be smith

end of 11

2011-12-30T23:26:00.000-08:00

December

boy have we been busy. literally doesn't seem like there is a day that goes by there isn't something on the calendar. Melissa's bridal shower brunch went off without a hitch (she is getting married next month- well really 15 days... I am her matron of honor)

Of course work & cancelled shifts and lunches and errands and 10 costco trips and christmas shopping and baking and cooking and family.

Brandon is definitely proud that he only had to go to step in 1 store and was able to buy everything else online. We didn't go too crazy- but it was nice to exchange gifts this year (we hadn't the last 2 years d/t getting married & then saving for the house).

Our tree was great & massive, in fact looked kinda goofy since we didn't have too many ornaments (those will come in time- I would rather not have a lot to start) & I definitely had to go out to buy more lights. Got a few new other things to decorate and my mom made us an amazing wreath for the door. Like I said I did do some baking- some one day with a dear friend and then another day Sara came over. She and I continue to do frosted sugar cookies every year as we did as far as I can remember. My mom surprised us and came over early out of work. Sara and I were so happy. Brandon also made cookies with me one night and then we cooked our Christmas Eve italian feast items & our Christmas day "tatos" & beans.

Next year we decided we'll take more time for ourselves,

I don't feel like we really got to have Christmas in our house and start any traditions here and Im not sure an italian feast will ever happen again (sorry dad)

As 2011 ends brandon and I have kinda been reflecting on all that has happened this year.

We look around at all that we have and realize how blessed and humble we need to be

{and are}

We know that we are "lucky" and that we do have what we do & work hard for what we have.

We hope to continue to grow together

in our love

{our marriage}

and for whatever comes our way

wishing you a rich & prosperous

humble 2012

m&B

october & november

2011-11-30T23:59:00.000-08:00

Again grouping posts...

Is anyone really reading this? Truly.

October

was spent mostly still settling in our house and slowly attempting to get ready for the holidays & birthdays to come.. date nights here and there... a wedding (above pic is from that).. end of summer bbq w/ friends... appointments... just seemed like more of just an adjustment month. Brandon was ( & still is) adjusting to a new position on day shift and Im still constantly adjusting living back & worth between day and night..

November

brought a huge nasty cold my way. a good 2 weaker complete with high dose antibiotics, cough syrup mainly to just sleep, and the sweetest caretakers (B of course, my mom & sara) I still cannot believe they come over and picked up my house & brought me lunch.. Sara had a birthday and we all indulged on a LAVISH dinner at house of tricks. Then couple weeks later it was my turn. Except my family dinner was at tia rosa's and it was just fine for me :) I got the cutest wallet from Brandon and some flowers and then he took me to sushi on the night of my birthday. Again, my birthday felt smushed in time. Then Thanksgiving. Which we hosted our first ever. This should really be in its own post but for the sake of the 1 picture that was taken its easier to include it here. It definitely was an experience. Everything came out perfectly, everyone left happy & full. We were able to start some family traditions that we look forward to doing every year and passing down.

I think that sums it up...

I can almost smell pumpkin

2011-09-13T23:31:00.000-07:00

here is my creation inspired by etsy of course

itzfitz

(she makes beautiful wreaths)

is it fall yet?

fall-ing traditions

2011-09-12T20:19:00.000-07:00

I def was up 6 hrs really LATE this am on the computer...

what might you ask could keep me occupied that long?

blogs!

specifically c-r-a-f-t blogs.. and cooking blogs.. and holiday decorations...

ah man its got me so inspired

plus I lOve that I can finally decorate and create more traditions

Ive been shopping!

and I think it helps (and all $ spent is justified to B) since we are hosting

our first Thanksgiving this year...

now if it would just cool off

sneak back to see what I making!

my FIRST tailgate

2011-09-12T20:00:00.001-07:00

it just so happens I remembered to take pics friday!

not only did ASU play and win against Mizzou

(which was a bittersweet win since our best

-friends are from Missouri-

Chisa a MizzOu alumni & her dad used to coach there)

but

it was my VERY FiRSt TaiLGatE!!!!

and the greatest friends were there

kelley & chisa

Denaye & chad (Im so team chad)

loved her fringe!

pudge?- cory- b

Missouri's finest!

my intoxicated attempt at the "tiffany hendricks" had to put it in because its so funny!

sun devil stadium attempt at a "black out"

after party @ Blondies on Mill..

then the 4 mile walk back to our car

Such a FUN FUN FUN night!!!

flat out

2011-08-31T15:59:00.000-07:00

horrible.

flat out horrible about taking pictures.

I realized Brandon & I haven't taken a picture together since April

even then it was a quick pic in front of our new house.

Im horrible about bringing my camera and we just go and do things and forget to take pics.

def. something I need to be better about

but then I don't want to be the annoying one with the camera-- hard to find a balance?

We just got back from a quick trip to California to go to Six Flags Magic Mountain.

No beach time, but outlets on the way home of course!

Lots of driving by yours truly d/t B's atomic cherry red eye..

(non transplant eye-we did get it checked and its better now).

Pretty sure Sara Mike & Ashley had fun too! It was really a quick trip though.

Work for me is just the same- I just finished classes to "officially" become a peds heme/onc nurse (chemo certification & core classes) & another class that taught me saving measures beyond simple CPR. Im always looking for more education--

eventually I will go back to school (its just so expensive!)

B's work changed a little and now he is in a different area. So he has been learning the ropes for that & enjoying working day shift now

(as evidenced by him napping on the couch at 4 in the afternoon)

Other than that we are just trying to get in a better routine

and trying to slow down a little...

how are you?

house is dOne!!

2011-06-30T19:50:00.000-07:00

house is done.

moving is done.

unpacking is almost done.

a HUGE thanks to our family & dear friends

who helped us make it so special and just us.

pics & housewarming details to come

Em & B

b-i-N-g-O!!

2011-06-30T19:42:00.000-07:00

bingO

I have through-ly enjoyed me some B-i-N-g-O after dark

even though there have been no winners!

glasseS

2011-06-30T19:20:00.000-07:00

This girl always waved vision coverage.. never :needed: it, nor a formal eye exam

and the first time I notice ( & B too) my vision is not up to par..

I get the exam & I had to get glasses...

I TOTALLY blame it on

new nursing stations at work-staring at the computer charting when Im tired, working in the dark, and also probably reading in not the best light (okay mom you were right),

and my baby blues.

Good news is...

"barely a prescription" according to my dad

I got cute frames & I only have to wear them when Im on the computer & reading

thanks costcO!

February & March

2011-06-30T18:37:00.000-07:00

so much easier to catch up by months...

February:

a really BIG thing happened

(which kindaaa can explain my lack of blog posts- tiff)

we put a down payment on our {first} house!

to be built just the way we like

We have MILLIONS of dirt, pipe, wood, wiring, and wall pic's and I will spare you those trending all throughout various weeks & sometimes just the next day(s) of construction..

Brandon literally was a five year-old little boy on christmas the whole time our house was being built, truly there was nothing that went on that he didnt know about or nothing that was installed that he didnt touch you know to make sure it was right.

Here are some pics...

Specs:

4bdrm + den, 2 full bath & 1 super marble shower!, 2121 sqft, custom lot (on corner- 40ft of yard on side of house), granite counters- lg black cabinets, stainless steel appliances-GAS stove!!!, energy efficient roofing/insultation! & in Gilbert.

We signed papers in February to be done in June- which is crazy to think!

So naturally this kinda took up time, appointments, and $$$..

