ThE ShAtTuCkS

Change

2011-02-09T20:34:00.000-08:00

Change

A word that I don't LOVE but am learning to live with it. The last 6 months or so my mind has been weighed with needing to make a change in my job, this thought was pushed away many times, because I LOVE my job but I HATE leaving Curt and my home and family.

Life went on and the thoughts were looming. My unit closed for the second time in 3 months and mad one night and decided to google for RN positions in St. George, no luck. I had never looked at Mesquite before but it was worth a try. I found an ICU RN position and for DAY SHIFT!!! I got really excited and applied.

3 weeks went by and no phone call. I had rationalized why I didn't want the job anyway and also I don't have that much experience (almost 2 years :) and then I received a phone call and they asked me to come in for a peer interview(another story but OMG so scary). Two weeks later I had the interview and it went well, in my mind still telling myself that it was ok to not get the job and don't get too excited. For so long I wanted to be home and it was so close I could touch it but yet it seemed so far away.

I received a phone call at the beginning of January OFFERING me the job. I COULDN'T believe it. I was scared, excited, nervous and sad. I was scared to have to tell my current job. Sad because I did not want to leave my "family" that basically had raised me, helped and taught me everything I know and I just got comfortable in this job, now I will have to learn a new one. UGH. New doctors, new collegues, new policies, new IV pumps, new patient types, etc. BUt the greatest feeling of all EXCITED because I get to be home with my hubby EVERY day!!!! That far out weighs all the other feelings.

All in all I start my new job on Monday. I will be working Per Diem in Las Vegas 3 days a month to keep up my skills. Lets face it Mesquite will not have the same acutity of patients :) But I will be working day shift and again will be HOME everyday!!!!

So here is to CHANGE!! I am jumping in both feet first.

Update

2010-09-19T22:40:00.000-07:00

What has happened since MARCH 2010:

A new NEPHEW: Rex joined us April 28, 2010. Tawnya has 3 boys :) Love them
Cancun in MAY. We took our two nephews and met up with my parents and brother. Awesome as always! Beach, Beach and more BEACH :)
Went to PHOENIX in JUNE. A much needed celebration 1 yr out of nursing school with JULIE. Loved Phoenix, loved food, love the Marriot, loved girl talk and nurse talk.
Curt went on the bro's hike in JULY in IDAHO. Nevada, Arizona, New Mexico, Utah, Wyoming, and Colorado have been crossed off their list. (They hike the highest peak in each state all of his brothers )
AUGUST brought my birthday.....a new car:) Our back packing trip to my dads favorite place on earth, RED CASTLE. Total back packing trip 27 miles hauling a pack of 38 lbs. It was awesome. Curts birthday!
I have been dying to do a race.....a triathalon. It was on my "bucket" list. So me and my sis-in-law agreed to train and work our butts off to acheive our goal. We set a goal.....under two hours. We also talked Curt into doing it with us. Curt finished in 1:35 and we finished in 1:48 under our goal. We were so nervous about our swim and we both superseeded our goal for our swim :) We are definitely doing more. SEPTEMBER the KOKOPELLI TRIATHALON. YAHOO. We had the best cheering section, thanks family and friends.
Another item on Curt and I's "bucket" list.....ITALY. OCTOBER will be our ultimate trip to ITALY. Visiting family, site seeing and an Eastern Mediterranian Cruise. Pictures will come, I promise.

Heather, Me, My Uncle Dan, My cousin Kandyce, Curt

We all did the triathalon.

Update on work: I am LOVING my job. It is rewarding, hard, happy, sad, heartbreaking and fun all in the same sentence. I am still in the ICU. The people I work with are AWESOME ( Vegas style :) It has become a "job" and is feeling really good when I am there but I am able to leave it there when I leave.

Life is good here. One day at a time and enjoying every second of it with Curt.
XOXOXO

Sorry...

2010-03-03T15:15:00.000-08:00

I have been slacking on my blog lately and I just really haven't been in the mood. I don't have any pictures to post because my husband has the camera in St. George and so the last two family events I have had to rely on my sibs to take pics and not a lot going on.

Curt has finished building in Saratoga Springs and is now living in St.George for a while any way ha ha :) So a lot closer for our visits. YAHOO. Our renters are moving out of our house in St.George so we will be moving back into the big part of the house and renting out the casita, way excited about the pool!!!

I am still in Vegas for my 3 days. Now that Curt is in St.George I am sure I will be making the trek more often, cheaper in my car and no work and nice yard waiting for me and hubby and two mutts :)

The job is going great!! I am really enjoying it. I am glad I started in critical care because I love the adrenaline and I don't picture myself anywhere else other than where all the crap hits the fan....literally sometimes. I enjoy sharing all my crazy medical stories with my parents and anyone else that will listen and not start gagging during the story. I am finding joy in my patients and the people I work with and my new roomie. Julie, my friend from nursing school that lived in the casita during school moved in this month. Curt is hardly ever here and I have this house alone and she needed a place and we both already know what we are both getting in to. It is working out really well. Nursing is an interesting profession and it makes it great therapy to have some one to talk to that already knows first hand what you are dealing with. It is really nice!!

We have traveled to Moab then to Oakland then back to vegas this last week. My great aunt passed away and she lives in Napa. We all gathered in Moab for a great family reunion of jeeping and lots of fun and laughter and then me and my parents set out on a road adventure to Napa for the funeral. Got to see some of my awesome cousins and enjoy some great company.

Signing off....I think that is about it.

xoxo

Overload and yes I am back!

2009-12-28T22:12:00.001-08:00

My blog world!! I have missed all of you. I took a leave of absence trying to adjust to the new job in SICU!! Adjusting and doing fine...still nauseous on my way to work but learning to live with it. Lots of new experiences, actually every day I go to work there is something new....Curt is working lots of different places and we try to meet in the middle for a few days, usually in St. George. Otherwise. Life is good. Finally caught up on the blog....sorry post overload ;) Hope the holidays treated you all well. Happy New Year!!

Christmas a little early...Dec 23rd!!

2009-12-28T21:44:00.001-08:00

Yes Christmas was celebrated on the 23rd for me! My family is amazing and did that for me since I had to work Christmas eve and Christmas day. I love them and miss them! The best family ever!! (sorry picture overload)

Here is the group. We all have our gifts from our new and dear friend Vitali (? spelling) Mitch's friend from the Ukraine is here spending the holidays with us.

Curt and I gave the boys Christmas jammies :) The didn't take them off even the next day!

This is Vitali!

My sister's sis-in-law makes these gloves (dishwashing gloves) and she gave them to the girls in the family. Washing dishes in STYLE!! thanks T.

Every year we exchange names and buy ornaments for each other instead of presents and then we all tell why we chose that ornament for the person. Some touch our hearts and others make us laugh!! It was a great year. Except I noticed I didn't get a picture of Curt's or mine....oops.

Tawnya got an angel ornamanet with a manger inside...a baby jesus for the reminder of baby #3 coming in May!! From my mom.

My mom got a travel ornament from Mitch!! Better late than never. He got it the day before and we were all teasing him but he did a great job and it perfect for mom she is our personal travel agent!!

Heather got a house from Briggs. He loves going to her house!!

Jakes ornament had us in tears!! Tawnya put it in a jello mold!! If any of you watch the office....its Jakes favorite show. It was hilarious!!

Brian got a golf ornament from heather and it said something about a hit or something to remind him of the car accident he got in this year....double meaning :)

Mitch loves to dance, lol! As he stated on fb so Brian being the funny guy he is got mitch a disco ball and included his statement on fb!! It was awesome.

Lot so wrestling and family fun was enjoyed by us all!

Mom and everyone made a wonderful dinner!!

Briggsy!!

Beckham wanted Dee Dee to feel included

Scouty sporting his pony tail!!

Dad carving the turkey

And the cook!!

All in all a great Christmas!! Thanks family for being so wonderful this year. Your support has been much needed!! Lots of changes this year for us and we are hoping for a great 2010!! Goodbye 2009 and on with great beginnings ahead of us!! Merry Christmas and Happy New year to you all!! Smooches from Vegas!

Christmas Cancun Style

2009-12-28T21:27:00.000-08:00

Yes, we went to Cancun from the 12th-20th!! It was the BEST vacation!! Just Curt and I!!

This is the resort, a view from the beach!! The best sand EVER!

Our beach right outside our door.

We both did a whole lot of this. I read two books and Curt read 1 1/2!!

We also did a whole lot of this :) R&R

Free Taco lunch!!

Made some new friends...I was with Curt, it would not be an outing with Curt if we didn't make new friends :) Bill and Mayme, from Reno. Curt and Bill fished a couple of mornings and came back with fish that they caught from the shore!! Now we won't ever be going back without Curt's poles. He is so excited for May!!

This a restaurant called the Aluz (pronounced Alush) It is located in a dried up Sonate or cave.
It was amazing. Food not so good but atmosphere and surroundings amazing!!

Curt goofing off at the entrance, we had to walk down many stairs to enter.

This is a head that is in the middle of the shopping street, Curt wanted a picture and he didn't even mean to be almost picking the statues nose :)

Our last meal at the Palapa!! The had great food at the resort and so we didn't venture out much. We both in need of a lot rest and relaxation. And that is what we did. We had a lot of fun. Played cards every night and ate alot of chips and salsa and virgin margaritas. It was so great and couldn't have come at a better time.

Halloween

2009-11-01T15:51:00.001-08:00

The event of the year....arrived!!
Jessica and TJs Halloween party

I had received the golden ticket the last two years....not having to dress up, so this year, we went all out! The party was awesome. We all had so much fun, it was the best so far, Thanks Jes!!

I dressed up as a witch, Jessica was Belle and Sophie was Snow White

Heather and I joined in on the Mummy contest...Heather and Brooke won!! Bubba got sick spinning around me :)

3 hole punch and our very own Weber High Cheerleader :)

I had to throw this one in...It was my only documentation of Bubbas outfit (it is my next years costume...Yes, he dressed as a girl)

Our very own Airplane

The Kirkland Fam: Tawnya and Brian=Nacho and his nun girly. Briggs was a boxer and Beck was an airplane

My mom came up with this idea all on her own. They were glow in the dark stick figures!! Cute huh? I loved it.

Me as the witch and Curt as the Jail man :)

It was such a fun and loved all the food and neighborhood fun!!

