A corduroy kind of morning

Today I had the privilege of having breakfast with my grandma. She makes me smile with joy. I arrived to find her in the cutest blue corduroy overalls ever, a pretty pink shirt, and a fresh haircut. She's so cute. She even got complimented by another lady. I'm gonna wear overalls when I'm a grandma.

My grandma is of the most encouraging people I know. And she loves Jesus with her whole heart, and lives it with her life. It is so fun to chat with her, because it radiates from her. Our conversation is always hopeful and full of life, because she is hopeful and full of life.

People tell me I am kinda like her. I like that. It's humbling. If I am half of who she is, that would be such an honor.

How do I love thee?

He sits on the couch with me and chats.
He greets me with a big smile and hug.
He makes me laugh.
He lays in the dark with me at night and listens to my stories.
He dances with me in the kitchen.
He harmonizes with me as we sing random songs.
He really loves me.

I love being married to John. He makes my heart smile.

Friends make the world go round

Over the past few days, I have been reminded time and time again of how lucky I am to have friends in my life. Somehow, I got to chat with many special people in these last two days. How cool is that.

- An encouraging email and note from Katie. Thank you for being the ray of hope in my day, K.- A super yummy dinner and Vons run with Jessi. Thanks for being so easy to be with and talk to, Jess. And thanks for having similar food tastes as me. :)
- An amazing time of fellowship with the bible study girls. I am encouraged and challenged by you all each week, and I love it. And you all. (pictures coming soon-when I take some)

- A lunchtime chat with Brie. You inspire me with your dreams, B.
- Dinner at the bakery with my once-roomie A. I love you with all my heart, friend.
- A random encounter with a past professor and friend. So good to see you Kathleen.
- And a funny text message from my little sister. I love how we read each other's minds, Bean.
Friendship is so good for the soul. It warms my heart like a cup of tea on a cold day. I love that friendships grow and become stronger through life seasons. And I love that new friendships begin and blossom like a flower. (or whatever blossoms).

As a communication major in my past life, I have a fascination and love for interpersonal communication. Interpersonal relationships. AKA friendship. One on ones. Small gatherings. They are the best. People are happier who have meaningful relationships in life. And girls need girl friends. I feel such joy that I have a few of these girls in my life.

"Perfume and incense bring joy to the heart, and the pleasantness of one's friend springs from his earnest counsel." Proverbs 27:9

A lovely pot

One day when I have a kitchen table and have tea parties for the ladies in the family, I want to have a tea kettle like this. And lots of pretty tea cups. All different. But each beautiful.


And if I have a little girl, I'm going to secretly convince her she likes tea parties, and once she asks for her own tea set, I'm going to get her something like one of these.

Pray for Layla Grace

I recently started following this blog about a family of five. Mom, dad, Jenna - age 9 (today), Claire, and Layla Grace - age 2. Layla has stage 4 neuroblastoma. Cancer. She has about a day or two left. You can follow her on twitter here to get updates. Tonight, her big sisters said goodbye and are going to stay with their grandma. Layla is at home with her mom and dad.

Layla Grace needs God's peace. Her family knows the peace and love of Jesus. Pray that there would be an outpouring of His grace and peace and love on this family tonight. In this moment.

This is Layla when she got a puppy a few weeks back. The puppy hasn't left her side.

I am truly humbled at the faith of this family. They trust God completely. Even though they don't understand. They understand His love. God loves this family and God loves Layla Grace.

Just as much as God loves me and you.

Jesus said, "Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these." Matthew 19:14

Kutless - What Faith Can Do

Study buddies

I don't know what I'd do without these two.
They make me smile.

[Disclaimer] These were taken with my fairly old and semi-lame cell phone, so the quality isn't great. Ah well. I was covered in a blanket, books, and a computer. I used what I had.

