Nursing Program Update!

Today was a significant day for me because I completed the application process for the A&M nursing program that starts in June. Hallelujah! To describe what I have had to do to get to this point, let me start with this past May when I left the Chamber to pursue this goal of mine to become a nurse. I won't go into detail about why I wanted to go back to school to become a nurse but I will say that there were several events that took place in my life that inspired me to do so. It has always been a profession that I could imagine myself in...there just weren't enough things falling in place for it to happen- until recently. Now, everything has fallen into place I feel like God is telling me that this is what I am meant to do with my life.

Anyways, I left my job and started taking classes in June because I needed about six prerequisites for this nursing program. I finished the last of these classes this past fall semester and boy was that a relief! I also had to get CPR certified, all of my immunizations, recommendation letters, and complete my application which included writing two essays. So last night after compulsively looked over my application I finally clicked the "SUBMIT" button. PHEW! And today, I mailed in the rest of my stuff- so now the only thing left for me to do is patiently wait to hear a response!

A little bit about the program: It is a BSN (Bachelor of Science in Nursing) program versus the one offered at Blinn that is an ADN (Associates Degree in Nursing) program. In the end of both, graduates that pass the NCLEX exam are licensed to become Registered Nurses (RN) BUT having the bachelors degree, in my opinion, gives you an advantage in the nursing field. The program is within the Texas A&M Health Science Center and they just started it this past June. They only accept 20 people- once a year so keep me in your prayers! :)

Christmas in Katy!

Forrest and I spent Christmas Eve and Christmas day with his family. Christmas Eve we opened presents- we both got some COOL stuff and then on Christmas day we went to a nice brunch with is parents.

Me and Forrest's Gift Exchange

Forrest and I celebrated Christmas the night before Christmas Eve so that we could be alone and in our own house. We grilled steaks, had wine, and listend to Christmas music all night. It was so much FUN! I hit the jackpot- Forrest filled my stocking with gift cards, surprised me with Rosa (the name of our soon-to-be cleaning lady!), and as my Santa gift- he got me a laptop! He wanted me to have it for nursing school. For him, I filled his stocking with tools and his favorite candy and I got him this wooden bench with wagon wheels. Wahoo for a GREAT Christmas!

Christmas in Mesquite

Here we are opening presents with my parents in Mesquite! Reagan just opened a little red velour outfit and reindeer booties from me!

Forrest and Reagan meet!

FINALLY once we arrived to College Station, Forrest got to meet and hold Reagan for the first time. My sister stayed with us the rest of that week and then Friday, we headed to Mesquite!

Gift for Reagan from A-Team

We stopped at Amberly's in Houston so that she and the boys could meet Reagan. Aiden surprised Reagan with a gift and it was the cutest thing to watch him give it to her! Reagan was pretty excited as you can tell- good job A-A...learning early what the girls like!

Visiting Morgan and Ledger!

When my sister and I flew into Houston, we stayed with Morgan and Brandi at their loft. We went out to dinner, caught up, and enjoyed getting to meet Ledger! The next day we meet up for lunch with Morgan's sister, Ashley, at Cafe Express before heading to Amberly's and then finally home to College Station. :)

I love to make her laugh!

It is so fun to play with Reagan now that you can do things to make her laugh! Her favorite things for you to do are throw her in the air, kiss her cheeks and neck, and to let her stand up while you hold under her arms. She is just SO CUTE and is learning so much!

Christmas Cali Trip!

I went to California for the second time to visit my sister before the holidays - she wanted me to fly in so that she could have someone to fly back to Texas with since Darrin was not coming until later. I figured this would be a good time to do some Christmas shopping and to see their new place! We had fun shopping, playing with Reagan, and getting ready for the holidays!

In this pic: Me, Sister, and Reagan getting hot chocolate at Otay Ranch!

Veritas with Kelli and Stefani!

Me and two of the girls I work with- Kelli and Stefani went to Veritas to have a little girls' Christmas wine night. It was cold and snowy outside and just the best way to start celebrating the holidays! Work would not be the same with out them- I just LOVE them both!

Snow Day!

It actually snowed in College Station!

Peek-A-Boo

4 Months!

Girls' 6th Annual Christmas Party!

