Updates to the condo

We'll after a year of dealing w/ our GHETTO dishwasher that wouldn't clean and our fridge that leaked water all over, we decided we'd better replace them. We've been looking around for a about a month now, and finally got what we wanted. Wednesday after work, we went over to Home Depot to get the dishwasher, but when we got there we found out they don't really carry white appliances anymore. We then went over to RC Willey to see what they had on hand, and after looking at their appliances and prices, we decided to go to their outlet store out on Redwood.

Once we got out there we were looking through their discounted items, looking for the Maytag we were trying to get at Home Depot and came across this Kitchen Aid dishwasher. It was stainless steel on the inside and nice nylon coating on the racks. Ironically Steve and I both really liked this one that we saw at the regular Home Depot, but it was out of our price range. As we were looking at it and asked about the price, the salesman stated that the price would also include the 5 yr warranty. After hearing the price (which was actually better than Maytag and WITH warranty) we decided to get it.

While we were waiting for him to "ring us up" we went looking at fridges just for fun. As we were looking, we came across this LG fridge that we really wanted also, but again, it was normally out of our price range. Our space is pretty small, so the fridges they make that size actually cost more. And this one w/ the freezer on the bottom usually cost more. Yet, the salesman again stated that it would include the 5 yr warranty in the price......so we decided to get it too!!! It actually cost the same price as buying a ghetto, small, and basic fridge! We took home the dishwasher that night, then went back and got the fridge the next day. The old dishwasher had to been in there since they made these condos. Steve and Rob worked on it Wednesday and Thursday and finally got it in. We had to buy an adapter too and extra wiring to get it in, but it's in and running great!

The old ghetto dishwasher


The new AWESOME dishwasher


Nice stainless steel inside w/ big compartments


Old Fridge


New AWESOME fridge


Nice big side drawers


Big freezer compartments


Rob taking our door off to get the old fridge out


Taking the old one out




Yeah it's finally out of here!!!

Back to School.....

Well it's official, Steve and I are back in school again! My online class, personal finance, started this week, and Steve started his classes on Wednesday. We have had a heck of a time getting Steve into the right classes too. About a month and a half ago we signed him up for the classes he'd need to graduate and applied for graduation this fall; both for his Medical Assisting and his Associates of Science. Shortly after we get a letter in the mail stating he's missing a class. Over the next month Steve went in to the Advisers office to get clarification on what he was missing, but every time he went in he was told he needed to add one class and drop another class. No one would tell him the same thing and we kept going back and forth adding and dropping different classes. So as school was starting we were still trying to figure out which classes would satisfy the requirements. Of course by this time all the classes are basically full and now the teachers have been told that they can't "add" anymore students since SLCC has apparently more students than they anticipated. So now we have to just get whatever is open at whatever campus at whatever time. We had his schedule all figured out (and we had the right classes to begin with) so he had them all at the same campus in the mornings in hope that he could find a part time job as a Medical Assistant. We have things are figured out now, but he's going to 3 different campuses and has to take a night class. We're just a little frustrated about the whole ordeal.

Steve did finish his 200 hours last Thursday, so he's good to go. Unfortunately the current office/Instacare didn't need any more staffing, but they did refer him to another First Med clinic that's actually a little closer to us. Steve called the lady there and talked to her today. They had someone get in a car accident recently, so they actually need someone for 3 months to work part time, which would be PERFECT!!! She's supposed to call him back later this week and run a possible schedule by him. We're keeping our fingers crossed that it works w/ his school schedule ;) When Steve finishes this Fall, we're thinking of just staying at SLCC to finish up his prerequisites for nursing then transfer to a University for nursing (since it's cheaper at SLCC).

