Easter Weekend at Zions!

Easter weekend was fabulous. First of all it was conference weekend too, which was awesome! Secondly, we took a family trip to Zions National Park. The boys were on Spring Break and I had the weekend off work so the timing was perfect. They headed down on Thursday but I had work so I met them there Friday. The weather was a little cold which was disappointing but we didn't get rained on or anything while in the park. There was a foot of snow in Cedar City when my family was there Thursday night, but that was about it.

The Emerald Pools hike. I can't believe Cameron is also taller than me now!
I loved this waterfall on the Emerald Pools hike. The silhouette is just amazing.
Snapped this picture of Cameron and he looked up at just the right moment. I think this is a fabulous picture of him. I've always kind of envied his blue eyes and I really like them here.Preston and I were snapping pictures at the same moment.Picture of Dad on the Emerald Pools hike.
We also hiked Angel's Landing which was my third time on the hike. I love it more every time I go. This part is called Walter's Wiggles. Basically it is something like 30 switchbacks in a row. Love it!
Fam on Walter's Wiggles. Preston decided to run up them! Too much energy!

This is the view from the top. It is a straight dropoff of something like 1500 feet! Such a beautiful view from the top!

It was such a fun trip and a much needed stress reliever from work! I love Zion's!

Trip to BYU!

So a few weeks ago Preston was trying to decide which college to attend after he graduates in May. He had a pretty good idea that he wanted to go to BYU, but we decided to go there for a trip just to show him around. It was just me and him and we had a great time. We stayed with our aunt and uncle and had a fabulous time with them. First we looked at some college in Salt Lake City. I can't think of the name right now. It was a pretty small campus but we had fun looking at the old architecture.Next stop was BYU campus. I made him walk all over campus and we looked at every building. I shared all of my memories and secrets like where the best place to study is, where the best nap spots are, and other fun ideas.

Here is Preston in the Joseph F. Smith Courtyard. We enjoyed the warm weather immensely as a break from cold, windy Idaho.

Preston's idea of a fun photo- he "fell" down the middle of the spiral staircase in the JFSB! Pretty realistic! He got some weird looks from the students! At the duck pond!

Last but definetly not least! We were able to secure some last minute tickets to the BYU/New Mexico mens basketball game. It was an intense game which our men ended up losing by two points in overtime. That was the only downside, but we had a good time. The picture above is me, Preston, and our cousin Jason who went to the game with us. Go BYU!

New Beginnings...

Well, I know it has been forever since I posted anything, but a lot has been happening in this girl's life. Biggest news first... I moved to Utah and I have a job!!!! Yes, it is the miracle that I thought would never happen. The very end of January I interviewed for a nursing position at Davis Hospital in Utah. I didn't hear back for a little over a week and so I figured that it was something else that hadn't worked out. However, on February 8th I got the call back with an offer for a job. It wasn't quite what I had interviewed for but I jumped at the opportunity. I interviewed for a full time position on the telemetry unit at Davis Hospital. For those of you who don't know what telemetry is, basically it is a heart monitoring device that the patients wear 24/7. So basically I work on a cardiac unit.

I didn't start until this Monday, March 8th. They only have orientation once a month so I had to wait until this week. Let me just say that I am LOVING the job already, and I haven't even been on the floor officially yet. All I've done this week is sit in various classrooms and learn the various procedures and rules at the hospital. Next week I should actually get oriented to the floor and start being an actual nurse. I am very excited, and I think it will be a really good experience. My nursing director is awesome. He is this straight forward, no-nonsense type of guy who says exactly what he thinks. He has already taught me a lot and I can tell he is big into teaching nurses. He told me the other day that I should go full time soon. (Yes, I interviewed for the full time position, but got hired to a part time, no-benefit position). He also is in charge of the intensive care unit, so I should be able to float to the ICU as well. A cardiac unit is pretty scary because the patients can have a lot of problems, and you are dealing with drugs that could kill someone if given wrong. However, this was the area of nursing school that I loved the most and I am very excited to finally be working.

The only part that I am scared about is that I am afraid that I will see a lot of questionable people at this hospital. Davis county is probably the armpit of Utah. The airforce base is close by and a prison. They talk about seeing between 1-4 suicide attempts in the emergency department EVERY DAY!!! Talk about scary! I am definitely not in Firth, Provo, or Rexburg.

Luckily, however, I don't have to live super close to the hospital. Right now I am staying with my Uncle Brad and Aunt Linda Waddoups. They are so sweet to let me stay with them and I am enjoying my time very much. I will look for an apartment and some nice roommates and then move wherever that is. I wanted some time to look around so that I make sure I end up in a nice place.

I guess other than that there is nothing big going on. I am focusing on my job for right now. I am going skiing with my family tomorrow, which will probably be the last ski trip this winter. I am more than ready for summer though. My brother Eric gets home from his mission in exactly two months from yesterday!!! Well... that's life for right now!

