Friday, June 29, 2012

A day at the Zoo

06.28.12
It feels like a millenium since I have stepped foot on to the grounds of Hogle Zoo. I don't even remember the last time we went. Dustin assured me that years ago, when Hadlee was a baby, we went with her...hmmm, maybe my brain was fogged from heat stroke or something, cause I do not remember that. But, nontheless, I have been so excited to take our little Buggy to see the animals. She loves animals, especially monkeys. Anything that would remind her of Boots. It was so fun that we were able to go with the family: Mom, Kim & the boys, and Kayla and her kiddos. I love family get-togethers.




























Saturday, June 9, 2012

I would agree...

I would not argue this for one second. We are the "Want it Now" generation.
I would say we could handle some readjusting on our priorities.

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Wednesday, June 6, 2012

Leibster


To my surprise, my sweet cousin Nicki nominated me for the Liebster award. What is a Liebster award you ask? Ya, I had no idea either. Apparently, according to Nicksters blog, it means "up and coming" in German. So, I take that as a compliment and a challenge. A challenge because, I need to keep up the blogging, and it makes me feel happy that someone out there enjoys reading it. I think it's easy to slack when you don't think people are reading. But, all in all, I love to blog. I love to get my thoughts out there, and now that I have the summer off, I have been posting so much more.

{There are a couple of rules you have to abide by upon receiving the award. I now get to pick 5 of my favorite blogs (they have to have less then 100 followers) and give them the award also. Then I get to divulge 5 personal things about myself.}

So, I nominate:
1. My Mama. I don't know if she will do it or not, she may be taking a break from blogging, but I love to read her posts!

2. Shantel. She recently started blogging when she had her sweet baby boy, and nothings like a Liebster blog right outta the gate, right?! I love to read blogs that share insight to peoples lives.

3. Tiff N. Tiff and I met in 2008 when our hubby's sold security systems together. We really hit it off, and had so much fun together! I don't get to see Tiff near as much as I used to. So I love catching up with a blog update.

4. Beth. I just love this girl. She's super funny, happy, and the sweetest person. She has 2 adorable kids, and she's one great mommy!

5. Jordan. She is my oldest friend (not that she's old, we have been friends since she was 1 and I was 3). I just love how witty she is. She is married and has two kitties, and she has a passion for photography.


Five PERSONAL things about myself-

So, I'm kind of strange when it comes to this kind of stuff. I really want my 5 things to be interesting and something you all honestly don't know about me. I like to be candid so people can relate, and keeping it real is always funner to read.

One- I love to look for motivation. What I mean by this is that when I am starting to get bored or complacent in school, work, religion, and just life in general, I like to find ways to make it more enjoyable. Let's be honest, sometimes we go about things as if it's a pain in the "A" to do it, and I hate being like that. People that are intelligent, and know so much, that are unique and interesting to talk to...those are the types of people I love to be around. There are people like this on television, in magazines, in my community, bloggers, etc. One thing I like to do is figure out where I'm at in life...what I need to work on...what I am not happy with myself about...and find a way to get inspired. I was slacking big time last year with school and being pregnant while Dustin was away for academy, and I found this book..."The Everygirl's Guide to Life" by Maria Menounos. I know, it sounds like it's probably corny because she's a celebrity and all. But, truth is, she's really down to earth, and her book is a lot about simplicity. It's filled with ways to organize your life, your house, it has make-up and work-out and work related tips. It was awesome. Other books that are motivational are- "Truth: Straight Talk for Women Living in a Dumb-downed World"  by Lisa Bloom.. "Somwhere Inside" by Laura Ling and Lisa Ling, and I loved "The Five Love Languages" by Gary Chapman.  Also, I love to go to church, and experience that feeling of rejuvenation. Odd word to describe it, but when I leave church, I feel ready to conquer my week. I haven't always been this way, and I'm not ashamed to say it. I think that we all need life experiences and self-searching to get to that point.

Two- Intrigued by the old and wise. I have always, since I was a little girl, been this way. I truly enjoy every second of being with "older" people. I'm talking like 70-90's in age. When I was really little, my most perfect day consisted of visiting the elderly people in my town.There were a good 5 that I visited almost every single day. I loved it. Dust and I joke that it's pretty sad that all of my best friends died while I was in elementary. Not meaning that disrespectfully, it is unfortunately the truth.
There's so many reasons why I love it but mainly because growing up with 4 kids and a working mom and dad, I think it was a peaceful feeling to be able to sit and talk about anything and everything. The people I visited were old, and didn't have busy lives, they made me feel like they had all of the time in the world for me. I loved learning about their lives, and experiences as well. I am still like this to this very day. I visit Lilly almost every day.  She has so much insight, and is willing to sit and talk. She's not selfish, critical or judgemental of anything. It's just pure conversation.

