I know this is pathetic but this is the only picture I managed to have taken around Christmas time. Hopefully more will be taken over New Year's. Happy New Year everyone!!

The best Christmas ever!!

We had one of the best Christmas's ever. Sara really enjoyed all that she was given even though she wouldn't let Santa in the house. She made him leave all of her gifts outside on the front porch. We learned that Darrel did well enough in his classes last quarter to earn the HOPE scholarship which will be applied to his fees beginning in January and cover the entire time he is in his program. We were able to spend time with Darrel's family and my family and not be rushed by having to get back to work.

All in all we were blessed way more than we ever expected. I am grateful for this time of year. I have learned how to let offenses go and not allow myself to be offended when people wrong me (whether it is intentional or not). I have learned that family is family whether we like them or not and we have to set a good example for everyone. I wish I had pictures to publish and maybe some will come as time permits.

I wish you all a Merry Christmas and a Happy New year as it approaches! God Bless

Learning how to teach a 4 year old about Christmas

Tonight I thought it would be good to teach Sara more about what Christmas is really about instead of Santa and presents. So I thought I would just read the story from the Bible and it would be that simple. Wrong! I had to translate as I was reading and then ask her questions about what I had said. All in all I think she got the basics about Joseph, Mary, Jesus and a barn (how else do you describe a manger without pictures??) She told me she didn't like the story because she didn't have any pictures to look at. Now I am on the hunt for a children's bible that may be a tad more interesting than just a bunch of black and white.

Merry Christmas to all!!

My night time ramblings

Ok...it's campout time for the scouts which means I am once again without a husband in my house. This equals me being overly aware of everything that may or may not be happening in or around my house.

This is how the evening begins...

Get dinner ready for me and Sara
We read books
We go through the rituals of going to bed, going to the bathroom, needing something to drink, going back to bed...and so on for at least 15 minutes.
Then the quiet sets in.
And then the dog ferociously barks at a stranger who dares to walk down the street during what we have termed the "drug parade" which begins shortly after sundown and doesn't cease until close to 2 or 3 in the morning.
In turn means that we shouldn't even begin to go to bed until around such time because you can hear every car travel up and down the road.

I have to constantly remind myself that if the dog isn't barking there isn't need for me to feel alarmed.

I know that our alarm system works as I have personally set it off more times than the robbers have.

I often wonder why I can get Sara to bed at a very decent time of the night when I am by myself yet ponder why it takes so much longer when Dad is home?

I am also very bored out of my mind because I don't want to read textbooks (although it would be advantageous at this point to get a head start since next semester only lasts three weeks) and I have no new books to read.

Why is the news boring? Maybe because they harp over things that the majority of people care less about and are unjust to the events that are actually news worthy?

Why is it so hard to follow the will of the Lord?? And why are men so much more stubborn and hard headed than women??

Why has Christ been taken out of everything this nation has been built upon? I wonder what the founding fathers are thinking at this time??

Enough stupid unanswerable questions...

I have much on my mind this evening. I am missing people that have been on the other side of the veil for the better part of my life. I have completed all of the preparatory work for them to receive the temple ordinances and have stalled on doing their work. Darrel and I have agreed to go to the temple more this upcoming year and I sincerely hope we stick to that commitment. I am struggling with the fact that school is coming to an end and I have much to prepare in order to do well with everything concerning exit exams and board exams. I have had confirmation from the Lord that all will be well; however the carnal person in me still worries needlessly because I know I still have to do my part and I am not sure if it will be enough. I wish we lived closer to our families. I know that for us to be able to be financially secure in the time we wish to do it in we will have to live farther away which means telephone calls and emails will be our lifelines.

I am wanting to have another child very badly and at the same time knowing that so much has to fall perfectly into place in order to support this new life. Which means this too has been given to the Lord and I pray that it will be His timing and not mine on these matters.

I know that my mind is full of twisted thoughts and concerns. I laugh over most of them because I know it doesn't do me any good to worry about them. We have been blessed more than I have ever dreamed imaginable just by being up here and following the promptings of the Holy Ghost. I know that I have much to work on in order to be a better follower and example of the gospel. I have been making a concerted effort to read my scriptures more and learn what the Lord would have me do as His servant. That is where I must go tonight in order to find comfort since my companion is gone to serve those whom he's been called to serve.

