Forever and Always

32 Weeks!

2012-02-05T16:50:00.000-08:00

32 weeks pregnant this week! YAY! Baby Haven is definitely getting bigger...check out the picture! (not sure what I'm looking at...)

Nothing much to report...but I guess that's good! :) She does like to wake up lots in the night, especially at 5am when Luke and I get up for work. She has also been getting the hiccups a lot, which I find so cute! (Unless it's the middle of the night and they're keeping me up, but I don't mind too much!)
We're slowly getting her room done, I'll put pictures of it up when it's finished, but that probably won't be until March 29th at the rate I'm going! haha
The other day this little number showed up in the mail. Luke has apparently been doing some online shopping.

You can just barely tell, but it says 'Daddy's Little Welder'
He is getting so excited and is going to make an excellent father!
He makes a great husband too! :) One morning I came down to go to work and this was on the counter for me. He is such a sweetheart! Oranges definitely taste better when arranged in the shape of a heart :)

28 weeks!!

2012-01-07T12:03:00.000-08:00

So I'm 28 weeks pregnant this week. YAY- we're in the last trimester! I'm so excited for this little girl to get here. Everything is going well and she is growing right on schedule. Even though everyone likes to tell me how small my belly is and how I barely look pregnant, the midwife assured me she is fine and measures exactly 28 weeks. :)
We scheduled a 3D ultrasound, but the little tiny decided to have both legs and an arm in front of her face, so we only got a profile. It was really funny to see her poking here little eyes and nose through her legs. She is pretty flexible! Afterwards Luke was talking about how he wishes he was flexible and proceeded to show me how he can't touch his toes-that's an understatement, he can just manage to touch his knees. He then decided that if we ever have a boy he is going to make him touch his toes everyday of his life so he stays flexible. haha...poor child! We also saw her drinking and a big yawn...so cute!

In other news...we had a fun Christmas. I didn't have to go to work the whole weekend, even though I was supposed to :) We went to church and had a fun and relaxing day together. We built a puzzle, gingerbread town and train, talked with our families, opened presents, and ate dinner. I got some pink earrings and pajamas. Luke was so excited about his metal gas can. Random things make him so happy! haha.

Luke bought the baby two outfits :)

Merry Christmas!

2011-12-24T09:44:00.000-08:00

It's Christmas Eve and I was supposed to go to work for half of the day, but was called off...yay! I never thought I would get so excited when my phone rings at 4am. :) Here's hoping it does tomorrow too, so I don't have to work on Christmas!
I'm thankful for the Christmas season and the opportunity I have to celebrate Christ's birth. I know He is my Savior and I'm thankful for all He has done for me and the many blessings I receive from Him. I feel so blessed to be married to Luke. He truly is my best friend and over the past six years that we have been living in Utah we have really come to rely on each other and form a family. He is kind and sensitive and the most hard-working person I have ever met. He tries to make good choices for our himself and our family; I know he is going to be an amazing father to our little girl. I'm so excited for her to get here! I'm so thankful she is healthy, strong, and growing like she should!
I'm excited to spend tomorrow with Luke and celebrate the birth of Christ.
Wishing you all a Merry Christmas!

All Luke gets for Christmas....

2011-12-09T21:28:00.001-08:00

is a new back tooth! My dear sweet husband after spending two great years in Mexico serving a mission failed to go to the dentist after. Then he got two crowns put in. His oral saga continued this month when his crown started hurting and looked like it was coming off. After unsuccessfully trying to pry it off by himself (meanwhile I was yelling for him to leave it alone!) he went to the dentist. Dr. Park told him that the tooth under the crown had mysteriously gone bad and there was nothing he could do, and this never happens! (just as a side note, I've since heard of several people that this has happened to!)
So then poor Luke went to the oral surgeon and today had his old tooth removed, which had apparently crumbled and there was basically nothing left. Then had a bone graft put in. He is still upstairs sleeping off the sedation and a horrible head and mouth ache. He is so sleepy and I feel so bad!
Once his mouth heals we will do this whole process again and they will open his gums up and drill into the bone graft to place a fake tooth. Not to mention this whole process is VERY EXPENSIVE!!! boo...moral of this story-go to the dentist!
On a funny note, Luke was saying the randomest things while I was driving him home. He asked me if the kindergarteners were going to stand and say the pledge of allegiance still and then said, "thanks for driving me home, Jimmy. Oh wait, you're not Jimmy!" haha. It was great! Hopefully tomorrow he'll be back to his old self, just without his old tooth!

24 weeks!

2011-12-09T21:23:00.000-08:00

This week the baby is 24 weeks....6 months! WHOA! Only 16 more weeks (or less) and she will be here. I definitely can't wait! She moves around a lot now. I love to feel her wiggle and kick me. Luke loves it too, but he is a little impatient when it comes to waiting for her to move. Today the midwife said my belly was little for 24 weeks, but with the next one it would be stretched out and bigger....hold on! Next one? Already? She and Luke must have been talking because Luke likes to say how we're going to have 3 kids in 2 years...is that even possible? Do I get a say in this? haha...not happening
Anyway...I think the "grande baby belly" (Luke's lovely nickname) is just that...grande!
I scheduled a 3d ultrasound today...it's part of my Christmas present, so that will be in January! I can't wait to see her cute little face!
Here's a belly update...haha!

It's a Girl!

2011-11-19T18:11:00.001-08:00

We had our 20 week ultrasound and found out we're having a little girl! We're both super excited, but Luke is becoming overwhelmed by all the pink, I have to confess I might be too! :) 20 weeks also means half-way there! I can't wait to meet this little baby!
Her first picture!

This one might be my favorite, I love her little feet!

The belly is also getting bigger...

Wedding!!!

2011-10-29T10:52:00.001-07:00

Last week we traveled to Pennsylvania for Allison and Carl's wedding. Our trip started when we got up at 430 to get to the Salt Lake Airport on time. Luke dawdled in the shower, I forgot my contacts and we had to go back to the house, and once again we were rushed and I was stressed! Once we got to the airport the security line was unbelievably long...awesome! :( I really despise running to our gate, but we made our flight with a few minutes to spare. Then we had a 3 hour layover in Denver, but we finally made it to Sara & Chris' house in Pittsburgh!
Hanging out in Denver...

We had fun going out to eat and staying at their house...thanks guys! The next day was spent in Erie and Luke tried to make some contacts and get a feel for the job market there....we will move back someday, and Luke will need a job! The job market there for welders is actually quite promising, so that was surprising! Then we met up with my sisters and Allison's friends to get our nails done and eat at Olive Garden-yum!
The next day was the rehearsal and dinner and my baby shower! The whole day was really fun and it was great to hang out with my family. Not to mention Luke was a great sport about it! He did get the biggest bubble gum ice cream cone though!
Saturday was the wedding! I got up early and Sara did my hair-she did a great job. Then we left for the church. It had been rainy and cold since we got there, but Saturday it didn't rain and the sun even came out for a little bit. (It was pretty chilly though). Prior to the wedding I was having some anxiety about my dress. My mom was making it and I was a little bigger than when she measured me for it in September, but she did a great job as usual and it looked pretty and fit me well! The ceremony was really nice and Allison looked beautiful! We're so happy for Allison and Carl! The reception after was fun and I was so thankful we could share this special day with my sister and my new brother-in-law!
The beautiful bride heading to the church!

Cameron looked so pretty!

Excited to get married!

Luke and Chris entertaining themselves...

Mr. & Mrs. Miller!!

Alex having a good time at the reception...

Never without Mountain Dew...

Sunday we went to church with Luke's family and spent the day with them. Then Monday I hung out with my Mom and baby Owen. My mom was watching him while Allison and Carl were on their honeymoon. He was getting some teeth and being a little cranky, but on Monday he was in a much better mood and we had fun playing!

Such a cutie!

Then the time I had been dreading since we left Utah finally came and we were in the car on the way back to Pittsburgh. There may have been some tears as I watched the sunset. The sky was the prettiest shade of pink and the colorful trees on the hillside seemed so perfect, I just didn't want to leave. It's so hard to come back to Utah and leave all the people I love and the place that still, even after living in Utah for six years, feels like my home. I guess it's good to be back in our house and back to our jobs though.

We're having a baby....

2011-10-29T10:33:00.000-07:00

YAY!!! I made the announcement via facebook a few weeks ago, I was putting it off and I'm not sure exactly why because we are SO beyond excited! But my sisters decided to tell me they were throwing me a baby shower when I was in Pennsylvania, and they were sending out the invitations soon so I should start telling people. Since I've known since July I decided it was definitely time!
Without going into too much detail this baby was a bit of a surprise, I wasn't planning on getting pregnant for a few more months, but I'm so glad I did! I took a pregnancy test a week before Luke's birthday and it was positive! I put the pregnancy test in a ziplock bag and put it in a gift bag. I told Luke I had an early birthday present for him and when he opened it he had the funniest look on his face! Not exactly what I had expected. (A little background information...I was also unexpectedly pregnant before I was supposed to leave for the Navy Ship, but the day I left we lost that little baby. Luke was so devastated, and so was I.) Anyway, Luke was a little confused and said, "You're pregnant??? Still? or Again?" Again! Then I started dancing around and Luke just grabbed me and hugged me! Yay!! BABY!
So the first trimester seemed to drag on. Nausea, fatigue, insomnia, emotional roller coaster...all rolled into 13 weeks of fun! After some scary times and an ultrasound confirming the baby was still alive we became a little more convinced and reassured that we were going to have this little baby! So we let ourselves start to get more excited. Mark your calendars... March 30th is the big day!!
So now my belly is getting bigger and I am feeling much better! We go for the 20 week ultrasound in 2 weeks to find out if this little tiny is a boy or a girl. We both wanted a girl, but a few weeks ago Luke suddenly changed his mind. When asked about it he said he wanted a boy so he could have someone to weld with him... yeah right. No little baby of mine is going to the garage to be blinded and asphyxiated by welding....maybe in 15 years Luke, maybe!
So anyway, we're really excited and my sweet sisters gave me a wonderful baby shower!

I felt embarrassed because I barely look pregnant and we don't know the gender yet, but my friends and family were all excited for us and we had a fun time. There were lots of yummy desserts and cute baby things....doesn't get much better than that! I got some wonderful presents! This baby is already spoiled, especially by my sisters! My mom also gave me my blessing dress for the tiny to be blessed in...so sweet :)
My sisters and my grandmas!

So now I'm just trying to eat lots to gain weight and grow this little baby and try to not go crazy while I wait to find out the gender! I want to buy things and decide how to decorate the nursery!
Mostly I'm excited to meet this tiny person. It's such a miracle that it is growing and developing and in 5 months will be here! We can't wait! :)
8 weeks

12 weeks

14 weeks

18 weeks

Surprise!

2011-10-29T10:28:00.001-07:00

At the beginning of September was Allison's Bridal Shower. Since I live a billion miles away, people just assumed I wouldn't come (which is usually the case). However, I really wanted to and with Sara's help I made it! We surprised my Mom and Allison and it was lots of fun to be there. I will mention how funny it was when my mom walked in the kitchen door and saw me! She screamed the loudest scream I think I've ever heard and threw the hamburger she was eating into the air....very funny! :)
The shower was really nice and I had fun seeing everyone! Allison got some really nice gifts, and the food we made was so yummy! I, like the smart person I am, left my camera in the car! With the help of my friend, I made the cutest cupcake toppers, but didn't get a picture of them.
Playing with cute Owen...

My niece and nephews are getting so big and we had fun at the playground and taking them for ice cream!

Summer is Ending...

2011-09-18T17:11:00.000-07:00

Even though it is still sunny and warm nearly every day here...I know fall is coming! We had a fun and eventful summer, but I love the change of seasons! We had a garden this year (if you can call two tomato plants a garden!) We got lots of yummy cherry tomatoes though! It was fun to grow something and then eat it! Hopefully someday we'll have a big garden!

Grand Teton National Park

2011-08-16T11:04:00.001-07:00

One weekend in August I randomly had four days off, and Luke's boss suggested we visit Jackson, Wyoming, so we decided to go! We visited the Grand Teton National Park and had a super fun time!

We rode bikes around Jenny Lake...

Tried to spot wildlife-Luke likes to make fun of the fact that my left eye is dominant, and I only look through binoculars with one eye....

Tried to stay dry...

Had fun at the dam...

Enjoyed the scenery....

and the company!

The next day we went to Yellowstone Bear World in Rexburg, Idaho.

It was fun to see all of the animals, I really like the baby mountain goat. It was so white and fluffy-I secretly wanted to take it home!

It was cool to see the bears so close. One of the bears even climbed in the back of the truck and was pawing at our suitcase.

This pig was really bristly and loved that mud puddle!

This is Andy, he was just a month old. Luke was putting him to sleep by petting his little head.

Luke is 28!

2011-08-16T11:03:00.000-07:00

I had a great weekend planned for us to celebrate Luke's birthday. That was quickly ruined when he was sent to California, then Reno for work. So his celebration was spread out over the next week once he returned.
Luke wanted a 12 gauge double barrel side-by-side shotgun...so that's what he got.

We went to watch the Bees...

Had Ice Box Cake...

And got bubble gum ice-cream-LOTS of it! :)
It's Luke's fav!

Happy Birthday to my best friend!

Weekend in St. George

2011-07-28T10:05:00.005-07:00

Luke and I decided to spend some time together, so the weekend after I got back from my trip we headed to St. George. We drove (actually Luke did and I slept!) down and went to the Temple. It's so beautiful!

I was glad we could be together in the Temple and spend some time together.

Then we went golfing. Even though it was getting late, it was still REALLY hot! I was doing pretty well, until this hole.

I hit the ball in the ditch to the right twice, and then overshot the green. I decided I was done with that hole! haha.

