New House!

For the last year {and two months} or so (who's counting ;) Michael and I have been living in his parent's basement.  We moved here thinking I was going to start nursing school last fall.  When that didn't work out, we decided to save all our little pennies and buy a house!

We were just casually looking throughout the spring and then fell onto something we just completely loved.  Destination Homes is building a new townhouse community in South Weber and we bought one of the end units.  We were one of the first buyers to be able to pick all of the options, colors, wants, needs, wishes, etc.  It was sooo fun to be able to pick our cabinets, countertops, paint, carpet, lighting all of the other options.  Surprisingly, we agreed on almost EVERYTHING, and after maybe 5 minutes of one of us debating our wishes or likes, we ended up picking the same thing!  The design center assistant was just shocked at how much our tastes were alike and how easily we picked everything together.  Like a spaz, I totally forgot my camera to take pictures of all of our stuff like the tile, cabinet, paint! UGH!!

The construction was scheduled to be started in October, but we were told if another buyer came in and bought one of the other models in our unit they would start earlier.  Someone must have, because they started the dig 2 weeks ago!! I didn't get over to the lot to take pictures of the dig or of the early stages of the footings, but I did get some with the dirt leveled before all the cement was poored!  The pictures of the finished house is what ours will look like when its done!! I love the colors that we have on the exterior, and its fun to drive by and just imagine what its going to be like!!

They have scheduled a completion about the last week of December to early January!! AWESOME Christmas present, I think!! :)

Looking from the backyard

Look at that view!! 

Yep, that's our garage!! 

Future finished product! 

Acceptance Letter

My college experience started almost 5 {long} years ago.  I always knew I could go to college, and graduate, but didn't quite know what I wanted to major in.  My classes in high school were based around the medical field and I thought I wanted to be a nurse, but after some health classes and teachers scaring me about what CNAs do, I changed my mind.  Once I started at Weber, I decided my major was going to be Dental Hygiene, however; that didn't last very long after I trained in a dental office.  After some medical issues of my own, I tried out Nutrition as a major... That changed {again} after all the chemistry classes.  Finally... I settled on nursing after getting a job in Labor and Delivery.  So for the last two years, I have been applying to nursing school and finishing up the prerequisite classes. 


In the last few months, I have been talking to people in the neighborhood about nursing school and was very lucky to have someone tell me that they could try to help.  They make some calls and had me sit down with the Pre-Admissions adviser at the DATC the day before the applications were due on June 17th.  When we sat down, she pulled apart my application and started to score it.  She gave me my final total of 10.25 (if I got full points on the Personal Letter) out of 14.  She then proceeded to tell me (since I am sure she could read every emotion on my face despite my best intentions of hiding my disappointment of the lower score) that most people who get accepted have a score of 10.75.  Depending on the amount of applicants and the scores, I had a good chance of being an alternate, or a slight chance of being accepted.  We talked about how I could increase my score - applying again and getting re-applications points (a bump of .25), or start to take classes over and get A's instead of the B's or B-'s and raise my GPA.  This last suggestion was daunting as I could have to take 3 very hard classes over and do even better than the very good effort I had already put in.  One last word of advice that she gave me was that the first 10 students to be accepted and all of the for-sure rejection letters went out very early.  I would most likely be one of the last to hear because I was right in the maybe-maybe not range and the longer it took, the better chance I had. I walked away from that interview/meeting preparing myself that it was going to be at least another year, or longer before I would be going to nursing school.  I have been asked many times in the last week or two about my nursing school status and kept telling people, the longer it takes to get this letter, the better.  I was really hoping not to hear from the school for another month (based on what she told me). 


Today, after I finished lunch, Michael came into the kitchen and handed me some mail.  I grabbed it without really glancing at it and kept talking.  Once I looked at it, my heart just sank.  It was "too soon" to be getting this letter, it had to be bad news. I really didn't have it in me to open a third rejection letter.  I sat holding the envelope for at least five minutes with Michael asking if he wanted him to open it for me.  I finally just figured, it says what it says, I might as well just get it over with, open it and move on.  I slowly opened the envelope, only seeing the bottom portion of the letter.  I looked more towards the top and saw the words "that begins on Jan. 2, 2012" I just froze.


