Where to even begin.....

Yes, I failed at the quick update.  Thank you for ridicule Mom, and Liz.

So, basically a lot has happened since March, so I will do my best to recap the events of the past 3 months.  This in an insanely long post (with many pictures), so beware.  It will be worth it in the end, I promise!!

Let's take a look at April.....

We celebrated Cam's 25th Birthday on the 26th.  In true Lindsey fashion, there are no pictures.  Well, actually there were but the never made it to the computer because they were on my phone that took a swim in the washing machine.  Oh, well.  I like this picture better than the one I took on his actual birthday.

On the same day......Cam took his very last final of nursing school......which lead to the next event in May.....

Graduation from Nursing School!!!

Yes, I cried the entire time.  He finally made it!!!

Lauren, Cam (the Nurse), and Karine

The Nurse and Big Dan

Cry Face, the Nurse, Dad, and Cort

Tayler, the Nurse, Cry Face, Mom, and Wes

Karine, the Nurse, Greg, and Lauren

To celebrate, we had a little party with family and friends at Millcreek.  Again, no pictures.  This time, it was because I was being the "hostess with the mostest".  We had a great time celebrating Cam's years of hard work, and also giving thanks to everyone who has helped us along the way!!

After graduation, came the NCLEX (nursing boards).  After 5 hours, and 275 questions....he passed and is officially a Registered Nurse!!  The department of licensing iPhone app proves it!!

I'm so proud of all the hard work he put in over the past 2 years.  A long time ago, we made a plan.....we will call it our 5 year plan (since we are now in our 5th year of being married).  Through a lot of hard work, sweat, many tears, and sleepless nights.....we made it.  Who knows what the next 5 year plan will include!!

While Cameron's graduation in May was probably the highlight of the month, we also did something pretty substantial.  

We became parents...... 

To this handsome little guy......Bruce Wayne Romero.

(he looks like a bat when he lays on his back....hence the name.)

I have always had an incessant need to mother something.....that is probably why I became a teacher.  Well, since we aren't really ready for a human child (yes, I will have one sooner than later, please don't fret), we decided to get a puppy.  I begged, and pleaded for a really long time, and Cameron finally gave in and we found this cute little Puggle (Pug/Beagle mix) on KSL and couldn't resist.

We absolutely love him!!  While he can be a menace at times.....remember, he is still in the ragging puppy stage....we can't imagine life without him.  He has so much personality, which is hard to miss.  

Just look..........

I know I am biased.....but I think he might be the most adorable dog on the planet!!  And, he really is pretty smart.  For only being 3 months old, he can sit, lay down, almost roll over (not consistently just yet), and he is almost 100% potty trained!  We have an accident from time to time, but it is usually our fault.  

I can't get over how much he has grown since we got him.

 June finally came, which meant the end of another school year.  It blows my mind to think that I have taught over 125 students now.  The last day of school is always bittersweet for me.  While I love my class, and what I do, I also love my summer break!!

June 16th was our 4th anniversary.  Seriously, where has the time gone?

As usual, we kept things low key and went out for sushi to celebrate.  No need for gifts or fancy vacations for us....we just like hanging out together.  However, we would really like to go back to Mexico (where we went on our honeymoon) next summer for our 5 year anniversary.  

Hopefully, we can make that happen.  

This summer I have a new obsession, but it is a good one.....

Bountiful Baskets Food Co-Op

Yes, I got all of these goods for just $15!!  In an effort to be more healthy, and eat more fruits and veggies I signed up for a basket in June and fell in love.  Saturday morning is almost like Christmas for me!  I go and pick up my goods for the week.....and can't wait to see what I get since they are always different!!  Everyone should do this!!  Click here for more info.  You won't regret it!

Most of you know (or at least I think you know) that my step mom Cortney was diagnosed with ovarian cancer earlier this year.  Not going to lie, but this has been a real source of stress and anxiety for all of us.  Well, she began her chemo treatments the first week of June, and is now more than half way finished with the cycle.  I am not going say that this process has been easy for anyone, especially Cort.  It has actually been hell.  But, Cort is a trooper and one strong cookie!!  This process has made me realize just how string she really is.  We knew the chemo would cause her to loose her long, gorgeous hair, so she decided she wanted to shave it off before it started falling out on it's own and donate it to Locks of Love.  To make the experience a little lighter, she decided to have a head shaving party.

