November

It appears this blog has become more of a monthly update than a regular occurance!

Meh- oh well! Life is busy, right?

RIGHT!

Well, Cole and I have just barely....as in today...signed a lease for a little house in Burley! WOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!
I mean... its alright... I guess.

But seriously- we're SO SO SO SO SO SO excited! It's a little bitty thing. One bedroom is all- who knew such tiny houses even existed? And who even knows if all our crap will fit!

We, however, are confident...ish.
And what we lack in confidence- we make up for in enthusiasm...so yes- all our junk WILL fit!

How dare you doubt us?

That handsome husband of mine has been substituting this week. He comes home with the most random, hillarious stories from these tweens who just love him. Apparently, one little tyke of a kid gushed to his substitute teacher about how he wanted to write romance novels that weren't just romance- but had action and mystery too. His theory.......that his mother had read romance novels when she was pregnant with him- so naturally he wanted to write them. Completely logical in his little 6th grade mind!

I'm not sure how Cole kept a straight face with that one- he couldn't when he was telling me about it!

I have been busy as ever with ultrasound school. Projects, image labeling, observation hours, lab time, book work, and exams have pretty much dominated my life these past few months.

I've taken 32 exams this semester. 32! And I'm not even done- I have probably 10 or 11 more before the semester ends.

That sounds like they're dinky little tests but I can assure you they are not! Every single one of those takes between 2 and 3 hours to study for- some take more...like all day!

But I am looking forward to finishing these classes. Abdominal sonography, imaging pathophysiology, superficial structures, sectional anatomy, and patient care and assesment- not quite picnic classes.

On the bright side- It's nearly Thanksgiving....I LOVE Thanksgiving. Stuffing, Turkey, Dinner rolls, and pumpkin pie...I could live off it!

And I'll be done with classes on December 2nd and then I have an entire month break!

HOLLA!!

And I'm really excited to start my clinicals at the hospital in Twin Falls in January....I get to wear scrubs----TURQUOISE scrubs! Okay, they're called Carribean Blue- but basically they're turquoise!

That's the designated color for the ultrasound department!The whole hospital is color-coded! Oh, how I love it there!

Other than that- about the only thing we do is go to church. We're primary teachers- team teachers- which, by the way, I'm convinced is the greatest calling.

A bag full of tootsie rolls...easy peasy! This Sunday is the primary program. I love those kids! They're all yellers so I love it when they sing the songs!

Well that's the crazy and ever exciting life with the Nelson's!

FALL!!!

Per usual...it is after midnight when I decide it would be a good time to blog.
(which I am obviously so incredible at since it's a rare occassion that I do it!)

Cole and I made the journey to the thriving metropolis that is Burley, Idaho today. That 40 minute drive was gorgeous! Don't believe me? Come Visit!

Seriously...COME VISIT!!!

But it definatelyreminded me why fall is definately my favorite time of year! Here are some of my favorite things about fall!

I love that burned copper orange color.
I love hot chocolate and home-made biscotti.
I love fall tv shows.
I love snuggling up with a blanket...and the hubs. (I love this year round actually!)
I love love LOVE Halloween...it's my all time favorite holiday.
I love trick-or-treaters.
I love breaking out my long sleeved shirts and jackets.
I love everything with pumpkin...cookies, pie, DQ blizzards.

Cole and I are still planning to move to Burley, but the place we're planning to move into keeps getting delayed. Originally, September 1st. Then October 1st. Now they told us November 1st.

Patience is not my strong suit!

But someday...ahhhhh someday....we'll be in our own place again. Poor Cole- I am a terrible housekeeper in a tiny place. You know- even when everything is put away- it's still messy! Discouraging since there's nothing better than a clean place!

Thats how it is moving into your husband's high school bedroom. I DO NOT recommend it!
Good thing I love him or something!

Restless Nights!

Do you ever have one of those restless nights when you just CANNOT sleep? Like you can feel the hours ticking away while you're staring at the ceiling wondering if that commercial for restless leg syndrome is reality and if you need a perscription? Or you can't tell if its been 30 minutes or 2 hours because you can't squint hard enough to see the time- sadly, I'm THAT blind without contacts!

Yeah...it's one of those nights!

Even my ever-trusted Mulan that can nearly always lull me to sleep has failed.

More than likely it's because I've been terribly sick for the past week and I've totally thrown off my sleeping schedule due to somehow having two completely separate colds this week. One for three miserable days simultaneously with the husband. And then we both got better and a day later I was sick again. Priceless.

Meh- What can you do?

Sleep!!! That's always my answer!

Until I can't....Which is now!

Blast!

So...here I am at 1 am watching PSYCH and thinking back on how a year ago today, I was taking my Father to the emergency room for a propane explosion. My dad...totally awesome man that he is....is a little bit accident prone. You don't believe me? He's broken his right leg four times, has broken ribs, cut off part of his finger, gotten blood poisoning, and burned himself and all of those happened either at his work or because of his cows.

