Nurse Cutiepie

2008-12-27T21:22:00.000-08:00

I absolutely LOVED being home...

While we were home, we had a PROFESSIONAL photo shoot done! :) Since all the pictures are high resolution, it would take infinity to upload...

so please click on this link,
http://gallery.me.com/seruvenci#100213
enter user ID: gretchen
password: katelyn_056

2008-11-19T21:47:00.000-08:00

7 months!

2008-10-29T10:29:00.000-07:00

My cutie pie baby has started crawling and pulling herself up on the furniture...oh my, she's keeping me very very busY! Daddy needs to baby-proof his entertainment center and computer! haha She is so interested in EVERYTHING...and nothing escapes her hands.

Plans are coming along for us to come HOME in December! Yey! James hates holiday traveling, so I think the plan is to come in from 16-23 DEC. My family is still trying to convince him to stay for Christmas... :) I can't wait to bring Katelyn home to the family! Aaaaand Pastor Dave said he would do her baby dedication at GBC! :-D

This is her new hideout....

What a ham. She hears the camera turn on and starts to smile...haha

Her new pink sweater to keep her warm on those FREEZING COLD San Diego winter days....hahaha Don't hate me! :)

Getting into more trouble...

6.5 Months

2008-10-14T13:00:00.001-07:00

Enjoying crackers
This girl LOVES bath time

She's REVVVINNG her engines!

2008-10-01T09:18:00.000-07:00

6 months!

2008-09-26T21:14:00.000-07:00

Oh yeah! Sweet Potatoes! Wait, who let HER hold the spoon?

This bib is so true....haha

Helping mom with laundry

5 1/2 months

2008-09-15T21:36:00.000-07:00

5 months

2008-09-04T04:37:00.000-07:00

she found her feet! She's the only person I know that can actually stick her foot in her mouth!

Sticking her tongue out at mama!

Did you hear that sound coming from my diaper?

Katelyn's first piece of mail....a "welcome" letter from the White House! A nice memento for her baby book. She really just wanted to eat the envelope.

2008-08-22T09:11:00.001-07:00

anyone know how to get the text to align to the center??? I'm setting this blog up myself, and I'm not too keen on HTML and stuff...

20 weeks

2008-08-19T11:34:00.001-07:00

Katelyn's new "choking-hazard" bracelet from Gracie....I think we may save this for when she's older? :)

My cutie pie is outgrowing this tub...she's almost too tall!

Having fun with dad in the tub! She likes when he splashes her. She LOVES sucking on the wet washcloth before we start sudzing up!

I can only imagine what she's thinking now...haha

Spending some time outside on the balcony. We love this new apartment and its HUGE balcony...we just got some new patio furniture and a GAS grill! mmm! I love grilling out, and the little rinky-dink charcoal grill we had before just wasn't cutting it!

Who buys a WHITE dress for a baby? Not me! We got this dress from a coworker of mine (without kids, of course). But it is just toooo cute on her, and it doesn't have any stains on it yet! How about that!

Phil and Jody sent us some toys for Katelyn, and she fell in love with this one. This is her first cell phone, so she can be like mommy. It even rings! haha

18 weeks

2008-08-04T13:50:00.000-07:00

Some old pictures I found...

Playing in the dirt....no Barbies for me! haha

Again, playing in the dirt....

Me....Katelyn looks just like me when I was her age...EXACTLY like me..

Enjoying her exersaucer now that she can touch the bottom with her feet

This girl is already 24.5 inches long! The 95th percentile for height....wonder where she gets THAT from??? ha
Her 4-month old "at home" portraits....mom is too busy and broke to get the real deal.

Look at those thunder thighs! haha

Using her hands!

2008-07-26T16:05:00.000-07:00

She finally uses her hands....instead of just flailing them about!

One of the many faces of Katelyn......enjoying her toy. Actually, this toy was James' aunt Jody's Mom's toy when she was a little girl. Then it was Jody's, and then Sofia's and Grace's. Grace found it at Grandma Flo's and decided she wanted to give it to Katelyn for Christmas last year...before Katelyn was even born! haha

Gluttony, Katelyn....just gluttony. Keys AND a choochie???? She tries to put both in her mouth at the same time!

She LOVE standing...is this girl even going to crawl?

Yes, she is wearing a "Bass Pro Shops" onesie....thanks to Auntie Audrey! She has the matching pink CAMO bottle too! :) haha

We've moved!

2008-07-20T19:53:00.000-07:00

We've moved to a new apartment! Only 2 buildings over...in a different section of the complex...but what a week! We have accumulated alot of stuff since we've been out here! 2 couches...computers...bookcase...crib...and a whole ROOM full of baby stuff! Phew! I'm sure glad I have a strong hubby to move the big things! :) I'm not going to post the new address online...but email me if you want it: gretchen.luzbetak@yahoo.com . Katelyn is now 16 weeks old, 4 months has flown by! She is using her hands to bring things to her mouth, and she has started to play with her feet. She also just started rolling from her stomach to her back...and boy, does she get a kick out of it! She was awake in her crib at 4am last night....playing, I guess....and she rolled over and started SHREIKING with laughter! I ran into the room to see what she was doing, and she had a HUGE smile on her face and was laughing! That girl!....too cute!

This is Katelyn's closet....HUGE!

This is what we call a "blow out"......I wonder what she's thinking in this picture!?

My cutiepie!!!!

Just some cute shots from today...

2008-07-06T20:58:00.000-07:00

I LOVE my camera, especially when I get to take cute pictures of Katelyn! She's turning into such a ham...in fact, sometimes I take out the camera JUST so she stops crying and fussing! She sees that camera come out and she starts posing.....and smiling...haha

My FAVORITE!

14 weeks old....3.5 months

2008-07-05T12:58:00.000-07:00

YES!

2008-07-05T12:56:00.000-07:00

I FINALLY caught this face on camera!!! haha!

The week in pictures...

2008-07-01T10:13:00.000-07:00

This week, Jody and the girls came out to visit us. What a fun week! We spent time at the pool, Sea World, and the San Diego Zoo! Katelyn went in the pool for the first time, and even went to the zoo! She really liked the tram ride through the zoo....it was fun to watch her eyes get really wide and look around. All in all, it was a fun week....and now it's back to the grind...(i.e. cleaning my house!)

Waking up from a nap at the zoo....

First tram ride

Sofia and Grace and Katelyn! My girls!

New Pics

2008-06-13T13:56:00.000-07:00

11 weeks.

10 weeks

2008-06-09T10:14:00.000-07:00

Katelyn is working on her THIRD chin....haha at her last peds appointment, she weighed 11 lbs, 12 oz. She probably weighs 12 lbs today. Audrey is out visiting us this week. On Sunday afternoon, we had a picnic in Eucalyptus Park, in La Mesa. We had a fun time playing horseshoes and catch with the football and lacrosse stuff. Of course, we also all took turns holding Katelyn!

Here's Audrey spending some quality(?) time with Katelyn....napping.

This girl is getting so big...and she likes to do so much more now!

I came home from work...and James was playing with her....but look at the outfit he put her in...hahahaha

This is what she looks like when MOMMY dresses her....

She LOVES playing in the mirror...who is that beautiful baby in the mirror?

2008-06-03T19:35:00.000-07:00

I forgot to add these...we went to the USS Midway museum. (Decomissioned Navy aircraft carrier)

James....CLEARLY he's watching where he's flying....haha KEEP YOUR EYES ON THE SKY IN FRONT OF YOU!

In the barbershop chair....just a thought...never let James cut your hair.

9 weeks old
loving bathtime

More pictures!

2008-05-27T19:34:00.000-07:00

I've had a nice 4-day weekend/holiday! James' mom came to visit us and see her FIRST grandchild....(she will be soooo spoiled!)

This is what happens when MOM gets to sleep in....zzzzzzzzzz

View from the Point Loma lighthouse....the George Washington coming into port for repairs. The massive airport behind it is the Naval Air Station, on Coronado Island.

Me and my "baby cutiepie"

She's getting so active and is starting to notice her surrounding more....I love watching her grow!

2 Months!

2008-05-25T21:27:00.000-07:00

Lookin good!

Spending some time with Grandma Lorri...she always is such an angel for her...never cries! (I'm so jealous) Balboa park, in the cactus garden

Chillin....haha

2008-05-25T20:51:00.000-07:00

7 weeks

2008-05-19T15:33:00.000-07:00

Katelyn (and Kina) has good taste in shoes! Thanks to Kina for getting her these SUPER CUTE ballet shoes! :)

Finally smiling! I love it!

She sleeps in the weirdest positions....like on the couch with her head on the armrest...

I would move her to the crib, but I wasn't going to mess with a good thing!

Oh MY!

2008-05-02T14:39:00.000-07:00

WOW! I came home the other day and found a HUGE BOX in front of my door! Katelyn was excited! (Especially when she found all those CUTE dresses!)

I feel so blessed! You ladies are soooo sweet! The giftcard to Walmart will get put to good use, I PROMISE you! :)
...baby's crying....I'll write more later! But thanks again!!!!!!!!!!!!

