Butterflies for Maddie

Saturday was the annual Butterflies for Maddie 5K.  Last year our Girl Scout troop participated in the 1/2 mile kids run.  This year the girls wanted to walk the 5K & with Missy (our leader) being pregnant I volunteered to walk the 5K with the girls.  Morgan & I walked the 5K.  I don't have any pictures during the walk because I wanted to have pictures of us crossing the finish line.  We completed the 5K in less than 1 hour.  I was VERY proud!

Morgan & I crossing the finish line

Morgan & Spencer both did the 1/2 mile kids fun run.

4th-6th grade Fun Run

Morgan

Morgan fixing to cross the finish line

4th grade & under Fun Run

Spencer fixing to cross the finish line

The kids get a metal for running the kids run.

The Girl Scout get a patch for participating.  This year the patches were super cute :)

The 2011 Girl Scout patches

The kids had a great time even though the weather was nasty.  During the walk the weather was just cold & cloudy.  When the kids started the fun run it started raining.  The kids ran in the rain.  When the run was over we left because we were all freezing.  The kids are already talking about walking the 5K next year.  This is a awesome fundraiser for a great cause.  If you have never heard of this organization check out the website for more information.

Sunday I did my seventh day of practicum.  Only 3 more days left to go!  WOO HOO!

Three weeks from today is FINALS!!!!  I am ready for a break!  Tomorrow is test day.  I hope the teachers have mercy on our souls.  Between practicum, NCLEX prep plan, journal entries, assignments & lecture I haven't had time to study.  Please keep all Nursing 250 students in your thoughts & prayers.

My creative mom has started a new creation.  Here are a few of the stethoscope covers she has started making.  I LOVE them.  They are so comfortable.  She is selling them for $5.00 each.  If anyone is interested in them let me know.  These are just a few of the designs.

I am still waiting to hear about the job at MCBG.  Now I got to get back to studying...

Update soon

I haven't forget about my blog.  Just been SUPER busy!  Will get it caught up Tuesday after the test.

Waiting stinks...

Today is the day we are supposed to find out about our jobs at MCBG.  They decided yesterday who was getting the jobs & were supposed to let us know something today.  If you got a job the supervisor on the unit was to call you & if you didn't get a job HR was supposed to call us today.  Some supervisors started calling students yesterday around 3:00 pm.  So I have sat her nervously & anxiously waiting for a phone call all day...one way or another.  I tried to study but I couldn't focus long enough.  I have even had me a good cry.  Well anyways...I still have not received a phone call...I am hoping "NO news is GOOD news".  MCBG was my first choice of places to work & I haven't put in anymore applications yet.  I was waiting to hear about this job first.  I know it is in God's hands & if I don't get this job there is something else better for me out there.  I just wish I knew something one way or another.  Patience is one of my weakness...waiting stinks

I will keep everyone updated as soon as I know something.

REALLY OVERWHELMED!

Just need to get some thoughts out of my head & vent before I go to bed....so maybe I can sleep.  Don't feel obligated to read any of this crazy stuff...this is really just for my benefit so maybe I won't have a mental breakdown.

WHAT A DAY!!!  I don't even know where to start!  .

Now on to all the crazy stuff....DO WE REALLY HAVE A TEST TUESDAY???  I really haven't had time/energy to even pick up a book & study.  This could be a disaster.  One test could break you in nursing school, so this really has me stressed out.  Not just this one test, but we have 5 test in 26 days...where do they think we will find time to study.  I still have 48 more hours of practicum to do.  I really didn't want to go into finals on the dreaded "bubble".  I am going to try/make myself study all day tomorrow & Friday.  I just hope I will be able to focus enough to retain the information.

Tomorrow is the day they meet to decide who gets the jobs at MCBG.  They will not notify us until Friday of the decisions.  I didn't think I would be so tore up over this, but this is the ONLY place I have put an application in at...so I am hoping for some good news!  Please say an extra prayer for me!  I really need a job when I get out of school.  I have 50,000 worth of student loans to start paying off & no job.

Why do they wait until the last few weeks of nursing school & expect us to come up with a huge amount of money?  I have known most of the semester about a lot of things, but there are a few that seem to have come out of the cracks the last few weeks....here is a run down of what has to be done in the next few weeks...I wish we could take out loans on all this stuff...

KBN license-$110

NCLEX-$200

FBI background check-$25

Hurst review-$350

Nursing Cords-$11

Nursing Graduation pictures-range from $40-$335

and I am sure there is more stuff that I can't even think about right now.  I wanted to order graduation announcements...at least 1 so I could have one to put up & keep....they are 10 for $30.  Anyways...enough about the money stuff.  It will ALL work out somehow someway.  I have an AWESOME support system that will make sure I have what I need to get by...they ALWAYS have before & I am sure they will now.  I guess I shouldn't worry about it.  I just hate feeling like I have to ask someone for something all the time.  I have always been a very independent person who didn't like asking for help or wanting any help because I felt like I should be able to do it all on my own....guess I need to loose my pride a little & just let everything fall into place.

Well, I feel like my blood pressure has dropped a little just getting all this off my chest!

