Tuesday, August 25, 2009

Marathon Superstar

Hi guys, meet Desiree Davila.



We used to run together





(DMR Madness at Indoor Nationals 2005)



We used to live together





We've been "so punk" (just like Avril) together


We've even spooned.




Des freakin rocks the pavement now. She has become an incredible marathon superstar. She placed 11th in the WORLD at the AIIF World Championships last week in Berlin. Her marathon time: 2:27.53!!!!

Way to go, Des! I am SO proud of you!

Sunday, August 23, 2009

Our Super Quick SLC Trip (Belated) and Clark's New Adventure

Let's back things up here a few weeks, shall we? Rhetorical question, we shall, and you have no choice but to either read on or exit this page.

August 5th Clark and I road tripped up to SLC for Clark's very first (and successful) job interview! ( I just want to add my two cents in here: if anyone tells you that health care is recession proof, they are WRONG! Yes, there is a massive nursing shortage and there are jobs available at most hospitals, but those jobs are available primarily for EXPERIENCED nurses. New Graduate nurses barely stand a chance of gaining employment in this so called recession proof career field, hence the reason Clark applied to 40+ jobs in 6 different states and only received calls back from one hospital in TX and one in SLC.) Turns out, this hospital corporation interviewed over 200 applicants over the phone and only invited 50 candidates to come in for an official interview for 10 open positions. Clark thought he would have an "edge" over other applicants because he was coming in from out of state, but it turns out there were applicants who flew in from Washington, Colorado, Arizona, New Mexico and Wyoming. We did not expect that. So....when Clark met up with us down on Temple Square after the interview, he was less than optimistic. But..... HE GOT THE JOB!!

I Knew he would.

May I say how proud I am of my husband?! He has pursued and persisted and his hard work is going to pay off! He is just so (pardon my language) damn capable and smart, personable and fun to be around. He was worried because he didn't wear a suit jacket to the interview and many of the other male applicants did...pppppshhhhhhhhh... obviously his personality set him apart.

As I type this he is driving up to Utah passing through Cedar City. Our current plan is for me to continue working down here in AZ until he gets settled, which will be 2-3 months. After that???????? I really don't know. I already miss him so so soooooooo SOOOOOO much. I don't think I can do this for 14 months. We'll see, but I may have to take on a travel assignment up in Utah before year's end. Even though I'll miss him like crazy we both know that this is what the Lord wants him to do right now and this is where he is meant to get his hospital experience.

Let's just get on with the pictures otherwise I might start crying again.

Our 11 hour road trip. Just me and my best friend. I just have to say, highway 89 is absolutely beautiful! We somehow missed the turnoff for the I-15 and stayed on highway 89 for most of our drive through Utah. I would have enjoyed it more if I wasn't so tired of driving, but it was honestly so beautiful! Mountains surrounding us on both sides... ahhhhhhhhhhh. Didn't have my camera out to capture the beauty, but if you ever get a chance to drive 89, you should take advantage!


Crossing over Glen Canyon into UT from AZ.




80 miles per hour? What!?? Gotta love Utah just for this! This was taken when we finally found the I-15.


We stayed with our good friends, Arian and Karemu Farvin. I heart them.


A tour of the Temple grounds isn't complete without flashing some signs.


So beautiful. I think I am obsessed with old, religious buildings. Maybe that is one of the reasons why I loved touring Europe so much? It doesn't matter whether it's an LDS Temple or an old Cathedral, there is something so serene and majestic about old religious structures.




I just had to seek out this spot where everyone takes pictures with the Temple in the background. Thumbs up for this pic.


I want this house....to live in.


Clark, right after the interview. You can tell he has a lot on his mind.


I made Clark pose with me to get his mind off the interview. He was such a good sport.


And I had to drag him back to this coveted spot.


I'm pretty the Lord blessed us because of this picture.


A quick trip up to Park City. The climate was perfect. I just don't know if I could tolerate the winter.