I thought to myself... "They wouldn't be telling me when nursing school starts if I wasn't at least an alternate."


I ripped the rest of the envelope, fully opened the letter, and yelped!! I honestly couldn't believe what I had read...


"We are pleased to inform you that you have been selected for admission to the Practical Nursing Program at the Davis Applied Technology College that begins on Jan. 2, 2012."


I wasn't just an alternate... I was ACCEPTED!!!  I just started crying, I couldn't believe this day was finally here. It was the best surprise that I could have gotten.  I had been having a tough week, been working tons and just tired.  I needed some good news!!


I will start my first year of nursing school (Practical Nursing) at the DATC in January 2012 and then will apply for the RN Completion program through Weber State University taught at the DATC in Kaysville.  This will be the second year, or last two semesters of the program leading to an Associate's of Science in Nursing. I will be doing 4 semesters, January 2012, August 2012, January 2013 and May 2013 and will finish the end of August 2013. 


I still don't really believe it and have looked at this letter at least a dozen times to make sure it really does say what I think it does... It does :)  I don't quite know how to explain my emotions, but I do know that I am in for one crazy ride!! I have been waiting a long time for this so I will definitely make the most of it and try to remember how much effort I put in and how much it means to be to have this accomplishment!  So all of you in my life... When I start complaining about how tired I am, how much I hate studying, how much I just wish I was done with school, remind me how long it took, how many tears, how many sleepless nights, and how much this means to me!!


Thank you so much to all of those who have shared in this journey, who have contributed to my applications, and all of you who support and love me... I couldn't have done it without a SINGLE ONE OF YOU!!!

Hooked...

I'm totally hooked. I am always finding stuff online that I want to go back and look at, do, find, etc. and now I have the perfect way!!


Pinterest!

I know I am not the first to find this but it's so fun! I have found a few friends on their and that just feeds into this {obsession} new found fun!

Oh... and I was told by my husband today that this is pure {sex} ?!?  He was drooling...  I do have to admit that seeing him on this bad boy would be SEXY :)

I'm Back!

So... I have been out of the blogging world for quite some time. Life has been a little crazy, and well... Blogging took a complete back seat. Plus, I just didn't feel like I had anything blog-worthy to post.

Now I do!!

I have a new blog! I recently started to make a lot of car seat tents and {hesitantly} started to sell them.  I am totally aware that I am not the only one to sell these nifty things, but I do have a unique edge ;)  I crochet the edges of them!

Now you must go look at them

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HERE!

Goodbye

Today I had to say a very emotional goodbye. My brother Anthony is leaving on his mission in less than a week. He is flying out from Idaho Falls airport very early on Thursday morning and I am not able to go up to see him off.

Our family spent the holiday weekend in Island Park, ID and I had to say goodbye to him from there. I had a lot of fun just hanging out and getting to see him this week since he spent the whole week in Utah and then we drove up together on Saturday morning. I haven't ever had to say a true goodbye to him before because I always knew it would only be a few months before I saw him again, or even just a few days before we talked again. Not this time. He is leaving to another country for 2 whole years!! I know I will be able to email him or write letters, but its not the same :( Me and Anthony are super close and we talk often and just "get" each other.

I know he is going away for a very good and special reason, but I still am going to miss him so much and its just hard. I have never "sent" anyone off on a mission before and at this moment, I am not liking it!! I am so proud of him getting to this point and I love him to death!

Darn kid, just has to go off and leave. Not fair ;)

Moms - Checkout the giveaway!

Make It and Love It is one of my favorite sites...

You have to go checkout her giveaway. Its so fun for moms!!

