We bought a house :)

We did it! We're in our house. We have unpacked everything and gotten started with our decorating. Our major purchases are made. We have a to do list that is about 10 things long; but we are in our house!

Living room before and after...





We still have some painting to do of course, and it needs some color. We have our new couches, and are really enjoying them.



I want a small china cabinet or a small buffet to go in our dining room for more storage and for color.



Our guest bathroom just needs some painting and touch ups on the vanity.



The office is ready to go, minus paint and organization ;)



We hope to renovate our bathroom in the next 5 years. I like the tub, but the shower is too small for John. So we plan on getting rid of the shower and make it a linen closet. The big tub is going and a walk in shower is to replace it with nice tile and glass. Maybe a stained glass window too ;)



The entry way just needs some cleaning and I want to spruce up the mirror frame.



Like my pantry? ME TOO! We bought the rack for the door and it really opened up the shelves.


I hope to post more before/after pics as we paint and reno ;) Just don't let me forget!

Starting to move...

We started packing...there are boxes everywhere. I hate clutter, and I didn't realize we had so much stuff. I'm looking forward to having an attic to store things that are sentimental. John has a ton of paint stuff, we really need a specific room for him to paint in. I hope we can build a house eventually, and either have a bonus room or an outbuilding all for him!

Any advice on packing? Right now we're trying to be organized, but not really throwing things out. I will prolly do more of that while unpacking.

I'm ready to move.

Today I'm packing kitchen things. I'm using dish towels and bath towels to keep things wrapped and packed!

Long time,

I know, I haven't posted in a long time. Truthfully there hasn't been much interesting going on to blog about. It's been a typical summer. We have spent time at my grandparents. Had some family dinners. Went to the mountains a couple times. Went to the beach once. Our house search has finally come to an end! If everything goes as planned we will close on August 29th. It leaves us two days to be out of the apartment. It's a cute house. Not as big as I originally wanted, nor does it have as much land. But it is ours, and I love it! I go today to meet with the inspectors, home and termite. Please pray that everything goes well. I can't wait to get in and start unpacking, decorating, and renovating! It has a BLUE jetted tub. Awesome right?







Here are some pics of the house from the seller site...





Work is about the same for me. John got a little bit of a promotion, he gets to stay in the office more, not as much travel. I appreciate knowing he won't be staying out of town as much. God really is blessing us everyday. More pics and house news to come!

Lost the will...

I was pulling up blogger fixing to start a new blog when John called to say he was heading out of town again. For the third week in a row. Suddenly I lost the will to blog for the day and I'm gonna go wallow in self pity and cry a while...

Lazy afternoon tea

I spend a lot of time alone at home. Since I work 3 12 hr shifts a week, I have quite a bit of time off. At least one of these days, is a lazy day. A day to relax, rest my feet and sleep in. You can usually find me curled up with a book, some coffee or tea, and music playing in the background.

This particular day, it was tea. Right before the royal wedding, I got in tea mode and broke out my pot. I love tea cups. I don't have too many, but I like the antique ones. If ever you need to buy me a present, to get back in my good graces, I love tea cups. I will use it though, so make sure it's not valuable.






I am up for a traditional tea any time, let me know if you wanna join!!

Picnic in the Park :)

John had a local day this week, so we decided to meet for lunch. I packed a picnic and we met at the Burlington park in front of the amphitheater. We picked a perfect day. The clouds were beautiful, the weather crisp and warm. It was shady, so no sun burn for John. I love being able to meet up with him for lunch. Makes for a relaxing day.





I stayed after he left and read until I got chilly. My view looking up was gorgeous.



We ended up at his Dad's later to help with his next project. My man is sexy helping out ;)



I went for a run while he was helping. I got covered in spider webs and ticks...hmmm I knew running was bad for you!

My PaPaw's 80!!

My Papaw turned 80 this past week. So to celebrate my Memaw had a few people from church and our family over for some cake and ice cream. It wasn't big, but he sure was happy.



See he's smiling :)


My sister had the cake made with a saw on the front. Baby Addison thought it was YUMMY! She had to "try" everyone's.

