Merry Christmas

It's nine o'clock on Christmas night and I'm sitting in bed exhausted, but content. Today was a day for family. We spent the morning opening gifts before traveling to my husband's family's for dinner and then over to my family's for a birthday. I absolutely LOVE Christmas, it's definitely my favorite holiday, but I always have a little sense of disappointment when it's all over. There's so much time and effort put into planning and preparation and then just like that, it's over. It was also sad to not have my oldest sister and her family here with us. I've been checking their photo site often for pictures and updates, but it's just not the same. I was really glad to see a couple of videos of the kids, it brings them a little closer to home. We all miss them terribly and hope Christmas was as happy in Africa as it was here. On the bright side we have something superfun to look forward too....the BEACH!!! Only about seven more months until we're sunning ourselves on the Outer Banks sand and only 364 more days until next Christmas!!

Country Christmas

Some members of my family and I just returned from a little trip to Nashville TN. We had a great time!!! The weather was drizzly but warm enough to go without a coat. Although we were just there for the weekend,we tried to pack in as much fun as we possibly could. One of my favorite places we visited was the Opryland Hotel! It was sooo incredibly beautiful. They had it completely decorated for the holidays and the lights were awesome. Nashville is such a cool city to visit even if you're not a "country" music fan. There's so much music history in that town you'd need a year to see it all. Here's a picture of some of the lights at the hotel.

This Is Too Funny Not To Join In

http://www.elfyourself.com/?id=1124028539

ps check out my mom and sisters too!! HAHAHAHAHAHAHA

When You Remember Why

I've recently had some very emotional cases at work. Supporting patients and their families in desperate situations faced with major life-changing decisions...one of the hardest parts of being a nurse. I'd like to think that most people become nurses because they are filled with compassion and genuine concern for their fellow man. I know, however that's not always the case. I definitely can get wrapped up in the routine of things, but every so often you meet someone or witness something that brings it all home again. This is yet another time I see God working in me and through me. For instance, over the weekend I had a patient who became critically ill. This patient is one I've known my entire nursing career and who I have developed somewhat of a relationship with. She's as single mother of two, the older of whom has moved away from home. The younger was a sixteen-year-old boy who spends most of his days caring for his chronically ill mother. This young man has the weight of the world on his shoulders, but I've never heard him complain. He misses a lot of school because he has to help his mom to doctors appts, dialysis, cook, clean, etc. They have no family in the area only friends they can call on to lend support if they can. He spends his nights with her in the hospital, sleeps on the couch and takes care of her every need. On Sunday she became seriously ill and it looked as though things were grim. I took one look at her son's face and flashed back to my own past. I too had been in a similar situation at that age. I knew he was scared. His whole world was turning upside down, it looked like his mother was going to die and nothing would ever be the same. I wrapped my arms around him and hugged as tight as I could. He was so brave and shed only one tear. Fortunately they are believers and have a great church family who were very supportive. The waiting room was filled with praying friends and I'm happy to say, when I returned to work today I met good news. She had survived and looked like she would be Ok for the time being. I know God answered our prayers. He put me there for her and for her son so I could support them. I remembered then why I became nurse.

Good Friends

A few days ago, one of my girlfriends came to visit. I've known Jessica since high school and we have been great friends ever since. This summer she had a beautiful baby boy and a few days ago she and her husband Marcus brought him over to our house so we could meet him for the first time. Sam is adorable, but what I think was even better was the happiness he brings both his mother and father. Jessica is a gorgeous gal, but she never looked prettier than when she was holding her son. I am so glad we get to share motherhood together. My other girlfriend Chrissy was here too. We have been friends since elementary school. How lucky am I to have such great friends.

My Baby's Not A Baby Anymore

Two years ago today, our lives changed forever. God blessed us with the most precious gift anyone could ever ask for. Our little princess fills us with the most wonderful love you could ever imagine. Over the last two years we have watched her grow and she constantly amazes us. When I married my husband I never thought I could love anyone as much as I love him. But, when Layla came, I saw love in a whole new light. My mom always told me that the love and bond you have with your children is so incredible that even if they were murderers, it would never change how you felt about them. She was never more right about anything in her life. My heart swells with the love I have for my family and today every time I look at my little angel, I just want to squeeze her with all my might. Thank you God for this gift we celebrate today, my we be the parents You designed us to be. We love you baby happy, happy, happy birthday!!!!

Trick or Treat

Well as I promised, here are the pictures from tonight's Halloween fun. We had such an awesome time!!! My sisters payed tribute to me by dressing as nurses and we accentuated their hair with some colorful spray. Little Gabby was a beautiful princess with the fastest time up and down each driveway. Trent, the farmer hung out in the stroller while his big sisters gathered his goods. Aysha was the cutest little devil you've ever seen while Layla made punks proud. The weather was perfect and we had a great time. The men stayed behind to hand out candy and discuss men things. All in all it was huge fun and I can't wait to do it all again next year.