Luke did well, as usual!
After golf we got cafe rio...yum! Then we were going to go swimming, but I was too tired so we called it a night!
I was so thankful we could spend the weekend together...just us!

Baby Maia

2011-07-28T10:05:00.003-07:00

Luke's sister, Melissa, was supposed to have her baby while I was gone. I think she decided to wait for me and wasn't born until a week later. :) I'll just let myself think that anyway! We were excited for baby Maia to make her arrival, but didn't go see her for awhile because Luke came down with strep throat!
He recovered for her blessing and we got to see her before the new family of three moved to Pennsylvania.
This is the blanket I made her!

Luke holding his new niece...the first baby on the Mortenson side.

She's a cutie...

Adventure to Central America: Week 3

2011-07-28T10:05:00.001-07:00

Once we arrived in Guatemala the work began again. Since I didn't get to go on shore in Nicaragua, I really wanted to in Guatemala. So I signed up with Dental to take blood pressures for them at the Medcap site. The surgeons would go out the first few days in the country and screen people for surgeries. Once their surgery schedules were filled they were done and their patients would start coming on the ship for surgery. The rest of the time the sites would operate like a Doctor's office. People would come and see the providers and receive healthcare. I was really excited to get off of the ship!

The day started really early because we would muster in groups then leave on a little boat for the pier then drive in a van to the site. I got to the site at about 0700 and it was already super hot! I set up a little desk and the blood pressure cuff and started taking blood pressures.

It was pretty fun seeing all the people and playing with the little kids. The morning went by pretty quickly and then I ate my boxed lunch and helped direct people for the dentists. I also handed out crayons and played with more kids.

We packed up and were back to the ship around 5pm. I was pretty tired after being out in the heat all day! The next 6 days were spent working 12 hour days in the hotel. We got a new LDS volunteer, Cami, so I had fun orienting her to the hotel and playing cards during our down times. That week we had two surprise babies! Both women were going to have hysterectomies, but once they did the pre-op ultrasounds they realized they were pregnant. Neither were thrilled, but I was excited! haha. The fourth of July was spent working in the hotel and playing with Carlos and Vilma-the CUTEST! kids.

Of all the children I saw, if I could have picked one to bring home it would have been Carlos. He was so sweet and had the best smile.

He was getting contractures released on both of his feet. He was pushed into a fire when he was little and got burned. Later that day the Commander let Cami and me go to the pier for a few hours to shop and hang out. I bought a bracelet and a table runner. When I came back a little boy was crying because he didn't want to wear the pajamas and his mom wasn't being very nice about it. So Joe and I put on some of the pajamas to try to make him laugh...it worked!

My last day working in the hotel there was a little boy who came down and I was holding his hand and took him over to his bed. Then I went to put his chart together and it said he had pinworms! Definitely scrubbed my hands down after that!
We got another cute brother and sister who wanted to give everyone hugs, Francisco and Marlitza.

Then they went and got showers and put their pajamas on and came back over to us. He smelled so good and just wanted hugs! so cute!

My last two days on the ship were spent at the sites. I told people where to go and kept them in the order they were to be seen, and assisted the providers. We got there at 0700 and there were already 1000 people waiting! I had to irrigate Benjamin's ears, but the gravel inside wouldn't come out! I had to take him back to the doctor who used a little tool to dig it out. I was holding his hand at the beginning, but by the end I had to hold his head because he kept moving it. He was screaming and crying and I felt so bad. I gave him a sucker and he gave me a hug after and said thanks...so hopefully he didn't hate us!
Before the tears started...

The last day at the site was definitely the hottest! We got there at 0700 and I was already getting hot! The sun was out, the day before it had been cloudy.

I don't know if I can describe just how hot it was, but it increased my respect for Luke being a missionary in Mexico in this kind of weather for two years. You can't get away from the heat; it makes you feel tired and sometimes cranky! So Luke gets lots of praise for living there for two years! :) Even though it was super hot, this was one of the funnest days! I saw lots of people that day who needed help and surgery, but since the ship was leaving for El Salvador in a few days there wasn't any time. It was really sad. I did some diabetic teaching (through the translator.) It was fun to see her go from not knowing what diabetes was, to understanding it and how to prevent problems. I also helped clean and wrap some wounds and got to play with cute little kids! :) Being out at the sites helped me to see the people in their own environment. There was extreme poverty and hungry little kids, which was so sad and hard. The people were so thankful and I was glad I was able to help.

Once we got back to the ship I went to the pier with Nicki and Courtney. They went to eat dinner, but since I knew I would be traveling all day the next day I decided I had better not eat anything. The last thing I wanted was to feel sick on the plane! Then I went back to the ship, had dinner, and started to pack all of my things. It was a little surreal that my 3 weeks was over. Then next day I said good-bye to all my friends in the hotel and on the ship and left the Comfort.
My last picture of the Comfort!

We traveled by van to the airport, which is up in the hills of Guatemala City. On the way there I saw volcanoes and one was actually smoking! The scenery was so pretty and I wished we could stop, but we weren't allowed. I got to the airport and a few hours later I was back in Salt Lake and happy to be home with Luke!
This experience was so great and I'm so glad I decided to go. I'm also so thankful to have been part of something that offered such great service to so many people. It has definitely made me more thankful for everything I have and all of our blessings. I am also more aware now of how thankful I am for our healthcare, I know it's not perfect, but if I have an emergency a hospital or doctor is close enough. I'm also thankful for my family and the support they have given me all my life, especially while I was in college. My education has been such a blessing and I'm so glad I can be a nurse and help others. I missed Luke so much while I was gone, but he supported me and pushed me to go and I'm so glad I did! The Church does so many things for so many people! Yay for LDS Charities and the USNS Comfort!

Adventure to Central America: Week 2

2011-07-28T10:04:00.001-07:00

My second week on the ship started with cleaning and securing the hotel for transit. The Comfort was leaving for Guatemala and everything needed to be cleaned. I picked the job of cleaning the kitchen. Even though I was sleep deprived from staying up at our good-bye party the night before, I managed to get everything done. After that I helped sweep the floors and fold laundry.

Yay for a clean kitchen!

Later I went to stand outside. The helo was coming in so I watched it and took some pictures. Then I came inside and was told I wasn't allowed to be out there-it was secured for flight ops. My bad-this is my illegal picture! haha

After that I went out on the back of the boat and we watched some mahi-mahi swimming around the boat. We tried to go fishing for them, but couldn't catch anything! Courtney and Nicki tried harder than I did though, and were much better at casting than I was!

The fish were lime green, turquoise, and black. There were three of them, and they swam around all afternoon evading our best attempts to catch them!

Each Sunday we had church and each Monday and Thursday our group had another activity. I liked going to them and most of the time it gave me something to look forward to and time to see people since when we were working I rarely saw anyone outside of the hotel. One night we had a scavenger hunt-we had a list of places/things on the ship and had to go find them. It was really fun!

The secret outside bathroom...I found this very useful during my days on the back of the ship! It was a little scary in there!

We came in second place! Woohoo!

The next day we left for Guatemala. I sat outside in the afternoon and got sunburned, but saw 4 sea turtles and 6 or 7 dolphins. It was really nice to be out in the sun and to listen to the ocean. What I didn't realize before I got on the ship was that being that close to the ocean and not allowed to go swimming would be almost torture! I love the ocean, playing in the waves, being on the beach, etc. and I wasn't allowed to go in! Being outside in the sun would have to be enough! :)

One day while in transit we practiced all the drills: fire, man overboard, and abandon ship. I'm just glad we weren't really abandoning the ship!

Prior to getting to Guatemala they had a brief to inform us about where we're going and what the country is like. Guatemala is in the top 10 poorest countries in the hemisphere and has one of the highest newborn death rates. So sad! Nights when we were in transit were fun-we played cards and also went to see the plankton light up. Apparently the propeller agitates them and they light up like fireflies in the water. It looks like flecks of glitter in the ocean-pretty cool!
My last day underway to Guatemala I sat outside almost all day. I fell asleep twice while reading on my kindle!

I wasn't the only sleepy one!

Once I got up to go use the bathroom and saw a little boat near the ship, which I thought was weird since there was no land visible and they said if you can see the horizon that's 12 miles. When I came back from the bathroom there were tons of people out on the back of the boat and the marines (who stand guard and watch the ship) were getting their big guns out and more of them were coming down. Nothing ended up happening, but I'm glad they were protecting us!
While we were underway to Guatemala was probably when I got the most homesick. There was internet, but it took a long time to load anything! So I emailed Luke a lot, but he was still in Reno working. Then I figured out how to send him text messages from my email and that worked out. I also called him a few times, but the calling cards were expensive!
They next day we were pulling into the port in Guatemala. We decided to get up to watch the sunrise-at 0530. We went to the front of the ship, but the marine there told us we had to leave.

This is the little door we had to take to and from the front of the ship.

So we went to the flight deck, but it was too cloudy! I did see some volcanoes in the distance though, so that was cool.

Not the best sunrise! haha

This was the day that everyone in the Department of Nursing Services mustered together, and no one told me. So I went to the hotel and no one was there-which never happened. I was confused but figured they mustered earlier. Nope...they were all somewhere else! Emily came to get me and I had to go to the hotel. Some of the military people seemed a little bugged, but the Commander wasn't mad. I just thought it was kind of funny that not one person told me! haaha.
After that I went to watch the boat get pulled into the dock. We were at a pier in Guatemala, not anchored out at sea like in Nicaragua. The tug boats pulled us in, but it started to get really windy and rainy. I hung out with Dr. Kronmiller, and watched as they pulled us in, that is until I started to get soaked! The water at the dock had big pools of muddy water-yuck!

Here is one of the tugboats pulling/pushing the ship...

Quite the storm!!

Adventure to Central America: Week 1

2011-07-28T10:03:00.000-07:00

About 9 months ago my friend, Megan, and I decided to volunteer with LDS Chartities, and go on a Navy Ship for a Humanitarian Project called Continuing Promise 2011. The Navy Hospital Ship, The USNS Comfort, sails to different countries in the Caribbean, South and Central America. The military personnel and volunteers provide surgeries, healthcare, education, etc. to the people of the different countries. However, if there is a natural disaster or something the ship also goes to help those people, like during the earthquake in Haiti. We changed our minds multiple times, but were chosen and decided to go. She is leaving next week for Costa Rica and Haiti, and I went to Nicaragua and Guatemala.
My first week of fun started at the Salt Lake Airport where I met up with the other "Nicaraguan Nobles." We boarded our overnight flight to Atlanta and got very little sleep. Here we are in Atlanta...

Then we headed to Nicaragua! The airport was really small and the scenery reminded me of the Pittsburgh Airport. Once we got our bags and got through immigration we boarded a bus and drove to two hotels to pick up other people who were getting on the ship. Driving through Managua was really interesting. There were people everywhere selling stuff on the side of the street, riding bicycles, going shopping, etc. There were also some really poor areas we drove through. After about 2 1/2 hours on the bus we made it to San Juan Del Sur where the ship was anchored out at sea.

The sun was going down and the sunset was beautiful!

These are some boats in the dock.
We boarded a small boat to take us out to the ship. The seas were a little choppy and the guy was telling us there would be a platform we would pull up to. The little boat and ship would go up and down with the seas at different times so, "when they push you, just go with it!" After that statement, I was definitely scared! We pulled up to the platform and he was right, the little boat would go 5 feet above the platform then instantly drop 5 feet below it. Finally it was my turn and sure enough, they pushed me onto the platform, but I made it! Water was splashing everywhere and some people were saying to take your bags and others were saying to move up the platform. It was a little chaotic, but finally I was inside! We had dinner and got a tour of the ship. I found out I was working in the pre-op area, called the hotel, or Comfort Inn. The patients come on board the night prior to their surgery so we can ensure they don't eat anything, get a shower, and are there on time. Then I was shown my berthing and unpacked my stuff. My bunk had little curtains and a light-it was comfortable and nice-way better than what I thought I was going to get! The next day I went for breakfast and muster at 0625. Muster is done each morning at your assigned workstation to make sure everyone is on the ship and no one is missing. Kacie, another LDS Charities Volunteer, also worked in the hotel. She is super nice and oriented me to everything I needed to know about working in the hotel.

Working in the hotel was different than what I thought I would be doing. There wasn't very much nursing care: vital signs, some medications, and putting charts together, so once I realized this I tried to make the most of my down-time and played with the little kids! In the morning we would make sure everyone was ready for surgery, then everything would slow down. We folded laundry, went to lunch, and cleaned. Then in the afternoon the new patients would arrive and we would do everything again. It was pretty easy and the people I worked with made it really fun. So I had a great time there!

Adjusting to life on the ship took a few days. Since we were anchored out at sea, and it was a little stormy the ship would rock back and forth. Sometimes it wasn't too bad, but other times it was! A few nights I remember rolling back and forth in my rack hoping and praying it would stop so I could fall asleep. I never got sea sick, but sometimes when I was sitting at work putting a chart together the ship would just start rocking and make me slightly nauseous, but other than that it wasn't bad. It was a little difficult finding my way around for a few days and getting used to just being there. The food wasn't bad most days and there was fresh fruit at every meal so that was always something to look forward to. It was pretty nice to have breakfast, lunch, and dinner made for me and the dishes done after I ate, everyday for 3 weeks. :)
My fourth day on the ship I met Jesus. He had an extra thumb that he could actually use to pick things up, but it was going to be removed. We had fun playing with bubbles.

I tried to entertain the little kids in the morning because they were usually really hungry and cranky!
One night Kristen, Kacie, and I went up on the flight deck to look at the stars. It was amazing. Once my eyes adjusted I could see so many! There was a thunderstorm in the distance too. When the lightning struck it made the clouds a cool orange color.
The last day we had patients in Nicaragua I blew bubbles for baby Angelo.

He wanted to hold the container so I gave it to him and he tried to drink it, then he licked the wand-he was really hungry! haha! Then I played soccer with David and Said.

