me the cutest purse, and a couple Christmas decorations from the gift shop. After breakfast, we walked around the mall, and then got a Starbucks on the way home. So far so good...right?! :) Then, we went to dinner at Gordon Biersch. Our favorite waitress served us, and spoiled us! It was fun, and I felt like a queen all day! I even got a package of fun stuff from Mom...Thanks mom! :) Here are a few pics from the very beginning of my 30s... :)

Lots of love from AZ!!

Last hours...

2009-09-30T22:03:00.003-07:00

Hello All! :)
Just thought I'd write my last post from my 20s! :) Tomorrow is the big 3-0! Thanks Mom! There isn't enough time to write everything I could say about how lucky I am to have you! So...we'll just leave it at...You're the BESTEST mom in the WHOLE WIDE WORLD! I'm where I am because of your love and guidance! And Bob...thank you! Every year I respect and enjoy our relationship even more! And, thanks Dad! I love you PLUS ONE!! Can you believe your favorite daughter is turning 30?! You're getting old! ;) And, thanks Lili! I couldn't be more appreciative and lucky if I tried! I love you, My Parents!
Jon- I love you, and every day I get to wake up next to you is the best day of my life! Your support and encouragement is a daily reminder of how lucky I am to have you. I am the luckiest wife EVER!
And...thank you to all of my family and friends! I am put together with pieces of each of you and the influence you have had in my life.
So....Here's to the next 29! If they are even half as great as the first 29, I am twice as lucky!! I am officially signing out of my 20s...Ready for the next adventure! :) Lots of love from AZ! I'll post pics of my 30s ASAP! :)

Introducing Alexander (Xander) Douglas...

2009-09-19T21:14:00.004-07:00

Here is Alexander Douglas McKirdy! I haven't had the pleasure of meeting him yet, but I am SOOOO excited to meet him and see his mom and dad and big brothers in November! Here are some of his newborn pictures...

I'll post more of him and his family when they come to visit in November! I love you already little man! :)

Pictures as promised!!

2009-09-17T21:38:00.005-07:00

Just a brief update of the last couple weeks, then we'll get to the good stuff! :) I have been LOVING every second of this rotation! Right now I am in the OB rotation and we switch to Pediatrics in 3 weeks. I'm torn about it...don't want to leave OB, but excited about Peds too! I've assisted in 5 births now (3 of them c-sections), worked in Post Partum, Special Care Nursery (similar to NICU), given newborn shots, tons of newborn assessments...generally having the time of my life! My classmates commented that they could see me through the nursery window smiling ear to ear as I was doing my thing in there! :) Now, more than ever, I can't wait to graduate and get going! On one hand, it's definitely handling my baby fix...on the other hand, it's making me a little baby crazy...but all in good time! No homework and babies for me! Like I said in the last post, we definitely hit the ground running, and it's been crazy busy around here! I got a 91 on my first OB test...okay for this one, but hoping for better on the next one. I'll keep you posted on school, but know that I am in my 7th Heaven right now and loving every second!

Now on to the good stuff... Jon and I went to San Diego this past weekend for a fast and furious visit. We got to meet little Warren Jack Sunderland, and tiny Zachary David Bender! They are gorgeous, and so very sweet! Both doing great and keeping their mommies and daddies busy! ;) Here are a few pictures of Warren Jack:

He's the sweetest little guy! He even smiled for me a time or two! It was SO fun to see Stacy with him! It was kind of a surreal moment, just watching her hold him...so special! I love them both! Can't wait to see him again!

And, here is Zachary David:

He's a tiny little guy, but strong and happy and doing great! I'm so glad I got to meet him this trip! :)

Being an auntie is the best job ever! I love all my kiddos, and miss them all SO much!! I'll post more next time I see them...hopefully sooner than later!!

And, here are a few pictures from Sky Show...and event Jon and I went to at the stadium while we were in San Diego. Cass, my old roommate spoiled us with tickets. It was so fun to see her too!

What a fun weekend! Fun time with friends, and sweet new little baby boys! Can it get much better?! Hope you're all doing well and enjoying the beginning of Fall! Lots of love from AZ!

So busy!

2009-09-17T16:39:00.002-07:00

What a crazy busy time! :) We hit the ground running with school this fall and I am LOVING it! Also, I met Warren and Zachary this last weekend in San Diego! We are heading out soon, but I will post pictures this evening of both boys. Hope you're all well! Sorry it's taken me 2 weeeks to post! The pictures will make it all better! Stay tuned...

Welcome Warren Jack!

2009-09-01T15:29:00.003-07:00

Stacy and Eric's baby, Warren Jack Sunderland, came on Sunday, August 23rd. He was 8lb 9oz and 22inches long! Everyone is home and doing great! I can't wait to meet him!! I'll be sure to post some pictures when I get them!

School started back this last Monday (the 24th). It was a crazy week, but a great week! :) We are doing OB, Pediatrics, and Community Health nursing this semester. I am SO excited for the OB and Peds!! Community Health will be fun too, I'll be at a prison for part of the rotation, but the OB and Peds are basically the whole reason I wanted to go into nursing! I am in OB first and this week starts our rotations in Labor and Delivery and Post Partum. We had our hospital tour last week, and my face was hurting because I was smiling so big! Since I started school in January, I've really connected with nursing, and have no doubt that I'm where I'm supposed to be...but being in this rotation...I have a huge personal connection. If I was unsure at all as to where I wanted to focus, I am not at all anymore!! I don't think that I'll get into the NICU this semester, but a little birdy told me that there are a select few spots in NICU in the Spring! I am REALLY hoping I'll be in that group! :) Anyways, like I was saying, I am SO excited about this semester, and looking so forward to learning as much as I posibly can during my rotations! Now, more than ever, I can't wait to graduate (in only 8 1/2 months!!!) and start working!!

Jon is doing well...so very supportive of me! I don't know what I would do without him! :) He is still looking for a job...it's a tough market...but I know the right thing will pop up at the right time...just hoping it's sooner than later! :) He's been keeping busy drawing some house plans and taking care of me...his real full time job! :) I'll keep you posted for sure!

Next baby arrival could be any day now! Christian (Jon's brother) and his wife Candi are expecting their 2nd little one any time! I'll let you know the details when I get them! :) SO many babies this year...it's giving me baby fever! :) But, we'll worry about that once I'm a nurse and out of school!!

Hope this note finds you all happy and healthy and enjoying the tail end of summer! Keep in touch when you can! Lots of love from AZ!!

Back to school!

2009-08-21T21:30:00.004-07:00

Well...it was fun while it lasted, but boy does 10 days fly by! We went to San Diego and saw some great friends, and had fun with the fam. I thought 4 or 5 days there would be more than enough to see everyone and relax, but we literally had to schedule visits with people, and we still didn't get to see everyone! But, it was wonderful, and we enjoyed our visit very much! I didn't take many pictures, but here are a couple of Jon playing in the pool with Jenn's munchkins...

The other reason we went to San Diego was in hopes that Stacy's little guy would be born! His due date was last Friday, the 14th, and he has still yet to make his appearance! I guess he'll get here when he's all ready to! We're all very anxious to meet him...he is loved so much already! Come on little Sunderland! We want to meet you! :) He'll be here by next Friday for sure...here are a few pictures of his nursery, and his mama!

We don't have much planned for this weekend. Probably just a little laundry and re-organizing the binders and backpack to gear up for the new semester! I'm actually really excited about it because we are doing OB and Pediatrics! I'm hoping I'll get a chance to get into the NICU during this rotation! I'll keep you posted for sure! Hope you all have a great weekend! I'll let you know how the first week back goes! Lots of love from a stormy AZ!! :)

I'm a senior!!

2009-08-14T14:02:00.002-07:00

Finals are officially over! Yesterday morning was my last one! Ahhhh...feels so good! :) I didn't know whether to cry or laugh yesterday when I walked out of the classroom...summer was SO busy, and a little overwhelming at times...but it's over, I made it, and I have 10 days off! :) Jon and I are taking off to San Diego today. We'll be there til Wednesday or so. Hopefully Stacy's baby will arrive safe and healthy while I'm there...and I'll definitely post pictures!! Hope you're all doing well! Lots of love from AZ!

