The celebrations begin!!!

Today was one of the best days in a long time, hands down!!!  Everyone from work was wonderful today!  At lunch time, they had a cake celebrating my graduation!  It was so yummy!

Not only was that enough, the MA's and RN's at work all took me out to Carrabba's for a fabulous dinner and Sangria!!! 

They all said the sweetest things to me and gave me a GC to get my nails done!!!  FABULOUS!!!

I cannot believe graduation is finally here!  Graduation practice is tomorrow!  I'm getting my hair "did" and have the cutest dress to wear for my special day!!!!

Woohoo!  Party Party!

I'M DONE!!!!!!!!!!

So, today after a long 30 minute presentation, I completed all my requirements for my bachelors in nursing!!!!!!! I'm finally done.  I picked up my cap and gown today too =)  Kinda surreal that it's all over.  A bittersweet kind of feeling.

Can't wait to see you all on Sunday!!  Let the celebration begin! =)

~Ashlie

Winter Fun

The only time I enjoy winter, is when I get to play outside in it.  I hate driving in it and being cold.  Today was actually the perfect day for sledding!  It was in the mid 40's so we didn't have to bundle up as much.  There is still so much of the snow left from the many snow falls this month, but we still had a good time!

Lover's 

Shelden being a dare devil

Lola's getting sleepy after all the running

Wesley just can't get enough of all the snow!

All in all, it was a pretty fun day!  Nana made us chili and corn bread when we got there and then we sat by the fireplace to warm up!  The highlight of the whole day was seeing Doug and Shelden wipe out as I pulled them on the sled behind the 4-wheeler!  Too fun!

Nursing License

Today, I mailed all the requirements to the Ohio Board of Nursing!!!!  I had to do a background check, fingerprints, passport picture (which turned out horribly and I hope it doesn't come back to haunt me in the future *lol*), and have the form notarized.  I had Dr. Lichtblau notarize it for me from work.  Kind of made it special that way =)  So, I mailed all my forms and check!!!

Last requirement is to actually pay for the exam and take it...geesh!  A lot of things to do just for a paper that says I'm safe and competent to practice nursing! Hopefully with everything in, I can take the test in March!!

And the countdown for graduation is 11 days!!!  Can't wait!!!

Happy 4th Birthday Lola

Tomorrow, we have reached another milestone with Lola!!!  She turns 4!!! =)  These have been a long 4 years but time well spent.  She drives us nuts but we do love her!

I remember the day we picked her up!  Doug and I have been discussing getting another animal but were unsure of the type of breed and the size of the dog.  We kept going back and for between a smaller breed and a larger breed.  We went to Jack's aquarium at Easton and fell in love with the cutest Airedale puppy.  We knew that would be our next dog.  We did all the research and thought we learned everything...

So, for my 23rd birthday Doug surprised me with taking me on a road trip.  I had no idea but had suspected that we might be getting a dog.  Doug would not tell me anything.  So, we started on this long drive and I kept seeing signs for the Ohio Caverns and Doug made it seem like he was taking me there.  I was not happy!!!  *lol*  But then we pulled off and he had me switch seats (I had been driving) and handed me an envelope filled with cash.  I was a bit confused.  He then told me we were heading to Indian lake to "look" at some puppies!  I was ecstatic!!!  We couldn't get there fast enough.

As we pulled up, we were greeted by Lola's cousins and the owners.  She took us inside their house into the back where there were a bunch of little fluffy Airedale puppies!!  The first one came out and immediately greeted us.  I hugged and kissed her and she then proceeded to eat my necklace.  Doug took her and then she proceeded to bite his ears.  Needless to say, that was the one we picked....

Little did we know what she had in store for us.  She was and still is so full of energy!  We have our good days and bad but when I look back through these 4 years, I wouldn't change a thing!  Lola has the sweetest spirit about her.  She also has a temper and likes to back talk and grumble but those are her quirks.

She makes me laugh so hard sometimes! The little things she does just crack us up.  Her happiest days are when she's at nana's and can run, swim, and roll in raccoon poo.  She loves the dog parks and the freedom of an open field to just run!  She also loves to snuggle on the couch or our bed when it's allowed.  She also loves to bug the cat and have him chase her all over the house.  She loves to play tug-o-war and sleep upside down in the tub.

As hard as these past 4 years have been, Lola has brought a special spark to our lives and are thankful that she puts up with us!!

Happy 4th Birthday Lola!!

We love you!