After 5 years of dating, 5 months of being engaged and 3 months of being married, Bill and I decided that maybe it would be fun to have a little one to share our lives with sometime in the near-ish future. Well, the little one kind of decided that it wanted to make an appearance earlier than any of us thought it would! Our little bundle of joy is expected to be here Easter 2018! Our little bunny!
As of right now I am 15 weeks pregnant and ready for week 16 and the relief that the 2nd Trimester will hopefully bring. My morning sickness has been so much fun! (NOT!) It's not just morning sickness, either, its mainly night sickness for me!
We took a test on the 24th of July and were so happy, scared, excited, nervous, anxious, and many other emotions I couldn't even begin to describe. Though we weren't even "trying" to have a baby, we were so happy to find out that we were going to be parents and couldn't wait to share the news. However, we decided to wait, just a while, to tell our families and friends. We wanted to be selfish and keep it between us for a little while.
Well, my morning sickness got so bad in my 7th and 8th weeks that I got very dehydrated and my parents started to notice I wasn't feeling well. My mom said, "you aren't pregnant are you?" one day before work when I was over at my Grandma's house with her. I told her, "well, about that. Yea, I am." Needless to say she was shocked, but very excited that she was going to be a Grandma. And I kept my promise to her, that she would be the first one, besides me or Bill, that would know I was pregnant. She helped me keep it from my dad until that Sunday, which was their wedding anniversary and when we decided would be a good time to tell him and my brother.
That was August, 8th. On August 10th, I was struck by a car while walking in the cross-walk, home to my Grandma's from work. I was able to get out of the way of the car for the most part so I didn't get as much of the impact as I would have otherwise; but I was/am still hurt pretty badly. My purse and jacket shielded my abdomen and torso from most of the impact, and I believe that was both mine and the baby's saving grace. Had that purse not been there, I feel my injuries could have been far worse and who knows what else could have happened.
On Sunday the 13th, we told my dad and brother, and my brother couldn't have been more excited if I had told him he had just won the million dollar jack pot. My dad was kind of in shock and noticeably less excited. When I asked him about it a couple weeks later, he said that he still couldn't believe it and that he never, ever thought that he would live to see his grand children. And that he didn't want to get too excited because he felt he would jinx it. I told him that could never happen and that it was very okay to be excited. Ever since then, he has been buying Harley Davidson onesies, accessories and stuff for the baby.
On the 17th of August we told Bill's mom and Stepdad the news. His mom was very curious what was in the gift we had brought them, thinking it was a gag gift or a joke box of some kind. However, when they opened it, read the letter and saw what was in the box, they were so overjoyed. David has never had kids of his own and only has my husband and sister-in-law as step-children. He is so excited to get to be in this little one's life and watch it grow.
Telling the rest of Bill's family was the difficult part. Tell his grandparents before his Dad and Stepmom and his grandparents would break the news before we could, and vise versus. And one of them would tell Bill's sister who lives in Kansas or they would forget and she would be the last to know. So we decided a dinner with his dad, step-mom and grandparents would be the easiest way to tell them and so after several weeks of trying to coordinate schedules and get everyone together, we finally set a dinner date for Labor day. That weekend, Bill's mom and Step-dad were flying to Kansas to see his sister, which also meant they would be a proxy for us to tell Bill's sister she was going to be an Aunt, all in one day.
Well, either someone spilled the beans or his family is really good at guessing. They totally knew what was up. His grandma said, "ooh, maybe the box is an 'announcement' of some sort". Then his dad had a look on his face that said he knew what was going on, too. So, surprise ruined there.
But Erika, she was very excited. We called her from the car on the way home, and told her she was going to be an Aunt. Her response was, "to a dog or a baby?!" When we said baby, she squealed and told us she started crying and it was the best day ever. She sent a really long, nice text to Bill later about how excited she was but sad she didn't live closer so she could be more involved but that she would be the best aunt she could be!
On August 31st, we got to see our little bunny for the very first time during my ultrasound. He is a little wiggler! The tech was having trouble getting some good pictures because the little nugget kept doing flips and moving around! I can't wait until I can actually feel it happen!
