happenings...

Our new floor in the living room and dining room!  I like how it matches the rest of the house and our furniture.  My husband did a great job picking out a floor that I love!  Jon and Dad did a great job in doing the floor.  Jon took a day off of school to help.  He was supposed to be sick... I was at work and I kept texting to ask if he was taking it easy.  He said he was.  I was very surprised to come home and see how much the two of them had accomplished.  Jon said it was relaxing for him though. =) 

Here Dad & Jon are planning how to start taking out the carpet.

These next pictures are of us planning for the garden and backyard/deck.  Meanwhile it is snowing outside. 

I look tired.

The doggies wish they could be inside planning with us.

Dad drawing out the plans.

You can see what we had to eat.  Biscuits and sausage gravy, with coffee and creamer.  It was a lovely day to be at home.  We have winter weather warnings for tomorrow.  It is supposed to start snowing around 1am and continue through til the evening.  Northern Colorado is projected to get 8-14 inches of snow.  Wish I could be at home instead of at work!  But hopefully (!) the weather will keep people inside and not at the hospital!

For my birthday and Valentine's Day Jon took me to Black Hawk.  Yes, I am spoiled!  Here is the view from our window.

I was studying statistics and drinking coffee while waiting for Jon to finish his pastry class.  This is one of my more frustrating classes.  I would be happy to have prayers that I could have the discipline to finish it!  It is my biggest hurtle in finishing my bachelor's in nursing.  Then 3 easier classes and bingo!  I have my degree. 

It is interesting to see how life progresses.  I thought after I got married I would have a boring normal life.  Whatever normal is...  Instead I am married to someone very interesting... and sometimes I feel like I can't keep up.  That is saying a lot for this adventurer.  

A couple days ago Jon took my car for emissions testing.  Well, it didn't pass because my 3rd gear doesn't work. =(  How is it that Dad's truck from '89 passes and mine doesn't??  Anyway, we started looking at cars two days ago.  It was inevitable that I need a new car, but I was desperately hoping to stall the process.  I was reminded how much I detest car dealerships.  Randy the used car dealer was nicer then most, but I still felt the need to ask Jesus to wash the slime off of me after we left. 

Jon just called.  He found a good deal on a Mazda Cx 5.  I have been praying about what we should get.  So far we have heard that it needs to be big (instead of say like the mazda 2).  I also saw a picture of Jesus writing a check for our vehicle.  Another person that I asked to pray said she felt God was saying that are not supposed to worry about the money.  And anyone that knows me, knows that would be my number 1 concern.  We have had other confirmations that this is one Jesus wants us to get.   Look at it here.
 
I am pleased to announce that I have worked my last night shift!  I may work an occasional night shift, but for the most part it is over!  I am basically working two different shifts: 7am to 7pm and 10am to 10pm.  I feel like I might become human again.  It took a lot out of me to work the night shift and trying to switch back and forth between nights and days.  

The other change at work is working as a charge nurse.  My bedside nursing had become pretty routine and I wanted a change.  Actually I've wanted to be a ER charge nurse since I was 15.  In December that dream finally became a reality.  The variety of things that I encounter as a charge nurse has been a pleasant challenge.  There have been a few times though that I found myself trying to stave off the image that I'm driving a large cruise ship into the rocks.  I see myself as the captain of a ship, trying to organize and direct all the pieces that it takes to keep the ER running smoothly.  If the nurses have a problem they come to me, same with the docs, techs, the house supervisor, and even other nursing floors.  However, I do find the challenge enjoyable and stimulating.  The position certainly gives me a different picture of the ER.  I am forced to use a different part of my brain (critical thinking--they call it in nursing school). 

I have sand in my shoes, or itchy feet...  I really want to travel internationally again.  This does not seem likely unless we win the lottery or some kind soul donates money.  =(  I told Jesus I want to be "translated" like Phillip was when he was taken by the spirit into the desert to minister to the Ethiopian eunuch.  Right now we are trying to save money to start a bakery (for those of you who don't know Jon is in pastry school right now).  Of course, there are always expenses with a new house and things that one does not anticipate.   Which means I am praying to be translated abroad for a short holiday.  Blessings to you all! 

p.s. if anyone knows of an inspiring blog that talks about people following God radically and how He makes their lives interesting and unusual, please let me know in the comments.