I'm Done!!

That's right.  My last final was Thursday morning.  I had three this last week, and passed all my finals.  Some of them by the skin of my teeth, but I passed them all and that's what counts, right?  Now I have three weeks off!  School starts again on January 12th, and then I'm having a baby on January 13th. I'm due on the 20th, but for c-sections they schedule them at 39 weeks.  So unless I go into labor early, the 13th is the day!  

We still haven't decided on a name.  We have a few favorites, but probably won't decide for sure until she is actually born.  So, in three weeks, you'll all know, if we do.  =)

Now I just need to finish Christmas shopping, mail packages (sorry they'll be late to those of you we're sending stuff to-finals and shopping don't go well together), put up a crib, sort through girl clothes that were given to me by a friend (thanks Kalli!) and pretty do everything else to prepare for a baby that we haven't done any of yet.  So, that's what's on my agenda.  I thought about scrapbooking if I had any time, but not sure how much of that will actually happen.

All-in-all, I'm glad for time off!  Things have been stressful the last few months with my overwhelming school, Michael working his regular job, doing free lance work, and taking a writing class for work.  It's amazing we made it, but we did, and a little R&R will do us some good!  Yay for Christmas vacation!

Hungry, Hungry Hippo

When Michael got home from work tonight, Zander told him how hungry he was.  Michael commented that he was a hungry, hungry hippo.  To which Zander replied, "No, I think that's mom because she's fat like a hippo."  When they told me that later in the car, I laughed and just told Zander it was a good think he was only 5.

Oh, the honesty of children.

Gotta love 'em.   =)

Happy? Birthday to me!

Well, yesterday was my birthday and I turned the bit 3-0!!  That's right folks.  I'm 30.  And not a minute sad about it.  However, yesterday wasn't my best day ever.  Let me explain....

Zander came to me probably Monday morning and told me his hands hurt.  He had a few small bumps on them, but I didn't think much about it.  Then they got worse. On Tuesday night at dinner he complained of his throat hurting so much he cried when he tried to eat.  On Wednesday, Michael took him to the doctor, and he has hand-foot-mouth disease.  We just learned about this in my pediatrics class, how could I miss it?!  I feel like a horrible mom and like I'm not on track to be a great PA either.  That same night I noticed Keagan wouldn't eat and looked in his mouth, and sure enough, he has it too.  Keagan doesn't have any sores on his hands or feet, but his mouth is bad.  The last few nights have been horrible.  Zander is getting better, and his sores are all healing, but Keagan is a few days behind.  He wakes up about every hour crying that it hurts.  Yesterday, he cried almost all day long except when he would crash on the floor somewhere.  He won't eat, he won't sleep...Michael and I feel like we're going crazy.  Anyway, I felt bad dumping them on my parents when Keagan was so unhappy, but we needed some sanity time, so we took advantage and went out for my birthday last night.  

We had dinner at Famous Dave's and it was delicious!  After dinner we went to Gardner Village.  We went on a carriage ride and just shopped around.  I've never been there before and it was really fun.  I even got an apple cider to keep me warm as we walked around.  I got a few fun pictures, too.

Here's us in taking our carriage ride. The pictures were taken with my phone, so there's no flash. Sorry they're so dark.

Then here's a couple pictures of the trees with their lights.  That's probably my favorite part of Christmas, the lights.  They are so pretty!

So, what started out to be a rough day ended up to be a great birthday!

Thanks Michael and Mom and Dad!

I got the word...

I've been chastised for not updating my blog lately.  I have nothing new (of note) to report.  I'm so busy with school I don't do much else.  I'm a little overwhelmed with school right now.  We still have tests every week and after Thanksgiving we have two tests the next week, two the week after, then three the next week, which is finals week.  My last test is Dec 18th.  I will breath a sigh of relief when that day comes and goes.  I spend every Saturday and usually Sunday evenings in study groups.  I try to study during the week and usually end up falling asleep at my desk.  Welcome to life as a mother of two, pregnant, graduate student.  =)

I'm 7 months along now.  I feel tired all the time lately (hence the falling asleep in class and at desk at home).  I'm uncomfortable almost all the time, and can't eat much at one sitting because I just don't have room.  Anyone who has seen me pregnant knows I get huge, so I run out of room pretty quickly.

Other than that, not a lot to report.  Michael painted our kitchen area last weekend.  He did behind the table area a red/orange color and the pantry corner forest green.  It all actually looks really good.  The rust color was a mis-tint, our favorite (and cheapest) way to buy paint.  Zander is excelling in school.  His teacher had nothing but rave reviews about his at parent-teacher conference.  He's so smart and well behaved.  We're great parents.  Shall I go on??  Keagan is finally growing and he's also getting smarter.  It amazes me the things I say to him that he understands.  I don't talk to him like a baby and he certainly doesn't ask like one.

So, all in all, things are still moving along at our house.  I take it a day at a time and try not to think too much about the in between.  Here's a little photo we took at home a few weeks ago just before church.  Enjoy.

Busy, busy, busy

Starting three weeks ago and continuing for the rest of the semester, I have a test every Monday morning.  My last three tests have been hard, but not unbearable.  But today was my final in Cardiology/EKG/Cardiovascular Nutrition.  Yeah, three finals (three different classes) in one.  I spent a lot of time over the last week and weekend studying for this test.  After the test was over, I thought I was going to cry.  For all the hours I put in, I felt totally unprepared.  I had made as many educated guesses as I could on the things I wasn't sure about.  I read scriptures on the bus on the way to school today.  As far as I know, that is the only reason I did well.  Turns out, I got an A!  I ended up with 95% on the test! I was so happy! I've been averaging in the high 80's on the last few tests, which is not as well as I could probably do, but with as much as I have going on, good enough. 

