What is it about going to the dentist that seems so dreadful?!

So I have always thought Tyson was a pretty tough guy...and generally he is! However, I cleaned his teeth today and saw a whole other side of him! He would begin to moan before I could even get the instruments in his mouth!

It has been a goal of mine to change the way people view going to the dental office. I've always tried to make it the best experience possible, but I'm afraid this veiw of going to the dentist is going to be a hard one to crack! Of course no one likes going to the dentist, and for whatever reason people seem to dread having their teeth cleaned by the hygienist! The even thought of going to the dentist makes many people cringe! I just don't understand it... I just love what I do and I don't think me or anyone else on the dental team is too scarey! Most of the offices I've been in are actually quite nice and the staff are generally very welcoming... Is it the sounds, the smells, the faces covered by masks?! Or possibly it just simply has something to do with being the one in the chair! I think that's it! I love everything about the office... But I'll have to admit, I don't always love being the one in the chair!

Halli also came to see me today! It was her very first time ever going to the dentist and I think we had a pretty good time! She was excited for me to "check her teeth!" She was probably the best two year old ever to have in the chair! In all reality, she was probably better than most of my adult patients! Tyson could definitely take a lesson from this little sweetheart!

A Piece Of The BYU Experience!

Go Cougars!

So both Tyson and I seem to be coming to the end of our college careers as I will be graduating the end of April and Tyson will graduate from BYU in August. Tyson has suddenly come to the realization that he hasn't fully had the entire "BYU experience!" So we made the decision to get a little more involved! We went the the BYU men's volleyball game against UNLV this past Saturday and had a great time! BYU won in four matches. I found out that I have already forgotten most of BYU's school song, which is sad... I was there not long ago! We have big plans to hike the "Y" this summer and hope to make it to another baseball game and maybe even a lacrosse game... Hopefully by the end of the summer Tyson will feel like he's more fully had a great BYU experience! GO BYU!!!

Dental Hygiene Written National Boards- Check!

Well today was a day that was long dreaded and I'm just glad it's over! Today I took my National Dental Hygiene written test! I've been studying long hours every day for months! I mean I've studied so much my eyes have been having a hard time focusing and I've never had eye problems in my entire life! I've been studying in depth material on dental anatomy, physiology, microbiology, radiology, pathology, pharmacology, community health, case studies, and more! To be honest, I don't think I've studied that much that hard in my entire life! I didn't realize how nervous I was for this test until I couldn't sleep the past two days and when I did finally drift off, I'd wake up to horrible nightmares about not getting there in time to take the test, or not being prepared with the stuff I needed to be allowed in which would result in an automatic fail! I would wake up with my heart beating out of control and in a pure state of panic! The nerves also got to my stomach as I spent many hours curled up in a ball on my couch as my stomach tensed in knots! Once again, all I can say is I'm glad it's over! I won't know how I did for another 4-6 weeks, so the anxiety hasn't completely subsided! It's just nice to know it's out of my hands at this point. I did all a could do and now I must patiently wait for the results. The results that will get me just one step closer to my long awaited career as a dental hygienist! I'm sure Tyson is just as happy as I am about them being over, since all my time lately has been focused on studying! Now I have anesthesia written, anesthesia clinical, and dental hygiene clinical boards to worry about! Graduation is just around the corner! I have to constantly remind myself that this too shall pass and to make the most of what's left of my school days forever! I'm definitely going to miss all the great girls that have made my experience at the Utah College of Dental Hygiene amazing! I know I couldn't have made it this far without them. We are all excited about graduating and getting that dream job as a dental hygienist but the only thing I hate about moving on from one great phase of life to another is all the great people and friendships that often get left behind. So I've decided I'm going to enjoy every bit of my last 15 days as a college student! Wow, only 15 more days....

2009 Dental Convention

Lindsey, Suzy, and I did a group research project on Xylitol project for the convention. It definitely wasn't highest on our priority list, but we had a good time throwing it together. We are just glad it's over! These two girls are absolutely amazing and so much fun to be around! As my life at UCDH slowly is coming to an end, I'm beginning to see how much I'm going to miss my UCHD girls! They are absolutlely amazing and have helped me get through dental hygiene school! It definitely hasn't been easy!

Valentines Day!!

Our fist Valentines day as husband and wife was very humble, yet absolutely perfect! Tyson surprised me with a dozen long stem roses, a box of chocolates, and the sweetest card. I took the 2008 Time Year in Review Magazine and made it my own. I changed the cover and added a special insert which had a special on our Wedding Day! It turned out perfect! I made him one of his favorite breakfasts and we watched our wedding video in which neither of us had seen yet! It turned out perfect! Later he treated me to a delicious dinner! All in all, it was a perfect Valentines Day!

