Life’s Little Journies

New Blog- Please follow us on the new blog

2011-06-14T06:47:00.000-07:00

Hey everyone! I just wanted to let you all know that we have started a new blog and will no longer be posting on this blog. Please follow along on the new blog! Thanks everyone!! Here is a link to the new blog and I would love to know what you think!!!! turning leaf crafts

Turning Leaf Crafts

2011-01-14T20:29:00.000-08:00

I started a Turning Leaf Crafts Facebook page. Please take the time to look it up and “like”us. We love what we do and want you to love it too!! Thanks!! Hope everyone is having a good year so far!

Resolution time. Whose with me?

2010-12-30T15:11:00.001-08:00

Well, Christmas came and went and now it is time for New Years Eve! I can think of all these things I want to put on my resolution list but I won’t. I am terrible about that sort of thing and probably will not stick to any of them anyway. So, let’s just be real here.

Blaine

Ell

Don’t you love my cute new hat! Gotta love a girl in a hat!

Michael

Let’s just say that whatever happens, happens. I like that better anyway. It certainly makes it a lot less disappointing and fits my free spirit attitude! Therefor, instead I will say CHEER’S to all of you and hope everyone has a wonderful 2011!

By the way, I really would love to know if there is anyone reading this blog. If you feel up to it, shoot me a note and let me know what you think. If you think it sucks, kindly keeps those comments to your self. OK! Thanks!!

Hello!

2010-12-23T08:20:00.000-08:00

Soooo... I know I never get on here but I would defiantly love to change that and going to vow to my self that with the new year, comes new blog post and lots more crafty things! Ok then. Let’s share some cool stuff Michael and I have been creating lately!

Vinyl lettering on wall in assistant principals office

Vinyl lettering in the front office at the school

Vinyl letting on the wall in the principals office

Vinyl added to bag

Words on wall at the school

Window Sticker

Window sticker

Vinyl Cork Board

Vinyl Cork board

Wine bottle torch

Handmade Twined Rag Rug

Goodwill $4.00 chair in the works

Kitchen set made for a good friends grand baby as a surprise

Another picture of the same kitchen set

Beautiful farm table Michael built

Wish it was mine!!

Love the chunky legs!!

Monogramed market basket

Appliqued T-shirt

Monogramed Market Bag

Monogramed Scarf

Doggie carrier and blanket for family member

Michael made this laptop bag.

Merry Christmas everyone! Hope everyone has a wonderful 2011! I am so truly blessed and hope you are too!!!!

Laura

And... Just so you know!

Yummy

2010-08-03T19:19:00.000-07:00

Ok. So I was testing to see if I knew how to add a link to my blog through a photo and I did it with no issues once I quit trying to make it harder than it really is. I wanted to try it with a photo I had so I choose these awesome cupcakes we had this week for my birthday. Here is a link to GiGi's cupcakes in Memphis Tn. Let me just tell you... They were AWESOME!!!! Check them out!

Top to bottom- L to R- Italian Cream, Texas Choc, Choc Malt, Red Velvet. Can you say OMG!!!

We also went to Muddy's Bake Shop to try out the cupcakes and everything looked ( and smelled) so good! They only had one type of cupcake left because it was late so I owe them a return visit. I have to admit, Muddy's really seemed like it was more my speed. It was like steeping back into time to someone's grandma's kitchen. All the way down to the little old lady behind the counter. I just could not leave them out! If you are in Memphis anytime soon and craving some sweet deliciousness- try one of these places. I promise, there will be no regrets!

Twined Rag Rugs- Made by me!!

2010-08-01T14:10:00.000-07:00

So, my newest hobby is making these totally cool twined rag rugs out of blue jeans and old t-shirts. I have made a few out of material I have laying around begging to be used and some out of bed sheets and even curtains. I have not listed them on ETSY yet because I am not really sure what to charge. I have LOVED making them and really want to make a large one for my living room. Don't you think that would look cool in my cute little cottage?

Twined T-shirt rag rug

My next one is for my mom out of brown's, tan's, and green's. Yea! Can't wait!!! The really cool thing about these rugs is that they are made with 100% recycled materials and you can wash them in the washing machine. I mean they are super tough!!! They can withstand a lot of trauma. Don't you want one? Feel free to come over and try it out your self (just let me know ahead of time so I can shove some stuff in the closest). I bet you are going to love this rug!!!