I have another OB appointment here in a couple of weeks and by that time I will be going into my 15th or 16th week, and maybe if we are lucky we will get to find out what we are having! If not, it will probably be after the next appointment! Bill really wants a boy, and I can tell my brother and dad definitely want a boy, but I will be happy either way.
After years of baby fever and knowing that this is exactly what I want, I am just so happy that it is actually happening. I still have trouble believing it some days! I am so excited to bring this bundle of joy into the world--half of me and half of the love of my life, my forever dance partner, my forever goodnight kiss. I can't wait to hold our little bunny and kiss it's cheeks, hold it close and give it all the love I have in my heart. I already love this little baby so much and I can't wait to meet our little baby!
But most of all, I can't wait to see Bill see our baby for the first time. I can't wait to see how his eyes light up, the smile on his face, the tears in his eyes, the obvious and absolute love and dedication on his face. To know that this baby will have him as a father, is more than I could have ever asked for. This baby will have the most supportive, endearing and loving man to look up to and call daddy, and I couldn't be happier about that.
Monday, October 9, 2017
Saturday, September 16, 2017
Mr. and Mrs. Pierce - Established June 3, 2017
On June 3rd, just after 6 p.m., I married the love of my life, my best friend, my partner in crime. From meeting at Pizza Hut almost 7 years ago, to falling in love, buying a house, and everything in between, we couldn't be happier or have been more ready for this step in our life.
The day started out in a hurry and went by so quickly! I got up in the morning with my family--I stayed at my parents house the night before. I couldn't have asked for a better last morning as a Van Matre. I woke up in my old room, in my old house, with my brother, and both of my parents near by. It has been almost 2 years since that has happened. We all got up and went to Denny's for breakfast before starting wedding preparations.
My veil that we had ordered 2 weeks before still hadn't arrived so we hauled butt around town trying to find one and finally did at David's bridal around noon. Whew! My maid of honor and I headed back to the Church to finish decorating and other preparations. We blew up balloons, put the tablecloths on, decorated the Sanctuary, finished the centerpieces as well as making all of the desserts and appetizers for the reception.
Next was my hair appointment at 2 p.m.. Thankfully it was literally 30 seconds away from the church and took me no time to get there. During this time, our photographer was taking pictures of all of the little details of our wedding: our rings, flowers, jewelry. She was so amazing and experienced that nothing phased her! Our pictures were supposed to start at 4 p.m. at the Church for the girls' getting ready pictures. My hair/makeup appointment didn't end until 5 p.m. Just one hour before the wedding was supposed to start! I was freaking out the whole appointment and worried I was going to look terrible! I was wearing more makeup than I ever had in my entire life, I hadn't seen my hair so I didn't know what it looked like and I was running so late that I felt like I was going to have a panic attack. I am not a late person.
Thankfully, our amazing photographer went ahead and got the pictures of the guys getting ready and some of the girls and kiddos as they got ready. When I finally arrived, she was ready to jump in and start taking pictures of me getting my dress on and the finishing touches, as well as a "First Look" with my father.
I decided to do a 'First Look" with my dad instead of my Fiance because I wanted to see the look on my fiance's face when he first saw me start to come down the isle towards him. I wanted that special moment. I also wanted a moment with my dad. I am such a Daddy's girl that I wanted him to be the first man that saw me dolled up and ready to go. He is so special to me and there have been many times in my life when I didn't think that he would ever be able to see me get married and to have him be there, it was so special and an amazing gift.
There was about 30 minutes between the time that I finished getting ready and the time I walked down the isle. I couldn't stop thinking about who all was going to actually be at the wedding, if the guys had figured out their bowties, if my grandma was okay. A million little things were running through my head! I was nervous about everything except walking down the isle because I knew what was waiting for me: an amazing man that God brought into my life and a future full of love and adventure. I knew I was ready.
I walked arm-in-arm with the first man to love me, towards the man I would marry and it was like a dream. I didn't see anyone else except for him. I didn't notice anything else, except for him. I barely noticed my dad next to me, slowing me down--I just could't wait to get down the isle to the love of my life. When we got the pictures back, I absolutely loved that we got the look on his face when he saw me for the first time. Seeing the way he looks at me, I can feel the love of that moment over and over again.