And I- his only daughter- am either always in the right place at the right time OR I'm bad luck! But either way, his little medical emergencies always bring us closer- even if he is on percoset! So today, he's been on my mind a lot.

My dad is most definately my hero. His quiet intelligence is almost always overlooked because of his strong cowboy persona but his humility and kindness could never be mistaken. People respect him, love him, and his friends would do anything for him. He graduated in microbiology but he's a butcher and I love that. He always wanted to be a Veterinarian, and boy would he have been a fantastic one! He loves his cows and he taught us as his children how to work hard and to love ranch life. He got that love of ranching from his Father, Walter. And his greatest decision was my sweet mother, Diane. And the thing I love most about him is his testimony- I love to hear him talk about spiritual things because he has the most incredible perspective!

Not only that, but he has always been so supportive. He believed I could do or be anything, even when I didn't. He told me I was smart and was always there to help me with my math and science homework- usually relating the concept to ranching and cows- I told you he loves it- and whats worse is I adore hearing him talk about his cows!

When I left for college, it was his voice telling me "You will always be my only daughter, make me proud!" In a tone that said I could never disappoint him. My name is because I am a part of him and my firstborn son- however far in the future that may be- will be named for him! And it was him that I turned to in times of crisis and heartache, and later I realized why. His quiet nature is what calmed me down. It was my complete opposite. And it was that quality that made me realize my Cole was my perfect companion.

Ok...you get it...I love my Dad! And I'm pretty sentimental about the fact that a year ago I realized he was not invincible. But I like to believe he is!

XOXO,

Jamie

Missing In Action

Woof! It's been a long time since I've last blogged!!!

I have been MIA these past few months due to my handsome cowboy of a husband moving me to Elba...which- until only recently- had no internet! Heaven bless us!

Let me tell you something...you honestly don't realize how convenient the internet really is until you don't have it!

BUT we have been busy.

Rephrase...COLE has been busy!

Taking the cows out on the forest, putting up the hay, watering the fields, repairing fences etc.

I -on the other hand- have been sleeping til noon! Yes yes, my schedule is PACKED!

Alas, it lasts only a short time! Because I will be starting school again August 22nd. Which gives me mixed feelings.

A. ugh....I seriously JUST graduated! Why am I going back?

and

B. Ummmmm....it's ultrasound and kinda like a life dream or something...no big deal

So I had orientation for my program in Ogden this week.

Greatest EVER! I am so very very very excited.

Here's the deal. BYU was awesome and I'm glad I did my undergrad there. But from day 1, I accepted the fact that I was definately not going to be competing with everyone for the A's. I was just not as smart as many of the other students nor was I willing to devote my entire life to studying. I was still a good student...but I still had social skills. It's kinda a give and take at BYU... usually.

But the professors of my medical sonography program think I'm a genius since I already have a bachelors degree and a pretty good basic knowledge of ultrasound. Here's the difference between my classes at BYU and Weber state.

BYU

Student: "Professor, I think everyone scored too high on the last test. The TA gave too good of a review. The next test needs to be harder to reflect our knowledge of the subject matter."

Implication: I'm smarter than everyone else and they need to know it!

Weber State Ultrasound Program

Professor: "Ultrasound is made up of high frequency soundwaves"

Student: "WHAT!?! How does that even work?"

Implication: How the heck did they even get in the program!

I am SO excited to feel like I'm on the high end of the curve for once! But mostly I am just so excited to finally be starting ultrasound. It's been nearly ten years since I first discovered ultrasound and completely fell in love with it...even though it was done on cows when I first found out about it! And I can't believe- after waiting for so long- that I finally get the chance to do it.

Life is good. I have an amazing husband...he's the greatest! I love him a lot! AND I get to pursue my dream of a career. Best of both worlds!

Xoxo,

Jamie

Life has been just crazy as ever. Cole and I came back from our trip in Florida- a chaotic trip which resulted in an emergency landing back in Salt Lake, spending the night in the airport, lost luggage, and coming home to a broken back window in our car....someone had thrown a garden knome through our window- yes... a garden knome! Classic.

But- we had a great time in Florida, got to see my big brother and his sweet wife for a little bit and we enjoyed Disney World to the fullest. Here are some pics!





Magic Kingdom

Epcot

One of our fave rides. Cole started lots of Jimmer talk around Disney World.

And yes...I got to meet Meeko. Pocahontas is the greatest...right Kaylee?

And here we are at the Daytona Race Track...that's and hour and a half long tour I wont ever get back! :)

But look at how happy my Cole is at the start finish line. Oh NASCAR!

Daytona Beach!!! Corina...here's a foot pic just for you!! ;-)

Oh Yeah...and then we graduated from college...WOOOO! Yeah- we're educated! BYU says so!

Now Cole is at Lagoon with his junior high kids and I'm packing because we're moving...THIS WEEKEND!!! Here we come Idaho!

XOXO

Soon-to-be Real Housewife of Cassia County, Idaho!

