Great Expectations

Heaven

2012-02-09T20:56:00.056-07:00

Jaxson Nicholas ~ February 7, 2012 ~ 7 lbs 1 oz

"Here is a baby with eyes of blue, straight from heaven, right to you. Or Straight from heaven up above, here is a baby for you to love." ~Mr. Stork

And love him I do!

Immediately. Overpoweringly. Unconditionally.
How is it possible? We just met, after all. It was love at first sight.
Holding him in my arms was like holding a little piece of heaven.
And then, he stole my heart.

I wonder....

2011-12-29T16:16:00.002-07:00

What did we do for fun before we got one of these?

Tis better to give than to receive

2011-12-26T21:51:00.000-07:00

My favorite thing about Christmas...Presents! However, it's the giving of gifts that I enjoy the most. There's just something about finding the perfect gift. I love seeing everyone's reactions when the paper is peeled away!

Ericson and Keayra came over Christmas Eve Day since we wouldn't see them Christmas day...

If you can't tell, they opened these...

Giant egg and sperm in a petri dish!

(It's kind of an on going joke in our family. Baby Jaxson will be here in February, but his baby book started way back with pictures of eggs, sperm, and embryos in a petri dish)

Later that night, I gave mom her gift...

Followed by Ashleigh the next day...

Pretty sure I'll be watching these videos for years to come!

Merry Christmas!!!

Surprise Face

2011-12-24T20:13:00.002-07:00

After Santa left and all the little kids went home to visions of sugar plums dancing in their heads, the big kids spent the next few hours laughing until we cried while playing "Surprise Face" and "Surprise Body." Hours of fun for everyone!

Santa Baby

2011-12-24T19:39:00.004-07:00

This Christmas an old friend dropped by that I hadn't seen in years....

Santa Claus!

Santa brought gifts for the little ones. The best part was Suzanne teasing with Maddox. "I hope you made the nice list! Fingers crossed!" Of course he was the last child called, so for a few minutes I'm pretty sure he wondered if he'd made it onto that nice list.

Then Santa had a picture with the entire family. I think we overwhelmed him a bit, but he was a good sport about the whole thing.

It turned into a total Santa photo shoot!

I even got one with the Jolly Ol' Elf and myself. I'm pretty sure he was one of Santa's elves making the party rounds....I remember Santa being A LOT taller!

Santa also took the time to have a little Q & A session with our family. Somethings you might find helpful....Santa's favorite cookies are chocolate chip. He's on a diet, so skim milk is best. The reindeer like apples and carrots. Most importantly, there are some 6'4" elves at the North Pole....Perhaps there will be one under the Christmas Tree tomorrow morning. You never know, but fingers crossed!

After some caroling and jingle bell ringing it was time for Santa to head back to the North Pole.

See you next year, Santa!

October~

2011-11-30T22:21:00.000-07:00

October is one of my favorite months of the year. Clear blue skies, cool breezes, and natures changing colors signaling Fall is here and Old Man Winter is on the way.

Thriller

October 13, 2011

Julie, Kimberly, and I kicked off our month of right by going to Odessy Dance Company's production of THRILLER at the Covery Center for the Arts. It was a goulishly good time! During intermission, as Julie and I perused the lobby, she suddenlty started giggling....one of the undead had been sniffing my back for a good 15 seconds and I'd never noticed!

Tuacahn

October 15-17, 2011

Every year I say I want to go to Tuacahn, only to have the season's end sneak up on me again. This year I was determined that wouldn't happen. For Mom's birthday I got us ticket to see both Grease and The Little Mermaid. Megan and Jeremy were kind enough to let us crash as their cute little home, giving me the chance to spend time with my Brother-from-another-mother. While I loved both productions, the best part of the trip was chatting all through the night with Jeremy and Mom!

Halloween River Cruise

October 28, 2011

What could be more fun than a group date floating down the Provo River where haunting pumpkings glow from the shore as your pirate captain recites a spooky bit of poetry? NOTHING! We girl (Bekky, Kimberly, and I) grabbed some good lookin' fellas and headed out for a night of good 'ol fashioned fun. After crusing down the river, we headed back to our house for ice cream sundeas and a movie. After much deliberation, we settle on the 1989 classic "Little Monsters" -- Two hours of our lives we will never get back. Overall, a fun time was had by all!

Family Halloween Party

October 29, 2011

Halloween is a big deal in our family...a BIG deal! Costumes are planned for months in advance (well, maybe that's just me?) and kept secret until the big day. Our annual family picture is taken each year at Halloween while we are all dressed up!

Me - The Gypsy Woman

The bun baker, the bun in the oven and a cute little witch

Gatsby Family with the cutest little flapper EVER!

Great minds think alike...The flapper era was twice the fun this year!

Darin and Ren are out to find the treasure!

Mom and her girls

Next Halloween may be 11 months away, but I'm already planning my costume!

Somer's Concert Series

2011-11-29T20:10:00.000-07:00

I am a concert junky! I admit it. No if, ands, or buts! I have always loved music. There is definitely a sound track to my life....and these are just a few of the bands on it!

BON JOVI

March 22, 2011

Bon Jovi was the first concert Ashleigh and I ever went to.....way back in 1995...and we haven't missed a concert since! (Okay, that is not completely honest. They came in concert a week after I entered the MTC. I tried to get my MTC admission date changed, but the Stake President did think wanting to attend a concert was a valid reason.) Ashleigh and I scream and danced through the entire concert! They still put on an amazing show!

My Chemical Romance & Neon Trees

April 8, 2011

There's a reason why Bekky is one of my BFFs! She braved the packed house of an all ages show to see two bands she didn't know just because I wanted to for my birthday. There were some seriously hilarious times...The def guy on trax that basically fell into my lap to cop a feel, using toilets with no seats, pushing our way into the the bar (to escape the under 21 crowd) Bekky with her hands in the air trying not to touch any one or any thing while repeating "Unclean! Unclean!" over and over, bonding with the drunk people around us while some unknown person kept farting, and being caught in a great big bear hug by some drunk gay guy at the end of the night. Although we did not get any pictures of the bands, it was a blast!

Yanni

April 30, 2011

Ever since Ashleigh and I took Mom to see Yanni Voices she hasn't stopped about how much she loved it! So, when I found out Yanni was coming back to SLC I got her tickets for Christmas 2010. The show way as amazing as ever and I loved spending time with my mom!

The Daylights

May 11, 2011

After 3 long years, my favorite boys were back! Amber and I hung out back stage with Ricky, Ran, and Svend before they went on stage and then had front row for the show. After the concert was over, we visited with the boys some more. Ricky totally made my night when he said, "Whenever I think of Utah, I think of you!" I pinky swore them all to singing "Good-Bye Summer" as long as I promised I wasn't planning on that being any time soon.

Motley Crue, Poison, & NY Doll

June 19, 2011

Happy Father's Day! Tiffany and I celebrated together by screaming at the top of our lungs to some of my favorite bands EVER! After bumping in to the guy next to me, he became my BFF -- putting his arm around me, singing in my ear, and smacking my backside...even after his girlfriend came back from the bathroom! Tiff and I had a fantastic time, but it looks like the girl behind us in the picture could use some cheering up. Perhaps she'd have felt better if my neighbor grabbed her caboose!

Kenny Chesney

July 9, 2011

Girls night out with Ashleigh, Kylie, and Amanda....Although you'd never know it since they refused to get in the picture, even when I threatened to disown them. Guess they knew I love them enough that I'd ever do that! We spread out our blankets on the grass and kicked up our heels! The most interesting part of the night was when some drunk lady pretty much went head over feet into Amanda! What a night!

Tim McGraw

August 6, 2011

Imagine my joy when Tim started out the concert right in front of us! He is some serious eye candy! And...he squoze my hand and winked at me!

Josh Groban

August 13, 2011

I truly believe Josh Groban's music is laced with subliminal messages. One minute I was listening to his melodious voice, the next I had purchased two tickets on the fifth row. Since I have not dating life to speak of, I asked Mom to go with me....unfortunately, she fell off a small retaining wall and shattered her wrist the day before the concert. So, Ashleigh graciously stepped in and took her place. Through the entire concert, Ash kept hitting me and grabbing my arm while saying, "I'm so glad mom broke her arm!" We have decided Josh might have to be a new tradition! As Josh walked passed us, I couldn't help myself and reached out and squeezed his arm! The next time he passed us, Ashleigh got the High-five. Josh has true talent! He was as amazing in person...funny, witty, and that boy can sing! His tweet that night summed it all up: joshgroban: "Landed in LA! salt lake you were a hair pulling, arm pinching, pants biting group. you know how I like it! Sorry i couldn't serve you booze." I highly doubt his "arm pinching" was in reference to me....but I'm happy to claim that it is!

Def Leppard

August 31, 2011

One of my favorite bands of ALL TIME! On the soundtrack of my life, Def Leppard occupies a great deal of space! Wendy, Tiffany, Ben, and I laughed hysterically through the entire night! The best line of the night was Wendy looking at me like I was a crazy person and saying, "You know all the words." My favorite part of the night was when they sang "Love and Hate Collide" acoustic.

Big Ass Show

October 8, 2011

Bekky and I hauled our Big A's to the Big Ass Show where we ran into my friend from the nursing program, Heather. It was a bit drizzly for part of the day, but over all we had a fantastic time.....