We said our vows, we tied the knot (literally) and we shared our first kiss as Mr. and Mrs. Pierce. It was a magical kiss (that yes, did take a little bit of rehearsing before hand!) that I won't ever forget! And it also caused some priceless reactions! My ring-bearer, and little cousin, Darien, had some of the best reactions and moments throughout the ceremony. He danced around, thumped himself in the head at least a dozen times, made some adorably cute faces and stood in awe during our vows and Hand-Fasting ceremony. I couldn't have imagined a better ring-bearer! I have loved being able to watch him grow up and can't wait to show him these pictures when he gets older!
After the ceremony, we took some family pictures. One of my favorites is of us with my in-laws because I absolutely love the family that I married into and couldn't have asked for a greater blessing. With two sets of parents, one set of grandparents and a sister-in-law (not in this picture), I couldn't have hit a better jack-pot! Though we definitely don't agree on some things, we all get along amazingly and there is an abundance of love and laughter.
During this, I also got a very special picture with my grandmother, who is almost 102. It was such a blessing and a miracle in many ways, to have her there. She has lived to see so much, both of my brother and I being born when she was 77 and 79, both of our high school graduations at 96 and 98, my brother's college graduation at 100 and my wedding at 101. She has been with us for so many things that we could never take her for granted!
It was really the best day of our lives and we can't wait to see what the future holds for us! Here are some of my other favorite pictures from the day! We were surrounded by so many amazing people and it was a day filled with such love and joy and many, many blessings!
Our Wedding Party
One of my favorite pictures!
The boys being able to go from this:
To this:
To this:
in just a matter of a minute!
And one of my personal favorites: a beautiful bridal picture in front of the lavender. Our photographer was so amazing!
The day started out in a hurry and went by so quickly! I got up in the morning with my family--I stayed at my parents house the night before. I couldn't have asked for a better last morning as a Van Matre. I woke up in my old room, in my old house, with my brother, and both of my parents near by. It has been almost 2 years since that has happened. We all got up and went to Denny's for breakfast before starting wedding preparations.
My veil that we had ordered 2 weeks before still hadn't arrived so we hauled butt around town trying to find one and finally did at David's bridal around noon. Whew! My maid of honor and I headed back to the Church to finish decorating and other preparations. We blew up balloons, put the tablecloths on, decorated the Sanctuary, finished the centerpieces as well as making all of the desserts and appetizers for the reception.
Next was my hair appointment at 2 p.m.. Thankfully it was literally 30 seconds away from the church and took me no time to get there. During this time, our photographer was taking pictures of all of the little details of our wedding: our rings, flowers, jewelry. She was so amazing and experienced that nothing phased her! Our pictures were supposed to start at 4 p.m. at the Church for the girls' getting ready pictures. My hair/makeup appointment didn't end until 5 p.m. Just one hour before the wedding was supposed to start! I was freaking out the whole appointment and worried I was going to look terrible! I was wearing more makeup than I ever had in my entire life, I hadn't seen my hair so I didn't know what it looked like and I was running so late that I felt like I was going to have a panic attack. I am not a late person.Thankfully, our amazing photographer went ahead and got the pictures of the guys getting ready and some of the girls and kiddos as they got ready. When I finally arrived, she was ready to jump in and start taking pictures of me getting my dress on and the finishing touches, as well as a "First Look" with my father.
I decided to do a 'First Look" with my dad instead of my Fiance because I wanted to see the look on my fiance's face when he first saw me start to come down the isle towards him. I wanted that special moment. I also wanted a moment with my dad. I am such a Daddy's girl that I wanted him to be the first man that saw me dolled up and ready to go. He is so special to me and there have been many times in my life when I didn't think that he would ever be able to see me get married and to have him be there, it was so special and an amazing gift.There was about 30 minutes between the time that I finished getting ready and the time I walked down the isle. I couldn't stop thinking about who all was going to actually be at the wedding, if the guys had figured out their bowties, if my grandma was okay. A million little things were running through my head! I was nervous about everything except walking down the isle because I knew what was waiting for me: an amazing man that God brought into my life and a future full of love and adventure. I knew I was ready.
