Happy New Year!!

Wow! Is 2009 over already?! That went by FAST!! Just a quick note to say Happy New Year to you all. I hope that 2010 brings you happiness and joy that you've never seen! Stay tuned for a "2009 Memories and Highlights" post coming soon! :) Lots of love to you all! HAPPY NEW YEAR!!

We've been so busy!

It's been a wonderful, but VERY busy last few weeks! We had company, finals, Christmas decorating, and more. :) The weekend before Thanksgiving, the Nobles (Amy, David, Xavier-4, Isaac-2, and Xander-4mos) came for a visit! We hadn't seen them since the wedding, and they have moved to Oregon in the last few months. I was so excited to see them and to meet Xander for the first time. We had a fabulous visit! We went to the Grand Canyon (AWESOME!), and David's grandma (and the rest of the family) adopted Jon and I for Thanksgiving. I wish I had pictures, but I will post them as soon as I get the CD from Amy. They are all on her camera, and I forgot to copy them before she left. It was great, and I already miss them terribly!

While they were here, I had finals week, and now I am on a 6 WEEK BREAK! We have been going non-stop since January, and it feels so nice to just relax a little and enjoy spending time together. We went and got a Christmas tree, decorated the house, and have been throroughly enjoying mornings without an alarm clock! :) Here are a few pictures of the house all dressed up...

I hope this time of year finds you happy and healthy, and enjoying the Christmas season with loved ones. We are looking forward to heading to Bakersfield and San Diego to visit our family and friends this Christmas, and I will definitely post pictures of our trip. Lots of love from AZ!

I can see the light... :)

In two weeks from today, I'll officially be on my Christmas break...for 6 WEEKS! :) I am so excited to have some down time, and some time to hang out with Jon. We'll get to go see family for the holidays, and celebrate our very first anniversary! We don't have big plans yet, but I'm sure it'll be something fun! We actually just got home last night from a trip to Philadelphia! Jon had a training conference to go to, and I went along for the ride. We left this last Saturday, and spent the whole day on Sunday doing the tourist thing in downtown Philly. We saw the Liberty Bell, and stood in the room where the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution were signed. And, there were actually colors on the trees! It was beautiful! Here are a few pictures of our trip...

We saw the Delaware River, the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, the US Mint, and ate at Geno's for official Philly Cheesesteaks. YUM! It was a great trip, and I loved all the history there!

Monday through Wednesday, Jon had his conference so I found a Starbucks next door to the hotel and got LOTS of homework done. It was nice to be away...even though I brought my books with me. It was accomplishing for sure, and nice to look out the window at the beautiful Fall colors while I worked! And, now we're back at home...safe and sound. Right back into the swing of things! I have an exam today and Monday, but then we're off for the week for Thanksgiving. The following week, we have finals, then it's break time! :)

Also, today is Karen's birthday AND Xavier's birthday! Happy birthday you two! Karen, I'm so glad we met and so glad we're friends! Xavier, Auntie loves you and can't wait to see you on Sunday...I love you so big!

More exciting news...The Nobles will be here on Sunday! I haven't seen them since the wedding, and I can't wait to meet Xander! They'll be here for about a week and a half, and I'm so excited! We're going to try to hit the Grand Canyon, and lots of other fun things! I'll definitely be posting lots of pictures as the week goes by. I think that's about all for now. Hope you're all having a great Fall! In case I don't talk to you before...Happy Thanksgiving! I'm so thankful for all of you, my friends and family. Lots of love from AZ!

Starting the countdown...

Well...I guess I'm starting a few countdowns! The first countdown: 13 days until the Nobles arrive! :) I miss them SOOO much, and I can't wait to see Xavier and Isaac and meet Xander!! To be honest, I can't wait to see Amy and David too...I guess I'm just all around excited for their visit! We haven't seen them since the wedding; I think this is the longest we've ever gone! It's understandable, seeing how they moved to Oregon, and we moved to AZ! We sure have alot time to make up for though! I'll post lots of pics! The second countdown: 25 days til Christmas break...aka 25 days til 6 WEEKS OFF!! I can't tell you how much I need it...how much WE need it! I'm not far from counting down the hours for this one! :) Countdown #3: 55 days til our 1st Anniversary! I can't believe how fast this year has flown by! I know that school is a big reason it's flown so fast, but this has been one of the best years of my whole life. I LOVE my husband, and I am the luckiest girl EVER! He has been SO supportive and helpful to me in school and I still get butterflies when he says "I love you!" I hope that never goes away! I love you babe! Can't wait for LOTS more anniversaries to come! And, the fourth and final countdown (for this post anyways): 185 DAYS UNTIL GRADUATION!!! Oh my goodness...I can sse the light! Mark your calendars everyone...May 13th 2010! Come on out...you're all invited to celebrate with us! I assure you it'll be quite a day! :)

And...a couple things other than countdowns to keep you posted on...My mom got a new puppy on Halloween! Welcome to the family, Hunter Bailey! I can't wait to meet you! :) Here are a couple pictures of him...