I've been in training all last week and will be both this and next week. So far so good. I'm learning the Institutional side, like 401ks and stuff, so it's different but good. The good thing though is that we're always closed holidays and weekends! :)

This past weekend we went up to the cabin. We invited Rob to come up w/ us, so we picked him up Friday evening and headed up. Once we got up there and unpacked, I just read my book, "The Lost Symbols," by Dan Brown, while Steve and Rob watched a little TV. The next morning after breakfast, Steve and I went out and started pulling out sagebrush to clear the pathway. Well after we did that we wanted to clear more out. Rob came out sometime after and we all ended up working on a piece in front of the cabin basically the whole day. It was pretty fun at first, working w/ Steve and all, but of course by the end we were all tired of it. I managed the ATV, getting the cable in and out and actually pulling the sagebrush out, while Steve locked them in place and Rob unloaded it into the trailer. We took at least 5 BIG loads and just dumped them on the backside of the cabin where other sagebrush were. Though it was a lot of work, it looked a whole lot better when we were finished. :) Here are some pics of our work.



Lots more to go....where's my car....



Steve getting the sagebrush hooked in, me waiting for the go


Rob beating the sagebrush down trying to make more fit


Rob and Steve unloading. I would slowly move the ATV forward while they held the sagebrush in place



Ya that was a BIG one!


Where'd Rob go?



Working the ATV


Steve having to unhook the sagebrush


We're getting it down now


Teamwork!


Steve backing up the trailer (I'm still getting used to it)



Cutie!


Finally we were done!


That was a LOT of sagebrush!


A cool shower and some homemade pizza after all our hard work!!


Yummm;)

After we got done I made some pizza for us for dinner. Dave and Joann showed up shortly after also. We watched, "Clash of the Titans." Sunday after church Dave made his famous ribs again and we had Mike and Gloria over to help eat them. After a nap, we packed up and went home.

Well the Summer is almost over though I don't want to admit it. It's gone by waaaaaaaaaaaaay too fast!!! We've been in our condo one year now; time sure does fly. Hope all is well. Keep us posted. Love ya! ;)

Fun, fun, fun!

On Friday after work, we went on a double date w/ Rob and Kellie again. This time we went to yummy Red Robin's for dinner. We LOVE their hamburgers!!! Ironically Dave and Joann were there too; it was nice to see them for a couple minutes. Afterwards we went to Mulligans for mini golf. Though it didn't rain this time, it did get dark rather quickly, so we had to play by the lights on the pathway. Steve and I BOTH got holes in one though. Yeah!!!


Steve w/ Red Robin fries


Me, Steve, Kellie, and Rob at Mulligans

On Saturday Steve went w/ his dad and his dad's good friend Dwayne Bates (the PA Steve works with), his son, and Rob fly fishing. They had a good time, though again, Steve was the only one who caught a fish. Here is the fish. Though the fish were a little difficult, they still had a good time.


Steve's fish he caught fly fishing

While they were gone, Eve and I went to our co-worker's (Tiffany Austin) baby shower. We were all in the same new hire group and have kept touch since. She had some challenges getting pregnant, so she's super excited to finally be expecting. She's due in October; a little boy. She plans to work til the baby comes. It was good to see her.


Eve, Tiff, and I

After the shower Eve headed up to Park City to meet Aaron and help w/ the Special Olympics. I stayed home and took my Managerial Finance class final. It took 3 hours, but I'm glad it's over. Steve got home just before I finished, so he took a quick nap. I then cooked up a Digiorno Pizza then we headed out to the temple. As we got there, the front desk asked us if we'd like to do sealings. Steve wanted to do them but I'm usually a little hesitant since I tend to pass out, but we decided to do them anyway. It actually ended up being one of the most AMAZING experiences we've had in the temple. There were 4 other couples there w/ us. The Spirit was sooo strong. A older gentleman came in a in the middle of it and asked if we could do his brothers name. So, Steve and I acted as the couple, and he acted for his brother (who apparently recently passed). He was so incredibly grateful for us being willing to help out. I LOVE the temple sooo much and am so thankful to know that our families can exist beyond death. The Plan of Salvation is real!!!

Working.....

Steve has been working hard and finished 100 hours in 9 days!!! He plans to work all this week (w/ the weekend off), and some of most of next week and he'll be DONE w/ his 200 hours!!! He's loving it thus far and has learned a lot. We're not sure exactly what he going to do once it finishes. School starts for him on next Wednesday, so we'll see if he can get a part time job to work in the afternoons after class. He'll finish his Associates in the Fall, then we'll see where he can get in for nursing.

