Baby Bender

I'm sure most, if not all, of you have heard our news by now! Our family is growing! :) Baby Bender is set to make an appearance on or around 11/22/2012...also known as Thanksgiving Day this year! Here is the first picture we got a few weeks ago. I was just passed 8 weeks pregnant. It's amazing that you can already see little arm buds and leg buds...

And here are a couple of pictures from today's appointment. I am 13 weeks and 4 days pregnant. You can see how much little Baby B has changed in just a few short weeks! S/he has arms and legs and fingers, a cute little button nose, and was loving waving at the camera today! :) When the first images came on the screen, it looked like baby had the hiccups. Shortly after that, it was naptime...and this baby sleeps like daddy! There was nothing moving but the little heart just ticking away! Hopefully s/he sleeps like that still in 6 months!! :) Here are the pics from today...the first one is the profile and the second is the little munchkin waving hi!

I feeling pretty good now, and think I'm passed the yucky first trimester stuff! Lucky for me, I didn't throw up alot...just felt like I was going to 24/7. Glad that's over! Now it's just the occasional nausea and I'm still super sleepy all afternoon! I've taken up napping like it's an Olympic sport. It's great! :) Other than baby stuff, life has been pretty normal. Jon's busy at work, but it's a good busy. They love him, and he enjoys what he's doing. He's also taken up golfing. And, like everything else he tries...he's really good at it! Even his instructor is surprised at how well he's doing this early in his efforts. He's played a few rounds on the course, and enjoys hitting buckets of balls on the driving range. I go when I can. It's nice to be out in the fresh air, and it's fun to watch him play. As for me...just working alot. I'm in the NICU 3 times a week and then I also work part time at an eye surgery center once a week. It's fun and different, and I work with a great group of people (atboth places, really!). I'll be working there through August. That's when school starts. I decided to go ahead and do the Master in Nursing program at Vanderbilt University in Nashville, TN. I got accepted 2 days before I found out I was pregnant!! Figured that there's no time like the present, and it won't get any easier with a toddler or toddlers... Pray for me!!! Baby is due 2 weeks before 1st semester finals! I have to fly out a few times, but the majority of the work and clinical hours are done here at my hospital with one of our neonatologists that has agreed to let me follow him around like a little lost puppy dog! I'll keep you posted on how it's all coming together. I guess that's all for now. Things are good at the Bender house. Busy, but fabulous! :) Hope you're all well and managing to stay cool as it's heating up! As usual...lots of love from CA! ~Sarah (and Jon, and Baby B!)

Happy New Year!

Hope you all started 2012 happy and healthy! Things around here are going great. Jon and I have been on a house search for months, and we finally found one! We should be closing any day, and can't wait to move in!! It's on 1 acre, 4 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, and a 2400 square foot shop for Jon to play in! :) There is plenty of room for visitors, so come on over!! Work is going well for both of us. Jon hired a guy a few months ago, and its working out really well. He's smart and has been in the oil business a long time, so he's learning quickly! Jon's enjoyed the extra help, and I've enjoyed see my husband more! My job is still amazing! I am not lying when I say I would do it as a volunteer!! I absolutely love it, and work with the best group of people!! And, because I love it so much, I've decided to take it to the next level...I applied to Vanderbilt University to get my Masters degree in Nursing and become a Neonatal Nurse Practitioner! I don't expect to hear if I've been accepted until at least March, but I'll keep you all posted! I'm excited and nervous, and so thankful for a VERY supportive husband and colleagues. 2012 is off to a busy but great start! Hope you're all well! Keep in touch, and come visit! Lots of love from CA!

It's finally Fall!!

Things are starting to cool down a little around here...well, weather-wise, that is! It's been nice to enjoy the cool Fall evenings and Jon's really appreciating the cooler weather out in the field. We've been so busy...seems like I always say that! Busy and happy...that about sums it up! :) Work has been great for me. I love my job and continue to feel blessed everyday to do what I do. Jon's work continues to keep him busy, as he is the only CA guy for the company. But, we just found out today that the guy Jon interviewed has accepted his offer, and will be starting in a couple weeks. He seems like a really nice, intelligent guy, and I'm so hoping that it all works out!

