Thomas and Allison

Hot Pink Nursing Shoes

2012-02-16T16:54:00.001-05:00

I am so excited. A few minutes ago I got my new hot pink nursing shoes in the mail. And... I am in love with them. They are gorgeous.

HOT pink nursing shoes

I have been looking for Sanita or Dansko to make a hot pink oiled leather shoe, and this weekend as I was looking at nursing shoes I saw keylime green... super cute. But then as I was searching online, I found the hot pink oiled leather sanita. I bought them that afternoon and am absolutely impressed with them. LOVE!

Late Night Wendys

2012-02-03T13:20:00.001-05:00

I absolutely love my Husband! Last night I had all I could stand of studying for the NCLEX. I was so super stressed out, which is really unlike me, but... 265 questions will do that to you. I really hope I can get out of there in less than 150 questions and pass. So while I was being absolutely ridiculous I started talking about how I was hungry. At that point, Thomas said the most beautiful words "lets go to Wendys". I know it so crazy, but occasionally you just have to do something out of the norm like that. So we went to Wendys and had amazing food, relaxed, came home, and watched an episode of Pokemon. After that I was so much better that I studied some meds and finished my last set of exam questions at 1am. Crazy night. Wonderful Husband. Love!

Gearing Up for NCLEX

2012-02-02T12:09:00.001-05:00

In two days, I hope to be done with my NCLEX exam. I have a hotel booked in Charleston, West Virginia. Which is super exciting. We are going up there the night before, eat out, go shopping, and relax before the biggest test of my life. On a cumulative test covering the last 3+ years of my life, cramming the night before is not an option.

We are very excited. My studies have been going well. Its so nice because my test day is the day after Thomas' block exam, so we have been studying together, how cute? I am about to take my last Question Trainer on my Kaplan website, and it is 265 questions. Wow! I only have about 100 pages left in my book. It seems like forever, but I have already taken 6 other Question Trainer tests, and read 500 pages. Please pray for me that I pass.

Monogram Onesie

2012-02-01T12:38:00.000-05:00

Super Cute Onesie

My friend Erin and I made this super cute onesie. I got the onesie at the dollar store. How fantastic is that? And so adorable because it is pink. We started by pinking a super cute material and cutting out the letter E because Erin's babys name is Evera, don't you love that? We made a straight E because neither of us are that amazing at the sewing machine, especially when it is already a finished product. We put tacky glue around the E so it wouldn't fray. Then we did a zigzag stitch the entire way around. I was so excited about it. I cannot wait until Evera shows it off. It could be awhile. It is really cold here.

Mini Snowman

2012-01-31T15:34:00.000-05:00

All Dressed up and sNOwhere to go

Snow Man- January 2012

SNOW! A couple weeks ago on a Saturday night, we were studying super hard and finally took a break with the hope of going to Big Lots or somewhere as a reward. To our surprise we came outside to find snow everywhere. Haha, you can tell we were bundled up and ready to go. We ended up making a snow man and going to Velocity Market instead. So there we have our snow man for the year.

Sutures- Student Dr. Thomas

2012-01-30T10:31:00.000-05:00

Got it through, now to tie it off

Finished Suture

Please meet Student Doctor Thomas. He is a pro at doing sutures. At lunch time, Thomas came home and was super excited that he was doing sutures. He was only required to work on sutures for 1 hour but stayed for 2 1/2 hours practicing over and over again. And now, Thomas can do a skill that I cannot do. He has learned IVs and injections, but the instruction is followed by, this is for emergency situations when a nurse is not present. Too bad a nurse will be present almost all the time with him. He promised me forever. He loves sutures and as of now wants to do them all the time when he is a real doctor. Yes, that is our placemat and my needle and thread, but I wasn't about to let him bring that cow tongue home to show me... gross!

10 Pounds Lost

2012-01-29T16:00:00.000-05:00

Take a look at my new button. I have a weight loss tracker. And I have lost 10 pounds. I think this is a huge accomplishment.

Thomas and I finally got our YMCA membership in November and went some, but really started working out after graduation. It was nice, we had the break with awesome workouts and didn't lose or gain any weight. Who loses weight over Christmas anyway? But after we got back I started adding up my food on MyFitnessPal on my ipod touch. It is super easy and helps me realize how much snacking I do, that I don't do anymore because I have to write in each and every thing. It is going great for me. It is such a huge motivation, especially with my friend Autumn doing it do. She really, unknowingly, got me back into it... Thank you!

I am not a calorie freak, I just eat healthy, eat small, and try to watch what I pick out. Fat grams don't really matter to me is the weird part, if it is natural fat, then I go for it, ex. my little guacamole packs. I am doing so far. Add me if you are interested, allison06.

Beauty All Around

2012-01-28T11:53:00.000-05:00

Gorgeous Skies

"There is beauty all around, when theres love at home"

I love this gorgeous area that I live in. There are so many trees. I live on the lake/ former river. And I have an amazing apartment. Earlier this week we were pleased to have 62 degree temperature. And our town went crazy over it. The streets were full of people exercising. The park was packed with people playing. And nature was breathtaking.


Our Lake/ former River on the suspension bridge- See Thomas' Civic on the Left by the Big Tree

Enjoying the Overlook

Precious Little Waterfall

I Got the Job!

2012-01-27T10:42:00.002-05:00

Celebrating at El Azul Grande

I got the job in the telemetry/ cardiac unit on day shift (7am to 7pm). I am so excited. I had my interview on Jan 18 and decided a week later that I would call up HR and see if there was anything else I needed to do. Turns out they were just about to call me to offer me the job, so they went ahead and told me the great news. Of course I accepted the position. I was so excited. I proceeded to call Thomas, but he was in class for a few more minutes. So between classes he called me back and I got to tell him the great news. He was so happy for me and so were all of his friends. We just had to celebrate, so I offered to pick him up for his lunch break and we went to El Azul Grande, the best mexican restaurant in town (not that I've tried the others, but this is what everyone tells me, and it is fantastic). We had a wonderful lunch together. It is always amazing to celebrate happy moments with my best friend.

So, today I went in for the paperwork. Turns out I didn't have any of the things with me that I needed, haha. I will be making another trip soon. But I have to pass my NCLEX before I can even get a physical and start orientation. I was a little bummed, but realized that I have extra time to study hard and then enjoy my birthday before I start. My projected start date is February 20th.

Pepperoni Roll

2012-01-17T10:59:00.000-05:00

Pepperoni Roll (one had a hernia- nurse humor)

I found this recipe on Pinterest and had to try it out. It is called the Pepperoni Roll. This girl's recipe called for Rhodes bread loaf. I love Rhodes, but that is way to expensive for me. I used Fleischmann's pizza yeast, that I used a coupon on and got 3 in a pack for 60 cents. Love! All you do is make the dough, roll it out, brush with olive oil, add pepperoni, sprinkle with mozzarella, top with Italian seasoning, roll up, brush with butter, and bake. It is so easy. I might tweak the recipe and maybe halfway cook the dough because the inside layers didn't cook up like I would have hoped.

Polka Dot Pepperoni

All rolled up

T-shirt Scarf

2012-01-16T13:03:00.000-05:00

T-shirt scarf- see the cute braid

Before Christmas, my Mommy and I were looking on Pinterest and saw the cutest t-shirt scarves. Since I still had a ton on t-shirt yarn from the Azores, I thought... what a perfect Christmas present idea.

We went crazy for these gorgeous t-shirt scarves. We made them for just about every girl in our family. It was so much fun and a great way to give a present without taking out more loans. Plus they are from the Azores... how cool is that?!?

Truffles

2012-01-14T20:53:00.000-05:00

I made the most delicious truffles!

Now I am not a huge truffle fan, but I was interested in trying a new recipe. Since we had chocolate animal crackers, I looked up a recipe that would have those in them. I found one that called for plain animal crackers and white chocolate chips, but why not make everything chocolate.

1 cup chocolate animal crackers- finely chopped
3oz cream cheese
1/3 cup chocolate chips

I chopped my animal crackers in a mini chopper. Mix together the cream cheese and crackers. Form "walnut sized" balls. Melt chocolate chips, I did it with a little bit of milk and some marshmallows, mine turn out to be more of a fudge, yum! After dipping balls in chocolate roll in leftover animal crackers. Makes 8 truffles.

Big Girl Interview

2012-01-13T23:30:00.000-05:00

Before my Interview: So excited

I have been praying and fasting to find a job that will be great for me. Then on Monday, I was asked to come in for an interview Wednesday. I was so excited.

So here is the story: I had really only been looking at the Emergency Room and Intensive Care Units. Then on Sunday, at the end of my fast, I saw the Telemetry/ Cardiac Unit. For some reason this position stuck out to me. I didn't apply but kept the thought in my mind. Monday, as I was on the phone with Human Resources at the hospital for the probably 17th time (I've stalked them over the last 3 months), and was asked if I would be interested in interviewing for the Telemetry/ Cardiac Unit. After much prayer and fasting I knew that this is something the Lord wanted me to at least interview for. So, I went and had a great interview. Especially the peer interview, which followed the more formal interview. It was so great and I know that no where is perfect, but I just have a really good feeling about this place. It was similar to the feeling I had when I first went to UK's campus in Lexington, and the same one as when we came to Pikeville for the first time. It just feels good. Especially when the peer interviewer said "We are really goofy up here"... Thats ME!

Wish me luck, they said I should hear back in two weeks. In the mean time, I am still studying for the NCLEX, and picking out the cutest black scrubs.

Crochet Headband with Knot

2012-01-12T15:58:00.002-05:00

Super Cute Headband!

I love to search blogs for amazing ideas. The other day I was looking at You Seriously Made That? and found the cutest tutorial for making a headband that was super super easy. You can hardly call it crochet. I mean if you can do the chain, you can make this headband.

