Hello Seattle!

Tomorrow morning we leave for Seattle & Canada! Of course we have waited till the last minute to pack...hence the reason I am still awake. But a little bit of that is our excitement. We have been talking about going to Seattle for over a year now and our list of things to do gets longer by the day. It's going to be a great 6 days with my husband, a map, a bustling city, and lots of adventure! 

We plan on sleeping here....

Grabbing a cupcake here....

Making a morning stop here....

Finding the best view of the city from here...

and much more!

Showering our new sister - in - law

Planning started the day Trent proposed. Ok, maybe not really but soon after ideas started buzzing in our heads on what to do for our soon to be sister-in-law's shower. The colors for the wedding are a pale, pale pink and white. Perfect for a shower! Soft and delicate looking.

For the past few months many ETSY purchases have been made, lots of online browsing, many phone calls and texts between Heidi, Katie, and I, and of course a last minute run to the flower mart and Shenodahs for the final touches. It all came together and it was beautiful! 

Teri is wonderful and it was a treat to plan this shower for her. Every detail, color, idea had her in mind and the joy this day would bring her as those who love her so much would shower her with love and blessings on the upcoming marriage. In June I will be officially getting my 6th sister and you really can't have too many. I think 6 is the perfect number and I am so thankful for these women who are such a huge part of my life. Trent found a true treasure for a wife and I look forward to the day when our kid are running around together!

Here are a few pictures of her day! Can you see the joy overflowing from her? A true blushing bride to be! 

Heidi took their engagement pictures and than put one on a canvas for the almost newlyweds!

They made her some pretty sweet cards :-)

Teri has lots of ladies in her life now who love her lots!

Per request of Katie a silly picture had to be taken ;)

If you click on the link below you will the video Heidi made of the shower pictures she took! What a fun morning!   Teri's Shower

Pinned ya

When the talk of our nursing pinning ceremony began, the only thing that would come to my mind was the quote from the Lion King, " Pinned ya. Pinned ya again!" =)

Most wonder what a pinning ceremony is. No, it's not graduation. I will still walk in May like any other college graduate. But this is a special, intimate ceremony specifically for nurses to celebrate the accomplishment as well as it is a tradition that has been passed on for many, many years. It is a way for the faculty we had throughout the program to "pin" us as an RN showing we made the transition from student to colleague. 

At first I was not going to go. My school had declared we could only bring one guest, our pinner. My parents cannot make my graduation in May ( actually, I don't know if I can either!) so they decided to come out for the pinning even if they could not come in. After much thought, I realized I needed to be at this ceremony. I have worked way too hard and wanted this way too much to not take part in it. We were planning on just eating dinner with my parents after to celebrate but they ended up letting them come in for the ceremony which was such a blessing. My parents have been down this road with me through the good and the bad so I wanted them there more than anything.

As I was pinned a message I had written for Trav was read. He leaned down to hug me and gave me an awkward kiss. ( I told him before hand not to kiss me in front of everyone because I am awkward. Well, sweet Trav did anyways and I, of course, made it an awkward moment!) One of my favorite professors handed me my Florence Nightengale lantern that I will say I am proud to own. Florence used to carry a lantern through the battle field as she helped the wounded. They said when they saw the light they knew help and comfort was coming. So each student is given one and we light each others to symbolize the healing we will always bring to those who come our way. After that we recited the Florence Nightengale  Pledge. I felt so silly but through the whole thing my eyes were filled with tears and that pledge caused them to spill out. 

 

I solemnly pledge myself before God and presence of this assembly;
To pass my life in purity and to practice my profession faithfully.
I will abstain from whatever is deleterious and mischievous
   and will not take or knowingly administer any harmful drug.
I will do all in my power to maintain and elevate the standard of my profession
   and will hold in confidence all personal matters committed to my keeping
   and family affairs coming to my knowledge in the practice of my calling.
With loyalty will I endeavor to aid the physician in his work,
   and devote myself to the welfare of those committed to my care.

