Back to school...and a little fun :)

I had a blast last week having sis here. It felt like she had never left. We just played, crafted, laughed, ate, sang, danced, decorated and much more all week long. I loved having her attached to my hip at all times :) I wish she didn't have to go back home. Having a sister is the best thing in the world!!! :) You can read more about our fun week on her blog:

http://jossiemarieandhusband.blogspot.com/2012/01/ariiiizona.html

Unfortunately it had to come to an end, and I started school this week...I was excited to start again but also not quite sure I was ready for the stress, busy schedule, life of studying and craziness. But it's here! This week was preeetty crazy and overwhelming. We are in for a busy semester. I am going to start seeing patients in about a week!! I have my first couple set up already, but if any of you want to help and come in for a few hours and let me give you great hygiene services (and teeth cleaning) let me know. SERIOUSLY pleeeeeaaase. I would love it :)

We have had a great weekend so far:

On Friday (which is my day off of school) I went on a hike with some friends from school. It was 5 miles and great exercise! We had a lot of fun. I sure love having such good friends at school, it makes the program much more enjoyable :)

                        

Then Friday night Gster and I went out for Spinatos Pizza (our favorite!). Then spent the night with Jake. Since my parents are out of town we were lucky to have him stay with us for the weekend and even though he's the busiest kid in the world, he squeezed in some time for his favorite sister and brother in law :)

Saturday night we had a fun date night planned :) We headed out to Glendale and got American food from In-N-Out, and went to the USA vs Venezuela soccer game. I've never been to a real soccer game before and I loved it. It was fun getting dressed in our red white and blue and cheering U-S-A, U-S-A!!

I was getting pretty disappointed when by 90 minutes both teams hadn't scored a single point!! Then they had four minutes of stoppage time and in the last minute of the game USA scored a goal! The crowd went wild!! It was a fun thing to do. We loved our fun date and doing something different than the norm.

 We loved looking at all the people dressed in flag capes, Captain America costumes, and all sorts of festive clothes. I love the American pride!!

Here's to my second semester of school...It's going to be a good one! Wish me luck :)

Enjoying the break!

I have really enjoyed having a 4 week break!! now into week three...unfortunately I got sick, which seems like the millionth time this year....but it gives me time to sit on the couch, watch movies, and blog :) 

After school got out we drove up to Flagstaff to be at Stu's Graduation. We were glad to be there and had a great little day trip with Kevin and JoAnn :) 

We had an ugly sweater christmas party with my classmates, it was fun bringing my hubby and introducing him to all the people he has heard so much about. We had a really great time eating treats, playing games, sharing stories, and getting to know each other's spouses/bf/or friends. 

(I looked everywhere for an ugly sweater, all out! haha. This was the best I could do in a short time.)

We also had an amazing christmas party with G's work: Menlo Group Commercial Real Estate. I love that he works with his brothers, so when we get together its with my favorite people :) A couple other people he works with came along too, and I really enjoy spending time with them too. Great group of people. I feel blessed to know that he goes to work every day with such wonderful people. We had a blast bowling, going to dinner, enjoying the company, and winning some great prizes :) I look forward to this every year! 

G surprised me with a fun christmas date. We grabbed our favorite pizza at Spinatos and went to Scottsdale to ride a train with a view of some great lights! When we got there the line was HUGGEE, and we were in for about a 2 1/2 hour wait in the cold. Luckily when G went to get the tickets he ran into some friends, the Miners, right near the front of the line. They graciously let us jump in line with them (Ya, I felt a little bad cutting in line...but so worth it) 

 

The lights were great, but the company was better. I sure love spending time with my honey. 

Of course we went to the Mesa LDS Temple to see their beautiful display of christmas lights, its a must every year. It really is amazing!

Mmmm...isn't he handsome :) I love my G.

We had a fun girls day with the besties, made sugar cookies, caught up on life, and watched the Holiday. Our lives have gone so many ways, all of us are up to new adventures, and I feel like we don't see each other NEAR as much as I would like to but every time we see each other it is like we haven't been apart. Thats what is so great about a best friend. I am so blessed to have these girls in my life.

I loved seeing Aub's Brigham. I can't believe how big he's getting. Its crazy. He sure is a cutie and looks exactly like her!! Makes me very excited to have my own! 

