Chase & Rachel

Happy Holidays!

2011-12-25T22:47:00.004-07:00

I still don't quite believe that 2011 is almost over, this year has flown by. It's been a good one with lots of changes and adventures. New job in January, and I still love it (well, most of the time), engaged in February, cruise in March, wedding in June, "first" camping trip over the Fourth. Then, Lake Powell in August, cat accident in October, camping at Goblin Valley for Thanksgiving, Christmas and closing on our first home in December!

Anyways.... other good news. I have such an amazing husband. Seriously, he has worked so many extra shifts to help get the down payment together plus pay all of our bills. He's a Senior at UVU now so the end is actually in sight! Plus, he is nice to me and brings me food/drinks/signatures, etc at work. Plus he let me drag him to Goblin Valley State Park for Thanksgiving. Yes, it was very, very chilly! It was about 17 degrees at night and we were sleeping in a tent. Plus, we went on a 8 mile hike which was a first for him and he did so awesome! We had a fun time but we were glad to be home and sleep in our warm beds and be able to hide for the awful wind. I hope we have more adventures like this soon!

I feel so blessed right now, nothing big to complain about really! Well, except moving but it's to a bigger, better, brighter place! And the fact that we are supposed to move in in 3 days and the seller is in Mexico and hasn't finished moving out... lame. Oh well. Other than that we are ecstatic! ( It's in Spanish Fork so I will be close to my family but not too far from work and school for Chase and I. It has a garage and backyard and some other stuff... It's super cute and I can't wait to get all my stuff put away so people can come see it!)

I love this season and the opportunity it gives us to remember that we need to serve others and show charity towards all of our Heavenly Father's children. I am so grateful for the gospel in my life and all the comfort, strength and happiness that it brings me. I hope that everyone had an amazing Christmas and looks forward to the adventures that 2012 will bring.

Love you all!

Hal

2011-11-16T22:33:00.006-07:00

Hal III

Hal came into our family 6 short years ago. He was born in California and raised by Pam and Gary. Later he went to college and was trained by Simi and Heather and other great staff who work and volunteer at Canine Companions for Independence. After intense training he was placed with his final owner Sawyer Hamilton. Hal changed not only Sawyer's life but the entire Hamilton family. The love of a dog is special because it is unconditional and pure. Hal had many adventures: four-wheeling, fishing, shopping, speaking engagements, photo shoots, golf tournaments, visits to Sawyer's school each year, parades, and on and on. Hal loved people as much as they loved him. He would let any child or adult maul him. He is famous and his beautiful face and character will live in the hearts of those who had the chance to know him. He also was the proud uncle of 4 puppies raised by his favorite sister Erica: Vecca, Karen, Nacho and Niobe He loved carrots, toy hedgehogs, ear scratches, walks, peanut butter or any other contraband he could get. He loved sleeping on the bed with Sawyer with his head on the pillow and taking up 90% of the bed. He will be greatly missed but his legacy will live on for the people's whose lives he touched. He was preceded in death by his favorite playmate: Daisy. They are together again and running free.

We love you Hal! Super Hal, Halburton, Harold, Hoover, Secret Shopper, we miss you already. Be good up there!

Leaving on a jet plane....

2011-10-05T21:42:00.005-06:00

Just for the weekend, I am hitting the road. I get to go see these lovely people get married:

And spend some quality time with these people:

And enjoying 90 degree weather while it snows at home... ha ha!
But I'm sure gonna miss this guy!

I really like him. He is the best husband ever and he makes me so happy. I have worked 34 hours this week already (it's only Wednesday) but yet my house is clean, the laundry is put away and I have had dinner ready when I get home and it's not to my credit. He's such a stud. We've been having lots of fun going to ReAL games, camping, playing co-ed softball (Chase is an amazing 3rd baseman), a trip to Park City and Lake Powell and more. Well I should probably pack now! Peace.

Slacker

2011-08-26T18:45:00.004-06:00

You know how sometimes you have a lot to blog about it and no time to do it? And then you have the times you don't feel like blogging but you should do it because you have something pretty awesome to write about? I'm experiencing both of these currently. But I am enjoying reading about everyone else... so keep up the good work.

31 Days

2011-05-15T13:29:00.003-06:00

31 days

763 hours

45,808 minutes

or almost 3 million seconds.

That is how long I have to wait until I get to marry the love of my life!!! It's getting so close and I am so excited. But, I am nervous because I am a master of procrastination and there is a lot to be done and not that much time now! I have faith that it will all come together though. The big things are ready... Temple scheduled, reception 70% planned, the dress is fitting amazing, housing arranged, etc, etc. So hopefully everyone will survive my wedding! Yay for June 16th!

Single ladies remix

2011-02-01T12:59:00.000-07:00

oh my. this is so freaking funny!

Oh 2010

2010-12-31T19:28:00.008-07:00

I can't believe that this year is over!!!! It's really gone by too fast!

I had a lot of adventures this last year....

trip to California* trip to Florida* backpacking with my family* tons of Jazz games* attending nearly every ReAL game and getting to meet the team* setting an all time record for times I've moved in one year* played softball with my family* deer hunting* appendicitis* started a very new job* camped out in January for a basketball game* fishing in the dark* seeing STYX super close up!*seeing Back Street Boys in concert* turned 22* went on a co-op mission to Wyoming to get illegal fireworks*

Well that's just a brief overview...

I am looking forward to starting a new year and being all set with good goals set and ready to be accomplished. And of course the new adventures, people, trials, blessings and what ever else comes in the coming year!

Happy 2011!

2010-12-11T18:10:00.002-07:00

My friend did this and I think it's cute so I am going to copy it!

Dearest Santa,

Even though I haven't been the best this year, I certainly haven't been naughty (Excessive use of "that's what she said" shouldn't count against me...please?) So anyways this is what I would love for Christmas:

*please send the elves to clean my room. it's really out of control!

*I would like a puppy. One that grows up to a medium to large size dog. Also, it would be nice if it was potty trained, kennel trained, didn't bark every time it hears the slightest noise, doesn't shed too much, likes to go on walks/runs and doesn't jerk me off my feet running after squirrels. Also, I would like my puppy to snuggle because I am always cold and especially if it would just lay down right on my feet to warm them up a little.

*I would like a new car with AWD or FWD and a hatchback for said puppy to ride in. Also a GPS and automatic transmissions and locks would be delightful and if it's not too much one of those over head sunglasses holders...I would just love that.

*I would like all my medical bills paid. Stupid appendix.

*I would like a limitless giftcard to anthro.

* I would like the people at my work to stop persecuting me because I am in love with my snuggie and wear it daily.

*I would like to magically become a better daughter, sister, friend, girlfriend, cook, writer, driver and student overnight.

* I would like an extended vacation to Europe, as well as Manchu-Pichu and Australia.

* I would like the economy to get better so that everyone can be a little more comfortable, and maybe even a little happier.

*I wish for a cure for Autism, or atleast people to be more educated and understanding of the spectrum and amazing potential of the individuals with this diagnosis.

*I wish that my family will have tons and tons and tons of fun on our cruise to Mexico and that no one with get sick, arrested, kidnapped or molested... ha ha

*I would like all of the slow drivers to quit using the express lane in the morning. If you can manage it- get rid of all the bad drivers.

*I would like to become the Zumba queen and not the one people stand behind because it's hilarious because right now I'm a spaz. I need your help Santa!

*I would like the Jazz and ReAL to be the Champions this year.

* I would like Glee to be on every weeknight, followed by modern family and then Crimal Minds or Bones.

* I wish for the health of all my family and friends so we can have adventures and memories for the coming year.

* I wish for me to get married in 2011. ha ha

*I would like the work week to be 4 days and the weekend to be 3.

*I'd like my hair to grow 6 more inches and be natural curly on demand and straight on demand too.

*And I would like sewing lessons.

*And I would like an IPAD because then I won't continue to add to my collection of books that everyone loves moving. not.

*Mostly I just want everyone I know to have a wonderful holiday season! and for the elves to clean my room.

most lovingly and gratfully, your number one believer,

RACHEL MARIE

I feel like a part of me missing

2010-12-07T19:05:00.003-07:00

ha ha well something is missing! I got my appendix removed and I really don't miss it since it spent it's last hours within my body causing me huge amounts of pain! So I am going to share the story since I am BORED out of my mind while I am banned from work by my doctor. I mentioned in a previous post that I have been having some gastrointestinal problems well hopefully this is the cause of it. Last Wednesday, December 1, 2010 I was at work and I had an attack from within. I felt like my guts were having some sort of war. After 10 minutes of just sitting there the pain went away for the most part but I had some nausea and over-all blah-ness. So I went home after work and just hung out and then about ten, my bed time, (please don't make fun of me, I know that's an old lady bed time) my tummy started to hurt again. So I took some Prilosec and went to bed. I woke up aboyt two hours later because I was in soooo much pain. I tried so hard to go back to sleep or even just to get comfortable. No luck. So after about 1.5 hours of this I decide to text my friend, Jared, who is a NP as well as genius. To see if he thought my diagnosis of appenicitis was going to get me laughed at if I went to the ER. He didn't text me right back so I tried to watch Inception, thinking that thinking would take away some of the pain. Nope, it was only getting worse! So Jared texts me back and I didn't have diarrhea and I hadn't vomitted (despite my best efforts) but when I tried to hop on one foot (I am sure I looked like an idiot) I almost died with the pain. Also I looked on www.webmd.com one of my favorite websites and it said my symptoms could indicate appendicitis and and it also said if your instincts are telling you that you have appendicitis, follow your instincts. ha ha So between Jared saying that I have to go to the ER now, it's 3 something am, and my instincts, I decided to call Chase to take me to the hospital. Luckily he woke up. And he came and got me and took me Timp's ER. I bawled because I had to go there because of insurance reasons, I know I would have been way more comfortable at UVRMC where I would know most of the people in the ER atleast. Anyways, I got to the ER and checked in and said I have an appy to the registrar. And so they walked me back to the room and the doc came in and listened to my story and then said "everyone thinks that because they have abdominal pain on the right side that they have appendicitis but I think you have an ovarian cyst that has ruptured." I'm thinking "pretty sure I don't have a cyst, this is hurting too much, for too long for that but you're the doctor." So they start an IV and when I go to pee for my urinanalysis the ultrasound tech takes me (so Chase thought I falled in the toilet) Well the ultrasound tech had to be a little mean and push really, really hard when she saw that both of my ovaries were in pristine condition and had to begin looking for the source of my pain.... 45 minutes and many tears and curses under my breath I was taken back to my room. As I pass the desk the tech says, "better call the surgeon" so I knew I was in for a treat! About 30 seconds later the ER doctor came in and said I had appendicitis. (Wonder how those words tasted!) This is where I texted my Mom and said I'm in the ER with appendicitis. So my Dad went and got the guys he works with caught up to speed so they could try to cover for him for the day so he could stay with me because Chase had a test and who wouldn't want to spend the day in the hospital with me. So the surgeon on-call was Dr. Cook and he's my favorite surgeon in the county so I was so releived to hear that news. Bad news was he probably wouldn't get to me until the afternoon. Good news I got my good old friend Corby as my nurse for a while! So they moved me up to a room and kept me comfortable with morphine and zofran. I love medicine! So that was a really boring part. Finally Dr. Cook's assistant came and explained the surgery and yada, yada and before he was done the orderly was there to take me down. Yikes. I have never had general anesthesia. Plus I was going to be intubated which total made me nervous. So they rolled me down to holding and I waited. They asked me some questions, Dr. Cook came (ha ha he recognized me from the ER and the Dr who was going to put me under talked to me and then it was time and I don't remember... Then I wake up. Holy crap. I have been cut in half with a chainsaw. (that's what it felt like) Then I start yelling for my Dad. The recovery nurses probably wanted to shoot me. I think I fell back asleep then. Then I woke up and yelled for my Dad again. The nurses told me I could see him when I was more awake. ugh. Then I fell back asleep. Then I woke up and in my little mind I think"if I smile they will think that I am more awake" so I do the biggest smile I know (how it really looked? I probably don't want to know) So I hear the nurse go "she's smiling, she must be more awake than we thought." My thoughts, "it's working!" Then I wake up in my hospital room. I could hear my Mom. I was really, really grumpy! And I recall very little of this. I was really mad because it was like after 6 and I was only supposed to be on the table 20 to 60 minutes so in my mind I was sure that the surgery had not gone well or they had found a cancerous tumor or something. They didn't but it took me a while to be convinced. What had taken me so long was that I was not waking up. I fell asleep while Chase tried to feed me my delicious green jello. So that night I slept and the nurses woke me up every chance they got. The next day I woke up feeling not that bad. I went for a walk, ate jello, ice cream, and orange juice because they brought me cream of wheat for breakfast. barf. So I'm thinking oh yay I get to go home. Suddenly, it is afternoon and my pain is way out of control. Turns out my nurse didn't know I was supposed to get Toradolas well as Dilaudid. So I maxed out my narcotics and the nurse tells me no more pain meds and I am dying! She says the only thing i can have is a percocet. Well I haven't really eaten for 2 days almost but I was desperate so I took it anyways. Thirty minutes later I threw up all over the bathroom. ugh. Gross and it hurt. So I go back in lay in my bed and my nurse comes in and I say why did they take away the torodol away? That's when we found out she hadn't been giving it to me all day because she didn't know it was ordered. Well she came and gave me a dose of that and things were much better for me! They talked to the doctor and he had kinda planned on me staying that night anyways because apparently my appendix was HUGE. My belly button incision is extra large because my appendix didn't fit out so they had to make it bigger. Yikes, good thing that thing didn't rupture! So my Mom and Chase came to visit that night and then I went to sleep. The next morning and I woke up to Dr. Cook shaking me awake. He says he's going to let me go home but he wants me to take 3 weeks off! WHAT?!?! I told him that was a ton and he's like you have to atleast wait until you see me on December 14. This is sad because I don't like other people to have to do my work and I was covering for a lady I work with who had surgery. Oh dear. Good thing I have an amazing boss and co-workers! So I have been pretty bored and spent more time on Facebook and online and watching TV than I normally do. But now the 3 weeks is looking pretty tempting and I have short term disability... ha ha free money and the week before Christmas off? We shall see what the doc says! And I am sure that reading all that was more painful than the surgery itself! Thank you so so so much to my wonderful family and friends for taking such good care and me and sharing the love. Love you!
PS I will scan the pics soon! I told Dr Cook before the surgery that I wanted a copy of any pictures he took of my guts and he laughed and told me usually they don't take pics on this surgery but he would just for me and then he even wrote captions for me.

Feelings of Graditude and Awkwardness...

2010-11-28T04:57:00.004-07:00

I realize that I am a complete slacker. I didn't post anything for Halloween or Thanksgiving. In fact I haven't even blogged my super fun trip to Florida. Someday I will get to that but this morning (it's five am and I have yet to go to sleep, something that I have not done in months and is happening for some unknown reason to me right now!) I feel like sharing some funny experiences that I have had the past few months.