They are so cute! David would yell, "GOOOOOOAAAAALLLLLL!" It was so funny! Later we went to see them in the post-op ward and they told me they had fun playing with me earlier. It was nice to see their smiles! I was supposed to go to the sites my last two days in Nicaragua, but the seas were stormy and I was taken off the manifest (the list you have to be on to go to shore.) I was super bummed out about it, but hung out with Kacie and helped her pack her stuff because she was leaving. That night we had a little party in the hotel to say good-bye to all the LDS's who were leaving.

The next day there weren't any patients in the hotel so I hung out on the back of the ship and read....this would become my new activity for the next few days!

Getting Excited...

2011-06-09T09:34:00.000-07:00

There is only a week left until I depart for my 3 week adventure on the sea. I'm volunteering as a nurse in Nicaragua and Guatemala, and I'm starting to get excited! The process has taken about nine months and I have had mixed feelings about going, but as the time is drawing closer for departure I am so thankful for this opportunity! I hope my new home, a navy ship, will be good to me and I won't get too sea sick...here's hoping!!

Allowing myself to hope....

2011-06-01T10:03:00.000-07:00

that summer might be coming! Yesterday it was warm, today it is a little warmer. Could summer actually be coming now that it is June? I HOPE SO!! It has been a cold, rainy spring-which I didn't really mind too much because the rain reminds me of Pennsylvania! However, now that it has been warm for a day or two I am reminded of how much I love summer! I love the warm weather, flowers, longer days, time outside, gardening (yay for our two tomato plants!), and the delicious fruits and vegetables summer brings!
I made this cake and it turned out so good-even if it does look a little sloppy! Homemade vanilla cake, strawberries, freezer jam, and homemade whipped cream-YUM! (thanks for the recipe Martha Stewart!)

Here's to summer-please stick around!

5 Years Already?

2011-06-01T09:30:00.000-07:00

May 13th was our 5 year anniversary! I can't believe we have been married for 5 years! :) Even though we have had our share of challenges, I have been so happy married to my best friend, Luke! Luke and I were both young when we got married, and sometimes I don't appreciate the reaction people give me when they ask how old I was when I got married, but Luke has been such a support in my life and marrying him was the best decision I have ever made. He has definitely made my life better!
I was listening to a talk the other day and one of the things the lady said was a key to a happy marriage was focusing on the things you like about your spouse. So that is my new goal!
Here are some things I just love about Luke!
1. Luke always tries to make me happy-he will go out of his way to do things for me
2. I love his sense of humor-he always makes me laugh
3. Luke loves the gospel and has a strong testimony
4. Luke is the hardest working person I have ever met-he supports our family of two and does a tremendous job!
5. He is very giving, and loves to serve and help others
6. Patience is Luke's virtue-he rarely EVER loses his temper
7. His blue eyes
8. He is going to make a great father...someday :)
9. Luke is a great listener!
10. Luke supports me in my goals and helps my dreams to come true. (Like letting me leave for 3 weeks for a humanitarian project-something I have always wanted to do!)

He is just a great person...I'm so lucky! :)

We had a fun anniversary weekend. It started with me waking up around 7 and realizing Luke was still in bed-this is abnormal for a Friday and frantically said, "Luke, you're late!!" He is supposed to be up at 5! He rolled over and laughed at me, "SURPRISE! I'm not going to work! Happy Anniversary!" It was a great start to a great day that included bike riding, playing outside in the sunshine, and going to the Salt Lake Temple. After our amazing session we enjoyed the flowers on Temple Square and went to the Garden for dinner-their fried pickles are so delicious! Then we went to Park City and stayed the night there. I gave Luke his presents-candy, snacks, and an ipod nano. He opened the box and didn't know what it was! haha. It doesn't look like mine so he was confused at first, but then so excited once I told him what it was. He gave me a gift card to go shopping, and got me another band for my ring. He has told me for a long time that he was going to get me a second band for our 5 year anniversary, it looks good with my new ring!
The next day we were going to go golfing, but once we got there it started to rain! :( We spent the whole weekend together and we had a great time!

He loves his new ipod! :)

My Birthday!

2011-05-03T19:50:00.000-07:00

Last week was my 24th Birthday! I had a super great day filled with birthday wishes from family and friends, presents, and ice cream cake! :) YUM! Luke left work early and he surprised me with my cake!

He sang to me and I blew out my candles then we went to the driving range. I was actually doing quite well and was so proud of myself! Then we went to the cheesecake factory for dinner...yum yum! After we came home Luke gave me my presents! Before he gave them to me he said, "I kind of messed up on your presents...you'll see!" First I opened a book...that's nice I thought, but a little strange since I wanted a kindle. Then I opened my new kindle and kindle cover! YAY! I said, "Luke, why did you get me a book if you got me a kindle?" He then explained how that was what he had messed up, he wasn't even thinking about it when he bought me the book! Either way I love them both! :)

Over the weekend we decided to go to Yellowstone National Park....I just had to see Old Faithful! We picked up Alex and his girlfriend Kiersten, in Rexburg and then headed to coooolllld Yellowstone! There was still lots of snow and it was pretty windy while we were waiting for Old Faithful, but later the sun came out and it wasn't too bad. Old Faithful is really interesting!

It shoots water pretty high! We also saw Mammoth Springs and Steamboat Geyser. There was lots of wildlife out-bison (we even saw 2 new babies!), wolves, and elk. No bears though! I was a little disappointed. I had a super fun day, and a great birthday!

Hiking in Zion

2011-04-19T10:39:00.001-07:00

Last year when Luke and I went to Zion National Park and hiked Angel's Landing, I thought I would never do that hike again. We realized however that we had a really fun time and it is a great hike! So when Alex came to Utah last week to go back to school in Rexburg, we decided that it would be fun to take him to Zion. It worked out really well because the weather was going to be sunny and warm, and it was a fee-free weekend so we didn't have to pay the entrance fee. YAY!
We drove to southern Utah Friday night, then went to the park Saturday morning. It was definitely easier the second time around- I think it's because I knew what was coming and could prepare myself! We had fun hiking and being in the warm sun. We all got a little sunburned!

Alex admitted afterwards that he was a little scared, but he made it to the top!
VICTORIOUS!!

I had a super fun time with my brother....I have great siblings! Alex did great even though he had no traction on his shoes and was a little nervous....we made it without any trouble (except for Luke 'helping' me and almost making me fall.)

Valentine's Day!

2011-02-19T08:17:00.000-08:00

Luke and I had a fun Valentine's Day. I was supposed to work, but was put on call-I didn't mind, except for the fact that I had made a bunch of cupcakes to take to work! I have made lots of treats to take to work lately.

Cupcakes...

Cookies...

More cupcakes...

YUM!!
Luke is so great! For my Valentine's present he got me a new kitchenaid mixer to assist me in my cupcake shop. (Also known as the kitchen!)
I was SO excited!!

Thanks Luke!! I've also made a few Valentine's Day crafts.

Some placemats for the little table...

A sign for the door....

We had a fun day together and I'm so thankful Luke is my Valentine :)

One Year Later...

2011-02-09T09:38:00.000-08:00

So I have been working as a nurse for a whole year now, and it has gone by really quickly! I feel like I've learned a lot! When I was in school nurses would tell me that school was just the beginning and I would learn so much more once I was working...it was hard to believe then because of all the things I was pumping into my brain and trying to comprehend, but they were definitely right! I have learned more practical things and how to manage my time, prioritize, and how to really care for patients. Some things I like about my job are: I really love that my job is only 15 minutes away, my boss is nice and really flexible with scheduling, and I work with some of the greatest people-many from my graduating class! Some things that I don't necessarily care for is getting up at 5 am ( even though by 6 pm I'm always glad the shift is over and I don't work 7-7), and 1 on 1 patients (when you have to sit in the patient's room because they are confused or have some other issue.) I guess every job has pros and cons, but I feel like I'm becoming a much better nurse and feel more comfortable doing things on my own, and teaching students how to be great nurses! I can honestly say that most of the time I do like my job, and I am so thankful that I went to college and persevered when things were really challenging. Now college seems like a distant memory and all the hard work I did has definitely paid off because I get to do what I love! I must thank my wonderful husband who supported me through those difficult years in school and throughout the past year. Especially when I don't want to go to work (because I don't like getting up early) and he is always there to remind me that once I get there I like it and I'm fine! :)

Pennsylvania!

2011-02-04T09:36:00.000-08:00

Luke and I traveled to Pennsylvania last week because Luke had to go to Cleveland for some work training, so I tagged along and spent a week with my family! What fun we had, nevermind the -20 degree arctic weather! We flew into Cleveland and of course it was snowy and cold when we got there. Our rental car just would not warm up and the thermometer read 10 degrees. The next morning it was still snowing, and we traveled to PA. We spent the day visiting with Luke's family and then went to church with them the next day. Then Luke dropped me at my parents' house and he drove back to Cleveland for a fun filled week at Lincoln Electric. I visited my brothers and sisters, and played with the cutest niece and nephews there ever were! We drove to my brother's house and I beat Alex at travel scrabble on the way there! My sweet sister-in-law Beth made us a delicious dinner and cupcakes (my favorite!) and it was great to see Ryan and his adorable family! :) I ate at the finest Corry restaurants-I love that hoagie hut, and tried not to freeze going from vehicles to buildings. Allison let me baby-sit Owen a few times, which was so fun because he is such a happy baby. :) Sara came up from PIttsburgh for a day and we had fun wedding dress shopping with Allison. We also went bowling and the Mortensons dominated! I got 2 strikes in a row on the first game and won, and Luke won the second game. Spending time with my family is always so great and makes me really homesick. Once I come back to Utah it usually takes a few days to stop feeling sad. However, every time we go back there it gives me a new resolve to be better at saving money so we can someday move back to the East! YAY!!!!

Luke cutting wood...one of his favorite hobbies!

Owen and me...he is such a sweet little baby-Love Him!!

Just a little bit of snow....

What would a trip to Pennsylvania be without a trip to DQ! :) Yum...strawberry sundae! :)

It was a Merry Christmas & a Happy New Year!

2011-01-05T12:52:00.000-08:00

Luke and I had a great holiday! On Christmas Eve I was supposed to work in the morning but was put on call! I was so happy! :) That night Luke and I built our gingerbread house....poor Santa was falling off of the roof!

I had to work 1/2 day on Christmas it went by really fast and we still had most of the day to celebrate! Once I got home Luke begged to look in his stocking, then we had lunch. Afterwards we opened our presents. The highlights were new pots and pans, and a new set of scriptures with my name on them, and electric razor and new paper shredder for Luke. We had a fun day and enjoyed spending time together, eating a yummy dinner, and celebrating the birth of Christ.

The week after Christmas Luke stayed home with me the days I didn't have to go to work. We had fun hanging out and being sick-Luke had a cold and I got food poisoning New Year's Eve. Needless to say we didn't do very much! The last year went by so fast! It was a banner year and I'm sure 2011 will be just as exciting! :)

Turkey Time!

2010-12-03T11:03:00.000-08:00

Our Thanksgiving feast was a success! I stuffed the turkey with a random mixture of fruits and vegetables and it turned out moist and delicious! WE made apple and berry pies and they were SO good!
Alex was a big help in the kitchen...he basted the turkey and was the crescent roll king!

We had a fun time together and played some minute-to-win-it games.

They were actually pretty fun! Alex and I did our best, but Luke was the ultimate winner!

Fun in the Sun!

2010-11-27T10:39:00.000-08:00

A few weeks ago Luke and I traveled to the amazing state of Hawaii on vacation. We went to the island of Oahu and stayed at Waikiki Beach. While we were sitting on the airplane at the Salt Lake Airport it started to snow, but just a few hours later I walked out of the Honolulu airport into the warm sun. Yay! Waikiki Beach was different that I thought it would be. It is more like a big city at a beach. I guess I was expecting a tropical paradise at a beach, but we still had fun! Our hotel was right across the street from the ocean, which made it a lot easier to run back to the hotel if we forgot something.

We relaxed on the beach a lot and also visited some sites. One of our favorite things to do was to get frozen yogurt, sit on the beach, and listen to the waves!

The sunsets were amazing!

We also got to tour the Laie Temple because it was being rededicated. It is so beautiful inside and out, and the ocean is visible from the front doors...amazing!

We went to the Polynesian Cultural Center and learned lots about the various islands of the Pacific.

We had fun at the luau and ate some delicious kalua pork.

The show afterwards was really good and I especially liked the fire dancers!
We also hiked Diamond Head Crater. It was interesting, but I like the view I saw of it from the airplane better. We didn't think the hike was that fun compared to our adventures in Utah...so it got three thumbs down.

Another stop we made was to Pearl Harbor. As I stood looking out over the bay I could not imagine what it must have been like on that early December morning when the island was under attack and the harbor was filled with smoke and fire. There was a movie we watched before going to the Arizona that had actual footage from the attack. While we were watching it the older lady I was standing next to started to cry. It was scary to watch and made me even more thankful for all of those who were there that day and continue to support our nation in the military. Here we are by the Arizona's Anchor, which flew 400 feet during the attack after the ship's ammunition magazine blew up.

We took a ferry out to the Arizona Memorial and I just remember a solemn feeling as I stood and looked at all the names of the people who died that day on just one ship.

We were there on a Friday and there were three Pearl Harbor veterans there talking with visitors and telling their stories. I saw three heroes that day and will be ever thankful for their service.
Next we headed to the Dole Plantation. It was fun to see all the different kinds of pineapples and we also rode the train around the plantation. I had to have my picture with the cute little pink pineapple!

They have the most amazing dessert....Dole Whip...YUM!!! It is SO delicious!

Even though the beach was nice in Waikiki, it was crowded and there weren't many waves. So we went to the North Shore where the surfing competitions are held during November and December. We decided to stop at Waimea Bay, and I'm so glad that we did!