Tribute...

Well, this post has some happy thoughts and some sad news. My dear grandma, Beth Christensen, passed away peacefully in her home on January 13, 2010. That was the same day I took the NCLEX, and my parents and I were driving home from Salt Lake when we found out. I don't want to dwell on her death, but rather her life and my memories of her. There were so many people who sent their love and concern, brought food, attended her viewing and funeral, and in general paid tribute to her life.

Ever since I can remember my grandma has been a good friend to me. My middle name is Beth and I was always so proud that I was named after her. I think it gave us a special bond right from the beginning. So, memories of Grandma...

• She protected me from Grandpa in his gorilla suit on Halloweens when I was little. I always knew Grandma would keep me safe!
• I remember going camping and boating with Grandma. She would sit at the front of the boat with Grandpa and cheer me on when I would water ski.
• Grandma always had yummy treats that she would bring on those same trips. Usually the treats were some kind of cookie-my favorite was her No Bake Cookies.
• Grandma would make us hot chocolate from her delicious, homemade chocolate syrup and milk. It was the best hot chocolate in the world.
• Grandma and Grandpa gave all of us grandchildren a set of scriptures when we turned 8. Mine were brown and had my name on them.
• Grandma's beautiful roses that were planted outside her house. She loved flowers in general and always had either flowers of plants inside the house on the kitchen table.
• She was an excellent cook. I loved being invited to their house to eat dinner. She always had the table set with a tablecloth and delicious food on it. One of the things I enjoyed most was her tacos.
• She played the piano and had a beautiful alto voice. I remember one time I stayed with them and Grandma listened to me practice for my piano lessons. She encouraged me and taught me that one time quickly through each song wouldn't cut it!
• Grandma collected music boxes and she would wind them up for us when we came over. I loved listening to them.
• Grandma got a sign from someone as a gift that said, "Have you hugged your Grandmother today?" She loved getting hugs from her grandkids and I loved hugging her. She had the best Grandma hug in the world-soft, warm, and gentle.
• I loved Grandma's hands. She was a religious user of lotion and they always smelled very good. Her hands were soft and warm and delicate. I loved to watch how they moved.
• Along with her hands I loved her rings. She wore two rings every time I saw her. One was her wedding ring. It was white gold and beautifully old fashioned. I just loved it. The other was a ring Grandpa bought her for a surprise. I remember she was so happy when she got it and she loved showing it to us. It was also white gold with a row of diamonds in it. Just a week or so before she died I sat on our couch with her and talked about her rings.
• Grandma had a heart operation when I was a junior in high school-about five years ago. She had a five bypass surgery and a valve replaced. I remember seeing her scar and hearing her tell us about the bear they gave her to splint her incision with when she stood up or coughed.
• Grandma also had cancer-a year after her heart operation. I remember I never heard her complain, even though it probably scared her.
• After her heart surgery we started having them to Sunday dinner every Sunday. These became really special times together. We all got really close to grandma and grandpa. I can picture as clear as day the routine of that Sunday dinner. They would come in and Grandma would come and sit at the bar in the kitchen and talk with my mom and me about her week, family news, and what was happening in her life. We would sit down at the table, with me on her left side and we would eat. I enjoyed sitting by her and talking with her at dinner and the bond we have always had was strengthened even more by those dinnertime conversations.
• I remember Grandma was very flexible. Even until she passed away she could touch the ground with flat hands when bending over.
• Grandma and Grandpa started having "Grandchildren Parties" every holiday season between Christmas and New Years. The grandchildren who were close enough would go over for a sleep over with Grandma and Grandpa. We would eat Papa Murphey's pizza, and junk food. We would play games all evening and watch a movie. Then we would sleep downstairs, have breakfast in the morning, and play more games until afternoon. I really cherish those memories of Grandma laughing and watching the games.
• There were other parties during the year: Halloween parties, Thanksgiving get togethers, New Years Eve party, and birthday parties. This last New Years Eve we had a party at their house. I was afraid that it would be too much for Grandma, but she participated in the whole thing and stayed up until almost 1 am. We played "The Newlywed" game. I was the person who asked the questions and Grandma really enjoyed it. It was fun to hear her and Grandpa tell about their first kiss, their most recent date, and other memories.
• Grandma and Grandpa would give us a birthday card with a 5 dollar bill in it for each birthday. Grandma would write on the cards and they are very dear to me now.
• This last Christmas the Christmas gift to the granddaughters (picked out each year by Grandma) was a large bottle of bubble bath. Grandma loved stuff like that: lotion, bubble bath, and jewelry.
• Grandma was always very interested in my life. I think that was something that I really loved about her. She was a very good listener and she encouraged me in everything I was doing. She was so excited to hear about school, nursing, and boys. I felt comfortable telling her just about anything and she rejoiced in my successes and sorrowed with me in my failures or disappointments.
• I came home this last December for her birthday dinner with our family on Sunday. I was in the middle of school, but somehow I felt like it was important for me to be there and that it would make her happy. I am so glad that I did this because it turns out that it was her last birthday.
• I called Grandma when I found out that I would be having lunch with Elder Scott at graduation time. She was so excited for me and we had a nice conversation.
• Grandma wasn't feeling great for the past couple of months, but I really wanted her and Grandpa to make it to my pinning ceremony. I can't really explain why, but I felt like it wouldn't be quite the same without them. It was their anniversary the day of pinning, but they made the effort to drive to Rexburg and were there with me that special evening, made even more special by her being there. The picture above is the two of us at pinning ceremony. She told me that night that she wouldn't have missed it if she had been lying on her death bed. It turns out she really was and I can't even express how grateful I was she was there. Grandma was one of my best supporters and she was so excited for me.
• I took the NCLEX the day she passed away and I felt so bad that I couldn't tell her that I passed. She would have been as excited as anyone else could be for my success.
• She played Clue Charades with our family after Sunday dinner, just a few weeks before she died. She was acting out Micheal Jackson and was getting into it in her cute, funny way. She ended up falling which scared us all, but she wasn't hurt. That is just one memory of her funny sense of humor. It was a quiet sense of humor but she had a way of saying something at just the right moment or pulling a face while Grandpa told us a story that was hilarious.
• Her prayers were simple, quiet expressions of faith and love for her family and the gospel. she would pray for each missionary in our family by name.
• Grandma loved her family so much. I could tell this everyday. A week before she died I was with my mom at her house taking down Christmas decorations. She was discouraged with her lack of energy, but excitedly told us about an engagement and some upcoming babies in the family. Family really was her life.
• I remember her smile. She had a beautiful smile, full of peace and joy. I shall always have a picture of her, it was the last time I saw her alive, two days before she died. She was sitting in her chair looking at me as we left. She smiled and I told her I loved her. She replied I love you with that same smile. What a beautiful picture to have forever.