UNLV vs BYU

2009-11-01T15:41:00.000-08:00

Wow, its been a while...this new job thing has me thrown off! Hopefully I will be more regular.

We had the chance to go to the BYU vs UNLV game in Vegas. It was so much fun. Curt was in heaven. Nicole, KP, Tiff and Josh came down and we spent the day with them and then we all met up at the game. It was so fun to hang out with them. We love it when our friends come to visit. Thanks guys!!

It was definitely a different kind of environment. Like bar tendors serving hard liquor and the fans going up and down the stairs more times than actually sitting in their seats for their booze!! Some fights and some escorting out because the kids can't even stand up straight and throw up down the front of them.

As you can tell I had more fun watching what was going on around me .....it wasn't much of game, BYU killed them, but who wouldn't right?

Josh, Tiff, Nicole, Me and KP

Curt, not in his true fan colors(we were in the student section and didn't want to create too many fights)

Curt and I

My Dad

2009-09-27T16:42:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday Dad!! Well I think I am going to adopt the Happy Birthday to my loved ones on my blog thing...since now I am even farther away.

Today is my Dads big 54th birthday. What a great day to celebrate...

Things I love about my dad.

#1 The picture above is classic. We are a beach family and our vacations usually consist of beach. And my dad is found out in the sun with a variety of books he is reading, interrupted with some good salsa and chips, virgin margaritas and dips in the ocean :) I can't wait for Cancun in December! I love the example you have set for me on how to vacation!

#2 The LOVE to read! This rubbed off on to me at a very young age and still to this day I crave to read a good book. When I go home I love to see the great things he is reading and learning from his stacks of books.

#3 Great words of WISDOM. My dad seems to always know what to say at the moment I need it. (my mom too :) He has this positive attitude that is hard not to catch and it seems after a talk with him you can conquer the world. I have needed many of these words these past couple of weeks.

#4 One of my new found favorites to do with my dad is ROAD BIKING. A couple of times I have taken my road bike up with me and we go together. We push each other and have good times together. I love riding with my dad :)

#5 HOT TAMALES and POPCORN. Every since I can remember Friday or Saturday we would gather downstairs with some popcorn and hot tamales and big glass of ice water and enjoy a movie. Now we go out to the movies....but still have the same treats. I have many great memories spending time downstairs with some good snacks and a community cup of water :)

Dad,
I am so glad you are my dad. Thanks for being so great. You example and love mean so much to me and I can't wait to see you this weekend. Have a great birthday :) Here is to MANY more memories and good times!

Survival

2009-09-13T16:17:00.000-07:00

SICU = Surgical ICU

My first two weeks have been eventful, exciting, tiring and sad! I am the officially the queen of worry....anyone that knows me just a bit knows that. My first week consisted of orientation that more than anything put me to sleep, but there were a few points that I stayed awake for like, benefits and such :).

Second week, I worked on the floor of the Surgical ICU!! Also known as "SICK - U" Funny, HUH! It rocked! I was really nervous and had worked my self into a mega nervous stomach!! My first day my "real" preceptor was called off so I followed around a different nurse and learned a lot from her. My second day was class all day in front of computer doing modules...lame! Third day I was with my preceptor and she is not what I was expecting but a great teacher and funny person. She is in her late 50's, smoker, rough around the edges and swears ALOT. She is a great nurse, and I am just getting thrown right into this Vegas culture :)

I am learning quickly what kind of nurse I want to become and definitely what I don't want to become. I have had an all in all good experience. Some patients situations and what their families want to put them through is the sad part. It will always be though. I just make sure for my 12 hours I treat them the way I would want my Mom or kid treated.

We are getting use to Vegas life. Our ward is fun and a well mixed ward. We have adventured to the temple twice. It is amazing! But it is a half a day process with how far and traffic and the session and such but it is fun. We have tried some fun, new restaurants and have made a few friends in our new ward. Hoping for some new sites to see in the next week or two.

Curt is learning a lot about his job and enjoying diving in. He wished he could know it all now and not have to go at a slower pace but he is learning and hoping to have a couple hands in the fire with a few different things going on....more to come when things are more figured out :)

We love having visitors, we have two spare rooms and want all our friends and family to come(cheap flights to Vegas...hint hint). Our nephews and Tawnya, Jake and Heather, Jerri and Mark (our friends) and Linda and Patrick have all visited at different times and it has been so much fun. It seems when people come to visit you have more time together than when you live in the same town.

More adventures from the new nurse in Sin City :)

Moving Weekend

2009-08-30T15:14:00.000-07:00

My hubby has been busy this past week. He moved us! He moved his Mom. Then we sold our Jeep to his brother, Craig, who lives in Georgia and he drove it to Oklahoma City, to meet half way. As he has been seeing alot of lines lately, he took a few moments to take some pics.

I don't have any from our move....forgot the camera.

Curt, Mitch and his friend Jake moved us Wednesday night and Thursday. Curt drove back up to St. George and moved his mom on Friday and Saturday. He made the trip up and back on Saturday, she moved to Saratoga Springs.

The hillbilly moving service. Curt is such a good packer that he packed the backs of the trucks first. They were 12 foot high of stuff...as you can see chairs and such strapped to the top. Come to find out they didn't need to pack SOOO well, the two trailers were half empty. ;)

Curt drove this truck and Joseph drove the other.

Joseph, being forced to take a picture...not too happy, in Texas

There is a Shattuck, OK and Curt went on a 2 hour detour to check it out...No true Shattuck actually lives there, he was a little disappointed, but way excited he got to see the place.

Curt, Joseph, Stephanie and Craig in Oklahoma City, OK
trading the vehicles. Curt brought back his 1999 Chevy Truck...its for sale if anyone is interested...great shape :)

All in all a whirlwind of week that Curt, especially, is glad it is over. Off the start the new job in the morning and pictures of our new place soon to come.

Coming to an End!

2009-08-08T08:05:00.000-07:00

Pretty sure the rental hunt is over and we can officially claim our name to Las Vegas. I got a call Thursday for HR at Sunrise confirming my spot in Surgical ICU and it looks like my start date will be August 31. We spent a couple of days down there doing a little birthday celebration...my 27th...AHHHH! And hunting for rentals. I HATE looking for houses, I have never had to do this because Curt just builds them and then we move well this is a little different ball game in Vegas. But we found one that we both like, that has all of Curts requirements and also a yard for the dogs :) They need to let us know this morning if it is a go....cross your fingers for us :)

Pictures to come of the Bday Celebration and also the house if we can call it ours for a year. Visitors WELCOME in VEGAS anytime :) Spare rooms and couches and floor space :)

Night out and Basketball

2009-07-27T10:12:00.000-07:00

It was time for our date with Briggs and Beckham. We all agreed upon Ice Age 3 : Dawn of the Dinosaurs. Off to the movies, get our treats and find some good seats. I brought my camera but forgot to take pictures. It was a cute movie and we all had our share of popcorn and soda, but that is what Aunts and Uncles are for, right? Next stop, Dollar Tree :)

I said to Briggs, Ok we can each get a toy and a treat. He replied with a shrug of the shoulders and a reply "That seems fair". Then comes the whispering to Curt. Curt says, "Yep." I look at him with a questioning look and he replies "Oh I already made a deal with Briggs at the movies that he could get 2 toys and a treat." The kid wins, what can I say. Briggs chose a cop set with handcuffs and all, gun and a treat. Beckham chose a big group of suckers, some nerds and and airplane gun. We all left happy :)

On our way to their house, there were many crys from the back seat disputing going home, neither of them wanted to, what can I say we are a lot of fun, j/k.

We get to Tawnya's and Beckham refuses to stay home, so we take Beck with us and went swimming. The people we are renting to are out of town so we can use the pool and they put up a cool basketball hoop. So Beckham and Curt played ball. Dinner was served and then it was time to convince the kid that it was time to head home. Curt told him we were going to Desert Hills (which is th development they live in but there is also a High School down the street called that) he went willingly thinking it was the high school. When I pulled in the drive way, he said "Hey this isn't Desert Hills!" What a smart kid! He is so funny.

We had a blast, thanks for letting us borrow your kids T and B.

Love ya

He made sure I was watching every shot and had to give me a high five after every basket he made :)

A need for a CELEBRATION

2009-07-21T09:26:00.001-07:00

Friday called for a CELEBRATION. I had my first job interview in Vegas and landed the job. Jessica and the kids were more than willing to celebrate with me :)
Curt was hiking the highest peak in Nevada and I was so excited, I didn't want to spend the night alone. We all decided Pirate Pizza would be the Best place to celebrate with the kiddos :)

Brielle and Hunter showing their prizes :) There is an arcade there and we had a blast earning tickets :)

They give the kids tokens and pictures to color while you wait for the food.

Hunter, Brielle and Sophie

Thanks Jes, it was a blast!

Thanks!

2009-07-10T17:19:00.000-07:00

Thanks Family! You guys are the greatest!

The TEST

2009-07-06T17:12:00.001-07:00

Well everyone, I passed my National Nursing BOARDS!!! I can't believe it. I am so excited I could just shout it from the roof tops. Sorry I have been a way for a while....all the studying had me a little busy. More to come 4th of july pics and hopefully some job news :)

Feeding the Ducks

2009-06-09T19:49:00.000-07:00

Well we had a lot of rolls left over from my grad party and they had already been frozen once so we decided to save them for the ducks. We went over on Sunday afternoon and had fun. These ducks have been fed tons and are not afraid to come and take food out of your hand and even possibly attack your hand. We kept our distance.

Beckham is in heaven, I just love this face!!

Briggs and Beckham were the main feeders

Kandy and Andy

Mom, GG and Beckham

Photographer Info

2009-05-30T16:09:00.000-07:00

For all of you asking about who the photographer was that took our family pics here is her information. She is Tawnyas friend and lives up North. She is awesome check out her website.
http://lifeslittlepictures1.blogspot.com/
Give her a call!! She is reasonable and obviously great and creative :)

Family Pictures since Bubba is home now....

2009-05-27T16:34:00.000-07:00

The fam

The girls

Tawnya's Family

The boys

Mom and Dad

Jake and Heather

Bubba, being his stylish self

I LOVE this Picture, everyone asks if they caught the baby...I am the one in the middle the X and Curt is doing the rockstar jump next to me.

