The in-between

Going from a Med/Surg nurse to a Labor & Delivery nurse is like changing high schools in the middle of your Senior year.

Maybe I'm a bit dramatic, but it's how I feel.

In Med/Surg I had my friends who became family & had been by my side for the past 5 years. I knew them, trusted them & loved them. I had my system down & was pretty confident in my assessment skills. Now I feel like I'm fresh out of school again. I know no one, but everyone has known each other for years. I barely know that Braxton Hicks is not the name of a baby boy just born down the hall. I can carry on a conversation with an 80 year old man much easier than I can a girl my own age. I have a long ways to go, but I'm getting there. It can be a frustrating and overwhelming process.

The night shift starts next week. This is what I'm dreading most. Not so much because of the hours, but because I'm gonna miss my husband! It's so hard to get on in Labor & Delivery because no one leaves. There is a list in the break room of nurses anxiously awaiting their call to go to day shift... I'm number 14. 14!! I'm praying it doesn't last long and that I can move to the day shift quickly. God can do anything-He is fully capable. This might sound silly to say, but Chad & I really enjoy our time together! You're supposed to as husband & wife but we really have fun. We laugh a lot. It makes me sad to think that there will be days I won't even see him. For example, my first week on nights I will see him Thursday, then not again until Sunday night because of the time he leaves and I get home. We won't get to talk on the phone & tell each other about our days while he's on his way home. I won't get to beg him to go to bed at the same time as me. We won't get to watch any of our evening shows together (Bachelor Pad... Don't tell him I told you!). I know a lot of people have it worse than me. I can't imagine being in a different country than my husband for months & years at a time-props to you military wives!

"For our light & momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen but what is unseen. What is seen is temporary but what is unseen is eternal." 

 -2 Corinthians 4:17-18

Your daily troubles are an investment in eternity. Fix your eyes on the unseen, the eternal.

My heart feels a little weighted down. Had to to type it out. I continue to be thankful for the way the Lord has lead my life. I may plan my course but He determines my steps. And His ideas are always way better than mine. I'll be patient & will get through it (the night shift, the new friends, new processes, new assessment skills, etc). I just pray that it's quickly.

(Can I just be a farmer?!)

Barely a Bayer

At this time last year it was a sweltering 107 degrees. How do I know? Because all of my family and friends and people that must really love me braved the heat to watch us say "I do."

It has been an incredible year. I am so thankful for Chad. He has enhanced my life for sure. I have a completely renovated house and my lawn looks awesome-none of that has anything to do with me, I am constantly encouraged, believed in, loved, spoiled! I love him so much more today than I did even a year ago, and I didn't even know that was possible. Without him these last 3 months, would have been an absolute nightmare, but with him and the Lord, we have just had a minor bump in the road.

I always knew God had a plan for my marriage. I grew up praying for my future husband on a regular basis. I still find it hard to believe I married someone who was my best friend first. It's so neat to see how God orchestrated that and how He brought us together... in His perfect timing.

The Lord has blessed us, for sure.

I love you, Chad.

100 days, 100 reasons

Today we have been married for 100 days. It has been so fun. Of course it was/is an adjustment too but I loove being married. It just keeps getting better. My friends make fun of me, saying this newlywed phase will pass, but I don't care. I'm enjoying every second of being a newlywed! So...to top of the cheesy, lovey-dovey-ness, here are 100 reasons why I love my husband. In no particular order:

1. He gives the best kisses!

2. He is strong in areas I am weak.

3. He always knows what to say. Or when to not say anything.

4. He opens doors for me.

5. He loves sports.

6. He is a great provider.

7. He thinks about the future and knows what we should do to prepare for it now.

8. He always asks how my day was and really listens to the answer-even if he doesn't know what I'm talking about!

9. He kisses me goodbye every morning.

10. He is loyal to me and to everyone and everything that matters to him.

11. He is a man of integrity.

12. He is great at fixing things and putting things together.

13. He makes me feel wanted and needed.

14. He surprised me when I was gone for a weekend and remodeled both of our bathrooms and the kitchen himself! And it looks amazing.

15. He is rich in all the ways that matter.

16. He was my friend first.

17. He is the best running partner ever.

18. He loves the Lord.

19. My friends love him and trust him with medical advice.

20. I love his family, my in-laws!

21. He works SO hard at everything he does.

22. He has always built me up-since day one.

23. He has a servant's heart.

24. He is the most selfless, giving person I know.

25. He is still my best friend.

26. I love him more than he'll ever know (or believe).

27. He is incredibly patient.

28. He is excellent with our money.

29. He is very wise in decision making.

30. He is laid back and gets along with everyone.

31. My family adores him.

32. He is family oriented.

33. He is the man I dreamed of...and even more that I didn't know I wanted.

34. He has helped me to know myself.

35. He is proud of me....?!

36. He respects me.

37. He believes in me and makes me believe in myself.

38. He changes my oil, tires and all that other manly stuff.

39. He loves my cooking!

40. He surprises me with little gifts.

41. He has a forgiving heart.

42. He always gives everyone the benefit of the doubt and has taught me to do the same.

43. We share our own sense of humor.

44. He makes me laugh!

45. He holds the key to my heart.

46. He is very intelligent.

47. He laughs at my jokes and my dance moves!

48. He is always making sure I have everything I need.

49. Those random text messages that just say "I love you."

50. He's a good driver...and tries to make me a good driver. hehe

51. We share the same goals, beliefs and desires for the future.

52. He is my soul mate.

53. He lets me cuddle with him in the recliner while he watches ESPN.

54. He doesn't mind going shopping with me.

55. I love being in his arms.

56. He lets me be myself.

57. He is tall!

58. He has the most beautiful blue eyes.

59. He kills spiders.

60. He always puts everyone else first.

61. He's not afraid to tell the truth when it needs to be told.

62. He can explain things to me when I don't understand.

63. He protects me in every way.

64. He builds me up telling people about me when I'm not around.

65. He makes life so much more fun.

66. I have not had to do ANY yard work in 100+ days!

67. He encourages me.

68. It was God's design for us to be together and it was in His perfect timing. I love our story.

69. He loves me just the way I am.

70. We both enjoy being outdoors and in the mountains.

71. He is a lot like my dad.

72. He is humble AND confident.

73. I love to hear him call me "Babe"

74. He loves red star burst too.

75. He always considers me when making any decision.

76. He has nice pecs...hehe

77. I'm hard to figure out but he knows me like the back of his hand.

78. We have so much fun together.

79. He will be the most amazing, loving dad ever.

80. He treats me like a princess-he takes really good care of me.

81. He's SO stinkin cute!

82. He kills moths!

83. I feel secure because I know he is devoted to me.

84. He has never complained about having to drive 1.5 hours to work everyday...and he works 12 hour shifts.

85. I love him for who he is and who he makes me.

86. He makes me a better person.

87. He gives great, warm hugs.

88. He tries really hard to understand my job.

89. He is always honest. Even when it's hard to hear or he knows I want to hear something else. I appreciate that.

90. His customers at work love him and that makes me think even more highly of him.

91. He does not waste time or money.

92. He seriously remembers everything I tell him. From when we were friends until now.

93. He always knows what I want even when I don't say anything about it.

94. He gives great back rubs.

95. His favorite thing for me to wear is a hoodie and jeans or sweatpants! Wow!

96. He always pays.

97. His blood, sweat and tears he put in to be able to afford my ring.

98. He can talk to anyone.

99. He lets me sleep on long road trips.

100. My life is enhanced because of his love for me. Loving him has taught me a lot about loving the Lord and the Lord's love for us.

I am blessed beyond measure.

And so in love.