turner's blog

quick 2013/2014 year recap/photo dump

2014-05-29T22:51:00.001-06:00

We moved to Iowa in late July. It has been a complete adventure being away from home (Utah; family; cafe rio; mooches; etc). We have learned more about the 'mid west' than I've ever wanted to know ;) As you can see, from the above picture, I have more-bitter-than-sweet emotions about being here in Iowa. Though, it's a all okay as long as I have Spencer with me.

Summer quickly ended as school started in August. This is when I learned what it was like to be a true medical school wife. The most accurate description is that it is hard and lonely to be a spouse of a medical student. Fortunately, we were not the only mormons that started med school here without children. Our group of friends (our Iowa family) are all so amazing. We have the best gang of nerds in the state and they make it feel a thousand times less lonely when we have dinner with each other or have game nights. Which was pretty much every week. Dinner group was the best thing that has ever happened to Spencer and I. We are so grateful to have the blessing of caring, thoughtful, and talented friends. (Picture of the gang farther down)

So, remember when I said we learned more than I ever wanted to know? I learned that winter is my least favorite time of the year and that winters here are long and extremely cold. Negative temperature with -40 degree windchill. It's not a joke. Worst winter of my life. I mostly stayed in my bed and didn't have lots to do. Well, at least it felt that way. I stayed busy in my job search and was always doing something with the young women in the ward. Yup, I'm still in the young women presidency. Hardest calling I will ever have. I am so much more grateful for my young women leaders.

Spencer had his birthday in February and the only way to celebrate was to have our friends over for hot dogs and cheesecake after a long day of tests at school. This is Spencer asleep at our friends house. We are those friends :)

March finally came and it was still freezing cold outside. So, Spencer decided that over spring break we should visit the bio-dome. It was the happiest day of my life in Iowa. It was so warm and green.

April came and there was a huge fire in Des Moines that left the old younkers building looking like a tom cruise movie. I forgot to mention that I finally found a job in February working at Heartland Area Education Agency. Prior to my finding a good job, I nannied for the cutest couple in Des Moines. They are in our ward and have little twin girls. They lived in the next building over from the younkers building. I am glad that their home was not touched by the fire. The picture below shows some of the damage. I was standing in the Skywalk. That is a thing here in Des Moines. All the buildings downtown are connected by skywalks. I think it's because it is so cold in the winter.

^The entire gang!^

Okay so, I'm sorry that Todd is flipping you off. It was meant to not get posted but it is the only picture I have of these silly guys and there 'manscaping' activities. I have a waxing kit and sometimes I wax the med students. Here, they are getting the nose hair removal treatment :)

April got warm enough to have the ice melt on the river. Some of us decided to go fishing one weekend. Spencer caught a northern pike. We were all so excited for him.

May! Glorious May! I left to San Diego for Kimberly, my sister's, wedding. It was so nice to see the coast. Spencer couldn't make it because of school, so I enjoyed spending time with my sister and my sister-in-law! We were in charge of getting the bride ready. It was not an easy task. I'm so grateful for Malerie because she definitely can keep her cool under stressful situations. I am also so happy for Kimberly and glad that Blake is a part of our family now. They make the most adorable couple!

Photo bombing :)

When I got back to Iowa it was warm. Actually, here in Iowa it is really warm. Upper 80's with very dense humidity. I won't complain about the heat though - I will gladly take it over freezing temps any day. Spring is finally here. Most days, I go running down to this park with amazing trees.

During the final week of school, I never saw Spencer. I did find treats that he would leave for me. He is the best.

Below is a picture of the gang on the last day of school... until July...

For right now, all the tests are over!! Our gang decided to celebrate with woods ball, hot dogs, smores, and canoeing. We have all become so close. Saying goodbye to them for the summer will be rough. Spencer and I will be staying in Iowa. Most the group will be traveling back to Utah, Idaho, and Arizona. Here's to looking forward to next year! Congrats you guys on surviving 1st year!

Our friends are the best! I love you guys!

Spencer and I together on his last day as a 1st year med student! Both looking a little tired but still rockin it ;)

I am so proud of you Spence!

