Jamie Nicole

Jared Taylor R Dangerfield

2010-06-09T20:20:00.000-07:00

Friday was a surreal day. My little brother graduated from High School. It was the weirdest feeling to see him in his robe and graduation cap, he looked so grown up. I still can't believe he's that old. Time just flies by. I remember when I was a little girl I used cry myself to sleep because I didn't want to grow up. I still feel the same way minus the crying myself to sleep part. But my point is; I don't do well with myself growing up and so I definitely do not do well with seeing my little brother grow up. This time next year he could be gone on his mission! Now that will be a whole other post. He is such a great kid! I am so blessed be in his life, he enriches it in so many ways and to just name a few:

He's genuine. He is always so sincere in the way he talks to people and the way he is a friend, brother, son, cousin, nephew, etc. He was homecoming king this year! That's how great he is!

He's athletic. He grew up playing football, baseball, basketball, wrestling, skateboarding, skiing, hiking, biking, the list could go on!

He's spiritual. He has such a sincere, strong testimony. He is a daily example to me about how the gospel should be lived. He was on seminary council this year for his High School. He even corrects me when I swear (even though I probably will never correct my swearing habit-hehehehe) but he is such an example to me none-the-less.

He's positive. Whenever someone is talking "bad" about a person, he always finds the positive. He is so positive with his future, preparing and planning and working hard to achieve his goals.

He's FUNNY!!! He is always cracking jokes and is such a free bird when it comes to his style. He has such a great sense of humor. He has pulled off so many funny stunts: dressing up like the administration at his High School with his best friend, shaving his head to look like an old man for Halloween, pulling daily pranks on my parents, really, the list could go on. I'd be lying if I didn't say that I was living vicariously through him.

He's smart! He is a jack-of-all-trades, and he's only 18!! He can make a longboard out of a piece of wood, he can do all sorts of landscaping, he's good in school, and yes, I'm biased, but he's also thinking about going into Social Work!! (whoop whoop) And, he's already scheduled to start school in the fall at Utah State.

He's loving. He has a great heart. He loves his family and friends. He's such a great Uncle. He loves that lil Grady so much and it's so cute to see how tender he is with him. When fall comes around I am going to miss seeing him so much . I love to walk over to my parents house and see him and hang out with him.

If you can't tell, I love this kid. I love him so much and I am so grateful to be his sister. He never ceases to amaze me. I am so lucky to call him my friend.

SWAGGER WAGON

2010-05-27T21:03:00.000-07:00

My sister Jessica showed me this video and we about peed our pants we were laughing so hard!
K-I-L-L-E-R!!! Funniest shiz ever!

I miss Grammy

2010-05-03T20:57:00.000-07:00

On friday I had the opportunity to go back to Weber! I was joined with my sister Jessica, Mom, Aunt Jill, cousin Katie & Harrison, and Tessa. Tessa is an artist. She is incredible! She recently just graduated in Graphic Design from Weber and for her final project had to set up a type of display. Well, it was about Grammy, our sweet, sweet, Grammy. This is the poster that she had made, and it hits you like a ton of bricks when you see it in person. All of us practically bauled when we saw it. Oh Grammy.
Tessa made an amazing book discussing each one of our "battles" with that yucky Alzheimer's Disease. The pictures she had and the way she designed it gives me chills just typing about it. What a dedication to the time we all came together to love on Grammy. We had such a good time with eachother on Friday, thinking about Grammy and reflecting on her wonderful memories. Mercy we miss her!!! Tessa, you have an incredible talent! Thank you for sharing your artwork with us!

Blessed

2010-04-18T20:06:00.000-07:00

First and foremost, I found a full time job!!!

By full time, I mean 30 hours a week which allows me to still work my other 10 hour a week job, thus equaling a 40 hour a week schedule for this girl! Words can begin to express my joy and excitement for this new chapter of my life. I am soooo ready to be working and to be busy and did I mention to be making some money? Ya, that too.

Secondly, Zachary and I had a splendid Easter. It was so nice to sleep in that morning and to just be with one another. We seriously love putting together Easter baskets for eachother. Apparently we were both on the same page this year because we both got each other shoes!! Zachary did so good, a pair of Gray VANS for me. He loved his new black work shoes too. Then, for Jared's birthday this year I got him tickets to one of our favorite bands: Tegan and Sara. It was AWESOME!!! We had so much fun together and if I do say so myself, it was a pretty amazing show. Franks for making it so much fun Jared!

Since I'm a big-wig now, working and all, (even with my very own business cards) Zachary surprised me with this little diddy...

I love it! It is so great to have the internet on a phone, especially when you don't have it at your house. And for the record, this was Zachary's very first surprise. He definitely attempts to surprise me, but usually has to blurt out the news before I can even guess, so this was a huge deal.

We really have been so blessed this month and we truly are grateful for these blessings.

Poor Poor Ridgey Poo Poo

2010-03-18T20:16:00.000-07:00

On Tuesday night Ridge had his first accident. So sad. I was at work, (yes, my ten hour a week job) and Zachary was golfing. So Uncle Doug was babysitting. Ridge somehow fell down Doug's back porch stairs and all of a sudden Doug heard a blood curdling scream/yelp. He had never heard anything like it. He looked outside and Ridge was laying at the bottom of the stairs in complete pain!!! Doug picked him up and brought him inside. Ridge could barely walk and when he did, he would fall down and cry. He wasn't sure if his leg was broken or what, but he said that Ridge seemed like he was in so much pain. He tried calling me, but thanks to my workplace, I have zero service and my phone dies = Douglas not being able to get a hold of me. Thank goodness for Doug's great neighbor who came right over to help Doug and took him to the Emergency Vet Hospital. Three hours later... (I still had no idea this had even happened) it was determined that Ridge had dislocated his right front leg!! So sad! He was in so much pain and I wasn't even there for it! When I got off and was able to turn my phone on, I got a text from Doug that was pretty urgent. I called him thinking that something was wrong with Zachary but no, it was my poor little baby Rigga! I raced to Douglas' house to find Ridge just completely out of it. He had to be drugged so they could pop his leg back into place. Again, I wasn't even there for it! But thank goodness for Douglas and his great neighbor. I feel so awful that I wasn't there for his first major incident but I am so grateful he was in such great hands. Is it embarrassing that I wanted to cry when I saw him?? I seriously did. I don't care what you say, he is my baby and I treat him as so. He can't be around any other dogs or do any type of play for a WEEK!! Oh my poor poor little Ridgey baby. It is so sad to see him so helpless. He is a very PLAYFUL dog and seeing him down like this is literally heartbreaking. You better believe it though, in a week, Ridge will be SOOO excited to play with his friends again.

I love you Rigga!!!

Good News...

2010-03-12T16:42:00.000-08:00

The Runna is back!!!!!

HOOOOOORRRRRRRRRRRAAAAAAAAAAYYYYYYYYYYYY!!!!!!

It drives beautifully!

and

ALICE IN WONDERLAND is the BEST movie ever.

Saw it with my Mom and sis today and it was fantastic!

I give it four thumbs up!!!!

( I realize I don't have 4 thumbs, but yes, I'm counting my 2 big toes)

ha ha ha

Accidents Happen

2010-03-09T14:26:00.000-08:00

Accidents happen, and when they do, I am SO thankful for insurance.
On Feb.25 I was training at the new job and was on my break. As I was headed back, I was downtown and was driving east on 300 south when through the intersection of 500 east, a car ran a red light and hit me.
I am so glad that I wasn't looking down and that I was paying attention (contrary to what Zachary believes) because I was able to somewhat swerve out of the way and slam on my breaks. He still hit me, but it wasn't nearly as bad as what it could have been. I cannot tell you how terrified I have been of this exact accident happening for years. Every single intersection I go through I still look both ways, especially when driving on bangerter. Anyways, it was an older guy who was driving, his wife was in the passenger seat and someone else was in the back seat. No one was hurt and that was also something I was grateful for. We exchanged information and waited until the cop showed up. I'm lucky that my father-in-law works downtown because he was able to come by and check on me and my car. I was really grateful for that. Franks you Raymond!!
My car, however is still in the shop!! Mercy I miss it. I'm driving a rental right now though and it's been really great.
So, in the mean time of looking for a full-time job and trying to keep busy, I am now trying to get my car repaired and back to top notch condition! I am so grateful though that it wasn't worse and that he had insurance. I don't even want to think of the nightmare that could have happened if those things weren't in place.
Here's the damage...

Can you believe I won't have it back for a week?? Oh well. Good thing my rental is so nice!:)

FOUND

2010-02-18T12:21:00.000-08:00

A part-time job!!!!!!

Oh I am so thankful to be working and to be doing something.

My internship hired me and when I say part-time, I really mean part-time; 10 hours a week.

HA HA HA HA

But, it is something and for that I am undoubtedly grateful!!!!!!

Last night I came home from work and I was in the best mood ever,

I had a blast working again.

So happy that I have this 10 hour job to keep me from loosing my mind.

Talking to Ridge all day long to keep from blowing up Zachary's work phone,

was starting to creep the both of us out. . .

Baby Grady...Nephew #3!!!

2010-02-06T10:31:00.001-08:00

Introducing....

Grady Regan Nordgren
Born: Jan. 20, 2010 @ 11:58 pm

My parents and I waited in the waiting room for this little button to greet us.

We were so excited to see him!
Here are our anxious/excited faces...

My Fatha showing his anticipation by practicing for the first initial hold of his first Grandson

My cute Mamma just as excited as could be!

And me...sooo thrilled and anxious!

Jared came and joined us, here is his anxious face.
He is SUCH a teenager! :)

Although, soon the anticipation died down and my Fatha grew a little sleepy.
Grady just wanted to make us wait.

The moment finally came though...and boy was it worth it!!!
He is absolutely precious!

Uncle Jared and Baby Grady (He was a little sick) Uncle Zachary and Grady.

We're so glad Grady is here!!! We love him so much. He is just a sweetie pie.

The hunt is on...

2010-01-14T15:01:00.000-08:00

Now that I am graduated, (ah! Grad-u-at-ed!!!)

I am doing what every graduate does...look for a job. Ugh it is brutal! Brutal in the sense that it seems as if every place that is hiring wants an MSW (medical social worker) or LCSW (licensed clinical social worker) which are both what I will eventually have. But at this current point in time, I only (only...I use that word lightly) have my SSW (social service worker license). Can you hear my frustrations??
I am grateful though, grateful that this is the FIRST spring semester of my life that I have been FREE. I cannot convey to you how light my heart is with this break. Zachary doesn't know what to think, he comes home from work and I'm home...not only that, but home with dinner cooking. This is strange for the both of us.
Anyway, we have had so many great things to start out this new year., here are just a few...
1. We celebrated our nephew's 3rd Birthday.

I cannot believe he's 3.

2. I have been GLUTEN-FREE all of 2010...except for that donut I ate last week... Say what you must, but this is definitely an accomplishment for me, just ask Zachary. and 3. Zachary has started school again. He took a break once we got married so that he could work full-time and it was/is such a blessing. He is so excited to be back in school.

So as my post is titled, the hunt is on and it will continue to be on until I can find a job. Keep your fingers crossed.

