Happy 1st Birthday, Lady

My sweet little Lady-bug! She came to us at a time when we needed her so, and I'm convinced that she was made for us. She is energetic, smart, and loves to cuddle close to your side. She's my sweet little bug, and I'm so glad she's ours! Happy birthday Lady!! We love you! :)

Is it really almost Thanksgiving?!

Gosh...this time last year I was studying like crazy for finals and writing disgustingly (is that even a word?!) long care plans, and counting down the days til Christmas vacation! Feels like that was just yesterday!! Hope you've all had a great year. Mine's been fast and furious, but wonderful all the same. Speaking of wonderful...I'm am SOOOO excited to tell you guys that Jon finally found a job here in Bakersfield!! It seems like it's really going to be a great deal, and I'm SOOOOOO happy to finally have him home! You know...since we got married, we haven't really had a chance to hang out and just really enjoy living the married life. We moved to AZ 7 days after our wedding, and I started Nursing School 9 days after that. Then, last February, he started working back in Southern CA and I only saw him on the weekends...UNTIL NOW!! ;) I can't tell you how big the smile is on my face!! I almost feel like we're starting our "real life" together finally! :)

What are you doing for Thanksgiving this year? I think Jon and I are heading to Fresno for the annual Olson Thanksgiving. (That's my mom's side of the fam.) I think Stephanie and I are taking our little sister Gina to try on wedding dresses on the day before Thanksgiving! :) I can't wait for the girly time!! I miss my little Gina Ballerina, and it'll be lots of fun to have some sister time all together.

My work is still going great. I've joined a couple committees, and am enjoying getting to know my colleagues, and some upper management folks. I love going to work, and leave everyday with a smile on my face...partially cause I love it so much, and partially because I really can't believe I'm getting paid to do what I'm so happy doing!

Here's a recent pic of the cutest pups in the whole wide world. Deacon is 4 months old and quite a handsome little man...if I may say so myself! Lady is 11 months old and is such a sweet little thing. They say hi, and they want you to come visit them and throw them the ball if you're ever in the area!!

Happy Monday!

Hope you're all enjoying the cooler weather this past week! Something about the rain and dark skies...and a peppermint mocha! :) Nothing too new in this neck of the woods. Had a great weekend with the hubby! I've been working lots of weekends, and it's been a bummer to hardly see him. I loved having the whole weekend off with him. We got alot accomplished and spent lots of time just hanging out. I sure love that man! Work is going great for me still. Just a few more weeks in orientation, then I'm on my own!! Hope all's well where you are. Lots of love from CA!!

The Kids...

Just wanted to say hello and post a new picture of Lady and Deacon! :) At our last vet appointment, Lady was 30 pounds (think that's gonna be it for her) and Deacon was already 21 pounds! I have a feeling "Little Boy" is gonna be a bigger boy than my little girl! We have another appointment for his last shots in 2 weeks, so I'll keep you posted. They are doing great. They get along really well, and play together all day. Here they are: (Lady, almost 11 months old and Deacon, 16 weeks old)

Hope you're all well and starting to cool off! Lots of love from CA!

It's my birthday week! :)

It's actually only a couple days away from the start of my birthday month! :) I figure...since I was born on the first, October is my birthday month...sounds good to me! So I'm hitting the big 3-1 on Friday, and I'm pretty ok with it! I was talking to my mom about it today, and so far, I haven't hit an age that's really bothered me! 25 was fun, 30 has been great...31 is nothing to be scared of! :) I think it's all in how you look at it! I am married to the man of my dreams, I have a job that I love going to, and I'm really loving where I'm at right now! From the looks of it...31 has some great potential! :)

Yummmm!! :)

Thanks to my good friend, Amy Frahm, I have a YUMMY recipe to share with you guys! I haven't made it yet (I will this week), but after looking at the recipe, I don't see how it can't be delicious! :) Happy Fall everyone! Lots of love from CA! :)

Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies
4 cups All-purpose flower
2 cups Sugar
2 tsp Pumpkin Pie Spice
2 tsp Baking Soda
1 tsp Salt
1 can (16 ounces) Solid pack pumpkin
1 cup Vegetable oil
2 Eggs
2 Tbsp Milk
2 tsp Vanilla extract
2 cups Semi-sweet chocolate chips

In a mixing bowl, combine flour, sugar, pumpkin pie spice (or cinnamon), baking soda, and salt. Add pumpkin, oil, eggs, milk, and vanilla; beat on medium speed until well mixed. Stir in chocoalte chips (and nuts if desired). Drop by tablespoonfuls on greased baking sheets. Bake at 375 F for 13-14 minutes, or until edges just begin to brown. Cool for 2 minutes, and move to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy!! :)

Introducing..

Mr. Deacon Bender! :)

Last week, Jon and I flew on a whirlwind 24 hour trip to Georgia to pick up this little bundle of love! To make a real long story short, he's Lady's baby brother...for reals...same mom and dad! We flew into Nashville, then rented a car for the 3 hour drive to Ringgold, GA. We went straight to the farm to see him, and brought him to the hotel with us that night. He did GREAT on the plane! The people around us didn't even know he was there until we got off and they saw his carrier. He's a great addition to the family. Lady loves him, and they play non-stop! He's 10 weeks old now, and he's a very smart little guy! Let me know when you want to come meet him...he loves visitors!!

As for work...I LOVE IT!!! :) I leave everyday thinking..."I can't believe they pay me to do this!" I work with the nicest people, and have so much support from my preceptor, the other nurses, and even the hospital administration. It's been a great experience so far, and I've learned SO MUCH already. I feel so blessed to have a job that I can't wait to get to every morning! :)

Hope you're all enjoying the end of summer, and the great weather that we're getting a taste of! Come on Fall!! :) Have a great weekend! Lots of love from CA!!