There were 10-12 foot waves and Luke and I played in them for hours! I absolutely love playing in waves. Luke was more daring and was near where they were breaking. After about three continuous waves one gave him a good thrashing and sent him toppling into the beach. He came out coughing and sputtering! It was kind of funny, but also a little scary. He moved further back into the ocean with me after that. Even though I was further out I would still have to jump as high as I could, but sometimes I still didn't make it over! Afterwards we headed to get Luke a sausage sandwich because we were both starving after playing in the water. Since we had so much fun we decided that we would go back the next day. We got to the beach early and there weren't any waves. So we set up our beach stuff and started soaking up the sun.

Hours passed and still no waves. We got in the water for a little bit, but by the time the sun was going down there still were no waves. We were a little disappointed, but we had fun playing on the beach and in the ocean, and just relaxing in the sun!

It wasn't until later that I realized how sunburned I had gotten. There were two spots on each side of my back that were burned. I was actually surprised that I didn't get burned until our last day there. Good thing Luke had his swim shirt...no one wanted a repeat of what happened in Mexico!

Luke said after that trip that he would never go swimming again, so I had to find a way to get him back out in the sun without the risk of horrible sunburn/heat rash. When I found the swim shirt my prayers were answered and we were able to take a beach vacation without Luke going crazy! :)
On our last day in Hawaii we played on the beach and got frozen yogurt. We were so sad that we had to leave, but we had a wonderful time and got some neat souvenirs. I could seriously have stayed for another week! I absolutely loved playing in the ocean and spending time with Luke on the beautiful island of Oahu!

Happy Thanksgiving!

2010-11-25T08:42:00.000-08:00

Today is Thanksgiving, I am cooking Thanksgiving dinner for the second year and I'm excited to eat it!!! My brother and husband are still sleeping, I'm alone downstairs with a pie in the oven....yum! I've been reflecting on how we are truly blessed. I'm so thankful for all that I have in my life. I realize that I often take things for granted, but I have so much in my life to be thankful for. I'm so thankful for my family, especially my sweet husband. He is so supportive and makes my life so much better, he is my best friend. I'm thankful for our beautiful home and for my job. I'm also thankful that I'm a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and for my Savior, Jesus Christ. I try to be thankful everyday, but today I wanted to express it more openly.
Happy Thanksgiving everyone!

Gobble! Gobble!

Buffalo...I mean Bison

2010-11-07T13:44:00.000-08:00

Last weekend I had Saturday off so we decided to head up to Antelope Island. On Antelope Island there is a herd of bison. They are free ranging and were first introduced there in the late 1800s, there are now over 600! That particular weekend they were rounding up the bison for the winter into corrals where they are fed and given shots. We had never been to Antelope Island, but it was really neat. There is a road that connects the island which is out in the Great Salt Lake. Once we got there we explored an old home that was built by one of the first settlers and then went to the visitor center. We learned there that in America buffalo are actually called bison. In Africa and other parts of the world there are buffalo, but in America there are bison.

Luke found some buffalo sausage to eat (it came from bison in Wyoming, not there on the island) and we got to see these magnificent animals! They are so big! We also say a coyote.

We had a fun afternoon enjoying the warm weather and spending time together.

Beauty and the Beast!

2010-10-14T18:04:00.000-07:00

For the past few years I have wanted to watch Beauty and the Beast. We have looked in movie stores to rent it and could never find it....so I gave up. (I'm sure I could have found it on ebay or something, but I'm too lame for that). A few weeks ago I saw a commercial on tv about the movie coming out of the Disney Vault! YAY! So of course I had to tell Luke that we should probably buy it so I could always have it, he didn't seem very enthusiastic about it. On Sunday I had to work and I don't really like getting up on Sundays because it is the only day of the week Luke doesn't get up too. Anyway there was no blessed phone call at 0430 so I got up and got ready. I came downstairs and flipped on the lights. What is that over on the stove?? None other than Beauty and the Beast!! What a great surprise at 530 in the morning! I have a great husband-what a nice guy! :) I'm waiting for a rainy, cold day to bust it out and watch it! Thanks Luke!!!

Summer is over....Welcome Fall!

2010-10-12T14:38:00.000-07:00

It's been cooler out lately....I guess fall is here. Not that I mind, but I miss the leaves in Pennsylvania. It was a little strange at the beginning of September when I didn't have to go back to school, well strange but also great! Work has been going well, and I'm feeling more confident and like I can handle the patient load and everything that happens throughout the day. Some days are more trying and challenging, but for the most part I still like my job! :) Not much else has been happening lately, but we did have some fun trips in August and September.
In August we flew to Montana and then drove across the Canadian border to Waterton with our friends and their little baby. Luke's boss has a cabin there and we went for the weekend.

Here is Luke by the plane. It was my first time in a little plane, like not on a commercial flight, and I was a little nervous (I really don't like flying). I sat in the front and Luke's boss was explaining how he flies the plane and how it worked. It was interesting and I liked seeing where we were going on the navigator, and I ended up liking it better than regular flights...time to buy a plane! Just Kidding! Waterton is part of the International Peace Park with Glacier National Park. It is so beautiful there! We went on a boat ride and saw the border between the U.S. and Canada, went on some hikes and bike rides. We also saw some wildlife like mule deer and bears! This is the view from the boat of the Prince of Wales Hotel.

Luke and I hiked Bear's Hump and this was the view from the top.
Waterton is a really small town right on the water. I think it would be neat to live in a national park, but I guess I'll be happy with just visiting! We had a great time and I definitely want to go back to Glacier and raft down the river!

At the beginning of September my parents, sister and her husband came to Utah to bring my little (as in younger) brother to college. He is a freshman at BYU-Idaho. We had a fun time visiting and it was really great to see my family. We hiked to Timpanogos cave and it was really neat to go inside.

This is a picture of us on the way down the mountain.

We also traveled to Idaho to take Alex to school. I felt sad leaving him, but two weeks later we took him on an adventure to California. Luke had to go for work and complete jobs in Southern and Northern California. I had some time off so we all piled into the truck and headed South.

I had to put a picture of Luke's new company truck. He was very excited to get it! (I was hoping for black, but I guess I"ll still ride in it!)
The main reason (aside from spending time with Luke) that I wanted to go was because Luke said we could go to the Sequoias. I have wanted to see these giant trees for a long time and was SO excited when we got there!

I was literally bouncing up and down in my seat with excitement on the way into the park.
They were so big, it was unbelievable, almost like they were fake. After being in the city then driving into the forest, it smelled so good. Like pine and something fresh, I can't really explain it, but it smelled so good. We hiked around and saw the world's largest tree, the General Sherman Tree. It isn't the tallest tree in the world, but is the biggest in volume. We also went to King's Canyon National Park which is right by the Sequoia National Park and went on some more hikes and saw more Sequoias.

Luke and Alex were hunting for some good pine cones all day.
The next day we went to San Francisco to see the Golden Gate Bridge. Last time Luke and I were there fog was covering the bridge and Luke had to meet with a customer, so we didn't have time to go across the bay. However, this time we did and even though it was raining and a little chilly, we braved the elements and I finally got to see and walk across this spectacular bridge.

Here's a little video I shot of Alex at the bridge. He kept making this face and I thought it was really funny! haha (FYI He wasn't really planning to jump...)

Even though it was a lot of driving and Alex logged many hours in the backseat, we had a good time together, and explored some more of California. It is such a big state and has so many interesting things to see. I'm sure we'll be back again, next time we will probably be looking for gold with Luke's gold map....haha!
So now that the summer is over I'm looking forward to hot chocolate, warming up next to the fireplace, and the upcoming holidays, woohoo!!!

Summer!!

2010-08-16T10:47:00.000-07:00

So I'm pretty bad at updating my blog...not that anyone reads it HA! Luke and I have had a great summer. We love warm weather and being outside. We've been up American Fork canyon, to see the Salt Lake Bees play and the Orem Owlz, and a myriad of other activities. So here's some photos of our fun so far this summer.

At the Salt Lake Bees game...they lost, but we saw the crazy San Diego Chicken!

This is one of the best things Luke has ever built! It's a fire pit and we have had many cookouts so far! I love roasting marshmallows!

Mmmmm Patriotic Pie...I found a really good and easy pie recipe and have made a few pies this summer.

Luke playing in the rented bucket truck...he took me up in it and I thought it was going to tip over and dump us out...

This summer has been good to us and we have had lots of fun!

Adventure to Zion

2010-06-03T09:45:00.000-07:00

A few weeks ago Luke and I decided to go to Zion National Park. We have never been there before and since we love Arches and Canyonlands, we decided to see what another Utah National Park had in store for us...we weren't disappointed! The canyons in Zion are so pretty. There were flowers and it was pretty green still...no scorching heat yet that turns everything dull. On our first day, after our picnic lunch and driving through the tunnel, we decided to hike Angels Landing. We read the description: 5 miles round trip, chains the last 1/2 mile, strenuous, not for those afraid of heights. We decided it couldn't be that bad and our adventure began. After hiking up several switchbacks known as 'walter's wiggles' I thought we had made it to the top and it wasn't that bad....I was wrong! Here's a picture of me when I thought we were done, looking a little nervous to start the next leg of the journey!

The last 1/2 mile has chains because the way to the top is very narrow and steep in places.

It was a pretty strenuous climb to the top, and I thought at a few times I might blow off the side of the mountain to my death, or I would collapse from cardiac failure from an exercise overload. The chains you hold to climb up are very useful and I don't know how people made it up there before they were in place. Luke wasn't scared at all. He did comment though that it wouldn't be hard to fall off and die! No...it wasn't that bad, it was quite fun and exciting!Once we made it to the top there were two amazing views! I couldn't believe how high up we were, and it was pretty windy. It was a difficult hike, but being on top of that peak was definitely worth it! It was amazing to see the canyon from that view point. The description was definitely accurate and I did get a little queasy (since I am slightly afraid of heights), but I'm so glad we went up there!

Luke at the top...standing a little too close to the edge in my opinion! :)

After we climbed down, slowly I might add because each step going down the mountain was hard on my joints for some reason and my hips started to hurt, we rode the shuttle back to the visitor's center. After stopping for some delightful Dairy Queen (of course I had to have a strawberry sundae) we headed to St. George. We were going to go swimming at the hotel, but after we ate dinner we were too tired! The next day we went back to Zion and did two shorter hikes, my legs were sore but Luke was fine! We saw the Emerald Pools, which weren't so emerald in color, but pretty nonetheless! I'm so glad we went to Zion and got to see some of the park. It is so beautiful and Luke and I had lots of fun together!

Quilts!

2010-05-10T10:52:00.000-07:00

While I was in Pennsylvania my Mom quilted two quilts for me! :) It might be a little old lady-ish of me, but I really like to sew, and I especially like to make quilts. I like choosing fabrics and trying to make something beautiful. I think I was successful! :) It also gives me something to do, especially since I only work 3 days a week, and like today get put on call. Thanks to my mom for doing such a great job quilting them for me, and also for teaching me how to sew! Yesterday was Mother's Day and I really appreciate all my Mom has done for me. She has taught me so many things. How to cook, sew, and give of myself to others. She seems to be a great well of knowledge, and I always know I can call her with any questions, from how to boil eggs (which I have called to ask her numerous times) to how to tailor pants!
Here are pictures of my two latest creations.
This quilt I made last summer...when I had no job and nothing to do! haha

This is the quilt I made last month.

Happy Birthday...to Me!

2010-04-29T15:07:00.000-07:00

Yesterday was my birthday, the big 2-3! Woohoo! The day started out with a call from Allison, wishing me happy birthday! The weather was cold and rainy all day! I went to see Luke for lunch and he had to go to Springville to get parts for something he is building. While there we stopped at the Dairy Queen and I got a strawberry sundae...yum! Then I went to the Temple. I'm so glad it is so close, however I should take advantage of it and go more often! Then I came home and waited for Luke to get home. We went to Tepanyaki for dinner. It was so good! They cook the food right in front of you and it's fun to watch. While we were waiting at the restaurant Luke pulled a little box out of his pocket, which totally threw me off. Before we left for the restaurant he said, "Don't go look in the shed, your present is in there!" It's not like I normally go out and look in the shed, but I guess it was a good idea because I was expecting a present once we got home. In the little box was a really pretty blue ring.

I wasn't expecting it and really love it! After our dinner we were going to get ice cream cake but I decided on a caramel apple instead.

I'm not the biggest fan of cake, usually a cupcake is enough for me, so I went with the apple and it's so good! :) I had a super fun birthday and I had fun celebrating with my family while we were in Pennsylvania! My family gave me a new book, which I'm excited to start reading. Sara gave me speakers for my ipod, which I love because now I can listen to music while doing the dishes or making dinner! Thanks to everyone for the birthday wishes!

Visit to the East...

2010-04-26T09:57:00.001-07:00

We have returned from our trip back East and we had a great time there. We took an overnight flight and arrived in Pittsburgh on Wednesday morning. As we were making the descent into the airport I could see the green trees and green grass, and felt like we were home. We drove to Erie and went to Panera Bread...YUM! I love that place, if only Utah could catch on and there could be one built here. Maybe that's not such a good idea since I would probably eat there too often. Then we headed to good old Corry and went to see my Mom at work. My little brother Alex came to see me, and I should say that he is not so little anymore. He came into my Mom's office and I barely recognized him! He is taller than Luke and has a beard! He gave me a hug that just about cracked my ribs and I instantly regretted bugging him when he was smaller than me....I hoped he wouldn't remember because he could definitely beat me up! That night we left for Rochester and stayed there. The next day we headed to Palmyra for Melissa's luncheon. It was so good to see Luke's side of the family! Later we had pictures taken and Melissa looked so pretty in her wedding dress and veil. (Had to mention the veil because I made it and must say it turned out well!) I don't have many pictures because the photographer said we couldn't take any while she was. Hopefully she got some good shots though! It was a really nice day, but the wind was blowing and making it a bit chilly!

