Best Purchase of My Life

Let me bring you back to about 4 months ago. Aubrey and I were at Costco, enjoying the taste testers, as per usual. We decided to stop by the Vita-mix display, and we found true love. A blender that could do anything? It could make soup, ice cream, and smoothies that would change your life. The only thing standing in our way? $400 and getting our husbands to consent to spending that much on a "blender".


Fast forward to last Saturday. Hazen and I were at Costco, minding our business, and behold! The Vita-Mix lady was there again. I was on the phone with Jason at the time, and I asked her when the next time the demonstration would be in town. "6 months", she replied. SIX MONTHS????? I simply couldn't wait that long. Since Jason was planning on getting me the Vita-Mix for our anniversary, he sighed, and told me to buy it. I promptly texted Aubrey and told her that I was buying it. She in turn, loaded Jason into the car and bought one too. Best buddies have to have matching $400 appliances, didn't you get the memo??

The first 2 things I made caused me to be a little nervous. They didn't turn out JUST how the lady at Costco's did. Never fear, friends. Since buying my incredible Vita-Mix, I've used it at least once a day, and fall deeper in love each morning as I sip my total fruit juice. I feel my body thanking me for giving it all of my servings of fruit and one serving of Veggies before 9am hits.

'Round here

I'm not going to make this a sugar-coated travelogue.

Round here, we're really tired. Some days (like today) we don't get out of our PJs, because it's too exhausting to lift our arms to change our clothes. Don't get me wrong. I am so happy I'm in school. It is the best thing that I've ever done. I feel ALIVE again, and I'm remembering the person that I used to be.

With that said, I'm tired. The drama that associates itself with having two full time students live under the same roof is out in full force. Some nights (namely, every Sunday), I have heart palpitations, and it's hard for me to breathe because of the pressure that I've put on myself to do well. I sleep around 3 hours a night, and I cry at least 5 times a week. Sometimes because I'm sad because of things in life, other times because I just need to get it OUT so that I can move on and be productive. Some days I worry worry worry about Hazen being with babysitters. But, when I see his smiling face at the end of the day, and see how secure and loving our attachment is, I remember that I don't need to worry, and that I'm doing the RIGHT THING.

There are good things, too, though. I've made some WONDERFUL friends. Some of the most incredible, caring people I've ever known, and I get to spend LOTS of time with them! There are a few in particular who recognize that as a mother, my flexibility to come to them for study groups is slightly limited, and they come to me. They listen to me, they facebook with me at 3 am, and we can joke together. After just a little over a month, they greet me with a hug, and make me feel so happy to be in school. My lack of sleep is paying off, as I'm seeing a direct correlation between studying so hard and the grades I'm getting. I've never worked so hard for anything in my entire life, and it feels GOOD. Sometimes, when I want to go to sleep, I imagine my first baby in the NICU. I imagine being able to care for that baby with confidence, and I press on a little longer. Someone did it so they could save Hazen, and I'm going to do it for many others. Going to school has unlocked so many dreams and possibilities for me, and it's exhilerating!

Is this a hard time for me? You betcha. Is it worth it?

Without a doubt.

He's Caught the Fever!

Hazen has caught the Fire Fighting Fever! His Daddy has done a good job with letting him know how AWESOME fire fighting is, and now, Hazen is OBSESSED with all things "Wee-ooo-wee-ooo" He loves to go to the Fire Station, he can spot a Fire Engine from a mile away, and he loves anything on the TV or computer that has anything fire related on it. The other day, I was getting ready for the day, and I decided to plop Hazen in front of my laptop with a video about Fire Trucks, and let him go to town! He crossed his legs, and sat back and enjoyed the show. I love that little boy, so much! He's too cute for words!!

Orem PD vs FD

A week (or two) ago, Hazen, the Robisons, Sam, and I all went to a Basketball game for the Orem Police Department vs the Fire Department. Sam and Aubs work for the PD, so we were there to provide moral support, and also to get out of the house for the afternoon. Hazen loved the game! He would clap and scream at all the right moments, and would yell "Go! GO!" as the players ran down the court. It was hilarious! We'll definitely have to bring him to more games in the future, because he was sure a fan. The only down-side of the game was the promise for free Bajio. We were all hearded up to a room, where we were told Bajio was waiting, only to have 5 Buck Pizza plopped in front of us. Really??????

It was still a fun outing, and it's always exciting to see the little sports fan in Hazen come to life!

One of those days

Do you ever have a day that starts wrong, doesn't get any better, and by the time that you can pour yourself into bed at the end of the night, you're laughing, because it honestly has to be a joke how bad it was?