Goodnight.

Surprises...

I guess being an average student pays off! I just received my grades and actually ended up with 2 A's and a B! I don't know whether the system was manipulated or not, and this is one of the few times when I am not going to argue or bring it to their attention. HOORAY! Now if only July would get here and a phat paying job....;)

Let the Celebration Begin

I just finished my last exam for the year and I am so relieved. I didn't do as well as I could have but I have learned to except that average is ok and over-achieving is unnecessary. At any rate, now I can totally relax and get into the holiday spirit. I am looking forward to a visit in Atlanta this weekend that will be relaxing and fun.

Happy Holidays Everyone!

***I get to walk at graduation in May but I don't actually finish my clinical rotations until July 31! But I only have two final exams left for the rest of my life!!!

The fun of being a kid

As most of you know, Sara is not shy by any means. Until she has to be evaluated for basketball!! Oh my. I don't know what to do with a kid pulling on my pants! At any rate, she did come pretty close to getting the ball in the basket a couple of times. Drills are not her thing, and dribbling did get better after she warmed up to the guys helping us. We'll see how she improves over time.

As for my big kid, I think it is suffice to say that when you play with ducks around water you might get wet!!

Happy Holidays to all!

Excitement!!

I am really excited about this holiday season!

I can't exactly put my finger on it. Maybe it's because I'm less than two months away from the last final exam of my life. Maybe it's because we've been blessed so much this year and I have much thanks to give to others. Or maybe it's because I've grown this year in many ways and can truly appreciate the simple blessings that I have in my life every single day.

**I am able to wake up (even in a very bad mood) and see my best friend every single morning.
**I love the pitter patter of Sara's feet as she comes to get in our bed early in the morning.
**I love the fact that when I do get out of school I'll always be able to provide for my family.
**I cherish the fact that I'll be able to return my gratitude to Darrel by allowing him to go to school without having to work at the same time.
**I am looking forward to learning how to sew so I can make things for Sara like my mom made for me.
**I am looking forward to being completely out of debt in less than 10 years. Hooray!!
**I am very grateful for what the Lord has given me. Even when I just pray to Him I am able to understand a small portion of His will for me and my family. It warms my heart and humbles me to do better.
**As many people know I hate Augusta. But it has given me and my family the very best opportunity to earn our education and prepare ourselves for our future.
**I am grateful for the friends we have made in our ward and the examples they provide for me to follow.
**I am excited to graduate and finally get a job that is worth going to.

This season always brings me hope and encourages me to increase my faith and love for myself and others.

What I've learned since becoming an OT student

I thought since I am in the transition stage from OT student to OT professional I would share a little bit about what I have learned.

1) I have issues! (Sensory Issues that is)- I have a messed up sensory system that could have been corrected before 8 years of age that I am now stuck with. When I am stressed out I become tactile defensive and can't stand things around my face. Which means snuggling and kissing are out! Sorry Dear!

2) I am partially OCD - I am only 1/2 way OCD. I can't stand to begin cooking in an unkempt kitchen, but I'm not OCD enough to keep it in tip top shape. Always give ample time if you are to visit our house!!

3) I now know what ROM is and how to test it. Basically I can check the range of motion of all body parts

4) I have become adapt at using my family as guinea pigs and scientific experiments. I can manipulate Darrel even though he can over power me.

5) I can no longer fight sugar cravings!

6) My mother was wrong! Candy is good for you! When studying or trying to focus it is great to awaken your gustatory sense (taste). This way you alert two sensory avenues and create more synapses in the brain for the information to be stored and recalled.

7) Play = Work!! My work in pediatrics means I can essentially play games all day long and get paid for it. Who Knew?

8) Not many curriculum's allow students to play with marshmallows for a grade.

9) The human body is an awful thing to waste. If you don't believe me, follow me on rounds and watch the adage "if you don't use it you lose it" come to life.

10) I have learned a new vocabulary. Darrel makes me translate into human!! hahaha.

Just some thoughts to share. Happy Holidays everyone!!

I hate to do it again

I do think it is nice to give thanks especially during this particular time of year!

I am especially thankful for prayers..those answered and those that aren't. Even before I became a member of the church I had prayers answered and I still give thanks every day. If it weren't for my small knowledge of Christ I would never have asked to find my soul mate nor would I be with him now.