I also got to go to lunch with Alexis. I loved seeing her and hearing about her wonderful adventures up at BYU. Always love catching up with my girl friends

CHRISTMAS!!!!! It was wonderful! And very busy! On christmas eve and Christmas we went back and forth between families houses getting in all the christmas fun we could. We had our Christmas eve lunch at Nana's, she always makes it so fun and festive (she thinks we are getting too old for the silly things...never!) We had our traditional family talent show...and Graf and I decided to be Whos. We put on silly hats, taped our noses up, turned our upper lip under and sang "Where are you Christmas" In really silly little voices. Audience got a a kick out of it, turned out way better than we thought. Some how word got out to the Milne's and they convinced us to do it for them that night. I don't have any, but I'm sure there are plenty of pictures and videos floating around somewhere! haha. After lunch we went over to the Milne's for a delicious christmas eve dinner and talked about the real meaning of christmas. Then we opened some gifts from each other. My favorite was watching my nieces and nephew open their gifts, so in love with them!! Then we went over to my parents house to open our matching christmas pjs. We stayed there pretty late then went driving to see some amazing christmas lights. see here:  http://gilbertlights.com/ They are pretty much right across the street from me. 4 houses all light up and dance to the radio. Magical. Then we fell asleep to a christmas movie. :) 

Christmas Day was just as eventful. Woke up early to open presents, just Hubster and I. It was fun, he spoiled me!! And I got him some pretty good gifts too (most of which he picked out or bought on his own...haha.) I try to tell him he's not allowed to know everything he's getting for christmas, but he loves it just the same. Then we went over to my parents to open even more presents and have a delicious breakfast. Then we went to church and enjoyed a wonderful musical and spiritual meeting reflecting the Savior's birth. It was perfect having Christmas on a Sunday this year so that we could really focus on the true meaning of christmas.  After church we went back to my parent's house and got to skype Elder Whiting for about an hour and a half. It was so great hearing from him and seeing his happy face. He is having so many incredible experiences and touching so many lives already. I'm so proud of him and his passion and willingness to serve the Lord.

After we talked to him, we got to spend another wonderful dinner and night with the Milne fam. It was a wonderful, fun, family filled christmas. We spent the day after catching up on sleep, watching movies and just being together.  

I have loved holidays and the nights that Grafton and I have been able to spend together...Once school starts again monday through thursday nights are all school. I can't get enough time with him, he really is my best friend. He is such a huge support to me in my life. I couldn't have made it through my first semester without his love, help, and constant support. He truly makes me happy every single day. I'm the luckiest. 

We had a fun and magical new years eve. Mom and Dad Milne treated us to a delicious dinner at the Arrogant Butcher and a show: Michael Jackson The Immortal Cirque Du Soleil. Such an amazing show! It was a perfect night. 

I'm so excited to finish off the break with sis coming to stay with me for a week!!!

One of my new years resolutions is to blog more often. At least once a month. haha. Its a great way to journal and keep memories. And hopefully if I keep up with it...they won't be so long! haha. 

1/4 of the way there!!

I made it through my first semester of Dental Hygiene school!!! 1/4th of the way there! It was the best feeling! It was definitely one of the hardest things that I have ever done. I learned so much, not just about dental hygiene. And I made great friends. It really kept me busy. I felt like it took over my life...I woke up early, studied, left for class around 12, ate dinner on the run and made it to clinic from 5-9.  As hard as it was to keep up with all the work and stress, I really did enjoy it. I really believe I made the right decision for this field. Although I am still fully enjoying every moment of my time off=no stress and no studying, I am excited for next semester. I will start seeing real patients! 

 These are my 19 classmates and friends. We have every class together for two years...so we better like each other :) It really is great having each other for support.

Practicing.

 We worked on each other as patients most of the nights, just didn't get any pictures of that. 

We had the opportunity to go to an elementary school and teach 100 sixth graders about oral hygiene. They loved it and they were so smart. Then we helped them teach 100 first graders. I really loved it. It was so fun teaching them things that will really benefit their health and their lives. 

That is what I love about what I am learning...It isn't just about teeth. It is about the overall health of people. It is amazing how I have learned how oral health really affects the whole body and so many diseases can be related to it. I love learning how to help others. And I am looking forward to getting to know and care for many patients. 

1/2 IRON MAN!

This weekend we took a little trip to Las Vegas for G's Half Iron Man Triathlon in Lake Mead.