Cort, Meg, and Beau pre-shave

The donation......

Mohawk?

Yes, 2 mohawks!!

So many friends, co-workers, and family members came to support Cort and shave their heads too.  My family has been showered with love, support, prayers, and well wishes in the past few months.  We so appreciate everything everyone has done to help!

Especially this............

Last month, one of my best friends in the whole world, ran in a Ragnar race raising money for the American Cancer Society.  Cancer has impacted so many people, including Liz, so she decided to run, and ran in honor of those battling cancer currently, previously, or for those who lost their battle.  This seriously made Cort's day, and even made her cry.  Thanks Liz for running for such a great cause and including Cortney in your experience!! 

I also decided to take a leap of faith in June and go back to finish my Masters' in school administration.  I was hesitant after the previous bad experience I had (which I won't go into), but after a lot of research I decided to become a Phoenix.

I have been so impressed with the University of Phoenix thus far.  The class sizes are small (only 11 people in my cohort), and the seem to really care!  I get a call weekly from my academic and enrollment advisors to make sure I am doing ok, and if I have any questions.....which is so different from my previous experience!  I would highly recommend this school to anyone interested in higher education!  The next year of my life is going to be CRAZY....but in the end it will all be worth it.  

Finally.......

My sister was named the U23 National Time Trial Champion a few weeks ago at Nationals in Augusta, GA!!

And....she is off!!!  Finishing 40 seconds faster than the next rider!!

Stars and Stripes.......and the GOLD medal!!!

I am so proud of Tayler and all her accomplishments!!  

And, I am SO excited that I get to see her race in person in 2 weeks in Bend, OR!!

Over the 4th of July, we went to Cameron's family reunion/stay-cation at his aunt and uncle's house in Farmington.  It was nice seeing his family all together and in once place.  Brucey had a great time playing with the kids and Matt and Shar's dog Baxter.  Eventually, he went to sleep and I couldn't resist taking this DARLING picture of Edward and sleepy Bruce.

Good food, family, and fireworks.....how can you go wrong?

Like I said in the beginning, this was the longest posting ever!!  But, I am all caught up!!!

Thanks for reading! 

 Come back next time to hear about our adventures in Bend!!!

Hello?

Yes, I am alive. 

An update is in the future....like within the next 24 hours.

I promise! 

Homework must be done first! 

Stay tuned!!

Why I Love Today

2 Reasons........

1.  It is Cameron's last day of clinical here.....

And last day of clinical....EVER!!!  We plan on celebrating when he gets home!!

One more month of school, and he will officially be DONE!!!

It's been a long road.

May 6th is the big day!!!!

2.  It's Race Day!!

Today is stage 2 of the San Dimas Stage Race in California. Tayler is the 4th one back, in her stealth red "Terminator" glasses. (This pic is from Merco....but you get the idea.)  Wish I was there to cheer her on! All 4 of the parental units are headed to Redlands next weekend to watch her race before she heads to Europe for the Spring Classics.

It's looking sunny outside, perhaps I will head out for a ride on Flosser.  

But if the wind picks up, Mother Nature and I will have words!

Hooray for today and SPRING BREAK!!!!

Life's Challenges

I created this blog back in the day as a means to keep family and friends informed on the happenings in our lives.  While it has done this, and done it well, it has also become a means for me to sort through a lot of challenges in life.  I find writing relaxing, and very calming.  And in all honesty, I need all the calming outlets I can have right now.

When they say "When it rains, it pours", they truly mean it.  While this year has brought me a lot of personal triumphs, it has also brought several trials.  Life is hard, and takes many unexpected courses.  I hate to say that I have always had the "oh, it will never happen to me" mentality, but I have.  While I have been faced with rocky roads in the past, part of me has always been slightly in denial.

Well, I am adult now (gasp!), and can no longer be in denial about the curve balls life throws at me.  

Luckily, I have the best support group around to help me through all of these "super fun times".

First, and foremost.....this handsome guy.

Anyone who knows Cameron, loves Cameron.  While he is so busy with school and work, he is always there to listen, cry with me, pick me up, and make me laugh.  He is truly my best friend, and I so appreciate his patience with me, and at times, my crazy emotions.  Love you babe!  Here is to the future!