March:

along with our wedding cake...

we made it one year

because of the *new* house & saving money

we decided to go to the cabin for our anniversary

high lights/lows of my {first} & fifth anniversary:

-we both couldnt sleep- then overslept which led to being off schedule to get up there

-opening up the cabin.. water on.. toliet receiving line broke which = ENTIRE bathroom covered in water all weekend! (wearing B's tennies ev-ery-time we went to the bathroom)

-too windy/cold to go outside

-marble slab bed that made brandon sleep on the couch

-crazy sleep which wasted the daylight

-and the topper of all toppers my polar plunge of a shower when the water heater broke

next year: coconuts and room service.

december & january

2011-06-30T18:17:00.000-07:00

december & january

CAME & WENT!

geez Im a horrible blogger...

seems like IONS of time have passed: let alone a whole house was built- literally

and I have a following I didnt know about...

but first I forgot to mention..

in October: how WONDERFUL, romantic, and SO MUCH fun Tiffany & Tim's wedding was. It was really special to celebrate that {small moment} in time with them.

http://www.flickr.com//photos/63974092@N04/sets/72157626815699949/show/

in November: what a great CABIN trip we had with my parents... how GREAT Gina's baby shower was and how much I loved her & Tisha's cute bellies!

So recapping December & January

Many lunches with friends, family time, of course christmas which we didnt decorate for, nor buy each other gifts- which I AM SO doing this year! dads birthday &

the Missou/Iowa Insight bowl with friends.

here are pics:

My FIRST time on the lightrail--

which I HIGHLY recommend taking when going to events in Tempe/Phoenix.

me & him

chilly @ the missou alumni tailgate

Although they didnt win--- we still had a great time..

AND last but not least..

my best friend Melissa & Tom got engaged!

what a way to start off the year

on to Feb...

november

2010-12-24T09:14:00.000-08:00

lots of things happened in November...

here's a little re-cap

1st- Sara had a Birthday!

I surprised her and we saw Beauty & the Beast @ Gammage since it was

her favorite movie growing up ... we had pizza & karoke night...

and I bought her the movie..

Then... Sydney came!

She is so so precious. She and I have yet to officially meet face to face but Im pretty sure she knows me specially since I spent quite a bit of time with her mom while she was cookin'...

Congrats Robyn & Brandon!

then

there was my Birthday...

the EIGHT really happened..

but we didnt take pics :(

Def. ate some yummy food @ Maggiano's and had game night

@ Sara & Mikes.. B's gma got to come too...

then

it was Thanksgiving..

I made this TWICE!

my great grandma issie's cranberry salad

basically the only reason I go to thanksgiving dinner, if its not there, Im not there- good thing Im now in charge of it. Thanks to Les for the bundt pan to make it in & aunt Marie for my high powered blow my hair back food processor, it was a success!

OH!

I never wrote about Ryder.. This pic is from November, but he was born in Sept.

He is my sweet nugget of snuggle thanks to my friends Tracy & Clint

and lastly.. but not certainly least...

Rheia came too!

but not on/for my birthday

she loved being warm inside o Gina and I think she wanted her mom & dad

to have more time together.

So so happy for G & V...

And I think that might be it...

faLL

2010-10-26T20:56:00.001-07:00

I miss Fall.

unfortunate circumstances allowed me to experience it last year..

and living in northern california this was always a fun time of the year too

it just feels so different this year

10-10-10

2010-10-11T12:54:00.000-07:00

Brandon really knows the way to my heart

a night full of

Carraba's and Jack Johnson

(if I would have had wine or cheesecake too I would have been done for)

which I guess I could of, but I was stuffed

A Jack concert isnt complete with out a slew of openers and guest stars all throughout the show. Zee Avi opened (malasian 23yr old singer- great voice, kinda the music you put on to mellow you out or have on while you are cooking- check her out!) Then it was G-love & special sauce which were great and so entertaining.

Then of course Jack!! He was amazing, the only things that would have made it better was sitting in hawaii listening to him and again the wine! He had some hawaiian friends out on stage and just had a great time. It was incredible!

here are some shots with my iphone- forgot my camera :(

p.s. like my brown hair?

opA! greek time @ the smiths

2010-10-11T12:44:00.000-07:00

new receipe.. new favorite..

rachel ray greek chicken with orzo

I made a pit stop to pita jungle and got some of their yummy hummus & pitas,

so I served it with that. Next time I think we are going to try stuffing

the chicken & orzo in the pita and serve with a greek salad

Enjoy!

btw Brandon gave it a 10!

Greek Chicken or Shrimp with Everything Orzo

Serves 4 courtesy of Rachel Ray

Ingredients:

4 cloves garlic, 2 chopped, divided

1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil (EVOO), plus more for drizzling

2 lemons, 1 thinly sliced, divided

1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes

2 sprigs fresh oregano, finely chopped

4 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breastsor 2 pounds jumbo shrimp

Salt and coarse black pepper

1/2 pound orzo pasta

1 red onion, chopped

1 green bell pepper, chopped

1/2 cup pitted kalamata olives, coarsely chopped

1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved

1/2 cup flat leaf parsley, chopped

1/2 pound Greek feta, crumbled

3-4 Greek hot peppers, chopped or a couple of tablespoons banana pepper rings, chopped

PREPARATION:

Bring a large pot of water to a boil for the orzo pasta.

Crush two cloves of garlic and place in a shallow dish with about 1/4 cup EVOO, along with the one thinly sliced lemon, red pepper flakes, oregano and chicken or shrimp. Season with salt and pepper, then toss to combine.

Heat a large cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. When the meat or shrimp has marinated for 10 minutes and the skillet is screaming hot, add the chicken or shrimp and the lemon slices. Cook the chicken for 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally, or cook the shrimp for 6-8 minutes, until pink and firm, tossing frequently with tongs. Squeeze the juice of remaining lemon over the pan.

When you add chicken to pan, drop the orzo in boiling water and start the vegetables. If you’re cooking shrimp, start the orzo and the vegetables and then throw the shrimp into the pan.

Meanwhile, heat a second skillet with 2 tablespoons EVOO, two turns of the pan, over medium-high heat. Add the red onion and bell pepper, season with salt and pepper and cook for 5 minutes. Add the remaining two cloves chopped garlic and toss for a minute, then add the olives and tomatoes to the pan and cook for a couple of minutes more. Drain the orzo and toss in a serving dish with the vegetables, along with the parsley, feta and hot peppers. Adjust the black pepper to your taste and drizzle with a little extra EVOO.

Serve the chicken or shrimp alongside the orzo.

2nd BiGGest day

2010-09-12T23:14:00.000-07:00

Brandon had his corneal transplant

we are about 2 weeks out now

he is progressively getting better every day

the first couple of days were a little rough

so we are really glad everything is going so good

his follow up appts have been all good and we'll know what his best vision will be in 6mo-1yr

so until then we take it easy, guard that eye, and do our follow ups

he actually returned back to work tonight

(light duty)

which feels weird not to have him home

Here are some images that kinda chronicle the process so far

(3 vials eyedrops, tylenol, juice and snacks.. and those HOT glasses! - not pictured vicodin)

close up of the eyedrop schedule:

and lastly...

he wanted to see what he looked like after surgery so the handy iphone

provided this shot in the car on the way home

our bathroom has become covered with vials and jugs of eye solution and eye care products

(he is wearing a contact in his R eye now so his vision is much improved)

he wears that eye patch when he sleeps and just has uncomfortable moments

but no real pain anymore

thanks for checkin in and we'll update again soon

la jOlla

2010-09-12T23:11:00.000-07:00

the weekend before surgery..

brandon snuck me away to la jolla

we had an amazing time and it was so good to spend lots of time here

GOnZo but not forgotten..

2010-08-08T14:00:00.000-07:00

Just another GREAT day for Baseball...
And...

the whole family got to go

mom & dad

sara & mike

(sara won her d-backs jersey @ coach&willies @ our pregame drinking/eating!

the raffle benefitted American Cancer Society)

me (post 3hrs of sleep) & Bran!

and

Diamondbacks Win!!

(just the way gonzO did it too!)

gOat cheese!

2010-07-31T15:08:00.001-07:00

recently.. a love affair has occured with me and a new cheese..

Goat Cheese!

after a trip to costco I had to find a recipe to satisfy my new love..

