School has been so much fun, work, and stress! I don't think anyone could have prepaired me for the amount of stress I was walking into. There is so much to learn, remember, and recall from previous classes that I spend a ton of time looking things up just as a refresher. Even with all this, it is totally worth it! The end will be here before I know it and I will be stepping into a whole new career that has so many opportunities I am not sure which area I want to start in. I am looking forward to being able to finally spend time with my children and hubby. They have been so fantastic since I started this endeavor and I thank God everyday for them. It is so difficult to leave them for class and clinicle but they are always waiting with hugs from me when I get home. Who could ask for a better way to come home?
I had my doubts about the whole nursing school thing at the beginning of this semester. Things were rough at home and I couldn't imagine adding on the stress of school to our home life. That was when my husband came to me and said that he wanted me to go part time at work. I almost fell over! I have been praying for this for a long time and the one thing I asked specifically for was that it could happen when I started my nursing classes. God has answered this prayer and so many more. There is absolutely no way I would still be married, be able to care for my 3 boys, have the GPA I have, work 3rd shift, and remain (for the most part) sane if it weren't for God's grace and mercy. He is such an awesome God, and I thank Him everyday for this opportunity. He gives me just the right amount of energy and strength I need each day.

As the years go by and Iwatch my sons grow up I realize what an awesome responsibility God has blessed me with. He has given me these boys to mold them, train them, and raise them in His image. It's not easy being a parent, no one ever said it was. I often ask God why He gave me three boys, then I think back to my childhood and remember the good times that Mike, Matt, and Josh had and how close they were. At that point I thank God for giving me three boys, there is something about the friendship my brothers had that is so special and I can see the same friendship building in my own boys. God knew what He was doing, He always does.
I pray for my boys each day. I pray that their eyes will see the truth, their ears will hear the truth, and their mouths will speak the truth. As the older two get on the bus I worry about what they will come across at school and the only thing I can do is pray.
As I trip over their toys almost breaking an ankle, I yell for them to clean them up, but I know that one day their toys won't be there. They will be grown and I will miss tripping on their toys almost breaking my ankle. Right now I look down at them when I talk but deep inside I know that in a matter of a few years I will be standing on a chair just to see them eye to eye.
I love my three sons. I am proud of them. They do their best to be everything that is expected of them. I probably don't give them enough credit where credit is due.
Thank you Jesus, for giving me three sons to love and cherish all the days of my life!

2009 Resolutions

It's funny, I have made resolutions in the past and drop them by the end of January. I just can't seem to be able to give up chocolate completely:) I know it's a flaw but come on, chocolate...do I really have to give it up? My answer is NO!!! Anyway, my resolutions are:

1. Go to church more than I did last year
2. Leave my worries and concerns with God because He can handle them better than me.
3. Be a better example for my children
4. Eat a better diet. This does mean to cut back on the chocolate, but not give it up completely. I don't know, I think it's called self control or something like that:):)
5. Exercise at a minimum 3 times a week
6. Lose 20 pounds. I will be happy with 20 pounds but would like to lose more.

2008 Blessings (some were in disguise)

Ok, so we have made it through yet another year. So how were we blessed this last year?

We were able to pay all our bills on time and pay off quite a few of them as well. What a relief to send in the payment knowing it was the last one we were making on that card!

Always have food on the table...the boys don't seem to ever stop eating so this is an amazing accomplishment:)

We were so blessed to have a warm home to come home to everyday...too many families lost their homes this year

Jobs...this is a big one...Thank you God for giving both Luke and I jobs that support our family

I think this was the first year since Sam's birth that we have not had any major medical issues or family losses...Thank you GOD!!!!!!

Luke and I were blessed to be able to take a vacation by ourselves. We were able to reconnect and just enjoy each other, what a blessing!

God gave me the strength to continue school...I honestly do not know how else I have gotten through the last few semesters. I could not have done it on my own.

There were so many other smaller blessing that we ran across this year. Although, small or large, they are still blessings from God.

God,
I can't thank you enough for what you have done for my family and me. Without you guiding us, I know we would not be where we are. I look forward to walking through this next year with you by my side. Picking me up when I fall, drying my tears, holding my hand when I am scared...

Thank you,
Katie