Grandma D

2009-12-28T21:16:00.000-08:00

No, there aren't any Hawaii pictures on this post, but...I want to share with you how sweet my Grandma Dangerfield is. Here she is on Christmas Day with her Great Grandson, Ridge. Isn't this just the sweetest picture?
There are so many different reasons why I love my Grandma D.
To name a few...
She is the most sweetest and loving person I know.
She has such a strong testimony of the Gospel and isn't afraid to share it.
She is the most talented musician ever. I am lucky to have had her for my piano teacher.
She never made fun of me when I couldn't say my "r's", even when my cousins did!
She is always positive.
She is the best example to me of love and what this life is all about.
She is genuine.
She loves her grandchildren unconditionally, and always lets them know it.
She is everything and more that I hope to be someday.
I love you Grandma!

Graduated!

2009-12-23T10:26:00.001-08:00

It came and went, but boy am I glad it did!!!!

Hawaii pictures are coming your way soon....

Tomorrow...

2009-12-10T20:55:00.000-08:00

Tommorrow I graduate.
After tommorrow I will never have to drive Highway 89 ever again, and if I do, I won't be racing through it to make it to class on time. I may shed a few tears of happiness tommorrow while venturing through that blasted highway for, hopefully,the last time.
Tommorrow I will not ever have to write a 130 page paper again. I have already shed many tears over that piece of gigantic work.
After tommorrow I can read as many non-textbooks that I want and not have to be graded by them. What a joy that will be.
After tommorrow, it will be mine and Zachary's two year anniversary.
The day after that, we're flying to Hawaii to celebrate.
How am I ever going to get to sleep tonight?

Tis the Season, Right?

2009-11-30T23:13:00.000-08:00

I apologize fellow bloggers, this post is a bit sad. I can't help but find myself not wanting to blog lately, for a few reasons. But tonight I will just write about one. I am trying to do my homework and all I can do is think of Grammy. Remember how I posted about our Christmas Tree frenzy last year? That was such a funny thing. I miss her. Today Zachary went to her grave. I told him to blow her a kiss for me. I can't go there yet. My eyes are filling up with tears just thinking about seeing a headstone that has her name on it. Could it be possible that this year I just can't bear to put up a tree because it will remind me of the memory I have of last years experience? Or is that wrong of me? Should I move forward and still have a decorated tree? No, perhaps I will just level with the thought of this small furpine plant sitting in front of me representing the Christmas season. The wonderful Hospice agency that I was so leary about back in July sent a touching poem to us. So kind of them to do that. So, here is the poem that puts the words so beautifully what my Grammy may be thinking at this time. I sure miss you Grammy, I wish you were here to lighten my load with your smile and your laugh. You always had a way with making me feel better.

Christmas in Heaven
I see the countless Christmas trees around the world below,
With tiny lights like heaven's stars, reflecting on the snow.
The sight is so spectacular, please wipe away the tears,
For I am spending Christmas with Jesus Christ this year.

I hear the many Christmas songs that people hold so dear.
But the sounds of the music can't compare with the choir up here,
I have no words to tell you the joy their voices bring
For it is beyond description to hear the angels sing.

I know how much you miss me, I see the pain inside your heart,
But I am not so far away, we really aren't apart.
So be happy for me dear ones, you know I hold you dear,
And be glad I'm spending Christmas with Jesus Christ this year.

I sent you each a sepcial gift from my Heavenly home above
I sent you each a memory of my undying love.
After all, love is a gift more precious than pure gold,
It was always most important in the stories Jesus told.

Unforgettable

2009-11-15T12:39:00.000-08:00

Yesterday was a hard day for a lot of people who read this blog, and for a lot of people that I don't really even know. Last week, Thursday November 5 marked a terribly unforgettable day. The shooting at Fort Hood was devastating and sickening in itself. But the effects of it hitting so close to home will forever be a day that I will never forget. Aaron Nemelka was one of the 13 killed that day and I will never forget that Thursday night when Lindsey called to tell us the sad news. Although we did not know Aaron on an in-depth level, he was still family to us. We saw him every few months at family gatherings or birthday parties. He was a good kid and chose to serve his country. It is painful to think that he was killed in what was then known as one of the safest places on earth, Fort Hood.

Zachary and I attended the funeral for Aaron and it was truly touching to see SO many people who loved and cared for Aaron. It is without a doub that I have a testimony of the love that our Heavenly Father and Savior Jesus Christ have for Aaron and his family. I know that the Lord will continue to be with them and comfort them through this sad and unforgettable journey.

Lindsey,
Zachary and I love you so much. We are so sorry from the bottom of our hearts that this had to happen. We are here for you and support you. Hang in there and know that you are in our thoughts and prayers. Aaron will never be forgotten.

F.Y.I

2009-11-11T18:00:00.001-08:00

Today marks one more month until Graduation.

One more month...

Like 30 more days...

Just to let you all know

San Antonio + Social Workers = FUN!!!

2009-11-09T20:52:00.001-08:00

This last weekend I had the opportunity to go to San Antonio for a Social Work Conference. During this last summer semester my professor asked me and a few students if we would be interested in attending. We signed up for it and it couldn't have come at a better time. It was so nice to have a break like this during the busy part of the semester. We had so much fun! I love the girls in my program, we are all BFF's.

A Very Happy Halloween

2009-11-01T23:30:00.000-08:00

It was a great Halloween this year. Although, I must admit that I missed Grammy a ton. Last year she dressed up as the cutest darn witch. I do miss her regardless of ordinary days, but yesterday, I especially missed her. My pink cowgirl costume is in remembrance of Grammy and her adorable soul. She used to wear this very dress when she would go square dancing with my Grandpa. Isn't that a great memory? I couldn't have been more thrilled to be wearing her dress. I think she was looking down from heaven and was feeling quite flattered, if I do say so myself.

I talked Zachary into dressing up with me this year and he definitely took one for the team. Only, he didn't have to do much because I promised him that as soon as I got the pictures I wanted, he could take off his costume. He didn't hesitate one bit; once those pictures were captured, is costume was out of sight.
What a sweetie though to do it for me, and I'm very grateful.

On Friday we celebrated Halloween with my family at the Rushton Halloween Party. It was so much fun. Deb is a great host and we played some great games. I have to post this next picture just for kicks...
check out Russ and Deb's killer costume...Isn't it great???

We played the "Mummy Wrap" game that truly never gets old. Zachary and I completely lost because I was way too slow getting the TP over his tall body...
perhaps if we would have switched?

I believe the The Best Costume went to Tessa and Brent. They went above and beyond and thought out of the box...can anyone guess who they dressed up as??

The party didn't stop that night...Halloween was spent with the Sain's as Zachary and I anticpated the opportunity to take the boys trick or treating. Boy they were cute. They dressed up as Woody and Buzz from Toy Story.
I love them so much.

Brody thought it was pretty cool that I too had boots and a hat, like him.
We make a great team, don't we?

Oooooo and I alomost forgot, Douglas even got in the Halloween spirit this year.Isn't he a stunning blonde??

We really had such a great Halloween weekend. We surrounded ourselves with people we love and really, that is way better than all the Halloween candy in the world.I hope everyone had a great and safe Halloween. I cannot believe how fast it went by, but let's get serious, I am already planning for next years costume and am crossing my fingers that Zachary will take one for the team again. Time will only tell.

.HAPPY HALLOWEEN EVERYONE!!

2009-10-31T08:46:00.001-07:00

2009-10-11T22:40:00.000-07:00

Today, October 11, 2009 marks TWO MORE MONTHS until I am a graduated woman. Two more months until I will have a life again and that I won't feel guilty when I'm blogging because blogging time usually means that I am somehow procrastinating my capstone (a.k.a giant, disgusting, paper consisting of 105 pages thus far...don't worry, it will probably get to 130-150 pages...easy). So as I write this tid-bit of a post; on my enthusiasm for graduation, it is true that I am indeed, procrastinating my paper writing. Actually, I'm technically just taking a quick 'lil break (capstone, I will return to you shortly). Until then...

I want you all to know how much Zachary and I are in love with Ridge. He has filled such a void in my life since Grammy has passed away and he has given me the opportunity to fill my need of caregiving. Ridge is precious and lovey and is just flat out perfect. He is sleeping all through the night now which is imperative to a girl who LOVES her beauty sleep. He is learning quickly on how to go "potty" outside and not inside. He is LOVING being held and babied, which comes easy when you see his adorable face. Ridge is through the roof the best part of my morning and even the best part of my bed time. He just makes me happy.

And...back to the whole title of this post...I am especially happy in the fact that TWO months from now, I will be wearing a cap and gown and will be beaming from the inside out of this accomplishment. Unfortunately, today is definitely not December 11...so I will go back to my capstone and continue to be a good little student until that glorious day arrives.
xoxo

P.S.

Since Halloween is approaching us very soon, I decided to share with you all, my sister-in-laws amazing talent. Her watches are impecible and are so much fun. Especially when she makes fun ones like so, for the holidays. Her webiste is: http://beadedwatchtime.blogspot.com/

AND good news for all of you, she is having a watch party on Saturday, November 7th. Be there or be square people! Text me or call me if you need more info.

Okay, seriously now, I'm going back to my homework!

Great News!!!

2009-10-06T20:40:00.000-07:00

My Dad's friends sister works for the Humane Society. My Dad, bless his heart, went in today and asked her if Titty was still there. She reported happily that Titty had been adopted!!!!!!!!!

Isn't that great??? Zachary and I are so happy!!!

Yay for Tit, Tit, Titty!!!!

Compromises

2009-09-30T20:13:00.000-07:00

If there is one thing I have learned about marriage, it's that it is all about compromising. Zachary and I have been married now for a year and 8 months. Since December 12, 2007 I have learned that we are both very different people. For instance, most of you were in on the blogging world when I posted that we had gotten our first pet together. This was back in March of 2008. It was all of Zachary's doing because we got a cat. Granted, we were living in an apartment at the time that didn't allow dogs, and Zachary's family cat had just been put to sleep. So Zachary was all about getting his own "Titty". I was not liking the idea of it, not one bit. But...Zachary came home from work one night and said, "I'm getting a cat tonight. You can come with me, or you can stay here but either way I'm getting one." (We had only been married 3 months) I had no choice but to join him in the journey to Kaysville to get a "Titty". We, and by we I mean Zachary, has loved Titty with all of his heart.

Titty has now been a part of our lives (mostly Zach's) for a year and a half now. Well...until today. I have the WORST allergies ever and it was really unbearable having Titty around because I would sneeze, my eyes would water and my nose was always sore and dry. I was literally taking an allergy pill at night and then another one first thing in the morning. Zachary has loved Titty so much. He's been so good to her, even though she could be such a little bitch, (sorry for those non-swearers out there) she would claw and bite Zachary like it was goin out of style and he just let her because he loved her so much. Well, for the past few weeks Zachary has been saying that he would be willing to give Titty up since my allergies are obviously not going to change since I have put up with the Tit face for a year and a half now. Today was the day. It was heartbreaking. I drove Titty to the Humane Society and on the way there I kept saying to her, "BYE BYE TITTY!!" but...once I got there, I lost it. It was completely traumatic. The lady behind the desk said to me, "So, what is the reasoning for your surrender?" Me, "Um...surrender? Oh! Ya, I surrender the Titty. Well, allergies." Surrender is the perfect word to describe this. I have finally surrendered to Titty and given up. I said goodbye to Titty and then cried. I couldn't even talk to the receptionist. I only could nod to her questions. Driving home without Titty was truly sad. Zachary chose not to even come with and I don't blame him because it was brutal. It was so sad. And yet, this day was also somehow sweet.