Here it is from epicurious.com

Chicken Breasts Stuffed with Goat Cheese and Basil
Chicken
4 boneless chicken breast halves, skinned

1/2 cup fresh goat cheese (such as Montrachet) (about 4 ounces)
2 green onions, thinly sliced
3 basil leaves, shredded or 1 teaspoon dried, crumbled
Salt and freshly ground pepper
1 egg, beaten to blend
1/2 cup dry breadcrumbs

2 tablespoons (1/4 stick) unsalted butter melted

Mushroom-Wine Sauce
1/4 cup (1/2 stick) unsalted butter
1/2 pound mushrooms, sliced
1/4 cup dry white wine
2/3 cup chicken stock or canned low-salt broth
4 tablespoons chilled unsalted butter (1/2 stick), cut into 4 pieces
Salt and pepper

For chicken:
Preheat oven to 350°F. Pound chicken between sheets of waxed paper to thickness of 1/4 inch using meat mallet. Pat chicken dry. Combine cheese, green onions and basil in small bowl. Season with salt and pepper. Spread cheese mixture lengthwise over half of each chicken piece. Tuck short ends in. Roll chicken up, starting at one long side, into tight cylinders. Tie ends with string to secure. Dip chicken in egg, allowing excess to drip into bowl. Roll in breadcrumbs, shaking off excess. (Can be prepared 4 hours ahead. Refrigerate.)

Place chicken in 8-inch square baking dish. Pour 2 tablespoons melted butter over. Bake until cooked through, about 20 minutes.

For sauce:
Meanwhile, melt 1/4 cup butter in heavy large skillet over medium heat. Add mushrooms and sauté until tender, about 8 minutes. Add wine and boil 3 minutes. Add stock and boil until liquid is reduced by half, about 6 minutes. Remove from heat and swirl in 4 tablespoons cold butter 1 piece at a time. Season sauce with salt and freshly ground pepper. Remove string from chicken. Cut rolls crosswise into 1/2-inch-thick rounds. Fan on plates. Serve immediately, passing sauce separately.

Bon Appétit
November 1990
by Deborah Bernstein: Warwick, New York
1998-09-17 00:00:00.0

I did make the sauce which was AMAZING! Brandon & my parents really like it. (Brandon gave it a 7/10.. for those of you who know that joke) Let me know how it goes for you..

Already thinking of new & other ways to make stuffed chicken...

But Im gonna be trying a new recipe a month and share..

Good idea?

camp cAmP CAMP!!!

2010-07-22T15:24:00.000-07:00

SO excited I got to go back to camp this year!

It was an amazing time and so therapeutic...

not just cause my friends were there...

but

tye-dye, friendship bracelets, a Hoo Ha, "super glue", barack obama mummie, mini box, time @ the creek, dishes, Q3 hr feeds, manicures by 7-8yr olds, a teaching of golf, woodland creatures, lake day! celebrity magazines & jellO war

yep I think that's why.

Already cannot wait for next year!

babysitter..

2010-07-17T12:00:00.000-07:00

may not want to hire him as your babysitter..

we truly love you B

and Im so glad I could watch ya!

ChiCagO!!

2010-06-26T12:59:00.000-07:00

We were so lucky to get away for a week...

Here is what we got to do...

Enjoy!

june happenings..

2010-06-06T21:02:00.000-07:00

We got to go to see

Lady Antebellum & Tim McGraw

with my parents..

although it was really hot.. and traffic wasn't fun...

We all had a really good time...

thanks mom for getting tickets :)

Nurses day BANG!

2010-05-21T13:34:00.000-07:00

May 6 was Nurses Day

Since the profession is mainly women, its celebrated the whole week really.

All this really means is a day of appreciation, probably chocolate, and words of gratitude.

Well for my 1st Nurses day... it was a life changing experience with no chocolate.

I was rear-ended on the freeway on my way into work that morning.

My maxima was totalled.

I of course was really shaken and got a good case of whiplash.

The woman was surprised when I called DPS and she received a ticket.

I was lucky to have Brandon come to my rescue and help me get my car to my parents house.

The whole situation has taught me several lessons in ethics, morals,

haggling, and stress management.

The best thing so far to come out of this is that

we were fortunate to buy a new car!

(which I was excited about since Ive never had a *new* car!)

I am a proud owner of a chevy tahoe.

done

2010-05-11T22:22:00.000-07:00

worst test of my life.. done

jumping through hoops.. done

RN..

yep thats me! and Im done!

take me out to the..

2010-04-10T14:08:00.000-07:00

As an avid baseball fan..

it is Brandon quest this year to attend games of teams he's never seen play..

I however think there might be a reason for not seeing some teams play

(as they aren't that good)

Dbacks won last night 9-1!

We still had a really good time, esp since it was just us!

We were in the downtown area running errands all afternoon which allowed us to be earlier than normal to the game.. We got the best parking spot in the lot right next to the stadium.. and we finally got to eat at Tgi Fridays in the stadium (on a Friday)!

(here is a view from our table)

We were able to see the Dbacks do batting practice and warm ups

(along with the pirates too)

and

Brandon caught a Ball from our seat at the restaurant!!!

(I was just coming back from the bathroom but I was so excited)

*I had taken the pic with him & the ball a little later

Im sure they'll be more baseball pics to share

Emily & Brandon

Wedding Pictures!

2010-04-08T21:00:00.000-07:00

Our wedding pictures are up to view!

please let me know if you weren't emailed the link to view them

and I can send it you

We were so glad to share our day with Amanda & Sara

www.amandastephan.com

www.saracoral.com

Please consider them for special events in your life.

Emily & Brandon

Emily Oliver almost Smith almost RN..

2010-03-27T19:00:00.001-07:00

I graduated!!

Thank you to Brandon, my parents, my amazing family & friends,

my cohorts in crime, and all the patients I took care of and learned so much from.

Im just waiting to take boards.. which I have scheduled.. I'll just let you know when I passed.

Newlyweds!

2010-03-27T18:00:00.000-07:00

Yes, it feels different.

In some funny way that is hard to explain.

Its taken us a little bit to settle into being a Mr. and Mrs.. and we grudgingly had to resume our busy lives and begin days without seeing one another. We are doing good though and still making time for one another. It also was nice to catch up with friends and family that we hadn't had a lot of time to talk with and see. (imagine that, a wedding bringing you closer). And officially I am not Emily Smith. That of course is a process.

As far as our thoughts of the wedding etc..

For me it was exactly what I wanted. I'm glad that, it was all transpired that way too. It felt like it happened so fast and its hard for me to remember parts of it. It was a lot more emotional for me than I had planned on. (As many of you were witness to) but it was really fun..

Brandon says: "I know why men get cold feet.. they have nothing but sitting around and waiting before it all happens. Whereas you (me) was out getting ready etc.." He enjoyed having everyone in the same place. That is ultimately why we decided on having our wedding the way we did. We are really happy and thank everyone for sharing our day and making it so special.

Our little mini honeymoon to San Diego would have been just what we needed.. however mother nature had other plans.. the weather was so horrible when we were there that we were not able to enjoy "it" (being outside) at all. We had 1 day where we went to Sea World and were able to walk by the beach before dinner yet it was still cold and gloomy.. the day we left wasn't bad, especially since we got to go to the outlets!

All in all we are nesting and being married... and enjoying Spring!

*wedding pics are coming... for a sneak peak- www.stephanville.com/asp

yes

2010-02-14T00:00:00.000-08:00

Today is the day I said

"yes"

"yes" came out as I was crying..

filled with so much emotion and love..

and so surprised.

Surprised that he pulled one over on me and chose me.

In just 20 days..

I will become his wife and also his forever.

I will be his confadont, official spouse, a real emergency contact, permanent best friend, the mom to his kids, and stealer of the covers, and Im sure much more..

We are getting so excited and cannot wait for all the days together

flying by..