Second, my other best friend........my sister.

While she is off traveling the world, and making a name for herself in the cycling world, I know I can always count on her to listen and offer sound advice.  While I am the "older" sister, and am supposed to be the one who offers her advice, she is usually the one offering me advice.  For that, I am her biggest fan!  Literally!!

Third, my parental units........

Mom and Wes

Dad and Cort

These 4 are my biggest fans, and are always there to support me in decisions, cheer for me from the sidelines (figuratively, since I am not the most athletic fish in the sea), as well as offer me 4 more shoulders to cry on.  I love all of you so much!!  Thank you for being my parents and being 4 more "rocks" that I need.  I hope in the upcoming months, I can help be your "rocks".

Fourth, my in-laws.

Greg and Karine

A lot of people complain about their in-laws.  I love mine.  The accepted me into their family and love me like I am one of their own.  I know that I can always count on them to help Cameron and I with anything we might need.  They always know when I need something, even if it's just someone to talk to.  I love you guys!!

Lastly, my girls.

Liz, Jaynann, Kim, and Stacy

(Now THAT is a blast from the past!)

We've been through a lot together!  Weddings, babies (well, I guess only one baby, but I am sure there will me more in the future), cancer, college, careers, and more!  These girls are my "sisters" and I love each of them as if they were my "real" sisters.  Regardless of where life takes us, the 5 of us will always be friends.  Someday, I hope to roll around in my jazzy, causing all kinds of trouble with these girls.  

Today, I am facing life square in the face.  I refuse to run away from life's curve balls anymore.  As of today, I am going to face them head-on.  If I get hit, I get hit.  I will just have to pick myself up, dust myself off, and get back in the game.

Lessons Learned.....

So, today I took this little lady on a ride.....

This is Flossie, the mountain bike that my cycling sister is letting me use to increase my fitness, and give me some variety in my exercise.  Secretly, I think she is trying to turn me into a crazy cycler like her!  I was going to ride to Greg and Karine's later tonight to dinner, but it looked like it was going to rain so I decided to ride earlier.  Well, on this first "real" ride (not just around my apartment complex) I learned some valuable lessons about riding a bike.

1.  Eat Before Riding Flossie

This morning I had some toast and 2 poached eggs for breakfast.  Well, that was not nearly enough to get me through the morning and my ride, so I crashed (not literally) on my way home.  So, I learned I MUST eat before I ride or my body will give out on me and my legs will turn to jello and refuse to pedal!  Just experienced what that feels like, I now have a greater respect for my sister riding more than 100 miles at LOTOJA without food or water, after her slacker feeders failed to meet her at the feeds zones TWICE!

2.  Take Water When Riding Flossie

Duh!  Right?  Well, I didn't.  I had fully intended to, but the bottle on Flossie was a little nasty, and slightly rusty, so I opted to leave without proper hydration.  I go to the gym all the time without water and survive...why not out riding my bike?  Bad idea.....another item that led to my burn out.

3.  Head Wind = Death

Why I chose to go for a ride when it was super windy, and to start riding while I had a tail wind, is beyond me.  I think I lost some brain cells in my sleep last night.  I went North on the Jordan River Parkway from my house to about 59th south, and decided to head back home.  The ride there was great, my butt didn't hurt (thanks to my squishy-butt pants), and I was feeling pretty good.  Then, I turned around and I knew I was in trouble.  For seasoned riders, the wind probably wouldn't have been an issue.  But, since I haven't been on a bike for  YEARS it was not.  I wanted to die.  I actually had to get off and walk for a few minutes until the wind died down.  

But, I finally made it home.  I am sure many of the other Parkway cyclers, and runners had a good laugh watching me make a fool of myself coming home.  

To recover from my ride from.....well, you know where.....I am currently eating this with a spoon.

And it is mighty delicious.  

I'm wishing I had an apple to dip in it.  

Then I would be in heaven.  

Seriously, if you like peanut butter (and mind you, I really don't) you have GOT to try some of this (and no, this is not a shameless plug for Tayler's team sponsor).  It's just delightful!  The White Chocolate Wonderful is my fav, but the Cinnamon Raisin Swirl is a close second.

