Stressful Overload

This past week has been nothing but hell. Everyday was so stressful. I talked myself down each day telling myself that I had to remember to take things one day at time. You simply can't get ahead in your thought process.

I had to give medicines this week. My pt had over twenty. We have to learn everything about each med that we give. I gave medicines four times that day. I only had 2 hours of sleep after learning everything I had to know. The anticipation of it all is overwhelming. Hoping you don't forget something, a class, a category, a word you can't spell or pronounce. But, I made it through.

The hardest part this week was the test we had in Med Surg. I studied my bum off for that test, learning everything I possibly could about acids, bases, electrolytes, fluids, normal levels, abnormal levels, acidosis, alkalosis, respiratory, metabolic, how to read ABGs. I thought I was well prepared for my test. I sat down to take it and after reading the first 5 questions I knew I was doomed. I thought to myself, "What in the heck is this? I don't recall studying any of this stuff." Thankfully I wasn't the only one. Out of an average of 40 people only 9 passed. So it was graded on a curve. And even after they added 12.9 pts to my test I still failed. I just praise God for those points because they brought my grade to a level that I can pull up.

I was so upset over my grade, once again, 4 weeks into my semester I almost walked out. Had my current score stuck I'm pretty positive that I would have been doomed because I couldn't fathom how on earth I could pull that score up. God is so good me. He surrounds me with wonderful support and great friends. My new nursing buddy cried with me, encouraged me and challenged me and I'm so thankful I stuck it out. God always come through. He amazes me at how He controls things from behind the scenes.

So now I'm back to the grind, studying away for next weeks quizzes and tests. So much to do all the time. I'll also have a patho due. The greatest thing is that in the middle of it all I'm learning so much. I may not be learning it all but I'm learning a lot. A WHOLE LOT.

I have such a heart for nursing. I know this is what I want to do. I flourish in the setting.

My lab teacher called me in for our weekly chat about how things went and she was so encouraging. She told me that I was doing excellent and that she could see how hard I was trying. That makes such a big difference for me.

I praise God week 4 is over!

I pray to God that next week is gentler and that I can rest well and PASS those quizzes and tests.

I can do this through Christ and Christ alone who strengthens me and drives me. I love You Lord!

Happy 45th Birthday Tony

I love you so much!

We spent the day as a family all snuggled in our den. Our heat pump is out and the temps inside dropped below 50 degrees. We moved our mattresses in the den, lit the fireplace and turned on the electric heater to keep warm. Those are the best memories.

Worth Remembering

This is so hard for me to keep in mind. I'm such a peace keeper. I can get angry but the anger never lasts. I am so forgiving. In forgiving, my heart wants to jump out there and and fix the relationships too. Sometimes, things are best left alone. I'm thankful that the Lord has moved the people He has out of my life. People who took from me, used my words against me, talked about me behind my back, and never thought of me as a true friend to begin with. I was laughed and mocked. I was envied and attacked. I was accused when I pursued and tried so hard to offer my all as a friend. I always wondered why I wasn't good enough. But that's okay. The Lord has always had His hand upon me to protect me.

One of my favorite ways the Lord has protected me is through my husband. My husband always shares his heart with me and warns me of what the Lord shows him in the spirit. I've always insisted on learning my own lessons the hard way. It's taken me some time, but in hindsight I can see how right my husband was and I can spend our future trusting his guidance which comes from the Lord. 

So, I don't have to patch up things that other people tore. I just have to forgive and love from the distance God sets between us. And I do still love those that are gone.

God has in turn replaced those people He removed, with people who want me as a friend, appreciate my friendship, and offer me the same friendship and love in return.

Proverbs 18:24 "A man that hath friends must shew himself friendly : and there is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother."

My Newest Blog Discovery

Everyone knows that one of my favorite blogs to read is Katie's Kisses-The Journey. She lives a dream that I once had in my own heart as a child. The great visions that I had I see come true through her. Because of her, I have a heart for Uganda and it's people. I know that the Lord changed my path of going to school to become a Dental Hygienist because He has greater plans to use me over seas as a nurse. I may never be full time like Katie but I will meet her one day. I will see the ground of Uganda and allow the Lord to use me for His people.