The Palmyra Temple is so beautiful....Luke says it's the best in the world and I would have to agree. We haven't been back there since we got married (almost 4 years ago! WOW!). The flowers and trees were all blooming and it was so pretty outside too! Being there for Melissa and Taran's sealing reminded me of the importance of keeping the commandments and being worthy to enter the Temple. It also reminded me that being sealed is the most important ordinance and what we are here to accomplish. I'm so thankful I am married and sealed for eternity to my best friend. :)

That night we stayed at the Palmyra Inn then left the next day for Jamestown. Even though we did a lot of driving it was through some of the most beautiful scenery, and we had a nice rental car :) haha.
We stopped to help for a little bit at the reception site, and had a few minutes so went to see Ryan's house site and John's business. We tried to cut some wood, while I tried and Luke succeeded.
I probably shouldn't be attempting this in flip flops!

Luke with his little stack of wood. He says he loves to cut wood...I'm not sure why, it's really hard!

Then we travelled on to Corry to watch Alex's baseball game. He didn't get put in until the last few innings, but at least I got watch him play first base! He did well and Corry won! YAY BEAVERS! My sister Sara came up from Pittsburgh and my brother Ryan was there with the cutest kids ever, Cameron and Cooper. It was a mini family reunion and we had fun talking, watching Alex, and shivering in the wind! Then we headed back to the reception. It was good to catch up with people we rarely see and the reception was fun. The food and cake were delicious, and Melissa and Taran looked so good together and happy. I really liked the little pink roses everywhere, and the cake was beautiful!

Saturday my family had 'birthday brunch' for me. My mom made a delicious breakfast and we had fun playing with Cameron and Cooper. Allison and I put them both on the wii fit board and they both did the ski jump at the same time, it was so funny to watch them! I also got to see Allison's engagement ring, because Carl asked her to marry him on Wednesday!! Congratulations!
Later Sara, Allison and I went shopping while Luke went to his Dad's to work on some things. Sunday we got up early and drove through the rain back to the airport...I was so sad and so was Luke! Each time we go back to Pennsylvania we get a renewed sense of how much we truly miss living there and miss being with our wonderful families. It's good to be back at our house, but I really miss our families. At least there should be another wedding in the future...something to look forward to!

Warm Weather...Yay!

2010-04-19T13:05:00.000-07:00

I lOVE Spring! Warm weather-and it's not too hot yet, birds-except for the one that was flying around INSIDE Target today, flowers, and green grass! YAY! Since it has been warm Luke decided to try out his new golf club, and I decided to bust out my rusty golfing skills and start practicing, so we headed to the driving range. Luke is so good at hitting the ball that sometimes I'm embarrassed to stand next to him, just because I feel like people are comparing us. Even though I haven't been golfing since September, I think I was hitting quite well for being dormant all winter. Luke said he liked his new club and he was hitting the ball really far. It was also great to be outside in the sunshine and not need a coat!

I thought it was funny that we both look so determined. I'm not posting the other picture for everyone to see my not-so-technical form after I hit the ball! haha. It doesn't really matter, I just have fun playing golf with Luke...
He might have a contradictory opinion since once in awhile I get really mad, but then I hit the ball really well when I'm mad. Yay for golf season!
In other news, my tulips have bloomed!

Easter

2010-04-04T19:45:00.000-07:00

I love Easter, not only because we celebrate the Resurrection of our Savior, but also because Spring is usually in the air, and I also LOVE Spring. Flowers, green grass, birds, and warm weather. I was thankful to be able to catch part of Conference too this weekend. Hearing the wisdom and guidance of the Prophet and Apostles is always uplifting, especially when I can watch it at my house :) I had to work Saturday night, so most of Easter was spent sleeping. We did watch the afternoon session of Conference, then Luke hid my Easter basket. I asked for tic-tacs and got them:) Luke also got me a food processor so I can make some delicious food for us :) Luke got some candy, ties, and shorts. Then we made Easter dinner. Ham, potatoes, rolls, and deviled eggs...yum! We have had a fun day together, and I'm so thankful that we have the Gospel in our lives. I'm thankful for Jesus CHrist and that he died for me and was Resurrected. I'm also thankful for the change of seasons and that even though it snowed last night it is going to get warmer!! :)

Pearl Sighting

2010-03-12T10:09:00.001-08:00

Last night after work I wanted to go out to dinner, but couldn't decide where I wanted to go. After driving around we decided to go to Winger's. As we pulled into the parking lot I noticed there were only three cars in the lot, and I thought it was weird. Then a lady came out to the truck and told us there had been a fire in the kitchen and they were closed. Even though she gave us a coupon, I was bummed out. So then we just decided to go to Walmart and get something to make at home so we could watch the office. As we drove into the plaza where Walmart is I looked over at the PetSmart and saw a dog inside that looked similar to our old puppy, Pearl. Then I thought the lady she was with looked familiar too. Luke was like, "WHAT?!?" So he turned around and parked and ran inside to see if it was her. I felt dumb, so I stayed in the truck. Upon his return Luke reported that this is what happened:
Luke: What kind of dog is that?
Lady: Oh just a mut.
Luke: What is her name?
Lady: Pearl...
Luke: Hey, I sold you that dog!
Lady: OH Yeah!
So it ended up being Pearl! Luke and the lady talked a little bit and she said they really love her and she does well with them. Luke came back out and got me and I saw her as they came out and got in their car to drive away. She is bigger now, but still tall and lean, probably a medium to small sized dog. She is still cute and has the same adorable face. She is still really white too. Luke said they had a pink collar on her and a pink bow in her hair. They were also carrying her! Even though we miss her sometimes, seeing her and knowing that they take care of her and she is part of the family made us really happy. We think about her a lot (Allison will attest to this fact) and we always hoped she would be loved and not put out in a kennel like the neighbor dogs. I'm also happy to know she is still alive and they kept her. We didn't know where they lived or anything about them when we sold her to them, so we haven't seen her in over a year since they bought her.
I think about how many things had to happen just right last night for us to be there and for me to look over to see her. When little things like this happen, it helps me to know even more how much Heavenly Father loves me and wants me to be happy. No matter how insignificant it may seem, it meant a lot to us to know that she is taken care of, and I'm so glad Luke ran in because now we know. She looks bigger now and she's still cute, but she was cuter as a little pup!

Room Makeover

2010-02-20T13:56:00.003-08:00

In May 2008 we were looking at our house and waiting to buy it. I was getting a minor foot surgery (I'm not sure I would call it surgery-dysplastic cells were removed from my foot). Anyway, I was in the waiting room looking at a decorating magazine. I saw the cutest room and the walls were a lovely peach color. I then decided to paint our guest room peach. So when we moved in July I did just that. Well, the peach color turned out to be more like fluorescent orange. So for the past year I have been contemplating repainting the room. I really don't like painting and I get annoyed when the paint goes where it shouldn't. However, once I put my peach quilt on the bed I absolutely knew I had to get a new color on the walls. I picked a nice neutral tan/cream color and went to work. I cleared everything out then washed and taped the walls one day. Then it took me another whole day to paint. I'm not sure what that room's problem is, but it like eats the paint. I had to put three coats on and used two cans of paint. I think it looks much better now though. When I walk in there it's not like I'm in a Hunter's Orange Paradise. It's a much more calming color. I also switched the room around a little bit. Allison said it seems smaller and I agree, but it's easier to move around in. Maybe if a twin bed was in there instead of a queen it would be better, but that's all I have! :) I'm happy with how it turned out and hope those who stay here think so too!
I still need to finish putting some things in there but here is a before picture....

Here is a picture after....

My New Job...

2010-02-20T13:37:00.001-08:00

I worked my first shifts at my new job Wednesday-Friday of this week. I was kind of nervous Tuesday night because I have never done a clinical at Timpanogos, so I didn't really know what to expect. I didn't sleep well that night, but Luke got the fan out for me so and tried to help me relax so I could fall asleep. Wednesday morning before work Luke took me to IHOP for breakfast to celebrate my first day at a real job. I got strawberry pancakes which were delicious! Going to breakfast also helped me to be less nervous because Luke helps me to relax and not be so stressed out. I'm not sure how he does it, but he gets me to laugh and have fun. The first day went really well. I was orienting on the Medical unit and the nurse I was with was so nice and helpful. She showed me how to do things, answered all my questions, and helped me with the charting. Even though it was kind of a hard day and I was super busy all day, it was so great to finally be a nurse! Thursday and Friday I was on the Surgical unit. I'm not sure yet, but I think I might like Surgical better, we will have to see! THe nurse I was with on surgical both days was also super nice. We had two extremely busy days and were both running the whole day, but she answered my questions and was patient and helpful. I sometimes felt like I was just making her job harder, but she assured me that she was there to help, so I felt better. I really liked helping my patients, and trying to make their stay as comfortable as possible. It is weird now though. In school I always had to have someone with me to give medications and check things. Now the nurses give me patients and I do their total care...including medications. My badge will actually get me into places, and I can get into the accudose (which is like a locked cabinet for medications and narcotics). It's just different because now I'm licensed and can give medicines and do everything for my patients. I like it! :) haha
Even though I was so busy all three days and twelve hours ends up being a long day, I really loved it. On Friday when I was waiting to give report I was actually a little sad to be leaving, but then I realized I get to come back on Tuesday! I would often feel that way when I left the PICU at Primarys, but now I get to keep coming back and so far I love my job! It really doesn't seem like a job to me. I like interacting with my patients and their families, and so far all the people I work with are so nice and helpful. I'm so thankful to have this job and to be an RN. The past 4.5 years of school were difficult, but now it is all worth it! :)
Here's a picture of me that Luke insisted on taking before we went to breakfast. There won't be anymore 'First day of school pictures' so I guess he had to take a First day of work picture. He also captured the fact that I was actually awake this early, yes the clock says 4:58...I was a bit tired and it shows! I also realized by looking at this picture that I look like a big puffy grape...oh well! Maybe now I know why a patient asked me if I was pregnant.... (which I'm not!) Hahah!

Ahhh...Love

2010-02-16T14:55:00.000-08:00

I love Valentine's Day, especially the past 4 which I have shared with my cute husband. We decided to celebrate Valentine's Day during the week since it was on Sunday and I was starting orientation. We got dressed up (which rarely happens) and went to Olive Garden to eat. It was delicious as usual. I got lasagna and frozen lemonade, which kept giving me brain freeze, and Luke got their new dish that had sausage in it ...yum! :) After I had planned to go to Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory in Riverton or somewhere around there and get Luke bubble gum ice-cream because it is his favorite. Well he was too full after dinner so we just went home. It was nice to go out to dinner (especially since I have really been trying to cut back on our out-to-eating and I have been cooking dinner a lot more lately) and spend time with each other. Luke looked so nice and I should have taken his picture...too late!
On Friday I went to the Temple with Melissa then came home to make Valentine's Day cookies to take to Luke at work and for my friends. I got them all baked in time and the icing made, but they wouldn't cool down so I had to leave for lunch with no cookies for Luke. It turned out ok though because he said someone else had already brought cookies.
That afternoon Allison came down for the long weekend from Rexburg.

I love when she comes! We went shopping for some new scrubs for me for my new job and went to see 'Dear John.' Which was good, but it was different than I thought it would be, but we still liked it. We also went to a few sewing stores while she was here, I'm not sure if she had fun doing that, but I was glad I didn't have to go by myself. We were also going to experience In-N-Out for the first time but both times we attempted it the lines were WAY too long! Saturday night we went back to Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory for Luke's Ice-Cream. You know you've been there too much when the person working calls your husband "Bubble-Gum Ice-Cream man" hahah! He got his ice cream and Allison and I got a snickers chocolate caramel apple...delicious!
Sunday after church (and fun in nursery) I made lots of yummy things to eat. First there was spinach artichoke dip followed by sausage stuffed mushrooms. I also made a black forest cherry cake and pot roast for dinner. It was all really good.

We all fell asleep midway through the afternoon while watching the Olympics. Luke and I seriously LOVE the Olympics. Even though we like Summer better, we have decided that Winter is good too. I think it would be fun to go watch part of the Olympics...maybe someday! :) After dinner we all played Phase 10. Luke had never played before but he caught on quickly. Allison won and Luke came in 2nd...while I was dead last! haha.. For Valentine's Day Luke got me some pretty pink roses with purple carnations and a gift card.

I got him candy, Talledega Nights (which is like his favorite movie or something and he always wants to rent it), and some money to put toward a new driver for golf. I got Allison some cute pj pants, socks because she really likes holiday socks, nail polish, and candy. All in all we had a super fun weekend. I'm so thankful to be married to Luke, he is so great in every way. He is patient (especially when I am so silly), kind, loving, and we have such fun together. So yay for Valentine's Day and yay for Love! :)

What a Great Week!