Okay, it's late October and I am in the American Fork Wal-Mart, trying to decided which kind of juice I want to buy. I'm in a half-squat and not really paying attention when suddenly I feel "WHACK" "WHACK" on my back. I turn around to face my assaulter (I had come to Wal-Mart alone and couldn't imagine anyone I know being there...) To see a man with an Iron-man mask on, holding a light-saber with his large belly hanging out his too small t-shirt. I had absolutely no idea who the guy was.
ME: "ouch"
Ironman: "oh sh%^, I thought you were my wife." exit stage left.

A few thoughts on this experience:
1. don't go to Wal-mart alone.
2. I hope he doesn't hit his wife as hard as he hit me being as I had some lovely welts the next day.
3. I hope I never see him or his belly again.
4. I really hope that is not his Halloween costume, it really doesn't match.
5. Do not marry someone who would ever dream of assaulting someone un-provoked in walmart.

Now moving on to my next experience. I have had a few health issues lately and my doctor wants me to get a colonoscopy. How sad. I know that the majority of people that will be reading this know that I loveto talk about poop and think that I would be excited to have this procedure done. Nope. No thanks. Anyways, I ended up re-scheduling the scope aka invasion because of insurance issues and I promise to let you all know how it goes when it does happen :) So before the cancellation I went to Target for some stuff (I love Target and have not been assaulted there.) Anyways to prep for a colonoscopy you have to drink 3 bottles of magnesium citrate, or what I like to call "turbo lax" (thank you dumb and dumber).

So I get up to the check out and this happens:
kid:"Can I see your ID?"
my thoughts:WTH? Then I notice the I'm in training badge. ha ha poor kid
me: "Sure...Do you usually ID people when they buy this?"
kid:"We ID everyone that looks under 40."
my thoughts: ???????????????????????????????
me:"Ok, but you know this is not alcohol right?"
kid:"Oh, what is it?"
me:"Have you seen Dumb and Dumber? it's basically Turbo Lax."
kid:"I didn't know it came in glass bottles."
me:"ha ha yeah..."

Really?! As if it's not embarrassing enough to be purchasing a large amount of laxatives, he has to ID me?! ha ha I guess I attract awkwardness. So in short I am grateful for these experiences because they have kept me from having an overly boring life. Happy Holidays everyone! My new camera should be here anyday and then you will be blessed with my camera happiness! Peace!

Random = Rachel

2010-11-11T10:17:00.002-07:00

I sincerly apologize for the neglect that my blog has seen. My laptop charger decided to start my bed on fire and rather than replace it (80 to 100$) I decided to save that money and buy a new one come Black Friday :) So since I have a large portion of my work done at work today I'm taking a little break! First, it is November 11 and I would like to express my appreciation to all of the veterans and their families. Specifically my Grandpa Hamilton, he's a hero and I really am grateful for his service. Next, I am proud of myself. I changed the bulb in my blinker all by myself this morning. Cheers for me being independent and thanks Dad for showing me how to do it last time! I am really excited for the Holidays coming up and spending time with the people I love most. I am getting together with some old friends from Snow College on Saturday and then hanging out with an old ER friend. I am saddened because the cruise that I am supposed to be on in less than 3 months also happens to be the one that is currently being towed by tug boats after it broke down in Mexico. ha ha Don't tell my mom about that! I am thinking about leaving Facebook. Aaaaannnndddd I really really want to be a puppy raiser. And I am really happy with my dollar bin findings at Target. I now have a Disney Princess calendar mouse pad. Alright my friends. That is it for today. Sorry for being a slacker and sorry no pics. I promise when I get a computer I will be better.

Where in the World is Rachel Hamilton?

2010-10-06T19:22:00.004-06:00

I guess time has escaped me! Where have I been for 2 months?! Well, I've been a few places: training room 12, Rio Tinto, LaVell Edwards Stadium, Memphis, Atlanta and Florida. Time to play catch up.

I am in love with ReAL. I love those games. I love football and Jazz still but I love going to every home game and love it even more that they have not lost a game that I have been to. It's been close a few times but they have always come through for me. If you have never been to a major league soccer game I recommend it. Just be patient you might not like it the first time but it will grow on you!!! Since Chase is a season ticket holder we got to go meet the team! I was so fun - most of the guys were really cool. Here are the pics. Don't judge me because of how gross I look- it was sooooo hot!

This is Nelson Gonzalez and Fabian Espindola. They call Espindola the angry Argentine.
This is Robbie Findley, he played on the team for the World Cup.
This is Chris Wingert, he is the left back. So we see a lot of him :)
This is Andy Williams. He is a stud. He's my favorite player!
This is Kyle Beckerman, I am afraid of his hair.
This is Saborio. He is Chase's favorite player. I love him too and ReAL better keep him around!!!

cha cha cha changes....

2010-08-06T06:42:00.002-06:00

Today is my very last day working in the ER. I can't believe that I've been here for three years and now I'm hitting the road. To where? I got a job at SelectHealth, the insurance part of Intermountain. I am excited for my new job, don't get me wrong, but it's hard to avoid the nostalgia! Many people from the ER, past and present, are like my family. They have seen me on my best and worst days and I never feel alone when I am here. I have so many memories here and I have learned so much. I am forever grateful for the blessing it has been to work here. Now for a few memories:

* G.F. trying to set me up with an EKG tech, who is happily married with 2 kids. Not to mention a democrat. ha ha and I am pretty positive that he will read this.

* My first cruise was with ER people who will forever remain among my besties! All I can say is"What the Hell?" ha ha

* My first code blue. I will never forget the cries of that girl barely older than me calling for her husband. Good thing I know that families are forever!

*Jared, the cookie monster.

*Staying up all night. Especially in the early days when we could watch movies and youtube on our laptops and laugh hysterically.

* Being teased everyday about something.

*going to Jackson Hole, Lagoon, the cabin, up the canyon, etc, etc. with many of my favorites.

*The pleasure that comes from waking up (mean) doctors in the middle of the night.

*Paging Dr. Fullmer 40 times on his last day to appease the demands of Dr. Kallas.

* Exciting traumas and patients who put stuff where they ought not to.

*Teasing Tina about the creepy people who have a crush on her and the comments of their back seat capabilities.

*Missy and her ever famous cartoons.

*Barb setting me up with my very best friend ;)

Okay, that's enough rambling and I haven't even scratched the surface. If you have a memory of me in the ER comment it to me! So I am going to miss everyone but I am very ready for a change. So thanks to all my ER friends I love you and I really hope that I am not a slacker and stay in touch! I am sure that better hours, better pay, a manager who appreciates me already and the ever coveted internet access will make the adjustment period much easier. Atleast I hope. This is Rachel from Utah Valley ER signing off. Till next week.

Twenty-one and holding

2010-07-01T19:24:00.007-06:00

Yesterday was my birthday and I have to say I'm not really liking being 22 so I think I'll just go back to being 21 for probably forever. For my birthday Chase took me to Park City on the way up we made a slight detour and went to Evanston, WY so we can properly celebrate the fourth. When we got back to Park City we went to the outlets and did some shopping and then sadly it started to rain and by rain I mean pour! So we went and ate some yummy Mexican at Baja Cantina and waited for the rain to stop.

When we got finished eating I had stopped raining so we got to go on the Alpine Slide- my first time! I was a little cautious being my first time but next time I think I will go full tilt all the way down hoping that no squirrels cross my path!

2010-07-01T19:15:00.002-06:00

My birthday started a week early this year when Chase's mom gave me her tickets for the BACKSTREET BOYS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! So lucky Chase got to come with me and enjoy a super fun concert with 10 thousand screaming girls! It was so fun! I really thought I would be able to contain myself but when I got in there I was screaming and dancing along with them. Thanks Chase and Barb! I had sooooo much fun!!!!!

California

2010-07-01T17:23:00.011-06:00

I had the pleasure of going on a grand adventure to California with my favorite person Chase and our friends Abram and Melissa. We drove down on Friday the 21st of May. This was a huge milestone for me because I had never driven South of Nephi. I drove all the way to St. George! We stopped in Vegas for my first trip to Buffalo Wild Wings (yummy) and then continued on to Anaheim. When we finally got there (blasted traffic!) we went swimming at the hotel.
Then we went to Costco to get food for the rest of the trip. Then the men grilled up some yummy hamburgers. This is Chase getting mad at me for interrupting the grilling ha ha.

We went to sleep and anxiously anticipated the next day! I woke everyone up bright and early because it was the day for Disneyland and I wanted to be there when the gates opened! I expected it to be much busier because it was a Saturday but the longest we waited for any ride was 35 minutes for the Finding Nemo submarines. Also, funny part about while we were in line for Finding Nemo Abram goes look there's the king from Aladdin. Nope, actully it was just a man who was wearing a turban and was likely from the middle east. I thought I was going to die laughing. We made it on all the big rides except Splash Mountain which was closed. I made everyone run from ride to ride and I have to admit Disneyland is my favorite place on earth. I can't not smile when I am there! Chase got to experience California Adventure for the first time and thought it was pretty neat. Both of us thought that Space Mountain was still the best! While we were there they were having a CCI demonstration in Downtown Disney so we headed down there to see if I knew anyone. Simi, the lady that trained my brother's dog was there it was great to see her and some others. Plus there were some adorable puppies there!

Space Mountain!

After Disneyland we went to watch some ReAL Salt Lake play Chivas USA. It was really awesome to see a different soccer stadium and I am still jealous that Chivas have cheerleaders and RSL doesn't. (I would volunteer but...)Chivas play in the same stadium as the LA Galaxy better know as David Beckham's team (or Landon Donovan depending on your tastes) The game was great and they won in the last second 2-1. We made some confetti and Chase threw it and the Mexicans around us cheered ha ha. I should mention that it was super windy and it was so freezing! Poor Chase had to be wrapped in scarves to keep his arms warm.

The next day we went to Hollywood! We went and walked on some of the stars and went to a wax museum, world record museum and Ripley's believe it or not museum. They were all pretty cool! Although I think the best part was when I was waiting to get a picture taken by Batman and Alfred a kid says that one looks real and I realized he was looking right at me. I just said I am real. He was so embarrassed and I had a good laugh about it. Next we drove to Santa Monica beach which was super beautiful but once again it was super cold and windy so we just walked around the pier and then we returned to the hotel and made some spaghetti and played SkipBo and Monopoly Fast Pass.

The next day we went to the Tonight Show with Jay Leno. You have to get there super early and get in line. We ended up being 13 to 16 in line. We were a bit disappointed because it seems like those who were dressed skaniest were front and center. We were in the front row right where the band plays. Russell Brand (Get him to the Greek, Bedtime Stories, host of the VMA's) was the main guest that night. He was pretty funny but mostly crude. During one of the breaks he climbed in to the stands right by us and almost fell right on top of me! yikes. I was glad we got to go when we did because Kevin Eubanks has since left the show and he was one of my favorite parts. Before they start the show they tell you they are going to give prizes to the best audience members so smile, cheer and laugh at the right times. Chase won a hat because he started cheering when Jay was talking about the Lakers losing. ha ha After that we drove home which took forever thanks to traffic made some tacos and I passed out early. The next day we got up super early and drove to the studio where Price is Right is held. Well we apparently were not there early enough. We were in the 200's and they told it was highly likely we wouldn't get in. We decided to chance it so we went and got some Denny's (first time I have ever seen a bathroom that you have to pay to use it!) and then went back. There were tons of huge groups and they get priority over the smaller groups and so we missed getting by about 20 people. Next time I will know what to do though! (It's on my bucket list so I HAVE to!) After that we drove to Primm, Nevada and checked into our hotel Whiskey Pete's. We went to the outlets and did a little shopping and then swam. We went to dinner at the hotel's restaurant. I ate the huuuuggggestt piece of chocolate cake! I was super hyper and that's what I felt like eating.

When we got done eating I went up to a penny slot in the casino and bet 30 cents and ta duh! I won 15 bucks! Then we played some video poker and blackjack. I didn't do so well with these but Chase ended up winning 60 dollars. The next morning we woke up checked out and drove straight through to home. We didn't stop once. I thought I was going to starve to death! It was an awesome vacation and I am so glad that Chase didn't decide to leave me in the desert for driving him nuts ha ha!

2010-05-11T11:52:00.003-06:00

I need to go on a blogging rampage because lots of good stuff has been going on!

First, I need to tell the world how wonderful my Mom is!

I love my Mom so much. I love her for loving me and for taking care of me, for forgiving me when I do dumb things. I love her for supporting me and for listening to me. I am so grateful that she has taught me so much everything from being a hard worker to how to do laundry to how to be a friend. My mom is hilarious and I love calling to hear the latest. I am so glad that I have a good relationship with her and that we talk on the phone all the time. I'm so glad that she has a testimony and that she shares it with us all the time and that she raised me in the church. I know her life is far from being easy, especially being the mother of 2 special needs kids, a daughter with a chronic illness and a little turd like me (to name a few) but she shoulders the burden with grace. Not only is she beautiful on the inside she is quite beautiful on the outside. I like it when people say I look like my mom- who wouldn't want that compliment? I miss going to water aerobics with her or running with her because she is so good at exercising! I am happy to have a wonderful mom! Anyone that knows her will agree that my Mom is an amazing lady!
Thanks for being the best mom, I hope that I can be a great mom like you someday!
Love,
Rachel

This her on her 25th Anniversary!

P.S. I am blessed enough to have 2 wonderful grandmothers to look up to! I'm a lucky girl.

Win a bedroom or dining set from RC Willey!

2010-04-06T11:41:00.000-06:00

RC Willey - Paula Deen

Enter to win using this link!

Somewhat Boring Updates...

2010-03-19T23:52:00.004-06:00

Well you'll never guess but I moved. AGAIN! ha ha I move so much I think people think that I like it. Not so much but it is fun to get to try something new I guess. Plus I seriously have thrown away a lot of stuff because I just don't need it any more. yay! Also this last week I have started training for new assignment that I have in the ER, (yes, I have 3 totally separate jobs in the ER now!) as an Eligibility aka Financial Assistance Counselor. It's been a really interesting experience like you make 55 dollars an hour and you have one kid and three cars, sorry no assistance options for you to very humbling where people are trying so hard but just seem to be plagued with the worst of luck. I'm on call for that position so I'll do it when someone wants a vacation or is sick. Very exciting :)
In other news I am actually loving school although I am so excited for summer time! My new place has a yard and hopefully I can grow at least some tomatoes and flowers this year!
I'm very blessed to be dating this guy that I could go on and on about for lots of reasons but the ones that come to mind are that he helped me move, he went with me to IKEA, bought season tickets to REAL SOCCER! (4th row, I can't wait!), planned a fun trip to Cali which includes being in the audience for the Price is Right (it's on my bucket list &maybe I'll win a new car...), plus he bought me a microphone so I can sing while he plays the guitar on the the play station. (He may or may not regret that one!) And let's not forget that he makes me stand up for myself in awkward situations, makes me go to class and loves me even though I'm an idiot sometimes. Plus he makes a mean grilled cheese and is way better than a tv guide.
Plus, I have the cutest niece ever. I can't believe how smart she is! Plus who can deny that her saying "go cougars" is not the most adorable thing ever. Plus she calls Rhett "poop" - now that's funny! I will have to get a video of her playing with the zhu-zhu pets that I bought for her. She likes them until she thinks that they are chasing her. Good times. Life is good. And while I'm posting I'll add some pics from a couple Jazz games that Chase took me to! So much fun and #23 is the best!

