Life

I haven't blogged in a while but I doubt anyone cares. I'm actually considering making this blog private or deleting it so if you do read it let me know asap.


Life has been super busy lately and I have a lot of posts I need to do and I will get around to it....sometime ;) For now I'm enjoying my days off and hanging out with some pretty amazing people.

I actually have to admit... I'm beginning to love New Mexico in more ways than one ;) maybe there will be a blog post....maybe not. Truth is, I haven't had the desire to blog recently because no one reads it anyways so why not just write it all down in my journal instead. So for now.... I'm seriously considering ending my blogging days but we'll see. For now I'm enjoying life and work and loving fall here in New Mexico :)

Updates

I know, I know I haven't blogged for a while and I will again soon I promise. I have quite a few things to blog about ;)

Some quick updates though to hold the few of you that read my blog over until I write about my trip and other stuff :)

*Work: is going pretty well. Some days are better than others but that is to be expected from any job. I am starting to work longer hours which is nice but at the same time exhausting. Currently I'm doing six 10-12 hours day with only Sunday off in between then having seven days off. All I can say is those six working days are pretty exhausting! My new boss is fantastic though so work is great, I can't complain :)

*New calling: I've been called to be the 1st Counselor in the Relief Society presidency again for church. I'm excited! I love the girls that are in the Presidency with me they are awesome! And of course I look forward to working with all the girls in relief society :)

*Trips: None planned. I know sad right! Well I am going to Cali in September hopefully but that's still up for debate. Other than that no trips planned as of yet. It's starting to be fall almost and once winter hits I'm not going anywhere. But people are more than welcome to come visit me :)

That's about it. Nothing too interesting going on in life. These past few weeks work has really been taking up my time. I am going in again tomorrow on my day off to finish more charting. But I'd rather be working or doing something then sitting around the house doing nothing ;) I still have some things to blog about soon like Nick going on a mission and my trip to Park City but that will be another time!!! Gotta get ready to go hang out with some peeps ;)

Cali Trip

Alright, I know I need to blog my wonderful trip.... so of course I will do with lot’s of detail ;) Make sure you have plenty of reading time haha. 

Let me start out by saying that the week of my trip before I left was TERRIBLE. I found a crack in my tire and was told not to drive it. Then I couldn’t get it fixed because I worked the next two days and then was flying to Cali. So I had to get a ride from the dietician at work which I hated doing because I don’t like asking for help. Then work wasn’t so great but that’s a whole other story that someday I may blog. 

So Thursday, my flight was at 6:15 a.m.  I had my friend Stephany drop me off at the airport at 5. As soon as I got there I was told my flight was delayed. Of course I thought it was because of the weather. Nope. It was due to the crew needing sleep. Yes! I’m not joking. I was thinking to myself, why can’t they just get a back up crew in here. That was not the case. I was told my flight would be delayed an hour. I thought okay however I was nervous I would miss my flight connection in Phoenix. An hour later I found out that the crew was there but now there were maintenance problems with the plane. Long story short, I spent from 5 a.m. to 10 a.m. in the airport. I ended up on the Las Vegas flight and flew from Vegas to Phoenix and then from Phoenix to Long Beach. Let’s just say I wasn’t very pleased with US Airways airline either because they were less than helpful trying to get me to Cali sooner. 

Auntie Trish picked me up and we spent the next two hours in traffic back to Yucaipa. You can all call me crazy because I missed the traffic. Weird I know but I’ve missed that! It was good to catch up with my Auntie and I’m glad I did because that was the only time I got to see her! When I got to my house mom and Bret were there. Chad was on a high adventure trip. I was craving some Baker’s so I went and got some and then Bret, my mom and I watched Mirror Mirror. It was an interesting movie lol. Not sure it’s one I will buy but I can officially say I’ve seen it :) After the movie I was exhausted since I had been up since 3:45 a.m. I didn’t get much sleep that night however because we had a huge thunderstorm and it kept me awake. I ended up sleeping in my mom’s room for a while, um correction, my mom, Bret and I ended up hanging out for a while, waiting out the storm. There was no way to sleep it was too loud! 