A sweet friend of mine shared another blog today on her facebook. As I read it brought to mind Katie and her journey and I realized how many missionaries there are that actually give their lives full time into ministry. When we homeschooled we read many stories of old missionaries that experienced the divine move of God, heard His audible voice, and seen miracles that we only read about in God's word.

It never stopped.

Why yes, I knew this, but..... some how I guess it hadn't sunk in.

I love reading of the journeys that others take that I can only at the present dream of.

Now, I'm not saying that I am not used here and now by and for the Lord but I can admit that I am not totally immersed in Him.

If you want to be stirred. If you want to be fed. Share in the journey of these ladies who have given their all. Pray for these countries that have no medical care. Pray for the children that are sold as sex slaves and that have no hope or future.

Read Life That Matters and you will see what I mean.

Father God awaken us. Create in me a hunger. Draw me close to Thee and use me for Your purposes. Let me be a light that shines. I have several that I see everyday that need You. Open the doors. Prepare their hearts. In Jesus name. Amen.

(All of the blogs in my blog roll column have something to offer, so if you are ever hunting check them out.)

Hump Day!

Praise God for short hump days! Tomorrow will be a long day of classes for me then I'll be off for a three day weekend. Ahhh

I'm taking Friday off with dear hubby and some friends. I so need a day of total rest and relaxation.

Then the weekend will be spent studying.

I've been getting to spend a lot of time with my little ham of a grandson. I was in One Day Surgery yesterday and had to come home and do a report on my day, having it turned in by 8 am this morning. Treyton spent the night. That little booger was bound and determined that I was not going to type my report up. He was one little stinker.

So, Meadow came to my rescue and started playing dress up with Treyton and my oh my, you have just got to see what she came up with for him. He had so much fun. He was laughing and posing. He absolutely loves having his picture made and playing with his auntie Meadow. Here are a couple of their pictures.

 I just love these!

I did finally get my paper done and managed to get in bed by midnight. Getting up is easy, it's making it home without falling asleep that is the hard part. :)

A New Day

It is of the LORD's mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not. They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness. The LORD is my portion, saith my soul; therefore will I hope in him. - Lamentations 3:22-24

I love the fact that Scripture tells us God's mercies are new every morning. He gives us every day as an opportunity to experience the deep joy of His ever-present mercies, mercies that can reach us no matter how bleak our circumstances.

Early Celebration

We gathered as much of our families as we could, some close friends, and headed to the Outback Steakhouse as a mini early celebration of my precious husband's birthday. We all had the best time. Steak, lobster, blooming onion, coconut shrimp, baked sweet potatoes....ect.... Lots of laughs, numerous trips to the bathroom (with Treyty man), a little arguing with Meadow, and sharing bites of food all around the table- made for a wonderful time. I forgot my camera but thankfully sweet Heaven had hers so a few pictures will come later (soon!). :)

I have had a few days off for some R & R and yesterday was my rest day. I slept almost all day! Today was my relaxation, enjoying good food, friends and family. Tomorrow will be another slow day of both while Monday will be a full study day. Back to the grind as they say.

I will be in one day surgery on Tuesday. I'm nervous and excited.

Right now though, I'm heading to beddy by. I'm exhausted and full. Ha!

UPDATE WITH PICTURES

Me, Hubby and my grandson

My mom, daughter Sky and good friend Tracy

Daddy and Me-I sure love my daddy

Treyton and a little friend he made at Outback.

Sweet hubby and his mom.

Me and hubby again.

Matt my son in love, grandson Treyton and daughter Heaven

Love this picture!

Happy 45th Tony, I sure do love you!

Good times, good times.............

You Are More

This morning on my way to school I was listening to praise and worship when this song came on. The Lord laid someone that use to be my friend on my heart as I was listening. We use to talk late nights on the phone and I would share things like this with her. Our paths have since parted but even so I wanted to share.

Someone somewhere needs to know this.

There's a girl in the corner
With tear stains on her eyes
From the places she's wandered
And the shame she can't hide

She says, "How did I get here?
I'm not who I once was.
And I'm crippled by the fear
That I've fallen too far to love"

But don't you know who you are,
What's been done for you?
Yeah don't you know who you are?

You are more than the choices that you've made,
You are more than the sum of your past mistakes,
You are more than the problems you create,
You've been remade.

