Weekend Walk

We had the perfect weekend! It was much needed and much appreciated. After a dinner date on Friday night and a "camp-out/sleepover" in our living room (where we were supposed to watch movies, cuddle, eat dessert...  but I fell asleep before the movie even started, oops!), we enjoyed a lovely Saturday. It included a long walk to and from Portland's Saturday Market. We were accompanied by sunshine, each other, and many attractions to be aired in tomorrow's post (stay tuned!).

Today, it's all about "us" and how thankful I am that we got to spend such quality time together doing something new and enjoyable. It was short lived of course as Andrew had his first bat at the "night shift" for his preceptorship on Saturday and I had to head back to work on Sunday. We'll take every moment we can get though!!

Can you tell how much Andrew likes posing for a picture... 

 

Stumptown. Warm & delicious. 

It kind of looks like we are matching here...

 Elephant ear! Yum.

 

I hope you all had an enjoyable weekend and St Patrick's Day.

PS- We remembered that it was on St Patricks Day that we shared our first kiss. We waited a whopping 1 year and 8 months after we started dating before kissing! I'm so glad we waited so long as we were able to truly develop our friendship in a special way (besides the fact that we were such youngsters). I love and respect my man to this day for being so honoring and patient toward me in every way. He's a true keeper!

Awkward & Awesome & Almond Everything Pancakes

Didn't have much energy to cook. Thankful for good ol' bisquick. Here's a little spin off of plain pancakes. Andrew has informed me that I eat a TON of dairy. I do. Mostly too much cheese. We're working on limiting dairy and using alternatives here and there. So- I have been drinking more almond milk and soy milk. It's sure not the same, but I can't tell when cooking with it. 

Almond Everything Pancakes

2 1/2 cups bisquick

1 1/4 cups almond milk

1/4 cup chopped almonds

blueberries

chocolate chips

Half were chocolate chip, half were blueberry. They were delicious! 

PS- the A is for Andrew, not Almond...

Awkward

• Being 5 hours into my 2nd shift and realizing my watch was still an hour behind from daylight savings. Oops...
• Sleeping for 13 hours straight ... Thank you night shifts for terribly wearing me out.
• Being woken up by Andrew from a nap and me freaking out (half asleep) that I didn't feed the baby. What baby? Then I come back to reality and realize that I've been dreaming about breastfeeding babies.... again...Weird? I know. Even weirder is how often I have these dreams. Seriously work, get out of my head on my time off please! 
• The fact that my husband knows way too much about the actress "Anna" from Downton Abbey. Like how old she is, etc. He has a mini crush on her...  I don't blame him, I like her too! It got really awkward when I tried to speak like her in an English accent. He didn't think it was very cute... or sexy...  he just laughed at me. I'll take it!
• Being peed all over by one of the newborns at work. Further solidified why I prefer wearing hospital issued scrubs.
• The Bachelor. Courtney & Ben. Enough said.

Awesome

• These pancakes. Yum.
• Getting to catch up with my friend Sam!
• Having 3 nights off. Praise the Lord- I need them.
• The fact that my hubby has somewhat of a free weekend. Date day on Saturday! I don't care if it's raining horses and dinosaurs outside, I can't wait!
• A great message at church last week. Can't wait for this Sunday's message! 
• Walking into one of my Antepartum patient's rooms and her exclaiming how glad she was to see me and happy that I was her nurse that night. I'd only had her once the week prior. Brightened my day. I think God knows how to keep me motivated and positive at work.
• Hearing my hubby laugh in his sleep. 

Happy Friday! 

More Hands-On

 I'm using a star wars quote because it sums this post up nicely- here's where my hubby says, 'That's my girl!' ...

Truly wonderful the mind of a child is. ~Yoda (Star Wars episode II)

How did you "play" as a child? What kept you occupied and busy? I read the following article and discovered a blog site below that got me thinking about the importance of hands-on activities.

We are becoming a "software instead of a screwdriver society." Check out this brief article about importance of hands-on-learning. 

(Check out my not-often-updated photo blog: Grace Photoworks}

 Every trip to Grandmas & Granddaddy's included a "project" of some sort. Each of us had our preferences, but my grandparents knew us well. My brother learned how to build cars, fix gadgets, & work every tool on the planet. My sister mostly read, but enjoyed a little crafting here and there. Grandma taught me how to sew, braid, cut, glue, & everything to do with crafting. They always "put us to work" on our projects. We were even driving in the backyard at a very young age (4 or 5). I've got a nasty scar on my knee to show for my brother running into a tree. He was driving us in the little Model T car like this one below.

What joy and sense of satisfaction I felt when completing a project or learning something new. And, I always had something to show for it! I treasure those moments and the priority they set on teaching us to use our hands and brains together as one. Even when stuck in a motor-home driving all over the country, they were always teaching us. We watched very little television or movies. We didn't have to go to theme parks or seek entertainment outside the home. Their house was a kingdom of creation; a zone of construction & inspiration.