We've put in an offer on a house, a short sale, and we're waiting to hear if/when it's all going to go through. As far as we know, the bank has accepted our offer, but we are waiting to hear about the final details before officially entering escrow. I'll keep you posted. Maybe we'll have a home of our own by Christmas!! :) I'm so excited!!

A few weeks ago, we went to Utah for a meeting/team building trip with Jon's company. We started off in Park City, where Jon had his meetings. We did some mountain biking at a ski resort, shopped, and had a great time. Next, we headed to his boss's cabin in Heber. It was freezing up there, but we had a blast! Here are a few pictures...





A couple weeks later, we spent a few days in Vegas! :) We met up with Karen and Oscar to celebrate Kathy and Nate's wedding...then the party continued for my 32nd birthday! It was SO fun to catch up with our good friends, and made us both miss them and AZ so much!! I think a visit is in order soon!! Here are a few pictures of the fun...






Can't believe we're only a few weeks from Thanksgiving!! Hope you're all happy and healthy and enjoying the Fall!! As always, you're welcome to visit or at least stop in when you're passing through! Lots of love from CA! :)

The BABY is getting married!!

I remember the first time I saw Gina Camille...big brown eyes, long brown hair, thumb in her mouth, and dragging her blanky, with a smile that would light up the whole wide world. I went from being the baby to being a big sister; just like that! Turth is, I wouldn't change a thing! She is beautiful, smart, and talented...still with those big brown eyes and long brown hair, and that same beautiful smile. I'm so proud of the woman she's become! In 4 days, she will be a wife to a very lucky husband. They are perfect for each other, and he is the perfect addition to our family. Gina and Vinny...I wish you love, happiness, patience, and forever!

Happy Summer!

I've started a few updates since my last post, but something always comes up before I finish! I'm determined to finish this one! :) Things have been great...BUSY...but great! Jon's been working hard everyday, both in the field as well as setting up his new office. It's been a big job, but he's doing great, and they love him. My job is just amazing. It has it's moments, but I am so lucky to really love my job. We've been busy and short staffed, so I've been picking up extra shifts. It's exhausting, but rewarding too...not to mention the paycheck! :) Jon and I have been house shopping too. It's exciting!! Be sure to check back for updates! I'll let you know when we find something, and I'll post pictures! It's been getting hot here in good ol' Bako! I think I'd rather have my 120* AZ days than these humid 105* Bakersfield days! I miss my AZ "family" so much, but we are settled in well here for now. Hope you've all been having a happy, healthy summer so far. The Noble family has been visiting from Oregon this last week, so it's been fun to have some needed catch-up time, and some auntie time for me! :) Enjoy your July! We have a guest room if you ever want to vacation in Bako! Lots of love from CA!

Happy St Patty's Day

Did you wear green? Hope you all had a great day, and that a little luck o' the Irish came your way! :) All's well in Bender-ville. Working hard and staying busy...almost too busy...but taking time to enjoy life too. Lots of love from AZ!

Oh how I love that it's my friday! :)

Things have been crazy in the Bender house...really more outside of the Bender house! Seems like Jon and I have been on the go for weeks. A couple weeks ago, we went to Sacramento to see my parents and sisters up there. We had a blast! Spent some time with Dawn and Noel when I got there. Noel just turned 4 in November, so I took her shopping for some new clothes and stuff. The next day, I went to Gina's salon and she cut 10 inches off my hair and added highlights! We got to donate the hair too...so it was WAY worth it! It looks great, and it's so healthy!! Can't wait to go back in a few weeks for the touch up! :) After that, Gina and I hit the dress shops, and we found the dress that I'll wear in her and Vinny's wedding!! Saturday night we had dinner at Deanna's, and got to spend lots of time with my niece and nephews. It was so much fun...they are getting so grown up!! After dinner, Gina tried on her wedding dress and decided for sure that it would be the one. One word...STUNNING!! Superbowl Sunday was a blast at Gina's house. Got to meet her soon to be in-laws, and some of Gina and Vinny's friends. Great people, and we had a great time!! Can't wait til the wedding in August!!