1 Month

2008-04-28T22:20:00.001-07:00

Well, the past 2 weeks have been fun! My mom, dad, and grandma came to visit us. Katelyn has really been fun lately, her personality is coming out more and more each day. She's awake alot longer, which USUALLY is a good thing! ;) I can't believe she's a month old already! Where has the time gone????

Bonding with her Great-Grandma

Me and Baby by the Koi pond in Balboa Park

Milk overload...

Look at that double chin....she's a breast-fed baby alright!

Katelyn and Grandma Heidi

She loves Grandpa's "furry arms" haha
4 generations in one picture! (3 of these are nurses...one is not....yet!)

Kisses for Daddy!

She LOVES bathtime...which makes everyone happy!

2 weeks already!

2008-04-14T13:02:00.000-07:00

This baby only has 3 levels of activity....
1. sleeping

2. quiet and alertand 3. WILDWOMAN!

New Pics

2008-04-05T19:32:00.000-07:00

The newest pictures of baby Katelyn! She's so cute, my camera is running out of batteries! :)

Every time I see this picture, it makes me yawn too! haha

All tuckered out after feeding time...sleeping with Mom

Supermodel in training! We're working on keeping the eyes OPEN...

All this girl does is SLEEP! Well, besides cry, eat, and dirty her diaper....

I got a knock on my door Friday afternoon....and got THESE! What a pretty arrangement of flowers! Thank you so much Miss Julie! My living room smells so pretty now.

Yey for SLEEPING BABIES!

2008-04-04T05:52:00.000-07:00

Haha, I'm finally getting around to this! Katelyn Rose Luzbetak was born on March 31st at 0716. She weighed 7lbs, 4oz and was 20 inches long. She has a FULLY functional pair of lungs too! :)

After getting admitted...and after all the tubes being put in....

Here's the Bun from the oven...still hot and fresh! James was very good with the camera and getting pictures as soon as Katelyn came out!

She's such a daddy's girl....and he's already wrapped around her little finger! They're the other 2/3 of my family!

She makes the funniest faces...makes you wonder what she's thinking!

Another one of her faces....signing paperwork to leave the hospital the next day.

Well, time to feed again, I'll post more later....hopefully! :)

Impatient....

2008-03-27T21:04:00.000-07:00

It's been 38+ weeks now....and I've been waiting patiently....so far. Why does this last week just DRAG?! I'm getting closer and closer....Wednesday I was 4cm and 70% effaced.

So.....I've been walking and walking and walking....and taking the stairs everywhere! Have you ever seen a pregnant lady SKIP? Well that would be me, I'm trying to shake this baby out! haha

I go back to see my doctor tomorrow morning before I go to work...hopefully he will have some more good news for me! :)

YESSS!

2008-03-24T21:28:00.001-07:00

I went in tonight for my 38 week visit.....hooray for 3cm dilated and 50% effaced! Whoohoo! I'm going in Wednesday also, and if i'm any more dilated, they'll keep me! I am SO ready to get this baby out! :)

2008-03-19T22:20:00.000-07:00

Time for a more upbeat post!

Life has been a whirlwind this past couple weeks! I am now working 4 hour days...praise God! I am now 37 weeks pregnant and can't wait to meet this baby already! James and the baby in my belly have formed an alliance against me, I think my bladder will never recover from all this abuse! ;) Whenever he talks to the belly, the baby starts squirming....and my bladder gets the brunt of it.

Our cousin, Grace, likes us to put the phone to my belly so she can "talk" to the baby. Well, the other day she offered the baby some Hannah Montana concert tickets to come out early! haha it didn't work though. Darn!

It's hard to believe we've been out here in California for so long now. It has almost been a year already! I am required to stay for a minimum of 2 years at my first command, but then I am looking for a position at Great Lakes! They have "hot-fill" positions available right now...because who in their RIGHT MIND actually WANTS to go to Chicago? Who actually WANTS to go to a COLDER climate?

MEEEE!!!! Anyways, the person who writes my orders is aware that I want to go to Chicago. Now, if only this next year would pass quickly....oh wait, I'll have a baby....time is going to fly!

Here's a picture of me from last week, 36 weeks preggo!

More prayers

2008-03-12T20:59:00.000-07:00

Mary passed away on Monday afternoon...

Please keep her family, especially her husband and 3 young children in your prayers...they've been through alot and have a long road ahead. She will dearly be missed. She was Catholic, and a very spiritual person. I never had "the talk" with her, but I do believe she is with her heavenly father now.

Prayer Request

2008-03-08T21:03:00.000-08:00

My friend Mary, with the Leukemia, is not doing well. Cancer has continued to grow in her brain, and she is now fighting on two fronts. She has increasing cancer in her blood again, and it is in her brain as well. She has had multiple surgeries to try and remove the brain cancer, but all this is taking a major toll on her body.

Her family updates a website for her, to keep friends and family updated on her progress. http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/maryg

Please pray for her condition and her family. Especially her husband Dana and their 3 young children. I can't imagine the hurt they are going through right now. Thank you for your prayers everyone! Maybe this could go on the prayer bulletin at church Kina or Ms.Julie? She really needs prayer...

35 weeks

2008-03-07T21:05:00.001-08:00

This pic is from this week, week 35. Last week, I had another OB appointment. Baby looks healthy and estimated weight is 5lbs, 2 oz already. Plus, the baby has already started to drop. The head is much lower than 2 weeks ago! I feel SO PREGNANT....my belly is ready to pop. Only a couple more weeks to go!

Speaking of delivery, I can't make up my mind on the epidural. I think I may want to try natural childbirth...but I'll see how I feel during labor. If I come to L&D already dialated 5cm or so, and the pain isn't too much to bear, I think I will try to avoid the epidural. I think I have a high tolerance for pain...I didn't need any pain medication after being hit by a car! :) haha

So, any advice? How was your labor experience? Please share!

33 weeks down, 7 to go!

2008-02-25T13:17:00.000-08:00

Am I somewhere close to the end of this pregnancy yet? :) I'm so short of breath now....sometimes when I go to see my patients at work, they ask me if I'M ok!!! haha Who's the nurse here? But i'm doing great. I'm just too HEALTHY to get extra time off of work! They've actually "limited" me to a 40-hour work week. I wonder who decided that a 40 hour work week was the cutoff. Someone who hasn't been pregnant maybe? :)

Here's a pic from week 33.

The nursery so far...the crib and changing table were shipped out to us from home. Phil and Jody were nice and sent us their crib and LOTS of clothes and CUTE SHOES! :) James' Aunt Lynn sent her changing table and rocker for us.

He's nesting as much as me! I like having him around to put together everything....

January Pictures

2008-02-01T16:07:00.000-08:00

Hi everyone! I haven't been blogging in awhile! It's been a busy month. Only 9 more weeks until the baby comes (hopefully it's 9!). We've been working on getting the baby's room ready lately. James painted a light blue "accent" wall. I found a really nice crib set that is light blue/yellow with a moon and stars on it. I figure this will be safe to get early, it's pretty gender-neutral. They tell us it's a girl, but JUST IN CASE it comes out as a boy...I'll be ready. At least with the room/crib/sheets! The crib and changing table are being shipped out to California from Illinois on a truck. I can't wait for them to get here!

Anyways, I found some pictures from this month to share!

Yes, it actually rains in California! But the sun really is ALWAYS shining....haha

James' Aunt Dori was in San Diego for a business meeting, and she stayed an extra 2 days to visit with us. She and I went to Torrey Pines State Park to do some hiking. The "torrey pine trees" are BIG....and this is one of their pine cones....."The Widowmaker". It weighed at least 4 pounds!

Lots of cacti...I really had to watch where I was stepping on the trails! Can you imagine falling into one of these???? OW!

One of the trails heading to "Razor Point."

We found someone to take our picture! I look massive and bloated! :P

I love the look of this rocky coastline! WHat a beautiful day for a hike! This is the view from "Razor Point."

More coastline pictures....I think it's so pretty!

Preggo pictures! This is 27 weeks.

This is today, I'm 30 weeks, 6 days. I'm getting bigger and bigger!

And, just what every pregnant woman needs....her very own Colt 1911 handgun! Haha right. James' coworker is selling some of his guns. Needless to say, we now own this one. Technically, it's in MY name, because I'm active duty military and because of this, I don't need a "handgun safety card." It is a worthwhile investment (really, no kidding) becasue Colt doesn't make handguns anymore, at least for the public sector. Anyways, because they aren't produced anymore, they are increasing in value each year. Guns usually hold their value very well, unlike cars. At least this was what my husband was arguing!

At least I can practice (after baby is born) my marksmanship now. I've always wanted to be a Navy nurse with a Pistol Marksmanship ribbon on her uniform!!!! haha

Baby Dancing

2008-01-10T12:20:00.000-08:00

This is probably the NEATEST and WEIRDEST feeling, all at the same time! Wow! Most of the kicks and movement are in the first half of the video....

