Aitken Family

Failed IVF - Overcoming Our Loss

2012-01-11T16:09:00.006-07:00

Chad and I did a cycle of IVF (invitro fertilization) last May/June in Las Vegas. Unfortunately, it failed. It has been several months, but we are still going through a great deal of depression. Words can't describe how taxing it is in every way. It has changed who we are and has taken every passion from us. It is all we can do to eat, pray, and merely function. We have seen some deep, dark valleys. Some days we are able to see some light, but there are still "those" days. If we can make it through this, we can make it through anything. We are building a foundation that nothing can shake. Our spirituality is strong because we believe in enduring to the end. Our testimonies have been stronger, but it is through times like these that the strength of our testimonies in the past are carrying us now. We have tried and done everything the Lord has asked. Now we get to take a much deserved break and just enjoy each other. We are becoming stronger in our marriage. We love each other so much.

~God
When pondering if we should do IVF we asked Heavenly Father and felt very good and very confident about our answer. This made it so much more difficult to understand why it didn't work. We have used up almost everything we had to make this dream possible. What we had left in our emotional and spiritual reserves have been the most difficult to restore. Each day I struggle to figure out what the meaning of this trial is, but I have learned a great deal about faith and patience during our whole fertility journey.

~The Science
Our fertility doctor was able to retrieve eight eggs. We received a call from him three days after the retrieval and he said that four fertilized eggs had grown to embryos, but they were growing slowly. This is not a good sign. He finally called again a few days later and said that we are still on for the transfer. At this point everything looked good. On the day of transfer he said that two of the embryos were growing and were of good quality. We were finally told to come to the clinic for the transfer. Words can't describe how excited we were. We were able to watch on a monitor as the doctor transferred the embryos. I'll never forget his words when we arrived at the clinic that day. He said the two embryos they were transferring had become a miracle because the cells were dividing and growing at a normal pace. This means that we would be pregnant very soon. Chad and I looked at each other and smiled, his hand holding mine, and we knew that we were parents. The nurse said there was no turning back, we are parents. We smiled again. Two weeks later we found out our beautiful twins did not make it. We had every reason to believe that they were going to grow to be our babies. Why didn't they live? They were healthy, and they were miracles. They were growing cells, they were life. They now had the potential to grow and have heartbeats. But our babies didn't grow, they died. The months since then have been a blur.

We talked with our doctor after we got the results of our BIG FAT NEGATIVE. He said that every female has good cycles and bad cycles any given month. Our IVF failed because it happened to fall on a bad month. How are you supposed to know? There's no way of knowing. It's a gamble, an extremely expensive one. He said that I was a great responder to the injection protocol and that he would do the same protocol in the future.

It is known in the fertility world that IVF is the last and most promising step to being able to have a baby when all else fails. Our only hope has faded from the dream we've been chasing for more than five years.

In the past there was no diagnosis after all the mountains of fertility testing we had done. Our current fertility doctor diagnosed me as having mild endometriosis which is "mild", but is apparently enough to cause me fertility complications. When trying to conceive on our own the fertilized eggs aren't able to pass through to the uterus from the tubes because of the toxins that endo causes - it blocks the pathway. We also discussed my symptoms with past cycles and doctor said I was having symptoms of pregnancy, but because of the toxins the endo causes it was terminating my pregnancies. This wasn't surprising to me. Deep down I knew that I had been pregnant countless times. I realized that these symptoms are occurring for about eight months out of every twelve.

Above is a picture of our twins. They would have been born next month. I still think to this day that one was a boy and the other a girl. Just a feeling I always had. Simply said, they were too beautiful for earth.

The song "My Immortal" was playing during the transfer. I still shed tears whenever I hear it. It will always take me back to that day I thought would make me happy for the rest of my life.

Happy Easter!

2010-04-06T16:00:00.000-06:00

Chad's brother and dad came down from Utah and stayed with us over Easter weekend. Michelle (mom) was in Texas staying with my brother and sister-in-law because they just had a baby which means that we have a brand new nephew! His name is James. We can't wait to meet him! Chad's brother, who came and stayed with us, just got home from his mission in France.

Chad made a bunny cake, it's a family tradition. It was very very good! We'll definitley keep that tradition around with our children.

Once Upon a Time

2010-03-30T16:33:00.000-06:00

Please read in a storytelling voice. ;)

Once upon a time, the Bullen's, the Aitken's, the Jurich, and the Falk's built a fire by the beautiful pristine lake of Lake Mead, surrounded by rolling hills and magical trees, where they had a weiny and a s'more roast. The village men did a little fishin', and the little tiny munchkins also did a lil' fishin' - the handsome Bullen munchkin and the handsome Falk munchkin. The littlest Falk munchkin, being the cute guy he is, would much rather hang with the maidens. Oh yes, we mustn't forget Joey the rottweiler (the Aitken's munchkin), who loved following the little munchkins around and being thier protector.

It was a very beautiful evening when all of a sudden a car full of wicked teenagers pulled up... or I should say, accidentaly drove into the lake. They got stuck on the gravel at the bottom of the hill. They thought it would be wise to drive into the lake so that they could float thier way out of being unstuck... but, AT LAST... that didn't work. So the teenagers, in thier sheer wickedness, sent thier most decieving princesses to come ask the men of the village to pull them out. The men, being strong and mighty, thought they should be nice to the princesses, so they went and got them unstuck. Luckily, the wicked teenagers decided to drive away and never look back, and leave the people of the villiage alone who were trying to have a weiny roast. And they all lived happily ever after.

I musn't forget the story about the weekend before that. Chad and Mandy went to the majestic Hoover Dam with an army of great and strong men and women. There's not much to this fable so I shall end it here, but there are some pictures. They all lived happily ever after.

The damn Dam

The new damn overpass... er, oops, I mean the new overpass (behind me).

Friends

2010-02-25T11:18:00.000-07:00

This is a little late. I've been wanting to put some pics up of some (out of town) friends that we got to see last fall. My friend Leah, who I've been friends with since grade 5, came to Vegas from Rocky Mountain House, Alberta with her husband Curtis. We had a fun night out with them.

We went to Los Angeles, California to an NFL hockey game, Calgary Flames vs LA Kings, with some friends who live there, Lynn & Jason and thier little guy. It was weird being the minority cheering for the Flames while everyone else was cheering for the Kings. I was cheering in hushed tones, mostly keeping my excitement inside fearing that I may get dirty looks for cheering for the "wrong" team. It was kind of funny. We also went to the observatory which was amazing.

Red carpet for the CMA Awards behind us.

Lynn & Jason

Observatory

I was looking back on some of my posts from when I started my blog a few years ago. I'm glad I decided to start one because it was so exciting to look back on it. I can only imagine what it will be like to look at it a few years from now. Especially once Chad and I are settled and he has started his career as a dentist. It has been a great adventure here in Vegas so far. Chad loves school but he's very excited to be done with it. I can't say as I blame him! I can't believe we only have a year (and a few months) left. I just want to say thanks to everyone that we've gotten to know here who have helped to make our journey a more exciting and pleasurable one! Thank you also to friends and family who have come from afar to visit us.

Accident Update

2010-02-16T17:37:00.000-07:00

"It's not what you achieve in life that matters, it's what you overcome."

It's been four months and a few days since my accident. I'm still going to chiro, physio, acupuncture, and trigger point therapy every week. I'm still not one hundred percent but I'm managing to keep my faith and hope every day that I will be back to normal again. It's like being on a roller coaster ride every day... an emotional and physical one. I hit a plateau the last few months where I didn't feel good physically at all. Just the beginning of this week I have been starting to see improvements again. Finally. For the most part I am doing good emotionally. But when my pain sets in, I get depressed and lack enthusiasm. It's a challenge going from being athletic to only walking on a treadmill. I'll be fully recovered when I can run 3 miles a day and train with weights, 5 days a week like it used to be in the good ol' days. So far I can only see that in the distant future. I think I'm starting to see some light at the end of the tunnel.

Below are the pics of our Murano which did its job. There are also some pics of some of my battle wounds below.

Scars from the side air bag.

Seatbelt

Christmas 2009

2010-01-19T19:01:00.000-07:00

First off, I just want to say - in case you're confused as to why it hasn't happened yet... I was going to go private on my blog, but I discovered a bunch of friends/family coming out of the woodwork who look at it so there's no way I'm going to add everyone's email address one by one. Mostly because I don't care who the heck looks at it.

We drove to Canada over Chad's Christmas break... yes, drove. We love driving. We had a certain rottweiler who came with us so we pretty much had to. We broke the trip up into several days so that made it more enjoyable.

We stopped in Utah for four days and stayed at the in-laws. Our nieces were there from Texas. We had fun. It's always exciting to see those little girls. Chad and Joey (dog) pulled them around on a sled. Joey had a make-shift harness on, it was humorous to watch.

Then we journeyed to Canada stopping in Lethbridge (southern Alberta) to spend the night. We were so tired. I think we went to bed around eight. The roads were good for the most part. The mountains in Montana were covered in snow but we were still able to maintain a good speed without falling off.

We had a nice time in Alberta. My mom planned a family trip out to Goldeye Lake where we rented cabins close to the mountains way out in the middle of nowhere... very calm, quiet, and relaxing. It's hard to believe that Goldeye and Vegas are on the same planet let alone same continent! They fed us twice a day including turkey dinner so all we had to do is play for three days. We went skating (played hockey), played Wii, badminton, air hockey, tobogganing, sat beside the fire while my uncles, Chad, and my cousin Jesse played guitar while everyone else sang, and many more fun things! Whoever says they don't like winter and snow is crazy ;).

Enjoy the pics, they aren't necessarily in order but I'll blame Blogger's crappy pic uploader for that. I don't have much more to say other than labelling the pics... they pretty much speak for themselves.

The kids helping ice fish by examining the fish (Goldeye).

Sister with kids.

Niece & cousin.

Part of the gang out at Goldeye.

My dad and nephew.

Shakin' my booty to Wii.

Aw.

My cousins and nieces playing Wii.

Hockey time (nephew & bro). Goldeye Lake, Alberta, Canada.

Chad, Joey, Grace, Holly (in Utah).

The hockey gang.

Chad all Canadianed-up.

Cute nephew.

More of the gang (out at Goldeye).

Moi.

It's Complicated.

2010-01-04T16:03:00.000-07:00

As most of you already know, I had to quit my new job. I was only there for a few weeks, and while I already knew that it was questionable as to whether I should work there, I quickly had it confirmed to me as I put forth a real effort to make it work. It was the best decision for me at this time. The title of this blog is very appropriate... it is very complicated. I will explain. However, there are a few things that I need to focus on right now which I won't be disclosing. Nothing serious, just a few things that are going to require a lot of focus and lots of my time.

Let me begin by saying that this was one of the hardest decisions I've ever had to make. It was really a no-brainer actually but it was still a very, very tough decision to make. After I spoke to my manager to resign I cried my eyes out. Thanks for your reassurance that I made the right decision Chad. Let me just make this clear... I wanted nothing more than to work at Aria. The couple of weeks I was there were great. I quickly made great friends with my co-workers and managers, and they were really fun people to be around. The environment was great to work in and I LOVED the position I had. I was working in casino accounting where I was responsible for DOR (Daily Operations Revenue). I was responsible for all the numbers coming in from the tables, poker, slots, etc (everything from the casino). Basically I analyzed and balanced ledgers to hand in to my accounting manager. It was seriously one of the top 3 jobs I've ever had. I talked with my manager about coming back, possibly in a few months when things settle down for me, and he said he would love to have me back.

The only downfall of the job (well, there are a few) is that I was required to be there for 50-60 hours a week. That would have been fine except I wouldn't have had time to go to my chiro & physio appointments. Very important considering I'm still recovering from whiplash from my accident (I accepted the job offer before my accident). Not to mention, I wasn't feeling very good by the time I got off work because my body's still healing. I had no energy by the time I got off of work in the evenings and days off. The other thing is that I wouldn't have gotten any weekends off. Once I started training and getting to know my responsibilities and what was required of me (I was the only working in the Daily Operations Revenue Department), I quickly realized that it would be impossible for me to get weekends off.... that's just the nature of the casino business. Accounting needs to be done on a daily basis... that also explains why I would have had to work so many hours a week. Juggling that with Chad's dental school was just not going to work for us. Before I started the job Chad and I were talking about if I should work there for the single reason alone that I would have to work during the day on Sunday's making it impossible for me to ever go to church. He said that where one blessing is given and then sacrificed in His name, a greater blessing will be given. He is so right, that's my husband.

There you have it. It is complicated, and that's why I have written a blog about it. It is the story of my life... that I come into a great opportunity only to have it taken from me due to life's circumstances, but at the same time it has put me where I am and made me who I am. I have no regrets with any decisions I've ever made. Where one opportunity falls another arises... and it's always for the better, and here I am. My life is amazing.

