Where were you 10 years ago?

May 22, 1998 found me making my first trip to Colorado Springs as Jeff had invited me to accompany him to Ring Dance - traditionally held the Friday before Memorial Day. Ring Dance is when the Junior class receives their class rings preparatory to their last year of school. Sadly, this weekend did not turn out to be one of the highlights of our courtship because I ended it with the "I just want to be friends" talk. Poor Jeff. Poor me . . . I was so confused. Luckily, I came to my senses within a few months and we got back on track.

Nonetheless, as I look back on the trip, I am glad that I was there and that we shared this experience together. I think if I could sum up my impression of being on that campus, I would have to speak of the history that emanates from every inch of it. Also, I remember feeling a little in awe and proud of the legacy of our country, our Air Force, and those who were affiliated with it. At the end of 3 years of school and after some really hard experiences, there was a tangible feeling of celebration in the air.

I don't remember much of the specifics about that night . . . I wore a gorgeous gold dress that my Aunt Nyla made for me. (I found out later that gold was also the Class of 99's color and people asked Jeff if I had chosen that color on purpose.) We had dinner in the cafeteria (I think Mitchell Hall) and I was impressed at how efficiently they could serve dinner to 2,000 guests (1,000 cadets and their escorts). I think we ate steak, but I don't remember for sure. (I do remember thinking it was not bad food though given the huge quantities they were preparing.) Anybody who knows Jeff knows he's not much for dancing, so I think we wandered into the area where the dance was, but didn't stay long. We ended the evening at a friend from Jeff's ward with lots of the other cadets.

Saturday we spent the day hiking, at a farmer's market, and enjoying the majestic Colorado scenery. I do love the mountains!!

The pictures don't really look that great . . . Jeff usually does the scanning so I'm a big NOVICE. But I wanted to get them out so I could mark the occasion. The last pic is especially blurry, but I wanted to post a full length of my dress.

Did I forget to mention that?

So I was chatting with my Mom earlier this week and after she'd asked what we were doing, I asked her what her plans for the evening were. To which she, oh so casually, replies that she's going downstairs to work on her talk for devotional. So once I register what she's said to me, and ask her a bunch of questions to make sure I'm not hearing things, she says, "Did I forget to mention that assignment?" Ummm - yes - you forgot to mention that. But I know now and I'm spreading the news on my blog and I hope she doesn't shake her head and wonder why she ever told me!! Mom - you're the coolest and you will do a fabulous job!! We're keeping you in our prayers and are excited to hear what you share with those lucky students at BYU-I this summer!!

Wa-Hoo!!

A big CONGRATULATIONS to Jeff as well as his buddies at Wilford Hall who also took Part 2 of the anesthesia board exam (the oral examination) a few weeks ago!! His buddy called me this morning to see if I'd heard from him and to let me know that the ABA had posted results on their website yesterday. Scott said that everyone from Wilford Hall who had taken the exam had passed this time around which is great news!! And, of course, I hopped right on the website to see Jeff's for myself. We're so excited to reach this milestone!!

"Summer Vacation"

Kaitlyn is so proud of her Daddy!! And I'm proud of my husband!! Jeff left Thursday for the Middle East. He didn't have firm travel arrangements until pretty much the day before so we were doing a lot of "hurry-up and wait" exercises the last couple of weeks. He ended up on a chartered flight leaving directly from the airfield at Kelly so he was glad for that. Even though he was dropped off at Wilford Hall at 10 a.m. the flight didn't leave until that evening. We thought I would get to spend at least some of the day into the afternoon with him, but much like in the MTC, shortly past 11 a.m. the gentleman in charge stood up and said, "Say your goodbyes. We have work to do." So families hugged their loved ones and left the auditorium where we had met and our servicemen stayed behind to do what they needed to do in order to depart. Jeff's assignment is 123 days so he should be finished and home by the middle of September (but who's counting right :-)) I have referred to his assignment as "summer camp" or "summer vacation" since we found out about it. So we wish him lots of luck and safety while he "plays" at "camp". We love you!!

Now and Then

Kaitlyn - 8 months



Kaitlyn - 3 days


I have a hard time believing how big Kaitlyn is getting . . . unless I hold a baby who is significantly lighter than she is these days!! Nevertheless, we are having so much fun watching her grow!! She has been too big for the infant carrier for a few weeks now, but we had put off making the change right away. Jeff being gone this summer was the catalyst we needed to make the change though so we made our next investment in baby gear this week and purchased a new car seat. She is loving it and she looks a whole lot more comfortable riding in the car!!