Happy 14th Anniversary Rich!

On May 27, 1995, Rich and I were married in Missoula, Montana. We had a fun and beautiful wedding, complete with so many family members and friends. When we got married, we had no idea what we were stepping into. I think we were enamored with one another, but didn't realize the extent of "forever" at the time. We are both so fortunate that we have grown together as people, as parents, and as partners.
I remember knowing that I "liked" Rich when I saw him with his pets, especially his dogs, Kiesha and Chasity. I also knew that I was so comfortable around him... it didn't matter if I looked just right all the time, and I could say anything. From there, our love grew. Our respect for each other has grown through the years, as well, through the births and raising of Cole and Morgan; through our moves from Montana, to Washington, to Utah; through the hard times in our families; and during all the ups and downs that all relationships go through.
No matter what, I think it's safe to say, we will be together for a lifetime. It is my honor to be your wife, the mother of your children, your lover, and your best friend. I love you Rich!
Happy Anniversary!

We remember...

To all the men and women who have died for our country and who continue to fight for our freedom... we honor you.
To my Dad who died with honor, not fighting for his country, but battling for his life. I will remember you, not necessarily by visiting your grave, but whenever I see a wheat field, think of your laughter, smell dust and diesel, or feel the warmth of the sun on a cold winter's day.
To my grandparents: I will remember you whenever I think of the Sunday dinners at Grandma D's, whenever I see a Monopoly board or a can of Diet Rite, when I think of running the old fashioned cash register at the Town Pump in Whitefish, when I taste lefse, or look at that old coloring book we all left our mark on.
To my friend, Nancy, who died much too young...forever 15. I wonder what you would have done and where you would have gone in this big world? Would you have kids? I think of you when I see baby bunnies or a beautiful horse in a field. Did I tell you I'd love to have a goat one day? I think of you when I see blonde curls on anyone, when I think of eating fish right off the bone, and when I hear certain songs.
For everything I am and all that I've learned because these people went before me...I am blessed.

Junior Achievement Biztown!

Last Thursday, Cole and the other 61 5th graders at Alta View got to have an amazing experience through Junior Achievement. After taking a bus downtown, they stepped into JA City, and became "adults and citizens" for the day. Prior to going, Cole applied for and was chosen as the CEO of Alpha Graphics. I was lucky enough to volunteer at this event. I got to oversee the business at Simmons Media Group. My kids had the jobs of CEO, CFO, Advertising Executive, and DJ of a large radio station conglomerate. The goal at the end of the day was to earn enough money to pay back our business loan. The kids had a blast being in charge of a business, and being consumers at other businesses during their breaks. Below is a description of the program:

JA City is an actual mini-city with a City Hall, Town Square and over 15 public and private businesses. Before visiting the facility, students complete a four-week in-class curriculum where they learn basic economic skills such as how to manage their personal bank accounts. The lessons lead students through business principles, career exploration, banking procedures, business decisions, and economic terms. Everything students will need to become productive, functioning citizens is covered prior to the visit, including elections, job interviews, business plans, and loans. Jobs range from retail sales professionals, accountants, business managers, and medical professionals to TV and newspaper reporters, and even a mayor!

The JA City Fifth-Grade Program vividly illustrates the connection of hard work and tangible success while allowing students to gain a firsthand understanding and responsibility of their roles as citizens, consumers and workers in a free-market economy.

The Best Job Ever!