I'll tell you why...

As I mentioned in the first paragraph, marriage is about compromising. Zachary and I are both extremely stubborn people but we are definitely practicing our compromising skills. Since we were surrendering to the Titty and the hair and the allergies that came with her I decided that I needed to use my compromising skills and so we got a new pet!!!! Ladies and Gentlemen, please meet the newest member of our family...Mr. Ridge Sain.

He is a maltease shih tzu and is all L-O-V-E!! I can't even get enough of him. Zachary is still grieving over the departure of Titty but I know he will love Ridge so much. We decided to name him Ridge because we met at West Ridge golf course and now it is the second love of Zachary's life. (note, I said second?? ha ha ) If he's not at work or at home with me snuggling up and watching Intervention; he is without a doubt at West Ridge. So we found it most appropriate to name our little tyke Ridge. Oh he is so sweet and so so so lovey dovey. I am in heaven. Ridge is a hypoallergenic dog which means that he has real hair rather than fur and doesn't cause allergies to people like me. I am through the roof ecstatic about this little guy. He has stolen my heart.

Can you even stand how cute he is???

MERCY I LOVE HIM!!!!!

Memory Walk Success!

2009-09-19T21:57:00.000-07:00

I heart Tessa and Deb (but especially Deb in those cool shades and that darling hat, no offense Tess.)

Go Team Norma!!!

The Memory Walk was a sweet success! I was so glad to have been apart of it.

Thank you to those of you who donated!!! They said that this years turnout was the biggest they have ever had!

YES!!!

P.S. I miss you Grammy!!

2009-09-11T11:20:00.001-07:00

Welcome to 2009 Memory Walk - Northern Utah
Where: Salt Lake CityMurray High School
When: Saturday, September 19, 2009 - Time 8:30AM - 11:00AM
Contact: Call or Email us at tamisa.burns@alz.org 801-265-1944

If you're the kind of person who's not going to sit on the sidelines when there's a chance to change the future, then you're the person we need.
When you register for the Alzheimer's Association Memory Walk®, you're joining a nationwide community of thousands of people who are standing up and participating in the fight against this devastating disease.
Your journey to end Alzheimer's starts here – and it's so easy.
Register. We'll send you more information about how you can get involved with Memory Walk 2009.
Form a team. Participating in Memory Walk is even more fun with a group. Ask your co-workers, family and friends to walk as a team. You'll be amazed at how many people you know whose lives have been changed by Alzheimer's.
Fundraise. Every Memory Walk participant is asked to raise money for the fight against Alzheimer's. Alzheimer's Association staff are ready to support you every step of the way with tips, tools and advice.
Get Creative. Raise money with our online tools, hold a fundraising event or ask for a donation when you're face-to-face.
Walk! Memory Walk is a unique experience. See the difference you can make as we walk to change the course of Alzheimer’s together.
Memory Walk is the nation's largest event to raise awareness and funds for Alzheimer care, support and research. Since 1989, Memory Walk has raised more than $260 million for the cause.
All Memory Walk donations benefit the Alzheimer's Association, the leading voluntary health organization in Alzheimer care, support and research. The mission of the Alzheimer's Association is to eliminate Alzheimer's disease through the advancement of research; to provide and enhance care and support for all affected; and to reduce the risk of dementia through the promotion of brain health.

**This is an excellent cause! And...it's in honor of my Grammy (for me anyway). If you would like to join a team or come and support those who are walking please feel free to do so!! Everyone's support counts. Here is the website you can go to join or to donate: http://memorywalk09.kintera.org/faf/donorReg/donorPledge.asp?ievent=310017&lis=1&kntae310017=A832345416194F29B962C1C0CDF2A9E0&supId=270841959

Just Sometimes

2009-09-01T21:34:00.000-07:00

Has it really already been a week that Grammy died? I am having a really hard time digesting this new change. I miss her so much.
Sometimes, just sometimes, I am very angry. Sometimes I am very, very sad. So sad that I don't know if I'll make it through the night or if I'll make it through the day. Sometimes I think of her and I smile and laugh and then often times I begin to cry again. Never in my life have I experienced such heartbreak, such loss. Sometimes I wish she were still here, and that I didn't have go to bed and wake up without her.
Most of the time though, I think of all the nice people out there. I am comforted with the goodness of the hearts of those I know. People are good. I know we all have had hard hard hard times that we've either experienced or that we soon will. I hope I will be as good to those people who have been so good to me.
xoxoxo

Bittersweetness at its Fullness

2009-08-27T17:50:00.001-07:00

My dear, sweet, sweet Grammy passed away peacefully on Tuesday, August 25th. Her beautiful, dedicated family was at her side. I am overwhelmed with the amount of sadness and heart break I am feeling and yet, I am comforted to know that she has been made whole again. She is no longer suffering from awful Alzheimer's. She is free. But for just a moment, I want to be selfish. I miss her so much. So very much. I see her everywhere I turn. I want to hold her and for her to hold me. For all of you who have called, sent cards, flowers (thanks Shay and Sain/Little/Nemelka family!!!), and sweet, sincere text messages, thank you. You guys have lifted my spirits and I am so thankful to have such great family and friends. I love you guys.
I love you Grammy and oh how I miss you. I could go on about all the little things I miss about you but I would start crying again. You will forever be in my heart.

"Love is stronger than death, even though it can't stop death from happening, but no matter how hard death tries; it can't separate people from love. It can't take away our memories either. In the end, life is stronger than death." -Author unkown

NORMA EARL
Norma Bawden Rushton Earl 1931 ~ 2009 At the age of 78, our dear, sweet mother, grandmother, great-grand-mother, sister, friend (Grammy, G'ma, Pretty Lady, Cutie Pie, Fancy Friend), Norma Bawden Rushton Earl, passed away Tuesday, August 25, 2009 at her home with her devoted family at her side.She is the youngest child of John Henry and Kate Warr Bawden, born July 23, 1931 in Granger, Utah. She attended Monroe School first grade through ninth grade, then Cyprus High School. She married her sweetheart, Floyd Leland Rushton in 1947. They were blessed with two sons and two daughters. They had a beautiful life together until Floyd died of a sudden heart attack in September of 1966. This was a huge challenge for her with her two teenage sons and two small daughters, ages six and two and a half. She went back to school at Utah Technical College. She worked for Electronic Memories, ZCMI, and Granite School District. She and her children were sealed to Floyd in 1967. She was blessed to find a second love in her life and married Harold LeRoy Earl in August of 1968. They enjoyed a full life together until he passed away in February of 2000. Norma was a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and served in various ward callings, (including Sunday School Secretary, Primary Teacher and Chorister, Den Leader, etc.) She loved dancing, singing (sang with Harmon Senior Center Choir-Noteable Angels), camping, golfing, bowling, traveling and being a homemaker. Most of all she loved her family, her two husbands, children, grandchildren and friends. She is survived by her four children and their spouses: Floyd Steven Rushton (Barbara Thomas), Brett LeLand Rushton (Virginia Isom), Debra Jean (Russ) Dangerfield, Jill Ann (Richard) Hoth; 14 grandchildren, 11 great-grandchildren, with one on the way; her sister, Lorene Bawden Tervort, and her brother Don (Bernice) Bawden. She was preceded in death by her father and mother; her two husbands, Floyd and Harold; her sisters, Phyllis, Mildred and Elva; her brothers, Lamar, Jack and Bence (LeGrand). The past several years she was afflicted with Alzheimer's Disease and her family had the privilege and honor of serving her and feeling of her amazing, sweet spirit. The family would like to thank Dr. Powell and his staff, The Neighborhood House and staff, and Applegate Hospice for being so wonderful. "You never really leave a place you love, part of it you take with you leaving a part of yourself behind". Funeral Services will be held Saturday, August 29, 2009 at 9:30 a.m. at the Hunter 18th Ward, 5600 West 3737 South, West Valley City, Utah. The family will receive friends at a viewing Friday evening from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m. at Valley View Funeral Home, 4335 West 4100 South, West Valley City, and one hour prior to services on Saturday at the Ward House. Interment: Valley View Memorial Park

Oh Grammy

2009-08-24T14:41:00.001-07:00

Oh Grammy. My heart aches for you right now. You are in bed and are not expected to live much longer. What are you feeling? What are you thinking? Do you know how much we love you? Do you feel our prayers?
You are so young, 78 years old is young and I cannot bear to see you go. But you have suffered with a mean disease and you deserve to be made whole again. Alzheimer's has robbed you of so many things, but in light, it has rewarded your family with so many ways to serve you.
I have loved serving you this past year. I have loved dedicating my life to you and seeing your family dedicate their lives to you too. You have brought me so much happiness and joy. I have learned through this service that I have come to love you in such a deeper, more genuine way. You have been the light of my life and I am so blessed to have lived with you.
Your family loves you. We love you so much. You have raised your children well, and in turn, they have raised their children well. You will surely be missed but not forgotten. Your spirit will dwell within our hearts forever. I know I will not be able to go a day without thinking of you and smiling while I think of your strong spirit and your heart warming personality.
You can go now Grammy. I know you will be with us each and every day. Go and be with your family in heaven who have been waiting for you. I love you.

It's Already August???

2009-08-08T15:54:00.000-07:00

I have got a lot of catching up to do. The last two weekends have been spent with family reunions. For the 24th of July weekend, it was Zachary's family reunion. We went to Yellowstone/Colter Bay/Jackson Hole. Then for last weekend we went to Park City for my family reunion. Both reunions were so much fun!!

Here we are in Yellowstone!!

Zachary and I and his cute cousins...

Daxie eating his birthday cake...he's already ONE!! I can't believe how fast that year went! He is so cute.

There was a bit of construction in Yellowstone. We would be driving along and then we would be stopped for what seemed like forever because of a one-way road. Here is Daxie and I keeping ourselves entertained and Landon in the background thinking I'm crazy. Ha!

And here is the line of traffic waiting...

A beautiful view on the way down to Uncle Tom's something...(can't remember the name), but it was closed so this is as good as it got.

ZaCHary and I in front of the pretty view.

What would Yellowstone be without seeing a nice giant Buffalo??

I left my camera charger at home so of course my camera died the second day we were there. I did buy a disposable camera and took pictures that way, but I haven't developed it yet. I cannot imagine life without technology these days...digital cameras are the best. Zachary and I had so much fun in Yellowstone. It was perfect weather and all around we had a great time! Thank you so much Bill and Jeanette for the trip!!!

Park City Reunion
Zachary and I started Saturday off riding the coaster. It is seriously the funnest ride ever!

Hence the ecstatic expressions Zachary and I have. I took this picture while we were cruising down the mountain...such a blast!

We even rode the zipline. I am terrified of heights, but I sure did it! I was so completely scared as we were waiting in line. My face got pale, my palms were sweating, I had butterflies in my stomach, but... I did it!

We rode the coaster some more. Don't mind my nasty neck, I guess I had to emphasize the fact that it is indeed a wild ride. Look at how calm and collected Zachary is looking...whatev.

I tell you what, Grammy is too cool for school.

It's not a Rushton reunion without a good old fashioned craft time!

We made picture frames and bracelets...