Three- I try to keep a healthy mind, body, and spirit. Notice I said "try?" I do really well in certain areas while slacking in others, and it's a constant juggle. But, I think that's what life is all about. We have to constantly be bettering ourselves. It doesn't end. It's a conscious effort every day to want to be a better person. I try to cook healthy. I read food blogs, pinterest, magazines, Internet cookbooks, and get recipes from friends and family. I love to cook, but even more so, I like to feel healthy. The saying, "You are what you eat," well, that sticks in my head. Mainly because I'm a 52 oz. Diet Dr. Pepper, and Gold Fish every day. Not pretty. I also try to stay active. I don't always get to work out considering I have to find a sitter and all, but if I don't get to work out, I try to do something active with Jaiya. And as for a healthy spirit, that's something I do every day. Whether it be a prayer, a good read, or church on Sunday. I do try to stay close with my Heavenly Father. I feel so much more involved in my religion than I ever have. I think because once you are away from home, married and have became a mother, you either decide to "be" or "not to be" an active member in your church. I chose to "be." I want that for Jaiya, for Dustin, but mostly for me. I truly am at my happiest when I live a worthy life, attend church, and add some sort of spirituality in my day. I know I still have A LOT to work on, but I'm doing just that, working on it.

Four- I'm a deep thinker. As you can tell from the previous paragraphs... I analyze everything. It's something that I used to hate about myself, but now, I've learned it can be a good quality. It's important to really put thought in to things you do. I guess in a way, it's some form of meditation. It makes you aware of your true thoughts and feelings.

Five-  I love nothing more than being a wife and Mommy. Nothing else matters unless I have these two in my life. I would do anything for them, and I know they'd do the same for me. I have been blessed with a husband who is proud of me, loves me, and helps with everything. He is so involved. Especially as a daddy. Dustin wants to be present for everything Jaiya does, and I love that about him. Jaiya is a ball of joy, so loving and sweet. She has taught me SO much about myself. It's amazing what truly matters and doesn't matter once you have became a Mommy.

And, that's me. I know, I have some intense thoughts, but I truly enjoyed every second of that. I can't wait to read what you other nominees have in store for us! And, thanks again Nicki!!!

My Mother's Day

Mother's Day was pretty low-key this year. Dustin had worked the night before, so he slept til about one the next day, and Jaiya and I had church at 12:30.  We came straight home from church and spent about an hour with Dustin before he had to work again.

I was so excited about my new pots and pans from Dustin and Jaiya! I have had my eye on them for a while now!!!


After Dustin left work, Jaiya and I went to visit Grandma and Papa! We played and visited outside for a while, and Jaiya got to go on her first Harley ride!



I'm Official

Nothing has ever scared me more, than thinking about taking my boards. Goodness, all that stress about did me in! I studied my tushy off! I just couldn't bare the thought of doing all of this hard work over the past 2 years,and it all coming down to this one test. Considering, test taking is my down-fall, I had every right to be extremely mortified.

I scheduled my test for May 10 at 10:45a.m, at the Pearson Vue Testing Center in Draper. I drove up that morning, the whole way trying to stay calm and think about anything but my test. I got there early and started a little after 10. Once I began, ya know that feeling of, "I have totally got this!?"...Ya, that wasn't the case. I panicked. I didn't feel like I was doing that great. I finished around noon, and luckily, when taking your boards, you get your score immediately! I pushed that oh so frightening "finish" button, and......................................You scored: 83! Wooooohooooo! I have never been so happy. Actually, it took me a while to shake off the shock of actually being done. I was immediately exhausted, had a headache, wanted to sleep, and in a weird fog. I had been all hyped up for so long preparing for the test, that once all the adreneline wore off, I needed to some much needed R&R!

It still seems unreal that's it over. I am so so happy to be done, and I have my hubby, Jaiya, My in-laws, and my Mom and Jer to thank for the success. I couldn't have done it without everyone's love and support, and their help with Jaiya! 
This is my badge that came in the mail along with my license!

Tuesday, June 5, 2012

WSU Graduation

It has been a long time coming, and through all the anxiety, tears, and stress, I did it. All while in the program I got pregnant with Jaiya, Dustin moved to Sandy for 16 weeks for Academy to work at the prison, I had Jaiya, lost a dear adopted Grandpa, and here we are...I am DONE. It really was very enjoyable for the most part. I loved the program, and everyone in my class and at the hospital. The past 2 years have been busy, but such an enjoyable journey, and as I mentioned with my announcement on my acceptance into the Sonography program,  it continues....

Dustin, Jaiya, Mom, Dad, Grandma and Grandpa Wall, Brady, Kayla, Hadlee, and Houston, all came to support me at Graduation, which was held in Ogden at the Dee Events Center. I think there were 800+ who actually walked that day, and over 8,000 are in a medical program. I didn't walk when I got my first Associates degree, and this time, I ended up being very happy that I made the choice to do so...I wanted my family to see where there helped me get with all of their help!












After my graduation, which thankfully only lasted about an hour and a half, we all met up for some Texas Roadhouse. It was so much fun. I love having the fam there together.. Thank you for your support!