This is what I know.

I know it is Christmas Eve, and I sit here alone. I'm on-call. Not many patients want to be in the hospital on Christmas. I know this is the first Christmas I've never been with my family. It's strange because it doesn't even feel like Christmas at all. I know there will be other Christmases with family, but I can't help but miss them all. Even though I will get to have Christmas dinner with a a wonderful friend's family, it won't be the same. Not bad, just different. This time of year is always hard for me. Although I love Christmas and everything it means, I can't help but think of others who are less fortunate than I, or families that aren't together for one reason or another. Maybe there was a miscommunication or past hurt feelings. Whatever it is, wouldn't Christmas be the perfect time to heal it? I know Christ can heal all things, and sometimes I wish we would all just let Him.

I know that I'm in love. I'm in love with Sydney Marie. 5lbs that have completely won me over. I know she is loved. I know her mama is the best and I know her Grandma is totally smitten with her. I know it killed me to leave them all last week. I know her squeeks and the way she stretches when I un-swaddle her. I know I wouldn't trade knowing these things for the world. I know I paid way too much money to buy an airline ticket just to know these things, but knowing her far surpasses any amount of money. I know being there for my sister in a scary time has never meant more to me. I know being a nurse has never felt so good. I know my

sister and I will share a special bond over this experience and I hope I get to do it with every baby of hers and she with mine. I know I felt such happiness seeing my mom hold her granddaughter, just hours old. I know we could all feel the pain my sister was feeling, though we weren't actually experiencing it. Something about the people you love, when they hurt, you hurt. When they cry, you cry. And when they smile, you smile. I know it's this crazy connection God gave us when we were all sewn together with blood and sinews in our mother's womb. It's that connection that makes us family. It's that connection that makes us hurt each other sometimes. Or take it for granted. It's that connection that keeps us together.

So, Merry Christmas to all. Share time with your family and friends. Love them. Know them. Heal wounds, new and old. Accept each other. Anything that is inhibiting your family connection needs to be done away with. Time is short. Life should not be taken for granted. Reconnect with what you KNOW.

From now on we all will be together

If the fates allow

Hang a shining star upon the highest bow

And have yourself a merry little Christmas now

Snow Bunnies!!

Last weekend my friend Carly came to visit me! It was a great time to just hang out, cook for someone other than myself, and go skiing!! We had a blast.

I didn't have too many falls, but the falls I took were hard! I have a nice bruiser on my knee. One run I tried to be cool like Carly(she is a much more advanced skier than I) and go off a little jump. This is how it went; Kelsy picking up speed, Kelsy bending her knees a top of jump, Kelsy airborn, Kelsy regretting decision to be "cool," Kelsy hitting snow, Kelsy's butt hitting snow, Kelsy's skis in air above her, Kelsy splattered all over snow, Kelsy laughing.

It was such a beautiful, cold day! This might be my outdoor activity because other than this there is nothing to do here in the winter! Who wants to come skiing with me?!!!

Stay tuned for pictures of my decorated Christmas tree!!!

PMSes

I forgot to mention in my last post all my wonderful PMSes(pretty much sisters). I have wonderful, spectacular friends whom I love for so many reasons. Thank you all for being so great to me. I only hope I can be as good a friend as you’ve been to me.

Kaleena Bean- Sitting the bench for Basketball seasons and laughing while comparing how few minutes we played at the State Tourney, our friendship will live on forever. We understand each other in so many ways.

Rhoda- Living together for 5 years in college; thank God we had our emotional breakdowns at opposing times. You’ve encouraged my spiritual growth more than you know. Thanks for being my buddy.

Carly- I can always count on you to bring a good bottle of wine and I love you for that. We fight like sisters, but always make up in the end. Thank you for accepting all the many names I’ve assigned to you, Caa.

Steph- You’ve been such a role-model to me. I’ve learned so much watching you raise your daughters. Thanks for sharing with me. Literally, all those gift cards or gas cards you said you "wouldn't" use...who doesn't use gas, come on! You are the most giving person I know.

The Asbjornsen Gals (Sue, Kelsey, Amy, and Andi, and of course Grandma Dee- So thankful for you all in my life. Wish I could see you more. And Kels, our childhood play dates were grand, fighting over who would play with Sarah Elizabeth and breaking the bunk bed twice. Love you girl.

Julie-You are a true testament of what a superior friend is. Thanks for all the care packages. And for understanding my sense of humor. You were my stand in sister when both my sisters were out of the country, and you’ve remained since and always.

Nurse Kristin- Too many inside jokes to list, but I’m shameless and always will be when I’m around you. From listening to each other’s bellys with our stethoscopes to walking the stage at graduation, we’re special nurses who will always share a bond over urine output and starting IV’s, oh and plenty other things.

Week in Photos

I had a wonderful week of friends and family coming over to my part of the mountains. It was so nice to see familiar faces, drink coffee, and enjoy the great outdoors of Montana.
Here's a glimpse...

My good friend, Julie, who (thank God) lives close by
Check out her blog, here.Coffee with the best family everMy Good friend Kelsey...yes we have the same name. We are Kelsy B and Kelsey A. (used to be, now she is Kelsey H.)
Check out here blog, here.Planting my "tree pose"My mom and I biking, I was on a bike as I was taking that pic!!Yep, I caught that!!Here we are at an outdoor concert