The mustang had to be included :0

Curt, doing the usual, entertaining the kids :) They are all mooing like cows.

Briggs, being his smiley self :)

Beckham, how bout that hair and adorable face.

Its official!

2009-05-14T09:00:00.000-07:00

Sorry all I know I have been posting all about nursing school but it has been my LIFE for the past two years and its OVER!! This calls for a huge celebration. Well the first of many parties was kicked off on Saturday with all my class and spouses.

There was swimming, good food and alot of laughter. On of my classmates is an awesome photographer and she got all these great shots of us :)

Me and Julie enjoying ourselves.

This was the night they gave out the funny awards, our pinning ceremony has to be appropriate awards...I got "The Hostess with the Mostess" with twinkies and a cute decoration for my house. It was so cute!! Thanks guys!!

Our instructors gave us each a plaque with our names on it and then it says registered nurse, we are all holding them up in this pic.

My gorgous instructor. Her gift was her fairy ensomble because she grants us all our wishes and helps them all come true :) Isn't she great!

Erma and Adrienne, I am going to miss these girls. They are hilarious. Adrienne is our mad typer that would type while our instructor gave us reviews so we all didn't have to type or write and Erma is our lovely photographer.

The men of the class :) minus one.

Liz performing the worm :) She did awesome.

While we did our review Curt took the husbands that were left up flying and they buzzed the house a couple of times :) I think the men will be coming for sure to the next party !

It was so fun, great food and alot of good laughs. I am going to miss all these great people in my life, that is why we have to stay in touch. We have been through so much together and you create such great relationships with them.

Its like starting a new chapter, we are all moving on to jobs and better things but yet we still want to keep in touch. I hope it happens.
Love ya guys:)

Mothers

2009-05-10T20:34:00.000-07:00

Wow, Mothers what a great subject to post about. I have so many great examples that I look up to that represent such amazing "Mothers"

My, of course, most favorite mother (no offense to anyone but she did give birth to me :) What an amazing woman. When I think of my Mom I think of selfless, happy, gorgous, spritual, and what a great sense of humor. Mom, I cannot thank you enough for all you have done for me, the inspiration you have given me and the great shoulder for me to cry on. My Mom is always there to give me encouragement and lifts me up and helps me keep going especially through nursing school, gol what is it about nursing school and breakdowns, SERIOUSLY? Life without you Mom would be miserable. I love our chats on a pretty routine basis and I feel like I can tell you all. I hope to follow in you footsteps some day. Happy Mothers Day, MOM!

My Mom-in-Law, gotta love her. What an example of Christ Like attributes. She gives everyone the benefit of the doubt and a bad word is never crossing her lips. What a great example to me, I definitely need to work on that.

My sister, what a MOM! She is the mom that raises our nephews and boy do we love her for that. Those boys bring so much joy into our lives and it is all because of their mother. Tawnya, you are amazing and I hope to be half the mom you are. Sis, I look up to you and love you, hope you had a great day!

My Grandma's, the queen's of Love! I love my Grandma's. I have some great examples. Both of my grandmas ( one has passed away) would great me with a kiss and hug and the one living still does and boy do I love it. They always love me for me! Thanks Gram!

My neighbor, Jessica. She is the queen of celebrations. I hope when I am a Mom I have half the creativity as her. She is the Martha Stewart of the block and even I want to go to all the kids partys and get the treat bags and play the games. She is an awesome Mom and her kids love her so much. Thanks for being such a great example Jes, and what an AWESOME friend!!

There are many more women in my life that I look up to and watch and get pointers from of what kind of Mom I want to become and to all you women, some of you know who you are, thanks for the lessons and great examples. I love the mothers in my life!! Thanks for letting me enjoy your kids.

Our Anniversary

2009-05-10T20:08:00.000-07:00

What a weekend. We started off celebrating on Friday at....

BRIAN REGAN!!!!

(this is a lousy picture but I was quickly reminded no flashes)

I bought the tickets in November and we were so excited for this, we have decided going places and doing things is better than exchanging gifts for our anniversary and birthdays, so we are all about making the memories :)

It was so HILARIOUS. I couldn't stop laughing and almost crying. It was so great, he is awesome and Kermit, who opened for him, definitely did his fair share of great jokes.

Jake gave me the tip on the tickets so we bought them by each other, Jake's B-Day and our anniversary share the same day so we had lots to celebrate.

8 Years and going strong. Couldn't ask for more fun and spice in my life more than my husband. He keeps me on my toes :) And that is good thing.

Today, Sunday, was the official day so we decided to head to the park and have a picnic and read a book together. It was perfect weather so we loaded up the jeep with dogs, food and a blanket and enjoyed the afternoon under a tree :) It was such a great and relaxing day. Thanks dear for the great memories.

Last EVER Clinical!

2009-05-03T13:47:00.001-07:00

Oh the tears were being shed and hugs being given....and the sadness...

NOT!!

I could not be more EXCITED! I wanted to shout it from the roof tops,

I AM DONE!

My lovely white scrubs that I am going to burn next week!

Me and Julie heading to Red Robin with the rest of the group to celebrate.

This was my reward!! I love their chocolate milkshakes, it was delicious.

Linda, Liz and Staci (we got a lot of stares being dressed in white)

And to end the day right wishing we could cut up our badges....don't worry hospital officials and school staff, we didn't but it was great for the photo moment.

My last clinical was a great experience though. I was in specialty recovery and I got to do IVs and got every single one that I tried, having no practice all semester, I was pretty proud of myself.

How many days....

2009-04-26T21:15:00.000-07:00

Til Graduation!!! WOOOT WOOOT!!!

Bubba has arrived!!

2009-04-22T17:37:00.000-07:00

So the story begins on Monday afternoon 4/13/09.....

I arrived in SLC airport at 4 PM and expected Bubba's plane to land at 7:15 and I was going to surprise him at the gate....

Receive a TXT at 4:10 PM, he MISSED his flight!!

Decision: Stay at the airport for 8 hours or have my parents come get me drive home then drive back.....

I chose the 1st option.

This was my entertainment :)

My computer station...I attempted homework but I was entertained by my surroundings quite well.

My attempt of a self portrait...mind you I had to clean up my station and run to the bathroom about 4 times...what a pain!

AHH the arrival of the KING!!!!

My aunt was at the gate also, she flew in that night from D.C., and videoed for me. My plan: Grab Bubbas butt from behind and watch the reaction with my aunt videoing.

The videoing didn't capture the butt grabbing moment, but it went GREAT!! He nearly died, it was hilarious.

The Fam!!

Bubba's first subway...."It is heaven!"

A little bit of shopping and goofing off :)

Oh and the infamous dessert at Javier's!!! It was so good!

A little bit of time for friends.

The homecoming or talk I should say .....lots of people and Bubba did awesome.

And the goodbyes and drive home. I rode back with Heather, they bought a new truck and I kept her company.

All in all a great week to recoup for my last 3 weeks of school. It is so great to have Bubba home and I forgot how much I missed his teasing and our long chats. And I can call him any time now :) Love ya Bub.

Reasons I LOVE....

2009-04-09T11:57:00.000-07:00

SPRING

The things I have encountered on my day off today.....

(if only all days could by like this :)

Yes, finally fruit is in season again and yes, this is what I had for dessert today, YUM!!

All my flowers are in bloom and smelling so lovely!

And I have PEACHES!! Wahoo. They are so cute.

Oh and I think my favorite part about spring/summer is bare feet/flip flops/pedicures!!

I love getting my toes done up, lookin all gorgeous, thanks Stacey (we did some trade so I could have my toes done, wahoo)!!

I find myself the happiest during this time of year. If only school was over and I could enjoy it. ha ha. I am off to study in the sun, sorry to rub it in people, that is why I live in St. George, survive the summer heat but get the heat sooner :)

Georgia!!

2009-03-29T14:11:00.000-07:00

Spring break at our house last week. Curt and I split paths thinking it was time for me to stay home and find a job for my up coming graduation and job hunt (49 more days but who is counting) and his brother in Georgia (Brunswick, close to the coast) needed Curt to go work on his place that they are putting up for sale. As shown by the pictures below not sure how much work he got done and how much was play ha ah!! No, just kidding. It was great for him to hang with the fam and they love having their Uncle Curtie there! Thanks Michelle and kids, he had a blast.

Ethan, driving, Curt lets anyone drive, I guess he doesn't set an age limit ;)

Out in front of their house. Stephanie, Curt, Ethan and Amy

He took the girls bowling, out for some good "Uncle" time.

And also let Amy drive, does Stephanie look terrified? HA HA

And it wouldn't be a vacation without the beach. Although it looks a little chilly for me:)

Oh and back to my job hunting story. Talked to a few recruiters in Las Vegas, that is where I have decided to get a job, and all of them told me it was great if I brought down my resume and all but they do everything ONLINE and nothing in person until I get an interview. I also needed to wait until I get my intermittent license which I don't get until I graduate. So as one nursing recruiter said, "You are jumping the gun a little but it says great things about you too." I talked a nursing recruiter at the Children's hospital in Las Vegas, (its the primary children's of nevada) and I told her that I was thinking NICU, Peds Oncology, Peds ER, Peds Surgery,etc and she said she thinks I would be a great fit and I got her personal line and she said give her a call in MAY!! Wahoo. I couldn't be more excited, I just hope it works out for me. It has been a long time dream to work at Primary Children's and as Salt Lake is not an option for me right now, this will work. I can't wait to be "that" nurse that helps a parent out and gets to care for those great kids. Of course, good comes with bad and we all get that but I feel like I am so close to touching my dream, I am SO excited.

As to what I was up to since there was no job to be hunting.......

Great movie, and I even cried, I love Richard Gere!!

Cute flick that I had forgotten about, had me laughing.

and last but not least, a great puzzle!!

So movies and a puzzle was my idea of removing my mind from school and just getting a lot enjoyment. It would have been funner with Curt home but we both made the best of it. All in all though we both had to go back to reality ( dang it) and real life when as you all know, who are doing the whole school thing, spring break flew by!!

Cutting Costs

2009-03-10T15:48:00.000-07:00

A shaving kit

Lots of Hair

Two hairy dogs, 1st thing to cut out of bugdet, dog hair cuts.

