Christmas

This year I was suppose to work on Christmas Eve and Chirstmas Day. I got lucky though. I worked half a shift on Christmas Eve (1-7:30 pm). I was so sad because I love Christmas and it just wasn't the same not being with family. But Ben and I had a good night. We decorated a Gingerbread house, ate a nice dinner, opened our new Pajamas, and exchanged our gifts. Ben got a X-box, and I got a sewing machine. We stayed up until 1:30 playing Indiana Jones Lego game on the X-box (because I accidently got playstation games instead of X-box, and the indiana Jones game came with it.) Then I decided since I had to get up in four hours it would probably be a good thing to go to bed. At five o clock, I got a call from the Charge Nurse saying they didn't need me to work, and that I was being cancelled. I was so happy! Neither of us could go back to sleep, so Ben suggested we leave for Monroe right then. We threw some clothes together and headed out. The roads were good for about 10 miles, then THE storm hit. The roads were crap, the sky completely white, No snow plows, people off the road all over, But our little saturn made it at a whopping 25 miles an hour. We were there in time for breakfast! Later that afternoon, we had dinner at Ben's mom's house. It was the first time in a while that all of the kids were together so it was nice. Then later that night we had dinner at my parent's house.

Our Gingerbread House ( Notice the smoke coming out of the chimney )

Here is Ben with all of his brothers

While we were visiting some of our friends in Richfield, Russ said "I guess you know you've made it when you own Guitar hero." I've been thinking a lot about that. I have been very ungrateful for all that I have been given. Ben and I have been Blessed with so much. Some people will never have the chance to even play guitar hero, let alone own their own x-box. SO, One of my New Year's resolutions this year, is to be more grateful and to realize just how much I have been blessed with.

This is what Christmas Is really about.

2 Year Anniversary!!!

Just a QUICK intervention here from Merr's Dumbo Husband! I don't think "our son" (I'm naming him Sub-Zero) looks too bad! I think he is a combination of my little brother Blake and my Uncle Mark who lives in Canberra. I'm sure our kids will look just like the rest of the Miles Grandchildren though (to Merr's delight) :)
I hate to admit it, but once we had arrived home in Midvale I was happy to be there! It's such a long drive and it was hard to stay awake because Merr was cold and needed the heater on in the passenger seat, meanwhile the heater to me translated into little voices saying "Ben, you are in Hawaii lying down with a Strawberry Dacari (Virgin) and the sun is soo soothing it's making you sleepy!". Thank goodness we got home aye? I felt bad I couldn't buy you anything nice for our anniversary Merr but when I'm making million as a teacher (uhh) you'll get nicer things than free entertainment on the strip on the only snow storm of the year in Las Vegas and maybe we can afford to go to a show when they give you cutlery, what do ya reckon? I love you!
On the 16th, we had our two year anniversary. We decided to take a small vacation and catch some sun down in Sunny Las Vegas. Only it wasn't so sunny. We were actually there for a snow storm! Its just as cold down there as it is in Salt Lake City. Burrrr!!! We had a good time. I gambled for the first time, since I wasn't old enough last time we were there, lost three dollars (I don't know how people get addicted, they must win.) saw snow in Las Vegas, watch the Belagio water show, ate at the Tournament of Kings (I perfer to use utensils, not my hands) tried 16 flavors of the world (non-alcoholic) spent more money on a lunch than three whole meals put together (it was free thanks to the 3 hour long time share convention we went to.) Found out just how much money a Las Vegas Buffet cost (much to my horror) Ate M&M's infront of the Volcano at the Mirage, Saw how red lost his M in Las Vegas, did the gene machine and saw what our boys will look like (though Hopefully not) and realized how grateful we were to come back home to Utah. Its fun to leave, but always better to come back home.

Ben, Thanks for the last two years. Though not always easy, it was worth it. I'm looking forward to many more to come. You've been a great support to me, especially the last 6 months. You're my best friend and I can't imagine life without you. I Love You!!!



This is what our future son might look like according to the Gene Machine. Sorry it's blurry, I haven't hooked up my new printer/scanner yet, so it's a picture of a picture.

Here's a Slide of Our trip to Vegas, Enjoy!!!

5 days and counting

I have now made it FIVE days without a Dr. Pepper!!! For me, this is quite the accomplishment. I have tried to quit 4 times before, and the deliciousness of the cold liquid brought me back to it every time, but not this time. I'm quitting for good. Despite the horrendous Headache and the urge I have to drive to the gas station right now.

On another note, Ben and I made it through first semester with good grades and are enjoying having no school. Whoo Hoo!!!!