Winter Quarters Nebraska

2014-01-20T19:24:00.001-07:00

Winter Quarters Nebraska Temple

Earlier this month I drove my car, full of youth, to our closest mormon temple to do baptisms for the dead. I am in the Young Women Presidency in our ward here in Iowa. It was windy, cold and took forever to commute. I hate driving on road trips (that's what makes Spencer such a wonderful husband -- he drives most of the time). Thankfully, we finally arrived.

The youth in our ward are great, and I mean that, they really are wonderful. Because most teenagers on a Saturday morning don't want to wake up early to drive two hours there and two hours back - but, my beehives, they did it. With smiles and giggles the entire trip. Not only did we travel to the temple, we also went to the visitors center across the street.

I will be honest, I didn't know much about the history of the pioneers other than they walked and walked and walked and walked... like the primary song, right? I mean I even went on pioneer trek in my youth and really can't think of anything interesting that happened besides lots of walking, a few kids passing out here and there... the usually stuff. Anyway, I found out that I have pioneer ancestry and still couldn't recall much about anything from my church history education.

Driving around this little town filled with mormon history was something else. Streets were named after companies, ie., Young Street (I'm so mad I didn't take a picture of that - next time), and then the pioneer cemetery is located behind the temple and is shown in the above picture. We decided not to walk around outside in the cold with wet hair, so much our observing was from the car or inside the visitors center.

Here is exactly what I learned on this trip: info here
Basically, to sum up. Iowa, "most tried stamina, courage, and equipment" of the pioneers. And guess what, I feel like I can totally relate.

Resolutions, for a beautiful new year

2014-01-08T11:59:00.000-07:00

Start by saying yes// practice confidence// be patient// don’t compromise your happiness// for goodness sakes stop slouching// dress up, spend less time in sweats// tell the truth// move your body, run, dance, and play// keep going// laugh, laugh a lot, laugh at yourself// bring a camera// love freely// give thanks, for everything in your life.....// keep sucking it in, we'll get there, eventually ;)

(grateful for my winter workout gear that I got for christmas, even though I still haven't made it to the gym - it's so darn cold!)

2014 theme is...

2014-01-07T13:51:00.000-07:00

(christmas 2013, salt lake city, ut.)

Happiness...

Yes, for my theme of 2014, I chose the word happiness. I decided on happiness because if I was going to be openly honest with myself, I would have to say, that I have been fairly unhappy lately. I'm just completely sick of it so, I'm choosing happiness.

It wont be easy, since I have pretty much forgotten how to be genuinely happy with myself and my surroundings. Moving has played a huge part in that unhappiness. Now, I realize that I can't change that aspect of my life but, I can decide to change how I feel about living in Iowa.

I also need to find a job that makes me happy. I've been sitting around our house feeling very lonely and realized I need to get out. Not as in outside out really, it's pretty terrible and you can get frost bite within 10-30 minutes. Just out and about and get to know Iowa a little better. I've lived here for over 6 months and only know where the library, mall, and church are located. Sad story.

I'm turning 26 this year and I am done feeling this helpless about my life. Marrying a medical student does have limitations on just about everything; spending any sort of, money, time, vacations, weekend dates, etc... has become difficult or out of the question. I just want to feel a little bit more control over my life right now. So, that is what I hope this theme will facilitate.

And hopefully, this will transition my blog into something fun with happy memories to look back on, in a few years, when we are finally done with medical school. Ah, saying it makes me feel like the end is so far away, but we have had most doctors tell us that they loved their medical school days. I just really hope we can begin to love ours, even if we never ever have to go back and do it all over again.

So, you can all look forward to seeing more funny posts or silliness on this blog from me :)

A New Year

2014-01-01T20:19:00.000-07:00

2014 is finally here.

We spent New Year's Eve sleeping in our car which we had parked at a rest stop in Nebraska. It was an adventure to say the least and, in many ways, it was the only way to wish 2013 goodbye. It's not that we set a low bar of expectations for this year; we actually spent our time enjoying just being together without any distractions and spending the night being grateful for everything we have. It was more than enough for us.