It's also not a Rushton reunion without a couple of injuries...Deb burned her ankle by icing it without a washcloth over the ice pad (apparently it can happen and she now has second degree burns all over her ankle). Poor poor Deb!

Uncle Steve went mountaint biking with Ethan and Caleb. On the last hill he fell and injured himself pretty good. Poor Uncle Steve!

It was such a nice weekend. Park City has so many fun things to do, but it was especially nice because Grammy could come. She is so sweet. The great grandkids just eat her up and vice versa. Grammy was so happy to see her posterity and even though it was hard for to communicate that, you could tell she was just thrilled to be there with everyone.

Swine Flu, Sinus Infection, Hospice, oh and Two Birthdays!

2009-07-19T21:57:00.000-07:00

July has been rough. July has always been my favorite month for a few reasons: I love celebrating the fourth of July, I love birthdays and it just so happens to be mine, Zachary's, Grammy's and Daxies! I love the heat that July brings and the sunshine, I love that we celebrate the Pioneers settling in Utah and I love the warm summer nights. This July of 2009 has been pretty different.
During the fourth of July weekend, I got pretty achey. I started coughing and just felt real tired. I assumed that it was just my allergies but come Monday, I was feeling pretty poopy. Tuesday I had school. I drove to school despite how terrible I felt. I remember I felt so achey that the heat felt so nice so I drove all the way to Ogden without my air conditioning on, windows up. I sat in class and just felt awful. By the time I got home, I had quite the fever. I just laid on the couch and had a cold wash cloth on my forehead. I serioulsy do not remember the last time I felt so sick! It was like I was completely bed ridden. I couldn't move. I was sweating and then I was freezing. My fever finally broke and I thought I would be feeling better but that was far from what happened. The next day, which just so happened to be Zachary's birthday, which ironically enough we had the day off to go to Lagoon and celebrate...Lagoon definitely did not happen. I woke up completely exhausted. I could barely move. I felt so wiped out. It was strange to feel that way. I don't think I have ever felt so weak. Wednesday I just slept the whole day. Seriously. I didn't wake up until about 8. Nasty. Thursday was a little better. I still felt like Sh*& but I felt better than the day before. Lo and behold, I find out that there was a swine flu out break at my internship. Lucky enough for me, the girl who was the carrier (she didn't know she had it at the time) shares an office with me. Oh joy. Apparently swine flu is a sneaky sneaky illness that you don't feel any of the symptoms two days prior to actually feeling sick. So of those two days you are completely contagious and you don't even know it. Isn't that just rude? Swine flu, you can just go to hell! (he, he, he, he)
As I'm thinking that I am beginning to feel much better, I still am coughing like crazy. I still am congested and my head hurt so bad. I swear I had a constant migraine. On my birthday I felt real tired and yucky but it was still a great day. I just stayed home and relaxed.
Friday the 17th was quite the day. Grammy was not doing so well. It was pretty rough getting her ready. She had no idea who I was and kept crying. It was seriously so hard to see her so confused and upset. I tried my best to comfort her and console her but she was so scared. The look on her face was heart breaking. I tried my best to get her to eat something but she wouldn't have it. Everything I offered she said no to, or she would turn away as I would try and spoon feed her. We then were off to her day care center and on the way I stopped at McDonald's to get her a small shake. Boy, she liked that, but even then, it was tiny and she couldn't even finish it. Throughout the whole drive to the day care center she just cried and kept wanting to go home. I finally just turned around because I couldn't bear to see her so sad. My Mom and I decided to take Grammy in to see her doctor. As we're sitting in the doctors room and the nurse is asking the usual questions, she notices that I'm coughing and blowing my nose and looking like hell. She says to me, "Allergies?" I say, "Maybe, but my head is killing me." She then says,"I bet you have a sinus infection, you better get in to see YOUR doctor asap or that infection can get worse." I'm looking like a deer in head lights by this point and know that she's exactly right. After the doctors appointment I headed to insta care only to learn that yes, indeed, I had/have a sinus infection. I am on antibioitics and am feeling better. Now, back to the doctors office with Grammy. Her doctor came in and let me tell you, her doctor is one of the best. He was so sensitive to the situation, which we really appreciated. As we sat there awaiting to hear that Grammy was acting this way because of another UTI, we were completely taken back by what we would hear next...the doctor suggested we bring Hospice in. What? Hospice? Why? Because she's not eating or drinking and receiving the nutrients she needs, she's basically not doing too well. It was so hard to hear that. My Mom was emotional and although I wasn't crying, it really hit me hard. The thought of hospice is heart wrenching. The main idea of Hospice is end of life care. END OF LIFE CARE? Seriously? Of course though, she's not on her death bed, but her health is deteriorating. Even typing this gets me choked up.
After hearing that news, our family had an emergency meeting where we discussed whether or not Hospice was the route we wanted to take. My family members from St.George and Logan came to town, even my sissy Tamatie Pie. It was so wonderul to have their support. We all just poured our hearts out and really healed in a sense. We all agreed that truly, we don't want to see her like this, but we also want nature to take its course (geez, it's one thing to hear those four words, but to write them...wow). I don't believe in sustaining a persons life just to have them be a vegetable. I believe in caring for them and giving them as much love as possible, especially when they are closer to the end of their life. We all decided that Hospice was indeed the best way to go at this point. It was an emotional meeting. I don't think there was a dry eye. Not even me. I'd like to take this time to let you all know how supportive and loving my family is. We all have really come together to help Grammy be as comfortable as possible. We have all worked so hard to meet her needs and we'll continue to do so. I am really taken back at how close we all are and how closer we've become since this experience. I honestly don't know what I would do without them. I'd also like to take this time to thank my friend and family who have called or texted me and asked how everything was going. You know who you are. I cannot convey to you all how much I truly am touched by your sensitivity and your compassion. Some of you may not know how difficult this weekend has been for me, and some of you do know and have been so great. Thank you, thank you from the bottom of my heart for being so supportive. I really feel your love and your compassion. Some of my friends who have shown their love don't even have a blog and so this 'thank you' section is kind of silly, but some of you do, and those who do and who have supported me, I thank you. Some of you may also wonder why I do this. Why I allow myself to be subjected to "such difficult tasks". I can honestly say that I do this because I genuinely love my Grandma. It's not for glory, it's not for free rent, it is because I love her so much and want nothing but the best for her. Because I grew up next door I have always been close to her. My Mom told me the other day that when I was little I used to always tell her that I was going to live with Grandma one day. Who'd a thunk?! I don't even remember saying that, but now, I wouldn't have it any other way.
So on Saturday we met with Applegate Hospice and the head RN was wonderful. She really helped answer all of our questions and was so sweet with Grammy. Although Grammy wasn't really responsive, she still handled the situation calmly and sweetly. We have a meeting on Monday with the social worker and the aide who will be coming in. That whole part is really hard for me. I don't know what I'll do. Just merely thinking about someone else bathing her, and dressing her brings me to tears and I want to curl up in a ball and cry my eyes out. Lately Grammy has been saying "I want my Mom. Just take me to my Mom". Hearing that has been hard but we smile and say, "one day you'll be with your Mom and it'll be a great reunion". (I have a lump in my throat just thinking about that reunion). I guess Wednesday is the big 'H' day. We'll have to see what that brings. Some have said that when an individual stops eating it may be days to weeks before they pass away, whereas sometimes, depending on the person, they may last a lot longer. I guess only time will tell. I can't let myself believe that we're only down to a few weeks. I really can't. Every person is different. Norma Jean is a fighter, but as much as she's a fighter I can't bear to see her like this. I really would not wish for my worst enemy to have Alzheimer's Disease. It is the meanest disease ever. It's full of ups and downs and laughs and tears. But you know what? I would go through it all over again. I have to hold onto the fact that she'll get better. I have to. She will.
Also, another plug in; Zachary is seriously the best. Could you imagine having your wife or husband or significant other dedicating their life to someone besides you? Ya, he puts up with me and he's SOOOOOOO supportive. I am really quite lucky to have him by my side. Also, another plug in; I know that none of my family and I could go through this experience without the hand of our Heavenly Father and Savior. How blessed we are to be comforted with the power of prayer and the power of the priesthood. I know not all of you are of the same faith as I am but I have to bear my testimony. I know that even though this disease is evil and awful, the Lord is with us. He knows of our hearts and he knows of Grandma's heart. I have had the opportunity to each night kneel down and pray with Grammy. She may not know how to get dressed or feed herself but she knows how to pray. It has been so tender and spiritual. I'm not a huge spiritual giant, but I know the sincerity of my heart and I know that Heavenly Father is comforting all of us and giving us the strength to press on. I know that one day, Grammy won't have this disease anymore and that she'll be fully healed. I hold onto that knowledge as I question the purpose of this disease. Hard times are in store for us and I know with all of my heart that Heavenly Father will be there. I also know that the Savior has felt this pain. He's felt the anguish that we have felt and the heart break we've felt as we have seen Grammy slowly decline. He has also felt the pain and the confusion that she's feeling. How comforting it is to know that we are not alone. We truly are not alone.
I am thankful for the opportunity to be living here and all of the blessings that come from it. Again, I love my family and my friends and thank you so much for your compassion. I love you all.

Things That Have Made My Month, (and then some things that haven't).

2009-06-28T19:45:00.000-07:00

First off, seeing Raymond perform wonderfully in his ward play. I can't remember what is was called but he did a GREAT job!!!!

Next, having Brody drive in the car with me. (it was only a short distance, but he loved it!)

Next, getting a PEDICURE!!! I love pedi's! After running, and working on my feet all day, it was a must need!

Next, since I've been doing school this summer, I have my internship going on. My internship is fairly close to where Grammy goes for Day Care. Because of this, I have been able to take her and pick her up. It is so great to do this because she just lights up whenever I walk in to pick her up, in fact, most of the time she gets teary eyed just seeing me. It makes my whole day to see her.

Next, we got to go tour through the Oquirrh Mountain Temple Open House with the Sain's. It was so neat. I just am in awe at how gorgeous these two new temples are (Draper and South Jordan). It is remarkable at how goregous, yet, unwordly they are inside. What a haven. I am so sad though, I didn't take a picture of all of us!! But, I do have a picture of cute Grammy in her new dress. I could have just died at how adorable she was. I cannot get enough of her!!!

Next, I don't have a picture, but I am at 100 hours for my internship! Only 100 more hours to go (for this semester)!!! Woohoo!! It's going by so fast and I am honestly loving every second, well except for not getting paid. :( I would love a paycheck but all in good time.

Also, another thing that I don't have a picture of, but Lindsey my sis-in-law has started to make the cutest watch bands! I seriously recommend you all to check her blog out (Linds, Jon, Brody and Dax) to see her cute watches. If you're interested in buying one or wanting to see them in person let me know! But she showed me how to make them and it's been so fun making them with her. Seriously, check her blog out and I promise, the pictures do not give her watch bands the justice they deserve. So call me or text me to see them in person. Plus, she sells them far cheaper than what they are usually being sold for and they are way cuter.

Next, this week I started, and finished a craft!!! For those of you who don't know, I am terrible at crafts. I absolutely cannot finish a craft to save my life. I usually loose interest or forget about it, etc, etc, etc. Well this time was surely different...I finished it!!! I am so proud of myself and everytime I look at it I pat myself on the back.