Happy Mother's Day to all the incredible moms in my life! Being a Mom has changed my life in so many ways. It is the hardest job I've ever done; it is the job that has taught me the most about myself; and it is the most fulfilling and fun job I will ever do.
I remember first being a Mom to our pets. That certainly teaches responsibility and unconditional love, but does not come close to parenting children.
Then, I got pregnant with Cole. It was such a joyous time, I loved being pregnant, and when I first held him, I couldn't believe how my life would change for the better. The first week or two, I didn't want anyone else to do anything for Cole- change a diaper, hold him, dress him... I didn't want to miss a moment. I cried because "he was getting so big so fast"... and that was just the first few days. I was right, though, he's almost 11 now. It goes by way too quickly.
Then came Miss Morgan. Again, pregnancy was wonderful and her birth was even more incredible... so easy and peaceful. She was huge (9# 6oz.), though, and so she wasn't "little" for long either. She brought a whole new love and joy into our house. I love having a daughter... to brush her hair, cook with her, snuggle with, and dance with... and , once again, I see her growing before my eyes. Our "Baby Blue" is almost 8.
I guess I couldn't be the mom that I am without so many others helping along the way. I have learned so much from so many... my mom, other moms in my life, my friends, and strangely enough, Dr. Laura. Why Dr. Laura? Well, I thought I wanted to have a full-time RN career and be a mom, too... I thought that I could have and do it all, whatever that meant. I despised Dr. Laura at first, but the longer I listened, the more I was convinced she was right. I wanted to be "my kids' mom". So, here we are about 10 years after I first started listening to her. I work 5 days a month as a nurse, and the rest of the time, I get to be a mom and wife--the best job in the world!
Finally, I couldn't be the mom that I am without my loving husband. He is the most amazing father to our children. He works hard to support our family, to give us his time, and his love. No matter what, he gives more than 100% to us. Thank you, Rich. I love you.

Happy Nurse Week

Happy Nurse Week to all my nurse friends!!! For those of you, especially "the ones" that I graduated with, can you believe it's been 14 years? The kids wanted to see what I look like at work, so I had one of my coworkers take some pictures on Saturday. I place PICC lines, which are a type of central line that runs from a vein in the arm to the superior vena cava/right atrium. These lines are used in trauma patients, cancer patients, patients with infections, patients that need feeding through their veins, etc. We service both the University of Utah Hospital, the Hunstman Cancer Hospital and Institute, and the U Orthopedic Hospital. In all, we place about 3,000 lines per year.

I am so lucky to do a job that I love, and that works so well for our family. Working about 5 days a month allows me to be a mom and wife, and also to keep my skills up. I have some pretty fun coworkers, too. There are 7 of us that do this job at the U. 3 guys and 4 girls--all with big personalities and huge hearts.

A huge thank you to my parents and my friends for seeing me through the hard times of nursing school all those years ago. I swear I wanted to quit nursing school at one point. I told my dad that I wanted to quit and become a Mary Kay lady. He said, "you can be a Mary Kay lady as soon as you get your degree". Yes, that was some of the best advice I've ever received.

So, here's to all the nurses out there, doing the best we can for our patients and their families. For us, each working day is a reminder to be grateful for our health and our many other blessings.

DARE graduation

On Friday, Cole graduated from the DARE program at Alta View Elementary. D.A.R.E. is a police officer-led series of classroom lessons that teaches children how to resist peer pressure and live productive drug and violence-free lives.
He received a special award (the dog tag) from Officer Gloria Miller for writing part of his essay on his cousin Chelsea's drunk driving accident last month.
I think it is a challenge for all children to make the right choices, especially as they get into their teenage years. I hope that Cole and Morgan will have the strength to do the right thing when that time comes. I wish I could keep them little forever.

Science Fair & Neighborhood Clean Up Day

Willow Canyon Elementary had their 2nd Grade Science Fair on Thursday. From a previous blog entry, you may know that Morgan did her project on whether the color of water affects its rate of evaporation. Here is her board and the conclusion below.

It reminds me of the science fairs I participated in... starting in junior high. The shop class was nice enough to make us some boards for our projects. However, I think they used 3/4" particle board to make them. It took all our strength to load those babies, along with my tadpoles, on the bus and head out to the science fair. Then, there was the time at the Montana State Science Fair in Missoula where half of our group got chlorine poisoning from the hot tub at the hotel. Good times!

Below are pictures of the Alta View Elementary Safe School Ambassador's Neighborhood Clean Up Day. My friend, Lindy, and I oversee this group, along with 4 of the school staff. This group of kids helps decrease bullying in the school and helps increase respect: for others, for property, for self. In this service project, they showed respect for our community and for the Earth by picking up trash in the neighborhoods surrounding the school. We had a beautiful, sunny day to be out in and the kids all did an awesome job!