G has done a couple triathlons (a sprint and an olympic length) and a couple months ago he made the goal and signed up for an Iron man triathlon in May!! (He's amazing!) He has been training so hard these past couple months, which keeps him busy while I am in school at night. He is so dedicated, I could not be more proud. So this weekend he did the 1/2 iron man to help with his training. Which is a huge accomplishment.

Half Iron Man= 1.2 mile swim--56 mile bike ride--13.1 mile run

Seriously, I can't even imagine doing all of that. I was tired just waiting for him! ha (And that is only half of what he is doing in May! He's my hero.)
I spent the day studying on the sidelines, cheering people on, and waiting to see G (every couple hours). While cheering people on, an old man passed me saying "There is a place in heaven for you!" I thought that was pretty funny. 

 I really love him. :)

 Getting all set up!

 It was 46 degrees when they started the swim!! ah. I was freezing... good thing the water was warmer.  

 Now on to the bike...see ya in 3 hours! no big deal. haha

 At the FINISH LINE!!!!! 6 hours and 39 minutes! Finishing 18th overall and 1st in his age group (okay, he may have been the only one in the age group, but who needs to know that ;))

It was one of the hardest courses there is, really hilly and really windy! I was so proud of him for sticking with it...seriously, that is endurance!! He finished feeling great too. I'm a proud wife!

 It really was a breath taking view! The 56 mile bike ride was pretty lonely, at least he had a great view. 

Of course we did some sight seeing. as we were there, and visited the beautiful Las Vegas LDS Temple. It is a very unique looking temple, I loved it. And of course, the temple grounds are always so beautiful and peaceful. I loved walking around it and enjoying the spirit felt. 

After the race, we spent the night in the city. We enjoyed the sight seeing, had a great dinner and went to the Beatles LOVE Cirque Du Soleil...It was absolutely incredible!! Words can't even describe it. Blows my mind the things these people could do, and of course great music!

Great get-a-way with my hubster :) I sure love being with him. I'm so proud of his accomplishment...he motivates and inspires me. Loved being there the support him, and have a fun little vacation. 

21! Booyah.

September 13th:

I had a wonderful 21st birthday!! I felt so loved and spoiled. Hubby knows that I don't like waking up to my alarm so he told me that he would wake me up in the morning. So he started my day off waking me up and said that my birthday breakfast was ready for me... I was the most excited that I got to eat with him! He is always gone to work by the time I wake up so that was such a treat. He made pancakes and eggs (which he is VERY good at) and decorated the table and house so fun.

(he did pretty good huh?!)

This made me laugh!! People say the only cool part about turning 21 is that that you can legally drink...nothin better than Root Beer!

While we were eating I was looking at the cards and presents on the table and there was an envelope with my name written in cursive all cutesy on the front. G said, "I don't know who that is from, it was just on the door step." I thought that was kind of weird but totally believed it. After breakfast as I was opening up my presents he said why don't you open this too. I laughed so hard when I opened it and it was a letter from Taylor Swift...

My sweet hubby surprised me with a ticket to the Taylor Swift concert a month ago to go with my sister-in-laws as an early birthday present. I am SOOO excited to go, I have been listening to her songs like crazy lately!!-- I bet not very many people can say that she wrote them a birthday card! ;) haha. He's so clever...I love it!

A few of the presents I was given: G also gave me some new work out clothes, a new rug for our home, men's basketball shorts (So I don't steal his anymore! ha...still can't promise anything) and money to buy whatever I wanted :) Which I spent on more cute decorations for our home, had so much fun picking out with my Mom this weekend!!! My mom painted an adorable shelf for my house. (I'll post pics of that and all the new decor soon). Sis made me a bunch of cute headbands and accessories and I have already worn most of them the past couple days. Movie tickets from Jakester, and money from both my grandparents and parents. I really got spoiled.

For lunch I went to Chipotle with my fam and Nana and Grandpa brought a cookies and creme ice cream cake and I got to blow out all these candles in the restaurant. I

I got so many sweet birthday messages, texts, cards, and calls. I really felt so loved... I am a lucky girl :) I loved this picture my cute sis in law sent me of my newest niece.

After lunch I went to school, and my sweet classmates gave me a card, some balloons, and cupcakes for everyone. I love the girls I get to go to school with, they are so great. We are going to have a great 2 years together.