Also, another important thing that isn't pictured is that I have made it to running SIX miles!!! My Mom has made it FIVE!! We are both well on our way and can't wait for the big day!

Next, we had quite the day yesterday. I worked at the golf course in the morning and was planning on getting off and heading up to the Spruces for the Larsen (Sain side of the fam) family reunion. Well, that didn't necessarily happen as smoothly as it sounds. While I was at work Tessa and Brent were over to care and watch for Grammy. (They do an awesome job!) Tessa told me that Grammy was so tired and so when I got home at 12:30, she was still in bed. Which really, that isn't too odd because she has such a heavy duty sleeping pill (to help her sleep all through the night, which helps me sleep all through the night as well.)that knocks her out. She loves to sleep in on Saturday mornings. I noticed that her coloring was pretty off and my Uncle Steve and Aunt Barbara came over and noticed the same thing. We tried getting her to wake up and to try and drink some water but she didn't want any of it. She was SO OUT OF IT! More so than normal considering the Alzheimer's Disease. I tried having her sip on a vanilla shake, but she kept pushing the cup away. She finally woke up enough to drink the shake and we were all so glad, but we knew that she still wasn't herself. We all decided that it'd be best if we took her into the hospital. So it was off to St.Marks we went and all the meanwhile I felt bad for not making it up to the reunion, but being with Grammy was where I needed to be and it was just too bad it had to be during the reunion. But thank you to the Sain's for understanding!! We were able to get right in and really didn't even wait long enough to finish the paperwork. She immediately was hooked to all sorts of tubes within a half hour or so. The nurse was great and let us all take turns at being the boss. Grammy had to have a catheter put in and that was anything but pleasant. The poor lady was seriously petrified. I got a little emotional watching her get so upset and it was hard. There were blood tests done, urine tests, and even a CT scan. The diagnosis was a severe UTI!! Poor poor thing! It's so sad because it is hard for her to communicate with us and so we don't know that she's in pain unless she tells us. (Obviously). It was about a five hour ordeal but she got lots of fluid in her and the coloring was back in her cheeks. Can you believe I didn't take one stinkin picture?? She's home, and is doing great!! Her fluid intake has definitely increased and she's looking so much better. Please though, keep her in your prayers that she'll continue to feel better and get back to her fun, cheerful self.
After she was home and doing well with Tessa, Brent, Steve and Barbara; Zachary and I were off to the reunion. Better late than never!!! I was exhausted, to say the least!! It was nice once we got up there and it was good to see everyone.

I only post this picture because of how silly Jonathan looks in the background!! I laugh so hard everytime I see it.

Today, Grammy's Brother Don, his wife Bernice and Grammy's sister Lorene came for a visit. It was such a sweet and sincere visit. She definitely remembers them and it was so neat to see the love they all have for each other.

Can you tell who her sister is? (The pretty lady on the right of her brother Don.) It was such a great day, especially considering the hectic/scary day we had yesterday.
Our month of June was great. July will be even better! We've got the 4th to celebrate, Zachary's b-day, my b-day, a trip to Yellowstone, and much more!

Happy Father's Day!

2009-06-21T22:55:00.001-07:00

Franks Papa!!
We love you both!

Attempt #2

2009-05-30T09:35:00.000-07:00

Last Summer I attempted to run a Marathon. I made it to 10 miles and to spare you all the excuses, I'll just put it bluntly, I quit. This summer I'm attempting to run a 1/2 marathon. I already am feeling so excited with each run and I'm feeling like I can really do it this time around. The best part about this second attempt isn't just becuase it's half of what I attempted last summer, but it's because my Mom is running with me. It has been such a great experience running with her, and although we've only just begun, I know it will continue to be great to have us run together. She's always been my cheerleader with a lot of things I attempt and sometimes accomplish and now this time, we're each others cheerleader. So, with the help of music from my i-pod and good running shoes I am on my way to accomplishing a 13 mile run and of course, with my Mom cheering me on and vise versa, we're definitely going to do it!!!

P.S.
Summer semester has begun, and so has my new 400 hour internship. I am loving every second of it all. After this semester, I only have ONE left!!!! Yay!!

Happy Mother's Day!!

2009-05-10T21:18:00.000-07:00

To all you Mother's out there, Happy, Happy Mother's Day!

Little Wild Horse Canyon

2009-04-19T19:08:00.000-07:00

Well we had an awesome weekend! Seriously, in every way it was splendid. I'll be glad to walk you all through a play-by-play of our fun filled weekend!
We shared a hotel room with Jon, Linds, and the boys. It was so fun to be with them. Daxie poo would wake us up every morning at 7:00 am sharp, but it was such a sweet wake-up call, it was full of grunts, giggles, and smiles. I just loved it.
We left Friday night and arrived in Green River Utah. Saturday morning we got up and headed to Little Wild Horse. It's the coolest canyon, it is a slot canyon and so it is pretty narrow. Check it out...

Zachary found a catapillar...

And if I do say so myself, he has some sexy calves...

We trudged through some FREEZING COLD WATER!!!

We loved on Dax and Brody...

We loved on Grandma and Grandpa Little...

Zachary and Raymond were silly...

And Raymond gave Grandma a piggy back...

We had such a great weekend with the Sain/Little family. It was SO MUCH fun!!!!

On the way home I even got a little camera happy, hope you guys all had as fun of a weekend as we did. XOXOXO

MERCY!!!!

2009-04-16T09:04:00.000-07:00

I feel so out of the loop since I haven't posted in well over a month. Mercy me! For those of you who have been anxiously waiting my arrival back to the blogging world, have no fear, I am back. Where have I been you might ask? I have been doing a few things to say the least:
1.Finishing a 30 page Capstone paper
2.Writing a research project on Alzheimer's Disease
3.Finishing a 100 hour intern
4.Studying for a few classes
5.Tutoring for a class and teaching it three times
6.Taking care of Grammy
7.Getting Titty SPAYED and de-clawed
8.Trying to pencil in some pilates and gym time-not being too successful at that
9.Getting a 100% on the hardest exam I've ever taken
10.And losing my camera charger!! Still currently lost, using my old camera
I know we're all busy, especially those student out there who are frantically trying to get ready for the end of the semester. I am with you all the way. I can't believe it's already here. Wasn't it just yesterday I was complaining about the expensive books I had to buy? Time flies when you're having fun, or when you're just flat out busy.
Yes, I did mention that Titty was able to be spayed and de-clawed, both at the same time. Poor Titty. She was so mad at us. She wouldn't even lay by us or barely look at us. Thank goodness for the pain medication though. She's all better now, heat free and claw free; it's like we have a brand new Titty! Here is Titty all bandaged up. So sad!

Our Easter was wonderful, aside from Zachary having to work at West Ridge. Grammy was thrilled to have mostly everyone there to celebrate with and she even thought it was her birthday. We let her think it was. If you read my sisters Jessica and Amanda's blogs you'll know that every year my Fatha hides our easter baskets. It is so much fun trying to find them. He hid Jared's basket on the roof! HILARIOUS! Travis, my bro-in-law is so tall and he looked up and saw the basket just sitting on top of the roof. Here is Jared with his basket:

Zachary is a little sneaky sneak and this year for my easter 'present' (we usually don't gift anything too expensive) he got me an IPod!! What a sweetie huh? I felt sheepish though as his gift was a shirt and a pair of socks. I was very grateful to be on the receiving end though. Here is our annual easter pic with our baskets...

We had a softball game with the Rushton family after lunch and it was so much fun. Grammy really had a blast with it, even though she sat on the side lines. We would have her help us decide if a player was out or safe. More times than not she called them SAFE! She was so cute and just loved being with her family.

Here is Grammy on the side lines happy as can be...

I then headed over to the Sain's and Zachary met me there after he got off work. I am kicking myself because I forgot to take my camera with me. About a month ago when Lindsey and I went to the Discovery Gateway Linds bought this ice cream maker that you roll. It's hard to explain but it's so fun to do. We rolled some ice cream and Zach's cute Grandma gave us some yummy treats from See's Candies. Thanks Jeanette! I used my cell phone to take this picture; the cutest lil easter bunny that you'll ever see...

All in all, it was a great Easter and a wonderful time of year to celebrate the Resurrection of our Savior. How grateful I am for him and his presence in my life. Now, if you'll excuse me, it's back to homework and finals are just around the corner. However, this weekend Zachary and I are headed with the Sain/Little family to Little Wild Horse Canyon to do some hiking. I am outrageously excited!!!

Titty's a what?!?!?

2009-03-07T16:33:00.000-08:00

Oh, ya, that's right Titty is a GIRL! Did we know that? No sir. I believe it was right around this time last year that Zachary came home from work one day and said, "I'm getting a Titty tonight, you can come with me or stay home but I'm getting one." So...I dragged my feet and went with him. He picked the coolest looking one and I distinctly remember that he asked the breeders if it was a boy, they wanted happy customers so they told us yes. I'm not even kidding but a few months into the Titty owning experience I told Zachary that I wasn't sure that it was a boy because I couldn't see "it". He believed so deeply that it was a boy so we just ignored it. Our beloved Titty Tat is going through what is called "HEAT" right now. Since Wednesday Zachary and I haven't been able to sleep a wink because Titty will MOAN and SCREAM and CRY. It's the strangest noise that comes out of her wretched little mouth. It gives me chills. I should record her but I don't know if that's quite appropriate. Bless her little annoying heart she just wants a boy Titty to make her feel better. Are we the worst owners ever or what? I feel so bad for her, truly I do. I don't like seeing her in this much pain. We made an appointment for her to get spade but we won't get in for a few weeks. Mercy I hope this HEAT doesn't last that long. The other night Zachary asked me, "Would you keep Titty if I died?" I responded without even taking a second to think, "Nope. I'd drop her off at Grandma Pauline's on the way home from your funeral." That's the truth too. I wouldn't even think about it, not for a minute. Am I heartless? I would say certainly not. I've put up with Titty for one and only one reason, Zachary. Titty, please feel better soon.

Sing it Celine!!!!!!

2009-02-23T19:08:00.000-08:00

Sunday night my Mom, Dad, and Jessica, and I went to the Celine Dion concert. My parents orginally bought the tickets for the girls but Tamatie couldn't make it up. Russell took her place and it was so fun with him. The concert was post-poned back in November because Celine was sick, let me tell you what, it was worth the wait!! It was PHENOMENAL!!!!!!! I can't even begin to describe how much fun it was. She is the greatest performer of all time. She is also stunning. Her costumes were gorgeous and I loved her shoes. Just thinking back about it gets me giddy. Best Sunday night I ever spent. I would do it again in a minute. SING IT CELINE!!!

