So I totally neglected blogging over the past six months. Life got very busy. Quick catch up: I have officially finished my MSN degree! I am currently studying for boards (AHHH!). A move is in our near future. And, we will soon have a new (fur) addition to our family who is beyond precious. Can't wait to catch up with all of your posts. Happy 2013, ~BKL
We are heading to the beach Friday, and I cannot wait! I need to tackle a case study and three finals before then but instead of studying all I can seem to do is dream of white sand, clear water, and seafood :-)
Does anyone have any good beach read suggestions? I rarely have time to read fiction books, but I'd like to buy a couple for the beach. I really like Kristin Hannah and Diane Chamberlain's books, but I've read everything they've written thus far. I'm open to trying someone new!
I like to check out the WWW posts, I just never remember to participate. I'm at Hospice 12+ hours some days, and I soak up every last minute I can in bed, then I rush like a mad woman to get ready and start it all over again!
Hope everyone has a good week,
BKL
So most of my blogs are about school because well school is my life at the moment but I'll try and branch out a little more in this post ;-) Three more weeks of classes and then I get a little break! Clinical will continue, but I'm really loving Hospice so that's okay. It's hard, but very fulfilling.
We tried a Pinterest found recipe and liked it so I thought I'd share.
Dorito Cheese Chicken Casserole
3 cups cooked chicken, chopped
8 oz sour cream
1 can cream of mushroom soup
1 can cream of chicken soup
1 1/2 cups salsa or 1 can Rotel
1 can of corn, drained
2 cups Mexican cheese, shredded
1 bag of nacho cheese Doritos
Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
Lightly spray a 9x13 pan with cooking spray. Crush the entire bag of Doritos and cover the bottom of the dish. Reserve one cup of cheese. Mix together remaining ingredients in a large bow. Pour chicken mixture over the Doritos. Bake for 20 min. Top casserole with the remaining cheese and bake 5 additional minutes or until melted.
(Original Source: Plain Chicken reader, Diane Blake)
We decided it would be better with tortilla chips instead of Doritos and black beans added in, but it was really good and really easy!
Have a good weekend! It's back to doing school work for me!
~BKL
I don't think I've shared this here, but Justin has returned to school. That's right, two students under this roof. Fun times ;-)
Actually, so far, so good. He's working on a MAT degree in secondary education. I'm excited for him, I really think he will be a fantastic teacher.
I'm also excited for the day that neither of us will be students, LOL!
Now that we're both in school, our free time together is super limited. Yesterday we both did school work all day. We did walk to the "lake" in our neighborhood and watch some pretty awesome fireworks.
This weekend we are celebrating my dad's birthday! Love that man, and I'm so thankful for him!
Hope you all had a great 4th!
~BKL
I just got home from a two week clinical experience in West Virginia. I had a wonderful experience working in a rural clinic with such a large medically undeserved population. The majority of my patients had no health insurance. It was a great learning experience for me as I learned to really factor cost into the medications I prescribed and tests I ordered. The staff and patients were so open to me, it truly was a fantastic experience.
Justin came up for the weekend and we hiked and went rafting. West Virginia has so much natural beauty, it's gorgeous! Here are a few photos I snapped.
New River Gorge Bridge - We stayed in a cabin on the New River Gorge Preserve and this was in walking distance. It's the longest single span arch bridge in the Western hemisphere.
We hiked out to "Long Point" where you can see a panoramic of the bridge.
On our hike.
Prior to our rafting trip. It was fun for the most part, but the class 5 rapids were a little too extreme for me. I prayed a good bit on those to be honest. Only one person in our raft fell out and it wasn't me or Justin so overall I'd say it was a successful trip ;-)
6 more weeks till the end of summer semester and then only ONE more semester, I can hardly believe it!
~BKLHe's here! And I am so in love. I've never met a more precious, beautiful, cuddly, sweet baby!
Can you tell I'm a proud Aunt? ;-)
I'm also a very proud sister. Jamie did amazing! It was a very long and hard day, but she handled everything so wonderfully. J, I love you and T so much!
