Monday...

Hello, Monday...

 I am linking up with Carissa again for Miscellany Monday

- ONE-

And so it begins.... Jason and I spent a big chunk of yesterday cleaning out, organizing, and packing a few boxes from the spare bedroom.  I am not one to just throw things in a box, in fact I have gone through and looked at every single thing we have packed.  It took us about 2 hours to go through 1/2 of the closet in there.  I'm sure you are thinking holy crap what did you have in that closet, but really it was just a lot of school stuff.  We also organized 2 toolboxes we have.  Nothing bothers me more than nails and screws all over the place.  Okay fine- I may be a little OCD. That's is the exact reason why I started early! 

-TWO-

Saturday we spent the day doing homework... we live an exciting life- I know you are jealous.  I had a test (the RN predictor) from 12-3.... it surprisingly went okay.  I was almost positive that I was going to fail it, but I ended up passing.  It doesn't count for anything regardless, just makes you feel like an idiot lol. Jason also took me on a date to Texas Roadhouse on Saturday to celebrate the new job! We forgot that it was parents weekend at Liberty so it was CRAZY in there.  We had a good time though.  I am thankful for times that we can just sit and talk about life, and the changes that are about to come.  It is all very exciting, but we know it will be hard sometimes.  I am just glad that I have Jason to take each step with.  Love you babe! 

-THREE-

Last night Jason and I filled up our calendar with things we would like to do before and after the move.  This included: 4 Liberty basketball games, the Nutcracker at Bass Hall, the Lady Antebellum concert, Texas Tech vs. Texas basketball game, and Baylor vs. Texas Tech.  It is exciting to think of all the things we will be able to do once we are there.  For now, we will soak up the time we have left here and enjoy a few things we love to do in Lynchburg. 

Thank you for those the love and congratulations about the job.  It is definitely an exciting time around our house! 

More on our journey next time,

What I'm Loving Wednesday!

I'm linking up here at the last minute for WILW! 

- ONE-

I am loving that there are only 50 days until graduation... that is sooooo exciting and soooooooooo stressful.  50 days to get about a million things done! 

-TWO-

I am loving that my birthday was this week! I literally stayed in my pajamas all day and did nothing! That was exactly what I wanted- I can't tell you when the last time was that I was able to do that.  This week has been so low key, and I am thankful! 

-THREE-
The biggest LOVE of this week is that I got an offer from Texas Health Resources Harris Hospital in Fort Worth, Texas for their critical care/ ER residency.  We finally got around to telling all of our family (hence the late post) and we are so excited.  We will be moving in December, but the job will not start until February because I will need to take the NCLEX test to get licensed before I start working. We are excited and feeling extremely blessed.  Thanks for all of the encouragement over the years.  Stay tuned for more details! Here is a picture of the hospital:



More on our journey next time, 

I'm BACK.....

It has been a crazy week to say the least....... but I'm back... I'll do my update as I link up with Carissa for Miscellany Monday.

-ONE-

First off interviews went good... I haven't heard anything yet- they are interviewing until the 2nd week in November, so I guess we will see.   It was a pretty crazy day of interviewing to say the least and I was exhausted when it was over.  I was able to go back for a 2nd interview with one of the hospitals because they were doing follow-up interviews on Friday and I was leaving Thursday.  She said she wanted to make sure I got that opportunity so that made me feel good.  Honestly, I have no idea what will happen.  As long as it is what the Lord has for my life, I will be happy.  

Beyond the interviews, Texas was great! I did have quite a bit of homework due while I was gone so I locked myself in the room and got a essay midterm done, and my journal done for clinicals the weekend before.  Those were both due before Wednesday so it was pretty crazy until then. We also got to go look at some housing options if I were to get a job.  We have to be prepared... it is only like 8ish weeks until graduation.  Have I mentioned that this whole up in the air stuff is KILLING ME. 

I flew back on Thursday and had to be up on Friday morning for another weekend of clinicals.  Exhausted is an understatement.  Jason and I finally got back to Lynchburg last night and I only have one weekend of clinicals left- PRAISE THE LORD.  I have been working on my second journal (that ends up being about 8 pages) that is due this week, and then maybe I can breathe for a day lol.  Shout out to my husband for being the best through this last semester!!!!!!! He actually starts two more classes today... wish us luck lol. 

-TWO-

Thanksgiving is the next thing to look forward to.  Jason and I are excited to be in Texas for Thanksgiving for the first time EVER.  As usual mom and dad will spoil us and we are looking forward to it.  A few things on the schedule are:

HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS with the Fort Worth Symphony at the Bass Hall

This Fort Worth Symphony holiday tradition is filled with joyous sounds of the season as well as jolly old St. Nick himself! So you better watch out…this concert is sure to put you and your family in the mood for Christmas. Not responsible for causing excessive seasonal spirit.