And the last 2 pics are when Chase and I camped out in front of the Marriott Center in freakin January so we could get good seats for the BYU vs. Utah game. It was so cold that Chase decided to decrease the air space above us (I don't know how else to describe it) by tying our snuggies above us. Genius... ha ha I couldn't stop laughing but it was a great adventure. okay I have to go to work now. Peace.

Not for the faint of heart or stomach.

2010-02-03T11:47:00.005-07:00

When, in the course of human events, it becomes necessary for one's digestive system to dissolve the bonds which make up our food, and to assume the powers of the laws of nature. A decent respect is to be paid for the opinions of mankind's poop and it requires that all should declare the causes which impel them to take reading material to the bathroom.

I think that my mom and grandma's and probably my boyfriend would be mortified that I am writing this. But I have been jealous for so long that Jared gets to talk about poop on his blog and I know that it's because he is potty training his children but I am still jealous. And the other reason is that Chase put "Rachel Hamilton just pooped my pants" as my status on Facebook.

See! See all those comments! Everyone deep down loves poop. It is a universal thing, we all poop. We are supposed to appreciate the small things in life and some poops are small and some are monsters and depending on the day we are so grateful for these movements. (However diaper changing is a totally different issue.)

Now I am going to tell you a favorite childhood memory of Erica, my sister.

One day at her after-school daycare 5 year old Erica was listening to her favorite story during reading time when suddenly she was taken from the classroom and marched down the hall to the bathroom to where she could hear her screaming sister, Rachel. As the door opened she saw her sister butt naked and bright red from screaming. The teacher was flushing Rachel's panties and pants out by holding them in the toilet and flushing it.

Hang on a sec, who came up with this as the way to flush the poo out? It's a bit risky for my taste. Sorry back to the story.

Poor Erica had to console her little sister who thought that they were flushing part of her favorite outfit down the toilet never to be seen again. Finally they convinced the darling, confused child that her cute outfit was not being flushed away.

That my readers was the LAST time I pooped my pants. And for the record it wasn't my fault! I will tell you what happened. It was nap time and I got that feeling of discomfort that we all know. So I tried to go to the bathroom and the teacher stopped me and made me go back to my mat. Stupid lady! You should not mess with the forces of nature! Well because I was a good child or perhaps it was to spite the teacher I pooped my pants. The humiliation that followed is what has inspired me to never poop my pants again. There you go.

I really could go on and on about poop and someday I am going to publish my poop songs like this one:

Diarrhea to the tune of Mamma Mia

I was cheated by you
And I think you know when.
So I made up my mind, it must come to an end
Look at me now, will I ever learn?
I don't know how but I suddenly lose control
There's a fire within my hole
Just one push and I can feel my butt sting
One more cramp and I forget everything

Diarrhea, here I go again
My my, how can I resist you?
Diarrhea, will I go again
My My, just how much I've not missed you!
Yes, I've been broken-hearted
Blue since I sorta farted
Why, why did I ever let you go?
Diarrhea, now I really know
My my, I should not have let you go

I was happy not sad when I knew you were through
I can't count all the times I have cried over you

Look at me now
Will I ever learn
I don't know how
But I suddenly lose control
There's a fire within my hole.
Just one look and I can hear a bell ring
One more oops and there goes everything

oh no!

Diarrhea, here I go again
My my, how can I resist you?
Diarrhea, will I go again
My My, just how much I've not missed you!
Yes, I've been broken-hearted
Blue since I sorta farted
Why, why did I ever let you go?
Diarrhea, now I really know
My my, I should not have let you go

Okay now that I have that out of my system (I crack myself up) I better go get some homework done! Please if you feel this way about poop, let me know. And even better share your stories with me!

It's a Wonderful Life

2009-12-30T15:33:00.003-07:00

The holidays really are the most wonderful time of the year. I had a great month in December with lots of parties, spending time with family, going to my first bowl game (the Las Vegas bowl, which was a blast!), dating an amazing guy, shopping, going to Jazz games, scanning tons of old photos from my Dad's childhood... really I could keep going. I can't believe that another year has passed. 2010. I remember being in sixth grade and we had to write a paper on what we thought would happen with it was 2000 aka Y2K. I don't remember what I wrote but I am sure that what I anticipated was not what happened. ha ha. So I am going to make time capsule to open in ten years. I wonder what it will be like then?! So I need your help... what should I put in my time capsule to be opened in 2020? Happy New Year!

Here I go again....

2009-11-24T20:11:00.012-07:00

Here's volume 2 of my grateful list!

26. Canine Companions for Independence. I love this organization! I can't wait until I am in a position that I can help raise a puppy. I love hearing all the stories about the healing power so dogs and it makes me that much more excited to start my career and involve a facility dog.

---- This is Erica's new puppy in training Nacho II, he's a cutie!

27. Missionaries. I am so glad that the church has such a great missionary program. A lot of my friends who were serving came home this year and it is so fun to hear all of the stories and see how much our church gets to grow through the help of these guys. Also, I like how it helps them grow up into much better people :)

28. I am grateful for the leaders of the church. We are truly blessed to have a living prophet. I love him!

29. I'm grateful for my Grandma and Grandpa Barney. I seriously have the best family ever. And my Grandma is a saint, she is always helping someone out and she is so knowledgeable about the Gospel. My grandpa is hilarious, he's got great stories and he always makes me feel loved.

30. I'm grateful for my Grandma and Grandpa Hamilton. I am so lucky to know and get to spend time with my grandparents. My grandma is such an example of service, she's always fixing something to take to someone who needs it. My grandpa is such a hard worker - he's always got a project or two going on. And they are awesome because they came to all of our softball games :)

31. I am grateful for photos. It's so true that a picture says a thousand words. I love looking back on my pictures and seeing how we've changed and reliving those memories.

32. I am grateful for my adventure to the top of Mount Nebo. It was so fun spending the time with my family and trying something new and fun (backpacking). I am also glad that I made it to the top and back because I will never forget how awesome it was to look out and see forever! Seriously so beautiful and nice to accomplish a pretty tough goal.

33. Another adventure I had that I am grateful for is going to Jackson Hole, Wyoming with my friends from the ER. It was so fun to spend time with friends enjoying the great outdoors. I am glad that we survived the rapids and I am grateful that they didn't feed me to the bears like they threatened to.

34. I have to say that our Boulder Mountain trip this year was hilarious and it is one that I will never forget. After if rained for 24 hours and we were all wet it was still fun. I learned how to start a fire even when the ground and wood and everything else is really wet. I loved the fishing. And I love spending the time with my family. And I love Boulder Mountain and all of the memories that it holds for me.

35. Our trip to Manti to see the pageant and do some four wheeling and fishing was a blast! Even though it rained. I wish fishing were like that all the time- cast and reel in a fish, cast and reel in a fish!

36. I am grateful for my rain gear that I finally bought after being rained on for all of the above adventures. It's cute and green and keeps me nice and dry!

37. I am grateful that I got to go to Arizona when my cousin Ben got home from his mission and spend some time with family down there.

38. I am grateful for my first attempt at hiking Timp. I didn't make it to the top but I learned that I do not want to start in the heat of the day because we all know that I die in the heat! And Diana and Ryan rock for hanging out with me. Plus it's way cool that I pretty much pet a mountain goat...

39. And... my favorite adventure of the year: The Black Box. This one was so fun! The San Rafael Desert is some pretty country and the best part about it is that it's not like Moab and crawling with people. There is still some solitude in it. I am so glad that I went and conquered some of my fears once again. It's a pretty dangerous activity, hiking slot canyons, but it was so cool to see the erosion. I can't wait to do it again. I might also say that I am grateful that my dad wants to do it in more than one day next year (people were taking 3 days to do what we did in one) so I don't almost die at the end!

40. Going to California in May. It was so fun to go and see Vecca graduate as a service dog, so nice to see how much she helps the little girl she lives with now. It was also fun to get to spend time with my sister, brother in law and niece going to the beach, the farmer's market, the wild animal park, walking around Vegas and dying of laughter at the continental breakfast at one of our hotels. Thanks Erica and Charlie for sharing with me!

41. While I am talking about California I have to say that I am grateful for the beach because I love it!

42. This year I also got to enjoy the beauty of Moab in the winter. Pretty much this was a way fun roadtrip thanks to Becky and Joel for humoring my emergency road trip to one of my favorite places on earth. And I am grateful we didn't get thrown in jail for driving on the government's helipad. ha ha

43. Primary Children's Medical Center, I am so thankful that we live so close to such a great hospital. When Josie was sick they took such good care of her.

44. Medications. You know how some people hate medicine? Well, I love it. No, I'm not addicted to pain killers but I am glad that we can cure infections and diseases, beat cancer, sedate people who need it, take pain away from people who are suffering. It's a great thing.

45. I am grateful for flu shots. I am fully vaccinated seasonal flu shot and H1N1 (for free from work, yesssss!) And I haven't gotten sick yet despite being exposed 20 bazillion times. yay!

46. hand sanitizer I love the stuff that makes it so when you go somewhere and you can't wash your hands but your whole body is crawling because you can feel the germs you can still have clean hands atleast!

47. I am thankful for deodorant and the people who use it. (I put this on my list while I was at work...)

48. I love Gap. So many cute clothes. So I am thankful for them because otherwise I might might only wear pajamas.

49. I am thankful for craft stores and the entertainment they provide me. Even though I spend too much money at them.

50. I am thankful for kraftfoods.com because they give me good recipes and they have the 3 ingredient thing, check it out. It's wonderful!

til next time....

Things Rachel is Grateful for.... part one

2009-11-15T13:27:00.003-07:00

Well it's mid November and it has only snowed twice and it hasn't really stuck. I am so happy. Last year I did a alphabet of what I am thankful for with pics. This year I am going to make a list of 100 things but in 4 parts. I really love Thanksgiving and how it gives us time to reflect on all the blessings that we have! So in no particular order here it is:

1. My health, I am so lucky to be so healthy and strong! I haven't been sick a whole lot this year and I have thus far escaped the swine flu!

2. My niece, she so cute and it's fun when she is so excited to see me.

3. My parents, I am so lucky to be so close to my family. I love them and it's nice to know when I need something they are always there for me.

4. My sister, Erica. I talk to her nearly everyday and she is one of my best friends. I look up to her a lot and I am so grateful for all that she does for our family as a whole. This girl has been met with so many trials and yet she manages to keep her head up and be a success. Even though I am happy she gets to work from home now I am sad that I don't get to take my lunch breaks with her.

5.My sister, Josie. This girl is so tough. She went through some rough things when she was sick earlier this year and she was so brave. She is true to herself and she well she cracks me up all the time.

6. My brother, Rhett. Wow, even though he is a little turd I love this kid to death! He makes all of us laugh so hard. He is a hard worker and is getting good at his autobody welding stuff and I'm going to make him my fix it man. ha ha

7. My brother, Sawyer. This kid reads and remembers so much and he can spew out random info at any second. I'm grateful for how loving and fun he is.

8. My brother in law, Charlie. Charlie saved my life when we were doing the black box and I got heat exhaustion by carrying my pack. And he didn't kill me playing softball :) Among other things...

9. Being able to play softball this year. I miss Tuesday night games and Sunday night practices! Even though I am still learning all the rules and learning to throw and hit better it was fun to be part of the team. I feel like it brought our extended family closer together and that makes me so happy!

10. The gospel. Need I say more? I am so glad that I know we can have our families forever and that no matter what I do Heavenly Father loves me.

11. America, I am so proud to be an American. I love being part of a country where I am blessed with so many freedoms.

12. Veterans, past and present. I am grateful to them and their families for sacrificing to give to not just us as Americans but to others who cannot defend themselves. Grandpa Hamilton is a veteran of the Korean War and I am so proud of the service that he gave.

13. My job. I love that I work in an environment where I get to help people. Even though I am not really involved clinically, I can still help the patients and their families be more comfortable. I also love all the friends I have from the ER :)

14. My bucket list. I love that I have so many goals to accomplish and I know reading it often helps me remember what I want to do! It also helps em see that what I once thought was so important is no longer a priority. Hopefully in the coming year I will get to accomplish some more!

15. Finally deciding what I want to do when I grow up! yay! I am excited to become an Occupational Therapist assistant and eventually an OT. I love helping people and it will be so fun to help them live better lives.

16. My roomates, Angi and Kelsey. I love these girls. I don't know too many people who would put up with let alone participate in my youtube karaoke! Plus it's way cool that we sit around and talk for hours and hours.

17. Coupons. I love saving money. Thanks to Erica, Amanda and others for sharing their coupon wisdom!

(Kelsey took this pic and then edited it... ha ha what a funny girl.)

18. Books, I love to read! I love how you can learn from other people experiences. By the way,I love the new Mitch Albom book, Have a Little Faith. So good.

19. YouTube. Holy cow. Who is the genius that invented this? I have a love hate relationship with how connected we are (ha ha I say this while I blog...) but it's nice to have somewhere to find something funny to watch. And for those of you who love karaoke you should try searching for any song and then karaoke with lyrics ie: heart alone karaoke with lyrics. so fun!

20. My cousin Ben. I had so much fun with him this summer. I really appreciate his friendship.

21. Seasons. Even though I hate the snow I love spring when everything is new and beautiful again. I love the fun that summer brings. The beauty of fall and the joy of the winter holidays.

22. My friends. I am so lucky to have great friends. I don't dare list each of them because I know I'd forget one and I would feel so bad! Thanks to all of them!

23. Warm clothes. Even though I have a strong dislike for the cold that winter brings I love coats and sweaters and jackets and gloves and hats and snow clothes that we only get to wear when the white stuff is on the ground. I am so thankful I have enough clothes to wear to keep me warm!

24. Music. I can't go very long without listening to some music. It's so fun to find love with music new and old.

25. The past year. I have learned a ton in the last year. I have made and lost friends, had my heart broken, tried new things, learned more about myself, grown up (a little), been brave, been loved and given love back. I'd never with to repeat the last year but I'm glad that we get to learn from the past because even though it hurts I am so much better for it.

There's the first 25.... til next time!
loves, Rachel

2009-11-06T13:59:00.008-07:00

I can't believe that it has almost been a month since I've posted anything especially since I have had stuff to post! The week of Halloween was super awesome. I really wish that I had that much fun every week. I'll start with Monday, Melmer threw an awesome party at her house complete with pumpkin carving, food, eating donuts off of strings, digging for worms in whipped cream with our faces and of course costumes! Thanks

Wednesday I went to the Haunted Forest with Chase and I only screamed once! I did quite a lot of jumping, walking fast and threatening people who were about to jump out though ha ha. Then we went back to my house and watched the end of the Jazz game. bummer. they lost.