I want to say a special thanks to a few people because I know I get tied up in all the stress & don't express my thanks NEAR enough.  So here it goes....

Mom-Thank you for all your support...physical, mental & emotional...you are ALWAYS there whenever I need you.  Thanks for letting me stay at your house during practicum so I will be closer to work and thanks for all the home cooked meals!  Thanks for staying up last night to make me some new stethoscope covers.  Thanks for everything you have done & continue to do!!!

Gene & Joann-Thanks for helping with the kids & letting them stay with you when I have practicum.  You have been a HUGE help!  Thanks for meeting at the house with the kids on the nights I don't get back to Edmonton until 9 or later.  Thanks for feeding & bathing the kids so I don't have to do it after a 12 hr shift.

Grandma Lowe & Papa John-Thank you for all your help emotional & financially.  I couldn't have made it this far without you.  You have NEVER doubted me & stood behind me through thick & thin!

Thanks you to all me friends & family who have listened to me vent.  I have done a lot of venting the last few days!  Thank you for listening!  I am very BLESSED!!!

Now that I have vented & thought about ALL the people I have that are behind me....I NEED TO COUNT MY BLESSING & STOP WORRYING ABOUT THE STRESS...this is easier said than done, but I really do have a lot to be thankful for!

Hot Rods Opening Night

Spencer has talked about going to the opening night Hot Rods game for weeks.  Yesterday it rained on & off all day, but they were saying on FB that they would play the game RAIN OR SHINE.  So after I got Spencer I went to Mrs. Jessica's to pick up Morgan from dance.  She told me "I'm not going to the ballgame & sitting in the rain."  She didn't want to miss dance or gymnastics.  Mrs. Jessica said she was more than welcome to stay with her until we got back.  So she stayed & "helped" Mrs. Jessica with her other classes.  Spencer & I headed to BG.  It came a FLOOD on us on the way.  We had stopped & bought poncho's to keep us dry.  We got to the stadium around 5:15 because they were handing out shirts to the first 1,000 people through the gates.  We got our shirts & went to stand inside the gift shop to get out of the rain.  There were 9 ball players signing shirts.  Spencer was excited that he got his shirt signed.  I didn't take my camera because I didn't want to get it wet, but I tried to get Spencer to take his picture with some of the players (but Spencer being Spencer he didn't want his picture taken).  After getting all our shirts signed we went & got supper.  We ate & sat to wait to see if they would play ball.  About 7:00 it was still coming a flood & Spencer was ready to leave.  After we left they ended up calling the game.  Here are a few pictures from the game.

The field

Spencer trying to pass the time waiting to see if they were going to play ball

Mom, me & Spencer

Spencer waiting...notice the HUGE puddle of water behind home plate

Here is another picture of the water

4 weeks & counting....

4 weeks & counting....28 days, 2 tests, 1 final & 2 HEISI's....WOW the thought of all this makes me sick to my stomach...plus I still have 60 hours of practicum to finish.  I know it will all go by really fast & I will be wishing I could go back.  I have really been trying to take everything in & enjoy it all for what it is...it's when I look at the "BIG" picture that I start getting freaked out.  Guess I need to stop looking at the big picture and just take it day by day.

Monday's are always hectic & busy because it is the day before class, Morgan has dance & gymnastics, and to add to today we are supposed to go to the opening night HOT RODS game.  Spencer wanted to go to opening night last year but we weren't able to.  I am hoping the rain/storms hold off so we can go. 

I am going to spend the day studying...hope everyone has a great Monday!  Watch for pictures from Hot Rods game & maybe dance/gymnastics soon!

Ball practice

Spencer had ball practice today & I finally brought my camera.  They all practiced really hard.  I am looking forward to seeing how much Spencer's grow's this year in ball.  This is his first year playing pitching machine.  This is also a new thing for the park, so we will see how it goes.  I think it is a good thing for the kids to get them ready for live arm next year.  Here are a few pictures from practice.

For those of you that are also on my FB page and saw my post today & wondered what I was talking about.  I will explain, but I will not go into detail or state any names :)   Well, 6 months ago I thought my world was falling apart. I didn't know where to turn or how to deal with it all.  I swear there were weeks that went by that I cried all day, every day.  I went weeks and never picked up a book for school.  When finals came I was well aware that if I didn't pass it wasn't no one's fault but my own, because I had put school on the back burner for 2 months.  It was a really trying time for me & I wasn't sure I was going to make it through.  Thankfully with the support of my family & close friends I survived & now I am a stronger person because of it.  I know when the time is right everything will fall into place in my life.  I realize I am not the person I was 6 months ago & for that I am VERY thankful!  I am also very thankful for the people have came into my life, but I am even more thankful for the people who have walked out.  The ones that have walked out have made room for the ones that NEVER will!

Day out with the kids :)

It has been a long, busy week.  I have 60 hours of my practicum finished...60 more hours to go.  It has been a fun, exciting experience.  I am loving ICU!  One week until I find out about my job at MCBG.  I will keep everyone up to date.  I am glad to have the weekend off.  I am fixing to start study!