I have my last class tonight then we just have our final (online) to take. I took my 2nd exam on Monday and missed one. After I'm done w/ this class I'm going to take an online class, Personal Finance, which I'm looking forward to. That will be my last class until next January (since I can only get reimbursed $10,000 or 5 classes/yr).

Besides being busy w/ school and work, I've been trying to make and plan our dinners more. I've made Enchiladas, Sheppard's Pie, Chicken Tetrazzini, etc. I printed out a month menu and have been organizing it that way. A lot of times it will depend on what I feel like, so I usually don't plan it until that day. So far so good though. Steve has been packing 2 lunches since he stays there basically from open to close, so it's worked out nice.



We've also gone over and walked Dave/Joann's dog Bailey. It's nice to get out in the evening when it's cooler and since BoJam can't walk on her heel, we offered to help. I love that little dog ;)



On Friday morning, my sister Pauline picked me up and we headed out to Stansbury Park to Rose's house (she had Charlotte w/ her also). My mom and sister Barbara drove down the night before just to spend time w/ us. When we got there, Barb, Pauline and I went to Tooele and went to one garage sale, then went to the DI and Wal-Mart. Exciting I know! When we got back, mom had ordered pizza, which we ate, then talked and made a "quiet book." My mom had brought all the stuff to make it, we just had to put it together. Rose was busy w/ a birthday party for Summer and some of her friends. After it was over, Pauline, Charlotte, Barb and I drove down to my place, then went shopping at TJMaxx Home Goods and Kolhs. It was fun just getting out and being w/ them.

We then drove over to Johnny Carino's to meet Rose and my mom for dinner, but by the time we got there Pauline had a serious migraine. We barely got our bread and water when we decided to just go back to my place so she could rest. I drove her car back and then she went in our 2nd bedroom and laid down. We then decided to go get Cafe Rio. We then ate our food and just talked. After dinner they decided they wanted to get cheesecake, so we went to Harmon's and picked up one in the frozen section. It had 4 flavors, peach, lemon, strawberry, and wild-berry. It was actually pretty good (and I usually don't like cheesecake). Since Pauline wasn't feeling too good, she decided to stay over. So my mom slept in the extra bed, Pauline on the trundle, Charlotte on the air mattress, and Barb on the coach. We had a full house, but it actually didn't seem too crowded.

The next morning I made waffles for breakfast, then we went shopping at Target, Ross, and the distribution center. We then came back and went swimming at our pool for a while. It was nice, especially since we were the only ones there. We then had our Cafe Rio for lunch (yumm). Pauline and Barb went to Costco while we showered and cleaned up and mom baked her apple pies. When they got back, they picked up mom and drove down to Utah County. Mom had a family reunion so she went to that while they shopped some more. I decided to stay and work on homework. We also went to Home Depot to look at dishwashers (ours is going out).

On Sunday morning, Steve had his meeting, then I met him for church. Sacrament was just about over, then we went to the assisted living center w/ some other Priesthood brethren from our branch so they could help pass the sacrament. Randy from our branch gave a great talk on faith and patience. After the meeting was over we went around and gave the sacrament to those who didn't make it down to the meeting. By the time we got done our church meetings were practically over as well. Steve and I went home, got a quick bite to eat, then took a nap. When we got up we headed over to his Grandma LuDean's for our monthly get together. We had a BBQ then each of us talked about a recent book that we'd read. It was really fun and interesting to hear all of the different books out there. I've been trying to read more, while on the train, so I've been checking books out of the city library on my lunch break. I've mainly been reading church books thus far, but now, after our get together, I've got some more I'd like to read.

Well, things are going well. With the hours Steve has been putting in we've been pretty tired, but it'll be good to get them over with. Hope all is well with you all. Keep us posted! :)

Back to Work.......

It's official! Steve is done w/ his summer classes! Monday Steve turned in his last few assignments and did his presentation for his math class. He did well in all his classes and now has a 3 week break until Fall Semester starts. Since he was done on Monday, I decided to take Tuesday off to be w/ him and get some other things done. Monday night we had a little date night. We had dinner at home, then walked over to Cold Stone for some ice cream. We sat next to the place on the grass and just talked, then walked to a few stores, then came home. Steve wanted to swim a little, so he did while I just relaxed for a while (it was a little too cold by 9 pm for me). We then rented a RedBox and watched the movie. It was a fun evening!

