Just my 23rd Birthday

Oh, my 23rd Birthday!!

I ended up working on my birthday. What could be better than holding adorable babies at a job I love? Ok...well I am sure you could think of a lot of stuff. But for me it was perfect. I woke up to love and support from my wonderful roommates before heading off.

I got my first IV since I started working there and it was flawless. To top that off...it was on a baby who's veins have been weakened by antibiotic therapy and was lined up to get a PICC line. If you can't tell...I was extremely proud. :)

I ended up running a little behind at work. I was on my way out to go meet my friends for dinner and then four screaming girls came running at me. I was kidnapped and forced to go to Texas Roadhouse. Saddle and Everything.

...Rough Life...

Love these girls!!

It has been 3 1/2 years!!

Following dinner, I met up with Jarom, Hayley, and McKay to go grab dessert at The Chocolate.

 I was SO grateful to my friends and family during this day. The thought of turning 23 was a struggle for me. My life at 23 was not what I expected it to be. I never imagined to be single and still living in Utah. I remember when Bryan and Ashley got married just after turning 22. For some reason, I made that my cut off. So when I turned 23...it was completely understandable for me to freak out. But luckily I had a wonderful support system. But my conversation with Hayley on the phone as I walked the wonderful isles of Costco...was just what I needed.

Hayley has been in my place and understands exactly how I was feeling. She opened my eyes to all the blessings I have been able to experience because I wasn't married...

I have the privilege to learn and grow through working in my dream job. I have been challenged in so many ways... Graduating from a school that pushed my patience in every way. It made me question my desire to be a nurse and what I was willing to sacrifice. And because I wasn't willing to sacrifice a lot, it made me grow a thicker skin. I learned to stand up for myself while maintaining self-respect. Then there were the experiences of being humbled by every rejection. I remember feeling so defeated after job interviews. The thought of someone judging my worth and ability to meet their standards never became easy for me. Self-confidence is something I struggle with when I try to see myself through another person's perspective. I will never forget the feeling of leaving my interview from the Neonatal ICU at Timpanogos. I had so much fun being there. It just felt so right. It gave me this extra boost of confidence. I could just feel the support from my Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ. It was one of those few moments you can't doubt the Holy Ghost and the ability to be guided. Then walking out those doors with only a phone call away from my family support and the next day... being only a phone call away from my dream job coming true.

It was through the last three years and these experiences I grew immensely. Every trial...every heartache...every tear...every sad moment verse happy moment...every smile...and every blessing led me to be the person I am today. In the big picture, everything I have learned will lead me to my true happiness...being a great mother and wife. There isn't a greater blessing than that. I don't know when my time will come to walk hand in hand with my husband, but until then I need to take this time to grow into the woman that man and my kids can be proud of. The woman who can be there through my kids' heartaches and challenges, to lend a listening ear, and to teach them morals and  values the way my parents have. And most important...their significance as Children of God. That even in this crazy messed up world...there is good, and it lies within the true gospel. And it is through that gospel they will find true happiness too.

So all in all...23 really isn't that bad!! :)