Waking up inside a snow covered car parked in Nebraska proved to us that we are remarkable people. Who does that? We do. 2013 consisted of so many changes and many bittersweet moments. We experienced our own up's and down's just like everyone else. But there were a few very defining times for us this past year.

Our year in review:
> Spencer was accepted to a couple of medical schools
> He decided and tried to convince me to move to Iowa for school after he interviewed there
> We told Oregon that we accepted their offer
> Spencer graduated from the University of Utah
> We tried a handful of infertility treatments without any success
> I said goodbye to my job
> We drove to Capistrano Beach and stayed in a beach house for a week
> We said goodbye to our families and all our friends
> We started another chapter of our lives by beginning medical school and moving across country to the corn fields of Iowa -- not oregon
> Lived in Iowa for a month without any furniture but an ironing board a cooler and a stool
> I got called to the Young Women's Presidency -- it was a huge surprise, there is something that the Lord is trying to teach me with this calling...
> We found a great group of first year med students that are more than just friends here in Iowa; they are like family
> I learned how to cook and grocery shop by myself now
> Spencer decided he wanted to be an orthopedic surgeon, a general surgeon, an interventional cardiologist, an internist, a radiologist, an OBGYN, and a gastroenterologist.... it changes weekly
> I flew back to Utah for Emily and Dan's wedding
> Spencer was called to be a ride coordinator -- apparently, that is a real calling here
> I flew back to Utah and then to Hawaii for a memorial service and the beginning of my parents home renovations
> I got a job working at Wells Fargo
> We celebrated Thanksgiving in Iowa with some amazing friends that are third and second years
> I quit my job at Wells Fargo
> We decided to drive back home for Christmas and surprise everyone
> On December 31st we began our trek back to Iowa and got a speeding ticket in Wyoming just hours before the new year
> Decided we hated Wyoming around midnight and decided to make it to Nebraska before pulling off and sleeping in our car

Happy New Year.
I hope that 2014 is awesome!

A Merry Christmas at home

2013-12-25T20:35:00.000-07:00

We headed home to Utah from Iowa for Christmas this year. It was a complete surprise to everyone when we showed up. Thanks to my mama who can keep a secret. My dad's face was priceless. Spencer's sister called it; however, everyone else in his family were in complete shock when they saw us. Anyway, it was so much fun to be back home during our winter break. (That "Welcome Home" sign was for a neighbor who had just completed his two year mission in Chile. But we also felt like it was secretly for us too!)

Oh how we missed the mountains of Utah - and our families too.

We had a wonderful and busy Christmas holiday. With Spencer's family we made it to two christmas parties, a wedding, a father's birthday, and the birth of nephew #9. With my family we did another two christmas parties, wrapped all day on christmas eve and woke up early to watch the little kids rip all that wrapping paper off, and then, moved all the furniture out of the house so that they could refinish the wood floors. (My parents are doing huge renovations to their home.) It was crazy but we wouldn't have had it any other way.

Merry Christmas! Hopefully your holiday was filled with the joy of the season!
Love, Lindsey

blame it on my A.D.D., baby

2013-12-10T16:52:00.002-07:00

SAIL!
(that was for Kimmie!)

and these too...

it's hard, but better together

2013-11-30T18:23:00.000-07:00

(Taken at Gray's Lake in Des Moines, 11/29/2013)

Before I moved to Iowa with Spencer, those in Salt Lake who knew me, advised me to be cautious and warned me of the difficulty taking on medical school, for someone married or like me, would be by stating matter-of-factly: it will be nothing but difficult and lonely for you these next few years. I'd like to say to that, you were right as much as you were wrong about what to expect during these medical school years. Yes, medical school is difficult on people. Students hands down, have it rough. I applaud you for seeking out your passion as future physicians. Significant other's of students, I understand you.

Being married to a med student is not really what they tell you it will be like. No matter how much they warn you, there is nothing that can really prepare you for it. Sure, it's rough and you may feel like a bachelorette on some nights, if you don't have children - if you do, I'm sure you are feeling like a single parent many days out of the week. And, yeah, I hate Iowa for the most part; no cafe rio, no mountains, far away from both of our families and, sometimes, all I can think about is the money that we don't have to purchase a plane ticket to fly back home.

