Another Quick Update

Wow, life has been busy!!! I am now preparing to take my NPTE exam on Wednesday, thus my lack of free time to blog! Wedding planning is going great. I should be able to do a lot in the week and a half after the test/before I start to work (hopefully).

To catch you up...

• I ended my last clinical rotation on August 5. It was a great learning experience and I look forward to getting back after I pass my exam!
• Then I spent a week in Conway with great friends. It was stressful to give presentations, take exams, etc., but always good to be around friends.
• My family came up on Friday to see my graduation(s). The afternoon was just the PT department, followed by a reception. Then my family enjoyed dinner at Fuji's in Conway. Finally the UCA graduation was at 7:00 in the Farris Center, where I was finally announced as "Dr. Laura Ann Jacks" and hooded by the president, Dr. Allen Meadors.
• Since then I have devoted most of my time to studying. I am staying at mom and dad's, so there are plenty of other things to do during my study breaks. ;)
• Engagement pictures went well and we are getting some of the proofs back now. I found a website from which I ordered our invitations...they should be in anytime. Mrs. Terri Willett of Photography for Fun is doing all of our photography. We took the engagements around downtown Monticello and ended at the lake. I'll post more later!

This is the picture on the invitation

• Our engagement announcement was in the paper this week (September 1, 2011). We putted it in the Cleveland County Herald, Advance Monticellonian, Warren Eagle Democrat, and the Lincoln County Ledger. This is the picture in the papers:

• Also this week our wedding napkins came in and I booked the "Trotter House" for my bridesmaids and I for the night before the wedding. It's going to be some fun girl time.
• After this test, showers will begin!! I also need to get started on cleaning/organizing Brandon's house (where we will live). Bless his heart, it's definitely a bachelor pad at the present time.

To sum it all up, I am ready to have this test behind me. The practice tests have been going okay, so hopefully all my studying will pay off!

Oh yes, today I am taking my bridal portraits!!! Yes, it is also the first razorback football game of the season, but that won't get me down! We are going to Little Rock to take pictures at the capitol and at the Old Mill.

Quick Update

Life has been absolutely crazy lately!!! Just wanted to give a quick update...

1. I got my very own brand-new car on July 1! I went with the 2011 Honda Accord EX with spoiler and sun roof. It still has the new car smell. =)
2. I accepted a job at South Arkansas Rehab in Monticello, AR, where I am currently completing my final weeks of clinical rotation 5.
3. My baby sister got married on July 16, 2011. The wedding was beautiful and went off without a hitch. However, clean-up was not so pleasant and Dusty and Leah owe Brandon and I big time. I will post pictures soon..
4. Brandon and I have started going through closets and drawers in his home to clear space for my things and wedding presents... which we need to get registered for...
5. Engagement pics are next weekend...so much for my paleness due to lack of pool time this summer =(
6. I will graduate in 2 weeks and 1 day from now, which is CRAZY! Working on my portfolio, case study, and powerpoint presentation....
7. Next week is my last week of unpaid clinical work EVER! Hallelujah!
8. Then time to start studying for the board exam, which is scheduled for September 7, 2011.

Whew! That's all for now.... Hopefully i'll have more time to update soon!

Car Wreck

Well, they say everyone will have at least one wreck in their life.... so I guess mine is out of the way! CE V here in Monticello is going great. I really can't believe I am already finishing up my 4th week here! I have learned a ton already and learn more each day.

Also this week I went for an interview at Firststep-hamburg. I really enjoyed the setting and meeting all the sweet people there. It is my ideal setting-pediatrics! I look forward to hearing more about this soon! I will update asap!

Now.....for the bad news. Last friday as I was hurrying out to run errands on my lunch break, I was headed north on hwy 425. When going through the stoplight at Ray's I realized (too late) that on oncoming car was getting in the turning lane and never letting up.... Needless to say, despite my best efforts to brake, we collided and the rest is history. It all felt like a bad dream. I don't remember hearing loud noises or the sound of crashing... It was just a slow motion daydream. Upon coming to a stop I tried to put my car in park but it wouldn't go. People looking on were asking me if I was okay and I answered yes after making sure all my major joints were working. I was very shaken and lost as for what to do next. I got out of the car and a witness came to check on me. In what seemed like seconds, police, ambulance, and wreckers were all on the scene and my car was being carried off before I knew it. Thankfully Mrs. Kathy Lyon (fiance's mom) was quickly on the scene and I was able to put my things into her car. After signing paperwork and writing a statement for the police, we were quickly moved from the scene.