I walked arm-in-arm with the first man to love me, towards the man I would marry and it was like a dream. I didn't see anyone else except for him. I didn't notice anything else, except for him. I barely noticed my dad next to me, slowing me down--I just could't wait to get down the isle to the love of my life. When we got the pictures back, I absolutely loved that we got the look on his face when he saw me for the first time. Seeing the way he looks at me, I can feel the love of that moment over and over again.
We said our vows, we tied the knot (literally) and we shared our first kiss as Mr. and Mrs. Pierce. It was a magical kiss (that yes, did take a little bit of rehearsing before hand!) that I won't ever forget! And it also caused some priceless reactions! My ring-bearer, and little cousin, Darien, had some of the best reactions and moments throughout the ceremony. He danced around, thumped himself in the head at least a dozen times, made some adorably cute faces and stood in awe during our vows and Hand-Fasting ceremony. I couldn't have imagined a better ring-bearer! I have loved being able to watch him grow up and can't wait to show him these pictures when he gets older!
After the ceremony, we took some family pictures. One of my favorites is of us with my in-laws because I absolutely love the family that I married into and couldn't have asked for a greater blessing. With two sets of parents, one set of grandparents and a sister-in-law (not in this picture), I couldn't have hit a better jack-pot! Though we definitely don't agree on some things, we all get along amazingly and there is an abundance of love and laughter.
During this, I also got a very special picture with my grandmother, who is almost 102. It was such a blessing and a miracle in many ways, to have her there. She has lived to see so much, both of my brother and I being born when she was 77 and 79, both of our high school graduations at 96 and 98, my brother's college graduation at 100 and my wedding at 101. She has been with us for so many things that we could never take her for granted!It was really the best day of our lives and we can't wait to see what the future holds for us! Here are some of my other favorite pictures from the day! We were surrounded by so many amazing people and it was a day filled with such love and joy and many, many blessings!
Our Wedding Party
One of my favorite pictures!
The boys being able to go from this:
To this:
To this:
in just a matter of a minute!
And one of my personal favorites: a beautiful bridal picture in front of the lavender. Our photographer was so amazing!Tuesday, April 4, 2017
My How Things Have Changed!
The last post I wrote was at the beginning of the semester 2 years ago! Two years ago I was finishing my pre-requisites to apply to Nursing school, applying for a Phlebotomy position at St. Mary's Hospital and trying to figure out my relationship with my boyfriend. Back then, things were a lot simpler. It has been two years and so much has changed. Here are some of the things that have happened since then:
I am almost finished with my 3rd semester of Nursing school (we have 5 1/2 weeks left! Yay!). I got in on the first try and the rest is history! Nursing school has been one of the most challenging things that I have ever done. But I wouldn't trade it for the world and I couldn't imagine doing anything else! My first semester was almost a culture shock! There are 39 students in my class and we all have the same classes at the same time. The only difference is our clinical hours. My first semester our clinicals were in Nursing Homes across the Valley, learning the process and understanding the basics of Nursing. My second semester was many different things. I was in surgeries, PACU, Oncology, Medical/Surgical Floors, Neuro/Trauma, and many other rotations. It was a whirlwind and was over in the blink of an eye. This semester is no different. It feels like just yesterday I ended the Fall Semester and went on Winter Break. Now I've been back from spring break for almost two weeks, have 5 weeks left of the semester and have just over a year until graduation.
This semester has been an even bigger mix of things than last semester. This semester I've been up to Collbran Job Corp's and to Mind Springs Hospital for Mental Health Clinicals and now I'm currently back at St. Mary's Hospital taking care of tiny humans and their mothers! I have had two NICU rotations so far and I LOVE it! The first one was pretty terrible because my preceptor was whining about her job more than she was taking care of the babies it seemed. The second day was the opposite and so amazing. My nurse never said a word that wasn't positive, that wasn't about patient care or helping the baby or it's family. She hugged me probably seven times and was so thankful for me being there. I helped with the admission of a set of 28 week old twins to the NICU, I helped take care of almost every baby in that NICU and had just an overall amazing day! I don't think I would mind working there someday!