Brogan Kelby

She Wants Revenge

Switch Foot

Anberlin

Neon Trees

Panic At The Disco

Well, it was sort of Panic At The Disco...Unfortunately Brendon Urie had malaria and was unable to attend the show. So, the band was down one lead singer. Fortunately, Brogan Kelby, Tyler Glenn, and some other random people were willing to fill in and the band was able to play a partial set.

My favorite part of the night was Bekky yelling, "I'm moshing! I'm moshing!" as we jumped up and down with the crowd.

Jason Aldean with Thompson Square & Chris Young

October 22, 2011

In all the years that we've been friends, Tory and I had never been to a concert together. I decided it was time to change that! During one morning while getting ready for the day, Tory played music video, after music video of Jason Aldean on the computer. So, when I found out he was coming in concert, I knew we had to go!

The Daylights...AGAIN!

October 26, 2011

Twice in one year! Be still heart-that-thinks-it's-still-a-teenager-beating-within-a-thirty-something! As soon as I heard the boys were coming back to town, I rallied the troops. Liz, Pam, and Aburee (my friends from Courtyard) were there, and I introduced Tiffany and Julie to my favorite boys! After the concert I send them a little note, via facebook, that said: "So HAPPY that SLC was included as one of your 20 CITIES! It was time to say GOOD BYE SOMER much too quickly, so come back soon...I know you can MAKE IT HAPPEN...cause I GUESS I MISS YOU. For now I'll have to settle for last night's QUICK FIX. In your presence, no one feels like an OUTSIDER! Remember to wear your seatbelts, SLOWDOWN, and enjoy the ride. Sending you a DIGITAL KISS! XOXO Somerset PS...I HOPE THIS GETS TO YOU!" All the words in capital letters are titles of their songs. Pretty creative if I do say so myself.

And now the summer is over....So lucky to have such great friends and great music to fill not only it, but every day of my life!

Graduation....Part Deux

2011-11-27T14:25:00.001-07:00

I GRADUATED.....AGAIN!

Granted it was back in April, but I haven't updated in a while.

Tiffany, McKell, Aburee, Me, and Courtney

Waiting for the ceremony to begin. I seriously don't think I would have made it through the program without these fantastic friends!

Sandy presented my diploma along with Dr. Rushforth.

Me and the family. It was so cold and windy outside we only got one picture of us together. I was glad I got pictures with my mom, sisters, and dad before the ceremony started.

After the ceremony we went to The Brick Oven for dinner. It was so fun to celebrate with my entire family....and to finally get my very own song from the Smith Super Star Singers.

Sung to the tune of Beauty School Drop-Out:

You didn't drop out.

It's graduation day for you.

You didn't drop out.

Passed your midterm and finals too.

So crazy that you've had no time

to wash or clean your clothes up,

After spending hours at work and school

you'd sometimes want to throw up!

Somie you did it!

It's not a dream, your still alive!

Completed your degree,

you had a goal and lots of drive.

You went for your diploma,

but you'll skip the hiring pool

Cause you're the nurse at Discovery Ranch School.

You didn't drop out!

A slave to school, never more!

You didn't drop out!

So much spare time you might be bored.

Since student loans have buried you,

for relief we know your lookin'

We guarantee you'll find a way

that doesn't include hookin'!

You don't have to sweat it, cuz you have the perfect job

Lucky to get it. Here's hopin' it's not run by the mob!

Throw your books away, stand up and say

"It's now my time to rule!"

Please promise us that you are done with school!

We love you, you know it!

We will sing praises to your name!

Now you're a grown-up,

Our lives will never be the same.

We think you're hot, get off the pot,

it's time to find a guy!

Get goin' girl, your limit is the sky!

I pretty much cried through their entire little performance....and I'm sure the other people at Brick Oven enjoyed it as well! Just another reason I love my family!

Baby Love

2011-11-26T19:39:00.016-07:00

Oakley Robinson

Baby Oakley arrived on March 18 at 11:22 pm. She is such a joy to have in our family! Time flies much too quickly and I swear she's bigger every time I see her. She is the sweetest girl with a mischievous smile that's impossible to resist. Love her so much!

You're Havin' a Baby, Baby, Baby...

2011-02-13T17:14:00.001-07:00

Princess Sparkles will be here before we know it!

What better way to celebrated her pending arrival than with a musical number...

I can't even express how excited I am to meet this little girl! Britney, the momma-to-be, may be my niece but she is also one of my best friends! I am so blessed to be her aunt and to have her in my life. I love our girls nights, sleep overs, movie time, lounging in our jammies and giggling our guts out. I love that we can talk about anything and everything...and we do!

I love you Brit Brit and know you are going to be an amazing momma! I am so in love with your little bundle of joy already and I can't wait to meet her!
(PS...I think we gave Justin Bieber a run for his money! And, yes, family. This video is now on YouTube. I couldn't get it to load any other way)

Red Eyed Zombie

2011-01-16T21:05:00.004-07:00

If the next time you see me I appear to be in a zombie-like, sleep walking, daze...don't be surprised.

A new full time job and a 20 credit hour semester are bound to have that affect. For the next 16 weeks, my schedule will go a little something like this:

MONDAY: Work at the Ranch from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m....except for every other Monday when I leave at 2:30 to get to my Spiritual Meditation in Healing class from 3-6p

TUESDAY: Nursing in Global Perspective....Senior Seminar...Senior Project...Nursing Leadership and Development...Parasitology...Parasitology Lab. Yep...I'm in class from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. without a scheduled break.

WEDNESDAY: Work...Work...Work...7--5

THURSDAY: Back at the Ranch from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m....except to leave for a few hours to attend Parasitology.

FRIDAY: Working the day away at the Ranch.

ONCALL: Monday through Friday and Every other weekend

Luckily for me, the ranch hands like me enough to work with my school schedule this last semester and let me work 10 hour days to make up for being gone on Tuesdays. Now, I just need to figure in time for the gym, homework, and house work. Oh ya...and there's also that Senior Project/Final Clinical I've got to squeeze in during graveyards or on the weekends.

When I explained my schedule to my Nursing Leadership and Development teacher, he looked me right in the eye and said, "There are two things you're going to need to make it through this semester. Tylenol and Xanax."

Who can write me a prescription?

Subliminal Messaging...

2011-01-09T10:11:00.001-07:00

It's amazing what you learn in BYU stats...

Click to enlarge

I'm a failure!

Decisions Are The Worst

2011-01-03T23:46:00.011-07:00

I got offered a job...Here

Pros:

Full time RN position
Willing to work with my school schedule for this last semester
Working with a population that I love!
Monday-Friday with weekends off
Option to be on call every other weekend and make a little extra $$$
When I met with the staff it just felt right...I know, cliche'

Cons:

Full time position and I have 17 credit hours this semester. The semester that starts in 2 days.
Full time position and I have a 180 hour Senior Project/Preceptorship to complete this semester.

Okay, so those are the only cons. In reality, if I had been offered the job immediately following my interview I would have taken it right then. The basis for the majority of my decisions revolves around how I feel. Call it intuition. Call it the Spirit. Call it naivety. Being with the staff from Discovery Ranch felt right. Felt as though I'd known them for longer than the 2 hours we spent lunching together for my interview. That was 10 days ago and now my brain has gotten involved.

My brain is hung up on a few things. Aside from the aforementioned cons, I don't want to take the position just because it's offered. Things have been getting more and more frustrating at my current job. I suppose it's the normal frustrations of feeling as though your concerns are not being heard. Frustrations that nothing is changing...the passiveness of "we're in a learning phase...things will work themselves out" so I fear I'd be taking the position just to escape the situation. I fear leaving my wonderful residents in the current situation without some one willing to advocate for them and ballsy enough to open her mouth and be heard...me.

And then there's all the what ifs. What if? What if? What if?

Basically, it comes down to the fact that I'm scared.

What to do. What to do.

Blog Fail

2010-12-31T23:59:00.006-07:00

Wow...where has the last 6 months gone! What can I say? Time flies when your having fun...that and things pretty much stay the same in my little corner of the world the majority of the time. But, for those of you who have been waiting with baited breath, here's a short...or perhaps not-so-short...summary of what I've been up to.

JULY

SMITH SUPERSTAR RALLY

I was on the RED team again...and again we WON!

And...

HAVASUPAI! Except, it was closed! After almost 12 hours of driving we reached the turn off to Indian 18 only to be greeted by a giant stop sign! There had been a flood washing out the trail a few days before...and no one had called to cancel our reservation. After a bit of deliberation we decided to jump onto I-40 and head to California! After 15 hours smashed together in Betty, my Dodge Caliber, we arrived in San Pedro! Thanks does not even begin to cover our gratitude to our friend Aymara's family that opened their living room to us! We set up camp out in the garage and crashed on their couches!

We played at the Santa Monica Pier...eating the MREs we packed for Hava, riding the giant ferris wheel, walking along the board walk, and listening to live music.

Spent a day at Disney Land...

Did some Boogy Boarding at Manhattan Beach...

And splurged on fresh seafood for our final meal! After eating MREs for almost every meal, this was a fantastic treat! While it wasn't the trip we'd planned, a good time was had by all. I think the best part was the time spent in the car...laughing, teasing, singing a long to the radio

And...

"Stashing" people during the drive home!

At our rest stop in Beaver we each bought a fake mustache and wore it the rest of the ride home. We'd drive right up next to people and drive even with them until they looked at us...then we'd just do the head nod and speed off...they'd been Stashed!