Final Finals!

Well...I still haven't had time to post about our Florida trip....and boy is there something to talk about with that trip. That will have to be another time when I have time to post the pictures.

On an exciting note....I just finished my last...yes my LAST final ever at BYU!

Wooooo! Greatest feeling! I dont ever have to go up on campus again!

BYU has been a great school and I'm so grateful for the education that I've had the chance to get at this school and the spiritual aspects of the Gospel and how its incorporated in to the classes. And I also met my husband at BYU- so thats definately a bonus.

It's been great but its wonderful to be done!

My parents are coming into town tomorrow because we graduate on Friday! My poor parents- we've really run them around last year for weddings and this year for graduations and such. Their real troopers! And I'm really excited to see them!

XOXO,

BYU Grad

The big 22!

This past weekend was the big Twenty-Second birthday! How weird?

I dont feel 22.

Although...what does 22 feel like?

Anyways-my birthday was Saturday....yes General Conference Saturday.

Blech!!!!

As great as conference is and as awesome as birthdays are....they are most definately NOT awesome together!

Maybe I'm not as spiritual as I should be...

But it is kinda sucky to share your birthday with the conference- and then send your husband off to Priesthood Session! Happy Birthday!

So...my mother in law and I made Easter Wreaths! Crafty? Quite!

It turned out simply adorable!

And later Cole made me a cake!

His first cake ever in fact!

New tradition? I think yes!

Both of us also had colds for the entire weekend!

But that is quite alright because we'd rather have them this past weekend then the coming one!

Because we'll be here:

With this guy:

And then here:

Florida...HERE WE COME!!!

XOXO, Disney Bound

What Steak Cant Fix...Can't be fixed!

Last friday was a bit on the crazy side. And when I say a bit....I mean admit me the looney bin type crazy!

Cole's financial things were all a mess....his pell grant had been taken away, it showed us owing a gastly amount, and BYU will not talk to spouses unless they have it in writing from the student themselves...and Cole teaches in Springville about 20 minutes from campus. I found out about this mess on Friday at 3:30...and everything closes at 5- oh~ and I work from 3-6. So I had to take work off!

Lovely!

Did I mention my husband never EVER checks his financial account?

Lovely two times!

Oh....and when I found out all of this- does he answer his phone? Pssssh....why would he? So I'm sitting in the student services office...who will not talk to me about my husband's finances...and he wont answer his phone. Spectacular!

So he got a text message to this effect:

"CALL ME! I'm coming to Springville to get you!"

Accompanied by about 72 missed phone calls- alright, I 'm exagerating! (but only slightly)

Needless to say....Cole knew I was upset.

After two hours spent in the student services office and two headaches later... it seemed we had it figured out about as much as we could for the weekend!

So- for the craziness of the day, we decided to splurge and go to Texas Roadhouse for dinner...we've been wanting to try it for a while. It was delicious.

When our waitress started talking to us about cuts of meat and marbling and medium rare....I felt like home!

Mmmmmmmm....I am definately the daughter of a butcher!

Only the comfort of red meat, loaded mashed potatoes, and buttery rolls can cheer me up after a rough day!!!

XOXO

Everything's better with Steak!

Happy Day!

Yesterday was a crazy long day with running all over campus, filing our taxes, getting Cole's paperwork for his internship, going to class, working on a ridiculous class project (still working on the 1500 dollars for a class...blech!), studying for an exam and then work!

Phew!

But then I got home...and checked the mail to find....

A letter

...rather- a manilla envelope (is that how you spell that??) from Weber State!

WOOOOOOOOOOT!

They've invited me for an interview!!!!!!

Granted- it is for the on campus program which I wont be attending and am planning on the regional one- but this is a HUGE deal to get an interview!!! It means- if I get accepted on campus- that my chances are even better for the regional program...practically 100%!

ECSTATIC?

THRILLED? JOYFUL?

DELIGHTED?

hmmmm....about all of those feeling plus some?

And miraculously, my interview is for Friday April 8th at 10:15 am...Cole and I fly out for Florida at 5:04pm!!!!!!!!

So- no matter how hard school is-

how completely exhausting,

seemingly unending,

and ever stressful it appears....

Cole and I have an amazing future to look forward to and ultrasound gets to be a part of it! This is something I have been working torwards since I was 14! It always seemed so far away- almost unattainable. But I am so grateful for the education I've had at BYU, the opportunities it has lead to, and the amazing people I have met in the field of ultrasound that have encouraged me to continue on. I have definately been blessed in so many aspects of my life.

OH! And...Cole's sister NaShai just had her little boy this afternoon! I can't wait to meet the little tyke! That little guy owes his mother some dang easy teen years after the difficult pregnancy she has had!!!

And of course- BYU is playing tonight! Come On Cougs!!!!

Rarrr Rarrr Rarrrrrrrrr (that was the cougar growl....just in case you were wondering!)

XOXO,

Freddettabout it!

The Madness of March!!!