New Church?

2007-12-31T08:36:00.000-08:00

I think James and I found the perfect "church home-away-from-home" yesterday. Faith Baptist Church, in Wildomar, CA. We attended the morning service with Kina and our friend Tim on Sunday.

After pulling into their GRAVEL parking lot, we immediately felt at home! haha During the service, we didn't need our hymnals because we knew all the songs, and we laughed and laughed during the sermon! Pastor Goddard is so funny! He talked about Christian growth in the new year, and had some very funny examples! If you only go to church once a month, then start going twice a month! If you go to the bar every week, go every other week! If you beat your wife..........beat her less! Wow..... I promise you he is a very good preacher though!

I can't explain it, but we just "fit" better at this church! The only problem? It's an hour's drive north of us! ..........time to move!

Pictures From Home

2007-12-31T07:59:00.000-08:00

Well, we're back in Sunny (and WARM) San Diego again. We had some very rough flights....but God got us back home! It never felt so good to be on the ground! :)

We ended up staying an extra day, because our flight for Christmas night was CANCELLED!!! We originally had wanted to stay in Chicago until the 26th, but since the ticket prices doubled, we couldn't afford it. Needless to say, it was nice to stay an extra day!

It was so good to see family and friends, and come back to GBC! Not much has changed, except that Rachel is about 50 pounds heavier! haha I can't talk, I've put on a few myself. :) I have never felt so "at home" at a church...I can't wait to come back for good! Y'all are the sweetest bunch of ladies i've ever known!

Anyways, here are some pictures from our trip:

Grace, since learning that we're having a baby, has been practicing diaper changes with her "Baby Alive" doll....it really wets its diaper! haha She's going to make a great babysitter!

Trying on the pretty ring from James. He always surprises me! After I opened it, he said, "Now you're ACCESSORIZED!"

Grace figured the baby would dance in my belly if she played music for it. This "musical car" played the "Lowrider" song....and it worked! The baby started "dancing" and Grace got such a kick out of it! Who needs expensive toys to have fun??? All you need is a silky mattress to slide down with a slippery pillow! Cheap, inexpensive fun.....right? This is proof that James and I are the "fun cousins"......

We got Sofia and Grace some remote-control trucks for Christmas. (You can guess whose idea THAT was...) The Barbies liked having a set of wheels, and the next thing you know, there's 8 of them stuffed into the jeep! We had countless hours of fun playing with these trucks around the house!

Home....only 12 days away!

2007-12-05T15:31:00.000-08:00

We were able to get a flight to Chicago on the 17th, instead of the 18th! I can't wait to come HOME and freeze my butt off!

It's a GIRL!

2007-11-24T20:52:00.000-08:00

On Tuesday, I had my 20-week ultrasound. Everything looks normal, and the baby is developing well. (YEY!!!!) Not only am I excited because it is healthy......it's a girl! :D James is already cleaning his shotgun and getting it ready for the boys in the future! haha! He's going to make such a good dad. I'm so happy!

Fast answers to prayer!

2007-11-08T16:39:00.000-08:00

I visited Mary today at the hospital. She is doing much better. She is able to get out of bed and speak normally again. (Before, the mass was putting pressure on one of the speech centers of her brain and she had difficulty expressing what she wanted to say). She still has some difficulties with speaking, and has much more recovering to do...So keep praying for her!

The doctors say she's a rare case. They have been giving her chemo treatments through her skull, so it gets to the areas around her brain. These treatments (only 2 so far) have been successful!!! They anticipate her leaving the hospital within 2 weeks!

I had heard on Tuesday that she was not doing well. I've been praying since Tuesday and it looks like God is answering my prayers! (Mine and everyone else's!) :) I love it!!

A prayer request

2007-11-08T09:27:00.000-08:00

For all you ladies that read my blog, I have a prayer request!

Mary, a 35 year old mother of two and wife of a Marine Sergeant, has been a patient of mine in the past. About 3 months ago, she was diagnosed with Chronic Myeloid Leukemia (CML), which made an ugly turn for the worst. She was a patient on my unit (oncology floor) for OVER a month. During her stay at the Naval Hospital, we managed to put her cancer into a remission.

We then transferred her to UCSD, a large hospital in san diego with greater resources for cancer patients. She recieved a bone marrow transplant there. The transplant was successful, and looking at her blood data, she appeared normal and ready to go home. However, Mary started having trouble speaking and getting out of bed. They found a mass on her brain stem. Leukemia is a beast, but when cancer gets into the nervous system (i.e. the brain/spinal cord) it REALLY is a force to be reckoned with. The prognosis for this usually is not good.

My heart breaks for her family. She hasn't been able to see her children outside her hospital room for months. Her husband doesn't know what to do, and is completely breaking down. Please pray that they will have the strength to get through this situation, and for God to put his hands on Mary's health. I am going to visit her today and try to pray with her.

Sorry for the sad post, but God has the power to change things!

Honey, I'm coming HOME!

2007-10-30T08:01:00.000-07:00

I got my leave approved for Christmas!!!!!!!!!!!! I just got the plane tickets today. James and I will be flying in on the 18th and leaving Christmas night. I'm so excited to come home to clean air and SNOW!

Fiiiiiiiiiiire!

2007-10-22T21:42:00.000-07:00

http://www.fox6.com/news/local/default.aspx
If you haven't checked the news lately...wildfires are raging through the San Diego County. Currently, there are 10 massive wildfires sweeping across southern California. Thousands of homes have been evacuated and 100's have been completely destroyed. And today is only the end of DAY 1. So far, these fires are more serious than the wildfires in 2003! There are fires to the North, South and East of La Mesa, where James and I live. One seems to be closing in....is it too late to get renters' insurance??? haha

The Naval hospital has been accepting evacuated patients from surrounding hospitals. Needless to say, I've been a very busy nurse today! Tomorrow will be just as crazy I'm sure!

Please keep us (and the rest of San Diego) in your thoughts and prayers...

I hope it won't be a long night...

So busy!

2007-09-25T20:06:00.000-07:00

Whew!!! The past couple of weeks have FLOWN by! Kina came and went, then my sister came for a week. She just left on Sunday, and I have so much to catch up on! (Laundry, for one...)

Anyways, I just thought I'd post some exciting news...in the form of a picture. Here's a picture of my first ultrasound! I was 10 weeks, 2 days when they did the ultrasound. I am 12 weeks and 2 days as of today. Almost done with my first trimester already, this baby will be here before we know it!

They calculated my due date to be April 6, 2008.

I promise I will update more tomorrow, I'm off work! yey!

Catching up!

2007-09-05T20:37:00.000-07:00

Well, time has been flying for me lately!! Where to begin??..........

Labor Day was relaxing. James and I drove up to Temecula, where our friend Tim lives, for a day of food and fun. It was VERY HOT. By "very hot" I mean 112 degrees!!! When we left Temecula around 9:30 or so...it was still 90 degrees! Yowza! Anyways, Tim has friends OUR AGE from his home church, and I really like them. There is a young married couple that just had their first baby (a boy) about 4 months ago. James and I can really relate to them, and we had a fun conversation about ME being pregnant! Or maybe it was more focused on my hormones... haha I'm so happy to have some friends out here that (1) don't drink, (2) go to church, and (3) are positive influences on me! Most of the other Navy nurses I know go out dancing and drinking....and it's not really my thing! They must think I'm boring because I'm married or pregnant or something! Oh well. It makes me more happy to have church friends!

As far as the pregnancy goes.....I think I am 8 weeks now. My first ultrasound will be September 12th. Hopefully they can tell me a good estimated due date. I also got a call from a genetic counselor the other day. Apparently, I am a carrier for the cystic fibrosis gene. They need to have James tested for the gene also. If he is a carrier as well, there is a 25% chance our baby could have it. Please keep us in your prayers over this. I will love whatever God gives me, but I would like it to be healthy!

My morning sickness has gone away now! Thank God! I've been feeling much better lately, but still do manage to have hot flashes and some fainting.....I almost hit the floor this morning when I was drawing blood from a patient! I sat down until it passed, but then when I stood up (after I was finished!) I had to hurry out of the room to go sit down at the nurses' station. No better place to pass out than a hospital though! :D One day, I felt so nauseated that they gave me an IV for the day and gave me Zofran (anti-nausea). I love being a nurse! haha

Ok, I'll write more later, need to make dinner for the hubby!!!

To ask or not to ask?

2007-08-25T13:59:00.000-07:00

Ladies, thank you for all your good tips, they have helped alot. They all make my mornings a little better. I've learned to just be patient and keep my stomach from getting empty....and to eat SMALL meals! :)

My first ultrasound and OB appointment will be September 28th....I will be 11 weeks by then! But I got to thinking....should I find out the sex of the baby before? Obviously it wouldn't be at this appointment....but in the near future! Some people say it takes away the surprise....one of life's best surprises!

So my question is...did you ladies wait? Or did you want to know right away?

Tips???