I am thankful for my parents (natural and inlaw). I went through a period of time when I thought my mom had it out for me. I couldn't hardly stand to be around her because it seemed that everything I did made her mad. I now know it was just the unfortunate case of being the youngest child to a mother who was a little older than most and going through some of the changes of life. I really appreciate all that my parents do for me. I love my in-laws as much as my own parents. They've welcomed me into their lives and never made me feel uncomfortable or unloved.

I am thankful for the opportunity I have had to be a parent. I have learned more about myself in the past 4 years than I ever expected. I love being a mother and cherish that role. I am grateful for Sara because she has pushed me to do for her and provide a better future in which she can prosper.

I am thankful for the gospel. I have experienced many spiritual moments as a member of the church that have only strengthened my love and testimony. I know that God lives and that prayers are answered.

I am thankful for family. Being so far away from everyone has made me treasure the times we do have. I am also thankful for the extended family I have here in Augusta. They help make the hard times bearable.

Kim, thanks for this idea. You always find the neatest postings and I can't help but insert my own two-sense.

Have a Happy Thanksgiving Everyone!!!

I'm totally dumbfounded

While I was reading the news this evening I noticed an article entitled "How many sex partners have you had?" I was interested mainly to see how the article was going to answer the question. The author then justified having multiple partners because kids are starting puberty earlier and not getting married until later in life!!! HOW ABSURD!?!?! I can't believe that people are justifying immoral behavior because of puberty. I'm even upset that it is required for young girls to get the HPV vaccine when if people were not as promiscuous there would be a smaller need for the vaccine period! These are the serpents that were talked about in Ether and Moroni. And I am very ashamed that this is where the world is heading. How will my daughter rise above this behavior when it is more than accepted; it is justified??

I just couldn't resist

Ok... I am so ready to be finished with school that I have already counted down the days until my last final before taking my board exams.

The week after Thanksgiving is split between preparing for comprehensive lab practicals (that cover everything we've learned in OT school practically) and 2 out of 4 final exams.

My last day of class officially for this semester is December 9 and then I have a 3 week semester in January from the 5th-23rd. I am so very excited. I still have tooo much studying to do to prepare for our board exam next summer, however I am extremely excited. I know that this is what I am supposed to do and I am ready to have a job so that I can put Darrel through school.

Even more exciting is Christmas! My mom is purchasing a small tree for Sara to decorate with hand-made decorations. And I think Darrel and I might even go on a date without a child at hand. I love this holiday and the thoughts about the birth of Christ. I am excited to share that with Sara this year because she'll be able to understand and participate in our family traditions.

Hooray!!!

..enough posting for now...I've gotta get dinner ready so Darrel can come home and be happy!!

My Husband

Sorry Kim...I had to borrow your idea!!

1. He’s sitting in front of the TV: what is on the screen? Anything to do with hunting (prob his own duck video that he is creating) or Dirty jobs
2. You’re out to eat. What kind of dressing does he get on his salad? Ranch with Extra Ranch
3. What is one food he doesn’t like? Bananas
4. You go out to the bar. What does he order? If he fit into that crowd...(and actually consumed some adult beverage) I'd say probably some whiskey. But since he doesn't I'd say Dr Pepper
5. Where did he go to high school? Eagles Landing High School
6. What size shoe does he wear? 10 EEE
7. If he was to collect anything, what would it be? This is tough...duck feathers and sheds (deer antlers that have been shed)
8. What is his favorite type of sandwich? He hates sandwiches
9. What would the Husband eat every day if he could? there's so much to choose from...maybe a steak...or his mama's fried chicken?
10. What is his favorite cereal? Honey Bunches of Oat's with Almonds
11. What would he never wear? a thong
12. What is his favorite sports team? he doesn't really have one...hunting is more his hobby
13. Who will he vote for? Didn't vote
14. Who is his best friend? Most likely Ronnie...we don't really like having friends
15. What is something you do that he wishes you wouldn’t do? Nag.
16. How many states has he lived in? 2
17. What is his heritage? South Georgia and the hills of North Carolina (Before that, I'm not exactly sure.)
18. You bake him a cake for his birthday; what kind? Chocolate cake with vanilla ice cream
19. Did he play sports in high school? Yes..Football
20. What could he spend hours doing? Hunting and playing video games

There's no denying it...