Good Times!

2009-08-08T17:05:00.006-07:00

Gosh! It's been so long, I hardly know where to start! :) To be quite honest, not a whole lot has gone on...other than LOTS of studying and school and homework! We went to San Diego a few weeks ago for a baby shower for one of my best friends, Stacy. She is due anyday, and I'm just waiting for the call! Here are a few pics from that...

And here are some pics of the fam from our visit...

It was alot of fun, and I can't wait to see everyone again soon! This last rotation for me has been really interesting! It was our Psych/Mental Health rotation. We started out at the VA, and then went to another, more acute, inpatient facility. I was very thankful to my crazy family for giving me lots of experience! :) haha! I'm glad it's over, but I'm glad I had the experience! Psych nursing isn't for me...at least not for now...but I did learn alot! The Fall rotation is the one I'm VERY excited about! It's our Pediatric and OB rotation. We're going to be at the hospital that is opening a new Children's hospital tower in November. I'm SO excited!! I'll keep you posted on that for sure! I also get to do my "Community Health" roation at a local prison. Should be interesting! This next week is finals, and then we have 10 DAYS OFF!!! I am looking so forward to the break, but anxious for the Fall too! I can't believe how FAST school is flying by...only 9 months til graduation!! WOW! During the break, we are heading to San Diego to meet Stacy and Eric's new addition! I'm hoping I'll make the delivery, but a healthy, happy mommy and baby is the plan whenever it happens! :) I'll post pics as soon as I get them! And...speaking of new babies...CONGRATS Noble Family! Alexander Douglas Noble was born on July 30th at 6:06pm. He was 7lb 15oz, 19 3/4" long...The whole family is doing great, and the bigger boys love their new baby brother! All I have is a cell phone picture, so I'll put some up as soon as I get some.
Before I forget, here are a couple pics of last weekend...Jenn and Bryan came over with the Kiddos for Jenn's bday weekend! It was so fun to see them and we're so glad they came! Happy Birthday Jenn! :)

Hope you're all doing well and enjoying your summer! Lots of love from AZ!!

Sorry...

2009-07-29T21:33:00.003-07:00

Just a quick note to say I haven't fogetten about you! I'm SO sorry it's been a couple weeks since my last post...and I even said I would be better about it in my last post! Oops! It's been a busy couple weeks for sure, and I'll post pictures later this week. We've had scorpion hunts (unfortunately, we've found ALOT), lots of homework, not alot of sleep, hot weather, and looking SO forward to having 10 days off in 2 weeks! Lots of love from AZ, and I'll fill you in and post pictures this weekend! Tata for now! :)

Pictures from Pinetop

2009-07-10T15:43:00.002-07:00

As promised....

Time flies...

2009-07-08T16:19:00.002-07:00

Wow! I didn't realize how long ago my last post was! Sorry! :) I hope you're all well and enjoying your summer! The days are definitely getting hotter, but we are doing great, and adjusting just fine! School has been flying right by, fast and furious. The first half of summer semester, it seemed like I had a paper due everyday. I'm not really sure how I got through it all, but I'm still standing, and still loving it! We had a few days off from school this last weekend, so Jon and I went up to the mountains for the weekend. His great uncle has a cabin in Pinetop, AZ...away from the heat! The hottest it got up there was about 80 degrees...much more refreshing than the 113 that was waiting for us back at home! :) Pinetop is beautiful and very relaxing. It rained a little bit while we were there and the smell of fresh pine and fresh air was almost hypnotizing. A few days away was just what the doctor ordered! While we were there we celebrated our 6 month anniversary...TIME FLIES!!! I still look at my pictures and watch my video weekly...such a special day... We are doing well, and enjoying the newly married life! It seems like with school, I just don't see him as much as I want to, but we're making do! :) At school, we hit the ground running Monday morning with an exam and a switch from Adult Health to Psych...but I still feel relaxed and rejuvenated! Today was our first day of Psych clinicals. My group is at the VA hospital in downtown Phoenix. I wasn't sure what to expect, but I wasn't as intimidated as I thought I would be. We'll see what happens, but the first impression is ok...and they didn't commit me! :) 5 more weeks and I am half way through nursing school! We have about 10 days break, and then Fall semester is OB and Pediatrics. I'm really excited to get my hands on the little guys, and I'm hoping for a turn in the NICU is it's available! During our break, I'm going to San Diego...Stacy is having her baby! My last final is on August 13th, and her due date is the 14th...so I'm hoping she holds on! :) Amy is due in 21 days with little Zander! I'll put pictures up as soon as I get them. I guess I'll get going for now. Sorry for the long time between postings! I'll be better about it over the next few weeks! :) Hope you're all happy and healthy! Lots of love from AZ!! (I have pictures from Pinetop, but for some reason, I am having trouble loading them onto my computer. I'll put them us as soon as I get it figured out!) :)

One more week!

2009-06-24T17:41:00.004-07:00

Well, one more week of Adult Health anyways! This summer is FLYING by, and staying VERY busy!! After this week, we start our Psych rotation. It'll be interesting, I'm sure! My group will be at the VA hospital in downtown Phoenix. I'll let you know how it goes. Oh! Before I foget...I got an IV!!! The patient was great, and very nice. She knew I was a student, but didn't know she was my first successful IV start...until right after I did it! :) She just smiled and said, "It didn't even hurt!" YYEEESSSS!! :) I was on cloud 9 for the rest of the day! Talk about a confidence boost! I'm hoping for another chance this week because I'm not sure if we'll have the chance during psych. What else?! I think that's all for now. All I've done for the last week is write papers day and night! I have a small break from big assignments, and boy does it feel good! (By small, I mean about a week! But, it's better than nothing!) I hope you're all well and happy and healthy! Lots of love from 111 degree AZ!! :)

Great week...

2009-06-18T18:51:00.002-07:00

It's been a great week! I passed my exam on Monday (and I didn't study near enough...or so I thought), we had a great time in San Diego, and I got my first, real, successful IV today! :) As far as the exam goes, I brought along my computer and ALL my books on our trip to San Diego. I got through some of the powerpoints on the way there, and a few on the way back. When we got home on Sunday, I finished them up and breezed over my notes. I was NOT thinking I would do well at all, but I did! I was very pleasantly surprised! (And SO thankful that Jon drove the whole trip so I could get some reviewing done!!) San Diego was awesome! We saw some family from South Dakota that was in town, and had a great (but far too short) time catching up with family. It felt like a whirlwind, but it was so nice to see everyone!! The kids are all getting SO big! And, Tommy and Aly's wedding was a blast! It was so fun to see great friends, and have a great time! Congrats Tommy and Aly!!! (And, I didn't have to try to catch the bouquet!) :) The hospital was great today! I've done IVs in lab, and tried (unsuccessfully) to do an IV last week...but I GOT IT today! I've pushed IV medications, removed IVs, flushed IVs, but today was a real, live patient! It was a definite confidence boost! After I was done, I told the lasy she was my first...she laughed and said it didn't even hurt! WooHoo for me! :) This weekend I have SO many papers to do! Needless to say...nothing too much fun is planned. I'll be on the computer, with my nose in my books for the weekend! Hope you're all doing well! Here are a few pics from the wedding we went to. Lots of love from AZ!!

Busy, busy, busy...