AUGUST

Back to school for my second to last semester! I'm beginning to believe the light at the end of the tunnel is not a train, but in fact the light at the end of the road.

SEPTEMBER

Rock and Roll All Night...And Party Every Day

Kierstan and I at the KISS concert 9-22-10

So much fun! I really could rock and roll all night and party everyday!

BEST SHOT EVER! I decided next time they come in concert, I'm springing for back stage passes!

ALSO...

I'm going to be a GREAT AUNT! Brit Brit and Colby announced they had a bun in the oven! I'm so stinkin' excited I can hardly stand it! Baby Girl expected to arrive at the end of March 2011

OCTOBER

Happy Hauntings! Our annual Halloween Party...also my favorite time of year!

I was a fabulous flapper girl!

NOVEMBER

Thanksgiving! Mom bought a table a year or so ago that expands from a 4 foot round to seating for 20 and she finally got to put it to good use as this year our table was set for 15! Although we've been having monthly family dinner together, this was the first time we've all been together for Thanksgiving since I was a little girl! I was extra thankful to spend the day with the majority of those I love, although it made me miss my Grandma and Grandpa just a little bit more. My mom's neighbors also joined in, since he had broken his foot so they weren't able to travel home to be with family.

And who knew a dog bed could be so much fun! Kenn took turns spinning Kaicee and Finnley around on the hard wood floor...giggles galore!

DECEMBER

This year I took charge of starting a new tradition! The Giant Gingerbread Build Off! It was more work than I anticipated...that a lot of gingerbread dough to knead, but it was well worth the effort! Every time I opened the over door I expected one to jump out and say, "Run, run, run as fast as you can! You can't catch me! I'm the Gingerbread Man! We all had such a great time, laughing and giggling at what each person came up with!

And as a bonus...they tasted Mmm Mmm Good!

And now, it's the last day of the year. All in all, 2010 has been a good year. I made new friends, had new experience, and made new memories to last a life time.

Vampires Suck...

2010-07-10T11:45:00.002-06:00

I Can't Wait!

To, Two, Too

2010-06-17T12:32:00.001-06:00

When I was in the 5th grade, Mrs. Dubois challenged us in a homonym assignment. We were given a week, I think, to come up a list of homonyms. Whomever ended up with the biggest list won. That was at least 20 years ago, but every now and then I come across a word and think, "That could have gone on my homonym list." Funny how things like that stick.

On a side note. For some reason I remember Kenny Bryson winning our homonym challenge. But, I'm pretty sure I'm getting that confused with the challenge to find a word that contained a Q that was not followed by a U. Kenny's word? Q-Tip.

GRADUATED

2010-05-04T21:50:00.000-06:00

I've never been one to do things the "traditional" way. Some may call it stubbornness. Others may call it laziness. Whatever it may be, I still get the job done...I just get it done my way. So was the case with my collage career. When I graduated from Lehi Senior High School it was 1997. The majority of my friends went straight to college. I decided I needed a break. Everyone said, "You'll never go back." I knew I would. I did too. One year later, I started at UVSC. The nursing program at that time was done via wait list. Getting into the program consisted of attending an orientation meeting and putting your name on the "yes I want to be in your nursing program" list. Somewhere in that first year of college life got a bit crazy. I found relief and escape from the stresses of my life in the clubbing world where it was all drown out by cigarette smoke, alcohol, loud music, and boys. Somewhere amongst all the confusion I thought, "Do I really want to be a nurse, or have I always just been told I want to be a nurse?" I didn't think I knew, so when my name came up on the wait list, I didn't take the spot.

Now, fast forward a few years to a time when things are clearer...

I got home from my mission and I knew I wanted to be a nurse. However, things had changed. The nursing program wait list is no more. Now, an application process must be completed...and grades are important. Not just any grades will do. I needed A's. This is where I find myself siding with those that sight stubbornness as the key to my way of doing things. Perhaps it could be called perserverance because before getting into the nursing program I took Math 1050 four times, Anatomy three times, Physiology 2 times, and Chemistry 2 times. But, I got in.

And now....I GRADUATED! While I technically graduated in December 2009, the graduation services weren't until April 30, 2010. It only took 12 years to finish my Associate Degree. But I did, and by damn, come hell or high water I was walking in Convocation!

Walking around to get my diploma

Sandy, my step-mom, presented my diploma with Dean Rushforth

My Biggest Fans: My Family!

I couldn't have done it with out all their love and support.

My Parents: Always pushed me to do my best without breaking my spirit.

Thanks for always believing in me and allowing me to do things my way.

The Graduate!

It feels so surreal. Perhaps it's because I know this time next year I'll do it all again with my Bachelor Degree. Perhaps it's because the journey was long and winding. Whatever the reason, I wouldn't change a thing!

31...and so much fun

2010-04-25T23:47:00.000-06:00

It happens every year. As my birthday approaches I plot and plan to have some sort of amazing celebration...and it never happens. The reason? One word: School. It's so overwhelming. Since my birthday falls just 2-ish weeks before finals, everything class wise is coming to a head. Final papers to be written, final projects to finish, and finals too study for. The birthday gets set a side before I know it and then later I think, "Oh ya. It was my birthday. I should have celebrated." This year, however, was going to be different!

On my 2010 Bucket List is a goal/wish/dream to watch the sun come up at Delicate Arch. My friend Bekky took that thought and ran with it, planning a trip to Moab to fulfill that wish ON MY BIRTHDAY! So cool! I was so excited! And then, I threw my back out. I couldn't stand up straight and walk, so hiking was definitely out. Rotten! Alas, the trip was canceled. Well, more like postponed until later this year...it will happen!

And now....the final papers have been written, final projects have been turned in, and finals begin tomorrow.

*****

Now, before you cry any tears for my sad, uncelebrated birthday, have no fear. All was not lost. Ashleigh and Britney took pitty on my sad, sorry self and planned an impromptu girls night party. My sisters and nieces all came down to my mom's for pizza and a movie. A good time was had by all.

Bella's New Love Interest

2010-03-20T10:29:00.002-06:00

Just something to make you giggle

I Wish It Were June!

2010-03-14T13:44:00.004-06:00

Handsome Men's Club

2010-03-09T09:00:00.002-07:00

Okay. Okay. I know...it's another clip from Youtube. And, it's 10 minutes long.
But trust me, it's worth it!

Every one should see...

2010-03-07T13:55:00.005-07:00

{Evening}

Did You Know...

2010-03-06T20:16:00.002-07:00

I like to dabble in photography?

Here are some of my {Favorites}

What Every Woman Should Have

2010-02-27T22:45:00.000-07:00

EVERY WOMAN SHOULD HAVE...

One old boyfriend you can imagine going back to and one who reminds you how FAR you’ve come.

Enough money within your control to move out and rent a place on your own even if you never want to or need to.

Something PERFECT to wear if the employer or man of your dreams wants to see you in an hour.

A purse, a suitcase, and an umbrella you’re not ashamed to be seen carrying.

A youth you’re content to move beyond.

A past JUICY enough that you are looking forward to retelling it in your old age.

The realization that you are going to have an old age and some money set aside to help fund it.

A set of screwdrivers, a cordless drill, A BLACK LACE BRA.

One friend who always makes you laugh and one who lets you cry.

A good piece of furniture not previously owned by anyone else in your family.

8 matching plates, wineglasses with stems, and a recipe for a meal that will make your guests feel honored.

A resume that is not even the slightest bit padded.

A feeling of control over your destiny.

A skin regime, an exercise routine, and a plan for dealing with those few facets if life that don’t get better.

A solid start on: a satisfying career a satisfying relationship and all those other facets if life that DO GET BETTER.

EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW...

How to fall in love without losing yourself.

How you feel about having kids.

How to quit a job, break up with a man, and confront a friend without ruining the friendship.

When to try harder and when to walk away.

How to kiss a man in a way that communicates p e r f e c t l y what you would and wouldn’t like to happen NEXT.

How to ask for what you want in a way that makes it most likely you’ll get it.

How to have a good time at a party you’d never chose to attend.

That you can’t change the width of your hips, the length of your calves, or the nature of your parents.

That your childhood may not have been perfect BUT IT’S OVER.

What you would or wouldn’t do for love or money.

How to live alone even if you don’t like it.

Who you can TRUST and who you can’t and why you shouldn’t take it personally.

Where to go, be it your best friend’s kitchen table or a charming inn hidden in the woods when your soul needs soothing.

What you can and can’t accomplish in a day, a month, a year.

Why they say life begins right now!

From 30 things every woman should have & should know by the time she's 30 by Pamela Redmond Satran

It's official....

2010-02-22T23:10:00.007-07:00

Thursday, February 18

Twas the night before NCLEX and all through the house, not a creature was stirring except for the nursing student in the basement who couldn't sleep and had anxiety so badly that she felt as though an elephant was sitting on her chest. When sleep finally came so did nightmares of sleeping in and missing her test appointment. Not a very restful night.

Friday, February 19
Test time 0800, arrive 30 minutes early to allow for time to fill out paper work. With a click of the mouse the countdown begins. Six hours is all you get to take this test. At least 75 questions and up to 265 at most. The more questions you get right, the harder they get. When the computer is 95% confident you're competent the test clicks off and the test is over. 90 minutes and 130 questions later the computer screen went black. 0930 walked out of the testing center pretty certain I had failed. Then the waiting began....