I really miss her. These memories are just a few of the precious ones I have of her. She was the perfect example of a wife, mother, and grandmother. I hope I can become like her. Our family is experiencing a hole in our life without her. I wanted to be able to tell her about my life in the future: the job I will get, the man I will marry, and the children I will have. It makes me sad to think she won't be around for that. However, and this I know without a doubt, she is around. She will be there in the temple when I get married. She will know my children; she is probably taking care of them right now for me. And most importantly, I will see her again. what comfort that gives me. That is the comfort of the gospel that I learn from being a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latterday Saints. I love you, Grandma.

This is a picture of my grandma when she was young. It's beautiful, isn't it?!

News...

Well on Wednesday, January 13th, I finally got the dreaded NCLEX over! For those of you who don't know the NCLEX is the nursing licensure exam. It is a test with a minimum of 75 questions and a maximum of 265 questions. I was very nervous for it because without a passing grade on this test I couldn't license as a registered nurse. To make a long story short I drove to Salt Lake with my parents and we stayed the night. I woke up Wednesday morning at 5:45 and my Dad dropped me off in Draper to take the test. We didn't know how long my test would be so he just left me there and they would pick me up after I called. My test shut off after 75 questions which made me very nervous because I was afraid that I had missed every question! It was a hard test. Come to find out my results actually came back really fast and I passed! I am now a registered nurse for the state of Utah. Yes, that is where I plan to work after I find a job. A job...that might take awhile! Anyway it is a huge relief to have the test over and I was very pleased with my results. And now I can't resist signing off like so:

Andrea Christensen, RN

I have to explain this picture really quick. My mom wanted me to buy the traditional nurses cap just for fun. It used to be an essential part of a nurse's uniform but it is no longer used (thank heaven!). So to make her happy I bought one and we took this picture. Mom didn't like the cap nearly as well as she thought she would! It is kind of silly looking!

Graduation!!!

Graduation was December 18 and 19. I had such an awesome experience and made some lifelong memories. I graduated with a Bachelors degree in Exercise Physiology and an Associates degree in Nursing. Here is my graduation announcement.Here I am before my Pinning Ceremony with my Grandma Christensen and other family. I was asked to give the opening prayer and I was pretty nervous because we had a special guest.
Nurses Pinning is a traditional ceremony where the graduating RNs receive a pin to recognize their achievements. This is one of my instructors pinning me with the beautiful pin my parents surprised me with. It is also tradition to wear all white to pinning.