2009-12-28T19:23:00.001-08:00

days seem to come and go

weeks seem to come and go

and months are going too.

we have been good. just the same and good.

still getting ready for this wedding.. still working a whole bunch

and doing everything in between.

we had a great christmas with our family.. lots of food, good family time,

and "un-necesarry" presents

we are hoping for a great new years with great friends too.

we are getting VERY excited to finally be married and still continuing to fall in love everyday.

Emily & Brandon

so thankful and older

2009-11-27T21:16:00.000-08:00

Over the last couple of days..
I have been reflecting on how truly grateful I am for all the little things.
(what a change from the last post)

All the things that yes everyday I take forgranted or the times when I life gets in the way and Im too busy to notice (am now Im remeding ways to improve myself)- as there is always room for it. And for all the BiG things and important things in my life that sometimes I'll admit I never appreciate the full value of all the time.

Brandon-
He is really so incredible. Its been a real learning experience living and loving together.. and all that comes with that especially for the type a independent me (this blog has been a kleidoscope of that). I am so blessed to have him in my life and so appreciative for all the things he does not only for me, but for us, and how he always manages to put me first. He has taught me so much about myself (patience, relaxation, letting go, another view, loving better) I am so excited to be his wife for 98 years. (did you see that countdown? -->)

All my friends-
Brandon points it out to me all the time. I am so lucky to have the friends I do.. and ALL that I do have. Who are there no matter what and are a true constant in my life. Especially after this past Birthday and realizing how I have "grown" with a lot of friends- which is pretty impressive to still be so close and important to one another.

I am so lucky to be healthy. This I feel Im aware of a lot working in healthcare. Of coarse there are situations when things hit a little more close to home, but working in healthcare for me is a constant reminder of a: how responsible I am for my health in 30 years and how I want to help guide my family as they make healthcare choices and decisions. I have a whole soap box on this issue so I'll just leave it at that, but my "so-called significant" things become fastly insignificant in the grand scheme of reality.

And just family..
Life is just going by too fast, days are just flying by. It's sad that it sometimes takes a holiday or a death for family to come together and the time that you do have doesnt seem long enough. I pride myself in carrying family traditions and making my family first. Its weird how as you get older your relationship with family and how you view family and that little time you do have changes. I feel sometimes I never knew it was happening. It just did and thats the way it is.

I think that's it.
Emily

ratched-y

2009-11-09T10:02:00.000-08:00

"oh man"

this is going to be a rant.

This whole nursing school journey been a ride, lemme tell ya. It's sometimes really hard to see the good that is going to come out of it and just merely the point of things, even those simple. All the hoops, sleepless nights, early early mornings, headaches, hours and hours of studying-more or less cramming and converting to short term memory to just get through the test. Sitting through hours of lecture (at inconvienent times) where you aren't sure if you learned anything or even know what your instructor is talking about (was I supposed to have memorized the chapter again and or teach myself). The frustration with knowing what I do know (and see practiced) and then to be told its wrong. Horrible Peds instructors with the exception of Helene. The work ethic of colleagues and how they may or may not grasp or take hold of their experience like I do. And lastly simple follow through.. the follow through has been horrible..

I thank god that I had a very good foundation and that I chose to take that path and listened to instructors who believed in me and looked at me with the same challenge that I was do desperately searching for, and of course to my co-workers and mentor best friends without you and your understanding my head might spin off.

I cannot wait to have this whole experience behind me..

emily

behind me

2009-10-06T21:48:00.000-07:00

this is my stack...

the stack Ive been going in and out of since July

I took my final today and passed.. and in 4 more clinical days

block 3 of Nursing school will finally be behind me...

I cannot wait until this is all over with, but I gotta get through one more very tough semester.

thank you to brandon, my family/friends and co-workers

for all the love & support

and can you believe the wedding is less than 5 months away??

ahh!!

-Emily

workin it out..

2009-09-22T22:03:00.000-07:00

We fired Dr. winter.. long drama story short..

Brandon went and saw Dr. WaZ (thats what I call him since I cannot pronounce his last name) very specialized Ortho man. Top doc for the phx coyotes and handles specific sports related injuries- specifically shoulders. Needless to say he is quite wonderful and has given us better options. Basically says that physical therapy might help in lieu of surgery, yet he will do surgery if that is what Brandon wants. He gave the most indicisive man I know (brandon) indicisive options..

Brandon decided (and I agreed) that trying physical therapy for 2 weeks (2 sessions/wk) is a reasonable request/trial. Since the injury (YES OVER A MONTH AGO!) he has been pretty cautious with his arm.. this will kinda give him a chance to build up the muscles again and see if that helps.. He will continue to follow up with Dr. WaZ and go from there..

So yes, still poss surgery although we aren't getting the impression its an emergent thing.

I know a lot of you had been concerned/worried and thats the latest.

Emily & Brandon too.

"this all is a mere period in the grand scheme of things"

2009-09-08T20:23:00.001-07:00

my friend mali tells me that all the time when she knows my heaping plate is getting a little heavy.. what a way though to put things in perspective.. everyone needs a mali.

First..

Brandon's arm is still not fixed!

The best way to explain it is.. he has a torn socket that his humerus (upper arm bone) fits into (for my medical people- torn labrum and bankhart lesion)- not rotator cuff. Even with physical therapy he has about a 80% chance that it could dislocate again. We had explored the idea of just doing physical therapy instead of surgery.. but since its probable it could happen again and physical therapy isnt fixing the ligament (socket tear) and that he'll still have to do physical therapy after surgery (3-4 mo), it just made the MOST sense to get it done, get him back to normal (and most cost effective too really) its a simple outpatient procedure done arthoscopically.

SO anyway you'd really think a SURGEON would want to do surgery!

Apparently golf time, a new jet ski, or his timeshare is a something better to do. As of last week, still had not written the order for surgery when we saw him the week before last! He's got until beginning of next week to get his _ _ it together. Brandon otherwise has no complaints other than just uncomfortable sleep and wanting to be on full duty (he has been on light duty)

He just cannot wait until he is back to normal.

School for me is going really good!

Despite the long hours, the even longer drives, and the super long days. I am learning a lot- feeling more comfortable (really growing) in my skills and always doing my best to stay ahead of the curve. I have been choosing more challenging patients and have been really holding my own. Although, I am anxiously awaiting the 1 week off I get in between blocks. Not to mention graduation in 182 days (but who's counting..) I still am not at all impressed with my new school, haven't really jived with anyone like I did before, but am definitely just in it to be finished..

I just cannot wait to have a normal life..

where I can get settled in my life

not have so many restrictions on time and "what to dos"

read leisurely

have great lunches/dinners with friends

window shop

travel

spend more time with family

see movies

and eventually have a baby..

I do get to do wedding things tomorrow which is SO FUN!

We are really getting excited and have about 6 months to go!

thats all for now

Emily & Brandon too

Brandon's new socks

2009-08-07T23:20:00.000-07:00

as to make our lives a little more interesting...

brandon fell down the stairs.

tuesday night about 10 minuets before he was going to leave for work. he bought new socks which as he states "felt slick" against the carpet upstairs. he took the 1st step and his foot went out from under him then he put his left arm out to catch himself and dislocated his left shoulder. he skudded down about 4-5 steps where I found him.

I'll admit at first I thought he was kidding (we have a joke that if one of us fell or something happened medically and we needed help and we are alone it would be until the other one found us to get help etc.. which to us would feel like days.. this is kinda why we carry our cellphones room to room)..

Anyway as I was assessing him (good practice- although for sure not going to be an ER nurse)
I couldnt really tell because of how he was sitting and his black shirt, but when he started to scream I kinda figured I needed to get him to the ER quickly. We realized after about 10 minutes that we werent going to be able to do it ourselves. He could not move his arm with out wanting to pass out, nor do I think I could have gotten him down the extra 7 stairs and into the car. He was sweating profusly and starting to go into shock from the pain.

I called 911 and they were there in about 5 minutes.

They started an IV and gave him 9mg of Morphine to get him to the gurney at our front door.