It was a beautiful ceremony that recognized everything I have worked so hard for. I am so glad Trav and my parents were able to be a part of it.I know how proud my parents were and I think that is another thing that made it so special. Wherever we went that weekend my dad would tell people," Well, we are here because Emma is done with nursing school and officially an RN" with a huge smile on his face. ( Secretly I think he didn't think I would ever finish a program because I would give up!) But I didn't give up Dad....and I didn't get pregnant during it either! ( another concern ;)


Now it's time to find a job.......

Thankful to be an Aunt, not ant!

The other day I received this poem in an email from Maddie.  I frequently will open my email in the morning to find a cute note from her.  I love how even though my sisters and their kids live out of state, I still have a relationship with each of them that is similar to if we lived next door. In fact, last week the Butterfields were out of school and playing doctor during the day. I received a phone call from " Dr. Maddie Butterfield" and found myself playing with them over the phone. ( I just received my prescription in the mail. So cute!)

Have I mentioned being an aunt is the best?

The Best Aunt in the world!!

By Maddie Butterfield

When I talk about ants,

What do you think?

Oh, there small little insects,

So annoying and small.

Wait, didn’t I already say small?

Oh well, they are very small.

But my AUNT is everything opposite.

She is 5’7 tall,

And she is never annoying at all!

See, I told you she was different from all those little ants

If you had only believed me,

You wouldn’t have gotten ants in your pants!!

Oh yeah, and I forgot to say something,

She is the best aunt in the world!

Note from author: Hi Emma! I love you so much! You’re the best aunt (not ant) in the world!

Love, Maddie 

Two Simple Letters

RN.

Emma Hardeman, RN.

Whew, that really does look good. Who knew that two simple letters could completely change my life. And who knew it would be such a challenge to earn them!

The road to becoming an registered nurse was by no means a short, quick, and easy one. It wasn't like hopping on the 55 freeway to head straight to Newport. Instead, it was similar to heading up the curvy road to Big Bear, getting lost, hitting a few road blocks, trudging uphill against all the bad weather, and finally making it to the destination.

I should have always known I would be a nurse. In 2nd grade I choose Clara Barton for a class book ( shoe box ) project. In 3rd grade, I choose Florence Nightingale. In 4th grade I began reading Cherry Ames novels. Mystery + nursing = captured my heart. I used to line up all the dolls and animals in my room to make a hospital. I was fascinated. I was intrigued. I was born to be a nurse.

But when the time came for me to decide where I would attend college and what I would do with my life I let fear overcome me. I remember sitting in my dad's office at the high school talking about the future. He looked right at me and said," You are supposed to be a nurse. You will be incredible. Go for it, Emma." But of course, I didn't. I wanted to go to Concordia. I loved music and my sister who was my music teacher was my inspiration....I wanted to be like her in so many ways. I started taking the education and music classes only to realize I was not born with the gift He had blessed my sister with. While it was my passion and I truly love to sing, as a career it was not where He was calling me.

My dad used to leave cards on the steps at home of Army and Navy nurses or local nursing jobs. His sly way of reminding me that even though I didn't think so, my dad knew it was the right field for me. At CUI, they gave us this test that "showed" areas to work in that utilized our strengths. Can you guess my number one? Nursing. Can you guess what was close to the end of the list? Teaching. ( Surprisingly "Chef" was 2nd on the list. haha) 

When I finally choose to face my fears and go after not only my heart but to where I could feel God was leading me I was hit with road block after road block. Classes I needed at junior colleges were full. Azusa told me to "hang around" for another year, taking random classes, to sit on a waiting list. I became an LVN simply to bypass the wait list for nursing programs. After that was complete and I was ready to begin my RN program, God had to once again remind me how badly I wanted this. I was told my classes I had already taken were expired and needed to be re-done. It was one thing after another.

Looking back, I can see so many times that I could have easily given up. But I didn't. ( Although, trust me, there were days I wanted to!) If it wasn't for my famiy and friends constantly encouraging and supporting me, I probably would have. If it wasn't for the fact that I know without a doubt in my mind this is where the Lord has called me, I would have. My sister told me along the way, " The things you want most in life are the hardest." Wow, was she ever right!

This program, this journey, was the hardest thing I have done. I gave up an awful lot to get to this point. Trav and I made huge sacrifices. I had to suck it up and say," No" to hanging with friends or playing hide and seek with my nephews. I had to shut out the world on most days so I could study, read, and take practice exams until my mind was numb. 