Saturday, February 20
Utah Division of Occupational & Professional Licensing is closed. No results will be posted. Zumba in the morning to work out some of the anxiety that comes with waiting. Off to work...a nice distraction.

Sunday, February 21
DOPL is still closed. Loving friends and family start to say things like, "I know you'll pass." "Have you heard anything yet?" "Don't worry, DOPL opens tomorrow and it'll post." Unless it didn't. I felt as though the test had chewed me up and spit me back out. I came to the conclusions it wasn't called a CAT test for nothing...It was a big ugly black cat hissing with claws bared.

Monday, February 22
0730: Check DOPL website. No results posted. Off to school to pass the time.
0900: Check DOPL website during a break between classes. No results posted.
1130: Home from school. Check DOPL website. No results posted.
1330: Check one more time before leaving for work. No results posted.
1331: Give in and pay $7.95 to receive Quick Results. Best money ever spent, for there on the screen it read: PASSED!

I let out a whispered shock, "I passed!?!" Then at the top of my lungs, "I PASSED!" Then I started to cry.

I Passed The NCLEX!
Somerset Smith, R.N.

L.O.V.E.

2010-02-16T21:48:00.005-07:00

Valentines is a day of LOVE
So, I spent it with the a Bug I love

I don't think I could love any one more than I love this little bug.
Baking cookies, painting sun catchers, eating Heart shaped pizza, and
dancing with Micheal Jackson.

A few of our conversations this weekend went like this:

Kaicee: Somie, Jesus died...and so did Micheal Jackson.

Kaicee: Jesus and Micheal Jackson are in a fight.
Me: Why?
Kaicee: Micheal Jackson did drugs so Jesus is mad at him.
Me: No. Jesus is sad, but he loves every body.
Kaicee: No. He hates Micheal Jackson.

While singing along to Lady Antebella's Need You Now...
Me: What does it mean to be drunk?
Kaicee: It means you're really sick.

As much as I wish to keep her my little baby bug Forever, she gets bigger every day. She makes me laugh so hard, and sometimes I just love her so much it makes me cry.

Dear Andrew,

2010-02-14T10:24:00.005-07:00

As I opened my eyes this morning I thought of you, just as I do every February 14. I'll never forget walking into your bedroom to find you sitting cock-eyed on you walker with disheveled brown hair from just waking up; looking up at me from behind those Harry Potter glasses with sparkling brown eyes and a smile from ear to ear.

Happy Valentimes Day, Somer.
It is a day of LOVE
and I love you!

I love you, too, Andrew. Thank you for bringing such goodness and joy into my life. Knowing and loving you made me a better person.

Love Always,
Somer

Dear Daylights...

2010-02-10T17:18:00.003-07:00

Have I told you lately that
I LOVE YOU?

The Daylights "Alive" Live Performance from Walter May on Vimeo.

Rogue Machine (Don't Say That You Want Me) from The Daylights on Vimeo.

The new album drops in 42 days. Pre-order it here
PS...Who wants to buy me the House Party Gig?

Cake Wrecks

2010-02-04T20:07:00.005-07:00

Life is insane! Life is busy! Life is beautiful. I have plenty of events to recall a-la-blog, however, they can wait. Sometimes I just need something to make me laugh-out-loud! Thanks to Cake Wrecks for these gems (Note: some parental discretion is advised):

Take heart, Peter; you only have to turn one once.

Gross unpassend fliegend Fekalie-Kuchen!
Taschenrechner!!
Wo IST die Toiletin? Fahrvergnügen?
Ich bin ein Berliner! Schnell! Schnell!

Ahem. Well, I think that gets the point across.

It should be noted that the cake was supposed to read, "Germany, HERE we come!" (Ah, those pesky, hilarity-inducing homonyms.)

Ok, let's be generous and assume the Wreckerator meant "Touchdown," but for some reason couldn't remember how to spell "down."

Even then, you know there are FB pics out there of a bunch of drunken guys posing with this cookie cake held in very, shall we say, strategic locations. Not good, bakers, not good.

I feel I should warn you: this next cake will guarantee you'll never, EVER, want sprinkles again.

And Finally....

I have no words!

Viva Las Vegas!

2010-01-10T16:40:00.003-07:00

For Christmas, Asleigh and I decided to take Mom to Vegas to see Donny & Marie at the Flamingo. Britney jumped a boared and we took hit the road! We checked in only to find out the show had been canceled. Donny was sick! We were shocked and my mom almost started to cry...she loves them! But, we decided to make lemonade and see another show instead.

We bought matching T-Shirts and got all dolled out for the show. The show was amazing! We had the best weekend shopping the forum shoppes at Ceasars Palace, playing with make-up at the MAC store, & watching the fountains at the Bellagio.

Y2K + 10

2009-12-31T23:00:00.003-07:00

Driving home from work this evening I got to thinkin' about what I'd been doing on this night 10 years ago. It was the year of the Y2K scare. I remember I was at Natalie's house, getting ready to bring in the New Year with my regular group of rebel rousers: Natalie, Rach, Kasha and Dave, Kevin, Ryan, Liz, and Travis. I remember I had my nails done all fancy smancy...they were dark purple with glitter and fireworks painted on them. We watched a movie, but I can't recall which one. We sang around the piano...I miss that...and at midnight had life savors that spark in the dark. I remember walking outside to scream and yell and Orion was bright in the sky.Chad was on his mission in Guatemala and I missed him terribly! (Lucky for me he called the next day. I remember the first thing I said, or rather sobbed, was "I miss you so much!" I also remember asking him what he was wearing...meaning what was his every day missionary attire...to which he replied, "Ooo, what are you wearing?) So, tonight as I ring in the New Year with a snotty nose, my handy roll of toilet paper, and a hot cup of Tang, I'd like to review (in no particular order) some of the things that have happened in the last decade:

Got my heart broken...more than once.
Served a mission to North Carolina Charlotte.
Finally got into the nursing program and graduated with my RN.
Celebrated 10 years out of high school.
Married off my best girlfriends...some of them more than once.
Made out with a random brown boy on the white sand beaches of Oaho.
Took Math 4 times, Anatomy 3 times, Physiology and Chemistry 2 times.
Lived out my childhood dream of attending a New Kids On The Block concert.
Conquered Havasupai.
Took a road trip with my sisters through Yellow Stone.
Was paid to poke people with needles.
Delivered a baby...well helped anyway.
Kissed Dopey on the head at Disney Land.
Drove from Provo to Washington D.C.
Turned 30.

Looking back over the last 10 years, not many things happened as I had planned. But, had things gone according to plan, I would have missed out on some great adventures!

As the 2010 dawns, instead of the run-of-the-mill list of resolutions, I'm making a bucket list of things I want to do before the year is over. Of course, I'll still have that list that includes things like "Lose 10 pounds" or rather "Lose 10 x 10 pounds" and all the other things that get said every year. But this bucket list is all about things I want to do...Like learn bellydancing.

Christmas....Not My Favorite Holiday

2009-12-25T23:16:00.000-07:00

Christmas...It's the best time of year! Wrong! I am not a fan. So, this year I'd like to share a clip from a Christmas Classic. Take it away Oscar!

However, I do like Halloween.

Awkward...

2009-12-07T10:02:00.002-07:00

I know, I know...another Twilight related post. However this is one of the most hilarious things I've ever seen! I literally laugh out loud every time I see it! Beware...before you watch, put down any liquids or beverages.

Video Games - E3 2010 - Comedy

Some of my favorite lines:
It's skin is warm...and not sparkly
Awkward
I thought you were my little spider monkey?
You know for a guy that's over 100 years old you're being pretty immature about this.
What are you gonna do about it bat boy? Style my hair?

Admit it...you loved it too!
Go team Jedward

New Moon Rising...

2009-11-21T23:02:00.000-07:00

I can't help but giggle...this whole Twilight Saga makes me feel like a teenager. And so I am proud, and yet a bit chagrined, to say I say New Moon FOUR times in less than 48 hours.

My first viewing was at Midnight at a private showing at Thanksgiving Point. I went with my friend Bekky and some girls from work. It was so fun! There was a drawing before the show started and I won the cutest wrought iron basket full of Fall decor from Rod Works. And then there was the movie itself...LOVED IT! It was definitely about a million times better than Twilight. We all had a blast giggling and cat calling every time Jacob Black came on the screen.

Friday afternoon I went to see it with my brother, Ericson, his wife, Keayra, and my niece Kaicee. Definitely just as good the second time. The best part about watching it with Kaicee is you never know what she's going to say. When the Werewolves persue Laurant through the forest she said, "See! I told you this was a scarey movie!"

My third viewing was with Amber! We had so much fun! We went to an event hosted by the Twilight Lexicon I loved all the cat calling that happens during these private showings. We each got a swag bag that had a necklace with a moon pendant. I thought that was pretty cool and wore it the remainder of the day. Right after the movie was over, I had to run to Lehi to meet my family for the next showing.

Kierstan's birthday was earlier in the month, so to celebrate we hit a double feature: New Moon and The Blind Side. It was so fun to see it with my family! It may have been my fourth time seeing it, but I still loved it just as much!

One of the silliest things of all this movie going was how much Cherry Coke I drank. Thrusday night I purchased a New Moon cup that was refillable for the entire weekend. So, every time I headed to the movie theater I stuck it in my purse. That thing must have been filled at least 6 times. I think I could have floated away from all the soda bubbles in my tummy.