Elf Yourself

Send your own ElfYourself eCards

Oh Christmas Tree

While we were in Monroe for Thanksgiving, we went Christmas Tree hunting. It was very fun. The hills were a little steeper, muddier, and slicker this year than last, but it was still good. Since all we own is a Saturn, we brought it home Griswald Style. We couldn't get the saturn to go more than 70, but we enjoyed the long ride home.

Even though we got home at 1:00am, it didn't stop us from decorating right when we got home. I wanted to go to bed, but Ben was too excited, so we did it right then. Our apartment is a little small, and there wasn't much room for a tree, but I think we picked one the perfect size. It fit in the corner really well. I think it looks really pretty.

The Best part of it was waking up to the smell of a REAL christmas tree. Pine, I LOVE it!

Twilight

Well the BiG wait for TwiLiGhT is over! Ben really wanted to see it at 12:01 am. We looked in eVeRy theater in Salt Lake county and Provo County, there was NOT a single ticket left! But there were lines and lines of people waiting in line to get a good spot. We were LauGHinG because most of them had their BoOKs in hand and were reading intently. Yeah we wanted to see it, but not that bad. I actually got invited to go and see it with some of my fRieNdS from SeViEr VaLlEy. I had so much FUN. I hadn't seen most of them for 5 months or so. We started the night off with dinner at El Mexicano and then went to the theater. I didn't like the movie much. In fact, not at all. What I had pictured in my head was completely diFFereNt than the movie. I was picturing drop dead GoRgRouS vampires, not mediocre looking vampires. But the company was good.

This is Cassidy and I, her eyes make mine look brown. These are some of my favorite people in this world. Above is Nanda and Cherry. Cherry hates pictures. I tried to tell her it would just be better if she'd pose. She didn't listen, and she looks guilty of something. Sorry Cherry. Next time just smile!

Heres April and Julie, and everyone at El Mexicano.

Hey everyone,

ThAnKs For inviting me I had a Blast. It was good to see everyone.

Our Weekend

We had a pretty fun weekend, and I know I'm posting about it a little late, but I worked the last three nights and couldn't find the time in between shifts.


On Friday night my little sister Miranda came over with Kiley Jensen and we ate pizza, watched a movie and played scene it (Ben and I won Easily)

Then on Saturday we went to Park City for Natalie's birthday. They were staying in one of their friend's, from Austalia, condos. She must be rich because it was very nice, and very expensive!


The Bath Tub which was as deep as a hot tub and almost as big

















The Kitchen which has all kitchen tools you could need. And deep sinks.

This is Natalie, She is about to blow out the candles. She turned 27.












This is Ben and His nephew Gabe, Natalie's baby. Though he isn't looking like a baby very much anymore.

Then on Sunday, Ben got called to be one of the Gospel Doctorine Teachers. He is excited. I'm glad that somebody doesn't mind doing it, because I would be a wreck the whole week before I taught. I would have to say no to that one. I got called to type up announcements for relief society and will also do the spotlights on different women in the ward. I guess that means I get to buy a new printer!

Tagged by Jenna

Jenna Tagged Me, So here goes!

8 Shows I like to watch...
1. Ugly Betty Followed by
2. Grey's Anatomy- Although I may have to quit watching this, because the whole lezbian thing is not my cup of tea. I'm quite disgusted with it right now.
3. Seinfeld- Every day of my life, something happens to me and I think, oh I saw a Seinfeld episode just like this! Like the time I was lost in a parking garage and couldn't find the car, it took my roommate Kelci and I over an hour to find it! No Joke.
4. Malcom in the Middle- Dewy and Reese are the Best
5. Law and Order-SVU
6. Wipeout- this was so funny. I laughed harder at this than anything else. If you haven't seen it, I suggest you watch next season.
7. American Idol
8. America's got talent. But I have to fast forward thru everything David Hasselhoff says becuase I CANNOT stand him.

8 Restaurants I Like...
1. Texas Road House
2. Cafe Rio
3. Winger's- but I hate the sauce.
4. Wendy's- Not sure if Fast Food counts, but I love the spicy Chicken
5. Pei Wei- Ben wants me to make sure you all know its Aisan:)
6. Applebees- Mmmmm
7. Cold Stone Kind of counts right? Because it is delicious and we love it.
8. Can't think of another.

8 Things that happened yesterday...
1. I did some homework
2. Ben slept in and missed half his class (but he didn't get home from work until 3 am)
3. I went with my mom to Tai Pan and Rodworks.
4. I blogged about my new Christmas Decorations.
5. I called in sick for work.
6. Ben was lifting weights and some random man walked up in front of him during a set and took his picture. ( I told him it is because he pulls the ugliest faces when he lifts )
7. We watched Get Smart- An extremely funny movie.
8. It snowed

8 I things I'm looking forward to...
1. I'm with Jenna, Eventually having a baby, But mostly looking forward to having 3 months maternity leave, and not working. I am also NOT making an annoucment.
2. Moving out of this apartment. I hate the 3rd floor.
3. Christmas
4. Decorating for Christmas
5. Ben finishing school
6. Me finishing school
7. Pay day- Friday
8. Thanksgiving, because I actually have it off this year.