However, being with a med student like mine, is also really wonderful. It's probably different for everyone, I know, but I also know I got lucky with my med student because he is really wonderful. We are truly lucky to have each other; well, he says that, while I roll my eyes, because, like I would ever be able to hold a cellular biological conversation or help him study immunology or even understand anything to do with OMM.

I know that this part of life is hard but I am lucky because, he knows it is hard for not just him but me too and, he still simply loves me. He has six exams in the next three weeks with half being cumulative and he still makes me dinner and asks about my day. True love I tell you. I sure do love this man of mine. He makes each day wonderful. Even if I don't see him all day and he has to sneak into bed late, late at night because he was studying, he pulls me in tight for a quick hug to say goodnight. And I melt for that kind of thing.

So, this year, for Thanksgiving I am especially grateful for Spencer the med student and that I actually got two entire non-study days to be with him. I am also thankful for learning opportunities, Iowa is a big one. I am thankful for the love of family and for friends who made this holiday enjoyable.

(Taken in our home, 11/27/2013)

it's been long enough, right...

2013-09-26T19:27:00.002-06:00

...or, at least, that is what my little sister has been telling me for a few weeks now. apparently, she lives my life vicariously through my blog - Kimmie this is all for you dear!

we did it. we moved to iowa - our biggest adventure yet - and it's been well, rough - that doesn't give an accurate description but to sum up in one word - rough - will have to do.

i always thought moving was hard but i figured because i'd done it many times before that for some reason this would be a breeze... but, i've been humbled in a what was i thinking, kind of way. moving will always be hard.

iowa is a different place - not in a bad way - just a different way. very flat. very humid. very much not utah. although, spence and i have made some great friends here. i will have to blog about them soon... because did i mention they are great! any who, these are a few pictures of the white coat ceremony. congrats on getting us to this part of our lives honey!

mmmhum, he's the sexiest med school student a girl could ask for.

in other news: i got a job working for wells fargo downtown in des moines and i'm really thankful for this particular job opportunity. i thought about not working - still do - but even being at home all day has proven to be a difficult task. so, i will be feeling more confident when i get back into the office routine at a desk job starting in a few weeks.

i will try to blog more often now that i live so freaking far away from home and i am real bad at calling family. much love, hugs, and kisses xoxo

wisdom wednesday

2013-06-26T22:21:00.000-06:00

sorry for this but I'm just trying to catch up...

2013-06-23T22:18:00.000-06:00

As May was coming to a close we experienced a lot of joy and a lot of sorrow. My Grandpa passed away suddenly after returning from South Africa. He was the sweetest. He very much loved to travel and I even got to go with him to Paris. Talk about a wonderful person for taking me, my cousin and aunt to a magical place. He did what he loved and taught me to not let anything stand in the way of doing what I want to be doing.

I will miss you Grandpa, thank you for the wonderful memories. I love you.

I know this was in my last post, but yes...We found a home in Iowa. Close to the school and about a two minute car ride to downtown. ^^As seen here^^ it's so, so, so flat and you can't exactly see it but most of the roads in the city are one ways :) small town living, am I right?

We couldn't be more excited to finally get to the next phase of schooling and find out more fun things to do while living in Iowa. We are moving in less than a month and I have so much work to do packing up all of our things. I just still can't believe it. But it's true, I'm moving to IOWA...

This was a taco place we tried while staying in Iowa... it was interesting to say the least. Iowa will be a big growing experience for me, as I plan on becoming a real cook.

^^ This is a terrible story, truly. It's even worse than the lighting in this photo. Anyhow, I'm not shy about sharing it because it gave both our families a good laugh. I got Spencer tickets for his graduation present to see his very favorite comedian. But, I neglected to purchase the tickets in time to get good enough seats. So, before I made the purchase, I thought about anything and everything else I could get him- when it hit me- I could still get front row seats, all I would need to accomplish such a task was to either find an extra $500 laying around to buy tickets off someone who thought about buying the tickets on time OR find a wheelchair. I know right, I'm a horrible person for taking advantage of the handicap seating, but to see Spencer's face light up when he opened up his surprise gift was totally worth it to me. So, I also purchased a wheelchair and we got there early to take this photo. We had such a fun time, laughing and being out on a real date night - even if I was in the wheelchair and got lots of stares the entire night and called out by the comedian. If anything it was great for me to experience being in the chair as it was such a paradigm shift for me. I also plan on donating the chair - too bad we didn't get it signed.