The next morning I went for a walk, no running... it was WAY too humid! Then got ready for the day. The three of us went shopping and it was great to run into a few people at my favorite store, Target! It was nice to catch up and see how things were going with them. I’m glad I got to see them! We of course had lunch at Cafe Rio, can’t miss out on that! :) 

That night I went with Nick to his mom’s to have dinner. She makes the best tacos ever! It was so great! And so great to see and catch up with Isabella, Amber and Jonathan as well :) 

The next morning I went to Nick’s endowment session, all bright and early :) Thanks to Jared and Bryce for picking me so early haha ;) After the session we took some pictures and then headed to IHOP for some breakfast! I wish I had gotten pictures there as well but that’s okay. Jared had a great time using my Voxer to have a conversation with Spencer who sadly couldn’t make it. It was great hanging out with everyone again and laughing and having a good time :) 

Later my mom and I went shopping again and just hung out around the house. Bret had a friend over so we didn’t do much until after his friend left. After shopping we grabbed a quick snack of Coldstone and headed back to the house since Chad would be home :) I got ready and went with Isabella to our friend Janelle’s wedding reception. She was a gorgeous bride!!! I absolutely loved her dress that her mom made and all the decorations. It was a beautiful reception!!! Afterwards, Bella and I went to Mandy’s and we all went to Red Robin for a bite to eat. I had the most amazing veggie burger! I’m actually craving it but I think I can recreate it here but it was SO good! Then I headed home but stopped by Nick’s first to say goodbye to Jared and Bryce since they were heading back to Utah the next day :) 

Sunday I went to 3rd ward for Sacrament meeting, then Nick came and picked me up and I went to the singles ward. A lot has changed there, but then not so much has. It was kind of weird being there. Due to all the fun I had been having and lack of sleep I had Chad pick me up early so I didn’t stay all three hours. I know I know but I was exhausted and just wanted to hang out with my family. Next time will be better to see friends and chat. Bret, Chad and I played pass the pigs until it was dinner time. Bret sure does love that game haha :) We finished up our game and then after dinner I headed over to the Brice’s for ward prayer and to see a few peeps. It was good catching up with a few of them and I’m sad I didn’t get to with all but that’s okay, there is always next time :) 

Monday Mom and Bret were at Suzuki piano camp all day so it was a Chad and Kati day. For the most part. I did have breakfast with my good friend Amy and that was awesome :) Then Chad and I hung out and we had Baker’s for lunch, I miss that place and watched some good shows ;) Once Mom and Bret got home we all got ready and headed down to BJ’s to celebrate my birthday dinner :) I of course had to have my avocado egg rolls and I tried their new red velvet pazookie and it was fantastic!! I highly recommend it! Don’t worry I didn’t eat it all, everyone else had a few bites as well ;) 

And there you have it! That was my Cali trip. Too short but sweet and I miss it already! I know I ate out alot but I missed my Cali food and don’t worry I made good  food choices haha ;) I haven’t forgotten about my challenge and I’m glad Melissa and Carissa are doing it too :) 

California will ALWAYS be home to me and I love it and I miss it. And hopefully I will be back SOON for a few days longer.... but it’s still too early to say ;)  

These two always make me smile :) 

Jared, Amber, Jon, Me, Nick, Don, Amber, Denise

Me and Nicholas...hard to believe he will be on his mission soon!

Amber and I... Friends for life!

First thing I saw stepping off the plane in Cali

With Bella at Janelle's wedding!!

My beautiful momma at dinner :) 

Bret loves his baby back ribs!

Me and the bro :) 

My Birthday Week...and other updates....

To be honest.... not a whole lot happened on my birthday this year. And.... I didn't really want it to. I had already celebrated with Emily when the Jacksons were here and I was going to Cali a week later so no big deal. I could've asked for my birthday off but.....why should I when I can work and get more hours before I come to Cali?