He was taken by ambulance to Banner Gateway and put right into x-ray. I met him in his ER room while we waited for the doctor to come and see us. They moved us into the procedure room about an 1.5 hr later. x-ray showed only the dislocated shoulder- no broken bones. He was consciously sedated with propofol (yes, the famous med michael jackson used to go to sleep) and his arm was snapped back into place (yes, I was in the room). They kept us there a little while longer so they could watch him (which I was thankful for since he had about 21mg of morphine at this point and the conscious sedation).. We were discharged sometime after 12 and headed to Walgreens to get his prescriptions filled.

oh the funny thing about this story- he was just in his t-shirt, boxers, and socks!
(I grabbed shorts, a new shirt, and flip flops to get him home)

Needless to say it was the LONGEST night. After getting him settled (motrin, ice, and pillows just so) and myself showered & settled it left me a good ol hour of sleep before clinicals in the morning. I did okay the next day... but havent really felt myself until today.

So now he is in a shoulder immobilizer we call it his "man half girdle" (basically elastic band around him with velcro and then 2 straps to hold his arm to his side at all times in a "L" shaped alignment).. We are going to the orthopedic surgeon on Monday for follow up to see how long he needs to be immobilized and if there is anything further they want to check. He should be able to go to work on light duty- just in the office work.

Some of you know he did this before when he was 14. Except he was in a pool when it got dislocated. He says it feels different than before, but he is not sure if he remembers all of the recovery last time. Apparently once you dislocate your shoulder its easier to do it a second time, and even more so right after its been dislocated (hence the immobilizer).

He is doing okay and gets around pretty good.. the only trouble he has is achy pain, sweating, and trying to get comfortable to sleep..

Anyway, a little bit of excitement never did no harm... hopefully!

SchooL

2009-07-10T01:23:00.000-07:00

I found out this past monday that I have been accepted back into the Nursing program.

I start Monday July 13 full time again.

Im a little anxiousnervous over the whole thing (new "far" school, new program, new people). This week has been especially trying to get all the paperwork done, scheduling right, and ducks in a row.. all the while all the emotions/feelings of my whole life being turned upside down again. (Ive become very spoiled the last 3 months not having school). I know ultimately its what I want to do and its hard to sometimes remember that. I just feel that in reality I am not myself doing it -ie Im not the same person I am when I am in school that I am normally, and how being in school "devastatingly" affects me and Brandons time together-I hate it and its just hard for me to accept it. I am kinda getting excited though and am very humble for the opportunity.

So anyway this time.. I have decided I really have to be a lot more isolated and get through the next 6 months. Brandon told me I am grounded.

anyway that's really all just wanted to update.. going to enjoy the last weekend!

Emily

this face

2009-07-05T20:18:00.000-07:00

sappy as it is..

Im still sO in love with this face!

243 days to go..

Happy 5th Babe

4th of July

2009-07-05T19:56:00.000-07:00

Here it is..

not the best of me (the best one of B)

I couldnt be more happy to hold her

We had the greatest time yesterday with all our friends for a

bbq/get together at Chisa & Cory's..

some of us missed seeing fireworks (big trees in the way)

but had fun playing bags, eating, and just hanging out..

and some of us had lots of fun snuggling too!!

please check out the link on the right --->

to our wedding website

Hope you're good

Emily & Brandon too

where did June go?

2009-07-02T00:31:00.000-07:00

Its been an interesting couple of weeks... as in where the heck did June go?

There really hasnt been too much going on but just enough

to keep us pretty busy on our days off.

First! My best friend did come!!! (a little longer than Chisa wanted) Miss Brooklyn is the most precious thing I have ever seen. I cannot help but just stare at her when I hold her. It is so incredible to be friends with Chisa & Cory and be apart of this time of their life. You really can feel all the love in the room-truly.. They are amazing parents already and she is so perfect. I cannot wait to be her cool adopted auntie Em!
(No pics of us yet! :( but I'll get one on Saturday!)

a little about what we've been doooing:
We've enjoyed dinner with friends and a mini game night (no Tracy I havent found any snakes or geckos that jace hid- and tell clint, B has not fished at all)...

I said goodbye (or I guess "see ya soon") to my friend jOdi who is on to Texas for her next assignment.. but I sure did have some good pool days and lunches out with her (not to mention a very interesting gym experience).. and all our laughs and inside jokes.

doing lunches with friends here and there.. hanging out with my mom and sister..

couple time with brandon.. (the hangover was HILARIOUS!- Brandon's friends are getting ideas for his bachelor party- which might just happen in VegaS too!)

and we saw some great friends graduate from Nursing school.. (hard for me, yet Im proud of them)

wedding wise:
making our guestbook for the wedding on blurb.com (must check this website out!)
and getting other details together (secrets!)
and so happy that both sara & ashley got their dresses!
bought some wine for the wedding at bevmO (5 cent wine sale!- cant beat it)

I think thats really it..

Getting excited for the weekend

Happy 4th of July and Happy Anniversary mom and dad! (love you)

(will post pics soon)
Emily & Brandon too

its feeling real..

2009-06-07T17:00:00.000-07:00

New things...

-2 simple champagne flutes

-our wedding cake stand parts

-enough ribbon to go 100's of times across my livingroom

-5 new summer dresses & 2 new swimsuits coming soon (honeymoon ready)

-a groom with a ring to wear!

-1 bridesmaid dress

-a rehearsal dinner dress

-lots of crafty projects

-new duds for Brandon

And Im anxiously waiting for my dress to come in..

Needless to say... there are wedding things going on and its starting to feel real- real.

At any given time at the end of our dining room table

there is a kleidoscope of bags from various stores and things wedding or wedding related..

mainly projects to do & fun things galore! Then I stuff them away or in our bookshelf when I cant handle the clutter or someone comes over. Im pretty sure it drives Brandon crazy x 10.

starting summer..

2009-06-05T23:00:00.000-07:00

Lately..

Our schedules have seemed sO opposite
and just when you think the spark gets a little dim..

We have the best date day! (on the 5th of course)

when I got home from work I found the sweetest card and a dozen red roses on the counter...

then I slept quick and we went to lunch and ran some important wedding errands.

We've also been keeping pretty busy with family & friends (which we love)
Doing Pool time, staying cool inside loungin, meeting out for dinners & lunches,

and just trying to enjoy this first part of our hOt AZ summer..

(esp since its evident we probably are NOT going on a vacation this summer)

-which in reality, next summer is going to be the time of our life!-

Oh and Ive also decided I wanted to learn to sew

(minus the fact that I dont have a current working sewing machine)..

But I met with a friend from work at her house and

she guided me as I and I made my first apron!

Brandon has been keeping busy too!!
He is now is an instructor!
He just completed training for the National Tazer association (yes the tazer's like on cops)
and pepperball gun administration. Basically he can teach classes now and is accredited.

He also has been quite the builder (who knew?)
(well.. I figure all the sears & lowes trips were bound to pay off)
He's built cornhole boards
(similar to the game "bags")
-where you throw a "cornbag" into a hole at a certain length from where you're standing-
friends of ours play and he wanted to make some boards to play at home too.
And since he borrowed the roaster pan from his grandma's...
he decided to steal (yes, steal) her porch bench and re-do that!
what a sweet grandson

oh!!
AND

we are also anxiously (ok maybe more me)
waiting for our friends Chisa & Cory to have their sweet baby girl...
It really should happen any day now and she is going to be sO beautiful
I cannot wait to snuggle her up!!

I really think thats it..
will load some pics soon
(hopefully one of me holding my new best friend)

full-filling!

2009-04-15T03:29:00.000-07:00

well..

There has certainly been a lot going on (purposefully on my part) it seems like even my mom is booking time with me a month in advance. Lots of really fun wedding details are coming together but its so hard for me to keep it a secret! I want everyone to be surprised and see the little things and little touches we are trying to do, but at the same time show and tell all the fun things.