~Auntie BKL
I can officially check off the five classes I took this semester. Grades are in and I survived. So glad to have that LONG semester behind me. Two semesters left! Summer semester always flies by, so I know I'll be done before I know it. I plan to use that thought to get me through these two semesters. I'm starting to pray that the Lord is preparing a job for me. I know that He already knows where I'll end up practicing, but it gives me comfort to put it in His hands and let Him be in control. I signed up for a preparation course for boards in September. I won't be able to sit until Feb or March, but I want to start preparing much earlier than that.
Summer classes resume Tuesday and my first Hospice clinical is Thursday. I'm anxious and eager for this new learning experience.
This weekend we helped my family clean out my grandfather's barn and my great-grandmother's house. It was bittersweet. We found some neat items, and occasionally my grandmother filled us in on the history behind them. My great-grandmother's home is filled with vintage furniture. I'd take it all if I could, but there's just no where to put it all. We are having an estate sale this coming Saturday at 8 AM if any of you are interested or know anyone that is. Tools from my grandfather's barn are also being sold. More specific information is printed in the Hartwell Sun. Most of the furniture needs a little TLC, but has so much potential. We'd love to see these pieces go to homes where they will be treasured. My grandmother's home is also for sale. It's a brick home in the North Hart school district, 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms with an updated kitchen, nice barn, and three car carport. This whole moving experience has been emotional, so many memories. We hope that my grandmother will be happy in her new home in town.
I am closer to being an aunt! We hope to learn a little more this week about when to expect his arrival. No matter when he comes, it's going to be a joyous day!
~BKL
This is a spin off post of "Five on Friday." I actually have some time on my hands to post. A week without classes feels like a gift! I'll admit, I'm a little lost as what to do with my free time though because it's so strange and rare!
I love when people share their favorite products so I thought I'd share my top three right now.
1. EOS Lip Balm - Sweet Mint
I LOVE EOS lip balm! I have several flavors but sweet mint is by far my favorite. It tingles a little and smells great!
2. Alegria Shoes
Alegria shoes are AMAZING! I now have two pair, and I LOVE them! I'm on my feet a lot at clinical and these are the most comfortable and supportive shoes I've found. And they're so cute! Tons of prints and styles! Paloma is my favorite style. I have this pair (Black Etched) and they are so versatile. I love my tortoise pair too. They can be wiped down easily and are blood resistant which is a perk for nurses. These shoes are seriously the best!
3. Essie Nail Polish
Love Essie polish, especially this color. It's called "Ballet Slippers" and it looks clean and professional when it's applied!
Hope everyone is having a great week!
~BKLI took my last final of the semester today. Genetics=Horrible. Hopefully my grade survived so that I can check this semester and all of its classes off my list. I hate waiting on grades.
This has been my worst semester by far. A lot of stress. I have enjoyed my clinicals this semester though. I spend a couple days a week at three different nursing homes and another day at the VA. Sadly next week will be my last week at the nursing homes. I'm doing some research at the VA so I'll be staying on there for a little bit longer. My summer clinical placement is at an inpatient hospice facility. I know that it will be challenging, but I requested the placement to see if hospice is a setting I would like to work in. Personally, my family has been blessed by hospice in the past, and I'm interested to see how I like it from the provider standpoint. I believe that everyone deserves to die with dignity and pain free and I know that this clinical placement will definitely be a learning experience.
I'm beyond thrilled that I will be an AUNT very SOON! Time has flown by! So exciting!
Happy first Mother's Day, J! He may not be here yet, but he already takes comfort in hearing your voice and he knows you're his mom. You're going to be a fantastic mother!
Is good news.
Not much going on in our neck of the woods. Let's see if I can think of anything to blog about that is halfway interesting. 
My K bug turned 9! I can't believe it. That means next year she'll be ten. And I'll be officially old, lol. I remember when she was born! I was in 9th grade. She was a miracle baby and is a true blessing to our family. Love that sweet girl! 
Last weekend we went to Charleston with J and hubby. It was a great weekend! My only complaint is that it was too short. :-) Of course, I didn't take any photos of us which I definitely regret, but I always forget. This is a photo of the bridge taken from Mt. Pleasant Park (which is beautiful!). The guys threw Frisbee while J and I walked on the pier and watched dolphin play! I've never been that close to dolphin in their natural environment.
Today was J's first shower! I'm sure she'll blog about it but let me just say it was so much fun! I can't wait for our sweet boy to arrive!
