Becoming Licensed

Well the blessed day has finally arrived. In my hand I hold proof that I am officially DeeAnna RN! Oh, that never gets old... it has such a nice ring to it, don't you think?

For the sake of reliving past traumatic experiences that are now merely fond memories, I thought I would update you on the pointless details of this, our most recent exciting news.

A couple weeks ago I went over to Boise to take the state nursing board exam... such a pleasant experience (read: miserable/not fun/never want to do again). I was nervous, but felt fairly confident. It was scheduled for a Tuesday and I had decided that Saturday evening was my cut off, after that I wasn't going to let myself study anymore. Everyone says a break from test material is the best thing for a tired brain right before a big exam... so I reviewed some testing strategies from my faithful Kaplan RN NCLEX book and hopped into bed thinking to myself, "self... you

spent the last year and a half working hard and studying,
passed the nursing program exit exam with more than proficient scores,
have put in 8 hours/day over the last month doing nothing but practice questions and exams,
have fasted and prayed,
have your lucky socks...

...this will be a piece of cake."

Monday night I tried to go to bed early but, to no avail... for some reason the nice sounding list I had gone to bed with Saturday was nowhere to be found, I felt totally unprepared and even almost got back up to study, so sad. I woke up Tuesday morning just sick to my stomach. I tried to eat - wasn't successful, tried to read - couldn't concentrate, I couldn't even sit mindlessly and watch tv. So I left 45 min early for my test...

...and 4 hours later I was done and even more miserable than before! I came home in tears just positive I had failed. I had never felt that badly after an exam in my entire life. I felt like I hadn't known any of the answers and my brain was like scrambled eggs. All I wanted to do was hit the books and get ready for the inevitable round 2. I called Tim and he told me I probably did fine and to just cool it, and my wonderful sister took me out for pizza, but I was a wreck.

Thursday morning I woke up and all I could think about was the fact that my quick results would be available at 11:00. I got up and barely made it to the bathroom before I threw up everything I had eaten the day before... classic. At the dreaded time I logged on and filled out the online payment ($8.00! so unfortunate), then hovered over the submit button seriously considering just waiting for the news to come by mail. But, recalling that it could take up to 4 weeks I decided to take my chances and...

I had passed! I couldn't believe it, such a relief!!!
Now it's just upward and onward from here I suppose

Moose

This past fall my grandpa was drawn for a moose tag (his life long dream, so fun!) and he and my dad tromped around the Idaho woodlands until they found one! Success!! And now we are all enjoying the product of their hard work. My dad filled our freezer and this weekend I tried my hand at moose meat cookin'. Nothing too special, just paddies and mashed potatoes... baby steps you know. I didn't really have to season much at all though, moose is really good! Maybe Tim should get into hunting... I think we could get used to this!

DeeAnna's 23!

Well another year has come and gone, and now I'm on to the big 23. They always say another year older is another year wiser... I suppose that may be true. I've compiled a short list of the wisdom my 22nd year has left with me:

- Eggs freeze in the back of the fridge
- Money not budgeted magically disappears
- Migraine headaches are still misery
- Ping Pong is the game of champions... and I need serious work
- Husbands are not accountable for what happens in the kitchen without wife supervision
- You can survive nursing school and there is life after!
- Primary is the greatest calling

I'm excited for what year 23 will bring. So far it has come bearing cake, balloons, flowers, and a date to Olive Garden with my sweetheart. This year is shaping up to be pretty good. Oh to be 23!

Easter Time

The Easter Egg competition this year was definitely the tightest we've ever seen. Each competitor really pulled out all the stops and brought everything they were made of, and it definitely showed, the results were breathtaking! The judges deliberated for hours but finally concluded that Tim's impressive tribute to Boise State takes first place followed closely by the Plaid egg submitted by DeeAnna. Excellent work everyone, we look forward to next year!

Easter is by far one of my most favorite times of the year! I am always so grateful for the reminder of our Savior's love for us manifest in His life, His atonement, His death, and most importantly His triumphal resurrection. I know He lives and am grateful for the hope and purpose that knowledge brings to my life. I really loved this Easter message and hope everyone has a wonderful time celebrating!

College Education!

YAY!!! Finally!!! After a year and a half of biology work and 3 years of living and breathing nursing I am finally done! Oh so wonderful! Granted, I still do have a few classes to finish up to get the next level nursing degree... and I still have to pass the state board exam hanging over my head to be officially official. But at least I will be able to see what life looks like outside of the library! Hello world, and make way for a new college graduate!!! Feels good

This is the face of a person who has just received her Nurse's pin!

And this is the face of a person who has just received a diploma!



And this has been my life... so... much.... studying.......

Thank you to all of my wonderful family for all of your support, you totally rock! And thanks to a fabulous husband who made a fabulous graduation dinner! You're the greatest!

Oh yeah... we moved

So as it turns out, good old Davenport Men's Apartments is being retired (read: torn down because of bed bug infestation... yuck!). So we moved to a new little place! It's a super cute basement apartment just a few blocks away, so we'll get to stay in the same ward. AND it comes complete with a bathroom that isn't out the front door! Sweet!!

(This travel system actually worked out quite a bit better than it looks)




And a little baby Borup. We're hoping to get tomatoes from him, we'll see how we do