Close Up view

T-shirt rug

Don't you LOVE them! The T-shirt one really feels awesome under your bare feet. I know this because that is what us southerners do. We love us some summertime barefoot time, right!?!?!? Feel free to come over and try it out (just let me know ahead of time so I can shove some stuff in the closest). I bet you will love these rugs as much as I do!!!

BTW- be sure and check out my mom's new blog. Her blog is located at this link- Shakewellandspray blog. Click on it and check it out! She is really much more creative than I ever thought about being and she has a business where she sells vintage items used to scrapbook and craft. In fact, we will be in Kentucky at the Trace Creek Crop in mid September to set up a booth there. We have done this crop for about 3 years now and really love it!!! The people have been super nice plus- the food there is awesome!!!!

Well! Off to work tomorrow. I have really enjoyed my summer but I guess it has to end sometime. Hope we have a great 2010- 2011 school year and I hope all of you do also! Bye!

Where have you been?

2010-07-11T06:40:00.000-07:00

   WOW! Where has the time gone! We have been going and going this summer and it feels like it has been no moment to spare! I am not complaining though. I love it and I love to travel (at least when I get there... never have been a good car rider!) We have been lots of places all around us. We have been to Florida, Georgia, Reelfoot Lake, then on to St. Louis. Whew! I am tired just thinking about it. We have had a blast and I really do not want the summer to end. We have about 3 more weeks of vacation and then it will be back to the salt mine... oh well! I say live it up while we can!

   I wanted to post some recent pictures we have taken but my internet has a mind of it's own and after 2 trips from the internet/cable company I am about ready to can them!!! It sure does make it hard to take online classes if your internet only works half the time!!! Ok! Enough complaining! If I was my friend on facebook, I would have booted myself off my friends list by now!

   We had so much fun in Georgia! We went, and went, and went... I could have gone some more but not everyone likes to go as much as I do! I will try to post some pictures here. We even got to shop around some and went bargain hunting with my husband's aunt. That was FUN for me! I love a good bargain! Then we traveled on and went to the Mall of Georgia, Discover Mills Mall, and found Nordstrom's Rack (one of my new favorite stores)!!! We even stopped at the LEGO store twice! Like Blaine would say... Good times! Good times!

   Hopefully I will be able to post again soon! Keep your eyes peeled! I am going to try and post some pictures of the twined rag rugs on ETSY also so check it out! Bye!

Hello!

2010-01-31T14:29:00.000-08:00

Sorry I have not posted in a while but I have been so busy with school work that I have not had much time to do anything but homework :( It is ok though... hopefully it will all pay off in the end!

On another note, I just wanted to show off a new feature on my blog. Michael and I have placed some items on etsy.com for sale. They should be showing up in a line on the right hand side of my blog. If you have never been to this website you should really check it out. All the items on the site are either handmade or vintage. It is for anyone to buy and you can even request custom made items from people all over the United States. Personally... I love to buy from local people and there is a place where you can pick local sellers. Actually, I would prefer you just shop with us but that is ok... I know we can't do everything(or at least that is what Michael keeps telling me. Ha!). Anyway, just check it out and have a great time!

We are slightly snowed in right now so lots of time by the fire for us! Thanks for looking at my blog and keep warm!!!

New things happening around here

2009-11-23T11:57:00.000-08:00

   Well... nothing really new happening around here. I am getting to the final leg of this semester Dyersburg! Yeah!!!! Only a few more to go!!!! I have 2 more papers and about 2-3 more test and we will see how things will end. I have already signed up for my next set of classes- A&PII and Intermediate Algebra. I may also try to take an elective online although they told me I could not take the one I wanted, which was Digital Photograhy. Dang! I was looking forward to that one!!

   The other exciting news is: Drum Roll, please!!!!!! DRrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr..... I sold my piece of art at the last craft show we went to!!! I was so excited! It is something I truly enjoyed making and can't wait to get started on another one. I love to make things. It is something I feel so good about when I see the final project- even if everyone else does not always "get it".