Oiy, the month of June has been so busy. I had my last day of work and of course it was a mixed emotion feeling. I was so happy to be moving on but sad to leave some of my very best friends. We are going to stay in touch! Right guys? Of course we will!! I'm so excited for them (as many have also found new jobs and will be moving on) but I really want to just wish each of them only the best and I hope to see them around the holidays when we come home to visit!

My family went on our annual beach vacation trip to kick off the summer. Spencer and I love Capistrano Beach in California. It may be rocky, but sleeping in a house on the beach, waking up to the sound of the waves, seeing wild dolphins in the water each day, and walks on a secluded beach -- count me in always!!

I'm a real wimp in breezy weather but I love seeing the boats and yachts at Dana Point.

I had to post this because I can finally fit my hair into a small pony tail.

Something about this trip - people were photo bombing all of my photos -- mostly Kimmie-- but Spence joined in on the fun.

Oh, I turned 25. Oh boy, the big 2 - 5. Hopefully this year I can squeeze in some fun things. I'll look into that.

Spencer made another one of his ah-mazing cheesecakes. This one was per my request and he nailed it. I asked for a cherry-chocolate cheesecake. I'm telling you it was like fudge in cheesecake form. It had the cherry flavor and everything! The Young's loved it. I loved it! Thank you baby, it was the perfect cake!

Humidity, it really does things for my hair... or not.

The train on the beach. It will occasionally wake you up in the middle of the night, but I have so many funny memories here. This train seriously flies down the tracks and you must be careful not to stop on the tracks like many of my family members have done accidentally.

^^Pic, in which the wind blows my very short hair... exciting, I know.

Spence loves skipping his rocks. His best score was four skips.

We spent time sifting through piles of rocks for clam shells, seashells, and crab legs. It was fun and relaxing which was a perfect way to start the month. Because it only got busier from the moment we left Cali to drive back home.

While we were out on our trip my parent's home was being ripped apart, literally. The ceiling was redone as well as the floors. When we got back in town it wasn't all done.

So we were recruited to assist in sanding and these are not flattering photos. But with all our help we got it done in time for a memorial for my Grandpa on Friday and then a showing on Saturday (my crazy parents are also trying to sell this humongous home). It was beautiful once Spence and I put it all back together. I wish I would have taken a picture of the house finally done because it looked great for the few hours it was clean and all ten kids were out of the house.

Our Sister Mary finished her service as a LDS missionary serving in the Rochester, NY Mission. Welcome home darling we love you and are so happy you are back!

I have a few more things to catch up on but I think I'll save it for another post. Thanks for reading!

Apartment hunting

2013-05-20T15:44:00.002-06:00

Here are a few photos from our quick trip to Iowa over the weekend. We found an apartment close to the med school. I am excited to decorate a new place and post some photos of our home once we get there!

running tunes - shorter mix tape... because i'm not a fan of running for very long

2013-05-14T09:27:00.000-06:00

Preparing to run in a 5K took a few upbeat tunes -- also don't judge me for the music video content ;)

1. Icona Pop, I Love It

2. Selena Gomez, Come and Get It

3. Justin Timberlake, Mirrors

4. Macklemore & Rayn Lewis, Can't Hold Us

5. Taylor Swift, 22

6. Fall Out Boy, Light 'em Up

7. Imagine Dragons, Radioactive

8. Foster the People, Houdini

to every mother

2013-05-12T00:00:00.000-06:00

Remember to tell your mother today how much you love her and how you appreciate all that she has done for you.

I love you mom! You are the rock of our family. Thank you for making my entire life wonderful; you've laughed with me and cried with me through every moment. I hope that some day I can be at least half the mother you are to my own children. Your example has been of paramount importance to me for my entire life. Thank you for being you.

