Our Week at a Glance

This is how I feel right now. Let me explain.

This week has been a very busy/exciting time for Sean and me. First, I'm officially done with orienting and now I work as my own, independent nurse in labor and delivery. My first day by myself was last Sunday and I was so nervous. (Saturday night I didn't sleep well at all.) Everything went fairly smooth and I was happy when the charge nurse (the nurse over all the other nurses) said, "Oh wow, it's your first day, I would have never guessed. You're doing really well." Phew!!

So then Monday Sean started summer term classes. He is taking full-time classes and working part time. He has lots of nightly homework for his business law class but I think he'll enjoy the term. Spring term was a nice break for him and now it's back to the books.

Also on Monday I worked again and it was the busiest I've ever seen labor and delivery. We had 23 laboring patients with only 18 rooms. We had to ask people to wait in the waiting room because we had no space available. Each nurse was overloaded and it was wild. I (now remember this is my second day on my own) was caring for 2 women both with twins on the way!! Crazy!!We had a couple emergency c-sections which are scary but we all worked together and helped out as much as we could.

On Thursday was one of the scariest days of my life. I took my national boards exams (NCLEX) to become a registered nurse. I studied hard for this test reading books, reviewing old class material, taking practice tests, and doing hundreds and hundreds of practice questions. I felt sort of prepared going into the test and when I left I wanted to cry. IT WAS THE HARDEST TEST I'VE EVER TAKEN IN MY LIFE! I was so discouraged about it. I even had a dream last night that I failed and I was so sad. Well today I looked on the website and saw that I passed my boards and I'm officially a registered nurse. Hallelujah!! Oh man what a relief. After years of school, studying, stressing--it all was worth it because now I am legally a nurse!! I feel so blessed and grateful to have passed. I know that I was being helped during that exam and prayers were answered.

On Saturday we spent the whole day painting our family room. 4 walls + 2 coats of paint = lots of work and a sore back. But it looks great now and I'll post some pictures this week.

Well all this plus the ward choir performing today in church (i'm the pianist) pretty much sums up our week. It was a crazy week and I'm glad it's over. =) P.S. I don't know who that baby is, I just thought he had an adorable smile so I posted it. =)

Long time no blog

I haven't blogged in a while because I feel like there isn't anything too exciting to write about. I enjoy having a real job and being done with school. I love where I work and the things I get to do. Starting a new job is challenging and overwhelming at times but I'm excited to be in labor and delivery. It's easy to let the miracle of child birth become routine when you see multiple births each day, but I try to remember how special each one really is. Sean is working part time and enjoying his job as well. At the end of the month he'll start classes for summer term.

I bought myself a new bicycle since my old one was from 6th grade and after 11 years I think I've worn it out. Sean and I love going on bikerides together and enjoying the warm weather. We also enjoy walking to the park to play frisbee, catch, or basketball. We spent the last of our target gift cards (from our wedding) on a sleeping bag for me and a couple camp chairs. We plan to go camping this weekend if the weather cooperates.

I just want to WISH A BIG HAPPY BIRTHDAY to the cutest three-year-old around, my niece Elizabeth Przybyla. We wish we could be with you to help you celebrate. Love you lots Elizabeth.

Adventures in Argentina

We just got back from our 12 day adventure in Argentina. Wow it was a lot of traveling and if we calculated it correctly, we spent 64 hours on buses and planes. We flew to Buenos Aires then took a bus across the country to Mendoza where Sean served his mission. At the end of the week we traveled to San Juan (2 hours away from Mendoza).

We decided to pack really lightly and literally went "backpacking" in argentina. Each of us had 1 backpack (the regular school size) and we filled it full. This was not a trip of beauty--no blow dryers, no hair spray, no makeup. It worked out perfectly though because we walked so much and on dirt roads and broken stone sidewalks--that's no place for a big, fancy, rolling suitcase.

It was a wonderful adventure to see the wonderful people in Argentina. They were so kind and loving towards us. They had next to nothing but wanted to give us food and drink and housing. I am so grateful for their kindness. We'll miss them. Here's a look at some of our adventures.