And two willing people to save a few bucks

Dexter ( I didn't get many pics of him during the process because I did him by myself, he was much easier than Dee Dee)

Dee Dee

Oh my gosh, it was so hard. Those dog groomers earn every penny, especially with Dee Dee. Curt and I and sometimes Heather, my sister-in-law, had all hands and feet involved trying to pin her down to just snip a little bit. Thanks, Jake and Heather for the lessons and shaving kit.

Wow, dog groomer, we will let you cut her from now on!

Update

2009-02-15T15:55:00.000-08:00

(This is me before starting school, pretty relaxed....not now!!)

I just wanted to give everyone a quick update.....it seems like when school starts my blogging and phone calls and any other form of contact falls of the face of the earth. Good new, I am surviving my LAST semester of nursing school.

I can't even believe that the time has arrived for me to say that or to be talking graduation plans or even getting a job as an RN!!! Can I tell you how excited I am!

Clinicals have started and this semster they are geared more towards critical care. My first day of clinicals I got watch OPEN HEART SURGERY twice!! It was so awesome. I loved every second of it. I will NEVER forget the image that is burned into my brain of the sternum being sawed open (a real saw) and seeing the heart beating!! Our bodies, what an amazing thing. It is the like the image of witnessing the first birth of a baby on Labor and Delivery....never forget that either. My other clinicals have been great too but I started out with the best that is for sure.

I am 5 weeks into the semester and I have like 90 days til graduation, it is May 18th. I am sending in my application to the state for my licensing right now since that takes 2 to 4 months to process.

I have to keep pinching myself saying yes it is really happening....it has been a long road and it always seemed like such a far away dream that I almost thought would never happen. What a great feeling.

Plans for now....survive my last semester of nursing school and hope my husband can too... I can be a little cranky :(

Plans for my future after May 18 :)......1st head to Cancun for a much needed vacation, work in Vegas (better pay, better experience and better hospitals), probably start a family and enjoy my time with no school, although I do see myself going back eventually for a Nurse Practioner degree ( you all really didn't think I would stay away forever right?)!!!

Early Valentines

2009-01-29T15:49:00.000-08:00

I got home from school and found a package that I was thrilled about. My Dad sends me and my sisters and aunt ( all the special ladies in his life, my Mom gets some on the "real" Valentines day) roses or flowers every year. He is usually early which surprises us all, because it is not expected. I love the bouquet that he chose this year. It is always great to feel the love from your Dad and not just your husband :) I love you Dad, you always make me feel "special" and I love that you still think of me as your "squirt", cause you will always be my dad! Thanks, Dad.

Kung Fu Panda

2009-01-27T16:39:00.000-08:00

So it was babysit the greatest nephews night. Briggs and Beckham love coming to our house #1 because they love us :) and #2 because we let them do what ever they want. Curt had to go out of town to work and so it was me and the boys. Kung Fu Panda was playing at the Shattucks with Mac and Cheese for dinner, lots of fruit snacks and as much popcorn as their little hearts desired.

It was so fun. I love these boys so much and they are my entertainment when they are over. Here are a few pics of the boys practicing their best Kung Fu moves.....

It was so funny because Briggs wanted to do his moves but only in front of the fireplace and I figured out it was because he could see his reflection!! You look awesome Briggs.

Beckham gave me some punches and some good kicks. Love ya bud.

And the final move to finish off the night. It was so fun and can't wait to do it again!!

Family Photos

2009-01-11T15:42:00.001-08:00

Family Photos

2009-01-11T15:37:00.000-08:00

We finally got ALL of Curt's family together and I arranged for some family photos. The last photograph that was professionally taken with all the family members was when our neice that is 15 now was a baby. Cecilie Ott did our photographs and they turned out amazing. Her website is

www.cecilieott.com, check her out. These we will treasure for a long time, since it will be a while til we are all together again.

My Bucket List....Tag

2009-01-06T10:09:00.000-08:00

The "Bucket" List.....Things everyone should do before they die. I highlighted and enlarged the things I have done, a great list though to get started on, I have now realized there is a lot I haven't done yet that I want to do.

Started your own blog
Slept under the stars
Played in a band
Visited Hawaii
Watched a meteor shower

Given more than you can afford to charity
Been to Disneyland
Climbed a mountain
Held a praying mantis
Sang a solo
Bungee jumped (I am counting Curt's homemade bungee!!)
Visited Paris
Watched a lightning storm at sea( Lake Powell, the same thing right?)
Taught yourself an art from scratch
Adopted a child
Had food poisoning (Hasn't everyone?)
Walked to the top of the Statue of Liberty
Grown your own vegetables
Slept on an overnight train
Hitch hiked
Taken a sick day when you’re not ill
Held a lamb
Gone skinny dipping
Run a Marathon (I will be checking this off my list this year)
Seen a total eclipse
Watched a sunrise or sunset
Hit a home run
Been on a cruise
Seen Niagara Falls in person
Visited the birthplace of your ancestors
Seen an Amish community (does Colorado City count? I know they are not amish but...)
Fired a rifle, shotgun or pistol
Michelangelo’s David
Sung karaoke
Seen Old Faithful geyser erupt
Bought a stranger a meal
Visited Africa
Walked on a beach by moonlight
Been transported in an ambulance
Had your portrait painted (drawn)
Gone deep sea fishing
Seen the Sistine Chapel in person
Gone scuba diving or snorkeling
Kissed in the rain
Played in the mud
Gone to a drive-in theater
Visited the Great Wall of China
Started a business (tried to anyway)
Taken a martial arts class
Visited Russia
Served at a soup kitchen
Sold Girl Scout Cookies
Gone whale watching
Got flowers for no reason
Donated blood, platelets or plasma
Gone sky diving
Visited a Nazi Concentration Camp
Bounced a check
Flown in a helicopter
Saved a favorite childhood toy
Visited the Lincoln Memorial
Eaten Caviar
Pieced a quilt
Stood in Times Square
Been fired from a job
Seen the Changing of the Guards in London
Been on a speeding motorcycle
Seen the Grand Canyon in person
Published something
Bought a brand new car
Walked in Jerusalem
Visited the White House
Had chickenpox
Sat on a jury
Met someone famous
Joined a book club
Lost a loved one
Had a baby
Seen the Alamo in person
Swam in the Ocean
Owned a cell phone
Been stung by a bee
Seen Mount Rushmore in person
Learned to play an instrument
Held a tarantula
Touched an iceberg
Changed a baby’s diaper

Taken a trip in a hot air balloon
Had an uncontrollable giggling fit at the worst possible moment
Had a food fight
Had a snowball fight
Screamed as loudly as you possibly can
Ridden a roller coaster
Visited all 50 states
Taken a road-trip
Milked a cow
Been in a movie
Crashed a party
Made cookies from scratch
Gotten a tattoo
Rafted the Snake River
Performed on stage
Been to Las Vegas
Eaten shark (I think I will replace mine with Crocidile, just as big a deal and tastes like Chicken)

Bought a house
Been in a combat zone
Walked the Golden Gate Bridge
Touched a stingray
Broken a bone
Ridden a horse
Eaten sushi (yes, ugh, I don't think my dad will ever forget my face as he watched me choke that down :)
Had your picture in the newspaper
Gone back to school
Eaten fried green tomatoes
Killed and prepared an animal for eating
Dyed your hair
Caused a car accident
Saved someone’s life

Well I crossed off a lot but have a lot to conquer, hope this helps everyone reflect the many great things you have tried and hated or liked and also helped you realize even though we are closer to 30 some of us :) we can still live.

I tag Jessica, Ashlee, Ashlee, Amber and Leslie

Polar Bear Swim

2009-01-01T08:56:00.000-08:00

Saturday the 27th was the BIG day: Polar Bear Swim and get rid of the SNOWMAN.

Curt had wanted Briggs and Beckham to come over to help "beat up" the Snowman. And it only took a little coaxing before all the nephews were in on the plan.

We found swords and sticks and the soon had holes and pieces of it missing.

Soon they resorted to feet....to make it go faster :)

And in the end a good ol' hose and water, smart thinkers. The head was thrown into the pool by Uncle Curt to see how long it would take to melt.....lets just say it was still in there after most people were done swimming, chilly!!

Next: The Polar Bear Swim

Everyone anticipating the 40 degree water. Curt and his brothers always have to do something crazy when they get together and then they convince everyone else that they should do it with them too. I wasn't convinced. The rule was everyone get in, swim around and it was going to be who ever stayed in the longest but by the end it was gratifying just by getting in the water :)

Curt and Craig making their way to the other end of the pool quickly!

Even Curt's Mom got in and I think her words were close to " Isn't this lovely." Always being positive.

In the end all the adult guys and most of the teenagers were jumping in and Grandma. There were like 10 crazy people out of the 35 of us. It was all in all fun to watch and by the end of the day Curt did finally start warming up!

Christmas Week 2008

2008-12-30T10:13:00.001-08:00

Christmas 2008 was nice and simple, our focus was not on presents but it was on the true meaning, Christ and his birth. We found that this was the best year so far of our married years because we didn't exchange gifts, but we both wrote a letter to each other, which was all either of us wanted, it was so great!! Curt's sister and her kids were there Christmas morning and so we got to do the whole Santa thing and enjoy the present opening. I missed my family but got to talk to Bubba on the phone, only a couple more months :) My family got on Skype Christmas Eve and exchanged our ornaments and read our Christmas stories, it wasn't the same but it was the best we could do. We enjoyed our Christmas surrounded by family and loved keeping it SIMPLE! I think that will be our new tradition for each other. Hope you all had a Merry one and have a Happy New Year. Here are a few random photos.

The Happy Snowman.

With all that great snow we received Curt decided to make a snowman for the nephews to beat up when they came over from all the snow that was on our trampoline. It lasted over a week, it was great.

Christmas Day we enjoyed a yummy big dinner at Curt's brother Brian's house, here is all the food before we all dove in. It was delicious thanks Karen and the rest of the clan.

Curt's grandpa lives with Curt's Mom and so he comes to all our family functions and we love having him, he celebrated his 92nd birthday this year and still going strong, we love you Grandpa!!

And last but not least a picture of all the bro's minus Chad he was on his way. Craig, the one in the center, is moving to Italy in August, so this our last hoorah with him and his family until we go to Italy to visit :) I can't wait, thanks for the invite guys.