When I was in high school I too fell in love with Lucy. I have just about every episode recorded on tape and have watched Lucille Ball in many musicals. Recently Sara was exposed to Lucy and she loves it! I called my mom and she just laughed. Who would every have thought that a 4 year old would like to watch black and white episodes of Lucy and Ricky. Someone has some 'splainin to do!!!

Why is it so hard to humble oneself??

So, I've had many things on my mind and really needed some answers. So I went to what I know I should've been doing all along, reading scriptures. What a mighty relief it has brought me!! I didn't read particularly just to find an answer. I know that the Lord doesn't work like that with me. I knew it had to be a heartfelt attempt to be meek and come back to the straight and narrow. Anyway, whether or not my prayers have been answered I really feel true peace again. I find that my emotions are still on my shirt sleeve and that the adversary is trying to make me give up on what I know to be the right things to do, but I am really trying to be a better person. When Darrel and I were first married I was able to read the scriptures and delve deep into what I was supposed to do. The Lord never failed me in my search for truth. For whatever reasons I have not kept up with the habits I began 5 short years ago. I know that if it were easy to be 'sinless' and full of faith there wouldn't be a need to come to the earth. I am just glad that I have been given yet another chance in following the Lord and putting His will before my own.

What you can learn when you speak less and watch more

My goal is to become more patient with Sara and remember that she is a child that is constantly learning. So lately I've been watching her without her noticing. I can't believe how much she is impacted by me and how I treat her. Not that I treat her bad, I just have high expectations for her. So my expectations for her are imposed on her babies. It is cute to see her act and say the things that I say to her. She even gets my attitude and puts her hands on her hips like I do. I've become my mother and now my daughter has become me!

She does also try to teach her babies how to bow their heads and pray as we do with her. Not all of my bad habits have been picked up, but I have noticed that if I don't begin letting her be herself I'll be raising a child to be me and not an individual.

How much I have learned by just observing and seeing my daughter for who she is...

The end of a year.....

I certainly cannot believe that an entire year has already passed me by. I guess it is true that the older you get the faster time goes by. There are many things that I wished I would have taken the time to cherish more and now I feel that it is too late.

I wish I would have enjoyed the time when Sara was a baby more. Now that she is older I think I spent too much time worrying and stressed to enjoy the time we had.

I wish I would have enjoyed the times when we lived closer to our family. Now there seems to be little time to be together because we are trying to spend equal time with both families and then we have to pack and travel the long way home.

I wish I would have learned to cherish the little blessings in life instead of worrying about what was going to come next. We have been so blessed by the sacrifices that others have made on our behalf just to make ends meet and my faith has been tested and increased because of the love of others. I wish I would have had more faith and less worry.

We still have challenges that face us. Especially around the holiday times. But at least this year I feel comforted that Heavenly Father will continue to make a way for us to survive as long as we have the faith to walk along His path and follow His way.

I hope I will learn to look at the small parts of life and enjoy them and give thanks for them more often in the years to follow. I am grateful for all that I have been given and am even more thankful for a wonderful family who supports us in all that we desire to do.

New view of Halloween

I haven't been this excited about Halloween since I was a kid. Sara's been looking forward to this for at least 6 months. Not so much about trick or treating but more for the fact that she'll be 4 years old and a "big girl".

This week I've been at the hospital doing inpatient therapy. What a culture shock!!!??!! This is a whole new ball game from what I have experienced in the past year and a half. I really really like it though. Everyday is different and you see many many patients. Some of them you even hate to see leave the hospital. But I've bet I've pulled or stretched every single muscle in my body!! Just about every night I've taken a hot bubble bath just to soak in. And I'm not talking warm or mildly hot. I'm talking the hot that can scald if you are not careful. I have turned the water on to the hottest it will go and let the tub fill up. I really have enjoyed the week I've had and would love to find a job in a hospital until I can experience more and make a decision as to what I would like to do the best.

Sara gets to dress in her Halloween costume to school tomorrow and they are going to celebrate her birthday with her. She even made us get party hats for everyone! I'm so happy to see her excited about her special day!

