Putting God and Family First in a Blessed Life

As I sat in church this morning I thought wondering about tomorrow - wouldn't it be nice if we really focused on our faith everyday or rejoiced in our savior everyday.  Maybe some do - but I know I get caught up in my hectic schedule and sometimes the only time I have alone with my savior is just before I go to sleep...when all is quite.

I found this awesome picture at sometime...maybe on Facebook or Pinetrest.  It says it all. As I start next week - I am going to focus on the secret of a happy life.

I have to say it has been a busy day - after church and lunch, we cleaned the kennel.  Then cleaned us  up and headed to Jax's Birthday Party... King Jax turned 11 today.

King Jax and His Dad (our oldest son)
Today was also, our other grandson's birthday - Tyler he turned 9.  Tyler is spending the weekend with his Daddy (our middle son) who returned home form Afghanistan Thursday.  We get to see them next weekend

Tyler and His Dad (our middle son)

 

Next week as I try to focus more on my faith - I will work, complete at the least 8 hours of pediatric clinical, write on paper, grade a few papers, attend a 2 day conference, 2 volunteer committee meetings (Humane Society and NWTF) and start my training plan for a half marathon  - while the contractor lays new flooring in my dinning room.   

Living the Blessed Life
~ Connie ~

 

 

 



Learning something new

I had an hour free tonight so what would any Southern Girl do?
 I ran to my craft space and decided to try my new sewing machine.

Well I have quickly realized that I will need a semester (16 weeks) to figure this girl out.

Sewing machine check, instruction manual check, step by step video about the sewing machine check - here I go

 

Well video is worthless - so moving on to YouTube. 
What did we do before YouTube?

First video - how to thread a bobbin

Second video - how to thread the machine

Yea - sewing...opps I broke the needle.

Back to YouTube 

My Cheerleader - MeMe
She is waiting on me to learn how to use the machine so
I can cover that pillow she is laying on.

Third video -- how to replace the needle.

And I am, Back to sewing

YEA!  an hour later - a 4 inch seam on a scrap of fabric.

I win! well I win for tonight.

I can't wait to try the embroidery on this machine

~ Connie ~

Little Things Make Me Happy

Ok - so before we star our conversation just let me say, I am sorry it has been a while since I updated you guys on my crazy life.

Now, I have some great news ~ I passed my clinical observation today!  I am one step nearer to being a nurse practitioner.

I spent the last weekend with my nose in a book - but it all paid off today. 

 

I also got an awesome gift this week from the Big Man.

Saturday night I decided, after 14 hours of studying, that I wanted to do something creative - so I decided to whip up curtains for my craft space.  Only it didn't go as planned, my sewing machine is 30 years old, while setting it up the cord that goes to the foot-feed broke off. 

-

Sunday on the way home from church I was telling the Big Man what I did - he asked if Walmart sold sewing machines,  I said yes, and he drove straight to Walmart and bought me a new machine.

 

I haven't had time yet to set it up, but I have had time during a couple of meetings to pick out images I want to do - got to love Pinterest.

 

I can't wait to spend some time with my new toy

 It is the little things make me happy.

~ Connie ~

 

 

Time and Pinterest

It feels like forever since I sat down to share with my internet friends... I have missed blogging. The last few weeks have been filled with work, free clinic work (volunteer work), grading papers (more work part-time job) and assignments (even more work - post masters FNP).  Oh, and I have a grant funded project to get up and running in 28 days - where does the time go when you are living a blessed life?

With everything else on my plate I have had the urge to craft.  I didn't say I had created anything - I said I had the urge.  Below are a few Pinterest findings that have me wanting to craft.

 

Cross Stitch

 Wouldn't these little rabbits be cute on a table runner for Easter?

Quilted Placemats

 I can see these simple quilted placemats in Spring colors.

It is sees odd to me that the more chaotic my schedule is - the more I want to run. 