Elisha and her sister, Jennifer, throw a Christmas party for all the girls every year and they are so FUN! We do white elephant with a good gift and then bring a gag gift as well. Afterwards we all go out on the town! We also celebrated Bless's birthday that night since it is today. Yay! Happy Birthday, Bless! :)

Thanksgiving and Santa's Wonderland

We celebrated Thanksgiving in Katy this year. After eating, we hung out outside and watched the boys play before taking them to the neighborhood park. The next morning, the guys golfed while the girls shopped and boy did we shop! We woke up at about 5:30am to catch the early bird sales and didn't finish until late afternoon. That evening we drove up to College Station to go to Santas Wonderland to see the Christmas lights. I just love this time of year!

Family Pics

We had family pictures taken at Hershey Park in Houston. That same weekend we celebrated Forrest's dads 50th birthday. At the Mexican restaurant we went to, they sang to him and surprised him with whipped cream in the face! We all had such a good time that night!

Shopping Weekend with Mom

Me and my mom had a girls' day this past weekend and went to lunch, a movie, shopping for Christmas gifts, and starbucks- My mom wanted to buy me my very first gingerbread latte for the season. She knows it is my absolute favorite! We of course thought of Sister and Reagan the whole time and could not resist looking in the baby section. We already have lots of goodies for that little toot! :D

3 Months!

Forrest's Birthday!

Tailgating for the OU game. The boys went to the game while the girls went shopping. Afterwards we came back to the house for presents, cake, and ice cream!

Family Reunion

Me, Forrest, and the boys at the family reunion at Papa Honey's house in Grapeland, Texas. It was also Papa Honey's birthday so it was nice that everyone was able to get together and be there to celebrate with him!

My niece is the CUTEST!

Pumpkin Carving

We carved our pumpkins this past weekend! Look how good they turned out!

Jaime and Alec's visit!

Jaime and Alec came to visit us this past Friday and we went out to Luigi's Patio Restaurant for dinner. Later we went to a bar called Hullaboo's for the first time and it was fun! We all had a good time- I loved seeing my mama and meeting her new man! Can't wait to do it again!

Me and D!

Me, Forrest, Danielle, Ryan, and Tim- out at northgate!

New swimsuit!

From her Lala-in-law! Haha (Cheri) I think this is the cutest swimsuit I have ever seen! In this pic sister's got her practicing the laying out pose. :)

Elishas Birthday night!

Us girls took Elisha out to Messina Hoff for a trick-or-treat wine tour for her 25th birthday! We gave her a special book that we all put together with pictures of her girlfriends and then we each individually wrote something for her to tell her what a great and deserving person she is.

Two Months!

Always cute just like her Momma! I miss her so much!

Hall of Fame

Thursday night, I went out to the Hall of Fame with some work friends and had so much FUN! We are definitely going to do it again!

In Pic- Stefani, Kelli, Travis, and me

Race for the Cure

Saturday, Cheri, Amberly, the boys, and I participated in the Race for the Cure in Houston. We got a good work out for a good cause while enjoying each others company. Two of my aunts have had breast cancer and survived so I acknowledged and celebrated them by wearing their names on my back. Afterwards we ate breakfast, Cheri and I ran some errands, then we all met up with the guys for dinner at the house. Sunday, Forrest and I got lunch with Danny and Ashley and hung around their house a bit. It was so good to see everyone!

Talking to my niece on the phone!

Aggie Football

A&M vs. Arkansas State and A&M vs. Miami. Ag's aren't doing so great this year (so far at least), but we have a new coach so they might be taking some time to adjust. They still have the number one fans in the country and we still enjoy going to watch them play. Hopefully, things will start to look up for them!

My new job!

I just started a job last week as a clinical assistant for a cardiologist at Central Texas Heart Center (@ St. Joseph). It is everything I wanted in a part-time job and I feel really lucky for getting it. I am getting a lot of clinical experience, my hours are great, and I really like the people I work with. I am constantly on my feet and busy all day but everyone at the office makes it really fun. By the end of the day my feet might be hurtin but my stomach is probably hurting worse because they make me laugh so much! :D

Hurricane Ike

Friday night, waiting for the hurricane to roll in, we had some friends and neighbors come over to hang out in the garage. One of the neighbor's friends brought his guitar over so Forrest played a few tunes for us. The sky was so pretty and the breeze was incredible that night!