So ... yeah

I got to see my mom today! Em and I made a spur-of-the-moment stop over for a bit to visit while she was home because her patient canceled. Mom made me coffee and a cinnamon bagel and I filled her in on my last five days (or something like that) since I had talked to her. Trust me - this is a long time for us. And Emma got to run with Casey and Sammy. Sammy loves her. It's so cute - he gets so excited now.
She told me about a conversation she had with a nurse, and it made me think I should start building some contacts. Like, I have none. I hate building contacts. I seriously hate networking. I think it's lame, it takes advantage of people, and it's fake. But that's how the world works. I guess I better make some fast friends. So I don't have to call it networking. I can call it friendship.
I finished another paper today. Whoopie! I get a little annoyed that I am writing papers. I mean really? Nursing school? It's supposed to make me a better critical thinker. I wonder how you evaluate if it's working.
Emma had dog training tonight. She had to make a figure 8 through poles. She was afraid of the poles. Gosh I love that dog. The trainers love her too. They said, "aww Emma it's ok, she's so cute." Then I heard one say to the other, "I can't even watch Emma she's so cute and makes me laugh." I like that trainer. Granted - she doesn't really go "down" ... or "come" ... or "stay" super well.... but she's learning. I'm patient. Her graduation is in 2 weeks. We have to go through an obstacle course. I told her we better get practicing (more me than her). She agrees.
We had tacos for dinner. The first time I made them ever. Granted, the shells were store bought. I think that counts though. They were pretty good. I even convinced J to eat a little meat. He's my unofficial vegetarian. But I love him anyway.
I follow this mommy blog, (as well as others - yes, I stalk strangers - trust me, it's not that wierd) and figured out today that this girl makes her living off her blog. How cool would it be to make my living off my blog?? I would never have to work again. Although, that may make my school a bit of a waste. I guess I'll stick with my day job for now. Since I've only got 5 followers right now. :) A girl can dream, right? Dreaming is what keeps me going day to day. Life's too depressing without dreams.
We watched 24 tonight. Gosh Jack is so cool. He's a little softer this season - his heart shows. I like that. I love that show. No one talks about it anymore. Old news. I don't think so. I'm faithful week after week. Besides, we don't have cable, and it's on hulu. Which means it's free. But I'll only watch it if J is there. Because I usually have to cover my eyes at least three times each episode. Either that or I fall asleep. J is smart. He knows. So he bought me yogurt mill beforehand with mini reeses pieces so I would make it through.
Speaking of covering eyes, have you ever seen Gattaca? Don't. Trust me. We watched it in ethics class yesterday. Longest two hours of my life. Well maybe not life. But it's wierd. It was a 7 watch checker (that's how my favorite stepdad rates movies. The lower score, the better the movie. 7 is not good).
I'm freezing. The heater is on, but sometimes I get so internally cold that it doesn't matter that it's on and I have a sweater and pants and socks and a blanket. It's just cold. Which I love - really I do. I better go cover Luigi. It's bedtime for that sweet little bird. Emma's out. She had a big day. She got her bordatella vaccine today too - just a little spray in the nose. She's tough. PS - people who say they don't need vaccines... let me tell you. You do. Just trust me. Don't try to beat the virus, or disease, or whatever you're trying to beat. Just get the stinking vaccine and be done with it.
Well, enough randomness for tonight. If you made it to the end, congrats! This is what my mind is like all the time. No real deep thoughts. Just some random ones. Jumping from one side of the trampoline to the other.
Good night friends. Sweet dreams Tuesday.

These are the days of my life

Since I have clinical on Saturdays right now, Sundays are J and my only day together where we are both off. Since I did ACLS on Friday, I had a backload of homework to do on Sunday. In the midst of it though, there were some fun moments weaved into the weekend.

~ I saw my first birth in the hospital! What an amazing experience.
~ Good worship at church
~ Mexican food after no mexican for quite a few weeks - I forgot how much I love rolled tacos! And we found a new spot.
~ A visit from my favorite sister! Good thing my husband is a night owl and kept me up to see her.
~ Rain. Rain. And more rain.
~ A walk with Em and J
~ Breakfast at desk (the alternative to breakfast in bed when you're a student) ... thanks for the cinnamon toast honey.
~ Some productivity in the homework field
~ Grocery shopping with J
~ Homemade lattes
~ Fresh strawberries

Have I mentioned I love the rain?

Saving lives, one cert at a time

After 12 long hours, I am now ACLS certified! (Advanced Cardiac Life Support) AKA - I am legally qualified to respond in an emergency.

Thank you to Chris for an awesome and informative class (I wouldn't recommend anyone else - Hearts and Hoses rocks), and to my fellow classmates for the camaraderie.