I made mine on Friday night and finished it up on Saturday before my date with Thomas. It is cute, holds your hair back, and does not cause headaches... like most headbands. I am in love. I think I will have to make more.

Kaplan

2012-01-05T10:23:00.001-05:00

I have been glued to my computer for 2 days now. And I still have today and tomorrow to go. I am currently taking a Kaplan review course in preparation for my NCLEX that I have to take. I was hoping to take my test on the 14th, but as I see the magnitude of studying, the 21st is starting to look fantastic.

The class is going great though, I am learning so much about how to answer questions correctly. I am still waiting to hear when I will go in for my interview. For now, I am going to continue to call and study, study, study, STUD-Y! Good thing my sweetheart stated classes back up yesterday and I have a study buddy, yay.

New Years Resolution

2012-01-03T10:03:00.001-05:00

Happy New Year! This week we all went to church in Elizabethtown, and were given a charge to read the Book of Mormon this year. I have read the Book of Mormon in it's entirety 2.5 times. I decided to spice it up a little and decided to read it in German. I purchased an app on my iPod touch that allows me to read verse by verse, side by side English and German. I have already learned several things such as "Und es begab sich" meaning And it came to pass, and "Volk" is people. It is taking about four times as long to read, about 40 minutes per chapter in the beginning, but over time it is sure to improve. Wish me "Viel Gluck".

Home Sweet Home

2012-01-02T22:32:00.001-05:00

It feel so good to be home. Christmas break was a blast. We hung out with family, ate waffles, exchanged gifts, laughed and loved. It was a wonderful time. But after almost three weeks it is wonderful to not have to life out of a suitcase and wear different clothes.

We realized today that it was good we got see most of our families and friends, because with the extreme roads we drove home on, we don't forsee any one making that trek. The ride home was slippery and filled with prayers, but we made it.

Today was the icing on the cupcake of our trip as we got to see our friends Ben and Emily, as well as Ben's parents and of course Rudger. It was so nice to catch up with great friends. We talked about our vacations, Emilys pregnancy, and our blog books. It was the best.

Kentucky Wildcat Fans

2011-12-22T22:00:00.001-05:00

Thomas and I are pretty die hard UK fans. We love to watch the cats play, especially football and basketball. Today we went to Louisville to pick Daniel up from the airport, and... there was a flat screen right beside the waiting area with the game on. It definitely made the waiting so much more enjoyable.

We just love the games so much and treat the games as our family time during the blocks when Thomas is in school. We are super excited for this year, as we have a really great team. Go Cats!

Christmas Break

2011-12-21T19:40:00.001-05:00

I love Christmas break! I love getting all of Thomas' time and attention. I know it probably sounds silly, but being the wife of a medical student, you cherish every moment you spend together. We have already had tons of snuggling, kisses when I wake up, laughter and games, and just being right beside the other at all times. I am so excited and grateful for the happy moments in my life, and especially for my Hubby.

Today we got to go to the temple and it is just so unbelievable to be there in the Celestial Room with my eternal companion. I loved that moment. And I am grateful for my faith in the Lord.

Chris- Eagle Scout

2011-12-20T23:02:00.001-05:00

Tonight Thomas' little brother, Chris, went for his eagle scout board of review. Mom, Dad, Thomas, and I all went for support. We were all so very nervous and each said prayers after Chris went in. And... he passed! We were all so proud of him. Of course we had to celebrate, so we went out for ice cream. It was a great time and now we have to plan for the Court of Honor which is January 1st.

Today Sabrina and Taylor came over again. We all went to Ft Knox to the commissary (grocery). It was alot of fun. We took turns carry Taylor around on our shoulders. It is always going to be a great day if those two come over. And they plan to come 4 days this week! It's going to be a great Christmas.

MY Graduation

2011-12-16T23:16:00.000-05:00

Birthday Husband

Yay! I finally did it. I graduated from the University of Kentucky with a Bachelors in Nursing!!! The day was fantastic from pinning in the morning and commencement that evening. Pinning was extra special, I had my wonderful husband Thomas and my Mommy come on stage to pin me with my official UK College of Nursing with my initials on the back. And got the biggest hugs from my two favorite people.

My Pinners: Thomas and Mama

Thomas' parents and brother Chris came up for graduation. It was a beautiful ceremony and at the end my college yelled GO C-A-T-S! I am just to happy to graduate and have something wonderful accomplished. It was great to see my friends Natalie, Alex, and Sara Beth. Afterwards we celebrated right by going to Johnny Carinos restaurant.

Loesevitz Family

Me and Natalie

On top of all the graduation excitement it was also Thomas' Birthday. My handsome 26 year old Hubby. Poor guy, he kinda got neglected. But we went to Firehouse Subs and gave him the next day. He did enjoy his presents. Nintendo monopoly, Zelda Skyward Sword, Nike iPod, Pokemon DVDs, and Adidas pants.

Patterson

Celebration

Visit from Mama

2011-12-11T22:44:00.001-05:00

Mama likes her new bed and computer

My Mommy has come into town for my graduation in 5 days. And we all have had such a great time together. Mama came on Thursday and we got to relax and just hang out. Friday, we went shopping for the better part of the day and watched some movies together. We also went to the branch Christmas party and ate some fantastic food. I was pretty impressed, my Mommy knew every answer to the Christmas/ Bible trivia. My answer to who was Scrooges business partner was Bob Marley... yeah I have only been studying and Nursing. I cannot think much past that. But it was really fun and hilarious thinking of the crazy answers I would come up with. Saturday I had my last day of clinical, and afterwards we made Fajitas for dinner which was fantastic. Sunday we went to church, I gave a talk and we went to feed the ducks. It was alot of fun. I just love going out and feeding the ducks behind our apartment. We also made a delicious homemade pizza. We are just having a great time and have many great things planned. I love having my Mommy here. I cannot complain when I have my two favorite people (Thomas and my Mommy) all together with me.

Blog Book

2011-12-07T14:25:00.001-05:00

I am so excited! I made my very first blog book on Blurb.com and I got it in the mail on Monday. I spent hours and hours on it, but I finally got through the first 3 years of our marriage, including journal entries, blog posts, and pictures. It has got to be one of the cutest things ever. I really wanted to make this to have as a keepsake in our home for years to come. It is my journal and my photo album, all in one. Also, I made it public with a full preview so you can see the whole things online.
Thomas and Allison

Cheese + Meatball = Delicious

2011-12-03T12:05:00.001-05:00

I have neglected my blog for far too long. I have been super busy trying to get my blog book done that I forgot about my current blog. Anyways, last night I made the most delicious meatballs ever! My sweet Mama bought me some hamburger meat and I had some cottage cheese going bad, so... why not find a recipe with the two together.1/4 c Cottage cheese1/4 c crushed crackers1 egg1 tsp Parmesan cheese1/2lb ground beefI just pan seared them and they were the most heavenly things ever! They were so juicy and flavorful, but not greasy. Then they had the delicious outside crunch from being seared. I will definitely make these again. Yum!

First Snowfall

2011-11-17T22:39:00.001-05:00

On my way to clinical, I saw our first snowfall of the year. At first it appeared to be sprinkling, then little snowflakes. Until all of the sprinkles turned into little snowflakes. And it was beautiful.

I have always heard people talk about how beautiful the mountains are. I just love our little city we are living in out here in the mountains of eastern Kentucky. I love the mountains and the pretty trees that cover them. In the summer time everything is just so green, and in the winter it is just as nice with a dusting of snow.

ER Nurse: IVs

2011-11-16T22:31:00.001-05:00

I had a great day in the ER. I started 3 or 4 IVs and got to chart. Both of which are what I have really been wanting to do. I have heard people say that you can judge your nurse based on if she can put in an IV. I don't agree, but I want to get really good at it so people don't think I am ignorant, and it just makes you feel so accomplished when you get an IV started. Maybe that is why I think today was a great day, because I just feel so accomplished. Charting went well. My nurse is teaching me as we go. I have watched everyone else so mostly I know where to find things in the chart.

I just love to get things accomplished. While the ER is crazy busy, I love it. It is important to get everything done. But I love the balance of getting things done, but always having something to do. I feel like UK really prepared me for this. My MedSurg clinical with Cheryl was extremely intense. I was so nervous the night before, I could hardly fall asleep at night. But, I knew Cheryl's expectations. I knew what she wanted and when, and I am learning all of that with the ER. And I love it.

Tuesday Treat: Pumpkin Roll

2011-11-15T20:29:00.001-05:00

I have decided to have a day where I talk about something fun that I have made that week. Here it goes...

Today my friend Erin came over and we made a pumpkin roll. We used a recipe off of Allrecipes.com, a website that I love and have been a member of for three years.

Libby's® Pumpkin Roll with Cream Cheese Filling

It turned out fantastic. I followed a few of the extra help instructions that people left, such as putting the towel on another cookie sheet before flipping so that it doesn't fall apart, and also to replace the wax paper. I had a difficult time starting the roll, but I just re-rolled and it turned out amazing.

Next time I am excited to put the nuts in. I forgot this time, but with Thanksgiving coming up this delicious treat is sure to make an encore.

Why I Blog

2011-11-14T11:45:00.001-05:00

About 5 days ago, I decided that I want to print my blog out into a book. I looked at the prices and they were a little steep, but thankfully it is close to Christmas and I can get away with it being a family keepsake present.

As I started this idea, I began to think about all of our records and pictures from the four and a half amazing years we have had together. I decided that I have to attempt to include as much of our amazing journeys as I can.

I first started with a fee notes I wrote on Facebook, and the wonderful memories flooded in. Then I got my old emails I sent back and forth to my mommy about our first trip to Europe. Which I am still working on. Then I found my journal that talks about going through the temple for the first time and my wedding day.