Gaylord Texan’s popular ICE! winter holiday 

ICE! featuring DreamWorks’ Shrek the Halls™. The DreamWorks animated holiday TV special will be brought to life in an interactive world of colorful ice sculptures carved entirely from TWO-MILLION pounds of ice.  The attraction will be featuring favorite characters: Shrek, Fiona, Donkey, Gingy and Puss in Boots.

And finally... the Baylor vs.  Texas Tech game 

We are so excited about getting to spend time with family, and getting to play a little.  That is one thing that Jason and I don't get to do very often.  thanks mom and dad for making it all happen! 

-THREE-

As usual I will end with my countdown:

Thanksgiving: 31 days

Graduation: 53 days 

Christmas: 62 days 

I hope everyone has a great week! 

More on our journey next time,

What's for dinner?

Thursday... 

Busy week = leftovers for dinner.  Good news is that I made dinner for community group last night, and it is one of our favorites- even the leftovers! 

I first made this recipe with one of my favorite people in the WORLD and the absolute best roommate ever. 

Ashley Benningfield

 This girl loves to sing, loves hair products, loves BIG hair, loves the spa, loves to shop, loves to travel and loves lavender linen spray lol.  These are a few of the reasons why I LOVE her.... love you Ash

Now on to dinner..... 

Chicken Tortilla Soup

Ingredients: 

3 gloves garlic, minced 

1 onion chopped

3 tablespoons margarine

2 tablespoons all- purpose flour

3 (14 ounce) cans chicken broth

4 cups half and half

1 (10.75 ounce) can condensed cream of chicken soup

1 cup fresh salsa

1 (15 ounce) can creamed corn

6 boneless, chicken breast halves- cooked and skinned

2 teaspoons ground cumin

1 (1.27 ounce) packet dry fajita seasoning

3 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro

tortilla chips

shredded Monterey Jack cheese

Directions:

In a large pot over medium heat, saute the garlic and onion in the margarine for 5 minutes.  Add flour and stir well, cooking for 1 minute more.  Add the broth and half and half.  Bring to a boil and reduce heat to low. 

Add the soup, slasa, corn, chicken, cumin, fajita seasoning, and 2 tablespoons of cilantro.  Stir and continue to heat for 15 minutes.  Crumble tortilla chips into bowls, add soup and top with cheese.  Add cilantro to the top if desired. 

Enjoy! 

More on our journey next time, 

What I'm Loving Wednesday!

It's Wednesday again... which means I'm linking up here for WILW! 

- ONE-

I am LOVING that now there are only 65 days until graduation, which breaks down into:

9 weeks and 2 days (including the week of thanksgiving)

6 days of class.... but only 5 for me : )

-TWO-

The reason why I only have 5 days of class is because I will be missing class next week to go to TEXAS for a few interviews.... excited yes nervous VERY.... I am trying to stay realistic and hopeful but not get my hopes up! I have also decided that interviews are a little bit scary especially when its a panel interview with 7 unit managers.... I'll let yall know how it goes!

-THREE-

I'm so excited to spend some time with my grandparents while i'm in Fort Worth next week!  I haven't said it lately but these are 2 of the most amazing people in this world! I am so thankful for their encouragement, guidance, example, love and that they have taken Jason is as one of their own! 

-FOUR-

And..... My mom is coming to Fort Worth while I'm there !!! Love some QT with my fam. just wish my dad was getting to come... Good news is I'll see him in November for Thanksgiving.  (love you dad!)

-FIVE-

Finally, I am loving a few things that I have found on pinterest this week.... mostly for my dream home : )

house

kitchen

closet 

living room

And for fun some cute personalized Toms that I found.

Hope you are all having a good week- 1/2 way there!!!

More on our journey next time,

Monday...

OHHHHH Monday..... 

 I am linking up with Carissa again for Miscellany Monday

- ONE-

This past week off from school was full of a lot of movies, and nothingness.  I am so thankful for the time to relax, think about all that we have overcome and look forward for all that is to come! 

-TWO-

As usual my countdown is below, but I just realized that I only have 9.5 weeks left of school... can I get an AMEN?! and that includes Thanksgiving! I am so excited.  This semester has been full of busy work, which I typically don't mind, but seriously besides the leadership clinicals I have gained no new information, and that is irritating.  For example, I have been sitting here all day writing about the air and water quality of Lynchburg Virginia... really ?! Oh well... it's almost over! 

-THREE-

A shout out for those who make lists.... I am an avid list maker- in fact I typically make lists for my lists.  If any of you know my mother, you shouldn't be surprised.  For as long as I can remember Mom always made Ashley and I lists, hence why days off from school weren't that great in the McPherson household.  All kidding aside, I am thankful! 