(so yes chisa it is getting fun!) Fabric and Flowers were my highlight this week! I sure do appreciate all the people that have been helping and giving me ideas etc.

I also have been trying to work extra hours to save a little more money..
its kinda shame that brandon cant pick up extra especially since that when I do work extra it really cuts into our time together. Im trying to alternate.. and we've been doing date nights too!

Our engagement pics were so so so much fun!

we were able to do 2 sessions. whitney & aaron (douglaspaige photography) have become some great friends to us. Whit is a traveling nurse at the hospital with me (meaning she comes for 3 mo and then goes to another hospital around the US) and her husband aaron, is the one who is starting up their photography business. Whit and I immediately hit it off! she is so sweet, has a great spirit, great taste and so much creativity- meeting her husband aaron completed everything about her and more. Our evening at Tempe Town Lake for pics was so much fun! (this is also where we had our first date too!) we have 29 pics from them that I am working setting up on site. anyway, whit and aaron are now on their way to Florida- oh how I would love to visit their sweet condo on the beach!

Then.. we took pictures with another photographer miss Annie Randall... what another great day that was. She too has a great eye and is so very sweet and so willing to do anything thing we thought was cool or special. To view the pics that annie did.. go to
http://www.annierandall.com/
click on "website"
click on "clients" at the top.
scroll in the drop down menu to "Emily & Brandon"
the password is "smith".

*we ask that you do NOT order.. only because we are doing something special with them and we will have a disc of the images that you can then get from us and have printed at a cheaper cost.

we have heard a lot A LOT of great responses about them and we are so happy and excited!People said that you can totally tell we are in love by the pictures.. which I can say I think is pretty true :)

Other than all of that.. I think thats it.

Emily & Brandon too

March 5 2009!

2009-03-07T20:25:00.000-08:00

HappY AnniversarY

to the love of my life..

We just got home from the

cabin today..

there was no snow :(

BUT

we had a great time catching up on

movies and being lazy.

The cabin means so much to Brandon because

of the times he's spent there

with his family and especially his grandpa.

Little did anyone realize that in the living room

there is a plate that has MY last name on it.

Brandon says its been there as long as he can remember.

Its nice that we are making memories there too,

maybe its his way of initiating me into the family

after all I've kinda been there the whole time..

365 to go...

"we're really getting married"

2009-03-05T19:47:00.000-08:00

that is what I said as we left the venue last Friday..

We chose this really great spot in downtown chandler called

Inspirador

(www.inspirador.com)- it used to be an old hardware store so it has original roof and flooring dating back to the 1920's, yet its modern and kinda urban. It really is a great space that's not too frilly, but not too casual. The more we talked it over it seemed like the right fit for us especially with our family and the location. Not only are Brandon and I really excited, but my mom who came along to help us finally make the decision, is REALLY excited now (just ask her).

Here are some pics I took the day we originally went to see it:

I have more pics.. but I want it to be a surprise too

Other details and things are coming together:

we got our engagement pics booked (hopefully will do wedding too) She's amazing! (www.annierandall.com)

And we're narrowing down other important details..

Any one have any friends, family friends that are in these business or have ideas suggestions/connections? Catering.. Florist.. dj.. invitations.. tux..

we love to help people out especially with the economic times. Let me know?

Hope everyone is good..

Emily & Brandon too

FavoritE ThingS

2009-02-26T19:02:00.000-08:00

oOps.. I forgot to post pics about favorite things..

(probably since I didnt take pics- the time went so quick!)

My boss Val brought up the idea.. kinda as a team building, getting to know, make friends at work project. What it is.. everyone who signed up brings in enough of what their thing favorite thing is, for everyone participating. Then everyone participating gets together and tells everyone why its their favorite thing. So you leave with everyones favorite thing!

(you could also do a themed "favorite things"- but we did just a general one- Oh and you could set $ limits.. but we didn't- "from pennies to millions" as Chisa said)

It was fun to see everyone get so creative and give their favorite thing and explain it.

Some of things I got: a custom family photo frame, work survival kits with essentials to get you through the night/day, a custom "gettin ya home" cd, nail polish, lots of chocolate, great recipes, and yummy things to drink!

Anyway.. totally recommend it. It was a lot of fun and Im looking forward to the next one.

Emily

oh man!

2009-02-23T17:51:00.000-08:00

HappY BirthdaY

Brandon!!

My dad called Brandon's birthday weekend "testosterone weekend!!" (in the most mainly voice) And it was a man weekend for sure.. Its custom that he and my dad go to the drag races every year (they went on Saturday) and turns out there was a gun show to go to on Sunday (mind you its their 2nd visit to one this year). He had a great time.. even though minimal time with me..

Im just glad they both love spending time with each other.

Dinner with some fam and friends on Saturday night at Lucilles was great.. (thanks to you all that could make it) and then the little after party to our favorite dive bar in Gilbert was another great time. Yes, THE first round draft. We closed the place down needless to say.

Yea! to our friends Chisa and Cory for their "new" house... I am so excited for them and its going to be great hanging out and loving on that baby when she comes.

Other news...

About school- It might be a little longer to graduation.. I took my block 3 process (nursing theory) final and didnt pass by ONE point, which doesnt allow me to continue on to block 4 with my group. Since I am in the program Im in.. I get advanced placement back into block 3. I only have to retake the theory class and clinicals.. however it might be different curriculum since they are changing it all up. I have no idea when I start again and kinda am in another holding pattern. As you can imagine Ive had a kleidoscope of emotions, yet Ive been more embarrassed and hurt by the whole thing. I really just want to move on and be settled already.

Wedding Planning-

We have been doing our research and scoping places out and meeting people and trying to narrow down our place. Since its the most privotal point for the whole thing. We are meeting with our places this week to narrow down a price and that'll determine which one we choose. Thanks to my friend Chisa (that 2 shout outs now) for always listening and helping me so much with this.. I owe you a girls day for sure! I know you love it.. but I know how I can be.

So I guess check back and we'll post out pics of the place we choose. The whole thing is becoming a little more real.. and I am trying to find the fun of it.

Engagement pics should be soon too we are trying to narrow down a date with our photographer.

Next post will be about favorite things.. this cool thing we're doing at work.. and pics from the cabin!

Hope you are all good

Emily & Brandon too

another day..

2009-01-19T21:03:00.000-08:00

well well

our christmas was great although it seemed like it went by really quick. when you work in fields as brandon and i do (open 24hrs, 7 days a week, 365) holidays kinda become just like any other day to work, but include the benefit of holiday pay. even though i think he figured it out, brandon did like his craftsman tools and tool chest. oh and sorry i never posted pics of our tree. that is actually one of my new years resolutions to be better about capturing our life together. which should be better since i got a new digital camera and my parents got us a camcorder.

we had plans to go out with friends on new years, but after about a week of really not having any time together.. we decided to stay in, order take out, rent movies, and hang out.

people keep asking me about school... technically im back to school, but am not going everyday. i have another break after feb 10 for about a month then i roll into my last semester!

its been nice having brandon's mom and stepdad here... i still love when they come up with a new story ive never heard.

otherwise, ive just been catching up with everything and have started wedding planning..

and i gotta ask, does anyone read this?? if so where's our comments?

update soon with pics!

Emily & Brandon too

holidays = break?

2008-12-18T02:52:00.000-08:00

Not too much has been going on with us... Although

I am OFFICIALLY on a mini break from school. I'll return the 3rd week in January to finish up this block. It kinda scary to think that this summer I will be a real nurse- Finally! (said with some hesitation). It is going to be a nice break even though I still have to work and I'll still have a lot of studying to do.

Brandon is doing well.. he's been fighting with allergies and the cold weather.. He is so funny this time of year. I tell him he acts like a 5 yr old kid on Christmas.. He gets sO sO excited to get gifts and so eager to give away the secrets of presents he's bought.. Not to mention he wants to buy everything he sees especially if its a deal- and he maricously finds things for himself. I tell him no shopping in December (cause he'll ruin gifts people buy him).. he doesnt understand.