I got out of class at 7 and got to enjoy an amazing dinner at Temari's (my FAVORITE sushi restaurant) with my love! Nothing better than sushi with my favorite person in the world. We had so much fun.

Both my families had fun sunday birthday dinners on either end of the week....love celebrating all week :) I am so blessed to have two amazing families!! They are so good to me.

It feels good to be 21 :) Thank you to everyone who made my day/week so special!!

Miracles Happen!

So, as you may know I applied for Dental Hygiene School in January. I worked so hard on the pre-requisite classes to get A's in all of my classes at ASU, and MCC. Because I have known since I decided this is what I wanted to do that it was VERY competitive and that I would have perfect grades and have the experience in dental, and receive good letters of recommendation to get in. SO many people apply and only 20 students get in every year. After accomplishing all that I needed to just about ensure I would be accepted. I found out that they just changed the placement process and if you had the minimum requirements you would get put into a "pool" and the computer pretty much RANDOMLY does the placement!?! What sense does that make?!

I wanted to get into school so bad that I applied to MCC, Rio Salado, and Phoenix college. My preference was MCC but I'd take anything! When they did the placement in the spring, I didn't get lucky...I was devastated. I didn't get in to MCC or Phoenix college which both start this fall, but there was one more chance that I could get into Rio Salado which starts in February but would finish at the same time. I tried not to get my hopes up, but the placement team told me that I had a very good chance of getting placed at Rio, since my number was going up on the list due to the fact that I hadn't been placed yet. A couple months later I got an email saying that Rio Salado was not going to accept any students this year because they were changing campuses so the next class would start in 2013!!! Once again devastated. I was thankful for the support of my family and friends who kept reminding me that the Lord must have a different plan for me, and that we don't always know the reason for things. Just have faith and everything will work out. So, I learned a lot of faith and patience these last couple months (which must have been a lesson I really needed). I called and talked to many advisors and directors of the school and asked if there was any possible way I would get placed if someone were to drop out. They told me no, since there was too many people ahead of me on the list...And they told me to just plan on next year, or 2013. I settled for this and made different plans for my life until I would get placed.

Monday I was at work and started my lunch break, I had a missed call and voice mail that I had just missed by five minutes. I listened to it in shock! It was a man from MCC's dental hygiene program that said that he was trying to fill a spot in the dental hygiene program starting in TWO WEEKS!! He continued saying that he was calling a couple people and whoever would respond first he would take....I was so thankful that I had barely missed the call. I hurried and called him back, got all the details, made sure Grafton was okay with it (of course he supported it 100%, just had to make sure since it will affect us both the next two years :) ) and I ACCEPTED!!! I seriously could not believe it!!...actually still can't. All of a sudden everything changes and I will be starting school in less than two weeks. I have been getting prepared, had to tell my jobs that I only have 2 weeks left, been buying the essentials, and getting medical stuff taken care of. I am so excited, and feel so blessed. It really is amazing how everything works out, even if its not exactly in the way that you wish it to.

Dental Hygiene School here I come!!!!!!

Camping Getaway

G and I decided to get out of the heat (115 degrees is killin me!) and spend the night in woods :) We had so much fun getting away and camping out. I haven't done much camping in my life, so I thought it would be a fun adventure.

We packed up the car and took off. It was a beautiful drive and took only about an hour and a half.

We searched for a quiet, private camping ground so that we could just be together and enjoy the peaceful woods. While Grafton gathered wood for the fire, I helped set up chairs and our sleeping bags. I was pretty proud of our camp!

G started a big fire and we sat and talked and enjoyed it for the rest of the night. We brought our tin foil dinners with ground turkey and veggies. I know it looks gross, but it was delicious. We also made S'mores of course...thats what camping is all about right?!

We had a couple neighbors that wandered through the woods (COWS!) I thought it was hilarious. I guess I just always picture squirrels, bears, bobcats, and deer when I think of animals out in the woods...but we saw probably about 15 cows wandering around.

There is something so peaceful and relaxing about a campfire. I loved just sittin around it with my love, just talking and telling stories. We fell asleep in the tent watching the stars. It was incredible.

It was breathtaking how beautiful it was up there. I couldn't stop taking pictures. I loved being out in nature, and getting away from all distractions to just be together. It was very refreshing.

I would definitely do it again. We really had a great time. Perfect little get-a-way. I sure love that I get to do everything with my Hubby :) He makes everything so much fun.