What's new?

I have just been thinking about you all and wondering how life is going, now that several of us are done with residency. Where is everyone and how is life going? Time for some updates!

Megan

GIRLS WEEKEND 2010 - it was amazing!

GIRLS WEEKEND 2010!

There was a measly group of just the four us this year, but we managed to somehow still have WAY TOO MUCH FUN! ;0)

We spent the first day at the mall- seriously. Like the entire afternoon and half the evening. It was so fun to shop without kids hanging on us and time limitations. We were in H&M for almost 2 hours! We have $1 sparkly sandals, "little black dresses," $1 sunglasses, maternity pants galore, and more than a few "back-to-school" items to show for our "spree."

The next day we headed up to the day spa and soaked, swam, mud-bathed, "wafa-ed," ate, and just plain enjoyed everything there was to offer there - especially the good conversation. Jill has all the good photos (water & mud-proof camera). After our relaxation destination, we ate dinner at Sammy's Woodfired Pizza and saw "Charlie St. Cloud." Pretty good movie if you like Zac Efron.... which we all decidedly DO! Yowza! (husbands aren't allowed to read this.... in case you didn't know ;0) )

Saturday was super fun. We hit the beach,



Can you spell "R and R?"



then more shopping (a GW tradition to bring a "little" something home for the hubby)





Also in keeping with Girls' weekend tradition, we did a little KARAOKE and treats that include the words, "Chubby hubby, paradise coconut, and brownie batter...." just to give you an idea.

The last night, we stayed up until 5:30 AM! ITS A NEW GIRLS WEEKEND RECORD!! ((applause)) Despite the late night, I feel so rejuvinated. I feel so lucky to have such great friendships. In just a few words, the weekend was:

Inspiring
Relaxing
Hilarious
Spiritual
Uplifting
Just what I needed

Thoughts on next year:

We had discussed planning girls weekend in Hawaii next year, but after some further consideration and discussion, we think the most important thing is for us to make it easier for as many people to come as possible. So, what do you all say to Salt Lake City again? Would that be easier and more affordable? We want to still visit Megan in HI, but maybe try for a couples thing in the fall or something... I don't know.

PLEASE ADD ANY INPUT!! WE WANT YOU TO COME!!

Packing a School Lunch

Jade is starting kindergarten next week. It is all day so I will need to pack a lunch for her. Seeing as I am completely new to having a school-age kid I am asking for help. I would love your advice on school lunch, what to pack, what works, what doesn't, and what you absolutly swear by. I would love any thoughts or advice you can give me.

P.S. I hope the girl's trip was awesome.

ONE MORE WEEK!

I can hardly believe it but its true! Girl's weekend begins one week from tomorrow! Can't wait to party ladies. Sounds like Kami has some super fun stuff planned. I plan on thoroughly soaking up all the girl-talk and laughs that I can hold! To get me by until next year, of course :) Its not too late to come if anyone is still considering it. There's plenty of room for more!

See you gals soon!

Hey Girls :)

I just wanted to say hi and congrats to all those who graduated! Can you believe they are really done... I am loving it! And those of you who still have some time left, hang in there! you can do it!!!

We are all moved & living in Gunnison UT. Doesn't feel real yet, but maybe once Adam starts work and we get a routine going it will feel like home. We had a great time in Cozumel even though I am big and pregnant. Eventually I will get around to posting about it on my blog. Adam is home for almost 3 more weeks and it's been great.

I hope everyone is doing well with their moves, babies etc. Just wanted to say hi!

I would love to know what everyone is up to :)

love, Rachel

Graduation Gifts

Hi girls--
For those of you with husbands finishing this month, what are your ideas for residency graduation gifts? I'm stumped and I need ideas!

Miracles

You all know how we listed our house for sale a few weeks back?  Well, we had been preparing the house for a couple of months and all of the realtors that we interviewed said that it was very difficult to sell a home right now and we were looking at going about 15 to 20,000 in the hole on the house.  We were also told that it was going to be nearly impossible to sell the house FSBO.  Well, we felt good about listing it ourselves and we felt good about the price we listed it for.  We had been praying over the last couple of months that the Lord would be preparing a family to buy our home from us and that we would be able to sell the home without going backwards in the loan and that we would be able to sell it quickly.  We put the house up for sale at 5:00 p.m. on a friday night, got a call saturday morning and they wanted to see the home on sunday.  We told them that we didn't show on sundays but we would be happy to show the house on monday.  On sunday we fasted that we would be able to sell the home.  On monday the family came and walked through the house and said that they would let us know one way or another.  They left the house and walked out to their car.  They rang the doorbell a few seconds later and said that they didn't need to think about it any longer.  They knew that they wanted to buy the house.  They said that they were pre-approved for about $5,000 less then asking price but they were willing to offer more if we needed it.  We negotiated for $2,000 less than asking price (which still covers our full morgage) and they signed the papers and gave us a deposit.  It was so mind boggling smooth that it is impossible to contribute it to any other factor than the Lord.  We are just humbled and dumbfounded at His mercy and hand in our lives.  Not only does He answer prayers, but he always blows me away when He does.  Austin and I dropped to our knees in gratitude which seemed not nearly good enough.  We wanted to scream it from the housetops!  Anyway, I had to share with you all what an amazing experience it was.  Words can't quite express how I feel but I am so thankful for the gospel that teaches us to pray and fast and trust in the Lord and to rely on Him.  Where would I be without Him?