Well she tries to believe it
That she's been given new life
But she can't shake the feeling
That it's not true tonight

She knows all the answers
And she's rehearsed all the lines
And so she'll try to do better
But then she's too weak to try

But don't you know who you are?

'Cause this is not about what you've done,
But what's been done for you.
This is not about where you've been,
But where your brokenness brings you to

This is not about what you feel,
But what He felt to forgive you,
And what He felt to make you loved.

You are more than the choices that you've made,
You are more than the sum of your past mistakes,
You are more than the problems you create,
You've been remade.

By: Tenth Avenue North

Put One Foot in Front of the Other

That is what I have done the last two days. Yesterday was prep clinicals and today was all day clinicals. I can say that I survived! Not without a close meltdown, but I made it. Sheer determination and the strength of the Lord. I just cannot praise HIM enough. One week down, six more to go. Father let these go smoothly. Let me learn and remember what I'm taught. Let me do my job and let me do it well. Use me.

Isn't This Beautiful

I would give a good gander that my sweet friend Kimmy could make this one! 

Dinosaur Museum

Heaven and I took Treyton to the new dinosaur exhibit at the museum today. We had such a good time. We first went to the our local coffee shop for story time and then left from there for the museum. I'm going to share the pictures below.

These last few pictures are where he was playing outside after we left the museum. I think he had more fun afterwards! He's a typical boy. He loves to run and play. :)

Operating Room Tour

Today was a good day. We had our Operating Room Tour at the hospital. We had to put on scrubs and hair nets. We were able to see every operating room. They had a organ donation program, a open heart surgery room, eye surgery room, so many operating rooms I couldn't remember them all. It's so exciting and yet so scary at the same time. I'm going to share a few pictures.

I haven't taken many pictures of me since beginning the program. This is our casual uniform. It's my favorite. I really like the lab jacket. I'm still getting use to my glasses. I can't wait for the day I graduate in 2014!

Another Day Down

Ugh, I'm so exhausted. I have had a stomach ache and felt just bad today, an ache has been in the back of my head, not a real headache but a presence of one. It made for a long day. Too long. I can't describe in words how bad my legs ache and how glad I am to finally be home.

After I got home from school I had to go to the Dr. That took until 7:30 and then I'd promised Meadow a trip to Kmart to buy some new colored jeans, so we ate at Subway and then went shopping. I didn't realize how early Kmart closes so we had all of 20 minutes! lol But honestly, that was all we needed. She found what she wanted and we made it home before 10 pm.

Yesterday, while I was in class I had a phone call from Meadow's school. I had to leave the classroom to take the call. Turns out she'd thrown up at school and I had to make arrangements for her to get home. I hope I'm not getting that.

Ah yes, I did have to go to my lab instructor and talk about my skills. I did take too long on one of them so I get a retake next Wednesday.

Tomorrow is my operating room tour! I'm excited but praying I feel better!

So, it's off to bed I go tonight.

Sleep tight blog world. Don't let the bed bugs bite!

(I haven't forgotten that I need to share pictures of my desk and computer, I'll get to that this weekend!)

Cherry Chocolate Kiss Cookies

These look delicious! I am going to have to make these soon.

Cherry Chocolate Kisses

Servings: approximately 36 cookies

Ingredients

1 cup unsalted butter, softened, but still cool*****very important!

1 cup powdered sugar

1/8 teaspoon salt

2 teaspoons maraschino cherry “juice”

1/4 teaspoon almond extract

2 and 1/4 cups all-purpose flour

1/2 cup maraschino cherries, chopped

Granulated sugar, for sprinkling the cookies

36 milk chocolate kisses, unwrapped

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 325 degrees.

2. In the bowl of your standing mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat the butter at medium speed until creamy, about 1 minute.