First Dates :)

Do you remember your favorite first date? Do you remember the nerves? The excitement? Getting ready? My first date with John was far from all the normal jitters ;) We were in high school. John didn't have his license. It was more friends going out, than a real date. But it was our first time going out alone, no friends, no parents. Guess what we did? You're right, movies. We went to the opening night of Spiderman. I picked John up, yes you read that right. I picked him up, he had bought tickets earlier that day with his mom. We arrived to a big crowd and got in line. I don't remember much during the movie, just liking it. We didn't go out to eat or anything afterwards, because it was a school night. I took him home, then drove the 30mins to my house. We saw each other in school the next day, I think we had volleyball practice.

We had so many "dates" like that one. Friends headed out, one with more intentions ;) Our first date when we decided to become more than friends was in college. John had recently broke up with his girlfriend in Chicago. We hadn't talked much in the last few months, but I hadn't given up. I called him and we decided to hang out over spring break. So on April 8th 2007, we went out in Burlington. Ate some wings and then went to the park to just hang out. I love how our dates have changed :) We still try to have date night every once in a while. Now we like to go to The Eddy, or a Japanese restaurant for sushi. I like that our dates now end with us cuddling up in bed.

How was your first favorite date? I hope it was as memorable as mine...

Birthday Weekend :)

I turned 26 this past weekend. 26. Growing up, getting all mature...so we went to Boone. I love Boone. Only this weekend it was 35 degrees, foggy, and rainy. Oh well, we still had a great time. My parents got to come up with us to the house for the first time. We went shopping of course, and laid around the house, played Apples to Apples and Just dance. I got some lovely new clothes from Lucky Penny from my family and friends. I will try to post some pictures of them later.









Last weekend John and I went to The Eddy Pub in Saxapahaw. It was a beautiful evening. The sunset was perfect. We went for a short walk by the river afterwards until I saw a snake. I screamed "kill it, kill it, kill it" and ran!! Can you believe it? Snakes in early March? Other than the snake it was a good evening. We ate fried oysters, some yummy pork on mashers, and beef stew. So so yummy in a good atmosphere in good company.

So here are some pictures of our adventures...

Picture post...

Hanging out at the grandparents :) We seem to do this a lot!

Baby Addison LOVES tractors. She just doesn't wanna go near them. Look at them, talk about them, but not go near them. Too cute!




Star flower, no clue of the real name. Memaw calls them star flowers.




Ashley is very very cute picking flowers with her hair in pigtails. Supporting her team of UNC.




The girls helped me decorate Brittany's birthday cookie.




My new flowers on our balcony. Let's hope these get enough sun to make it!




Everyone hanging out outside at Memaw's. Addison was seeing who would give her the most attention!















If you can't tell I love my family. I hate missing Sunday lunches. I feel like if I miss a couple I miss my cousins growing up. The oldest grandchild is my brother and he is 29...the youngest is baby Addison. She is 1 1/2. There is lots of growing up to be watched! Hope you enjoy the photo bliss!

Not much new...

Isn't it nice to have a peaceful, calm, non-eventful few weeks? I say YES! I have worked my normal schedule, and work has been busy, but my days off have been nice and relaxing. I have done my normal chores, ran a few errands, but have had a lot of down time. I have re-read some Harry Potter books :) Watched a lot of TV. Visited family. But mainly just relaxed. It's been nice. I like not having to worry about crazy schedules, crazy meetings, and crazy work.

John and I are looking forward to a relaxing weekend. Just a few chores and some small errands. John sold a painting this week. He is taking it to his friend right now, as I type. I believe I will try again to plant our pots. It's hard not having a place to bring them indoors if it freezes one night, I have lost many a flower to frost. I have lots of cousins and friends pregnant right now. I was thinking back and there will be two spanking new babies on my moms side of the family this year. There is one on John's side who will deliver any day now. I know a few people at church who are delivering soon too. Must be something in the water.

Completely off topic, Has anyone noticed the pretty orange colors in the stores this year? Who new orange was coming back? I usually don't play into trends right when they come out, but I'm trying to have some color in my waredrobe. I have too much black/gray/browns. So I got me some pretty oranges, pinks, and blues yesterday. Old Navy is great for basics, they usually have some pretty good sales. In fact a dress I bought yesterday for $16 on sale, is have a one day only sale price today of $9. So needless to say I'm going back to get my better deal! Everyone needs a play cotton sun dress!!