Bradycardia... Pulseless electrical activity... Tachycardia... SVT... V-tach... V-fib... asystole...
I CAN RESPOND. I can help save your life!
At least I hope I can. If I remember it all.

One step closer to being an effective nurse. Maybe even in the ER or ICU :).

I like feeling like I know how to do something. That's a big reason I'm doing this anyway - to help those who can't help themselves.

This stuff is cool.

Token Tuesday

- A fairly helpful nursing review session
- Lunch with a good friend and my first turkey burger (it was good!)
- A new pasta shape for dinner (trust me, we get very excited with new shapes)
- Completing and filing taxes
- Gas is 2 cents cheaper today
- Jack Bauer
- Sees truffles
- Sweet emails from family
- Bedtime
- Clean jeans (among other things in the load of laundry)

It's the little moments that make up the day which I love the most.

Oh valentine

I love Valentine's Day. Not necessarily for the ucky love stuff, although that is fun, but because it celebrates love. And truly, that's something that I really try to live by. Love for my husband. Love for my friends, and family. Love from God. Love for others. I really love love!

Needless to say, we don't do a whole lot for the day. Although it should have been a 3-day weekend, I got a 1-day weekend. The joy of Saturday clinical and an accelerated nursing program. That's ok though. We had Sunday together. And it was a great day.

I awoke to a hug and the sweet smell of that little golden box J knows I love. mmmm. Thanks honey.

My mom always used to make the day extra special, and she came through again this year with a sweet little package at our front door Sunday morning.
Thanks for the yummy cookies and for your thoughtfulness, Mom and Steve. And thanks John and Kris for the wonderful breakfast gift card. Going out to breakfast is definitely on my top 10 favorite things to do list. (do I say that too much?)

We spent the afternoon with our great friends Mark and Katie. Lunch, a walk on the beach, and a board game.
Truly, these guys are two of the greatest people ever.
We found this funny creature. You gotta appreciate amazing artwork and creativity.
Thanks for a great afternoon, friends. We love hanging out with you.
We found some beautiful flowers. It's so funny how last weekend it was raining, and this weekend it was sunny as ever. Go figure; only in San Diego.
I do love the look of spring. Since it's San Diego, spring is in full bloom and summer will be here in about three weeks. ;)

We spent the evening at home. I did some homework - what's new - and J hung out with me and played his guitar. Gosh my husband is a man of many talents. He is good. And I get to listen to him for free. The perks of being the wife. :)

I love love.

"Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God."
1 John 4:7

Friday favorites

Today was a great day. I got to have coffee with Mom. On my top 10 favorites of things to do. I am seriously so lucky to have my mom. Funny - she was having tea with her mom after we hung out. Moms are the best.

I finished my paper! Thank you God! J was a good sport and let me scroll through it fast to show him my accomplishment, and he gave the "good job hun!" which I love. I'm seriously a little kid. "Honey look what I did!" Except a paper is not nearly as cute as a mess of paint on a piece of paper and coloring outside the lines. But J always looks, smiles and tells me good job. Thanks for that hun.

We had pancakes for dinner. Oh how I love breakfast.

Emma played "bury my bone." One of her favorite games. Sure wish we could get that girl some dirt.

And we took pictures.

Seriously, could they be any cuter?

A Pixar kind of night

I may have found my new favorite movie last night. Courtesy of my sister's incredible movie collection. Thank you Carly, for Cars. Seriously, who comes up with these Pixar plots? As John says, "Those Pixar guys are a bunch of stinking geniuses." There's another thing I love about J. He recognizes brilliance. Probably because he's brilliant. Side note: wow, brilliant is such a fun word to say.

Maybe what added to my enjoyment is that I got to watch it with my husband. We haven't watched a movie in what seems like a long time. Which makes it that much more exciting.

And I took the night off of homework. Which is always a joy to do.

And we had cookies. Valentines cookies to be exact. And milk. Yes me, I had a glass of milk. I know. I'm changing. It's wierd, I almost liked it.

And we hung with Luige and Em and Aqua and Tic.

And I had my new blanket to snuggle with.

We gotta do that more often. Thanks for letting us borrow it, C!