Thursday night I went with my roomates and some of Angi's friends from hair school to Ogden to a fashion show/ masquerade ball. Well the "ball" party never really happened but we looked pretty hot!

ignore the fact that a few of these are in the bathroom. ha ha

Friday night was Melanie's big Halloween party with all of the Hamilton fam. It was so fun! The food was delicious and the decorations darling and everyone had costumes! I have to say that Coltan as Elmo was probably my favorite all the little kids wanted to get their picture taken with him. After the party I went with my friend Mason to the Midway hot pots. It's beautiful up there and the hot pots are actually really nice. Way hot though. I'm going to have to go again.

Saturday was a beautiful day for Halloween! There was no snow and lots of sunshine and Chase took me to my first ReAL Salt Lake game! I have wanted to go because I had heard that they were fun... well big understatement. These games are crazy! You can (well, technically I don't think you're supposed to) throw streamers and toilet paper at the players and people get way into it which is what I like. ReAl won by one and so that made it even better! After the game I went to the Barney family Halloween party to say hi to everyone. I went home and watched the Shining and it's not as scary as I thought it once was ha ha Jack Nicolsen is a creepo though.

Then last but not least...... I got to go to my first ever Jazz game! I've been fan my whole life and never been but that all changed last night because Chase (he's a sport's lover) took me to the San Antonio Spurs vs the Utah Jazz. Well the game was really fun to watch the people watching was fun and one of my favorite tv shows Nitro Circus was there and they did a few stunts during one of the time outs. The Jazz played really well, even BOOzer ha ha. The final score was 113 to 99. Go JAZZ!

ha ha I love how into the game he gets.

Sadly, we are both working tonight otherwise maybe we'd go watch Spanish Fork beat TimpView in football. ha ha

That's enough for one post! Oh and I am going to be making my blog private so please send me your email address so I can add ya'll to my list!

High on a countertop.....

2009-10-07T14:31:00.005-06:00

Yes, this post is coming from the countertop. I am currently sitting on a very large pile of all the heavy stuff I could find. This is why:

Back in August I did this

that's right, I moved.... again. I love my new place and my new roomates. We have so much fun all the time! They are awesome and I am glad that we get along so well because I was a bit nervous about moving in with strangers! Now I'll explain the reason I am sitting on the counter. One night we were just hanging out together and I got out my "dress up box" for those who have never seen it, I have quite the collection. We all put on different outfits and then we started taking pictures. Lots of pictures. Then I decided to start jumping off things with a broom between my legs so it looked like I was flying on a broom (I know I'm immature.) Then we decided that we were going to do the poses like they do on High School Musical and jump off the counter top with the timer set on the camera so all of us could be in it. Well as we jumped we heard this crack and well the counter separated from the cupboards. bummer. So now I am gorilla gluing it together in hopes that I will once again be able to lean on the counter without launching whatever happens to be sitting on the counter across the room.

Me, Kelsey and Angi.... look at our faces. ha ha so glad that this was caught on camera. If you look you can see my candy machine getting ready to crash to the floor.

Jackson Hole 06.09

2009-09-23T11:34:00.001-06:00

If you barely even know me you probably know how much I love the people that I work with in the ER. So going on a trip with them was pretty awesome! Our awesome friends Levi and Crystal (they met in the ER and are now married, cute!) planned the whole trip for us. We left Wednesday afternoon and drove up there I rode with Becky and Justin. On the drive we had a little car-karaoke and I made my first visit to Idaho and we went to a cheese factory! We stopped and ate dinner at this pizza place and the pizza was really good but I think the best part was when Becky went and put her face against the window right where people were eating! When we got to camp it was getting dark so we hurry and set up camp and all 6 of us slept in one tent! We laughed for a while and then everyone went to sleep. I didn't sleep so well and sometime in the night I ended up stealing the hood part of Justin's sleeping bag (I thought it was mine!) and using it as my blanket. Sorry Justin. Apparently Melmer was hit by my limbs or bum more than once. Sorry Melmer.

This is me hiding from the bears in the "food box" they tried to lock me in, the little turds.
Then when we woke up we got some breakfast and went to check out Lunch Counter one of the big rapids we'd be going through on Friday. It was huge! We even got to watch a couple people get tossed out of their rafts! ha ha On the way we also got to enjoy the talent of Justin singing with the Backstreet boys. After went to the Grand Teton National Park and hiked around Jenny Lake and up to inspiration point. It was a really pretty hike and I really wanted to jump in the lake but the water was REALLY cold and I didn't have dry clothes :(. After the hike we had some lunch and a little siesta and then we went into Jackson Hole and played tourists and went in the shops and looked around. I can't forget to mention that we got 8 people to fit in Becky's 5 person suv, quite hilarious. My favorite was the candy store which I forced Becky and Justin to come with me to. They had every flavor of salt water taffy and lots of old school candies including bubble gum cigarettes! (Which I purchased :D) Lots to see in such a little town. We went and found Levi, Crystal and Melmer and got someone to take our pic by the arches made from antlers and we even got one with us smoking our bubble gum.

We met up with more friends John and Melissa for dinner at Bubba's. It's pretty much a grease pit but it was good and I will be forever in Justin's debt because he took a "big bum" pic. The bench was sagging and I kept half wishing that it'd break (I'm pretty sure I'm already going to hell) and I bet that my bum looks like that in 20 years or so just because I keep making fun of them.

After dinner we went back to camp, on the way back we had a tribute to Michael Jackson- Justin's quite the dancer. ha ha Crystal's sister Michaela and cousin Kyle and friend Jaden and our friend Gina came to join us and we chatted around the campfire. We went to bed and sometime during the night it stated to... rain. Great- is anyone else seeing a pattern? Every time I go somewhere it rains! Luckily this time I was prepared with full rain gear (see green suit pics) and luckily my sleeping bag didn't get wet :)

So we spent the morning playing catch phrase and trying to tight rope walk aka slack line after it stopped raining.

Finally it was time for what we had all been waiting for: white water rafting! We went to our outfitter's meeting place and rented our wet suits and boy did we look hot. ha ha then we got to ride in a bus with a scout group, I'm glad I was never a 14 year old boy, they stink and they are super annoying sometimes. After getting all our gear and instructions we got in the raft. I was right in front (I accidentally volunteered myself.) and we paddled away! We went through some tube sucks which means they spin your around like the drain in the bath tub and you have to hurry and lean to the opposite side so you don't get sucked in! And we went through some awesome rapids- lunch counter was the best! I think the river went by way too fast!

After we went and got hot chocolate I got the Mexican Hot chocolate, yummy. New favorite! Right as we were getting out of the water it started to storm again and Becky's sleeping bag that had been left out to dry was now a new level of wet so Becky, Justin and I set off to find a laundry mat. We found one attached to a tavern and a KOA type place so we used it and while we were there we took showers, ha ha we're such cheaters.

After we went to a gas station to see if they had ice cream and I discovered they had choco-tacos. I've been given quite a bit of grief for never having had a choco-taco so I ate my first one on this trip. We went back to camp and sat around the campfire and then went to bed. We woke up and cleaned up camp and then headed on home. We stopped at a park just outside of Evanston and ate lunch and played on the playground that was fun and quite entertaining watching Justin do butt-charades a top the pavilion.

Then we drove the rest of the way home (I slept in the car a lot) We made it back to P-town safe and sound and then we cleaned Becky's car and did laundry and then crashed - I slept like the dead.

What happened to summer?!

2009-09-23T10:59:00.002-06:00

I cannot believe that it is fall! I have so many stories and pictures from the summer that I have yet to share! So I shall be posting a lot today since I am home sick :( and have the desire to blog.

2009-09-15T12:58:00.002-06:00

Can I tell you how much I love Shabby Apple Dresses! Everyone should check them out! And.... everyone should check out this blog: http://www.thirtyhandmadedays.blogspot.com for freakin'sweet crafty ideas! I promise that I am going to post soon and show you the millions of pics and adventures I've been having.

2009-08-02T00:15:00.002-06:00

I want some one to do this for me. ha ha so romantic. In fact I am going to watch the whole movie right now. Sorry for the mushiness of today I have no idea where it is coming from.

Things that Rachel loves...

2009-08-01T23:08:00.021-06:00

I have accidentally collected like 4 million photos of things I want and/or love so here is a wish list post. I can't give proper credit to the artists that are responsible because I wasn't thinking about it. So if your photo is on here and you want it off please let me know.

Isn't this bike awesome?! I want it and then when I get a puppy or a boyfriend they can ride in the back!

So I love this picture because this was once (probably more than once actually) me. My mom kept me home from school once because I needed to clean my room (somethings never change.) and instead of cleaning, I spent the whole day making her a card to say sorry. I know- it's a tear jerker.

I'm going to dress up like this and anyone who wants to dress up with me is more than welcome to. I dibs John Wayne. suckas.

Holy cow. I need these for my art supply collection and they would be perfect for entertaining myself in church and for that matter marking my scriptures.

And this would be wonderful if it were located near my home so I could ride my bike on it and go on walks with my boy friend and hide in the trees and scare small children or barbie girls haha.

love this song. want one of these for my own. I love street signs and road signs. I am going to have a kick a garage someday decorated nicely with street signs and other cool stuff.

I am going to do this. I love this so much. Everyone who values their umbrellas better hang on to them because I am going to start stealing them because I don't want my umbrella tree to match (at least I think so) and then I am going to make one out of shoes and then underwear because there happens to be a excessive amount of cuteness/uniqueness in all of those items.

I love balloons I've discovered. And a monochromatic scheme of them is just lovely. yellow or pink or reds. ahh. And largely I just like this photo because it's beautiful and how fun is the dress and the angle of the picture is different. :)

I want a circle themed party dang it. I love circles. Someday when I am a famous party planner circles parties will be my specialty.

So how did I not know that they had Daniel Craig (aka James Bond) shaped popsicles. He's delicious just to look at.

Several of these pieces are screaming my name. I really want the bird cage pendant. So darling.

Someday when I travel to Europe I want to go to the tulip fields. I love tulips and this picture is so cool it looks like normal fields that have been colored with photoshop.

funny. That's about all there is to say about it.

This reminds me of security at work. sicko watching me sleep. Also I am sure that whoever put this there has some good pics of reaction faces.

I can totally see my mom writing that note. ha ha not to me but to my brother Rhett. ha ha I hope in my life time I get to see a patient who has brushed his teeth with bum cream.

I NEED this rug. I love it because of the saying and the color is bueno! Plus doesn't the rest of the house that you can see indicate that it's a darling home which I will someday have (which is a whole different post soon to be revealed!)

I am going to be like this even if I don't get all of the above mentioned items, etc. Because french fries are good. haha plus if you read all the way through this you rock. thanks for caring.

Strawberry Poem--- so cute!

2009-08-01T21:00:00.001-06:00

Strawberry by Paul Baribeau :)
To say that you are cute,
Would be like saying a strawberry is sweet,
‘Cause a strawberry has secret flavors that are sharp, and tart, and red, and deep,
And i would love to find you growing wild out by the woods,
i would make a basket with the front of my t-shirt,
and take home as many of you as I could,
And to say that you are pretty,
Would be like saying that the ocean is blue,
Cause the ocean is full of all kinds of colors,
and I see all kinds of things when I look at you,
and I want to explore you
With my tenni shoes off
Standing ankle deep in a tide pool,
with my khaki pants rolled up,
and to say that you are funny would be like saying that the night sky is black,
Cause the night sky is filled with stars and comets and planets that no one has seen yet,
And i want to look at you,
Lying down on my front lawn,
I’ll try to take you all in at once, but you just go on and on and on

*********I think this is the cutest thing I've ever read. I wish it were about me. someday

last of mt nebo

2009-08-01T20:56:00.001-06:00

More Nebo Pics

2009-08-01T20:37:00.001-06:00

Pictures of Mount Nebo

2009-07-26T23:35:00.001-06:00

Hiking Mount Nebo

2009-07-26T22:41:00.004-06:00

My Dad is a stud. I think I may have mentioned this before but I'm going to say it again. And part of his studliness inspires him to get us (his family) to go where few have gone before. This time it was Mount Nebo, the second highest peak in Utah (King's Peak is higher). So our goal all year has been to get in shape for this event which we planned to do on the 4th of July. I got fatter and fatter but I still made it to the top somehow. (and I think I sweat some of those pounds off :)!)Anyway we got all of our gear together, I even purchased an awesome new sleeping bag, pad, backpack, mess kit, and rain gear. My mom, Charlie, Rhett and Sawyer left early and went to claim our camping spot. My Dad and I waited for Josie to get off work and then we followed. The first hill was a killer and it was already a pretty view so I couldn't wait to get to the top! We made it to camp and made our dinner and beds and went to sleep, well I tried. I finally was almost asleep and then I hear rain drops. We were sleeping out. So I pulled part of the tarp over me and tried to sleep. Sometime after 3 I fell asleep and then when the sun started to come up around 6 it woke me up. ugh. Beautiful sunrise though! We ate breakfast packed up camp and then started the climb. There was lots of snow and mud and thin air complicating our hike but we soldiered on. Then they added heights and wind. Then they added a straight up, narrow trail with steep drop-offs on both sides. This is where Mom, Josie, Sawyer and Hal and Kare-bear stayed put. Anyways we finally made it to the summit and some of you might have been lucky enough to get a text from me while I was up there. I wrote our names in the notebook that is in a box on top. I am very proud of myself for doing something I really thought I couldn't do. After we sat there for a second we began the climb down. I think I may have broken the World Record for Crab walking since I did it for such a long ways. We got back to camp and finished our clean up and then headed back to the trucks. I had to go to work at 6. ugh. and it was already like 4:30. ha ha so we cruised down the canyon and then I drove to provo and got ready in like 10 minutes and went to work. so much fun. Thanks for taking me Dad!

2009-07-26T15:19:00.003-06:00

Some one once told me that if I guy wasn't willing to swim across an ocean infested with these:

to get me this:

He just didn't love me enough and probably didn't deserve me. I liked that and so now I'm going to look for it.

My Birthday!

