We're getting married!

Vance and I are officially engaged and getting married July 18th in the Mt. Timpanogas temple!!!

Here is the story. We drove up to Midway, near Heber, Utah, last night to meet two of his roommates and their dates for a group date picnic. We found the place near a river in Midway that was georgeous. Vance called his roommate to see if they were coming soon. They were just running a bit late but on their way. So we decided to scout out a place for the picnic. When we found the spot we set out the blanket, got out plates, napkins, and two cups. I told Vance that since we didn't have enough cups we could share... then when I told him we should go back to the car to show his roommates where we were, he said we could just stay there. Then he pulled out one dozen red roses. That is finally when I knew what was happening!!! He got on his knee and proposed, and I of course said yes. His roommates never did come... It was a perfect night, and there was a nice sunset soon afterwards. The area was just gorgeous with it being so green and the mountains surrounding us. We are so excited for this new step! I'll have to post some of the pictures soon!

Twenty Three Days!

Twenty three days until school is out! May 29th is the last day of school. I wish I were one of those people that doesn't keep track. But, frankly, I'm just not... In twenty three days I will be free from all work responsibilities until mid-August!!! (except for the 10 or so summer days of summer work I signed up for). This will be my first summer with no major school or work obligations. It is hard to imagine so much time that will be open.

My parents came to Utah last week for my sister Kelsey's graduation. It was great to have them around. We went out to dinner at Tucano's and the Bombay House while they were here, and they had fun with graduation ceremonies, hiking, and shopping. I am so grateful they could both come!

Despite the fact that I've been feeling a bit under the weather yesterday and today, things are going well. Vance and I are planning fun things this summer like going to sand dunes, boating, southern Utah, hiking, family reunions, etc. I'm excited for it all.

Lastly, I'll have to post two of my latest sewing projects. First, is a baby blanket for little Jared (Kelsey and Ken's little boy coming soon). Also, I'm working on a quilt for a twin sized bed. It's going to be awesome!

It has been a great month

1. Peter has recovered very well from heart surgery. During the surgery, the doctors decided to repair his valves instead of replacing them. He is now ready to return to school tomorrow and I am so grateful that he is better.

2. I was able to visit the some of the family last week in Wisconsin to see Mom, Dad, Ruth Ann, and Peter. Peter and I were able to drive to Chicago and meet Joe, Carrie, Sawyer, and Hunter (whom I had never met!) at the Children's Museum. Hunter is a beautiful boy and a great addition to the family.

3. Vance and I had a fun trip in Las Vegas and visited two of his sisters and their families. We stayed with his sister Janessa and her husband Jeremy with baby Kayla as well. His family was a lot of fun to be with. We got to go hiking and experience downtown Las Vegas. Here are some pictures from the trip!

Surgery Day is Here!

Peter's rescheduled heart surgery is tomorrow, Friday, April 3rd. Peter's doctor assigned to his surgery was called to be involved in a heart transplant for a baby during the night prior. So the surgery never happened on March 18th. Tomorrow morning at 7:30 A.M., his pulmonary valve will be removed from its place and replace his aortic valve (that will be forever removed). A transplant valve will be used to replace the pulmonary valve. He'll be on a heart and lung bypass machine. This way the heart and lungs don't have to work... a machine will pump and oxygenate the blood for his body while the doctors can work their magic! This is of course, what I've heard second hand of what will happen...

We are all very excited and yet anxious as well! It seems to occupy many of my thoughts these days. Keep him in your prayers...again!

My Wonderful Little Brother Peter!

My little brother Peter is going to Milwaukee Children's Hospital tomorrow for his second open heart surgery. It will take 4-6 hours to repair his heart, meanwhile he'll be on a heart and lung bypass machine. Below is a simple diagram of the heart. I believe they are fixing areas in his aorta and the valve next to it.


Peter is most excited about the room service. He jokes that he's going to push the button every two minutes. He also is excited to play X-Box (specifically their Star Wars games), have his own TV, access to a computer, great cafeteria food, and of course receive lots of attention. He also tells my mom how he won't have to do so much work around the house...

Please keep him in your prayers and pray for the doctors as well!

Lately

Recently I attended a Cinderella Ball. There was a fancy dinner, unforgettable entertainment, and a dance. It was so fun dressing up. I honestly believe that the way we dress can influence how we act and feel. So if I dress more nicely, I definitely am my better self. If I am in some Saturday garb, I feel and act a bit lazier. What do you think? Here is Vance and I.


Mary and I work together at the same elementary school. She's a second grade teacher. One of the best parts of my work day is lunch, because I get to sit by all my work friends and chat, and talk with adults! The buzz around school is all the budget cuts our district needs to make by the end of the year, and for next year as well. I never thought the downturn of the economy would affect me, but it has. School supplies, aid time, and possibly even salary increases will be cut.

Thanks for a Great Birthday!

Last night a couple of friends and I were playing with her new MacBook. We enjoyed taking a few pictures with the neat backgrounds. This was right after our soccer game, so we are a bit dirty, but oh well!


























Also, thanks to everyone for the great birthday. It was the best!!! I am blessed by the thoughtfulness of my friends and family!

Highlights that I must mention:

Hiking Ensign Peak
Lunch at the Blue Iguana in Salt Lake
Surprise dinner from Vance, with my sister and two of his sisters there
Party with friends in the evening (Cake, balloons, streamers, singing nice words said, etc.)