What the quiet can bring to my mind

I stayed home from school today because Sara and I have been battling colds all week and just needed a non-structured day to rest. It was fairly productive even though I tried to be lazy. Laundry was done and dishes were cleaned. I even studied some and made sure Darrel had everything he needed for his classes this week.

But he is working the 2nd shift this week which means it is "hopefully" quiet once Sara is in bed. I say hopefully because my mind still plays tricks on me now that I am an adult and I find it hard to relax when Darrel isn't home. I've been like this all of my life and find that it doesn't get better as I get older. Thank goodness it hasn't become worse...but being nervous at night can become a problem.

Luckily we've installed an invisible fence around the house and both carports so the dog can roam where ever he pleases and that does comfort me at times.

Tonight I am just trying to keep occupied until he comes home. This week will be long and exhausting by the time Friday rolls around. And I doubt I'll be able to catch up on relaxing as I have another set of clinicals next week and am sure my lethargic self will be tired and cranky then too. But it will soon be over.

It doesn't feel as if it should be so far into October as it is. Sara keeps reminding us that she will be four years old soon. This is great because we've been telling her and preparing her for her responsibilities that she'll assume when she is four. Right now we are working on her walking to bed and going to sleep on her own. It works fairly well when Dad isn't around because he still likes to spoil her and spend special time with her. But tonight she was given a hug and with few accommodations went to sleep. She is also going to have to keep her room clean. This will be tough for us to instill in her as we are not the best role models for keeping things clean. But our house is much more organized and clean than it normally is and I think it will help her develop the habit of cleanliness.

I can't believe that my little baby is now almost 4. It is great that we can do all sorts of things with her, but now I am missing having a sweet little baby in the house. Darrel laughs at me and tells me that I'm just listening to my biological clock ticking and not paying attention to other things that are more important; i e school. I guess that may be a fundamental difference between me and him. Oh well...

What the Autumn Season Brings

I know it has been a while since I have last posted anything. This past week has been so busy that I just looked at my messages Thursday.

Right now I am adjusting to a life of temporarily being single again due to hunting/fishing seasons currently underway.

This past week I was working long days during my pediatric treatment rotation which makes me appreciate what parents with special needs kids really go through on a daily basis.

Darrel has been sick and it has been hard for me to take care of everyone and remember to take care of myself. I have had to take many bubble baths to retreat from the world just to regroup and start another day.

I have just realized that there are not many full time OT positions around here and even if there were, little to no benefits would be given. I know that the Lord will provide for me and my family, but I don't fully understand how the cards are going to fall next summer.

Darrel's new quarter has begun and it is difficult to have him take classes online without a professor to explain the details of the material. He is doing well and hopefully he'll just go through the motions and do well enough to get into his program.

This week has brought me to a more humble place. I have learned that there are many people who face bigger challenges than I will ever face and they are only a couple of months old.

The Fall always brings cooler weather, camp fires, and General Conference; however this Fall has brought me to a deeper desire to grow closer to the Lord and what He would want me to do for myself and my family.

Another reason to celebrate!!!

Ok, I know, I probably "belabor" (Thanks Katie for giving me a new word) this way more than I need to. In fact, it is one of the few things I can use to keep me going when I get down.

I am officially 3/4 of the way finished with my Master's Degree!!!! Hooray! The numbers don't technically add up so let me explain my calculations.

1) This is my last full semester with classes. We have a 3 week 8 hours a day 5 days a week mini mester in January and then we have 6 months of clinical rotations.

2) I have my clinical rotations confirmed (finally) and I even get to have a spring break because I am going to be in the school systems from Feb-May. Some places will close for Master's week, I'm sure, but I am guaranteed a vacation!!!

3) We only have 9 weeks left of this semester!!!! I am so excited. This semester has been one of the fastest that I've had in the last 4 years. We have so many assignments and projects now and a pretty intense mid term week before we go on our clinical rotations for this semester.

I can tell you one thing is certain: God hears prayers!! I would never have chosen this path for myself and can only imagine why Heavenly Father has chosen it for me. I know that I'll be able to take care of my family if anything were to happen to Darrel. I know that I'll be able to serve others. I know that even if I don't accomplish the first two statements on my list, I have learned how delicate life is and how easily we can change from being typical to atypical and become ever more dependent on others. I am grateful for the opportunity I have had to grow. Augusta isn't my first choice of cities in which to raise my family or grow my family when the case may be. But it has provided Darrel the opportunity as well to complete his education. Augusta is the only city that offers a program that is accredited by an outside source and recommended by the national board for sonography.

