Goodbye My Bestfriend

My best friend for lots and lots of years came this week from Arizona. She moved to Arizona about a month ago and had to go back today. No matter what is happening in life, we have always kept in touch. It seems like we talk now more that she lives far away than we did when she lived in Utah. We've been through a lot together over the years and it was really fun to see her. I miss ya, Miss. This week I was able to see her quite a bit. We had fun catching up. It was a bit cold this week, but she kept wanting to have bon fires in her mom's backyard--needless to say, we did it. Her little boy, Makon, will be two this week. Happy Birthday, Mak! I can't believe it has been two years. I'm really proud of Missy for knowing she needed to make a change and move far away from all those she loves. She is doing so good and I think the move was the best idea she's had. I'm not sure when she'll be back, but I know it will be soon. I'm going to set up a blog for her so all her friends and family here can see how much Makon is growing and she can keep us updated on how she is doing. She is the person with the biggest heart and would give anyone the shirt off her back if they needed it. Thanks, Miss, for being there and being such an awesome friend!

Texas Hold 'Em

So, we went to a bbq at Preston and Amber's house yesterday night. It was tons of fun! After dinner, we broke out the poker tokens and played Texas Hold Em forever. Hey guys--remember the really big bet I made when I was throwing in all my blacks and reds because I knew I had a really good hand? I got a full house (three 3s and two 8s) and Morgan got a flush? Well, when Mindy said Morgan won that hand I figured it was a good time for me to call it quits and go home for the night (it was midnight). Truth is, I WON!!! I can't believe I split the pot with her! She was almost out of chips until she inherited my huge pile from that hand(that pile obviously should have stuck with me in the first place). Anyway, Steven and I found a really good website that gives all explanations and ranking of card hands. Mindy, I'll make a copy for you so nobody else has to split a pot that should have actually been theirs all along! Just kidding--it was tons of fun and we'll definitely be there again! Thanks for teaching me how to play-Morgan and I must have had a brush of beginners luck to be the last two in the game anyway!

And The Winner Is . . .!!!

Well, in all reality, Richie for matching with his number one choice. But for my little guessing game, the winner turned out to be a three-way tie. Julie--bless your heart--I LOVE knowing secrets before my parents. I didn't have to call Jules, she called me long before Richie was able to get off work to call my parents with his news! So, Richie and his cute family will be going to his top choice--Rochester, New York, for orthopedics (the job he really wanted)!!! CoNgRaTuLaTiOnS, RiChIe!!! No more Brewers games for us--oh the hot dogs and wienie races! Milwaukee is a wonderful place I wouldn't actually mind living. Now we will have a new vacation destination! Rochester is close to historic church sites and looks absolutely beautiful in pictures. Good luck with the move, guys.

Family Wager

So here's some new news (it's been a while since my last post)--Richie got the confirmation email that he has matched somewhere. For all medical professionals this is a great thing to hear. He finds out tomorrow where he will be employed next. I know Richie has spent many of the winter months flying all over the country for interviews to get residency. He has been to Rochester, NY; Morgantown, WV; Detroit, MI; Tuscon, AZ; Hershey, PA; Milwaukee, WI; Seattle, WA; Portland, OR; Loma Linda, CA; Denver, CO (two times); Albuquerque, NM; and, Omaha, NE. I have started a little bet with my family. Whoever guesses the closest will get something (prize to be determined). Those of you who may want to join in, post a comment . . .

Dad: Rochester, NY--Orthopedics
Mom: Detroit, MI--Orthopedics
Whitney: Portland, OR--general (I'm just hopin' they'll move closer to us--I know I won't win) or Rochester, NY--Ortho
Micah: Rochester, NY or Tuscon, AZ both orthopedics
Steven: Hershey, PA--orthopedics or Denver,CO--general surgery
Julie: Miluakee, WI in orthopedics

GoOd LuCk, RiChIe!!!

My baby is six today

So, I think my side of the family is almost done with birthdays for a while. Today is a very sad day for me because my Addi turns six. I have had my dog for six years! At about six-months-old the vet told us Addi had hip displasia (just like my momma). I have always been a faithful walker with her to keep her fit and in peak condition. On August 22, 2007, Addi had to have double knee surgery to fix her knees that overcompensated for her hips her whole life. She has recovered beautifully and I must say it was the best decision I could have ever made. Addi has had food allergies since she was a baby as well. Micah says her special prescription food costs more than caviar. After her knee surgery, Addi has had to have a couple more surgeries. Addi comes with much love attached to her. Despite what it sounds like, she is a happy little dog and she is doing better than ever! Addi is part of not only Steven's and my little family, but also my side of the family as well as Steven's side of the family. She is a sweet, sweet girl whom everybody loves. Happy birthday little girl! Oh, and Mindy--thanks for the fun birthday party with Allie and Acer!

Happy Birthday, Micah!

Micah is my baby brother and today is his birthday! He's a whoppin' 22-years-old today. I love this picture of him taken on his mission in Portugal. I can't decide if he is trying to impersonate a rabbi or just pimpin' Portuguese style. Micah is single and VERY available (Laurel--you know some cuties in North Ogden). He is the funnest kid to be around. I was very upset when he was born because he wasn't a little sister, but now I wouldn't have it any other way! Happy Birthday little brother--thanks for being such a good friend and an awesome brother.

Meet my husband, Steven

So this is my husband, Steven. He has been my very best friend for a really LONG time. Steven is working at the Fit Stop with Alan Bluth as a physical therapy assistant. At one point he was going to be a physician assistant, but now he loves what he is doing and will be going back to school to be a physical therapist. I am happy about this because he has always been into the human body and keeping it healthy--he is very smart at what he does and will be a wonderful physical therapist! Steven has been a sports fanatic forever. This has been good for me. Now, I am up for anything Steven throws my way and I have learned to make all the competition fun. Steven has the biggest heart of anyone I have ever met. We never have dull moments when we are together and we always seem to be laughing and joking with each other. Love ya, Steven!

Vacation, Anyone?

Okay, so here's the dilemma. . .Steven and I want to go on a trip. Doesn't sound so bad yet, does it? Every year we are invited by either my side of the fam or his side of the fam (or both) to go with them--this year is different. We are going to go by ourselves. I want to go to my all time favorite place (besides Italy, which face it, is too expensive)Jackson Hole. Summer rates are ridiculous! We want to go somewhere we can take Addi because we love the outdoors and hiking. Steven has researched the Redwoods in northern Cal and Shasta Mountain. Has anyone been to a great outdoorsy place that we should know about? Trip planning is not my thing. Road trippin' is the word. If you have been on any great road trips to Washington, Oregon, Colorado or anywhere West Coastish let me know where you went and where you stayed.

Happy Birthday Mom!