the Graham Cracker House

Three weddings in 14 months! I think my parents are ready for a break.  Kacy and Gavin say they will GLADLY comply with that request.  

Michael and Stephanie's marriage at the Oquirrah Mountain temple was joyous.  I spent several seconds deciding on the right word and JOYous does describe the day well.  With lovely colors, a hot sun, fun family and friends to hang out with all day, spiritual moments, and a yummy luncheon at Gardener Village.  I was able to get to know Stephanie and her family more during the weekend and am truly excited to have a sister in law!

Second to the Murray Wedding was Madeline's 10th birthday.  The whole family saw  Toy Story 3 together on opening day.  Quite funny!   Right on par with the other two.
The most traumatic part of the day was discovering I had lost my wedding ring after we went swimming!  I was becoming depressed about it, but Bjorn and I went back to look in the grass after the movie, and after 15 minutes of searching I found it!  What a miracle.  We are so grateful.

Third momentous event of the weekend: KC moved to BYU!  I actually moved her into her dorms, and with Erin's help gave her a tour of campus the next door.  Erin took her to get all her books, etc., and Mom finally took her grocery shopping.  I think she'll do just fine living on her own.

On the last day of the family gathering I took Madeline and Gavin to 7-peaks.  They had no memories of the park, so I enjoyed showing them around around and rushing from one slide to the next.  Bjorn showed up in the late afternoon and convinced us to do the BIG rides.  With only slight sunburns and the wave pool breaking down only once we considered it a highly successful day.

Happy Permanence Day! I have officially lived in our newlywed cottage for over 10 months, which is the longest amount of time I have lived in any one spot since High School. That being several years ago- this is a big deal. While pondering how to celebrate permanence day I realized it probably should include some sort of big change, since my life has been in a constant flux every 6-9 months or so for the past 8 years, it's time for another one. We decided on rearranging the bedroom (I've never rearranged a room- besides adding new beds to fit more siblings- I'm always moving on and moving out in a few months) along with a thorough cleaning and some added organization- my favorite way to celebrate anything! We bought some baskets for Bjorn's clothes shelves and I just love them! They fit perfect and even look good and I love looking into that closet now. I'll open it just to make myself smile. Silly, I know.
After a great many errands, Bjorn and I enjoyed Chinese take-out and Martinelli's. Every weekend needs a reason to celebrate. :)

It appears I have overlooked the seemingly insignificant parts of our lives that actually enable to go on trips, are the items we go on trips to get away from, and are what help us grow and save and plan for our future.  These items would be: work and school.

Hello again Washington!  Though we're not taking up residence (yet) Bjorn and I thouroughly enjoyed our eight day stay with our families in Northwest Washington.  We packed a perfect amount of amazing activities into our short visit so I'll describe just a few of my favorite moments.

or should it be Moabitis?   Whichever one more accurately describes the grand adventures Bjorn and I had in SE Utah April 14-16.  I'll let pictures do most of the talking on this one.

Our campfire..... Have I mentioned how grateful I am for an eagle scout husband who taught merit badges at scout camp multiple summers?  Yep.  One less thing I have to worry about. Our little campsite was on a bend of the green river (that was as much water as we could find here)

Arches National Park (and some classic poses):

We hiked a ton! Saw almost every arch, went through a few water bottles and gatorades, took the Xterra on a CRAZY 4-wheel drive trails (Bjorn loved it, and I got a bit unnerved), and even tried our feet at mountain biking.

the view from Suzy's side window as we faced yet another rock climbing challenge.....

a wee bit worn out

That tiny speck in the middle is Bjorn AKA the climber

delicate arch, from a distance ( this is one on half of the utah license plates- for the people who don't ski)

Another Coleen Classic pose

Mountain bike adventure on one of the easier Moab trails.  The view of the canyons at the end was spectacular!  Though riding back to the car was not.  The sun started to beat down us.... we ran out of water.... it was bad news.  Luckily that was with 1 mile left.  Bjorn hurried to the car, and drove it up the trail to meet me.  SAVED!   I'm not sure why we are smiling in these pictures.

Our ward Relief Society meeting this month was full of purses,  (for decorations, invites, and games) and an emphasis on the individual worth of each of us, no matter which purse we are carrying.  The woman in charge wanted to take a look a at all different purses we carry at different times in our lives ( make-up bag, briefcase, diaper bag, granny handbag, etc.).