If He Were The Bait...

2009-11-21T21:38:00.005-07:00

...I'd Bite!

Just call me Cougar...
Rowrrr!!!

Makes The World Taste Better....

2009-11-14T20:43:00.002-07:00

Meet My New Best Friend!

I've never been much of a soda drinker...
I've never been much a caffeine junkie...
However, 12 hour Labor and Delivery shifts combined with working and school has caused me to look to my new friend.

I just might make it through the week!

Sometimes you need to Belly Laugh...

2009-11-13T11:16:00.003-07:00

Life is {CRAZY} and there {NEVER} seems to be any down time.
Lately, I feel as though I have ceased to exist outside an educational institution.
So, sometimes I just need a good {LAUGH} and I can
{ALWAYS} count on them...

{GLEE}

{DIRTY JOBS WITH MIKE ROWE}
He's witty...He's H-O-T...and best of all
He's {DIRTY}

Accepted!

2009-11-05T18:01:00.002-07:00

It was done on a whim...I was filling out my graduation application and came upon the question "Will you be continuing your education in the next year?" Nope. Wasn't planning on it. You see, an Associate Degree of Nursing is an RN. You can do everything some one with a Bachelor of Nursing can do. Pay doesn't increase with a BSN. I've been in school constantly since getting home from my mission. Nope...not continuing my education in the next year. But then...

What would it hurt to apply? I mean, really I figured I had a snowballs chance in Hell of getting accepted. When I didn't get in I could say, "Well, I applied. Bring on the break from school!" without feeling any slacker guilt. Plus, both my sisters are super smart. Kierstan has her masters degree and Ashleigh is working on hers. I'll have my associate degree...you can get an associate degree from a Jr college. So, I suppose you could say there was a matter of pride in the decision to apply as well. Also, I'm the big 3-0. In two years I'll be 32...those years are going to go by whether I'm in school or not. So, why not apply? I submitted my application and didn't really give it a second thought.

October 31 at about 1 a.m. I decieded to check the mail. Inside I found an envelope from UVU Nursing department...and it was THICK! I opened the envelope to read: Congratulations!! You have been accepted to the Advanced Entry Rn-to-BSN program in Spring (January) Semester 2010. And, there really were TWO exclamation points after the word congratulations.

So, I'm in. I'm excited, but...a break really would have been nice.

Happy Hauntings...

2009-11-01T13:46:00.004-07:00

Some people find their greatest joy in Christmas Spirit.

We find joy in the Spirits of Halloween.

What a cast of characters! We're like any other family...
Family photos once a year...we're just always in costume!

Mom and her girls

Playing Punk Rock...

In Case You've Been Wondering...

2009-10-25T17:02:00.012-06:00

What I've been up to...

Family Lagoon Day! We love spending time together as a family...especially when adrenaline producing rides are involved! Kaicee loved {EVERYTING} and was so sad she wasn't able to ride {WICKED}.

I {SURVIVED SUPAI}...Again! Casey, Alli, and I spent a night on the trail and watched the meteor shower. We were poured on by rain with nothing for shelter but our hammocks and lived to tell the tale! Best of all, we channeled our inner {WARRIOR} woman and had an amazing time!

Rocked out with Def Leppard, Poison, and Cheap Trick!
My belated birthday celebration
and gift from my big sister, Kierstan!

When I asked Kaicee what she wanted for her 4th birthday she said, "Uhm, I'll sleep at your house." So, that's what we did. We went to dinner, to the Spanish Fork Wind Fest, and to Grandma's house to make {COOKIES}.

The next morning, we woke up and had breakfast with Grandma and then headed for the mall. Grandma and Ashleigh always take Kaicee to the Disney Store to pick out a present. This year, Kaicee and I started the tradition of going to {BUILD A BEAR} We had a blast!

I Wish I Could Dance...

2009-08-11T08:27:00.000-06:00

Exactly

2009-07-27T22:42:00.003-06:00

Voracious Appetite

2009-07-22T17:30:00.001-06:00

School's out for summer and now I can really hit the books! I've always {LOVED} to read. I remember reading "The Box Car Children" in the second grade. I'd checked it out during our weekly library day, against the advice of my teacher who said it was too long for a child my age. I took it home, sat in a corner and read the entire thing. The next day when I asked Mrs. Fullmer if I could go back to the library and get another book, she reminded me that she'd told me it was probably too big a book for me, and I'd have to wait until our next library day. When I told her I'd finished it, she made me bring a note from my mother to prove I wasn't fibbing. Now, as an adult, devouring a 700 page book in one day (Granted, that's all I do in that day) isn't unlikely. In fact, here's my reading list from the last thirty days (Click on any title for more information):

The Phantom Of The Opera by Gaston Leroux
The Rescue by Nicholas Sparks
Good In Bed by Jennifer Weiner
The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins
The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho
Mistborn: The Final Empire by Brandon Sanderson
Mistborn 2: The Well Of Ascension by Brandon Sanderson
Mistborn 3: The Hero Of Ages by Brandon Sanderson
Posterity: Letters of Great Americans to Their Children by Dori McCullough Lawson

My love of reading comes from my mother. When I was a child she would read to us every night. Not picture books, but novels like the Newberry Award Winners. I still remember sitting on the couch while she read Enchantress of Crumbledown and then begging for just one more chapter before we had to go to bed. 30 years later, I still love to lose myself in a world found on the pages between the covers of a book.

Y? Because We Like You!

2009-07-22T16:48:00.005-06:00

Havasupai is drawing nigh, so it's time to kick it in gear. I'd been hiking Timp Cave again in preparation, but the cost of gas to get there was starting to get to me. When my pass to the canyon expired, well, that was the last straw. So, I needed a new training hike. My roommate, Amber, hikes the Y {a lot} and suggested that I try it. Yesterday, I hit the trail for the first time. The hike is BEAUTIFUL! The dirt trail reminds me of the switch backs in Havasupai, so I think it's perfect for preparing...That, and it totally kicked my butt!

Smith Super Star Rally 2009

2009-07-05T14:11:00.001-06:00

It's like the Olymics...

Only {Messier}

Giddy-Up!

2009-06-28T01:13:00.000-06:00

Let the Summer {OFFICIALLY} Begin...
It's Rodeo Time!

BBQ. Family. Friends. Tradition

Indianapolis?

2009-06-18T14:07:00.009-06:00

What can I say? I run in a circle of friends that includes some {Amazingly} Talented people... One of which is Nathan Pacheco. A BYU Graduate and returned missionary that is now a Yanni 'Voice'...

In the tradition of surprising/torturing my mom, I called and asked her out on another mother/daughter date. If you've read the posting of our last outing, you know she never can be quite sure if this is going to be a good thing, or a not so good thing. But, as usual, her curiosity, sense of adventure, and the fact that I am an awesome daughter won out, and the invitation was accepted. This time, I was taking her to see "Yanni Voices" in concert and I invited Ashleigh to come along too.

Ashleigh has a {BIG MOUTH} and cannot keep a secret to save her life...well, except for that time she bought a house...but that's another story...and while driving in the car said something about, "Oh, ya...that's when we're going to Yanni at the Acropolis." Luckily for her, my mom was only half paying attention and thought Ash said something about Indianapolis. So, from that point forward, our mother-daughter date was referred to as Indianapolis...such as, "What should I wear to Indianapolis?"

After a delicious dinner at Red Robin and some shopping at Ikea we headed to SLC for our date with Yanni at the Energy Solutions Arena. We arrived a little bit early and decided to walk down to the Gateway to get a treat from the Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory. As we were walking, Mom could see the elctronic bill board in front of the venue as it flashed "Tool" across the screen. "I see Tool. Are we going to Tool? Who's Tool?" Another guess was that we were going to the circus...way far off on that guess. While walking back from the Chocolate factory, I decided to have a little fun. I said, "I have got to pep up! I've got a case of the Yanni's!" Ashleigh caught on (after I explained it to her in a whisper behind mom's back) and started getting a case of the "Yanni's" herself. Mom did not catch on. So, we finally told her..."We're going to see Yanni!" She was still so confused from our conversation of Indianapolis, Tool, and yawning that she didn't quite get it. She alsmost asked the security guard at the door what she was here to see. Once we got inside, however, and she saw the kiosks with all the Yanni merchandise, she kinda started to freak out! That was the reaction I was waiting for.
Our seats were amazing! We had the perfect view and could hardly wait for the show to begin! There was a gauze like drape hung all around the stage that had scenes of nature and cities through out the world projected onto it. Before the show, it looked as though you were flying through the clouds. The scenery was breathtaking! One of my favorite parts was when Yanni's shadow would appear and you could see him conducting the orchestra. If you look in the large picture below, you can see Nathan through the screen as he sings his opening number.
The talent and music that was shared literally brought tears to my eyes! What a fun night to spend with my mom and sister and be able to support a friend as he fulfills his dreams! Below is just a little clip of Nathan preforming. It's definitely not the best quality, so visit Yanni.com to hear how beautiful his voice really is!

Nathan, you are {INCREDIBLE} Thanks for letting us share this night with you!

Childish Things

2009-06-17T13:26:00.006-06:00

When I was a child, I spake as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child: but when I became a woman, I put away childish things -- 1 Corinthians 13:11

Putting away childish things is turning out to be a lot harder than I ever thought it would be. When Mom began remodeling her home, we decided (Well, more like I decided) it was time to sort through everything and declutter. Yesterday, in a barrel in the basement we found my baby dolls and stuffed animals I've saved over the years.