Mrs. Kathy rode me around and took me to lunch at a small cafe downtown. My mom arrived not long after we had ordered lunch. Most of lunch I was on the phone with the insurance company filing a claim and answering hundreds of silly questions. After that I rode with my mom to the towing company to clear out the rest of my car. Who knew a clean car could have so much junk in it?! Then I got to take these pictures of my previously healthy, low-mileage, paid-for car. =(

Needless to say, not one of my best days ever. However, I am beyond blessed to come out of it with only minor bruises and scratches. The good Lord in heaven definitely placed his guardian angels around me in that moment. I think we could all use a reminder occasionally of how unpredictable life is, despite our best plan.

Now, nearly a week later, we still haven't heard for sure if my car is totaled. In the meantime I am driving my mom's old camry. Also we are debating buying new vs. used if my car is totaled (looks like it to me) Will update on my next mode (or fixed mode) of transportation when it comes available.

Wedding Season

My time lately is devoted to WEDDINGS, both Leah's and MINE! Oh yeah, I got engaged recently on June 9, 2011. =) So, I can officially start planning...more to come.

For now, the focus is on LEAH! We have now completed 5/6 showers: Center Church, Mt. Olivet, Norton family, lingerie, and "honey-do". The Jacks family shower is coming up in a few weekends. Leah and Dusty have received SO many gifts. It has been so much fun to sit by her side at each shower and write down the gifts as she receives them. I look forward to getting all of these items set up in their home.

Leah with the grandmothers: Nannie, Mamaw, and Bo at the Center Church shower

The table at the Norton family shower

Leah and I after the Norton shower

Mom and I after the Norton shower

Like I said previously, I have been so overwhelmed by the amount of love that has been shown to Leah and Dusty. I didn't get pictures from all the showers, but they were all very pretty and fun, especially the lingerie shower! Brooke and I threw the lingerie shower and it was a Luau theme. We had lots of fun games and a super-cute cake! The handyman shower for Dusty was also very fun. It was a couples shower at Dusty's dad's house. All of the men were very jealous of all the gifts!

Until their house is ready, Leah and Dusty are storing their gifts at Mamaw and Papaw's. They have completely filled a bedroom and still have more to go. They are currently in the process of re-doing the home (before and after pictures to come). They have completed all the painting (inside and out) and are now finishing up the floors.

In the meantime, July 16th, 2011 is getting SO close! I can't believe it is already almost here! I know that everything will turn out beautifully.

Also in the meantime, I am ENGAGED!!!!!! So, yes, I am also planning a wedding for October 29, 2011! I already had many ideas in mind so I can start planning. At this point, I have already booked a photographer (Mrs. Terri Willett), and chosen bridesmaids/groomsmen. I am also very excited that we have already ordered and received the bridesmaids dresses. AND I have already started registering at Dillards and Walmart. Whew! There is so much to do, but I look forward to this fun new chapter of my life! Can't wait to post pictures of Leah's wedding!

Another Busy Transition

Well, it doesn't appear that my life is going to slow down here any time soon.... As I write this, I am enjoying my Memorial Day vacation weekend. I had Thursday and Friday off from clinicals. On Friday my family and I headed to Lake Degray. After getting camp set up we saut around and enjoyed catching up with the Richardson's, our family friends. On Saturday morning I had to come back home to attend the wedding of Derek White and Tiffany Rauls. It was a very simple, yet elegant and sweet wedding. Brandon was a groomsman and cleaned up very well in his tux! ;) Brandon and I both rode up to the lake Saturday night. On Sunday we enjoyed the day on the lake and I got a little too much sun, but we all had a great time. Dad and Brandon went fishing on Sunday and Monday mornings (while the women slept in)and did very well. We had a fish fry on Sunday night with the whole crew: Jacks, Nelson, Walker families. Now, we have just finished unloading and I am preparing for the first day of my LAST clinical! Before that though, I will reflect on the last few weeks.