Naturalization Ceremony

2009-11-16T21:28:00.000-07:00

Last Friday, November 13th I had my naturalization ceremony where I became a citizen of the United States. On Monday, November 2nd I went to the UCIS office (Bureau of U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services) where I had to pass a test and have an interview with an agent of the federal government and immigration services. I was given a civics test manual of 100 questions to study from including principles of American democracy, systems of governments, rights and responsibilities, the colonial period and independence, the 1800's, recent American history and other historical information, geography, and symbols. I got 100% on my test and the interview went perfectly. Needless to say, I was given a warm welcome to be a citizen of one of two of the best countries in the world! (Canada being the other, of course.). Chad and I have been through so much with immigration since I moved here 5.5 years ago. We have finally reached an end and feel like we've had a huge load lifted off our shoulders now that we'll never have to deal with U.S. immigration again, what a great feeling! We do still plan on moving to Canada when we're done with dental school but at least we can have the assurity and confidence of knowing that we can come back here without any further problems... and who knows, we may just decide to retire here one day. Besides, as far as I'm concerned, there isn't a border between the U.S. and Canada.  I am more American than you may think. My ancestors in America go back about 10,000 years. Some of them (my native ancestors) migrated to Canada from the United States several generations ago - known to you as the First Nations/Native Americans. Many of my relatives on my maternal side migrated from Europe to New York and then eventually came to Canada so there is a lot of history there as well. I'm kind of angry that I even had to go through the immigration process. My dad's a U.S. citizen and that would have been an automatic entrance for me if I would have applied before I was 18... oh well, it's done now!

I want to start off with saying that I'm really sorry if you weren't able to make it to the ceremony because it was that great of an experience and really a once-in-a-lifetime event. I tried inviting everyone local I could think of and sent out an invitation as a formality to close friends and family even though I knew some of you couldn't make it because of distance. I also want to thank those who showed up and shared this AMAZING experience with me. I would also like to thank those who RSVP'd to show their support even though they couldn't make it, it meant a lot to me. A big thanks to Chad's parents for driving all the way from Utah to share this special ceremony with me... THANK YOU!!!

"The Experience"
Wow, wow and wow... have I stressed that enough? I will try to type this without getting emotional but at least if I do, you can't see me... one of the wonderful aspects of the blogging world. I'm not great with expressing my emotions in front of others.
Chad and I were talking about the ceremony last Sunday night and what it meant to us.   We were both getting teary eyed as we talked about the emotions and feelings "in the air" that were surrounding everyone at the ceremony. There were 80 immigrants from 35 different countries who became American citizens that day, and many spectators. Everyone took turns and stood up to introduce themselves to say which country they were from to the presiding judge.  A few selected new citizens stood up and shared their stories about becoming citizens and how they came to America for better lives; from poverty and generations of dreams of hoping to come here one day. The judge shared a talk on how immigrants come here to obtain better lives. It was really emotional as he talked about the rights so many don't have - how in some countries women don't even have the right to drive or vote, and are treated badly, etc., and there obviously aren't the opportunities in many countries like there are here as far as an honest living, education, and overall quality of life. He also talked about how the people who immigrate to the U.S. usually always succeed with their dreams and work hard because they are very grateful for the opportunities given to them... I think that many Americans and Canadians can really learn from the examples immigrants are and for their hard work and all that they contribute. A lot of them came from nothing and worked hard and were eventually granted freedoms and citizenship so they too can experience life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness... does that sound familiar? They are the 3 rights in the Declaration of Independence, for all people are born of natural rights that no government can take away, as declared by Thomas Jefferson and the other Founding Fathers. One other thing Chad and I discussed was togetherness - how all of these immigrants coming together felt as one; the smiles on thier faces and the love that everyone felt for each other was phenomenal. It was as though we were all one big happy family with big dreams and unwaivering hopes and desires to accomplish every goal imaginable. No more division, all one nation, and forget that anyone was thinking about being either democrats or republicans or somewhere in between - I doubt there were any feelings of division to anyone there, only feelings of unity. People in this country fight too much. They are so worried and focused on who is right and wrong, who has the best/worst ideas, the mistakes and shortcomings of others, namely leaders. Everyone seems to be missing the point.  The fighting, name-calling, and bashing each other based on which political party we belong to is not the point of living in a free country rich with so many blessings. After all, we are all supposed to be one nation under God. Speaking of leaders, we watched a message from Obama and recieved letters from Senator Reid & Senator Ensign. Unfortunately they were both out of town and couldn't attend the ceremony.

It was really neat to learn about the Constitution. It gave me great insight as to how the government operates; how the Framers of the Constitution wanted to limit powers of the governments by separating them into different branches... how brilliant! It's neat to know that the Founding Fathers were fore-ordained by Heavenly Father so that the U.S. can be built on the structure it's on, including the amendments and the Bill of Rights so that we can always be assured of our individual rights and liberties.

You have just read the blog of one of the newest U.S. citizens in America today. I'm so happy, and on the day of my ceremony I was running high on adrenaline all day. I truly do feel great loyalties to this country and will stand up and fight for its freedoms.   I'm grateful that my husband is in the National Guard serving those who fight and defend this country and that I have the honour of saying that I'm the wife of a National Guard Officer. Until next time my fellow Americans & Canadians. I love you all.

4th Quilt - Autumn Log Cabin

2009-11-05T12:17:00.000-07:00

This is the first log cabin quilt I've made. And I have to say, I did enjoy working on it BUT, log cabin quilts get kind of monotonous, the bigger they are. This one is just a little smaller than a twin size but still big enough to be repetetive. I couldn't imagine doing one any bigger unless I gave myself way more time to work on it. This one took a couple of weeks in total and it's 35 squares. It has vibrant fall colours and is a great addition to my fall decorations and home decor. It was fun but I'm not sure how soon I'll do another log cabin. Thanks for the great tips on the binding mom, it turned out really good!

Some News...

2009-10-23T08:47:00.000-06:00

If you haven't heard yet, I've been in an accident that was close to either hurting me beyond functioning like a normal human being or very possibly taking my life, by a few feet. I don't mean to sound dramatic but I'm still a little shaken up by it. I'm getting a little better (physically & emotionally) each day other than the whiplash symptoms. Time will heal. I'm not up to it yet but possibly in a few weeks or so I'll write a post and put up pictures of my accident... of my injuries and of our poor new Murano which we'll never see again. I'm really angry that people don't take the time and consideration on the road and don't value the safety of others. I've forgiven the man who ran a red light and hit me going 40 mph, and I would have still forgiven him if I wasn't here today. However, he has a lot of hard realities to face before he'll ever be at peace with himself if he continues to make careless and selfish choices.

I'm counting my blessings and very grateful to my Heavenly Father who has, again, preserved my life, and for my angels who are watching over me. I'm grateful for the atonement and for the blood that my Saviour has shed for each trial I go through, he must really love me. I realize more, with each trial, my mission on earth and that it is far from being over, and that I have much service and work to do for my Heavenly Father. I would like to thank my family and friends who have reached out to me and who have offered to be there for me... I hope you know how grateful I am for each of you, and I will be there for you whenever you need me. I have so many amazing people in my life and I have felt so incredibly loved over the past week. I would also like to thank my caring and loving husband whose love for me truly is unconditional. He has been such a sweetheart. He has cooked the meals and done all the chores... I will try to get up and help him and he'll tell me to go rest. He has offered to drive me to appointments even while he's supposed to be in school. He was even going to miss school in the afternoons so he can be with me. He has enough points in clinic for the semester so it would have been possible for him to not be there. However, I didn't think this was a good idea. Thanks to my friends who are taking over, and a big thanks to Sheena for packing up her babies and driving me to my appointments. God bless all of you.

On another note, I'm going private on my blog in a few weeks so if you want to continue to read it then please email me your email so I can invite you. mandyleej@yahoo.com

City Center

2009-09-22T11:35:00.000-06:00

I am officially a new employee at the City Center. There are four properties (in one), and I'll be working at The Aria Resort & Casino. Check the website out, it's really quite amazing! http://www.citycenter.com/. I start training on December 2nd and start work on December 16th. I'll be working as a casino accountant. I feel really blessed to have been hired. I was watching the news last night and they reported that there were over 160,000 applicants, 50,000 interviews, and 12,000 people hired. I'm really excited to go back to work.

The downfall is that I have back problems from my accident and it gets painful for me to sit for long periods of time. I've recently come out of the closet with this back thing. I've never let on to anyone about the agony of it. Mostly because I don't want anyone's sympathy and also because I'm a tough chick and don't want to be thought of as a decrepit... which I am not! I'm fine as long as I don't have to sit for a long time! I'll still kick your butt in the gym, he he. I must say that it feels good to be completely honest though. Anyway, I worked at home for a while doing bookkeeping part-time but I'm really needing to get out of the house and have interaction with others. I feel like Heavenly Father will bless me to have the strength if this is what I'm supposed to be doing. He knows that I NEED to do this so I'm going to be as strong in my faith as I can be!

I would love for anyone to come on down and see me! I'll give you a tour of the property. Oh ya... this is really cool... I get paid for an hour over lunch AND they feed me. It's a buffet, and so with that said, it's going to be really tempting to be out of control with the food. I have a great shift... 7:30 am - 3:30 pm which means that I'll miss out on the rush hour traffic. MGM is a great company to work for. They go above and beyond with thier benefits and treat thier employees really good from what I've heard. Good times, I'm excited!

Highlights of Summer 2009

2009-09-19T11:11:00.000-06:00

I had a really good summer this year. I'll pick up from my previous "Stadium of Fire" post which is also a part of my highlights for the summer.

I can't remember if I mentioned it before, but Sadie and I had the great opportunity of going to girls camp with the church. I had the privelege of being a mom to 19 teenage girls for almost a week, what a job! Sadie is not a member but she still had a really good time. All the girls were very warm and welcoming to her and we both had a real blast and really amazing spiritual experiences. News update: I am no longer in the Young Women's Presidency as the presidency was released before I went back up to Canada at the end of July. We were due to be released as we served for more than 2.5 years but man did it fly by! Just a quick note: Thanks to all you beautiful, dynamic leaders who I served with, you ladies are amazing in every way! I really enjoyed my calling and was very sad to not be a part of it anymore. It's amazing how attached you can get to those girls... even if they are crazy, annoying teenagers!

At girls camp... me on the right.

The other leaders and I looking like Charlie's Angels.

Sadie hanging out in her tent with her group of friends.

For mine and Sadie's birthdays, Chad surprised us with tickets to the Lion King Broadway at the Mandalay Bay - how appropriate for two Leo's birthdays! I'm actually a cusp which means that I was born on the borderline day (Aug 23rd) where the horoscopes change making me a Leo and a Virgo. I really don't follow horoscopes and all that jazz, but I truly am a Leo at heart (with Virgo tendencies). Just ask Chad... all I can say is thank goodness I have some of the Virgo tendencies because we know how lion's can be... mostly in the dominating department. (Tangent #1 - I'll explain later.) Anyway, it was a really good show, and the music was phenomenal! We also got spoiled going out for dinner at Magianno's. We are frequents there. Good Italian food in a nice restaurant with a great view of the strip, what more can you ask for? Forget about it!!! (Said with an Italian accent.)

Chad had to leave for Texas at the end of July for his officer training so Sadie and I drove up to Canada... yes, drove. It was a long way but we made it fun by making it longer (I know, right?). What I mean is that we went on a very slow, but very beautiful route. We went up through Montana through Whitefish, into British Columbia through the mountains, and stayed in hotels along the way. We spent a couple of nights in Banff (which is one of my most favourite places in the world). My mom, sister, and her kids met us there where we all hung out and just... hung out and had fun. It was nice to just relax after all that driving. We did an average of 5 hours a day for 5 days. It was really not that bad but when you're the only one driving with a 14 year old as a travel companion it can get long. Sorry Sadie... I'm really just kidding, she was great and we had a blast travelling all that way together. She was my little d.j., gps navigator, and was great company.

It was great to be in Canada for a month. I got to be a part of things I otherwise wouldn't have been a part of had I not gone for that long. This includes watching my nieces at dance camp, watching my niece and nephew in swim camp, making apple butter with my mom with apples from her tree, hanging out at the beach and eating ice cream and other good frozen treats with family, holding my dads hand as he is going through a difficult time, being my sisters date at her high school reunion (her hubby couldn't go), seeing friends I hardly get to see, hanging out with teenagers (Sadie's friends who also call me aunty), taking the Zodiak down the river with my mom and her friends, running into old friends/schoolmates that I haven't seen in years which seemed like every time I'd leave the house.Rocky is not a very big place, and everyone pretty much knows who everyone else is... that is one thing I miss about living in a town. It was funny when I ran into a girl in the grocery store I haven't seen since high school and she said "oh ya, I heard you were in town". You've gotta love it! I guess that's my way of feeling like a celebrity.

My awesome friend Shar.

Shar's darling little girl and her cute new baby .

Brooklyn at dance camp.

And Megan (modelling her new glasses)...

Dawson

Sadie & Benson.

My sister and I going to her reunion.

Brooklyn basking in the sun.

Our hotel in Banff.

The weather in Alberta was amazing, as it always is. I love the variety of temperatures and weather where it can range anywhere from negative fourty to positive fourty degrees Celsius. The seasons there are so obvious that it's hard not to be embraced by the beauty of them. The sting of the cold as the winter approaches eludes you as the snow falls, and where the frost unequivocally takes over covering everything in sight with absolutely no prejudice. There is nothing more peaceful than a white, snowy day where everything falls silent as though in awe of the beauty it's suddenly surrounded with. The summers are capable of storms that are so volatile that it's never known what beautiful wonder will become of them. Whether it be a quick shower that simply kisses the foliage or an introduction to a rainstorm abundant with lightning, thunder, haunting clouds, and warm winds which can last for hours before the rain is finally given permission to grace the earth. The empowerment of being one with an awe-inspiring lightning and thunderstorm is a reminder of the worth each of us has been given, how very much a part of nature and a powerful existence we are. The fall arrives, and the trees shed their outer beauty so they can prepare for the cold winter to be welcomed. Before the leaves fall they reveal the beautiful colours of their spirits born to them by a loving God, who through the beauty of His creations, shows us how much He loves us. The spring can be somewhat of a conundrum. Mother nature seems to sometimes test our patience to see if we are worthy of an early spring season. Suddenly, as if out of nowhere, she decides to send a beautiful day that promises that the wrath of winter has left, and that we will be blessed with a regeneration of beauty and life. (Tangent #2)

I don't mean to go on tangents, but that's what happens when I write. Hence, I have problems sitting down and writing a simple entry. There's a lot I have to control. You wouldn't want to trade me brains for a day, there are a lot of complexities going on in there... and it never ends.