2010-02-09T19:12:00.000-08:00

Last week was a really great week for me. I attended the Temple three times for Stake Temple week and had such great experiences there each time. I really felt the Spirit strongly and knew the decisions I was making were right for me. I am so blessed to live only 15 minutes away and be able to go to the House of the Lord anytime I want to. On Tuesday I found out that I had a job offer (which I accepted!) at Timpanogos Regional Hospital in Orem. The position is for Pediatrics, but I will also be training on some other units, which is fine by me...I like variety and staying busy while I'm at the hospital. Timp is about 11 miles from my house which means a short commute of only 15 minutes. I feel extremely blessed to have found a job. I have been on five job interviews and really feel like this is the job for me.
On Thursday I took my NCLEX. I arrived at the testing center soooo nervous. I got all checked in and started my test. It was pretty hard and I couldn't tell if the questions were getting easier or harder, so I didn't really know how I was doing. As the questions continued and I neared #75 I was hoping that the computer would shut off. I don't even remember what #75 was about! I honestly was really nervous and my hand was a little shaky. I clicked 'next' and what I would describe as the 'blue screen of death' appeared, but in this case it wasn't bad at all! The test had shut down and I didn't have to take anymore questions. My prayers were answered! I was so happy and excited and thought for sure I must have passed. Later that day I started to get nervous that I had failed. I looked up some of the medications I had gotten and realized I had gotten them wrong. I was really nervous and Luke can attest to that! I went to see him at lunch that day and he could tell I was anxious about it, especially when I started crying...sorry Luke! Friday came and went and it was all I thought about. I knew if I didn't pass I probably wouldn't be able to keep my new job, plus I had spent so much time studying, (like every day) I didn't want to spend the next 45-90 days studying more! So Saturday came and I paid my $8 to find out my 'unofficial' results.... PASS! :) I was so ecstatic! What a relief. I'm so happy and thankful that I passed! :) Luke took me out to lunch to celebrate and he was so happy for me too. Later he told me that he was sure I had passed, but in the back of his mind there was the thought that what if I didn't. How was he going to get me out of my depression? Haha.
Last week I also got my quilt in the mail. I didn't have a job or summer classes so I made a few quilts over summer break. My mom quilted it for me and sent it back. I love the quilting she did on it and it looks so good. I'm not the biggest fan of the color choices I made, but oh well! I like the flower baskets and the design of the quilt. It took me a long time to do, and I worked really hard on matching up the points and trying to cut every piece square and straight. (Of all the aspects involved in making a quilt, cutting is my LEAST favorite!) I'm so happy it is done and I can use it! :) Thanks to my Mom for the awesome quilting! :)

Guys, I'm back!

2010-02-01T13:22:00.001-08:00

The title is from a little boy who used to be in our nursery. Every time he would come back from the bathroom or something he would say, "Guys, I'm back! Hey guys...I"M BACK!" It was hilarious, maybe you had to be there... Anyway, Miss Melissa Mortenson is back in Utah. She moved to Washington D.C. about 2 years ago (If my memory is correct) and just moved back. She stayed with us last night, and we had her boyfriend over for dinner (we really like him btw). I'm really glad she is back in Utah because we have missed her! We miss all of our family and it is so good to see them whenever we can. My sister is in Idaho, and I love when she comes down here or I go up to see her (which I'm planning to do once my test is done...YAY!). When it comes down to it, your family are the ones that will be there for you no matter what. I really love my family and am so blessed to have such great siblings, who are now such great friends! :) I also like being part of Luke's family. Even though I haven't spent much time with them, I still love them and consider them family. I feel so blessed to be sealed to my husband and know we will be together for all eternity, but also to my parents and brothers and sisters. How blessed I am to be a member of the Gospel and to have this privilege. So if you're reading this and part of our family....I LOVE YOU, and MISS YOU!

Yuck!

2010-01-29T08:10:00.000-08:00

So my life has been pretty uneventful lately...just studying for the NCLEX and visiting Luke for lunch everyday. It is pretty relaxing though, and fun to see Luke for lunch! Yesterday afternoon as I was taking my mango peach salsa (YUM!) upstairs to continue my studying I saw a black dot on the white baseboard in the front room. As I got closer it was a big black spider!! I don't even know where it came from because it wasn't there when I came down (or I just didn't see it!) We usually don't get any bugs in the house in the winter and just a few in the summer. So I put my snack down and went and got my shoe. I got up close to it and saw a little red dot on it, "Oh no! A black widow!" I thought to myself, then I rationalized and said no, their red is on the underside...I think! I still don't know about that. Plus it wasn't very big, like an inch maybe! . I sometimes feel bad about killing bugs, but then I think about not killing them and I picture it crawling on me in my sleep and realize it has to go! I also contemplated just taking it outside, but imagined it somehow escaping in transit and crawling on me. So I stood there planning my attack for about 3 minutes. I decided my shoe was not going to do the job so I grabbed Luke's shoe and stood there for another minute. I get nervous about killing bugs because I think they are going to get away and crawl on me. So my heart was starting to beat a little faster and I went for it! I definitely got rid of it, but man I hate killing bugs!!! YUCK YUCK YUCK! It also seems that whenever there is a bug around Luke is NEVER here and I am left to fend for myself. The bottom line is...bugs-stay out of my house and I will not kill you. :) This is what my life has come to lately...my most exciting event is killing a bug! hahah

Vacation!

2010-01-09T11:19:00.000-08:00

We have been planning a vacation to Southern California since the summer. It has given me something to look forward to during the semester too. It was kind of like my graduation present, but for both of us....we LOVE vacation. Even though we were planning on leaving Wednesday, Luke found out that he might have to go to Southern California to do a job on the highway. He wasn't sure and on Monday he called and told me we would be leaving the next day. So Tuesday we left. Of course it was snowing (I was hoping it would snow on Christmas, but it didn't!) We were driving South in Utah and the roads were getting icy. We saw a car ahead of us go across the lanes and swerve on the side of the road. Luckily he was ok and didn't hit anyone, but there were lots of other cars off the road too. We made it through the snow storm and completed the drive in 10 hours, but the long drive is part of the adventure, right? :) We have fun in the car...mainly due to how silly I am. Anyway, we stayed in Ontario that night and the next day went to get the bucket truck, and of course it was raining! So Luke had to work on the highway in the rain. After completing two of the signs he was told he wasn't allowed to work anymore because of the rain, and they would need a lane closure for the last sign later that evening, but if it was raining he wouldn't be able to do it. Since there was a holiday that would mean he would have to wait until Monday or Tuesday...not really an option. So he made his own lane closure and I had to wait outside the truck in case it got hit. The cars were whizzing by and I was scared he would get hit. Thankfully he didn't, but I doubt we will ever do that again because it was really dangerous. I was glad he was done and we took the truck back and went to dinner. Here's Luke on a sign structure. All he had to do was put a piece of grating on the walkway. His record was 25 minutes.

The next day we went to Sea World. We really liked the shows with the animals. We saw all the killer whales, dolphins and pilot whales show (we like the pilot whales the best), and the pet show, where they trained dogs, cats, and pigs!

Shamu is even too big to eat!

We saw the sharks, which I think was Luke's favorite part. At the shark exhibit you went under the shark tanks and could look up at the sharks. It was really interesting, and a little freaky!

I really liked the penguins and polar bears. We saw lots of other animals too like flamingos, fish, and beluga whales. It was a super fun day at Sea World. That night was also New Year's Eve. We went to our hotel and went out for dinner. Then we went and bought some sparkling cider to celebrate and midnight. At the hotel we went in the hot tub, but it was way too hot for me! I was so tired that we decided to celebrate at 11 (because it was midnight in Utah..lame I know) then I fell asleep and Luke stayed up until 12!

The next day we didn't really have anything planned, but Luke had heard of an old aircraft carrier, The Midway, that was now a museum, so we went to check that out. It was actually really interesting and we toured the whole ship for most of the day. It was built for World War II and was in service until 1990's. We both liked seeing where the people stayed and ate. I also like the mini hospital. This is a picture of the one-bed ICU.

Through my clinicals at the VA and seeing this ship I have really come to appreciate our veterans and current military members and the sacrifices they make to keep us safe and protect our freedom. The ship was like a floating city. There was a huge laundry room, multiple kitchens, a prison, and even a welding shop.

The Ronald Reagan was across the bay and Luke was excited he got to see it. It is bigger than the Midway and is an active ship, not a museum. After the ship I wanted to go to an old museum in San Diego gaslamp district, but it was closed. As we were walking back to the truck I saw a Ghirardelli Ice Cream and Chocolate Shop. We got a really delicious sundae to share. It had cheesecake ice cream with strawberry and blueberry topping...YUM!

The day was nearly gone so we decided to drive to Orange where our hotel reservations were. We had originally planned to spend a day at the beach, and even though it was 65-70 degrees out, at the ocean the wind was blowing and it was too chilly. So we stopped to watch the sunset. It was one of the most magnificent I have ever seen! So beautiful with red, hot pink, and gold colors! We stood on the beach and listened to the waves and watched the sunset. :)

The next and last day of our vacation was Disneyland...YAY! I love Disneyland. Since it was our second time I knew what rides I wanted to ride. First up was Space Mountain, which was just as fun as I remember. I forgot my sunglasses at home so I bought new ones, which make me look like a bug.

Luke was being Indiana Jones. :) It was a beautiful day, like 75 and sunny, which also meant there were definitely more people there than last time we went when it was 50s and raining. However we discovered fastpasses and used them to bypass the lines throughout the day. It takes a bit of planning, but it is definitely worth it! While we were eating lunch we saw Ariel, Belle, Cinderella, Mulan, Aurora, and Snow White! Last time we were there I didn't get to see them, but this time I did! YAY Princesses! :) On the second ride of the day, the train roller-coaster, Luke left his hat on the train, and didn't have it for the rest of the day. Consequently his hair was a bit disheveled! We didn't go on splash mountain this time because the lines were really long, and we knew how wet we would get. Here we are on a jungle safari ride, I don't remember what it's called, but you go around on a little boat ride and see different animals (fake) and the boat person tells funny jokes.

I got two souvenirs: a magnet for the fridge and a Princess Mug for my hot chocolate. I was really excited to be in the Princess Store!!!

I need a fairy godmother to make some of my wishes come true...like passing the nclex, finding a job, etc! We love going to Disneyland, it is a super fun place and we have a GREAT time there. We stayed until the park closed.

The next morning we left and were really sad because it was sunny and warm. It was a great vacation and we had a really fun time together. Now it's back to work for Luke, back to studying for the NCLEX for me, and back to cold weather!

Christmas

2010-01-09T10:58:00.000-08:00

Luke and I had a really fun and relaxing Christmas. I liked being at our home and spending time with Luke. Our real tree really made it feel more like Christmas too. On Christmas Eve we decorated gingerbread houses, well one house and a train.

Luke made his train....about to run someone over. Count on Luke to be in the Christmas spirit...

We made some yummy things to eat, like sausage stuffed mushrooms! :) The next morning we got up and Luke made me a delicious breakfast. Then we opened our gifts and stockings. I made some stockings for us, but I ended up liking Luke's stocking (the one with stripes) better than I liked mine! So I might make myself another one with just stripes.

I also got my angel and wreath done, but was a little too enthusiastic with my plans and didn't get the table things like the placemats done. Oh well, I have a whole year now!

Luke was excited to open his presents!

For Christmas Luke got a shower radio, new book about Mormons and Masons, business cards (which apparently had the wrong business name on them, even though I asked him what it was), some candy and some hair stuff. He also got a new golf glove because his old one is gross and has holes in it! I got some candy and hot chocolate and some new bakeware that I really love. I also got some new earrings! They are really pretty, you can barely see them in this photo.

Then we went to the movies and saw Did you hear about the Morgans? It was funny. We came home and I made dinner. Yummy ham, stuffing, rolls, and sparkling grape juice. We hung out and called our families. We stayed in Utah two years ago and I was pretty homesick. This year I was less homesick and we had a really fun day celebrating the birth of Christ.

Christmas Lights!!

2009-12-23T13:06:00.001-08:00

On Saturday Luke and I had a little date and went to Salt Lake to Temple Square to see the pretty lights. It was really cold!! I had on 4 layers under my coat, and I still only lasted an hour. We had fun walking around Temple Square and looking at the trees. We also saw the different nativities from different parts of the world. They were really interesting and pretty. It was cool to see how different cultures represent and celebrate the birth of Christ.

There were also little luminaries with different scenes on them that I really liked.

We also decorated our real tree. We were planning on doing it Friday, but I had only bought one strand of lights and I thought it would be enough...no. So then we went to Target to get some more, but there weren't any of the same kind, so we got some that I thought would be similar. They weren't. So Saturday I took those back and tried some other ones, they were LED lights in a 'warm white'. Well they were more of a yellow/green and we didn't like those either. So Monday I went to Target again and got some regular white lights! Finally they looked nice and we decorated our tree with white and red.

There is a faint smell of pine in the house, but not as strong as the trees we had when I was little. So I bought a pine candle to enhance the Christmas smell! Today I finished the angel I have been making and she is sitting on the top...pictures of her later. Now I'm going to wrap Luke's Christmas presents before he gets home from work :) Tomorrow is Christmas Eve and I'm planning some fun things to do, and some yummy food to eat! Merry Christmas!

FINISHED :)

2009-12-15T19:58:00.000-08:00

Today I turned in my very last college assignment. I have already finished my only final too. So I am officially finished! :) So many times I doubted I would make it to this day. However, I have, and it feels awesome! People have always said to me, "It goes by so fast!" But I always thought that it was going so slow, but now looking back, the past 4 1/2 years have really gone pretty quickly. :) I can't believe all the tests, reading, projects, quizzes, assignments are all over. I'm glad though!

I have many people to thank for my success in college. First, my parents, siblings, and grandparents. They have all supported me and helped me, more than they probably know. Next is my husband. He had to put up with a stressed out wife for four years...it wasn't pretty. He supported me physically but also spiritually and emotionally. I would come home from school so many times and want to give up, but he was always there supporting me. He knew this was my dream and if I quit it would be a mistake and I would always regret it. Now that I'm at the finish line, I know he was right, and I'm so glad I stuck it out and made it.

Next, I am thankful to my Heavenly Father. Looking back on the last 4 years, and my life in general, I can see His hand in all things. He was there helping me and encouraging me. Even when I felt alone here in Utah, I wasn't because He has always been with me. Not only has He helped me to make it through when I was having a hard time, but He helped me to be so successful and do my best. I was healthy and able to go to class, my mind was sharp and I was able to learn, study, and do well. I have been so blessed to attend BYU. Not only have I learned how to be a great nurse, but my testimony has also grown. I love going to devotional every week and also attending religion classes to learn more about the Gospel. I'm glad I took advantage of those things because they really helped me and boosted my Spirit when the struggles of life brought me down. I know I am a better person for attending BYU and a better nurse because my professors taught by the Spirit and helped me to 'Learn the Healer's Art.' I have learned to love Utah and BYU and I'm so thankful I have attended here, and have finally finished! Now....I just need a job to put all my wonderful nursing skills and compassion to good use!