All this to say, I found this mom's blog about hands-on projects for her children and I'm extremely impressed and inspired! There are countless projects and activities that she helps her children with. They must be learning so much every day. The responsibility of parenthood is so great and it is easy to let technology take over keeping kids occupied and distracted. There is a time and place for technology- don't get me wrong. And, I don't have kids and have little authority when it comes to parenting. I just know how grateful I am for my parents & grandparents for their commitment to teaching us to be continual hands-on-learners.

 

 Seriously, check out her blog! It's awesome. If you (like me) don't have children, store it away for later...

So Many Almonds...

A ginormous bag of almonds is sitting in my fridge... I need some inspiration.

Here are all things almond, almond milk, almond flour, etc... enjoy! 

PS- Did you know there's a 'right' and 'wrong' way to eat almonds? Apparently they need to be soaked before eating! I had no clue! Read this article for more information. I'm no almond expert, I'm only assuming this article is true. If you know on the contrary, please enlighten us!

{Almond & Yogurt Waffles with Orange Honey Syrup}

{Garlic, Rosemary, & Chile Almonds}

 {Almond and Italian Parsley Pesto}

 {Chocolate Almond Bites}

{Overnight slow-cooker cherry almond steel-cut oatmeal}

 {Banana Almond Smoothie}

{Almond roasted chicken salad with honey mustard dressing}

{Classic salted almond butter}

{Toasted almond and fresh sage pasta}

{Almond Crunch Granola}

It's Quiche. Kapish?

Not to toot my own horn or anything, but this is the best quiche I've ever eaten and it was the perfect Sunday treat. My mouth is watering for more just writing this post...

 This was the 6am product of my Sunday morning (Hence why the photos aren't the best quality. No natural light happening here). I should probably mention that I literally slept 16 hours on Saturday. Worn out from work and back for more tonight. Whew... But it's all better because I'll have this fabulous quiche to look forward to eating on my break!

Ingredients:

-eggs (I used 6)

-milk

-veggies (I used asparagus, green & red peppers, onions, and baby tomatoes that aren't pictured)

-Meat if you wish (I used black forest deli ham)

-cheese (cheddar and feta) 

-Pie crust 

-salt & pepper

 1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees & Chop veggies & meat.

 2. Lay out pie crust & cut circles with something of similar size to your muffin tin

 3. Crack eggs & add a bit of milk. Stir.  Add veggies, meat, feta cheese & salt/pepper to mixture. Stir.

4. Spoon mixture into crusts & add shredded cheddar cheese to quiche tops.

 

 5. Bake for 25 minutes or until golden brown. I broiled on low for the last couple of minutes to get the tops more browned.

 6. Devour. Yum! 

 Planning to save some in the fridge and others in the freezer to enjoy later.

Enjoy!

Hope

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.  Romans 15:13

I find myself hoping for a lot of things.... hoping that I'll get to spend more quality time with this silly guy, or hoping that it'll be a smooth night at work. Hoping to get to working day shift at some point or hoping to do this or that. The list goes on. And on...

More of my hopes need to turn into trusting in God. Being still and at peace. Praying. I need to abide in Him. He has plans for me; and for you. I pray that you will be filled with all joy and peace today and that your "hopes" would be spirit-filled. Have a blessed weekend!

PS- the weather in the NW couldn't be better! Andrew got home just in time before I left for work last night for a quick 30 minute walk to Subway! Thankful for spontaneity & meaningful minutes with my hubby. I hope you've all been able to enjoy the sunshine.

PPS- Sorry for all the work iPhone pics.  The 3 (...4 of us with Baby Jackson) of us never get to work all together! Thankful for sweet work buddies. Sure makes a night better!

That's Awkward...

"Carleen... I don't have any photos for this morning's blog post. Let's be awkward!" Thanks girly!

Just enough time for a bathroom break at work! I've got to start emptying my bladder more frequently!

Baby Shower invites all printed & distributed. Before I decided I wanted to be a nurse, graphic design was my career interest...

 Awesome

• One of my patient/families called me their 'angel' last week. How could that not feel good?

• Taking a dance workout class with Catherine. We salsa'd & even did some African dancing! My left calf is very sore.... just the left one... strange.

• Cuddling up together & starting the Downton Abbey 1st season with my hubsters. I love every moment I can get with him.

• I have planned a summer vacation that I'm quite thrilled about & even better, so is Andrew! I'll share at some point, but just know that I can't wait!

• Being surprised with amazing dinners every night before work last week by Andrew. Seriously? He's amazing.

• As I've already mentioned in yesterday's post. We're moving! To celebrate, I just made a purchase for some wall art that I've been eying to go in our new place. I'll find any reason for celebration or to justify buying some new decor... 