   Ok, Spoiler Alert......If you are on my christmas list- please skip to the next section and don't read this paragraph!!!

Speaking of making new things- I am making some of the cutest monogrammed and name platters and plates trying to make extra money for christmas. I have added some pictures for you all to see. If you want to order something- just let me know!! I had a blast making these!!! They are really cute and would make great gifts for others or even a small splurge for yourself!!! Just in time for people visiting for the holiday's!!!! The platters are $18.00 and the smaller dinner size plates are $12.00. They are just foe display though and would not work as dish to eat or serve on.

Michael is working on some of the coolest christmas gifts out in his barn. He took the week off to be with us on our break (even though he has not been out of the barn except to go to the lumber yard). He is also building a farm table for his mother. When he gets them done I will post pictures. I am trying to think of some other cool christmas gifts to make for people although at night I have been working on christmas cards. If I could only find my fine tip scissors some little girl keeps sneaking away!!! Anyway, thanks for reading along and let me know what you think! I LOVE the feedback!!!!

Newest Project

2009-10-14T19:17:00.000-07:00

I decided I needed some "art" to fill a blank spot on our wall behind the bed in our bedroom and LOVE, LOVE, LOVE the piece Michael and I made. First we cut an old interior door in half and then added scrap strips of wood. I placed them where I thought they should go then painted them all different colors. Michael dry brushed walnut gel stain on the top and then shot some nails in it. Then the masterpiece appeared. I am not sure everyone will like it or will understand it but I think it is great. Hey, I am not even sure Michael completely gets it but he did what I wanted and that is what works for us. I love that we can work together and do these types of things together. It also gave us an excuse to use up some scraps in his shop. We used parts of an old door, walnut from his father's house, red painted wood from a cabinet we used to have in our living room, oak, poplar, pine and just junk wood. It is so fun to be able to create from the pieces that others would just throw away. We believe that every thing has a least one more use- to be created into something cool!!!

Anyway, call us or shoot us an email if you are interested in any work for yourself or someone else. Thanks for reading along!! Let us know what you thing! I love the feedback!

Goals for the week

2009-09-06T15:01:00.000-07:00

Well.. I reached some new goals this week. I made it through my first week back to college. I made it!!! I went through all the things I had to do and actually even made my first grade- a 100, thank you very much! I looked at the grade and just said quietly under my breathe a very excited yes!!!! I was so excited! I could not wait to get home and share it with my hubby!

I started running again this week after taking about a month off. I have only been riding my bike because it has been so hectic and my ankle had been killing me lately. It did not hurt at all on the walk/run. I hopefully will be able to increase as the week goes on.

****These pictures in the middle are from last week when we went to the Lichterman Nature Center. The kids had a great time and it is very nice! ****

I also got to paint the kids bathroom and the stairwell. It is a nice, subtle change. It looks so much better in both places and I am slowly working my way to that cottage look I have been trying to get back to. I still have to paint on the white trim work but hopefully will try and get that tomorrow. Rested part of the day so probably tomorrow will have to be a work day.

Anyway, thanks for reading this post and also thanks for all the great comments about this blog. I have really enjoyed hearing everyone's thoughts about this and love to be the one to inspire. Please keep reading and tag along for the ride! I love it!!!! You can always follow my blog and then I can know you are reading along- the button is at the top of the screen. Thanks again! Until next time...

Running in the yard- Playing with Blaine

2009-08-22T17:42:00.001-07:00

These are pictures of us playing with Blaine and running around our yard. I just thought I would share the pictures. I actually like these pictures of our legs. I love the one of Michael's legs- just cause they look nice. I like mine because it shows a true southern girl running in the grass... bare feet and all. Blaine is showing off his muscles in his picture and the rest are us racing around the trees in the yard. If you drive by at any given time, you might just see us doing exactly this. Thanks for reading along. Until next time...

Reaching a new goal...