Things I am Genuinely Thankful For:

2009-02-09T11:41:00.000-08:00

1. A loving Heavenly Father. Seriously. I am a potty mouth but he still loves me! What could be better? My favorite thing is, at the end of the day he STILL loves me. He may not agree with the choices I make but that unconditional love means so much to me.
2. Zachary. You know how some people love you until they really get to know you? Well Zachary knows me. He really really knows me and the beautiful part is, he loves me anyway. He knows that I have to voice my opinion or I will just curl up and die and he lets me voice it, even when it takes 10 min. He still does. He loves me and I'm so thankful for that.
3. Family. They also really know me and love me anyway. They know the mean side, the funny side, the sincere side, the happy side, etc. And guess what? Yep, they love me anyway. The other night I walked in the house where my Mom, Tamatie and Jess were visitng. My eyes were slightly red from a little vent session and the second I walked in they all asked what was wrong. Now is that love or what? They were genuinely concerned for me and I tell you what, it meant the world.
4. School. At times, you bet I am cussing school out but the majority of the time I am in hog heaven. I am learning so much and I'm so thankful for the opportunity to be attending such a great school, not to mention to be taught by such intellectual professors who really believe in me. It's fantastic.
5. Transportation. Seriously, what would I do if I didn't have a vehicle? This morning as I drove to school I wanted to be angry at the snow and the cars speeding past me but instead I thought about how thankful I was to be sitting in my heated car with working windshield wipers and a defrost button rather than out walking in this mess. So thankful for that!
6. Grammy. Taking care of her has taught me so much. I can hardly put it into words how each day brings a new challenge and a new joy. They say that as unfair and awful Alzheimer's Disease is, it's not for the person, it's for the caregiver. I truly believe this. This leads me into my next thankful item, perhaps a part 1 to 6.
6.1 My mother. She does so much! She gives, gives, and then gives some more. It's so neat to see how much she cares for Grammy. This leads into the next thankful item
6.2 My family who also takes care of Grammy. It the neatest thing in the world to know that although Grammy is now in the sixth stage of seven stages of Alzheimer's she is not in a care center. You know what that means? That she has a rockin family who cares so much for her. I am so thankful to have been blessed with such caring family members. My Aunts and Uncles and cousins are all contributors to Grammy and they all do so much and at times it is draining and emotional, but they all pitch in.
7. Friends. My favorite quote is: "A true friend knows the song of your heart and helps you with the words when you forget." Blast, I don't remember the author. How true is this though? There have been many times in my life where I greatly relied on my friends to help me find my way, in fact, I still am.
8. Smith's and Harmon's and Against the Grain and any other store that supplies gluten free food. I can't tell you how wonderful it is to go shopping lately and see more and more gluten free food items. Having pretzels, chicken alfredo, and muffins could just bring a tear to my eye. So you grocery stores out there who are supplying the gluten free food, please, by all means keep it up.
9. My retainers. Don't laugh. It's true, for eight years now I have had my braces off and for those eight years I am still an avid retainer wearer. Can't sleep without them. Listen to this tender retainer story: on occasion I will be so tired that I will just collapse into bed forgetting to put my retainers in, on those few occasions Zachary will kindly and sweetly put my electric glow-in-the-dark retainers in my mouth. I couldn't live without him or those bright orange bad boys.
10. Music. I could not spend a day without listening to music. Not to mention a week without listening to my fav, Angels and Airwaves. I love listening to music while doing homework, cleaning, or driving. A few weeks ago Zachary and I would lay in bed and share his head phones and listen to Secondhand Serende. The music totally set the mood for how nice it was to just lay there and not have a care in the world, wait- then Titty jumped on the bed and ruined it all. Just teasing, well, kind of.

Honest, I know it's cheesy but these are only a FEW things that I'm thankful for. There is SO MUCH! I know we're all in a hard time with the economy and people loosing jobs and all of the other terrible things going on in the world right now, but if we could perhaps think of a few things daily that we're thankful for, I think we'd all be better people. This does not go without saying that I'm certain that the majority of the people who even read my blog are already genuinely thankful people and I think that's just the cats pajama's. I love you all and P.S. I'm thankful for knowing each of you!

My Debbie Do Da Day!

2009-02-04T19:52:00.000-08:00

So the boys were OBSESSED with Rock Band or Guitar Hero or whatever you want to call it in St. George. They were hooked playing. Deb just wanted to join in the fun. Isn't she killer? I love it but more importantly, I love her!

St.George Weekend Fun

2009-02-04T19:47:00.001-08:00

Ya, it's been how many weekends ago that we went to St.George??

Good News...

2009-01-23T19:38:00.000-08:00

I kid you not. On my drive home yesterday ALL three deer were gone!! What?? Did I speak too soon? None-the-less, I'm ecstatic that they are in a better place; where that is I don't want to know. Happy Driving to us all! P.S. Can you believe this fog??? Nuts!

Ew!

2009-01-22T11:12:00.000-08:00

Last week on my commute to Weber I noticed THREE dead deer on my journey. Sad and disgusting all at the same time. It gets worse, then as I got onto 89 I saw a dead Chocolate Lab in the median!! Awful! It was early enough that the owners probably were not yet aware of their beloved pet missing, let alone dead in the middle of Highway 89. I called Zachary and was livid. On my way home that night the three deer were STILL in the places they were earlier, although the dog was gone and that made me glad. A full week has passed and STILL the three deer lay there while bugs and other animals eat the rest of their body. Absolutely disgusting. I'm calling someone today if they're not picked up. It's just sad to see that and I am fed up. Also, Legacy Highway or Parkway or whatever you want to call it has about five dead skunks or racoons or foxes about every single day I drive on it. I am now beginning to see why so many people were opposed to Legacy, it really is killing a lot of wildlife which I'm not so hip about. Yes it's true, I hate my Titty. But I love him at the same time. I am compassionate and I think that if those three deer are still there on my ride home tonight someone's going to hear about it! Period!

The Joy of Being a Student

2009-01-14T09:02:00.000-08:00

I do indeed, love school. I love Weber State and despite my 45 minute commute twice a day I still love it. I'm ticked though. (Ticked=mad, angry, Oakcrest word for meaning pissed) Why do we have to pay so damn much for books??? It is outrageous what they charge us. We are POOR college students. Hence the whole student part, how in the crap are we supposed to affored a $120.00 book? Mind you it was just ONE book. One lousy book that I will use for 15 weeks and then return for not even half the price. It is just awful. I do, however most of the time use Half.com, it's a great website with books that are pretty reasonably priced. It's still a lot of money to be spending on books but it does cost a little bit less. I'd love it if Wal-Mart started selling books. Everything costs less at Wal-Mart, right?? It's my decision to be going to school and it's my strange passion to be at Weber. Don't even get me started on the commute to and from 5 days a week. It's just ridiculous what I put myself through but when you love your program and love what you're doing how can you just up and transfer? I calculated last night that I will add 6000 miles to my new/old car this ONE semester. I'm crazy. Absolutely crazy. It's approximately 80 miles a day times 5 times 15. What am I thinking???? I'm oppting to take the bus and I'm totally not against doing so but that means I have to wake up and leave two hours earlier. That's a challenge. I love school, I love the opportunities that come from a college education, and I love Weber. So as I am now sitting in the computer lab typing this up I'm beginning to feel a bit bratty. I hope that you students out there will share your anguish and outrage with me on the price of books. It's just mean. Period!
On a lighter note...We're going to St.George this weekend and I cannot wait. I'll get to see the Little family and Tamatie and Trav. Cannot wait. To top it off, it's a four day weekend ladies and gentlemen. What can beat that?!?

Happy New Year and Happy Hair Cut!!!

2009-01-05T19:57:00.000-08:00

Zachary decided to bring in the new year with a handsome hair cut. He came home from work one day and about blew everyone over. I'm so excited because I can see his eyes now and my are they pretty. On Sunday everyone thought I was with a new man because he looks so different! I don't know what drove him to get it chopped off but he looks so handsome!!

We celebrated 2009 by playing Rock Band all night long. It was a present for my cousins that night and we started playing right then. Zachary was amazing at the guitar. He had a 127 note streak. Meaning, he hit 127 notes perfectly in a row. My little rocker of a husband. Mmmmm. I cannot believe it but Grammy stayed up the entire night! Her bed time usually ranges from anywher to six pm to nine at the latest so this was quite the accomplishment. She was so much fun playing Rock Band. She would dance to the hard core music and tap her cute little toes right along to the beat of the drums. It was priceless. Happy 2009 everyone. Zachary and I have our new years resolutions already and hanging in our room to remind us. We can't wait for what this new year brings and we're so happy to face it together.

What a fun night!! Happy New Year everyone.

Our Christmas in a slide show.

2009-01-05T19:53:00.001-08:00

Our Christmas went by so fast! We had such a wonderful time with eachother. We slept in and ate and slept and ate some more. It was nice doing nothing! I can't believe it's already over. We were very blessed this Christmas. It was so nice to be with family and it was a very relaxing Christmas.

Oh Christmas Tree!

2008-12-10T13:10:00.000-08:00

As many of you know, Zachary and I live with my Grandmother. She's a great lady who unfortunately is suffering from Alzheimer's Disease. Despite the sadness that the disease brings, she has brought a lot of happiness into our lives by the sense of humor we're able to have with her brain hardening. (That sounds a bit morbid doesn't it? I hope you know what I mean when I say that.) The Sunday after Thanksgiving I decided we should bust out our Christmas Tree and start decorating. Zachary was at work so while he was gone Grammy and I got the tree out. We set it up and started spreading the branches out. Mind you, this is an ancient tree. Grammy used to have it, she then gave it my Mamma and then my Mamma gave it to me. (Side note, last Christmas while Zachary and I were on our honeymoon my Mamma went to our Apartment and set up this tree and decorated it for us. It was the sweetest surprise when we got home. So that's how the tree fell into my arms.) Anyway, as we were separating the branches Grammy kept saying how ugly the tree looked. "It looks like a skeleton!" "It's as skinny as me!" I fully agreed with her because truly, the tree was in bad shape. After it was all put together and the lights were wrapped around it we took a step back and looked at it. Ya, it was pretty pathetic looking. I told Grammy that we'd go and buy a real tree next week but until then, this sad tree will have to do. We left it at that, and she went over to my Mom's house while Zachary and I went to Doug's. Since I was gone my Mom brought Grammy back over and got her into bed. She left and before I got home Grammy had something else on her mind. When Zachary and I pulled into the garage we both were extremely puzzled as to why the tree was all over the garage floor!!!! At first I thought, oh no, we've been robbed! ha ha ha. Zachary was smarter and said, "no, they wouldn't just throw the tree out." I opened the door but it was a little stuck because the Christmas lights were still wrapped around the tree and as I opened the door, the lights were wrapped around the kitchen chair that was shoved in front of the door. It was a jungle gym trying to get inside. My jaw was dropped open as we entered into the house only to find bits and pieces of the tree branches scattered throughout the kitchen. There was also a trail of plastic pine leaves leading to the living room where the tree was originally stationed. I was dying. I'm still laughing about it just typing this post. Grammy hated the tree so bad that she couldn't deal with it any longer. She couldn't wait until we got another one. She had drug the tree and the lights through the living room, dining room, kitchen, and out to the garage. She's a tiny lady. Extremely skinny and obviously, extremely feisty! Why wait when Grammy can just take care of it? I'm surprised she didn't get hurt because the tree was old that there are metal pieces hanging off it. I wish so badly that I could've been a fly on the wall to watch the whole thing take place. HILARIOUS! Now you can see we have a nice Christmas Tree that we bought on Monday night. We decorated it last night and I'm really hoping that this tree stays put!!!!!