Oh My Gosh!

2008-12-18T07:14:00.000-08:00

Ok People, I was lying, that last blog was all about snow but..........

this is what I woke up to this morning. CRAZY!! I have lived here for 9 years and have never seen this much snow down here. It does occasionally snow but it doesn't usually stick and it never stays over night, it is usually melted in about 20 minutes. We have like 3 or 4 inches of snow and my poor palm trees. Well anyways, we just may have a white Christmas here, we will see.

Let it Snow!

2008-12-17T16:36:00.001-08:00

What is wrong with this picture?

Yes, snow in St. George and yes my poor palm trees. The weather has been so crazy this season. It was so warm for so long and then all of the sudden, SNOW!! I don't think the pool likes it either. I am having the hardest time warming up, and I know you all live in much colder places and are letting me whine about my sad snow, thanks. Hope you all having a HAPPY holiday and hope you all are close to being ready for Christmas day, I am getting close, but it will be nice to have all the hussle and bussle over.

Merry Christmas!!

Something Fun!

2008-12-05T17:57:00.000-08:00

5 Things I was doing 10 years ago…

1. Junior in High School thinking I was running the world

2. Hanging out with Ashlee Penrod, bowling, boyfriends and the movie Clueless

3. Driving the good ol' station wagon, cruisin the vard,rockin' to any music I could play in my Escort wagon, a lots of Wendy's runs.

4. Working at Mountain Alarm everyday, making friendships that would last a lifetime

5. Enjoying many nights down at Kurt's Drive In and their YUMMY shakes!

5 Things on my TO DO List…

1. Survive my Final, I am so close to finishing.

2. Clean my car

3. Hang christmas lights (Curt's job but I will help)

4. Email Bubba in the Ukraine

5. Feed the dogs

5 Snacks I enjoy…

1. Cheese

2. Pudding, with whip cream!! Yummy!

3. Almonds and blue berries

4. Apples

5. Fruit Snacks from Costco, they are the best.

5 Places I have lived…

1. Ogden

2. North Ogden

3. Saint George 1st house

4. Saint George 2nd house

5. Saint George 3rd house......its a regular cycle!!

5 Things I would do if I were a Millionaire…

1. Pay off our house

2. Donate, serve, and help in any way I could

3. Invest, invest, invest

4. Travel a lot, probably just spend a lot of my time on a cruise or better yet buy a yacht to cruise the world, stop a lot in Cancun.

5. Spoil the kids in my life.

5 Jobs I have had…

1. Filing at Mountain Alarm in Ogden

2. Sticker changing at Mountain Alarm in St. George

3. Huard and Welsh M.D., Billing Manager

4. Current......Huard and Welsh, M.D. Scrub Tech (I love this job)

5. In six months I will be an RN at a hospital, yeah baby!!

5 People I Tag…

1. Jessica B.

2. Jamie M.

3. Katie A.

4. Ashlee J.

5. Ashlee B.

And anyone else who wants to!

Twilight!! Need I say more!

2008-11-30T15:25:00.000-08:00

The awaited Twilight Showing!! We waited for the crowds to die down, we went on Tuesday.

Well I heard lots of stories and feed back on Twilight and was just going to go in with no expectations. We got a bunch a girls together and sadly Mom was ill or else we would have added her to our craziness.
We were the first in line, we heard it was going to be so crazy so we needed to be there early. Not so crazy but it paid off to be there we got the best seats in the house.
The happy faces after the show. It was great, I thought it was very well thought and played out. I loved it, I love who plays Edward, Bella and all the rest, they cast them all so perfectly. I hoping to see it again soon, everyone says the second time is the best.

The Ellen Show

2008-11-30T15:01:00.000-08:00

So I confessing my day time TV habits but....if I am home, I usually watch the Ellen show. I think she is hilarious and it gets me rolling on my homework or its my wind down after work. Well I was watching the show that she announced in 3 weeks she would be in Vegas. I immediately got online and applied for tickets for me, my sis, sis in law and mom. Well they of course call the night I am pulling an all nighter at clinicals and Curt couldn't find the phone. They left a message but by the time I got back with them (the next day) they were only offering me standby tickets. I was so mad!!

One of my neighbors and good friends is a nurse on Labor and Delivery and I happened to be following her one night and she mentioned she had gotten tickets. Their cousins were supposed to come down but they weren't going to be able to make it so she had an extra ticket. So I get to go afterall!!!

Luke, Jessica and Me at Caesar's Palace, that's where the taping was

Of course, me and Jessica at the Cheesecake Factory, any chance I get!!

The show was amazing. It was so fun, lots of dancing and some good laughter. Pink performed and she was the highlight of the show. She did so good and she sang my favorite song for the week, the "I am going to start a fight" one ( I can't remember the name). All in all great fun and I got it out of my system so I don't need to go again for a while anyway.

New Hair

2008-11-23T14:41:00.000-08:00

Before:

I got hair extensions. I have not had long hair since 3rd grade and decided to give it a try. My hair was at the annoying shoulder stage, which I was either ready to cut or had to do something. So my good friend was up for the challenge and she solved my problems.

After:

My hair before she cut it and blended it.

The finished product:

The finished product, with my good friend and hair dresser, Katie.

I love it, it is such a great change and it only hurt my head the first night. That is such a girl thing to say, what we do for beauty.

Movie Night!!

2008-11-12T17:57:00.000-08:00

Madagascar 2 Escape to Africa

What a fun movie. Curt and I like to spoil our nephews with some fun things like movies and treats. We had not done it in a while with school and all. Madagascar is Briggs' favorite movie and so I asked him if he would be available to go to the movies with us on Wednesday. He responded with "I have school" I told him it would be after school and he said "Then of course!" He asked Beckham if he wanted to go and Beckham said "No" Briggs responded with Uncle Curt is going and he will "Sugar us up" so you should come, Beck responded with a big "YES". We love those boys and have a great time with them.

We picked them and up and the were more than ready!! 1st stop the dollar store!!

Many treats were selected and we were off the movies. It was a great show and the boys loved it. It was great for Curt and I. It was Beckham's first movie and he loved it. Can't wait for our next movie night boys!! Love ya.

Vote, Vote, Vote

2008-11-04T12:40:00.000-08:00

The "BIG" day to vote. It is our personal responsibility to make a difference in our country, show some pride for those who fought for our freedoms and go VOTE!! If you don't vote you will never know if your vote made a difference. As my husband says, "If you don't vote you can't complain about what is currently happening in our country." Good luck, my fellow voters.

Sunday Drive

2008-10-26T18:17:00.000-07:00

The Road Trip began......

Who wouldn't love this scenery!

Thrilled to be driving a convertible!

The WIND blowing through my hair!

The great destination - Zion!!

Anybody that knows me, knew that I grew up with my dad owning convertibles throughout my growing years. I LOVE convertibles, I am partial to Mustangs but I really enjoy all kinds. Our friends have a 2003 Thunderbird and they left town and let us borrow the car. Well I was thrilled. Curt and I hoped in the car after church and enjoyed the 84 degree weather with the top down, the wind blowing through our hair and the sounds of sunday blarring on the radio :) It was the highlight of my dad, it reminded me of old times with my Dad listening to anything we could jam to with the top down and racing off the line, of course the other person did not know we were racing. It was a great drive down memory lane today.

Running

2008-10-26T16:49:00.000-07:00

RUNNING SHOES, NEED I SAY MORE!!

I went to the local running store and purchased my first pair of "real" running shoes. The Saucony Ride!! My outlet lately has been running. I find myself just focusing on my latest and greatest tunes that I got off Itunes and forgetting about all the caous going on around me. I leave my house and it is me and the road!! I come home feeling refreshed and ready to conquer the world. With school, work and busy regular life it has been a nice stress reliever. I, definitely, recommend this awesome stress reliever and it does not cost very much; find a pair of shoes, some good tunes and a road :)

NICU

2008-10-21T10:11:00.001-07:00

Me and Julie, The New Life as Nurse being Learned

Julie is my neighbor, friend, support and shoulder, nursing student :)

She is in nursing school with me and I find myself calling or texting her for therapy. Well Friday I needed her shoulder and many others (my Mom) to just TALK to.

The NICU was where I was working (I say working, but it is for free of course) on Friday. My last experience was great in the NICU and I had been pondering this floor for future work. There are always the good with the bad and I knew eventually I would experience that. Well there was absolutely nothing exciting going on in the NICU our census was down and it gave my nurse some great time to teach me on some things I could see and to be aware of. We were visiting in one of the rooms when we hear we need as many nurses as possible in here. I am thinking, nice something to do, not knowing what we were walking into. I had my first patient die and I wasn't even prepared for it, the baby lived for about 2 hours and fought hard. I found myself pondering death and thankful for my view and knowledge on death and knowing that family will see the baby again. I held strong til I talked to my mom (I told Curt I would tell him when I got home, I didn't want to break down crying while driving) but my mom brought the floods. Its a good thing to feel this and it is a sad thing, but it goes with the field right? I love what I will be doing and still love every minute of it, even though some pain is felt. It makes me want to learn and know as much as possible to be the best I can be so that when I am a practicing nurse I can know like those nurses knew that they did all they could do.

I found my new love and interest that I didn't even think was an option before this semester started, the NICU!! We will see, the Nurse Practitioner on staff told me she would hire me and train me for Life Flight, sounds good to me :)

Thanks to all the shoulders I used that night husband, family, friends, etc.

The ORGAN!!!

2008-10-05T13:55:00.001-07:00

Curt has started working for one of our neighbors part time selling organs and managing their used organs and some other things. They wanted him to learn how to play so that when he goes out on sales calls he could show the customer the capabilities of the organ. He is thrilled because he has always wanted to learn how to play the piano, organ is close enough.

So he and I have been having a great time learning together. I was very surprised at how fun it was, I played the piano for like 5 years and never thought twice about the organ. I have changed my views, it is funner than the piano and sounds better you can create the whole band on the one organ. Well our nephews were at the the house the other night and Curt decided to show them his new form of entertainment. The boys loved it. They did not want to get off. The organ has all sorts of buttons and different sounds like rock n' roll and country. It was the highlight of the night.

Briggs, Beckham and Curt having a blast.

Tagged!!