My birthday week started off good. The Jackson's were here, see post below. They left on the 3rd late in the afternoon and I spent the rest of the day cleaning and being lazy watching a movie. On the 4th I went to do laundry.... cool deal I know. One of these days I will have to get a picture in the laundromat but I always forget. I like my little laundromat though, the people are so friendly and nice. lol. Anyways, then I went grocery shopping since I would be working the next three days, off Sunday then work three days then fly to Cali.  Then I went to work to get some of my training papers signed. Fun times. Later in the afternoon I went over to my friend Stephanie's and spent the 4th of July with her family. I absolutely love them! They are all so great! I've been blessed to know them!

Then I worked. Wow...I know. Awesome right?! haha. Work was good. I love what I do so I can't complain. The day before my birthday though was kind of a nightmare of a day but it turned out well. And my birthday went by fast ;) I went and got myself some appetizers from Applebee's since I had a gift card and watched this movie on Netflix called Griffin and Phoenix. I actually kind of loved that movie even though it was a tad bit sad. I opened my card from my Grandparents and my gift from my mom and brother's and that was that! :)

Birthday week wasn't too interesting but that's okay. I know this next year will be full of lot's of excitement and adventure :) It will be grand! Here are some fun pictures of my happenings on birthday week :)

Me with cute little LiLi she is adorable and my new bestfriend! :) 

Hanging out on the fourth!

Happy Birthday Kati LOVE mom! She is the best! :) 

Major thunderstorm but this is what the sky looked like.... pretty awesome! 

In other updates:

*I've decided tires hate me. I've had one flat and one cracked tire in two weeks. Thus I will be replacing ALL of them (besides the one I already did with the flat) as soon as I get back from Cali. Not a fan of this.

*I really need to make some cake balls soon.  I gave the recipe to some dear friends of mind and ever since I've been craving them and just need an excuse to make them but I think I'll just take them to work or something ;)

*I'm in Cali and totally loving it but that will be a blog post all on it's own coming soon ;)

House Guests

I love it when people come to visit!! It's totally great!!! The Jackson's came and stayed with me for a few days and I totally loved it! They stopped by for one night on their drive to Cali and then on their way back they stopped and stayed for a day and a half. Not long enough in my opinion but I will take what I can get!!!

They drove in Sunday night and spent all day Monday here and then drove home Tuesday afternoon. I was very sad to see them leave :( But we had a blast while they were here!!!

In the morning I went for a walk then came back and the girls needed a project ;) So we made some apple crisp while everyone else was finishing breakfast and getting ready for the day. 

Emily really wanted to go on a hike in Mesa Verde but it's closed due to a fire that recently happened. So we attempted to find a local trail. This was by the river but not easily accessible so we didn't walk it super far. 

This picture needs no words...this girl definitely has style and spunk ;) Love her!

We ended up at a park in town along the Animas River. The kids and Jake had a blast trying to catch minnows and a crawdad

Part of the Animas River

Jake just chillin' on the rock in the middle of the water 

Me and Em 

After our hike we ate lunch then went back to my place. Everyone was tired and needed naps.... except these two! I put in Bolt on my laptop so I could get a little bit of shut eye but I just had to take a picture of how they looked watching the movie...too cute!

For dinner we went to Outback with Jake and Emily's friends , the Mc Brides. 

Emily's eyes were closed in this shot that Miguel took but I love me and the girls so I had to post it and just crop Em out lol 

Kara Cute

Okay.... I know it's blurry but..... there's a story. So my birthday is this weekend. No big deal. Emily REALLY wanted to have them sing to me but I told her no when we first sat down to dinner. Later she was bummed and I told her if she REALLY wanted them to, they could. So this guy... who was one of our waiters was hilarious. Anyways... he made a big deal about my birthday and I wish this came out better but he is singing Happy Birthday and told me that due to privacy rights he wouldn't use my name so instead I was Shenikwah (I doubt that's the right spelling but whatever). It was pretty great. 