So. I blog because I have been blessed with so many wonderful things in my life and I want to compile and preserve my amazing adventures past, present, and those to come.

Great Long Weekend

2011-11-14T10:00:00.001-05:00

Thomas and I just had the most amazing weekend. Thomas got home from his exam on Wednesday at 2pm and we got to hang out the remainder of the weekend.

Wednesday we went to the infamous Big Lots and the Dollar Tree. We just love looking at all of the cheap food, it just out thing to do. And then we just relaxed and watched Netflix.

Thursday we went to the Residency fair and got some cool free stuff. Then we relaxed and went to Texas Roadhouse. And hung out at Walmart.

Friday I had clinical, but Thomas packed my lunch, drove me there, picked me up, and had an amazing dinner waiting with black beans, rice, and pork chops that were marinating in garlic and parsley, which he proceeded to seer on the stove.

Saturday we went to a garage sale, to Goodys, Big Lots again, and Food City. We picked up some reduced hamburger patties that were bacon and cheddar flavored. We cooked those for lunch and our house smelled heavenly. Later we went to the church potluck and scripture social. It was good food and good company.

Sunday Thomas gave a talk in church, which was fantastic, on Charity and the pure love of Christ. We fed the ducks after church, had the Elders over for Chicken Parmesan. And just watched Tv and relaxed. I also worked on my blog putting in emails to my mom from our first trip to Europe.

I loved having Thomas this weekend. It was a super long weekend. We had tons of fun together. We relaxed, and just enjoyed being together. I love weekend after block exam. Did I mention the next one is Graduation with 2 weeks off?!?

1/3 Done- First Year

2011-11-10T21:06:00.001-05:00

Thomas is 1/3 of the way done with his first year of medical school! We are so happy for this big accomplishment. I asked Thomas did he think a year ago if he would already be 1/3 through his first year and so successful. His reply was a year ago I didn't think I had a chance of getting in.

Tonight we made the most of Thomas having a few days off, and finally went to the new Texas Roadhouse. We went at four, just a few minutes after they opened and it was packed before we left. But the ribs were out of this world good. There just aren't words for fantastic ribs like that. Thomas loved his burger too. Afterwards we walked around the dollar store and walmart. It was alot of fun just relaxing and hanging out. I love having days off with my husband.

Residency Fair

2011-11-10T14:32:00.000-05:00

This morning Thomas had to go to a Residency Fair for school that was mandatory. Since I had the day off, I decided to go with him. We had a really nice time and learned alot. At first we only went to the booths that had sites close to home. Soon we realized that places outside offer really great benefits. For example some offer housing stipends and some of the 3rd and 4th year rotation sites offer free housing. I could go for free housing. There are many perks, but the most important is to get Thomas into a residency program that he likes and feels comfortable in. Besides that, we got some really cool free stuff. Including a Lego doctor that is a flash drive, pens, pen light, clipboard, highlighter, reflector... etc.

T minus 5 weeks

2011-11-08T22:41:00.001-05:00

I get so excited every time I tell my patients that I am graduating in x amount of weeks. It is so exciting to think that very soon, I am going to be a real nurse.

So far in synthesis everything is going great. I love my current nurse preceptor. She is fantastic and is really teaching me some great things. She definitely understands how I learn, and teaches me accordingly. I am a pro a discharging patients. I should be getting a username and password for the charting system. I am excited because then I can feel more like I am actually doing something. My nurse said that I am great with my skills and that I really have them down. I love when people compliment me. She said something tonight that I thought was the sweetest. She said that she really likes me and wants me to work on day shift (the shift she works). I know that the ER is busy, and alot of the time we don't get a lunch break, I am going to have to learn to eat quick. But I just love how there is always something to do and it makes time fly. If all of your stuff is checked off, you either go help someone else, or you check up on your patient, just to say hi.

Synthesis at Pikeville

2011-11-06T22:53:00.001-05:00

I have finally decided to write about my Synthesis in Pikeville. It is such a struggle to know how much you can say without saying too much based on patient confidentiality and also trying to get a job where I am doing my Synthesis, I would hate to come off as negative.

I love all of the people that work there in the ER. They are all super sweet and very helpful. I love being the only synthesis student there and I can help with my patients, but when something big comes in, my nurses are willing to let me go and help out with that case. I have learned so much thus far. I have gotten to start 3 catheters, which I actually like to do. I have come to a further realization that I really do not ever want to do Pediatrics. I have started a few IVs, and that has been fun. My problem is that I have not had just one nurse for more than two days. I have been moved around based on various things. It is nice to learn from several people their different techniques and how they manage all their patients throughout the day. But as far as learning skills from a teacher you need someone for more than a couple of days to tell you where you went wrong and how to correct that. Hopefully things will work out though. I am definitely not complaining. I am in a great environment, and am really getting a feel for the kind of job I am applying for. Hopefully I can hear some good news soon about a possible job. Currently I am still waiting for an interview. Wish me luck.

Handy Woman

2011-11-05T14:01:00.001-04:00

Being a poor college student and having the Internet has turned me into a pretty handy woman. My Daddy gave me his Jeep as an early graduation present. He really knew what he was doing, because Jeeps are the most fix-it-yourself friendly vehicle. A light went off on my dashboard, so I looked online to find out it was the gas light. I also learned a cool trick that tells you a code. Then online the code means emission leak aka usually the gas cap. So, I went and got a new gas cap. Problem solved. And I taught my big brother Andrew how to do the trick on his Jeep.

Last week I drove Thomas to class because it was raining. But he was getting soaked in my Jeep through the top of the windshield. I looked that up online, went to the auto parts store, got some sealant, and fixed that after it dried. Problem solved. What would I do without the Internet?

Cafe du Allison

2011-11-04T22:28:00.002-04:00

I finally went to the grocery store today, and while there I found crab cakes for half price. I got 2 in the shell for $1.50. Since Thomas loves crab cakes, I decided to make that for dinner. I wanted the meal to go together. So, I decided to make a caesar salad from scratch, baked potatoes, and for fun I looked up a recipe for Red Lobster biscuits. I found a super easy and quick recipe online. And they turned out fantastic. They were just like they are at the restaurant. All you need is bisquick, milk, cheddar cheese, butter, and garlic salt. Yum.

Halloween Party

2011-10-30T10:54:00.001-04:00

Thomas and Allison

For the past 2 years or so, we have gone to Elizabethtown for Halloween. This year we were lucky because Thomas has fall break. So we got to come and spend time with family again.
Last night we went to the Etown ward Halloween party. We had a good time. Chris dressed up as a UK Fan, and I was a pirate. Chris and I had the most fun dancing together. Then Thomas had the most fun passing out candy. I sat beside him and ate some of it, of course. We had alot of fun.

Pirate

Me and Chris

Scrubs

2011-10-28T11:49:00.000-04:00

I am so super excited about getting a job as an RN. I don't have a job yet. But I only have 6 weeks of school left. I love going to the hospital in Pikeville and working. It is so much fun to finally be able to use my skills and learn new ones.

While I am getting excited for my future job *hopefully*, I am excited to switch to the RN scrubs. Which at Pikeville are black. But you get to wear underneath them whatever color you want. And there are no restrictions on shoes. So, I cannot wait. I already bought a couple of hot pink shirts to go underneath, because scrubs are never long enough. I also bought a hot pink watch after my battery died. And I still have brown shoes, but I am hoping for a graduation present or with graduation money I can get some nice hot pink nursing shoes. I will continue to wear my brown ones, but its nice to rotate between two, just like diabetics.

I love these tall scrub pants. In black.

Cute Cami in claret red (hot pink)

Hot Pink ClogsHot Pink Clogs

Boyd Orchards

2011-10-19T22:20:00.000-04:00

This weekend we went to Boyd Orchards in Versailles. I had heard about this place, but I had never actually gone there. Since this was our last weekend in Lexington and we wanted to spend time with friends, we finally went. We had a fantastic time.

We met up with our friends, Ben and Emily and their little boy Rudger, so cute. We had so much fun taking pictures, looking around, sampling honeys, and watching Rud as he got so excited over everything. We fell in love with the donuts. Everyone talks about the apple cider donuts, but all they had fresh were the pumpkin spice donuts. I tried both and the apple cider has nothing on those pumpkin spice donuts, Yum! Thomas' selection was a half gallon of apple cider. He also made a great choice, it was amazing. We had a blast. And it was great to spend time with friends.

Last Lecture Day

2011-10-14T23:12:00.001-04:00

This morning I went to my very last lecture. Picked up a check. And got my tassel for graduation. Plus some free pizza flavored popcorn on my way home. It was great.

Then my husband/ best friend drove all the way up to Lexington to visit me. 150 miles. We had a wonderful date. We went to Qdoba, yum. Then I bought Thomas new shoes because he forgot his at home. We found the most awesome pair at shoe carnival. Then we topped off the night by going to Big Lots.

Bodies Exhibit

2011-10-14T00:08:00.001-04:00

I went with some nursing friends to the "Bodies Revealed" exhibit. Which is an art exhibit with cadavers aka dead human bodies. And it was absolutely fascinating. I loved seeing all of the different parts of the inside of the body. It showed the entire body cut in cross sections laying down cut through and standing up cut through. They also had healthy organs and the different diseased organs that go with each organ. It was awesome. My favorite part would have to be the all of the itty bitty stuff they showed you. Such as each part of the ear, capillaries in the arm, and the nerves. It was so cool. I wouldn't bring my kids to something like this. I think it would haunt their dreams. But it was super educational and had everything listed to where the average person could understand. Definitely an well worth trip.

IV Start

2011-10-13T20:20:00.001-04:00

Today in clinical I started the best IV. I looked for several minutes to find the best spot. And when we found one on the hand, we were a little skeptical because it was super small. But in the hospital you have to take what you can get. So, I started in and immediately got blood return, yes. Then my nurse told me to advance it, I did. Then she told me to take the needle out, only leaving the catheter. I hooked it up to tubing with saline flush, and threaded that baby in the rest of the way.

