Whole Body Living

Hey Everyone!

I decided over the past few weeks that I'd like to start a Health Blog. A place where I can post about different health topics, concerns, and answer health questions. 

With a little help from the hubby, a little of my creative mind, here is what I have come up with:

Whole Body Living

I hope you will read along, and please, if you have questions, or a topic you'd like covered, send me an email at: mollybrown@creighton.edu

Goodnight!

Wedding Pictures

Hey Everyone,

Remember how I got married last month?!

Here are a few pictures....

All compliments go to Lane Photography, who did an awesome job!

Want to see all the pictures? Click here to watch my magic day unfold!

Sour Cream Chocolate Chip Coffee Cake

Good Evening!

Today, I spent the majority of the day at the clinic getting back into the swing of things. It was really quite nice. I enjoyed meeting new people, seeing patients, and doing my write-ups. Nerd alert. Yes, I enjoyed doing my write-up.

But, onto more exciting things. I'm becoming quite buddy-buddy with the lady who did our cake for our wedding, Paula. She's awesome, and a fantastic baker! She's been helping me out, and giving me tips! Seriously, she's a life saver when it comes to knowing if you have whipped your whip cream enough! 

Anyways, I haven't seen Dave's Godmother since we got back from our Honeymoon, so I invited her over tomorrow afternoon to see the house, and drink some coffee. I texted my go-to-girl, Paula, and asked for something to make to go with the coffee. 

What did she suggest? 

 Sour Cream Chocolate Chip Coffee Cake Recipe

So, my hubby-dear (I  love being married) ran to the grocery store for me for a few minor ingredients I needed. And, after dinner, I went to work in the kitchen.

Here are a few shots of this deliciousness, goodness, creaminess, mmmm....

I think it's going to be delicious. My husband licked the beater dry. 

Here is the recipe (also linked above):

Ingredients:

½ cup sugar

1 tablespoon cinnamon

1 cup semi-sweet or milk chocolate chips

2 cups all-purpose flour

2 cups sugar

1 tablespoon baking powder

¼ teaspoon salt

1 cup butter, softened

2 cups sour cream

2 eggs

2 teaspoons vanilla extract

¼ – ½ cup extra chocolate chips

Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Combine ½ cup sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl. Add one cup of chocolate chips and set aside. In a stand mixer, mix together the flour, sugar, baking powder and salt. Mix on low speed until well combined. Add butter, sour cream, eggs, and vanilla. Beat for 2 minutes. Pour half the batter into a greased 9 x 11 pan. Sprinkle half the topping over the batter. Pour remaining batter on top. Sprinkle with the remaining topping. Add extra chocolate chips to the top.  Bake for 50 – 60 minutes or until a cake tester inserted in the center comes out clean.

Sleep tight! Can't wait for breakfast!

Bridal Shower

So,

I know this all may seem a little backward, but when I finally got around to downloading pictures from my camera tonight, I realized I needed to catch my blog up on events gone by.

So, I'm going to start with posting about my Bridal Shower. Other posts to come include: Quiltfest Weekend, Bachelorette Party, WEDDING, Christmas, and Honeymoon. I'll get caught up. Eventually.

So, to start with let me introduce you to my Bestie (Gwenn), who was gracious and sweet enough to host my Bridal shower with my Mom.

My Bestie, Gwenn, on the right.

My Shower took place on November 27th. It was the Sunday after Thanksgiving. And, it was perfect. Gwenn, along with some of my bridesmaids orchestrated a little "love letter video" from my future husband at the time to show at the shower. I was completely surprised, and loved it. Here is a link to the sweet little love letter video:

Love Letter Video Link 

We enjoyed the shower mid-morning, so we had a brunch which consisted of Christmas flavored Sangria, Breakfast Casserole, and Scones. My Aunts came into town, friends came, and Bridesmaids came...

Even, a special friend to our family, Donna Leeder, made the drive from Kansas City that Day!

 My mom (on left) & Donna L. (on right).