But we made it. My boards are over with and I am officially a licensed registered nurse. I still get teary eyed when I hear it. It's really real. 

This feeling of reaching a goal is indescribable. I've never worked so hard for something and I've never wanted something so bad. I cannot wait to begin my future job, wherever that may be, and care for each individual hat comes my way. I'm so very thankful for each person who encouraged me, prayed for me & Trav, and supported the two of us through this. 

We are praising and rejoicing as this chapter of our lives closes and a new one is about to begin!

Wicked

Ever wondered they story behind the "Wizard of Oz?" Ever wondered why the Wicked Witch is indeed wicked ( or not;)? Do you simply love good Broadway music, fabulous costumes, and a story that grabs at your heart? Than it is a must you go see the musical, Wicked.

Trav and I saw it once, years ago, and fell in love. (surprisingly he did too.) When we were dating he was so great about coming to see shows with me. I usually received tickets as birthday or Christmas gifts and Trav would always be my date. I loved that he was honest with me about his feelings for each one. For instance, Oklahoma was not a favorite but he said he could see Jersey Boys over and over again. And than we saw Wicked. The night we saw it was eventful. I basically broke my nose and was in getting an xray just an hour or two before we left. I was devastated. We had been waiting for so long to see it and than when we did see it, I couldn't put my glasses over my swollen nose which led to missing out on have of the show.

But, we saw it again. My sister and her husband gave us tickets to see it for Christmas. And the timing couldn't have been more perfect. We saw it last week, just a day after I found out I passed my boards! (post to follow...) What a perfect celebration! We had without a doubt the best seats in the house, I did not have a broken nose, saw the whole thing perfectly, and it was even better the second time. 

( I had a handsome date!)

It's a wonderful story and the music will be in your head for weeks! If you haven't seen it, it is still out here at the Performing Arts Center and I am sure it will be in LA soon! 

I'm really hoping they make a movie with the original Broadway cast. How incredible would that be?!

It really is magical!

( all photos courtesy of playbill.com)

We plan on being Sleepless in Seattle!

We have been planning this trip....well, I should saying dreaming....for awhile. When I started my RN program we always said that once it was over we would take a trip to someplace we have always wanted to go. Different options were thrown around but we always came back to Seattle. We talked about backpacking through Europe but when we realized we could do everything we wanted in Seattle and Canada for the same price as one ticket to Europe, that sealed the deal. 


But real life hit. Cars needed to be fixed, root canals done, and unexpected school bills creeped up. The week of our tax appointment we were feeling financially defeated. After all, we moved home to save money yet we were turning it all over to school and dental bills. If we owed for taxes we would both be in tears. During our tax appointment our dear tax man looked at us and said, " What amount would you be happy with for a refund?" At the same time Trav and I both replied, " Not owing anything!" He smiled, gave us our amount, and our jaws dropped. This year's tax return was a gift from above no doubt. We would be able to pay off yet another medical bill, put money back into savings, and......go to Seattle! 


So, at the end of the month we will be heading to Seattle, Vancouver, and maybe even Victoria for a fun filled vacation! Trav and I have learned these past 3 years that we LOVE traveling together. While it's usually to go see family, our trip to Colorado this past fall proved how much we love touring new cities and seeing what is out there. We have tons of sites we are planning to see....we may need another vacation when we come home just to rest up! 


I can't wait for this time to be adventurous with my Trav. It's a perfect way to celebrate the end of this journey we have been on. Thank you Jesus for this wonderful gift and for our tax angel :-)

Here are some sites on our agenda.....

Ah, she is a beauty!

This is #1 on Trav's list to see. He wants to watch the fish being thrown....and maybe go on a food tour!

Can't see Seattle and not go to the first Starbucks!

Sheraton Seattle where we will crash at the end of our busy days!

Up North is the tulip festival. We may have to pay a visit!

We are heading to Grouse Mountain in Vancouver to....ZIPLINE =)

While we are facing fears of heights, we might as well cross the Capilano Suspension Bridge :)

Hurry up March 30....we're ready for some adventure!