The Beginning of Luke's Empire...

2009-12-13T17:45:00.001-08:00

There is a primary song that the children learned this year, the words are something like, I am a builder working each day to build my family. Well, I made up my own song about Luke and building his empire, and this week he sold his first bucket! He has planned, designed, and built a large bucket, then he got it painted. The buckets are for skid steers and they are a lot bigger than other buckets. He also has two more that other people want and now he just needs to build them. I am so impressed with Luke's determination, motivation, and ability to build things. He is such a hard worker, and we are so blessed because he has such a great work ethic. Part of my success in school I owe to Luke because he supported me in my goals and also helped me financially. :)

Well... the night the man called and told Luke he wanted the bucket, Luke was so excited, and I am excited for him. He really wants to have his own business someday, and he is getting it started. I'm glad he has his welder and likes to build stuff, it is his way to de-stress and it is also productive. He is such a smarty and I'm so happy for him!

Getting into the Christmas Spirit!!

2009-12-13T17:19:00.000-08:00

Last week was the First Presidency Christmas Devotional. It has always been my favorite broadcast of the year from the Church. I always look forward to it, and it is sort of a beginning to my Christmas season. For the past few years Luke and I have been blessed to get tickets to attend, and I absolutely love being in the Conference Center. I remember sitting in the meeting room at the Corry Branch year after year wishing I could be in the Conference Center and see all the pretty decorations and see the Prophet. This year we were not able to get tickets, and I was so sad, yes...I cried. That is how much I look forward to it! Anyway, I still tried to have a positive attitude, and thought of new things to do on that night, because we will eventually move out of Utah, and I want to make the Devotional an important start to my Christmas season each year, and part of my future children's too! So, I decided as a new tradition we would decorate cookies after the devotional, then decorate our home for Christmas.

Here are some cookies we made. Luke apparently was not in the Christmas spirit, and made some scary cookies, but we had a really fun time.

The one on the left is two gingerbread men with fire in the middle. At first they had no eyes, but then Luke gave them exed out eyes. The one on the right is supposed to be a teddy bear, but Luke turned it into a grizzly bear with jagged bloody teeth and blood dripping from his mouth...lovely.

Mine are a gingerbread lady and a red mitten. No, a five year old did not decorate them, I'm just not very good at it! :)

Then we got all of our decorations out, put up the tree, and decorated the house.

Here is our fake tree! haha We are going to get a real one for the first time, probably this week. I didn't want it to die before Christmas. The fake tree is decorated with blue and silver, and the real one is going to be red and white! Now that I am done with school I am going to start all my sewing projects. These include two homemade stockings for Luke and me, which will replace these two. I am also going to attempt to do place mats, something for the table, and a tree skirt if I can find a pattern that I like. So even though school is over, I am going to be busy! :)

We had a really fun time together, and I really felt the Spirit of Christmas, and loved the devotional just as much on my couch! I am so thankful for Christmas. I love Christmas and I love Jesus Christ. I am so glad we are able to celebrate his birth and his life, and the things He taught. I know that He came to earth and died for us and I am thankful for His direction and love in my life. He is the best example of service and love and I hope that this month and throughout the year I can do better to serve and love my neighbors, friends, and family.

Happy Thanksgiving!

2009-11-29T18:57:00.000-08:00

Thanksgiving break started Thursday for me when my last class of the day was cancelled :) Allison came Saturday afternoon and we went grocery shopping for all of our Thanksgiving feast ingredients. Monday we made chocolate cupcakes with Turkeys on them. They were so cute and we took them to Luke to share with his co-workers.

On Wednesday we went to get our nails done, it was really fun and they turned out well

Allison got darker purple and after I changed my mind twice, I got a lighter purple.

Luke and I have been looking for a new computer for awhile now. I got a new little computer last winter, but we needed a computer with more space and a bigger screen. Luke is part of the family history people at church, and he needs to get going on his genealogy. Even though my laptop that I got when I started college has worked great for the past four years, in the winter it started to go downhill and doesn't really work anymore :( So Wednesday night we went to Best Buy to look at computers. The one in Lehi doesn't sell Macs so we went to Orem and looked at them, because we couldn't decide if we wanted to get a Mac or an HP. We decided (well Luke decided because Allison and I were playing with the photo booth thing, haha, and weren't paying attention) to get a Mac and we LOVE it! It works really well and has a lot of cool features.

Thursday we started baking around noon. The turkey, which had been in the refrigerator since Monday thawing, was still not thawed. So I had to run it under cool water to thaw it.

We made berry pie and apple pie and Allison made deviled eggs because she and Luke really love them.

The turkey went in the oven around 3 and we ate around 7. It was a lot earlier than I thought, I was expecting to be waiting to eat until 9...so it worked out ok. In addition to turkey, we also had mashed potatoes and gravy, stuffing, cranberry sauce, and rolls. I had been really nervous about cooking a turkey, but it actually wasn't hard. I just had to put it in the oven and it cooked, and was easy! It turned out really yummy and I was glad it was all cooked and didn't burn.

I was glad that I had done it! Cooked Thanksgiving dinner for the first time (with Allison's help, of course!) It was a really tasty dinner, but it took all day to make! Luke and I have decided we are going out again next year! haha

After dinner I decided to get online and see what time the mall opened the next day, because Allison and I have been excited to go shopping on Black Friday since last mont! Well, I found out it opened at midnight, so Allison and I decided we would go at 12! We drove to Sandy and got in line to wait for about 10 minutes until the doors opened. It was really cold! Once inside, we went to the stores we wanted. At about 1:30 am we decided to go home, and as we were walking out of a store, a lady handed us tickets for a drawing at 2. So we decided to stay, but didn't win anything. Then we went to more stores. Here is Allison at 3:30 trying on a new jacket. I was leaning against a mannequin, and was REALLY tired! :)

At around 4am we were done and left. We drove back to Lehi and were going to go to McDonald's for breakfast, but it was closed. So we went to see the line at Best Buy, which wasn't that big. Then we went to Old Navy but the line for the Target near the Old Navy was so long when we went in. When we came out the Target line had wrapped around the building, so we decided to go to Target later in the day. The McDonald's was still closed so we came home and went to sleep. Around 12 I woke up and Luke came home with an early Christmas present for me! He bought me a new camera, and I love it! It is a Sony Cyber-shot, and it is silver and has lots of different features on it. It can also take videos with sound, and I'm really happy that he got it for me, and gave it to me now so I don't have to wait until Christmas! :)

Then Allison got up and we decided to go out to the Orem and Provo malls because we wanted to go to some stores that had not been open in Sandy. After shopping for a few more hours we went to Winger's for lunch and then hit the Target and came home. We definitely shopped til we dropped! It was a lot of fun though! I like having someone to shop with, usually I just go by myself, so it was nice to have her opinions. Overall it was a fun break, and very relaxing. Allison and I spent lots of time together and watched lots of movies, like Little Women and Stepmom, that Luke doesn't like to watch with me. I'm glad she was able to be here and share the holidays with us! I'm very thankful for all of my blessings and for Luke, he is such a great husband! I'm also thankful for all of my family and all they do for me. Another thing I am thankful for is that I will graduate from college in about 2 weeks!

My First Sewing Project

2009-11-01T18:29:00.000-08:00

I have made several things in the past, in the form of blankets and quilts. However, I have never attempted to make anything from a pattern, like for someone to wear, without my Mom's help. My friend just had her baby and I wanted to make something for her because little baby clothes are soooo cute. So I found a pattern for a bathrobe and some really cute flannel that had pink and gray elephants on it. For the lining I also chose a flannel that is white and has little pink flowers on it. Cutting the pattern out was pretty easy and it boosted my confidence. Then I started sewing, well....my confidence was quickly deflated! I had a hard time making the pockets, which was the first step. I don't know why, but after I had made the first one, I could not figure out how to make another one! So I didn't, which is why it only has one pocket! (What does a newborn need to put in a pocket anyway!) Haha.
So after the pockets it went together pretty easily, except for the fact that I sewed the hoods together at the wrong seams and had to take both of them out! Putting the rick-rack on and trying to keep it popping out of the seams evenly was the trickiest part, and if I ever make this agian I probably won't do the rick-rack. In the end it turned out really cute, and it was not that difficult to make. My friend liked it too. :) Yay for a success at my first sewing project! Here is a picture.

What a Great Weekend!

2009-10-20T11:34:00.000-07:00

So now that it's Tuesday and I'm sitting around doing homework I have reflected on what a great weekend Luke and I had (especially since he is at work and I am bored and home alone!) Saturday morning Luke came home early from work and I made breakfast. Then later we went golfing. We haven't been golfing since the summer, and I was a bit nervous to get back out there. I didn't think I would remember anything I learned! It was soooo nice out Saturday, like 75 degrees and sunny!
We didn't call ahead to reserve a tee time and when we got there we were told we had to go with another couple. I was not happy about this and contemplated just watching Luke, because I felt really self conscious and embarrassed because Luke is the only one I ever golf with...because I am NOT good at it! Plus I feel like I don't really know all the rules yet and didn't want to do something wrong. My first swing was really bad and the golf ball went way off to the right and hit the fence and came back about 10 feet from me. Wow...did I feel dumb! haha! But I just told myself that it was only my 4th time golfing and it didn't matter. As we kept going I was actually doing quite well for myself. Of course Luke was doing great, but he said his short game was really bad that day. I thought he did good though. Here is the amazing Luke and his awesome golfing skills!After 9 holes the other couple was done, but Luke and I were playing 18. Well it was getting late and we only ended up playing 12. I got my best score on 9 holes so far, so I was happy with that, and I did better putting and had some good drives. Yay!Obviously, from this photo, my golf form needs some work! I always go too far back on my backswing and stand up...I need to keep practicing!

After we were done golfing Luke surprised me with a trip to Park City. Luke usually goes on lots of trips to California and I typically get to go too. Lately, however, he has not been going, and we have been wanting to go somewhere. So we went to Park City to stay the night, just for something fun to do. We went out to dinner, then Luke got some homemade bubble-gum ice-cream and I got a big caramel. It was yummy! They also messed our room up at the hotel so they gave us a free night, so now we get to go back in the next few months. Maybe next time there will be snow and we might try to go skiing! The next day we had breakfast and came home.
After church , since it was so nice out, we decided to take a drive up Provo Canyon. When we got there, we decided to drive up Squaw Peak road. I don't really like driving through the mountains, unless I'm on a 4-wheeler, but since we were in the truck and not the car I agreed. Well the whole road is paved! If I had known that we would have gone a long time ago. The road goes way up on the mountain and it was fun to sit and look out over Provo and Utah Lake.
Here is Luke at the top, we don't think we were actually at Squaw Peak though...Oh Well!

There were some pretty trees changing colors, nothing like Pennsylvania, but it did remind me of home. Then we took another road and just drove through the mountains.
Later that night we went to watch a bridge be put in haha. They are doing construction on one of the exits on I-15 near Lehi. They built the bridge on the side of the highway, then moved it on little car-type things into place. It was actually quite interesting.
I had such a fun weekend, and I'm so glad I could spend it with my Luke :) We have such a great time together and I'm so thankful we are married...and BFFs :) HAHA!

School...so far

2009-10-12T16:27:00.000-07:00

It is almost the middle of my last semester of school....and I have been BUSY! I feel like I haven't had a break for the last 6 weeks. I am doing my last semester at Primary Childrens Medical Center in the Pediatric ICU. I really like it there, and like my nurse preceptor, Ian. He is great and really smart too! He takes good care of his patients and teaches me lots! I work 12 hour shifts and I am over half done with my 210 hours. :) Every time I leave after working a shift I feel like I have learned so much. Not only am I learning about medications, different diseases and diagnoses, but I am practicing my nursing skills too. I have put in NG tubes, drawn blood from art-lines, given lots and lots of meds, and learned how to better care for my patients and be more compassionate. I am also learning how the unit runs and different protocols, and I really like it! I feel like I am becoming an even better nurse! Hopefully Primary's will think so too, and hire me! :) Yay for my last semester! I can't believe it will soon be over, but I am ready! 4 1/2 years of school is definitely long enough! Now I just need to start studying for and pass the NCLEX! woohoo! :)

Our New Family Member

2009-10-12T16:06:00.000-07:00

It has been awhile since I posted anything, but last week we welcomed a new member into our family of two. Luke's new welder...haha. He got a good deal on his new Lincoln Electric 'Ranger' Welder. (This is all I know about it.) He has been super happy about it and found a little 3-wheeler trailer for it on ksl. He fixed the trailer all up and bolted his welder to it.
Tonight will be the first time he is going to run it and he was really excited about it today at lunch. I've included some pictures of it (yes that is how important it is to him!) I had to get my picture taken with it too! :)
I'm glad he finally got it and got such a great deal. He is using the neighbor's pavilion to build under, and cleaned out all the weeds last week. I'm not sure what he is planning on building, but it is another piece of machinery he needs to build his empire. As he always says, "It takes money to make money," hopefully this new addition will make some! :) These are just some silly pictures....as usual. Luke was being silly and didn't want a kiss-as seen in his face! hahah....
Don't Worry! I got him! hehe I guess he didn't like it....oh well!