After dinner right before we left Elissa told me that she could squeeze me SUPER hard. haha. This is her squeezing me hard....too cute :)


After dinner we came home and I cooked our Apple crisp. We had apple crisp and ice cream :) Then the kids went to bed and Jake, Emily, Miguel and I watched Transformers 3 on Emily's projector (yes yes I  STILL do not have a TV but maybe I will get one soon....possibly ;) ). It was awesome!

Tuesday morning, I went for my walk/run before everyone got up, except miss Laura she was an early bird. This is a view I had this morning!

Then we all got ready and went and saw the new Disney movie Brave. It was really good. There was a scary bear that I think little kids might not be a fan of but overall it was cute. I felt though it was kind of similar to Brother Bear but the message was different and that's all that matters ;)

Afterwards Emily and I went to Olive Garden for our usual just the two of us lunch. It was great! The kids and Jake went to Wendy's don't worry...they got fed too ;) Afterwards we headed back to my place and they packed up and headed back to Texas! I was very sad to see them go. Like I said... I love having company! They will be back in another month and the five of us (Jake has to work) will be heading up to Park City for a couple of days. I'm totally excited! It's going to be a blast!! See you soon my dear friends!! 

Utah!!! :)

With my new schedule (which sadly is changing again supposedly :/ ) I work six days in a row and have six days off. So what better to do then go to Utah on my days off?! Yes!!! It actually wasn't planned that my mom and brothers were also going to be in Utah but it was great to be with the whole family for Father's day weekend :) Chad had baseball camp so he drove up with Jeri and then my mom and Bret drove up Wednesday and I drove up Thursday :)

Thursday I got in around 3ish and then we all went and picked up Chad and Brad from baseball camp. We went to the new City Creek Mall in Salt Lake and it is FANTASTIC!!! LOVED IT! I can't wait to go again!!! We ate dinner at the Cheesecake Factory which was bomb! Then Jeri and Aaron dropped Brad off at the airport while my mom, boys and I shopped :) 

Friday we went to Seven Peaks Water Park! It was super busy but not too bad. All the slides were awesome and I loved going on a double tube with Bret. Haha he cracks me up! Chad was pretty funny too screaming for fun on some of the slides and dumping my mom out at the end lol. It was nice to soak up the Sun even though it wasn't in Cali ;) Afterwards we went back to Jeri's and showered then headed over to Aaron's for pizza and movie night. We had some yummy Papa John's pizza (I haven't had ANY Papa John's since I moved which is CRAZY) and watched the Dark Knight. Now I can't wait for the Dark Knight Rises movie in July ;) 

Saturday was kind of a chill day. In the morning us girls went to this cute store Jeri showed us that has all sorts of fun decor and crafts. Of course I got stuff to decorate my house with.... maybe I should take pictures haha ;) Then we went and got groceries for our BBQ. We had a BBQ with Drew and Taylor at a park near Jeri's. It was totally so much fun!!! Bret was so excited to see Drew and was such a good helper with Collin. He loved playing with him :) After Drew and Taylor headed home, Chad and I went and saw Men In Black 3. It was so great!! haha I laughed alot it was cute but maybe it was late so I just liked it more who knows lol

Sunday we went to Jeri's ward for church. To be honest....the past three Father's Day I haven't really wanted to go to Sacrament and hear all the talks about how great people's Father's are and all that Jazz. The first year we were in San Diego but the past two we haven't been. A year ago was super tough in my singles ward Sacrament meeting hearing all the talks and it just made me miss Dad that much more. So honestly I wasn't totally thrilled about going through that again but church is important and the Sacrament is VERY important and I was with family so of course I was going. Drew and Taylor had actually invited me up to their ward but since Mom and the boys were leaving after church, I decided we should all go together to Jeri's ward. It was actually a great sacrament meeting and didn't make me all emotional haha. I loved it. Afterwards we all drove back to Jeri's and Mom and the boys packed up the car and left. I was sad to see them leave but I knew I would see them in just a few short weeks so it was okay :) A few hours later I headed up to Drew and Taylor's for dinner and to spend the night. It was totally awesome! We had shish kabobs (I hope that's spelled right lol) and some rootbeer and trifle! It was awesome! Drew is such a great Dad and I am so thankful Drew and Taylor let me come spend Father's Day evening with them. It was great to just spend time with them. Taylor actually went upstairs to put Melia to bed and so Drew and I were playing legos with Collin. After like ten minutes though Collin decided he was done but Drew and I still were playing with them haha. We had a good much needed chat that night so I don't mind that we were playing with toys with no kid around ;)