Now that you have a taste of how mother nature is in Alberta, I'll continue...

We mustn't forget the day that I picked Chad up from the airport after not seeing him for an entire month! Let's just say that we ran into each other's arms and didn't let go for approximately two days after. We hung out in Calgary the next day and had fun just being together. Afterwards we went to Rocky, and everyone in my family was happy to see Chad, as always. Even though he didn't have much time there before we had to drive back to Vegas we still managed to have lots of fun in our remaining week.

We took my mom and Terry's quads out for a couple of days and rode around on trails in the forest which Chad loved... including getting stuck dozens of times! I've never gotten so many mosquito bites as I did the first day we went quadding. (For the Americans reading, quadding means four-wheeling). We didn't bring insect repellent which wasn't a good idea because it was marshy which essentially amounts to major mosquito breeding grounds! We did some other fun stuff, mostly hung out with the family. Chad made a cake with my niece and nephew which was really cute. My niece Brooklyn told me how she was going to sprinkle some love and a little laughter and smiles in the cake so when everyone ate it they would laugh and smile the whole time. We surely did laugh and smile the whole time we all ate it. She is truly a little gem.

Chad trying to rescue me out of the big mud puddle I thought I was tough enough to get through.

Chad winching himself out of a very deep mud hole.

Chad and I had a long but good trip driving home. We bought some heavy metal cd's for the ride (which I loved listening to when I was a teenager), and rocked out almost the entire way home. We had a wicked time! I'm think I turned Chad into a Metallica fan, or maybe he already became one from Guitar Hero. We also went a long way home and drove through the beautiful mountains. We stopped at the Chateau in Lake Louise and had lunch with a view of le Lac Louise which is absolutely breathtaking! Chad ordered a gourmet hamburger and he swears it's the best he's ever had. The below picture I took on our way through Banff National Park... that's a glacier.

Like I said, it was a great summer and I love creating memories. I try to make the most of my time when I'm there and try to see everyone but sometimes it seems impossible. I've come to accept that there's a good portion of peeps I won't get to see until I move back. There's never enough time to do everything in the short time I'm there. You wouldn't think a month is a short time but it is when you haven't been home much in over 5 years. I love my life (yes, in Vegas too) despite the rantings you may have heard about that. I'm going to savour every moment here because we don't have much time left in smokin' hot Vegas. 1.5 years is going to go by really fast as it already has! I'm really proud to tell people I live here. Its been a really great adventure so far. But, I couldn't be here for much longer than what is necessary. I'm a winter girl, and I need my seasons!

Update

2009-08-18T21:28:00.000-06:00

Just signing on to say hi to everyone. I'm still in Canada and my husband is still in Texas. I haven't seen him since July 28th and it's getting really old, really fast. I got married to um, not be single, hello. Well there are more reasons than that but you know what I mean. I will be seeing him a week from today so I'm trying to not get used to single life. Just kidding. It's really not going to take any effort. It's kind of weird though because there are days that I'm not really sure what to do with myself. Even when I'm surrounded by friends/family. I'm so used to having Chad with me pretty much everywhere I go! It will be great to see my Chad. I think I'll get him to wear a bright orange t-shirt at the airport in case I don't recognize him... you know, it's been so long!

Chad is doing great. I get to talk to him on the phone every night so at least we can hear each other and get updates. We did the video thingy on Skype too so it was great to be able to see him. He has lots of great stories so hopefully he will write about them. For those who don't know, he is in San Antonio, TX completing his officer training for the National Guard (OBC). He posted pics on Facebook.

So, this is just an update to say hello and that we haven't fallen off the earth... yet ;). I hope everyone is enjoying the rest of the little summer that's left (unless you live in Vegas, then it will be around for a few more months, aaahhhh, too hot, help me!!!). Summer is always so much fun for me. I will be sad to go home but happy too because I miss my peeps in sin city. It's always difficult to return to everyday, real world stuff after a great vacation. And I must admit, I get a lot of those so I'm greatly blessed. Chad doesn't want me to go back to work full-time because he likes that we can always take off on his days off. However, things are "slowly" improving with my back and neck problems so I feel like it may be a possibility to return to work full-time... once again. It's mostly because I'm telling myself that it will be better this time but we'll see... I'm kind of too much of a trooper that way and end up hurting myself. It was alright working at home but I'm too much of a people person to hang out at home all day without any interaction with others. Okay, I'm rambling now. Anyway, it will be great for Chad to get through dental school so we can finally settle down one day. I'm really, extremely tired of living the university life. Life has been really good to us though. We are thankful for being a part of the National Guard... it has blessed us in so many ways. I can't believe I can say that after Chad has been gone for so long but this will be the only training he has to do, and I'm glad it's almost over with. Well, adios amigos... until next blog...

Stadium of Fire!!!

2009-07-20T15:15:00.000-06:00

Sadie, Chad, and I went to Utah for the 4th of July long weekend to visit family & friends. Sadie always comes to stay with us from Alberta, Canada for a month over the summer. It's always great to have her here with us!

Chad and I hooked up with friends from Utah. It was great to see you guys again!
We went to a family BBQ and then to the Stadium of Fire with cousins, Chad's parents, and sister. Shedaisy and the Jonas Brothers performed. Sadie, being a 13 year old, was very excited to see the Jonas Brothers... so were thousands of other teenage girls there... it was a very shrilling experience!

We went to the open house for the Oquirrh Mountain Utah Temple. What a beautiful temple! It has very modern decor and is very different than any other temple I've seen... it is very nice!

I always enjoy Canada Day, 4th of July, etc. I'm an overly festive person so anytime I can celebrate any holiday, I'm there! We had a good time, and we always love getting out of Vegas even if only for a few days!

3rd Quilt

2009-07-18T10:14:00.001-06:00

I was told by a friend who is married to a dentist that while Chad is in dental school, I will become really good at a hobby. Mine turned out to be quilting. It's an expensive hobby but it keeps my sanity. I find it to be therapeutic - it's funny how you can do a project that not only requires great patience but also requires blood, sweat, and tears, but yet somehow you still seem to love doing it. I literally put those 3 items into this one. Blood - it's funny how you can have a quilt full of pins but quickly forget about the pins and still handle it as though there aren't any and then you get poked with one and then you get mad about it when really, it's no surprise that you get poked. Sweat - well it's not a miracle that you just naturally sweat in Vegas even when you're not doing anything other than just sitting around. On top of the heat I mostly was sweating because I'd fear that I wouldn't be able to nicely finish a certain part on the quilt after seam-ripping the same seam a dozen times. Don't let anyone tell you that curves are easy to sew together. Well maybe they are but not when you have to match 5000 of them! Tears - again, the tears came when I would I have to seam rip the same seam more than a few times. I'm sure I could have left some of them the way they were but being the perfectionist I am, I couldn't leave it. Perfectionism and quilting do not mix!

I Love Going Home

2009-07-14T09:46:00.000-06:00

I recently went to Alberta for a few weeks and left poor Chad to study for his big monster of an exam... as if 5 days of studying for boards counts. He did good on his own though as always... with the exception of his diet. I am his nutrition police, and when I'm not here to be he eats things I wouldn't approve of. He appreciates me though. I remember one time when we lived in Utah I left for 4 days. One of my best friends lived in the condo below me. After I returned home she came upstairs and told me how 3 out of the 4 days I was gone, her and her husband saw Chad bring pizza's home. He does eat really healthy. I just like to give him a hard time when I leave and the stove doesn't ever get used.
Moving on... I was able to go to Alberta and be there for some fun events! Since I've moved to the U.S. (more than 5 yrs ago) I haven't been up north over June. June includes Father's Day, my mom's birthday, and my niece's birthday. My niece's birthday was a big deal because she is getting to the age where she probably won't be celebrating with her family anymore. This year she had a party with her friends and then the next day with her family. I was honoured to be invited to both. It was fun hanging out with a bunch of 6-7 year olds!!! We went bowling and danced around the alley to some great tunes. I will admit, I ate tonnes of junk food but it's difficult for me to pass up chips (especially the Canadian Old Dutch kind), and cake. On that note, I just have to add that my sister makes the most amazing birthday cakes I've ever seen (and I'm not just saying that). Thanks Boorman family for a great weekend with you guys!

This is the quilt I made for Brooklyn. Looks good on her, hey??

We went out to eat dinner for my mom's birthday at a really good restaurant overlooking a lake. I miss Alberta... it is so beautiful there! I'm glad I was able to spend my mom's birthday with her. She is the nicest person I know and would give the shirt off her back to anyone. She always smiles and says hi to strangers and can strike up a conversation with almost anyone she doesn't know (and knows). She will always go out of her way to make you feel welcome and comfortable. She is definitely a peacemaker and doesn't have a mean bone in her body. She always has nothing but nice things to say about everyone and has helped me to see things in positive ways.

I'm also happy that I got to finally spend Father's Day with my dad whom I am very grateful for. He has taught me great things in life and is someone who has great strength and is someone I will always look up to. I was always proud of him as my dad. He is a very lovable and charming person and can make anyone laugh and feel good about themselves. He jokes with pretty much anyone and knows how to bring out a smile... unless he's grouchy... you don't want to get on his bad side!!! I guess that's where I get my temper from. However, my mom is a true red head so it could be from either side I guess. Except my mom is a lamb and I've mabe seen her mad a handful of times. I have great parents. They have been through so much but they have still managed to continue to be the great people they have always been. I love them with all my heart. I'm also grateful for my entire family and the opportunities I have to see them even though we live far apart.

Orlando, Florida

2009-05-26T12:50:00.000-06:00

Blogging apparently isn't my thing. We went to Florida over 3 weeks ago and I've finally decided that I need to take some time to sit down and do a blog. I know that when Chad and I look back on it a few years after dental school, that we will be glad that I've kept it up but let's face it... I don't like blogging. I don't think I've been on this website for almost 2 months now. I've just been having way to much fun with my spare time. Here's the Florida trip scoop...

We had a great time in Florida! The weather was perfect and we had an entire week of fun activities planned.

We started our vacation out by meeting up with some friends of ours from Vegas , Keli & Ryan, who happened to be going to Florida over the spring break too.

Later on that day, Chad and I went to the Kennedy Space Center and had a blast! I absolutely love anything to do with space so it was a great experience. We went on a simulator that was a lot like being on a real shuttle taking off to space... without the g's, unfortunately.

Canadarm...Chad and I drove to a nearby beach and then went out for a dinner at a really good seafood pub near the ocean. Later on, we met up with Chad's brother and his family at their condo at a Disneyworld resort. They arrived that day.

The next day, we went on an alligator fan-boat ride on a marsh preservation with Keli & Ryan, and their son Tae. We got to hold a 3 year old alligator. He was surprisingly really silky smooth!

In the afternoon, we all went to Cocoa Beach and hung out at the ocean. Chad and I got tan-ish burned. Chad and Ryan were swimming in the ocean forever... Keli and I were wondering where they were, but we had a good time chatting and watching Tae playing and trying to eat the sand. Chad thought he would help Tae out and build a sand toilet. Hmm, of all the things you can think of to make out of the sand!

Later on that day, we picked up Chad's parents and his sister from the airport, who just returned off her mission a few days earlier. It was really good to see her again! The next day, we went to Disneyworld and that was the beginning of a week of endless walking. There was so much to see at all 4 parks so we broke it up each day. We would get a start in the morning (around 9 am) and then would end up back at our condo about 10 pm so we had some very long days! We only ever saw our condo to shower and sleep.
Part of the gang...
We eventually went back to the NASA Center because on the day we went, we didn't get to do the tour because we ran out of time... which by the way, I HIGHLY recommend doing. Only if you're a geek like me and totally into that kind of thing. When we did the tour, we went as close to the shuttles as possible. In the below pic, you can see one of the shuttles. We were there just over a week before the Atlantis shuttle was scheduled for take-off. I'm sure you heard in the news but it took off on May 11th and it just recently came back. Hmmm, I just realized that if a shuttle can go to space and back before I post my blog then that's really lame... okay, I'm feeling it now. Anyway, before Atlantis took-off in May will be the LAST time that 2 shuttles will EVER be out together again (and only the 19th time). They are retiring the shuttles... the second shuttle being the back-up in case anything goes wrong with the first. This means that they are working on a new shuttle that will no longer require a back-up. They are also retiring the Hubble telescope in 2013 which has been in space since the 50's, and putting a new one in that is 20 x's more powerful!!! Can you believe that??? The Hubble telescope is already capable of finding over 10,000 galaxies in one single location!!! I cannot wait to see what the new telescope is going to do!!! I could go on and on about the space center but I'd better move on. I just have to add that Chad and I got to talk with a NASA employee. He told us all about the new shuttle (below is a pic of a piece of the new shuttle they're working on). The guy has been with NASA since '53 and knew so much so it was great to talk with him. I forgot to get a pic with him.

The area behind me was used when a shuttle was taking off and for when monitoring the shuttle in space.Atlantis shuttle behind me...