On Tuesday unfortunately I had to a test to take online, so I did that for a couple hours then we went to my Dr appointment. It was my 2nd checkup after the surgery and things are looking pretty good. Depending on how these next couple weeks go, we might not have to go back! When we got home, we got ready for a double date w/ Rob and a girl from Steve's class, Kellie (yes, Steve set them up). She has been back off her mission for a year now and actually served w/ Samantha Morrison (from my home ward) in the Independence Missouri Mission. We drove up the canyon to Silver Lake and planned to grill some hot dogs, but we had some technical difficulties w/ the grill, so we ended up just walking around the lake. We then came back down and grilled the hot dogs on our BBQ here, and played some games for a while. It was a fun evening as well. We'll see if there will be a 2nd date for those two. ;)

Wednesday Steve started working (though he's not getting paid just yet). He started doing his 200 hours for his intern at First Med, an instacare, and has been working ever since. They are pretty flexible with his hours and when he comes in, so he has been going in basically when he wants to. On Wednesday he went in from 10-10 pm, which was fine since I had class that night anyway. Ironically, as Steve was working, in comes Dwayne Bates, a physician assistant who just happens to be a really good friend of Dave (Steve's dad). Neither knew that the other was working there, but boy was Steve happy to see him!!! Dwayne has really been helping Steve out too. Usually while doing your 200 hrs you more of just shadow another MA, but Steve is jumping right in. He's practically been working since day 1, all day! At first he was a little overwhelmed by it all, but he's getting the hang of it and starting to enjoy it more and more. He definitely is in the right career; he just LOVES it when someone comes in, especially when they're bleeding. (Who knows, he might just work towards working in an E.R. ).

On Thursday, he decided to go in from 8-8 pm so he could get home a little earlier. After work when I got home, I went to a yoga class at the gym, then we spent the last little bit of our evening just relaxing.

Friday he wasn't planning on going in to work, but since he's done w/ school now, he figured he had nothing else to do, so he went in for 6 hours. We got home at about the same time, then got ready for another double date. We had Eve and Aaron over for a double date. We made fajitas for dinner, then went over to Mulligans to play mini golf. I figured it was going to rain, but we decided to go anyway, since it's Summer Time. We hadn't played maybe 20 minutes when it started to down pour. There wasn't much shelter, so we just toughed it out and continued to play. It was a really fun course; we'll have to go again soon. We then came back we had brownies and ice cream and watched "Hitch." It was a really fun evening, thanks Evie. :)





Steve just waiting his turn



Right before it started to pour! Aaron, Eve, Me, and Steve



Eve taking her turn (notice the rain spots on her pants, ya it was pouring)



Nice swing (again notice Steve's back is soaked also!)


We are SOAKED but we had a great time!

Though we had a late evening on Friday, we decided to get up to go to the Temple before Steve went to work. We hurried and got ready, then went and did some initiatories. We drove separately so Steve could leave when he needed to. They asked me to do 7 names, and it took me 40 minutes to get in, so luckily we each had our own cars. After I got done, I went home, cleaned up, went grocery shopping, and made stuffed peppers for Steve for dinner. I decided to drive it out to him so he could last the rest of the evening, and of course so I could see him for a few minutes. He didn't get home until after 11 pm actually, since they had someone come in at the last minute right before they closed at 10 pm.

Steve went it after church to work a couple hours since Dwayne is there and can help him work on some things. As soon as he gets back, we're having Carrie and Ryan over tonight. Our 3rd double date per say this week, we're on a roll!!! We're going to make Cajun Chicken Pasta and play some games. We're looking forward to it.

Cabin Again.....with a twist!

Last Thursday we (Dave, Joann, Stacie, Phill, Kim, Jeff, Isaac, Cameron) went to the Day's of '47 Rodeo. We went and ate at Chili's right before, then headed over. It was really fun, though there could have been a little more rodeo and less "fiesta night."