Somehow, I just get worse and worse about blogging. Life has been crazy as ever! Another round of midterms and spring just around the corner means there will be many trips to the ranch in Elba in the coming months.

There seems to be a light at the end of the tunnel. Graduation is actually a month from today!!! Woooo! Cole and I count down by big events. March is basically one big event for Cole....good ole March Madness. In a few weeks is my birthday. Then we head to Florida for a little fun in the sun. And then BYU graduation! I'll be going home intermittently after graduation. May is Amber and Jorgen's wedding. June- Cole and I move to Idaho. Then we have Shelly and Nick's wedding. So- pretty much- its go go go until July! I'm exhausted just thinking about it...but at the same time sooo excited! I CANNOT wait to be done with my bachelors degree!

On the topic of March Madness... Cole had me make a bracket. Yeah yeah... I grew up with two big brothers and a father who all love the madness and I had never made a bracket. It did make me enjoy the games a little bit more having an actual interest in who won. But I'm about basketball-ed out! And it basically just started! I'm also a little competitive....ok...a lot competitive! So when Cole wins a game that I lost....its less good on our marriage. haha.

Since it was St. Patrick's day last week, I made Corned Beef and Cabbage like my mother always did. I LOVE corned beef and cabbage. But let me tell you...Cole was NOT impressed! I dont think there has been anything that I have made since we've been married that he has legitimately hated....but corned beef and cabbage definately would fall into that category.

Well- I think that is all that is going on in our crazy life. It's busy. It's stressful. It's chaotic. But it's our life! And I wouldnt have it any other way!

XOXO,

March Madness Widow

Moving To Burley!

Well, I'm pretty awful at this blogging deal. It's been a crazy few weeks. I've had a bunch of tests and Cole has had a teacher work sample portfolio due. Mind you- he's procrastinated it...so he's been having REALLY late nights these past couple nights.

However, even with the craziness of our lives....we are so excited about our future! With my ultrasound schooling- our futures have been pretty uncertain...well- the immediate future anyways. We didnt know if we would end up in Ogden, stay in Provo, or have to wait it out a few years for the intermountain healthcare ultrasound program in Salt Lake.

Weber State has a regional ultrasound program where you learn mostly hands on at a clinical site and come to campus about 5 times a semester- but you have to find somewhere who will agree to be your clinical site- if you can get that- your chances of being admitted are about 90% and the other 10% is only if the site doesn't meet Weber's standards.

So basically...if you can get a clinical site...you're in! Exciting right? Most definately!

Cole told me that if I could find a way to get back to Idaho, he'd let me get a puppy. Which sounds dumb...but thats a HUGE incentive for me. haha. I love love love puppies! I want one...and I want to name him Cowboy! Cole told me that was a dumb name. Pssssh- I think its a great name!

So, I called the hospital in Twin Falls! I talked to the head of ultrasound "Gordon Lemon...Lemon like the fruit!" He said! Nice fellow! Anyways- he told me that they would be able to be my clinical site and that they have graduated students from the regional Weber state program before (so that 10% I mentioned earlier doesn't apply)

It was pretty easy- frankly- too easy! So I'm a bit worried about things falling through- but I have a backup plan of doing the radiology program at College of Southern Idaho in Twin Falls.

So...we're moving to Idaho!!! About 2-3 years sooner than we ever thought we'd be able to! We are so blessed...it was definately an answer to our prayers.

So now- we get to start REAL LIFE....like Cole get a permanent job and we get to look for a house and settle down in the place that I always called a hole!!! Oh- the things that come back to bite you! But Burley has grown on me and I can't wait to start our life there!

XOXO,

Movin' to the thriving Metropolis of Burley!

We Live, We Laugh, We Love!

So our first married Valentine's day was a little bit less exciting than how most people celebrate the holiday as newlyweds.

My sweet husband had a double header- well thats what they call it in baseball...you think they call it that in basketball? Well I say yes. Anyways he had two basketball games and he was coaching at 7pm. I had school and work all day until 6 and then went to the game. The girls parents were pretty sympathetic- "Awwwww"- they said "I'm sorry your this is your valentines day- thats so sad!" I wasn't really feeling too bad about it- not until then anyways! But there are couples who have it worse. A girl in one of my classes wouldnt see her husband at all- he worked at a restraunt and was working from 6pm to 1am- her plans were going to the gym to watch the Bachelor. I was grateful I at least got to sit from the bleachers and watch my husband!

I also lost my phone during the day- which really should not seem like as big of deal as it is but I was freaking out. But I would like to state for the record that I didnt realize I lost it until I was done with classes....which MEANS- I was NOT texting during class. Yeah- thats a big deal...I've got senior-itis to the extreme, OK? Don't Judge! But....like always- I was getting ahead of myself thinking "What am I going to do tomorrow to wake up...I dont have an alarm clock!"....it was 2pm when I lost it. Alright- I admit it- I'm a little dramatic!