She asked me to speak on the "newlywed/working" stage of life and discuss my delight on the positive aspects of this stage of life.  "Of course there are up and downs to every stage, but we're going to focus on the positives" she said in her request.  This sent me on a week-long thought process on what really are the good spots to my current stage.  I found this exercise extremely bneneficial for me, because I don't always live IN the moment.  At least I am not doing a "Lot's Wife" anymore, but I do still like to look AHEAD and wish I was there. Wishing we were all done with school, wishing we had kids, wishing we could have a real house- with a garden, etc.  
Taking a minute to contemplate how GOOD life really is brought much gratitude to my life.  I'm in the BEST stage right now. I'm graduated, I have a job, I have a husband, and I have TIME to spend with him.  I also have time to volunteer, to help others, to spend time with friends, to give service.  I can learn so much from the ladies ahead of me at other stages, and also be an example to the ones in school, preparing (or on) missions, and preparing for marriage.  I have done a lot!  And there is a lot more ahead of me, but no need to rush.
Heavenly Father needs where I am right now, and I know he has a marvelous plan for the B. Grahams future.

Since the last week of February, either Bjorn or I have been sick. Violently ill, recovering, recuperating, almost sick, coughing, hacking, not sleeping well, sneezing, almost better, or something of the sort- every day.  I think it started with some bug I brought home from the hospital- MPV maybe? Bjorn had a real bad bout last week and even went to the doctors office voluntarily.  He was given antibiotics and is improving. Yesterday I started to come down with something AGAIN, after feeling fully healthy for almost a month.  The sinus pressure built up overnight, yet I still went to work.  After coughing and sneezing into every mask I wore and destroying four jolly ranchers because I had no medicine nor cough drops with me, miraculously I was able to go home early.  The unit was slow and they needed to send a nurse home.  Luckily, my day was up, so the charge just asked if I wanted to go. She didn't even know I was sick.  I considered it a great tender mercy and eagerly said yes.  I came home eager to dose up on drugs and pass out.... once again.   My sweet husband of course took great care of my ornery, exhausted self.  We haven't done dishes together in long while..... the unspoken rules is whoever is NOT sick at the moment gets to rid the kitchen of dirtiness.

Enough complaining.  I realize there are a couple ups to being sick.  And by couple I mean 2.    First, you are allowed to eat whatever you want (whatever sounds good.... whatever you can keep down) and along with that get to drink lots of juice (Bjorn and I love all fruit juices).  Second, being sick gives me an opportunity to stop.  I like to go-go-go-go ALL the time. I love being productive.  I find when I am sick the house doesn't get picked up, the bed isn't always made, and the dishes pile up. Yet long past due e-mails to friends are sent, books I've been meaning to finish suddenly become more interesting, and Bjorn and I have time to sit and talk.  I lay on the germ infested couch pondering life, marriage, the terrifying thought of having children running around the house while being this sick, the people I wanted to see and help this week, my plans for the future, and humbly realizing God's plan for the future, and how much more I need to trust in Him.  Though I have great plans for myself and my family (including not ever being sick ever again), I know God's plans for us are even greater, teaching invaluable lessons and brining us closer together as well as closer to Him.

Non-alcoholic of course.  But I truly DO love weddings.  This weekend Bjorn and I drove up to Idaho for Amber and Jarod's wedding.  Amber was part of the amazing singles ward in Washington where Bjorn and I first met.  She has been a friend to both of us so it was wonderful to meet her new husband and be a part of their fantastic marriage celebration.  Others from the "infamous" MV3 ward came as well, from other parts of Idaho and Washington.  Some single, some married, some with kids, and a few pregnant!  Perhaps more exciting than the wedding itself was the opportunity to reunite!  We have not all been in the same place at the same time since that first summer.  One by one we have moved away to start new lives.  Being together brought back so many great memories.  Late nights at Applebees, having crushes on each other, and discussing who is dating who.  It's changed a bit now, and I'm happy amazed at how everything has turned out.   Of course Heavenly Father has a hand in our lives!
After reconnecting at dinner the boys went shooting (yes, that was my husband's idea) and the girls had our Bachelorette party for Amber complete with sewing last minute alterations to bridesmaid dresses, a chocolate fountain, and sans-alcohol margaritas!  We all stayed up a little too late and felt like teens again (except we got really tired right before midnight- which didn't used to happen).  The company was great! I had a blast re-uniting with these girls.