One thing I hate about the location of our apartments is the proximity to the interstate. I can't open my windows w/o worrying about the emissions, and having to yell over the noise. I am so ready for a house. Unfortunately our mortgage people say John REALLY needs to have been at his job for exactly 2 years to qualify us for a joint mortgage. It sucks, how do people with horrible credit end up with houses. We have amazing credit, and John is short a few months... No fair. I'm going to try another mortgage company, recommended to me by a friend before I loose hope. Our lease is up in August, but John will not have been at his job for two years until July. One month is not enough time!!!

Well I'm going to run to Lowe's to find my plants!! I'll post pictures soon.

Just Dance!!

Ever play Just Dance on Wii? It...is...AWESOME!! It is most fun to play with a group of people. I have recently started playing the "just sweat" version as exercise. I hope it motivates me to work out more. I know, back in the day, when I was in shape...I looked forward to working out. Felt good. Now, being out of shape, gaining weight DAILY, it's not as much fun. Exercise hurts my knees! John and I have our favorites, IE the ones we score highest on. Like this one...


http://www.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://wiimedia.ign.com/wii/image/article/112/1128808/just-dance-2-20101019033948716-000.jpg&imgrefurl=http://wii.ign.com/articles/112/1128808p1.html&usg=__rNL9nwIyL_GaeVOGzC_2VBZy3K4=&h=263&w=468&sz=62&hl=en&start=0&sig2=h2U1R9Qfll_TwlQXpFxjhQ&zoom=1&tbnid=Qqn9H4hqmXCvrM:&tbnh=126&tbnw=194&ei=4xdlTcvUFc-1tgeK8LWPBg&prev=/images%3Fq%3Djust%2Bdance%2B2%26um%3D1%26hl%3Den%26client%3Dfirefox-a%26sa%3DN%26rls%3Dorg.mozilla:en-US:official%26biw%3D1264%26bih%3D578%26tbs%3Disch:10%2C69&um=1&itbs=1&iact=hc&vpx=410&vpy=319&dur=1124&hovh=168&hovw=300&tx=145&ty=99&oei=yRdlTZKzA8ehtweT2sSJBg&page=1&ndsp=21&ved=1t:429,r:16,s:0&biw=1264&bih=578


...but we also enjoy playing new ones and laughing at each other. One think I look forward to in a house is a family room. I hope we can set up a TV with the gaming consoles and have plenty of room to dance, play, dance some more.

I highly recommend Just Dance :) We might also get the Kinect (when they work out all the kinks and come out with Kinect 2). I've heard Dance Central is harder and more fun. Opinions?

My little Ashley...

Recently my little cousin Ashley had another flare up of her Sturg Weber Syndrome. She started having headaches and getting sick on her stomach. Knowing her history well, her parent's took her to the hospital. She started seizing later that day. She seized for about 4 days before she was stable enough to come home. We played at my grandmothers' on Sunday, and she was back to her normal, fun, quiet, sweet self. Ashley is one great kid! I know I'm biased because she is my cousin, but truthfully I can't remember a child with the patience she has. She has a little sister who is around 17mths old. Ashley lets her little sister follow her around, tackle her, take her toys, and basically watches over her. Ashley will walk up to Addison and ask her if she wants to play. Addison will drop whatever she is doing to play with her big sister. I love that relationship. They are sweet kids, I can't wait to go outside this summer and play!




On to talking about coffee again...

John and I went to Costco last week and picked up a new coffee. I have decided to go half and half with caffeine now, so the other half is just decaf Kirkland store brand. We tried Don Pablo, family owned and operated. I like it, a lot! It is a medium roast, very robust with flavor. I love it black. I can drink most coffee black, but it doesn't always mean I love it. Don Pablo is so good, I don't want to put anything in it at all. The taste is hard to place, it doesn't have a nutty or chocolate flavor. It is pure coffee. If you haven't tried it before, I recommend it. Pour you a cup or five and let me know what you think!



