A Response

I just figured it was time to say hello. It's been a little bit. 

I'm just plugging along. 

that makes me sound like I'm slow or fat--or both.

I'm not (fat, at least).

But I really don't have much else to say.

School isn't new, work isn't new.

And no, I'm not pregnant. 

So, I guess it's time to celebrate the simplicity.

Enjoy this song:

Song of the Week

Not gonna lie..this song by Brittney was never one I enjoyed.  However, this version this girl does is unbelieveable! Take a few minutes to enjoy her cover of Toxic. 

Tour de Cure

For our "birthdays" this year, Blake and I bought each other road bikes. Best presents ever! 

Well, we've been riding on weekends and whenever we can squeeze some time in. 

A friend in our ward, Josh, asked us in July if we wanted to participate in a ride called Tour de Cure.

This ride raises money for the research of diabetes and we gladly accepted. 

There are Tour de Cure rides all over the country--check out 

tourdecure.com and see when/where your local ride is. 

This was the first Orange County ride so the longest ride was only 54 miles (compared to 70 or 100, 54 isn't bad).

So we packed up our gear early on Saturday morning and headed to the start of the race.

pre-race pose

Blake's butt  :)

team OCTA

54 miles later...

post ride massages for the boys

Blake relaxing 

We had such a great time riding around Orange County--from the foothills to the beach. 

Thanks Tour de Cure.

Let's do it again--next year.

In One Year

To the few people who read this: I will graduate in one year. 

And I can't wait to graduate with these amazing women.

Online school--especially online nursing school isn't for everyone. And although I get fed up with WGU at times, I have to admit they have provided a way for me to fulfill my dream. 

For a Laugh

Said one friend to another at lunch, 

"My  OB doctor is the best in Orange County! If you're looking

for a doctor I could give you her number...except she doesn't take new patients..."

photo via

An OB doctor? That doesn't take new patients?

Good one, R.

Utah Time

In between my clinicals, we were able to go up to Utah for some family time. Jared and Amy were their with the boys--10 month old twins, all my siblings (minus Elder Seth) were there. We had so much fun at cabins, shopping, riding bikes, eating, and hanging out with our families.

We enjoyed time in Bountiful, Highland, Provo and Park City. We miss you all and can't wait until Thanksgiving in AZ and Christmas in Utah!

At Ruth's Diner with the one and only!

Blake and my brother in law built a piano bench for me so I don't have to use a folding chair. It's beautiful!

Driving away from those mountains...

Family Pictures

Of course, we had to catch a BYU game.

We were able to get to our cabins on Labor day. So nice to be in fresh air and ride some four wheelers.

Brigham City Temple open house 

Some of the fresh produce we smuggled across the CA border.

Thank you to our awesome families. 

want to hear something amazing?

her voice melts my heart.

seriously.

i love it so much--and i'm perhaps just a bit jealous of her talent.

enjoy.

it can't be right for everyone

photo via

She called me from far away. There was pain in her voice and a cry in the back of her throat. She fought it as she talked but her tears traveled many miles and streamed down my own cheeks. I listened and my heart only wanted to be by hers.

Their words were painful. Their judgments harsh. They opened healing wounds with cutting words. She was bleeding. Very badly. I found my own scars opening, too. 

My consoling thoughts were just as much for me as for her. Neither one said it, but each of us knew. "They don't understand. How could they understand?" And they didn't. And they won't. And they probably never will. 

So I tried to explain how to stitch the skin, not getting too close to the edge. Pull tight and make a clean cut. Bite down and count until the tears leave your eyes. 

Try not to think about what they will say. 

Another Bit of Boston Part 2

Once again, these are in no order at all. But I love looking at pictures on other blogs so I hope you enjoy!

Thank you again Amy for the pictures!

 Jared and Amy got us "welcome" cupcakes. Mine was even gluten free! So many gluten free friendly things 

on the east coast--even pizza at Fenway Park

 Watching the sunset in Maine.

 We stayed at this awesome hotel in New Hampshire. It was tucked  away in a beautiful valley. 

Beautiful, right?

 So many trees. I loved NH. 

 This little place is famous for pancakes--like you have to wait almost 2 hours if you don't have a reservation.

Luckily we called ahead. And yes, they had GF pancakes for me!

 Blake found and caught a tiny frog....

 ...and a recently shaved llama. 

 Lake Winnipesaukee--Just like in "What About Bob?"

 A waterfall in the White Mountains. 

 The Flume Gorge, also in the White Mountains. 

In response to my last post--I DO like lobster. I DO NOT like cracking it open, pulling out the meat, and seeing the insides and outsides of this little critter. I almost couldn't eat it once I saw the insides. Thank goodness for Blake and Jared who got all my meat out and cleared my plate so I could keep it all down. 

A Bit of Boston, part 1

Well, as I {somewhat} organize these pictures I'll put up a few for you to enjoy.

Boston was so much fun! Jared and Amy were gracious hosts {Amy even made us a "guest" drawer complete with razors, mouth wash, toothbrushes, gum and more. Such a great idea!}Their boys, W and B, are darling. We loved every minute we were able to spend with all of them.

 Introducing Amy, Jared, and the boys B and W

 Blake and I on the bridge at Lexington and Concord

 We played Bocce Ball on the 4th

Jared and Amy are pretty good

 They don't allow fireworks in MA so while in New Hampshire we bought sparklers to celebrate the 4th

 Whale watching in the harbor

 I forget which church this is...

 B and W as cute as ever

 The boys--they are very happy babies

 Blake creeping behind happy little B

 A beautiful sunset after our lobster dinner

Ask me how much I like lobster...

A new post next week with pictures of our other adventures!

Thank you Amy for the pictures!!