Awkward

•  Ordered my usual 'energizer' for work this weekend: iced non fat white mocha with light whip (except not from my usual place). No whip on my drink. Hey! I like the whip! "Pardon me, I ordered light whip, would you mind adding some for me?" Response: "Oh, well you said you wanted non-fat, so I assumed that means no whip. At least for most people it does." Wham. Sure made me feel silly. "Well, they cancel each other out in my mind. Thanks!" And I chuckle all the way up to my unit. Now I'm self conscious when ordering whip on my skim-milked drink...

• Who's that crazy girl driving extremely slow in the gym parking garage around and around? She's annoying everyone behind her (long line has formed). Oh, now she pulled off to the side and excitingly ran out of the car to pick something up off of the ground. Ohhh, right.... that's me. Yep, I somehow dropped my validated parking ticket somewhere before getting to my car. No way to pay to get out. Who brings a wallet to the gym anyway?  Only way out: find the ticket! After circling a few times, I spied it and I was set free! Woot woot! 
  

• The guy in front of me in line at Costco acting unusually friendly and trying very hard to start up conversation... until he awkwardly & very obviously spotted the ring on my finger. The convo took a 180 degree turn. It was quite humorous. Thanks for making me laugh Costco 2-item buyer (who only buys 2 items when at costco? That takes some serious focus), best of luck to you!

• Getting called into work on my mandatory standby shift without knowing I was on call.... awesome way to start my stretch at work. Not. Thankfully, the instant I walked onto the unit, I was asked to go "catch a baby" at a c-section (I have heard that people think that I literally catch the baby... just to clarify, the baby is handed directly to me by the doc or whoever and I go from there. Though it does take some skill to keep hold of the slippery newborn as I'm sure you can imagine without me going into details)... ooooookkkk, here's where the adrenaline kicks in & thankfully remained with me for the remainder of my busy shift that I had not prepared for (i.e. sleep).

I'm thankful for awkward moments in my life as they are constant humility checks!

That about wraps it up! 

Moving!

Guess what? We're moving! Not until the end of the month...but we are very excited to be making a little move to a larger space. My favorite part= tons of natural light & windows!!!

If I've counted correctly, this will personally be my 16th  17th moving process. 17!! Wowzers...

College life definitely increases those numbers but I still feel like 16 is getting up there. The hubby & I have a lot more moving up ahead in our lives & I'm excited to make sweet memories at each place we will call home.

.So true.

Favorite moving necessities
Rubbermaid tubs
Colored sharpies
Labels
Cool refreshing drinks & snacks

 My family's moving motto goes something like this: Assembly line & go, go, go until you're done! We've got it down to a science. My father and brother literally transform into a moving machine thirsty for boxes/tubs to transport. Only if everything is stacked & ready, labeled & organized that is. I learned that if I want help, dozens of hours of prep work is required.  Seriously, they rock. Now it'll be Andrew & I. Things may be a little different. Though we have helped each other move in the past and joined together to move into our current space, the things we were moving were in many ways "mine" & "his" and not "ours" as they are now. Thankfully, Andrew shines in his ability to think logically where as I just want to get the job done as quickly as possible. I'm sure we'll learn along the way & hopefully make this move a fun process. A positive attitude & frequent snacks are key (to combat low blow sugar which if not regulated quickly turns me into a whining, fussing, and completely discombobulated & helpless being).

If I'm a little M.I.A. this month, this is why!

Any great moving tips?

Baby Shower Invitations

As I have previously mentioned, my friend McKenzie and I are co-hosting a shower for 3 work friends who are all having babies this summer. We've had a couple of busy planning and crafting days & I simply couldn't wait to show at least a little something.  

The invites!

These chevron, aqua & coral invites perfectly fit our sea-themed baby shower. I've recently been teaching myself more on photoshop & am thrilled with the results (the real ones obviously are not blurred).

What do you think? 

McKenzie brilliantly found this is our inspiration: 

 {Check out more here}

Sunday Bunday

 The sock bun or "doughnut bun" is old news... I know.  I woke up late for work Saturday night & like many nights, had no time to thoroughly blow dry. So, I gave the "sock bun" a try. I came out of the bathroom to have Andrew inspect my bun to see if he could see any sock (not buns... though he tried to do that too...). No sock seen. Off to work I went! 

After a busy 12 hour shift, I got home just in time to change & head to church. This was probably the best way to end a stressful 4 nights of work. I Sang my soul out in worship (there weren't many people sitting immediately around us... so I sang extra loud). 

Then, what better way to celebrate both being off for a couple of nights and my successful sock bun than to eat doughnuts! 

Thanks Doughnut Land for giving me just enough of a sugar high to make it home before falling asleep.

For an easy to follow tutorial on how to do a sock bun click here or watch the video below (She's silly, I'm warning you).

Hope you all had a more exciting weekend than I did and have a fabulous Monday up ahead!