CE IV flew by like a whirlwind, with moving home from Conway and Leah's graduation weekend thrown in the mix of all the clinical assignments and paperwork. Since the clinical was in Ward, I spent much of my "spare" time on the road to and from work. I am definitely looking forward to this next one being in Monticello!

The move home went well but was a very long process for me. Mom and Dad actually brought all of my furniture home the weekend of Leah's graduation, so I lived for a couple weeks with bed only. Then, I was able to bring the rest home a little at a time. Before my final week of clinical Brandon and I drove up and got the rest of my things. Turning in my key and walking out of the apartment for the last time was very bittersweet and almost surreal. The past threw years have flown and many wonderful friends and memories have been made in the process!

I can't believe that CEIV is already over. It seems that each rotation goes by a little faster. During the clinical I collected data on one of my patients, and now I must write the case study, which is due next monday, in one short week. I should probably be doing that now actually.... oh well. Aside from that, I am trying to get things in order to apply for my PT licensure and get everything set up so that I can sign up to take my NPTE exam on September 7th. It is a much more involved process than I once thought.

In my spare time, I am trying to help Leah with some of the details of the wedding. It is coming up faster than we realize! She had her first shower on May 22nd at Center and received an extreme amount of gifts! We are very blessed to have such a loving and thoughtful church family. Also in her spare time, Leah and Dusty are working on renovations to their first home. I helped with painting trim one afternoon, but I'm not able to help much....

Oh yes, I also got a PUPPY! His name is Prince and he is precious..pictures to come soon.

As you can see, it is a very busy summer for my family! I'm looking forward to all the excitement and memories still to come!

Easter Weekend 2011

It is always good to go home (which I've been doing a LOT here lately) but it's always a blessing to spend a weekend with the whole family, celebrating the resurrection of our Lord, Jesus Christ!

On Saturday Mom and I spent the day together. We worked on Leah's shower invitations, went for a HOT 3-mile walk, and made a trip to Star City for a couple things: Fuqua's and Flowers! At Fuqua's, Bo, Brandon, and Mom watched on as I put my order in for a graduation ring from Bo: a pearl and diamond ring! Then Bo and Brandon went for milkshakes as mom and I headed to the flower store to stock up on flowers for mom's pots. On a strict time constraint, we headed back to Woodlawn to drop mom off and then Brandon and I headed to Fordyce to have dinner with Dewayne and Katie Dillard. We enjoyed the dinner, but even more-so the "catching-up" and our tour of Camden.

On Easter morning, we all headed to church and enjoyed a very wonderful Easter service. The church was packed out and I can truly say that the message was proclaimed, through song and word!

Afterward, we headed home and all joyfully ;) took a few Easter pictures.

My favorite family pic

Brandon looking cool in his shades

Dusty and Leah after Church

Left: Brandon being a really good sport

Right: what Brandon really thinks about taking pictures

We enjoyed a feast prepared by Mom, Bo, and Mamaw of: dressing, ham, beans, hashbrown casserole, homemade rolls, pudding, and strawberries and shortcake. Afterwards we sat around the table and chatted for a bit before cleaning up the mess.

Later in the afternoon, I potted all of the flowers that we purchased on Saturday. They all looked very pretty and Mom and I were both very pleased. Also a product of Sunday afternoon, Mom, Leah, and I got out in the deercamp shed and began making room for our "stuff". The way it was, all of our belongings wouldn't have fit, but after reorganizing and trashing/donating several items, there is plenty of space! After this, Brandon and I washed our vehicles quickly before heading back to church! At church, Bro Mike had all the men sing a special (Amazing Grace) and everyone at my church is starting to realize how wonderful of a singer Brandon is...

Whew! What a busy, but very productive and wonderful weekend. It's the small moments that will matter most in the end.

Go! 5k for Autism Research

This past weekend I got to spend the a few days with several of my favorite people. On friday my BFF Nicki drove down to Woodlawn and got to see where I'm from for the first time. After a quick tour, we headed down to Monticello, to get some grub and get in bed. We stayed the night at Brandon's house so we'd be that much closer to the race, hence getting to "sleep in" till 6:30.