2008-09-30T13:13:00.000-07:00

Tagged by Ashlee J.
Defination of quirk:n.

1. A peculiarity of behavior; an idiosyncrasy: "Every man had his own quirks and twists" Harriet Beecher Stowe.

2. An unpredictable or unaccountable act or event; a vagary: a quirk of fate.

Rules: Link the Person who Tagged you. Mention rules on your blog. Tell about 6 quirks of yours. Tag 6 fellow bloggers to do the same.Leave a comment to let them know.

1. I have to make my bed every morning before I leave the house, or ELSE....
2. I eat every morning oatmeal squares with yogurt, blueberries and raspberries in it. If I don't my day is completely thrown!
3. I lock every door behind me no matter who is coming in behind me, habit or quirk. Sorry Dear!!
4. I have to get a new bath towel for my shower if any one uses it or even touches it, that drives me crazy, actually it grosses me out (slight OCD tendencies.)
5. The toilet paper has be coming out from the top, if not I change no matter who's house it is. (I used to not care but my husband had this quirk and now it drives me crazy)
6. I squeeze the toothpaste from the middle and Curt squeezes it from the end and both of us drive each other crazy with the way we squeeze. Problem solved: we each have our own tube of tooth paste, I have to squeeze it from the middle!!!

I feel like I have just confessed my deepest crazy secrets. :)

I tag: Tawnya, Kandyce, Ashlee B., Jamie, Jennie and Amber. Good Luck Ladies :)

Funny Movie

2008-09-28T14:09:00.000-07:00

Ghost Town, Now Playing!!!

Curt and I had a great date night last night, after my 12 hour shift (labor and delivery again :) and I loved it again) at the hopsital

and decided to go to Ghost Town, Bajio was our pit stop for dinner and then off to the movie.

The previews looked

funny but I just wasn't sure if all the funny parts were on the previews. We all

know movies that have been like that.

It was so funny. I was doubled over a few times. The starring actor

is the original guy that started "The Office" in London, he plays Michael

Scotts part in London. He is so funny.

So if you like the office, you will like this movie.

Five stars from us. If you want a good laugh go and see!!

Labor and Delivery

2008-09-21T15:03:00.000-07:00

Wow what a day spent in Labor and Delivery. I had a 12 hour shift there yesterday and it was so fun. 3 babies and lots of Moms with the possibility of leaking fluid later.....the day ended. I loved every second of it and had seen 4 births as the comforter or family side but never with the view of the nurse, it was very interesting. I have had this as a possiblity for me to specialize in and am going to still keep that as a possibility, I really enjoyed it. I think that the whole birthing process is amazing although I was having a hard time imagining myself in that bed but I have a lot of respect for our bodies and the changes it goes through to bring that baby to this world and a BIG SHOUT OUT to all you moms, great job and what an amazing gift to be blessed with. Stay tuned for more crazy clinical stories :). Did I say I am loving this semester, anything beats med surg, I pray I spend as little time as possible there for the rest of my career.

NICU

2008-09-14T13:44:00.000-07:00

It was my first clinical experience yesterday and I had the best time. I was kind of nervous because it was all these new areas we had never worked in ( so new nurses and different hospital) I showed up for my shift at 545 AM and got assigned to the NICU. I was so nervous. I didn't think I could handle being around sick babies and be able to care for them as their nurse. I was in for a surprise. The first hour our first little baby pulled out her NG tube (feeding tube down the nose to the stomach). So I got to put it back in (never had done one) It was awesome. The day turned out to be like that with all our babies, fixing things, putting things back in and also remembering all the feedings. 3 babies can keep you really busy, especially when they are all on the same feeding schedule :) It was the fastest day of clinicals I have ever had. And the more love you gave to those babies the better, it was so great. Briggs, my nephew, had been in the NICU for 8 days and some of my friends babies so on the patients side I had learned to appreciate the care that is given, but being the care giver was an amazing experience. The nurse I shadowed was so amazing, she believed in me and gave me more confidence and helped me understand everything. She was the best nurse I have been with so far. 1st of 12 clinicals done and a very good experience. Hopefully next saturday, Labor and Delivery, stay tuned.

Weekend with visitors

2008-09-07T15:17:00.001-07:00

This weekend was so fun!! My parents and my grandma came down on Thursday night and stayed til Sunday. It was so fun to have them down. We got to spend alot time as one big happy family, minus Bubba (miss ya).

Dad, me and Heather started the weekend with a 25 mile bike ride, it was awesome. I hadn't been on my bike for a couple of weeks so it felt great! Then Saturday was filled with soccer games. Jake coaches two teams and Briggs just started his first year of soccer. It was so fun to have some games to go to again, we haven't been to watch family since Bubba graduated High School.

Then Saturday afternoon Jake Leigh and his family, Bubbas first trainer out in the mission field, came over for a swim and BBQ party. It was so fun to get to know him and his family and hear what he had to say about Bubba and the mission. Of course, intertwined with all the partying, the BYU game was watched and they thankfully won.

We finished off the weekend with a good time at church and yummy BLT sandwiches with tomatoes from grandmas garden. It was the perfect end to a great weekend. Thanks Mom, Dad and Grandma for coming down, we love it when you come.

Crazy but FUN weekend

2008-09-07T15:16:00.000-07:00

School has Started!!!

2008-08-31T14:20:00.001-07:00

Summer is officially over for me. I started school this week and spent two 12 hour days on campus, thankfully that will not be every week. This is my second year of nursing school and this semester I get to have rotation on Labor and Delivery, Peds, and Psych. I am way excited for all these rotations. I start clinicals next weekend and have them every weekend until Thanksgiving. One good thing is that time will fly by because I will be so busy. I am seeing the light at the end of the tunnel I will be and RN by May, WahOO!!! I am hoping to do mostly Labor and Delivery, I have seen 3 births and it is so amazing. We have been learning a lot about the pregnancy and delivery thing and can I say WOW!! All you moms get the gold star for performance. Lets just say more knowledge is not always better :)

Happy Birthday Curt!!

2008-08-26T07:07:00.001-07:00

Happy Birthday

Curt is turning 35 today!!

I know it sounds old but he sure doesn't act it :) Thats all that matters right. I am so thankful that he was born and that we found each other eventually and got married and have enjoyed 7 or 8 wonderful birthday celebrations together. I have told him that we can do anything he wants today and so far he has come up with going to work.....lame I know, but he isn't thrilled about his birthday so I will keep working on him. I am definitely making a cake and his favorite dinner. Anyone that knows him give him a call and harass him a bit about having a birthday, he will love it. I love you Curt and hope you had a great day :)

THe Olympics

2008-08-15T09:32:00.000-07:00

WOW!! Ok who has not been watching or should I say who is crazy enough not to. I have found myself perched in front of the TV, watching faithfully and cheering our fellow USA team members on. Curt and I both have found ourselves screaming at the TV and clapping and whistling, what can I say? We love the olympics. It is definitley my favorite time of the year when it comes. It is DVR'd and we have had many great nights cheering on the Americans.

How about that Michael Phelps?

Did I already say I love the OLYMPICS? :)

Road Trip Up North

2008-08-10T14:26:00.001-07:00

My Birthday!!

2008-08-10T13:41:00.000-07:00

Yes, as you all know I was dreading my birthday but it wasn't so bad :)

I have such wonderful family and friends and the best husband ever that it turned out to be a very memorable birthday.

Curt and I woke up and rode 26 miles on our road bikes for all my many 26 years, it was so fun. He then made me breakfast and then the regulars for swim days came over with cards and presents and balloons and a cake, and I had a great celebration with them. Curt surprised me with 14 dozen roses on my bed when I was done swimming, I was stunned :) It was "a bed of roses" :) He had done this when we were dating and did it again, they were gorgeous.

We then got ready for a night out with just Curt and I. Which consisted of a wonderful dinner at Gun Barrel, delicious dessert at Golden Spoon ( it was even double stamp day yes!!) and then a great night finished off with Tuachan which is playing Les Miserables right now. The play was not my favorite and it didn't help that it was still 100 degrees outside but it was so fun just to go and do it with Curt. Any body that knows Curt knows he made a sacrifice for me to enjoy my birthday by suffering through a play.....he was a good sport. Thanks dear for a perfect day.

Summer coming to an End :(

2008-08-03T14:57:00.000-07:00

Wow I can't believe it is August!! Summer seems like it has flown by but we still have a couple of weeks to enjoy. School in St. George starts the 12th of August so swim days will soon be over, early to bed and early to rise for the families and no more late night walks to hopefully find the cooler air.

Usually August brings some excitement for me but this year it seems to be a little bit of a drag. School starts for me the 28th and then it is back to the grind for me. Only 9 more months and I will be an RN, Yahoo!! ( that is exciting but starting it isn't so much) I am also not sure about this birthday thing I am turning 26 on Tuesday. For some reason I am not thrilled with this birthday and kinda wish it would just pass by. Oh well thanks to the ones in my life not allowing that to happen it will be fun and I will love it....pics to come :)

I have truely enjoyed myself this summer and hope for many more great summers near the pool and having a great time in the neighborhood. Thanks to all the great supporters of our swim days and many other events we had. It was great fun. Here are some pics from some of our great days together enjoying the sun.

Rag Quilts

2008-07-27T16:17:00.000-07:00

There is something that my friends all know that I do and if the proper request is put in they soon will have a rag quilt of their own. I love making them and love it when they get married or pregnant which gives me the excuse to make one. Well up til now I had never taken pictures of them but I figured I better start. I made this one for my good friend Nicole. She is pregnant with baby boy( probably Houston) and the nursery theme is Noah's Ark. I am throwing her a shower which is Thursday so sorry Nicole you get to see the finished product on my blog :) She is due on the 26th of Sept. and we are so excited for them.

Full Shot

Close up ( isn't cute)

24th Celebration

2008-07-27T16:15:00.000-07:00

Yearly Hike 2008

2008-07-27T15:12:00.001-07:00

CAMPING/HIKING........