But the girl who found it got ahold of Cole (he mocked me later- dont you worry!) and she brought it to me at work. Bless the little hearts of honest BYU students!

So after the game- we had to go to Provo to pick up my car and then spent a little quality Valentines day time with the Burley Boys. We live quite the life of romance, do we not? But its always fun to see them. And then we headed for home.

By the time we made it to our apartment, we were ready for bed. We crawled into pajamas and I washed my face and brushed my teeth along with the rest of my nightly routine...I swear it feels like hours when you're that tired! When I came to lie down- Cole had chocolates and his Valentines Day Journal on my nightstand and he was pretending to be asleep! I love my husband! It doesn't matter what we do, how simple or crazy or hectic that our Valentines Day was- he knew just the perfect way to show me he loves me. I have the greatest husband and I'm so lucky to have him. We laugh a lot, we love each other more every day, and we can't wait for what the future holds.

XOXO,

8 months in and still Head Over Heels!!!

Sledding, Crab legs, and Bull riding...What could be better?

Ok...so I thought that I would put up some pictures from the beginning of January when we went home to be with my parents and Matthew and Anita. We took Anita sledding...Komma style. First of all- we don't like to be cold- none of us. We dont camp and we dont spend an excessive amount of time in the snow. So we had all predetermined that whoever got cold first... we were done! I love my family!

My friend Amber came...I think her fiance was snowboarding or something so she came with us! Jorgen missed out!

This is my first time going sledding in seriously...YEARS!

And here's my big bro with his sweet Floridian wifey! Awwww...I love them! Poor Anita got to experience Wyoming's brutal winters. The day we all left- it was 20 degrees below zero! Brrrrr! But we're pretty excited to go see them in Florida in April with a bit of a different background!!!

While we were all home- we celebrated in the best Komma way we know how...with crab legs!!We love our seafood! And then we had a bunch a friends over...it was basically a big couple party. Shelly and Nick, Amber and Jorgen, Matt and Anita, My Mom and Dad, and Cole and I. It was so fun to be with that many couples. Shelly and Nick and Amber and Jorgen are getting married about a month apart- it was so fun to hear about all of their plans and I cannot wait for their weddings this spring/summer!

And when we came back to Utah-we spent some time with Cole's family. This is NaShai's little boy Parker and he LOVES Uncle Cole. Every time Parker sees Cole laying on the floor (which is a lot- Cole likes to lay on the floor! haha) Parker comes and climbs on to "ride the bull" The picture is Cole getting him in position and then he says "Give em' to me boys!" And Parker just lights up when he starts being rumbled around.

When he's done with his 8 second ride...he looks up to the rest of the family for applause- which we give him. Then he climbs off Cole but then remounts to do it again. Cute Little Cowboy in the making!

XOXO,

Lovin the Fam!!!

It's been a pretty spectacular day! I'm not entirely sure why. Perhaps its the fact that I slept through my athletic training class for the third time this week. Which if you havent figured out...means I didnt go at all this whole week! Ok- and lets be honest. It's not even early. Well thats not true...it is early- for ME! I feel like the optimal time for sleeping is when everyone else wakes up... between 8am-10am...awwww Nirvana!

Though I've missed class and have a ton of reading and making up to do- some how its worth it...I'm in a fantastic, wonderful, very good mood- which I'm sure the patients I work with will be thrilled with.

But I did end up going to my personal training class- which I really love. For my exercise perscription class- I have to write an exercise program and try to get it published in a magazine. And for a required assignment for a class...I'm super excited about it. Rare- I know! A few of my classes this semester have made me really enjoy my major! What I'm working on is the differences between tradition training and functional fitness. When my teacher first started talking about functional fitness...I thought it was a crock- but the more we've done with it, I really think its amazing! Its about strengthening the correct muscles and relaxing muscles that are overcompensating. The big thing with functional fitness is foam rolling. Sounds stupid right? It kinda looks stupid too...but its awesome! It's about being pain free because when you're body isn't working properly or is trying to correct imbalances its almost always accompanied by more than mild discomfort. Its more than just getting out and exercising...it's doing it correctly. Otherwise- you're adding strenth to dysfunction and your back to the realm of pain you started with.

And after that class- I worked with one of my teachers who is doing a research study on therapeutic ultrasound and the effects it has on blood flow. Seriously- ultrasound is the GREATEST! I am always amazed with the amazing things it's used for. I love it!

Cole's girls have a winning streak! 3 straight wins in a row- ok, one of them was a scrimage. But still- we're pretty excited! And later this evening the Burley Boys will be ballin' again! Please bless that I dont have to keep score! haha.

AND...it's the weekend! I'm a little excited. We'll be having a Super Bowl party at our apartment- I only recently discovered this which came as quite the surprise because Cole usually isn't the party-planning type. Alas- we'll be having some of our married friends over to enjoy the game complete with little smokies, chips and dip, hamburgers, and dessert! I'm going for the Pittsburgh- not that I have any affinity for them but mostly because I have a strange hatred for the Packers even though I'm not sure why! I think it's because of their colors...same as my high school rivals. Blech!

