Determination

Because I need this today.....

"Keep you dreams alive.  Understand to achieve anything requires faith and belief in yourself, vision, hard work, determination, and dedication.  Remember, all things are possible for those who believe." --Gail Devers

Twenty-Eleven

How is it the new year already?

First of all, how cute is my new blog template?!?! I'm loving the owls! Not sure why, but I love them!!

2010 flew right by, as well as my Christmas vacation. While I have loved every minute of my time off, I am ready to go back to work on Monday and get back in my normal day to day routine. I know that sounds absolutely crazy, but my nearly 2 week break was just what I needed. I feel totally re-charged.

Cameron and I had a wonderful holiday season this year.....beginning WAY back in November. We had an awesome Thanksgiving with our families. Our day began early.....when it was about 8 degrees outside. The fam (Dad, Cort, Tayler, Cam, Mom, Susan, Gerry,Melanie and myself) headed to City Creek Canyon for the Cold Turkey 5K.

Tayler, Cort, and Me heading to the race!

It was the coldest morning we had had in a long time, but we still braved the cold for some good old fashioned walking/running fun.

This year we opted to only do one dinner, and alternate between my family and Cam's every year. We felt like last year we spent the day in the car and didn't get to spend enough time at every place we went. Since Susan and Gerry were here from Boise, we decided to start the rotation with my family. We had a great dinner and Stuart and Melanie's house, followed by a few games and dessert with Cam's family at Greg and Karine's.

Over Thanksgiving weekend, I got in some much needed "FuFu" time with my girls since we were all around. We hit up the Cheesecake Factory (our usual meeting place), and Cam and I had the opportunity to introduce Stacy to In n' Out. On our way to our delicious cheeseburger extravaganza, we had a mini adventure.....thanks to my quick acting, nurse-in-training husband. We were driving down 45th South after we picked up Stacy Lou when we saw a hug puff of snow. I thought someone was blowing the sidewalk or something....but I was SO wrong! A car actually was run off the road, and slammed into a tree, which created the huge puff of snow all over the place. Without thinking twice, Cameron flipped the car around and parked the car....to go and provide medical assistance. It all happened so fast, Stacy and I were left staring at each other wondering if we should get out of the car and go "help" (since we are all knowing when it comes to providing medical assistance), or if we should stay in the car. We opted to stay in the car and leaving the care-giving to Cameron. Needless to say, it was a proud moment for me. Only one more semester and he can get paid for his nursing skills!

I just love this picture of Cam.  He looks so official!!

We did a lot of celebrating this Christmas. Christmas came early to our house this year because I got new ornaments for our tree for my birthday (Thanks Karine!). I broke my own rule this year and put up our tree before Thanksgiving....the day after my birthday actually. Our tree caused us a lot of grief this year, so this was the best picture I got of it. The lights on different parts of the tree kept going on and off at different times, so I had one shot to get a picture of it all working.

Our Tree.....which is now in the dumpster.  Stupid lights.....

We did a lot of celebrating this year, which began with out annual Angel Tree shopping night/dinner with Dad and Cort. Each of us kids had the name of one of the kids from the Angel Tree to shop for. In lieu of gifts for us, the parentals give us each $100 to buy clothes and a few toys for our Angel Tree kiddo. We had so much fun shopping for our kids! We got them clothes, shoes, socks, undies, and at least 1 toy. Being the teacher I am, I had to buy one educational item for my little one. She is 5 after all....just the right age for ABC puzzle cards!! Her teacher would thank me! After shopping, we had an AMAZING dinner at Aristo's. I had lamb for the first time (which was delicious), and some of the most delicous pita bread I have ever had. I could have eaten just that!! It was a really fun night, and one of my favorite holiday traditions! We have what we need, and it makes me feel great to give to kids who don't have the basics they need. You know I'm a softy for the kids.

Jan and Byron were here from Washington for a wedding in early December, so the Boam's gathered for some delicious seafood and a cookie swap at Bryan and Janalee's house in Farmington. You know how I am a sucker for all things that come from the sea....crab especially. It was fun seeing all of Cameron's cousins at the same time, performing some pretty interesting talents during the Talent Show (a Boam Family holiday tradition), not to mention leaving with a whole bunch of delicious cookies....which I also am a big fan of. The cookie/recipe swap sparked an idea with all of us amateur chefs in the family, so we decided to create a family recipe blog so we can share all of our recipes with each other. I added it to my blog list if you are interested in some delcious recipes! Right now, there isn't much....but I am sure everyone will be posting some delicious things shortly!!