Okay, enough about that.  Zander lost his second tooth a week or so ago.  He got another dollar and took them both to the dollar store and bought some toys.  Michael took both the boys and let Keagan get a toy, too.  True to form, they both fought over Keagan's toy, Zander having decided that was better than what he got.  Kids.  Also, Zander has been learning to write better and read in Kindergarten.  He's loving school, reading, and learning in general.  He's such a smart kid.  But I think I need to stop telling him that.  He told me the other day (as he has before) that is the smartest person in the universe.  At least I'll never fail in giving my children good self-esteem, eh?  

Keagan continues to learn new words and become more independent and vocal about his independence.  The time out chair has become his friend (and Zander's too for that matter) as we're learning to listen to mom and dad.  When he's doing something wrong, he says to me, in his sweetest voice, "Hi Mommy".  Then does it again if I'm still mad.  What a manipulator.  But sometimes it's funny to watch.

Michael has been home the last few months, which I've been extremely grateful for.  He's such a help and support to me.  I've gotten used to him traveling, but being 6 months pregnant (and very emotional) makes it a little more challenging for me. He's also taking a writing class at the U for work and really enjoying it.

Well, that's the update on my little family.  I know these are getting far and few between so I thought I better update on the whole gang!

Later!

The unproud new owners...

of a minivan.  That's right, folks.  We have joined the ranks.  We know we will be able to fit three kids and three car seats in the Jeep (it's wider than the Galant), but our nanny has a baby, too.  If we want her to continue to take Zander to karate, or run errands for us (which I do more when Michael is out of town) we need to have a car that holds 4 children....hence, a minivan.  We bought it used, and unfortunately not quite as nice as the picture here (dang).  It's white, with tan leather interior (we were excited about the leather - easier to clean up).  

Anyway, if anyone is looking to buy an awesome Jeep Overland, we are selling ours.  =(  We LOVE this Jeep, but until I'm done with school, we don't want to worry about the payment.  

Well, that's all there is to say about that!

And the verdict is...

Yes, I'm still here, but something is missing...

I know, I know..."I have so much to say before school starts again..."  Well, I never have enough time in a day, whether I'm in school or not, it turns out.  Here is one thing I wanted to write about:  Zander lost his first tooth!  His bottom front tooth fell out while he was eating breakfast on Monday, August 18.  He was very excited!  

He comes to me, with his fist closed, and says, "Mom, I was wondering what a tooth looks like when it falls out.  Does it look like THIS?!?!" And shows me the contents of his hand and starts laughing.  He is such a clever little kid.

Here he is all toothless and happy! 

And here is another one with him and brother, Keagan.  They are so cute together!

Happy Anniversary

So, today we celebrate 9 YEARS of marriage!  I can't believe it either.  Michael, my amazing husband, surprised me with a wonderful gift! (And one for him, too.  He's a great shopper, for the both of us.)

This is my new baby. He said being together 9 years is a journey and deserves the Journey Necklace (with white sapphire stones). He said he was so excited to give it to me he hardly slept last night, like it was Christmas.  This was better than Christmas!  Thanks, Babe!

And, this is what I got (riiight) for Michael.  He got a new set of golf clubs.  He went to buy one club with a gift card he had and the sets of clubs were on sale.  So he got them and called it my gift to him.   I'm such a good wife I even surprise myself sometimes!

I have lots of other things to talk about before school starts on Monday, so visit me here often between now and then!

And...we're done

So, I survived my first semester of PA school.  I even think I made it with A's and B's, although grades aren't available for another week.  Honestly, it wasn't as hard as I was afraid it might be.  But most of our graded classes (not pass/fail) were review type classes, except for a few very difficult exceptions like Biochemistry and Microbiology.  Next semester, however, is going to be very different.  The students and faculty alike have told us that fall semester is by far the hardest.  It's much more time consuming with a lot more new material being presented, real medical stuff.  For those interested, I'll put my schedule below, so you can see what I'll be doing.  For those not interested, skip it!  By the way, this means I'm 1/4 the way done with classes!  Yeah!

Course: Pathophysiology I 

Classes in this course: Infectious Disease, Surface Anatomy, Wound Management, Pediatrics, Adolescent Medicine, Orthopedics, Gastroenterology, Opthalmology, ENT

Course: Specialty Care I

Classes: Cardiology, ECG Inerpretation, OB/GYN, Pulmonology, Radiology, Nephrology, Lab Interpretation

Course: Drug Therapy in Primary Care I

Course: Patient Problem Management I

Classes: Tutorials, Focused Exams, FP (Family Practice) Grand Rounds (This is a meeting of doctors and residents where they present patient cases and solutions for them.  I've never been but I've been to similar meetings and they are fascinating!), Professional Issues, Cultural Competency

Course: Evidence-Based Medicine I

Classes: EBM Overview, COPC (Not sure what this stands for)

As you can see, as happened this semester, I have 5 graded courses that are made of several classes each.  We get a grade in each class (some are just pass/fail), then all the class grades are combined to give is a course grade.  They rotate in and out, so I can be taking 5 or 10 classes at a time, depending on when they all start/stop.  

ANYWAY, I'm out of school for 3 weeks!  I'm trying to get caught up on blogs that I haven't seen forever, including mine.  I'm also wanting to do some scrapbooking!  I love being home with my kids more, and am looking forward to a vacation at some point, maybe.  Anyone who wants to do lunch or a scrapbook date...call me!  I'm available, but not for long!

My cute boys!

My nanny, Stephanie, is the daughter of a friend that I worked with at Huntsman.  They took the boys swimming one day and made these cute scrapbook pages.  I thought I would share because they are so cute!  Thanks Annette and Stephanie!

I'm doing good!

Well the first two days of this holiday weekend were way more fun than I thought they would be!  Can I just say I'm so grateful for friends?! 

My family left on Thursday night for Nouvoo (with my parents and siblings) so I am all alone.  I cried like a baby when they left.   I was so afraid of being a lost little puppy that I tried really hard to keep myself busy.  Well, I stayed so busy, I was late for everything I found to do!