On a completely unrelated note, I wish I had gone to see her last night.....

I would have loved to glitter myself out and dance my rear off to some Gaga.

Tis the Season......

For cycling!!!

The first race of the season for my favorite cyclist, my sister sue, began this week in California at the Merco Credit Union Cycling Classic.  I have been religiously checking my twitter account today for updates on the final stage on the race.

My favorite part if the race.......

Going into today's stage Tayler wears the Young Rider Jersey!!

And, this happy text I got from her yesterday.......

"Best crit of my life!!!!  I worked on the front for the team and was in the lead out for the sprint, just drilled it for the last two laps to string it out!!  Coryn got second to Ina which is awesome!!  And we kept the yellow (leaders jersey)!!  Amanda is in the sprinter jersey so I'm in the young rider jersey! :)"

Wish I was there to cheer her on!!

Keep you fingers crossed for a strong finish for the team!!

Support the team here!

Life

Believe it or not, I have been doing more than just exercisng lately.  So, for once I thought I would let you know more about the day to day existence of your favorite Romero's.

I wish I had something exciting to post about.....like a vacation.  But, unfortunately we are held hostage in SLC until my beloved husband is finished with nursing school....which will be here before you know it!!  Let the count down to May 5th begin!!!  I know I have said it before, but I am so proud of him!  He has worked so hard the past 2 years!  He has sacrificed so much to get this nursing degree, and there is finally a light at the end of the tunnel.  He is so smart, caring, and patient, and will be an asset to any hospital that he might work for.  I don't normally get all gushy and smushy here, but Cameron melts my heart.  Have I mentioned how smart he is?  He hasn't gotten below a 90% on any test yet this semester.  I'd say that qualifies his as a smartie pants!  67 days until graduation!  I like the ring of Cameron Romero, RN.

I've been left feeling a little uneasy about my job lately, thanks to the legislature and the way they are dealing with education.  The 4 years of funding for full day kindergarten will run out at the end of this school year.  Unfortunately, this is a program that they may consider cutting in order to pinch pennies, leaving me wondering what I will be doing next year as far as teaching.  I love kindergarten, but don't think I could ever go back to teaching 2 1/2 sessions of kindergarten now that I have tasted the "full day kool-aid". 

Now, I am going to go on a teacher tangent......

The standards for kindergarten continue to increase, and it is becoming nearly impossible for 1/2 day kindergarten teachers to teach these vital skills to mastery.  As someone who takes their job very seriously, I would feel like I was doing an injustice to my students if I taught 1/2 day kindergarten again.  They deserve every opportunity to learn and should have to opportunity to MASTER the curriculum.  So, with that, I must ask you all, whether you are a parent or not, to do something to better the education of Utah kids.  Not only is full day kindergarten potentially going away, but also our K-3 Reading Iniative, which helps  tutor struggling readers as well as provide classrooms with paraprofessionals during our literacy blocks.  Take the time to write your legislators.  I normally am not a political person, but when it directly impacts something that I care so deeply about, I feel like I need to do my part!  The legislature's website allows you to look up your representative and email them.  I wrote mine at the beginning of February, and she wrote back the same day.  They are there to represent their constituents, so do your part and BE HEARD!!!

Ok, I am done with my teacher tirade! 

Hopefully you all aren't bored by now because this next tidbit is pretty exciting.  You all know what a super-rock star athlete my sister is.  She is officially a professional cyclist, and can now add another item to her impressive resume......commerical model/actress!!  You heard right, my sister will be in a commerical featuring DZ Nuts products (who is one of her team's sponsors).  What is DZ Nuts you ask?  Well, I think this description, taken directly from their website, tells it all............

"Proper MAINTAINTANANCE of the perineal area is essential during high level training and racing. Nothing can ruin stage race success faster than an infected saddle sore."

--Dave Zabriskie

They also have other products for women from their BLISS line, like shaving cream, and something else Tayler told me (but I can't remember).  As soon as I hear when and where the commerical can be seen, I will let you know.  Until then, enjoy some pics from the shoot I took from the Peanut Butter & Co Team TWENTY 12 Facebook page.

 Much love to you all!  Can you believe March will be here on Tuesday? 

Only 19 school days until Spring Break Bliss!!!