And, HAPPY BIRTHDAY, Stacy! Well, it's tomorrow...but I'll put it in this post anyways! I miss you like crazy, and I can't wait to see you over Christmas break! I hope this is a great year for you! Have Warren give you a great big hug for me! Love you! Another celebration tomorrow...Happy Anniversary Chris and Candi! Hope you have a special day! Get a big hug from Claire and Zachary!

As for the rest of you, friends and family, I hope you're all well! Hopefully we'll see you soon! Lots of love from AZ!

Visit from Mom

I'm not sure if I've said this before...but the last 3 weeks have been 3 of the busiest weeks of my entire life! Not bad...but BUSY! Jon's mom was here a few weeks ago, then Jon was out of town for a week, then my mom came for a few days, and school never let up for a second! :) We didn't get any pics when Carol was here, but we had a nice, relaxing time! Jon went home with her for the week to take an Electrical Contractor license test; which he passed with flying colors! That weekend, I met him out in the desert for a race, and then we came home. Maybe it's cause I'm a newlywed, but I couldn't even look at him enough when I saw him! I missed him SO much! Awww... :) When my mom came out, we had a blast. We did some shopping, I taught her a few things on her computer, and just enjoyed spending time together! She doesn't get out here much, and I really love it when she does! Here are a couple pictures from her visit...

After all that, I started my first rotation in Pediatrics. Have I mentioned that I LOVE this semester! OB was awesome, and my first day in Peds was in the NICU (Neonatal Intensive Care Unit). I was a happy woman! If there ever was a doubt, there isn't now...that's where I want to be! I'm looking so forward to the rest of this rotation! Tomorrow I'm in the PICU. That's the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit. It should be very interesting! I'm excited, and anxious to see how the day goes. I still can't believe how fast this is all flying by! We are already starting to make preparations for graduation...that's only 6 1/2 months away!!! This semester goes until December 4th, and then we're off until January 19th!! I'm looking SO forward to the break! I can assure you that it is well deserved! I think that's about all for tonight! I have an exam on Friday, and I need to get to studying...aside from the fact that 5am always comes too early! Hope all's well where you are! Lots of love from AZ!!

6 1/2 weeks left...

But who's counting?! :) I'm starting to look SO forward to Christmas break! For one, I need a break! We've been going non-stop since January in school, and I'm ready to have some time off! And the other thing is that I am looking SO forward to having time to enjoy my husband without having to go to school everyday! Since the wedding, we've been on full speed, so it'll be nice to just enjoy each other's company! I'll be off of school from December 4th to January 19th, and I'm counting down the days! :) After that, we have 14 weeks of our final semester, then graduation! Whew! It's flying by!!

This week I started my Pediatric rotation. Today we had a hospital tour and saw the departments we'll be working in. My first Peds day is in the NICU, so I am super excited! I'll be sure to update you on how it all goes! For this week, it's some lab exercises and practicing skills.

Last week, Jon's mom came for a visit. It was fun to have her. She got here on Wednesday, and we had a fun, relaxing visit! She and Jon left on Sunday. Jon has a contractor's license exam to take in California, so it worked out that he could hitch a ride to San Diego with her and save us airline ticket money! :) I hate that he's gone all week, but it really was the best option. I miss him like crazy! It's so weird coming home to an empty house! But...I get to see him in 3 days! I am leaving on Friday, after my Community Health exam, to meet him and a few friends in the desert (it's just a little more than half way to San Diego). We'll be at a race on Saturday morning, and then we'll be home later that night. Can't wait to have him home! My friends are taking good care of me though, and having me over for dinner while he is gone. Tomorrow evening, I am going to our friends the Frahms house for a visit. They are special friends...not to mention I am in love with their 5 month old! :)

Then, next week, my mom comes for a visit. She'll be here on Monday, and I actually have Tuesday and Wednesday off of school while she is here. It'll be alot of fun to have her here. I'll post pictures of the visit next week.