Heavenly Father has a plan for all of us if we will only humble ourselves and submit to His will. I am truly grateful that we have. Even through the trials that we have had in our lives this past year and 1/2 we have been able to offer praise to Him for allowing us the chance to learn so we can be better people in the future.

Domestication of Women

I know that cleaning the house and nurturing the children is what women are supposed to do because for the most part men are supposed to be the providers for the family. What I would like to know is why it (cleaning) comes so naturally to some people and is so painstakingly difficult for people like me. I absolutely hate doing it. We have been doing a lot better at keeping things tidy and laundry clean and folded compared to the past, but that doesn't make it any easier for me.

My solution: have guests over as much as possible to force me to clean and a reason for me to recruit Darrel to help.

Hopefully we will develop better habits. I've heard that it only takes 21 days to form a habit, but how long does it take to break one that was created over 20 years ago???

Hindsite

Darrel laughed at me last night as I was telling him what I "read" in the news. He said it sounded funny that I was 'reading' the news instead of watching the news. (We don't have cable or satellite, so my lifeline to the nation is through the internet).

Anyway, I digress. I called my dad this evening to discuss politics, mainly because he gives me a hard time about my presidential candidate (even though he is voting for the same group) and it gave me a chance to talk to him about things I found interesting. As I mentioned earlier, my lifeline is the internet and my favorite news group is the Fox News because they are less biased and more focused on facts than slander. I find it humerus that people will make up or support stories just to get their 15 seconds of media attention. Take Cynthia McKinney for example. She alleges that approximately 5000 prisoners were executed and their bodies dumped into the Gulf during the hurricane.

How ironic is it that people who hold or have held public office will get to their position by promising to serve their districts or regions and then when they are given support they decide to use the position for self gain. I presume all politicians do this to one extent or the other. And politicians are not the only group or societal body that make promises to supporters only to fulfil their own desires. You can see this in any elected office, private business, churches, and just people in general.

So the main reason for this post is that 2 years ago I was let go from my position at a privately owned small bank because I had made egotistical people mad by being honest. The person who ran all the in's and out's of the bank reminds me of one of the people I mentioned above. Darrel even told this person when I was let go that he would regret his decision. From what I have heard they have had to find 3 different people to fill the position I had in less than 2 years. I'm not implying that it is because they let me go that they are in this situation. (I think it is awfully hard to find someone to do the work I did for as little pay with all of the micromanaging and politicking the position entails. There were other reasons I'm sure such as being a mother and going to school which did not support their interests in the least bit.) However, as I was talking to my dad I made a comment about how I thought the bank would be hurting right now due to their high interest in Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac loans that they had been making. He said they were one of the top banks in the county with debt to liquidity ratios being over the 200 mark. I don't completely understand all this as I was never good with accounting but simply put, banks like to stay around 100 or less in this ratio. My previous employer is now around 200. I am certainly appreciative of being let go at a time when I could focus on finishing my 4 year degree and planning for the future. Now this company is carefully watching the bail-out negotiations and looking at having to let go of the business they pushed so hard to improve. That place was/is full of corruption and bad practices and I hope that the people that had jobs there have been able to find other work so that they too don't go down with the sinking ship.

On a different note, I am looking forward to the debate tonight. I feel that it will either be something full of scripted answers or true honest debating of the facts. As I get older I completely understand how important it is to have my voice be heard especially when we are looking at such a crisis with the economy and money mongers.

I hope that enough people will truly examine the facts and vote for the person they feel is best equipped for the most important leadership job in our nation. Maybe this debate won't be filled with the same remarks..."you are right senator"!

I am fortunate....

Today has to have been one of the oddest days I have had in a long time. Let me give you a little background information...

Because of the economy being down (understatement) Club Car did away with 2nd shift and now has 1st shift employees on a rotation for 2nd shift hours one out of every 6 weeks. That means that Darrel doesn't get home until after bed time and we are here in the ghetto in the dark and me literally praying to God that he will come home soon. Needless to say I don't attempt to go to sleep until he is close to home and I have my phone preset to 911 in case something comes up.