Baby Bear -- I gave her a hug in the department store when I was 8 months old and would never let it go. I even took her on my mission.
Ted D. Bear -- Becky gave him to me for Christmas one year.
Al the Crocodile (he roars when you squeeze it's snout) -- Lance brought it back from Florida for me before they moved and I wouldn't be his nanny any more.
Welcome Home Baby -- That's what it said on the box, so that's what I named her.
Snowball the Gorilla -- Sam won him for me at Lagoon on our first date playing a football game.
A ratty little doll named Leivela -- I saw her one Christmas morning and yelled "Leivela!" My mom still doesn't know where I came up with that name.
Purple Elephant -- Chad won him for me at Lagoon...turned out to be quite ironic when the pink elephant in the room really did turn out to be purple.
Cyndi and Jeffery -- Both anatomically correct.

At 30-years-old I'm finding it difficult to part with them. How is that possible when they've been put away for so many years? So, I'm not. They're going into the toy closet for my niece to play with...well, all except Baby Bear. She's going back on my bed.

Somewhere...Over the Rainbow

2009-06-14T23:53:00.001-06:00

Someday we'll find it. The Rainbow Connection.
The Lovers. The Dreamers. And Me.

Lollipop

2009-06-13T22:03:00.005-06:00

Way to go Kaicee!
Dance in the Smith family has come full circle. 20 years ago Britney had her first dance recital... Tonight, was Kaicee's first dance recital and Britney is here teacher. What amazingly talented and beautiful nieces I have. I'm so lucky to have you in my life! I love you!

AF Cavemen Class of 2009

2009-06-01T13:56:00.006-06:00

Congratulations Kylie and Amanda! You did it!

I can't believe you're graduated! Seems like just yesterday I was babysitting you for the first time. I just watched you as you both slept soundly on a blanket in the family room thinking, "What do I do if they both wake up and start to cry?" I love you both so much! Congratulations!

And to celebrate, we embarrassed them with a little song and dance during lunch at the Macaroni Grill.

(I know you're thinking one of two things: Damn! I wish my family was that cool! or I'm so glad that is not my family. Personally, I'd bet your thinking the first.)

Bark At The Moon...

2009-05-31T23:24:00.000-06:00

I Is
EXCITED!

Taylor Swift Marries Cold Play...

2009-05-27T14:13:00.001-06:00

Talent In It's Purest Form
(http://www.jonschmidt.com)

2009-05-01T21:25:00.000-06:00

I Love Moab

Boogity, Boogity, Boogity...

2009-04-26T23:16:00.001-06:00

Let's Go Racin'
{Just one reason I love NASCAR}

Jumpin' Jack Flash

2009-04-24T20:24:00.010-06:00

Why I Love Jack...

{In no particular order}

1. She "gets me"... I think our mind are on the same wave length.
2. She speaks her mind.
3. She's brilliant! Literally...she knows something about EVERYTHING!
4. Her laugh...it's contagious!
5. She's like my sister!
6. She's {Gorgeous}

7. We have deep conversations...and shallow ones too.
8. Sometimes, she's just completely random.
9. She's amazingly creative
10. Really, what's not to love!

2009-04-23T10:24:00.002-06:00

Unfortunately, I don't even have that going for me.

Swinging Good Time!

2009-04-12T10:04:00.003-06:00

The girls took me out for a Sushi birthday dinner at Happy Sumo...
Although, I think it should have been renamed
"Happy Somie" for the night.
Dinner was followed by dancing...

Cage Dancing!!!
It was {definitely} a
SWINGING GOOD TIME!

THIRTY!

2009-04-09T23:09:00.006-06:00

For the Big 3-0 I took a
Trip Around The World!

First...I drew out for a capstone in
Payson, Ut at Moutainview Hospital
Labor & Delivery Department

Then...I traveled to the jungles of Africa
to watch these wild monkeys dance

Next...It was off to New England for a
Vermont Maple Blueberry Salad

Then...I did some shopping for my new bedroom
in Sweden
Finally...I headed home to catch some zzz's
After all, I'm an old woman now and
need all the Beauty Sleep I can get!

Brotha' from anotha' Motha'

2009-04-06T23:25:00.005-06:00

Some people say it's impossible. You know...the elusive platonic relationship. At some point in time, one party MUST be attracted to the other party, even if just a little bit... It's the rules, right? Nope! Not even close. Jeremy and I have been friends, and only friends, from day one.
I remember the first day I met him. Jeremy had just been sustained as the ward mission leader and I was speaking in Sacrament Meeting. As I was speaking, I remember seeing Jeremy and Weston sitting in the front row. As I was bearing my testimony of the gospel, I remember hearing myself say, "I love missionary work," and as soon as the words left my lips, Jeremy way nodding his head up and down and nudging Weston. Less than a week later I was called as a ward missionary.

Jeremy is my brother-from-another-mother! Our minds share space in the same gutter. We get each others jokes. We speak our minds no matter what the situation. There's no such thing as TMI when it comes to either of our lives. He's always there when I need him. He brings me to my senses when my heart runs away from my head. He reminds me of what I want and will never let me settle for less. He's the best brother wrapped up in a friend a girl could ask for! Love ya, Jer!

Conference Sunday

2009-04-04T23:18:00.001-06:00

What a great blessing to sit with my family at the feet of the Lord's servants and be taught his word.

My Dad's On Youtube...

2009-04-02T23:22:00.001-06:00

He stars in secons 20-23 and 47=49
I love my Pappy!

An April Fools Day Conversation...

2009-04-01T23:07:00.002-06:00

Help came almost too late, as the gray roots and Grandpa Munster eyebrows had just about taken over, but there I was...at the salon. For those of you who go "al' Natural" the hair dye is all sorts of funky colors when you mix it. For example, blond usually has a purple color to it. So there I sat, cozily in the chair (which I put together, BTW), Britney putting bright pink hair color goo on my head and Kylie walked in...

Ky: Hi guys!
Me: Hi Ky!
Ky: Some, are you coloring your hair pink?
Me: Yup.
Ky: Shut up. Really?
Me: Ya! I needed a change.
Ky: Like pink all over?
Me: Yep. You know that deep dark red every body does? Like that, only Pink.
Ky: I sure hope I'm still here when it's time to wash you out. I gotta see this.

About an hour goes by...
As I finish processing, Britney works on Kylie.
As her hair's almost done:

Ky: How long 'til you rinse her out?
Brit: Uhm...probably 5 or 10 minutes.
Ky: I'm totally staying. I've gotta see this.
Me: I can't believe it's April already. Can you believe it's April 1st?
Ky: I know! It's Jenica's birthday!
Me: It's also April Fools Day!!!
Ky: Is that why you're dying your hair Pink?

Needless to say...Kylie is a BLOND.
Love you Ky Ky!

I've got a fever and the only prescription is more cow bell!

2009-03-19T22:42:00.002-06:00

Actually, I've got a pretty bad case of Spring Fever! Today was my perfect-type-of-weather day! You know, the kind where you walk outside and you can't feel the temperature at all because it's {PERFECT}, like the exact temperature that I am so I'm neither hot nor cold kind of perfect! Now, all that needs to happen is for the semester to end, the cave to open, and the sun to keep shinning!

It's Official...

2009-03-15T22:20:00.002-06:00

I PASSED!
I'm now Officially an LPN!

All Shook Up!

2009-03-15T22:01:00.005-06:00

I heard through the grapevine about a show at the Hale Center Theater called All Shook Up and thought it would make for a fun night out with my mom. So, I called her up on the phone and asked her to be my date on Tuesday night...and then wouldn't tell her where we were going. Because this wasn't the first time I'd done something like this (One birthday, I shoved her in the car and drove around for over an hour before taking her to a surprise birthday dinner....I even drove out to the airport and told her we were flying somewhere) she couldn't help but be a little bit on the
nervous side.

After some shopping, dinner at Iggy's, and a side trip past my work we pulled up at Hale Center Theater...and she still had no idea where we were. Then she saw the sign. She was so excited! So, I turned back to the car, opened the door and said, "Just kidding." Of course I really wasn't. The show was amazing! The cast was outstanding! We had a front row seat to it all!

Sister Friends

2009-03-02T23:21:00.005-07:00

We walk into each others houses....
We raid the pantry....
We call each others parents Mom & Dad...
We call each other on our crap...
We mean it when we say "Call me any time..."
We have been there for every major event in each others lives...
We can have an entire conversation without saying a word...
We are friends instead of sisters because God knew one set of parents couldn't handle us all.

Tory Lee & Me

2009-02-18T22:13:00.005-07:00

Tory and I have started a new tradition... Every Thursday after school I go straight to her house. We've both been trying to eat better and be healthier, so we do dinner together. Sometimes we hit up a movie or run errands, but usually we just hang out. Thursdays are definitely the best day of the week.

Hilarious!

2009-02-16T10:59:00.000-07:00

Sink your teeth into Twilight
Straight from Hillywood

Now & Then

2009-02-15T16:00:00.004-07:00

That Was Then.....

This Is Now...

A year later and we still pretty much look exactly the same.

Love...Love...Love...

2009-02-14T22:14:00.006-07:00

I'll never celebrate Valentines without thinking of Andrew...I walked into his room at Tiny Tots on Valentine morning to find him sitting on his walker and looking up at me, a GIANT grin on his face.