2009-06-09T20:08:00.002-07:00

Wow! Of all the school weeks since January...I really think these last two have been the busiest! We have so many papers (in excess of 10 pages) all due ontop of each other. I turned in a care plan for a patient a few days ago that was almost 30 pages!! All that to say...I've been busy! :) But, it's going great, and still going SO fast!! I miss seeing my friends everyday...we're only in class together 1 day a week now, and the rest we are split up in different groups and at the hospital. McNugget, MC, and OH...Miss you girls so much! :) Have a fun pool party without me this weekend...haha About this weekend...I think Jon and I are going to a wedding in San Diego. We are going to drive out there very late Friday night, and come home sometime Sunday. I just told Jon he has to drive cause I have an exam on Monday morning, so I am bringing my books to study during the drive. Wish me luck! :) Tomorrow morning I am heading to the VA hospital in downtown Phoenix to get fingerprinted and all that good stuff. That's my hospital for the 2nd half of summer and we have to get clearance to work there. I am not looking to forward to the Psych rotation, but a military hospital might throw in some interesting twists! I'll let you know. I guess I should get back to my paper writing fun! Hope you're having a good week! Remember...when life give you lemons, make lemonade...easier said than done sometimes, but so very worth it in the end!! Lots of love from AZ!!

Moving right along...

2009-06-07T22:07:00.003-07:00

Sorry it's been so long since the last post! To say I've been busier than I've ever been in my whole entire life would be a serious understatement! They weren't kidding when they said that summer semester would be intense! We have so much to do, and not nearly enought time to do it in! Good news is...we are already starting week 3, and only have 9 more to go after this one! We sure hit the ground running on this one, but it's going well. We;ve practiced IVs in lab, and a few of my friends have actually gotten a chance to do them in the hospital! I almost got to do one, but the patient didn't end up needing one. Darn! Maybe next week...When I did it in lab, I got it on the first try and felt pretty comfortable! We'll see how comfortable I am when it is a real person staring at me while I do it! :) I'll let you know! I have some pictures to post, but not enough time to load them. Hopefully I'll be able to get some to you this week. OH! Exciting...we got our wedding video in the mail this week. And, yes, I have already watched it about 10 times...and I cry everytime!! :) I wish I could post some of it on here, but you'll just have to come visit to see it! I've gotta get back to my homework now! Have a great week! I'll write more soon...promise! Lots of love from AZ!!

Ready or not...

2009-05-25T21:33:00.002-07:00

Well, it's time to go back to school! My break was great! I feel rested and had lots of good down time! I know I said I would have pictures, but I didn't take my camera out all week! Sorry! I'll try to post some soon. Today a few friends came over for a bbq/pool party. It was a gorgeous day outside, and the pool was the perfect temperature! They brought their 2 Cocker Spaniels over and all 3 dogs played in the pool with us. It was cute! :) The 2 weeks actually went by nice and slow...I was afraid it would fly by! Am I ready to go back? Well, if by ready you mean do I have my books, backpack, laptop, scrubs, etc...then I guess I am. But, if you mean anything else....we'll see! I miss my friends that I got used to seeing everyday, and I actually do love the learning. I think I'm ready, but I sure have enjoyed my time off! It's been fun to just be a wife, and spend lots of downtime with Jon (basically the first time since the wedding). We are starting the semester with Adult Health (med/surg), and ending the semester with Psych. It should be interesting! IVs, surgeries, emergency room...exciting! The weather is supposed to stay in the 90s this week, so that'll be nice...but I hear the worst is just around the corner! I'm sure you'll hear about it! :) Hope you're all well! I miss you all so much, and wish I could see you! Know that you are thought about often, and loved much!! :) I'll write more in a few days and let you know how it's all going! Talk to you soon! Lots of love from AZ!!

Week 2...

2009-05-22T09:17:00.003-07:00

What a great, relaxing, wonderful week! I have been able to relax and enjoy my husband's company...all day, every day! The weather this week has been nuts! We have had overcast skies, dark clouds, rain, thunder, lightning... It's kept the air nice and cool, but it's getting very humid. Makes me nervous for the summer that lies ahead...but thank God for air conditioning!! :) I got my office cleaned and organized finally! So, I can say, I did get something accomplished during my break! I forgot to take "before" pictures, but I'll post "after" pictures tomorrow. We are BBQing tonight with some friends, and probably having a Memorial Day/Last Day of Summer Break BBQ on Monday. Im sure I'll have pictures of that to share too! Well, I better go get my day started. I had a lazy morning, and I need to get a few more things accomplished! Hopefully, by the end of today, I will have a sparkling clean and organized house! I'll let you know how it works out! One more thing before I go...I was laying in bed last night kinda tossing and turning because I couldn't fall asleep. I started thinking about how much I love being married and how in love with Jon I am. It took me a long time to fall asleep after that, but it was nice to be up with happy thoughts, and not stressful thoughts! So, to sum it up...I am SO in love with my husband!! (And taking a nap today!) :) Lots of love from AZ!!

Week 1...

2009-05-16T18:58:00.003-07:00

So far, my vacation from school has been great! My mom and Bob came to visit for a few days, and I've really not done a whole lot since they left on Thrusday! :) It's been beautiful! My parents flew in on Monday evening after my last final, and we went out to dinner to celebrate. My mom and I went and made leis for the Nursing School graduation, and the rest of the visit was spent relaxing by the pool and just hanging out together. It was nice! My mom has a broken leg, so we got her a wading pool to sit in so she could be "in the pool" with us! :) The pictures at the end are of us in the backyard. Friday morning, I went to the convention center downtown to sell the leis that we made and it made me start thinking about how FAST it's going to come for me and my friends! Wow! Scary and exciting to think about!! :) I have a few goals for this next week. I have to finish my office!! I have piles of like things, now I just have to put it all away! (Baby steps...) I really want to get it done during this break so I can study in there for summer semester. I'll keep you posted...maybe I'll post some before and after pictures to prove that I accomplished something over break! :) We might be going to Jon's uncle's cabin next weekend, but that is still very up in the air. I hope you're all having a good summer so far! Keep me in your thoughts as I squeeze 16 weeks of craziness into 12 weeks for school! We start back on the 26th. I'll let you know how things go throughout the summer. Lots of love from AZ!!

2009-05-08T17:23:00.003-07:00

Quick update...I got a 90 on my Pharmacology final!! :) I'm happy I did so well...and even happier that it's over! Today was a project presentation, and the last final of the semester is Monday morning. Can't believe I'm a quarter of the way through nuring school already!! Have a great weekend! Oh, and here is a picture of my group from this semester. They are awesome! We had the best group out of the whole class! Im going to miss you all next semester, but I guess it's only fair to spread the wealth and share the greatness with others! haha! I'll let you know how Monday's final is! :) Wish me luck!!

Short and sweet...

2009-05-06T09:36:00.002-07:00

Good Wednesday morning! Just wanted to take a quick moment to check in with you all. Today is what ASU calls "Reading Day." For me, it is more of "Cramming for Finals Day!" :) I am heading over to my fiend Karen's house soon to study for the Pharmacology final tomorrow. I'm nervous about it, but I'm sure I will pass...just hoping I retained more from the semester than I feel like I did! :) I'm sure it'll be a long night, but only 5 days til I have 2 weeks off!! Have I mentioned how much I am looking forward to those 2 weeks?! :) This weekend will be full of studying too for my last final on Monday morning. I am still in awe about how fast this semester went by! I was just talking to a few friends about how I feel like we just walked in the door for the first time! I have really enjoyed this semester, and have been so lucky to have the best girls in my group! So, to M.C., Blondie (a better name to come), and O.H. (not a bad name if you ask me...sorry Blondie)..."We'll be great friends till we're old and senile...and then we'll be new friends!" :) Love you girls! Back to studying now...I'll update you all on finals, and post some pictures from my 2 week break! Miss you lots! Lots of love from AZ!

Wedding 12X12

2009-05-04T16:31:00.001-07:00

Click here to view this photo book larger

TOO close for comfort...