Our special guest turned out to be Elder Scott! He was the commencement speaker but also attended pinning along with President and Sister Clark, our BYU-Idaho president. They both spoke to us and it was an amazing experience. Elder Scott gave a lot of counsel and a very special blessing as we proceed with our careers. I think this picture is awesome, but nothing can quite capture the feeling I had as I shook his hand.
Surprise! The nursing instructors had the graduates sing the closing hymn. We could have used some practice!
After the closing prayer Elder Scott stood up once more and said to us, "I just wanted to tell you how much we love you. You will find success in your profession." He then smiled at us and walked out of the room. It was a very special moment and the Spirit was very strong. This is a picture of that last time he spoke to us.

Marybeth, Me, and Le after the ceremony.
Another surprise!!! My dear friend Jennifer made it to pinning! She had traveled from Arizona the day before for her sister's wedding and took the time to come! It meant so much to me that she could be there! I love you Jen!
Here I am with my Christensen grandparents. I owe so much to them for helping to get me to this point.
Here I am with my Waddoups grandparents. They drove clear from Pocatello to come and I was so happy to see them. I owe so much to them as well for helping to get me graduated.

Here are some girls who I graduated with: Jenny, Gina, me, and Marybeth.
Here are some of the alternate students; we clean up well. From left to right: Gina, Christy, Cameron, Eliot, Janea, Karissa, Marybeth, and I.
Marybeth and I. (Or is it me? My English is not what it should be for a college grad!)

Marybeth and I sang in the graduation choir for commencement on Saturday. We are up in the top right corner. We sang Let Zion in Her Beauty Rise, and The Hallelujah Chorus. That was a neat experience. Elder Scott was the main speaker and once again gave some wonderful suggestions and counsel.
This is a video of me receiving my diploma cover. My uncle, Garth Waddoups was able to give me my doploma cover which was really special.

Yet another picture of the inseparables. Literally.

Marybeth, me, and Le. Just in case you are wondering, the black robes indicate a bachelor degree, the blue robes, associate. The white cords indicate a nursing student.

This is my dad and I. My parents have been the most wonderful support through the whole college experience. They always encouraged me to stick with it, even when it seemed impossible. They encouraged me when I decided to double major, transfer from BYU, and pursue nursing. Now they are letting me live at home indefinetly as I look for a job. I love them and apprciate their support so much.

Me and my mom. Doesn't my mom look beautiful?!

Just a little bit of emotion. I actually didn't cry very much which surprised me, but I think the relief was too great!

The last amazing experience that I had this weekend was that I received an invitation to a special graduation luncheon with Elder Scott, President and Sister Clark, various Vice-Presidents, and several students. There were 28 of us in all. I was seated right next to Sister Clark, four places away from Elder Scott. We were able to ask Elder Scott questions and converse with him in such an intimate setting. I took the opportunity to ask him a question and I received yet another strong witness of the fact that the Apostles are inspired to recieve revelation in our behalf. It was a sweet, sweet experience and one I shall never forget. That was truly the highlight of graduation and it made all of my hard work very worth it.

I guess I would just like to thank everyone really quickly who has supported me. I have the best family, friends, and teachers in the world!

Triathlon

I am really late blogging some of this stuff, but better late than never...right! After clinicals were over I had some time to enjoy my last few weeks at BYU-Idaho. The Saturday after Thanksgiving Break I was able to compete in a triathlon put on through the school. This was my first experience with a triathlon and it was hard! Since the weather was around 0 degrees the triathlon was held inside. My brother Preston, and friends DaNeil and Sam also competed with me. There were many heats and several teams we were competing with.A triathlon starts with swimming. As this was a short triathlon we only had to swim 400 yards-8 laps in the pool. It gets harder...



Next came the biking. I had no idea that the biking, due to the weather, was going to be indoors on a RECUMBANT bike! I have NEVER ridden a recumbent bike, let alone 6 miles on it! This absolutely killed my legs especially because I am not a huge biker in the first place. The "smile" on my face is completely fake, either that or I was thinking "I could be sleeping right now!"

Running was the easy part; back to my natural environment. We had 3 miles to run, also indoors, which translates to 33 laps! I actually gained some ground here.

Here is Preston running. He showed up in his cross-country uniform and was the only noncollege student who participated. He ended up getting second place for the men, so he did great.
Here is my friend Sam running. I think his smile is real.
Me and DaNeil after the race was over. Here is my disclaimer: my red face is becuase I was very warm and completely out of shape (I'll blame that on nursing school and not on my lack of motivation to exercise). How DaNeil managed to look so cute after swimming, biking, and running without a pause to do her hair, I have no idea!
Here we are at the end. The girl on the left is another participant who completed the whole thing. It was a fun experience and we didn't do too bad. DaNeil finished second overall for the women and I finished third. Sam finished third overall for the men and Preston as I mentioned was second. Next time (yes there will be a next time) I am actually going to train!