Secondly, I currently have all of my treatment classes this semester which means I have to make at least 80% or above on every assignment or I have to undergo remediation (even though my grade does not change). I was unfortunate to have made below an 80 on my second test in adult evaluation and am studying to retake it on a week when I am responsible for just about everything morning to night. So just a bit of stress.

Last night Sara didn't sleep well (even though I was able to get her in bed and asleep before 9 which is a miracle in and of itself...but that is another topic for another time of venting) and I was up off and on all night playing musical beds.

So this afternoon my Dept Chair called me in her office. She asked if everything was ok. I said it was and she didn't believe me. So then I started telling her that I was just overwhelmed by everything and have been in a little funk, if you will, for the past couple of weeks. She said she could tell. Anyway this all occurred because I didn't joyfully say "Hi Dr Bradley" this morning and only said good morning. My reasoning was because she was with other faculty and I was running late (as usual) to my class.

Then I was called into another faculty members office but this time it was to get a heads up on my test that I have to retake. Instead of being 25 multiple choice questions it is 2 multiple choice and the remainder short answer/essay. Lovely:) I just smiled and said Thank you Dr.

Lastly, as I was finishing with my pediatric patient this afternoon another faculty member stopped me and asked if I was ok. So I had to give a short version of what I told the Dept Chair and reassure everyone that I AM OK!!!

My reasoning for the title of this entry is that I am glad that others care. As weird as it was that everyone asked me how I was, I truly feel as if it was an answer to a prayer to make me feel comforted. I know that other people are genuinely nice and take time to check on others. That is what we are taught to do. I am grateful to have other people take an interest in me and my well being. I feel as if my 'funk' is going away and I can be relieved that as long as I am trying my best and doing something to serve others then I to will be strengthened and edified.

Sara's First Primary Program

Sara had her first primary program today. She was so excited about saying her line in the microphone!! We had been practicing it with her for over a month, but she finally memorized it the day before the program and was able to say the whole thing without much help from her teacher! I was so proud of her and the way she behaved on stage this morning. It makes me feel like we've been teaching her the correct ways to act and now she is able to practice what she's been taught!

A major thank you has to go out to her primary presidency for putting together such a fabulous program!

I can't wait to see how much she'll learn this upcoming year and how inspiring the next primary program will be!

Good night;)

Cheers!! To 5 years of bliss!

Happy Anniversary to us!! We have made it five years!! I am so excited.

As big a milestone this is for us, this also means that Sara will be 4 soon! She is growing up so incredibly fast. We do hope to give her a sibling before she does apply for college;))

Anyway, my lovely husband surprised me with a digital video camera! This will come in quite handy as Sara grows up so that we can capture the special moments.

I guess this post is filled with pretty random stuff, mainly because I wish I was still taking a nap, and mainly because I am in awe with the many blessings that we've been given to get us where we are today. I never thought I would end up here! I am totally excited about graduating in the near future and being able to truly impact lives of all of my clients. I am thankful that Darrel finally started school and will be able to provide for us. I am thankful that we will be able to reach our goals of being debt free and self reliant due to our choices in careers. I know that Heavenly Father lives and knows our specific needs. I only hope we will be able to give back to others as people have given to us. I am grateful for our friends in the ward that have been excellent examples of faithful and humble servants of the Lord. I can only imagine what the next 5 years will be like....

Darrel's first quater at ATC

Well....Darrel's first quarter of school at Augusta Tech has been stressful on everyone. Sara gets so confused as to where we are going or where Daddy is most of the time because he is either at work, school or scouts.

His grades are starting to come in and we have GREAT news about his Algebra Class!!!!! He really worked hard to overcome his "I can't do this crap" attitude and persevered. He made A's and B's on his tests and now he can finally congratulate himself for making an A in math!!

I am so proud of him and what he can do if he will put his mind to it. I am so excited and I when I told him what he made he kind of took a second to realize that he did it! I don't know if he is nearly as excited as I am, but in his own way he is pleased because he had an awesome teacher and a great learning experience. He still thinks math is stupid, especially when you put letters and logarithms in places, but he is on the right track to get his degree. What a glorious day it will be!!!