 

Running

And, as if life was not blessed enough, we are doing some remodel work at the house. New siding, new entry door, new counter-tops, and a new patio (out door living space).  As I was mindlessly touring Pinterest I found an awesome set of plans for patio furniture. 

Patio Furniture

Check back soon- I will be posting pictures of the remodel.
~ Happy Saturday ~
I am off to write a paper, get some study time, and check on my students
~Connie ~

 

 

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Blogging

I have been rethinking my blog – I first started blogging as a means to help me stay honest with my training.  Well – training is another topic that I don’t want to discuss now, so let’s move on to where I see my blog going.

 I was posting Tasty Tuesdays and Training Thursdays. Life got busy and I have not been faithful with keeping that schedule.  Then I started thinking – umm, I should post about my four-legged children.  They are so much fun, and bring joy to our home… maybe the world needs to know you can live a healthy, clean, organized life with 14 (yes I said, 14) four-legged fur children.

Organized – I though at one time I would write about raising five (one was grown when I married the Big Man) - but I realized that most of what I did was common sense. And, scrapbooking – I love to preserve our family’s history.  But once again, life keeps me from doing something I love.

Maybe my blog should include how I am going to rebuild my life.   But, what life do I want?  Didn’t I create this life?  Isn’t everything I do, my choice? Wow – how did I go down this rabbit hole?

The purpose of this post was to ask questions:
How do you organize and schedule your blog?
Where do you find the time or commitment to be faithful to your blog?
~ Connie ~

 

A Balanced Week

This has been another busy week ~ but a little more balanced.   I have purposely been leaving work on time.   Every night I am greeted by this awesome face.

Chrissy Week 4 With US

I have been pushing myself to get out of bed in the morning so that I can spend time with the Big Man.  Saturday he cooked breakfast for us and we actually sat at the kitchen table to eat. 

Of course the Texas Dogs (Angle and Oreo) kept us company.

Oreo & Angle (The Texas Dogs

WWednesday I got a new toy ~ the Galaxy Tablet 10.1.  I am in love with it.  In the past I would have to complete my clinical logs after I got home. With the Galaxy Tablet I was able to work on my clinical logs while seeing patients – this is a great time saver from me.  I am also able to keep up with the blogs I follow, facebook, and read (The Nook App is Perfect).

Galaxy Tablet.

 

 

 For those of you new to the blog, last year I taught myself to knit.  I have knitted 7 scarves and have not worn any of them.  Today was the day - I wore one to church.  I can't believe how many compliments I got on my scarf.

 

 

As the week ends I am reflecting on where I am in my life - Why has God put me where I am? Am I in the right place? Maybe I should take a lesson from Shasha Grace (160 lb Mastiff) - if it feels right just do it.

 

Shasha - in the little dogs bed

Update on My Blog - I am working on updating my blog - using the tips from The Arkansas Women Bloggers "Kick Start my Blog Challenge"

 Check back over the next few days to see the updates.

~ Connie ~

Tasty Tuesday

No recipes today - I did cook tonight but it was a simple dish, Lasagna.  Whole wheat noodles layered with browned turkey, onions, green peppers and canned sauce. I added a little pizza mixed cheese between the two layers and on the top.

The Big Man usually cooks dinner since I use my evening to grade papers, complete clinical logs, or study.  Of course tonight he said dinner was awesome - well yes, but it was more awesome because he did not cook.

The Big Man

The Big Man had his first Quorum Court meeting tonight - I secretly think he is liking this new role.

Me - I lived through presenting my first webinar today. I spoke on telehealth and how the rural hospital system I work for uses telehealth. It was actually fun after I got passed being nervous.  I will post the link for the archived version when it becomes available.

I am a little excited tonight - I get my new notebook tomorrow and my Project Life Kit should be here..... Life is Good!

~ Connie ~

Project Life

Well I have been thinking - I need to get back to creating scrapbooks.  The issue is finding the time.  I have been reviewing Becky Higgins - Project Life.  I love the products. The concept seems simple.
Everything you need in a box - add pictures and journal.