-FOUR-

I have been working on my Day Zero project all weekend... you basically create a list of 101 things you want to do in the next 1001 days.  Jason and I have been collaborating all weekend, so be looking for that this week, hopefully! 

-FIVE-

As usual I will end with my countdown:

My birthday: 14 days

Thanksgiving: 45 days

Graduation: 67 days 

Christmas: 76 days 

More on our journey next time, 

What's for dinner?

Thursday... almost Friday : )

So I guess I am going to start posting what I make for dinner every Thursday.  I think it will make me cook, and its fun to share recipes- right?!

So per Jason's request I am making Chili.  I know a lot of people have their own chili recipe- but this one is our favorite, probably because it's my moms.  The recipe is actually my grandmothers- my Annie's.  All the women in my family can cook, including my sister- I guess I just haven't gotten there yet Ha! 

So here is the recipe:

Chili:

Ingredients:

2 pounds of ground meat

1 pound of hot sausage

1 onion chopped

2 cans of petite diced tomatoes

1 T. chili powder

salt and pepper to taste

1 tsp. cumin

Directions: 

 Brown the meat and the onion in a skillet... pour off extra grease

Add the cooked meat/ onions and the rest of the ingredients to the crock-pot and cook on low for 1 hour.  Add water if it gets too dry... it should be moist

When serving add grated cheese to the bowl.  Mom serves with cornbread or crackers- but Jason and I like it with Fritos in the bottom of the bowl! 

Enjoy!

More on our journey next time, 

What I'm Loving Wednesday!

It's Wednesday again... which means I'm linking up here for WILW! 

- ONE-

There are only 72 days until GRADUATION!!!

-TWO-

I am LOVING this couch.... 

-THREE-

 I can remember carving pumpkins every year, and they were not nearly as cute as these... my how times have changed : )

 

-FOUR-

I am loving the cold weather!!!! It is almost time for sweaters, hot drinks, and soup or chili for dinner! I find this on pinterest- could be dangerous!!!

-FIVE-
And of course, I am LOVING this man.....

Happy Wednesday to everyone! 

More on our journey next time, 

Oh Monday...

Is it really Monday again?! Where did my weekend go???

 I am linking up with Carissa again for Miscellany Monday

- ONE-

How did I wake up this morning you ask?!... well I guess they decided to check the fire alarms in our building.... PERFECT... now that I know I'm not about to die- I'm not so happy that's how I woke up..... I mean they usually tell us before they do such a thing- but not today.  

-TWO-

Jason and I had a great weekend! He finally got me out of the house and took me to Charlottesville for the UVA game.  It was actually a pretty good game, they just have some crappy fans at times! I will not get back on that soap box! (you're welcome Jason) In the end UVA did win in OT so all is good!

 
Glad we were able to watch Michael play through high school, and now at UVA! And of course I was watching the cheerleaders, from across the field!

-THREE-

It is cold!!!! and I am loving it! There is nothing better than needing coffee, a sweater or hoodie, and a fire in the fireplace.  Too bad that could all be true except for the fire... dang apartment. 

-FOUR-

My plans for this week: maybe some crafting, cooking Jason whatever he wants, get all of the laundry put away (the worst part), maybe convince Jase to take me to the pumpkin patch, schedule my interviews, look at housing options, make another list (ha!) of what all needs to happen before graduation, clean the house, get our winter clothes out/ summer clothes put away, work on NCLEX questions, get as much work done for school as possible ( I have 4 tests, 7ish quizzes, and 2 projects left!)   I'll let you know next week if I get it all done! 

-FIVE-

As usual I will end with my countdown:

My birthday: 21 days

Thanksgiving: 52 days

Graduation: 74 days 

Christmas: 83 days 

More on our journey next time, 

From Jason...

Well this marks my 2nd blog post in history and it is a special one.  This one goes out to my wife.  I believe 76 days from now she will be graduating from nursing school and that will probably be the 2nd most important day in our relationship, the first is getting married of course.  That day will represent the ending of a long journey and the beginning of the rest of her nursing life.  Since I met Heather in late 2006 I have seen her journey through nursing school never letting go of her goal of becoming a nurse.  Ever since she was little she has wanted to be a nurse and she is soon to accomplish that goal.  I envy her faithfulness and perseverance, she has never given up even when times got tough with extremely hard tests, ridiculously late nights working on projects and extremely early clinical mornings.  One of the things she has impressed me the most with is that she has never forgotten about me.  It can be so easy to concentrate only on what is in front of you and allow blinders to get in the way of what is around you.  She continues to encourage me and always make sure she is interested in what is going on with me personally and with me working both of my jobs.  That means more to me than she could ever know. She is applying for jobs and she continues to be faithful and I continue to watch in amazement how God has blessed her and us during this time.  So, this post goes out to the woman I love and the one that I admire, Heather Lauren Dew!

More on our journey next time, 

Jason