2009-04-27T21:25:00.003-07:00

Ok, so, long story short...Jon was trying to figure out a way to put my boxes of Christmas decorations (5 of them) up on shelves in the garage. They weren't really fitting at all on the shelf he put up, so we were trying to figure out what to do. I thought of the idea to clear out the closet that is under the stairs and put all that little stuff on the garage shelves, and the big boxes in the closet. Here's where it gets a little too close for comfort. I reach into the closet to start taking things out, and just where my stuff is stacked up (where the ceiling of the closet angles down under the staircase) was a scorpion...alive and kickin! Well, not kicking exactly, but moving!!!! I, OF COURSE, screamed for Jon, and he didn't believe me at first. He grabbed a glass to catch it in, and then let it out onto the kitchen counter for me to get a better picture. For the record, I was ok with taking the picture while he was at the bottom of a very tall glass!! The ugly little thing saw his chance for a getaway and started running (yes, running) around the counter, and Jon finally caught him again in the glass. My heart was POUNDING!! I have a couple pictures, but I don't want to grab the card reader to put them on the computer...cause what if a scorpion is on it! You'll see pictures as soon as I decide I'm not going to run into another one of those little guys anytime soon! Moral of the story is...I'm calling an exterminator tomorrow. My friend Karen says they're only about $50 every other month, and that it WORTH IT to me!! :) Whew! That was excitement for the evening! Anything else...hmmm...OH, the weekend's events went great! Jon went to San Diego very briefly to grab some things, including his truck, and went to a race on the way home. I had Relay for Life on Friday night (from 6pm to 6am), and then TOPS (Team of Physicians for Students) all day Saturday from 7am to 6pm. Busy, but awesome! Karen and I only made it til about 2am at Relay for life, but we were at TOPS bright and early to start physicals at 7am! As a group, we did over 1100 full physicals with EKG's and even some echo's on student athletes from around the county. They ranged in age from 10 years old to 18. It was very cool! We mainly did vital signs and EKG's, and a group of PA students did the head to toe physicals. It was put on by a doctor that runs a local ER, and it was a great day! I'll post pictures from the weekend...just not right this moment! :) That's about it up to this point. I keep feeling things crawling on me! It'll be fun to sleep tonight! I am setting up a donation account at Lloyd's Pest control...haha...just kidding! Two weeks from today is my last final, and then I'm off for 2 weeks. I'm looking very, very forward to it! Actually, I'm looking forward to catching up on some sleep! Mom and Bob are coming out, and I'm not sure what else we are going to do. I'll keep you posted! The next 2 weeks are full of exams, competencies, and finals, so keep me in your thoughts! I'll check back in soon! Lots of love from AZ!!

Not long now...

2009-04-22T16:48:00.002-07:00

What a fun and busy weekend! :) Passed my exams...what a relief!! We have a couple more projects to do over the next week or so, and then finals! I am blown away about how fast this semester has gone! I love our professors, and I'm nervous about having all new faculty this summer! If they are even half as good as the ones we have now, we should be ok! :) During summer semester (we call it Jr. 2), we'll be doing adult health and psych. It should make for an interesting time! It'll be busy and crazy, packing 16 weeks into 12...but I'm sure it will go by fast too! My last final for this semester is Monday, May 11th, and then I have about 2 weeks off! I am looking SO forward to it!! My brain has been on overload mode the last couple weeks, and I've taken to making up my own language when I can't find the words I'm trying to say! :) It's quite funny! When Amy was pregnant, she always said that the baby was eating her brain...well...Nursing School is eating my brain! :) (In a good way)! My mom and Bob are coming out for a couple days at the beginning of my break, so it'll be nice to see them! Haven't seen Bob since the wedding, and it's been a few months since Mom's been out. We're going to go to a "celebration" dinner on Monday night after my last final! :) I'll post pics of their visit for sure! What else... Have I mentioned that I'm madly in love with my husband? Not sure if I'd thrown that in lately! :) Hope you're all doing well. Summer is creeping up on us here, and I'm not sure how prepared I am for it! I'll keep you posted! Today is only about 90, but yesterday was over 100! I hear it only goes up from here for the next few months! If you don't hear from me for a while, check to make sure I haven't melted! haha! That's about it for now. I'll write more and post some pictures over the weekend. Friday night is Relay for Life at my school, and all day Saturday is an event called TOPS (Team of Physicians for Students). We'll be doing physicals, EKG's, and all sorts of fun stuff...great opportunity to meet people and get our names out in the medical community! Lots of love from AZ!!

Another big one tomorrow...

2009-04-16T20:59:00.002-07:00

So, tomorrow is Exam #3 in Pharmacology! I'm really nervous, but trying hard to be as prepared as I can be!! I had a theory test on Monday, and got an A!!! What a relief! With only 3 weeks left in the semester (and only 2 weeks til finals), I want to do as good as I can and go out with a bang! :) I've been so lucky to have a great study partner and friend, and Jon is SO supportive of me. He's had a tough few days, and it's been really humbling to see his patience in dealing with things as they come, and still be present and positive with me and my school stuff! I really don't think that there are words in any language in the world that could even begin to describe how much I love this man! :) I'm not sure exactly what I did to deserve him, but I sure am glad I did whatever it was! I'd better get back to studying now! I'm hoping to have the grade for my exam tomorrow night, but it's usually Monday before they post them! I'll let you know! Hope you all have a great weekend!

Happy Easter!

2009-04-12T21:04:00.002-07:00

Hello All!
Hope you had a great Easter today! Jon and I had a fairly mellow day. We went to church this morning and then I spent ALL day studying for my exam tomorrow. I signed up to work with the kiddos in church, and there was a need in the nursery. It was very fun, and I think I might be able to help on a regular basis now. :) This will be a busy week. I have an exam tomorrow and one on Friday. At least they aren't both on the same day...like the last 2 have been! I think I'm ready, but I'm going to study more tonight to be sure. I missed the usual family time today. Easter is always so fun, especially with the nieces and nephews, and it was kinda odd to not have the whole gang around! But, we had a nice first "married" Easter. My mom sent us an Easter basket in the mail this last week, so our house has cute decorations and even easter eggs hidden here and there! :) Thanks Mom! 30 days left of school (Well, 1st semester anyways)....but who's counting! It'll be a busy few weeks as we finish up projects, final exams, etc., but it's going well. Happy Easter! He is risen! Lots of love from AZ!!

5 weeks to go!!

2009-04-06T18:16:00.003-07:00

It's true! And, I can hardly believe it!! Time is FLYING by, and it's crazy to look back and think of everything we've learned since January. Starting right away in 2nd semester (which we call Jr. 2), we get to start IV's and we'll be working 12 hour shifts in the hospitals!! I am loving every second, but looking very forward to our small, but very needed, break in May. Our last final is May 12th, and then we're off until the 26th. I'm not too sure what we're going to do, but I'd love to try to get home (to San Diego and Bakersfield) if we can. We'll see! Other than that, I'm just looking forward to a small break from the classroom for a couple weeks (and maybe finishing my office?!?!)! I still look at our wedding photos everyday, and just love them so much! Hope you enjoy them too! I just keep thinking what a fun time it was, and how happy we are! :) I better get back to studying...just wanted to check in and say hello! Hope all's well where you are! Lots of love from AZ!

Stacy and Amy's Baby Boy Countdown! :)

2009-03-31T21:38:00.003-07:00

Get your free online pregnancy calendar from WhatToExpect.com

This is Stacy's baby count down! It's a BOY!! :) Not long now!
Get your free online pregnancy calendar from WhatToExpect.com

And, this is Amy's baby count down! It's a BOY!!
Congratulations girls!! :)

Little update...