[ blog ]

As I spent the entire... yes, ENTIRE evening blog stocking, I came across these awesome blogs. Enjoy! (Just try and keep track of the time cause your computer might swallow you up like it did me!)

blog.  A blog. a contraction of the term "web log" is a type of website, usually maintained by an individual with regular entries of commentary, descriptions of events, or other material such as graphics or video. Entries are commonly displayed in reverse-chronological order. "Blog" can also be used as a verb, meaning to maintain or add content to a blog.


This lady is awesome.  She speaks her mind and inspires at the same time.  I have only read some of her most recent posts, but I could spend more hours just reading. 

I think I was about 4 blogs deep when I found this blog... Can you say creative? Wow... I want a mind, house, and time like she has!! I hope one day, I have a house that I can decorate from garage sales, for cheap and make it look like a home.

Speaking of a home, I have been following this blog for months and like the previous one, one word just sums her up. Creative.

I decided I would love a sewing machine.  Why? Well, my mom made just about ALL of my dresses and clothes when I was little.  She would go "shopping" at places like Nordstrom and would just study their $100 dresses for 4 year olds.  She would then re-create them for cheap!! I want to do that for my future little girl, and with ideas from this blog, a future little boy! I just need more than 24 hours in a day.

I am grateful to fellow bloggers out there who share their creative minds with others.  It doesn't just have to be crafty, thrifty, or outwardly-talented people.  I also like reading about other people's lives.  I only have my life and I can get very wrapped up in it, my issues, my struggles, my problems, my mistakes, etc.  I love knowing that there are others who are struggling like me and maybe I can share my experiences, my knowledge or just my words to them and help them.  I don't know that I do that often, but just maybe... So for those of you who do read this, and in that little, tiny, off-the-wall chance that I do help, I am honored.  But those of you who don't read this, but I do follow, or read, your blogs, thanks for helping me be a better me.

Tax RETURN

So I know many people out there HATE doing taxes, but for a few reasons, I don't mind them...

1.  I am very proud to have a job, especially in this economy!
2. There are people out there that need the help of the government, and I help them by working and paying taxes. I may complain about the illegal aliens in our country, living off our hard earned money, feeling entitled, but who am I to judge who needs it the most.  I know I am doing my best, working hard.  The Lord will judge the people who are taking something and giving nothing, but as for me, my conscience is clear knowing I am doing my part. Okay... enough of that.
3.  I am getting a great education (even if I may complain about the load) provided to me by the government! We love student grants :)
4.  I LOVE GETTING A RETURN!! Whether we use it for paying off bills, saving it, or getting ourselves a little reward, it's always nice to get something back!

Thank goodness for tax returns! :)

Valentine's Surprise

This was my wonderful surprise while at work on Friday.  Michael had these shipped to me! 

They didn't come bloomed like this however, they were almost frozen!  Today, they are nearly all bloomed and are supposed to last for WEEKS!! 

Our kitty, Zoe, loves them ALMOST as much as me ;)  She keeps batting at them and trying to eat the flowers! Grrr

Don't I have the sweetest and most thoughtful husband?!? I think so!

I can't even contain my excitement! My parents are FINALLY moving back up this direction! They will be moving to Idaho Falls, Idaho in the next few months!!

They are leaving this...

To live here:

I would have to say its a trade up! They will be only 200 miles away instead of 800!!

Check it out...

I can't believe it, the time has come...

Check out the big upcoming event!

....

Yes, we are alive, barely.

School... well worth it. Work... necessary. Friends... We'll see ya in the summer. Family... We still love ya even if we don't see ya.

Hanging in there.

Update of Life

The fall and winter season have been CRAZY for us! With Michael swamped with school and work and I was working overtime every week, we hardly had anytime to see each other, let alone do anything worth posting about!

Michael finished his fall semester strong and FINALLY being done with all that math junk he hates so much. :) I have been racking up the savings account (actually paying off bills but that is what I wish I was doing) covering for a lady at work who has been out since Nov 1 and will still be gone until the end of January.

Michael and I sat down and plotted the rest of his semesters and when he could do specific classes so we didn't waste a single thing and could get him done as soon as humanly possible and we figured out... He has 3 more 12 credit semester left! WHOO HOOO!! There is an end in sight and we couldn't be more happy!