I got up on Friday the 4th and went to our Ward Breakfast at the church.  While there, I made plans with a friend to go see 'Made of Honor' and we loved it.  It's a very fun show!  Then we came to my house and played Guitar Hero.  Always a hit.  That evening I went to a BBQ with some friends from school.  We had a great time, especially because there was delicious juice and fruit pizza.  How can you not have a great time when delicious juice is involved?  We decided not to walk to Sugarhouse Park for fireworks, the original plan, but we set up camp in the backyard and could see the show just fine anyway!  The fireworks were amazing!  I LOVE fireworks!

Today, I decided I was going to go to the gym and swim laps, something I haven't done in a very long time.  Michael suggested I ride my bike to the gym, then swim.  So I got on my bike, rode the almost 5 miles there, laid by the pool (and did a few laps, with mostly arms to get some sort of upper body workout in) and laid by the pool for a little while longer.  Then got back on my bike and rode the almost 5 miles home, which almost killed me.  I realized on the way back, that the ride there wasn't because I was "in the zone" as I had hoped, but it was mostly downhill.  Yeah, that means it was mostly uphill on the way home.  I was already tired, and it was 98 degrees, so that's why I almost died.  But I'm okay. 

Next, after a much needed shower, I went to the wedding of a friend I worked with at Huntsman.  They got married at East Canyon Resort and it was beautiful!  And, I had a fantastic time!  I saw all (well most) of my old crew and was there for the ceremony (at 2:30), the time in between, and for most of the reception, which started at 5:30.  I didn't leave until 8.  It was hot and we danced like fools and loved every minute of it!  We even followed the kids example and ran through the fountain before the night was over.  I sure miss my girls up there!

Not a great photo, but it was taken with my phone, which doesn't zoom.  (Michael has the camera on vacation.)   It was so pretty and Krystal looked amazing!  

These were flowers that were growing wild on the way up the canyon.  I know you can't tell because this picture was taken with my phone again, but these flowers were such a vibrant purple and they were in red soil, so they stood out even more.  They were so pretty I pulled over and took a few shots. 

So since I haven't done any homework yet this weekend, and that was all I thought I would do, I guess I know what is planned for tomorrow!

I know this is already longer than you want to read, but a little brag note:  my last two finals I have scored 97% and 91%.  Go me!  =)

Kung Fu Zander

We went and saw Kung Fu Panda a few nights ago, and had such a good time!  Zander wore his karate uniform, and when I saw the panda out in the lobby, I couldn't pass up this photo op!  It's such a good movie.  Anyone who hasn't taken their kids, or even gone on their own, should.  It's funny, it's clean, and it has such a good message.  We even got to have popcorn.  It was a fun night!

Now I'm getting ready to be on my own for the next 10 days while Michael, the kids, and my whole family go on vacation...without me.  I can't afford to miss that many days of school, and right now school has to come first.  It makes me sad thinking they are all going to be gone for so long...what am I going to do with myself?!  Oh yeah, homework that I haven't done for a few months...what was I thinking.

I'll keep you posted on how they are doing and my loneliness scale.  Later!

We've gone green

I thought maybe I'd write about something other than school.  But first...I have to say, I took a final on Monday in History Taking and got 99%!  That's more like it!

Okay, now I'll explain the title.  I take the bus to school (on most days that I'm up early enough to catch the but at 7:00), Michael bought a bike a few weeks ago and rides his bike to work on most days, too.  With gas now hitting $4.00 a gallon, we knew something had to change.  Two times this week we even packed the kids in the stroller/bike trailer and rode up to Harmon's to get a Redbox movie.  The first ride I felt like I was going to throw up when we got there, but tonight I didn't feel that way until I got home.  I'm getting better!

Well, I'm going so Michael and I can watch a movie together.  Later!

Time flies

What a crazy past few weeks!  I started school, and Michael was home for the first two weeks.  Then he was gone from Monday morning to Friday night last week and this week.  It's been a real challenge to stay on top of studies and reading and homework without any help at night.  The first week, my parents were able to help out but this week, they have been busy, too.  The other night I put on a movie and tried to get some reading done (yes, I have evolved into one of those parents who lets the TV do a little babysitting...) and after 1 1/2 pages 20 minutes later decided the kids weren't interested in the TV and needed some Mommy time.  So I put the book away and we all climbed into my bed to sleep together.

I passed BioChemistry, something I am very proud of!  I don't have to remediate the first class in the program!  Yeah for me!  Now starts our chaotic summer schedule of rotating classes.

The weather has been as crazy as ever.  It's June 7th at 10:05 right now and it's 49 degrees outside.  We've had the heat on the last few days.  It has rained and been in the 60's the last few days.  So crazy.

My sister Jessica got home yesterday, and it was so fun to see her!  I'm so glad she gets to be here for the next almost two months!  Yeah for family!

Well, that's it for me.  I've got to get back to the books.

one week down...

...I don't know how many to go, but I'm not counting!  

Well, my first week of grad school is over and I'm still alive!  As I mentioned before it actually wasn't too bad because we only had 2 actual days of Biochemistry, but I feel like I've read a lot more material than that already.  We have quizzes everyday, which I've not done so well on.  I guess just reading the assignment for the next day at 10:00 pm isn't enough to retain what's needed to answer questions on a quiz.  I'm working on that.

This weekend was a good one.  Friday night Michael and I went on a date to the movies and saw Vantage Point.  It was pretty good, nothing to shout about, but thrilling in the moment.  Then on Saturday afternoon the doctor who is the Medical Director for the PA program held the annual 3 on 3 basketball tournament at his house.  All three classes of PA's went (class 37 who graduate in August, class 38 who are starting rotations in August, and us class 39, the newbies) and had 1 or 2 teams paying and the medical residents went, too, since the doctor is on that board as well.  It was really fun.  

That evening, our class had already planned a barbecue to get to know each other better.  So we went to a classmate's house and barbecued and just hung out.  We had a great time.  I spent all day Saturday in the sun watching games, visiting and eating.  What could be better?!