Graduation Day

2009-08-23T19:25:00.000-07:00

BYU does not have a graduation ceremony in December, so December graduates have to decide to walk in the August ceremony before or the April ceremony after. I picked August and recently graduated (but not really). I still have one more semester, then I will finally graduate (for reals) and be a nurse! :)
My parents came from Pennsylvania to celebrate the occasion, and it was really good to spend time with them. It was also nice of them to come all the way out here for my fake graduation. I went to the school ceremony and it was fun to walk into the Marriott Center and to sit with my class in our graduation get-ups. Then we went to one of my favorite restaurants, Olive Garden. The next day was the college of nursing ceremony. But before that started I went to meet the President of BYU, Cecil O. Samuelson and his wife Sharon. It was a big moment for me because President Samuelson is my hero! I shook his a hand and got my picture with him! YAY! He is so great! :) Then we went to the nursing graduation. For this one they called our names, we walked across the stage, got a diploma (that has nothing in it haha), and got a BYU college of nursing pin. Afterward we took pictures, had refreshments, and walked through the new education display in the Joseph F. Smith Building. It was fun to spend time at BYU with my husband and parents.

Saturday we took my parents to Moab because they had never been there. My dad originally wanted to go to the Grand Canyon, but it is such a long drive and there is more to see in Moab. First we went to Canyonlands, then we went to Arches. It was also a 'fee free weekend' so we didn't have to pay to get in. My parents seemed to really like the Arches. I felt bad though because we left my Mom for like an hour because she didn't want to climb up a very steep rock to go see more, and my Dad wanted to see all the ones up there, so we did. It was a fun, but tiring hike! I was surprised I made it! Dad kept calling me a mountain goat! haha
Then we went to Pasta Jay's ( a really good restaurant that Luke and I have gone to each time we've been to Moab).
It's good we have church at 1 in the afternoon, because when we got back to Lehi, it was late! Sunday was our first day in the nursery. Our little kids are soooo cute and it's fun to play with them. Monday Luke had to go to work, but Mom and Dad and I went to Kennecott Copper Mine. It is so big! We also got to see a blast. Then we went to the Cabelas. Tuesday was their last day here. We went to lunch with Luke, went to the Mt. Timpanogos Temple, and went to Temple Square in Salt Lake to see the sites. It was fun to be with my parents and I was glad they came all the way out here for my graduation! :) I'm so thankful I was accepted to BYU and decided to transfer here. I know that I will be a better nurse, more compassionate, caring, and knowledgable, because I was taught at BYU.

Mexico!

2009-08-23T19:16:00.000-07:00

We have been back for a few weeks, but I never put up anything about our vacation to Mexico. We booked our trip through a travel agency, so we didn't really know much about what was going on, just when we needed to be at the airport and when we were coming back. We ended up being about 30 miles from Cancun, in Riviera Maya. Our resort was beautiful and really nice-it was right on the ocean. It had 5 pools and our room was nice. The first full day there we went swimming in the ocean. We also went snorkeling and saw lots of pretty fish. Then we went back to the room and realized Luke and I were both burnt, even though we had put on sunscreen-it must have washed off in the water. So then I put on a hat and coverup and we went to the pool. The next day we took a day trip to Chichen Itza. It is an old Mayan ruin with a Temple, military barracks, and other buildings. It was really cool to see, but it was soooo hot! Here I am on steps leading up to what used to be a building-it had a big courtyard/open space in the middle. There are more pictures posted on my facebook page.We also stopped at a place they said it was ok to eat at. Once we got back to the resort I realized I was very sick. Luke's sunburn had also turned into heat rash and was extremely itchy, but he didn't get sick fromt he food at all! (He has an iron stomach). So the next day we stayed inside and pretty much did nothing! The day after that we were still miserable, but we tried to make the best of it. So we went down to the beach and sat in the shade and read and watched the ocean and people swimming. Then in the evening we went in the ocean and went swimming some more. Here's a picture of me in the ocean!!! I LOVE THE OCEAN...I look a little sickly!
Here we both are....notice the redness of Luke's body!! :( Poor boy! After we went swimming in the ocean we went to the pool (Luke and I are both paranoid of sharks...so when the sun starts to go down we get out of the water!) This picture was taken from a bridge above the pool. Luke loves swimming in the pool and doing handstands, and his "michael phelps flip" haha.

We also celebrated our last night and I tried to eat something substantial. I was feeling pretty good, so I ate part of a banana split...needless to say I was still sick. Our last day we left for the airport and made it to Denver, but the weather was bad and our flight was delayed. We made it home late, but we made it. Overall we had a fun time, but that vacation was not one of our best. If we ever go to Mexico again, I am not eating anywhere away from the resort, and Luke is wearing a t-shirt when we go to the Ocean! :) But I do hope we got back because Mexico is beautiful and the Ocean there is warm, clear, and super fun to swim in!!!

Time in PA

2009-08-20T21:00:00.000-07:00

So we had a good time seeing our families when we were in Pennsylvania. Grandma Esther's funeral was nice, but it was also sad. It's just not the same at Luke's parents' house without her there. After she was buried we went to see where Esther and Axel used to live (and where Axel's parents lived too). The land was sold after Axel died, which sucks because Luke and I would totally live there. It is so peaceful and quiet, but someone else owns it now. Maybe in the future it will go up for sale...heres hoping! After that we had a 'weinie roast' in Esther's memory. She loved having a cookout. So Ryan and Felicia had all of us up to their new house site and made a big bonfire. It was super hot! We had a fun time. Luke was happy he got to drive his brother's tractor.
Then a few days later Luke went back home, but I stayed with my family for another week. Sara came to visit and brought me a beautiful table runner and bracelet from Thailand. I also got to spend time with both sets of grandparents too! My mom and I made two quilts also. Spending time with my younger sister and brother was great too! They are great people. I can't believe my brother can drive either! He's a good driver too! haha I'm so glad I have such great brothers and sisters. They are some of my best friends and I'm so glad we're an eternal family!

Good-Bye

2009-07-05T22:44:00.000-07:00

On a more solemn note, Luke's Grandma, Esther Evelyn Mortenson, died this past Friday. She was 96 years old. She lived with Luke's family for years, and was a big part of his life. Luke has been telling me many stories about her the past few days. I have had the privilege of knowing her, but Luke says I should have known her before because in the past few years her mind and memory have not been as sharp. From what I have heard though she was a very giving person and liked to serve others. She and Axel were both compassionate and were great examples. They both have influenced Luke's life so much, we will hopefully be able to name our future children after them. She saw the world change a great deal throughout her lifetime. She told Luke that she could remember the first time she saw a car. She also told me stories about when the missionaries first came to her house. She was spunky and had a great personality.
We will be going back to Pennsylvania on Wednesday for her funeral. Even though it is a sad occasion, we are still glad we will see our families and be able to spend time with them, and I'm going to be staying an extra week. All of my grandparents are still alive, for which I am very grateful, I love to spend time with them and learn from them. I feel bad and am sad that Luke's grandmother is gone. However, now she won't have to be in any more pain or discomfort. We were blessed to know her.

It Has Been A Year!

2009-07-05T21:38:00.000-07:00

The Day We Moved In
This past week it has been one year since we moved into our house! Buying our home was one of the best things we have ever done. I love living here and having our own house and making it our home. We lived in our studio apartment in Provo for two years. It was a nice place, very small, but it was our first real home together, and I really liked walking to school. However, I really have come to love our house and living in Lehi. The only downside is driving to school and trying to find a parking space, but that will come to an end in December! :) We really want to make some improvements to our home, like new floors, but we have made some smaller changes, like new paint. When we first moved in, this house was one color from the floors to the ceilings--white. I changed that though, and painted a lot last summer. We have also gotten new furniture for our bedroom, living room, and dining room, and some new appliances. We still need to get pictures and other things for the walls, but I like it here and it feels like home. I've posted some before and after pictures to show the progress and changes we have made in the past year. (I think they have been for the better!)
The Dining Room Before...
This is our dining room with paint, curtains, and a table! :)
The Laundry Room Before...

The Laundry Room after with some new paint and washer/dryer-which I love! I am so thankful for them every time I do laundry. I like being able to walk in there because at our apartment the washer/dryer were in a closet!
Our Bedroom Before...

Our bedroom after with new paint and furniture. Our king bed seems so much bigger than our queen and we sleep a lot better!
The flower bed before my project began...
During the landscaping project last summer.
This is our flower bed now....yay lots of flowers!!! I have spent so many hours out there pulling weeds, planting, and watering. I'm really happy with how it has turned out.
I painted in the guest room and other bathroom too. We have already had so many great memories here and I'm excited for what is yet to come.

Oh No!

2009-06-28T16:53:00.000-07:00

So today I was sitting in church and it was coming to an end. We were singing the closing song and I was fixing my shirt and my skirt. I felt the back of my skirt and the zipper wasn't zipped! I was like OH NO! So I tried to find the zipper pull but it wasn't at the bottom, it was at the top. I then realized the zipper had broken and split open! I untucked my shirt but it didn't cover it. The prayer was being said, so after I grabbed my bag and bolted for the door. Unfortunatley, Luke left for Idaho today so no one was there to teach our class. So I quickly drove home and ironed a different skirt and went back to church. I don't know if anyone saw, but needless to say it was embarrassing!

Open House

2009-06-22T16:13:00.000-07:00

While Luke's Dad was here we went to the Oquirrh Mountain Temple Open House. It's open to the public and you can see what the temple looks like inside and learn about what is done there. This Temple is really beautiful, inside and out, and it was fun to be there with my husband and my father-in-law.
I love to see the Temple!! I guess the Temple has iron oxide in the stone which makes it rust a little and gives it an orange/reddish color.
Luke wanted to make sure we remembered when the Temple was built, and had to have our pictures taken by the date! :)
Luke and John
It was a really fun evening and we are so blessed that we were able to go to the Open House and also to live so close to the Temples! :) We left just as a thunderstorm was coming in.
After we went to Olive Garden...yum! haha

I Miss Luke!

2009-06-10T09:51:00.000-07:00

So Luke is in Las Vegas with his Dad for some convention thing. His dad runs a recycling business and they are there for that. I'm here alone until tomorrow. During the day I'm always alone and that's fine, but I really don't like being in our house alone at night or sleeping alone. It's scary!!:(
Well last week we got a security system installed. It is a really good system, it's easy and I like it a lot, but I was unsure about getting it at first. Even though we have what Luke calls, 'the glock security system' haha, he still wanted to get it installed. He doesn't like me being here alone when he goes to California. So now I feel a little less scared being here alone. Yay for our new security system. So if you're in Lehi, don't break into our house! :) I'm excited for Luke and John to come back though. I haven't seen John since Christmas and it's always nice to see our family members since we never do! :)

We're Going on Vacation!

2009-06-03T15:57:00.000-07:00

YAY! At the end of July we're going on vacation to Cancun, Mexico. Luke served a 2 year mission for the church in southern Mexico. Ever since we met and I've heard all of his stories I've really wanted to visit Mexico. The places where he served are kind of dangerous so we can't really go there. We were going to go after I graduate in December, but it's super expensive around Christmas time. So Luke booked our trip for the end of July. We're going for 5 nights and our resort is right on the beach and everything is included. It will be so nice to relax and be with my husband for 5 days with no work, especially on the beach! I am sooo excited and can't wait!!!

Ohhhh Golf Class

2009-06-01T21:35:00.000-07:00

So during this Spring term I have been taking a golf class at BYU. I was super excited to take this class. Luke is a good golfer and he really loves it.I wanted to learn to play too so we could spend more time together doing something Luke loves instead of always doing the things I love. Last year he bought me my own set of golf clubs. Well....we didn't go golfing at all last summer. I felt really bad about that so I decided to take a golf class and learn how to be a better golfer. I have been going for the past six weeks and I have gotten better. Saturday we played 18 holes of golf, I won't report on the score, but mine was not good! haha. So today at class my teacher was helping me and he gave me some tips and I was hitting really well, and my back swing was good too. Well I didn't take my wedding ring off and now I have the biggest blister of my life. :( I hope it goes down by Saturday because we're supposed to play 9 holes! Let's hope I get a little better as the summer goes on, and no more blisters!

Wending Over the Desert

2009-05-21T21:29:00.000-07:00

For Spring Semester in the BYU Nursing Program we have a class about Diversity. So I am in Wendover, and it is our last week here. The population is mostly Hispanic and that is why we've come here. It has been fun and I've met some great people out here! We drive out here 2 hours on Thursday morning, spend the night, and come home Friday afternoon. I am at the high school and we did our teaching assignment today. I taught, with Emily (we share the same fabulous name), about hygiene, hand washing, and the flu. It went well and better than I thought it would. Tomorrow we're back teaching about medical careers. Then we will be done in Wendover. I've really liked getting to know the people here and it has been a great experience. Aside from being in the schools, we also have fun times at the all-you-can-eat buffets in the casinos, finding caves in the mountains, going to the metro, taking driving tours in our sweet vans through the neighborhoods, and climbing airport towers. It has been an adventure and I've learned a lot! Yay Wendover! :)

So...We have a Blog!

2009-05-21T21:10:00.000-07:00

I decided after some persuasion from a friend to make a blog. Plus I like seeing all my friends' cute blogs. I'm also almost done with college and my life should start to get more interesting! haha I'm away from Luke tonight and for anyone reading this who doesn't know much about us...here you go! I am a nursing student at BYU and I will graduate with a Bachelor's in Nursing in December! YAY! Luke works as the Production Manager for Universal Industrial Sales in Lindon, Utah. We met in June 2005 in Palmyra, NY at the Hill Cumorah. We were doing service for the pageant that is held there each summer. Later in August he called me up (out of no where-haha) and that's how we started dating. I'm so glad we did! Soon we became best friends and fell in love. We were married in the Palmyra New York Temple on May 13, 2006. We lived in Provo, Utah for two years. Last year we bought our first house in Lehi, Utah. We absolutely love our little house and the fun memories we are making there! So that's us in a nutshell and this is our blog... Welcome!