Snowmobiling Adventures

Our Snowmobile! Tyson's Pride and Joy!

Dad with JD

Brandi and Tyson

Tyson Dreaming he owned my Dad's sled!

Brittany and Brooke having the time of their life!?

Nic waving at the camera!

Jeremy, Melissa, and JD... Doing what they Love!

Christmas in Phippsburg

Christmas Break

This Christmas Break definitely went way too fast! I would have to say it was probably my favorite Christmas so far! Tyson and I were able to go back to Colorado! We spent the first few days of our break with my side of the family in Breckenridge! This tradition was started by my Grandpa and Grandma Weaver twenty-two years ago and we haven't missed a year! We were able to snowmobile, walk around the shops, sleep in, eat great food, play games, and simply enjoy one another's company. I had tons of fun playing with my two nephews! They are seriously growing way too fast, but are cute as can be! I wish I lived closer to them! And of course we celebrated Christmas together (a day early!) We had our king crab and prime rib dinner followed by opening gifts with everyone! That night is always looked forward to all year! The next morning Santa found us at my parent's condo. It was a great deal of fun still having that experience with close family. I personally absolutely love Breckenridge. Many of my favorite memories are tied to that place. My family has spent Christmas week there for my entire life. And to make it even more special to me, Breckenridge is where Tyson Proposed last year! Let's just say Breckenridge will always have a special place in my heart!

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On Christmas Eve, Tyson and I went with his parents to Grandma Ruth and Grandpa Chuck's house in Denver for their big party! It was tons of fun visiting with them and getting to see some of their family traditions. We had a delicious prime rib dinner to start the night off and later the little ones dressed up and acted out the Nativity Scene while Grandpa Chuck read the story. So cute! Of course, we then exchanged gifts and in order from youngest to oldest each took a turn and opened our Christmas delights! We all had a great time spending time with one another and sharing in Christmas traditions!

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Our time in the valley never seems long enough! I miss home quite badly!! We made the trip down on Christmas day and made it just in time for Grandpa Harley and Grandma Janice's Christmas party. Once again there was tons of good food and lots of family to get to visit with! We also exchanged gifts there, but it was a little bit different. We each brought a gift and first the girls got in a circle and passed gifts left and right as a story was told, followed by the guys. Their party was also a great deal of fun!

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I was also able to visit my Grandpa Faucette while there. He has always been one of my very favorite people! Every year he gets a little weaker, but over all does great! I've been blessed to be so close to my grandparents. I only hope my future children have the same opportunity!

After going to church in my home ward and getting to see some familiar faces there, we packed up and headed to Grant and Tammy's house to spend a few days with them! I always love going to their house because we get to just relax and have a great time together without a care in the world! The little girls did their best to keep us entertained and busy and they sure were cute playing in the snow!

Carving Pumpkins

After Tyson told me he hadn't carved a pumpkin since 2nd or 3rd grade, I decided it was a Halloween must for the two of us. We each chose our own patterns and went to work! We both had a blast! However, we are still debating who had the better pumpkin so if anyone wants to cast their vote and help us settle this feel free!

Vegas!

Vegas Here We Come! Tyson talked everyone into getting tickets the the US Open Supercross at the MGM Grand so we rented a minivan and were on our way! Besides the fact that I left my purse in an Arbys on our way, the trip was perfect! We ate till we couldn't eat anymore, rode the New York, New York rollercoaster until we couldn't ride any more, and walked till our feet wouldn't take another step! It was a busy weekend! We all had a great time!

Camping

Tyson and I went up Mapleton canyon for our first camping trip together. We decided to go very last minute so weren't very prepared. We grabbed our tent, blow-up mattress, and some food and headed for the hills! We were able to round up a few sticks and set up our tent before it got dark. It didn't take long before we realized we forgot a flashlight and our little fire soon turned to coals and we had to call it a night! All things set aside, we had a great time and love doing random things at the last minute together!

Vacation at Gilleland's Cabin

Every summer, the Gillelands go up to the Cabin for vacation. This year was a great deal of fun! We spent most the time riding, relaxing, and visiting! And some spent time reading the final book of the Twilight series and I was jealous the entire time that I didn't have the book with me as well! Tyson wouldn't allow it! (Don't worry, I read it shortly after) The cabin is always a great place to spend time with family and escape life! We are already looking forward to going again next year!

Cascade Bridge...

It was terrifying being so high above the ground! I did my best not to look down!

Kaley, Melissa, and Macie are ready to go for a ride!

What's all over your face Halli? Grant and Tammy love their girls!

Nothing like a game of horse shoes for some healthy competition!