We celebrated with the Gehrkes as well. I made a fabulous prime rib for that shin-dig. Cameron was sick as a dog that night, so we didn't stay long (I'm not sure if I brought home his illness from school, or if his body was just beat do death from the fall semester....but be got hit HARD!). We don't do gifts with my mom's side of the family either. This year, we Sub for Santa'ed another refugee family from Africa. Tayler found this family, and organized all of the shopping, wrapping, and delivering of the goods. We were able to get them some warm clothes, a lot of food, as well as some fun things for the kids to play with outside when it gets a little warmer. Giving is my favorite part about the holiday season.....it really makes the holidays a lot more meaningful for me. 

We also partied with the Ogzewalla's, Cort's side of the fam, which is always a good time.  We ate some more.....no wonder the average American gains 6-10 lbs between November and January.....played pool, and watched a picture slideshow/iMovie that Cort made for everyone.  You know she did a good job when she get's Roger (her dad) to shed a few tears. 

We also celebrated my Dad's 9th "Birthday".....also known as the 9 year anniversary of his sobriety.  I made a turkey and all of the Thanksgiving sides (since we didn't have t-giving with Dad and Cort), and we hung out at our house celebrating.  I am really proud of the changes my dad has made in his life.  10 years ago, I spent a lot of time and energy worrying about him and his well being.  Now, I know he is great!  I am so happy he was able to take control back of his life so he could be the Dad I always know he wanted to be, and that Tayler and I always needed. 

Dad and Roger (Cort's Dad) at our Wedding

We also had a MHS reunion of sorts over the break!  Kim and Nick hosted the party at their clubhouse and we spent the night eating more delicious food.....pasta this time....playing Rock Band, and some other game Liz planned....can't remember what it was called but I laughed a lot while we played it!  Cam was at work that night, so Stacy agreed to be my date for the night since everyone else there had their spouse and/or child.  Good times were had by all (Kim, Nick, Liz, Josh, Jaynann, Adam, Emma, Brett, Amber, Josh, Emily, Chloe, and Stacy and I of course)!!  Liz was the designated photog of the night, so you will have to see her blog for pics.

Finally, on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day we were able to spend a little time with each side of our families.  We ate more, laughed a lot, cried a little (happy tears of course.....there are always tears when we do stockings with Dad and Cort), and were spoiled rotten by our families.  We really are so lucky to have such great families.  We spent Christmas Eve at Cameron's Grandparents house eating more prime rib, reading the Christmas Story from the Bible, exchanging White Elephant gifts, as well as Santa gifts for the little kiddos.  We then ventured to Dad and Cort's to open stocking (which were HILARIOUS this year), and watch a movie....which we all fell asleep during.

Christmas morning we opened presents and Greg and Karine's and had a delicious breakfast of cinnamon rolls, breakfast casserole, hashbrowns, german pancakes, and other goods.  We were spoiled and got a new TV for our bedroom......which went along with the PS3 we bought off KSL.  I think we are officially set up now in the technology department.

Our new bedroom set up!  Thanks Greg and Karine!

We also went to see a lot of movies over the holiday break.....all which were pretty good.  Little Fockers was probably my favorite!  We were skeptical because it only got a 10% on Rotten Tomatoes, and we tend to agree with their reviews.....but this time they were wrong!!  It was hilarious!!

We also took Lauren to see True Grit.....which was also pretty good.  We tend to like Cohen Brother's movies though.  Cameron wants to take my Grandpa to see it.....we will see if that happens.  My grampy doesn't like to go to movies too much.

And, Tron.....which wasn't my favorite.  But, I may have gone into it with a bad attitude.

I also got to spend a lot of quality time with this darling little lady during my break...............

I love snuggling with Jinxy on cold afternoons...and we have had a lot of those in the past 2 weeks.  She doesn't complain about what TV shows I want to watch, and loves me unconditionally!  I just love this little cat!!  I mean, how can you not?!?  Look at that face!!

All in all, I think this was one of the best Christmas's Cameron and I have had.  Was it busy, yes.  But spending time with all of our families is always a good time!

I am kind of glad the holidays are over though.....I am not sure I could cook/eat another big meal or bake another cookie!!  While I love the holidays, my waist line does not!!

2011 is going to be a big year for the Romero's......stay tuned!!

Happy New Year!!!

New Addition

As Gina the Civic's lease was coming to an end, it was time to look into adding a new addition to our family. And here she is.......



I am now officially taking suggestions for her name!

Look Who is in the News!!