2009-08-16T15:40:00.000-07:00

Well, Michael and I both hit new goals yesterday when we ran the Elvis Presley 5K in Memphis. I wanted to run a time 5 minutes faster than the first 5K. I ran it in 34 min. Last time I was 39 + min. I know that neither of these are record setting times for allot of people but it is for me!!!! I was so proud of myself for reaching my goal!!! Now... the next one I want to do is RUN the Lebonheur 5K in October. I want to run the entire thing- no quick stops to catch my breath or walk for a minute up that hill, I want to run the whole thing!!! I think I can most definitely improve on the time if I can figure out what to do with my sore ankle. By the end of this race (even wearing a brace on it the whole time), I could not hardly step down without a horrible pain under my ankle that shot through the bottom of my heal!!! I am very sore today but I know that means I worked somethings I have not been working in this body of mine!! I am determined to keep this up if it kills me!!! I actually enjoy it after the fact but not so much in the middle of it!!!! Ha!!!

Michael made it to the finish line in a little over 25 min! Men! I would probably croak when I hit the finish line if I did that, but he did great! I am so proud of him! Then went home for some rest and to ice my ankle. We both took the day off from exercise and worked around the house. Back to the real world tomorrow! I start my school work on the 29th! Wish me luck!!!!! We all know if I make it through all of this, it will be one huge goal accomplished in my life!!!!

2009-08-12T15:32:00.000-07:00

Not sure why our picture did not load on the last one but then I added the picture of the doors Michael added in our bedroom. They separate the bedroom from the bath.

If you love these... you will love what he can build for you!! Just saying! Let us know if you want or need something!

Goals! Goals! Goals!

2009-08-12T15:15:00.000-07:00

Well... nothing new here lately. Been busy with trying to figure out life. Maybe, just maybe, that is a goal all in itself. I posted a few pictures- first Blaine and Ella on Blaine's 1st day at First grade!!! (What a great goal to accomplish!!) The next one is Blaine- 1 year before on his first day of Kindergarten.

The next picture is a long standing joke about Michael being older than me! He wrote it on the chalk board in the living room. He thinks he is so funny. Then there is me on my 29th birthday. I think that might totally be a goal accomplished. Enough said.

Last picture is Michael and I outside steak and shake. For my birthday we went to a fancy restaurant and then actually went to get dessert at Steak and Shake! That is really how we roll! Ha!

Anyway, wish me and Michael luck!!! Elvis Presley 5K on Saturday. I am hoping to get a better time of about 5 min. since the 1st one. You know Michael is going to smoke me and leave me crying in the dust. Pray for lots of sprinklers!!! Can't wait to see how many Elvis there will be at the race!!!

Will post again as soon as I am able. Thanks for keeping up!

Mirrors

2009-07-14T09:23:00.000-07:00

Here are some Mirrors my husband built for me. I had an idea in my head and he made it real. He really is awesome at building furniture! Thanks Michael. Remember... If you want or need something built, hollar at us and we can hook you up!

Let's get healthy- Another goal!

2009-07-14T09:00:00.000-07:00

We have been working hard since summers almost over. We have painted our bedroom, bathroom, outdoor lights, cast iron bench, etc. I am so sad that summer will soon be over and we will have to go back to the same old, same old. I have loved getting up and doing what I want to do! The kids have had a great summer I think but are excited about what the new school year will bring. I am also, although I wish we could get in the pool just about everyday until then! Oh well.

My husband and I have continued walking/running and are still going. I am amazed everyday that we have stuck with it. I walk with my ipod blaring Weezer or whatever fast moving, loud song I can find and actually THINK. I know that sounds crazy but if you lived in this household you would understand. I can actually spend some time by myself to just "think".

I don't think about major life decisions or anything like that. Well... not most of the time. I really think about what we need from the grocery store or when I might could go to ALDI. Then there are times we I reflect on what is going on in our lives and all the positive changes we have made. We walk/run 3-4 or more times a week. We eat so much better and mostly out of our own garden. We try. That is pretty much the jest of it. We just keep trying. My husband and I were walking along the highway Sunday (mostly because the traffic gives us big gust of wind and keeps us cooler than in a neighborhood) and I asked him "How did we get here?" We went from being over weight, unhappy, unhealthy people to some kind of crazed exercise junkies! Well... he has. Not me. I do it because I feel better when I do.