XOXO,
GO STEELERS!!

Ice Castles of Midway

Cole makes me watch the news.

I hate that...sometimes- I nap! He thinks we need to be informed. Pssssh!!!
But the other night, the news proved useful!!!

It told us about these:

Our friends, Devin and Claire came with us!

Aren't they Amazing!!!??!!!

We couldn't quite distinguish exactly what they looked like.

Cole said he thought they looked like the Ice Queen's Catle in Narnia

I thought it was more like Superman's Fortress...I love me some Superman ok? Haha

But it was BEAUTIFUL- freezing but beautiful!

And after we were done...we headed up to the Midway Hot Springs. Oh- how I love that place!!! It is so hot that when you put your toes in- you think there is no way you can get in. But you just do it...and when you get out- your legs are lobster red! Its wonderful! Haha.

Great Date Night!

Oh....AND a year ago today. I got an offer I couldn't refuse...one for eternity! The love of my life asked me to be his wife on the very ground that we one day hope to build a home. I've been very blessed and this year has been most amazing with the amazing man that I now get to call my husband! I love him more every day!

XOXO

Glacial in Utah!

My Husband's A Baller!

Alright...so I dont like basketball. That's been established!

However I love watching Cole coach his 9th grade girls!

Especially when they win (which is rare- so when they do...its momentous!)

Last night- that handsome husband of mine led his little Lady Knights to their SECOND win! 42-28! That was a first on both accounts...scoring more than 40 points and keeping the other team below 30! Yeah...they're a big deal!

Immediately following that game, we went to Provo for Cole to play on the Burley Boys Intramural basketball team. They asked me to keep score! Pssssh...like I know how to keep score...I'm sure it was because of my extensive expertise of the game! HA!

Ok-but I'm not nearly as dumb as some people think I am about basketball. I know more than I care to admit (mostly because then Cole will make me watch it more...and right now- its already a lot!) I can tell you the meaning of defensive assignment, fadeaway, a four-point play, full-court press, fastbreak, flagrant foul, and a zone-offense. Impressed? You should be! Shhhh...dont tell Cole! ;-)

So- let me preface this ...Cole's 9th graders have 4- ten minute quarters. So when they come back from half-time...it's the third quarter. Savvy?

Well...APPARENTLY...BYU Intramurals only have two halfs...no quarters...which no one cared to enlighten me on. I was so confused when the teams switched sides and I thought it was only the second quarter. So I was like "What- why did they switch sides?" The guy running the table laughed at me and said "these games are only two- twenty minute halfs" I was still so confused as to why there were no quarters. So I asked him "Well whats normal for Junior High girls basketball?" He laughed some more...I think he thought I was joking. "No- I'm serious- that's all I watch!!" Great! I'm the dumb wife! Meh!


Oh the joys of marrying someone who loves basketball! I must have really loved that boy!!!


XOXO,

I Watch the BASKETBALL....coach!!!

When You Wish Upon A Star...

I have recently discovered that I have many a picture on my camera that I've been meaning to post. Yeah- I'm a bit slow on this blogging bit! Temple square with Jennica and Rusty, Sledding with Matthew, Anita, and Amber....I should really get on that. Soon- I promise. I'm on campus at the moment which makes it difficult to do it right now.

Last night we had Cole's family over for dinner. That never happens since we live the furthest out of the way of everyone. But it was so nice. Cole's mom was in town, Megann and Skyler came down, and NaShai, Chris, and little Parker. NaShai's pregnancy has been pretty hard on her- so we thought it would help for her to just have a change in scenery! Her little boy is due right around my birthday! Come on little buddy- April 2nd is a great day!!! Parker is so much fun too. He adores Cole because he pretends to be a bull for Parker to do an 8 second ride. Adorable!

The husband and I have also purchased our plane tickets to Florida!!!! Cole is so excited. We're going in April during his spring break. I'll be missing the last few days of class but I'll be back in time for finals. My professor that I did the ultrasound on the carotid artery these past few years is going to Hungary for a research project and had asked me if I wanted to come. Which would have been awesome- but I would have missed the last week of classes AND finals week. So Cole was pretty excited when I told them I couldn't go.

He is so excited for Disney World. We'll be going with Matthew and Anita at least one of the 3 days. However- Cole is going to go a 4th day. Notice I said COLE is going a 4th day! Dont get me wrong Disney World is fun...but I cannot do 4 straight days- open to close. So....I'll be shopping! But dont feel so bad for Cole going by himself to Disney World. He couldn't be more excited to go on as a single rider. Thats my husband...loves Disney more than anyone I've ever met! He just wants to see as much as he can! It didnt help when Anita told him that Disneyland fits in just ONE of the parking lots of Disneyworld. Thus, Cole has started running with his class so he can be in shape for the Magic Kingdom! Haha. After we have done our time at Disney- we'll head to Daytona where Matthew goes to school. Cole wants to see the speedway- Yay NASCAR! (that was sarcasm if you missed it!) And then we'll head to the beach! I LOVE the beach!