The next morning I headed over to the SLC airport to pick up my cousin Brad and his friend Jeremy to take them to EFY. We drove back to Provo and Brad was craving some Cafe Rio. It was almost ten in the morning and check in was at 11. We found one in Provo and got there around 10:25. We had to wait for five minutes before they were officially open but the boys got their Cafe Rio and were all set to go :) We then attempted to try and find where they were supposed to check in. Mind you, I am not familiar with BYU campus at ALL so a good text to Aaron really helped and guided me in the right direction. After what seemed like forever standing in the hot sun in line the boys were checked in. The next thing was to take them to the dorms. That was pretty easy and simple with the map they gave me :) After I dropped them off and said good bye to Brad I headed back to Jeri's to do some much needed laundry. I had told Taylor I would be back in in the afternoon but I was much later than I thought ;/ Funny thing is when you do laundry at the laundromat you are done in an hour with three loads. With one washer and dryer it takes longer but silly me I forgot that! haha. It was all good though. I headed back up to Drew and Taylor's and then we all headed over to Paula and Alan's while Drew gave the kids piano lessons. Afterwards Drew, Taylor and I and the kids went to this place called the PIE. I hope that's right but whatev... it was so GREAT!!! I'm actually craving the pizza Taylor and I had it was SO good! Next time I'm in Utah we have to go again! We headed back to the house and then chatted with Drew and Taylor until late. Then I drove back to Provo. I'll admit I was sad to leave :( I really love talking with Drew and Taylor and I hope that I can be in Utah more so I can all the time!!! And of course see some of my other cousins too!!!

I had debated leaving Tuesday after I did a session at the Provo temple but....my sister kind of was sad that the past two days I hadn't been with her so I stayed another night. Tuesday morning I went to Provo in attempts to do a session and did sealings instead! I was stoked! I love doing them! I was really overwhelmed with how large the Provo temple is and got lost but thankfully there were kind people everywhere to help me! After the session I went back to Jeri's and took a nap. Then decided to do some grocery shopping since the next day I was driving home and after that working six days. First though I made a stop at a scrub store and bought me some new scrubs. I absolutely love them! I need to get more! After shopping Jeri was home was I went home and then we caught up with life then went to dinner at this Mexican restaurant in Provo. It was really good. I loved their salsa. Afterwards we went next door (not really...like a block down but that's what Aaron said ;) ) to get some Gelato. We got some then walked around a bit. It was cool. Then we headed back to Jeri's and I packed up my car. Then Jeri and I talked for like an hour before falling asleep.

The next day I headed out and said goodbye to Jeri and Utah. I miss it already! I'll be back in Utah in August but in Park City. I'm excited for that. Anyways... here are pictures from my fun trip!! I figured you got all the reading out of the way now time to look at pretty pictures ;) I didn't take as many as I should have though...oh well it's all documented in writing :)

The temple from the City Creek Mall

Chillin at City Creek 

Soakin up the sun at Seven Peaks!

After church on campus... Bret really liked the desks at each seat he kept trying to pull his up during Sacrament haha

Provo Temple

The view from the temple... pretty!

Bret being such a great helper with Collin!

Fit in Six....

So I debated blogging this BUT.... writing it down is kind of more motivating for me so if you don't want to read...then don't haha. Now that I have a sort of set work schedule I can figure in more exercise time. I know I know...the dreaded exercise word lol. Really I've learned that I have to MAKE time to exercise because if I don't, well it doesn't get done. When I'm not working (or not traveling to Utah haha) I usually do a 2.5 mile walk and some other exercises but my goal this time is to do that AND workout when I get home from work. Even though I'm on my feet 24/7 at work, I need to do it at home too.