Today I taught Relief Society which was fun.  I get nervous, but I really enjoy doing it.  The lesson was on prayer and personal revelation.  The Joseph Smith manual did a good job, and adding to it wasn't hard, especially with the great comments from the ladies in the ward.  

Now it's 5:30 and Zander is at a friend's house, Michael and Keagan are on a walk, and we have no idea what we're having for dinner.  What a relaxed, fun weekend we've had!

I'm baaack!

Yes, I'm alive and well.  I just finished my second day of school in the PA program.  It was two days of orientation basically, so not a lot to report.  Tomorrow we start into our 2 1/2 week screaming fast course of biochemistry.  I've read my reading assignments up to this point, and so far it doesn't seem too bad.  ALL the staff keep telling us how excited they are to have us there and to have a new class starting and to see us succeed.  It's pretty nice.  

So, the full time hours don't bother me.  I've worked full time (although not in about 2 1/2 years) before, so that's not bad, but SITTING ALL DAY LONG is a little wearing.  My job was very on the go.  I probably never sat for more than 10-15 minutes at a time.  Now I'm in a chair from 8-5, with a few breaks in between.  I find myself very tired in the afternoon and remembering that's what happens when you're not moving (or standing in surgery) all day.  I miss my job and my friends there, but am making new friends at school.  They keep telling us how we're building friendships that will last a life time right now, so play nice!  Yes, they actually said that to us. 

 

We finally did get a nanny hired, and it's a girl I worked with at Huntsman.  Her mom was an MA with me and she worked in the file room.  She has a 6 week old baby and brings him to the house.  So far, it's been great.  I know her and trust her and the boys seem to like her.  The first day (yesterday) Keagan had a fever.  She made an appointment and took him to our doctor (PA actually =)) and he had strep.  I had strep last week, so not a big surprise.  So then today seemed pretty uneventful for her. I decided the first day should always be hard, because the rest seems like a breeze, right?!

All is well in the Gonzales household.  Except the part where we got robbed last week.  Someone came into the house, through the back sliding door which I didn't lock for the first time ever, when I took Zander to preschool.  FIFTEEN minutes later my husband came home for lunch and the TV wasn't mounted on the wall.  Our comforter was missing (which we later found on the side of the house????) and his wedding ring and my iPod are gone.  Oh, and they emptied our cup of change. Lame!  Then they unlocked the front door and walked right out.  WITH A 42" TV IN THEIR HANDS!  We're a little unnerved and are getting a security system for the house.  With the hubby traveling for work occasionally, we're not taking any chances.  The good news is we have insurance, so with the price of the deductible, all our things will be replaced.

Okay, besides that, all is well.  Our family is doing good, Michael's job is going well, I'm right where I should be, and the kids are happy.  We truly are blessed.

Barcelona, Part II

Here comes several more pictures of our travels together.  The day after this the conference started for Michael, so I played tourist on my own.

When you travel by yourselves, you get really good at taking pictures of yourselves!

This is the hotel we moved into after 2 days of staying in a very small apartment.  I didn't think I was such a diva until I moved from that to a 5 star hotel.  Wow!  I love being spoiled!  And somebody else picking up the tab...  hehe

These are pictures from the Olympic Stadium.  The olympics were held here in 1992, but the stadium was built in 1929 for the Internation Exhibition, and in hopes that the olympics would be here the next year.  These pictures are taken from the outside, of the field, and the "covered seating" that was built then lifted into place so there were no beams to obstruct the view.  Pretty cool!

Placa d'Espanya

This is the "gateway" to Montjuic (mountain of the Jew, named for the Jewish cemetary there).  This is a hill where the MNAC is (a picture that is in the last post) and where the Olympic stadium and events were held.  There are also various gardens and other museums.

A city plaza, about 10:00 pm

A view of Barcelona from Mount Tibidabo

Mount Tibidabo is an interesting place. It stands was up on a hill (obviously) that you can see from anywhere in the city.  We took a trolley car up part way, then the "Funicular", a sort of train that goes to the top.  At the top, there is a cathedral and an amusement park.  Bizarre combination.  But it was beautiful.

One of many random shopping buildings, by night.  

Hola de Barcelona!

Michael and I on the tour bus!

I know you've all been anxiously waiting so here goes.  We arrived last Friday afternoon, it took about 3 hours for us to unload, get our bags and get out of the airport.  Then it took another 30-45 minutes to get a taxi.  We finally made it to the apartment we were staying in while waiting for the guy with the key, realized we had left our camera in the taxi.  We got inside, spent about an hour on the phone with the taxi company to no avail, took a small nap, I got in the shower to warm up, and we went out for the evening.  It was colder than I thought and we couldn't figure out how to turn the heat on until later.  I warmed up, we bought a new camera, and had dinner at the Hard Rock Cafe.  Yeah Hard Rock!  I love that place.  What I don't love right now is how bad the dollar is doing.  The Euro is much stronger right now (1 Euro = $1.60), so we are paying 1 1/2 times more for everything.  Other than that, prices are pretty equal.

On Saturday and Sunday, we bought a pass to a hop-on-hop-off tour bus (the double decker kind) and toured around the city that way.  A great way to go.  Gave us a good feel for the city, and where the highlights were.  Well here are a few photos from our first few days in Spain!

Us eating at Hard Rock Cafe Barcelona!

The beach boardwalk at Port Olimpic, and two old men enjoying the sun.  hehe

Barcelona's pride and joy, La Sagrada Familia (The Sacred Family)

This is an interesting building.  One entrance is all gothic style, very similar to other cathedrals, but much more elaborate, designed by Gaudi.  The other entrance was built recently by a different architect and very modern and blocky.  It's quite bizarre, if you ask me.  The towers and very tall and ornate, as you can see.  Eventually there will be twelve towers for the disciples of Christ and a taller one for him.  It still isn't finished and has been under construction for over 100 years.

MNAC: el Museu Nacional de Arte Catalunya

This houses the art museum, but even though we went inside, they closed about 20 minutes later, so we didn't buy a ticket.  Maybe another day.