Something changed in our lives that makes us want to better ourselves. What is that? I really think we are both pretty optimistic people that have lots of plans and goals and this just happens to be one of those things that we can control. I am so grateful for this and do not take it for granted. I know it has been tough but we I looked back at measurements of myself from January of this year and it said that I have lost approx. 6 inches off my frame- all over, I know I can stick with it!!!! Anyway, like I heard Ella tell Blaine the other day- "It is not about being skinny... It's about being HEALTHY!!!" I think that is an awesome thing for all kids to learn!!! And maybe a few adults also!

Busy! Busy! But now I can see...

2009-06-30T05:42:00.000-07:00

Had a busy week last week. Signed up for my classes I'll be taking in the fall. Taking English Comp 1, Intermediate Algebra, and General Psychology. I know I am not getting into the "nursing" classes yet but in the spring all I have left is A&P 2, and Microbiology. Hopefully the grant program for fast track will still be happening and I can just move right on into that by next year. They excepted some of my classes I did not think they were going to take so that worked out GREAT!!!! I am getting excited since school starts at the end of August.

I had my eyes checked because I have been progressively having trouble seeing over the past 6-9 month's and ended up with contacts. Since I have not really worn glasses for more than about 15 min, I am having to get used to the contacts. It has not been bad but it will just take some adjusting. The difference was pretty immediate though and that part was very nice! The only headache I have had since then is when I took them off to rest at night and watched TV. Ended up with an awful headache in the morning! Oh well, like I said... gonna take some time!

Went and saw my mom Thursday. We met up in Union City and ate lunch. In looking for things to do stumbled across the goodwill and was very pleased with the shopping experience. Found lots of goodies to work on and some really nice clothes. Had fun too!

Friday we went and checked on Michael''s dad and he is doing great! Looking good, sassing everyone, even tried to get his wife to hop in the bed with him! I think he is back to his old ways. He"s even been cussing at the therapist! Way to go Wayne! I am so great full they lived through that ordeal. They think he will get to come home some time later this week.

Played outside all weekend, went on a date with my hubby, etc. The date was very nice and I really had a great time pretending to be some young couple out on the town. Of course when the bar tender said what else can I get you and I asked her what time it was, she said 10:30. I then said well, I guess we can start heading back to the car and she laughed at me! I don't blame her though! We are kinda pathetic to be in our 20's and be "wrapping it up" at 10:30!!!! Anyway, try The Arcade downtown in Memphis! The food ROCKED and I love the atmosphere! Very retro!!!! Can't wait to go back and try some other stuff like the sweet potato pancakes! YUM!!!

My family 2009

2009-06-24T09:25:00.001-07:00

Preparing for school

2009-06-24T09:06:00.000-07:00

I got my paperwork today for tuition reimbursement and meet with someone from the school on Friday! I am getting myself mentally prepared for the hard work. I am excited and scared but prepared for the challenges ahead. All I know is it will work out the way god intended so whatever will be, will be!

Also, happy anniversary to my husband Michael. I have loved being married to you for 8 years and look forward to 80 more! Thanks for being my husband and my friend. Love you!

Michael's Dad

2009-06-20T08:13:00.000-07:00

My father in law has been moved to a rehab facility in Memphis. They say he will be there for a few weeks. He is doing great! Allot of the swelling is down and he says they a trying to kill him! He is doing great!

Goals in Life become more apparent

2009-06-19T06:27:00.000-07:00

Ok... so I got into Dyersburg State and received my letter when we came back from a 4 day camping trip in Arkansas at Petit Jean State Park. My father-in-law invited us to come with them. They stayed in their camper and we stayed in the tent. We had an awesome time and loved hiking the "moderate to hard" rated trails. Great memories for my family and hopefully my children. They love their grandpa and Marti and I am so grateful they get to spend these moments with my husbands father since he is in his 70's and has not always been in the best health.

Then the phone rang about 5 minuets after walking in the door and the news came. My husbands mom called saying that his step-mom called her frantic, looking for us. They had a bad wreck on the way home we were needed at the Med now! We had no idea what to expect and heard small rumors here and there that the truck flipped over, that they were flown by helicopter, etc. We dropped the kids off, picked up his 2 sisters, and drove back towards Memphis. It was long awkward silences in the car, in between small chit-chatty conversation which made it very apparent that everyone was nervous.