I am starting one more semester at Weber to finish all the non-nursing classes that I have left. I already have my Associate's in General Studies so I will NEVER have to go through that again but I still have Physiology and Pathophysiology to finish so I won't have to do that in the middle of the nursing program and that will go by faster. I will also be taking a CNA class until the middle of March so I can get experience (hopefully) before starting the Nursing program!

As for the Holidays... I didn't have to work Thanksgiving and we got to spend a very mellow and relaxing one with Michael's parents in Layton. (Sorry no camera = no pictures)

Unfortunately I just about missed all the Christmas festivities this year. My parents stayed in Cali and it was the Green's year for Christmas Eve and I was scheduled to work from 5 pm to 11 pm that night and missed all the present opening that night. Christmas Day we woke up to French Toast and then quickly opened presents for the remaining family that slept at the Green's house. I had to work from 11 am to 5 pm that day and came home and crashed on the couch!!

As for the presents we got: Michael - A zip-up hoodie, 2 shirts, cologne, a tie, a Holister gift card and Budweiser BBQ sauce. Tara - 2 pairs of jeans, 2 shirts, socks, jammie pants, earrings, bracelts, perfume and lotion. Michael and Tara - A CAMERA!! We were told we were getting a different camera than we actually did so my parents got us the wrong memory card so again, no pictures! :( My parents gave us a hard case for our new camera, Roger gave us an external harddrive with ALL his iTunes music on it! (SOOOOO MANY SONGS!!!!!) and the day after Thanksgiving we purchased our first BED! It is so comfy and it was very much needed! Our other was sunk in from the sides and sunk in from the top and bottom, no needless to say, our bottoms were almost down to the box springs! Not so comfy... We got ourselves a queen sized bed and a new bed set! I absolutely love our new comforter and bed :)

We were very spoiled this Christmas but will efficiently use every single thing we got!

The day after Christmas Michael's side of the family headed to South Jordan and into the District to see the movie Sherlock Holmes. As far as I know, everyone enjoyed it!

Our Holidays have been good ones and we were happy to see those family and friends that we could with my work schedule and really missed the ones that we didn't get to see. We hope this new year brings as much as last year did!!

Early Morning Ramblings

So... I am WIDE awake and have been for more than 2 hours (It is 3:00 am...) and am completely showered, dressed and ready for the day. Only problem is, I don't have anywhere to be until 5. This is the only downside to my job. I work both day and night shifts and it throws me off!

I haven't been posting much lately because, well, ALL I do is work and sleep!! I worked 62ish hours last week and another 40 this week for what is going to be the biggest paycheck I have ever received. Even though I will like this paycheck, I will probably not work that much too often...

I got a call from my brother Anthony the other day saying he was coming to Utah! Whoo hoo! He is riding up with a friend and his sister(s?) for some type of shower (baby, bridal?) and was offered to just tag along. He will be here from Friday night to Monday night. Short trip, but hey, I probably wouldn't pass up a quick visit down to Cali to see my family.

My new job has really 'inspired' me about what I would like to do/be when I grow up! I have come full circle and decided NURSING! HA! Its a job that is always in high demand, pays well, is flexible on schedule and I think would be fun in the right area. I probably wont get into any nursing program for at least a year, but probably more like 2 or so, and that is OK with me! I will be able to work to help pay off some bills, and let Michael get done.

We are going down to St. George next week with our friends the Morley's to enjoy a relaxing weekend. I am so excited about this trip because.... I GET TO SEE THRILLER AT TUACHAN!! I LOVE Thriller, have only seen it once, but still, LOVE IT! We will be there in a week and I can't wait!

I really can't think of much else because 1) its WAY too early in the morning, 2) We lead a very basic and boring life of working-college students

Hope ya enjoyed!

Happy 19th Birthday Anthony!!

Yesterday was my little brother Anthony's 19th birthday!!