After a great week at work, I was off for a girl's weekend and to celebrate my friend Alana's baby shower. Wish I had some pictures, but I can assure you that it was a fabulous time of shopping, girl talk, and lots of fun!

And, after this week at work...Jon and I are heading out to Primm, NV for an off-road race with some great friends from San Diego! Jon's been able to go a few times without me, so I'm really looking forward to catching up and having fun with the crew!!

Hope you're all well, and not frozen! We've been pretty lucky here...although I do have to scrape ice off my windshield some mornings before work! :) Not sure I could handle living back east. What am I saying?! I'm absolutely POSITIVE that I could NOT handle living there!! Hope you're all healthy and happy and enjoying 2011 so far! Lots of love from CA!

Snow days

We're having alot of fun going to the snow, and Jon continues to be patient with me as I learn (albeit slowly) how to snowboard! :) This last weekend we went to Alta Sierra, formerly Shirley Meadows, with my parents. We had so much fun!! Jon and I rented boards, and my parents skiied (sp?). On my first run down, after falling about every 3 feet, I was about ready to throw in the towel and trade for skis. I decided to give it one more shot...and guess what?! I made it all the way down the hill!! And, after a few runs like that, I was having a blast!! :) I am still working on getting off the lift without falling...but I have a feeling that'll take some time! :) Here are a few pictures...

Happy New Year!

Got called off from work tonight, so I thought I'd say hello! Hope you all had a great Christmas holiday and that your 2011 is getting off to a great start! We had a great time celebrating Christmas at my mom's on the 23rd with Steph, Terri, Megan and Sam.

I worked Christmas Eve, and Christmas Day, and then we were able to enjoy about 5 days with Jon's parents. They came early in the week, and rang in the new year with us. Well...the New York and Oklahoma New Years...HAHA! :) I had to work in the morning, and we were all tired, so we made it as long as we could. As luck would have it...Jon and I were awake at midnight anyways because our neighborhood apparently LOVES to celebrate New Years! :)

Work is going great! I love, love, love my job! Yesterday, for the first time, one of my families took a picture of me with the baby for his baby book. They told me I was their favorite nurse, and they wanted to remember me, and to tell him about me when he's older. I cried, and it makes me cry thinking about it. How incredibly lucky am I, that I get to wake up and look forward to getting to work...and once I'm there...really love what I'm doing. Lucky and blessed...that's me! :) Jon's job is going well, and it's been SO great having him home. We celebrated our 2nd anniversary by going to Sierra Summit/China Peak (just outside of Fresno) and snowboarding. The first night there, it snowed 36 inches!! :) That's not a typo...3 feet!!! It was my first time to board, and it's safe to say, I'm not a professional! :) Jon was very patient with me as I learned, I found muscles I never knew I had, and we had a blast!! I can't wait to go back and "try" again!

Not too much new other than that. Lady and Deacon are doing great. Went to the vet a week or 2 ago and found out that Lady is 32 pounds, and Deacon is 41 pounds...and still growing!

Hope you're all well and staying warm! Lots of love from CA!

And a partridge in a pear tree...

Only 12 days til Christmas! It really snuck up on me this year...I feel like Thanksgiving was just yesterday!! Things have been great and very busy this last month. Jon started his new job in Bakersfield, and it's going really well! I absolutely love having him home. I almost feel like a newlywed all over again! :) This year, we're celebrating Christmas in Bakersfield with friends and family. I'm working on Christmas day, so we're celebrating a little early. Looking forward to good food and good times! :) My job is going great! I love the people I work with, and I look forward to going in everyday! It has it's moments, but it's wonderful and rewarding, and so sweet to know that I really do make a difference in the 12 hours at a time that I'm there! Hope you're all enjoying your Christmas holiday. Have a special Christmas, and a 2011 full of love, laughter, and many great memories! Lots of love from CA! :)

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!!

Settling in...