"Happy Valentimes Day Somer!
It is a day of Love...And I love you!"

This Valentines day....

...We got a surprise visitor....

It definitely made our day!
Thanks Fellas!

Daylight @ Nite

2009-02-12T07:44:00.006-07:00

The DAYLIGHTS! Still love them!
In order not to repeat myself, please see here...
(But, change the age to 29)

Dancin' with Ricky after the show!
Yep, still melts my heart!

Can't wait until they'll be back this summer!
LOVE THEM! LOVE THEM! LOVE THEM!

What A Girl Wants

2009-02-08T12:46:00.004-07:00

I want to get married here

In the fall when the leaves are changing...and I want to wear colored shoes.

I want to marry someone who is my best friend.

I want someone who will hold my hand as we walk into Sacrament meeting.

I want someone to study the scriptures with...to share insights, thoughts and feelings on the wonderful gospel of Jesus Christ.

I want to kneel down at night next to the love of my life as we thank our Father for the gifts and blessings of the day.

I want someone who will use his priesthood to bless my life and the lives of our children.

Basically, I won't settle for anything less than my very own fairy tale.

Party At The Half...

2009-02-02T23:32:00.005-07:00

Whatever happened to half time shows that made you want to get up on your feet and shake what your mama gave ya?
(Sorry Bruce, but you just didn't make the cut)

hERe, thERe, and evERywhERe

2009-02-01T11:53:00.005-07:00

Less than a month after school started and I'm already on my hospital rotations. Friday night found me looking like a deer in the headlights as I wondered into the ER at UVRMC. Perhaps it was the pep-talk we'd been given before..."Your patients are your patients. You are their nurse." Uhm, I don't know how to be a nurse yet. Can I just say the thought of that is really, REALLY scary. Then, a light! My neighbor/friend Lauren works graveyard in the ER and was on shift. I was saved!

My night in the ER saw multiple drug overdoses, a plethora of chest pain, and a man passing blood clots the sized of a silver dollar from his penis. I think the "highlight" of the evening had to be when my 16-year-old OD patient rid her body of the charcoal she'd been given through an NG tube by projectile vomit in my direction. I sure hope it comes out of clothes.

All Dogs Go To Heaven....Too

2009-01-23T13:46:00.003-07:00

Seems as though life happens when you least expect it. Wookie died yesterday. He had pancreatic cancer and we didn't know it. So, he's gone to be reunited with Wickette.

Wookie always thought he was a little person. He'd lay in your arms like a baby...content as can be. He was my little circus dog. Walking in a circle on his hind feet for a treat. He was such a little loving soul.

He Sent Me Flowers!

2008-12-04T21:31:00.004-07:00

I got a text from my friend Steven on Monday saying a surprise for me was on the way. I love surprises! Whatever it was would be delivered into my hot little hands around 3 p.m. that day. However, the powers that may be didn't get the memo...so it would be coming the next day. Okay by me since the anticipation is half the fun! As much as I love the anticipation, I also have no patience, and Steve wasn't given up any hints! Tuesday when it came time for me to leave for work, still not surprise. I sent text after text to my roommates wanting to know if it had come. Finally, the reply came from Josie "It just did!" Of course I called right away, but neither she or Katie were giving any details up. I did, however, talk them into to bringing it to me and work! Imagine my surprise when I came around the corner to see a beautiful Christmas bouquet of flowers! I've never been sent flowers before! Thanks Steven!

ZUMBA Baby!

2008-12-04T21:11:00.005-07:00

It's one booty shakin' dance party....
And, my new favorite Thursday night activity!
ZUMBA BABY!
Zumba® fuses hypnotic latin rhythms and easy to follow moves to create a dynamic fitness program that will blow you away.

Thursday nights...7:00...Golds Gym...Me, Shara, Dana, and Brittney!
Ya'll should come and join the fun!

2008-12-02T08:01:00.004-07:00

Pride can stand a thousand trials
The strong will never fall
But watching stars without you
My soul cries

Turkey Coma

2008-11-30T17:31:00.004-07:00

The Best Part of THANKSGIVING....
a turkey induced coma.

Hold On Tight Spider Monkey

2008-11-30T16:19:00.006-07:00

When life offers you a dream so far beyond any of your expectations, it's not reasonable to grieve when it comes to an end.

After months of waiting and anticipating the day was finally here....TWILIGHT on the big screen. Over the past 9 month, a dose of Twilight has become part of my daily routine. As each character was cast, I grew to love them and see them in the role. I watched every preview, read every interview....all in anticipation for the big screen debut of the world I get lost in and the story of a love women long for. Now, after all is said and done, the question remains: What did I think?

Casting: Overall, I loved the entire cast of Twilight. There were, however, a few standouts... those who were the embodiment of my imagination brought to life. Rob Pattinson as Edward was AMAZING! The cautiousness with which he moves, the cadence of his speech, his facial expression speaks novels to the inner struggle of love vs blood lust. Bluntly, and childishly, put... he can bite me any time! Billy Burke as Charlie was genius! He captured the uneasy and awkward emotion and excitement of Charlie at Bella's return seamlessly. The stunned, broken hearted look on his face when Bella tells him she doesn't want to get stuck in Forks brought tears to my eyes. The scene of Charlie cleaning his gun before meeting Edward is one of my favorites! I totally love Mike Newton and could see him in the characters I call friends.

Storyline: Two thumbs up! I really got caught up in the world of emotions created by the screen writer, director, and actors. While it hit every key point from the novel, it seemed at times to jump the plot forward too quickly. It was like, "I know who you are. You're a vampire." "Yes I am...and here's how I run, what I look like in the light, how I was changed...." But, at the same time, how do you convey all of those things without dragging the movie on and on? There were also some elements from the storyline of the novel that I missed. I wish the fact that Bella's heart beat played such a big role in both she and Edwards actions was added to the movie. I also wish the blood typing scene was left in as well. After all, it is quite ironic that Bella hates not only the sight, but also the smell of blood...and yet fall head over feet for a blood sucker. More ironic still is the fact that in Breaking Dawn she comes to love the smell and the taste. While I understand that the movie was released with an uncertainty of the reality of sequels, it's the little things that are built upon throughout the Twilight Saga that endear me to the characters.

Overall: While I've only seen it twice, so far, but would be happy to watch it over and over. I loved the movie in itself, as it's own entity in the Twilight world.

So the waiting is over, and I'm kind of sad. But, Stephenie Meyer said it best: When life offers you a dream so far beyond any of your expectations, it's not reasonable to grieve when it comes to an end.

Hangin' Tough

2008-11-16T20:53:00.015-07:00

Remember when they said, "Girl please don't go" and that they would be loving you Forever? They taught us 'bout hangin' tough as long as we had the right stuff....and then they were gone. But then...TONIGHT! TONIGHT!

There they were....THE NEW KIDS ON THE BLOCK!
All of them!

Jordan

Jon

Joey

Donnie

And Danny!

Be still my 11-year-old heart beating within my 29-year-old body! To think it began so long ago...Then, in April it began again! Middle aged women all over the world scream in unison, picked up the phone and squealed to their girlfriends...."OMG! New Kids are getting back together!" You can imagine the shrieking reply that followed, "Ahhh! We so totally have to go to the concert!" Packs were made, tickets were purchased, and the countdown began.

I literally squealed and giggled like a school girl! I couldn't help it! When they showed vintage footage, I jumped up and down screaming, "I have that! I have that!" I knew all the words to every song, and I sang them at the top of my lungs! Donnie came to the edge of the stage and pointed right at me! Unfortunately, I was too busy freakin' out to get a picture of the actual moment. Jordan came up from the stage in a fanfare of smoke....then the fan turned on and his shirt blew open...and I laughed hysterically like the 11-year-old I had turned into because...you could see his chest! All the childhood day dreams came flooding back... much more detailed and dirty. Oh how the mind has evolved!

They rocked us with the right stuff for almost two hours straight! We couldn't help but to get out on the floor and do the New Kids Dance! I would have stayed until 2 in the morning with childish daydreams of being their Valentine girl. It was a full service concert!

It's been years since we've dreamed of being their Cover Girl and I'm still Single. But I'm a Big Girl Now and they can give me some Grown Man any time!

Love At Home

2008-11-16T15:44:00.005-07:00

There is Beauty all around....When there's love at home!

Halloween Spooktacular

2008-11-02T17:40:00.005-07:00

I love Halloween! In a family full of traditions, some of my favorite are found at Halloween. Running to beat the sunset, we strike a pose for pictures...I think it's the closest thing we have to an annual family portrait. I think my favoritest thing is our family Halloween parade! Since Kierstan lives just down the street from Harts, we walk dressed in costume to get Big Chills. As we walk, people honk and wave...watching Kaicee is the cutest. She thinks it's all for her. Game time always includes BINGO, and this year we added pictionary, and a game kinda like Big Budda. Hocus Pocus is a staple in the tradition...we've seen it so many times I think we all know the lines by heart! Alas, it's all over until next year. However, it's never too soon to start thinking about a costume!