I opened some very nice and thoughtful gifts, and inbetween opening gifts I had to grab from the "Honeymoon bag." The Honeymoon bag was my Vera Bradley bag I packed for our Honeymoon, and it consisted of things I would need while on the Honeymoon. Some items, were what we would call "clean," and some will go unmentioned. Either way, it was my Mom's idea. Make of that what you will. :) It was a HOOT!

Dave's Godfather's Wife, Connie, to the left supplied me with everything I could ever need to bake and cook in the kitchen!

Matching orange sunglasses that Dave and I wore every single day on our Honeymoon. The locals loved it.

My Mother-in-Law (Left), Me, My Momma (Right).

Amy and I. My rooms. One of my bridesmaids. We lived together for three years and didn't cause too much trouble :)

Gwenn, Me, Jackie (another awesome Bridesmaid)!

Well, that was a fun trip down memory lane. Hope you enjoyed it. I was so thankful and grateful to have all that love and support with me on that special day for my Bridal Shower!

What kind of Nurse are you? Guest post :)

A Guest Post..

 For you, From Brooke...

Bio on Brooke: Brooke Stafford is a nurse practitioner student and also writes for a Nursing Website. The site helps students find the right nurse practitioner degree to fit their needs.

The 6 Different Types of Nursing Abbreviations and What They Mean

There are many different types of nurses and many different types of education to go along with it.  You may know what an RN is, but do you know about the other kinds of nursing options?  To help, we have gathered up six different types of nursing abbreviations and a little more about each.

1.     

RN – The Registered Nurse is the most common type of nurse abbreviation.  These are nurses who have graduated from a state approved program, passed the NCLEX-RN – or national exam for nurses, and earned a license as a nurse in their state.  Most nurses at advanced levels have an RN license.

2.     BSN – This stands for Bachelor of Science in Nursing.  It is the most common four year degree for nurses and is often used by advanced practice nurses.  It is also commonly used as a stepping stone to a graduate degree in nursing, which brings us to:

3.     MSN – The Master of Science in Nursing is also one of the most popular graduate degrees for nurses.  It is used by those seeking entry level positions as nurse educators, managers, or other advanced positions.  In some states, the MSN can be used to become an advanced practice registered nurse, or APRN.

4.     DNP – However, in many states the Doctor of Nursing Practice is the degree required for advanced level nursing positions.  It is a four year graduate level degree and is the most common of the doctorate level degrees among nurses.  It is also the most common type of education sought for nurse practitioners (NP).

5.     PhD – The Doctor of Philosophy degree is also offered to nurses.  The graduate level degree teaches the more academic and research practices of nurses.  Those most likely to seek a PhD in nursing are those who want to become teachers, researchers, and nurses who study the practice of nursing.

6.     EdD – This type of degree is similar to the PhD in nursing.  However, it focuses on the educational aspects and is called the Doctor of Education.  Those who are truly serious about a career as a nursing teacher should consider this degree.

P.S. Stay tuned for Bachelorette, Bridal Shower, Wedding, and Honeymoon pictures! We're hitched, and totally lovin' the married life! 

For My Dad...

Oh my Dad. He's the best. None other. Love him to Death. No one could ever replace Him.

So, here is my journal to my Dad before my Wedding...

Favorite Memories of Us Together...

Playing softball and you catching all one million of the pitches I ever threw. Hands down, my softball memories are some of the best memories of my life so far. We had so much fun together, we got really mad at each other, but through it all you were still my number one fan, even if it did not feel that way sometimes. :) It was some of the best years of my life so far, and I have you to thank for pushing me and helping me be the softball player that I was. Still trying to lay off the high ones, and trying not to forget Stillwell's toys for the World Series. :)

I hope you are proud of me for...

My softball accomplishments, being a Nurse, being a teacher, going to graduate school, and being who I am today.

I'm proud to have you as my Father because...

I could not imagine having any other Dad. You were and are the best. My tire is flat, you know how to fix it. My wiper blades need to be replaced, you know where to go. My house needs to be painted, you want to help me paint it. You have always, always, always been there for me no matter what, you are kind and compassionate, and I love you so much that I can't even put it into words.

What you've taught me about life...