Lets see, what else is there? Oh, right! I just passed my 2 year anniversary for being a Phlebotomist at St. Mary's Hospital! I worked there and at Texas Roadhouse for about 6 months and it was a definite challenge but really helped me grow as a person and prepare for what life is really like. My GPA is still good and my fund is still there and will be there until I graduate next May! Thank goodness because College is expensive!
I wrote that I was saving to move out next year (which would have been 2016). I didn't accomplish that. My boyfriend and I started looking for apartments in August of 2016 and finally applied and were approved for one in November, only to have the management company to rent the apartment out from underneath us. So, we decided that we would buy instead! In the beginning of January we started the application process for a loan, got pre-approved, went house shopping and found the one! We went under contract immediately and got our keys and moved in on March 15, 2017! It is an amazing 3 bedroom 2 bathroom house with a 2 car garage! We absolutely love it and love it even more each day!
And! We are engaged! On December 15, 2016 Bill took me to the Mesa, got down on one knee and proposed! We are getting married in 60 days on June 3, 2017! We are both so excited to be where we are today, getting married and officially starting our life together. It has been a long time coming (5+) years but well worth the wait!
Well, there's the update! Until next time! (I'm sure it wont be another 2 years!)
I am almost finished with my 3rd semester of Nursing school (we have 5 1/2 weeks left! Yay!). I got in on the first try and the rest is history! Nursing school has been one of the most challenging things that I have ever done. But I wouldn't trade it for the world and I couldn't imagine doing anything else! My first semester was almost a culture shock! There are 39 students in my class and we all have the same classes at the same time. The only difference is our clinical hours. My first semester our clinicals were in Nursing Homes across the Valley, learning the process and understanding the basics of Nursing. My second semester was many different things. I was in surgeries, PACU, Oncology, Medical/Surgical Floors, Neuro/Trauma, and many other rotations. It was a whirlwind and was over in the blink of an eye. This semester is no different. It feels like just yesterday I ended the Fall Semester and went on Winter Break. Now I've been back from spring break for almost two weeks, have 5 weeks left of the semester and have just over a year until graduation.
This semester has been an even bigger mix of things than last semester. This semester I've been up to Collbran Job Corp's and to Mind Springs Hospital for Mental Health Clinicals and now I'm currently back at St. Mary's Hospital taking care of tiny humans and their mothers! I have had two NICU rotations so far and I LOVE it! The first one was pretty terrible because my preceptor was whining about her job more than she was taking care of the babies it seemed. The second day was the opposite and so amazing. My nurse never said a word that wasn't positive, that wasn't about patient care or helping the baby or it's family. She hugged me probably seven times and was so thankful for me being there. I helped with the admission of a set of 28 week old twins to the NICU, I helped take care of almost every baby in that NICU and had just an overall amazing day! I don't think I would mind working there someday!
Lets see, what else is there? Oh, right! I just passed my 2 year anniversary for being a Phlebotomist at St. Mary's Hospital! I worked there and at Texas Roadhouse for about 6 months and it was a definite challenge but really helped me grow as a person and prepare for what life is really like. My GPA is still good and my fund is still there and will be there until I graduate next May! Thank goodness because College is expensive!
I wrote that I was saving to move out next year (which would have been 2016). I didn't accomplish that. My boyfriend and I started looking for apartments in August of 2016 and finally applied and were approved for one in November, only to have the management company to rent the apartment out from underneath us. So, we decided that we would buy instead! In the beginning of January we started the application process for a loan, got pre-approved, went house shopping and found the one! We went under contract immediately and got our keys and moved in on March 15, 2017! It is an amazing 3 bedroom 2 bathroom house with a 2 car garage! We absolutely love it and love it even more each day!
And! We are engaged! On December 15, 2016 Bill took me to the Mesa, got down on one knee and proposed! We are getting married in 60 days on June 3, 2017! We are both so excited to be where we are today, getting married and officially starting our life together. It has been a long time coming (5+) years but well worth the wait!
Well, there's the update! Until next time! (I'm sure it wont be another 2 years!)