2007-08-18T11:41:00.000-07:00

I need advice from all you ladies that were sick when you were pregnant. I've been nauseated all day long! I'm taking the prenatal vitamins at night, because they make me sick. But I'm still sick during the day.

Any tips or tricks you learned to feel normal?

Hormones...

2007-08-14T21:10:00.000-07:00

Hormones....ah yes. Too hot, too cold, fatigued, feeling sick, need to pee? Is this the commercial for Pepto-Bismol or the symptoms of pregnancy?!

Sometime last week I started feeling all the above, and then missed my period. Took a pregnancy test two nights ago, and......Happy Anniversary HONEY! We're Pregnant!!!! What a surprise! God decided he wanted me to have kids NOW instead of LATER. But it's great. I'm young, healthy, and able-bodied. I'll be the young "hip" mom! (Kind of like Sabrina!)

At work, I had the pregnancy blood test (serum HCG) done, and it came back VERY PREGNANT. Not just pregnant......VERY PREGNANT. My levels of HCG are 10,000! At 3-4 weeks, it should be between like 500 and 2000. Mine's 10,000! It's been suggested that I am carrying more than one. Wait, what?! More than one? Right now, it's a possibility! Kind of like those two-for-one shoe sales, right? :)

When I went to schedule my OB appointment, they guestimated that I am 4 weeks, 4 days of gestation. So, I concieved 2 weeks ago, roughly? I learned all this in nursing school, but suddenly it all seems VERY NEW to me! :O If this is right, I am due in late April to early May, God willing everything goes alright!

OOOh, time for bed....I am so exhausted...

Guess What!?

2007-08-14T16:47:00.000-07:00

I'm PREGNANT!

More info to come later today! I'm just a little short on time right now! Just wanted to let you all know! :)

Balboa park

2007-08-10T12:39:00.001-07:00

We went to Balboa park on Tuesday....I see this stuff everyday, because the Naval hospital is in Balboa park! I wanted to show James this beautiful place!

Muah! I had my picture taken in front of this building like 8 years ago....I wanted another!

These Koi fish were as big as a small dog! Oh my! Too many people feed these fish...

This is the lily pond in front of the botanical building. I really love the landscaping and greenery in California...there are so many different plants! Stuff you'll never see in Illinois, unless it's at the Joliet Greenhouse! :) My favorite plants are king palm trees, birds of paradise, and the banana trees.

Amazing architecture here....so intricate! I wonder how old this is?

Oh, I just love this picture! It is a root system above ground. The plants wouldnt' get too much water underground, Cali is very dry!

Another artsy one, I'm just messing around with our camera. I like to think I'm good at photography...at least landscapes! :)

James trying to choke me? If you look closely, you can actually see him SMILING! Look very very very close! Is he smiling because he's choking me, or is it because he's actually having a good time??????? The world may never know.

Another day at the beach (Don't hate me! haha)

2007-08-06T18:24:00.001-07:00

Well, we found a MUCH MUCH MUCH MUCH better beach! It is the private beach on NAS Coronado. It was beautiful, and we had a nice open space to ourselves! We brought our frisbee and played in the ocean, and then James tried digging to China. I think I am actually starting to tan....like a normal Californian! :) What a nice day off after working all weekend!

in the picture above, you can see the "hotel del coronado" in the back! Its big & red!

It was neat because lots of Navy helicoptors were flying around, and planes were landing on base behind the dunes and beach. I think the one flying in this picture is a CH-53 Seahawk.

Almost to China....keep digging.

The beach, finally!

2007-08-03T21:37:00.000-07:00

James and I FINALLY made it to the ACTUAL beach! haha However, the beach was very packed! Guess next time we'll go to the private beach on Coronado NAS. (Naval Air Station)

We went to a beach in La Jolla...the richest neighborhood in San Diego. It sure was pretty!

The new church

2007-08-03T21:12:00.001-07:00

I snapped some pictures of the church James and I are going to now....Lighthouse Baptist. It's just like GBC, just not as loud, funny, or tight-knit. You would never know that Pastor Fisher was a Marine! He doesn't really get "excited" like we're used to! :) Makes me REALLY miss GBC and Pastor Dave's preaching! Pastor Fisher also travels to preach at other churches, which is different...and there are like 4 or 5 assistant pastors (English-speaking) and then there are the ones that lead the Spanish-speaking church services...I still don't know who's who. They need nametags!

I like this church, but it doesn't feel like "home" to me. We're going to join next Sunday and get involved with things, maybe start meeting people! :) It'll be our home away from HOME.

What's new

2007-08-01T21:35:00.000-07:00

So, last Saturday, I got a haircut. A BAD haircut....

My haircutter got SCISSOR-HAPPY and made my hair like 4 inches shorter than what I wanted. I wanted shoulder-length, with long layers, and feathering in front by my face. I have neck-length hair in back, and she cut layers so short they don't fit into a ponytail. I feel so ugly with hair this short!!! :( I really miss my hair. REALLY REALLY miss my hair.

Now I'm never getting haircuts again! So if I have hair down to the floor when I come back to Illinois, you'll know why!

Pray that I don't rip out the remaining hair....while I'm waiting for this mess to grow out!!!

Settling in....finally!

2007-07-22T22:21:00.000-07:00

I finally have a semi-permanent-assignment!!! Yey! I have been assigned to work on 5 East, which is a Medical/Surgical ward that specializes in oncology/hematology. They also provide hospice care for the cancer patients and those that are very terminal. I will be on a regular schedule, which is great! I'm tired of being handed off from department to department!

My shifts will be like this:

I will work: Monday and Tuesday

I will be off: Wednesday and Thursday

I will work: Friday, Saturday and Sunday

I will be off: Monday and Tuesday

I will work: Wednesday and Thursday

I will be off: Friday, Saturday and Sunday

All of these are 12 hour shifts. For my first 2 months, I will work day shift. For the next two months, I will work night shift. (Unless I find someone who wants to switch with me and I can stay on day shift!) I will work every other weekend, which stinks. When I am on day shift, I cannot go to church on sunday or thursday. But I can make up for it the next week...blah. I wish there was something I could do to rearrange my schedule....Maybe I'll talk to my division officer or something.

Anyways, a week ago, I got to participate in Operation Stand Down, a program for homeless vets. Homeless vets come from all services and from all areas of the country to Operation Stand Down for medical care, alcohol detox services, legal counseling/services, dental care, nourishment, shelter, hair cuts, new clothes (donated from local businesses) and many many other things. I helped in the medical tent and assisted by doing patient assessments and writing clinical notes for the doctors to look at. It was SO NEAT! I actually got to function as a nurse, independently. The doctors trusted my judgement and we COLLABORATED on the future care (i.e. prescriptions/consults/etc). What a great learning, and yet heartbreaking, experience. I just wanted to open up my home to these folks. My heart really broke for them and thier situations! This was the best activity I have ever volunteered for, ever!

Check out the news article about it! http://www.news.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=30611

HEre are some pictures from the weekend:

Date night!!!

2007-07-12T20:52:00.000-07:00

Today was so fun! Well, work wasn't, but as soon as I got home it was!

James had an outfit picked out for me on the bed to change into (out of my uniform). We had to run some errands and then he said he was going to take me "someplace special." After running the errands, James drove us to downtown San Diego....the Gaslamp Quarter to be specific. (He would not tell me where we were going the whole time!!!)

**On a side note....I am like a dog going to the vet. I always need to know where we're going, or I start asking alot of questions and freaking out. However, I haven't started pawing at the windows yet! lol So the whole way to downtown I kept bugging James to find out where we were going! (To no avail.)

Soooooooo after parking, he grabbed my hand and led me to the restaurant. As we were almost there, he said to me in a mushy voice "Oh, by the way, this is a DAAATE." Haha.

We went to the Napa Valley Grille, which had the most delish food! I had pistachio-crusted tuna and plums. The salad was also good...nectarine salad? MMMM! James ordered the New York Strip steak with steamed baby spinich. Yummy! Then some "Laura Chenel Chevre Cheesecake" for dessert.

All in all, a very great date!

Hiking on Saturday

2007-07-10T17:55:00.000-07:00

This weekend, James and I went to Mission Trails to hike. There are many many many trails in the mountains, some more steep than others. Of course, if you know my husband....we hiked up the "very challenging" trail. He is like a mountain lion, always leaping from rock to rock and climbing on EVERYTHING! Anyways, the trail was very steep and before I knew it (my legs knew it though!) we were almost to the top of Mt. Kwaay. There were mountain-climbers climbing the uppermost part of the peak! It was so much fun!

On the visitor's center trail, there were statues of animals. I found my favorite cousin, the mountain lion. After all, I am a PUMA! :)This is the view from the visitor's center trail...before I knew how high we were climbing!

At the bottom of the trail.....note the KEYWORD: BOTTOM!!! haha here we go!

On the mountain trail...it wasn't marked well, just try to make it up the mountain, I guess!

Time for a break...phew! What a view from up here! James' red truck was just a speck from this high!

