Happy Valentine's Day

Tony got me the BIGGEST card eva for V-day. It was half as big as me. He always gets the girls and I a little something. I love him. Then came the Stargazers and pink roses. My absolute favorite. The stress from nursing school has been so over bearing I took a night off.

Then we all went to Honduras Coffee Shop for their Front Porch Festivities. I needed the break so bad. Heaven and Matt, Matt's family, Tony and I, his friend Barry. We had a ball. And we were home in bed before midnight.

The hubby and I 

My Son in Law's brother David, Me, Heaven.

Barry and Tony

Losing Weight

I've shared bits and pieces of my weight loss journey over the years. Often times I by pass writing about that part because I have had no real success over the past 6 years that I've been blogging. I'm up and down, I try different plans, but I don't stick to anything. Changing your way of eating is one of the hardest things ever to do. Sugar is more powerful than the strongest drug. I overcome my addiction in spurts but never truly over come it. It reminds me of the alcoholic, on and off the wagon. One taste and you're gone, you are on a week binge. There is no recovering from it, because the cravings, the stress, the relief when you eat sugar to relieve your stress.

Well, I'm back on the wagon praise God! With all the trouble I've had in nursing school-the brain fog, the exhaustion, the inability to recall what I've studied, I decided that I had to try something different.

My nursing buddy that the Lord gifted me with had wanted to lose weight and talked about different things since we began school last August. She's begged me to do something with but in my mind there was absolutely no way I could tackle anything else.

After reading and studying some more I came across something called the Whole 30. It reminded me so much of the low carb eating that I was use to doing and I remembered the cleared mind that eliminating sugar and simple carbohydrates would bring. I decided to go to the Atkin's diet to lose the weight and implement the Whole 30 into is as we go.

We are drinking nothing but water. No diet soda. I have had a cup of decaf with Splenda but that is only a once a week thing. The next step is add in the exercise. That step is always the hardest because of TIME. And it's not like you look forward to doing it in the beginning. Once I get going, I love a good work out. I like to sweat when I'm dressed for it. Sweating in regular clothes sucks though. :)

We are over a week in and through the withdrawals of caffeine. We are going hard through day 14 using the Induction Phase of Atkin's diet. It's working well. Today I hit the 5 pound mark. It's amazing to me how the body works. You take away those sugar carbs and it reverts to burning the actual body fat for energy. My brain fog is gone. My retention and understanding of what I am studying is stronger. I have more energy, which is crazy but makes sense at the same time because I have so much body fat to burn! roflol

I'll focus on doing a weekly update on the weight loss.

It feels good to be doing something about it.

This rest of this semester will show if this new way of eating helps me in the grade department. :)

Isaiah 41:10  fear not, for I am with you;  be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you,  I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.

Love is so Sweet

With all of the stress of my life each day it's wonderful to have a day that goes so well. I've made it through 3 of my 4 days of school this week. Definitely not an easy week but it's almost over. This evening I come home and have the most wonderful fellowship with my family. Time spent with Meadow until she went to church and then Tony and I really enjoyed each other's company. Sadly it had been a while since we were able to sit and talk and just laugh and goof off.

It was nice. More than nice...I just don't have words.

In RN nursing school you honestly don't have a life outside of studying. It really makes you appreciate those sweet moments in between.

I've also been working on building my blog up. After going back and reading past posts, it really made me appreciate my accounts of our life. I think I'm doing pretty good with everything I have going on.

I have another quiz in the morning and another test next week. So... short and sweet. it's been a good week.

And an especially good night.....

The Need for Net, Will You Help?

One of the most frequent health problems we face here in Uganda is carried through a mosquito.  

It causes chills, fever, and body aches.

Many people are affected by the disease and would be able to tell you in detail how miserable it is.

Malaria.

Although many times it is easily managed and treated,
there are times when it causes life-long damage or even death.

Children who were once normal may now experience
cerebral palsy-type symptoms, being unable to walk
or even talk for the rest of their lives.

Some who went to school and excelled
may now struggle and fall behind due to mental delays.
These are real children who's faces we know
and we call them by name.

This year, Amazima is saying ENOUGH to Malaria.
Our aim is to provide enough mosquito nets to every family 
in our sponsorship program so that none of them have to be 
exposed while they sleep to the risk of malaria. 

Will you help us?

Our goal is to raise money for 400 mosquito nets; 
enough for one mosquito net for every two children in each sponsored family.  

One net costs around $7.  

Think about that.  

Seven dollars that will protect two kids for years to come.  Whether you can provide one net or one hundred nets, we can assure you that it will make a difference to the ones we work with and love so dearly. To say "enough" to malaria, click HERE and designate your gift towards Medical Care.* 

 This is me Jenileigh now. Everyone that knows me knows that I have a heart for Uganda. Savannah Sky spent a month there. While reading on Amazima today I read this. I'm passing it along for those eyes that may come across my page, that do not cross theirs. Please read the post below and please find a way in your heart to donate $7 for to protect two children from malaria. Post and share with me if you do. I can do so little right now being in school full time and living on one income but this week I am going to donate $21. That will be enough to protect 6 children.  I pray the Lord leads and guides your heart to help protect these precious children. And if you cannot give PRAY! I'd also love to hear from you if you pray for them. May God bless you each greatly and multiply your gift back to you two fold! 

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!