Back to Disneyworld. We had a really neat evening when we went to dinner with the Disney princesses. I highly recommend doing that. I'm not sure if Chad enjoyed it that much (just being funny). We had a hilarious experience (at his expense). Let me indulge, he he he. I'll begin by saying that Chad didn't get along with one of Cinderella's stepsisters so well. Whoever the red-headed one is (I think Drizella... I'll just say that) came to our table as we were eating... this is how it all started... Chad preferred to eat and stare at his plate instead of acknowledging that Drizella was standing at our table talking to us. She looked over at him, gets a mean scowl on her face and says, "well don't stop eating or anything just because I'm here!". She looked over at me and said "is that your prince?!". I said yes and she said "which kingdom is he from, they must not teach any manners there!". Chad continued to eat (or should I say, never stopped eating). Drizella shook her head and rolled her eyes and left the table. A few minutes later, a song was playing and some of the kids got up and danced with the characters. Drizella was dancing with a little boy and made a point to come and dance near our table with him, and looked over at Chad and said "jealous??". It was so funny!!! Chad was giving her attitude the entire time and they both acted like they genuinely hated each other. It was pretty awesome! It was also funny that Grace, our niece who is 8 years old, got her picture taken with Prince Charming. He kissed her hand and when she came and sat at the table she said, "I have a bad feeling in my stomach", as she had a huge grin on her face. It was so cute.

When we went to the Epcot Center, we toured around to all the countries. The countries I didn't post pics for are Mexico, Norway, Germany, U.S., France, & Canada. It was neat to taste food from each country. I gained 5 pounds from the trip but it was so worth it! Chad and I ate at a nice French restaurant in France and it was so delicious! It was pricey but we had to do it. Chad wants to go back just to go back to that restaurant! Our server was (really) from France and so I had some fun speaking a little French with her. It was fun to order our meals (because they were all in French), and I think she was impressed that I knew how to pronounce the words. Next stop: Europe. Can't wait to go! Epcot was a mere teaser.The U.K...
Meditating in Japan...Chad strangling the camel in Morocco???

Kickin' it in Italy...

Chillaxin' in China...The Animal Kingdom was fun. We got to see all kinds of animals. They had some fun rides and a safari. We went and saw the Lion King Musical. We were going to go to the Nemo Musical but didn't have enough time... we didn't have time to do lots of stuff. I tell ya, a week just isn't long enough!!!
I love this pic of Chad & Kate, so cute!!! Hollywood Studios was pretty cool. We went on a ride/tour that shows how they make movies. Chad loved the Aerosmith roller coaster ride. I'll have to admit, it was pretty dang sweet... if you like that kind of thing. We all became (or were made more of) adrenaline junkies by the time the trip was over.I have to mention that I absolutely fell in love with Florida. This trip was the first time I have ever been there and I have to say, what a beautiful state! We rented an SUV and got to tour all over the Orlando area and drive near beaches and through cute little surfing towns. It was so cool to see alligator's in their natural habitat. I have a whole new respect for them now. I really enjoyed how green it was along with the dense forest and never-ending lakes. The weather couldn't have been anymore perfect. I'm ready to go back!!!

It was great to spend time with Chad's family. It was so much fun and we came home with so many fun memories. I'm excited to back again one day.

Here is a link to the rest of the photos in case you're interested at looking at them.
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=127191&id=677497176&l=6eb3479804

Anti-Fluoride

2009-04-07T10:55:00.000-06:00

Yes, I am very anti-fluoride. My husband doesn't necessarily agree on all the same aspects as I do about it. However, with all the research I've done and knowledge I have obtained, I have come to the conclusion that it is in NO WAY good for you. Whether it be in toothpaste, drinking water or in anything. It is naturally-occurring in some foods but obviously it's not near enough to be a concern.

If you know me well you would know that I am very adamant about health and living in a toxic-free world. I'm also very against many of the regulations that the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) allows but that's besides the point... well, sort of. I could go on an on about pesticides, pollution, what's in our tap water, horrible ingredients that are found in most of our foods, how much garbage is in our cosmetics, unnecessary medications, etc, etc, etc but first of all, I'd have to start a whole other blog and second of all I'm not sure I have the time to write about these endless topics.

The below link is a video on fluoride that is quick and to the point. FYI, it is possible to get toothpaste without fluoride in it from health food stores. We have a reverse osmosis system in our house that filters out fluoride from our water, not to mention, all the other junk that is in our drinking water but don't even get me started on that!
http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2009/04/07/Warning-Never-Swallow-Regular-Toothpaste.aspx
The article below the video talks about the adverse health effects that fluoride can cause us... just so you know. You may disagree with me but it won't hurt my feelings.

Trials

2009-04-03T12:52:00.000-06:00

I take great comfort in knowing that Heavenly Father lets us experience great trials because He loves us. The more trials we experience and the greater the trial, the more He thinks we are worth it. What matters most is enduring to the end.

Newport Beach, CA

2009-03-10T12:31:00.000-06:00

Allyssa and I on Balboa Island.

I finally have time to write this blog. Been so busy lately. It feels good to finally lounge around the house today. I have decided that I'm going to do absolutely NOTHING today. Oh darn, I just remembered I have a Young Women's activity tonight... oh, and I have to go to the bank... oh ya, we're out of milk... I should probably get the laundry done, its been a while. Oh well, at least I get to stay in my pj's until supper time. I don't mind going to the bank or grocery store in my pj's... they are kind of stylin'.

At the end of February, me and a friend of mine went to Newport Beach for a whole week while our husbands had mid-terms. I've decided that I'm going to leave during mid-terms and finals because it is very good for our marriage that I do. I'm sorry Chad but I know that you being self-absorbed, self-involved, etc from all your studying isn't your fault. Anyway, we had some great, quality girl-time. Even though they had some intense studying to do, Chad and Brian came the weekend before we came home. Allyssa and I had fun showing them around to some of the neat sites, restaurants and beaches that we hung out at before they came.

Hangin' at Laguna Beach.

Amazing view from our condo.
We went to "The Doctor's" show... it was in the same studio as "The Dr. Phil Show"... very neat experience!
Afterwards, we went to Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills. Smells like money!!! Doing gymnastics on Newport Beach.

Entrance to our condo...
Having more fun on the beach...

Happy Valentine's Day!

2009-02-20T21:51:00.000-07:00

Ooh la la what a beautiful day in Las Vegas baby!!! I had a sa-weet Valentine's day!

The whole day was a surprise so from the time I woke up I had no idea what we were doing. We went to the gym as soon as we woke up and afterwards Chad told me not to bother showering for my first surprise. The only thing I could think of as to why I wasn't showering is because he was taking me to get a professional massage... well, I was right in a round about way. We got in the car and about half ways past the strip he told me to cover my eyes and to not look. So we drove and drove... and drove and I was wondering where the heck we could be going. He stops the car and tells me to keep my eyes covered. He guided me as we were walking and it was really embarrassing because I had no idea where we were going and all I could think of is that a bunch of people were staring at us. I felt so dumb. Finally, after running me into a bush and tripping over the curb, Chad knocks on a door. A big woft of a breakfast smell hit my nose and I immediately knew we were at someone's house. I pull my hand away and see Allyssa standing at the door laughing. Chad and Brian surprised both of us with breakfast... it was so delicious!
I turns out that after breakfast we all have appointments to get massages. My hubby knows how to take care of me!

Chad and I went home so we could finally shower. We were off to the next surprise. We're headed back towards the strip and this time turn onto the strip. I knew immediately where we were going... to Menaggio's... a very delicious Italian restaurant!! I walk into the restaurant and see a bunch of people I know! Wow, what a neat surprise! There was Jon & Lisa, Ryan & Kelli, Brian & Allyssa, and Alan & Sheena.

"Someone" (I won't mention any name) informed all the girls at the table of what the next surprise was by asking what time the show starts. We all looked at each other and said "what show?". It was still a great surprise though when we showed up at the doors of Cirque du Soleil - Mystere!!! What an amazing show! I can't wait to take someone from out of town!

It was a fabulous day full of great surprises. Chad did an amazing job!

What A Scare!!!

2009-02-06T13:50:00.000-07:00

Just as Chad finds out his heart is doing good and we are over having to worry and deal with that for a long enough time, I go and get blood work done and find out that something is seriously wrong with my liver! I get a call from my doctor and she tells me that my liver enzymes are through the roof! My ALT (alanine aminotranferease) levels are at 119 and my AST (aspartate aminotransferase) levels are at 295!!! To give you an idea of how insanely high that is, last year my ALT was at 20 and my AST was at 27 which is considered to be on the low-end of the normal range!!! When your enzymes are that high it means that your cells in your liver are dying at an alarming rate.

As I do research to find out what could be going on with me (yikes), I realize that unless I've got a thyroid problem, a tumor, or an auto-immune disease that it's an absolute mystery as to why my enzymes are so high! I'm thinking... hmm, I don't drink, take prescription drugs let alone advil, hardly eat red meat, don't have diabetes, etc, and all of my other blood work came back negative and are in the normal ranges. My doctor agreed that it was a mystery because she knows about my almost too healthy lifestyle. So then she orders more tests to be done including an ultrasound on my liver. I go and get more blood work done including a hep panel. As I patiently wait for my test results and say a million prayers, I finally get a call from my fabulous doctor and she tells me that after a repeat of the first tests as well as what seems like a thousand blood tests, that everything came back negative and in normal range including my liver enzyme levels! With a pause on the phone and a big sigh of relief, all I could come back with is... what? I looked over at Chad who is standing beside me eagerly and patiently waiting for the verdict, gives me a big relieving smile and mutters "I knew it". I get off the phone and tell him what he already knows (by my reaction from the news). My doctor informed me that it was a lab error.
When I initially got my test results back (the ones with the elevated liver enzymes), Chad looked over them and told me not to worry, to go get the same blood tests done over again, and that my blood work "didn't get spun until several hours after being received at the lab" thus causing my cells to degenerate and the enzymes (inside my cells) to come out of my cells causing the results to be inaccurate. I called my doctor after my first set of tests and she assured me that my blood was spun right away. After Chad's years of experience as a processor in a lab, he was quick to inform me that mistakes happen and to simply get tested again because it could have been an error - which is completely understandable to me. However, if he hadn't had experience from working in a lab and looked at my results, he couldn't have assured me of that and it would have made my life a lot more difficult as I was going through this crap!

Deep down I didn't think anything was wrong because I'm relatively in tune with my body and wasn't experiencing any other problems or symptoms. It was just a very interesting couple of weeks which I surprisingly happened to be very calm about. Like I said, I knew deep down nothing was wrong but it also helped that I had the spirit with me and Heavenly Father to look to for guidance (who told me everything would be fine). I also thank my awesome naturopathic chiropractor in Alberta who I emailed about this "crisis" and he quickly answered my questions and reassured me that as long as I'm eating lots of fruit & veggies, exercising, and maintaining a positive attitude and a healthy lifestyle, and as long as I have no other symptoms, that I will be fine. I know almost everything there is to know about the liver now though so some good came out of it! Not to mention, my renewed desire to live and to be grateful for my health and my blessings.

I'm glad I'm okay. I was thinking I just might be dying and was making plans to travel the world (okay, so I went a little overboard). Chad did offer his liver to me though which I thought was very thoughtful... except, that would mean that he wouldn't be here which would make my life very unpleasant anyway! I'm glad I'm not sick... thank you healthcare system for making mistakes (I think??!!).

2nd Lieutenant Aitken

2009-01-30T22:38:00.001-07:00

Dr. Ancajas swearing Chad in.

As of Friday, January 30th, I (Chad again) am officially a member of the Nevada National Guard. While in school I get paid as if I were on active duty to go to school while only going to drill one weekend a month (16 hours of work). We also get full insurance benefits and a bit of tuition reimbursement. After school, I continue drilling one weekend a month (ya it may be a little inconvenient at times but the benefits are worth it). Each year after school the National Guard will disburse $25,000 as a bonus. There is a small risk of being deployed for 90 days but only 15% of dentists in the National Guard have been deployed since 2001. I am excited for the opportunity to serve my country and I am excited that my country wants to make our (Mandy and I) lives a lot easier while in school.

I AM CURED!!!!!

2009-01-30T21:54:00.000-07:00

For those who may not know, in 2007 I (Chad) was diagnosed with atrial fibrillation. Basically the two upper chambers of my heart decided to beat whenever they wanted on their own. It had be going on for over a year but I just ignored it. At times, my heart would almost feel like jiggling jell-o. I never had any other symptoms, it just felt weird. So Mandy finally convinced me to go in. After being diagnosed, the Dr. went in through the veins in my legs up to my heart to check out the right side of my heart .... and he couldn't find where the extra signal was coming from. 2 months later the Dr. went in again to check out the left side of my heart. With radiowaves, the Dr. burnt around where the four veins from the lungs that dump into the heart. This causes scar tissue to form and thus blocks the wayward electrical signals that were stimulating my extra heart beats. The last surgery was in Aug. 2007 and I have finally gone in for my 1 year post-surgical follow-up and everything looked fanstastic. No abnormal heart beats at all. I guess I am cured. Just wanted to share the good news with everyone.

For those familiar with EKGs, this is pretty much what my heart rhythm looked like. There shouldn't be so many small humps between the large spikes. Below is what a normal heart rhythm should be on an EKG. Big difference huh? (or eh? for our canadian readers)

Happy Birthday Joey!

2009-01-29T10:54:00.000-07:00

Today is Joey Jeremiah Joseph Johnson-Aitken's 7th birthday (our dog... he has a long name thanks to a friend of mine who decided to make up a jingle about him). Joe is such an old man now! He has been my guardian angel through thick and thin and we love him so much! He gets to go to Petsmart today and pick out a present and then he gets to spend some time at the park playing with his new toy... woohoo!!! We love you Jo-Jo.