Here we are in Buenos Aires after traveling 7,000 miles. It was a long night on the plane (as you can see) but we were glad to arrive.

Here we are with Juan, Maricella, Cynthia, and Nacho. Sean baptized Juan and they are great friends. There was no way of contacting them prior to our arrival so it was neat to just knock on their door and have them be so excited. Juan had a framed picture of him and Sean in their baptismal clothes on his kitchen counter. They also have pictures of Christ and the temple all over their tiny, humble home. They are great examples for us of living the gospel everyday of their lives.

We went to a beutiful war monument on the top of a hill called "Cerro de la Gloria". It was a beautiful set of statues celebrating the liberation of Argentina from Spainish rule. The picture doesn't do it justice.

We went to the Zoo while we were in Mendoza. Neither of us have been to a zoo for over ten years and it was a beautiful day so we decided to go. It was a pretty nice zoo but I was a little worried about the quality of the cages and fences. This was the very first thing we saw when we entered, Monkeys outside of their cages. Not a good sign. It was a lot of fun but by the end we saw dogs, cats, monkeys, a big bull with horns, and a llama all outside of their cages. Yikes, I'm glad we didn't get eaten. =)

I had to take a picture next to these huge aloe vera plants. They must have been 7-8 feet tall. I guess some things are just bigger in Argentina. =)

We also visited the tallest mountain peak in all of the Americas. It's called "Aconcagua". There was lots of snow so we had to borrow coats before we went on this adventure up the mountains.

We got on a rickety old bus for 4 hours to come see the "Puenta Del Inca". It is an ancient bridge made by the Incans to cross the large river below. They also have ancient dwellings and an old chapel. It's amazing to think how long these structures have lasted.

Here we are in front of the ancient Incan bridge and ruins. It was a neat sight to see.

Here we are with Daniel and Lydia. They are a stalwart couple, both members of the Bermejo branch. Sean taught and baptized Lydia but Daniel wasn't interested at all. A while after Sean left, something changed Daniel's mind and he took the lessons and was baptized. We were excited to visit them on this trip and when we saw them they told us the good news. Last December the two of them traveled to Santiago, Chile (the closest temple) and received their endowments and were sealed in the temple. Wow, what a wonderful step for them. We were so happy for them --they are wonderful.

Argentines love meat and here is the evidence of it. In that way I wonder if Sean is secretly Argentine because he loves meat as much as they do. It looks kind of gross but actually it's pretty tasty. The chicken was my favorite, very flavorful.

Here is Cynthia and me in the back yard. She is such a cute little girl but don't let her fool you, she's a tough cookie. No dog or older brother (Nacho) can scare her. I think all Argentine children are adorable with their dark hair and dark eyes and light skin. Her mom (Maricella) asked if we wanted to take her home for a while since she's a lot of work (jokingly of course). We should have said yes. =)

Here is the whole group together. We had an asado (a big barbeque) in the back yard and all ate too much but it was great to see everyone and catch up on life. Back row: Daniel, Nicholaus, Alexander, Juan, Sean, & Juan. Front row: Maricella, baby Cynthia, Nacho, Paublo, Lydia, and Sister Caullo.

We went to a random museum inside a cave of a mountain and found lots of old bones. It's kind of funny because everything was written with marker and paper and it was a little....um what's the word..unprofessional. We still enoyed it though.

While in San Juan we went for a drive up to the mountains. Argentina has very beutiful country with mountains and lakes and everything. This is some pretty lake that I don't know the name of.

In San Juan we stayed with the most wonderful family with whom Sean had been close to while he was serving. This is us with the Nunez family. (Sean, me, Marcella, baby Bautista, Louise (the 2nd counselor in the stake presidency), Augustine, Julietta, and Samuel) They were such a kind, loving family and they would do anything for anybody. It was great to stay 2 nights with them.