3. Reduce the speed to the lowest setting and slowly add the powdered sugar and salt.

4. Add the cherry juice and the almond extract until combined.

5. With the mixer still on low, slowly add the flour, scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed.

6. Increase the mixer speed to medium and add the cherries.

7. Shape the dough into 1-inch balls, and place the balls on a baking sheet, approximately 2 inches apart.

8.  Using your thumb, gently press each cookie in its center until the cookie is about 1/2-inch thick.

9.  Sprinkle each cookie with a little granulated sugar.

10.  Bake the cookies until the bottoms are lightly browned, about 14 minutes.

11. Once removed from the oven, immediately press a chocolate kiss into each cookie’s center.

12.  Transfer the cookies to a wire rack to cool completely.
Source: directly from: The Ultimate Cookie Book

I Survived!

lol I kind of have a feeling that I may have a lot of posts coming in the future with that title. :) Today was rough, I'm not going to lie. Harder than I had thought it would be. I was prepared. I was well studied and I knew everything I needed to know. But, having information in my head and actually doing it are two totally different things. God shown His favor down upon me today. He had grace and mercy with me. I'm pretty sure I made it through both of my check-offs. One of them I was pretty tight on time so I'm waiting to see how I fared. I don't want to count my chickens before they hatch so to speak, but at the same time I want to speak positiveness over my journey.

Every day is one day closer to graduating. I'm so looking forward to that day. I'm still debating on what I want to do, I can't remember if I've mentioned it or not but I have been feeling led in the direction of oncology. I'm praying.

Update on our study: We went back to haggle on the black desk at Granny's Attic and we offered them $75 for it. The original asking price was $125. They made the call to the owner and I had decided I wouldn't pay any more than $75 for it. If she didn't take our offer then the green desk I shared before would be mine!

I know this was a God thing because when I first started this study journey I only wanted to spend $75 on a desk. That was the number I had in my head.

The lady took the $75!

I thought I would be disappointed because I really wanted the green desk, BADLY! I wasn't disappointed though. God blessed me with this desk and it's really pretty. I'll post pictures soon. My new computer came in and we got everything all set up. Now, just a few more tweaks and it'll be done. 

Well, I have a drug dosage test in the morning so I'm going to keep this short and go practice before going to bed.

Be blessed!

First Day of Second Semester

It was hard. roflol. I have so much to learn before tomorrow. So much. Even with all the medication administration studying I've done, it's helped a lot, but boy oh boy. Sooooooo, if you're reading this please say a prayer for me.

It's just another Manic Monday. Oh oh! :) Bring on the Tuesday!


PHILIPPIANS 4:13 I CAN DO ALL THINGS THROUGH CHRIST WHO STRENGTHENS ME.

Pictures

Now the room still isn't finished but boy has it come a long, long way. I am still awaiting my computer desk, computer, and little surprise. But, here is the room so far.

First I am going to start with my grandmother's China Hutch. I've had this for a long time and have wanted to do something creative with it but didn't feel I had it in me to do it. I'm at a place now that I'm not afraid of making mistakes and I'm ready to be creative. I plan to sand this down and paint it a brick reddish color and distress it. I'm thinking I'll start this project in the spring. (Ignore Tony's equipment. We are in the process of making a new home for it. hee hee)

We've had this mirror forever, I'm trying to be a little creative with it. Above the picture is an oil painting hanging that my good friend Missy Cummings painted for me. It says: Romans 8:28 "And we know that all the work together for good to them that love God." I'm not sure about the sheer curtain. I have another one identical to it, so there is a possibility that I may change this up. (Tony and Meadow have their guitars in here too!) 

We cleaned up this corner well. I've downsized my homeschooling shelves and books. Meadow has a neat little work place here. Notice her One Direction posters on the wall. She has her own desk for homework and her own shelves (that you can't see for the guitar case) that she will store her sewing machine and supplies on. 

The color doesn't show here but the wall is a bright aqua and I have a lot of neat little things to add that will blend this bricky red color with it. I love these curtains. I bought them years ago from J.C.Penney when I was homeschooling. The table and chairs here are going to go when I find the perfect love seat, chaise lounge or oversized chair and ottoman. I think that will give them room more of a study feel. 

Here is the wall that my desk will go against. We debated not using my large map but I love it so much we decided to go ahead and make it a part of the room. Oh and notice the carpet remnant! Isn't it huge and nice? I love it. It's beautiful and great quality and feels wonderful under your bare feet. Oh and there is my dear hubby playing his guitar. :)

I will post more pictures later this week after we get my desk and computer set up. I'm very well pleased with my room. It's still plain, and it will be a process of adding little things along the way, I look forward to it.

Happy Sunday! I'm going to study.