2009-07-10T20:32:00.004-06:00

I can't believe that I'm 21. I'm getting so old! That also means that I am officially legal! I had a really awesome birthday. Thanks all for all the good wishes and for all of you for being my friends! When I woke up my Becky had decorated my door and bathroom and made me a cute candy bar poster! Thanks Becky! I called my friend Diana and she came over and we did some yoga (some day I'll be graceful!) and chatted it up. Then I got ready and went to the DMV to get my driver's license renewed. (I had to wait for forever of course!) Then I met Erica, Charlie, Lauren and my cousin Ben at Tucanos for lunch. yum. I love that place. After Ben came over to my apt and hung out for a little while and then Melmer came over and gave me a freakin' sweet gift which actually warrants it's own post. But for a teaser it's title is Poop Log. Sounds like it is perfect for me right? After Melmer left I went over to my parents and rode Sawyer's bike on the trail and around that neighborhood. Such a bad idea after eating so much at Tucanos. Then we ate some brownies and ice cream (always room for desserts) and put the finishing touches on our backpacking trip plans. Then I headed back to Provo and Justin invited me to go see Monsters vs. Aliens. I'd been wanting to see that so I tagged along and after the movie we about laughed ourselves to death. After that I went home and actually went to sleep at a semi-normal time. Happy Birthday to me. And because I am totally flattered that someone wrote a poem for me for my birthday I thought I'd post it on here. BTW this was written by a guy. What talent!

a poem for you on your birthday:

today is a day, much like any other day,
where the sun comes up and the flowers sway,
the cows in the field munch their cud and hay,
and bears eat watermelons down by the bay.

but there's something more to celebrate here,
not just blue skies and a well fed bear,
but the triumph of surviving one more year,
and the joy we all feel by having you near.

thank goodness for us that you didnt die,
you still owe me a chocolate peanutbutter pie,
without it, i mean you, i'd probably cry,
cause you make me smile and you dont even try.

my name is justin and i like to party,
no, rachel's the only one that gets to party,
well i hope that her happiness will not be tardy,
cause now she is legal, just show'em your card-y. (bad rhyme)

i wish you a pony, a castle, and more,
an all access pass to the big candy store,
an endless summer on a lake powell shore,
and the best birthday ever, plus many more.

so again, i am glad you're still in the race,
though you're old and might need to slow down your pace,
and tucanos, cake, and ice cream may enlarge your ace,
happy birthday to you, mountain face!

love,

all the orphans in the whole world

***** FYI: some of you may be deprived and not have Nacho Libre and Hot Rod memorized but there are several allusions to those movies.

JH 06.09

2009-07-05T11:51:00.004-06:00

2009-07-05T11:24:00.002-06:00

I can't believe that it's been over a month since I blogged! I guess I've been having to much fun. We have a little family tradition of going to the Manti Mormon Miracle Pageant and camping on the other side of the temple hill and making a little trip out of it. So we set out on a Thursday afternoon and I was riding with Erica and Lauren. My mom was following us with Josie and Sawyer and Dad, Charlie and Rhett were coming up later. We went the "Nephi way" to Manti and my mom had never driven it before so I told her to "just follow us and watch out for farm animals and deer". She didn't hear me and said what and Erica yells out "watch out for farm animals and beer!" ha ha I thought it was funny. I have to confess that I love San Pete County that springs from my days at Snow. It's some pretty country and I think the people are funny! So we got to the campground and got our camp all set up and then went over and saved our spots for the pageant. I pageant was awesome even Kare-bear and Hal liked it and I even let them snuggle with me because it was so cold! Then in the morning we made some really awesome breakfast and then Josie, Rhett and my Mom went home because they had to work. So my Dad, Charlie, Sawyer and I got the 4-wheelers unloaded (poor Erica had to stay with the baby)and went for a way fun ride. There were lots of mud holes!Then we went back to camp and got Erica and baby and went up to the pond and fished. We caught so many fish so fast! After we went to the dinner at the church which is so delish! And we went back to camp and went to bed really really early. The next morning we woke up to.... rain. Lovely. So we cleaned up camp really quick and then headed home.

of what fun it is to....waste time

2009-05-29T00:49:00.003-06:00

1. What time is it? 0058
2. What's your full name? Rachel Marie/Agatha Hamilton
3. what are you most afraid of? don't think you want me to start that list.
4. What is the most recent movie that you have seen in a Theater? Confessions of a Shopaholic. love it.
5. Place of birth? Provo. I work where I was born.
6. Favorite food? ice cream
7. What's your natural hair color? brown.
8. Ever been to Alaska ? not yet.
9. Ever been toilet paper rolling? yeah. ha ha good times.
10. Love someone so much it made you cry? Yeah.
11. Been in a car accident? one with my mom, one with erica and one where I wasn't even driving.
12. Croutons or bacon bits? depends on the salad.
13. Favorite day of the week? my day off. speaking of which I am working the next 12 days in a row.
14. Favorite restaurant? Joe’s Crab Shack, Cafe Rio, it kinda depends on the day.
15. Favorite Flower? daisies, poppies and sunflowers
16. Favorite sport to watch? Co-workers try to balance in wheelchairs. Football.
17. Favorite drink? Code Red Mountain Dew. Sunkist. Water with Crystal Lite. Pepsi.
18. Favorite ice cream? Asphalt Pie
19. Disney or Warner Brothers? Disney- way more magical.
20. Ever been on a ship? yep. I could live on one.
21. What color is your bedroom carpet? Brown. with lots of clothing on it.
22. How many times did you fail your driver's test? 0. It was touch and go there for a minute. kidding. I am an alright driver.
23. Other than this one, from whom did you get your last e-mail? Cool Chris, King of the funny emails.
24. What do you do when you are bored? Sleep. Can't get enough of it. Or watch CSI or Law and Order.
25. Bedtime? ha ha ha
26. Favorite TV shows? CSI, Law and Order, Home Improvement, Seinfeld and Arthur.
27. Last person you went to dinner with? Becky
28. What are you doing right now besides being on the computer? I'm at work but I am not really doing anything.
29. What are your favorite colors? Red, turquoise, white, black, yellow, purple, fuschia, mustard
33. How many tattoos do you have? None.
34. How many pets do you have? I just have one roomate.
35. Which came first, the chicken or the egg? The chicken.
36. What do you want to do before you die? Lots of things, like scuba dive, travel, have kids. Not in the order necessarily.
37. Have you ever been to Hawaii ? Not yet. :(
38. Have you been to countries outside the U.S.? Bahamas.

Memorial Day 2009- Boulder Mtn Adventure

2009-05-26T03:24:00.009-06:00

Well my posts are as usual going to be out of order but that's okay because I think that the pics will be worth it! (p.s. Erica I am holding the bday,cali, boulder pics hostage for the cali ones that you have :)) Anyways since it was Memorial Day weekend we went camping. A while back we used to go on a camping/fishing trip to Boulder Mountain every Memorial. But with so many little kids and with all the things going on it had been some time since we'd been. Then 2 years ago everyone went but my mom, Hal, and I. So this was my first trip in a long time! I love it down there I have so many childhood memories down there plus I think it is so cute how excited my dad gets about it. I worked Thursday night and then went straight to my mom's after work so my dad could wake me up when he needed help. They actually let me sleep til 10- I was so surprised! Then I helped my dad get everything loaded on the truck. I really wish that I had a pic of this but seriously we looked like the clampits. We had 3 four wheelers on a trailer and one in the back of the truck and the coolers tried down on top of the tool box in the back of the truck and of course we have Hal's kennel on the back of my Dad's wheeler that gets us plenty of attention. (I still want to get a life like looking doll to put in there to trick people...ha) So we finally get on the road and I do what I do best in cars... sleep. (I can't help it.) My dad woke me up when we got to the wash board part because he didn't want me to hurt myself. We picked out a camping spot and set up the 4 tents that we were using.Lucky me got to share with Rhett and Josie. Then we made a gourmet meal of hot dogs and chips. yum. Finally about 10 or so we went to bed and as soon as I got in my sleeping bag it started to rain. I thought it was only going to last for a short time. I was soooooo wrong when I woke up it was STILL raining. Charlie being awesome got a fire going and we sat around it and had some oatmeal and hot chocolate and then got suited up in our rain gear and riding gear for the trek up to Fish Creek. This was a scary ride for me - Rhett is a really good rider for the most part so I should have been ok with him but I think that working in the ER has taken away some of my fearlessness. sigh. So we made it to the lake and everyone fished but Rhett and I (I was the fire tender)

Me and my smokin' bum. ha ha kidding.

After a few hours of fishing we went back to camp and it stopped raining for a bit so we dried out our stuff and told my mom and sister not to come down because the weather was not so hot. Then we went to bed- as soon as it started to rain again. In the morning the sun was shining and it was beautiful so we got up and went fishing and called and told the girls to come down. After we fished for a while we went back to camp and I made lunch. Pork tenerloin and baked potatoes. So freakin' good! About that time my mom and sister and niece showed up and so after we ate we went on a little ride.

It was fun because it was Lauren's first ride on the big red four wheeler and not just her little one! After that we just went back to camp and hung out. I took Sawyer on a ride trying to teach him how to drive a 4-wheeler (scary!) and we laughed around the fire some more. Then it was thunder and lightning storm. dang it! So we hid for a bit and then when it was reduced to just rain we went to bed. Then when we woke up we made some yummy breakfast and started packing camp up. Pretty soon it started to hail. Pea sized hail that hurt really bad!

So finally we got all the stuff loaded (clampit style) and headed back home. When we got there this is what the yard looked like.... stuff everywhere getting dried out and of course Lauren was there to boss us all around.

Although the weather sucked it was still a fun adventure and I can't wait to go camping again! And hopefully we go back to boulder soon!

2009-05-06T21:44:00.008-06:00

Holy Smokes! It has been so long since my last post and my last post was when I was CRANKY! Sorry about that! So what's new... I am finally settled into the new apartment and it's just me and Becky- with an empty room (I think no one wants to live with me...) I am loving it because I have a bigger room and a bigger closet and my own bathroom and a parking garage and it's new to me so it's fun! The ward also seems like it's going to be a lot of fun! (except that it starts at 9 am! ugh) So I am going to do a marathon post and get ya'll up to date!

Easter was a lot of fun! I went to my parent's ward because my friend Weston was giving his mission report after returning from Portugal. It was fun to see him and some of the other people that I never get to see! Then we went to a BBQ at Canyonview Park with my mom's side of the family. We just chatted and then we sent the kids away and kid candy and eggs for them to come find. It was sooo cute and hilarious to watch the kids going for the candy. (Some how they are a little less than my cousins and I used to be...) Following the BBQ we went to my Hamilton Grandparent's house for a little visit. They have the most beautiful yard ever! My Grandpa has been making these really neat birdhouses to go all over his yard. I need to get pics of them! Then I got to go to work. Lucky me.

The following week I went to Arizona. My cousin Ben got home from his mission and since I didn't get to go to his farewell I really wanted to go see his homecoming. Can I tell you how impressed I am? I have always liked Ben but I really think that he has grown up a lot because of his mission. He is such a good boy and honestly whoever gets to marry that kid is one lucky girl! While we were there we celebrated my grandpa's 80 th birthday, rode Ben's Honda 50 around the field across the street from thier house, sat in the hot tub, ate my aunt's freakin' awesome cooking, played with my cute little cousins, went to quik trip (it's the gas station of choice down there I guess?) sat in the sun, jumped in the freezing pool, riding Tessa's bike (which is super cute and I want one like it!) had an Easter egg hunt for the little kids, went for a ride in the desert to a river (Beautiful!), helped play a hilarious joke on my grandpa and heard from Ben about his mission! That's most of it anyway... so fun and nice to get away from Utah and spend some time with the family! You'll all be glad to know that I successfully navigated the airport by myself for the first time (which means no parents or Diana) just fine. I did sit by a guy on the way there that sure could have used some Beano though. EWWWW! Moving on....

So I got back from AZ on Monday and I worked that night and I had to be moved out of my apt by noon on Thursday and I found out that my new apt wasn't ready for me to move in yet. Awful! So I had to move all of my stuff to my parents house and then I called Friday morning and it was ready so I was able to move in the next day but it was super inconvient let me tell you! Now for the funny yet not so funny at the time part. On Tuesday I wake up and wow no power. So I text Becky (my friend/roomate/coworker) and tell her she better call and get the utilities put in her name because we are powerless. So a few hours later she wakes up and calls them and they won't come and turn it on til the next day! $@#%^%! I got really upset. But then I decided to turn it into an adventure. Becky and I played "Survivorwoman" We found ways to survive and entertain ourselves until we had power. Some activites included using sidewalk chalk to make SOS signs, shadow puppets, temporary tatoos, going to walmart and target, roasting marshmallows over candles and making s'mores, making a hut,and going to the hospital. Probably the worst part about it was that I hadn't put my stuff away yet so it was hazardous and I couldn't find ANYTHING after it got dark. Luckily my Dad (stud) gave me a nice flashlight to keep in my car and I also have a headlamp (I'm cool) that works really well. The pics are funny so enjoy!

That is a long enough post I think! I'll catch up on the other stuff later! Peace!

2009-04-21T10:30:00.002-06:00

I am having a rough morning. That means that it is time for a new list!

PeT pEeVeS

- Typing like the word pet peeves above. How annoying can you be?! I think people who insist on typing like that should be shot. With the exception of 8th and 9th grade girls because they are too dumb to know how immature and ridiculous and how time consuming the alternating is!

- poking me everytime you walk past. poke, poke, poke, poke. Sometimes I just want to punch people because: A) it's not really fun. B) I don't want to be touched. C)I think that we established the keep your hands to yourself in Kindergarten. If you don't get it, go back.

- I don't give a rat's bum (or other word for bum) how much you like Taylor Swift. It'not okay to listen to it blasted super loud in the early morning hours. Especially when you know full well that your roomates are sleeping. Obviously, you don't care about these roomates because you abuse the fact that they can't stand it when the kitchen/bathroom/family is a mess.

-People taking stuff that I have set out and throwing it back in my room. Have you seen my room? It's messy and tiny and sometimes I take things out of it because I need to use them or need to find a place for them. I pay rent to live here the same as everyone else and I can leave my stuff out if I want.

-Do NOT go in my room. Why would anyone assume that it is okay to go in someone's room and use something that they have never had permission to use? If I put something in my room and the door is shut. Stay out. I shouldn't have to lock my door everytime I leave to protect my stuff.

-Moving. Yes this is probably what is causing me to be so onery. I can't believe that the stupid management here wants all of us to be moved out and cleaned by noon. What a joke.

Sorry, I needed to vent. I had such a fun time in Arizona and then I come back and almost get driven over the edge! I feel better now. thanks

2009-03-30T21:33:00.001-06:00

Subject: The Brazilian

The Dept Of Defense briefed the president this morning and
told OBAMA that two Brazilian

soldiers were killed in Iraq . To everyone's surprise,
all the color drained from Obama's face.

Then he collapsed onto his desk, head in his hands, visibly
shaken, almost in tears.

Finally, he composed himself and asked, 'Just how many
is a brazilian?'

This is especially enlightening since he obviously has no
understanding of billion
or trillion either.

ha ha ha I thought that I'd share that... and I have to wonder sometimes if it is true!

oh man....