La Casa Mila or La Padrera

This was an apartment building built by Gaudi, one of Barcelona's most famous architects.  I has a courtyard in the middle, so all the room have natural lighting.  The curves of the building are supposed to imitate the "waves of the Mediterranean." Even the roof of this building is amazing, maybe even more interesting than the inside.

Okay, here a glimpse of our first two days.  I'll do more later, but I'm burning daylight trying to get this all done. So much to see, so little time! The internet is a little different here (and my computer keeps switching from English to Spanish!), and I've had some troubles.  But eventually, this will get done!

Later.

Here, there and everywhere

I know it's been a while.  But I don't have much to report, although I'm very busy right now...

Michael and I leave for Spain, Barcelona specifically, on Thursday and will be gone for a week!  He's going for a conference for 3 days, and he had enough sky miles to fly me over for free.  We'll have three days together, then I'll have 3 on my own while he's in the conference.  So, today I'm doing laundry and starting to pack bags for us and the boys.  Grandparents are watching the boys while we're gone...thanks moms and dads!

On another note, yesterday Michael scored tickets to an afternoon Bees baseball game.  We went at lunch time.  It was 80 degrees out and lovely, even though it was a bit windy.  Today, even as I'm typing this, it is snowing outside.  And hard.  This has been the craziest year. 

So, tomorrow is my last day at work.  It would normally be such a great day, but I really love my job and especially the people I work with.  I've been there for 3 years and am good friends with everybody I work with.  I'm really going to miss seeing them all the time.  You guys rock!

After we get home from Barcelona I'll be home for two weeks, then school starts!  I'll start my 2 year marathon of classes every day from 8-5.  And I think we may have found a nanny!!  I'm so excited.  A roommate of our niece called and said she was interested.  The downside is it's only for the summer, but then I found someone through the nanny website I've been using that is available after summer and wants a long term job, like 2 years!  If that works out, it would be awesome.  A huge relief to me.  Whew!

Well, that's about it for now.  My next post will probably be from Espana!  I'll try to load my favore 1-2 pictures everyday so I can share some of our adventures!  Ole!

My New Do!

I did it!  I cut my hair short and dyed it blond, well put in blond highlights anyway!  I'm thinking either people love it or hate it because they either rave about it to me or don't say anything at all.  It's such a drastic difference that it's not like people just don't notice.  So when they don't say anything...

That's okay because I like it!  Here is a pic!

Keagan-pants turns 2!

Don't ask me how he ended up with that nickname, but it's what I call him.  I think it comes from 'cutie-pants'.  He loves bikes.  The problem is he's not big enough to pedal, and we're so lucky that he got a new one for his birthday!  

His vocabulary is really growing.  Up until about 1-2 months ago, he could say "mama" and "mo" (or no).  Now he says mom, dad, juice, chew (shoe), bompa (grandpa), eye (I, eye, and ice), mo (no), Pabo (Pablo from Backyardigans), among many, many others.  And of course 'mine' is as clear as a bell!  He is two after all.  Everyday he has a new word, it's so fun! 

We are having issues with sleeping in a bed.  This is naptime.  He refused to go into his room, and ended up falling asleep on the stairs.  This is even more funny because just the day before I was joking with my visiting teacher that he'll end up sleeping on the stairs all night if he doesn't stay in his bed.  Moms always know best.  =)

We had a party tonight with both our families here, and had so much fun!  He got lots of gifts that he loves...a lawnmower (bubble blowing), tool belt and tools, fire truck, tricycle, ball, Thomas trains, Thomas pajamas, a Backyardigans movie...man is this boy spoiled or what?

Happy Birthday Buddy!!

Wait...What?!

This is what I woke up to this morning.  Yesterday I went to work with a jacket on, and didn't even wear it on the way out to my car.  Then this morning...it's snowing!  That's right.  Today is March 27th, almost April and it's snowing outside!  I guess we do have a few good ski days left this year!

I had to brush the snow off the flowers to even see that that's what was underneath.  Here's another pretty picture of the cute pink flowers that are blooming in my front yard, under all the snow!

Zander on the slopes!

The Z-Man

A picture of Zander taken by Zander

Zander has been so funny lately.  He turned 5 in December and is getting smarter (and taller) everyday.  He says things that make me wish I could just tape record everything he says so that someday I could play it back for him.  There are a few I wrote down because he just keeps us thoroughly entertained.  Here are a few snippets into my life with Zander:

Side note:  The following conversation was actually a few conversation wrapped into one for your reading enjoyment.

We were talking about living places and I told him we lived in an apartment before he was born.

Z: Before I was born?  So I was in your tummy?

R: No, it was before you were in my tummy, too.  You were still in heaven.  Babies are in heaven first, then they come to mommy's tummies before they are born.

Z: So, is heaven in your tummy?  Because that's what it sounds like you are telling me.

R: (No response)

Z: How did the baby get in your tummy?

R: Uhhh....

Z: I know! (Whew!) Jesus put it there because he's magic, right?  Jesus does whatever we ask him too, and because he's magic you can put your body in the graveyard and go ask Jesus to put a baby in your tummy, and he will, then you can fly back down and put your body on like a costume and come back home.  How does the baby come out of your tummy?

R: (This is about the only time I'm truly grateful that I have c-sections!)  Well, they cut a small hole in my tummy and take the baby out through the hole, then they sew it back together.

Keep in mind, these are all direct quotes.  I wrote them down right after they happened, and you can see why!

We were talking about winking.  (I lead the music in church during sacrament meeting, and often wink at my kids when up there.)

R:  You wink at someone when you think they're cute.  Or sometimes just because you like or love that person.

Z: (Winks at me)

R: Oh, Zander, do you think I'm cute?

Z: What?! No!  I just love you.

R: (laughing) You don't think I'm cute?

Z: Well, maybe on Sundays when you're all dressed up and stuff.

We told him Easter was coming soon and he said, "Easter is my favorite because the sun is up and the snow is almost gone and the flowers start to grow that you can pick for your mom..." (then he winks at me).