I just feel so accomplished. I was worried when I couldn't do an internship this summer that I wouldn't get all of my skills. But after today, I feel fantastic. I loved the way that nurse taught me. And it is so much more comfortable for the patient, because there wasn't any fishing. Yay. Super Nurse Allison.

Institute Home Study

2011-10-12T22:49:00.001-04:00

As I come now to the end of my college career, I cannot help but to think back and reflect. I never regret much, but I do regret not going to Institute. I went pretty much every week my freshman year. My sophomore year I was going pretty good, we attended Thursday nights, as well as Monday and Wednesday during lunch. About mid way through that fall semester, I hit a brick wall. That was way too big of a commitment, especially when we were working like crazy just to be able to get by. Thankfully we did thanks to a Sams Club trip from my parents and some wedding money from family. And as every new semester started I continued to have excuses. Thursday clinicals that don't get out until after 7pm don't help either. But I am going to make a change.

I just purchased the Book of Mormon institute manual and plan to study it every Thursday night while Thomas is studying, and if I have clinical then I will move it to Wednesday, then Tuesday... and so forth.

I don't know why, but I feel very strongly about this. I know that if I put a day and flexible time on something, then it is more likely to happen. We will see. Wish me luck!

Senior Ready

2011-10-11T14:48:00.001-04:00

For the past while I have known that I am going to be done with classes. I had 8 weeks of class this semester and then I will finally graduate. But I think it is something I am just going to have to realize as time goes by. Yesterday Natalie, Sara Beth, Alex, and I were commenting on how there are 2 classes, 1 clinical, and 1 exam standing between us and getting done. I have been in school full-time for the past 18 years of my life. Pretty much school is all I have ever known. Then I apply for nursing jobs and it just seems so surreal to me that I actually am going to graduate and have a real job and not have to go to class all of the time. Thomas and I have been married for four years and want to start a family, but I guess now I am finally going to grow up... well maybe a little.

Welcome Fall Time

2011-10-08T21:02:00.002-04:00

Welcome Autumn

Thomas and I got some really great stuff going to yard sales. I got some baby stuff dirt cheap, that I could keep for myself, or give to friends. I got some really cute antique glass bottles, a cold mist humidifier, and Thomas' favorite is his marble chess board that he scored for $4. Of course we set it up with Thomas' Mario characters.

We also headed to Big Lots for their 20% off of everything sale. We got some food, random stuff, and the super cute wreath I put up on our front door. I love the pumpkins and Thomas loves the sunflowers. Great day together.


Mario Vs. Bowser

Apple Butter

2011-10-07T22:58:00.000-04:00

Today I made the most amazing apple butter from scratch. Wow! It is fantastic and has filled my home with the most wonderful aroma.

Yummy Apple Butter

I had some apples that were going bad and some cinnamon sugar mixture I made up for my bagels, but they were a flop. So when I looked on All Recipes, this is what I found. I cut up my 7 or 8 apples. 2 Tbsp Cinnamon. 1 3/4 C Sugar. 1/4 C Brown Sugar. 1/4 t Nutmeg. Put in slow cooker on high for 1 hour, then reduce to low for 6 hours, stirring occasionally and blend down to right texture.

Pikeville Anniversary

2011-09-24T23:09:00.002-04:00

We just realized that it has been one year since we came to Pikeville for the first time. We came on Friday after class and went on a tour of the Medical School. I kept thinking the whole way up that this will make Thomas happy and hopefully we don't have to move here, so far away from family. But as we were on the tour, we fell in love with the campus. When I came to UK for the first time, I was walking around south campus and got an overwhelming feeling that I could see myself there for the next four years, after my last year of high school. Then we came to Pikeville and I got the exact same feeling. It was everything they made the school sound like, the students are amazing and friendly, everyone is out to help everyone else, and it is just one big family. I am so proud of Thomas getting in. I cannot believe it has been a year since we first stepped foot in Pikeville, and now... here we are.

Time Away

2011-09-21T08:34:00.001-04:00

My stay in Lexington for my very last semester of school is over half way done! I have completed two out of my four exams, and I am thrilled. It has been hard being away from Thomas. I hate leaving on Sundays and I hate Tuesdays- I have no class and realize I have only been there for one day, how sad. Though I may cry and shop all day to pass the time, I am going to get the most out of this experience...

I take Thomas for granted and I am determined to change that. He is so amazing, so sweet, and truly my best friend. But I always try to make everyone else happy and by the time I come home, I am generally done caring for the day. And it really takes a true admittance of this to overcome it. I have realized that I need to love what makes him who he is. So I am going to comprise a list of what makes Thomas... Thomas.

He is really silly. He loves to play video games. He is addicted to making collections. He has a serious shoe fetish. He laughs at toot and poop sounds and jokes. He is German, but enjoys being told he is country. He is shy. He makes me laugh. He laughs when I mimic his movements. He really loves cheeseburgers. He loves pizza even more. He loves home cooked meals. He is an amazing cook. He cleans the dishes even when he is busy studying. He likes to play video games before bed. He loves to run. He loves to eat healthy. He rarely eats chocolate. He likes to visit family. He wished more people came to visit us. He loves baseball. His favorite team is the Reds. He changes his favorite team frequently. He speaks four languages. He makes toot jokes in all of those languages and has taught me them. He is witty. He loves church. He loves his family. He is a peacemaker. He sometimes gets angry... that takes alot to do. He is super dedicated to everything he does. If he could have any food right now, it would be a doner kabob. He likes to eat over half of the food. He prefers to drive. And... he is my BEST FRIEND and I don't want to change any part of him. I love you Thomas

White Coat Ceremony

2011-09-19T22:45:00.002-04:00

Thomas is the most handsome man ever in a white coat!

I was so proud of him on Saturday night when he got his white coat. His parents and brother came down for the ceremony. It was so nice to have such a great kick off to Thomas' start in medical school and future medical profession. It was amazing. The speakers included the President of AACOMs, which is the ruling body for Osteopathic Med schools and the former Governor and President of the University, Paul Patton. I also loved hearing from the student speaker that talked about what it means to wear the white coat. That it symbolizes your family, your education, your classmates, and all those who helped you get to this point. It was just a beautiful ceremony. I was just so excited to get the chance to be there and support my husband/ best friend.

Before

During


After

And to top off the evening, before we got to the ceremony, I saw the cutest shirt. And Thomas' parents bought it for me. And he was so surprised. It was the cutest thing ever to see the expression on his face!

I love my D.O.

Doctor in Training

2011-09-10T23:53:00.000-04:00

I love coming home to visit Thomas! We have had a fantastic weekend together. We both survived our first exams! Thomas' was super intense. He had exams from 8am to 2pm. But afterwards, we get to spend the whole weekend together, because there is NOTHING to study!

Friday we went out to Hardee's. Its amazing what makes us happy. We love to just spend time together. We also went to the used video game store. That made Thomas' day. We picked up a few VHS tapes, yeah old school. Then today we slept in until 10am. Which is amazing for Thomas. He has throughly enjoyed relaxing. We went to the grocery, exercised, and made Chinese chicken and pumpkin pie for dinner. Which were both fantastic.

Thomas says some of the most hilarious things. Today he said "I am preparing to be a doctor". Me- "Oh yeah how?". Thomas- "By playing Dr. Mario"

Chef Allison

2011-09-04T15:17:00.000-04:00

I absolutely love the weekends. I count the days until I get to see Thomas again. It is so crazy not being beside of him every waking minute... I miss that. But weekends are the best. I live for getting to see Thomas, and I have found an increased love for cooking.

I have noticed that I do things for the end result. I don't craft because I love to sit there and do something (don't ever ask how long it takes to crochet a scarf), I live for the end result, and I only make things that end up being cheaper and better than buying them. And both of those qualities must apply or cheaper has to be very significant.

What that introduction, I have made some amazing food on my weekends home in Pikeville. Friday night we went to Food City and got a bunch of almost brown bananas for cheap, so I stayed up and made banana bread. It was amazing. Also at food city we got some per-marinaded chicken for cheap. So last night for dinner, I baked the chicken with aluminum foil on top, and also made roasted rosemary potatoes, a salad, and baked beans. It was amazing too.

I cannot wait to make more delicious meals. One of my next experiments will be Cheesy Enchilada Stacks from Chef in Training. Because it looks way to easy and amazing not to try it. But I think I will put in green enchilada sauce instead. I'll let you know.

Dinner in a Bag

2011-08-27T23:11:00.000-04:00

Tonight I made dinner for Thomas and the Elders. Apparently I had a seasoning packet from McCormicks called Bag n' Season. I found that today and since chicken was only 59 cents a pound for leg quarters at the store, I went ahead and made it.

In the bag, I also put diced red potatoes, carrots, an onion, chicken and poultry rub, and garlic and herb salt-free. It was absolutely amazing! I definitely recommend it to everyone. It is super easy and really good. The bag is great because it made the chicken really juicy by letting the juices evaporate then condensate onto the chicken in a big cycle.

I also made a Rich Egg Bread in my bread machine on Dough setting. Then I pulled it out, cut it in 3 strips, braided it, and after it rose, I spread egg on the top and added Everything Bagel topping.
3 1/4 C Flour, 1 1/4 C Sugar, 1 1/2 tsp Salt, 1 pkg yeast, 1 C Very Warm Water, 2 tbsp oil, 1 large egg
Bake for 25 minutes

It was also absolutely amazing. It is so nice to be able to cook. I love warm, fresh, hot meals made from scratch. Yum!

Last First Week

2011-08-27T18:04:00.001-04:00

I just completed the first week of my last week of college... forever!!! Psh, now that I say that I will probably go to grad school someday.