I ordered my kit tonight - I can use my blog to catch up on week 1, 2, and 3 of January.  After that - I have added 2 hours on my schedule each Sunday afternoon for some scrapbooking.

 

Check back - I will post my creations.
~ Connie ~

Time - Enjoy Friends

It has been another long week –
It started Monday with an unexpected event at work that resulted in me having to work later than I planned.  Of course this change in plans made me late for the clinic board meeting. 

I am thankful for a great group of board members – they totally understand my crazy schedule and they forgive me when I forget it is my time to offer the devotional. 

Tuesday didn’t go any better with the snow causing major issues at work. I ended up helping out in the emergency room with multiple motor vehicle accidents from the snow and ice.  I got home around 8:30 pm only to get a call from the hospital with another crisis.  Thank goodness I have gotten good at handling crises via the phone and in the dark – yes we lost power.

Wednesday went better than expected, except that I realized that I have agreed to do a presentation on “Connecting the Delta – Telehealth” and the presentation is next Tuesday…what is a little more stress in my life.  OH! and, did I tell you the presentation is to a national group.  Note to self – listen to all of the details before saying yes.

Thursday turned into a 16 hour day.  With work, clinical hours (for my FNP program) followed by charitable clinic, then home to complete the paper work for the clinical hours.  I am thankful for the Big Man – he made sure the four-legged babies (remember there is now 14 ranging from 2 lbs to 160 lbs) went out to the bathroom, got something to eat, and made it to their crates

Chrissy D - #14

Friday was work, and more clinical hours, followed by dinner with Friends.  Our friends are heterogeneous group – meaning diverse in kind or nature; composed of diverse parts.  One couple are both physicians, one couple are dog lovers (they have more than we do) and one couple are everyday working folks who we met through volunteer activities.  Each couple has kids of varying ages, different hobbies, and different political views – but together over good food and good wine, we had a great time.

 

Funny I almost cancelled our dinner plans - I didn't think I had the time.  I am glad that I thought about my "One Little Word" - "Time" before deciding to not go.  See - for every thing there is a season.  For me after a long week - it was time to laugh and have some fun.  The Big Man said this morning over breakfast he had a good time last night - he made me realize, life is short we need to spend time with those that mean the most to us.  

 My prayer for you is to find peace, happiness, and time to celebrate friendship
~ Connie ~

Plans Changed

Every Sunday night I try to figure out where the weekend went.  This weekend is no exception. We had planned to attend the Arkansas National Wild Turkey Federation State Banquet and replace our oven (that went out on Christmas Day)

 Mother Nature changed our plans.  

We had a flash flood that resulted in 2 inches of water in our garage and kennel.  The kennel is home to 12 of our fur-babies.  We had to move the larger fur-babies into the sun-room to keep them dry.  The little fur-babies crates are on a shelf so they were safe from the rising water.

We pumped the water out of the kennel, dried the floors, washed and dried blankets and moved the babies back to their room. Saturday night the rain started again - up at 5 AM pumps back out. This time we worked fast enough to keep the water out of the kennel. 

So - we missed the NWTF banquet.

Fellow NWTF Blytheville Beards & Spurs members were there to accept the awards.

 Awards: Top Women in the Outdoors - Top Jakes - Top Wheelin Sportsman - Golden Gobbler - Top Overall Chapter!  We rocked the State.

 We did get the new oven and it is installed

We also bought a new refrigerator (will be delivered tomorrow)

I cooked dinner tonight as the Big Man helped friends load the old refrigerator. As we finished dinner I realized - I have enjoyed my time with the Big Man.  The weekend didn't go as planned but we spent 48 hours as a team - together.

Hope you had a great weekend
~ Connie ~

 

 

 



Time Flys

Where has the weekend gone -  We made an emergency run to the veterinarian with MeMe the smallest and oldest of your four-legged babies. She has an infected tooth.  Started her on antibiotics but, will need surgery.  We are scheduled for this coming Thursday. 