Christmas in Canada

2009-01-12T15:12:00.000-07:00

I finally got to meet my cute baby nephew Benson...

Oh boy its been a long time since I've written a blog. Here goes... we had a great time in Canada over Christmas! We had the "opportunity" of being there during a cold snap. It was -35 Celsius pretty much the whole time we were there! Usually a cold snap lasts 1 or 2 weeks max but not this time... it was truly freezing out the whole 3 weeks we were there! I was actually up there for a whole month, I went a week before Chad and it wasn't too cold but a few days before Chad came, it got really cold! You would think that we wouldn't have done too much with it being so dang cold out but pretty much everyday was eventful. Before Chad came up I went downhill skiing at Sunshine with my mom and Jean (a friend of ours). It was beautiful snow and it snowed the whole day we were there which made for even better snow while were skiing! It was perfect. I told Chad that he had better learn how to ski when we move up there otherwise he'll never see me in the winter!
We went to a Christmas concert the night before skiing that a (large) group of many talents called "Northern Lights" performed. There was a concerto, symphony, orchestra, choir, a skit and a lady who played a solo on a harp (she has a CD out but I can't remember her name). What a way to get into the Christmas spirit! It was an amazing show. I also got to see my librarian from Grade 5 perform in the choir. I saw several of my old teachers there at intermission also. I saw my old principal and he remembered me from elementary school! I love going home, it brings back so many great memories!
My mom treated us all to Nutcracker! We had a girls night out and all drove to Calgary. My mom, sister, sister-in-law, 2 nieces and my moms friend and her granddaughter all went. We left the boys at home and they watched a hockey game. I'd never been to the Nutcracker before that. It was so amazing!! We are going to try to make it a tradition from now and go see it every year! I think I was the only one there who hadn't seen it yet... another great way to get into the Christmas spirit!
Nutcracker (I'm not in the pic because we needed someone to take it)

We had a really good visit with my family. There was a lot of driving to see everyone but it was fun. The roads weren't the best... there was perma-ice on them the whole time we were there and it snowed almost everyday. It made it difficult to travel in but we managed to make our rounds. I can't remember how many different beds we slept in but there were a lot! It is so fun to see family!

We went to a guy's house who has over 100,000 Christmas lights on it... you can see his house from space. The guy who does that every year happens to be my old science teacher. He is such an energetic, fun guy! He's retired now but when he was a teacher, he had Canada's biggest school zoo in his science classroom! It was fun going to his class because while we were sitting in class we got to hold our choice of animal. I usually held a hamster or a parrot but one day I wanted to be cool and hold a snake... that got me over my fear of snakes really fast! The stinker got caught in my hair though so that was creepy. Anyway, back on topic... we had fun going to his house even though it was bitterly cold out! He also has his backyard decorated and different trails you could walk down to look at stuff. This teacher remembered me from Grade 7... I must have made a real impression on my teachers (good I hope... sure, let's just say that).
We went tobogganing but it was so cold. We lasted for an hour which is pretty good considering how cold it was!
As I write, I'm looking at my pictures to remember everything we did. Unfortunately I didn't get pictures of everything we did.
We went to my nephew Cameron's hockey game. He had a few of them but we could only make it to one. I can't believe he is already 14! The last time we got to see him play hockey was 2 years ago, the last time we were in Canada for Christmas! A lot has changed since then! They are body-checking now and playing a lot more aggressively now... it was a little tough for me to watch... I didn't want anyone hurting my little Cam... well big Cam now but still little to me.

We spent New Year's at my older sisters. We played board games and ate and ate and ate. We were so busy playing "What" that we missed the countdown for New Year's so we celebrated it about 10 minutes after midnight.
Happy New Year!!! (with ski boots on that my sister got for Christmas... breaking them in for her)

Chad has been talking with a dentist who needs a partner in Red Deer, Alberta so we went and visited him while we were there. This dentist (Dr. Dolynchuck) wants to get involved more with the business part of dental offices. Currently he owns 4 offices and is building a 10 million dollar medical building which is where Chad will be working if he decides to team-up with this doctor. Chad wants to be his associate for 6 months to a year before he buys in. Hopefully he wants to wait for Chad to be done with dental school although we aren't holding our breaths. They really seemed to hit it off though and that's what's most important when you're partnering with someone so we are pretty excited to get in with this guy. He's a great guy and Chad's pretty excited for the opportunity.
I feel bad because I didn't get any pics of Christmas with my dad because I forgot my camera when we went there.
Oh what great times we had... why can't it be December every month?? It was really hard to come home and I still miss my family and friends too much but I'm getting better with each day that goes by. It makes going home that much more exciting when I haven't seen anyone for a long time.
Bath time for the cute little guy (Benson)...

Brooklyn showing me her moves from her ballet class...

Sadie & Brooklyn taping themselves into a box...

Brooklyn kissing her little brother... this picture is so cute!

Megan & I

Chad & Megan

Cam, Sadie & Megan

Me and my honey...

Brooky with pajamas on her head and missing teeth...

Poor Dawson... I'll be showing his girlfriend this when he's older ha ha!!

Me and the darling baby...

My brother Jon & Cameron at Cam's hockey game...

There are more pictures so if you're interested in looking at them you can follow these links (there are 2 different albums)...
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=97175&l=7819b&id=677497176
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=97186&l=0dca9&id=677497176

Happy Thanksgiving

2008-12-02T14:14:00.000-07:00

I want to take this time to write what I'm thankful for. Tis the season to express how much I appreciate each of my blessings.

1. I'm thankful that I'm in a loving and healthy marriage and that I can spend eternity with the man of my dreams.
2. I'm thankful for all of the children in the world and the renewed hope they bring, the lessons they can teach us such as to be humble, loving, innocent, peaceful, meek, forgiving and most of all Christ-like. I'm especially thankful for all of my beautiful nephews and nieces... each of them are angels of God and they all have such sweet, beautiful spirits. They are spiritual giants and have taught me a lot.
3. I'm thankful for my family and for the love, support, patience, guidance, acceptance and the joy they bring into my life. I couldn't imagine my journey on earth without each of them.
4. I'm thankful for my health. I'm grateful that I have the education to take care of my body - to eat right, to exercise and to have the Words of Wisdom to know what/what not to consume.
5. I'm thankful for friends. I love and miss my far away friends but I feel so blessed to have wonderful friends here in Vegas.
6. I'm thankful for my education and that I had the opportunity to go to college - not just to be educated but to learn about independence, hard work and responsibility.
7. I'm thankful that Chad is in dental school and that we will be able to provide for our children in the future.
8. I'm thankful that we live in a free country. I'm especially thankful that I had the opportunity to experience 2 of the greatest countries in the world - U.S. and Canada... who could be so lucky to experience both?
9. I'm thankful for the gospel in my life and to have a close relationship with my Saviour and Heavenly Father who guide, direct, and walk with me every day.

I have so much more to be thankful for but these are some of the things I'm most thankful for. I'm also very thankful for you because you are taking the time to read my blog which tells me that you must care about Chad and I.

Have a safe holiday and a very merry Christmas!!!

Introducing...

2008-11-07T10:17:00.001-07:00

Benson Cove Boorman!!!

What a sweet little thing! I can't wait to meet my new little nephew!!! I love with him with all my heart. Congrats on another cute baby, sis!

We are the Witches... 5???

2008-11-04T11:29:00.000-07:00

My inspiration for the blog title came from "We are the Witches Three" song I learned in grade 3... and I still remember it... well, the first couple of lines anyway. Would you like me to sing it to you? I'm singing it in my head as I type... it's kind of catchy.
ANYHOO, the other Young Women leaders and I went to a Stake Youth dance to chaperon and we thought it would be fun to go as witches. I had such a good time dancing with the youth and seeing thier costumes. Have I ever said how much I love serving with the youth?? I'm sure I have but I thought I'd say it again.
So, I had a very fun Halloween this year. I got to be a witch for 3 consecutive days. There was the youth dance and then we had a ward "trunk or treat" and then a Halloween party with dental students and thier wives. I kind of felt like a kid again and probably had more fun than most kids did this Halloween. What can I say? I know how to party... and cast spells... so watch out!!! (cackle, cackle, cackle!)

Halloween Quilt

2008-11-03T09:50:00.000-07:00

I made a Halloween quilt and this is my second quilt ever. This quilt is my first applique quilt. It was so much fun to make! I love quilting. I come by it honestly, my mom makes amazing quilts... she is much better at it than me though! I finished it the day before Halloween so I didn't get much time to display it. We had a bunch of friends over for a Halloween party though so I was able to show it off then. I'll keep it up a little longer before I shove it in a box for a year. Hope you enjoy.

Congratulations Merryl & Darren!

2008-10-30T11:14:00.000-06:00

We have a new nephew!!! My older sister just had a baby on Oct 27th. His name is Benson (I'm not sure if he has a middle name yet). He weighs 8 pounds & 2 ounces. He is very healthy and apparently very cute but that doesn't surprise me. I'm still waiting for a picture but I'll post one as soon as I get one. I wish I was there for my sister but she did great and the delivery went good. I will get to see him at Christmas so that will be my greatest Christmas present. Congrats Merrily & Darren... you guys are great parents and I can't wait to see Brooklyn & Dawson (and you guys, of course). Love, Mandy & Chad

Halloween 2007

2008-10-22T12:39:00.000-06:00

I have a folder in my pictures on my computer that I have labelled "Dental School Year 1". I was reflecting on the first year of dental school and came across pictures from a Halloween party I had with my Beehives last year. I thought I'd post them seeing as how I didn't have a blog then. I love serving in Young Women's! They are such beautiful girls in every way and I'm proud that I can help to lead these young women into being righteous and dynamic women who will one day be the leaders of the church and great examples to the world. I love them all so much and look forward to many more great experiences from serving in Young Women's!

Mr Olympia

2008-10-08T13:42:00.000-06:00

I'm finding it more and more difficult to keep up with this blog thing. It gets old after a while but more importantly, it is nice to keep a "journal" of our experiences in Las Vegas. And it is definitely that... an experience, a great adventure that never seems to get dull. So I'm going to be brutally honest, I haven't looked at many of your blogs for a while but I will sit down one day and read blogs that I need to catch up on.
A friend of ours has a brother who got us tickets to Mr Olympia for half the price so on Chad's birthday, that's one of the fun things we decided to do.
It was really exciting because I've always wanted to go to an Olympia show. At the tender age of 18 I became a gym rat and lifted religiously for 7 years. If I didn't lift weights 6 days a week I felt like I was cheating. Sufficeth to say, the only time I'd miss a day at the gym is if I had to attend a wedding or something (very) important. Needless to say, I was pretty buff and in great shape. Because of my transformed body and my passion for working out, I decided to compete in a Miss Fitness competition. Ability: this demonstrates strength, flexibility, and a variety of gymnastics moves in a dance routine which is choreographed. I had the gymnastics advantage from being and competing in gymnastics for 9 years. Physique: the judges will judge you on symmetry and muscle tone/definition. This requires you to have a certain amount of muscle and only be at about 5% body weight... not very much! Have you ever tried dieting to lose weight? Multiply how that felt by about 20 times and you'll know what it's like to train and diet for a bodybuilding/fitness show. I was in karate and kickboxing, went as far as I could go in kickboxing and still never felt as much discipline needed to prepare for the fitness show... mostly because the dieting was so strict. A "down to a science" percentage of complex and fibrous carbs, protien and good fats. When I say fats, I'm talking about 4 grams of fat. That's about how much there is in a tablespoon of salad dressing. Anyway, I think you catch my drift on how difficult it is to prepare for a show. I'm sure you're asking why anybody would want to do that to themselves. All I can say is it is one of those things you'd have to experience before you could understand why anybody does it. There are no words to explain it. Fitness is not to be confused with bodybuilding even though you need to bodybuild to go into a fitness show. I in no way support the use of steroids. Many people who enter bodybuilding shows use them but that's why I loved the world of fitness (which are combined with bodybuilding shows).
Here's the showdown with the top 6

I was a little surprised that Chad wanted to go to the Olympia show. After all, it was his idea. In response to my question why he wanted to go, he said "I want to see what your past is all about and to know more about the things you were interested in". I thought it was sweet for him to acknowledge my past experinces and interests. Would I ever train for a fitness show again? I would love to but it's not a good idea when you're trying to get pregnant. Especially being that low with the body fat percentage... not gonna happen! Although I have known of girls to compete after 8 months of having a baby! It is possible! My focus right now is to just be healthy, have a well-balanced diet and to continue to work-out at the gym... not necessarily for 6 days a week though!
Here's a picture of the fitness girls

P.S. I'm sure none of you know who Jay Cutler is but he is a celebrity in the bodybuilding world and featured on almost every bodybuilding magazine. He's won Mr Olympia twice consecutively but unfortunately didn't win this time around. Anyway, he was who I was cheering for at the show. Only because I met him at Whole Foods last spring. It was neat... he was standing behind me in line. I noticed him while I was paying for my groceries and had to ask him if he was who I thought he was. He said yes and asked me about my gym/lifting experience. I shook his hand and told him to make sure he wins. Like I said, unfortunately that didn't happen but at least I got to shake the hand of a Mr Olympia winner. Here is a picture of him. Schwarzenegger's got nothing on him... not right now anyway, lol.

Happy Birthday Chad!