Tuesday, January 20, 2015
Start of Spring Semester 2015
Today was the start of another semester. One of my last two before entering the Nursing Program. I am very determined. I won't overestimate myself and underestimate my classes; that is a sure way to fail. I hope that this semester will be able to help me boost my GPA in order to give me a better chance to get in to the Nursing Program first try and that I will have the knowledge I need to get a high score on my Kaplan exam.
Of course, Colorado Mesa University is making life harder for prospective Nursing students by limiting the number of times you can take the Kaplan to one. Previously you were allowed two times but not anymore. That means I have to study my butt off to be able to do my best on the very first try. I am an inpatient person and I don't think that I could wait even one more semester before applying. My only other option would be to apply to the BSN and LPN Program at the same time, but I don't see how that can be favorable. It seems like it will only add extra time to my plan and will be putting off the future even longer.
On another hand. I am applying for a Phlebotomy position at St. Mary's Hospital. I am hoping to be able to work that, Texas Roadhouse and go to school full time. I hope that allows me to save enough money to be able to move out on my own maybe next year. Or that it'll help me to pay for college after my fund runs out. I am worried about losing my scholarship if I don't get into the program on the first try. I have to keep a 3.0 GPA (I'm not sure what happened to my 3.5 GPA Scholarship) and 12 semester hours to keep my scholarship. So if I don't get in, I either have to take enough classes to keep my scholarship or stop going to school until I get in. Both are terrible because My scholarship runs out at 120 hours (which is about how long it takes to get a Bachelors degree) or if I drop below 12 credits or stop going at all. Either way I'm kind of screwed.
2015 has been filled with a few days full of bad luck but other than that it's been pretty good. I hope that my luck and good fortune continues into the rest of 2015 and that I am successful in getting into the Nursing Program and that my dreams remain within my reach. I feel that if I work hard enough and I am dedicated enough I can get in and accomplish my dreams. With hard work and dedication, anything is possible.
Of course, Colorado Mesa University is making life harder for prospective Nursing students by limiting the number of times you can take the Kaplan to one. Previously you were allowed two times but not anymore. That means I have to study my butt off to be able to do my best on the very first try. I am an inpatient person and I don't think that I could wait even one more semester before applying. My only other option would be to apply to the BSN and LPN Program at the same time, but I don't see how that can be favorable. It seems like it will only add extra time to my plan and will be putting off the future even longer.
On another hand. I am applying for a Phlebotomy position at St. Mary's Hospital. I am hoping to be able to work that, Texas Roadhouse and go to school full time. I hope that allows me to save enough money to be able to move out on my own maybe next year. Or that it'll help me to pay for college after my fund runs out. I am worried about losing my scholarship if I don't get into the program on the first try. I have to keep a 3.0 GPA (I'm not sure what happened to my 3.5 GPA Scholarship) and 12 semester hours to keep my scholarship. So if I don't get in, I either have to take enough classes to keep my scholarship or stop going to school until I get in. Both are terrible because My scholarship runs out at 120 hours (which is about how long it takes to get a Bachelors degree) or if I drop below 12 credits or stop going at all. Either way I'm kind of screwed.
2015 has been filled with a few days full of bad luck but other than that it's been pretty good. I hope that my luck and good fortune continues into the rest of 2015 and that I am successful in getting into the Nursing Program and that my dreams remain within my reach. I feel that if I work hard enough and I am dedicated enough I can get in and accomplish my dreams. With hard work and dedication, anything is possible.
Saturday, January 17, 2015
Love, Life, Growing Up
One week ago was my 3 year anniversary of dating the man of my dreams. 3 years ago he asked me to be his girlfriend not knowing what our future would hold. Neither of us knew where we would be or how long we would be together, or what we would one day mean to each other.
My boyfriend and I used to work together and had known each other for about 1 1/2 years before we started dating. When we were little, our families lived near each other too; I discovered that I had once sold Girl Scout cookies to his family! (What a small world!) Any who, early in 2011 my boyfriend had just gotten out of a terrible relationship and we went on a fun, pressure free date to the park. We played catch, talked a lot and got to know each other outside of work. We continued to work together and talk but we both started seeing other people.