The vista! :)

Back on the level ground, we saw a snake! I love snakes, but wasn't sure if this one was deadly...not just your friendly garter snake....so I didn't try to pick him up. But he was cute!

We found the Old Mission Dam...created to irrigate fields in San Diego waaaaay back in the day. Maybe it was bigger at one time. At least I HOPE it was...it's only like 5 feet wide! It wouldn't water much!

See! he's climbing on things...at least this time he didn't fall in! :) haha

A kayak is in our near future....I can't wait to take it on the ocean! :) :) yey! We just need to save a little more for it. This is the one we're getting:

Navy Picnic

2007-07-03T13:53:00.000-07:00

The Navy likes to have fun....probably because happy workers do a better job. Today we had a picnic on the beach in Mission Bay. It was alot of fun, and I got some pics from driving around the beach

Eye opener

2007-07-02T21:46:00.000-07:00

Today I was walking around the hospital base and was really humbled by something...

I was on my way to the immunization clinic to get my yellow fever shot, and was saluted by this young Marine in a wheelchair going the opposite direction. This brave young man had a patch/bandage over his left eye and scrapes on his face. He was bandaged all over his neck, and his leg was in a cast. I believe he was one of the many Marines housed in the hospital "dorms" for those that have been wounded in Operation Enduring Freedom. As he proudly said, "Good Morning Ma'am," I smiled and offered a "good morning" back. As I was walking away, I got tears in my eyes. THESE are the men defending our country on the front lines. I haven't even been out of the country, let alone on deployment! I felt as though I should really be saluting him, for all the sacrifices he's made. It made me feel proud to be a nurse, and that I would get to take care of these men and women on a daily basis.

When I worked as a nurse's aide at St. Joe's, I would really LOVE taking care of the old men who had served. They always have the most interesting stories (and advice!).

I found some pictures online...

Pfc. Kenneth Dickerson, a 19-year-old Marine from Clive, Iowa, assigned to the Hawaii-based Lima Company, 3rd Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment, hands out candy to two girls in Barwanah, Iraq, July 29, 2006. The 19-year-old U.S. Marine from Clive, Iowa, has spent the past four months of his deployment in Iraq teaching himself Arabic, and uses it to help his fellow Marines by serving as a translator during the unit’s daily patrols through Barwanah, Iraq. U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Roe F. Seigle

Cpl. James Wright, USMC

The blast severed both of Wright's hands and severely wounded his left leg. Incredibly, Wright maintained his composure, instructing his Marines to use a radio to call for help and to apply tourniquets to his wounds. Wright also directed his Marines to concentrate fire on enemy machine gun positions, assisting in the demise of 26 enemy fighters. For his actions, Wright was later presented the Bronze Star Medal with combat distinguishing device for valor.

Private First Class Brian Moquin, 20, USA

Friends said Moquin joined the Army to "straighten his life out" after dropping out of high school and earning a GED. Moquin was killed May 5, 2006, in a helicopter crash in Afghanistan. He was a tattoo enthusiast and got seven of them on his last trip home; after learning of his death, seven of his friends got tattoos in his honor.

Work out!

2007-07-02T21:35:00.000-07:00

I have started my exercise routine again after the hectic moving weeks...It feels so good to exercise! It is a bit of a shock for my legs, because there are so many BIG hills out here! Flat land is hard to come by. Think of the hills in dellwood....suicide hill to be specific. There are lots of streets that are the SAME INCLINE as that hill! It's kind of scary to drive your car up and down some of those hillls because you can't see the bottom! :O Buut, it is fun to run up them!

Also, for you ladies that want to start working out and getting in shape before I come home...and start my "exercising with Sister Gretchen"........I thought I'd pass down this neat tool to you. It is a GPS/Satellite map that you can trace a running route on. It calculates distance and even ELEVATION!!! (Handy in California!) Here's the website: http://www.usatf.org/routes/map/

Home!

2007-06-27T20:49:00.000-07:00

I finally made it home, but not until the 23rd.

I didn't get any of the earlier flights out of Pensacola, and then MY flight was cancelled for mechanical reasons. (Also the last flight out of Pensacola for the day)

SOOOOOOO, American Airlines changed my flight itinerary to get to San Diego by 0930 the next morning. This involved flying on Delta airlines to ........here's what I got:

-Pensacola to Atlanta, GA via Delta airlines

-Spend the night in Atlanta, and fly out the next morning...early!

-Atlanta to Dallas/Ft.Worth, TX

-Dallas/Ft. Worth to San Diego

Well, the Delta flight to Atlanta was delayed 6 hours! This was because "the AC unit was broke and needed to be replaced, and oh....fuel was leaking out the wing..." WHAT!?!?! FUEL LEAKING OUT!?!?! :O WOWZA! But at 0100, I'm really don't care! I eventually just slept on the floor for a good hour.

By the time we got to Atlanta, it was 0330. Going to a hotel was pretty much useless, because my next flight left at 0630! Then they couldn't find my luggage, and it "MIGHT" end up in San Diego. This was at about 0445 and I was just too tired to care. I just wanted to get home!

The rest of my flights were great! I even got blankets! :) I did make it to San Diego by 0930, like they promised! zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz Just in time for sleeping! ha
It was all worth it, because I came home to find a BEAUTIFUL apartment!!!!

Here's my kitchen, that has sooo many cabinets and plentiful counter-space! :)

This is the view from our North-facing bedroom window

This is the view from our East-facing window, it is Mt. Helix. In fact, most of San Diego is on pretty hilltops like this! I can't imagine trying to drive a manual transmission car around here! You'd have a fun time doing hill-starts! :)

This is our living room. It's a bit dark, because it is nighttime...we have a large balcony too! It's outside the sliding glass doors there in the back. I plan on getting a palm tree for the balcony...and lots of pretty plants!

I'll put more pictures up later, it's been a busy couple of days getting everything unpacked! :/

long day

2007-06-22T18:19:00.000-07:00

Flight got cancelled...

The plan:

Tonight, flight to Atlanta.

Spend the night in Atlanta.

In the morning.....Atlanta-->Dallas/Ft.Worth--->San Diego!

I just hope my bags dont end up in canada!

Cali, Here I COME!

2007-06-22T12:16:00.000-07:00

Well, I'm ready to start flapping my wings to fly myself to California! The Navy booked my flight at 7pm! I'm trying to get onto an earlier flight, but everything is booked solid! I MAY get on the 3pm flight...and if that doesn't work, the 5pm.

Please God give me a safe and timely flight!

"Home"

2007-06-19T18:26:00.001-07:00

James and Mike made it safely to San Diego on Sunday. Mike flew back to Chicago this morning...so now James is all by himself...unpacking...he called me today and really sounded sad. I asked him if he was OK and he said that he just really missed me! It feels good to be missed. Lately we've been really stressed (moving, me taking boards, logistical nightmares...) you get the picture. But absence really DOES make the heart grow fonder. It's only been 5 days since we last saw eachother, but now it's also like 2,000 miles! I can't wait to go "home!" I'm so glad I have someone to go "home" to, even though it will be in a new city/state/occupation/etc!

Just feelin kinda homesick tonight... :)

Forgetfulness!

2007-06-17T19:00:00.000-07:00

I just realized that I forgot to post the pics from the party! These are from my graduation/commissioning/going away party on June 9th.....

Playing in the pool...this beach ball was HUGE! It was like 4 feet in diameter!

The grandmas (James parents' parents....everyone got along great! I was so happy!)The kids in the pool...Sofia is the one in the blue/green suit. James, me and Mikey with his bum leg...he couldn't climb any trees!The people that wanted to be photographed...There were some stinkers that didn't want to be in the group photo!!! I really like climbing trees! But do not attempt this in a skirt, unless you are wearing a SWIMSUIT underneath! :)

Me and the princess....or is it Grace?
Of course I put away the camera before the water balloon fight and then the whole "lets throw kina and gretchen into the pool" incident...... haha what a fun day!

Happy Father's Day!

2007-06-17T18:47:00.000-07:00

I'm so glad I have a dad that loves me! He is the greatest dad in the world!

I'm in Pensacola!!!!

2007-06-16T17:02:00.000-07:00

What a CRAZY day!!!

I got in a taxi around 12:15, got to O'hare by 1:30. My flight left at 15:00 and I was in P-Cola by 17:15. THEN comes the fun part!

I got a pretty red Toyota corolla for a rental car....with a GPS system. Let me tell you, this was the greatest thing since sliced bread! I would have been in Alabama by now if it weren't for this handy little voice telling me to "turn in 0.2 miles!" (And then "re-calculating" the directions when I missed the turn! haha) I'm glad they didn't program the voice to say something like, "Idiot! You missed the turn! Turn around and go back!" HAHA oooooohhhh I crack myself up! :)

Right this moment, I'm sitting in a DELUXE hotel room in the BOQ (Bachelor Officer Quarters). I have a full size bed and 2 TV's, 2 couches, a desk with high-speed internet, 2 walk-in closets with an IRON and ironing board!!!!!! I am SO EXCITED! :) :) :) Yippi! I think I danced for like 10 minutes to myself when I say my rooooom! Anyways, it's really nice and I love being a Navy Officer! I have a grin on my face from EAR to EAR!

