I'm Back!!! :)

Hello world! I've resurfaced from the pile of books, tests, work, Christmas decorations, and holiday events! Life's settled down a bit, and I'm back in business! Boy, it feels good to sit down and take a deep breath knowing that I'm not putting off any responsibilities to waste my time away on this blog and facebook, etc. :)

I figure I might update a bit on life. SO much has gone on since my last past ... ages ago! I'll do a quick update and spare you from all the minor details that would make this pages and pages long.

Some of the highlights in the past few months:

NOVEMBER
November was a great month with two exciting events. Of course, I can't pass over the food-filled fun of Thanskgiving! I made a feast for an army with only 4 people to eat it, but we indulged ourselves in a rare fattening meal and loved every bit of it. Brian smoked the turkey ... yumminess!!

Then, we had an early celebration of my Mom's 50th birthday! It was a surprise party that turned out great, and we had a BLAST! It was so fun getting to do something special for such a wonderful woman who's always doing things for others. I think we surprised her pretty good! It was hard planning a party in Frisco, while being in Lubbock, but with the help of friends, my dad, and my sis (plus amazing service at Market Street) ... we pulled it off! :)

DECEMBER
Oh the month of Christmas! I absolutely love the Christmas season; however, this year it was dampened by studying for a certification test and a few other things. Fortunately, I am proud to say that I have officially graduated with my Masters of Science in Nursing!! Yay!! The last 2 years of studying and classes are now done! Unfortunately the Texas Tech HSC only has a graduation once a year, so commencement ceremony pictures and festivities to come in May :)

Then, I had decided earlier in the year that I wanted to take my Critical Care RN test, and also decided it would be a brilliant idea to schedule this test for December 21. What was I thinking?! Goodbye Christmas season for me! Once Thanksgiving was over and done, I had my head in a review book for 4 weeks straight. if I wasn't working, I was studying. But, in the end, it has paid off! I took my test and passed it! YAY!! I'm SO glad that's done, and I never want to do it ever again. It was hard! It was a great experience, though, and really has helped me to become more confident at work.

With that done, I did all my Christmas shopping in one day, wrapped gifts, worked, and prepared to head to Plano for a fun Christmas with the family. We had a great time, and it was so wonderful to spend some time together enjoying the true blessings and meaning of Christmas!

I love being home for Christmas ... so cozy and homey!

My handsome hubby!

Papa and Noni

Erin was SUPER thrilled to see she got a hat signed by Brookings from the Cowboys ... her long lost (married) love ;)

Brian and I went to Carol's Christmas pary ... it was a blast and as always, super fun to get dolled up!

We brought in the New Year with a deer hunting trip that brought home two doe! We discovered the ease of making deer jerky in the oven ... absolute deliciousness! I believe we'll be making jerky more often now!

If you made it this far through the post, congrats! That was quite long and picture-filled! I believe I will try to keep the updating more regular from now on :)

Have a blessed day!

"Be still, and know that I am God! I will be honored by every nation. I will be honored throughout the world"  Psalm 46:10