DesignedToMove.org

As a soon-to-be pediatric nurse and future mother, I can't help but be passionate about the Designed to Move campaign.  For the first time in history, this generation is expected to die five years younger than their parents. Chronic disease is on the rise, obesity is out of control and kids spend more time playing video games than they do being active. It's about time that we make a change.

Parent and caregivers have the responsibility to model and encourage active lifestyles. Watch the video below and click HERE to learn more about the campaign and what you can do to help brake the cycle of inactivity, obesity and chronic disease.

designedtomove.org

bittersweet

I'm not one for bittersweet chocolates... I'm more of a milk chocolate girl. I find myself viewing life with that same perspective. I really like the sweet stuff but I could leave the bitterness.

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Today Ross and I mourn, along with many others, for a beautiful, innocent life that was peacefully taken into eternity with our Heavenly Father. While we are so at peace knowing Natalie is free of pain, our hearts ache for her family as they mourn the loss of such a young life.

Just yesterday, Ross and I attended a prayer gathering for Natalie. We laid hands upon her, kneeled at the cross and shed more than a few tears. How grateful we are for those few precious moments we shared with her and our LORD. We were honored and blessed to have known Natalie and we anxiously await the day when she will greet us at heaven's gates.

Today as the news of her passing sank into our hearts, we dreamt of what it will be like to see Natalie in heaven. Our guess is that she will be in charge of heaven's zoo, looking after all of the animals. She loved animals and she enjoyed pretending to be a baby tiger or puppy. Until that day when we meet Natalie again, Ross and I vow to be even more grateful for each day and to never let the memory of Natalie fade from our hearts.

To learn more about Natalie and her story, you can read her family's blog HERE.

In their post today, Natalie's parents referenced Psalm 16 verses 9-11. I too, find them to be fitting in this time. The book of Psalms has brought much comfort to the family during Natalie's illness.


⁹                          Therefore my heart is glad and my tongue rejoices; 

my body also will rest secure, 

because you will not abandon me to the realm of the dead, 

nor will you let your faithful one see decay. 

You make known to me the path of life; 

you will fill me with joy in your presence, 

with eternal pleasures at your right hand.

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An Almost Nurse - Part 2

I began this series back in September and haven't touched it since. As the school year began, I was overwhelmed with the realization that in less than a year I would (hopefully) be a licensed nurse. Now, as I look ahead to next October, I see even more changes to come. If all things go as planned, Ross and I could be married, living in Chicago, both working full time. Talk about growing up.

I like the way that Jess Lively talked about growing up in her post HERE. Below is an excerpt that struck a chord with me...

"While I waited (very) impatiently for this move and the general life transitions I’ve had lately, I now find myself in a completely new life. I thought that I would feel resplendent. Triumphant. Confident. I had designed my life with such great intention that I was able to take the steps needed to craft the life I always imagined. But though the fairy tale came true, the reality is that I am now in uncharted waters... Though I dreamed of this moment in time for the past three months incessantly, I look around myself and say “how did I get here?” I have a lot of growing to do."

I am anxiously awaiting the transitions to adulthood, married life, motherhood, etc. As Jess says, though, these transitions bring us into uncharted waters. We dream, wish and hope for so many years. Then one day we are actually living it and wondering, "How the heck did I get here?" and "What in the world am I supposed to do now?"

As many of my married friends would attest, it's something you muddle through. No number of self-help books or hours spent planning can prepare us for the changes that are to come.

Life is the ultimate example of on-the-job-training.
That's supposed to be the fun part right?

Daily Dose of Inspiration

Ross and I have been dialoging a lot lately about our future goals, ambitions and priorities. We are hoping to realign our perspectives with where God is calling us both as individuals and as a couple. The following images really spoke to me as we continue to discern God's mission for our lives.

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Skype, Smiles and Success

Ross and I had a Skype date this morning. Look how happy we are to see each other!

Smiles & Coffee

We were feeling very grown up because this was a pre-planned Skype date to discuss future-y stuff like goals, finances, academics, etc. We talked for about TWO hours and didn't quite get to everything our discussion list. We plan to finish the convo tonight. We made some HUGE progress and had some majorly effective communication. Growing up is scary/tough stuff but having a partner to go through it all with makes it way more fun.

Happy Wednesday to you all! I'm off to the office and so is Ross.
Wow, we really are adults.

25 Before 25

Inspired by Anne at Anne the Adventurer, and her plan 25 before 25, I've decided to make my own list of 25 things to do before I'm 25 years old. The major difference between Anne's plan and mine is that I have about 3 1/2 years to complete my list. Therefore, I have a few big picture goals on the list with a few more easily attainable tasks sprinkled in. Take a look....

Rules of the project:

• #23, 24, and 25 are left blank intentionally to allow for creativity and spontaneity later on.
• All items on the list must be crossed off ON or BEFORE May 22nd, 2016.
• For each item that is completed, I will write a blog post to document the activity.
• Overall progress posts will be completed every 6-12 months. 
• I reserve the right to edit, add to or adjust the list as I see fit.
• Failure to complete the list gives you all permission to mock me for the rest of my life.

What do you guys think about the idea of a bucket list for a 20-something-year-old? What would you put on your list? Do you have any suggestions or advice for my list? 

Around Town

I want to share a few of the internet hmm's, haha's, ooh's and aah's I've found lately.

• Tips on how to be successful at the flea market HERE
• Antelope Canyon
• Banana Slicer... scroll down and read the comments HERE
• Cleaning tips for the OCD HERE.
• Ghost in the bathroom stall.... *warning: not for those who cannot appreciate potty humor*

Slowing Down

The speed of life has seemed to slow down just a bit. If only slightly and if only for a moment. I am trying to cherish this time, knowing that it won't last forever.

It seems I've missed many documentation opportunities on the blog because I've been enjoying living and enjoying rather than being glued to a computer screen. I have managed to snap a few pictures along the way that I would like to share with you.

He's going to be a great poppa...

Lately, I've spent a lot of time babysitting this cute little girl! When her momma asked if Ross and I could help out so she could have a date night with her hubby, we were beyond excited.

9.19.12

Speaking of Ross... We recently celebrated 3.5 years together :) This beautiful bouquet was a lovely surprise delivered to the office on our anniversary. We have grown a lot over the past few years. I can't wait to see where God leads us next.

Speaking of Mom... My family came to visit a week or so ago. We had a great day at the Huskie vs. Kansas football game. This past weekend I went home to spend some more time with the family. 

Mom and I at the football game.

Proud Huskie Love!

Homemade fondu time with my sister.

Since the world has slowed down a bit, I've had a bit more time to indulge. Starbucks, shopping, and scripture to name a few. These are the things that help me to feel renewed and refreshed as the Fall season begins to settle in...

Salted Caramel Mocha... Yum.

Parker Palmer, inspirational speaker.
Julia Spears, inspirational boss.
Scarves and sweaters <3

Target : $7 shoes and dollar bin scores

Farmers Market Produce

Resale shop success: $5 LBD & jeans that fit just right.

Along with retail therapy, coffee and motivational people, I've made time to spend in the Word of God. Scripture always has a way of speaking to my heart. Alexa and I recently started a new bible study together. I was so anxious to get started, I did the first day before watching the introductory video. The next day, my oldest and dearest friend Leah called. We had some catching up to do. I sent her the following scripture later that night...

Jeremiah 29:11

Do you wish time would slow down? Are you counting the days until you can catch a break? Have you been running on fumes? What have you done for yourself lately? Whatever it is you enjoy, I encourage you to indulge this week. You deserve it.