8 things on my wish list...
1. A trip to Australia
2. A new Car
3. My own House- So I can Paint it whatever colors I want
4. A job that pays MORE
5. That I wouldn't have to work Chirstmas Eve and Christmas Day- Not going to happen
6. Vacation anywhere!
7. Ben wishes for a job he likes that would pay him better
8. Move out of Salt Lake- The traffic sucks!

Now I tag Stephanie, Char, Rochelle, and Laura

New Decorations!

I Love Christmas! It is my favortie holiday, I start to get excited for it in August. All of the stores up here have their Christmas Decorations out now, and I Love to go look at them. I could spend hours every day looking and love every minute. Last Saturday I hit a pretty good sell at Rod Works, and today my mom and I went to Tai Pan trading. I got some pretty cute stuff.

Ben Picked out the Santa Clause. I think He did a very good job. This is my Christmas Swag. It looks so pretty!

And of Course It ALL sparkles. If you know me well, then you know that if it Sparkles, I'll probably Love it. The Picture of the Snowflake Garland just doesn't do it justice.

Jazz Opening Night

G'day everyone!!!

Well, Last night (thanks to Danielle Meacham) we got to attend the very fist home game for the Utah Jazz of the 2008-09 season! I have bugged Merridee for quite a while now to post the pictures on her blog but she is wrapped in her book Twilight...she has been in the first chapter for ages now so it can't be that great! So I thought I would give this whole blogging thingy a go.

When I was a kid and living in Melbourne, occasionally we would go to a footy match at the MCG, and we would always ride the train, so last night we decided to do the same thing which I felt added to the excitement of going. Also, yesterday morning Merridee went and bought a brand new camera for herself and so she was obviously trigger-happy with it. For example, here is silly picture of me on the train:

The Game it's self was pretty entertaining, they played the Denver Nuggets and won a close game. I was pretty neutral but found myself cheering more for Denver because I have always like Allen Iverson. Our Seats were amazing! We sat right behind where the visiting team runs out and could clearly see the expressions on the players' faces.

The most exciting part of the night was probably the players introductions, but before they did that about 20 US Military came out holding the biggest American flag I have ever seen and then expanded it as Country star Colin Ray sang the Star Spangled Banner.

It was the first night the Jazz had ever had lights out for the player intro's ands they had put in a brand new sound system too but the screaming of the near sold out Energy Solutions Arena overshadowed that!

Deron Williams and Matt Harpring were not playing due to injury and Carmello Anthony was not able to play for the Nuggets, but it was still a good close game!

So, I guess this will just about do it for the one and ONLY installment of a post done by me! Just wanted to say thanks again to Danielle, we had soo much fun!

Trains, Delta and Autumn Leaves

For my Grandma Meacham's 87th brithday, a whole bunch of my family got together over the weekend to go on the Heber Creeper. It was cold and rainy, but overall was beautiful. The leaves were gorgeous, and we had a good time.

Then After the train ride on Saturday, we went to a Deta Goodrem Concert at Keys on Main. I had never really heard of her even though she has a song that plays on the radio all of the time. It is called "In this Life" She was good and we had fun. You will all have to watch for her. She was big in Australia for a while and is now trying to make it in America.

Here are Ben and his brother Josh with her after the concert.



On Monday we went up to Monorvian Park and had Matea take some pictures of us in the autumn leaves before they all fall off. Unfortunately it wasn't a very photogenic day for either of us. But the Leaves were really pretty.
We had a very full weekend, and enjoyed it very much!

Pride and Prejudice

I talked Ben into watching Pride and Prejudice with me today. While he tried real hard to act like he didn't like it at all, I think he secretly enjoyed it just as much as I did.
It was so nice to finally have a day I didn't have to go to work or do homework. I slept in, then got to spend the whole day with Ben. I wish we could have more days just like it.

I've been Tagged

20 YEARS AGO...
1. I was two and almost 4 months old.
2. Was the youngest child in my family with Miranda on the way.
3. Had been walking for only 1 year, 9 months
4. I loved singing "Cinderelli, Cinderelli, Cinderelli"

10 YEARS AGO...
1. I was twelve, and had just started 7th grade.
2. Was in Kirt Nilsson's art calss, and he made us make these yarn things. I think I made a tiger design. I hated that class.
3. I had just started Young Women's.