"The hard is what makes it great, if it were easy, anyone would do it." You've always pushed me to be better at what I do whether it be in school or on the ball field or as a nurse. Some things are more painful than others, but you always made sure I came through. You believed in me, and in doing that, I have learned to believe in myself.

My Hopes and Dreams I would like to share with you...

I hope to always live close to you, because I love being near my family, you mean the world to me. I hope to graduate from graduate school and become a Nurse Practitioner, and if you're lucky I'll pursue my doctorate :) I hope to have lots of children who are healthy and happy that you can spoil rotten. I hope that Dave and I can build a life and family that you are proud of.

How you've prepared me for marriage...

 You may have a quiet demeanor at times, but you are selfless, loving, caring, and kind. I hope to be like you in my own marriage.

What I would like you to know about my relationship with my new spouse...

Dave is a very kind and gentle man. I love him, and know he will always support me in what I do, and cares about me more than anything. He is smart and intelligent, and will be the one to teach our kids about Math and Science (I'll just be there as an additive :)) I'll teach them reading and spelling! He loves to try new things and to travel, and I'm excited to be able to share a life with him.

What I want to say to you a few days before the wedding...

You are the best. I will always be your favoritist and only little girl. I love you to the moon and back. I can not thank you enough for being the best Dad in the entire world. Seriously. No one tops you. Love you.

For My Mom...

Goodmorning,

As most of you know, I am getting married in just a few days!

I really wanted to take the time to enjoy these days before the big event, and found some journaling questions I wanted to do...so, this one, is for my mom.

My Favorite Memories of Us Together...

This one is hard to pick, because we've done a lot of stuff together. But, if I had to pick, I would say the vacations we took to Colorado when you were always there to take a hot chocolate break with me, after the second ski run of the day (we know Dad doesn't fall for that). I also love running errands with you, or having morning coffee with you, or just being with you. Then, there is always when the boys left for Canada, and we cleaned the kitchen, and didn't go back into it until Dad and the boys came home. Basically, all the times we're having fun together are my favorite memories.

I hope you are proud of me for...

Going to Nursing School, and graduating, even though it was not easy. For being an Oncology nurse for three years. For deciding to go back to Graduate school even if it may take me longer than others. For the person I have become, I hope you are proud.

I'm proud to have you as my Mother because...

You're the best. Even when we don't see eye to eye, I still love you. You are fun, loving, caring, and the best Mom I could have asked for. You are one phone call away, and you usually answer by the third ring. You have been there for me throughout lifes events, and I value your presence as a Mom in my life.

What you've taught me about life....

"If it's going to be, it's up to me." I had to throw that quote in there because how many times did we hear that growing up? But, it's true. You've taught me hard work and discipline and it has paid off. You've taught me how to be a good Mom, and what it means to be there for someone.

My hopes and dreams I would like to share with you...

I hope to graduate with my Masters in Science in the area of an Adult Nurse Practitioner, and practice in either a Primary Care Setting, or maybe an Oncology or Hospice setting. I hope to have healthy and happy children, and raise them with the same values you have raised me. I hope that Dave and I can be models of love to everyone around us. 

How you've prepared me for marriage...

I know that not every day will be perfect, but I also know that if two people are willing to work it out, that it will work out. You have taught me it takes two to put forth effort in a marriage, and we plan on giving it our all. You've taught me how to love and how to be loved.

What I would like you to know about my relationship with Dave....

He is a man of integrity, and chooses to be genuine and authentic. I love him dearly, and even if we have an argument or disagreement, I know he ultimately wants us to agree or come to a compromise, and we always do. He is caring, kind, and compassionate. He helps and supports my dreams and ideas about life. We talk about everything, and we know marriage won't be easy, but we are excited to share our lives together and to build a life together through the good days and the bad.

With a few days before the Wedding, I want to say to you...

Thank you for everything you have done for me. From raising me, to this wedding, you have been the best. I love you very much, and am very grateful for all of the good and bad times we've had, and hope we have many  more to come. I love you very much, and thank you for everything you've done. I don't know what else to say besides I love you and Thank you. You're the best Mom, ever.