I think that's about all for now. Hope you're all well and enjoying October! :) Lots of love from AZ!

Happy Monday! :)

Hi Guys and Gals!
Just a quick post to say Happy Monday, and have a great week! Things are cooling down here now...it's SO nice! It's supposed to be in the 80s all week with lows in the 60s and high 50s!! I love when I can open all the doors and windows and enjoy the fresh air! School is going well...1/2 way through this semester already! Just about 7 more weeks, then a 6 week break, then 14 weeks to go til graduation! I finish my OB rotation this week, and the rest of the semester will be Pediatrics. I'll be sure to keep you posted on how it all goes! I'm sure it'll be great! :) Hope all's well where you are! Hope you can take time to enjoy the Fall and the beautiful weather it's bringing! Lots of love from AZ!

Lordy, Lordy...look who's...30!!

Well...if today is any indication...my 30s are going to be great!! :) I had today off of school...coincidentally, I didn't ditch...and we had a great day! We slept in a little, and then went to breakfast at Cracker Barrel! YUM! (When I came downstairs before breakfast, there was a very sweet birthday card from Jon on the counter. Awwww!!) Then, Jon bought me the cutest purse, and a couple Christmas decorations from the gift shop. After breakfast, we walked around the mall, and then got a Starbucks on the way home. So far so good...right?! :) Then, we went to dinner at Gordon Biersch. Our favorite waitress served us, and spoiled us! It was fun, and I felt like a queen all day! I even got a package of fun stuff from Mom...Thanks mom! :) Here are a few pics from the very beginning of my 30s... :)

Lots of love from AZ!!

Last hours...

Hello All! :)
Just thought I'd write my last post from my 20s! :) Tomorrow is the big 3-0! Thanks Mom! There isn't enough time to write everything I could say about how lucky I am to have you! So...we'll just leave it at...You're the BESTEST mom in the WHOLE WIDE WORLD! I'm where I am because of your love and guidance! And Bob...thank you! Every year I respect and enjoy our relationship even more! And, thanks Dad! I love you PLUS ONE!! Can you believe your favorite daughter is turning 30?! You're getting old! ;) And, thanks Lili! I couldn't be more appreciative and lucky if I tried! I love you, My Parents!
Jon- I love you, and every day I get to wake up next to you is the best day of my life! Your support and encouragement is a daily reminder of how lucky I am to have you. I am the luckiest wife EVER!
And...thank you to all of my family and friends! I am put together with pieces of each of you and the influence you have had in my life.
So....Here's to the next 29! If they are even half as great as the first 29, I am twice as lucky!! I am officially signing out of my 20s...Ready for the next adventure! :) Lots of love from AZ! I'll post pics of my 30s ASAP! :)

Introducing Alexander (Xander) Douglas...

Here is Alexander Douglas McKirdy! I haven't had the pleasure of meeting him yet, but I am SOOOO excited to meet him and see his mom and dad and big brothers in November! Here are some of his newborn pictures...

I'll post more of him and his family when they come to visit in November! I love you already little man! :)

Pictures as promised!!

Just a brief update of the last couple weeks, then we'll get to the good stuff! :) I have been LOVING every second of this rotation! Right now I am in the OB rotation and we switch to Pediatrics in 3 weeks. I'm torn about it...don't want to leave OB, but excited about Peds too! I've assisted in 5 births now (3 of them c-sections), worked in Post Partum, Special Care Nursery (similar to NICU), given newborn shots, tons of newborn assessments...generally having the time of my life! My classmates commented that they could see me through the nursery window smiling ear to ear as I was doing my thing in there! :) Now, more than ever, I can't wait to graduate and get going! On one hand, it's definitely handling my baby fix...on the other hand, it's making me a little baby crazy...but all in good time! No homework and babies for me! Like I said in the last post, we definitely hit the ground running, and it's been crazy busy around here! I got a 91 on my first OB test...okay for this one, but hoping for better on the next one. I'll keep you posted on school, but know that I am in my 7th Heaven right now and loving every second!