James and Mike are on their way to Arizona today...I hope they make it by tonight. They have gone so far in only 2 days! On a different note, I think my sister has a "thing" for Mike E......she has been calling them quite a bit! And the morning they left, when they were eating breakfast at my parent's house, my sister woke up at 5am. She NEVER wakes up earlier than she has to, so this was a VERY rare occurence. Sooooo yeah. She's never dated or anything, she's a big tomboy. We'll just have to see how this goes! How neat (or dangerous!) would it be to have Mike E for a brother-in-law!???? HaHa

Well, my tummy's growling at me...time for some dinner. And some exploring of the base. Too bad I don't have my camera!

Whew!

2007-06-15T15:03:00.000-07:00

Life has been going too fast this weeek!

The movers came Monday and took all our stuff to Cali.

Wednesday I took my NCLEX, or nursing board exam. I PASSED IT!!! That means the state of Illinois thinks I am competent enough to be a nurse.....whoa they need to maybe think twice?? haha

Thursday, or yesterday......James and Mike E packed everything into the blazer and got it weighed. Then James' big ugly truck got loaded onto a car-hauler on its way to San Diego.

This morning the guys left for California. They drove all day, and by 5pm they made camp in Tulsa, OK. That's approximately 666.4 miles from my parent's house in Lockport. Only another 1400 miles to go! The movers will get our stuff to our new apartment on the 18th. James and Mike will HOPEFULLY get there by Sunday night the 17th. Please keep them in your prayers!

Anyways, I am flying out tomorrow (Saturday) around 3. I'm headed down to Pensacola for a leadership class. The class is a week long, so it goes until the 22nd. That night I fly to California. I still have NO IDEA where this leadership class is! I have called so many people and offices...and no one knows anything about it! I'm really trying not to just scream out loud....or is it SOL? haha I think I may get a rental car for the weekend, just till I find out where I'm going on base and everything. I'm reaaaaalllly nervous because I always get lost! I really like PLANS. I hate "flying by the seat of my pants," which is what this leadership class is starting to be.

Can I just say this? AAAAAAAAAAAAARRRRRRRRGGGGGGGGGGGHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!

Ah, that felt good. :)

Anyways, aside from that little break in sanity...here's our new address:
8679 Lemon Avenue, apartment #11
La Mesa, CA 91941

I still want to send out some cute address change cards in the mail.... :)

More to come later...

The good part!

2007-05-31T20:46:00.000-07:00

I forgot to add the good things!

1) The apartment in San Diego called me back. They have another opening, and are faxing me the paperwork to hold the apartment! YEY!

2) Mickey will be finished with the Blazer much sooner than expected....like maybe tomorrow! Although I was kind of enjoying my nice new rental car! I have a nice 2007 Black Toyota Corolla! It's much nicer on gas too! Anyways, Mickey also said we needed new wheel bearings in the front, so he's doing those too. I'm glad he noticed them NOW, instead of when James is driving to California in the Blazer!

3) I went to Plato's Closet, in Crest Hill today. I found a cute cute skirt and some shirts for next to nothing! I love that resale shop!

Thank you for your prayers everyone! They sure have been a blessing!

What a weekend!

2007-05-31T19:53:00.000-07:00

Well well well, it has been a weekend to remember!!! I'll start from the beginning...

1) Jody getting into car accident on Thursday last week. The result? A complete break of her lower right leg, and 5 days of being a "mom" to the girls. Wow.

Then.....
2) On Sunday night, on our way home to Jody's house for the night.....the Blazer's transmission BLEW UP.

Then....
3) Found out transmissions are expensive! There goes $1000!

Then....
4) On Monday, James was rear-ended in his truck. He called me, and the first thing he says is: "I got into a car accident, I need you here right away..." I think I turned as white as a sheet! I was so afraid he (or someone else) was hurt! Thankfully, when I got there, he was OK. Just a sore neck for a few days, thank GOD!

Anyways, as stressful as this weekend was...I found myself at peace with things. I know that God has his hands on my life, and everything is in his control. It's nice just to hand everything over to him. There was NOTHING I could do to change the things that happened, but God can do anything. This song popped in my head, and I can't seem to get it out!

He's able, He's able, I know He's able
I know my Lord is able to carry me through.
He's able, He's able, I know He's able
I know my Lord is able to carry me through.
He healed the broken-hearted
and set the captive free
He made the lame to walk again--and caused the blind to see!
He's able, He's able, I know He's able
I know my Lord is able to carry me through.

I even remember the hand motions that accompany the words....we used to sing it at Camp Joy. What a true song, and the reassurance that I needed!

Tuesday...at work with James and Mark

2007-05-29T20:34:00.000-07:00

The guys taking down the old sign...this thing is

sooo small compared to the NEW one!
Why...won't...this....thing....fall!!!! C'mon Mark.

Awwe honey, you work so hard! I'm proud of you!

The hill, which got seeded and blanketed? Anyways, something

like that...It looks really good!

Some pics from Memorial Day

2007-05-29T20:08:00.001-07:00

James & Mark are BFF, haha
Um, this water heater kinda leaks...

Chris likes the guns!

Me shootin the 1944 Mauser....so LOUD!

Pretty pretty girls!

Manly, Manly MEN!

Well, it WAS kind of dirty out there! :) She's so cute!

What a fun day at the Boril's!

You upped my life insurance to 100,000?!?!?!
Need I say more? This is after Marky saw

how big the "exit wounds" on the heater were!

Go Mrs. Trish!!!

Shootin clay pigeons...the thrower didn't work too

well, so we ended up throwing them like frisbees!

It worked pretty well!

Thank you Mrs. Trish for a fun FUN memorial day! I'm so glad we got to spend

some time together! Even if I only heard half of what you were saying because

I went deaf in one ear!!! haha!

Plans...

2007-05-22T15:37:00.000-07:00

What a crazy week it has started to be!

I THOUGHT we had an apartment in La Mesa (San Diego suburb), but the manager rented it to someone else!!! The nerve!!! ARRRR! Here we go again. I just want something to be SET IN STONE.

The moving day is still TBD by the Navy, but should happen the week of June 11th. The movers will pack all our stuff (not much!) and ship it for us. However, this is at their convenience and on their time. I just hope they're fast and my stuff gets there before I do. James will be driving a vehicle out there also. We're shipping the other, I think. But he's packing the expensive things and taking them with him.

ME, on the other hand...I have a week of training in Pensacola, FL before I report to San Diego. I'll be flying both ways. Training is from June 17-22.

Now, if I could just find an apartment! The Navy gives me $1600/month for housing, so money really isn't an issue. Anyone want to go on a vacation and do some apartment hunting with me? :)

I just want this move to be over!

On the plus side...I get to have coffee with Kina this week! :)~ and the joliet inwood athletic club is giving me a military discount on a month's membership! Hooray for working out!

Speaking of working out! When I come back in 3-4 years, I want to start a ladies ministry....working out with sister Gretchen! (Thanks for the idea brother Larry!) haha it actually sounds like I am a nun or something! I always wanted to be a coach/athletic trainer...

Ok, I'm done rambling now...I should prolly start my apartment search! :)

Graduation/COmmissioning

2007-05-14T11:09:00.000-07:00

The 1/C Midshipmen (The Best Class)

My mom is a blue-star mother now. In the military, if a mother has a son/daughter serving active duty, they get a blue-star banner. It is hung in the front window of the home, and lets everyone know that their child is active duty in the military. There is one star for each child in the military.

Getting my Oath of Office from CDR Tooker. He is the XO (Executive Officer) of my unit. Also one of the nicest guys you'll ever meet!

After getting my oath of office, my family came up on stage to change my insignia. I went from being a Midshipman to an Ensign. That's what the gold stripe on my sleeve means. The oak leaf above the stripe is the symbol for the Nurse Corps.

My first salute, given by 1stSgt Bob Garza.

Just a group shot with the Chaplain (Captain on far left) and the 2-star Marine General who was our key-note speaker (far right)

Me and princess Grace...

Me and hubby!

Graduation!

2007-05-12T07:16:00.000-07:00

Today is GRADUATION! Whooohoo!

Thankful L

2007-04-09T14:54:00.000-07:00

This week's letter of thankfuLness is:

I am thankful for many L things:

1.) Lillies
2.) Lemonade
3.) Love, and Lots of it!
4.) Lawns, especially after a good spring rain!
5.) Lilac candles from Marley's
6.) Luzbetak, my new last name, and the family that comes with it!
7.) Lamb of God, who rose from the tomb on Easter morning...thank you Jesus!
8.) Laptop. Couldn't do homework without it.
9.) Life
10.) Letter of thankfulness for the week, thanks Trish!

G for Gretchy!

2007-03-26T09:25:00.000-07:00

This week's letter is

I am thankful for MANY things that start with G:

~1~ God

~2~ My first name, Gretchen, and my mom who gave it to me! I love having a unique name.