2009-03-30T22:39:00.002-07:00

Hi Everyone!
Hope this post find you having a happy and healthy start to the week! :) So sorry it's been a week since my last post! These past couple weeks have been getting away from me! Things are going well. I have hardly stopped looking at our wedding photos since I got them! I even made them my screen saver, and at school I just sit and stare...not always a good thing...and wait til the last minute to touch the computer and turn off the screen saver! :) Tomorrow is a full day at Long Term Care. We have our patient assignements, so we will be passing medications, giving injections, and all sort of other fun (and not always as fun) Long Term Care things! :) My friends Stacy and Eric came to town this weekend. I haven't really seen them since the wedding, so it was fun to catch up and have some one on one time with them. I started getting a cold on Saturday...and I was nervous because I do NOT have time in my schedule for that right now! Luckily, it went away pretty quickly, but it did leave me pretty tired! I can definitely tell my body is/was trying to fight off whatever it was! What else? Oh, we have some fun events coming up soon for school. One is called TOPs. It stands for Team of Physicians for Students. It is a day where physicals, EKGs, Echocardiograms, and other fun stuff are performed on local high school athletes for free. We get to participate and perform the EKG's, take vital signs, and maybe more if we're lucky. I'm looking forward to meeting doctors and nurses from around the valley just to get my name out and start forming some professional relationships. I'll post pictures. Also, our Junior class has a team for Relay for Life. We are in a sort of competition with the Seniors to see who can raise the most money. If you are interested in donating to our team, or just getting more info on the event, our website is:
http://main.acsevents.org/site/TR/RelayForLife/RFLFY09GW?px=10195949&pg=personal&fr_id=14861 We'll be walking from 6pm on April 24th to 6am on April 25th!! Lots of hours, but I've heard it's lots of fun. I'll keep you posted on how it goes, and hopefully have some pictures to share! I think that's about it for now. Another busy week lies ahead...but only 5 weeks to go for the 1st semester! I can hardly believe it! Almost a quarter of the way done with Nursing School!! Have a great week! Lots of love from AZ!!

WOOOHOOO!

2009-03-24T16:55:00.002-07:00

Yes, I am excited...in case you couldn't tell by the title! :) The wedding pictures have arrived! Without further adieu...go to:
www.amoreweddingphotos.com and, click on "caughell-bender"
There are about 885 photos that turned out amazing! Since I got the CD last night, I have looked at all of them SO many times!! Hope you enjoy them!! The video has about 6 weeks to go, but I'll update you on that too! Lots of love from AZ! Happy viewing! :)

A few pictures

2009-03-21T22:47:00.004-07:00

Hello again!

I ended up downloading the pictures tonight, so I thought I'd share. They are Jon's cousins and great uncle. And, the last picture is the reason I am NEVER walking into my garage (or backyard, or front yard, or anywhere outside) ever again! :) Enjoy the photos!

p.s. I went into the garage to get the clothes that I had hanging up...and it was right there by my clothes rack! I almost stepped on it!!

No website yet...

2009-03-21T19:56:00.003-07:00

So, I got an email from the photographer tonight, and the CD went into the mail yesterday...so we should have it Monday or Tuesday at the latest. (Hopefully Monday!) :) I asked her about the pictures going up on the website...and although I wish it was tonight, I understand her explanation. She said she prefers to wait to post the pictures online until we get the CD. She wants the first time we see the pictures to be from the high definition CD, rather than the online proofs. All that to say...expect an email on Monday or Tuesday with a link to our wedding photos!! Hope you're all having a great weekend! We just got home from spending the day with some family. Jon's great unlce and some cousins got together today for a bbq. We met some cousins, and got to play with the munchkins. It was a fun day. I took lots of fun pictures, so I'll post them tomorrow once I download them from my camera! Lots of love from AZ!!
p.s. The exams on Friday went well. I may have pulled off an A in my theory class. That grade will be posted on Monday afternoon. As for Pharmacology...I have no idea how I did. I'm sure I passed, I'm just not sure by how much! :) I'll find out on Tuesday evening for that test. I'll let you know how I did! Fingers crossed! :)

SOOOO excited!!

2009-03-19T18:34:00.002-07:00

Just thought I'd update you all... I just got an email from the photographer that she is shipping me the CD of photos tomorrow!! I should have it Monday or Tuesday!! Since school started, I haven't wished for a weekend to be over fast...but I'm hoping this one FLIES by!! :) I'll put the link on here as soon as I get it! I might get that before the weekend is over. HOW EXCITING!! Just thought I'd share! I've been studying for my 2 exams tomorrow, and this gives me new energy to study more!! :) Hopefully I'll report back soon with a photo website!! :)
Love,
One VERY excited wife!! :)

Back to the grind...

2009-03-15T15:27:00.004-07:00

Happy Sunday!

Hope you are all well! I wanted to post some pics from the last few days... Jon had a nice birhtday. We went to breakfast, and then just drove around a little and spent most of the day at the house. The pie I made turned out really good..but I didn't have any birthday candles, so I had to use a votive candle for him to blow out! :) I was so glad that his birthday fell on my Spring Break, so I was able to spend the day with him and not have to leave him alone all day while I was at school! Spring break has been nice! It didn't fly by like I thought it might. Whew!! We got some stuff done around the house and had lots of time to relax. So, going back tomorrow, we are half way through the semester. We have 2 exams on Friday, and a project due on Tuesday. It'll be a busy week for sure! I'll let you know how the exams go. I was hoping that our wedding pictures would come while I was on break so I could have lots of spare time to look at them over and over...but that's ok! I'll make time! :) I got an email last week that they are in final production and should be ready any day, so I'm checking my email tons of times a day just to be sure I don't miss the email! ;) I'll post the link as soon as I get it so you can all see! :) Friday we had a couple friends from San Diego visit for the weekend. They are tons of fun, and we will miss them lots! Anways, I'd better get going! I have a few chapters left to get through today! Have a great week!! Lots of love from AZ!

Hi!

2009-03-12T17:59:00.003-07:00

Not too much new going on in the last couple days...just thought I'd check in and say hello. Spring Break has been going nice! I thought it would just fly by, but it's been a nice week! I haven't gotten as caught up on my reading as I had hoped, but I still have a couple days to get going. I started to unpack my office yesterday and made a huge mess, so I took a break on that project! :) Ill probably finish that up tonight or tomorrow. Right now I am baking Jon a Dutch Apple pie for his birthday. It smells YUMMY!! I'll let you know how it turns out. Hope you're all having a nice week! I'll try to post some pics at the end of the weekend. Lots of love from AZ!! Happy Birthday Claire, Angel Face!! Wish I could be there to give you a big 2 year old birthday hug!! We love you!! And Congrats Amy and David!! Another BOY!! :) I guess if Mortimer doesn't fit...I'll try to think of a different name! :)

A couple pictures...

2009-03-08T16:06:00.004-07:00

Hi Guy and Gals! :)
Hope you're having a nice weekend! Did you remember to set your clocks forward? Now you all west of us are the same time as we are now! Welcome! :) Yesterday we had a great visit with some of Jon's family...well, some of our family I guess! :) We went to see (Great) Uncle Ken, and some cousins. Everyone is doing great! It's always nice to get over there and catch up. They are all such fun people! We're hoping to get them over here in the next couple weeks. We even talked about going to their cabin in Pine Top, AZ sometime in the next few weeks. We'll see what's going on with classes around then! As we were heading home around 10 last night, I realized that I hadn't taken any pictures while we were there. Oops! I'll make sure to take pictures when they come to our neck of the woods in a couple weeks. I did take some pictures around the house, and of my plants. The first picture is my Valentine CalaLilly (sp?). It has 4 gorgeous flowers now! A couple are starting to get old, but it keeps blooming, and it is SO pretty! :) The second picture is of the little seeds I planted. They're actually growing! In case you forgot which seeds...they are the seeds that Amy gave as favors at my San Diego Bridal Shower. She had written "Watch Sarah and Jon's love grow..." And they are really growing!! :) Then, there is a little hello from me and my girls! And, a picture of Jon and I...in case you are starting to forget what we look like! No wedding pictures yet. I'm checking my email about a thousand times a day...I'll be sure to pass them along as soon as I get them! Have a great day today! Talk to you soon! Lots of Love from AZ!!

What a week!!