Stephanie (Spencer's mom)
I love you Steph! You are so beautiful, smart, and a wonderful example to Spencer and I. Your prefect mothering is mirrored in Spencer's actions everyday. Thank you for being the mother of the man of my dreams. I couldn't ask for a better mother-in-law. You are so amazingly organized and calm, it is my hope that your genes are passed down to our future kiddos.

Lisseth (Spencer's step-mom)
I love you Lisseth! You make everyone feel so special and important, me especially. You listen and care; I cannot think of a more maternal instinct than what you have shown me. You feed us, worry about us, and help us whenever we are struggling. You bring so much value to our lives that I really can't imagine where we would be without you, thank you for being gracious always.

Happy mothers day to all the beautiful women and mothers in the universe.

Lately

2013-05-07T12:12:00.001-06:00

Finally I'm able to get some of my iphone photos on the old blog. I was going through my phone and I realized that most of the photos I had wanted to post were back in January and February so they didn't make it up. I'm excited for summer to come and I'm loving spring this year with all the blossoms and petals coming off the trees. Spencer and I have been going on a lot more walks around the neighborhood. We are trying to get ready for the 5k I'm running on Saturday with my sisters.

Also, I wanted to briefly mention that I heard on the radio if you post food pictures it obviously means you have an eating disorder... which I guess I have? (Promise, I really don't) I just love BBQ day at the Church Office Building and I want to remember it after I leave this summer. Those potato wedges are so delicious. All time favorite food!! So yummy!

Big day for the Turner's

2013-05-03T08:19:00.000-06:00

My hubby and his older brother graduated! Spencer got his degree from the Health Sciences and Chris received a degree from the college of Engineering. Brilliant men! Love these Turner's.

Sorry we made everyone stand in the sun for millions of pictures.

Spencer and his best friend Caleb got to graduate and walk together.

Spencer and his Dad^

Siblings that live in Utah^

Spencer and his Mama^

Congrats cutie!

atenciónes

2013-04-30T14:32:00.000-06:00

Today was his last final - Biochem - yuck! Knowing what a smartypants he is I'm sure that he aced it!
Happy Graduation Spencer! I am so proud of everything you've accomplished - and super excited to head off on our a new adventures in Medical School!!

^^This is a little gift I got for him ~ he doesn't know what it is but I'm sure he will be very excited when he opens it! and, of course I had to decorate it in honor of the dr. suess book, Oh the Place's You'll Go - Cliché grad gifts, you know! ^^

Mix tape #2

2013-04-11T09:22:00.002-06:00

Here's a collection of songs that I'm really into right now... enjoy!

Side A

1. Laura Welsh, Hollow Drum

2. Whitley, More Than Life

3. Meghan Nicole, Stay

4. Pinback, Good to Sea

5. Radical Face, Always Gold

6. The Middle East, Blood

7. Coconut Records, It's not you it's me

Side B

8. Benjamin Francis Leftwich, The Boat

9. Josh Garrels, Fire By Night

10. Hootie And The Blowfish, Let Her Cry

11. Bon Iver, Skinny Love

12. Danna/Devotchka, The Winner Is

13. The Western States Motel, Powerlines

14. Imagine Dragons, Bleeding Out

walking on the outside of the office

2013-04-09T16:01:00.003-06:00

I feel really lucky to work in such a beautiful environment. sometimes work is hard, all of it. Sometimes, I don't want to come to the office - dragging my bones out of my bed, on some days, feels like the only thing I can count as an accomplishment. But there is evidence that what I'm doing, my small part, does have meaning. I'm grateful for my position working in the Church office. I am grateful for my knowledge of the gospel and the feelings of confirmation that I feel on some of my hardest days.

I have opinions, I have bad habits and corks about me, trails, and questions but I cannot deny what my heart feels is right even when my brain questions it daily. So, there you have it. Even though it feels like I've lived through the hardest three years of my life -- I am so thankful to be where I am at now.

The truth is, I think I got this job, not for my capabilities as an employee but, more because God knew I needed to grow in my understanding of it all. I surely have been humbled by the work.