We get to the Med and have to wait in a line to find out how to get to the Trauma unit. It seemed like hours as we waited patiently in line behind several others. Some one walked us down and we all went in. Marti started crying- so grateful to see someone she knew and Michael's dad- was just there. She looked great, only a broken collarbone and very shaken up. Wayne on the other hand looked like some one had run him over with a truck! He laid there, not complaining, smiling because his family came. Now... most of you do not know my husbands family but if you do, you know that they are not very good about showing emotion- good or bad. They do not really show excitement when they are happy and don't really talk about things the way I thought families did. I grew up if something was on your mind- you talked about it! You got the good, the bad, and the ugly out in the open and did not pretend that elephant was not in the room!

I knew his dad was upset when he asked one of his girls to hold his hand and then I saw 1 large tear stream from his eye. I don't think that this man has cried in a very long time and hope that I never have to witness it again. Not that it was bad, it is just that I know that is true pain.

He remained in great spirit the whole time- cutting up and making jokes about his wife's sister. He is very hard of hearing and lost both hearing aids in the wreck so I got close to him and asked if he was ok. He and I talked a little bit about what he remembered from the wreck (which is not much) and how they had to be flown in a helicopter to the hospital. I told him that is what I wanted to do in life... my goal. He acknowledged and said "I think you would be great at that." Now, this is a man who does not throw around compliments freely. It meant a great deal to me.

The wreck was terrible. They flipped the vehicle 3 times and the camper only flipped 1 time before breaking free from the truck. They had use the "jaws of life" to lift the top of the truck off them and then cut them out. The indentation of the headrest was on the the ceiling of his truck! He bought this truck about 6-9 month's ago and stated at that time that he may die in it, but it would be worth it. One of the things he said as he laid in the trauma unit is "that sure was a pretty truck".

He broke his back in 4 places- C5, C6, T5, T10. Broke 1 right rib, broke 4 left ribs, broke his hand, did some tendon damage that required surgery and a cast. He is one complete bruise on the right side of his face, both hearing aids were damaged badly- 1 shattered in his ear and had to be removed by doctors. He is so lucky to be alive! He lost consciousness during the wreck but never lost the ability to wiggle fingers and toes and is sharp as a tack!

He will wear a c-collar for 6-8 weeks and have a cast to his elbow for a while. He will not have to wear the torso brace as originally planned, they think all of that will heal on it's own. He will be fine after some tough physical therapy and good diabetes management. He does have a long road ahead but while be fine in the end.

The title of this blog is "goals in life become more apparent" for a reason. My husband and I had a conversation after the wreck that made me realize so many things. He said, "I already was thinking when we get home I wanted to check on them but had not made it that far". We left several hours after them and had mixed emotions about them driving all that way without us. We wanted to stay and see a few more things and they were ready to go home. This time we decided not to let one of our children go with them, since we were staying, and because they were getting on my husbands step mother's nerves. I am so great full for this decision! I do not believe in what-if's and tell my husband all the time that it does not help to think like that but this time I could not help myself and thank god that they were being their usual worrisome selves. When his dad was driving the car away from the campsite I could not help but think to myself how happy I was that we all were allowed this opportunity to spend this time with Michael's dad and his wife. I know sometimes we are to busy complaining about how things went previously that we forget to enjoy the moment. I am notorious for this and I am in need of some self improvement.

One of my new goals are to spend more time not complaining about the past and live in the moment. A smaller yet equally important goal is to get everyone's health information and ss#'s typed up and placed in a safe place. I already know this is something we should do, but keep putting it off until another day. This is very important and will help greatly in further circumstances! Do not wait to do this for your family! You never know when you are going to need this!!!! As always... I am working on my goals in improving my life as well as my families. thank you all for being so supportive and listening when we needed you! You know what they say, "Don't forget to hug your babies" but also don't forget to hug any of your family! Each day is a new day and be happy that you have each one to live!!!

Here we Go

2009-06-17T10:24:00.000-07:00

Well... here we go! I got into Dyersburg State. Back to school I go! Wish me luck! I know I will need it. I am really excited and looking forward to the new opportunity. I look forward to the new knowledge. I look forward to challenging my husbands wit! Most of all I look forward to the things that hopefully this will mean for my family.