MeMe - 2 lbs and 11 years old

We dropped off donations at Annie's Attic (Humane Society Thrift Store). We did a little shopping for a new stove, spent some time on the gun range, followed by a movie with the Big Man.

Sunday was church, lunch, grocery shopping, refilling bird feeders, replanting a new plant, laundry - followed by 3 miles on the Treadmill.

My run/walk was awesome! It felt great to move and to sweat.  I am planning on a run tomorrow. I am hoping running will help keep my stress level manageable.  The Hamster Wheel I am referring too isn't my busy weekend, it is my schedule.  Tomorrow I return to class and start a new 8 week block of teaching.

 

Time is my "One Little Word" for 2013.  According to the American Heritage Dictionary - one of the definitions of time is: "Periods or a period designated for a given activity: harvest time; time for bed."

For me it is a period of time for each task. 

Check back and see how I do

~ Connie ~

P.s. Chrissy Says Hi

 

Reflections of 2012 & My One Little Word

Welcome 2013 ~ Today The Big Man begins a new journey in his life, Quorum Court Justice, District 8, Mississippi County, AR.

The Big Man is the one on the Left

For those who don't know what a Quorum Court Justice is, the best way for me to describe the elected position is - they are the city council for the county. I am so proud of him. 2012 was a good year for us.  We have grown as individuals and as a couple. I can not imagine my life without him.

 

For me 2012 has been a little of a challenge - with work, managing a free health clinic, teaching nursing online, and returning to school.  I have found myself exhausted. 

My goals for 2013
1. Choose to participate in only what is truly important to me.

2. Make more time for me and the Big Man

3. Follow the plan God has for me (this will require a little more prayer and thought)

Every year I choose a word, One Little Word to focus on. In 2012 my word was balance.  I need time to reflect on the impact this One Little Word, had on my life. 
My One Little Word for 2013 is "Time".

 

Check back tomorrow to see why I choose the word "Time" for 2013.

~ Connie ~

 

 

 

 

Southern Girl In The Duck Pit

The Big Man loves to Duck Hunt - Some Southern Women love to Duck Hunt.  Not this girl, I can't kill an animal. 

The two youngest sons usually Duck Hunt with the Big Man. This year one is in Afghanistan and the other one is working lots of extra hours.
There isn't many things that I ask the Big Man not to do but, hunting alone is one of those things.
He has asthma and arthritis. If he fell or has an asthma attack he might not be able to get help.

So - This Texas Raised Southern Girl put her Big Girl Pants on and went to the Duck Pit.

It is amazing how many layers of cloths you can get under a large size pair of pants.  Dressed and ready - I forgot that Duck hunting means mud and water in 20 degree weather.

As we made our way by four-wheeler down the muddy road to the water - and then across the water to the Duck Pit. I realized just what I had agreed too.

After - removing the trap from the blind, handing the Blind Bag, gun (only 1, I am a bystander), and my little bag (extra blanket) to the Big Man in the pit - walking through the water and mud (lots of mud) and setting up the mojo duck, then carefully following the Big Man's instructions camouflaging the four-wheeler.  Finally - I can descend into "The Duck Pit"

Poor Man, I know he was wishing the boys were with him and not this crazy women with her missed matched camouflage attire,  cellphone, camera, blanket, and Nook. 

Much to my surprise I settled right in. The time alone with the Big Man was great.
I think I could have taken a nap. 

~

But, then you have to undo everything you did to get in the blind - uncamoflauge the four-wheeler, hand all the stuff out of the pit and load the four-wheeler,cover the pit with the tarp,  retrieve the mojo duck, make your way back across the water to the muddy road and finally to the truck - the glorious warm truck.

~

Wait, you have to unload the four-wheeler and put the four-wheeler on the trailer. Now - the glorious warm truck. 

 

Oh what us Southern Girls will do for our Man

~ Connie ~