2009-03-27T23:59:00.001-06:00

Well, not too much excitement in my life right now, but I’ll give y’all a little update anyways. I am going full time in the ER next week, I am excited but I am sad to leave Pediatrics. I will miss the kids and the people that I get to work with, I have learned a ton up there! However, the scheduling of three departments has gotten too insane (even for me) and I was consistently not getting my hours so going back to the ER made sense. (Besides, we all know I love the ER!) I start my CNA class next week. I wish I would have known that I wanted to be a nurse in high school and I would have done it then but it should be an adventure! I am moving to a new apartment in Provo which is pretty exciting! Becky’s in on the adventure and who knows who the other ‘lucky’ girl is. I am really excited for spring! The daffodils are coming up around the apartment complex and I love it! I have gotten out the good ole Rip Stic (I need to get pictures/video to prove how stellar I am at it!) Also, I am very happy that I am getting a decent tax return! Sweet! Oh and I forgot to mention that I bought myself a magic bullet. I've already eaten like 6 smoothies. I love it! Next I am going to try orange, pineapple, peach... I'll let you all know how that goes. Well, I should go clean for cleaning checks tomorrow. I just have to post these pictures of Lauren. She is getting so big and adorable and smart! I taught her “what does Daddy say?” “oink, oink” ha ha I kill myself sometimes. These were at my Grandma Barney’s birthday party. (She is one of the neatest, most Christ-like women ever!) My mom gave Lauren her first taste of chocolate frosting. Needless to say, she loved it! I love being an aunt!

Most boring blog on the block...

2009-03-12T01:21:00.007-06:00

Seriously, it's been a month since I wrote anything on here. Time has passed very quickly for me! sweet. I had a rough night at work. I was stuck on Peds with the "Seriously So Blessed" crew. yuck. So I am just going to make a list of things I am liking right now, with some pics. Hoping it will make me feel better:)

I adore this movie. So stinking funny and cute and I want Luke, majorly. Plus this movie has a few good lessons: beware of cashmere coats that are on sale, green scarfs make people fall in love with you, and what not to do in a job interview. Oh and never let your parents decide what to do with their money. ha ha I don't want to ruin the movie for you! Go see it! I'd also like to mention that I am a shopaholic, just for groceries. I love going to food sales. I have more food than I can eat! Also, I just want to look cute like Rebeccca Bloomwood, ALL the time! Wouldn't that be so fun?!

NEXT!!!

I love this magazine. Ithas great tips and ideas that you can actually do! Plus it keeps me from reading those nasty trash mags. yucky.

And now...

That's right! Crystal Light to go! I live off it, I drink so much more water because of it! I highly recommend Fruit Punch, Raspberry Lemonade and Raspberry Ice. yummy. Plus they are 0 to 5 calories, which is awesome compared to juice and pop ;)

Don't you have so many good memories of side walk chalk?! I miss being a kid and I think that Melmer and I have found that an effective method of keeping people you don't like away is to draw their picture with chalk and then draw a line through it. (a la no smoking sign) Anyone want to play?!

which brings us to:

Thanks to Joel, I have not only watched, but analyzed a lot of Seinfeld lately. When I was younger I guess I didn't get it because I never liked to watch it. Now it is just so funny I love it! And I don't make faces like Elaine. That's it.

Among other things that I love: IHOP, my family,the gospel, my job (most days), the sunshine, my rip stic, America, money, talking... on and on.

But are you ready for the best news of the CENTURY?!?!?!?!?!
I found karaoke on YOUTUBE! Just about any song that you can imagine! Stevie Nicks, Celine Dion, Fergie, Britney, Miley, Enrique, etc. So happy. Anyone want to come sing with me?

Alright. That is probably a dumb post oh well. I feel better.

2009-02-10T10:31:00.003-07:00

So last Monday my little sister was not feeling very well at all and so she stayed home from school and then that night my mom felt her tummy and it was all red, hot and distended so she took her over the the after hours clinic. Dr. Hacking was there (dun, dun, dun) (Remember to consult me when chosing a pediatrician :)) and he ordered a CT of her abdomen. I was at a bridal shower but I left as soon as I knew she was at Timpanogas (gotta keep an eye on them) after her CT they did some labs and then we waited and waited then Dr. Hacking called and said that we needed to go to Primary Children's and see the GI doctor. Because the CT indicated Crohn's disease. yuck. So in short they put my cute little sister Josie (15) through all kinds of torture. They made her drink 2 rounds of Go lightly before her colonoscopy, the actual colonoscopy, several iv's, etc. Then on Thursday when I got up there they told us that she was going to do home. We were a little surprised but pleased- and Josie was pretty excited. But then her doctor came in and said he just couldn't send her home because what he was seeing on the pics from the scope didn't match her pain. So they ordered another test. This was torture to watch. They put an NJ down (the tube goes down your nose and into your small intestine) and then pumped 1500 cc of NS into her one 60 cc syringe at a time. That poor girl took it like a champ. After they got all the water in they did a CT and then sent us back to the room to wait. The doctor came back in and told us that they had found an abscess on the outside of her sm. intestine and they needed to operate. So much for going home! So then the surgical resident Dr. Miller came in (he's a stud) and told us about the surgery. Then I got him to show us on the CT what was up- pretty crazy! So it happened really really fast but they took her into surgery (for the second time that day) and we got to go wait. It was the worst, longest time ever waiting to hear! But finally it was over and my mom got to go to the recovery room with her and my dad and I went and moved her stuff to the surgical unit. She was pretty out of it when she got to the room and she had a foley catheter in and an ng (a tube from her nose to her stomach) which was keeping everything out of her recovering digestive system. She was pretty miserable. I spent that night there and most of Friday and then went home to watch the boys. I went up Saturday with Erica and we gave our parents and Josie and break and we stayed with her overnight we watched movies and stuff to keep her entertained. The doctor let them take the foley out on Sunday morning and that made her really happy and later that night she got the ng out too! We are all happy at how quickly she is progressing! She did end up with a PICC and she is getting TPN and lipids to help get her nutrition and she was able to start eating after a week of being NPO. (I would have died.) We are hoping that she comes home today or tomorrow! I have learned a ton through this experience! 1. that my family is amazing and I love them so much and I am glad that we can count on eachother. 2. That the church is awesome, we've had tons of people calling and offering help, and that everyone in the ward loves Josie (hard not to)! 3. That I am very grateful for the technology that we have - who knows what could have happened without it? 4. That I am dead set on being a nurse now, I love the environment and the human body and spirit amaze me. 5. That I am glad I am the sister and not the mother because pretending to be Mom to a 17 and 12 year old is not so easy. 6. I am grateful for the priesthood and that my Dad is a worthy holder and can give us blessings. 7. I think that my family has had enough hospital visits for the next year or two so hopefully we'll stay out of there (Both of my grandpa's have had surgery already this year, as well as one of my cousins having surgery and another one having heart problems.) 8. Trust Mother's Instincts I'm glad my mom wasn't too anxious to get Josie out. 9. Everything comes down to poop, from the top of your head to the sole of your shoe.... kidding (if you watch Scrubs:My Musical, you'll get it.) 10. Last but not least I get to have some tests of my own done! Stand by for pics! 11. I'm continually reminded that the Lord has got everything figured out and the right time and place thing keep working out for me...(it's kinda crazy) but I'm pretty sure that if this had to happen last week was the best time because Erica, Charlie and I all had work off because we had planned to go to Cali to see Vecca Bean graduate as a service dog, but she didn't match this time. So we didn't miss seeing that (we'll go in May) and we were able to spend the time we needed with our family and could take care of the boys. Funny, isn't it? Peace out!

Moab 2009! Road trip!

2009-02-10T09:32:00.005-07:00

These are my recreation clothes... (flexes) ha ha

No one has figured out what this animal is.... come on people!

This is me at Dead Horse Point :)

So as I mentioned in an earlier post Becky, Joel and I went on a lovely road trip to Moab. I have never been there when there is snow but it was way fun! It was about 40 degrees so we just wore sweatshirts and were fine! The first day we drove down there (in Becky's hott new car!) and went on a search for this waterfall at Ken's Lake. We looked around for it for a while and had no success and it was getting dark so we decided to head for the hotel. Sometime on the drive back to the main road we made a wrong turn and ended up driving on these helipads.... luckily I knew to get off them quick! So we turned around and were driving back to the other road and this guy comes hustling out of this little building and goes "I hope you're just lost... this is government secured property (gulp!) ha ha so we told him yes, we're lost and he set us free. Then we went and checked into our hotel, the Sleep Inn. It was pretty nice but the bathroom was tiny- only as big as the one on our cruise or smaller! Well, the vanity was on the outside so that helped some! Then we had the pleasure of Joel's tostadas! He makes them himself! And they were stinking delicious. He even made green salsa, yummmmmmy! Then we played 2 games and Sequence (I won!) and Scattergories and once I got the hang of it (ha ha) I won that too. Then we went to sleep (before 3 am!) listening to the guy in the next room hack his lungs up. Then the next morning we got up and ate some breakfast and packed our lunches and headed to Arches! We made a few stops on the way up (ha ha) and when we finally made it to Arches (going EXACTLY the speed limit) we went to Sand Dune Arch (my favorite!) If you ever go to Arches, this is the one you don't want to miss! There is tons of climbing to be had and it's super fun! (also, it's nice and shady back there when it is hot, and an easy one for little kids :]) Then we went to Devil's Garden and hiked! It was so beautiful! And it wasn't crowded at all! Sad news though! remember wall arch? it broke and so now the trail goes around it. Somewhere I know we have a family pic in front of it. I tried to find it but I don't think that scrapbook had been unpacked yet. After that we went and did the little viewpoint hike for Delicate Arch, which is gorgeous! Then we headed back to town and went to Zaks and ate some really yummy BBQ pizza! Then we went to the store and got some graham crackers, marshmallows, frosting and saltines! When we got back to the hotel we decided to go sit in the hot tub. The only problem was that Becky and I didn't bring our suits, I looked and didn't see anything about a hot tub on the website. So we decided we'd just go put out feet in. So we are in the little room and this whole family comes in. Let's just say that after the third cannonball that the little boy did Becky and I should have just gotten in. Best night of hot tubbing ever! Then we went back to the room and played scattergories again. Joel won this time but that was because I was tired. Then we made some treats! S'mores in the microwave and frosting on graham crackers and marshmallows on saltines (you gotta try it!) Then we watched Ironman because Joel had never seen it! Then we went to sleep. Then we woke up early in the morning (days kill me!) We decided to make a run out to Dead Horse Point State Park, I'd never been there. It was a very lovely day and the view from the point is spectacular. Then we drove and drove and drove to Goblin Valley State Park. I had never been here either but it is kinda a cool place! There are lots of rock formation that look like...mushrooms, etc. But I guess some people think they look like goblins. We ate lunch and played there for a while (not long enough) and then headed for home. Joel was the dj the whole trip. He even put up with Ace of Base and a little bit of Myley. Then we made it home and we unpacked and cleaned up and that was our Moab Adventure. yay, next time maybe you can come.

2009-02-05T21:22:00.002-07:00

I love my family

get well soon Josie.

2009-01-31T23:43:00.002-07:00

So I babysat Lauren and when she comes over she likes to play dress ups. This time we tried on snorkeling gear- she looks so cute! Ha ha I don't think she liked it so much... And then there is me and Whit at Winger's we went there for her 21st b-day! I just love my roomates! And last but not least are the pics of my present for Rhett! This kid loves turquiose sweaters, especially of the hand knit variety. So I got him one, unfortunately it's not as bright as he would like. He was so surprised when he opened it! (If you want to know the inside joke, message me!) And coming soon are the pics of my trip to Moab! wooot wooot!

where does the time go?!

2009-01-28T09:09:00.002-07:00

Wow. Today is my little brother's 17th birthday. I remember being 17, time is passing so fast for me right now! And in other news- I am going to Moab! Becky bought a new car and so we decided that a road trip was in order to break it in! And good ole Joel is joining in on the fun! I can't wait Moab is my favorite! I just hope that we don't freeze! And I am super stoked because we find out if my puppu-niece is graduating as a full fledged service dog (which I am sure that she will!) Then I am going down with Erica, Charlie, Puppy K and Lauren to Oceanside to see Graduation (and the sun =]). And that's all.

So excited!

2009-01-18T00:28:00.002-07:00

So my good buddy Joel hooked me up today! We have been talking about music a lot and it turns out that we both like the same stuff! So he is blessed with a massive collection of tunes and he shared with me. ALL 40 GBs of it! So excited! I am just waiting for all of it to convert in my itunes (slow, slow, slow) and I am am pretty excited about it and since I've had NOTHING to blog about forever! ugh. Well if you don't hear from me- I've got a years worth of music to listen to...
Hasta Manana!

My Christmas Miracle

2008-12-30T03:44:00.002-07:00

So sad as it that I had to work Christmas Eve this year 1700 to 0500, it ended up being one of the best shifts ever! I worked the first half on peds, Santa came- that was fun. One of our little patients finally got the go ahead to go home and so one of us had to walk them out, so I volunteered. I got so much more than I bargained for! So in case you aren't familiar with UVRMC there is a large lobby with a big rotunda and a spinning glass door and that's where I took the Mom and baby I was walking out to wait while the Dad pulled around. So while we are sitting there waiting a SUV pulls up and this guy jumps out and runs to the passenger side door- he gets close enough to the glass doors that they start spinning and I can hear a woman screaming. Me- being an ER junkie is thinking someone's been shot, or stabbed! So I go running out there and there is not a stabbing victum but a very in labor woman - pretty sure if you know what crowning is- that was what I saw. YIKES! So I tell the husband to stay with her that I am going to get help and just for good measure I told her NOT to push. I ran inside and there is not another soul in the lobby (save the mom and baby I was walking out who looked like deer in headlights, ha ha) So I take off running (burning off some of that candy I ate) in search of a phone- security desk- no phone, cafe west-closed, security office- phone next to the door so I call 5555 and tell the operator CODE WHITE- main lobby and then I ran back to the car just in time to see the dad catch the baby! I was getting ready to help (well, try) when I see the blessed red of the lifeflight team! YAY! (Small babies so intimidate me and so does blood and gulp where babies come from) the baby was crying though so I was pretty sure she was going to be okay! Then finally Dr. Sanderson and Lauren showed up and Sandy cut the cord and they ran the baby up to Newborn ICU and then we got mom out of the car and onto the gurney and took her up to L&D. I can't imagine the pain that must come with childbirth and I honestly can say I sure hope that never happens to me- I want my epidural! I also got to thinking with it being Christmas Eve and all- the way that lady delivered probably wasn't all that different from how the Savior's birth was- (I bet I looked like a clueless sheep watching) it really is a beautiful thing to hear that babies first cry and see how tiny and perfect they are! Now that I am rambling...I love babies, I am grateful for that experience and hope I'll have better ones again someday, I'm grateful that lifeflight and Sandi came to my rescue, I'm grateful that the baby and Mommy were okay (I told the nurse that was taking care of them when I called to see how they were to suggest Rachel as a name- it was worth a try) and mostly I'm glad I was there and I was able to help- atleast a little. Oh and Merry Christmas- Happy Birthday to Jesus!

2008-12-30T00:46:00.003-07:00

Ok so I have tell the whole world about my new favorite blog...(no one take it personal ok?) If you have time to be addicted to the funniest, truest thing ever read the whole blog www.seriouslysoblessed.blogspot.com you will love love love it! And I am grateful that I am not that way. Peace!