We are so stoked to spend some time with my big bro and his wife somewhere other than 20 degrees below Zero (Thanks Wyo- I love you, but really?!) And then we'll come back from Florida...and graduate from College!!! Yeah- we're excited!

XOXO,

Disney Bound

Spare Key?

So...I've decided that I should perhaps- quit locking myself out of the apartment. This morning counted as my third...yes- THIRD time doing so! I was feeling oh so proud of myself with all I had accomplished this morning, had my hands FULL: backpack, chocolate chip waffle, lunch, banana, work slacks, my purse, and three textbooks and I was headed out to my car. I locked the door and as I was closing the door "OH CRAP!" I love my life. Haha

My neighbor drove me to Cole's school to get his keys- which he had no idea I was coming until he saw me open the door to his class and he just grinned and said "You locked yourself out again, didn't you?" I hate it when he's like that...so smug and all... so of course I said "Pssssh...NO!!!! (pause) Okay...yeah- I need your keys!"

In my defense- I would like to say I am rarely this ditzy...(is that how you spell ditzy? hmmmm)but its been a crazy few days. Yesterday- I went to the dentist because I was having most certainly the worst pain of my life in my mouth. Odd right? For the past month- I've been waking up twice every night- at 2am and 6am when my ibuprofen wore off- and I was taking about 12 pills a day-because it felt like I was sucking on tin foil. Not ideal! So my dentist is looking at it and casually goes "So...are you allergic to penicillin?"

Maybe its because I'm paranoid.

Maybe its because my mom watches too much Dr. Oz (Seriously...WAY too much and tells me all of it)

Or who knows why

But I KNOW its never a good sign when your dentist askes you that. I'm kinda emotional when I go to the dentist so he was trying to play it down. And then I was like "so what does that mean exactly?" He told me I have an infection in my tooth which of course I replied "dang it- those are serious!" Here was his answer to me:

"Only if you don't take the amoxicillin."

Comforting dentist- comforting!!!!

So with my dentist appointment at 7, class all day, work until 6, and a meeting with my group...I got home at 10pm last night. Heaven only knows what Cole had to eat...I saw no remnants of a Hot-N-Ready. Surprising!

So this group project...let me just tell you all a bit about it. It's for my Entrepreneurship for Non-Business majors... keep that part in mind "non business majors!" 50%...yes- half of our grade is this group project. Here's the kicker, we have to start a business, have a employer identification number, open a checking account, create a legal business like an LLC, and make $1500 by the end of the semester. YAY! I'm less than excited. And my question is...how is this class "for Non-Business majors?" Seriously...I'm graduating in exercise and wellness...I can tell you what happens at the cell level when you exercise...but create a business? Really? Not my thing!

On the upside- I made Cole ribs last week. I'm not sure he's ever been so impressed with my cooking...well done crockpot! He goes "When we were dating and you told me your dad was a butcher- I heard 'ding ding ding jackpot'!"

So there you have it...my husband married me for my meat- actually not even my meat- my Dad's meat! haha. At least he likes meat...this would have never worked if I married someone who didnt. :)

Well...I'm off to have a spare key made- I will NOT be going through this again...and if I do- Cole doesn't have to know about it to make fun of me!

XOXO,

Jamie

Touche Toro, Touche

So...
I miss my dog!

Childish? Perhaps....but he's awesome!

He howls on command!

He lights up when he sees my car pull into the yard.

He has the biggest personality you've ever seen.

And he is soooo smart- like more than any dog should ever be. But I love it!

My dad and I were sitting in the living room having a conversation while Toro was in the laundry room....which is as far as he's allowed into the house (it was 20 below outside- his puppy eyes get me, ok!?) So he knows we're not paying attention to him so he starts to push his boundries a bit, one paw at a time- like he's thinking "if I can just get out of here slow enough...they'll forget this is where I'm supposed to be."

When I caught him....scolded his name in a harsh tone he just tilted his head like "you talkin to me? No...you love me!!!" And then he nonchalantly headed back to the laundry room. Ten minutes later I looked back and he was scooting himself out of the laundry room...tail first.

Touche Toro, Touche!

He knows if he can make me laugh he can just run to me and I wont yell at him- and he's right. Yep- that's my dog!!!

Matthew gets mad at me because I call him "Pupcake!" He says I've sissy-fied him. Absolutley not! Ok...maybe a little...but he's my pupcake!

This is almost what he looks like....but grown up....and with out the copper. But these two pictures is pretty much a combination of his personality!

XOXO,

Missin' My Pupcake

2010....a great year!!!

As this semester starts, I've been thinking a lot about last year and the awesome year that it was- hard at times, but other times- the most amazing of my life.

January

2010 started with Cole and I in Elba. I went to his house for New Years and we started off the year together. Then we went back to Wyoming for Cole to meet my parents and Matthew and Anita. A few weeks after that- we were in Idaho and got engaged....kinda a big deal- right? Right! That made January pretty great.