John and I don't have a lot going on this week. We are hoping to meet up with Sheena and Andrew later this week for dinner. I work the weekend. I think I have a lot of days coming up where I work 2-3 days and only have 2 off, work 2-3 and have 2 off. I prefer having more off in a row, at least 3, so I can get more done and feel rested. John has stayed steady at work, thank you Jesus! Last year during the winter, their work slacked off and he only worked 3-4 days a week. This winter he had to ask for time off! I wish he could find more of a 9-5 type job. I know he still wants to teach. I'm just happy God has blessed us both with steady work. I'm ready for a house, and new furniture. I wanna paint and make a home. It will come, I know it will. I need to learn some patience!

Thanks to everyone who prayed for Ashley. God made one special little girl! Hopefully she will keep healthy, no more seizures, and no more worries...

Sentimental

Lately I have felt very sentimental. I have cried more, laughed more, and looked at John with more love and understanding. Don't get me wrong, sometimes I look at him and I am so mad, for no reason. Got to love hormones, but I know even when I am mad I love him. I don't know why I have been crying more. Commercials have always been able to tear me up, but it's been more active over the last few weeks. The sentimental feeling comes when with family, wanting to be with family, at work, with friends. I have thought more. Really thought. I play the what if game. I'm quiet more..I know me quiet :) God puts things in our lives for reasons, or allows things to happen. So I know there is a reason for my change in demeanor. Maybe there will be a family at work that needs a more emotional nurse. Who knows?



We have had fun this year. We went to the mountains in January where there was a BUNCH of snow. A couple feet to be exact. We always have fun in Boone, hiking, and laying around the house. This time we went to Cone Manor and walked some trails we haven't before. Found one I want to try out sometime that goes by a pasture. People were sledding down the hills in the pasture, it was a beautiful sight.



















I have also been trying to play with my wardrobe more, by putting together outfits I normally wouldn't. Trying to pull pieces out that I have always had trouble matching tops to, or shoes, or skirts. Hopefully I don't look like a fool.







This first one is a black skirt I got at Old Navy a couple years back. The front has about 8 buttons that are kinda hard to pair with certain shirts. I think this outfit worked out well though. I love the shoes John got them for me from Lucky Penny!


The second outfit pairs some very nice Gianni Binni leggings with my absolutely favorite boots from Target. I can almost walk all day in those boots, almost.















































John and I are still looking at house. We really have enough for a decent down payment now, we just need to keep saving for closing costs and all the extras. John has been at his job for almost 2 years now as well so that will help with a loan. We are slowing paying off our cars, I hope to have John's paid off by this time next year. Mine by this time the following year. We will see. It would be nice to only have a mortgage and my student loans as our debt! Goal setting, one day at a time. John has hung his photos and one painting in an art gallery. I think he has a chance to sell something. I know that would boost his confidence a bunch. So keep him in your prayers. Until next time...

I got my coffee...

We ran out of coffee this week. I know, ME, out of COFFEE??? Who would have thought? I had to make Folgers yesterday. It was so so sad, and taste awful! I bought me some coffee this afternoon. I'm sipping it now while writing this blog. Maybe I should start a coffee blog? Like peoples fashion blogs. I could taste different coffee and blog about whether it is worth the price or not. Hmmm idea...

Here's my afternoon coffee. It's the 8 o'clock brand, you can get it at Walmart and it's really good. It's smooth, not too strong, and just right for a afternoon with a book. I like my coffee a little stronger in the mornings, so I will have to play with the combo of beans to water. But it gets a 9.5 in my book!



John and I went to Boone this past weekend. There are plenty of pics of our trip up on Facebook. We went shopping, walking on the parkway, watched movies, and played Just Dance 2 with Noelle. We had a nice relaxing time :) Here are some new shoes I got at Lucky Penny! Wore them to Wal-Mart today, and I LOVE them!

Work...

John is working. I know he told me where, but I don't remember. All I know is he is back in NC and not here. I have been so blessed with a husband that I love so much. He is so good to me. I don't like it when he is gone. I'm lonely without him. I guess it's a good thing that I miss him so much when he's gone. I've been working the past few days, so at least I haven't had to sit at home w/o him for as long.

Work has been difficult lately. A lot of sad patients and families have been coming in and out of unit. We have had ethics meetings regarding some of the patients admitted. I also feel conflicted about these cases. A baby is considered viable when they are over 500grams and 24weeks. Duke saves 23week infants less than 500grams all the time, but should we? What are their outcomes? Sometimes they turn out fine, sometimes they are tortured with every test, procedure, and surgery we throw at them for survival. They don't usually survive without some sort of detrimental effects. As a Christian it is hard for me to know what to think sometimes. I don't believe in abortion, but if a 23weeker is born should we torture it to "make" it survive?