Hey Mom! I guess all that DDR did pay off...

2008-12-16T23:29:00.001-07:00

Send your own ElfYourself eCards

Thankful

2008-12-08T05:48:00.032-07:00

My ABC's of Gratitude. Better late than never! Enjoy!

Z is for zebra stripes, they are my favorite to collect and I think that they are way cute!

Y is for youth, I am so glad to be young and have my freedom to do the things I want and need to do!

X-rays, well x is a hard letter but x rays make me laugh a lot especially when people eat things like batteries or in this case a fork.

W is for water in all it's forms! Drinking water, swimming water, bath water, water falls, ocean water. I just love it.

V is for Values and beliefs. I've thought a lot lately about what I would be without my values, standards and beliefs and have come to the conclusion that while it may be more fun than what I am presently doing but it won't make me happy. So I'll just keep tryin to CTR.

U is for unique. I am so glad that I am me, I would not be anyone different! And luckily for everyone I really am one of a kind!

T is for technology, isn't it great that we can save more lives and keep in contact with more people than ever before. I also am grateful that I have a love for the outdoors and for work so I won't become entirely consumed by the internet or game systems. Admittedly though the Wii Fit is awesome!

S is for Special, special people aka my friends! Such as Diana, Becky, Melmer, Jerrica, the kids, I am so blessed to have so many friends! Loves!

R is for rest and relaxation. Well I love sleep and I am grateful for when I get to sleep extra!

Q is for quilts, I really want to learn to sew and quilt and who doesn't love to wrap up in a nice big quilt and read?!

P is for photos, they really do say a thousand words, or more and they bring back so many good memories! And in case you were wondering... this is a size comparison with little Lauren and the fish my dad caught. ha ha

O is for Otter Pops, since I don't like popsicle sticks. And O orange juice and peachieOs :) Plus isn't this guy a hot piece of man!?

N is for New, I have found that I love to try new things. New foods, activities, friends, etc.

M is for music. I love to listen to music and I believe it really does have an effect on our lives.

L is for Lauren, she is my first and so far only niece. I have learned so much from her and I love her so much. I think all the time if I love her so much, how much am I going to love my own children! Plus look how cute she is at 6 months!

K is for kids, I love them and their free spirits! And check out how brave this one is!

J is for Jesus Christ, I am most grateful for my Savior, he is the best!

I is for "I can" I am so blessed with many opportunities and have been able to fulfill many of my dreams!

H is for hospitals. Random I know but I really do love my job, I get so much satifaction from helping people and I am glad we live in a country and in a time where we can get medical attention.

G is for Gospel, without the Gospel I know I wouldn't be as happy as I am today. I am so grateful to be born in the covenant and for my friends and family who are great examples for me in the Gospel and I am so glad that I get to be with my family FOREVER!

F is for family, I love mine- we have tons of fun working and playing together! My extended family is also wonderful and I love to have parties with them and read everyone's blogs! LOVE YOU GUYS!

E is for Earth, (wind, fire, water, heart.... okay remember Captain Planet) the more I see of it the more I am amazed at how awesome our Creator is.

D is for dogs, I love how loyal and loving they are. They really are men and women's best friends! Plus CCI rocks!

C is for candy. It's the only way I survive and just one way to my heart!

B is for books, I love to read and there isn't quite anything like a good book and a blankie!

A is for Autism- there is so much to learn from these people and we can learn more about ourselves when we work with them. Also, America- still the best country to live!

Getting there is half the fun!

2008-11-28T15:29:00.005-07:00

Me doing some Karoke!

Miami at sunset as we sailed away!

Our ship the Norwegian Sky!

Safety drill-- I don't remember what they told us to do. uh oh.

When you go on a cruise and you're under 21 they cut the corner off your card so you dont' get sold alcohol. And then as soon as you walk on the ship they give you some ha ha.

This is our hott rental car, it was really nice and fast. ha ha

This is me sleeping on the 2 minute drive from Chili's to our hotel. And the red fountain was in our hotel and I LOVED it! And this is Becky, me and Diana at Chili's!

Becky that little brat put ice all over me while I was sleeping and I didn't even know until they told me days later. And this is us at the airport, this is what I look like with no sleep and really excited!

By the time we got in Levi's car (because he is the best for taking us to the airport) I had been awake for about 48 hours with no sleep. Not such a good combo for me, I'll admit I get onery. I hadn't flown for ages and so I was a bit nervous for our first flight which was just from SLC to Phoenix and then Phoenix to Fort Lauderdale, FL. I stayed awake on flight one because it was so rough, stupid bad weather! Anyways we get on the plane in Phoenix and I am determined to sleep! Diana is sitting in the window seat and I'm in the middle and then this really cute kid comes and sits in the aisle seat. ugh. He kinda starts talking to me so I'm nice but I just want to sleep. We had to wait forever on the taxi way so I'm sitting there almost asleep and I keep feeling like I need to talk to him and Diana keeps nudging me too. So we start talking to him about where we're going and where we are from and all this and then he's like I have some friends from Utah, they're Mormons, are you guys Mormons. So we tell him yes and then he asks what Mormons believe, seriously this could be my biggest nightmare because I didn't want to get in a big arguement over the gospel on a plane. As it turns out he hasn't heard (or atleast bought into) all the negative things that people say about the church. We ended up talking to him about the gospel for the entire four and a half hour flight. I gave him my little red Book of Mormon and Diana gave him her Ensign. It was a very awesome experience and I am so glad that I got a taste of what so many of my friends are experiencing around the world!

We finally made it to Florida and then we went and got our rental car and the stupid guy there changed the directions that I gotten to our hotel so we got lost forever! Then we went back to the original directions and made it there at last! We took our stuff up to our room and then went to Chili's half a block away for some dinner. When we got back to the hotel I finally went to sleep :)! The next morning we got up and ready and drove to the Miami airport to return our car and catch the shuttle to the ship. We had to stop for gas and McDonald's on the way though! Then we rode on the shuttle (this one seemed to be a pretty good, safe driver) to the ship! Then after a little waiting got to board the ship! It's crazy how huge they are! After our room was ready and our luggage had been delivered we changed into swimsuits and got our seats so we could watch as we set sail! Later that night Diana and I did some Karoke- my favorite! And we found Longboarder's bar which had awesome fish n' chips!

Sting Ray Adventure and Nassau

2008-11-28T14:30:00.006-07:00

Fishy! Look how white the sand is! And there's Diana Snorkeling!

This is a sweet pic I happened to get! The eye of a sting ray and a fish. Then you can see the sting ray right over my foot! Then there is us making the "drive thru" we held fish out under the water and then they swim right over it and suck it right up!

BlackBeard's cay, so beautiful!

Above: you can see the resort Atlantis in the distance, we didn't make it over there this trip but we did hear that the aquariums, etc were incredible! And on the right we are all ready to snorkel with the rays!

Me and Diana on the boat ride to Black Beard's Cay

The first stop that we made on the cruise ship was Nassau, the capital of the Bahamas. We decided that we wanted to do an excursion and we ended up picking the stingray adventure! We did that the second half of the day, on Blackbeard's Cay, which was so gorgeous! We got to feed, pet and hold the stingrays, it was very cool to see how they swim and to feel the vacuum as they find the food! Don't worry though, these sting rays had their stingers removed so we wouldn't go the way of Steve Erwin (may he R.I.P.) The first part of the day we spent in the city shopping. The first thing that happens when you walk in is 500 people offer you a taxi and 50 ladies want to braid your hair. Then you pretty much just have to keep walking or they will convince you that you need it. The day that we were supposed to go to the cruiseline's private island there was an undertow that made it so we couldn't ride the tender boats onto the beach and so we got stuck on the ship for a whole day. I was sad because we were supposed to go parasailing that day! So we spent the whole day lounging on the pool deck soaking up some rays (it was sooo hot) and reading, sleeping, relaxing so it wasn't too bad.

Becky, Diana, me and Amanda heading into Nassau!

ha ha pretty sweet huh?

Below: Eating dinner on the ship:)

2008-11-20T19:58:00.003-07:00

Did I forget to mention that I got to gamble! yay! okay we were there for like 10 minutes bit I did win $18.75! Mostly I just liked pushing the buttons and people watching.

Me and Amanda

Looking pretty

Diana getting her brain pulled out!

In the taxi, it was one crazy ride!

Grand Bahama Island Adventures!

2008-11-20T19:37:00.003-07:00

yay! I decided that I love snorkeling!

Me being a dolphin or something.

I love the ocean!

On Thursday we made port in Freeport, Grand Bahama Island. We did a little shopping there and then caught a taxi to Port Lucaya about 30 minutes away. Then Amanda and Becky went shopping and Diana and I made for the beach! The beach was so beautiful! To give you an idea they filmed all of the Pirates of the Carribean on this island. We played in the water, snorkeled a little bit. We were supposed to go on an excursion snorkeling but once again the excursions were cancelled because of "bad weather" (these people should try the weather in Utah!) After a while we found Amanda and Becky and so then it was time to go catch our taxi back to Freeport. We finished our shopping and Diana and I got our hair braided. It's so funny everywhere you go down there people want to take you on a tour or give you some service and there are ladies everywhere wanting to braid your hair. I decided that my experience in the Bahamas would not be complete without getting my braids so I paid her and then did my best to sit still while she pulled my hair so tight my eyes started to pop out. Then we got back on the ship and got ready for our 'formal night' it was optional but we decided that it would be fun to dress up for dinner one night. So we went to dinner and the show it was called soul rockin nights or something like that. I liked the music but it was really funny when the male dancers kept doing moves on the poles. ha ha Then we went back to our room and packed up our stuff so that we'd be ready to catch the shuttle in the morning.

The Beautiful Bahamas! Day 5

2008-11-18T00:05:00.006-07:00

So in one of the stores in the airport there were candies of different animals poop! My favorite! This is me holding pink flamingo poop! mmmm

Cute Diana and me.

I'm so sad. Vacations are never long enough for me.

So I need to do this in waves I think because there are sooo many pics and soooo many stories and adventures to share! So just so I can save the best for last, I am going to start with the last day! I was kinda sad to come home, I was having so much fun! We basically woke up and got one last breakfast from the lovely cafeteria (so many choices, yummy!) and then we returned to our room and basically left the ship. I got to go through customs, and they decided that I was indeed a member of these beautiful United States. So funny story, on the way out there was a guy on a stretcher, seemed to have stumbled on his way off the ship (not like most of us didn't- actually I'm still struggling...) Diana and I kinda started to twitch and I'm pretty sure that Becky and Amanda did too. I think that's a sign that we just weren't away from the ER quite long enough. Then we got on our little shuttle bus that was taking us back to Fort Lauderdale airport. Sometimes I think that when people are going to be stunt doubles they let them practice stunt and dangerous driving in buses because I'm pretty sure our bus was on two wheels or less more than once. ha ha Anyways let me explain our flights to you... we had to fly from Florida to Pittsburg to Phoenix to SLC. But let's keep in mind we only paid 250 dollars round trip (that's even with taxes and fees!) But there was something bad, US Airways makes you pay for your luggage beyond carry-ons, and they have to weigh less than 50 pounds of they charge you tons because someone might hurt themself lifting it or some bull. On the way there my bag weighed in at 48.5 so I was really nervous it was going to way tons more because I had more in there on the return trip but luckily it was 50 pounds exactly! YAY! So we were on planes forever, thank goodness that my only talent is my ability to sleep anywhere and everywhere and through just about anything :) But I did play some games with Diana (we played MASH, my life sucked, everyone pray it doesn't come to pass!) Becky and Amanda became addicted to Diana's game Reaction (it IS fun - but they are crazy for it!) so they played that a lot. Then we got off the plane in SLC and surprisingly all of our luggage was there and we barely even had to wait! Then Amanda's adorable husband picked us up and took us home. And is was 37 degrees and I still think I should have stayed in the Bahamas!

Bermuda, Bahama....

2008-11-04T22:41:00.003-07:00

That's right! 4 days from now I'll be on my way to the BAHAMAS! yay! A few weeks ago I was looking at rates for hotels, etc. because I felt that a roadtrip was in order and I just happened to see what cruises were going for and ta-duh! I found one a four day one for 99$! (BTW- Expedia rocks, but there were good deals on Priceline, hotwire, etc!) So Becky, Diana, Amanda and I will be making a voyage of sorts to Miami, Nassau, Great Stirrup Cay and Grand Bahama Island and back to Miami! I can't stinking wait! I will admit that I am a bit nervous just because I have never done anything like this before! I will post tons of pictures from the trip later, if I come back. (due to the new president elect...) (and the cold weather) (and work and school and all those other responsible people things) And since I think my posts are boring without pics I am posting some of what happens when Becky (roomate/coworker/bff) get a craving for an ipod in the middle of the night so we have to go to Walmart and get one and since she made me wait forever I got to ride dumbo :) Kinda squishy. LOVES!

Hunting and Halloween Fun!

2008-11-04T22:25:00.002-07:00

This year I decided that it was time for me to be a villan and what better villan to be than the one who shares my love of animal prints (notice I said prints and not furs!) Cruella- if you can't tell! (Don't you just LOVE the glasses?!) I had the pleasure of working from 5 pm to 5 am in the ER that night and I thought that I was going to die because the black hairspray that I used was getting everywhere! I love Halloween and it was so fun to see tons of my co-workers dressed up! Check out the mullet hotties! With cowboy mullet Sam B. Looking pretty fine and with the Joe Dirt mullet, Chris B. Watch for them in my mullet calendar:) And...I am finally posting some pictures of the deer hunt! I went along for the ride because I didn't have my own tag this year and sadly we didn't see any bucks, so not shooting fun for my dad and Rhett. Maybe next year! (Don't worry it was still fun!)

My Best Friend's Wedding

2008-10-15T15:46:00.004-06:00

Jerrica and Jeff's Wedding!

Cutting the cake, they look so cute and I thought that the cake was beautiful! (Jeff's mom made it!)

I caught the bouquet! Who ever said white girls can't jump, never met me! ha ha kidding.

And we always take pics with Jerr holding the camera- so here it is! She looked so awesome!

Yesterday October 14th, by best friend from High School Jerrica Olson got married in the Bountiful temple. She married another Spanish Fork native, Jeff Hancock and they are so cute together! I am so excited for them! I just wanted to make a little tribute to her, Jerrica takes care of me. She is more like a sister than a friend, when we were at Snow I would always go to her apartment, I spent more time there than at my own. A couple times I was really sick and she would drive me to work and take care of me. She been a part of all my crushes, boyfriends, stalkers and everyone in between. She makes me laugh so hard and I admire her self confidence and sense of humor. Jeff, I haven't gotten to know him too well but from what I do know I can tell that he is a fun guy and my favorite thing about him is that he makes Jerrica happy!