2009-03-06T21:21:00.002-07:00

I didn't realize that it has been a week since my last post! I feel like I just wrote the last one...busy week!! I had SO many assignments due, and spent so many hours reading, writing, trying to understand...!!! I can definitely say that this was the most stressful week yet! BUT-I made it through and it's SPRING BREAK! Can I just tell you that it was all I could do to not jump out of my chair and run as soon as the teacher was done lecturing this afternoon?! Some of my classmates started clapping! :) It was funny! Ok, so, to update you all some on this past week...(other than TONS of homework!)...Monday was rough. Jon and I were both worn pretty thin. He was being so sweet and understanding to me, and I was trying to support what he was going through too. It was a very sweet, but quite wearing! We almost decided to call it a night, and kinda just grumble to ourselves, but we decided we needed to be out with loving people and we have made a commitment to going to a Monday night Gospel and Missions class at our church. I am so glad we went! It really helped us to re-prioritize and humble ourselves. Tuesday was a better day. Somehow fellowship, and a good night sleep can do wonders to your brain! I went to a job interview at "The Keg" Steakhouse that afternoon. The manager loved me, introduced me to the other manager, said he really thinks I would be a great fit for his team...and he'll keep my application at the top of the pile and call me just as soon as he has a position open. One of my friends from school works there and she affirmed that he really liked me and will probably call me when he needs more servers. So, it was nice that he liked me, but disappointing that he couldn't hire me. Oh, well! I know God knows what's going on! Jon also got word that a great opportunity for managing a ranch didn't go through either. We're doing our best with what we have and He'll take it from there! :) Thursday I officially took office as President of my class. It was very cool! The current President brought me her whole binder and a list of contacts; explained a little about the position; and left me her phone number so I can call her with questions as I start to firgure out how I'm going to do this! :) The other days were fairly non-eventful except for school. And now I have 9 days off! I hardly know what to do with myself! I felt like I needed to do homework, and turn in assignments, and I was a little confused! :) But, I mostly just loved the feeling that I don't have to go back to class for 9 days! I'll probably catch up on some reading, but nothing too demanding school wise! I want to hem my scrubs a little, and unpack my office. Most of all, I am looking forward to spending time with my husband for the first time since the wedding without having a thousand things to do!! :) Tomorrow, Jon and I are going to drive down to Tucson to visit with his cousin and some other family. We have been meaning to get down there since we moved here, so we are looking forward to the visit! I have lots of pictures to post, but none downloaded yet. My next post will be full of pictures, I promise! That's alot for tonight, so I'll let you go! I hope this post finds you happy and healthy and feeling loved! Lots of love from AZ!
(p.s. in case you wanted to know...it's Jon's birthday on Thursday the 12th. Give him a call if you think about it!)

Introducing...

2009-02-27T15:56:00.002-07:00

The President of the Student Nurses Association for the 2010 graduating class...ME!!! :) We had our elections today, and even though there was nobody opposing me, I still had to win by a majority vote! I start officially on Monday. I'm not too sure what to exepect, but I have a meeting next week with the current president and she is going to let me know how it all works out! Ill keep you posted! I'm excited! It'll be a great experience, great way to get my name out in the hospital/medical community, and it'll be great on my resume!! A few of us are meeting for sushi this afternoon to celebrate...it'll be our inauguration party! I'll post some pics this weekend. I don't remember if I posted this lat time or not, but we're not having company anymore this weekend. It worked out better for them...and us this way! This past week was a stressful one, and I have ALOT of work to finish this weekend. I was getting stressed out about entertaining with so much on my plate...I'll miss not seeing them, but this way I'll actaully get to enjoy them when they come out! Also...wish me luck over the next couple weeks! I am going to be applying for night/weekend jobs. Probably a server at a restaurant, but I am going to start puting in applications on Tuesday. Jon is trying so hard to find something, and has even been turned down at least twice for being "over qualified for this position." He's discouraged, but trying! I figured...even if I only bring in a little bit, every little bit counts!! I might be crazy for trying to keep current in school, being the SNA President, and working...but necessity calls!! I'll let you know, but keep us in your thoughts as we are both on the job search now!! Although I have alot of work to do for school this weekend, I am looking forward to the break from the classroom! For some reason, this week was really dragging by the end. I'll be rested and ready to go for Monday I'm sure...but I sure appreciate the weekends more now than I have in a while!! :) Have a great weekend everybody! Love from AZ!! This is the President...signing out! :)

So cute!

2009-02-26T18:13:00.002-07:00

So, the cutest thing just happened, and I thought I'd share. Jon and I went and sat by the pool to catch up on the day when I got home from school. While we were talking, a dove flew into the backyard and sat on a rock by the jacuzzi. Then another one came...and then 2 more. Then, one of them hopped over to the tile that separates the jacuzzi from the pool and starting drinking out of it...stuck his whole little face right into it! Two of the others did it too. Then the cute little doves walked around the pool for a few minutes before we disturbed them by heading inside. I wish I woulda had my camera! Anyways...have a great weekend!

6 weeks down already!

2009-02-24T21:10:00.003-07:00

My how time flies...especially when you are busy just about every waking second!! :) I can't believe we are almost another week down! Only 9 1/2 more weeks and I'm done with my 1st semester of Nursing School! Wow! And, it's been almost 9 weeks since the wedding too! Wow! It kinda blows my mind when I think about how much has happened/is happening! Sorry I haven't been great at keeping in touch by phone/email! Like I said, I've basically been busy all day, everyday for a while now. Know that I think of you all often, and wish I had more time to catch up with you. This blog has been a great way to keep you posted without spending all my study hours on the phone! :) This week we have 2 big projects due right on top of each other, so I've been a little hermit trying to get it all done! ...So far it's been a success... PoliAna was helping me study tonight. She was either learning by osmosis, or throwing in the towel. Here are a couple pictures:

Yeah! Alot of help she was!! :) Jon has been a huge help this week (and every week)! Tonight he made dinner, and he has been helping get dinner ready all week so I don't have to spend alot of time in the kitchen. What an angel! Really...it's true! My coffee is ready every morning, my car is started, my backpack is in the car, my english muffin is toasted and buttered, and I get a big hug and kiss on my way out the door. What a great way to start out every day!! Man, I'm lucky! Sorry if I bore you with this every week, but I'm telling you...he really is the best EVER! My Valentine plant is growing beautifully! I have 3 gorgeous CallaLilly's (sp?) right now. I'll take some pictures of it this week. And, today I planted some seeds that Amy gave as favors at my San Diego wedding shower. It says that they take 7-21 days to sprout, so I'll let you know how it goes. What else? Oh...we're going to have visitors this weekend. Jennifer and Bryan (Jon's sister and fam) and the kiddos are coming to see "Auntie Weewa and Uncle Jona" this weekend. I miss the kids SO much! Jenn sends me pictures on my cell phone and they call every now and then. It usually makes me cry, but I love it!! I'm hoping I get to spend some quality time with them while they're here...in the midst of assignments due on Monday! :) It'll work out! I'm just glad I get to see them! I'll post pictures of the weekend on Sunday or Monday. Guess that's all for now! Hope this note finds you all happy and healthy and having a great week! Lots of love from AZ!

My first night alone...

2009-02-20T22:50:00.002-07:00

Jon is on his way to an off-road race a few hours away, so this is my first night all alone! I'm not sure how I feel about that!! I wanted to go with him so bad, but I have an obligation for school tomorrow from 10-1 that I cannot miss. Our campus is hosting the Nursing Career Fair for all of ASU, so we have to be there the whole time. :( Jon is coming home tomorrow after the race, but I feel like that is far away from now! How come when I've been here while he is running errands, noises don't bother me. But, when I'm here right now, and I know he is far away, every noise...including the ice dropping in the freezer...makes my heart jump?! Maybe I feel a little more vulnerable because I don't really know anyone well here yet, so I really feel lilke I'm here alone! Who knows! I'm just glad he's coming home tomorrow, and I'm going next time!! :) Still no wedding photos yet. Good news is that tomorrow has been 8 weeks since the wedding (can you believe it?!)...sad news is that I thought we got pictures in 6-8 weeks, but it's 8-10 weeks!! At least I know that we're within 2 weeks of getting them!! :) I'll let you know for sure!! The video will be done about 2 weeks after that too, so there is lots to look forward to in the next few weeks!! School is going great! Busy, but wonderful! Can't believe we are already done with week 5! No one is running against me for "President", so it looks like I have a chance!! :) The official vote is next friday...so I'll let you know what we end up doing for our inauguration party! Think I'm going to sign off for now. Gotta call my hubby and see how he's doing. Have a great weekend!!!