I have many memories and friendships that have grown into something even more beautiful than these flowers. How happy I am to have shared, albeit a very small amount of my time, working among some of the most loyal, kind, and truly brilliant individuals that anyone could ask to have as bosses and co-workers. queue the waterworks... gosh, okay.

The work will move forward as always and Spencer and I are off to Iowa - Summer 2013.

growing a family...

2013-04-05T11:25:00.000-06:00

...has proven to be difficult thus far...

We have decided to try a few different things before we go crazy out of our minds. Well it's mostly me driving Spencer crazy because I've already lost my mind. Anyway, I'm just really excited that I never have to visit ^^^this office^^^ ever again.

These office walls hold a lot of terrible memories. Finding out lots of bad news, like that Spencer needed surgery and that we are "perfect candidates for IVF." Because that sentence should really be said with a smile... the people that work inside this place are hopeless. Plus the carpet is awful and everything looks like it's from the late 30's - even the dr.'s - yeah I said it.

So we decided to try our luck elsewhere (IHC does it right)... but it required a lot more testing along with infertility drugs that make you want to eat a pool full of cookies until you have your first bite and then you'll want to toss your cookies.

Here I am before having an hysterosalpingogram - that's a real word by the way.

Don't I look fabulous in 8X over-sized hospital gown...Yikes... oh and I could really get use to having Valium any day of the week.

that time Spencer and I walked the entire city of San Fran in one day and took a million photos

2013-04-04T12:42:00.000-06:00

^^^Thank you random stranger who took our picture (you should keep you day job as not a photographer), really thank you for telling us to move right in front of Lombard and getting the DO NOT ENTER sign between our heads in all of the pictures...awesome^^^

^^^Worst Sundae ever, EVER!!! #SpiceyHotFudge^^^

^^^Boudin has some really good sour dough -- if you didn't already know that^^^

^The Painted Ladies^

^Dementores atop a building ;)^

Ahh, yes the bush man (see below) He just about scared the pants off Spencer, he is so good! Thank you Mr. Bushman! He got me back in 2006 - those were the days when he would chase people... good times.

all right, that's a rap. Farewell San Fran!

Day IV (Alcatraz Island)

2013-04-01T00:28:00.000-06:00

We went to on the earliest Alcatraz trip of the day and got there in a complete fog. "The Rock," is such a pretty island. It's really eerie walking through the prison, especially when you can't even see San Francisco only three miles away .

Our audio tour ended just as the fog was lifting for the day.

There were so many pretty plants and flowers on the island - although, I doubt this is really what it looked like while it was still a prison.

It was such an amazing and fun trip; we recommend going out there and touring the island if you end up visiting San Fran.

Happy Easter

2013-03-31T14:14:00.000-06:00

"We cannot go to heaven in a feather bed. The Savior of the world entered after great pain and suffering. We, as servants, can expect no more than the Master. Before Easter there must be a cross. While we walk these paths which bring forth bitter sorrow, we can also walk those paths which yield eternal joy."

—Thomas S. Monson, "The Paths Jesus Walked", Ensign, Liahona, May 1974

The brigde

2013-03-29T09:21:00.000-06:00

A collection of shots with The Golden Gate Bridge. I am in love with this fog.

Along the coast

2013-03-28T08:47:00.001-06:00

Okay, we took the 101 out of Oregon and got onto the 1 which connected to Redwood HWY and then the 5 back to the 101 and the 1. I could totally be in this video. The 1 was the best drive ever. EVER! It's all coast!

Eventually we had to get off the 1 because we kept stopping at each lookout to take pictures or stroll the beach. Oh the beach! Spencer found lots of shells and smooth beach wood. I found a pretty little starfish - to be politically correct, it's actually called a sea star - anyway, I'm pretty sure it's a lucky starfish.

^^^I want to retire and live on this black sand beach. It was so dreamy and tucked away between Redwoods.^^^

^^^This little lighthouse is located in a town called Trinidad and I'm sorry if you live or know someone who lives here but it's very, gosh I don't even have a word for it - creepy maybe? Everything was perfect - a little too perfect if you know what I mean. If you do happen upon this little town be sure to get some ice cream because the waffle cones are freshly made and the ice cream is organic and amazing ^^^