All this free time......

To actually do some projects I have pinned from pinterest

to read fiction

to take a loooong bath

to just hang out with Dave

to work an extra day a week at my job

to bake

For Mr Mack

I sent out my graduation announcements with a "Thank You" to all of those that helped me along this path.  Dave watched me writing all of those letters and then asked "where's my letter?".  It was then that I realized that Dave made it trough nursing school, too.

I had planned on thanking him, but as I though about all that he went through these last two years, a card and letter didn't seem like enough. I don't know how I will ever show him how greatfull I am for his love and support, but I hope this is a start...........


My Mr Mack,

     You have believed in me, and that in and of itself is amazing.  But, you have also done so much more.  You pushed me to go back to school, you spent many lonely hours while I was studying (away from you and the kids so I would not get distracted).  You woke up after working a graveyard shift to come pick me up from class, everyday.  You helped me through those rejection letters and you cried with me when I finally got into a program.

You put up with my OCD, took me out to movies just to get my mind off of all the stress.  You made me laugh through my tears and tried to convince me that I was worried over nothing.  You gave up your computer, your free time at home, your happy, stress free wife.  You realized (so many times) the real reason I was grumpy and nagging (and you had the patience to stay calm and indulge my rants).  That deserves a medal!

There were so many times that I was pushed to the edge ( I had not gotten an A on a test, or was worried that one concept or another would never sink in).  You would pull me out of my pity session and tell me how awesome you thought I was.  Then you would make me laugh.  You participated in my pre-test rituals, as silly as they seemed, and  you helped me celebrate when the test was over. 

You loved me, through it all, despite my personality changes.  You are my rock, my dependable guy, my strength and my humor.  I am here because of you, because you always believed in me.  Because you are my husband.

Love,
Angie Mack, RN

Here we are

I am sitting here enjoying a cup of coffee, getting ready to dive into my books to study for my LAST test of nursing school!  It is bittersweet, but I am so glad to be done! 

It has been a trying couple of years.  I cried, a lot.  Mostly due to stress and feeling overwhelmed, sometimes because I thought I wouldn't get through it.  But, here we are.........

I MADE IT!

I didn't make it alone, however.  I had a lot of people cheering me on.  I had an amazing support system.  People believed in me when I had trouble believing in myself.  Every funny picture or encouraging facebook post got me through it.  Every time Dave made me laugh through my tears is worth it now (see my next post for my "thank you" letter to Dave). 

I am Angie Mack, RN!

The only thing in my way now is the NCLEX.  But with a 96% percent chance of passing on my first try and a month to study, I will rock it! 

Thank you all for believing in me and helping me along the way.  I hope that I can pay forward all of your kindness as I become a nurse.

Things can change so fast

   Never take those you love for granted, life can change in a heart beat. 

Engagement Pics

Even small shindigs are a lot of work

     Theresa wants a simple wedding and a small ceremony, and I am suprised at the amout of planning that is already involved.  But, I  am greatful that she wants me involved (that old 'step-mom' insecurity can still sometimes gets the best of me).  I'm the mom that she is calling/texting all the time about who to call and when to get announcements out.  We sit up late and talk about decorations,  and color themes and locations.  I wouldn't trade it for the world.

     This on top of my graduation planning and Drew's graduation planning (and the tests that need to be passed between now and then)  has got me stressed and overwhelmed even more.  (What's new, right?)  There seem to be so many small details involved in all 3 of these events. 

Here's a quick time frame:

My Graduation-Saturday May 11th in Hurricane (along with mine and Dave's anniversary AND Mother's day that weekend)

Drew's Graduation- Thursday June 6th (at the Maverick Center in SLC)

My NCLEX (licesing Exam) sometime in June

Theresa's and Drew's birhtdays in July

Theresa's Bridal Shower- Saturday August 3rd (in SLC somewhere)

Wedding reception- sometime in August in St George still trying to decide on a date

     Studying/work/free time is squeezed in there somewhere.  Oh, and there's the little family vacation to fit in somewhere, too. 

All exciting, good things.......but time consuming

Makes Me Feel Old

Theresa is engaged!

We knew that this was coming, but it is still so surreal.  Am I old enough to be a mother-in-law? 

Zane is a great kid that loves our Theresa so much.  The happy couple has big plans for their future together.  It is so exciting to watch them begin their lives together

We will be sure to keep everyone posted on the wedding news as it happens