The last few days...

2009-02-18T19:53:00.003-07:00

Hello! Hope you all had a nice weekend and a special Valentine's Day! The tests went ok on Friday...I left feeling pretty sure that I had passed, but I wasn't sure how well! Grades were supposed to come out on Monday...but we didn't find anything out until yesterday night! It felt like forever!! But, I passed both of them!! The bad news is that I got a B on both of them! They were my first B's in 4 years!! I'm glad I passed, but I'm determined to graduate with an A average. I'll keep you posted! The tests were interesting! I'm glad the first ones are done because now we have an idea of how the tests are and what the teachers expect us to know! The questions asked are sample NCLEX questions...(that's the test we have to take after graduation to get our RN license). The good part about that is we'll have lots of practice with them when the real thing comes around!! The tricky part about that is...3 or 4 of the multiple choice answers are correct...you just have to pick the BEST right one! It really makes you second guess yourself! But, like I said, it'll be great practice!! Valentine's Day was fun. We slept in and then went to breakfast at Waffle House! It's true! Waffle House! :) For those of you familiar with it...you know...for those of you in California who have never seen one...let's just say it's not exactly 5 star! :) But, it was fun, and it'll be a fun memory of our first "married" Heart Day! After that, Jon took me to buy a gorgeous Calla Lili and a gorgeous planter. It's in the backyard by the pool...very pretty! :) Hopefully I can keep it alive and have a growing reminder of our beginning! :) After that, we drove around a little and headed home to relax for a few hours. I didn't even look at a school book for a second! It was wonderful! We headed to dinner at the steakhouse down the street called The Keg...but when we got there, it was a 3 hour wait!! :) We decided to pass on that and we went down the street to have burgers and fries at a sports grill called Blue 32. We came home and got in the jacuzzi for a bit and then called it a night! I had my camera with me all day, but didn't take even one picture! Sorry! I'll take some this week of us and my new plant and post them. Happy Wednesday to everyone!! Talk to you soon!

Whew!

2009-02-13T16:38:00.002-07:00

All done!! Haaaallleeellluuujjjjaaaahhhhh!!!!!! :) So, I'd like to say it wasn't stressful at all and it was a breeze...but I don't want to lie to you! I can say, I wasn't as stressed out as some of my classmates were, but it was quite a morning! We had the first exam at 9. It was ok...covered some different material than we were all expecting, but we got through it. During the break until the nextt class, the student lounge was more full than I've seen it yet. Not many went to lunch, and we all had our laptops and notes out for the Pharmacology exam. It was kinda comical, but actually very helpful! The Pharm exam took about an hour, and our teacher let us go without a lecture at the end. It was a nice surprise. A few of us met afterwards to have some real food (I made cookies and the teacher brought cupcakes) and just relax and get to know each other a little outside of class. It was fun! Tonight, I plan to not even look at anything that has to do with school! :) Im going to try not to think about school at all, but that's hard! Our grades don't come out until Monday sometime...so I'll worry about it then!! I'm sure I passed both of them, I'm just not sure how well, and I've gotten used to only getting A's! I'm sure it'll be a humbling experience!! :) I'm looking forward to a special date with my husband tomorrow. A girl in my class works at a resaurant down the street, so we are going there for Valentine's Day. It's a steackhouse called The Keg, and it's very good! We went there with my Mom and Jon's parents when they were all in town. Well...I'm going to go get in comfy pants and take my place on the couch instead of my office chair for the evening. It'll be nice to see Jon again after this week of my nose in the books every waking second! :) Oh, Kellie is doing great today. Her eyes both look much better, and her mood is much happier!! She is playing fetch again, and we just got back from a walk in the park where she ran around and had a great time! The doctor even called this afternoon to check on her. Man, nice guy!! Happy Valentine's Day! Wish I could give you all a big hug....so get a hug from a loved one and pretend it's from me! (And give someone a hug for me too!) :) I'll let you know what my grades were when I get home from school on Monday. Have a great weekend!

Poor little Kellie girl!

2009-02-12T23:45:00.003-07:00

I got home from school this afternoon a little early...about 2:00. Our teachers had mercy on us and let us go so we could have a little extra study time for the exams tomorrow! (SO NEEDED!) As soon as I got home, Jon asked me if Kellie's eyes looked funny and I noticed that they were swollen, red and draining...both of them!! Poor little thing looked absolutely pitiful! The most obvious sign that she wasn't feeling well was that she wouldn't play with any of her toys or balls!! Of course, I wanted to take her to the emergency vet immediately, but Jon insisted that we just wait a little while to see if something just got in her eye and would wash out by itself (voice of reason). We had a couple errands to run, so we loved on her a little and went to get a couple things done. I was feeling horrible about leaving her (probably dramatic, but I adore her) and even worse when we got home and her eyes were more swollen, more red and had more drainage!! Bad Mom! Anyways, we loaded her up in the car and took her to the vet. He was very nice and very thorough! (I love it when vets treat your pets like a doctor treats your child! Pets are family too!) Anyways, after a battery of tests on my poor, patient pup...we found out that she has "Conjunctivitis" (Pink Eye). :( They gave her a shot of antibiotics, and a shot of pain meds, and sent us home with some goop for her eye. She has been knocked out since we got home, and kinda walking around every now and then like she's sleep walking! It's kinda funny to watch her, and then I get sad and cuddle her! I feel so helpless when she stares at me to fix her! All that to say...our baby girl is not feeling well, but she's on the mend!! (And, I was happy the vet didn't take all night because I have lots of studying to do still...) And, on that note, I should get back to the books...just thought I'd take a break to let you know what was up over here. I'll keep you posted on Kellie, and I'll be able to tell you on Monday afternoon how the exams went! Have a great weekend! Happy Heart Day!

I'm running for President!

2009-02-11T21:58:00.002-07:00

It's true! :) Each year, the Student Nurses Association (SNA) on each campus votes in a new board...and I'm going to run for President! There are a few reasons why... First reason is: I want to! :) I think it would be so fun! I love organizing things and getting to know people! What a great way to meet so many new friends (and job references!). Second reason: It's true that you only get out of it what you put into it...and this is the best way I can think of to be fully immersed! :) I've worked long and hard to get here, and I don't want to miss a single moment!! Third reason: It'll look great on my resume and scholarship applications!! Fourth reason: I don't want to not do it and later wish I had! Why not just go for it! This is the only time I'll be in Nursing School (except when I go for my masters...but that'll be a while yet), so I figured it can't hurt to give it a shot! :) I'll keep you posted with stories and pictures as I go! We have such a great group of students, and I have no doubt that it'll be a fun Board to be a part of! Our essays of intent are due on Monday, and then we "campaign" for a few weeks, and voting is on March 2nd! I think my campaign slogan will be "Vote for Me, Sarah B!" What do you think?! :) Tomorrow afternoon will be spent studying for my exams on Friday, and then my wonderful husband that I love more than anything in the universe is going to take me out on a date for our first "married" Valentine's Day! Nothing fancy, but now I don't have to do dishes! :) Man, what a lucky girl am I! I'll let you know how tesing and campaigning go! Happy (2 days till) Heart Day! XOXO!

First day in the community!