"Is Christmas coming soon, because I feel the Christmas spirit a lot right now."

We sure love our Zander man, and all the cute things he says, too!

I'm #36!! I'm #36!!

Which at this point is so much better than being #1 (on the wait list that is)!

I GOT IN!!!!

I was accepted today into the U of U PA Program (or UPAP)!  Somebody dropped yesterday, so I'm #36 in the PA class of 2010.  YEAH ME!!!

Classes start May 12th (summer semester), then I'll have class summer, fall, spring and summer, then I'll have 1 year of rotations.  I'll do 5 different rotations, of 4 weeks each, in primary care (this is actually 22 weeks and can include other specialties), pre-natal care/GYN, pediatrics, emergency medicine, an surgery.  Then there is potentially one elective at the end.

I can't believe I actually made it in!  All the work and prayers and worrying and prayers...HAVE FINALLY PAID OFF!!!

Crafts with the kids

So, I bought these on clearance for $2 each about 4 years ago or something.  I found them again when we moved and decided to do something with them.  Michael has been looking for hooks of some kind to "contain all my bags" and the boys needed something to do with their coats other than throwing them on the floor....so we made these, and hung them in our rooms!  

Zander (and Keagan) painted green on theirs, then I helped them touch up the stripes.  I was pretty proud of how they turned out (and myself) so I thought I'd share!

Tag, I'm it

Okay, finally a topic that is not about school! Whew!
Here's a little insight into the lives of my hubby and me!

How long have you been together?  9 1/2 years (man I'm getting old!)

How long did you date?  Almost a year: dated 6 months, engaged for 5 months.

How old is he?  32, to my 29

Who eats more?  Are you kidding?  He does!

Who said "I love you" first? I think he did, but don't remember.

Who is taller?  Is there anyone who isn't?

Who sings better?  He does, and I try.

Who is smarter?  I'm more book smart, he's more everything else smart.

Who does laundry?  Me, although he used to help...

Who does the dishes?  Usually me, occasionally him.

Who sleeps on the right side of the bed?  I do (Is that the right side when looking at it from the foot of the bed?  That always confuses me.)  =)

Who pays the bills?  I do

Who mows the lawn?  He does, thank heavens.

Who cooks dinner?  Usually me, but he's a great cook.

Who is more stubborn?  This is a dangerous question, and I'm not sure I even know the answer.

Who kissed who first?  It was a mutual make out.  (Oh, did I just say that out loud?!)

Who asked who out?  I think he asked me.  We hung out with the same group, so we knew each other and hung out a lot.  Not sure about the first "date".

Who proposed?  I did.  He had  a proposal go wrong, and told me I was going to have to propose to him when I was ready.  Then he made it official by "asking me" and giving me the ring.

Who is more sensitive?  Do you mean who cries more?  I do.

Who has more friends?  Not sure...I probably have more people I socialize with.  

Who has more siblings?  He has 5 siblings to my 4.

Is this wrong?

15

Thanks to my friend, Colin, I took a quiz that gave me this answer. Some of the questions made me laugh out loud! Apparently I'm not cut out for fighting children like he is, but I think I could hold my own!

The Latest Scoop

Okay, since I know you are all on the edge of your seats just waiting for my news, here's the scoop:  

I got a letter Northeastern yesterday, and I'm on their wait list.  I think wait lists are my destiny.  No instant gratification here!  I don't know where I'm ranked, I just have to tell them I want to be on the list for now, which I do.  I guess.  But really, I do.

I called the U of U today after not hearing and not being able to wait.  The details are:

Three people (out of 36) declined their seat in the program. (The real question here is: Are they on crack?!)  So they move to the wait list (Doris was a great help to me here).

#1 - accepted a seat

#2  - accepted a seat

#3 - hasn't responded yet

#4 - accepted and put deposit down somewhere else (doesn't mean they wouldn't still accept)

#5 - probably would accept

#6  - never RSVP'd to remain on the list, but will still be offered a seat (lame, I know)

#7 - me!

So, I could be a little as two seats away, if #3 doesn't accept.  Doris also told me that two years ago three people backed out even after paying their deposits.  So, there's still hope!  And it's better than one in a million!

Happy Valentine's Day to me!

Michael and I decided that because we went to Boston together last week and ate a couple great restaurants and did sightseeing and all that, that would count as our Valentine's Day celebration.  Then on Wednesday night, when I finally got home through the storm, Michael told me to eat and jump in the car, we were going to get my present.  I was surprised!  Then he told me I was getting new ski boots!!  I've had the same ones for about 10 years and they are a little bit for me, something that has really started to bother me lately.   So a few hours later I came home with these:

And even more amazing, was I also came home with these!:

HOW COOL IS THAT!  You can't really see the colors from this picture, but the skis are red and an orange color, not light pink like it looks.  Everything in the store was 40-70% off.  I got a great deal, which makes them even sweeter!  I have the best husband!  I love you Babe!  I can't wait to go skiing this weekend!  YEAH!

And, our adventures coming home were something else.  The freeway was closed because a semi-truck jack-knifed on I-15 northbound.  We got off in Lehi and tried to take a side road.  Hello.  That was interesting.  The wind was blowing so hard we couldn't see.  Then there was a car stuck in the feet of snow in the snowbank, and Michael, my macho, kind-hearted man, stopped to get him out.  After 25 minutes we were on our way.  He was that guy's hero that night!  He's my hero, too!