When a previous relationship of mine wasn't going very well I turned to my current boyfriend. He talked me through it and helped me figure out what I wanted. That summer came and went without either of us making a move towards the other. At the end of the summer, in August, we went to a movie together and went and sat under the stars together afterwards. Shortly after, he quit his job to focus on school and sports during his senior year of high school so we didn't see each other again until October. Thats when we started hanging out and talking more and more; becoming closer.
We were constantly hanging out and doing things together, talking and getting to know each other. We would go bowling, have movie nights at his parents house. Play pingpong together. And we went to a dance together in November. The New Year came and he was my first New Years Kiss. Finally, 9 days in to 2012, he finally asked me to be his girlfriend.
In the last 3 years, we have had ups and downs, we have found the strengths and weaknesses in our relationship. We have learned so much about each other that its crazy to think that we once knew nothing. Its almost more strange to think that I've been friends with him for longer than I have with almost any one else. He knows more about me than any of my friends ever have and I know that I am the only one in his heart, as he is the only one in mine. The last three years of being with my boyfriend have taught me so many things about growing up, maturing and loving another person. It taught me how to love myself, as well. Before I met my boyfriend, I didn't really understand what that meant.. I always thought it was a weird statement "love yourself". But being with my boyfriend has helped me so much to find myself and discover who I want to be. He helped me find Nursing, he helped me to rediscover my love of school and he has helped me to find my own relationship with God.
We went to Prom, to many other dances, we were at each other's high school graduations. We are each other's high school sweethearts. We found hobbies that we enjoyed doing together, like dirt biking and more recently painting. We make compromises for each other and help make each other strong and whole. We really have grown together in the past 3 years.
On the way home from a weekend Church Youth trip to Ridgeway about 7 months into our relationship, our Pastor asked one of the other kids how we would be able to make our relationship work with my boyfriend going to college and me still being in high school. The kid said that if we focused on each other, avoided temptations and kept God always in our hearts, minds and our relationship, that we could make it through anything. I completely believe that and I know that if we continue to do that as we have for the last 3 years, we can continue to do it for the rest of our lives.
The thing that I look forward to most in our relationship is our future together, growing up and finding our way in this world, together. I look forward to being by his side through the ups and downs and having him by mine. Sunday, January 4, 2015
The Last Month
The last month of my life has been full of ups and downs, struggles and successes. I finished another semester of college, my boyfriend moved home from Pueblo, we celebrated Christmas, New Years 2015 and soon we will be celebrating our 3 year anniversary of dating. But those are just the big things that have been happening. Life isn't just full of big moments or events; little ones are just as important.
At the end of the semester, I ended with 3 A's and a matching 3 B's. I took 13 Credits this semester which doesn't seem like much, but it was a lot more than 13 credits. My Anatomy and Physiology 210 Lab was worth 1 credit but felt like it was, at the very least, a 4 credit course. The work for that class was more extensive and more like a lecture than the corresponding Lecture course. Some of the other girls in that class struggled with me to get the highest grades that we could. Sure, their study techniques may not have been as good as mine and I got a higher grade than them, it was still difficult for all. I am proud to say that I did earn a B and that I was successful in that, but I am disappointed I didn't do better. I feel like If I had tried harder, studied differently, then I would have been able to do better. But then I tell myself that I did the best I could for myself at the time and that I couldn't have done it any differently.
This last semester was probably the most stressful and intense of them all. I was more stressed and defeated than ever before. But in turn, I was more determined to pull through, too. I was strong willed and more set on succeeding than ever. After meeting with a Nursing Advisor, who said I wouldn't be able to get into the BSN program, I felt a fire that I had never known before. No one can tell me that I can't do something and if they do I will do what I can to prove them wrong. I can't stand people setting limits for me or for others. The only person that is stopping you from doing something is yourself. No one and nothing else can stand in your way of your dreams and I am not going to let anything stop me.
In a year from now I hope to be preparing to start the BSN program at Colorado Mesa University and will be graduating in May of 2018. That is my hope and I will strive and work my ass off to do it. I don't know what I'll do if I don't get in, but I feel that with how determined I am with school and getting in, I will hopefully be able to do so this year.
Spring semester starts in a little over a week and I'm so ready to start and keep moving forward! It's so exciting to be getting closer and closer to my dreams and I can feel it within my grasp! I can't wait to be able to call myself a Nurse in just over 3 years!