This week has been different. Thomas was in Pikeville, and I was in Lexington. But we survived week 1. *Only 7 weeks and 1 day left.* I am staying with the Warren family from my old ward in Lexington. They are super sweet. Alicia made me a huge sign that said "Welcome Allison!". It was precious. We have been having a good time in our house of girls.

This semester I am taking High Acuity, Career Management, and Synthesis. While Career Management is just tips to get a good job and how to prep for the NCLEX. I realized that I also need to study the material from the last 3 years to do well on the HESI (indicative of the NCLEX). Good luck to me. I will definitely need it to get through this semester.

Oh yeah, and since I have Tuesdays off all semester, that means next week I get a 4 day weekend with Thomas!!!

Pikeville Apartment!!!

2011-08-19T19:21:00.000-04:00

It is finally time to post pictures of my apartment in Pikeville! I am so excited. It has took forever to get things unpacked, and I am still not completely there. My Mom was such a great help to me in unpacking, as were my In-Laws in helping us move in. Today was such a busy, busy day, but here it is.

Living Room

Kitchen (see my food storage I covered today)

Thomas' Office (he lives here)

Master Bathroom

Master Bedroom

I love my Washer and Dryer

Super Long Pretty Hallway (pictures to come)

Guest Bedroom (its a work in progress,

you should have seen it a yesterday morning)

Thats it! And I love it. Come visit!!!

Ps. Emily- post pictures of your new place too

Housewife

2011-08-15T15:10:00.000-04:00

I have loved, loved, loved our time here in Pikeville. Last week my Mommy and I set up most of the house, *thank you*. Now this week I get to be a little housewife! And it is the best job ever. Thomas studies like crazy and I organized all of his medical school stuff and office. I also get to make cute little meals from leftovers for lunch, and real meals for dinner. This morning I went and printed all of his notes, brought them to him, then went back and printed more lecture notes. It was a good three miles of walking and a great workout. I also walked to the grocery, and carried all of my groceries home. I love living downtown and having the option of walking rather than seeing my gas meter go down and down with each stop. Now its time for more decorating!

Orientation Week

2011-08-13T10:26:00.000-04:00

Orientation week is over for Thomas now and on Monday he starts with lecture. Then on Tuesday he has his first anatomy lab and I heard they start cutting into the cadavers on that day. So fun.

This week has been a blast. My Mommy has been at my apartment, and I have enjoyed having her so much. She helped out more than you can imagine in helping me unpack our apartment. I am not sure if that was her goal in coming, but she was amazing at it. She sewed up our clothes, ironed nearly all of Thomas' dress clothes for school (that was several hours in itself), and washed lots of clothes. By the way, I love having a washer and dryer, it is absolutely amazing. Definitely one of those things when you get, you never go back to not having one.

We had alot of fun going to different orientation events. Sunday night we went to a Barbecue at Stef's house. Then, Mama and I went and opened a water account on Monday, which was right beside the Library for Med Students, so we went and toured it. During which she met Dean Buzer who invited us to the picnic that night. (This is now a big joke that she is in with the Dean, because he came up to her first at the picnic and asked how she was doing.) The picnic was catered by Pig in a Poke. Thomas got his new laptop. We also toured the YMCA.

Mountain Top Removal- near a Coal Mine

Tuesday we drove around Pike county and saw the beautiful scenery. The mountains and trees are gorgeous. We also went and hiked the trail at Bob Amos park, which ended up leading us into a neighborhood 2 miles at the bottom of the mountain away from our car. That was an adventure.

Wednesday was our anniversary, I picked up Thomas from school along with his new textbooks, OP&P table, scrubs, white coat, stethoscope, opthalmoscope, otoscope... etc.

Thursday we went to a BBQ/ Baseball game. Thomas played hard, but the 2nd years won. But there is always next year. I also met a couple we are going to church with there. Later Thomas and I went on a walk downtown. Turns out, there was a free movie in the park and free hotdogs, popcorn, chocolate, drinks... etc. We enjoyed the food and headed home.

Friday Thomas got his Ipad, and he is so happy!

New Medical School- Thomas' 2nd year Classes

Pikeville is so gorgeous. The students are so friendly. And we are just enjoying everyday there. Ps. Come visit!

Year 4 Happy Anniversary

2011-08-11T22:12:00.000-04:00

On August 10, 2007 I was married to my best friend, Thomas Loesevitz.

I cannot believe that it has already been 4 years. And we have had so many wonderful adventures together. For our Anniversary I picked up Thomas from school. For dinner we went to El Azul Grande, the most highly recommended Mexican restaurant in town. We had a nice meal. Afterwards we went to the overlook at about sunset. It was gorgeous to see all of the mountains that surround us. We had a wonderful time, and really just enjoyed being together. But really, we treat everyday like its our anniversary because we are always together. I love Thomas!

KYCOM

2011-08-10T11:47:00.001-04:00

Thomas' medical school recently (July 1st) changed names to the University of Pikeville- Kentucky College of Osteopathic Medicine

This week is orientation. Monday, my Mommy and I walked Thomas to school. It was the saddest/ happiest thing to see him go. Ever since we have been married we have gone to the same school. Sure, his first semester in Lexington was at BCTC, but we parked right beside it and walked over. We also did institute that semester, so we would have lunch together all the time. But now, I have 8 weeks left of UK and he is at KYCOM.

It is so nice having my Mommy here. We have been doing tons of unpacking and getting organized. Plus setting up water, getting groceries... etc. It has been fun. We pretty much work all day, then spend time with Thomas in the evening.

Turns out Thomas gets a one hour lunch break everyday!!! And it is only a 7 minute walk from our apartment to the medical school. So he will be home everyday. I am so excited.

International Relations

2011-08-01T12:10:00.000-04:00

This past weekend Thomas' whole family came in for a visit. It was awesome. His Dad's cousin, Karin, was in from Canada with her daughter Amelia. And Aunt Ljuba came with her family, including Uncle Armin, Harald, and Melanie. This weekend was such a blast. And to make it even more exciting, Sabrina and Taylor also came over. We had such a blast hanging out, loafing by the pool, and... going to the movies to see Harry Potter (again). Not to mention the delicious German candies our sweet family brought us. Including Kinder chocolate, Mice!, and Gummy Bears. I love Germany and their candies.

As if family love couldn't get better, we also went to Princeton to visit my Mommy, Liam, Megan, and Jonathan. We are having such a great time, hanging out, eating fried chicken, and Thomas being my manly man and fixing up his car. This is Thomas' last week of freedom, as medical school orientation starts next Monday, so we are living it up.

Goodbye Lexington

2011-07-29T19:53:00.000-04:00

Last weekend we got all of our stuff moved out of our Lexington apartment and into our new Pikeville apartment. It took at whole 13 minutes for the elders quorum to move out our stuff... amazing! It took a couple of hours to move it in with just Thomas, his Dad, and the Elders. But we are so grateful for all of their help. I didn't get pics because there are still so many boxes.

After church on Sunday we came back to Lexington and finished our last week of work. We had a great time. I probably had my favorite class this week out of the whole summer. I taught Junior Chemist with 6, four and five year olds. We did awesome things like make bubble gum and toothpaste, edible volcanos, gak, gravity goo, and played with dry ice. It was just awesome. Such a fun camp with the most amazing bosses ever.

Our last week consisted of eating at Taco Bell, sleeping on Cindy's air mattress in our dining room, and sitting on the floor as we "took turns" with the computer. It was fun. We enjoyed Lexington and our summer jobs, but are so excited for the next chapter of our lives.

Harry Potter

2011-07-15T11:43:00.000-04:00

Early this morning I went to the midnight showing of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2 in 3D!!!

Check out our awesome glasses we got to keep

It was so cool. Thomas' little Brother Chris and I had a great time going to the movie. It was nice to watch it with Thomas' other brother Daniel. It was so great and awesome. Definitely one you have to see a few times to catch everything. But so super fun. Especially the 3D, it was probably the best 3D movie.

Independence Day

2011-07-05T23:35:00.002-04:00

Every year for the 4th of July weekend, we head to Arkansas for a Hudson family reunion. This year we did not fail.

We are having a blast. Thomas got up at 5am for Uncle Bob to teach him how to smoke a pork butt. I woke up a few hours later to a delicious breakfast consisting of pancakes, eggs, sausage, and toast. Yum.

Afterwards Thomas and I rode together on the four wheeler. Thomas said "Nothing says independence day like riding four wheelers, you cannot get more American than this".

For lunch we had that delicious smoked pork butt, and smoked ribs. It was soo soo good!

And of course we bought and lit off fireworks. We both enjoyed the snaps and roman candles.

Happy 4th of July!

Camp Learnings

2011-06-30T23:54:00.001-04:00

Thomas and I have learned so much during our summer camp so far. I think everyone needs to work together at a summer camp to truly appreciate each other and decide how they will raise their kids.

1. Apologize. It is so hard for me to apologize because I feel like I didn't do anything wrong. But someone said today, about the kids, just apologize even if it wasn't your fault.

2. Set the example. If you are a nightmare and back talk, so will your kids.

3. Thomas is amazing with kids. I can throw out a lesson easy without little prep, but Thomas can entertain even the most challenging kids even when I am done with everything.

4. If all else fails, just quote King Curtis. "I was having a real calm day, then a bump in the road comes along, and she be's sarcastic!" "She's acting like she's the queen, and we're the sorry people" "She can try to catch me, but she can't run in them little high heels"... And "Bacon is good for me!"

Date Night

2011-06-24T20:36:00.000-04:00

Thomas and I had a wonderful week at work. It was so nice to be able to work together. We taught Emergency Medicine to the kids. It was fun to be able to teach some of my nursing skills mixed in with Thomas' knowledge of biology.