2008-09-30T11:32:00.001-06:00

A 28 year old man now... that's how old I was when we got married and that seems like so long ago! Apparently, women live 5 years longer than men though so technically we are tied. So really, that makes me 28... I'll take that.
Anyway, I hope you have a great birthday Chad and know that I love you with all my heart. You are my best friend and I couldn't imagine being married to anyone other than you. Dental school has been tough but it has made us grow even stonger together. We're built on a foundation that nothing can shake. I love you Chad. You're doing great in school and I'm glad I'm on this adventure with you!

P.S. I see that you only left a few pieces of birthday cake. I know I did a good job making it but you don't have to eat the whole thing in one day!

I know Canada's behind but this is ridiculous!

2008-09-23T11:21:00.001-06:00

Okay okay, my patience is waning. I know several of you look at my blog but don't have a blog of your own for me to enjoy. I don't have ONE family or friend member from Canada who owns a blog! I feel like I'm writing blogs without getting any pleasure from being able to read ANY OF YOURS! Yes, I'm asking you all to start a blog!!! How else can I get "reports" of how you are all doing way up north?? I would write this blog anyway for Chad and I to look back on and for folks south of the border but it would be great to know how the heck y'all are doing! Phone calls just don't do it... I need pictures... and stories! I never thought this blogging thing would affect me but apparently it has. It's evil that way... so maybe you shouldn't start one. Like my attempt at reverse psychology? Tee hee. Anyway, I think you've caught my drift. I miss you guys and you are all making it worse for me, fyi. P.S. If you know me well, you'll know I'm kidding. There is, however, some truth to it ;)

San Diego, here we come!

2008-09-12T12:03:00.001-06:00

I seem to be a little late when creating my blogs lately but, better late than never.
At the end of August, Chad, Sadie (my niece) and I went to San Diego with Chad's parents, Gary & Michelle and his aunt, uncle and cousin, Dwight, Sheri and Rachelle. We had week-long passes to Sea World, the Wild Animal Park, and the San Diego Zoo. We spent a day at each park... except for Sea World which was a major hit for us younger people so Chad, Sadie, Rachelle and I all went to that park on 2 separate occasions. We also spent the day at Oceanside's beach where we swam in the huge waves which knocked us around and filled our sinuses with salt water. I could taste the ocean for about 2 days after but it was fun body surfing. We stayed in a condo near Escondido which isn't too far from San Diego.

I love this picture!>>>

The first day, we went to Sea World. We all went on a ride called the Adventure of Atlantis and got soaked from head to toe! I don't have any pics of us looking like drowned rats but here are some pics of Sea World.

Chad and Sadie on another "soak-you" ride.

On the second day, we went to the Wild Animal Park. It was very neat to see the animals in thier natural habitats. It started out as a conservation for wild animals who are endangered and they turned it into a park where the public can go. They use the money from admissions for medical care, research, etc. I'm not a very big fan of seeing animals penned-up in a cage or a tank so it was nice to see that these animals had lots of room.

The third day, we went to the San Diego Zoo. There was a baby giraffe that had been born only a few weeks before we got there. He was so cute!
Here's a picture of Sadie and Rachelle... we're going over the zoo!

Here's Chad with the elephants... Chad got a little sun burned the day before. We played golf at the resort during the hottest part of the day and got "some" sun.

Sadie and I getting our feet massaged. We've been doing a lot of walking the past few days... it felt sooo good!

Oh, doesn't she make such a cute, little giraffe??

The fourth day, we went to Sea World again and the rest went and hung out at the beach, etc. Before we went to Sea World, we hung out at the beach with the adults for a little while... yes, I do still think of myself as a kid. I will never grow up.

The last day, we went to the beach at Oceanside. Sadie, Chad and I swam in the waves for an hour or so and Michelle joined us a while later. Chad, Sadie and I walked along the beach, in the waves for quite a ways. We had fun writing messages in the sand, laughing, making fun of each other, joking around and singing silly songs that we learned from Sea World. It was a nice end to a great trip! We can't wait to do it again!

Bonne Fete a moi!

2008-09-08T16:43:00.000-06:00

In other words, happy birthday to me. I need to use my french whenever I think of it because I'm getting rusty at it. Anyway, last month, August 23rd, it was my birthday. It seemed like I got to celebrate my birthday for the whole month of August because of different places and people I got to see during that time. I got back from Canada on August 8th so I got to celebrate my birthday with family and friends in Canada and then with Chad when I got home and then again with Chad's family at the end of August!
I started feeling horrible from a cold when I got back from Canada but Chad was all dressed up and wanted to take me to a nice Hawaiian grill restaurant after he picked me up from the airport. I was rather slobbish looking and dressed in sweats but he had planned to go out so we did. It was a precursor to what was to come at home. Chad did it again. He is such a romantic guy. After dinner, I arrived home to a house full of balloons.

I followed the rose petal covered stairs and came to our bedroom which he had looking so nice. There were a dozen roses on my night table and gifts and rose petals on the bed.

He got me the book "Breaking Dawn", which I've read and all I can say is WOW! I love the "Twilight" series! He got me a gift certificate to my favourite store, Express Fashion, etc. He bought me my own key lime pie (which he later ate half of) and then he took great care of me until I got better - which lasted for more than a week! It gets very monotonous sitting on the couch and watching t.v. all day but I was too tired to even read. I got through most of the MonsterQuests (DVR is great!). I'm so grateful for my husband. He is my best friend.

Houseboating on Shuswap Lake, BC

2008-08-14T11:35:00.000-06:00

I left my poor husband for a few weeks while he finished up his last couple of weeks of school and studied for finals. My mom, Sadie and I went on a houseboat trip on the Shuswap Lake in British Columbia with some family friends of ours. There were 17 people but it was a gigantic boat so it was definitely not crowded. It had 3 levels with lots to do on each level. It sleeps 24 people so like I said, we had plenty of room! It was fully equipped with full size appliances in the kitchen. There was also a washing machine & dryer, satellite t.v., fireplace and the list goes on. It was definitely the most relaxing vacation. I would say it was the best vacation I've been on (excluding Hawaii) but Chad wasn't with me so I'll go with the most relaxing. I highly recommend it to anyone and it's something you definitely have to do before you can't do it anymore. Chad and I are already planning the next trip even though it may not be for a few years yet.

As you can see by the map this lake is huge! It actually joins onto other lakes that aren't shown. It joins onto the Okanagon which is another huge lake... much bigger than the Shuswap!
Every night we would dock on a beach and stay there for the night. For a few of the days we would cruise around the lake and stop in the middle of it and swim. We also took the motor boat and cruised around the coast and looked at the nice homes one day. There were tubes and a wake board that we had fun on and also kayaks that someone brought. I got a nice tan from lounging on the top deck and reading. There was a hot tub, bar and tv on the top deck so a lot of the fun happened up there. Not to mention, the view of the lake was amazing from there! Oh, I almost forgot... there were slides that went off the back of the boat so we had a blast on those!

I got an early birthday because we celebrated birthdays of those who were born in August - out of 17 people there were 5 of us who were all born in August! The ladies who organized it took a trip to the floating store in the middle of the lake and got us souvenirs. I got a sailboat charm for my cell phone!
I could go on and on and on about fun things we did, cool things we saw and the great experiences we had but I'll leave it to your imagination and let you experience it for yourselves because like many things, words and pictures can't do it justice! In the meantime, enjoy the slide show and maybe we'll see you on the water, mateys!!! Just a suggestion... start with picture "1" because they are in order.

Sickened

2008-08-08T10:50:00.000-06:00

I just got back from Alberta and B.C. (British Columbia). I was there for 2 weeks enjoying a houseboat trip on the Shuswap lake in B.C. for a week and then had lots of fun in AB for a week with my family. Unfortunately I contracted a cold virus yesterday while I was there (my last day there though thankfully) and have brought it home to Vegas! I don't usually get sick but almost every time I go to Canada I bring a Canadian virus back to share with the Americans. Anyway, I have lots of fun stuff to blog about but I'm not sure when I will feel better so it may not be for a few more days. So this time I actually have an excuse for not being efficient with my new blogs. I'll try to stay home as much as possible so I don't infect anyone but I can't guarantee anything... especially when Chad is going to school everyday and taking my virus there with him.

Thank You

2008-07-20T18:02:00.000-06:00

I would like to thank everyone who partook in the fast for Chad and I this Sunday. Your faith and prayers are very much appreciated. May Heavenly Father bless each one of you for your very kind and selfless efforts. I feel the love of Christ and Heavenly Father so strong and feel richly blessed by so many things in my life. I feel so graciously blessed with mine and Chad's families. To be graced with heavenly children is very important to me. It is the single most thing I desire - to have a role as a mother - to know that I am a special heavenly daughter to contribute much in these latter days and also to bring forth spirits into the world. I look forward to bearing a child soon. I can't help but to think of how special the spirits waiting for Chad and I are that it is taking time for them to come forth into this world. It is giving me a great opportunity to prepare myself to be an amazing mother and teacher of the gospel to them so that they will be fortified against evil, as quoted from my patriarchal blessing. I'm grateful for the faith of you all. Being compassionate for others and knowing of their needs is a great way to bring a family together and I'm glad that this opportunity came to be so that I may feel of your love and prayers. I hope that I'm always aware of the needs you may have. Thank you very much and I love you all. Love, Chad & Mandy

Four Generations

2008-07-15T11:07:00.000-06:00

First of all, I would like to say Happy Birthday to my grandma who recently turned 82. In this picture are four generations of my family. From left to right - my grandma, my mom, me and my niece. From 12 - 82 years of age. My grandma is a wonderful lady. She has so many great stories to tell. She is a genius with the bible and knows it better than anyone I know and loves to discuss it. My mom says that I got my "God gene" from my grandma so I guess that means that we are spiritual. Hopefully I got her physical genes too because she is still very healthy with no major health problems. She still works out at the gym and is always on the go whether it's taking some sort of belly dancing class, gardening in her bathing suit (gotta get those sun rays) or painting a picture. She's a very talented artist and a vibrant person who has a passion for life. She makes me laugh because she's so different from the typical grandma.
My grandma was born and raised in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. Her dad was born and raised in Newfoundland, Canada and her mom was born and raised in New York, New York, USA. Her dad was a self-made multi-millionaire who owned his own company called the Magor Car Company http://www.signaturepress.com/magor.html & http://www.signaturepress.com/mgrrev.html. He was very prominent and a well known man in Montreal. My mom has endless newspaper clippings of my great grandpa from always being involved in the community and giving his time and efforts to various causes. My grandma tells us stories of the mansion that she and her family lived in and how the girls couldn't leave their house without gloves on (meaning they always dressed up). Her family was voted the best dressed family in Montreal. Grandma was set to have lunch with the queen of England when she turned 16(called a Coming-Out Party) which was a formality among the very wealthy. Sadly, she didn't end up meeting with the queen because of occurrences with the war so she met with the Governor General instead (still good enough for me!). The mansion she lived in has recently been turned into a dormitory for a university. I have yet to visit Montreal and go see her old mansion... what an amazing experience that will be! Not to mention, I love old buildings and architecture so I'm very excited to see it!
This is a picture of my grandma when she was younger...

4th of July, Friends and Good Times!

2008-07-08T15:23:00.000-06:00

We had a fun-filled, busy 4th of July long weekend. It's the Tuesday after and I'm finally recovered! It felt good to hang with friends all weekend and have so much fun that it felt like we hardly got any sleep!

The fun started early Friday morning at 6:00 am (4th of July) with a 5k/3 mile run with the Las Vegas Running Team. It was a beautiful sunny morning as usual but was already 107 F at 7:00 am when we started the run! The heat made the run so much more of a challenge! I had a headache for 2 days from running in the heat! It felt great though. I love running and it was nice to get out with some friends and run with them. We went with a couple that we know through dental school, Sheena & Allen, and had a great time. Sheena and I had fun giving Chad and Allen a hard time because they had to register as "Clydesdale's" because they both weigh over 200 pounds... sorry Chad & Allen. Good times!

After the race they had food for the runners but for some weird reason they decided to serve us a bbq at 7:30 in the morning... gross!!! We were looking forward to fruit and bagels and such but instead they had cookies, hamburgers and hot dogs! Who wants to eat that in the morning let alone after running for 3 miles?? It was rather disgusting and of course I couldn't eat but Chad partook of a greasy hamburger. I still get the shivers thinking about it. After recuperating for a half an hour we all went to Denny's after for some real food. We are going to do a race again but I think we'll wait until the fall when it's a little cooler! Apparently it's humanly possible to run in such heat because we survived but it's a good thing we didn't think too much about it before we ran.

Friday afternoon we went to a bbq/pool party with some other friends we know through dental school (Allyssa & Brian). Sheena and Allen and their cute baby also came. At night they put on fireworks that were amazing. Oh ya... Mike(also from dental school)met us there but his wife couldn't come because she was in Washington.

On Saturday we went to St. George, UT which is an hour and a half northeast of Vegas. Some other friends, Kellie & Ryan (also from dental school) invited us to a Les Miserables play at the Tuacahn Theater. The theater is outside and the temperature was perfect... we had a blast. Another couple from dental school came, Kimber and Jeff.

Sunday came and we topped the weekend off with having Allyssa & Brian over for dinner. They wanted to introduce us to some friends of theirs who are from Idaho and just moved here so I invited them over for dinner also. We had a good time and made some more new friends!

We are loving it in Vegas and the more people we get to know and hang out with, the more it's starting to feel like home. There's nothing like being surrounded with really good people who genuinely care for us and have fun with us. We are really going to miss Vegas when we leave but almost everyone we know here will be leaving Vegas also once dental school is over. It's great that we'll know people from Arizona to Washington and many states in between and will definitely keep in touch with everyone after we have moved. Chad and I are grateful that we were meant to come to Vegas at this time and we are cherishing our time here... not like at the beginning when I couldn't wait to move already only 2 months after moving here! Things are going really good and we feel very blessed to be here.

