Lilly

Most Current:
Lilly's surgery was a success!  She got her chest tubes out and is drinking from a bottle! The nurse has assured that things are progressing as they should. We are praying she will be moved to the step down unit asap.


Thanks for your prayers, folks.


God is GOOD.


UPDATE:
LILLY IS CURRENTLY IN OPEN HEART SURGERY [SEPT. 22, 1:30PM CST]. IF YOU'RE READING THIS, PLEASE PRAY.
------------------------------------------------------------------
I noticed that I have viewers from a couple differnt countries at times, so I am going out on a limb and seeing if I can get some international prayers going for a friend. Also, if all my United States folks can be praying too, it would be so helpful.


Here's the deal.
This is Lilly:

She has a rare heart defect that accounts for only .1 % of ALL heart defects.


She is having open heart surgery next week, and it is vital that we come together and pray.


I'm not asking for good thoughts, positive energy, or well wishes. Prayer, please.


As a nurse, I understand the gravity of this situation. Little lives are very fragile, and she is going to be fighting hard for life in these weeks to come.


The surgery will be taking place at Emory hospital in Atlanta.

As of 9/18----- -Lilly is still stable. She has fluid on her lung, and is being treated with respiratory therapy and antibiotics. Although she is stable, it is still a critical situation. 


Be praying.

Cherry Pie

Today I made homemade Mini Cherry Pies.

 Theyweredelicious.

Flour, Sugar, Vanilla and Almond Extract, Cinnamon, and Cherries

Pie crust cups before the fancy tops

Fancy tops that took WAY too long. [ They were so worth it though]

And there we have them, folks.

If you'd like to make this, you ought visit this wonderful blog :)

The creator of the blog mentions that she uses tin foil to line the muffin tin. I would not suggest this. It is just as simple to butter and flour the tin, and put the crust right on it. I had no problems doing it this way.

I suggest using this brand of fruit:

[It's the best in my opinion]

My plan for next time is to make 4 cherry pies, 4 blueberry pies, and 4 apple pies. That way everyone can be happy.

Happy baking, folks!

Little Tiny Update 1

Here's a quick summary of what I have on my plate at the moment:
1. I am currently waiting to here back from Vanderbilt University Medical Center regarding an application I sent in earlier this month. I am applying to their Graduate Nurse Residency Program. This means at least a two year commitment to VUMC and Nashville, Tennessee. I have officially chosen the pediatric track and hope to work in their prettymuchamazingandworldfamous pediatrics facility. I find out around September 26th (aka my birthday) as to whether or not I get to interview for the position. That being said, the interview alone does not guarantee a position. If do get this job, they offer a tuition reimbursement program that would pay for my Master's Degree. This would mean Cody Hudgens RN, BSN, MSN, FNP. FNP= Family Nurse Practitioner. That's the goal, at least.

Here's part of the medical center:

[Who knows about all this future stuff. I am writing this and asking that you guys will pray for God's best. That may or may not include this residency program. I will take whatever is given to me with joy stemming from a deep understanding that my plans always pale in comparison to what God is doing/ wants to do. At this point, I'm holding on loosely to my plans and dreams, and letting God do what He does better than I ever could.] 

Sneak preview of the Nashville skyline:

Could you watch this? It's 5 minutes. Probably the most concise and accurate summary of the Gospel according to the Bible that I have seen in a while. Even if you're not a Christian or you believe that the Bible is a storybook, you'll appreciate the cinematography (and this gentleman's dreads). You can always chalk it up to broadening your knowledge about other religions. At least consider it.

Two of my favorite people...

My niece Khloe and my nephew Maddox. 

I love these two like no one's business. 

Mema strikes again....

This is an excerpt from a conversation I had with my grandmother over coffee and waffles...

Mema: You know how your mom, aunt, and I are going out of town for your birthday?

Me: Yea... I remember.

Mema:Well... it looks like we're going to need your car too....

Me: Are you serious? You're leaving town with nearly my entire nuclear family for my birthday AND taking my car???

Mema:Well...yes.

Me:Ok, so that means I can borrow your car while ya'll are gone, right?

Mema: Baby, there is no way in the world I am letting you drive my Cadillac.

Me: Wow. Really cool, Mema.

Then we just went back to eating our waffles...
Happy Birthday to Me!

Sometimes...

my sister and I cook....
Say hello to our Mini Apple Pies.
[from scratch]

Filling= Organic apples and brown sugar syrup

I was pretty proud of my little shells!

Oh, yes.

Oatmeal/ brown sugar crumbly topping.

A la mode, of course!