So my goal is to be more fit in six weeks. Any one want to join? They say it takes that long to really get into a routine and that's my plan. I'm signing up for the gym too so I can do pool laps but until I do that I will just have to use my outdoor resources ;) Plus I just bought a new pair of running shoes so I figure that should and will give me some extra motivation. Anyways... I just needed to write it down so I have something to look at and be motivated that people may see that I'm doing haha. We'll see how it goes. If anyone wants to get motivated and do it with me let me know :) I mapped out a six week plan for myself so I'm kind of excited to see how it goes :)


Oh and don't worry I will blog my Utah trip this weekend for sure ;)

Happy Father's Day!

It's hard to believe it's been another year... almost four to be exact since Dad has been gone. People say things get better with time. I don't exactly agree with that. It gets easier to COPE with time but actually missing a person you love will never get easier or better with time because they are with you ALWAYS. I think this post last year pretty much is what my thoughts are again this year. I re-read my journal entries and think about all the memories I have of my Dad. I did post this on facebook the other day after a long day at work.


One of the things about driving 45 minutes home is trying to not let your mind wander and thinking about a lot of things. Today was a memory of a conversation my Dad and I once had. I don't even remember details just that he was joking and making me smile. I keep seeing all these ads and posts about Father's Day and it makes me miss him that much more. Not a day goes by that I don't think about him and miss him. This weekend I won't be in Cali for the first time in a long time but I'm grateful to still be with my family in Utah. I'm grateful for forever families!



Funny how in a moment you can remember the little things, not even all the details but just one moment. I really am grateful for forever families and the Gospel of Jesus Christ in my life. It is kind of weird not spending Father's day in California but I am with my family and really that's all that matters :) I know my Dad is always near me and watching out for me. And I know that one day I will see him again!

Happy Father's Day to all the Father's out there, those who are with us and those who have gone on to live with our Father in Heaven. May it be a great day for all!!

Trip To San Antonio

So I kind of debated blogging about my trip yet or not.... still waiting on pictures from Lisa's camera but I guess I can do the written part now and post pictures later ;) Warning though, due to my lack in blogging lately this may get lengthy since I need to document my life's moments more in depth ;) So sit back, relax and enjoy the read lol (it really shouldn't be that long lol)

For work I had to go to a 3 day Nurse class. Originally back in like February, my boss had given me the option of going to San Antonio, Tulsa or Kansas City. Of course San Antonio was my #1 pick :) I was originally scheduled to go in April to the class but due to a schedule conflict it got post poned until the end of May. To be honest, when I found out the class was the day after memorial day and that I would flying out on a holiday, I wasn't too thrilled about that. Sure I'm use to flying places but not during holiday weekends because it can get CRAZY!

So I prepped myself that it was going to be a crazy day no matter what flying on Memorial day. My flight was early 7 a.m. and I was scheduled to get into San Antonio around two. So of course I emailed my friend Melissa who lives there with her family now to see if I could do something with her since class wasn't starting until the next day. So we made plans and I was super excited. I had a friend from the branch take me to the airport Monday morning so my car wouldn't be sitting in the sun for a week. So I get to the airport, and mind you.... Farmington Airport is very small, no one else was there. So I go to check in and as the lady is LITERALLY checking me in a guy from outside comes in to say that the flight has been CANCELLED! This is at 6 a.m. in the morning and I didn't sleep very well the night before, hadn't eaten and was just really not a happy camper that my flight was cancelled. The worst part about it was, was that a flight had just left 10 minutes before to Denver. So if I had been ten minutes earlier all would be well. Crazy! So my friend who dropped me off had to get to work and since it was so darn early in the morning.... I just stayed at the airport. No need to wake anyone else up lol ;) So for about an hour and half it was just me and the airport people ;) seriously. Thank goodness for Netflix and free wifi to keep me occupied and of course the vending machine for some breakfast. The original plan was to just get something when I landed in Denver but since I had four hours before I even got to Denver....the vending machine it was. Then the lady at the desk told me that the ONLY flight they could get me on to San Antonio after I landed in Denver was not until 7:40 p.m. that night. Great! So I literally spent 7 hours in the Denver airport. If any of you ever have a flight to Denver... I'm quite familiar with the place and can totally tell you where things are ;) Sadly because my flight wasn't getting into San Antonio until 11 p.m. that night I wasn't able to see Melissa. But because I did have a 7 hour layover I was able to see my friend Steph who also had a layover in Denver for 3 hours so that was good!!!