5 YEARS AGO...
1. I was 17, and just starting my senior year at South Sevier High School.
2. Ben's family moved into our family's ward, and lived just down the street.
3. I was driving the citation, with a pink fuzzy steering wheel.

3 YEARS AGO...
1. Ben had been out on his mission a little over one year.
2. I started school at SUU in Cedar City.
3. Went to a play at the Shakespearean (soorey eff speeling iz rong, I've only slept 2 hours in 36 hours)Festival with my roommates Jodi and Kelci. It was A Mid-summer's Night Dream.

1 YEAR AGO...1.
1. I had just started the Weber State extension RN program at Snow College.
2. Ben was working at Wal-Mart in the Dairy section, and also was a security gaurd at Sevier Valley Medical Center.
3. We had just moved into our apartment (which I miss- especially the rent price) in Richfield

THIS YEAR...
1. I graduated from Nursing school, and took a job at Primary Children's hospital.
2. We moved to Midvale.
3. Ben started school to become a High School Health/PE teacher.

YESTERDAY...
1. I got home from work at 8 am, and wasn't tired, so I watched Dancing with wolves. That was dumb, but I just couldn't stop watching it.
2. I needed a Textbook for some homework, and couldn't get it anywhere but at Weber state bookstore. So we drove to Ogden and bought "Nursing, the finest Art."
3. We met up with one of Ben's mission companions and his wife, John and Erin Near in Tai Pan.

TODAY...
1. Well since I'm only into this day one hour, I haven't done much. It was pretty much spent on typing this.
2. Later we will drive to provo so I can do a class project with some other people.

TOMORROW...
1. We'll probably go to Church.
2. Homework- since mine is due by tomorrow at midnight. I should probably start.
3. Then we'll probably sit there and watch a movie since there isn't anyone real close to visit.

NEXT YEAR...
1. I will hopefully own my own house. I'm very sick of this apartment lifestyle, not to mention the 3 flights of stairs to get into our home.
2. We would like to go to Australia, but we'll see how much money we have, since that's pretty costly.
3. Maybe we'll decide to have a baby. But maybe not too.

Back to School

My sisters keep telling me I need to apdate my blog, but I feel like I have absolutely nothing to say. We hardly do anything fun. Ben and I just started school again. He has decided he wants to be a teacher, and I need my bachelors. I could be done, but decided to go back while I had some ambition. Even if its only a little. If I quit I'll never go back. Ben is in an immigration experience class, and it's his favorite. I guess there are people in there from 14 different countries, and someone from every continent. His teacher is very french. I'm glad that he loves school, because I don't. Although I'm very thankful for my education. Lots of people don't have the luxury so I'm very lucky.

I have a new Desk

Since we moved into our new apt, we haven't had a desk. The sceen sat on a chair, and when I'd use it, I had to sit on the floor. Tonight in Wal-mart, I found a 20$ desk that is black and silver. We just set it up, and even though it is cheap, It beats sitting on the floor.
Ben Just started his new job at UPS. He'll be an unloader. He's gone every night, but I hope the benefits of the job will be worth it.
Not much new in our lives, so hopefully I'll have something more exciting to blog next time. And maybe some pictures too!

Father's Day

We're at my parents for the weekend, and Miranda is speaking in church. She has procrastinated writing her talk until just now at 12:30 in the morning, 8 hours before she needs to go to church. She was trying to fill minutes in her talk, and suggested we sing my dad's favorite song, A child's prayer. We were all very reluctant, but somehow thought that if my mom, Kade, and I sang the high part, and Ben and dad sang the low part, it would work. Matea Refused to participate. We practiced a couple of times a while ago, and I was desperate for Matea's help on the high part so I called her. My voice was shaking, and I was choking back tears at the thought of singing in Public. Its is ok if I'm driving in the car. She still refused. So I finally talked Miranda into playing without a choir. Thank Goodness.

State Boards Over With!

I finally took my states boards, and I passed!!! It was the longest day of my life. The test took me five hours, and was 265 questions long. But it is over with, and I'm finally a Registered Nurse.

Ben and I got moved to Midvale. We're almost done unpacking too. We are in a great location. Everything you can imagine is within a mile. Sometime, I'll get a picture of my apartment on here. Who knows when.

Blogging Bandwagon

We have decided to start a blog. All of our friends and family are doing it to, so we will too. Not quite sure how everything on here works, but we'll figure it out.

I just graduated from nursing school!!! I'm finally done. All I have to do now is pass state boards, and I may never have to go to class again. It is a great feeling. I acceped a job at Primary Children's Medical Center in the infant med/surg. I'm very nervous, and exctied. Ben will start school this fall at Salt Lake Community College. He doesn't know what he want to study just yet. We'll be living in Midvale, the safe part. Moving day is May 23. We're really excited to start a brand new chapter of our lives.