~3~ Grace Baptist Church...need I say more?! I have made SO many good friends and learned so much

~4~ Good Examples. There are many Godly ladies in our church for me to look up to, and I am so thankful for that!

~5~ Gracie, my 4 year old "sister-in-law" and flowergirl. She has such a sweet heart, and is always making me smile. The other day, she came home from school very upset. They had been talking about Jesus' crucifixion, and how they pounded the crown of thorns on his head and put the nails through his wrists. She was so upset that someone would do this to Jesus! Sometimes the story gets stale after hearing it over and over and it doesn't prick our hearts like it should. It really makes your heart break all over again hearing it from a child...her spirit will make this Easter very "fresh!"

~6~ Green Grass!

~7~ Glucose and the CAKE it comes in!!!! ;)

~8~ Graduation! Soon I'll be done, hopefully with Good Grades! Thank GOD!

~9~ Grandmas. They always know how to spoil you...

~10~ Greenhouse. Where Jim (My GROOM) and I got married....so Gorgeous in August!

I'll add more when I think of them....hope everyone is having a great week so far! It is Great weather!

Pretty Thankful!

2007-03-22T17:38:00.000-07:00

This week's letter is

I am thankful for things that start with P!

1) Prayer - without it, i'd be a mess of worry!

2) Partners in crime - James, Kina, Jody (whose name starts with J! haha), the singles group...the list goes on!

3) Parents - who love me alot

4) Picnics - one of my favorite things to do in the spring/summer

5) Pastor Dave - definately being used by God in my life and marriage! (and I think he has a snitch somewhere following me around...he always knows what to preach! haha)

6) Princesses - my 4 year old cousin Grace....she thinks she's cinderella! She really is a princess in my book.

7) and last but certainly not least (JODY), I am thankful for my uncle Phil!

Anchors Aweigh!

2007-03-21T18:00:00.000-07:00

Today I bought a hat for $87! Yikes! I had to to to Great Lakes Naval Base to be sized and order my uniforms for commissioning. Here's a picture of my new officer cover! :) I've worked hard for this thing too!

Since commissioning is in May, I needed to get my dress whites ordered. I love the whites because they are so crisp and sharp looking! The ceremony should be nice, it's at Northwestern, where my unit is. The campus always has their pretty spring flowers planted, and the old stone university buildings are very "scholarly".....if that makes sense.

The commissioning ceremony includes my oath of office and first salute. The first salute is a military tradition from long ago. Basically, the new younger officer has to pay an enlisted member for their first salute. It is said that you have to buy your first salute and then earn every salute there after through your performance and by gaining the respect of your subordinates. One of Pastor Dave's Marine friends, Bob, will be giving me my first salute. He is a retired 1st Sergeant. I reallly really wanted pastor to be at my commissioning, but it on a Sunday morning....grrrr!

Well, time to hit the hay, I have another early early morning tomorrow! 12 hours of work and then I'm off for the weekend! YEY!

Important addendum!

2007-03-17T12:55:00.000-07:00

To add to my "J" list...a very important person was overlooked! (The list was made after working 12 hours and I was tired, I swear!)

I am very thankful for JODY, the best in-law/adoptive mom I could ask for! She is a wonderful hostess, as she opens up her home to James and I every week. Her house always smells great and is so cozy; she also makes the best food! She is a great mom to her kids and a model wife. She makes friends with everyone, and always is kind to others (even when she doesn't feel well!) Someday I want to be the mom and wife that she is!

Thankfulness - The Letter "J"

2007-03-14T20:11:00.000-07:00

Well, after reading everyone's blogs...I think it's time I started this thankfulness game! Here's my "J" things that I am thankful for:

1) Jesus - did an awesome thing for me so I can go to heaven!

2) James - an amazing hubby and my bestest friend ever!

3) Jogging - fun, relaxing, and helps me keep cupcakes from going to my "hips" ;) I'm especially thankful that I still CAN jog, after getting hit by a car a few years ago.

4) Java - I need it!

5) Miss Julie - someone I look up to!

6) July - the month James and I started dating....awwwwwe!

7) Jammies - I love getting out of the shower and putting on a warm pair of jammies (I didn't use to call them Jammies, but I have been hanging out with one too many 4 year olds! lol :))

8) Jewelry - I think my wedding rings are so cute...and I wear the necklace James got me everyday.

I can't think of any more words that start with J...

2007-03-13T18:25:00.000-07:00

Ahhh....feels good to be home! It's been a very long day. I was up at 4am, out the door by 5, and working by 5:45. I am at Northwestern Memorial in the same-day surgery unit. I was working with a nurse in the admissions section doing assessments and lots of paperwork. I never thought I would LIKE working a 12 hour shift, but it's actually kinda nice. You can get your 40 hour week done in 3 days! I got home tonight sometime around 7:00.

I work tomorrow also, but in a different section of the floor. I'll be working with patients as they come out of the post-anesthesia care unit (PACU).

I'm off thursday, friday, saturday and sunday! Woo! No class or anything! Guess I shouldn't waste all this time....I need to NOT procrastinate with schoolwork.

Bleh, time for bed already. I have another early morning!

Done!

2007-03-02T19:24:00.000-08:00

Today I took my last final (related to nursing)!!!!! IT wasn't quite THIS easy though.

I stayed after the test to listen to the answers and I got a 96%! Yey! I might get an A for the class!

Time to start my MUCH NEEDED spring break! :-)

Who keeps tattling?

2007-02-25T19:45:00.000-08:00

I think Pastor has a snoop...Someone keeps telling him to preach about certain things...and the "certain things" involve me!

Since starting work with Bill, James has been spiritually growing exponentially! (OR so it seems) There is no more "I'm too tired to go to Sunday School today," and no more "Let's not go to evening service tonight.." He has been so motivated, and it really is a blessing to me too!

A blessing in disguise, I should say. Lately, he's been stern with me, almost bossy! At first, I was like HUH?! Why are you trying to boss me around? You never used to care if I made the plans! Buuut, after a spat and a long talk, I realized that I was trying to be the controlling one. I always like to make plans, and then forget to tell him...or try to get him to do things for me, when I can do them myself. We had a good talk about our roles, and what each of us could do to help the other. I need a lot more practice in submitting, but I want to do things the right way...so I'll keep trying. One thing I've learned is that it's easier to submit to him when he's submitting to God!

Also, I have decided to quit my job working as a student nurse tech. Time to trust God with our finances...I wish I had quit sooner, and it has really been bugging James that I still work occasionally. He really wants to do things the right way, and so do I. Now that he and I are really rooted in the church, I seriously wish I had sought some council before signing papers to join the Navy! I want to stay here and have kids! I'm really not one for daycare or things like that, so when I have kids (soon) I will need to put them in daycare or something while I work!

:( I don't want ever James to be a Mr.Mom! Can you imagine! He'd be like Mrs.Doubtfire! Haha I absolutly love that movie!

Anyways...maybe Kina can be my nanny for a little while? Can I borrow her for 4 years? Please oh please!? :)

Just a thought.

Here's the area where I'll be stationed: http://www.balboapark.org/

The hospital is actually IN Balboa Park, along with the zoo and botanical gardens. Soooo anyone looking for a cheap-ish vacation; feel free to visit me! :)

So much SNOW!

2007-02-13T11:32:00.000-08:00

There is so much pretty snow outside! I love it! (But right now I loved my 4x4 drive more!) My clinical instructor let us out early because of the weather, I was so happy! I saw a pacemaker/internal defibrillator put in today. I was in the cardiac cath lab for the clincal day to "observe". I absolutely LOVE surgury and cardiac stuff, cuz I'm weird like that, and I ask alot of questions. I feel comfortable working in the operating room, probably because I got to help in a surgury at the Naval Hospital over the summer. I actually got to scrub in and help the surgeon!!!! It was so gross and bloody, but I loved every moment of it.

For my Clinical Role Transition (CRT), I have to work with a nurse for 168 hours. I will be at Northwestern Memorial (YEY!) in the operating room and post-anesthesia care unit (PACU). I am SO excited. So yeah, that all starts in March, after spring break.

I don't know if anyone wants to come...but my commissioning is Sunday May13th at Northwestern University. It's a neat thing to come see, and the Navy band from Great Lakes usually comes to play for us. So if you're interested just let me know.

Yey!

2007-02-12T15:09:00.000-08:00

Today I got my orders to San Diego! Thank you God for sending me somewhere warm! People might actually want to come and visit! Plus, James and I have some family out there...so we won't be alllll alone.

Now, to work on this monstrosity of a paper! Pray that I can just focus on this....I have a habit of finding other things to do, rather than write a paper!

Valentines' Banquet

2007-02-10T09:45:00.001-08:00

What a fun night! I love seeing everyone all dressed up, but mostly my husband!

He was so hungry....and he's more fun when he's full of food. So dinner was gone in a matter of seconds.

The night started with a game. The objective of the game was to be romantic, while reading the lines off your card to your wife (see below).