I'm gearing up for a BUSY week! I have a big, big, BIG presentation on Monday at a national conference and I am NERVOUS. Prayers would be much appreciated! I also have a test on Wednesday which I am dreading. And clinical. And journals. And quizzes. Ahhhh. It will end eventually, right?!
Hope you all have a good week! Easter will be here soon!
~BKL
The past week and a half has been insane! Two ridiculous midterms and two nit-picky case studies due all within one week in addition to clinical. My bones literally ache, and I'm so tired, but I survived! Now let's see if my grades did ;-)
Next week is "Spring Break" although in reality it's not a complete break. I have two big assignments to work on over the break and some little things as well, plus one day of clinical, but no class so that's a perk! I'm also taking my grandmother to a geriatric specialist, and I have two doctor's appointments for myself, gotta get it in while I can :-)
My sweet mom had a birthday Monday which we celebrated Saturday. 
And this handsome boy got a haircut!
Hope everyone is having a good week. The weekend is almost here!
~BKL
So I never get into Valentine's Day. I do think it's a fun holiday for kids and a great excuse to eat chocolate (which I usually buy a day or two after Valentine's Day when it's on sale!). We have our anniversary to celebrate our relationship so we usually let that suffice.
However, this year I used Valentine's Day as an excuse for a Cracker Barrel meal, lol. Justin's always thought that Valentine's Day is a over-commercialized, greeting card holiday, and I tend to agree, however; I've been craving it for weeks, and I was desperate. We're trying to cut down the amount of meals we eat out in an attempt to save money, and we've been doing pretty well. Luckily he loves Cracker Barrel as much as do, so it wasn't too difficult. And the fact that he's shot me down for the past two weeks when I suggested it helped too :-) It was delicious as always! We went on Friday night and Justin was super pleased to see the meal of the day was fried fish so we both left full and happy. We browsed in the store too which is always a must. Justin informed me "I had it bad" when I found something for Tristan (my nephew who is due in June) a gift in Cracker Barrel!
I also decided that there's no time like the present to spoil my other Valentine, and Jackson is getting a new pink squeaky toy tomorrow. It'll be his first pink anything so we'll see what he thinks :-)
On a quick serious note, even though I really don't give two hoots about Valentine's Day, I am so thankful to have a spouse who loves and respects me. It seems like lately, I have been observing some bad martial situations filled with an utter lack of respect, and I am continuously counting my blessings for the wonderful marriage I have and for a spouse who is dedicated to our friendship and family.
My Valentines
Happy Valentine's Day to you and yours,
BKL
Life always seems to roll right along. I'm back in school, and it's picking up fast. I keep reminding myself that by the end of this year, I'll be board eligible. Crazy.
Here's a recent photo from school...
Patient right is a pig's foot and patient left is a sheep's tongue. I think I'll be suturing a lot between now and the onset of my practicing career, but it was a fun first experience. It's okay you can say it.... NERD!
My sweet boy just isn't feeling well at all. We did go outside for a little bit today and soak up some sunshine. I'm so thankful for this little blessing in my life, and I have no idea what I'll do without him. 
In other news, Justin has a new hobby. He got a road bike for Christmas and has steadily been going on longer and longer rides. He rode 19 miles today. He'd kill me for posting this photo, but I like it!
I also have a new hobby. Shopping for my nephew! Lol. Seriously, I love spending time on pinterest, etsy, even google, looking for cute things for him! I can't wait for June! :-)
~BKL
School resumes tomorrow. *Sigh* Although I've been in clinical throughout the "break" having time away from studying and classes has been so nice. I've felt like I have a "real job" in which I work 8-5 and have my evenings to spend at my leisure with Justin. Never take that for granted, I sure haven't over these last few weeks!
I've determined that I'm pretty boring and so is my blog. And that's okay. Boring usually means that life is going pretty good.
~BKL
Hope you all had a great Christmas. Ours was wonderful, simple and relaxed, filled with lots of family time. We really are blessed!
Hope that everyone also has a good new year. We had a great start yesterday, spending more time with family and enjoying good food and being together. I know this year will bring lots of goodness our way - particularly in the form of a sweet baby boy in June :-) I also will graduate this coming December. What?!