Sunday, December 21, 2014
Another Semester in the books!
Another semester has come and gone and I am one step closer to fulfilling my dream as a Nurse! I am getting more and more anxious every day. I want to get it over with and move forward, so I want to finish all of my prerequisites as fast as I can and get out! I just feel like it is so far away!
In a years time, hopefully, I will be going on my Winter Break before starting the Nursing Program in the Spring of 2016. Like I said, it seems so far away seeing as Spring of 2015 isn't even here yet, heck 2015 hasn't even been rung in! A year in the grand scheme of things doesn't seem like so long but I just hate waiting. I want to be there and be learning, doing and experiencing. I want to jump feet first in the deep end and save lives. I want to be someone and I am tired of waiting for it. Sure, I'm not sitting around and doing nothing, I'm working towards my dreams as best I can, but it doesn't seem like enough.
My manager at work got on me about not working enough this semester, but when I have clinicals and 6 classes, how am I expected to work 5+ days of work per week? A part time job is usually around 20 hours per week, not the 30-ish to 40 that I had been doing for several weeks. My school work had been suffering and I needed more time to study, I also had a night class two days per week so I took an extra day off of work in between to have more time to study and focus on school. Seeing as my boyfriend lived in Pueblo this semester, I also took a couple weekends off every now and then in order to be able to see my boyfriend for even a few moments when he was in town. I have worked my butt off for my managers for the last 2 years and it didn't pay off when I was a hostess and it hasn't paid off for me now as a server. I have worked my butt off as a server since the day I started training last spring and never backed down. But how am I supposed to continue working hard for something when the reward isn't going to be given?
There are many people who do things without the prospects of rewards but this isn't one of those things. I want to be happy at my job and know that I'm progressing and not just at a standstill. I want to know that even as a server I am accomplishing something and doing something for myself. If I can't do it as a server how can I expect myself to accomplish it in real life and in the Nursing Program? How can I expect myself to excel and progress there if I can't do it in my current life? How can I move forward when I feel stuck right where I am?
I just can't wait for it all to finally happen for me and finally be my turn for something great and meaningful to happen for me. Sure there are the small wonders that I am blessed with but I can't wait for the grand, big, amazing, life changing event to finally happen to me.
In a years time, hopefully, I will be going on my Winter Break before starting the Nursing Program in the Spring of 2016. Like I said, it seems so far away seeing as Spring of 2015 isn't even here yet, heck 2015 hasn't even been rung in! A year in the grand scheme of things doesn't seem like so long but I just hate waiting. I want to be there and be learning, doing and experiencing. I want to jump feet first in the deep end and save lives. I want to be someone and I am tired of waiting for it. Sure, I'm not sitting around and doing nothing, I'm working towards my dreams as best I can, but it doesn't seem like enough.
My manager at work got on me about not working enough this semester, but when I have clinicals and 6 classes, how am I expected to work 5+ days of work per week? A part time job is usually around 20 hours per week, not the 30-ish to 40 that I had been doing for several weeks. My school work had been suffering and I needed more time to study, I also had a night class two days per week so I took an extra day off of work in between to have more time to study and focus on school. Seeing as my boyfriend lived in Pueblo this semester, I also took a couple weekends off every now and then in order to be able to see my boyfriend for even a few moments when he was in town. I have worked my butt off for my managers for the last 2 years and it didn't pay off when I was a hostess and it hasn't paid off for me now as a server. I have worked my butt off as a server since the day I started training last spring and never backed down. But how am I supposed to continue working hard for something when the reward isn't going to be given?
There are many people who do things without the prospects of rewards but this isn't one of those things. I want to be happy at my job and know that I'm progressing and not just at a standstill. I want to know that even as a server I am accomplishing something and doing something for myself. If I can't do it as a server how can I expect myself to accomplish it in real life and in the Nursing Program? How can I expect myself to excel and progress there if I can't do it in my current life? How can I move forward when I feel stuck right where I am?
I just can't wait for it all to finally happen for me and finally be my turn for something great and meaningful to happen for me. Sure there are the small wonders that I am blessed with but I can't wait for the grand, big, amazing, life changing event to finally happen to me.
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