We will soon find out if he is going to be going on a mission... He is still awaiting an official "YES" from the Bishop... But it should be anytime now that he receives that and will get to turn his papers in. Keep him in your prayers and keep the fingers crossed!!

Happy Birthday Little Man!!

Anthony on Baptism Day (8 yrs old)

Anthony receiving the Priesthood (12 yrs old)


Anthony's High School Dance (16 yrs old)


Anthony and Tara
(almost 19... not such a little brother anymore...)

Update on Life

** WARNING ** LONG POST AHEAD **

About six weeks ago, I had a bout of panic of going back to school, working, preparing for the temple, and trying to fit in having any time with my husband. Michael and I took some time to talk, pray and decide a new path for me. After some heavy conversation between ourselves and the Lord, we decided that I would take some time off of school now that I have my Associate's degree. A full time job sorta fell into my lap the week before and I was totally psyched for it and was able to take it after this big decision.

I have not QUIT school to those of you who are appalled at what you just read, I am just taking some time off from it. Michael's education is the most important of the two right now since he would like to be the breadwinner of the family. He has 3 semesters after this one to complete and then we can go from there for me! I have also (again) come to a crossroads in what I want to be when I grow up. In high school, I wanted to be in the medical field and went to the best high school because all my classes were medical based! I had thought about nursing or just something in the health field. My senior year I decided that maybe Dental would be that field. I started out college in the path of Dental Hygiene but after a year or so, I just felt bored of the subject. I took some time to think about my major and after some health scares, I decided NUTRITION!! I did that again for a year and decided, hmmmm... Maybe its not for me. This is now where I am and have been taking this time off from school to think about what I want to do. I have thought again about Nursing - especially since I work with a bajillion of them! I still have time to think about that though!

Anyway, my new shift in Labor and Delivery as a full time clerk started a week ago Tuesday. I have been working both night and day shifts (rough!) starting at 5 am or 5 pm working twelve hour shifts. I have loved the job so far and think that the more I get to know the nurses and other co-workers, the more I will love the job!

So today started out as any other night shift day causing me to sleep until 1:00 in the afternoon. I get up, eat some cereal, check out things on the computer, get ready and head out the door. Some may criticize me, but I have been donating plasma. I usually do NOT have a problem with this, but today was not the usual. I got there and it took 40 minutes to get to a bed compared with the usual 15. It also took 1 hour 15 minutes to donate when it usually takes 40-50. My dumb veins kept collapsing and I was done with the process about half way through, unfortunately, I had to go until the machine said I was finished. Well, I was feeling all fine and dandy and drove over to the hospital for work. I got all settled and started pulling up all the necessary programs on the computer. My arm bandage from the poke was seriously hindering my tasks and speed so I figured after an hour or so, my poke site was fine and I could take it off. I took off the bandage like normal and all of a sudden the hole started oozing/gushing blood. "Oh Boy" was my first thought and I put the gauze back on. I had cut through the stretchy band so I couldn't put it back on so one of the nurses went to get some gauze and tape. I sat down to wait for her and was feeling slightly lightheaded so I put my head down on the desk.

Next thing I know I am curled up on the floor looking up at the nurse. She asked why I was on the floor and the only thing I could think of what that I fell. I guess I blacked out again because the next thing I remember was being in a very bright hallway and moving. They had gotten me on to a gurney and rolled me down through the trauma elevator to the ER. My blood pressure had dropped down to 67/33!! It took me a good 30 minutes to fully come to. The nurse had called Michael to tell him I was in the ER, but I was Okay. They gave me a whole liter of fluids and watched my blood pressure slowly rise back to normal. After the liter of fluids and an 10oz cup of water, the doctor had me do a lap around the ER to see if I could stand on my own without passing out again. When they released me (and hour and half after the episode) my blood pressure was back up to a better level of 102/59. We figured out that I fainted because I saw my own blood (which has never made me queasy before) and the fact that I hadn't eaten, had very little plasma left in me, and that I have a dumb medication that lowers my blood pressure while trying to fight migraines. Well, I self prescribed to stop taking that dumb medication so that this never happens again, that and no longer doing plasma.