Boston, Part II

I had a great time in Bahstin as they say it. On the day of my interviews there were several books out about Boston for us to read in our down time. One was the Boston Dictionary. It was hilarious! The author was "Bahstin Dryvehs" or "Boston drivers" in regular English.
So, my second day was my interview day. I had three individual interviews. The first was with a physician that precepts students in the second year (year of rotations). He was an interesting guy. Kind of akward, so the interview was akward, but good. My second interview was sith a woman who graduated from the program several years ago. She was really nice and we got along great. Hit it off. The interview was more of a relaxed conversation. That went really well also. The third was with the program director, and again it was a very relaxed, very good interview. To make it simple: MY INTERVIEWS WERE FANTASTIC! I felt really good about my responses. There were no trick questions, nothing crazy, just talking. I was able to point out that I'm now one of the chief MA's in my clinic, that I order all the medication for my clinic, and that I have EIGHT years of experience. I pointed those things out in all three interviews, I think. They said most interviews would be done by 12:00 (starting at 8:00), but I finished at 9:45, so Michael and I had extra time to sight-see! When I was done interviewing, Michael and I both felt positive about the way things had gone, so we'll see!

First, we decided to walk the Freedom Trail. We started at Boston Commons and walked about 1/2 way through it (about a mile), saw 11 of the 16 sites, then walked back to the car and drove around to the end. Then we decided to drive out to Cape Cod for dinner. It took about an hour to get there, and when we got to the restaurant we were referred to, they were out of lobster! But they made a lobster casserole for Michael and I had crused sole with pinenuts and shrimp covered in an orange butter sauce. It was delectable! And the place was so quaint. We sat by the fireplace, and it was mostly lit by candles. It was very romantic. =) Happy Valentine's Day to us!

The next day, Ken and his girlfriend Sanjeeta came with us into the city. We saw the two sites from the tour we missed and had lunch at a great little (and I mean small - there were like 10 tables in there and that was too many) Italian restaurant in the North end of Boston. It was really fun. Ken and Sanjeeta are the nicest people. We stayed with them all but the first night we were there. He let us have his car to drive around (which had GPS, thank heavens!) and were just really fun to be with. Thanks guys!

Then we came home to our wonderful boys, and my wonderful parents who watched them while we were gone!

Now, we play the waiting game again. I will hear from the U of U on Tuesday if anyone declined the seat and how many in the waiting list have gotten in. Then I should hear from Northeastern U. by the end of the month, which is only two more weeks!

We made it...Bwoston

Yeah, that's the closest I can get to spelling it phonetically to match the accent. We arrived last night at 6:00 pm and a friend of my sister's, Ken (whe has been wonderful to us), picked us up at the airport, took us to our hotel (the John Hancock Hotel & Conference center, which isn't nearly as charming as the pictures on their website), then took us to find a restaurant. We walked around Copley Square mall and saw stores I've only heard about. To name a few, we walked past Saks Fifth Avenue, Tiffany & Co., Neiman Marcus, Gucci, Ralph Lauren, Kenneth Cole, and Hugo Boss. We didn't do any shopping around in those places because we were hungry and just looking for food. But I did get a really cute pair of red stone earrings to match my necklace I got in Mexico. Cool. Then we ate at Vinny T's, an Italian restaurant.
We made it back to the hotel, unpacked a little read a little and called it a night.

We got up this morning, got ready and after finding a cab (that the hotel was supposed to have ready for us) showed up late to the first session of the interview. Luckily, our first session was sitting in on a pharmacology class with the first year PA students for 2 hours.
After that we went to a small room and were introduced to some of the program's directors and such and were also given a financial aid info session. Session is a big word for the 5 minute spill we were given. It was the shortest info session I've received so far.
Michael was with me up to that point, but then he had to go as we split into groups and were paired off with 4 interviewees, a first year student and a second year student to ask questions. We had an hour for this and we were done in about 15 minutes.
Then Michael found us and we had lunch with some first year students who were great. After that, Michael again had to find his own way as I went to a "group activity" which is some kind of wierd code name for written test. We were given a "mini GRE" of 50 questions such as: "Do these two words have a. the same meaning b. opposite meanings or c. no relation to one another?" and "If a plane travels 75 feet in 1/4 second, how far does it travel in 5 seconds?" The questions are easy enough to figure out, but, you have 12 minutes to complete the test. The we had 20 minutes to complete two short essays. First was a 62 year old man diagnosed with advanced colon cancer. He asks the attending physician not to tell his wife. The next day the wife calls in and asks how his appt went. What do you tell her? The second was discuss the role of the pituitary gland. For the record, I answered the first one well and bombed the second one. I had to google 'pituitary gland' when I got out. Nice.
Then another question and answer period with a graduate of the program who has been working for 20 years as a PA. I've never had so many opportunities to ask questions. Every session started and ended, or was entirely made up of, asking questions.

Overall, today was an unimportant day. Tomorrow are my interviews. I did learn a few things today. I am terribly unlucky. There was a girl I talked to today who interviewed and was accepted to two of the other programs I applied to. She graduated with a 3.7 (I graduated with a 3.6), she has been a CNA for 1 1/2 YEARS!! I have been an MA for 8 YEARS! YES, 8 YEARS! AND SHE WAS ACCEPTED TO TWO TOP TEN PROGRAMS IN THE NATION THAT I DIDN'T EVEN GEN AN INTERVIEW WITH! WHERE'S THE JUSTICE? Okay, I'm done *yelling*, and I'm getting over it. Kind of. Of the other 2 people I talked to, one has been an OR tech for 1-2 years (doing EKG's and drawing blood, which I've done for 8 years, if I may remind you) and the other is a massage therapist, with NO MEDICAL EXPERIENCE. Yeah, I know, I'm over it. Let's just say if I don't get in here, or anywhere, I'm calling schools and throwing tantrums.

Okay, it's late, this is long, and I'm going to bed. Tomorrow I have interviews until 12 then sight seeing in Boston! Yeah! Wish me luck!

You guys are awesome!

Well, I'm feeling much better today. I just want to say thanks to all my friends and family....you guys rock! After putting up my last post on a day that I was feeling a little down, I got a lot of positive feedback from everybody. I LOVE READING YOUR COMMENTS! Even if you think you don't have anything to say, I love knowing that I'm important enough for you to read about! The first thing I look on when I open my blog is if I have any new comments!

Anyway, all your fun comments helped me feel more positive, and I also received emails and phone calls to help cheer me up. And I am. Now I just have to figure out a way to get 7 people to decide the the U of U is not for them. Hmmm......