Nicki, me, and mom

Bright and early, we made it to the Monticello city park and began the race at 8 o'clock sharp. The race course was beautiful, going through the downtown streets of Monticello by all the nice homes. The weather was also perfect!!! Nicki and I had a good run, despite the massive rolling hills that we had NOT trained for. I started to get cramps right before the last stretch, but Nicki kept me going! We made it to the finish in 31 minutes and 16 seconds!

Which put us in 3rd place in our age category! Also, at the time we thought Tasha had gotten 3rd in her age category also, but later we found out she got 2nd.

Nicki and I were very proud of our finish!

All of our hard training finally paid off!

This is the pic that went on Monticellolive.com, of all the top finishers in each category

Just before leaving the park, posing in front of the finish. What a fun race!

After the race, Nicki, mom, and I headed to the Marketplace flea market, a first experience for all of us. We all really enjoyed looking through all the booths and found several items to purchase. I was very impressed at the amount of crafty and nice things for sale. After shopping, we picked up Brandon and headed to So Goody's for lunch, which was delicious! We decided this will have to become a tradition: running the 5k, shopping at the marketplace, then topping it off with lunch! It's always fun to spend the day having fun with the people you love the most!

Just an update..

Well, I've managed to do it once again....get behind!! What can I say, I live a fairly busy life, and I doubt it slows down ANY time soon. Anyway, just wanted to throw up a few pics and quick summary of February and March. First of all, with school I was busy with my 3rd clinical from January-midMarch, at Easter Seals Inpatient Rehab setting in Little Rock. I really loved my time there and made lots of fun friends in the process. We always had fun, especially on Fun-Friday, which is when we either dressed up or had a themed potluck. In the following pics I am dressed for Neon Friday, but we also enjoyed Jersey Shore day and many others. I am thankful for these memories and also for everything I learned during my time at Easter Seals. I can truly say that I grew in my knowledge and ability to become a pediatric PT.

My Clinical Instructor and I

Me and my new friend, Lindsey Reynolds

I have now completed this clinical and have just started my 3rd week at Clinical IV, at Allied Therapy in Ward. I am loving it so far and getting lots of experience in all realms of pediatric PT: hippotherapy, school therapy, home-health, outpatient, and the daycare setting. This is looking to be another great learning experience.

I am also currently on the job-hunt. Lots of life decisions in the very near future: where to find a job, where to live, when to study for boards, when to start packing..... and the list goes on! If you're reading this, keep my in your prayers for all these decisions that God will lead me in the right direction!

Now, an update on my personal life. I am still dating the wonderful Mr. Brandon Lyon who continues to charm me, day in and day out. I go home nearly every weekend and we spend as much time together as possible. At first I was thinking it was surely to good to be true, but thus far it is most definitely not, and I am loving every minute.

This is a picture on Valentine's Day, when he drove up to Conway

to bring me a dozen roses and take me out to dinner

Our first fishing trip to the pond

Brandon sent me these flowers on a random weekday for no reason at all,

just to let me know that he was thinking of me and that He loves me....

So, I haven't been to good at taking pictures here lately, but I will do my best to step it up. This is shaping up to be an amazing year so far, but it is FLYING by. I'm doing my best just to hang on for the ride!

25th Birthday

Wow! For starters, I am one blessed young lady. My family and friends really went above and beyond to make my birthday very special this year!

To kick everything off, Brandon had planned to come to Little Rock on Friday when I got off work to take me out to dinner and a movie. Due to the fact that he is a terrible liar, I really suspected that something was up... For starters, he told me he was giving me my birthday present that night! SO, as we were getting ready to leave, we were discussing which movie to see. It was then that he handed me his phone to show me the e-mail receipt for the 2 Jason Alean/Eric Church concert tickets!! I was so happy, (even if I wasn't all that surprised)! He is such a thoughtful and caring guy!

The view from our seats of Mr. Jason Aldean singing

After dinner at my favorite restaurant, Carino's, we headed to Alltel Arena. It was when we began walking down to our seats that I realized we were on the 6TH ROW, right next to the stage!! WOW, what a birthday present! We both really enjoyed ourselves and the concert was great! Both Eric Church and Jason Aldean did an incredible job. I loved singing along to the songs and swaying to the music next to the sweetest guy in the arena. =)

This is on our way out, so we could beat the traffic! What a fun night!