Tag from Shay

2008-11-21T21:48:00.000-08:00

1. Where did you meet? We met at the one and only West Ridge golf course. It was love at first sight. ha ha ha

2. What was the first thought that went through your head when you met? "Man he's got beautiful eyes!"

3. Do you remember what he was wearing? A blue Hurley t-shirt, golf shorts and puma's.

4. Where was the first time you kissed this person? On our second date while watching GODZILLA on Doug's couch.

5. Where did you go for your first date? Our first date was killer. We met in the Jordan Landing parking lot (just in case he was a psycho)and I got in his car and he said to me, "So, what do you wanna do tonight?" Um... yello! The cutie pie didn't have a damn thing planned. We ended up going to Boondocks and I beat him at go-carts. It was a great awkward first date. Here's the kicker, when the night was over he dropped me off back at my car. He didn't get out of the car, he didn't walk me to my car, just a mere "see ya later" and I was off. Ha ha ha I laugh so hard about it now because honestly fate was the only reason why a second date ever happened.

6.How long did you know this person before you became a couple? I'd say a few months.

7. How did he ask you out? I was working a golf tournament at West Ridge and he came upstairs and asked me for my number. I was so embarrassed because it threw me way off guard.

8. Has this person ever proposed to you? Sure has, actually, a couple times. ha ha ha

9. Do you and this person have kids together? No sir. Just livin la vida loca!

10. Have you ever broken the law with this person? If you count sneaking into West Ridge at midnight to lay on the green of 15 and make-out; then yes...I suppose we have. Just kidding, but truly we both enjoy speeding.

11. When was the first time you realized you liked this person? When he gave my mom a ride to my sisters house. It was the first time Deb and Zach had met and she asked him for a ride. Looking back she did it to make me embarrassed, it worked.

12. Do you get along with his family? Yeth I do.

13. Do you trust this person? Yes! Like Shayla said, stupid question.

14. Do you see him as your partner in the future? Yes because I can't wait until he has Percy ears that I can rub all the day long. (Reference: Percy=Grandpa with the cutest grandpa ears in the world).

15. What is the best gift he gave you? A FHI hair straightner for my birthday. Best gift ever.

16.What is one thing he does that gets on your nerves? When he asks me to iron his clothes. I come unglued.

17.Where do you see each other 15 years from now? 15 years from now I see us done with school and being happy.

18. What causes the most arguments? Titty. He's the root of all evil.

19. How long have you been together? We're going on 2 1/2 years.

20. Are you married? duh.

21. Who do you tag? Jeth, Tamatie, Linds, Tracy,& Jeanette.

Halloween Fun

2008-11-03T19:03:00.001-08:00

Halloween this year was great fun. To start the day off I dressed Grammy up for her halloween party at the Neighborhood House as the cutest witch ever. She wasn't too enthused about wearing the witch hat but the cute lil' thing wore it and was the bell of the ball.

Here is Caleb and Grammy. Caleb is the best and dressed up to pick Grammy up. He takes her every morning to the Neighborhood House. We have fun mornings with Caleb, it never fails, whenever he walks in the house Grammy becomes so happy.

I dressed up as a care bear for West Ridge. Everyone thought I was a bunny! Jessica is the brilliant source behind the improved costume. I knew I wanted to be a care bear but just didn't know how to go about it. Jessica is a clever duck and came up with the felt, the ears, the gloves, etc. Isn't she the greatest?? Once I got off I made some improvements to my costume. . .

Then we went Treating with the boys. It was so much fun. If you've seen Tracy or Lindsey's blog you've seen the teeth binkies I gave the boys. They looked so damn cute in their costumes. I love them so much. Here are Brody and Teena, look how he is hanging on to dear life for his flash light, isn't he precious?

Jon got a little silly trick or treating and tried the binky out for himself. FUNNY!

The night came to an end and here was the proof. . .look at how exhausted he is! It cracks me up. He must've had a great halloween and he's ready for bed!

I hope you all had a safe and wonderful Halloween. We sure did!

Witches Night Out!!

2008-10-27T08:26:00.000-07:00

Me and Jess

Me,Linds,Lanni, and Xanna

My Sweets and I

Saturday night Zachary and I went to the annual Witches Night Out at Gardner Village. I dressed up as an 80's witch. (due to the fact that I have millions beyond millions of old dance costumes.)It was my first time going and as I was getting dressed up I hoped that I wouldn't be out of place. Um. . . there were witches everywhere you turned. If anything, the ones who didn't dress up were the odd balls. It was a riot to see all of the funny witch costumes. My favorite was a lady who dressed up as a sandWItCH!!! Hilarious. It's a pretty fun sight to see, just be prepared for the extreme crowd! Oh and Happy Halloween!!

Payin it Forward

2008-10-06T07:04:00.000-07:00

A couple of weeks ago I was ordering Panda Express to take to Zachary for lunch. I was in the drive-thru ordering for myself, Zachary and Zach's boss. There was a truck in front of me that when he was done he SPED off. He cruised on out of there. In my mind I thought, geez, must be in a hurry. I pulled forward to pay for my food. The cute cashier girl was laughing when I rolled down my window and said, "You don't have to pay. That guy in front of you paid for you." "What? Are you sure?" "ha ha ha ya, he just said that he wanted to pay for you and then drove off. Do you know him." "Um, never seen that truck before. Are you sure?!?" By this time we're both laughing and she's trying to convince me that I don't owe anything. So I said, "Well, then I better pay it forward and pay for the person behind me." The girl was looking so confused by this point and said, "No! You don't have to pay an-y-thi-ng. You don't have to do that." I'm still laughing and said, "I know that, but I better pay it forward. Good Karma?" ha ha ha She about died and said, "Okay, if you insist." So I drove off fast! ha ha ha. I was smiling the whole rest of the day. Even if the person who paid for my meals didn't do it to pay it forward, it still made my day. Although, I did feel bad because like I said I had 3 meals, Panda isn't cheap so I'm sure that fella in front of me got more than he bargained for! I had to pay it forward. This got me thinking, what if we did that more often? If we did simple, but sincere things like this, to complete strangers more often I think there would be a whole lot more smiles in this crazy world. Just something to think about. . .

A Trip to Old Nauvoo

2008-09-28T20:33:00.001-07:00

I had the opportunity to go to Nauvoo with my Mom, Grammy, Jess, and Aunt Jill. It was AWESOME! The spirit there is incredible. I learned so much and just loved every second of it. The Saints are my heros, I don't know how they did it, but I'm sure glad they did. Nauvoo is amazing!

We're going to HAWAII

2008-09-28T20:00:00.001-07:00

Happy Birthday Fatha!

2008-09-10T19:50:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday Fatha!!!!! I just want you to know how much I love you and how grateful I am to be your daughter. You're the best Fatha a girl could ask for! Hers loves hers Fatha so much!

Utah State Fair. . .

2008-09-08T08:27:00.000-07:00

Would you believe that Saturday was my first time going to the State Fair? I'm sure I went when I was little with my family but Saturday was the first time I've been that I actually remember. It was a BLAST! We had so much fun and as Grandma Jeanette put it, "I'm going to eat my way through the fair!" and eat we did!! First we devoured the fresh corn on the cobb. It was delicious! Although, it's nothing compared to my family's corn, it was still great!

We ate the corn dogs and they were yummy too, but what I was really saving myself for was the deep-fried SNICKERS!! You got it, a deep-fried snickers candy bar. We waited until Jon got off work so we could all enjoy the deep-fried goodness. I was looking forward to that all day! When we finally got to the line, they said they were all out!!! THE NERVE! I was close to tears. That was all I wanted! Then the lady said that she had two left. . .the first one that could pay for them would get them. Guess what?? IT WAS ME! You better believe I jumped to the front and snatched my deep-fried Snicker bar! It was so gooy and yummy and everything I hoped for and dreamed it would be. ZaCHary and I thoroughly enjoyed our day at the Fair and to top it off we had our snickers! What more could a girl ask for? I wish I had some pictures of my joy of the snickers bar, but you'll have to check out Tracy's blog, she captured the sadness and the joy of my snicker experience.

Here are a few pictures of Zachary and Brody. We love our nephew Brody so much! Aren't these pictures cute of them? Overall, the fair was a lot of fun. This will definitely not be the last time, we're going to try and go again before it ends.

Then, yesterday was Dax Raymond's blessing. It was great to see all the family, especially the ones we don't get to see as much. We had a fun/busy weekend! Hope you all had a great weekend like we did!

Happy Birthday Dougie Fresh!

2008-09-02T11:48:00.000-07:00

Happy Happy Happy Birthday Douglas! We just want you to know how wonderful you are and how much you mean to us! Thank you for all you do, you are such a neat man!
Love you!

Grandma's Big Surprise

2008-08-04T09:35:00.000-07:00

Norma Jean's Sweet 77

2008-08-04T06:32:00.001-07:00

On Friday the Rushton Family celebrated Grandma's 77th birthday. It was such a fun night! We danced and ate and then danced some more. Thank you to everyone who helped make it such a wonderful night. Grandma said to my mom the day after the party, "That was the greatest night of my life." WE love you Grandma!!

Happy Birthday Daxie Boy!!

2008-07-23T17:38:00.000-07:00

At 2:30 this morning baby Dax was born! He is the cutest little thing you'll ever see. Linds did great, she is such a trooper! Lindsey is one tough cookie! Zachary and I are so excited to have another sweet nephew! We have so much fun already with Brody so we are super glad to have another! We love you Linds and Dax!!!

Manners

2008-07-16T08:08:00.000-07:00

I'm a believer in manners. I like it when people ask me how I'm doing and I always feel it polite to return the question. Most of you know I work at the golf course, cooking, but also I am at the cash register taking money and greeting people. I am usually cheerful at work because I love it. I love working there and working with who I do. My co-workers are like my family because I see them so much. I am not impressed, however, with those customers who come in all glum shlum. Hello, you're not working, you're golfing so relax and let yourself take advantage of your day off!! I find it most annoying when I greet a customer all wide eyed and smiley face and say, "Hello! How are you doing today?" I cringe when they immediately start barking orders at me. For example, after my friendly welcome I most often receive a "I'll take a grilled ham and cheese!" Oh, just writing about this is boiling my blood. I mean, come on people show some manners. I used to ignore their irritating demands, give them what they want and send them on their way. Enough of that. I have recently started pointing out their rudeness and thus making them embarrassed. I love it. So now, if someone walks into the grill and doesn't respond to my manners I usually give them a smart ass remark like, "Well, for starters you can return the question of how I'm doing this morning before demanding food." I love to see their faces flush with embarrassment. A lesson in this story could perhaps be to have manners and be polite to girls who work in a grill at a golf course... you never know when they've had enough of rude, demanding people!

Happy Birthday Zachary!!!!

2008-07-09T14:04:00.000-07:00

Isn't he adorable in this picture??

Yesterday, July 8, was ZaCHary's twenty first birthday. I remember the first birthday we celebrated when we were dating. I had NO idea what to get him...so he got a quesadilla (sp??) maker. Funny huh? This birthday I was on my A game. He got a new golf bag!! I'm a tit bitter about it though because apparently someone from the Pro Shop told him that I got that for him...he wasn't even surprised but boy was he excited! It was so much fun to spend this birthday with him.I was off yesterday so it made it nice, I was able to go and have lunch with him. After he got off work we went to dinner and then went to the movie Iron Man, which by-the-way is an excellent flick. I loved it. It was a nice day. In honor of Zachary's birthday I'd just like to say how much I love him and I love how he makes me laugh everyday. I don't know what I would do without him in my life. I hope you had a wonderful birthday baby doll, you're the bery bestest!!

