Miss you Grandpa.

One year ago today my sweet grandpa passed away. He was 94. The last 4 1/2 years of his life were spent under the care of my parents in their home. It was a huge trial for them & my family but seriously one of the greatest blessings. I miss him a lot--he played a huge part in my life and continues to do so. Those who had the privilege of meeting him know what a wonderful person he was. I don't think I've ever met someone who was as kind and hard working as he was. I'm so grateful that I know I will see him again. I love you Grandpa!

Beautiful Canadia.

Spring break + time off of work=roadtrip to Canada! Loren was so kind to invite me up to his great home country and spend time with his fam in Magrath, Alberta. We somehow survived the 12 hour drive through a blizzard, mean border patrol woman, flat tire, speeding ticket, sleepiness, and my mad stick-shift skills ;)

Loren's parents had just gotten back from Dubai and received these sweet outfits. So of course we had to play dress up. I think this is Loren's next Halloween costume...

We took a drive out to Lethbridge and on the way took some pictures of the beautiful countryside.

 Loren's dad took us out to some of the land that he owns near Cardston. We hit up the quad and drove around in the mud :)

Props to the sweet hats Loren's dad let us use.

 Afterwards, we headed to Waterton Lakes National park. Absolutely beautiful!

It was a fun time. Now gotta see the rest of Canada!

The Big 2-5?!

You know you're getting old when girls you used to babysit are getting married. Or the fact that college freshman were born in '91. Or maybe just knowing a life of dial up and no cell phones. Good times. Luckily, I have patients who make me feel like a million bucks and mistaken me as younger. And even question if I'm really their nurse. Awesome...

Nah, I've actually embraced the big 2-5. Kinda creepy I'm half way to 30 but hey, much better than being 18. I had a great day spent w/family & friends. Thanks to everyone for making it a special day!

After enjoying a day off of work & a pedicure w/my mom, we met up w/the fam & Loren at Texas Roadhouse. yum yum. Another 'most embarassing moment' to add to the list: being forced to sit on the saddle as your waitress screams at the top of her lungs that it's your birthday. Thanks Dad.

After Texas Roadhouse, we headed to my bro Phil's house for presents and cake. Proud new owner of a crock pot! Super excited to use it. Along with my new hip cordless mouse...yeah..

Then Loren and I headed up to Salt Lake to meet my friends at PF Changs for dessert. Banana Spring Rolls--best dessert ever! Highly recommend it. Check it out below.

I must say Loren is quite the talented photographer. Check out his blog here. I love love his photo of the New Port pier so he blew it up to a big size, mounted it & surprised me with it. It currently hangs on my wall along with 12 beautiful roses :)

Withdrawals.

My summer withdrawals are getting worse each day. It seems the only way to get through this dreadful Utah winter is to keep thinking about what is coming up. Okay I know it hasn't been that bad but really, did it have to snow the other day? Today was a great day. 1st day of March. I may be a little biased toward this month, but it really is a fabulous month. And to start it off, the sun was SHINING. Not just peaking through the clouds, but clear blue sunny skies. Ahhhh. I sound pathetic but hey, I guess I really needed the vitamin D today. Happy day :)

Now some things to look forward to...

Can't wait.

The day of LOVE.

 

Happy Valentines Day!

Love you all.

God is a God of miracles.

          Last week my mom sent me an email link to the Staker's blog, a family in my home ward, regarding the tragic near death drowning accident of their baby boy Bronson. I was hooked immediately. The whole story is heart wrenching and day by day, Sara has wrote about Bronson's progress. If you want a great story to read, she has a beautiful way with words and is sharing her miracle. Many prayers, fastings and blessings have been given on behalf of this little boy and it has been truly amazing to see what the outcome has been.

God really is a God of miracles.

http://www.stakerzxposed.blogspot.com/

What a beauty.

From this...

to THIS...

 

Thank you Cotsco. Just a tad excited to have this now.

All welcome to come over :)

Sweet Victory.

As I predicted...

 

The Jazz took down the Mavs. 3rd year in a row. Boo yeah.

Thought for the day

Came across this great quote:

"I know this for a certainty: it is often in the trial of adversity that we learn those most critical lessons that form our character and shape our destiny." --President Dieter F. Uchtdorf (Oct 2009 General Conference)

Life is tough. It is sad. It is frustrating. It can bring you down. But we don't have to let it. Through whatever challenges we are dealing with, we have a choice. A choice to learn & realize the purpose behind it. I am an adamant believer that we go through things for a reason.  And it is through those hard times that we are shaped and hopefully learn what God wants us to learn. And that is when we realize how wonderful life can be and how blessed we truly are.

Winter Festivities

Snowshoeing, extreme sledding, home cooked meals, wii, naps, movies, bon fire, fireworks--spent a rockin' weekend at Brooke's cabin in Alton. Much thanks goes out to Brooke's wonderful parents and family!

 

On another note: Our dear friend got married this past Saturday. 

Congrats Ilene and Eric!

A crazy bachelorette party was thrown earlier that week.

Two down, four to go...