Amber and Jarod were sealed in the Idaho Falls temple, one of the older temples (5th or 6th built if I remember correctly), in a beautiful and large sealing room.  I love attending temple weddings and listening to the advice and words of the sealer.  Being reminded of our temple marriage and the covenants I have made, I am inspired to do better and work harder!  
Back in Pocatello a PURPLE reception  complete with sand ceremony and the PB&J song made for a lovely, unique reception.   We showered their car with a little bit of love and wished the couple well as Bjorn and I left the reception early to get home that night.


An adventure found us around Brigham City, dear Suzy (our Xterra) ran out of gas.  The gas light had gone on of course, but we thought we knew how much further we could go with it in on (it goes on a lot).  We were wrong, and Suzy ran out of gas on the freeway.  Bjorn was able to get another 50 feet out of her by starting and restarting several times, and magically we made it to the off ramp.  We coasted to a stop on the side of the road next to the stop light, and my dear husband jumped out and ran to the gas station.  We had to buy a gas can, as well as gas.  But once the liquid was inside Suzy started like a champ!   I was a little surprised at myself for not freaking out at all, and even telling Bjorn to keep calm and assuring him- Bjorn commented later that I handled it very well.


All in newlyweds weekend :)

Since Salt Lake City is swimming in RSV,  there seems to be almost NO escaping it.  The virus is hitting everyone, young and old, and those under age 5 often end up in the hospital.  Our unit at Primary Children's  is overflowing (literally) with RSV patients.  in Lieu of focusing on the darkness of these times, I am trying to find the positive perks to RSV season.

1- I get the satisfying feeling of sucking snot out with a tiny cather.  Kind of gross I know, but it's good to know I played a part in helping the kid be able to breathe.
2- I get to wear a stylin' yellow gown every time I enter a patients room, forever imprinting a fear of yellow monsters into their young brains.
3- I get to interact with some amazing parents, and
4- occasionally see friends and family at the hospital
5-  I find myself exhausted after working four of these extra shifts in a row, and realize that I am just preparing for parenthood (someday)
6- I wear a mask pretty much all day, which supposedly prevents me from getting any airborne viruses (not sure if it's working, I've had a cough all week)
7- I get to work a lot of extra shifts and make more money (hoping to take a vacation with my hubby in the summer!)
8- mentor and coach student nurses (especially those from BYU) so they will be fabulous RN's when it's their turn to take care of RSV-ers
9- taking care of GI/short-gut kids is fun again, (even though their room smells like TPN and fish oil) just  because it's something different
10- occasionally getting to work half shifts (for extras) which are infinitely easier than 12 hours.

click here for a recent DeseretNews article about RSV in Utah

One more story from the infant unit, not related to RSV:  a 2-year old patient was left by himself when his mom went to the cafeteria.  He had the remote in his hand, and accidently pushed the nurse call-light button.  Two of us came rushing in, saw what he did, laughed and just cancelled it.  The patient seemed to think this reaction was great however, because as soon as we left he did it again.  I answered it this time, and again- another nurse got it, and AGAIN!  He thought he was being pret-ty powerful.  The other nurse finally went in and took the remote out of his hands. He gave her the biggest crusty! but didn't cry.  We told his mom about it when she got back, she laughed with us.  Gotta love those little ones!

Since this is the Graham family blog I must mention that my husband has been amazing while I have been working tons this week.  He is doing great in school, and buckles down for long days of homework while I work. He has made dinner for me every night, makes the bed, and does the dishes.  It is so wonderful to come home to a clean house! He even came up to the hospital once to visit me on my lunch break.  Being married is wonderful.

The best part of Valentines this year (besides having a SPOUSE to celebrate it with) has been having the whole weekend free! I was off of work for 4 days, and Bjorn didn't have any school after Friday so we have been partying all weekend. Friday was our much anticipated friends party! I made invitations a bit ago and excitedly got food and decorations ready. Mostly, I loved planning all of it. The friends and babies who came were wonderfully fun to chat and catch up with. It is fun to see this group of my old roommates growing. I was the very last to get married, and now half of them have kids! It's crazy!
Saturday after breakfast in bed we hit some sales then Bjorn planned a magical evening of "camping in the living room" complete with tent, waterfall, fire, stars, and s'mores. I love having such a creative husband. We went to our ward activity- a Valentines dance- for an hour and showed off our major dance skills (not really), then out to dinner and back to our "campsite". The tent and sleeping bag weren't quite as comfortable to sleep in as our bed in the next room, so we awoke pretty tired the next morning and planned for a nap before even getting out of bed.

