Summer Fun...

Last Friday we soaked up some sun at my sister, Mary Leigh's, house. I wish I was enjoying the sun on a beach, but lounging by the pool is the next best thing. Afterward we enjoyed a delicious lunch – compliments of Mary Leigh. We had bacon, vegetable, and feta cheese quiche, spinach salad with candied pecans, blueberry muffins, and strawberries with Nutella. It was such a treat!


I think he's overwhelmed by the size of the strawberries...

A Memorial for Boma

About two weeks ago my family went to Martha’s Vineyard for a memorial service for my grandmother, Boma, who passed away in December. She and Pop, my grandfather, lived on Martha’s Vineyard for several years and we grew up spending time there during the summer. The memorial service was very sweet. The family planted a pink dogwood tree in memory of her, some of the other relatives performed musical numbers, and then we shared favorite memories of her over dinner. It was so nice to spend time with the family and a wonderful way to remember Boma.

Woohoo!!!

I took my nursing boards about a week ago and I'm happy to report that I passed! Since I've already been working as a nurse (with a temporary license) not much will change. I'll continue working on the same floor, getting the same pay; however, I no longer have to spend every minute of my day worrying about the exam...it's such a relief!

Mt. Olympus and Back

The hike to the summit of Mt. Olympus is not a simple feat. You gain over four thousand feet in elevation and your last tenth of a mile is steep and rocky where some scrambling is necessary. The hike itself is a very popular one. When you reach the top you’re rewarded with amazing views and a sense of accomplishment. For some of my friends and I, this hike was a preparatory hike to one we plan on doing at the end of the summer. Unfortunately, due to Laura’s new job, she will not be hiking the John Muir Trail with us; however, she will be there to help with the training on other hikes. The following photos are of the most recent hike up Mt. Olympus.

What Is This Thing That Men Call Death
By President Gordon B. Hinckley

What is this thing that men call
death,
This quiet passing in the night?
'Tis not the end, but genesis
Of better worlds and greater light.

O God, touch Thou my aching
heart,
And calm my troubled, haunting
fears.
Let hope and faith, transcendent,
pure,
Give strength and peace beyond
my tears.

There is no death, but only change
With recompense for victory won;
The gift of Him who loved all men,
The Son of God, the Holy One.


Our niece, Sidney, passed away on Friday, May 23, 2008. Sidney is Jeff and Cassie's oldest child, (Jeff is Jared's older brother). In the years that I have known Sidney, I’ve always been impressed with her constant enthusiasm, and absolute appreciation for life. She’s an incredibly loving, bright, beautiful girl who always seemed to be grinning from ear-to-ear! She's touched our lives with her sweet presence and will be missed very much.

Ahem...

This past month was quite eventful. I accepted an offer to work as a registered nurse on the Medical/Oncology floor at Intermountain Medical Center; I worked my last shift as a nurse's aide in Labor and Delivery; I took my last nursing final; and...(drum roll please) I graduated from nursing school!! I’ll start orienting to my new job tomorrow. I know it’s going to be nerve-wracking for the first little while, but I’m really looking forward to the idea of just working – rather than working and going to school.


Pictures from the pinning ceremony for nursing students....


Pictures from the graduation party...

Just a big kid...

We watched our nieces, Zoey and Kaylee, for a few days while their parents soaked up some good ol' Hawaiian sunshine. We happened to be watching them on Jared's birthday. Rather than finding a sitter, so that we could go out on our own, Jared decided he'd rather spend some quality time with our nieces, and nephew, Alexander. We went to Hollywood Connections where Jared and the kids played a round of miniature golf and rode the carousel, and a few other rides. Then we headed over to Costa Vida for dinner, followed by dessert at ML and Justin’s. ML made Jared chocolate brownies that were delish! Jared loved his birthday – I think he spent it exactly the way he wanted.