Some people were romantic than others...LOL!

James and I were at table 2, with the Arnolds and the Sweets. I don't think we stopped laughing the whole night! Trying to figure out the clues to the Mystery of Romance was fun, the answer was "time". We guessed "togetherness", and didn't win the prizes. (Unlike table 6!) Time is important in any relationship, but time with God is more important. I have noticed a difference in my relationship with James by attending church more regularly, and by starting devotions together at night. We fight a whole lot less, and there's peace in our lives.

Buuut, no matter how "mature" we try and act in public, people can still tell we're newlyweds!

The night ended nicely, with a kiss from my hubby! Wooo!

I'm so glad we're a part of such a FUN church!

2007-02-08T21:17:00.000-08:00

Haha! Ok, here's another funny one!

No Time!

2007-02-08T20:28:00.000-08:00

I can't keep up! The semester has been flying by, and now everything is due! Things that got set to the side, so I could study for midterms...

I have a paper due next Thursday that I haven't even started. I also have a group presentation due in two weeks, and a case study due monday. Add to that my readings for every class and studying for finals...which are only 2 weeks away...and you have a stressed-out Little Gretchy! Yipes! Someone take my blood pressure!

Speaking of that...lately it has been very high. High as in 170's/90's. NOT GOOD! 140/90 counts as hypertension! My pulse has only been in the 40's-50's, which is waaaay too low. Normal is above 60. I've been getting dizzy when I stand up, and getting short of breath. Time to make a trip to the doctor's office. Anybody know of a good internal medicine doctor? I have PPO, so I can go pretty much anywhere. I hope it's nothing serious, but maybe I'll be getting out of military sooner than I thought...medical discharge? :/ I hope not, I don't have the money to pay the government back for 3 years of Loyola's tuition!

Come March 4th....I am HOME FREE! Clinicals are over, spring break starts, and all I have left is my internship! Now, if only I can get over this major case of senioritis! :)

I wish! ^^^^

Sorry I'm not writing alot tonight, I need to hit the hay. Sleep is precious, and the morning comes much too quickly!

Hehe!

2007-01-27T11:48:00.000-08:00

Haha! I got this in an email today...I just can't stop laughing!!!!!!!!!

I used to LIKE seeing the sunrise....

2007-01-26T06:55:00.000-08:00

The title of the post says it all...I've learned how to make coffee and sandwiches in my sleep! With this new job of his, Jim needs to get up at 0415! That's AM for you non-military folks! LOL I don't know how Gina has done it all these years for Bill. Maybe she's like me and goes back to sleep till a decent hour, like when the sun is up. :)

I realized the other morning how lucky I actually am, to be waking up this early and making coffee and a lunch for my husband. In class the day before, my friend Amanda made the comment, "Well...at least you HAVE a husband!" She's been dating this guy for 6 years and waiting and waiting (sometimes more patiently than others) for him to propose. After my wedding, she really lit a fire under his butt about it and now they're separated. Still "seeing eachother" if you can understand it? Anyways, the comment really made me realize how lucky I am!

My semester is going to be pretty busy, but Wednesdays are my favorite day! I have PT at 0600 and class at 8, but then I'm done by noon! I get to spend the rest of the day in Lockport and come to church. It lets me recharge my batteries and prepare for the rest of the week. Also, I don't have to cook anything! Jim's Aunt Jody or my mom cooks us dinner on Wednesdays, and it's always sooooo good. Thank you God for Wednesdays!

So now I'm off to school, I can't study at home. I ALWAYS fall asleep reading! Maybe that's a sign that I keep a peaceful home? :)

Nothing much

2007-01-18T14:47:00.000-08:00

Almost one week down....14 more to go till graduation! Only 14 more weeks of school for the REST OF MY LIFE! Well, I hope. This semester is going to fly by. I'm going to blink and open my eyes with a diploma. Today was boring. I only had clinicals for an hour today for orientation. It took an hour to get there on the bus....for that! On the way back someone spilled some pop on my WHITE uniform pants. oooooh! That was God telling me to do my laundry that is piling up at home! So now i'm doing the laundry. That's all for today.

I did get some funny cartoons in my email though...

Pictures!

2007-01-16T12:47:00.000-08:00

I did NOT know I could put pictures on here! Yey! I'll put up some of my favorites.

Some days I feel like eating cake too!

This is Grace, one of our flower girls.

Grace and Alec...

This is one of my favorites!

Sofia (Grace's older sister) and me

Most dogs don't like my dad....I wonder why.

Aren't they the cutest?!!!

We have such a great marriage.....haha
OR is this couples' therapy?

Spring Review for ROTC

Playin in the leaves

Paging Gretchen......come back to reality!

2007-01-16T12:23:00.000-08:00

Well, today was my first clinical. It was spent in front of a computer learning how to use their charting system. Five hours staring at a computer. Then I got lost in the parking garage looking for my car. Picture me wandering around with my car lock/unlocker pressing the button to make it beep....... guess I shoulda remembered where I parked. Yup, real hard morning!

I still need to go get school supplies for this semester...instead of getting them yesterday, I got a little sidetracked in the kitchen. I only planned on making the chicken pot-pie for dinner (thank you Miss Julie!). While looking thru my recipes, I found one for cranberry-orange coffeecake, so I made that. Then I noticed the bananas needed to get used up and whipped up some banana bread! Finally, I got around to making the pot pie....which was done just in time for James to scarf it down.

There's the banana bread...mmm (after breakfast)

And there's the cranberry orange bread.

Snow!

2007-01-15T06:57:00.000-08:00

I am sooooo excited about the snow! There's this great sledding hill by McCormick place that I want to go to....

School starts again tomorrow. ICK! I'm getting all my books/binders together today, maybe baking later. Here's my class schedule so far:

Monday:
12:45-2:25 Advanced Med/Surg
7pm-9:30 Healthcare Ethics

Tuesday:
6:45-2:00 Advanced Med/Surg Clinicals
@Swedish Covenant

Wednesday:
5:45-7:00AM NROTC PT
8:15-11:15 Nursing Ethics

Thursday:
2:00-7:00 Advanced Med/Surg Clinicals
@Rehab Institute of Chicago

Friday:
12:45-2:25 Advanced Med/Surg

Might I say this semester is going to be alot better than the last! Last semester, I took 21 credit hours. This semester I only have 11 for the first half, or first rotation. After the first half, it goes down to 3, but I have my CRT (clinical role transition) where I work with a nurse full-time. Whenever she works, I work. (UNLESS it's a SUNDAY!) I have to get 168 hours with this nurse.....so I think I'll be a little busier come the latter part of the semester! But nothing compared to last semester!!!!!!

Thank GOD I'm almost done! Pray that I get all A's this semester, I want to graduate magna cum laude (GPA>3.70) I'm already there, but I need to stay there.

I'll write more later, I need to get this day started

Waffles and Cheesecake

2007-01-13T18:14:00.000-08:00

Well today was filling, physically and mentally! James and I spent the night at my parents house, and got to sleep in. Anything past 7am is "sleeping in" for us...it was so great! Then I made some waffles in the waffle iron given to me by my grandma when I was young. It is chrome and cast iron....and electric. It even has a CLOTH cord cover, so you know it's old! So I made waffles, and then we remembered that there was leftover cheesecake in the fridge...mmm! You can probably guess what I ate next.

The cheesecake was from last night. My family celebrated my sister's graduation and 2 birthdays; my sister's and my dad's. We all went to Louie's Chophouse and enjoyed a De-Licious meal. (an expensive one!) I was the only one to FINISH all my steak and food. I think there's a bible verse somewhere about gluttony...maybe I should reread that one! I was so full.

Today was the graduation ceremony. It was neat because it was the first mid-year graduation ceremony ever. It was a small one, only 100 graduates. My graduating class had over 700, so it seemed very small to me! The Air Force junior ROTC kids did the colors, but after seeing it in the REAL military......I noticed the little things.....the way they don't march in step, the barely audible order to post the colors, the slack posture of those standing at "attention".... Sometimes I wish I could just NOT notice these things! But having gotten yelled at many times in my orientation to the military known as ROTC for sloppy salutes/marching/posture/etc, I guess it's made me more nit-picky myself!

The ceremony was wonderful though, I really enjoyed seeing my sister walk the stage and get her diploma. We never really got along when we were younger, but now we see more eye-to-eye and it's awesome. She actually LIKES me! yey! Even after I tried to cage, tie up, and make traps for her when we were younger! :)

I can't believe I graduated 4 years ago. It seems like yesterday that I was a senior in high school, and now I'm a senior at Loyola. Crazy. Seems like I just met James in history class, now I'm MARRIED to him! In May I graduate and I still don't know where i'm going. Should I be excited? I'm kinda just scared. I'm really glad to be done, don't get me wrong, but afraid to be away from family and home. At least I'll have company.

Well, time to go watch a movie. Hopefully this mess all makes sense!

The Beginning

2007-01-10T12:00:00.000-08:00

Well, I'm going to try to keep this thing up to date....