The next night, I celebrated with my family. My family, Mamaw, Papaw, Bo, Brandon, and Dusty were all there to celebrate. Brandon and Dusty grilled burgers and we all enjoyed eating them along with the chips and salsa that Leah made. For dessert, Mamaw brought 2 pies: coconut and pecan, and Leah had made me a birthday cookie cake! So, after dinner had settled for a bit, it was time to light the candles... As Leah lit them, she felt the need to share that it now took two boxes to fit my age on the cake, and I stated that maybe it was time to get the numbered candles, a #2 and a #5. Well, Leah got them all lit and everyone began to sing...

As it was time to blow out the candles, I leaned toward the cake, made my wish, and began to blow them out...

In a split second everyone's faces went into shock, and the next thing I knew, Brandon was messing with my hair. When everyone could finally speak, they shared that my hair had gotten a little close to the candles and quickly went up in a flame. As a gut reaction, Brandon had grabbed the flame and quickly put it out before I even knew what was going on!

Wow, what a close call!!! Thanks to him, only a few tips fell out, and the candle-blowing resumed. How's that for my "golden" birthday?! Mom quickly stated that from now on we will be using the # candles instead of so many! After everyone calmed down from the near catastrophe, we all enjoyed the desserts.

Next, it was time to open gifts. From mom and dad I got a sewing machine storage case, a calender from Compassion International, 2 Tyler candles, a Scentsy "fleur de lis" warmer and several scented waxes for it, the Love Comes Softly movie collections, and a small framed verse with Micah 6:8. Mamaw and Papaw gave me money and Bo gave me a very cute Precious Moments figurine called, "Pretty as a Picture". I loved every single gift! They all know me VERY well.

After dinner we enjoyed playing cards and visiting. Later on, Ashley and Chris stopped by on their way home to give me my gift. They gave me a cute scarf and thank-you cards, and 2 blank canvases to paint. Their gift was really thoughtful and I am so thankful to have such good friends that know me so well!

SO, finally the BIG DAY arrived...and very early! I had to be at my clinical at 6:30, which meant waking up at 5! But thanks to my sweet roommates, I woke up to the following..

"Happy Birthday" signs lining my path to the kitchen to start my coffee..

And these on my mirror while I was getting ready! They had snuck

in my room while I was asleep to put them up! They are SO sweet!

My day at the clinic went along rather uneventful... My CI, Sheila, had me a sweet card that the other two PTs had signed. Thankfully, the work day went by fast, and I was looking forward to a fun night that Leah and Tasha had planned: movie and dinner! Little did I know, (actually, I kinda did b/c he's a terrible liar) Mr. Brandon Lyon was at my door with flowers ready to welcome me home and join in on the night's festivities! =)

My flowers were SO pretty! I love Gerber Daisies!

I think we make a pretty cute couple!

The four of of: Tasha, Leah, Brandon, and I went to the new Conway movie theater and saw the movie, "The Dilemma". It was a romantic comedy and we all really liked it and laughed it alot! This was my first movie in the new theater and I was very impressed! After the movie we headed over to TGIFriday's to meet Jill and Dane for dinner. I'm so thankful for my friends and we enjoyed a very tasty supper and catching up on the latest happenings! SINCE it was my birthday, they had the wait staff sing me "happy birthday", and I got a very yummy birthday ice cream! (to go along with my vanilla bean cheesecake)

It was SO good!

We had a brief photoshoot outside TGIFriday's to capture the end of a great day!

Love my sister. She is always there for me no matter what, and

she really worked hard to make my birthday special!

Jill and I! I'm SO glad that she and Dane were able to come! Our other PT friends are scattered all over right now for clinicals...

Group shot in front of TGIFriday's!

I'm SO thankful for everyone that helped make my birthday so special. This was definitely a day to remember. I am blessed beyond belief!