Meet Tuesday.

I jolt awake. The time on my cell phone reads 8:57 am. My class starts at 9 am. I exclaim a few choice words, and then race out of bed. On my way to the bathroom, I look outside, only to see that it snowed the night before, promising great road conditions. I brush my teeth while I go to the bathroom (TMI?), put some deodorant on real quick, and throw my scrubs on. I'm out the door with a few texts sent to classmates letting them know that I'm on my way, and to save me a seat. It's 9:04 am. I run to the car as quickly as I can, nearly slipping on the thin layer of ice everywhere I look. I live about 1/2 mile away from the freeway. It normally takes me no longer than a minute to get there. Not Tuesday. Tuesday, there were 4 accidents between our condo and the freeway. Tuesday, the clock reads 9:21 am, and I'm still not at the freeway yet.

Eventually I get there. I merge onto the freeway carefully, ensuring that there is proper traction between my car and the road to drive safely to school. Text message received from classmates, "Don't worry, we have a seat saved". Calls have been placed to the school to let them know that I'm on my way. The day will get better- just a rough start, right?

9:26. I see a cop behind me, utter another few choice words, and get pulled over no more than 6 seconds later. Registration expired. February 2009. The date? March 10. I sent my tags into the DMV weeks prior. (Still haven't gotten them yet, btw). The officer comes to my window. I preempt him, informing him that I renewed already, but I'm just waiting for the tags to come. He asks for my license, insurance, and registration. Remember how fast I had to leave home? I immediately burst into tears, as my purse is sitting on my kitchen table at home. With my license in it. And my insurance card. And my registration is expired. And I'm over 30 minutes late for class. Awesome.

Homeboy gives me a ticket. I laugh, because I've been awake for less than an hour, and I've already had my backside handed to me in the form of Karma.

Me with my ticket. Taken days later, because, remember? I didn't shower. Awesome.

I get to school, an hour late. I suffer through the lecture, at the hands of our new Lifespan teacher, who is quite possibly the most dull teacher I've ever had in my life. I know the book better than he does. After school, the next thing on the list? The dentist. It's been a while since I've been to the dentist, but I wasn't worried, because I'm cavity free, and I'm experiencing absolutely no pain. Jokes on me. 3 cavities and an order for a deep cleaning later, I'm on my way home, and it's only noon.

The order for dental work. Estimated cost before insurance? $946

The day didn't especially improve from thereon out. I guess it didn't get any worse after that though. It was one of those days that I should have looked at the clock, realized I get one absence a semester per class, and taken it. I suppose we all deserve crappy days now and again- I just hope that used my quota for the next few months!

My kid is darling. Just in case you forgot.....

Hazen splashes mucho in the bath.

Card Club

We've decided to be honest with ourselves, and have learned that we all have too dang much to do, so card club just ain't happening. However, the Danville girls still like each other, so getting a chance to hang out now and again, is super welcome. We decided to meet two needs at once- food and friends! We went to the Cheesecake, where we enjoyed a meal together. The food was delicious, and the conversation was lively, to say the least! Marisa and Candice, we missed you!

Oh, did I mention?

That I'm a way more intense student this time around than I was when I went to school before? Intense could quite possibly be an understatement. Provided Jason doesn't leave me in the next 18 months, we'll be in great shape. I'm afraid I'm nothing more than a bump at the kitchen table. It's my new home. Thanks for your patience, J!

Meet the Robisons

Do you ever have friends come into your life that not only entertain you, but support you, and save your butt time and time again? Meet the Robisons. They have headlined on our blog time and time again, but really, the true level of their friendship has reached a new apex.

Could my nasty, morning, comb-over hair be ANY worse?

We had some scheduling issues with my school that I thought was going to keep me from starting the program. Not to worry. Without even blinking an eye, Aubrey told me that she would be happy to watch Hazen every Friday morning for 4 hours. On her day off! She has been so amazing, and has never grumbled (that I've heard...:) ) Not only does Hazen love playing with Aubs, Jas, and Mollie the dog, but when I get home, Hazen is dressed to the nines, has been fed, and the house looks great. I can't explain how grateful I am that I'm able to be at school without worrying a bit about Hazen. We are so lucky to have such amazing friends!



To make the circumstances even better, they live next door to us, so we can call on Saturday mornings and within moments, they're up to make waffles or pancakes. It's so much fun!

Long story short, I'd die if they ever moved. So, we have to live next to each other for the rest of our lives, because best friends like that don't come around often!