Every year Curt and all his bros ( or all that can come) hike a new mountain or two in different western states. They have done WY, C

O, UT, NM so far. This year they went from the 16th of July to the 19th. All of his brothers went except Craig who I posted about last post, he is in Iraq serving our country. They hike the highest peak in Colorado Mount Elbert (14,331 feet high) and Mount Wheeler in New Mexico ( 13,100 ft high) . They pretty much run up the mountains they finished the first by two in the afternoon on Thursday starting it Thursday morning and Friday morning starting Mount Wheeler and finishing by noon. Its great that his brothers still get together and have these great male bonding experiences. Thanks boys for all the planning, especially Chad :)

All the hikes excluding the picture taker ( Sheri and kids stayed at base camp)

Sheri and her family and Brian and Joseph

Beginning camp at the base of Mt Elbert

Nate, Joseph, Darrin, Chad

Camp under the plane, Asphalt and all!!!

Curt's camera ran out of batteries so I have a couple of pics from the beginning camp and one from the end camp I will get more from Chad eventually thankfully he remembered to charge the camera I forgot :( Way to go boys, we are proud!!!

Thankful For the Ones that Fight!!

2008-07-20T15:38:00.000-07:00

Freedom............

is something we all enjoy and I am just as guilty as anyone about taking advantage and forgetting about those fighting for our freedoms. Curt's brother Craig is in Iraq somewhere working for the Navy Criminal Investigative Services and volunteered for 3 4-month terms to serve his country over there. This year is his second and we miss him and also his family (they moved to Georgia for the job) So thank you Craig and all the other soilders fighting for our freedoms in this crazy world. This month always brings these patriotic feelings to the surface and I just wanted to publicly thank him and all the others for risking their lives for me so I can do so many great things and live in the US of A. Here are some of his recent pics.

This is before he left with two out of three kids.
He called this "Iraqi home" Wow do we have it great.
And a lake there I guess. But doesn't it look desolate.

Memory Lane

2008-07-15T09:00:00.000-07:00

I saw this post on a couple of my friends blogs and decide ah what the heck, it seems like fun!!

Directions.

1. As a comment on my blog, leave one memory that you and I had together. It doesn't matter if you knew me a little or a lot, anything you remember!

2. Next, re-post these instructions on your blog and see how many people leave a memory about you. It's actually pretty funny to see the responses. If you leave a memory about me, I'll assume you're playing the game and I'll come to your blog and leave one about you. If you don't want to play on your blog, or if you don't have a blog, I'll leave my memory of you in my comments.

Dexter and his bug habits!

2008-07-13T15:55:00.000-07:00

My dog, dexter, seems to love bugs or anything that moves birds, etc. Here is a movie of him finding and playing with a caterpillar.

Our Week of Visitors!!

2008-07-13T14:42:00.000-07:00

What a great week!!

My great friend Ashlee came to visit. We had one of our great girls nights and loved every minute of her stay. It has been a while....too long.

We love you Ashlee.

Ashlee, Me, Sophie, Jessica

Ashlee and Brielle

Ashlee left on Thursday morning and then the next shift came.....My best friend from growing up Ashlee Brueckner and her family. They came Thursday night and we were off to Pizza Factory, the best place to eat in town, THANKS TJ.

Courtnee, Ashlee, Hudson and Jared.

We had great times while they were down and spent many hours by the pool and enjoying great watermelon and many other summer foods. Thanks for coming down and enjoying our pool with us:) They are moving to Boston the middle of next month so this will be the last visit for a while. I will see them in Boston next. :(

Fourth of July Hike

2008-07-05T12:29:00.000-07:00

Well my parents were coming down for the 4th and I had decided last weekend that I had wanted to try more hikes around here. We have some many beautiful areas that we have never seen and how long have we lived here....8 Years!!! Silly!!

1st new hike: Kanarraville Falls hike I would give it 5 stars and a must see vote as would my Fam.

We left for the hike around 10 and got there to start the hike around 11 a little detouring and getting lost in there but we got back on track and found the start. The hike starts on a dirt road and then you get to the river bed and you turn onto the river and hike up the river the whole way pretty much. There are a couple of areas that have paved walk ways but in the water most of the time (this is why I chose this hike for July since it is so blasted hot!!) The river was nice and cool and actually at first our feet were frozen from walking in it but we soon got used to it and found it very refreshing.

There were slot canyons and waterfalls and just amazing scenery that I didn't even know existed and better yet you didn't have to pay 25 dollars to get into the park, love ya Zions but not all the time. It was so fun and we had a blast.

Curt was determined to make it to the top but we didn't we were getting tired and many blisters on Heathers feet we all voted to turn back, we really didn't know how far it went because most people stop at the second set of falls well not us!!!

We saw many birds and a rattle snake, yikes it rattled and we left it alone. All in all it was a great hike so if you are in Southern Utah and want a great hike look this one up. Check out my pics in the slide show.

Check out my Slide Show!

2008-07-05T12:28:00.001-07:00

Great Movies!!

2008-07-02T15:22:00.000-07:00

Two great movies.......

My mom and I went and saw this in Palm Springs and laughed our heads off. They are so funny together. I did think it reminded me a bit of his other movie Just Married. But anyways it is so funny.

Get Smart.

What a great show and if you are any office fan, it is even funnier. Curt and I and some friends went and saw this and I have not seen a more clean and funny movie all in one in a long time. Stever Carrell is so funny

So if you get some time got see the awesome movies.

Girls Week in Palm Springs!

2008-06-29T15:55:00.000-07:00

The Girls and Our first Shopping day, Do we look ready or What?

I had to use a week at my time share and it needed to be used by July 4th and so Curt couldn't get work off for another week since we just got back from Cancun. So I rallied together my mom, sister and sister-in-law and decided to head to Palm Springs, road trip!!!

My sister-in-law just got her dental hygiene license and started her new job the week we were leaving.....so she couldn't come, we missed you Heather!!

My mom flew into Vegas and Tawnya and I headed down to pick her up and off we were to Palm Springs. One big thing we forgot was Sunday California traffic, it was a nightmare 10 miles an hour for 3 hours, I think seriously we went 30 miles total, but we made the best of it and come to find out a semi had rolled down a ravine and that was why traffic had stopped not because of the Californians. So we got to our resort around 11 at night and I go walking in to check us in and it is the most gorgeous lobby I have ever seen. I said to my mom "this is so nice, is the Westin a really nice place to stay?" She said it was up there with the Ritz I had no idea!! So we got this amazing villa suite and enjoyed every minute of it. We technically stayed in Rancho Mirage but all the little cities ran together.

We shopped, shopped and shopped. It was great. One of the outlets we went to had over 130 stores......it was a dream come true. And yes I found many great deals and came home with many great things, Curt was impressed ;)

We also hiked up Palm Canyon. It is a canyon that has about 15 miles of Palm trees up this ravine between desert on both sides it was so crazy to see. We, of course, showed up to hike around noon the hotest time of the day (it was 110 degrees outside) so we hiked a couple of miles and were sweating our guts out and turned back and said "That was Great" but we are

dying of heat.

(if you look behind me in the picture by myself you can see the winding lines of palms all the way up the canyon)

On our way home from the hike we took the scenic route and saw lots of things but my mom found an airplane museum and she thought that the plane that my grandpa flew in WWII was in there so we went and got to see the crazy planes they flew in the war and got to his plane the HellCat. It was crazy and just seeing what they flew compared to what we have now helped me gain a lot of respect for our forefathers who have fought for our freedoms. Thanks gramps, he

passed away three years ago this fall and I miss him so much :)

This is the HellCat!! We all wore our plaid shorts on the same day :) We really looked related.

We did alot of laying by the pool and reading our books, I am very into The Host right now and can't wait to find out how it ends. We also ate at many yummy restaurants. Thanks Mom and Tawnya for an awesome vacation and we are now making it a tradition, it was so fun!!

At a yummy restaurant called Roy's. I guess they are really big in Hawaii, greatest food I have ever had....Thanks Aunt Jan for the recommendation.

Moab

2008-06-15T17:54:00.000-07:00

A new Place that we have discovered!!! How long have I lived in Utah and never been to Moab? My WHOLE life!!! I can't believe it either!

My moms side of the family had their family reunion there and enjoyed it so much. We hiked in Arches National Park up to the Delicate Arch ( the one on our license plates) and it was so cool. We were going to rent jeeps but the guy was at lunch and wouldn't come back in time to

rent them to us :( It was so great to see all my family and enjoy some time with them because we only see them a couple of times year all together. Love ya guys!

We flew in the plane there and it was only 2 hours, it would have been a 6 hour drive so it was so nice. Thanks to my husband who is the pilot, I am really enjoying it alot because of the cut in time.

We are enjoying our summer........to be continued

starting the hike We made it Curt is WAY excited!

our gorgeous photo - no shower no makeup :) The whole Fam

Happy Father's Day!

2008-06-15T14:33:00.000-07:00

Well what a great day to reflect on our great dads and husbands in our lives. I am so grateful for my dad and love how much he has done for me. Life with him is positive, uplifting and everything seems to work out and that is what I have learned from my dad. Thanks for the great example and being my hero!

My husband, what a wonderful man. He and I have had some great times since school has been out as we have been able to actually spend some great time together as alot of you in shcool know, not much time with school. He takes such great care of me and makes such great effort to make things fun. He tells me constantly that he loves me and I love it. Life is great in the fast lane with Curt and eventually he will be a dad so I added this little paragraph he is the man of my house! :)

Girls Night in Vegas!!!!

2008-06-07T10:36:00.000-07:00

Me and Jess with Kenny ( we wish it was real) !!!

My girlfriend and I have this great tradition that we realized this year it has been going for 4 years. We go to Kenny Chesney in Las Vegas every year and it is planned whether rain or shine or she is 8 1/2 months pregnant( happened a couple of years ago). We have had people come with us but most the time it just ends up being us ( 3 out of the 4 years) We have a great time either way. Our friend Ash was supposed to come but due to other circumstances she couldn't make it down and we missed her :( So we left for Vegas around 5 and went to the Cheesecake Factory for dinner, which I found out on the way down there that she has never eaten there, CRAZY!!. They have the best FOOD!!

Enjoying our Cheesecake, White Chocolate Raspberry Truffle!!

Jess thought it would be funny to put the whole 2 piles of whip cream on her fork, we thought it was funny!!

After we gorged ourselves there, we were off to the concert. Kenny changed locations this year to the MGM, it used to be at Mandalay Bay. Well MGM has this parking garage that take forever to get a parking spot and after the concert took us an hour to get out of, what a nightmare, but it didn't seem to bother us at the time because we had just had 2 full hours of Kenny Chesney!!! What great fun.