But after a long week it was nice to be able to relax and go on a date! After a nice nap, we went to Gattitown and pigged in on pizza as we watched Gnomeo and Juliet. I love that movie. Afterwards, I knew I needed to get to work on planning my activity for youth conference. I had to search for glow in the dark volleyballs. We went to Target and while there saw a live band playing outside of Fro-Jos. We stopped a listened. Then we went inside to get some frozen yogurt. It was so good. I sampled a mix of vanilla and red velvet cake. Thomas sampled a mix of strawberry and birthday cake. We ended up getting that with sprinkles and whipped cream. Afterwards we went to Dicks and I got new flipflops that were $30 for $7.50.

It was such a great date night. Lets do it again!

Father's Day

2011-06-19T21:46:00.000-04:00

Father's Day is a pretty hard time. I love my Daddy and miss him dearly.

He is the most wonderful man I have ever known. He was so sweet, so giving, so funny, and just a blast to be around. It is really hard for me that he isn't here. And even harder to write this post. But writing it, will make things a little less hard in the long run.

I thought about what I would get my Daddy for Father's Day if he were here. A few days ago Thomas and I went to Marshalls department store and found the perfect gift. A 1 Gallon Bubba Keg! My Daddy got a Bubba keg in about '05 and loved it and used it until it warped and would no longer close. Then my Mommy got him a slightly bigger one. He used that forever and then she got an even bigger one. But if he were here, I would get him the 1 gallon Bubba keg.

My Daddy is also a man who enjoyed food, and was so sweet about anything you made for him. Even if it really sucked, he made you feel like a million bucks. Some of my favorite memories are from occasionally when I was a little girl, waking up early to make him eggs, sausage, bacon, and toast for breakfast. When I was really young, I loved to wake up and drink the last bit of his slim fast drink for breakfast. Every time he had a drink, it would always be my job to "kill it"- drink the last gulp.

I have had a handful of dreams in which I see my Daddy again. He looks amazing, full of life, and his joyous self again, with the best bear hugs. I like to think of this dreams as a glimpse into heaven. Until I join you in heaven Daddy... I love you! Happy Father's Day!!!

Rush, Rush, Rush

2011-06-18T16:54:00.000-04:00

This week was crazy busy with our first week at work. We were constantly rushing trying to get all of the experiments done and then cleaned up. It was alot of work. Last night we finally got to go to the temple and it was so nice to be able to go again. And such a wonderful feeling as soon as we got in there.

We had rushed all day. We rushed getting dressed. We rushed getting breakfast ready. Getting to work. Getting our experiments done. Getting the classroom cleaned up. Going home. Packing. Grabbing a snack. Driving to the temple. Getting inside the temple. Getting changed. Going to the bathroom. Then as soon as we stepped through the door, we both thought, why don't they hurry up. Then it hit both of us separately, just like jumping into the pool on a hot day with all of your clothes on. And its like, we are here. We were at the temple and we didn't have to rush anymore. We could both just relax after a nice long week at work.

"I love to see the Temple..."

6 Months to Graduation

2011-06-16T22:52:00.000-04:00

In 6 months from today I will be graduating from UK. It will be long awaiting and will mark to end to some great years of my life. I have loved going to college. Its so crazy that in 6 months my college life will be over. School is all I have ever really known. I left for UK the summer after high school was over in 2006, and yeah I have been here awhile, but I loved it.

While at UK, I met my amazing husband Thomas. I made some great friends. Pretty much traveled everywhere. And learned so much about Nursing and life.

My last semester is going to be super hard, not only Thomas being 150 miles away, but High Acuity (ICU) is crazy hard. But I am going to give it my all and have an amazing last semester, and someday look back on the days that I had to study.

Fajitas

2011-06-15T23:29:00.001-04:00

Last year my Mommy taught us how to make fajitas. And today they were the best ever! At first I was skeptical about the huge chicken breast that Thomas put on there without cutting, but he knew what he was doing, because it was so juicy.

Required:
George Forman grill (don't cook in skillet, yuk)

Sprinkle chicken with Cajun seasoning and pepper. Cook on grill topped and surrounded with onions and as many colors of bell peppers as you can afford. Place in a serving bowl. *trick: cut chicken in the bowl to keep in all of the yummy juices*

And for a Qdoba style love:
Wrap in warm tortilla with black beans, Spanish rice, salsa, and cheese

Sorry no picture, I ate them too quickly!

Hatfield McCoy Mini-Marathon

2011-06-13T00:12:00.000-04:00

I am so proud of Thomas for finishing his mini-marathon. He placed 3rd in his age group and 26th overall. That is awesome. He got a great time of 2 hours and 4 minutes! He did so good.

Following the race, their was a festival in Williamson, WV. We went there and looked around. While there, we saw this awesome building made out of coal.

Afterwards it was nice to go to Pikeville and look at our new apartment. We got to go in and take pictures of our new place. I won't post until we move in, even though my stuff is already in there. So I remember saying before that the person living there has my same hair straightener, Dreamcast, Nursing textbooks, and Nike Shox, all in the same color, edition, brand... everything. But now I find out that they have the same Jeep Liberty... in black! How creepy is that? But, mine is Renegade edition, whew, that was getting weird.

Camp Orientation

2011-06-09T21:10:00.002-04:00

Really? Am I really getting paid for this? "Just go with it Squidy" -Spongebob

Today I did awesome experiments like making fake wounds, ate Mad Mushroom pizza and oreos for lunch, watched YouTube videos "King Curtis", and launched off rockets that went in the air 60 feet.

This is pretty much the coolest job ever! And I love how laid back everyone is. So, their phase is "Science was never this much fun", but seriously, Work was never this much fun.

Love My New Job

2011-06-08T19:38:00.003-04:00

Today was the first day of orientation and... I love my new job!

It was kind of a bummer when Thomas and I couldn't work together today. He had Camp Emergency Vet to prepare for, and I was preparing for Camp Grossology. Though my camp was super cool, I was a little jealous that Thomas had a partner. Though later I got a partner and we had so much fun doing the experiments.

I cannot wait for camp to start. I am going to have a blast with these kids. One of my favorites is Gravity Goo, too fun. We are also making dookie cookies, bird barf, fake blood, and so many more.

Dating

2011-06-06T12:08:00.002-04:00

I went on the cutest date with Thomas this morning!

Sure, by others standards it may not be their dream date, but it sure was mine. When we think about some of the best moments in our lives, what sticks out is Summer 2007 when we were dating. And today I felt like I went back in time. We started out by going to the McDonalds that Thomas used to work at when we were dating and got Bacon Egg and Cheese McGriddles... yum! Then we went to Roses to look at stuff there and bought random junk, so fun. Afterwards, we went to Amazin Glazin Donuts and I got a Bavarian cream filled donut. Later today, we are going to go swimming all day and loaf by the pool.

It was just perfect, especially because we are starting our jobs in 2 days, and it won't really be the same. Thank you for the amazing date, I love you sweetheart!

Everything Bagels

2011-06-05T18:05:00.003-04:00

A few days ago when I was at my Uncle Jimmy's house, he gave my Mommy and me some "Everything" bagel topping from Dunkin Donuts. I was so excited, as soon as I got home I had to make them.

So, this morning I woke up at 7:30 to make them. And since I had to make a dozen, I said to myself "hey, why not make other flavors". I also made blueberry (not very good), plain, and cinnamon sugar walnut (to die for). We ate almost all of them. I cannot wait to make them again!

8. Sell something on Etsy

2011-06-04T15:18:00.003-04:00

I cannot believe it! I actually sold something on Etsy. Someone in Georgia bought my Black Luma. I was so thrilled to see this when I got to check my computer again. And since I couldn't ship it until I got home, I made a threw in a little "Star Bit" (or at least my version of it). I hope they like it.

I am so pumped to make more things and sell them! *Silently thinking to myself in a Mr. Crabs from Spongebob voice "Money, Money, Money"*

Summer Bucket List

2011-06-03T00:06:00.005-04:00

Last week I started a Summer Bucket list after seeing my friend, Autumn's list. I just think it is so much fun and such a motivator to do some really awesome things this summer. So, here we go!

1. Read Book of Mormon/ Honor Bee
~~2. NHSC Scholarship Application~~
3. Make a scrub top
~~4. Try 5 new bread recipes~~
~~5. Finish Thomas' requirements for PCSOM~~
6. Follow through on a exercise plan
~~7. Take my multivitamins every day for a month~~
~~8. Sell something on Etsy~~
9. Go to the temple 4 times
10. Paint a picture
11. Make a 16x20" collage
~~12. Memorize 2 Medications each week~~
13. Beat Super Princess Peach on the DS
14. Dance in the rain
~~15. Go swimming at midnight~~
16. Hike to Natural Bridge
17. Go camping
18. Crochet 2 hats and donate to Markey Cancer Center
~~19. Go fishing~~
~~20. Draw with sidewalk chalk~~
~~21. Go to a county fair/ festival~~
~~22. Watch fireworks~~
~~23. Go Bowling~~
24. Learn to play tennis
~~25. Blow bubbles~~
~~26. Play Baseball~~
27. Throw a football with Thomas
28. Set up my hammock and take a nap in it
29. Go rollerskating
30. Index 1000 names

Destination: Kansas City

2011-06-02T10:23:00.003-04:00

We spent Memorial Day weekend in Shawnee, Kansas with my Mommy, my Grandma, and Uncle Warren. And it was so great to get to see family.

Friday- We stopped at Russell Stovers along our way and hung out

Saturday- Garage Sales! We found some great stuff. I got a few tops, and I also got a bag for free. My Mommy got a whole bunch of clothes for Daphne. Thomas got Marioparty for the N64 for 25 cents. Thomas and I also walked around the park and went to the grocery. We also learned how to play turkey foot dominoes.