Yesterday the kids were on Spring Break.  They only got two days this year because all the bad weather.  I had to work Thursday so I didn't get to spend any time with them.  So yesterday we headed out for a fun day together.  We went to Three Springs Park in BG.  We went to take pictures, but it was a little too windy.  I did get a few good pictures though.  My cousin & her daughter met us there.  The kids were happy to see Chelsey. 

Morgan & Spencer

Morgan

Spencer

Spencer & Morgan

Spencer

Morgan

Morgan & Spencer



After taking a few pictures we headed to the playground to play.  We were going to go feed the ducks, but there was a bunch of people fishing. 

After we left the park we went to O'Charley's to eat (my favorite place).   We had a great day out!

5 weeks & counting :)

Well, I survived two 12 hours days in a roll! I LOVE ICU & practicum. My preceptor is wonderful. I have learned a lot in the last 3 days. I am so excited to get out of school & be able to do this for the rest of my life.

5 weeks from today is FINALS! It is still hard for me to believe this journey in my life is "almost" over. I am trying to control my emotions. It has been an emotional roller coaster.

The kids were with their daddy all weekend. Since I had practicum on Sunday I missed Spencer's ball practice. This is one of the things that has had my emotions tore up the last couple of weeks. I do not like missing the kids practices or games. I am hoping everything will work out so I don't have to miss very many. I know the field I am going into doesn't have holidays or weekends off...I just hope I don't miss the little things in the kids life. I have always been the one at all the practices & ballgames. It is just sad to have to miss one. His next practice is Tuesday & I will be going to it.

My horoscope for the day:
Your subconscious mind is throwing all sorts of interesting thoughts and ideas your way. You can learn a great deal about yourself by paying attention to your dreams. Strange synchronicities and coincidences could bring you to new ideas and insights.

I have never been one who really made a big deal about horoscopes, but the last couple of days my horoscope has had my brain turning. Today is another day it seems to be right on target. My mind is always running 100 miles a minute.

I think I am loosing my mind.  I went to McDonald's to get me some breakfast after I dropped the kids off at school. Ordered my food & paid for it. When I got home I went to grab my food & drink...well it wasn't there. I drove off without my food & I was too embarrased to go back. I think my brain has too much running through it.


They are giving storms this afternoon.  I am TERRIFIED of storms.  I hope it doesn't get bad!  Guess I will be keeping a close eye on the weather today!

7 things

Jessica tagged me from Simply Us. I don't really even know what this means- But I’ve had an assignment to complete....here are the rules:

1. Make a post and link back to the person who awarded you this award
2. Share 7 things about yourself.
3. Award recently discovered bloggers the award so it will be their turn next.
4. Contact these bloggers and tell them they’ve won.

I met Jessica through dance & gymnastics. Morgan started taking gymnastics when she was about 2. She was so cute when she first started. Then Jessica opened her studio & Morgan has been active in dance & gymnastics ever since. Here are some photo's from Jessica's Dance & Tumbling Studio.

Morgan when she first started gymnastics.

Recital 2009

Recital 2010

Ok so here it goes.

1. I am a single mom of 2 amazing kids. "Their the fire in my driving on, the drive behind my coming home, the living, breathing reason that I AM"
They are what keep me going. Sometimes it is a very hard job being a single mom, but I wouldn't trade it for the world.

2002

2003

2004

2005

2006

2007

2008

2009

2010

2. I am in nursing school. This has been one of the hardest things I have every done in my life, but I am almost finished. I have an amazing support system! I also have a great group of friends from nursing school.

3. I LOVE MUSIC. It is what gets me through the day. When I am having a bad day; I can crank up the music & for a little while all my worries are gone. As many of you know, Sugarland is probably my favorite duo. I have been to see them twice & we are going back in August. I am a big country music fan, but I will listen to just about anything. I have over 1,200 songs on my I-pod! Music is a major part of my life.

4. I enjoy taking pictures. I am by no means a professional photographer, but I enjoy taken pictures in what free time I do have. I got a Cannon T1i for Christmas in 2009 & I love the pictures it takes. I like to have pictures to put on my blog because I am not a very good writer, but I can use pictures to help tell our story.

5. I am addicted to angry birds. I had heard a lot of people talk about it & when I got my I-pod touch I started playing it. There were many days I would play it for hours on end. I have taken a break from it because school & life have been so hectic here lately.

6. I am a Girl Scout co-leader. When I first got asked to do this I had missed feeling. I had so much other stuff going on I didn't know if I would have time. I am so glad I decided to do this. It is a lot of work behind the scenes that not everyone understands, but it is rewarding to see the smiles on the girls faces.

7. I LOVE summer! Flip flops, shorts & tank tops, swimming, water parks, nights at the ballpark, baseball, being outside, cook-outs...I just love everything about summer (except the storms).

Well I guess that is my 7 things about me. This was a harder challenge than what I thought it would be. :)

Now for the two people I am going to tag.

#1 Ashley "Every life has a story". She is also a Girl Scout leader & I have been following her blog for about a month. I would like to hear 7 things about her.

#2 Paige "Mommy & Charlie". I have been following her blog for a while now. She has LOTS of exciting things going on in her life right now.