So needless to say we are ready for Christmas..

I'll post pictures of our tree- we decorated it last weekend. Complete with the new ornaments, handmade ones, and a Barbie on top (we seriously couldnt find a good tree topper-still).

hope everyone is good and has a great holiday

emily and brandon too

46yrs-20yrs =

2008-11-28T20:54:00.001-08:00

Yes, it was my BirthdaY!

Thanks to Brandon for throwing me a swanky bash on Saturday.. and for all our friends who could make it. It was really good just to hang out and not worry about school or work or anything. We all had a really good time! (note the wii playing, beer pong, cake eating!)

Sunday, my real BirthdaY..

We had both of our families over for a little BBQ... this too was really nice

(despite me waking up sick -stupid sinus head cold- the whole left side of my face was swollen)

Im getting better now...

Thanksgiving was good too! Brandon and I were both off and able to spend it with our families. (We figure its easier this way until we are married, but we are talking about a combined Thanksgiving next year possibly)

I think thats really it..

lots of love

Emily and Brandon too

a little news..

2008-10-07T21:34:00.001-07:00

A BiG thanks to my mom for studying with me for 9 hrs..

and with over 20 hours total..

I passed my theory nursing test allowing me to move on to

BLOCK 3 !!!!

It really is amazing how much I learned about myself this last block

it feels good that:

its okay to say no

laundry can wait

I appreciate brandon so much more

procrastination is not a virtue I aspire to anymore

and I am still NOT a morning person..

oh and most importantly, I cannot wait to acquire more ducks!

a great thank you also to all my friends for the encouragement and support

ALSO..

the same day I took my BiG test.. Brandon took a BiG test too!

He is testing for Lieutenent.. he now is awaiting his big panel interview.

there is no summer without the Diamondbacks

2008-10-07T21:17:00.000-07:00

We are so sad the season is over... but look how much fun we had!

These are some pics from the games we attended..

Dbacks & St. Louis

me and my sister Sara

Brandon M, Cory, and Brandon

The Haubers... sorry your boys (St. Louis) couldnt pull it off..

when in Vegas..

2008-10-07T20:11:00.000-07:00

We were able to go to Las Vegas with our friends the McArthur's and Hauber's for a little get a way and to celebrate Robyn's Birthday.. We weren't too crazy.. and had a really great time! Brandon and I even had a night on the town by our self! Oh and I won $200 in roulette too!

sigh...

2008-09-19T00:44:00.000-07:00

as you can tell by the lack of correspondence there hasnt been too much going on with us..

we've been lucky though to go to a couple of Diamondbacks games..
spend a little more time together..
hang out with some friends here and there..

but really we are just plain tired and busy!

we do have some pics to post (coming soon) and we are going to Vegas for the weekend to celebrate a friends birthday (it will be soo nice to get away)

i will leave you with a classic "emily" moment:
i was putting my backpack in the break room during clinicals. i set it up on top of the lockers (not realizing that in the corner where the metal lockers meet there is no covering above- i couldnt see it!) imagine my gasp as it travels down behind the lockers into a dust pile. i immediately jump on the chair and try and pear over.. not happening not able to reach it. i then go and grab Greg my fellow nursing student friend who i should add is about 6 something, a big navy guy. he was like "em there is no way". so i had to call the maintenance man of the hospital.. he comes he's about 5 ft tall and robust. i explain to him what happened and he fetches his supplies. mind you he had to get a ladder and take ceiling tiles out to maneuver his pole hook apparatus to retrieve my backpack. needless to say i was the joke of the maintenance men. the next day Greg and i travel out to the dock and all around to seek out the maintenance man who helped me. well i didnt find him, only his brother who is a tad taller and looks exactly the same. as i explain to him what im doing out there with a bag of mini-snickers and a thank you card in hand he responds "oh yeah i heard about it- it was my brother who helped you" (yeah he's laughing).. anyway it was a classic emily blonde moment.

the greatest family and friends..

2008-08-19T14:11:00.000-07:00

Thank You

to all our family and friends

for welcoming us in our new place

It was really good to see everyone

and all the gifts

although not necessary,

were greatly appreciated

We are so lucky to have such great people in our life

Please look for a thank you card in the mail (or if I'll see you, you'll get it then)

love

Brandon and Emily

Still breathing..

2008-07-19T04:58:00.000-07:00

No we havent dropped off the face of the earth..

We are still getting settled, adapting, living, learning, breathing, loving, etc. etc. etc.

or as my great friend Tisha would say "oh, hold on let me pull my life together"

(I really think its my new motto)

SoO the house is slooowly coming along.. Dont get me wrong I do have a lot un-packed (you noticed the I didnt you :) but pictures are not up and things dont look polished in any way. Trust me we have not forgotten about the pics to be posted or the dinners we promised people. We are really loving living together and its been fun getting things and getting used to the new area. We both find it funny to realize simple things we dont have that we have to go out and get.. for instance, a larger saute pan you know the kinda with a lid.. its kinda impossible to cook a meal for 2 in the standard size- ha!

News.. News..
I started an Externship at the hospital. I was lucky enough to get one. My boss is amazing and is letting me stay right here in my unit and do it. So what this is.. I am able, since I am in nursing school, to work one on one with a nurse 2 shifts a month. Really I am just shadowing- although I can do assessments and procedures, but no medications. By doing this it helps me start more critical thinking, teaches me how to think like a nurse, prioritize, and give me more experience in a different way. Its only different from what I do now in the sense that I am right there with a nurse and "our" patients instead of me caring for all the patients on the unit. I have some great nurses (really great friends) that have taken me under their wing and are really helping and challenging me.

Speaking of school.. back to NuRsinG SchooL I went this past Monday... such a stressful four days let me tell you. Its mapped out differently then my last semester, not to mention all new material some of which causes me to have the whole fish out of water feeling. It definitely going to be a rollercoaster of a semester I can tell. And lots of reading.. LOTS OF.

Although, I guess it wasnt too bad because I got to see my first live birth! It was a completly amazing experience. The best part was I was able to share it with a classmate who "ob is her thing, her place" so it made everything better. I felt really lucky to have been able to be there; she taught me so much, and the patient was so so sweet.

Brandon is doing good.. he went back to work (he had taken sometime off for the move- mainly to move out clean his apt and move into our house.. and make sure everything BiG was moved and put together etc.) He's been planning his next D-backs baseball game night. He is still dying to go to Six Flags or Vegas or somewhere (god I hate that I have school), and has been feeling some separation anxiety from Chris -kidding (I think?) .. I know I am not the easiest to live with. Its hard since I am on a day shift schedule during the week and night shift schedule on the weekend.. and he only has 2 days off, which happens to be days I work. So every evening for about 2 hrs we get to see one another, which is definitely better than before.

Well I think that is the majority...
Hope everyone is good

Emily and Brandon too

Its official.. we are living in sin!

2008-07-08T02:45:00.000-07:00

Just wanted to write quick..

Yes, we did survive the move
However, it hasn't really hit us yet, but we are so so happy!

Some things we've realized:
-Fridgerators are not made for houses- at least fitting in them (its a stupid Hauber curse!)
-Its really hot in Arizona in July
-We will never rent from Uhaul ever again.
-Must bring trash bags to a new house.
-Fry's Grocery store in Mesa doesn't have a cashier at 11pm AND when you have a full basket of groceries paired with Brandon (OCD bagger) it makes for an interesting 25 minuets in the self- checkout.
-Our ikea bookcase will not fit upstairs.
-Boxes become a lot heavier when you have to carry them up stairs
-We have a spring loaded door leading into the garage.. (note red bump on forehead)
-Brandon secretly loves to decorate.
-I have a lot of clothes.. a lot.
-Shoes in a big bag, not a good idea.
-We bought curtains for the very first time.

And, lastly we have some pretty AMAZING friends (Chisa & Cory, oh and my mom & dad too) for HELPING SOO SOO MUCH!!