Sunday- the actual Valentines Day- I taught a fun filled lesson on Noah's ark to my teenagers (the Youth Sunday School class). Complete with clips from Youtube and sugary treats. Don't worry- they don't get this kind of lesson every week! Bjorn and I were able to go to Springville for dinner and see all the family. This is really the only time I see my siblings each month, along with Mums and the Beres family. The food and company are always delightful there. And Erin made my very favorite dessert: Kate's Triple Chocolate Triffle. A perfect Valentines Weekend.

ME: What baby foods should we try feeding her [8 month old patient]?
PATIENT'S MOM: do you have a mix? like sweet potatoes and corn?
PATIENT'S GRANDMA: That's disgusting!!!

I thought this was a hilarious conversation from the hospital today, thought it doesn't seem as funny now that I am writing it down. The joys of working with babies. I love it. This particular patient also threw up after we suctioned her, and the whole room smelled like banana baby food (her breakfast). So mom said no fruits for lunch.

I really got along with this particular mother today. It was so nice to just talk. We have a lot in common, though she has seven children! (And is not much older than me!) She liked to talk and I liked to take time away from my work and tasks to enjoy a friendly conversation and learn from her experiences. I do love the people I work with at the hospital. The Nurses, the Residents and attending doctors, the patients (of course), and their parents.

Happy Anniversary to US! Okay, it's only been a few months but what better reason to celebrate! Bjorn and I celebrated our 6 month anniversary of being married on January 31st. Which happened to be a Sunday. So the day before we went out to dinner at the Bombay House- an Authentic Indian restaurant (declared so by Bjorn himself, having become an "expert" while serving his mission England). I had been wanting to take Bjorn there for quite some time, as I knew he would love it. And since I got to plan this 6-month anniversary (he gets to do the 1-yr anniversary) I wanted to surprise him with it. I had to work that day as well, but I changed into his favorite dress as soon as I gave report to the oncoming nurse. A minute later I met my dashing looking husband in front of the hospital, and we set off into the sunset. Technically, the sun was already down, but the point is we were happy, and dinner was delicious.

The Householders have been in Utah this month, and last weekend we finally got a chance to meet up with them. This American couple owns a bed and breakfast in Port Alberni, BC, Canada and were simply amazing to me on my mission. As someone put it once "missionaries need the Householders, and the Householders need missionaries!" Tom was the Bishop of the Port Alberni ward at the time I served there, so we went through many adventures together. Their bed and breakfast/home was always open to us: for any meals, to use the conference room for district meetings, or the pool table on P-days. We'd also help with the dishes if Marla was away. They are like a second set of parents to me. Naturally, it was quite wonderful to catch up with them and their lives. They gave me an update on how the Port ALberni ward is doing. Not all news was good news of course, but it is still great to remember these people that mean so much to me, and hear how their lives are progressing. I learned that my last baptism (2 days before leaving Canada) Sister Jean Potts (70 something years old), is preparing to go to the temple. As far as I know, only one other person I helped teach has gone through the temple, so I was thrilled with this news. I've heard it said that you can't judge the success of your mission until 20 years later, and I am starting to see why.

Coleen- the queen of posing

Bjorn on his first day

My new Years resolution is to get this blog up and going!  For some unknown reason, after working a night shift and taking a seven hour nap today, I feel inspired to do so.   Our excitement so far this year has been Bjorn starting school again, having the jeep truck towed, and being summoned for jury duty.  All of which has happened in the past week.  Bjorn has 17 credits this semester and will do just fabulous- though I am sure it will keep him busy.  The towing was a horrid experience involving the police, a tow-yard, the Utah DMV, Washington DMV, proof of insurance, and several faxes back and forth from Washington.  The car did have expired tabs, so it is our fault, but a little warning would have been nice. sheesh.  
I'm off to the kitchen! Time to clean and start making dinner for my husband (I still love being able to use that word)!