On An Endless Quest For The Perfect Jazz Square

2008-10-26T14:34:00.003-06:00

One of my favorite family traditions is going together watch a movie on the big screen. The first time we all met Keayra {My future-sis-in-law at the time} was at the midnight screening of Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire. Three years later and our tradition is still going strong with the viewing of HSM3. Instead of going at midnight, we opted for a Saturday matinee so we could take Kaicee along. The movie wasn't half bad, in fact it's my favorite of the three, but the best part was watching Kaicee watch the movie. With popcorn galore and her Gabrielle barbie in hand she was completely engrossed in the movie. I absolutely love watching her interact with my little brother as he fills his role as her daddy. When he told her we'd pause the movie so she could go potty, I have to admit, I got a little teary. I am so blessed to have such a wonderfully crazy, strong, loving, and united family. Up next...Madagascar: Escape to Africa!

Girls Night...IN

2008-10-20T13:11:00.008-06:00

There's no better way to forget my worries than a night out with my best friends! Opting instead for a night in, we took over my dad's house, feasted on pizza and channeled our inner rock star! Who would have thought a plastic guitar, great music, and fabulous friends could be so stress relieving? I set up the camera to take a picture of us, but set it to record instead. Marcee and Ashlee had no idea, and no reason to be suspicious because, well, I ALWAYS have the camera.

I've been so blessed to call Marcee and Ashlee friends for my entire life! We've had our ups and downs, but always come out on top. There's no one else in the world I'd rather laugh with, cry with, and share secrets with. When they say, "call me any time, day or night" they mean it. I love you both! Thanks for being my friends!

Pumpkin Patch

2008-10-20T12:52:00.008-06:00

Fall is here! To celebrate, my roommates and I headed to the pumpkin patch for some fun fall festivities! We tackled the corn maze, braved the spook alley, and channeled our inner Great Pumpkin.

Dance It Out

2008-10-20T12:43:00.003-06:00

When Life Get's Crazy, Just Dance It Out

Sorry Katie...I override your veto

Get The Lead Out

2008-10-14T19:39:00.001-06:00

I've now officially completed my medical/surgical rotation at Timp Hospital. While I was there I got to sit in on two different procedures in the cath-lab. The first was a vertebroplastie and the second was a heart catheterization. For both procedures, I had to wear this big lead dress. It's has the benefits of protecting all our vital organs from the x-rays the doctors use to guide them through the process. I tried to convince the guys in the cath-lab that I didn't need to wear the thyroid guard, since I don't have one, but apparently parathyroids are our friends too.

Walk The Dog

2008-10-10T13:33:00.004-06:00

Walking with Wookie and Brik! I get a kick out of watching them. Wookie prances along like a little prince with dainty little steps, while Brik marches along like an army soldier.

Any time I sit down, this is where Brik has to be...

And, of course, Wookie is not to be left out

Nothing Will Be The Same

2008-10-09T23:24:00.004-06:00

Twilight HD Exclusive Trailer

Say it out loud. Say it.
VAMPIRE

Sweet Dreams

2008-10-08T22:39:00.005-06:00

A tired 3-year-old is the perfect excuse for an exhausted nursing student to take a nap. With Cinderella singing loudly from the TV, we both drifted off into dream land. Mom came in and snapped a few pictures and I was completely oblivious!

He's a BRIK house!

2008-10-08T21:48:00.011-06:00

Since Wickett died, Wookie had been severely depressed. The vet said he was suffering from separation anxiety...so, we got him a new friend.

This is Brik

Brik is such a good boy! He learned to use the doggy door almost immediately. He loves to snuggle. I stayed down at my mom's for the weekend after picking him up. He snuggled with me the entire night. When I went home, he sat by the front door and cried. Now, when I start gathering up my keys and what not to come home, he follows me around and makes a little whimper noise because he knows I'm going to leave. Wookie and Brik love to go on walks together. It's so funny to watch them side by side. If I had never had Wookie and Wickett I would have thought Brik was a small dog. At 18 pounds he a giant a long side Wookie. He's a fat boy too...2 pounds over weight, so we're working on that.

The decision to get a new dog was a difficult one, but Brik was meant to be a part of our family. Wookie is so happy now! While we love Brik, he'll never take Wickett's place in our hearts. That's the great thing about love...

The heart just keeps growing 'til there's room for everyone.

K-K-K-Kaicee Good Night Sweetheart

2008-10-04T21:52:00.011-06:00

I don't think it's possible to love a little person any more than I love this little one. I've sang "her song" to her since she was born. Even before she could talk I knew it was her favorite. I kept singing it to her even though her mom hated it and was worried it would give her a stutter. Now, she'll sing with me and, much to her mom's chagrin, she sings it to herself when she's buckled into her carseat. She definitely is the only girl that I adore!

When we tuck Grandma Bear in at night we sing our rendition of "Good Night, Sweetheart." Tonight, everyone preformed! Kaicee loved it so much we did THREE encores. During the final show, I ran and got the camera...

If you couldn't tell...I'm just figuring out how to use the video on my camera.

Quirkie

2008-09-25T18:29:00.004-06:00

The Rules:-Link the Person who Tagged you- Mention rules on your blog- Tell about 6 quirks of yours- Tag 6 fellow bloggers to do the same- Leave a comment to let them know.

Quirk #1-I play with the light switches until they are all flipped the "right" way.
Quirk #2-Toilet paper must go OVER the role. I have been known to change this in other peoples houses.
Quirk #3-I fear heights and rushing water...but I jump off waterfalls.
Quirk #4-I love the lines left after vacuuming...I vacuum walking backwards so I won't mess them up.
Quirk #5-Halloween is my favorite holiday. I look forward to it more than Christmas.
Quirk #6-I'll get my associates degree after being out of high school over 12 years.

I tag...Katie...Amber...Dana...Heather...Scott Pete...and Joni

Baby Love

2008-09-18T16:06:00.015-06:00

My first day at
Primary Children's Medical Center
I gave a 22 day-old-baby
his first bottle.

I sang him lullabies and cried.

Staying Afloat

2008-09-18T16:06:00.006-06:00

School's in and with the start of the new semester I was transported to an alternate dimension...Nursing: Second Semester. I've always loved to be busy, to have a full schedule. Currently, however, I feel as though I'm barely keeping my head above water. I exsist only in this new dimension. An exsistence of school, work, and working for free to satisfy clinical hours. I've recently considered changing my voice mail to say: This is Somer. If you'd like to reach me, please try back between the hours of 4-5:30a.m., 1-3p.m., and 9-11p.m. If you're calling between the aforementioned hours, I've probably looked at the caller idea and am just too tired to carry on a coherent conversation. If you'd like to leave a message, I'll return your call...in an average of 4-6 weeks.

2008-09-18T05:06:00.003-06:00

I dreamt of you again.

When I woke, my skin burned and
my heart ached.

I thought I'd purged the memory of you.

I hate that I still miss you.

What's In A Name?

2008-08-31T22:15:00.008-06:00

What is it with all the crazy celebrity baby names? I blame it on Bruce and Demi! I mean, come on...who names their daughters Rumer, Scout, and Tallulah? Perhaps it began even farther back with the Zappa family. Poor Dweezil, not to mention his sister Diva. Names like Suri, Shilo, Apple and Coco are tame, when compared to Moxie CrimeFighter, Penn Jillette's daughter, and most recently Gavin and Gwen's bouncing baby boy Zuma Nasta Rock. What on earth were they thinking? Contrary to a seemingly popular belief, naming a child is a very serious responsibility. Naming a child begins shaping who they will become. I wonder what the world would say to {Somerset} for a celebrity baby name, and what effect it would have on shaping who she would become.

In searching baby name sites on the internet, Somerset was no where to be found...for a baby girl. Somerset is a boy's name of Old English origin meaning "summer settlement" or "place of the summer settlers." Not so helpful. I already new I was named after a man...W. Somerset Maugham. But, you would think that someone, somewhere, would have thought it nice for a girl...well, besides my parents.

So, I got creative. Turning to my trusty key-chain from Disney world and a poster I got at a mall kiosk.

According to my Disney source:

{Somerset}
From Somerset, a name of English origin.
Meaning "the summer settlers place"
She learns something from everyone she meets.
Knows she has the drive to succeed.
She's a light shining in the darkness
Constantly working to improve her talent.
Can turn a rainy day into sunshine.
Limitless potential is what she has.
Captivates attention in subtle ways.

The explanation from the mall says:

{Somerset}
From the Old English root Summer.
Expression~her presence provides a breath of fresh air.
Personality~takes everything with a grain of salt.
Natural~skillful in all she attempts.
Emotional~a lover of truth and God.
Character~there is a mild, pure soul within her.
Physical~inspires others with her grace.
Mental~she is inquisitive about extraordinary things.
Motivation~has a neat and tidy manner.

Definitely interesting. I wonder what celebrity life would say about that?

Time In A Bottle

2008-08-31T21:36:00.007-06:00

I find it interesting that some of life's realizations sneak up when you're not expecting them. I've always loved going to the Ericson Family Reunion...my dad's mother's side of the family. I rarely see any of my relatives on that side, but come once a year. I really don't know who any of them are...Cousins, that about covers EVERYBODY that's there. This year as I walked down the dirt road to the pavilion up Tooele Canyon it hit me...things couldn't be this way forever. Things would change. Suddenly I felt an overwhelming desire to remember every moment, and save every memory possible of the day. Faces of familiarity that I love and cherish.My Dad and his siblings: (L-R) Gaylen, Richard--my dad, Nancy, and Gary.

The Aunties: Aunt Alli, Aunt Beth, and Aunt Leah.

Me and my Shorty Uncles

So this is what everyone feels like around me!