Sunday- We went to church with my Grandma and met up with my Aunt Louise and her husband Ron, as well as my Uncle Mark. We had a nice afternoon together. Later, we headed down to Baldwin City, Kansas where my Grandma was born and raised. Its also where my Grandpa is buried and we put flowers by his grave.

Monday- We went to the JcPenney outlet for the last time. I have been going here for as long as I can remember and now they are shutting it down. They didn't have any cool things like they did last year, but I still got a pair of khakis for $7. We hung out and watched the Royals on TV.

Tuesday- We had a nice breakfast with Grandma and Warren, then we hit the road. On our way, we stopped at the National World War 1 Memorial, and looked at the KC Skyline.

Destination: St. Louis

2011-06-01T19:08:00.002-04:00

Thomas, my Mommy, and I continued our adventure today by going to visit my Uncle Jimmy and Aunt Carol, who live outside of St. Louis. We had such a great time sitting around and laughing with them, seeing their dogs, chickens, honey bees, and going to Pizza Pro. Pizza Pro is a buffet in Wentzville, and it is out of this world good. They have about 8 pizzas on the buffet and when a new one comes out, they bring it around to all the tables first and let everyone have as much as they want. My Uncle, without a doubt my Daddy's brother, learned quick to sit right beside the kitchen. It was so good. They had everything from cheese and pepperoni, to the special, taco pizza, buffalo chicken pizza, cordon bleu pizza, fettuccine alfredo pizza, to hamburger pizza with pickles! It was a Thomas heaven for sure. Then they made dessert pizza, which included oreo pizza, banana pudding pizza, cherry pie pizza, strawberry pie pizza, and... Smores pizza! It was so stinking good!

It was so good to see my Aunt and Uncle. It amazes me how much my Uncle acts just like my Daddy and it was great to hear all of the crazy stories about him and my Daddy, as there were many. Best quote from my Daddy "I've got one good *butt* kicking left in me, and I'll use it on you"

Picking Mulberries

2011-05-24T23:01:00.002-04:00

I absolutely love mulberries! When I was a kid, I would wake up early to beat the birds to the ripe ones. So today I was so excited when it was late in the afternoon and there were tons of ripe mulberries. Thomas, my Mommy, and myself had so much fun picking the mulberries and eating them. They were delicious. I am thinking about making a jam out of it... we shall see.

Cotton Candy

2011-05-23T21:15:00.003-04:00

I cannot believe I got a cotton candy machine today!

I have been wanting a cotton candy machine for about a year now. I looked around and begged Thomas for it, but nothing happened. But today, Thomas' Mommy took me to Kohls and got me one. It is so cute. And what makes it even better is that it makes cotton candy out of hard candy. Yes, that does mean lifesavers, cream savers, cinnamon, butterscotch, hard caramels, and mints. And we totally tried all of them tonight.

Here is a picture of me and Thomas' little brother Chris after we made one with 4 different layers. It was the most amazing.

Service

2011-05-22T23:25:00.001-04:00

On Saturday I went down to Corbin with the Young Women for a service project. While were were there, we made bags of essentials to send to the tornado victims and victims of other diasters. It was so nice to put the bags together with the girls. We were also able to make fleece blankets that will be given to children in the hospital and children in women's shelters.

I love coming home from those activities and you just feel great, like you can do anything and you just have such a strong desire to do good.

Destination: Myrtle Beach

2011-05-21T23:47:00.008-04:00

Thomas and I just got back from an amazing vacation to Myrtle Beach, South Carolina! We had such a wonderful time there. We stayed four nights and loved the entire stay.

First off, our hotel was amazing. I booked an awesome hotel for only $45 a night, and the room wasn't oceanfront, it was ocean side... so I figured okay we will be smashed up against another hotel and if we fall out of the balcony maybe we can see the ocean, but no, it was amazing.

The room was amazing, let alone there was an outdoor pool, outdoor lazy river, indoor hot tub, and indoor pool that felt like a warm bath. I loved just spending time with Thomas and relaxing. But we also had a whole bunch of fun. We went to play miniature golf at Buccaneer Bay, which was $5 a person for all day play.

We were so pumped that our hotel was about a half mile from the brand new boardwalk, which we walked down to 3 of the 4 nights. I loved that the beach was still hopping after the sun went down.

The second night we were on the boardwalk we noticed a couple huge arcades. Of course we had to try it out. We played a few games and then we found Hitter's Rally, which is a pinball baseball game, and if you get 28 runs, you get a prize. So, on the first try, Thomas won me a prize!

We had a wonderful time, and were so grateful to spend time together and relax after Thomas' graduation and long hours of studying.

Applying for Scholarships

2011-05-13T15:17:00.002-04:00

On Tuesday, the National Health Service Corps finally posted their scholarship, and it is due on June 9th. I think it might be the death of me, but we have to get it in. Thomas is smart, amazing, and loves small towns. So, I am going to do everything I can to get this application ready.

If he got the scholarship, it covers all of medical school tuition, plus a monthly stipend. After that, I can just work to pay for the other bills. I pray every night that he can be a good applicant and that everything will go well with this.

The requirement is to work in a less fortunate area for 4 years in general practice. That is what we were going to do anyway. Thomas loves pediatrics and small towns. Plus, you still get paid. I am not seeing the downside in this. There is even a position open in my hometown... but its psych. So, we don't even have to leave Kentucky. There are also position in Lexington at the health department. I hope he gets this scholarship. It would make a huge difference in our lives. Wish us luck!

Wii Dancing

2011-05-12T17:13:00.000-04:00

Thomas' little brother Chris has gotten me hooked on Wii dancing games. Everytime we come over, we would always play Just Dance, Just Dance 2, and Michael Jackson dance game. Which I loved Michael Jackson dance game so much that I had to get a copy for myself. Chris came home with Country Music Dancing game. And it is so much fun. Some of the songs I just want to sing them as I know about 85% of them. It is just a blast. It has Boot Scootin Boogie, Chattahootchie, Ring of Fire, Life is a Highway, Stuck on You... just everything. Thank you Chris!

Camp Scientific

2011-05-11T16:23:00.000-04:00

Thomas and I both got jobs at the Camp Scientific! It is a science camp for kids, where they come and do awesome experiments all week long. We are so excited to get jobs, especially together. It was so cute, when they interviewed us, we were interviewed together and got the job together. Too cute!

It was a long awaited battle to find a summer job. I had a big problem with finding a nursing internship and it causing problems with Thomas and I having to be separated. But now, we cannot get away from each other... and I like that!!!

It was crazy how I found the job. I was sitting around thinking, my Heavenly Father isn't going to leave me out like this. There has to be something for me this summer. So I looked at the Kentucky Kernel on Monday of finals week, called up, got an interview for Wednesday, and today they called back wanting us both. We couldn't be more happy and grateful.

Thomas' Graduation

2011-05-10T10:20:00.004-04:00

Thomas graduated on Sunday, May 8th at 6pm. I am so proud of him! We had such a wonderful day. Everything was perfect.

We had present Thomas, Me, my Mommy, Arthur, Christa, Chris, Stephan, Sarah, and Daniel. And had a wonderful Turkey feast. With a delicious dessert. My mommy and I worked very hard in the kitchen, but the deliciousness of everything made it worth it.

The graduation itself was great. I had my Mommy get out with Thomas to save some seats. We were worried when she said she was on the opposite side as he was going to be sitting. But as it turned out, he was sitting just across from us. We couldn't have asked for better seats. They called his name and as he walked across the stage, we couldn't be more proud with lots of cheers. Afterwards, Thomas was very excited when they played "My Old Kentucky Home", and the UK fight song with fireworks. Go UK! Go Thomas!

Getting Ready

2011-05-07T23:54:00.002-04:00

Today was filled with lots of planning for tomorrow. We cleaned our apartment for almost two hours, and it looks great. It was alot, but definantly worth it. We took a load to goodwill, some to the bookstore, and a few trash trips.

My Mommy came in this afternoon to celebrate early with us. Since tomorrow is Sunday, we decided to go out tonight to celebrate. Thomas loves barbecue and a couple months ago we saw that the show "Diners, Drive-ins, and Dives" was doing an episode in Lexington at JJ McBrewsters. So I finally took Thomas there. It was so good and we had a great time. I recommend what I got, the Pig Bark Panini. It was huge, like two big sandwiches. Yummy!

We spent the rest of the evening making the rolls, getting the turkey ready, and making other preparations. I am so excited for tomorrow. I am ready to see my amazing husband walk across the floor of Rupp Arena and be a college graduate! I am so proud.

Allilo Shop

2011-05-06T22:41:00.002-04:00

Today I finally got my Etsy shop up and moving. This week I decided that I will start off by making Lumas from Super Mario Galaxy. I made 6 and also made Lubba from Super Mario Galaxy 2. I am very excited about how things will go and if I sell anything. If not, I like them and don't mind keeping them, especially Lubba, he is so cute. You can see my store on the bottom right of the screen.

Also, as we were starting to clean up the house, I decided I had way too many loose grocery sacks. So I made a cute little holder for them out of some leftover fabric and viola! I am so proud of it, especially making it with elastic at the bottom, its a new step for me. Yay!

Raven Run

2011-05-05T23:39:00.003-04:00

After my final today, Thomas took me to Raven Run. It is a "nature sanctuary" that has several trails. It was so beautiful to go on the trails. We walked for almost two hours and didn't see half of everything there. But it was the perfect amount, we didn't want to over do it.

I was kinda worried with all of the rain that the trails would be muddy. They were muddy in some parts, but the extra rain made the streams even that much more beautiful. There was a gorgeous waterfall that we got to see. And it was just so peaceful and beautiful.