Group shot!


I wouldn't mind having a massive Rolex clock in my living room....er, yard.


We took the scenic byway 14 from Cedar City to Kanab. So freaking awesome. It was difficult for me to drive and not look at the scenery. Someday we'll go camping up there. Nick and Tally, you guys in?




So Clark is embarking on a new adventure in Salt Lake! Perhaps I will join in that adventure soon as well...

Monday, August 17, 2009

August Cruise Trip!

Clark and I have just returned from a super fun cruise trip with the Tobler family. The cruise hit ports in Turks and Caicos and the Bahamas. We agree that the most beautiful port was Half Moon Cay in the Bahamas. It is an uninhabited island that Carnival cruise lines owns and it is just pristine and beautiful. We had so much fun and hope that you all enjoy these pictures. There's a lot of them so I apologize in advance. I just could not stop snapping pictures. And some pictures are redundant, so again, I apologize. I just wasn't selective with what I posted, I just posted everything.

Our trip started off with a one night stay in Miami at the Viceroy hotel. We definitely suggest it if any of you happen to go on vacation to Miami.


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Monday, July 27, 2009

New Nurse

Congratulations to Clark, one of Arizona's newest (male) nurses!



I love you and I'm so, SO SOOOOOOO proud of you!

Sunday, July 26, 2009

Adventures in Pasco!

I spent July 9-13th in Pasco with my family. Unfortunately, Clark had to stay in Gilbert and focus on studying for the NCLEX ( which he just passed--woo hoo!!) My sister's birthday was the 11th and I haven't seen her two little ones since Christmas so I thought it would be a great time to see everyone!

We had a ton of fun soaking up the sun down at the river and eating yummy bbq and Pad Thai! Unfortunately, I forgot my camera (something I am way too good at)...but my sister is super sweet and she allowed me to borrow her camera for the several days of my visit to capture special moments. I just got a CD of the pictures in the mail last week, hence the late blog. Here it goes:

Playing with Chase in Mom and Dad's pool.


Throwing Chase.


Katie's homemade pad thai. Mmmmmmmmmmmm


Sweet boys Cole and Chase.


The Birthday Girl and Cole.


Snuggling up to Ty after a long nap.


Katie and her messy little guy.


My Dad: Assistant Fire Chief of Eltopia. Wish it wouldn't have come out sideways.


Jenga, Jenga, Jenga!


Are attempt at a self portrait. Reminder: do not take pictures right after a shower.


Attempt at a family self portrait. Didn't work out like we imagined. That's what happens when you don't have a tripod and there isn't anyone there to snap the photo.


Thanks, Chase! We trusted a four year old to take this photo.


Mom, Chase and I riding on the bike path down by the river.


They restored the Moore Mansion. Not such an eyesore anymore.


Chase really doesn't like pictures, but at least he's gracious enough to pose with his Aunt!



I love, love to visit my family! Wish I could have stayed longer but I am so glad I had the opportunity to visit! And thanks Katie for letting me steal Chase's bed for 4 nights!

Tuesday, July 21, 2009

Monsoon Season, Summer's Saving Grace

It is dang hard to take quality pictures of pouring rain and roaring wind. I guess these will suffice.

Just the beginning. Our rain splattered cinder block fence.



Finally, a good excuse to wear my rain boots!



Weather's getting a little crazy!



This didn't last long. I actually felt COLD in July!




Check out Mom Tobler's blog for more crazy rain pictures. Vegas got hit pretty hard, too.

Monday, July 20, 2009

Just Can't Stop Dancin' Around the House



I just can't stop dancing around in these shoes! They are so adorable! Only $10 from...Wal-Mart. That's right. Who woulda thought? I just couldn't help myself.

I have to be careful dancin' around though because I don't know how long they will last. **Crossing my fingers that Wal-Mart quality shoes are more durable than I have previously believed.**

Thursday, July 16, 2009

Rancid

Man, We LOVE these guys!