February

Started off with my friend Kaylee's wedding to her sweet Phil, which I was a bridesmaid and also made their wedding cake. And then we were back in Wyoming for Valentines day. We went and saw the movie Valentines' Day...horrible movie that it was. Cole and I also took our engagement pictures.

March

And then it was March and we were flying to Florida for Matthew and Anita's wedding, which I also made their wedding cake.

April

All of a sudden it was April- and we were in Elba for my 21st birthday and then I finished up Winter finals, moved in with Maren, and started Spring classes again.

May

May was the second of the Komma weddings with Kalob's wedding in Boise. I was able to go through the Boise, Idaho temple the day before his wedding. The rest of May was taken up with School.

June

And then it was the long awaited June! I finished finals, picked Kaylee up from the airport flying in from Australia, went home for a week, came back to Utah, Cole was in Idaho for his birthday, and then we got MARRIED! It was crazy but it was great! Then we had our reception in Elba.We stayed at the Melcher Mine for our honeymoon- I love that place!

July

Then it was July and we were back to Casper for our Wyoming reception. We came back to Utah and moved into our apartment and began to settle in and buy furniture and we were back to work.

August

August brought us back to Burley for the Cassia County Fair and Rodeo. I loved every minute of that!

September

I started school and Cole started teaching 8th grade History in September and we, once again, were in Wyoming when my dad was involved in a propane explosion. He healed up well...miraculously!

October

I went to St. George for two weeks in early October for my internship at the World Senior Games doing ultrasound on the carotid artery. And we had a soup party at our apartment for Halloween- we also got trick-or-treaters.

November

November was mostly taken up with school and midterms. Cole started as the head coach of the 9th grade girls basketball team. We went to Idaho for Thanksgiving.

December

I finished up classes, took finals, and the "worst storm of the centrury" came through Utah....our cars were barely dusted with snow the next day. And then we were off once again to Elba and celebrated Christmas with Cole's family. We went caroling. And Cole and I brought in New Years while watching some history movie about Teddy Roosevelt....livin the high life we are!

And here is to a new year!!! Hoping its as great as 2010 was!

2011

Well- The year 2011 is off and running. I'm not sure I'm quite ready for it. Cole and I went to Idaho for Christmas. Seriously....so fun! It was pretty relaxing. We stayed up late and woke up whenever....well- I woke up whenever, Cole was usually up before me. It was fun to be with Cole's whole family...almost. Tenelle and Zach and their little ones, NaShai and Chris and Parker, Skylar and Megann were all there- just Tenae wasn't able to come. Christmas was so fun- I'm the youngest, so I never really got to be around little kids at Christmas. That was fantastic! They got so excited over their Santa gifts and then we all unwrapped our presents. My family is a lot more laid back about Christmas-which I love. But it was also kinda fun to see the excitement of a HUGE Christmas. During the break- we also went and saw True Grit....Cole loves his westerns! I have to admit- I liked it too. The ending was a little unfulfilling- and I HATE when movies do that. But it was still pretty good. And while we were in Idaho, we got snow tires. Sounds lame- right? The things you want when you get married are so practical! We are SOOO excited to have them. I never knew what a difference tires make. We got in the car and we were like "Oh- so this is what safe feels like?" Haha. So much better to not feel out of control on bad roads!

Classes start tomorrow. I'm taking personal training strategies, problems in exercise perscription, basic athletic training, entrepreneurship, exercise and wellness certification preparation, and doctrine and covenants. It'll be a busy semester but I think I'll be learning things that I'll be interested in. I'm also applying to the ultrasound program at Weber State this week. Please keep me in your prayers...and Cole too. I think he's getting worn out from my constant worry about not getting into the program. I get close to making myself sick with worry. I hate this not knowing. Its hard to just let the Lord have control of your life- that is something I'll always struggle with. I plan. And I think Heavenly Father knows that I'll follow through on my plans unless He changes them for me. Which is frustrating- but I've gotten a lot out of changed plans...Cole for instance. So I honestly have no idea if I'll get into the program. I'm well qualified for it- but it just depends on plans that are other than my own and if they match mine or not.

And this weekend I FINALLY get to go home!!! Excited? No...EXTATIC!!! I haven't been able to go home to see my parents since my dad was burned pretty badly- and that was Labor Day! It has been more than 4 months. I know this is ridiculous- but that is the longest I've ever been away from home. I'm married now, so its different, but I still miss my parents and the ranch and friends in Casper. And...best of all- Matthew and Anita will be there! I'm a little stoked!

Cole is back to teaching and coaching today. We're so excited to be home but less excited for all the craziness that comes from being gone for a week and a half and coming back to school. Laundry is miserable after a trip!

But we are so excited for this...our first entire year as a married couple and can't wait for the many adventures that await us. We have been very blessed. It has been a wonderful year and we can't wait to start this one!

XOXO,

The Nelson's