All-day kindergarten extends, expands learning opportunities

By Julie Slama (Murray Journal)
November 10, 2010


Horizon kindergarten teacher Lindsey Romero helps Josue Godinez pour sugar while making applesauce as part of the extended-day kindergarten program. During the exercise they talk about the concepts of more and less.

Three years ago, Madison Wold entered kindergarten knowing some letters and sounds, but couldn't match colors with their names.

Madison entered the optional extended-day kindergarten as one of about 24 students who needed the extra help at Horizon on the three-year program. Similar kindergartners entered the program at Liberty and Parkside, the other two funded programs, partially from the legislature and partially from Title I funds Murray School District channeled to the kindergarten program, said Asst. Supt. Steve Hirase.

"It made all the difference," Madison's mother, Nikki Wold, said. "She learned so much in Mrs. (Lindsey) Romero's class. She knew everything — her colors, numbers, reading. She just thrived and loves school. She knew so much more and was prepared to go into first grade. Kids absolutely need all-day kindergarten. They need the extra time to work and learn."

Madison now is doing well and is performing grade level in Horizon's Spanish Immersion program, her mother said.

Her kindergarten teacher credits the extended-day program with the time needed to cover more curriculum.

"It taught the half-day program before this option," Romero said. "It's nearly impossible to cover everything. This allows more time and the mastery of skills, instead of just the introduction and general coverage."

In all three extended-day programs, the teachers emphasized more time for literacy skills. By the end of the program, students were reading on grade level or above. Math mastery with number recognition and patterning also were explored.

This is the last year of the legislative funding and the future of extended-day kindergarten is uncertain.

"Unless the state funds the program or we have money from another source, we don't have the funding option to continue," Hirase said. "This program has closed the gap to almost non-existent between these students and those in the normal kindergarten program."

At Parkside, 23-year teaching veteran Rachelle Peterson said that at the start the year, many don't know their names, and some have never held scissors or a pencil.

"I read them a book and when I was done, there was just silence and eyes full of wonder. Many have never been read to. Then, one of them asked me to read it again," Peterson said, and she read the book again.

Art, music, poetry, folk tales, science, social studies and other areas are introduced and enriched in their curriculum during the day, often integrated into literacy and math lessons. But the teachers agree it's the small group and one-on-one attention, with the help of a full-time aide in each classroom, that makes the difference.

"It's the extra time that we have for literacy in the extended-day kindergarten that we don't have in the two-and-one-half hour kindergarten that makes the difference," Peterson said, adding that attendance has improved with all-day kindergarten students. "We can't make up for the lack of opportunities in five years without the extra time in schooling now."

A few days? Ya right!!

Well, in my previous post.....which was WAY too long ago.....I previewed some of the happenings in our ever so busy lives. I said I would treat you all to those items in a day or 2....whicth turned into a week or 2...maybe even 3. So, I thought that as I sit here and wait for my Parent Teacher Conference appointments to come and visit me in my cave (also known as my classroom in the forgotten hall at my school) I would do my best to update all of my adoring fans on the happenings of your favorite people in the entire world....being Cam and I (obviously!!)

Let me begin by sharing with you all a little bit about my bout with pneumonia a few weeks ago. It all started with what I thought was yet another cold. Everyone says that after your provisional years as a teacher, your immune system is tough and you won't get sick all of the time. Well my friends, that was a lie. I think this school year, I have been sick more than in years past. Cold, after cold, after sore throat, and throw in another cold! Hopefully, I have rid myself of all future colds, pneumonia cases, and hopefully the flu (Thank you MSD employee flu shot clinic!). All I can say about pneumonia is that it SUCKS!! I literally sat hovering over my humidifyer for 3 days....it was the only solution to my cement filled (seriously, that is what it felt like) lungs. I took a day off work (3 days would have been best...but you know how I feel about leaving my little darlings), got some medicine, and spent UEA on my couch trying to get better. It was a very unpleasant experience that I hope I don't have to deal with anytime soon. I truly feel for people who have chronic breathing issues now. Feeling like you are breathing through a straw is miserable! Luckily, my lungs are pretty clear now, and coughing is the only issue. Let's hope that was my "killer" bug for the year!



As we all know, I am an avid amateur chef. I love to cook, and to eat (hence my amazing physique), so naturally when Satan (AKA my sis) asked my mom and I to compete in the annual "Fall Harvest Smackdown" (which is an Iron Chef inspired cooking competion that Satan's man friend (The Gimp....read his blog....it is quite entertaining)spear heads) last year I was totally in! Well, since all of the Bradley's have a gazillion children to bring and stuff the ballot box when voting on the best dishes, we were shut out last year. I was really miffed about the whole situation to be honest. First of all....what the HELL is a jelly melon?!? And, what kind of secret incredient is that?!?!? It tastes AWFUL!! What can you make with this that won't be VILE?