I guess one of the paths we took went through the stream that is usually empty. Well, it was full and we had to skip our way across. Thomas went and got a huge flat rock and set it down so I didn't get my feet wet. He is too sweet! But we had a wonderful time. I am so grateful for the water pack my Mommy got Thomas for Christmas. I can do anything if I have lots and lots of water. Yay! Fun date!

I love my Mommy

2011-05-04T18:47:00.004-04:00

Mommy and Grandma

This upcoming weekend it way too packed full of fun and adventure, so I will go ahead and send out my Mother's Day love now.

I love my Mommy. She is one of my best friends. I have always admired her. Growing up, I was always her shadow, and much hasn't changed since I turned 23. One of the most memorable times when I just looked up to her was when I was a senior in high school. She would wake up early for work, make my Daddy breakfast and have it waiting on his tray, bring him a diet coke, head to work 40 miles away, had a crazy job, would come home, clean the whole house, make dinner, give my Daddy all his medicines, take care of him, take care of me, and she was in the Stake Young Womens that was 40 miles away. That is just absolutely amazing.

I am so grateful for the Mother I have been given. She is such a great example. She has such a great testimony. And she isn't fake about it either. She can tell you pretty quick how she feels about something. And I just love her for everything she does and is. I love you Mommy. Hope we have many, many more Mother's Days to come!

Spring Semester Classes

2011-05-03T19:25:00.002-04:00

As this is finals week, I am taking time to reflect on this semester. First off, I am so happy that it is almost over! I was so scared and nervous coming into this semester, Public Health and Psych. Neither of which are things I am interested in. I have learned that I still am not interested, but I have learned alot. And I am very grateful for the things I have learned. I feel that they will really help me out in my future nursing career to have an open mind and understanding of others.

I did have some really good parts to this semester. I had Psych clinical at the VA, which was awesome. I could at least understand. These guys saw some crazy stuff. Kids with mental disorders, would have freaked me out. I also was at a Daycare for public health. What does that have to do with public health? I am still not sure, but I loved the kids and we had loads of fun, especially playing hot potato, twilight scene-it, playing on the playground, doing gymnastics, and going swimming.

But most importantly I was with Thomas!

What is store for next semester? High Acuity for 7 weeks (known as ICU), which is going to be extremely difficult and time consuming, but I will be in the new UK hospital. UK... yes that means away from Thomas, but I have an awesome family in my church that is letting me move in with them. But after that, I will be moving in with my wonderful Husband in Pikeville. I have clinical for 7 weeks in the Emergency Department from 7am-7pm at Pikeville Medical Center. And it gets even better because I can go to different floors. Which means, great preparation for the NCLEX and job searching (find the best unit and put in my application). Yay!

Etsy

2011-05-02T19:58:00.003-04:00

I have often thought about starting an Etsy shop. Every time I make something, everyone thinks it is just the most beautiful and wonderful thing ever. For example, the purse I made on the Azores, my hat, and scarf.

I am sure if I tried hard enough to make everything look professional that people would buy it. I am just wondering if I could actually make a profit. Hum...

Honor Bee

2011-05-01T20:49:00.002-04:00

I love those awesome women that even though they are no longer in youth, or are converts so they never were in youth, they work extra hard and her their young womens medallions. And it almost seems that they are more excited about it that the girls are. And the girls are so thrilled when they get their medallion, I was.

So since I have been in the Stake Young Womens, I have learned about the "Honor Bee". It is a cute little charm that goes on your necklace after you receive your medallion. The goal is to read the Book of Mormon and do 40 hours of service, mostly helping other young women receive their medallion.

I have decided that I am going to try super hard to get this done hopefully before we move in July, if not then before I fully move to Pikeville in October. Wish me luck!

Run Thomas Run

2011-04-30T21:10:00.003-04:00

Today my husband Thomas finished his second marathon! I was so proud of him as he crossed the finish line. His time was 4:54:30. What a great time. He totally wasn't prepared (thinking the day before they were just going to do the mini), but ended up doing 15 minutes better than last year. He is so amazing. I am so glad that him and his daddy got to run it together this year. Again they did the Louisville Derby Marathon.

I love my husband so much! He wore a shirt by Qdoba that said "Run Fast, Eat Naked" (as in naked burrito meaning no tortilla), just so he could get 2 free entrees to take me on a date. He is the most wonderful husband ever! I love him!

Doner Kabab

2011-04-29T13:29:00.004-04:00

I often reminisce about our wonderful trip to Germany in 2008. Lately I have thought about Doner Kababs. They are a Turkish sandwich like the gyro, but a million times better because they aren't grease balls. We were in Germany for 14 days and he ate at least 10 Doners. Other foods were currywurst with fries, schnitzel, goulash, and hanchen (chicken).

Over a month ago we were in the new European Food Mart and saw an ad for Doner Kababs in Nicholasville. It took a while to find the time at lunch to go to Nicholasville, but today we made the trek.

We were so excited. The meat was chicken, which was my favorite. They weren't exactly like the ones in Germany, but they were really good, cheap, and big!

Lalala, wishing I was back in Germany.

Grad Announcments

2011-04-28T16:46:00.004-04:00

We can almost see the window in the tunnel for Thomas. I cannot say the light at the end of the tunnel, because the tunnel continues for another 4 years. But Undergrad is almost over for Thomas. It is in just over a week!

Today I got Thomas' announcements almost completely done. I am missing friends from Portugal and friends that I don't have their addresses, but I have nearly all of our families. Yay! I think they are so cute, and I worked really hard on them. All I started with were blank cards with the seal and blank envelopes. I designed, photographed, and printed everything. I think my favorite is the little UK on the return address label. It is precious!

Eastern State Hospital

2011-04-27T19:06:00.003-04:00

Yesterday my psychiatric nursing clinical went to Eastern State Hospital.

It was definitely something out of a movie to see the old abandoned ballroom and the dungeon. The rooms in the dungeon were small, not tall enough to stand up in, and used to have shackles in them.

Since this place is 187 years old it has so much history. Apparently if you were crazy your family kicked you out and you stayed in the hospital until you died. There are about 20,000 unmarked graves surrounding the premises.

Also creepy, as we were walking to the front door, it opened on its own and then slammed shut. The tour guide said "I didn't do that". It was pretty crazy. We also talked about ghost stories in the dungeon... real ones.

Happy Easter

2011-04-26T21:19:00.005-04:00

I just have to get in my Easter post even though it is late. We had a wonderful Easter with my Mommy. We were able to hang out the whole weekend. We hid easter baskets, watched movies, played Pirate Fluxx, made delicious turkey, ate shrimp scampi, and just relaxed. It was such a great weekend.

Crazy story, Sunday afternoon lightening struck the house and messed up my Mom's computer. It rained so much! I thought we were going to have to use Andrew's boat to get back home to Lexington. Below is a picture of my Mom's front yard.

Figuring It Out

2011-04-20T20:47:00.002-04:00

Today I was crushed when I found out that my summer job/ internship is forcing me to stay at UK until December. Which means no Pikeville... which means 7 more weeks, totaling one whole semester without Thomas. My only choice is to give up the internship.

It was a hard decision/ realization coming up with that today. But on the bright side I get to be in the Emergency Department in Pikeville, I will get to be with my wonderful Husband, and no night shifts. I will probably miss out on some experience which is what I wanted, especially with IVs.

I know the Lord is watching out for me and my family, and they are whats most important. As I've heard it said in the church "The most important is your family, then your work/ school, then church".

On the bright side, I found out my tuition is being paid for yet again. I didn't know prayers were answered that quickly.

Lexington Favorites

2011-04-19T00:59:00.003-04:00

As I have been living in Lexington for almost 5 years, I am going to make a list of the things I love, and am totally going to miss when I leave.

1. Qdoba- Craft 2 with Tacos and Mexican Gumbo!
2. UK Basketball and Football- Oh those moments when we beat LSU & Louisville
3. Aldi- Cheap groceries and German candies, was the store built for me?
4. Being a student- do I really have to grow up?
5. The Mall- living so close is just awesome, then getting good deals
6. Chick-Fil-A- Best Christmas present: Cow Calendar with free coupons
7. Target- I just love walking around and buying essentials
8. Kroger
9. How close it is to our family- this deserves a higher spot
10. Kirklevington Park
11. The pool at our apartment
12. Great friends- also needs a higher spot
13. Joanns- inspires me to be crafty
14. Johnny Carinos- Sicilian Firesticks
15. Board Game Store
16. Culvers- Concrete Mixer ice cream
17. Goodfellas- I have to get the 22" pizza
18. Mad Mushroom- $5 pizza Monday and Tuesday
19. Dating My Best Friend- all time number 1
20. Taylor Swift Concert in Walmart

It has been a great time here in Lexington. And while I sometimes think of how I am going to miss all of these things, I change my thoughts to: My to-do list!

Getting Crafty

2011-04-18T13:36:00.003-04:00

I made the cutest scripture cover! And all by myself!

A few months ago I saw an adorable scripture cover that Jenna had in church. Emily and I about died when we saw how cute it was. So Emily made hers and it was super cute. Since I had barely used my sewing machine I did not feel comfortable enough. But after I made my purse... I was unstoppable. I used the scraps from my purse, the skirt I never finished, and my Halloween costume a couple of years ago, and voila!

I love my Calling

2011-04-17T23:55:00.000-04:00

In December I got called to be Second Counselor in the Stake Young Womens. And this past Friday I just had one of those "I am an amazing daughter of my Heavenly Father" feelings. We had a YCL barbecue at Tammy Carlton's house. First off it was awesome because 16 girls came, as opposed to the 2 last year. We had such a great devotion/ training. Tammy went through the scriptures and we read different verses on leaders. And as we went through I just found it so amazing how so many questions really can be answered through the Book of Mormon. I have read several times about Captain Moroni, but it just really hit home this time, that it is so important to stand up for what you believe. I love my Young Women.