On December 30th I flew down to Utah to spend some time with my family. Unfortunately, Randy couldn't come with me because he had to work. Oh the joys of being a grown up! My parents and siblings picked me up from the airport and we headed down to Payson to visit some of my dad's family. It was great to spend time with some of my cousins, aunts and uncles, and grandparents. I hadn't seen them in a long time.
Tuesday, I spent the day running errands with my mom and sister and cooking massive amounts of goodies. As it was New Year's Eve, my mom had invited people over and its not a party without a veggie tray and at least three different treats. That night I was able to meet my cousin Tyler's finance. They recently got engaged and are planning on getting married in April. Long time family friends, the Coxes, were there along with other family (The Sheets, Rawsons, Swans, Grubbards). Brittany and I have been best friends since high school and were roommates in collage. That girl is just wonderful and always makes me laugh. Maria, another long time dear friend, also came over for a bit. I realized that this year makes 14 years of friendship. She was another roommate at BYU-I. Luckily, I was able to visit with these amazing girls a couple of times, but its never enough. That night we stayed up until 2 am playing the card game scum.
Wednesday, my parents, siblings and I went skiing at Snow Basin. The last time I went skiing was the previous March. It was a bit icy and touch busy which resulted in several tumbles down the mountain side. The first occurring within 3 minutes off the first lift. Once my legs and arms remembered what they were supposed to be doing and my eyes always looking for the 'green' runs, I had a good time. We only skied a half day which was enough to make me quite sore over the next few days.
I spent two mornings at Layton Veterinary Hospital observing a variety of surgeries and procedures. This clinic was fantastic and welcoming. I placed my first ever endotracheal tube and administered subcutaneous fluids for the first time. I also got to scrub in for surgeries (I was
very grateful for the training received at WSU during my first semester in surgery lab so I didn't embarrass myself), help take x-rays, and ask about 3 million questions. It was a much needed reminder why I wanted to go to school in the first place. I want to be a healer and make animals and people feel better. This is why I am working two jobs with full time school, missing holidays with family, and accruing debt. I am going to be a doctor! Its going to be awesome!
I went to the Bountiful temple with my mom one afternoon. I love that place! I was reminded of the many promises that Heavenly Father has made with me and I with Him. Great and glorious are the promised blessings if I can remain faithful to the covenants I have made, if I can keep the commandments, be kind to others, and endure all things I have been asked to do.
Saturday, I was able to see our good friend Stephanie. It had been a year since I last had the privilege of spending time with her. We met in Salt Lake, had lunch at a cute place called the Blue Lemon, spent hours in the Desert Bookstore (that place is amazing-one day I want to have a library room in our house), and did a good amount of people watching. I also got to see Paige. It has been years since we last saw each other. Our dads were in pilot training together so we have known each other since we were 2. She has an adorable little boy who has a great passion for airplanes.
Grandma Sheryl came over for dinner on Sunday. It had been a long time since I had seen her and it was wonderful. I have many treasured memories with Grandma Sheryl including canoeing on the pond at the Ranch and long conversations. I also had a great chat with Grandma Kay. She was pleased that I had decided to face my fears with business and join VBMA. She has always been a strong support of all of my dreams and those of my cousins and other family members. She is an incredible woman!
By that night, I was really
really missing my little family in Pullman. This New Year's was the first one, since Randy and I started dating, that we were not together. My original plan was to stay in Utah for a week and a half, but I left on Monday instead.
It was a much needed visit with family and dear friends. It could have only been better if my sweetheart was there.