2008-10-12T00:18:00.002-06:00

Saturday morning I went to BodyWorlds with Diana, Ryan, Erin and Mitch. BodyWorlds is basically an art exhibit made up of 200 REAL human bodies, preserved by plastination. So awesome, if you get a chance to go I would highly recommend it! Especially if you want to see: what your body looks like without skin, what a huge growth there is in 1/2 to 1 week during gestation, what our blood vessels look like (all of them, with nothing else!) and so many other things! Besides being visually mind-blowing I couldn't help but think that there is no way we just 'happened' someone with intelligence far beyond our imaginations created us and put us here with these beautiful bodies. And finally I am a little concerned about my health and the difference that exercise, etc can have on the body (you can see at BodyWorlds!) So I am resolving to take a little bit better care of myself!

Karoke!!!!!

2008-10-12T00:05:00.004-06:00

For many weeks I have wanted to go karoke, and either I've been unsupported or I was working on Tuesday. Last week was different, on Tuesday night my buddies: Becky, Diana, Ryan, Tallon, Amber and I went to Applebees and I did my first official karoke preformance. Solo. Most of you probably know how hard it is for me to get up in front of people, let alone sing so I was pretty nervous! It was so fun though and so now every Tuesday that I don't work- going to Applebees for karoke and you're all invited! And in case you were wondering I sang Hilary Duff- Beat of my Heart. Here's the link! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eVExfTxg5is

Media Fast and other topics of interest...

2008-10-07T01:40:00.004-06:00

So our stake is encouraging us to go on a "media fast." I am starting today and it goes until Sunday the 19th. I think that this is going to be a huge challenge for me.... no facebook, no myspace, no TV just to watch something, no endless texting wars, etc. I have made a goal to write in a journal everyday and so far I am doing pretty well but I bet that it will make it really easy if I don't spend time getting online like I usually do. :) I also think another reason they are doing this is so that we meet new people so my sub-goal is to meet someone new while doing this! Also I am going to catch up on the Ensigns that I haven't read and read some new church books that I haven't gotten around to yet. (Too bad they can't get teachers to go on a homework fast!) Also I loved, loved, loved Conference and I am going to read the talks that I slept through! (oops!) And just so everyone knows.... 1. I am going to start going to Applebee's every Tuesday night I don't work, starting tomorrow, for karoke from 9 to 12. And... I am seriously considering joining a women's ice hockey league. Anyways, I hope I don't get too seriously injured. ha ha Okay I am going to bed. I'll post in a week and let you know how the "media fast" is going! Peace!

RMH

Things to do....

2008-09-21T09:29:00.004-06:00

I found this on someones else's blog and thought that it was funny/good/true so I am posting it with some of my ideas on it.
SINGLE-GIRL THINGS TO DO BEFORE YOU MARRY:It doesn't matter if you're planning to tie the knot with your man in the next couple of years or if that trip down the aisle isn't even on your horizon. There are some things that you better indulge in now, because once you're hitched? Forget about it.-
Date a guy who's totally wrong for you just because he has amazing abs. So what if he's five years younger and your polar opposite? I think that I've got this one DONE, a couple times over maybe but honestly I take all of my relationships, good and bad as a learning experience and I am forever grateful for them.
Collect at least six country stamps on your passport, including one from a place that until recently you didn't even know existed. Yes, it's fun to travel with your man, but you also have to have some solo adventures under your belt before you start sharing your life with him 100 percent. I am working on getting my passport as we speak, I can't wait to travel and since I am still in school I don't care if it is out of the country but there are somethings that I NEED to see! But the plan is in November to go on a cruise with a bunch of the single ER girls! yeee haw!
Embrace feminine decor. Don't go so far as to paint the walls pink — that'll freak out any guy who sets foot in your place — but stock up on stuff that appeals to your girlie side. When you're building a nest with him, you'll have to compromise on furniture and accessories, so pile on cute throw pillows while the decorating is all up to you (because here's a tip: Guys hate the things). So now that I have moved out to my little, ghetto apartment (it's not THAT bad) I took sometime this weekend and cleaned and decorated my room. I am going to post pics of it because 1) I think it's cute, 2) I need to prove that my room has been clean, atleast once in my life.
Wear a hip, fabulous ring on your left hand. Once you have an engagement band, you won't want anything detracting attention from the ring. I like this idea...now to find the ring!
Take advantage of the whole bed. You have the rest of your life to stick to "your" side when you sleep next to your man. Right now, place your pillow smack-dab in the center and make like a starfish. Pretty sure that I am a bed hog. Oh man.
Spend an embarrassing amount of money on a designer bag you love or heels that make you feel incredibly sexy. Chances are, when you have a joint account with your hubby, he's not going to get why a purse might be worth the GDP of a small country. This is a fun idea, but I can't see myself justifying spending that much on a purse, ever. I would rather spend my limited income on making memories or saving it for something cool, like a car.
Learn how to change a tire and work a drill. It's easy to relegate all those "guy" tasks to your man (and you totally should enlist his help), but there's a sense of power that comes with being able to fix something yourself. I LOVE this one! I think it's great to be self- sufficient, and my dad is a really great teacher!
Throw blowout bashes. Sure, it's nice to have a mellow get-together with your girlfriends, but that shouldn't be the extent of your social life. Before settling down, let your wild side reign. This could be one of my favs! I looooovvvvveeeee parties! One of my favorite memories is my Nacho Libre party when I was at Snow and I need to plan more like it! In the next little bit I am going to throw a huge Halloween party (with Melmer) and I want to plan a Mocktail party (A cocktail party, only the drinks aren't as good ;))
Get a grip on your dough. Sign up for a retirement plan and invest extra income i Exactly how much money do you think I make?! I do try to save though :)
Want a cat? Heed this advice: Buy it now. Call it Snowflake. Let it sleep next to you n stocks or CD accounts. Take charge of your own cash flow before merging moola with your guy. in bed. If you wait to get a pet with your betrothed, it will end up being a big, slobbering Lab called Bif. Who wrote this?! Cats freakin suck. Dogs are the best and I will have a dog when I grow up!
If all you feel like eating for dinner is ice cream and diet soda, buy a cone and pop a Coke. When you and The Mister mangia together all the time, you'll be less likely to indulge those bizarre — but oh-so-satisfying — cravings. As I work graveyards, I eat this all the time but I am trying to lose some, so I should actually stop that one. I don't know if I'll ever be able to kick my candy habit though! :P
Use tons of hot water in the a.m. I think that our apt's waterheater supplies all of the hot water for Provo, and it's not that big so I've frequently taken cold ones (atleast it wakes me up!)
Plan your fantasy wedding. Now's the time to let your imagination roam — rip pictures of dresses from magazines, size up ceremony venues, and try on some rocks at the jewelry store. This stuff wigs guys out if they witness it, so get it out of your system now. Oh snap, I've only been doing this one for a few years... mostly because I love weddings thanks to working at the Chillon since I was 13. But I think I'll wait to make the final arrangements. lol.
Start a pleasure ritual that a change in your relationship status can't disturb. Regularly treat yourself to something you love, whether it's a manicure, yoga classes at the fanciest studio in town, or a superrelaxing massage. Wow, all of those things sound really nice. I think I'll stick to the free pedi I get with my over priced rent for now.
Set up your home in a way that fits your needs. Maybe keeping the coffee machine in the bathroom so you can get your caffeine boost while you put on makeup in the morning works for you. Until you have to deal with someone else weighing in on your unusual arrangement, customize. Ok, what are those water jet things that spray your bum so you don't have to wipe? I need one. kidding. I'm pretty good at the adapting thing and since I'm most likely the one who will cook and clean and all that fun stuff when (if) I get married, I'll put things where I please, thank you very much.
*sigh* time for some homework!

2008-09-21T08:49:00.004-06:00

This is Jason on what he tells me in the largest street in the world, 9 de Abril, in Argentina.
One of the many landscape pictures of Hong Kong that Mason has sent me, so beautiful! Although I have a feeling that it is prettier from far away like this than what it looks like on the streets with ALL of those people living there.
This is Mason and some others with thier "Golden Investigator" I think her name is Sister Chan. Golden Investigators are few and far between in Hong Kong for many reasons but anti-stuff is pretty bad there. Mason is amazing I think out of all of my friends he is on the hardest mission, with the hardest language (Cantonese) but yet he still has success and soliders on! So proud of him!
And this is Jason a few weeks ago when he celebrated one year in Argentina! Good job bud, he is in the third most dangerous mission and he is alive to tell the tale! (I think the most dangerous part of his mission is his bathroom, I won't make you sick by posting the pics though) He is very brave and he gets to have lots of adventures and meet lots of cool people. I am very proud of him, even though he sucks at writing letters.

Where in the World are all my Missionaries?!

I have to say that missionaries are my heros, they are so brave for going out and serving the Lord, in a strange place! Since I am mostly friends with boys, I have been to a LOT of missionary farwells in the last 2 years. The exciting thing is now they are starting to come home! yay!

This is in the order that they are coming home:

Mikie- Serbia/Croatia

Chris- Pennsylvania

Weston-Portugal

Ben- Nashville, TN

Jason- Buenos Aires South, Argentina

Bradley- TJ, Mexico

Mason- Hong Kong, China

Adam- Barcelona, Spain

Shyler- Mexico City, Mexico

Pretty sure that I'm not in the best contact with all of these guys, I write to Jason, Shyler and Mason about every week. It's lots of fun to hear how they are doing and what it is like where they are. It's also very difficult to be left at home :( missing them. Jason has been out for 16 months, Mason is in month 14 and Shyler is on month 4 and it has surprisingly gone by quite fast! Above are some pics of Mason and Jason, I will put some up of Shyler when I finally get some! Good boys, I love them all.

2008-09-15T02:42:00.003-06:00

Boise man stabbed in Orem

A Boise man was stabbed by a stranger in the IHOP parking lot in Orem on Saturday morning. According to Orem police, the 28-year-old man and his girlfriend were saying goodbye in the restaurant parking lot on University Parkway around 8 a.m. A man approached them, said "I'm sorry" and stabbed the man with a pair of scissors. The victim was stabbed numerous times in the face, neck and arm.

An off-duty police officer from Chicago, who is in Utah to instruct law enforcement, was standing outside the front door at the restaurant, according to police. He saw the assault and went to break it up. He didn't realize that the suspect had a weapon until he got closer. He drew his gun and ordered the man to drop the scissors. Instead the suspect made another move to stab the victim. The officer shot him.
After the shot was fired, the victim got up and tried to get away, according to police. The officer told him and his girlfriend to wait because help was on the way. The suspect, who was not wounded seriously enough to keep him down, tried to get away. The officer caught him and waited for Orem police to arrive.
According to police, the suspect was "delusional and showing signs of probable psychological disorders."
The victim was taken to Timpanogos Regional Hospital in Orem, according to police.
The suspect was taken to Utah Valley Regional Medical Center in Provo.

So ask me if I was at IHOP that very same day! I saw the suspect, I left about 5 minutes before I happened. Scary stuff. Glad we didn't die. And I might never go back to IHOP again. :P

Old News, Good News and Bad News....

2008-08-26T15:10:00.004-06:00

Vecca eating a pinecone and this was Vecca's first time down the slide... it was
kinda like putting a cat down a toilet but then she decided that she liked
it!

First the old news, last Saturday my sweet little puppy niece Vecca got turned in for advanced training to be a service dog (Canine Companions for Independence or CCI). I will miss her lots, I cried when we said good-bye but she is going to help someone who really needs her. I think this would be a lot harder if I didn't see the difference that my brother Sawyer's service dog, Hal, does for him. Then, the good news is that yesterday CCI called my sister, Erica, and asked if she was ready for her new puppy! She is supposed to be here in 11 days and I can't wait! Her name is Karen and she is a little yellow lab/ retriever cross! And the bad news is.... school starts tomorrow. yuck.

love ya!

Rach

Summer Summer Summer 08

2008-08-22T23:49:00.001-06:00

Summer Highlights

2008-08-22T23:17:00.003-06:00

Summer 2008, well it's been great. I am sad to see it come to an end. It has been a very eventful summer!

Skydiving- I went on June 20 th it was kinda my 20 th birthday present to myself and it's something that I'd been wanting to do for a while. My friend Shyler that I went with was going into the MTC the next week so he talked me into it. It is the most fun I have ever had and I can't wait to go again! Scroll all the way to the bottom for the slide show!

My first Lehi rodeo (Spanish Fork's is way better!)

Jell-O Fight! I went with my friend's ward to the park and we had a slip n' slide and then threw tons of jell-o at eachother, it was one sticky mess but so much fun!

I floated down the Provo river with my friends Melissa (Melmer) and Becky and Becky's roomates. It was so fun, the water is freezing but it's been a hot summer so it was alright! Also I still crack up everytime I think about Melmer getting washed away by the current! And then this stupid fisherman told my friends (after we got seperated) that he'd seen me and when describing me said a little girl about 14...ugh. Must have been the life jacket! And last but not least, I nearly ran into a very large beaver that was swimming up the river, somehow I managed to miss him and thus I am alive to tell the tale.

So far this year I have been to two major concerts, one was Ben Folds, he is such an amazing musician and it was really fun because we were on the floor and only one person was between the stage and I! I felt the spit of Ben Fold's, it was sweet! And I also got the special opportunity to see Heart and Journey in concert at Usana. I love Journey, I have for a very long time and even though Steven Perry was only there in spirit (may his vocal cords rI est in peace) it was great. And even though Heart was kinda a bunch of fat ladies running around on stage, they sounded really good and I actually like alot of their songs. And because of the stupid traffic we missed seeing Cheap Trick, I am still pretty sad about it!

I turned 20, no longer a teenager. Yeah right. My family and I went to Tucanos for dinner, which is one of my favorites ever! And Becky and I had a three course dinner a few nights later: Queso at Chili's, pork salad at Cafe Rio and Asphalt Pie from Winger's for dessert. I wasn't hungry for like 3 days!

My niece and I are best friends! I love little Lauren like she's my own and her smile is the best one in the whole universe I'll bet!

We went on a 4 wheeling trip to the San Rafael, to Slipper Arch and Fix-it Pass, so much fun and I actually found so neat arrowheads, etc.

I cut back some hours in the Emergency Room (impossible to leave entirely) and started working as a Unit Coordinator on the Pediatric Unit. I am learning lots up there and it will be really nice when school starts to be paid for doing my homework. :)

I purchased a rip-stic, it's a skateboard and it is so much fun. The differences between it and a normal board is that there are only two wheels and you wiggle to make it move rather than push off. (I'll get some pics)

I sent my last friend from High School on his mission and met the year marks for some and they all start coming home the beginning of September, let's hope they want to be friends!

Summer seems to always go by so fast, next week- it's back to school for me! I'm going to UVU finishing my pre-nursing stuff, I'm slightly excited about it. I'm also moving out (I've been living at home for the past year.) and living with Becky, I am really excited! I will miss my family (I'm sure I'll visit plenty) and the money that I could save but I decided that a change was in order and it will be nice not to have to drive so much anymore :). I apologize that this is so long, but you shouldn't be surprised, I can talk for hours, why should I write any less? Much love!

Rach

Sky Diving - June 2008

2008-08-22T02:10:00.001-06:00