Astronomy

2008-07-02T13:46:00.000-06:00

Not sure if you know but I have a passion for astronomy. I am absolutely in awe of this video and so I just had to post it. Every time I watch it I find that my mouth is open at the end of it. Everything about space absolutely fascinates me. I think it's amazing that man has the ability to develop technology such as the Hubble Space Telescope so that we can further explore discoveries such as the Ultra Deep Field - which represents the farthest we've ever seen into the universe... it is comprised of over 10,000 galaxies! I know I'm a geek but this video makes me cry... in a good way of course. There is no end to the possibilities... space is a reflection of God's infinite wisdom.

Ode to Mandy

2008-06-07T23:37:00.000-06:00

Mandy has done such a wonderful job keeping up with this blogging world that I haven't had to do much. But after such a beautiful anniversary blog, I have decided to dip my toes into the blogging waters and try it out. So here goes......

Before I do begin my "Ode to Mandy" I must confess that I forgot our anniversary this year. Well... maybe "forgot" is not the right word, more like messed up which day it was. And in my defense, Mandy did too. For some reason we both thought that our anniversary was on the 4th. So on the 4th, Mandy and I shared our congratulatory statements of love and appreciation as if nothing were wrong. We had planned to celebrate on the weekend because of school so that actual day wasn't a big deal. Come to find out, when Mandy was writing her blog, she wrote down the date as the 2nd. This got the gears rolling and she realized that our anniversary was not on Wednesday but rather Monday. So it only took me 4 years to forget an anniversary, but at least I wasn't the only one. Now back to the real purpose of this blog.

It's hard to believe that 4 years have past us already. As I look back on it, I realize how fast time flies and how many great memories we have created together: Canadian trips, coastal road trips, Hawaiian beaches, Mexican fun and hurricanes, Disneyland, Dental school applications and interviews, and summer visits by our niece Sadie to name a few. We have enjoyed ourselves during our time together and hope to continue the adventures for many years to come. Mandy has been a real trooper following me with my dreams of becoming a dentist. Her love for me has brought a small town Canadian girl to a big city out in the middle of a scorching desert were the closest thing to snow is white landscape rock. If that is not love, I don't know what is. I appreciate so much what she has given up for me and my dreams and I hope that I can someday repay her for all the love and support she has shown me.

Mandy is a gorgeous woman and, being a guy, that is what originally sparked my interest in her but that is not what prompted me to marry her or drag her to Las Vegas for 4 years. Mandy's love for me, her desire to be better in every way, her drive for perfection, her compassion for others, her love and devotion to her Heavenly Father, her sincerity and honesty, and her amazing ability to tolerate me are a few of the reasons why I wanted her to be my wife and eternal companion and I am glad that she said "yes". Life has not been easy with me being in school most of the time and now being very busy with dental school. But through it all Mandy has stuck by my side and lifted me up and supported me when I have been down. She is all I have ever wanted and could ever ask for in a wife and I am eternally grateful for her. Mandy, I love you and I promise that I will not mess up the day of our anniversary next year. XOXOXOXO

Happy Anniversary To Us!

2008-06-06T11:02:00.001-06:00

On June 2nd, 2004, Chad and I got married at the beautiful and unforgettable Salt Lake City Temple where we were sealed for all time and eternity. How time flies! It's very hard to believe we've been married for four years already! Although we had some trials while dating long distance and trying to make everything work to be together, things worked out... after all our hard work and look at where we are now babe! Our anniversary was on Monday but we are going to celebrate it this weekend.

Chad and I had the opportunity to get to know each other spiritually for 6 months before we physically met. Before I met him in person I knew he was the man I wanted to spend eternity with. I was really relieved when I met him in person for the first time that he looked as good as he did in his pictures because I knew he was "the one" and there was no turning back for me. We prayed and fasted to know if we should be together over a long period of time and each time we prayed or fasted, we knew that we were definitely supposed to marry each other. I don't think I felt the spirit that strong when praying for answers as I did when I asked Heavenly Father if Chad and I should get married. I was a little worried at first because he worried too much about what other people thought and I was completely opposite but it all worked out and we are both happy mediums now. It is a big step to marry someone from another country but we both knew in our hearts that we were supposed to be together and that's all that mattered to us. More importantly, we listened to the spirit and didn't let anything else get in the way.

Chad has been a real blessing to me and has helped me through so much. I had difficult trials I was scarred from before we met. He knew that I had a healing process ahead of me but was willing to take those things upon himself as well. He would take me by the hand and walk me patiently and lovingly through it all. He would sit down with me and discuss scriptures and valuable things he learned from his mission and every single time I would end up in tears feeling the spirit so strong. He has really taught me how to bring the Saviour into my life more and how to love Him to no end. Chad has such an amazing love for Christ and it has influenced me greatly. I truly did fall in love with Chad's spirit before I fell in love with the rest of him. He has been such a great husband and been so patient and kind with me. He is very thoughtful and always cares about how I'm feeling. He can never wait to get home from school to be with me and it makes me feel so loved. He always has a huge hug for me when he walks in the door and always looks like he's had the best day of his life because he's so happy to come home to me. It has been a great blessing to have him in my life. My family loves him so much and he's been a great influence to them. I can't wait to have children and bring them into our loving home and to raise them in a way that they will be fortified against evil as my blessing says. I love you so much Chad and I thank you for all the wonderful times you have given me and I look forward to many more to come. I'm so happy to be on this dental school adventure with you despite the complaining I do about it but I am getting better, right hun??

My First Haircut

2008-06-03T11:38:00.000-06:00

A few weeks ago I gave my very first haircut to my brave husband. He insists I start cutting his hair from now because he refuses to pay $10 every month for someone else to do it. After all, we are paying for dental school so we are trying to lessen the quarter of a million buck debt we'll be in when he's done. He said that if his haircut doesn't work out then he will just buzz it all off... wow, is he ever getting tight with money!! Either that or he's very brave or just doesn't care what he looks like. I think it's a combination of all. Anyway, I was doing really good. The tough part was the blending. I was doing amazing until oops... I was so into what I was doing that I didn't realize I put a big gash in the part of his hair I had already so nicely cut. I was so busy making sure the blending was going good that I wasn't paying attention to the bottom part of the trimmer and all of a sudden there was a big beautiful bald gash. So I had to make the rest blend in and he basically only had about a centimeter of hair left on the bottom of his head by the time I blended in the gash with the rest of his head. We've been to Utah since then to see his family and none of them said anything so it must not look bad but it did have a chance to grow for a week before we went. Nobody at his school said anything except for a friend of his who saluted him because his hair was so short I guess it looked like an army cut but that's not necessarily indicative of a bad haircut. Oh well, his hair grows fast. Until next time!!! Here are some pics, you can decide for yourself how bad it is.
P.S. Thanks Brian, for giving me the great blending tips!!!

Baptism

2008-05-30T10:38:00.000-06:00

7 years (and 4 days) ago on May 26th, I was baptized into the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. I wanted to take some time and reminisce that very special day and what it means to hold a membership in the church that I know to be true. I am so grateful to have this gospel in my life and it has brought me so many amazing blessings. The growth I have experienced spiritually and as a person is phenomenal and way beyond anything I ever expected. I have been extremely blessed with so many spiritual gifts and I am so eternally grateful to my Heavenly Father for the unconditional love He has shown me. I am also grateful for the knowledge I have of the gospel and of my brother and my Saviour, Jesus Christ. I am grateful for the atonement, the sacrifice and the example Christ has made so that we can return to live with Heavenly Father. Because I was baptized I have been made clean of my sins and have taken the most important step to being exalted so I can be in Heavenly Father's presence one day. I know this church is true and I know this gospel lives. I know the Book of Mormon is true and is another testament to the Bible given to us for the restoration of the true church in these latter days before the return of our Saviour. I am very grateful to the missionaries who so willingly came and knocked on my door and exuded such a heavenly light and presence about them that they looked like angels. They were sent from God and He knew that I would accept His gospel. I'm thankful that the missionaries met with me diligently and taught me the discussions so I could be baptized. I am grateful that the missionaries asked me if I wanted to be baptized... I was baptized a week later because I couldn't wait. I love this church with all my heart. I couldn't imagine my life without it. I really want to keep typing because I'm feeling the spirit so strong that I don't want to stop! I hope you have enjoyed my testimony. If I could tell the whole world the joy I feel I would. I pray that all children of God come to know His restored gospel and be baptized. I pray that the people who have passed on will come to know and accept His gospel so that thier temple work can be done and so that they too can be baptized. I love temple work. I am a saint in these latter days who can perform temple work so that all who have ever lived can have the opportunity to walk with Christ and return to Heavenly Father. I love my life and I love everyone in the world and I aspire to be like Christ one day. I love my family with all my heart. I am so extremely happy to know that families are forever and that in the temple I can be sealed to them all one day so that I can live eternally with them! I feel blessed that I can do sealings in the temple for others who have passed on who haven't had a chance here on earth. I love you all and I say these words in the name of our Heavenly Saviour, Jesus Christ, Amen.

Biatch Session

2008-05-29T09:20:00.001-06:00

Yup, this is a biatch session. I know that when I wake up thinking about something negative that it's obviously bugging me. I am not a negative thinker and especially when I wake up in the morning!

How in the world do people who live in the U.S. deal with the medical insurance here!!?? It absolutely SUCKS!!! And, since when are insurance companies allowed to make up thier own rules as they go along and only pay out whatever the heck they want?? I realize that we don't have the best insurance policies with Chad being a student and with me owning my own business but c'mon!! What's the point in even having insurance when it costs WAY more for you to pay for it than what you actually use... WAY MORE??!! I'm sure for some people who are sick or have problems it's good but definitely not with our insurance policies! I guess you get what you pay for... or not!

So, this is the story with my policy. I go to get testing done - preventative. The nurse calls my insurance to verify coverage and tells me my insurance will cover up to $1000. A month or so later I find out that they are only going to cover $350. I'm glad I paid $2000 for that policy (for only 6 months of coverage)... I could have not gotten insurance and paid out of my pocket and I'd still be way ahead! With that said, Chad and I will unfortunately not be getting any insurance coverage from now on... please pray that nothing happens to us! I'm a healthy person, I never go to the doctor so I basically only chose to get insurance in case of an emergency... like a fatal car accident or something.

They say money is the root of all evil. To be more specific, it's more like the huge corporations taking advantage of people who simply want thier health covered so they can simply exist as effectively as possible.

The doctors here seem good. The clinics and hospitals seem good - except some of the clinics in Las Vegas where you feel like part of a herd of cattle and the clinics look like they're 100 year old morgues. It's really hard for me to come to this "new concept" when in Canada where there is socialized medicine, it is just as good if not better than here. You pay for healthcare based on your tax bracket and whether you have dependents but it's still extremely cheap. Alberta is the richest province in Canada and relatively independent from the rest of the country so as of 2009, healthcare will be absolutely free... for EVERYONE... rich, poor, sick, healthy, etc.

Despite what anyone thinks, the healthcare in Canada is great. The hospitals are clean, the clinics are nice, there is no waiting - not anymore than here. When I was in the hospital for 3 days in Alberta after the fatal car accident I was in, I was seriously treated like a celebrity. I had 3 nurses tending me at all times and an option to stay in the hospital for much longer than I did. My head was literally the size of a basketball from taking out a street light and then bouncing around in the truck and rolling down an embankement however many times. I was rushed to the hospital after being "cut out" from the vehicle with the "jaws of life" and as soon as I arrived there, the doctor called a plastic surgeon from Edmonton (I was at the hospital in Red Deer which is 1 1/2 hours away from Edmonton) at 12:30 in the morning. A surgeon was immediately on his way in case my face bones were crushed. My face was so messed up, they couldn't tell if I'd need surgery and they had to wait until I was stabilized and get priority x-rays done (in case I had a broken back/neck) before they could take me to get more x-rays done. Thank goodness I didn't need plastic surgery! They have to perform plastic surgery right away before your face starts trying to heal because if you wait the results could be much worse. I think that was the proper thing to do by having a plastic surgeon come right away and I'm not trying to say that the doctors were going out of thier way. I was just very appreciative of how amazingly I was taken care of and knowing that I had that medical care with me in such a time of need was the best thing that could have happened to me at that time.

I am highly appraising socialized medicine in Canada and I truly do think that the U.S. should follow suit whether anyone thinks so or not but I have had the opportunity of experiencing both sides. That's my rant for the year. I feel much better now!

Junior High Dance

2008-05-21T14:27:00.000-06:00

Our niece Sadie went to a junior high dance (in Alberta) and I had to take pics and post it because she looked so beautiful! She's almost all grown up now and is a beautiful young woman at the ripe age of 12! I remember just before I moved to Utah she was only in grade 3! I have a memory of her back then of dropping her off at school and going to the Calgary airport to move to Utah - watching her run from the car into the school with her cute little pigtails - knowing that I didn't get to be there while she grew up... it was a very sad day! I had the same kind of memory when I dropped her off at her junior high dance last month except this time she wasn't so little anymore - already at a height of 5'7"!! It wasn't quite as sad this time because I'll be with her soon. In case you didn't notice, I'm very attached to my niece. My sister (who is her mom) had problems raising her and so I stepped in and helped with Sadie (sometimes took over) so I really feel as though Sadie is a lot more than my niece because I was more like her mom through several years of her life. She is my baby (big baby) and Chad has really formed a bond with her also. She comes and stays with us for a month each summer - first in Utah and now in Vegas. She really likes Vegas because she thinks it's cool and also because it's close to California where we are taking her this summer for a week! She even has her own room at our place (but we do let other people stay in it)!