Graduation Celebrations

Graduation came and went and it was so much fun. My mom came into town the Wednesday before which was great to have a little extra time with her. I showed her my nursing labs where I studied and practiced different procedures. We toured BYU and of course had to get a mint brownie for tradition's (and our tummy's) sake. Thursday was commencement which was neat to see all the grads and families together in one room. There were over 6,200 graduates--that's a ton! Elder Bednar spoke and gave a wonderful message about "Loving to Learn" not just during college but all through our lives. It was neat. The interesting thing was that it was snowing like crazy before commencement started but when we came out it was sunny and blue skies. Utah weather changes at the drop of a hat. Well thanks for everyone who supported me through nursing school and graduation. I'm grateful for wonderful family and friends whom I love.

While getting in line before convocation started, I ran into my dear friend Laura and one of our great freshman roommates Cami. We started college life together and now we graduated together. Lots of fun memories for sure.

Mom and me. Thanks mom for being such a great support and cheerleader all through nursing school. I knew I could always call you when I was overwhelmed or stressed and you'd help me through it. You're the best and I don't think I could have done it without you.

Glenn, Sean, me, and Norine after convocation. Thanks so much to everyone for coming and supporting me. I appreciate it so much!!

Me after recieving my diploma.

The tradition for all nursing schools is that when you graduate you not only walk across and get the diploma, you also get "pinned" with that specific school's nursing pin. This is me getting "pinned".

This is a picture of me and my two best nursing buddies. (Emily & Lindsay) These girls are a blast to be with and so sweet and caring. We have a great time whenever we're together. Emily and I both landed the same job in L&D and I'm so excited to continue to work with her. Lindsay will be in UT for the summer and then will probably move, sad day.

I just thought this one was cute and spontaneous. Sean has been a great support for me as I have finished up school. Thanks!!

Ode to BYU

So this little post is dedicated to my alma mater, BYU. I have loved attending this university. I admit, my very first semester I was a little homesick and wasn't sure how I felt about it. (ASU was looking pretty nice.) Now, I look back with such gratitude for the education I have received as well as the many other spiritual, physical, and emotional benefits BYU has afforded me. There is just a special feeling on this campus that you can't find anywhere else. I feel blessed to have had a spot here when thousands would want to take my place. Thank you to all who faithfully pay their tithing--you bless the lives of so many!!! Enjoy these pictures and reminisce about your college days.

P.S. One funny thing I'd like to share--I call this "Only at BYU". So Friday night was the big "Senior Celebration" for all the graduating seniors and their spouse. It was so much fun and Sean and I both had a great time. They had free food (pizza, hamburgers, pop, chips, and ice cream), booths, games, prizes, and a great concert put on by an awesome acapella group called Vocal Point. Now the funny thing was, probably 90% of all graduating students had strollers with babies. I couldn't believe how many students have kids. It was seriously crazy, everyone pretty much had a baby or was pregnant. I almost felt like a little kid at a party with all these parents. I'm not making fun of these people, I was just surprised, that's all. =) This would only happen at BYU. =)

I Landed the Job!

Well after over a week of waiting to hear back after my interview, I received a call this morning from the nurse recruiter at Utah Valley Regional Medical Center. They offered me a full-time position as a labor and delivery nurse and I ACCEPTED IT!!! Yipee, I'm so excited (and nervous too) for this great opportunity. I have lots of paper work to fill out and lots of orientations to attend but it's official. I will be able to work as a nurse while I study for and take my boards exams. That's nice so I don't have to rush into the test right after I graduate. I'm grateful for this chance and I know I have a lot to learn but I'm thrilled with the job. If anyone has a baby in the Provo area maybe I'll be seeing you around. =)

What is going on?

So we woke up this morning to this pleasant surprise outside all our windows. What is going on? It's April 7th for goodness sake. Hopefully this is the last snow fall for the season (we've been saying that for a while now). I think snow is pretty and I'm grateful for the moisture but after 6-7 months of winter I'm ready for spring. I'm ready for flip-flops and capris. Let's all keep out fingers crossed that warm temperatures are just around the corner. Hope you all have a lovely spring day. =)