Yesterday we went skiing at Snowbird with my parents, my cousin and her husband. Nothing like a GREAT day on the slopes to clear your mind and lift your spirits. The snow was awesome! But I was beat at the end of the day. We skiied hard all day, on all blacks and almost all moguls. Also, it was freezing! It was so cold that at the end of they day my behind was HURTING sitting on the chair up because of how cold it was. But it was still great. And it helped that we had an awesome babysitter. A girl from Michael's work came over and watched they boys and she was so good with them! That always helps make the day a little better for us. Thanks Malena!

All-in-all I'm feeling better and it's mostly due to your love and support, and especially the patience of my sweet husband!

My life in limbo

I feel like I'm destined to live my life in limbo. I've been doing it since October when I submitted my applications to PA school. Then I heard I had an interview in Seattle. I was so excited. I waited to get there. I interviewed well, then I waited to hear. I didn't get in. Then I was on the wait list to interview at the U of U. I interviewed well, and now....

I heard from the U of U today, and I'm on the wait list to get in. I guess it's better than not being accepted, but I was hoping they loved me. I was hoping to just be accepted. BUT, I was on the wait list to interview and that happened, so who knows. So, now I'm going to Boston next Thursday to interview at Northeastern U., and I'll wait to hear from them. In the email, they did say that last year, there were 9 people from the wait list accepted. This year those accepted have until February 14th to accept or decline. However, some were accepted as last as right before classes started in May. If (and that's a big if at this point) I'm accepted elsewhere (like NU) I won't be able to wait until May to hear. Whatever.

I'm starting to feel more than nervous. I'm feeling really stressed about it. I have a short temper lately, get my feelings hurt easily, basically I've probably not been much fun to be around. It's a very trying process to live in limbo for so long. Such is life, I guess.

Sorry about the downer post. Maybe next time I'll have better news!

"Dye"-ing for a change

I think I'm going a little crazy waiting to hear back about PA school.
Also, I get a little restless once in a while, and need to liven things up a bit. This time, it was my hair. I dyed it red, or more specifically "Auburnin' Hot". And I am hot! I love red hair. Actually, it looks really natural, so much so, that not many people have commented on the change in my hair, (except the girls at work that I see all the time). I'll have to post a picture later, because I don't have one now.

Also, I was going to change the backdrop of my blog, but decided to harass my sister to do it for me. She did tell me she would do it for me...for my birthday in November. But, I'm not complaining...presents are always better late than never, and I LOVE MY NEW PAGE!! She is a genius and I think it's so cute, so...THANKS MARZ!

My sister is AWESOME!

Look how cute my blog is! My most artistic and talented (and good looking) sister made this for me. He he!

Happy late late birthday, Rachel. I hope you like your new look! I used pink because I know you love pink. I loved this picture of you and it looked so good together. It was meant to be!

Love you!
Marielle

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New Years Resolutions and all that

I guess it's about time. They say the first step to making goals is to tell people so you have support. Keep in mind something. I don't think I've ever stuck to a goal, so I'm taking baby steps, folks. Baby steps. So here goes:

1. Read material for Sunday lessons before hand. (I've never so good with reading every night, so I figure having content to read instead of time, might work. And be more meaningful. And I'm excited about studying Joseph Smith's teachings and want to get the most out of it.)
2. Make a budget and stick with it.
3. Read a religious based book every 3rd book. (I don't read a lot, but figure I read enough that I can read better material. Takin' in up a notch.)
4. Exercise once a week. (Baby steps.)

So far, how have I done? I'm, uh, "testing the waters" on those goals.
But today was a good day. All around, a good day. I exercised AND read scriptures (go me!) and I've gotten three loads of laundry done. In addition to that, I took and picked up Zander from preschool, and rescued a friend who was out of gas. Then my boys helped me (wink, wink) make a great dinner. It's not often I get to say that. I made red snapper fish. It was delicious. I googled recipes and found a great one. Garlic and butter and lime on the fish then grilled on the barbecue. We also had tossed salad, baked potatoes, and that cottage cheese/cool whip/jello/fruit salad. Not sure what it's called, but it was really good. I was pretty proud of myself. We even ate on the china. Oh, and we had lime water to bring out the taste of the lime in the fish. Yes, sometimes I'm a genius (who just had to google the word to spell it. Sad.). Zander was so proud of our beautiful dinner when we were done!

Well, I didn't hear anything yesterday or today from the U of U, so I'm not in the top 10 candidates, but I'm not giving up hope. I just hope I don't have an ulcer by the first week of February when I find out.

my BIGGEST interview: part II

Well, I realize my last post was a little long, and by a little I mean if you made it through the whole thing you should get a prize. This will be much shorter.
Day two was busier, but much better. I had two individual interviews and two group interviews. They all went very well. I felt good about today. The group interviews were interesting. In both groups, we had two interviewers, and they gave the 4 of us a paper with 3 questions on it. The first was define "_______" and tell us what it means to you. The second was an ethical dilemma. Interesting questions here. In my first interview it was that there was a 16 year old girl who was in a car accident, has lost a lot of blood and needs a transfusion and go to surgery right away. Her parents are Jehovah's Witness and say they don't believe in blood transfusions. She tells you that she doesn't share their beliefs and wants the blood/surgery. Your doctor decides to do the surgery, but several others are not participating. What do you do? Yeah, it was an interesting discussion. The two interviewers just sat and listened to our self-guided discussion. They were 'flies on the wall'. But in the end they told us we did very well, so I felt good about that. I was told in a personal interview that I answered the ethical dilemma question well, too.

In short, today was much better than yesterday! And because I had 4 interviews today and only 2 yesterday, I'm hoping overall was better than not. They will offer a handful of positions (about 10) next week. Then they have a second round of interviews in 2 weeks, then a week later we should know one way or the other whether we got in or not. I'm holding my breath. With that in mind, I hope I get a call on Monday, because I'm not that great at holding my breath for very long. =)