Happy Fourf of JULY!

2008-07-05T11:28:00.000-07:00

Now am I the only or do some of you feel that life is going by so fast? I remember when holidays lasted all day, or even how the day before the holiday would drag on? I can't believe how fast each day comes and goes. It's like I'm sutck going 100 mph and can't stop. We did have a good fourth though. Thursday night was spent at Granite High for their annual carnival type thing and an AMAZING display of fireworks!!! It was so neat, they played all of these great songs for the holiday and it was then as I layed on the blanket looking up at these awesome fireworks and listening to God Bless America that life was on pause. I am proud to be an American and even though this world is becoming more and more hectic I am grateful to be alive and have my family and my friends with me through lifes ups and downs. I hope you all had a wonderful Fourth of July!

Here a few pic's of us golfing and then going to Tooele to watch another show of fireworks. . .
*Notice my adorable Grandmother and also my adorable nephew...man I love them!

Tamatie Pie and Travis

2008-07-01T15:53:00.000-07:00

June 28 Tamatie and Trav were married! Trav's from St.George so they were married in the St. George temple. They have been waiting four years for this day and it was a wonderful one. If any of you know Tamatie, you know how much she loves Travis. The greatest part of all is that he loves her just as much. They were made for each other! They are so much fun together and they make a great couple. I love them both so much!!!! Come visit us soon...

Zachary and his Gerber Knife

2008-06-18T17:42:00.001-07:00

Before we left for Moab Zachary insisted that he needed a new knife for the trip. Of course he got one and was happier than a peach. Friday night Zachary, Jon and myself were walking to the bathrooms...Zachary was going to put away his knife and boom! It slipped out of his hand and went dagger first into his big toe! Ouch!! The kicker is, he didn't scream, didn't say ow, just pulled it out of his foot and kept on walking. Meanwhile Jon and I had no idea that it had even happened. When we get to the bathrooms he says to me, "Um...Jamie I think I cut my toe." I look down and the toe of his shoe is all blood. Uh...ya, I think you did cut your toe. I had him up on the bathroom sink in no time, rinsing and applying pressure. The bleeding stopped and we could finally get a good look at the cut, it was deep. Not wide, but mighty deep. He could've used two stitches but my baby is so tough he didn't. We cleaned it up and wrapped it and it was good as new. Can you believe the very next morning he hiked with us to Delicate? That is no easy hike let alone when you have an injured big toe!! I love you Zachary!

Moab Mania

2008-06-18T17:32:00.000-07:00

This last weekend Zachary and I went to Moab to spend the weekend with his family for their Annual Larsen Reunion. It was more than a blast! It was my first time to Moab so I was in heaven from the start. We went hiking and off roading and ate until we couldn't move. I had so much fun with the family. I can't wait for next years reunion!

2008-06-09T21:09:00.001-07:00

Three Things About Me (TAG from Jessica)

Three Joys:
Being alive
Spending time with my family
Being married to Zachary

Three Fears:
HEIGHTS!
The economy ten years from now
Small creatures, ie: mice, rats, gerbils, hamsters, etc.

Three Goals:
Earn my Doctorates Degree (obviously in good time)
Running the Logan marathon in September with my BF Chelsie
To be the next American Idol

Three Current Obessions:
Running
Driving my four runner
Tanning (Hey, don't hate...you know you want to get skin cancer too!)

Three Surprising Facts:
I have celiac disease (translation: Gluten=Shits)
I actually have a really, really good voice
I'm an excellent baker

Three People I Tag:
Shayla Stone
Jamie Peterson
Lindsey Nemelka

Goodbye Sabie...HELLO Four Runner!

2008-06-03T06:51:00.000-07:00

Yep, that's right, I am driving my dream car. (Well my real dream car is a Jeep Wrangler but that's just out of the question). Zachary and I thought long and hard about this purchase, about three weeks to be precise, but we are so happy with it! I am seriously all smiles when I get in the drivers seat. It is a nice ride! The Sabie isn't quite sold yet, but we were given too good of a deal to pass this up. I will always love you Sabie!!!

Cruise Pictures!!!

2008-05-23T14:17:00.000-07:00

1. To start off the trip...the luggage carriers marked my suitcase as "HEAVY"! Oopsie
2. Grandma all ready to get on the ship!
3. My Aunt Barbara and cousin Tessa showing their identical noggins...ha ha ha
4. My cute sissies:)
5. Tessa and I singing our lungs out at Kareokee!!!
6. Me and my cute Mamma being blown away from the wind
7. All us girls in Old Town San Diego
8. Touring the BEAUTIFUL Catalina Island! I love that place.
9. Nice view of the Monarch of the Seas
10.COUSINS!
11.Another windy pic...check out the lady in the background...annoyed??
12.Even though we were in Ensada Mexico, Grandma was still cold. :(
13.Grandma gettin down with waiter! ha ha
14.Grandma and Jess, isn't her hat the coolest?
15.TWINERS!!
16.Grandma was so sad that the trip ended, she got a little choked up at the airport. What a sweeite.

Well, that was the cruise in a nut shell. I know I'm posting these pictures WAY late, but better late than never. We had a great week and I know it made Grandma so happy. She is still talking about how much fun she had. I love you Grandmother, thank you for a wonderful vacation!!!

P.S.
I realized after posting all the pictures that the labels aren't in order with them. They go from the bottom up. Franks!

Need We Say More???

2008-04-29T10:59:00.000-07:00

Goodbye Amabassadors

2008-04-29T10:46:00.000-07:00

Here is all the girls of the Ambassador group. We have so much fun!!

Here we are, the ones who are leaving. One is going to Utah State, one is the President of Student Gov. next year, and one is the Vice Pres, I'll be on the Alumni committee with another Ambassador also.
Throughout my four years of college I have been an Ambassador. I was an Ambassador at CEU for two years and then an Ambassador at Weber for another two years. It's time to finally hang up my recruitment gear and focus primarily on school. Wow! How am going to do that?? I've been so used to going to school full time while being an Ambassador full time that it is going to be so strange just being a student. Since I was in Jr.High I've always been involved so really, I've never been 'just' a student. This will be a nice break. I'm really going to miss the Ambassadors I worked with at Weber. My office hours were always such a blast because we had so much fun together. I told Zachary that now I'm not going to have any friends. I am going to miss being an Ambassador and you know what else? I really do bleed purple now! I love Weber State! It's the best University, even if I have to commute there, it's totally worth it. So, goodbye to Ambassadors. Tear, sniff, sniff...

The Updates....

2008-04-20T13:29:00.001-07:00

Last weekend was quite the weekend in the Dangerfield Family. Jessica Graduated BYU with her Bachelors in Secondary Education, Amanda got in engaged 26 hours after her missionary (Travis Visser) came home, and Jared broke his wrist while playing in center field for Hunter High School. Nothing big happened to me that weekend, however, Friday was my due day.... The Sabie broke down!:( We're not really sure what is wrong THIS TIME with her, but I don't want to loose her yet! Ha ha anyway, I wanted to let my family know how much I love them!! I am so proud of Jessica, she is such a great example to me. She is done with school!!! I love her so much and I am so glad that Zachary and I had the opportunity to see her receive her long hard earned diploma. Way to go Jeth!!

I wish I had a picture of Amanda's ring, it is beautiful. She is so excited!! June 28 is her big day so those of you who know Amanda, tell her congrats:)I love you Tamatie Pie!!
I don't have a picture of Jared either. The poor guy was in so much pain last weekend. His wrist actually broke in four different places. It is still swollen so bad that they can't cast it yet, he is just hangin out with his arm bandaged and in a sling until they can do more. Unfortuantely he'll be out the rest of the baseball season. I love you so much Jared!

Titty and Me

2008-04-09T11:16:00.000-07:00

I have procrastenated for a few weeks now of my Anthropology Test. It is due tonight and don't you worry, I just started it this morning. It is going to take me the whole day because I put it off for so long! (Why don't I ever get it the first time??) Chances are, this won't be the last time I procrastinate homework. Anyway, I needed a break and so I walked into our bedroom only to find our adorable Titty just laying in my robe staring at me. Ew, I love him so much I could just squeeze his guts out!!!

He needed a break too, so I picked him up and we started dancing to Jack Johnson. Titty has brought so much happiness to ZaCHary and I. We just love him!!!

The middle picture just slays me! He is really gettin down! Ha ha ha!!!

Guess What?

2008-03-31T17:59:00.000-07:00

I finally gave in to Zachary's pleading. We now have our "titty tat" and it is the sweetest little thing you will ever meet. I have never seen a happier Zachary, he was beaming when we were driving home with our new addition to the Sain Family. As most of you know I am not fond of small, furry, boney animals. Well, this little titty tat has stolen my heart. I told Zachary that it would take me a few days to warm up to idea of it running around, I really couldn't even pet it until I was ready. Now I pet it and love it and yes, even hold it!!! Zachary is the best "Dad" ever! He can't wait to get off work to go home and play with his new pal. It is just too much fun right now! Isn't he so adorable??

Happy Easter!

2008-03-22T23:47:00.000-07:00

Zachary and I were lucky enough to experience the joy of easter egg dying twice!! Yay! We had fun both times! Weds. night we were at the Sain's, check out how much Tracy and Zachary look alike!
Zachary looks so cute, he is concentrating so hard! ha ha...we had a great time dying easter eggs this year, even if it is only March!

Check out my Slide Show!

2008-03-03T21:25:00.001-08:00

Nighty Night

2008-03-03T20:17:00.000-08:00

Grandma Pauline is now officially moved into the Sain Home. Ray, Tracy, Lindsey, and Jon are taking such great care of her. Zachary and I were lucky enough to see her yesterday and even get to help tuck her in to bed. Pauline is so sweet and we love her so much!

Nothin But Love...

2008-02-28T20:43:00.000-08:00

We went to St. George last weekend for my cousin, Hannah's wedding. It was so much fun! The reception was a blast, there was a live band and we danced and danced. Zachary and Norma Jean danced and if you can't tell, Zachary was a tit bit nervous to dance with her. He could barely keep up with her. Norma Jean can move!!

Happy Birthday

2008-02-09T19:28:00.000-08:00

Happy Birthday Jon and Lindsey!
We went to La Fonda to celebrate and it was such a nice restaurant. I think Tracy wants to go there for her birthday! Ha Ha! It was fun though and it was nice to see everyone....here are a few pictures....

Happiest Day Ever

2008-01-31T12:01:00.000-08:00

It was a great day. However, also very cold. Believe it or not the cold didn't hit me for a little while. When we first walked out of the temple doors I didn't even feel a change in the temperature. Then it hit me...oh baby it was cold! Luckily we had brought a blanket and our nice photographer brought us hand warmers. I had thermols on too! It was a great day! Here is a picture that you can really tell we were TREEZIN!!

Titty Tat??

2008-01-30T16:15:00.000-08:00

Okay, so my sweet little Zachary cannot stop talking about getting a "Titty Tat"! AHHHHH!!! I like animals, I like to look at them. Ha, no really, I do enjoy them. I just don't know about the hair and the feeding and the attention. I think that we will wait for a little while and look around to see what our options are as far as kitties go. I know that he would just be so thrilled to have one, but I gotta tell ya, I have to warm up to the idea.