The Good, The Bad, and... the Miracle

The Good
I was able to get my tooth fixed without too much trauma or loss of school

The Bad
It cost more money than I wanted to pay

The Miracle
Heavenly Father blessed me with an unexpected scholarship that covered all but $1 of the cost of the root canal. What a wonderful Miracle!! I thank Him everyday and every night for all that He has done for my family and me!!

Hunting Season

Let me tell the world how much I LOVE hunting season.... If it weren't my husbands favorite thing to do in this whole wide world, and if it didn't help us (in a good season) with our budget, I would just about throw a tantrum!!! I don't know how my mom did it for all of those years. And at least she only had one basic season. Nowadays, I hardly get a weekend to enjoy my family without the pressure of preparing for or engaging in hunting. And it's not cheap!!

I think Sara and I will have a SPA season (which will take up the same amount of time and energy as hunting does) when I am out of school and we will have to enjoy it just as often. And when we do have another kid (hopefully a boy) then daddy will have to be in charge and can have a little buddy to tote around.

GRRRRRRRR.....

I do feel a little better getting this off my chest. Back to domesticated bliss;)))

How long will it take the world to realize the Church is true??

So...we had a surprise guest speaker today in our Pediatric treatment class. She is a self-proclaimed expert in family and life management skills and has been teaching families and adults for about 25 years. At first I kind of doubted her expertise on the topic because so many people claim to be experts and don't really do anything but push their opinions and values onto you for a hefty fee. Anyway, it has been her experience that good families show respect to each other and especially give children respect (meaning dignity). They communicate, hold family meetings, value opinions of others....etc.

How long has the church counseled us to hold family home evenings, conduct individual interviews, respect and nurture our children, and openly communicate??? I know how long it took me to become converted to the gospel, and I am NOT saying that it is easy to do so when the world makes it so much easier not to believe. However, when experts can come out and state what we have known to be true for years, it makes me appreciate what I have been given.

I am very grateful for my small, growing testimony of the gospel and the church. I am even more grateful to be given such sound advice from our living prophet who leads and guides the church in this dispensation. I have many many things to work on to become a better parent, wife, and daughter of God. I have learned to communicate with my Heavenly Father through prayer and know that through Him all things are possible. My weaknesses will be made strengths if I desire for His will instead of my own. In the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.

The process of learning

It is a million wonders why the brain works as effectively as it does. I am in the very beginning of all of my treatment classes, which means I have to score at the very least 80% or higher on every single assignment. And I have a pediatric patient that I treat once a week with some of my other classmates. I am just now understanding why some activities are used and the 'why?' that explains the purposed outcomes.

I still do not know where I will be in February, hopefully somewhere in Augusta, but no promises are made since my first choice rotation canceled. I do have the confidence that I will be able to evaluate and treat effectively. I feel as if my brain is on fire most of the day and then clouded in the evening from all of the stresses.

Darrel is almost finished with his classes for the quarter. I know Brenda will be pleased that he has a very high A in College Algebra, but mostly because she will not be on call Sunday nights for help with medical terminology;)) He is working so very hard and I am more excited to see him succeed than for me. I know in a few short years we will be back on our feet and able to provide for our family. But more than that, we will be doing what the Lord would have us to do by becoming self reliant and providing for our family.

We have been blessed by so many opportunities and people while being in Augusta. More than we even thought possible. I know more than ever that I am doing what the Lord has planned for me. I am grateful to be apart of His work and to be a Daughter of God. I have learned so much by humbling myself and following His will.

The photographer had her spin so she could get a somewhat natural little girl pose. This one is precious

This is my favorite picture of Sara! Can you believe she is almost 4 years old???!! Anyway I am just a proud mom and like to show her off;))

Our First Blog!

I have decided to do this so everyone can keep in touch with what's going on in our family. Darrel is finishing his first quarter at Augusta Tech making fabulous grades. I'm so proud of him!! I have begun my last year in my program and am excited about January and Clinical Rotations. Hopefully May will be here before I realize it and we'll have a huge party!! (even though I don't finish until August)

Sara is doing remarkable in school. She is the oldest in her class this year as they didn't want to bump her up to Pre-K because she might struggle. Anyway she is writing her letters and finding the ABC's everywhere from bank signs to menus at restaurants. She is our pride and joy.

Check back for new posts!!