Needless to say getting to San Antonio was quite the adventure. I had rented a car because I felt weird about getting a taxi places and by myself and even though Melissa had offered to pick me up I figured getting a car for the week would just be the best thing. So I rented a car, drove to the hotel and totally crashed. Class was the next morning at 8:30 so I had to get up early and get ready to go. The hotel shuttled us over to the office building (yes I could've driven but I was kind of tired and didn't know where I was going). So I had my nurses class the next three days although the last two days we ended up just having class at the hotel because they were doing construction in the office. My friend Lisa who I met at prep in April was there and we were roomies :) After class Tuesday though, I decided that with Lisa it would just be cheaper to return the car and take a taxi places. I was fine with the taxi ordeal as long as I was with her lol. I kind of have a fear of going in a taxi alone! So anyways, first we decided to drive down to the Riverwalk and check things out before returning the car. So we went to the Riverwalk and it was amazing!!! I promise I will post pictures when I get them! I totally loved it!! It was SO great! It was a little hot and humid but really not that bad and it was just so awesome! We ate at this Mexican restaurant and it was so good! Afterwards we took the rental car back and then went over to take a taxi. The first taxi in line the guy looked a little unsafe. I didn't have a good feeling about it so we waited until someone took that one and we grabbed the next one. It was totally meant to be!!! Our taxi drive Mo (yes..that's his name!) was so awesome!! We actually used him the rest of the week :) He is from Jerusalem and so it was cool hearing about where he grew up and what brought him to the states and so on.

Anyways... we went to the Riverwalk again the next night and went to Hard Rock Cafe for dinner. So great! We even got t-shirts (I know I know totally made us known as tourists lol) but it was so great! We went later when it was darker since the day before was still light when we went and man... I loved it both times! We even brought our study materials and studied on the Riverwalk. It was so awesome. Exhausting but totally worth it!

Thursday was our last day of class and our test :/ I hated the test but totally passed and so grateful that all our hard work and studying paid off and we could still enjoy our little trip as well :) Lisa flew home that night after class so I ended up going to the mall nearby with a guy from the class who had been there before with his family. It was great to get to know him more and how he came to be with the company and all that great stuff :)  Originally my plan had been to try and catch a temple session there but with the times and being tired that didn't work out :( but there is always next time!!! It worked out though because then I could skype with Nick when he opened his mission call! (that's another blog post ;) ).

Mo took me and the guy (Alonso) and another girl from class to the airport the next morning. My flights home were totally fine and I was so exhausted that I ended up taking a three hour nap!!! Then talked to Nick and then went and got food and then went to bed. I was so so tired. All in all though it was a GREAT trip and I want to go BACK!!! Seriously San Antonio is now on my list of places to visit and see again because I didn't get to see everything!

Anyhow... wow that was LONG. But it's good for posterity and journal purposes lol. Once Lisa sends me pictures I will post them :) Now back to work this week!!

Playing Catch Up.....

Okay I admit it.... I've been failing at blogging lately. Sad day!! But I'm going to try and do better!! I think it's because since I moved I haven't had much to blog about but there are some things I should have and didn't. My Utah trip does get it's own blog post (check it out below) but here are some other things that have happened lately that are worthy of documenting :)


Chad turned 17!!! So crazy!! Crazy how time flies really. I can't believe he is going to be a senior in high school and filling out college applications! He's all grown up almost! ;)

Bret turned 10!!! I can't believe it! It really doesn't seem like 10 years ago he was born. So crazy! He is still a little kid to me but he is going to grow out of it soon I know but I like to think he will stay a kid just a little bit longer :)

Happy Mother's Day!! First time in a long time I haven't been home on Mother's Day. So the boys were left with the task of making Mom feel special. Jeri and I gave her a gift and of course I called but it wasn't the same. That will take some getting used to, not being there all the time for the holidays. I'm grateful for my mom and all she has done for me. The love, support and encouragement have always and are appreciated and I love  her!!!