Hello All!
Has it really been a month since my last post? SORRY!! :) Here's a synopsis of the last month, and some fun things coming up! We are pretty settled in to our new home now. There are a few things yet to be put away, but we made great headway the week before I started work. Jon was able to take the week off, so we really kicked it into high gear and made the house a home. It's a very liveable house, and I really love it. I can't wait for you all to come visit and stay at the Casa de Bender resort! :) For those of you that still might use the US Postal service every now and then...if you want my address, just email me and I'll be happy to share! :) I'll post pics soon...just haven't gotten around to snapping any just yet. As far as work goes...I LOVE MY JOB!! I work with the nicest people, and we're getting so much support from our hospital. I have a day or 2 of class each week, and at least 2 days on the floor (in the NICU). I have the best preceptor, and have learned SO much already! I giggled the first time another nurse asked me to verify a medication, and I signed the chart "S Bender, RN." That made it feel very real! :) My preceptor is a day/night floater, so we have a few night shifts each month. That's been interesting, but really neat to see the life ofthe hospital at night too! I think we were busier during my first night shift than my day shift (Thankfully! It helped keep me awake!). There was about an hour...between 4am and 5am that I had to keep walking around and drinking cold water to keep me awake. This week, we work tonight and Saturday night, then I'm on days only for the next couple weeks. Did I mention that I LOVE MY JOB?!!!! :)

Amy and David were just here from Oregon with the 3 boys for 2 1/2 weeks. It was so fun to see them, and spend so much time with them while they were here. Those boys are so sweet, and getting so big! We had a birthday party for Isaac's 3rd and Xander's 1st birthdays! David's little sister, Sara, got married 2 weeks ago...the reason for the visit...and it was a very special day. Congrats to Mr and Mrs Taylor and Sara Miller! :)

What else...Oh! A very special happy 1st birthday to little mister Warren Jack Sunderland! :) What a cutie pie that little guy is! It's been fun to see him and his mom and dad when they come to Bakersfield to visit family.

One more little tidbit before I go...Next week I'll post pictures of the newest addition to the Bender home. We are picking up Lady's baby brother on Tuesday. And, yes, he really is her baby brother...same mom and dad!! :) We've only seen pictures of him so far, and he looks like he could be her twin, only smaller. We haven't picked out his name yet, but I'll be sure to formally introduce him next week!

I think that's all for now! I hope you all had a nice summer, and are ready for some nice, Fall weather! Good luck for those of you with kiddos starting school. Miss our AZ "family" but really enjoying being around our friends and family here too. Have a great weekend. Lots of love from CA!! :)

So many things...

Well...I can officially tell you everything that's been going on since graduation! :) Well...I guess you already know some of it...and some of you know more of it... BUT, the weekend I passed my NCLEX, I had an inteview in Bakersfield at Memorial Hospital (side note...where I was born!). I got a call a couple days later with a full time offer as an RN in their NICU (Neonatal Intensive Care Unit). The reason I couldn't say anything right away is that I was tied into a 2 year contract for employment in Arizona, in return for some money for school loans. Turns out, they had 60 days from graduation to place me, and they never did...and 60 days ended this last Wednesday. When my time was up, I officially announced that I had accepted a position elsewhere, and I was relieved of my contract! SO...it's official! Jon and I moved to Bakersfield this past Monday (what a trip!), and I will be starting work as a NICU RN in 2 weeks! I go on Tuesday to fill out all my paperwork and all that fun stuff...and orientation starts on August 9th. Jon and I found a house...a super cute one...and we get the keys on Monday! I'll post pics as soon as I get in there and get the house all set up! I'll keep you posted on fun stuff from work! Bought all my scrubs, my infant stethescope, and I'm all ready to go! Miss our friends in AZ SOOO much, but it's also fun to be home with friends and family here. We'll be back to visit AZ, FOR SURE!! Guess that's it for now...a very brief synopsis of our last month! Hope you're all well and enjoying summer! Lots of love from...CA!!!! :)

It's been a while...

...BUT, I haven't forgetten about you all! :) It's been a crazy, very busy last 4 weeks! SO much to catch you up on...but it's gotta wait until Thursday...You'll see why when you come back to read! :) Hope you're all well and enjoying the summer! It's been hot, hot, hot here in AZ...basically 112 degrees everyday! But, thank God for a pool and AC!! Come back Thursday for the whole story...Lots of love from AZ!