Changes...

Jarom started a new part-time job this week.  He's working at Million Air, which is a fixed based operation out at the airport where private planes and jets fly into.  I'm so excited for him.  Jarom was so patient and prayerful about finding a job.  He was having a rather difficult time, particuarlly with the economy and unemployment rate the way it was/is.  After a long search with no success, Jarom and I talked and prayed about him working and we decided it was more important for him to focus on his classes and get his degree done as quickly as possible.  It wasn't always easy, and was at times stressful, but we felt grateful to be in a position where Jarom wouldn't have to work.  Since then, Jarom has been juggling 18-22 credits a semester and has been doing really well. 

Fast forward 3 semesters....After taking a break from the job search, Jarom really wanted to start looking again and felt working part-time would help break up all of his school work.  I didn't want him to take on too much or get stuck with a job that he wouldn't enjoy, but his school schedule ended up being quite flexible this semester and this more than perfect job fell into his lap!  I know everything happens for a reason, and I truly feel this has been the best thing for us. I think where we would be if Jarom would have worked full-time but continued to take 9-10 credits a semester. We probably would have a little extra money in our pockets, a new washer and dryer (since ours continue to struggle), or a nice little vaca, but who knows how many more years of school!  I wouldn't go back and change a thing.  I know we just neded to be patient and have some faith.  Jarom has now been able to complete his degree much more quickly than we had anticipated, and he has this perfect temporary job until he can graduate with his Bachelors Degree next April. 

He won't be flying just yet, but he'll get to park and direct the aircrafts, get the planes ready to go, and escort the pilots around.  We are hoping he can make some great contacts, get some information, and maybe even find a less expensive way to get his multiengine certificate, let alone have some fun!  :)

I have the best husband ever!  I just love him, and am totally proud of him.  He's been working so hard.  I'm a lucky woman...

Spinach Salad

Found this recipe online...it was a huge hit with the husband and so easy to throw together!  Everyone has seemed to like it and I now make it all the time   Thought I would share...

8 ounces fresh spinach

1/4 small red onion, thinly sliced

1/2 cup dried sweetened cranberries (Craisins)

2 tablespoons toasted sliced almonds (optional)

1/2 cup feta (optional) or 1/2 cup goat cheese, crumbled (optional)

1/2 cup balsamic vinaigrette dressing

2 tablespoons orange juice

1 teaspoon orange zest (optional)

Directions:

1. Wash and clean spinach. Tear into bit sized pieces and place in serving bowl.

2. Add half of cheese and 1/4 onion. Toss to combine.

3. Combine dressing ingredients (vinaigrette, orange juice, and orange zest) in a small mixing bowl.

4. Pour over salad and toss to coat.

5. Sprinkle with remaining cheese. Top with Craisins and almonds. Serve immediately. 

So delicious.  Enjoy!

Appreciation

The past month I have been feeling a lot of burnout from work and have been working with some particuarlly difficult patients. People literally open their lives up to you and it's been difficult for me at times to not bring the emotions from work home with me. Seeing people struggle with depression, drug overdose, drug addictions, and abuse has made me so grateful for the comforts that I enjoy on a daily basis.

Just last week I recieved a letter from a patient I had cared for a while back. People have always been very appreciative of the care they recieve, but this was a first! It was a simple letter, but it meant the world to me and that quickly I was able to put everything aside and remember why I chose to be a nurse. It felt so good to know I had made a difference in that persons life for that short moment. I've found being a nurse can be exhausting, but I'm so greatful I chose it as a career.

Since that letter, I have thought a lot about how I show appreciation to those around me. This patient mentioned in his letter that "all too often when we recieve great customer service we think that was nice and go about our lives, not giving recognition..." and I thought to myself why is that. It's interesting how something as simple as saying thank you often goes unsaid. People love to feel appreciated and needed, and I hope to make a greater effort to acknowledge and be appreciative of the things people do for me...

Sweet Summertime...

I have loved this summer...I can't believe it is coming to an end, but I love fall and am looking forward to the leaves changing.  We have been so busy.  The first week of August, Jarom and I drove to Indio California for our family vacation with the Brown family. We had so much fun on our little road trip, just the two of us. We are loving our new car. It was literally 110 degrees in Indio, but it was a lot of fun. They had some awesome pools and lazy rivers that we spent most of our time in, and we got to spend so much time with our nieces and nephews :)  

Jayden was ordained an Elder last week. He's working on getting his mission papers in. I'm so proud of him, he's the best kid brother...He got his wisdom teeth out today.  That kid is hillarious.

Also this summer we've survived 3 crazy rain storms which have mildly flooded the basement. We hiked Mount Timpanogos for the first time, had several BBQ's and fire pits in the backyard, we survived speaking in church, hit up the Alpine Slide in Park City, been to a few Bee's Baseball games, and we signed up for an adult recreation soccer team lol. Go us! We are so excited!  Our first game is tomorrow...stay tuned!  The other day I said to Jarom that we need to get in shape, and he told me "I am in shape,....round is a shape" :) ha ha. I love him.  We're planning a camping trip this weekend, just the two of us.  :)    I can't wait.  I'll post some pictures...

Jarom finished up the second block of his summer semester, and just started his fall classes! 22 credits this semester!  His courses are through UVU but are online, which we are excited about since we are still up in Murray and we can cut back on the commute.  We're hoping he can get his Multi-engine flying certificate this year too.  He needs it before he graduates but it is sooo expensive! We've been comparing the pricing of different flight schools.  Even with his full plate this semester Jar has insisted on finding a part time job.  He has a job interview friday out at the airport...fingers are crossed.  I'm so proud of him...

 

We made our first impulse buy this past week. A few years ago, Jar's dirt bike was stolen out of the back of his truck in Cedar City, and we've been wanting one ever since. We love to go riding...and the other day we came across this 70 cc dirt bike while on our way to a baseball game and we couldn't help ourselves. I'm trying to work on my spontaneity, it's exhausting trying to be such a planner all the time...it needs a little tlc, but we got a killer deal on it.

Jarom and I have been so blessed.  We've been able to spend so much time together and have really been able to focus on our marriage and enjoy this stage of our lives.  We stay busy, but our schedules have been flexible enough that we are always able to make time for each other.  I've realized Jarom and I will never be able to get this time back and that our lives could change durastically over the next few years.  It is so easy to get caught up in the excitement of the future, but I don't want to look back and remember these times as missed moments or opportunities.  Life is too short...so we continue to play hard.  I was surprised when we got married how many people advised us to just enjoy being married for a while, play hard, and continue to get to know each other better.  I think it's been some great advice...  :)