Luckily, I work in a hospital where it took less than one minute to get me down to the ER and be treated. Thanks to all the wonderful nurses (who I haven't worked with yet & who I scared to death) That helped me get to a place where I could be taken care of. I seriously hope that was the last time that ever happens!

One Year Anniversary

I can't believe it's already been a year! Our anniversary technically was yesterday, but we celebrated on Saturday by going to Cirque de Soleil's Saltimbanco down at the E Center. It was so fun!! Neither one of us have ever been to one of those types of shows so we both enjoyed it a lot! Thanks to Pepsi - We sat up in their Suite and enjoyed an awesome view! Unfortunately I couldn't take any pictures as it would be detrimental to the performers and their concentration.

Afterward we went and had dessert at the Melting Pot (YUM!) Sorry - no pictures again (I am lame, I know)

We have had quite the year and have been very blessed are so ready to start the next year together!

Am I Dreaming?

Or did I just get the best news of this year?

Michael and I met with our Bishop last night, and I know this may be jumping the gun saying this, but... We have been given a time frame for the temple!!!!

OCTOBER!!!

The whole time we were talking to him, and before he even said October, I just kept hearing October in my mind. When we told him that my brother is working toward going through for his mission and also Michael's brother and wife are going to be sealed (finally! after so much waiting) in October and our bishop said that is a VERY possible date. He still wants to pray and ponder on it, but still... WE HAVE A TIME FRAME!! YAY!

Yesterday felt like such a glowing day to me. I have been getting back into my habit of reading my scriptures and praying, even more diligently than before and I just felt like it is coming up, and quick.

My mom told me about this site where you can make a schedule of how you want to read the scriptures or articles published by the Church, and it will email it to you and keep you on track!!
One of my assignments from the Bishop is to finish the Book Of Mormon by the time I go through the Temple, I have a goal of 60 days, so by October 1 I should be done with the BOM... So far... That is 105 verses each day!! HOLY COW! Guess I better read fast!

I know we still have some work to do and I know that temptations are going to be thrown in our path, but I just wanted to share our happy news :o) (Even if it still preliminary)

Fight Like A Girl

I love this new country song by Bomshel... It has a good message and its also for Breast Cancer.

Headaches...

For the last six years I have been dealing with headaches. For about two years now, I have been dealing with CONSTANT headaches and frequent, severe migraines (one or two a WEEK!) I have been seeing Dr.'s since January of this year (thank goodness for insurance) and have gone through 3 medications, and 2 MRI's and have FINALLY come to some conclusion as to why my head always hurts.

I went to the neurologist today to get the results of my MRI of the neck to see if there were any significant findings. I was happy (relative, mind you) to find that there was!

The muscles in my neck have been pulled so tight as to bow the bones in my neck "backwards". The cause of this is stress... Who, me?! HA! (Those who know me well, know... well, I stress, A LOT - what can I say, I am a perfectionist) My stress causes the neck muscles to tighten and after years and years of built up stress, my neck has bent backward! This didn't scare me much because I know that muscles (usually) don't have permanent damage to them and can be worked with and trained into better shape. Then, the Dr. told me ... IT IS FIXABLE!!!! I finally have been able to find some light at the end of the tunnel and I cannot even express how good that felt today when he said that is was just exercising my neck that would most likely fix this!

The treatment is FREE! I just have to do a little exercise 3 times a day to strengthen the neck muscles to help pull the bones back into the right place. For the first two weeks of this exercise, the Dr. said my headaches will get worse as the muscles are being strained back and they aren't used to it so the tension will be much worse. I can handle two weeks (compared to SIX YEARS!) After that, I should start seeing improvements in the severity and the frequency of the migraines and even the daily headaches!

I do not know what it feels like to wake up without a headache. I honestly don't know what it feels like to live without a constant pull, pound, or throb in my head. I don't know what it will feel like when I don't have a headache or a migraine causing my vision to blur, or my stomach to flip cause it hurts to bad... Believe me, I will definitely let you know when I find this out!