Happy 2012 everyone!
~BKL
Blogging has become non-existent as has most other leisurely parts of my life. This semester was ROUGH, and I'm thrilled to say I survived and I am 1/4th a nurse practitioner ;-) I won't have a true break as I'm still in clinical but classes don't resume until the 18th of January so I do get a break from tests and get evenings with my husband back. HOORAY!!!
I know you all already know, but I'm excited enough to share again :-) Come June, I will have a sweet NEPHEW who I am so ready to spoil! Watching our sweet boy move around during the ultrasound brought tears to my eyes. A true miracle and such a blessing to our family!
Tomorrow my mom and I are going to the Fox to see the Nutcracker. My mom has wanted to go since she was a little girl, and I am thrilled to be going with her. :-)
Merry Christmas,
~BKL
By the Christmas bug! We put up our Christmas decorations today and I couldn't be happier! Justin is about to become a slave to his job (which is really another story for another day) due to selling Christmas trees at the nursery he works at (and an insane employer), so we put our tree up today, on what will probably be our last day off together until Christmas.
We had coffee and cinnamon rolls while we listened to Christmas carols and put up the tree- perfection!
Here's a photo of the tree and fireplace. The mantle isn't really what I want, but my husband's lovely television gets in the way of true mantle Christmas bliss so I'll just be satisfied with what we have this year. Since I only have the ends to decorate, I feel like I need something with some height, but like I said, I'll be happy with what I have! I do hope that in a future home we can make other TV viewing arrangements... 
This is my new kissing ball! I've been looking for one for years and my mom found this at Hallmark last year! I LOVE it! 
And this is today's ornament. I thought it would be fun to post photos of ornaments throughout the Christmas season and share their meanings. :-)
You'll find these ornaments all over my tree, of different sizes and slightly different shapes. My great-grandmother made these snowflakes and they are by far my favorite thing(s) hanging from my tree. Each time I see them I think of her, and I'm reminded of her love, especially of this season, celebrating our Savior's birth!
Merry (early) Christmas!
~BKL
Life is rolling along.
School is insane and clinicals haven't even started yet. They start in two weeks and I imagine the level of insanity will only increase. To say I'm counting down to the end of this semester would be an understatement. A huge one. Although I should say I'm really enjoying my classes and learning about becoming a medical provider. It's just eating away all of my free time.
We went to the mountains last weekend with Justin's family and had a nice escape from reality. When we got back this week hit me in the face because of the lack of work I did over the weekend. Ooops. Oh well, it was worth it. Ask me that again after my Health Assessment exam next week. ;-)
A little update on Jackson. He needs to a have a lymph node removed for more testing. We're working on scheduling that now. Our hometown vet is not comfortable doing the procedure so we are currently working with a clinic in Athens. Hopefully, we'll have his surgery date set by the end of the day today. He's doing well though. So sweet and I'll admit it, so spoiled. :-)
~BKL
Thanks for your encouragement about Jackson. This Thursday he had three X-rays taken to check for metastasis to the lungs. Thankfully, the vet did not see anything. We are scheduled to meet with an veterinary oncologist in a couple weeks to see where we go from here, what we look for in the future, and how we manage Jackson's thyroid levels.
As all this has been happening, life has some how went on. Justin had oral surgery and did well. Now we have to wait three months for his bone to regenerate before he can get an implant. Talk about painful- physically for him and for our finances- dental work is NOT cheap!
Grad school is moving at full force. I had my first exam this week, and it went well after countless hours of studying. I have two more next week which means a whole lot more studying for me in the next several days. I also completed my first gyn exam and pap smear and male/prostate exam on human models who the school pays to be our guinea pigs. Let me just say, I don't know who in their right mind would be willing to do this- they must be making some serious $$$. The female model I had told us it was her birthday. 7 speculum insertions on my birthday? Never. My classmate said it well when she said those who volunteer for such madness are an interesting crop of human. I'll leave it at that.
It's supposed to be cool tomorrow and I'm thrilled about that. We have a great place to walk in our new neighborhood and I'm hoping I'll become motivated to get off my butt. And cooler weather always makes me think of my birthday- it's one week from today ;-)
Happy weekend and go dawgs,
~BKL