Dear Jesus,

Thanks for bible study last night. Thanks for a group of girls who really love you and want to learn about you. Thanks for great conversations and friends and tea and laughter. And for giving us your spirit and your armor.

Thanks for my husband. Thanks for the fact that he misses me when I'm gone and gets excited when I come home. And thanks for an evening of nothing on the calendar tonight. Finally! Not that I don't love activities - I do. But it's sure nice to be home together.

Thanks for Emma. Thanks for blessing us with a little animal who cuddles with us in the morning. Well, with me until J wakes up quite a bit later. :)

Thanks for getting me up early this morning to spend some time with you. I do it sometimes, even often, but not for long enough, ever. So thanks for today.

Please help me get this paper done today. I really have to concentrate and I'm kinda struggling to be focused. Thanks for caring about little things like a paper.

Thanks for being faithful when I'm not, for being strong when I'm weak, and for loving me when I don't feel very lovable. But I love you.

Amen.

The next 8 hours

I love it when the hour by hour forecast looks like this.
Especially when Emma's training gets canceled and I get to be home.
Mmmmmm. Rain.

Tue

Feb 9

6 pm

53° F

Precip: 75%

7 pm

51° F

Precip: 100%

8 pm

50° F

Precip: 50%

9 pm

49° F

Precip: 35%

10 pm

48° F

Precip: 15%

11 pm

47° F

Precip: 80%

Wed Feb 10

12 am

47° F

Precip: 80%

1 am

46° F

Precip: 70%

Back where it belongs

A few weeks ago, we sadly discovered my ring had taken a little beating in the midst of clinicals and, well, the life of Jordanna. It bent a bit. :( So, J called up our ring guy and my most precious possession has been getting repaired for the last two weeks. Fortunately, my sweetheart thought way ahead two years ago and got me my "travel band" to wear when we go out of the country one day. And for occasions such as this.

And we have bonded. My travel band and me. But it is definitely not the same.

Today was my lucky day and we got it back! We met our jeweler and exchanged the goods. Man. It is sparkly. I forgot how pretty it is!

We celebrated its return with Starbucks java chip frappuccinos. Trust me. A celebration was definitely necessary.

Thanks for my beautiful ring, bun. I love it so very much, more than anything else in the world. (Any thing, not any one. Don't you worry. I love you more). I will be very careful with it. Don't you worry. ;-) It's gotta last me at least another 80 years!

YAY!!!

Today's prayer

"I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your heart through faith.

And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.

Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen."

Ephesians 3:16-21

Happy birthday Jessi

Jessi is the kind of girl everyone wants to have as their friend.

She's honest. Straightforward. Tells it like it is. And real.
And she's humble.
And funny. And so fun to be with.
And the most creative person I know.
She truly cares about people. And she reminds them constantly. With words, and notes, and hugs, and texts, and emails.
And when she says she's happy to see you, she really means it.

I am the luckiest girl ever to get to call Jessi my friend.

And I'm double lucky to get to see her every week these days, since we're in bible study together. Which is so awesome.

I met Jessi in college. I was immediately intrigued and amazed by her perfectly decorated pink, black and white room that was complete and matching within a couple days of the semester's beginning. We became fast friends.
So many times I ran to her room in frustration, or excitement. And vice versa.
I got to be her RA for a year. She was quite the trooper for my random hall events.
She played an integral part of making my wedding run smoothly and look perfect. And of course, be special just because she was there. :)
She married her best friend like I married mine. And the boys love each other. Which is rather convenient and much fun.When the J-Mc's get together, fun and genuineness abounds.
I love that we were friends from the start, and that we're better friends each week.

Happy 23rd birthday Jessi. I love you.

Ten tokens for Tuesday

1. I found a nursing theory for my paper. Trust me. This is a big deal.
2. Clean laundry.
3. A chat with Mom and Sis.
4. My final textbook came in the mail. After some weeks and a few orders. Third times the charm.
5. 24 on hulu.
6. Success at Emma's obedience class. She "sat and stayed" while I walked around her. We celebrate the stepping stones here.
7. Cuddle time with J.
8. Cute fun return address labels. Bill paying is that much more fun.
9. My bright pink folder. Anything to make me smile when I do homework.
10. My first homemade mudpie. My favorite dessert ever. J and I chowed.
As for tomorrow... happy humpday!