Sadie with a couple of her school buddies...

Ballet, Tap & Jazz!

2008-05-15T10:17:00.002-06:00

While in Canada we went to my niece Megan's dance competition. Megan is 8 now and has been in dance since she was 4 or 5. She had a competition for each event - tap, ballet and jazz. They had to wear different costumes for each event and it was an all day event so she was really tired when it was all over. I didn't manage to get any pictures of her in any of her costumes but I got some of her in her show makeup. She did a really good job and I'm very proud of her. She makes a very beautiful dancer and she's my little "squeezy". Cam & Chad beating each other up (Cam won)...

Brookie & Megsy...

My nephew Cam (Megan's brother) playing Guitar Hero... he just turned 13, wow time flies!

Sadie...
Dawson...
These are all of my nieces and nephew's on my side and one on the way who all live in Alberta. We have 3 cute nieces on Chad's side who live in Texas and we can't wait to see them soon!

Kiwanis Festival

2008-05-09T21:12:00.000-06:00

My niece Sadie went to a band competition called the Kiwanis Festival with her band in school. She plays the flute and is very good at it! She's from Rocky Mountain House and they competed with other schools from Red Deer and various towns from central Alberta. She did a trio where she placed 1st, a woodwind ensemble where she placed 2nd and then her band placed 1st. She's pretty good! And I brag too much about people but I enjoy it. It brought back memories from when I was in band in school where I played flute. I loved it so much that my parents put me in summer music college for 2 years! I learned to play the clarinet and loved it so much I went into competition for it. Probably some of the most intimidating moments in my life being the youngest player in the whole band (8) and playing in front of hundreds of people. I also had one of my most embarassing moments before we did a show but I won't get into that.

Here are some pics of Sadie during her 2 days of competition.

Her and some of her band members warming up...

The adjudicator sharing her advice...
Her band getting ready to play...

I Love My Family!

2008-05-09T19:50:00.000-06:00

I am so incredibly thankful for my wonderful family! I've had such a great time in Alberta! I have many amazing things to share while we were here for the last month. We are going home tomorrow and I am so sad to leave but I think I'll survive... I hope. My mom said I would be the child (out of 4) that would be the least likely to move away from home but look at me now mommy... I live in Vegas! I may as well live halfway across the world, I'm sure it would still feel the same way! I do live in a different country - does that count for living so far away even though it's only a 3 hour flight from Vegas to Calgary?? I just have to keep remembering that time goes fast and that Chad will be finished with dental school one day although it seems like such a long time away!! Wow, I think I really sound like I'm whining... at least I feel like I am. That's okay though because I'm not afraid to admit that I'm too attached to my family and friends to live away from them. What's life if you're not surrounded by those you love, right??? Don't get me wrong, I love the people I've met in Vegas but no one can replace family. Thus, I am very grateful for them and I will miss them dearly.

Here is a cute story to share. I went to Costco in Red Deer with my older sister, my niece and my mom. My niece (Brooklyn) was hungry so I took her to the fab sampler stations they sometimes have in Costco so we could get her some food. We did the loop around the stations about 3 times. I was hoping the people giving out the samples wouldn't recognize me, although I'm sure they did. It was a little embarassing to keep getting food samples for my niece but she was hungry and she loved the toast and lemon cheesecake so those ones may have been visited a few more times that the others... I wasn't going to let her starve! We just picked her up from kindergarten so it's not like she normally goes hungry... just to set the record straight. I'm the aunty, I have more rights than mom's do as far as getting away with stuff right??? Anyway, because we had lost my mom and sister in the store somewhere (and after stuffing ourselves with samples) we decided to do some shopping on our own. Whoever thought shopping with a 5 year old would be so much fun! We were walking down the isles and she proceeded to tell me that she was the queen of all Brooklyn's. She told me she was the queen of all Mandy's too but after looking at my face (I must have looked disappointed that I wasn't the queen of all Mandy's), she then informed me that I was the queen of all Mandy's too and then we continued to chat about all the other names of people she was the queen of. I just love little kids! They say the cutest things!

We got to the end of one of the last isles where the fresh flowers are and we were sniffing all the different kinds. Brooklyn asked me which ones I liked and I told her that I like whatever the smelliest ones were. I bent down and and smelled a beautiful boquet of purple and white chrisanthimums so I picked them up for her to smell and she said "do you want those ones aunty?". Not thinking she was considering buying them for me, I told her yes. I went to take them from her to put them away and she said she would carry them for me. She carried them all over the store and then paid $10 for them! That's a lot of money coming from a child's allowance! I thought it was the sweetest thing in the world! I proudly displayed them and here is a picture of them.

Here are some pics of when we visited my sister in Red Deer. She has 2 darling kids, Brooklyn and Dawson and we just found out that she is pregnant with a third! Congrats Darren & Merrily! I'm excited to be an aunty again!
Here's a pic of Brooklyn and I...

This is my nephew Dawson who is 2...

Future Veterinarian!

2008-04-28T21:59:00.000-06:00

My darling niece makes me so proud! She had career day at school and so she had to dress up as what she wants to be when she grows up. I remember when she was 3 she asked questions like "how do you make money to go to college?". I also remember passing a restaurant when she was little and asked if she could work there one day to save up money to go to college. She never ceases to amaze me! Ever since then she's always wanted to be a veterinarian and has a passion for caring for and loving animals. She's 12 now so she is still holding onto her dream and I know she will be an amazing doctor one day! She went through a phase where she wanted to be a marine biologist but I think she started to realize that she didn't want to live far away from home and not to mention, she's afraid of sharks! Me and my mom went shopping one day to find her a pair of scrubs to surprise her with and I made her a name tag to make her look official. We love you so much Sadie!

Winter Wonderland!

2008-04-28T16:09:00.000-06:00

Chad and I are on his semester break right now and we chose to go to Alberta, Canada to spend time with my family. I came up a week early while Chad had finals and arrived to a lovely surprise of a snow storm so the flights to Calgary from Vancouver were cancelled and I ended up having a layover of 8 hrs instead of 1.5! I finally arrived to Calgary where my mom picked me up. Chad came a week after me and a snow storm welcomed him also but at least his flight wasn't cancelled! I'm beginning to think the snow follows me because everytime I have a layover it's due to some kind of icy or snowy condition. Needless to say, I don't have much luck with layover's! I'm just glad that there is no possible way the snow will come to Vegas although it does seem to taunt me when it has a chance! Oh well, this may sound crazy but after living in Vegas for 1.5 years I happen to love any weather even if it is 3 feet of snow all in one day! You can't beat living in a place with seasons... Vegas just does not have that wonderful feature! Here are some pics of how much snow came to us in just a few days...

It doesn't usually snow in April in Alberta (and certainly not this much) but it can definitely happen. You can't really go by the forecast because it changes so quickly! This snow storm lasted for about a week!!! It's nice to finally see the sun! Today it is 17 C (65 F) so we are finally able to start enjoying some time outside! All this snow melted in only a day!

Chad was excited to come up here and build a fire thinking it would be cold... he got his wish! There's nothing like sitting in front of a hot fire while there's a snow storm!
We are really enjoying our time here visiting friends and family. We are getting more and more excited to move here after Chad graduates. The weather isn't as warm here as in the states but everything else we enjoy here makes up for it. We aren't much for city people so we're excited to leave Vegas but in the meantime, we are having a good time there.

Casino Royale

2008-03-28T14:03:00.000-06:00

UNLV Dental School put on a "Casino Royale (007)" theme night at a country club. Everyone dressed up (or was supposed to dress up) as a character from the movie. So, it was a night of an amazing dinner, dancing, poker and black jack - how appropriate for Vegas!!! They also gave prizes to the best dressed. I'm not sure who won but we had a great time!

I was dressed up as Miss Jane Moneypenny - James Bond's accountant. I'm not sure what Chad's costume was but he looked nice in his suit!

Playing poker... look at Chad's tiny pile of chips!We had a blast dancing!!!

White Coat Ceremony

2008-02-27T17:10:00.000-07:00

Chad had his White Coat Ceremony! The ceremony is a traditional formality when becoming a doctor. The dean, the chairman of the board of regents and the president of UNLV spoke along with other professors and presidents of different classes. It made me even more proud of Chad and helped me to realize his hard work. Chad's parents flew in from Utah and stayed with us for the weekend. After the ceremony his parents took us to an upscale buffet at the Paris and it was delish!

The dean speaking and the dental faculty.

Chad and his parents.

Getting his white coat...

...and his pin.

Reiki

2008-02-21T10:12:00.000-07:00

I did it! I have completed my certification in Reiki I & II. If you don't know what Reiki is, here is a brief definition - Reiki teachings state that there is a universal "life force" energy which can be accessed by practitioners to induce a healing effect. It is a form of spriritual practice used as therapy for the treatment of physical, emotional, and mental disease. It's a technique which they say will channel "healing energy". Energy flows through the palms to bring about healing. It is becoming increasingly popular with doctors for use on thier patients because they are seeing the amazing effects it's having. Energy healing has always been an interest to me and I love to help others in need of alternative therapy. The wonderful Reiki Master who has taught me her amazing talents learned from "the" Mrs. Takata and if you know the history of Reiki, you know that's a big deal - only because it's cool. So, I feel very honoured to have learned from her. She's interested in those she teaches Reiki to become Reiki Masters (sensei's) so I will hopefully do it this summer. That basically means I can teach and certify Reiki to others but with this being a "hobby", I'm not sure how far I'll go with it.
I've also attempted EFT which is Emotional Freedom Technique. It is a psychotherapeutic tool based on a theory that negative emotions are caused by disturbances in the body's energy field and that tapping on the meridians while thinking of a negative emotion alters the body's energy field, restoring it to "balance." I've tried it on myself and it works.
This isn't much of a "how we're doing" blog but I'm so excited about the amazing possibilities that Heavenly Father has created for us to discover and the ability He has given us to heal ourselves without using harmful medications (not all but definitely most). I am very grateful to have the knowledge to help myself and others and the thing that's neat is that anyone can do it!

Presidential "ONE Campaign" Nevada Caucus

2008-02-20T10:39:00.000-07:00

I know this is old news but I'm still going to post to show my support for the ONE Campaign. We had the opportunity to go to a 2008 Nevada Presidential Caucus and wear our "ONE gear". Chad and I are republican but we went to the Caucus mainly to show our support for the ONE Campaign so that no matter who wins, republican or democrat, that they keep in mind to reach ONE's goal of making poverty history. This also includes global poverty, hunger, disease and efforts to fight such problems in the world's poorest countries. ONE believes that allocating more of the U.S. budget toward providing basic needs like health, education, clean water and food would transform the futures and hopes of an entire generation in the world's poorest countries. So that is my ONE story... and I'm sticking to it.
I'm so sad Romney lost but hopefully we'll see him in the Vice-President's chair!

Best Valentine's Day Ever!!!

2008-02-19T17:35:00.000-07:00

My husband is so wonderful. He must be sensing my desperation for attention from him because he went all out this Valentine's Day! He always does something very romantic but I will have to say that this one was the most thoughtful! He started off with taking me to an amazing restaurant called Zefferino's in the Venetian overlooking the canals (just like in Italy!). This restaurant started in Italy and is very famous for their pesto sauce... it was pretty dang good! This was also one of Frank Sinatra's favourite restaurants - there is so much neat history in Vegas!

After dinner, we walked around the Venetian and I got my picture taken with a statue... just kidding, he's actually a real guy! What a job that would be... hope he's paid well!

Then we went over to the Bellagio where they always have a fabulous festive display. We had a bet whether it would be decorated in Valentine's Day stuff or Chinese New Year... I won but unfortunately for me, we didn't bet anything!

This was the ultimate best... when we got home he surprised me with quite a display. Here are a few of my favourite things.

One of my favourite romance movies City of Angels. Chocolate covered strawberry fondue, box of chocolate and a tall, dark handsome man... mabe not dark but still very handsome!

My first blog!

2008-02-19T11:06:00.000-07:00

I'm going to give this blogging thing a shot. It's fun to read other blogs so I figure I'll contribute to the entertainment of blog viewing! It will also be a great way to share what's going on in mine and Chad's lives. We are so far away from friends and family so hopefully this will be a way to keep you all a part of our lives while living in this fabulous city of Vegas, baby (and getting through dental school).

I can't believe Chad is already halfway through his first year of school! Time is going so fast and we've been having so much fun! We've met lots of great friends and we are going to the best ward (church) ever! I'm the second councelor in Young Women's and loving every minute of it! I have so much fun planning activities with the girls and they are such sweet, beautiful spirits. I can't believe it's been a year already since I've had my calling! I've also picked up an account so I am officially a freelance accountant. It's great because I get to work from home and not have to fight with the awful drivers and crazy traffic here! I plan on eventually picking up more accounts which will keep me even busier which is really good... only because my sanity has thus far been tested with Chad being so busy with school and I have a feeling that's not going to end anytime soon! Speaking of Chad he has been really happy here too. I really hate to brag about him but I just have to because I love him so much and I'm so proud of him. He is so dedicated to dental school and his hard work has really paid off because he is at the top of his class! He's thinking about mabe specializing in endodontics but so far that is just a thought for now. He still has quite a while to decide but in the meantime he is doing volunteer work for the school which is required for specializing. Much more has gone on since we've been here and I'll try to remember to keep up to the events by posting on my blog. I'll see if I can get Chad to post his side of the story as well... no promises though!