Pics will be soon..

Emily and Brandon too

the best dad I'll ever have

2008-06-16T01:35:00.000-07:00

HappY Father'S DaY!!

To my most amazing dad..

who everyday always gives me a great big HUG.. who is my biggest cheerleader and always wants me to do nursical things.. like "surgery" and who I love more than anything.

Everyday I notice more and more things that I do EXACTLY as he does. I love that I can always predict things he'll do... or say (mainly since I would do the same thing) and that I'll always be his little girl, no matter how much taller Sara (my sister) gets..

He truly is one in a million and always has my heart.

Love you Dad o rama!

your EmO

so done..

2008-06-14T00:59:00.000-07:00

So I am pleased to announce

(however, I am not sure if pleased is the "right" word, ELATED might be better) Anyway..

I AM SO DONE WITH BLOCK ONE!!!

My nursing friends can totally sympathize, understand, and remember...how good it feels to have the first chapter behind. I definitely have learned a lot more than I thought I would, seen more than I wanted at times, and have made some really great friends. (I know people say this, but it really is the truth- you can get yourself in some situations if you know what I mean)- basically lots of stories that cannot be publicized online. Basically, if I hadn't passed.. I would have had to re apply and go through the whole process over again. Which I don't know if I would have.

So whats going on now.. well I have spent the last part of this week in the pool, sleeping in until 1-2pm (staying up until 1am), and just playing catch up and trying not to do soo much.

Brandon and I just had an amazing 2 days together. We went to the Brad Paisley concert last night. It was my anniversary gift from him. Although we didn't get pictures, it was such a special thing to share together.. His song "She's Everything" has always been "our" song. Brandon's mom is actually going to meet him while he is in Alaska, he has some family up there that they know. We are hoping that he can sign something for us.. (wishing he could sing at our wedding though!) Otherwise it was just nice to slow down and hang out together.

So a lot of stuff is coming...

I cannot believe that this Sunday is Fathers Day.. which I will be working, however I will post a little something special about my dad. 4th of July.. which is my parents wedding anniversary (It'll be 27yrs this year) and its usually a big BBQ/pool day in my house.

Then Brandon and I will be finally moving July 5.. (so I probably wont post for a while) I'll have oncology camp for 2 days and then I start school again July 14. Block 2 is supposed to be the hardest (& Block 4 too) I have already been told you hit the ground running and you MUST stay on top of everything or its miserable. Brandon is just along for everything..soo supportive!

Anyway, Hope everything and everyone is good..

Emily and Brandon too

(by the way he was just asking me last night how he can post- even though he totally had access from the beginning.. I'll work on it)

Busy Weekend!

2008-06-03T14:45:00.000-07:00

So Brandon and I went to the Kenny Chesney Poets and Pirates Tour this past weekend..

We got to see (Gary Allan, Sammy Hager, Keith Urban, and Kenny Chesney and appearance by uncle cracker) I had bought the tickets for us for his birthday (yes, I know back in February) Although it was extremely crowded (poorly managed on behalf of the stadium) and the one and half hour wait to get out of the parking lot.. We really did have a great time! (Oh his roommate Chris and his friend Cassie went with us too).

What else.. Im almost done with school! Well at least this block.. I finish clinicals this week and then I have my big final on Monday (and a nice big lunch with the girls from school afterward!)

Then we'll be packing.. Yes! we found a place. Just so happens we have some friends that need someone to rent their townhouse. Its truly an amazing place.. 3 bedroom 2 1/2 bath in the East Valley. We'll be moving the end of the month. We are both very excited! Stay tuned for info for the house warming party.. and for out of town guests.. another place to stay! We will definitely post pics when we are settled.

Hope everyone is doing good!

Oh and did you know you can leave comments (see below)

seriously..

2008-05-21T22:28:00.000-07:00

Since my last post we have been some busy beavers!!

(I wish we had pics)

We've had:

3 birthdays, a baseball game with grandma, lots of dinners/lunches, a baby shower, a dentist appointment, Emily- school full time (lots of homework/studying) and both of us still working full time, house hunting, kickboxing, 3 tests- one of which a comprehensive pharmacology final, daily errands, traffic, more baseball games (Brandon), and sleep somewhere in there..

(really as if we couldn't think of anymore things to occupy our time..)

Although, I must say its kinda nice to have felt normal some days.. I've actually had 3 days in the last 2 weeks where I did not have to physically be at school. I got a little pool time in Monday with the best girls from school.. and feel I kinda caught up on things a little bit. And even though I have had this little downtime, I feel guilty for not doing something better (like studying ahead) with my time.

The best part is.. my semester is almost over and I'll get a little break which will be nice to actually see Brandon for more than 4 hours and concentrate on moving and getting ready for my next semester.. oh and oncology camp too! (I am volunteering again 2 days)

Hope you are doing well..
:) Emily and Brandon too

HappY Mother's DaY!!

2008-05-11T17:43:00.000-07:00

I wanted to wish my mom (and Debbie -Brandon's mom)

Happy Mother's Day!

Lord knows we would not be who we are without the two of you.

Its amazing how as I get older (yes, you get older too mom!) and my relationship changes with her (more than you know) that sometimes I think Im okay with living my life without moms guidance. When really its always there inside (all the stuff she taught me and all the "right" way to do things). I just seems like if she really wasn't there.. the whole world (my world) would collapse.

Life tends to get in the way a lot, but I hope you know mom how much I do love you and appreciate everything you are and do for me. I know that I will be a better wife, a better mom, and a better friend/person to others because of you.

Honestly, don't know what I would do without you.. I love you

Emily

a real nurse..

2008-05-02T21:48:00.000-07:00

Well well..
I've been busy with school of course. I completed my 1st of 3 clincal rotations for this block (there are 4 nursing blocks total) . I was lucky enough to get placed in the Telemetry unit, which lead to A LOT of things to see and do. When I say A LOT I mean things I never knew were done (or could be done) and a little challenging all at the same time. I really feel like a real nurse now because... I gave my first shot to a patient! It wasnt as scary as I thought it was going to be. .
Along with all that I am doing good otherwise just managing tests, careplans, and sleep, and work, and family, and Brandon.

Speaking of Brandon if you are looking for him on a Thur or Fri.. you might wanna check the Diamondbacks game. He has been hitting the $15 seats and has been having a good time hanging with the boys and various friends. He has been good otherwise, just finding things to do and working.

Oh I also snuck out of town last weekend.. I went to California with some girls from school. We did some serious damage at the Cabazon outlets and had a lovely afternoon in Santa Monica with a cocktail. It was soo good to get away and at the same time become better friends with girls from school.

It really feels like it should be summer already...
Im excited to see my grandparents (my mom's parents are here visting from IN)

Well its almost official.. we are looking for a place to live together.. we would love to stay in the east valley and are keeping our options open in terms of an apartment or a house to rent.. So if you see anything or know of anyone who needs the best renters.. let us know

I think that's it for now..

first post.. new ideas

2008-04-19T02:52:00.000-07:00

welcome!!
you found us.. we are hoping that this will help us keep in contact with everyone or let you know what we've been up to... I FINALLY started nursing school (so you'll probably hear a lot about that) and with moving in and the wedding up and coming I am sure you'll hear about that too.. plus, all the fun stuff we do together and with our friends and family.. so check back (probably weekly for new stuff?).

what's new..
I should first start off by saying.. what a year of change.. I knew ahead of time it was gonna be, but truly its only april and we still have 8 months to go.. I cannot imagine what things are going to be like come next january.

school is good.. very very busy, but good. Im full time so mon-thur 8-4pm. I feel like I am learning a lot (thank god I have my experience) and I've already met a lot of really nice people. I am still loving working at the hospital and just trying to juggle my schedule so I can still do both.

brandon is doing good.. work is just the same as it usually is.. I think he's still adjusting to me not being around so much. its been interesting fitting in couple time, but its still so important.

well I should get back to work..
post more soon

emily & brandon too.