We got hats at the concert this year usually we get tees but we thought we would use hats more, laying by the pool and all.

The crazy night ended with lots of singing and Dr.Peppers (Large from In and Out) to get us home by 3 in the morning, we usually spend the night but Jess has a baby that is 2 months old and so we made the exception for Sophie this year :)

Here are some pics from the concert, he is the BEST entertainer. It was the greatest girls night and we sang and danced until it was over, I love being around people that are singing at the top of their lungs and you can dance til your hearts content because you will never see them again !! The movie at the bottom didn't turn out like I had thought but its a tribute to my bro Bubba who went with us a couple of years ago, it was his graduation present from us! Its a video of his favorite song, a short video.

Me and Jess just before Kenny came on stage....can you see the excitement?

Kenny on stage, singing to me of course!

Another one of Kenny!

Bubba this video is for you, its kind of squeaky but make sure you watch it til the end, its only like 30 Seconds.

Tagged!!

2008-06-01T15:19:00.000-07:00

Well I have been tagged......for those who I choose to tag just copy and paste my answers and then type your own :)

A)Four places I go over and over:
1. Mom and Dads
2. Cancun
3. Target
4. Work

B)Four people who email me the most:
1. Dad
2. Mom
3. Jessica
4. Bubba

C)Four of my favorite foods:
1. Watermelon
2. Steak
3. Cucumbers
4. Chicken

D)Four Places in which I would rather be right now:
1. Cancun
2. At my Moms
3. At the pool
4. Shopping

E)Four people I'm tagging:
1. Jessica
2. Tawnya
3. Jamie
4. Ashley

F)Four movies I would watch over and over:
1. How to Lose a Guy in 10 days
2. Dumb and Dumber
3.Top Gun
4. Christmas Vacation

Hope you all enjoy!! Tagging is kind of fun!

Cancun, BABY!!!!

2008-05-25T16:39:00.000-07:00

Wow!! Did we have the most wonderful week ever? YES, we did!! Curt and I and my whole family went to Cancun this last week from Saturday to Saturday and it was just what the doctor ordered. I finished my nursing finals on Thursday of not last week but the week before and got A's by the way :) We were then off on our adventure on Friday the 16. Curt flew Jake, Heather (my sis-in-law), me and him up to the Ogden airport on Friday night, only 2 1/2 hours instead of 5 in the car, it was awesome. All Jake could say the whole way up was " this is so much better than driving!!" I do have to say I was a little bit nervous but it turned out great. We left Saturday morning and we were on the beach by 4 that afternoon enjoying happy hour which includes free chips and salsa and half price on drinks, virgin margaritas, oh Yea!! It was the greatest. Our whole week consisted of beach and more beach and afternoon naps and lots of salt water and great waves. Oh and the start and finish of some good books (twilight). I love summer for this reason, reading something other than text books. It is good to be home but sad, it will be another year until I am back on that gorgeous beach. The slide show has some of our pics from the trip, enjoy!

Check out my Slide Show!

2008-05-25T16:35:00.001-07:00

What a Week!!!

2008-05-11T17:59:00.000-07:00

If any of you have heard stories of my husband with his siblings or family, they are a little crazy, the first pic shows how they were consistently jumping off the diving board, I thought it was going to break. The last picture is a great pic of Curts mom and all of her children

Lots is happening in our lives......

#1 Finals this Week.....Thursday is the final day of the semester WAHOO!!!

#2 Our 7th Year Anniversary.......I can't believe time has flown by so quickly. What a great time we have had together and I my life with my husband, he supports me and takes care of me and I love him so much. We were at his brothers wedding on our anniversary so there was something great to participate in while we were celebrating. We r going to celebrate next week cause we are going to Cancun, baby!!!! I am so thrilled, I have many books to enjoy on the beach all week, it is our favorite vacation place and we have such a great time. My whole family is going this time so it will be so fun.

#3 Curts brothers wedding.....I think many times this weekend we had probably over 30 people in the pool, we swam every night until about 11 PM. It was great to get everyone together. Its been the first time in a long time that almost all of Curts brothers and sisters were together, we were only missing 3 family members ( we missed you Michelle, Stephanie and Ethan)

#4 Girls weekend in Vegas is coming up, Kenny Chesney concert......It will be a blast!!! It has become a great tradition and I can't wait.

#5 I almost forgot I chopped my hair and highlighted it. I cut off about 6 inches and I love it, it was getting so hot here. I will post some great photos later, you can kind of tell in these photos.

And yes I keep changing my background, I was feeling summery and if anyone knows me you know I am the queen of flip flops. Thats why I chose this and because it reminds of summer my most favorite time of year.

Check out my Slide Show!

2008-05-04T18:54:00.001-07:00

My Nephews

2008-05-04T18:38:00.000-07:00

Well I was feeling a lot grateful today and thought I would blog my gratefulness if that is a word. Curt and I have best time when our nieces and nephews come around we are so blessed to have my sister close that lets us steal her kids from time to time and just spoil them rotten!!! Thanks T for having such great children and letting us enjoy so much time with them. Kids are so fun and eventually we will have some of our own but thanks to everyone for letting us spoil yours while we can. :) Curt let Briggs eat however many pieces of gum and he decided to eat the whole pack, 16 pieces later!!! Love ya bud.

What a Weekend!!!

2008-05-02T18:03:00.000-07:00

Well this weekend we had my sister-in-laws family down and mine for her graduation and it was also my moms 50th birthday. So we had some great times in the pool, went on a great bike ride and great times with gifts and surprises. Heather got a new road bike so Me, Dad, Curt and Heather went for a great bike ride, I have a new riding buddy, YEAH!!! Mom got some great things and enjoyed her party. My sister made the gorgeous cake. Here are some pics.

Airplane!!!

2008-05-02T17:58:00.001-07:00

Well the story starts here with Curt buying THE plane. Here are a couple of pics, he took my sister-in-laws father and grandpa up for a flight (they are both pilots). It is a Piper Archer and he loves it. It will get us lots of places!!!! Yeah for us we are going to Moab this summer and it will only be 2 hours instead of 6. We will love it, thanks dear for your love of flying.

The Final Paper!!!

2008-04-23T20:07:00.000-07:00

Well I am in need of a little blog therapy. I finished my last paper of the semester and it is 50 pages, YUCK!!! Well so I have been zoning out by catching up on everyones blogs and enjoying everyone elses stories.

Curt left tonight to hopefully buy his plane, keep your fingers crossed. He has been on the hunt for 5 months and I am getting tired of the nightly stare at all the different websites for buying planes and me hoping and praying that one will work out. It is just a little 4 seater plane but it will get him back and forth from Bullhead City and home nightly.

3 more Weeks and School will be over for the semester. I can't wait for summer, lay by the pool and enjoy the hot weather. And fun vacations. I am heading to Cancun in May and Cali in June, and Kenny Chesney concert in Vegas, oh and my family reunion in Moab. June will be a crazy month.

Well I think that is all the craziness I need to chat about. Thanks to blogging, its great therapy.
:)

First Lawn Mowing Experience!!

2008-04-17T13:23:00.000-07:00

Well as many of you may know, growing up we never owned a lawn mower. Thanks to Green Touch lawn maintenance helped us kids out with that responsibility that I swear everyone in their life has had.

Well Curt has been working out of town and it so happened that on the weekend we or he didn't get the lawn mowed and he was leaving Monday for Bullhead. Garbage day is Tuesdays and so he didn't want the grass to sit in the garbage all week if the lawn waited for him to do it so.......yep he asked me to do it.

I said I guess I can attempt. Thank goodness Curt walked me through it on the phone and my sister in law Heather was over and gave me a few tips. Yes, I did it and I even made diagonal lines. To give you an idea of what an accomplishment, Jake, my brother didn't even believe that I did it. Thanks bro.

My slide show includes some photos and also of my green thumb, haha. I have planted strawberries, fruit trees and tomatoes. I am becoming a little farmer, I guess as much as you can in St. George with not much land :)

Finally Enjoyable Weather~!!!

2008-04-11T12:34:00.000-07:00

Well as many of you know or have seen on the news it is gorgeous down here and I am having a hard time staying inside, especially with the new pool and all. So instead of studying inside I study outside and am working on my tan :) Oh and enjoying four wheeling trips!!

Curt has headed up north to see if he can fulfill one of his many dreams and buy a plane. Its an older plane but it is really nice. He has been flying down to Bullhead City, AZ more often so he can be home at night and not have to drive for 6 hours. We have been this close before so I am crossing my fingers that the plane checks out.

I took I think the hardest test of the semester, Cardiology, yesterday and got an 82% so I felt pretty good, I had to be calmed down the night before because I was so worried I was going to bomb it. Most of the class got in the 70s so that gives you an idea of the hardness (if thats even a word)

Oh and the greatest event of the week one of my bestest friends had her baby and usually I am holding her other leg through labor but I was at work and was 15 minutes to late and missed the delivery (my favorite part) But Curt and I spent and hour or two over there yesterday just snuggling her. Congrats Jes, you are awesome!!

Easter Weekend!!

2008-03-28T10:16:00.001-07:00

What a great weekend!!

Mom and Dad came down and we enjoyed some great times down here together here are a couple pictures from our sunny weekend.

I am new at this blogging thing and forgot to add this one before my this weeks response sorry :)

What are Aunt and Uncles Good For?

2008-03-27T20:56:00.000-07:00

Curt and I are the king and queen of loading up the kids that visit us with treats!!! We treat them very well. Beckham is getting a good taste of what a gummy worm tastes like :)

The week of March 23rd

2008-03-27T20:09:00.000-07:00

Wow what a week!!!

I have been enjoying my WONDERFUL spring break and loving every minute of it. I created a blog today instead of having to go to school, Yeah!!!! I worked on my paper that isn't due until the end of April and it is already 45 pages, CRAZY. The things they make you do in school.

Curt has been down to Arizona and is back yeah, we are going to enjoy a great weekend with nothing but good old fashioned fun together, hopefully in the fun is a great hike in ZIONS. Can't pass up the chance to be outside in this gorgeous weather, yes it is in the mid 70's.

And for all those who are wondering, the pool has started to be heated today, so we should be swimming soon. I will keep you updated.