Now on to the good stuff... Jon and I went to San Diego this past weekend for a fast and furious visit. We got to meet little Warren Jack Sunderland, and tiny Zachary David Bender! They are gorgeous, and so very sweet! Both doing great and keeping their mommies and daddies busy! ;) Here are a few pictures of Warren Jack:

He's the sweetest little guy! He even smiled for me a time or two! It was SO fun to see Stacy with him! It was kind of a surreal moment, just watching her hold him...so special! I love them both! Can't wait to see him again!

And, here is Zachary David:

He's a tiny little guy, but strong and happy and doing great! I'm so glad I got to meet him this trip! :)

Being an auntie is the best job ever! I love all my kiddos, and miss them all SO much!! I'll post more next time I see them...hopefully sooner than later!!

And, here are a few pictures from Sky Show...and event Jon and I went to at the stadium while we were in San Diego. Cass, my old roommate spoiled us with tickets. It was so fun to see her too!

What a fun weekend! Fun time with friends, and sweet new little baby boys! Can it get much better?! Hope you're all doing well and enjoying the beginning of Fall! Lots of love from AZ!

So busy!

What a crazy busy time! :) We hit the ground running with school this fall and I am LOVING it! Also, I met Warren and Zachary this last weekend in San Diego! We are heading out soon, but I will post pictures this evening of both boys. Hope you're all well! Sorry it's taken me 2 weeeks to post! The pictures will make it all better! Stay tuned...

Welcome Warren Jack!

Stacy and Eric's baby, Warren Jack Sunderland, came on Sunday, August 23rd. He was 8lb 9oz and 22inches long! Everyone is home and doing great! I can't wait to meet him!! I'll be sure to post some pictures when I get them!

School started back this last Monday (the 24th). It was a crazy week, but a great week! :) We are doing OB, Pediatrics, and Community Health nursing this semester. I am SO excited for the OB and Peds!! Community Health will be fun too, I'll be at a prison for part of the rotation, but the OB and Peds are basically the whole reason I wanted to go into nursing! I am in OB first and this week starts our rotations in Labor and Delivery and Post Partum. We had our hospital tour last week, and my face was hurting because I was smiling so big! Since I started school in January, I've really connected with nursing, and have no doubt that I'm where I'm supposed to be...but being in this rotation...I have a huge personal connection. If I was unsure at all as to where I wanted to focus, I am not at all anymore!! I don't think that I'll get into the NICU this semester, but a little birdy told me that there are a select few spots in NICU in the Spring! I am REALLY hoping I'll be in that group! :) Anyways, like I was saying, I am SO excited about this semester, and looking so forward to learning as much as I posibly can during my rotations! Now, more than ever, I can't wait to graduate (in only 8 1/2 months!!!) and start working!!

Jon is doing well...so very supportive of me! I don't know what I would do without him! :) He is still looking for a job...it's a tough market...but I know the right thing will pop up at the right time...just hoping it's sooner than later! :) He's been keeping busy drawing some house plans and taking care of me...his real full time job! :) I'll keep you posted for sure!

Next baby arrival could be any day now! Christian (Jon's brother) and his wife Candi are expecting their 2nd little one any time! I'll let you know the details when I get them! :) SO many babies this year...it's giving me baby fever! :) But, we'll worry about that once I'm a nurse and out of school!!

Hope this note finds you all happy and healthy and enjoying the tail end of summer! Keep in touch when you can! Lots of love from AZ!!

Back to school!

Well...it was fun while it lasted, but boy does 10 days fly by! We went to San Diego and saw some great friends, and had fun with the fam. I thought 4 or 5 days there would be more than enough to see everyone and relax, but we literally had to schedule visits with people, and we still didn't get to see everyone! But, it was wonderful, and we enjoyed our visit very much! I didn't take many pictures, but here are a couple of Jon playing in the pool with Jenn's munchkins...



The other reason we went to San Diego was in hopes that Stacy's little guy would be born! His due date was last Friday, the 14th, and he has still yet to make his appearance! I guess he'll get here when he's all ready to! We're all very anxious to meet him...he is loved so much already! Come on little Sunderland! We want to meet you! :) He'll be here by next Friday for sure...here are a few pictures of his nursery, and his mama!




We don't have much planned for this weekend. Probably just a little laundry and re-organizing the binders and backpack to gear up for the new semester! I'm actually really excited about it because we are doing OB and Pediatrics! I'm hoping I'll get a chance to get into the NICU during this rotation! I'll keep you posted for sure! Hope you all have a great weekend! I'll let you know how the first week back goes! Lots of love from a stormy AZ!! :)