The Days of '47 Rodeo


Steve and I at the Rodeo

The next day, we went up to the cabin w/ Dave, Joann, Phill, Stacie, London, and Rob. Like all weekends, it was too short, but I think we all had a great time anyway. We picked up Rob Friday after I got off from work and headed up. We got up there and just hung out and then went to bed.

On Saturday, Steve, Rob and Dave went out fishing in the morning while the rest of us pretty much slept in. When I woke up I worked on homework until the guys came in for lunch. We hung out for a couple hours, then after dinner (Dave's yummy ribs), we decided to go to Currant Creek.


Dave made his famous ribs again. The guys just LOVE them, yummmm!!!

It's not that far away, but due to the dirt road, it takes a little bit longer. We drove our car, and everyone else was in the Tahoe. We were just about there when Dave stopped the Tahoe so Stacie could fill up some formula. As they were doing that, they heard a funny noise. Come to find out the back right tire was flat, really flat!



The Tahoe w/ a flat

We then went through great lengths to get it changed. Though Dave had some tools in his car to change the tire, it seemed like we didn't have the right tools. The rims on the Tahoe were different from the original ones, so the tools couldn't quite grasp the nuts. We went around the campsite trying to see if anyone had tools we could use, but no one had exactly what we needed. When we got back Rob had figured out how to use the tools to get it off.



Steve getting the jack in place


Working on the tire


The lake/reservoir we didn't quite get to


Analyzing the situation


Joann and Stacie taking a break from the flat tire situation


Done changing the tire and getting some snacks in the boat


Pretty moon

After we got done changing the tire it was dark enough that we decided we'd better just get back. Once we made it back we were all pretty tired. I made some popcorn (kettle corn and butter) and tried to watch a movie, but we all went to bed in time.

The next morning, Dave, Joann, and Stacie, Phill and London all went back down since Stacie and Dave had to teach lessons. Rob, Steve and I went to the Fruitland branch for church, which was good. We then had lunch, slept, and then went down to the Strawberry River just below the Dam. It was beautiful back there. Steve wants to fly fish next time we go to the cabin.


Strawberry River








So beautiful!




The Reservoir



Some other updates. Steve finished most of his finals this past week. He had both Radiology finals, gave his humanities presentation on WWII, and another math test. Tomorrow he'll turn in his final project for Math and the last couple assignments. These classes, especially Radiology, were pretty tough, so we're hoping he gets good grades. On Friday he an interview w/ First Med for an intern and they HIRED HIM!!!! He'll start this week!!! He has about 3 weeks til his Fall classes start, so we're hoping he'll be able to get a good chunk of his 200 hours done. Once he gets done w/ those, he can decided to either stay on w/ them or look elsewhere for work. We're soooo glad that he finally can get these hours done with.

I also had an interview a couple weeks ago for a new position and got it. I'll start training on the 23rd for 3 weeks. As of now there won't be a pay increase, but our bonuses will be better, so that's good. I'm ready for a change, and hopefully this will be just what I need.

Friday we went over to say happy birthday to Chandler (he's 9 now), then went on a date to the movies. We went and watched "Inception," which we both really liked. Apparently Dave and Joann weren't too fond of it, but I'd still recommend it to anyone. It was fun to get out and be w/ just Steve. We realized that the last time we went to a movie w/ just the 2 of us was back when we first started dating. Needless to say it was time! :)

Saturday we slept in, then went and did laps at our pool. It was fun to swim around and play in the pool, just the 2 of us. We then decided to go to Home Depot and pick up some flowers finally. We've been wanting to for a while, but hadn't gotten around to it. We decided to get perennials so hopefully we won't have to keep planting. We got a Lavender Bush (Steve LOVES its smell) and Black Eyed Susans for one pot and a Dianthus and Ice Plant for another. When we got home, I planted them while Steve got the screw put in to hang the one pot.


Dianthus and Ice Plant (both supposed to be good w/ hot temps and no water)


Lavender and Black Eyed Susans

Well, it's August now...finally! The Summer is going by rather quickly; we'll have to get up to the cabin a couple more times before it gets too cold. Hope all is well for you all. Keep us posted :)