Lessons from Louisville

Our recent trip was a fun walk down memory lane. When we first arrived I immediately felt at home but Kentucky didn't always feel that way to me. Our first year there was difficult for me, but looking back on it I learned a lot and I think it is really good for a new married couple to move away. It really helped David and I to become our own family unit.

1. Families are so important, they make us who we are. Being near and around them really helps confidence. I am so glad that I have a close family and for the things they teach me. I had some great friends in Kentucky that were like family to me.

2. I love the manners that people have in Louisville. People are very civil to one another, everyone uses yes ma'am or sir. People from Utah could take a lesson.

3. I loved being around a variety of people. I was definitely the "different" one. It was good for me to learn to explain myself and for my friends to see that Mormons aren't as weird as they thought. I also learned that some of the best people I know do not belong to my church.

4. I learned to work hard and always try to do my best at work. The hospital I worked at did not have great conditions. We were always under staffed, we didn't have equipment that worked and our patients could be very mean. I am proud of the job I did and I am very grateful that I don't have to work there anymore!

5. I learned a lot about myself. I know that I am tough and can do hard things. I can stand up for myself. I enjoy spending time with myself.

I am very glad that David and I had the opportunity to live away for awhile. I am also very glad that I can raise my kids near my family and that they can grow up around friends that have similar values and beliefs.

Ryder Cup

David and I just returned from a quick trip back to Louisville, Kentucky. We were attending the Ryder Cup and stayed with some friends, the Marrilla's. Talk about gracious hosts. Thank you so much Michelle and Brian. It was really fun spending time with them. I had some great talks with Michelle and I appreciate the great people they are.

We missed our flight out of Salt Lake into Louisville and luckily were able to catch a later flight that same day. It really was a bummer and David was NOT happy. We missed our dinner reservations that night so instead of dinner we headed to Graters. Graters is possibly the greatest ice cream on the face of the planet and we had ice cream three times while in Louisville. We were eating our ice cream while waiting for the Marrilla's, and some of our old dental school friends walked in. Broadbent's, Coleman's and Roos' were also all in town for the Ryder Cup and it was really funny to run into them. Julie and I were quite close the first few years of dental school and it was so fun visiting with her.

I was also able to meet up with my dear friend Kelley. We attended school together at McKendree College. I also worked with her at the University of Louisville Hospital. She was a mentor to me and taught me a lot about being a good nurse. I really don't know how I would have made it with out she and Tara.

The Ryder Cup was fun. It was a little bit slow for me but David loved it! I only attended one day and that was plenty for me.

While at the airport waiting for our flight home we ran into Elder Bednar. He was attending the Ryder Cup with his sons and we had a delightful chat with him. He was really a funny guy but also a man of God.

All in all a fun quick trip. I of course forgot my camera so I have no pictures to post. Oh well.

My sweet Dad!

I have a terrific dad, and I have always been a little bit of a daddy's girl. Some people think my dad is a bit gruff but he is really a big softy, especially when it comes to his girls. When I was little I remember walking with my dad and holding his pinkie finger. He also loved it when I would scratch his back or rub his feet. He nick named me soft hands because I had a gentle touch. I remember my dad would tell us stories and he would change them to make them extra funny and we loved it. My dad would always take us for a treat when my mom was working. We loved buying a candy bar or getting dilly bars from Dairy Queen. My dad liked his girls to look pretty and he would roll our hair in curlers when my mom was gone. He still likes curly hair best. My dad was always very kind to people that were down on their luck and he is a good example of anonymous charity. My dad gives good advice and he is an ADORABLE grandpa. He is soooo pleased with his grandchildren that it is almost funny. He calls Lucy several times a week to talk to her on the phone and is very happy when she jabbers back to him. I feel so BLESSED to be his daughter.

I haven't been blogging lately because I have been so worried and concerned for my cute dad. Many of you know my dad was diagnosed with Kidney Cancer at the end of July. August 18th he had his kidney removed. My dad's health hasn't been very good the last few years and we were very concerned that he could have serious complications during his surgery. We were very blessed that the surgery went well and they think the cancer hasn't spread. My parents have been remarkable through all of this. Cancer is scary and it is a feeling of total helplessness. Dad we love you so much, we pray for you often because it is the only thing we can think of to do. During our prayers my boys almost always remember to bless their grandpa and if one of them forgets the other one will say you should have blessed grandpa. Then we say another pray to remember to bless him. Dad I love you and I'm glad YOU are MY dad.