Work Classes: For work I had to go to a two week class and then now another one this week (which hopefully I will blog about soon!).  There were only three of us in the class with our instructor and it was AWESOME!! Seriously I feel as though I've known these ladies for like FOREVER and we were only together for two weeks. But we talk all the time and it's great!! Instant friends!! We are planning on going on a medical mission through work in a year, hopefully somewhere in South America ;) but really I don't care where I'm just excited to go! Hopefully it works out!

Ilene, Me, Mary and Lisa

Lisa and I :) 

Temple Trip!! I finally went to the temple since moving out here. I went with Shannon and Nick from the branch and it was SO great! We went to Monticello UT and it was so beautiful! Well all the temples are but each one is unique in their own way. Afterwards we went across the street to this burger shack and got some burgers and shakes. And guess what! They had pumpkin! For those of you who don't know I LOVE pumpkin and it was awesome.

Shannon and I :) 

Me with the pretty tulips :) 

I think that's about it for major events in the past few months ;) Life is going well. Can't complain. I know the Lord is watching over me and has a plan ;) I'm grateful for all that I have and for my family and friends who love and care about me :) Hopefully I blog again soon! This week I'm going to San Antonio for work and I totally stoked!!! Super excited!!!

Graduation with a Master's

So a couple of weeks ago I went up to Utah for the first time since moving here. I have to say that I was totally stoked it only took six hours and the drive went by super fast! Now everytime I have a few days off I think a trip to Utah is in store :)

Jeri graduated with her Master's from Southern Utah University so we were in Cedar City for most of the trip but it was so great!

First I drove to Provo and met up with Jeri. Then Jeri, Aaron and I went to Cafe Rio since I've been craving it for months!! :) After dinner we drove down to Cedar City and met my mom and Bret at the hotel. Chad ended up not being able to come due to a baseball game he was playing in at the 66er Stadium that weekend. It was great seeing my mom and Bret again too :)

Friday we went to Zion's National Park and did some hiking. It was GORGEOUS! The weather the perfect, the whole day was great! It was awesome! And I loved taking pictures with my phone haha. I haven't found my camera yet from moving....it's misplaced somewhere. :( I totally can't wait to go back to Zion's again and hike some more it was GREAT!

Saturday was Jeri's Graduation :) We all got ready and then headed over to SUU. After we dropped Jeri off for the line, we went to find seats. What a small world it was to run into Lori Lehnhof and Celine Meador! Brooke, Lori's daughter graduated from SUU in teaching. Brooke is so great and it was so good to see her graduate as well! After graduation we went to lunch at Chili's. Then said bye to Mom and Bret. They drove back to Cali and we drove back up to Provo. Then after a quick rest, Jeri, Aaron and I headed up to Drew and Taylor's for dinner! Sadly I didn't take pictures up there but we had a blast! It was great seeing Drew and Taylor and meeting baby Melia for the first time! And Collin is just a cutie! Love it!

I loved being with family and it was so great! And the drive to Utah was so short I'm hoping to get up there again REALLY soon!!! Here are some pictures of my fun weekend:

Me and my sis ;) 

YAY Graduation!!

Jeri with Bret

Bret thought it would be cool to sleep in the closet lol... he fit perfectly in there :) 

Finally getting some Cafe Rio!

Random wood bear with an ice cream cone we found while driving to go get Jeri's cap and gown

The boys ready to hike :) 

The Bretster showing off his muscles lol

Me and my bud

Mom and the little dude

It was SO beautiful! This was before our big hike! I just loved the clear blue skies with all the green.