I don't mean to depress everyone, but these are the things that go through my mind all the time. I pray for guidance at work, and to be there for the families. It feels wrong a lot of the time. When is enough, enough? When do we keep going no matter what? I always hope God will show me the way if I am ever in that situation.

Can we really blame families for wanting to save their baby, no matter what? I mean it's THEIR baby. The baby they hoped for, prayed for, loved for however many months. I just hate to be the one in their poking, proding, and watching the baby suffer.

I wish John were home. He is good about bringing me back to God, listening with me, and praying for me/with me. It's different on the phone. I can't stay focused. I get distracted. Friday can't come soon enough...

I have a boring blog... ;)

I read blogs, family blogs mostly. I like hearing about peoples lives. It's like reading a continuous novel about a most interesting family. A lot of the blogs I read are former patients of our unit. They go through the most intense of times, spending MONTHS in the hospital, but they have the most positive out looks on life. Their blogs are full of love, happiness, anecdotes, stories, and every day mishaps. I am so blessed to have a boring blog. John and I are so blessed with health and everything we need. We haven't had the trauma of long hospital stays, or sick family members. We are blessed.

On a side note, if you ever find yourself in the hospital for extended or short stays, remember the medical team is there to help you. We aren't out to make your life miserable. We didn't put you in the hospital. We are making decisions based on what we believe is the most beneficial. I don't go to work every day thinking how can I not listen to what this family wants, how can I make their life worse. We are doing the best we can with the options we have. We make mistakes. We are human. How many mistakes do you make at work each day? Are you allowed to make mistakes, but we are not? I understand we have your life in our hands, we all understand. We all have bad days, our goal is not to ruin your life. Please be understanding and compassionate to the nurses and doctors who work long hours, staying late, lacking sleep, just to provide the best quality of care. Thanks for letting me get that out of my system.

Don't get me wrong, I love my job. I love my patients. I love their families. I want everyone to be aware that we are all human.


Tonight is date night with the husband. I have to find something new to wear, I have been so safe with my outfits, wearing the same ones over and over. Maybe I should try to copy some of Rochelle Van Sickel's blog outfits ;) http://rochelleapproved.tumblr.com/

I think I will buy John some flowers ;) hehe

Another year, another day

We had a great weekend. I worked Friday, but Friday night Natalie came over and we ate pizza, talked, and watched some office. John and I rang the New Year's in cuddling in bed! We stayed up late watching more Office and snacking. Saturday we got to sleep in before heading to Sal's restaurant to meet up with family. Brother John and Becky were heading back to Chicago the next morning, and we decided to have one last lunch together. It was good to spend time with them during Christmas, we don't get to see them enough. Later Saturday we went to Anitra's to eat a traditional New Year's day dinner. Let me just say, her cornbread is amazing. I would eat it for 3 meals a day.

Yesterday was another Memaw Sunday. Brittany brought her Wii and Janice brought Just Dance 2. We danced and played all afternoon. My knees are so sore. John told me it probably was a bad idea to dance holding a 30lb. baby. It was awesome, I want Just Dance now!

Oh and just a side note. I have had the most trouble with AT&T last year. Currently they won't let me get my mom off my plan. She started her own plan with Dad and Allyson, but they are making it soooo difficult to get her off mine and onto their own. I mean REALLY! I have told them when my contract is up, I'm switching to Verizon. I just don't understand why it has to be so complicated. Why are we charged for minutes, texting and such. Think about your land-line. You aren't charged for minutes there, long distance yes, but not just minutes. These companies are making sooo much money on something that costs them 0.001 cents. Ugggggghhhhh!

Oh and Noelle spent the night with us Saturday night, went to church and Memaw's with us. She is such a cutie and so well behaved. Love that girl!

I decided for this year instead of making a New Year's resolution. I would pick a word to live by for the year. My word is 'relationship'. I need to concentrate on my relationship with God. I am a Christian, but I don't have a daily communication with God. So throughout the year, I am going to work on this as well as my relationship with John. I love him so much, and want to show him this with everything I do.

What is your goal for the year?