2009-02-10T17:55:00.002-07:00

Today, for school, was out first day working in the community. Our first assignment was to go to preschool! :) We were assigned a classroom that we will visit for 3 weeks, and then we will formulate and teach a lesson plan on some subject related to early childhood health education. The little ones were SO cute! They clung onto us like glue! I loved all the hugs and holding hands! It was precious! We were in our scrubs...very official looking! Today was more of a getting to know the class type of day. We were learning names, personalities, how the teacher runs the classroom, if there are any kids who might be in a high risk category for health and safety...etc... It was very exciting! We all walked away loving the morning and looking forward to going back to see the munchkins next week. Friday is EXAM DAY!!! Both of our classes will be exams that day, and we are all pretty nervous. I'm pretty set on the material...I'm just nervous about how the teachers test. That's the most nerve wracking thing for me!! I'm sure it will go just fine, and I'm looking forward to them being over and enjoying my weekend!! :) So far, we don't have anything planned for our first "married" Valentine's Day. The romantic I'm married to (or something like that) probably doesn't have anything planned, but that's ok. I wouldn't mind a quiet night in...flowers might be nice! :) I actually found a great surf n turf recipe that I think would be great for V Day, so I'll probably do that. I'll let you know! :) Happy Valentine's Day (almost) by the way! Wish I could give you all a big squeeze! Guess I'll run for now! I'm going to do some reading and figure out dinner! Hope all's well where you are!! Love from AZ!!

First test down...

2009-02-05T12:16:00.004-07:00

In lab, all of our tests are called "competencies." Today was our vital signs competency...the first official test so far!! We all passed, and I felt alot more confident than I thought I would! :) Tomorrow is a test in Pharmacology...just an abbreviation test, but alot to memorize! Just thought I'd let you know that I passed, and I can officially take your vital signs should the need arise!! :) No big plans for the weekend. I have alot of reading to do, so I'll probably get comfy and get to reading! Have a great weekend everyone!! I'll let you know if anything exciting comes up!
p.s. Here is a picture of me from this morning on my way to school! So official! :)

Week 3...

2009-02-04T16:45:00.003-07:00

So, the Cardinals lost...I guess it was expected! Our neighbor's TV went out right before the game, so they took off to a local sports bar and grill, and Jon and I decided to stay home and get comfy and catch up on laundry, homework, etc while we watched. :) Not super exciting, but very accomplishing! :) School is going well still. Not overwhelming yet, but I can see it inching towards that! I've had to stay very adamant about not getting behind on reading because everything builds on everything else! It is very time consuming, but not difficult (thank goodness!). Tomorrow is our first "competency" on Vital Signs, and Friday is our first test in Pharmacology. Next week we have 2 major exams, and we also get to start our clinical rounds next Tuesday! That's exciting! We're starting at a preschool to teach early childhood health education, and then we move on to long term care facilities. I check my email everyday for a link from my photographer, but nothing yet!! :) Really not expecting anything for 3 or 4 weeks, but I'm hopeful that they'll come early!! :) I'll keep you posted for sure!! Hope all's well where you are! We miss everyone so much! Love from AZ!!

The big game!!

2009-02-01T14:33:00.003-07:00

Who is going to win today? I guess I should say the Cardinals...since I'm a Zonie now... They did work really hard to get in this year! But, being a Charger fan at heart, I'm just hoping for a good game! One of my teachers is a Steelers fan, and she told us if we root for them we'll get an A! :) I'll wear a Steelers tshirt on Monday if they win! :) haha! I hope you all have a fun day with friends and family! I wish we could be with you! Our new neighbors invited us over for the game, so I think we're gonna head over there shortly. I made a yummy homemade salsa (a famous recipe from Jon's family) that I'm sure will be a hit, and we're marinating some pork spareribs for later! Yum!! Big hugs to you all. Happy Birthday Candi!! Wish I could give you a big birthday hug!! Maybe you can get one from my Angel Face girl! :) Love from AZ!!

My husband is the BEST!

2009-01-29T08:25:00.003-07:00

I just wanted to let all you ladies know.... For those of you who think you have the greatest, most wonderful husband inthe world...he actually comes in second!! Jon is absolutely the best husband BY FAR! He has been so supportive of me through these first couple weeks of school! I come home everday and the bed is made, my coffee is already set up for the next day, and things are all cleaned up. He makes sure I get to bed ontime, and sets the alarm for the morning depending on the day. I am spoiled beyond belief, and loving every second of it!! Hopee you are all well, and having a great week!! Just a couple more weeks until wedding photos will be ready!! :) If you have any...email me!!

Our Home! :)

2009-01-25T14:45:00.011-07:00

Jon just told me that our house is feeling like a home! I agree, and it made me so happy he feels that way! This is our first home, and I love it!! Here are a few pictures. There is still a little work to do, but it is, for the most part, just right!! I am throwing in a few cute ones of Kellie (our dog)...she is just too cute to leave out! She is feeling more at home now too I think! The cat (PoliAna) is feisty as ever...and too fast for the camera! :)

Our First House Guests!

2009-01-25T14:36:00.007-07:00

Happy Sunday!

The first week of school went great! It was a huge amount of information for one week, but I've worked so hard to get to this point, that I'm looking forward to what I'm stepping into!! (So far!!) On Wednesday, my mom and Jon's parents got to town. It was fun to welcome our first houseguests!! :) Thursday evening was the "Lighting of the Lamp" ceremony in downtown Phoenix for the incoming Nursing students. It was very special and a fun time! We all got introduced and crossed the stage (like graduation) and we recieved a pin and an "inspirational" poster. Then, we recited together (with faculty and other nurses in the audience) the Florence Nightingale pledge...to begin our journey into our lives as nurses!! I cried, of course, but it was a wonderful time!! Here are a few pictures:

New Friends!! Me and my husband! The whole fam!

Hope all's well where you are! I'll post pictures of the house in a minute...I have a few more to load onto my computer first! ~Sarah

First day of school

2009-01-20T19:37:00.002-07:00

Well, I did it... I successfully got through my first day of Nursing School!! It was actually alot of fun! I'm not sure if it was fun because it was actually done, or because I have been looking so forward to it. Either way, I went, and I loved it, and I'm really looking forward to tomorrow! The people in my "Learning Community" (it's kinda like a break-out group) are great! There are 10 of us in each group, so I'm sure we'll know each other very well after spending the next 16 weeks together...8-9 hours a day, 5 days a week! I'm also excited for tomorrow because my mom and Jon's parents are coming out to Arizona to visit us! There is a program Thursday night for my school called the "Lighting of the Lamp" ceremony, where we say our Florence Nightingale pledge and truly begin our journey into Nursing. They are all coming to be a part of that with me. Very special!! It'll be fun to host our first guest, not only in AZ, but as a married couple! :) I'll post pictures this weekend sometime. They are all staying through Sunday, so we should get lots of good visiting in! I've gotta get going for now. I have SO many chapters to read already!! Have a great Tuesday!

The first post...

2009-01-19T21:15:00.000-07:00

Welcome to our blog! I wanted to find a way to keep alot of people posted on what's going on...and this seems like the perfect way! Check back often and I'll update pictures, and stories about what's going on with us, the Benders!

Here's a Readers Digest version of our last month, and the very near future... We got married January 3, 2009 and had the most beautiful wedding!! We had so many great friends and family from all over the place to celebrate with us, and lots of friends and familt who were there in spirit!! I can't wait to get my pictures back, but I have to wait 5 more weeks!! I'll post the link to the photographers website as soon as I get it!! The next day, we took off to Palm Springs for a 2 day "mini-moon" at a gorgeous resort called "Rancho Las Palmas Resort and Spa." If you ever get a chance to go there, you should! It was awesome! We woke up Wednesday morning (the 7th) and started packing the house for our move to Arizona; got a UHaul Thursday morning; loaded and left for our new home on Friday!! Whew! We got to our new house on Saturday morning, and we loved it! We had only seen it in pictures, and we were very pleasantly surprised with what we got! For the next 4 days, we unloaded the UHaul, unpacked the boxes, and set up house! Sunday we found a great church called "Second Mile Church" and we loved it! It actually meets on my school campus for now, so it's very convenient and close to the house! That leads us to today....the day before I start Nursing School! (The reason we moved here to Gilbert, AZ!) Tomorrow I'll officially be on my way through the 16 month Bachelor of Science in Nursing program at Arizona State University. I'm nervous...because I have no idea what to expect...but, really very excited to get the show on the road! :) I'll update you all on how it's going! Think happy thoughts for me!! Here are a few pics from the wedding and honeymoon. I'll post some pictures of the house later this week! Love to you all!!