*Snow Day*

Well, as I sit here and wait on the verdict, figured I might as well write an entry... I returned to Conway on Sunday in very unsafe conditions. The snow wasn't suppose to come until late Sunday evening, but when the church doors were opened after service, it was already coming down hard! So, once we got home, I packed up my things as quickly as possible and loaded my car. After eating lunch, airing my tires, and saying my goodbyes, I headed off in the snowy weather. It was so pretty and was quickly accumulating! Despite being pretty though, it really had the roads in a mess!! What normally takes me an hour-and-a-half took 2.5 hours! During the drive I saw at least 27 cars in the ditch or wrecked! I personally was almost in a wreck in the heart of Little Rock! The truck in front of me lost control and did a 360, then slid back toward me in slow motion.... by the time we both stopped sliding we were nearly facing each other, only inches apart!!!! AHHH! Thankfully, thank you Jesus, I made it back to Conway safe and sound. When I got into Conway, it had barely started snowing, but it quickly caught up with the rest of Arkansas over the next few hours! After a brief and slippery trip to Walmart, Tasha and I decided we better stay put!

Excited about the SNOW on Sunday night!

On Monday, I got lots of things checked off my to-do list! I got everything put away, including all the Christmas decorations. Tasha and I rented 4 redbox movies and we also enjoyed watching the Bachelor.

The back deck on Monday!

Now, on Tuesday morning, I am still waiting to hear the plans for the day. My CI was suppose to let me know around 7 whether or not she was going to brave the roads, and I still haven't heard anything. OH well....I guess it was good practice at getting back into a morning routine. Even had a practice cup of coffee! AND strangely enough, Leah will be glad to know I get in maid of honor, creative mode and found lots of cute wedding ideas on etsy.com :) Yet, had I known I wouldn't be starting clinical until Wednesday, I probably would've stayed home! According to the pictures I missed out on some good tube sledding and snowman building! But, on the bright side, I've gotten a LOT done.

SO, I guess I will be starting clinicals tomorrow... It feels weird to be in Conway and not around friends. With Nicki in Minnesota and Amber in Salt Lake City this will be a weird 10 weeks. We truly are on the home stretch! This will surely be a year of change: graduation, taking the NPTE, saying goodbye to friends, finding a job, finding a place to live, finally receiving a paycheck, WHEW!!! Lots to look forward to. That's all for now. I'm thankful for a snow day so I have time to reflect and prepare for what's to come. God Bless.

~Laura

Trip to the Sugar Bowl

So, I had quite an eventful Christmas break to say the least. First I should explain how I met the wonderful, Brandon Lyon. No matter what plans you make, you should never underestimate fate. On a cold, early December morning, my sister and Dusty were out on just another duck hunt. Little did they know what would come of their hunt that morning. When arriving for the hunt that morning, Brandon saw Leah get out of the car, and thought to himself, "Man, not a girl hunting with us!". Little did he know that she is a hardcore duckhunter that can keep up with any of the boys! SO, not far into the morning, Leah says, "Hey, you're tall, are you dating anyone?" I'm not sure where the conversation went from there but I'm pretty sure he thought my sister was crazy! Long story short, he added me as a friend on facebook and we started talking. Not much later, he invited me to dinner and the rest is history! We have a lot in common and really enjoy spending time together, so we'll see where this takes us! So far, it took us to the SUGAR BOWL!!! =) Brandon had extra tickets, so he invited me to come along with him, his mom, and his aunt and uncle to make the trip down to New Orleans, LA. We left on Tuesday morning, the day of the sugar bowl and made the drive down. When we arrived, we grabbed a bite to eat and headed to the superdome!

This is Brandon and I standing in front of the Superdome!

This is the line waiting to get in the Superdome (2 hours before the game mind you!) All of the fans were pumped and calling those hogs every chance they got!

Still waiting to go in the game!

This is during the National Anthem sang by Darius Rucker!

We had GREAT seats and really enjoyed the game, even though it was a tough loss.. We really came back and gave them a run for their money, but in the end we had too many dropped passes, sacks, and errors. Even after the blocked punt, we still could have made it a storybook ending, but the interception was the last straw. The fans were incredible, and every time we were on a roll the entire Superdome was erupting for the HOGS! It was still a very good game, but it would have been SO much better had we won!

The next morning we ate at Cracker Barrel before making the drive home. We all had a really good time, and I'm so glad I accepted the invitation to go!