Goals in Life- Big Laura

2009-06-11T07:29:00.000-07:00

Last night my mom called and let me know that the lady I was named after, my mothers godmother, passed away. She was 99 years old. This causes me some very mixed emotions. My grandfather knew this lady when he was first out of the military and had no where to go. She took him in and treated him like he was her own. She gave him a place to stay and helped him in so many ways. They went to church together and worked for the church together. She was this amazing person that we should all aspire to be like! She was also the most headstrong person I have ever met. Must be the name Laura... that's all can figure.

She was a nurse in the military and then went on to become a nurse anesthetist in California and elsewhere. She got married just after school and stayed married until her husband passed away. Then at her 50th high school reunion she met an old boyfriend that she had in high school and fell in love all over again. They got married and stayed married until the day he died 8 years later! She took care of him and even taught him to read braille because he went blind from Diabetes. He lost his leg due to this illness, yet she stayed by his side! What an awesome, unselfish thing to do. This women had cancer multiple times going through chemo and radiation each time. She even did all of this in her 80's because she knew the fight was not over and she was not ready to give up. Once when we went to visit she was taking radiation and chemo and at breakfast time came in the kitchen with no hair. She turned to me and said "Bet you didn't see that coming, did you?" I laughed at her and yet admired her for being so "ok" with it all.

Part of my mixed emotions are because this lady is someone who was always a prominent figure in my life. She is who inspired me to want to be a nurse and anytime I ever saw her she told me not to let anyone or anything hold me back! About 8 years ago when Michael and I very first got married we flew to California to see her. Like I said... she was a very head strong women and when it came to bedtime (about 8pm for her), it was bedtime for everyone. We were sitting in the living room and she decided it was bedtime and we all went. There were no questions asked. I can remember laying in bed with the daylight streaming through the window and saying to Michael, "I can not believe we are in the bed!" One of the days we went to the farmers market in her local town and anything we picked up she would slap our hands and say "NO! Don't buy that... we can get that at the grocery for less". I mean we are talking about buying like 4 lbs of bananas for 1 dollar and she said no! Funny! She met my husband for the first time in that trip and do you know the first thing she said to him?!?! Not hello, nice to meet you but "I really don't think your hair does exactly what you want it do, does it?" How is it that old ladies can get away with that? Too much respect from other I think.

Back to the mixed emotions... I am sad to loose such an important person to my family who we have known all our lives and yet I am so happy for her because even 8 years ago the main thing I remember about this glorious women is that she was not afraid to die. She welcomed it. She wanted to be with the Lord and the people in her life who she loved so much and even looked forward to it. She told me "I pray every night that the Lord just go ahead and take me to be with him and my friends." Now that is faith! ! We should all believe that much. Sometimes I question this and I feel that is my right as a christian. Maybe not (obviously not) what every one believes but to have that much faith is awe inspiring to me. This is one of my goals in life and I am hopefully working towards that everyday. She also took us to the cemetery where both her husbands were buried. It tickles me now to know she got what she wanted and is lying in between these two men she loved so much. She told me while we were there, "This will be the only time in my life I can say that I have slept with 2 men." Ha!

I honestly may have not gotten all the facts just right but I really don't mind. Even if these are not the exact facts, this is what I remember and wish to continue to remember. One of the things that I regret is that she never got to meet my children. I know she would have loved them so much as they would have loved her. Many times I invited her to come and visit but she was never able to travel that far. That being said, she never missed an important milestone in my life and always sent eloquent letters to prove it. I will always cherish the letters and the memories and will miss her greatly and look forward to the day when I am able to see her again.

Goals in life

2009-06-09T13:18:00.000-07:00

I have many goals in my life. I know we all do but I am ready to get those goals going. I have been an LPN for 8 years and am ready to move on. I really do love being a nurse but sometimes feel my career goals are moving in a backwards direction. I started working in a rapid admissions/ER unit when I became a nurse and then advanced as able. I have worked in Oncology/Med-Surg, Geriatrics, Management, and several other places in between. I am now a school nurse working with pre-teen pediatrics. I love this job but am ready to keep moving forward in my goals to be a flight nurse. How do I achieve this? How do I move forward? Where do I go next?