Even after last years competion, and in my opinion rigged results, my mom and I decided to participate again this year. I was literally afraid of what the secret ingredient would be after last year. How could it get any worse? Well, to my surprise (and I think it is safe to say everyone who participated surprise), that this years secret incredient was this....



Yes, the spicy, yet delicious habanero pepper! I was actually pretty excited about the ingredient this year. I can deal with spicy! Last year we only entered 3 items (an entree....which was the bomb, BTW, an appetizer, and a dessert), we decided to go for 4 this year. For our entree we made a habanero lime marinated salmon with a garlic habanero compound butter. Yum! Our side dish was roasted corn with garlic and habanero. Also Yum! The appetizer we made, which wasn't my favorite but everyone else seemed to love it, was sweet potatoe fries with a mango habanero dipping sauce. And finally, the big hit of the night was my dessert. It was a delicious peach trifle with habanero whipped cream....and boy it was sinful!! We had a lot of fun cooking and getting ready for the competion....and our hard work paid off this year. Team Pneumonia (thank the Gimp for that team name) took home the prizes for best side dish and best dessert!! That's right, we took 2 prizes!!! Now, Seth (the ultimate Bradley smack talker) thinks we rigged the competition this year (because we requested that there be judges....to be true to Iron Chef). What I have to say to that is....may the best chef prevail....and prevail we did!!



And to Seth the smack talker.....did you misplace your trophy? Next year you should take better care of your winnings :).

Now, on to more serious things of note.....

In the past few months, I have learned some valuable life lessons. As many of you know, Cam is finishing his last year of nursing school. And with that, comes a lot of school work. I am amazed at what Cameron is able to do. I watch him study and listen to his online lectures to prepare for tests....and to be honest, I feel like I am listening to someone speak in a foreign language. All of that medical talk, and prescription names make my head spin! I could never survive nursing school, let alone all of the yucky hospital stuff. To get Cameron through school, we have had to make a lot of sacrifices....mostly financially. As strange as it sounds, money has never been an issue for me. I have always worked (since I was 15....wow, almost 11 years now) and bought myself what I needed/wanted. The first two years of our marriage, we seemed to be able to buy everything we wanted and needed....clothes, any Apple product we could get our hands on, basic day to day necessities....you name it.....we needed/wanted it, we bought it. Well, that all changed when Cameron started school. We had to change the way we viewed money. I will be honest, it was hard. There were many months that near the end....I was afraid. Cameron is going to kill me for sharing this....but I have learned so much in the past year. Like everyone says....that which does not kill us makes us stronger. I am now a firm believer in that. I also learned how to grocery shop without spending a fortune! Cooking is my stress reliever. Some people read, or run, or meditate.....me, I want to cook. So coming home from work, and cooking dinner really helps me calm down (and with my job, there are days that I need a lot of calming down). Unfortunately, some of the things I like to cook are not cheap....and I have had to learn to make do with what I have. I have also learned that cheaper, store brand foods taste almost the same as the more expensive name brand items. I know that may sound silly, and make me sound like a total snob, but lets face it.....sometimes I am. So, not only am I so incredibly lucky to have such a smart husband, who is giving up so much to go to school to better our future together, I am actually appreciative for the experience it has given me. It in a way, brought me back to reality....and somewhat made me a more grounded person who appreciates the little things. Too bad it too me almost 26 years to figure that out. Today, I am a stonger, and more fiscally responsible person which will help me greatly in the long run.

Well, I began this lovely post at about 2 PM this afternoon, and it is offically 8:20 PM now. I am officially DONE for today! Only 2 more conferences tomorrow!

Until next time America!

Just a taste of what is to come......

I've learned some valuable lessons lately....



Had pneumonia...........


And cooked with A LOT of these little hot mothas'!!!


That is just a taste of what is to come in the next day or so..........

The Social Network

Last night, Cam and I went to go and see the movie "The Social Network". It was awesome!! For those of you unfamiliar about the movie, it is about the creation of Facebook by Harvard student Mark Zuckerberg in 2003. I had no idea there was so much drama (and multiple mulit-million dollar lawsuits involved) surrounding it's development. I am not sure if the movie is 100% correct, it is Hollywood after all, but it made for a great movie!! I would highly suggest you see it, especially if you are a fan of social networking.

So, who wants to help me come up with a 25 BILLION dollar idea like Facebook?