Ways Grandpa and Grandma Richards helped us through school

Grandpa and Grandma helped me and Jonathon get through school probably more than anyone else (besides my mom who has allowed us to live at her place to save money and pay tuition--thanks mom!). They were not able to help us pay for school financially, but they helped us in ways that were equally important at that time of our lives. Words cannot express how grateful we are for them. Here are just a few ways:

1) They let Cosmo stay at their house for about 1 1/2 years while we had an apartment that didn't allow dogs. Cosmo loved them both but especially Grandma and felt like he had to "protect" her every time Grandpa came in the room and he'd bark his head off at him. Cosmo also had a "marking territory" problem and basically owned their house, which we felt REALLY bad about. I know this wasn't easy or convenient for them, but they knew it was a way they could help us at a time in need instead of us having to give Cosmo away. :( That would have broke my heart.

2) They let us borrow a car ANY TIME we needed it. Our car Lexie broke down NUMEROUS times during school and every time, we would call them up and they'd let us borrow one of their cars, even if it meant they would have to find rides to get around. They knew how much we needed it and would appreciate it. They even let us borrow their big, old suburban for about 3 months to finish the school year out. Every time we started up that old suburban, everything about it reminded us of Gene! It was a big, loud, sturdy car that was always there for us when we needed it. Grandpa and Grandma were genuinely SO EXCITED for us to finally get a new car that worked - not just because now they wouldn't have to lend theirs, but because they saw all the struggles we'd been through and how we were really trying our best to pay for school and save our money.

3) They let us do laundry at their place anytime.

4) They let us come over and eat. This was Jonathon's favorite. Every time we went over, Grandma would tell him to help himself to whatever they had, and he would! She also would make YUMMY dinners and send us home with left overs. Grandma loved having us over because we would compliment her meals so much-- they were always so good! Since we didn't have much money, we usually ate Top Ramen (or TR as we called it) or some other cheap stuff. Needless to say, we always felt like we were eating like KINGS at Grandma's house and I think that made Grandma feel good. :)

5) They treated us by taking us OUT to eat. The first time Jonathon met Grandma and Grandpa, they took us to Chuck-a-Rama. One of our favorites was when the four of us went to Famous Dave's BBQ. We had a great time and Grandpa and Grandma's eyes were sparkling as they told us all their stories.

6) They were great examples for us. Grandpa loved his family. He supported his family his entire life financially, emotionally, and spiritually. He was smart and was a doctor of dentistry. This allowed him to provide a great life for his family and provide opportunities for success. They love the gospel. I am constantly amazed by Grandma's testimony and how knowledgable she is in the Gospel. Grandpa was very honest- one time at our 4th of July breakfast up at Brighton, he needed to pay for someone's breakfast from the year before that hadn't been paid for. The kid helping him told him not to worry about it but he INSISTED he pay to make it right. And they love America and what it represents, that's why Grandpa loved bald eagles so much.

7) They listened to us and we all had some GREAT conversations. I can't count how many nights Jonathon and I stayed up talking with Grandpa and Grandma in their front room. We heard all of Grandpa's jokes and stories at least a couple times, and got advice from them. Grandpa and Grandma LOVED Jonathon because he is as big of a BYU fan as they are, which is hard to do!

My new blog

I've decided to create a blog to track my running and training for my marathon I'll be running in June.

happyrunningduck.blogspot.com

Enjoy! :)

Gene M. Richards, DDS, Grandpa, Dad, Friend, My Biggest Fan in Lacrosse

*** This is a LONG post about my Grandpa Richards. My main purpose in writing this is to have a record of my memories of Grandpa and Grandma Richards, and secondly for people to enjoy and learn about a great man. I love my grandparents more than I know how to write in this small blog, but this will have to do as a supplement for my many memories I hope to keep with me forever and ever. ***

My Grandpa Richards passed away on Dec. 29th. Jonathon and I were up in Washington for the Christmas break. He had a stroke while on a cruise a few weeks ago and a couple of minor strokes following and had been downhill since. I felt like before I left for WA, that would be the last time I saw my grandpa and decided to say my goodbyes. I felt peace and comfort while knowing this would be the last time I saw him.

At first I felt a bit guilty that I hadn't spent more time with him when he was in the hospital. I quickly realized this does no good and decided to focus on the good memories I got to build with him through the years.

I'd like to share some of these.

My favorite memory of my grandpa (and grandma) is that they were my absolute #1 fans for lacrosse. They never missed a game - showing up in their "Jordan Lacrosse" shirts sitting on their beach chairs, snow or shine. I could always count on them to be there. This is something I KNOW my grandpa was so proud of - his state champ grand daughter!

I think his favorite story to tell people went something like this:

"I gotta tell ya... when we were getting ready to go to Nancy's state championship game (the THIRD one she won) we got a phone call from Nancy as we were going out the door. She told Grandma to bring her a list of things; 'Vitamin C, pickle juice, water. Oh, one more thing- Tell Grandpa to bring his wallet!' You see, I normally paid her $1 for every point she scored in her games. I told her for her last game, I'd pay her $6 for each point and $3 for every assist. Boy, I'll tell ya- she cleaned out my wallet that game; $48 dollars that game cost me!"

I loved when he told this story, again and again. It always made me smile knowing I'd made him proud and that he wanted to brag all about me and put me on a pedestal.

My next favorite memory is my college graduation. After I received my diploma, I walked down to my family before going back to my seat and Grandpa pulled me in for a hug and said "I'm proud of ya, babe" with tears in his eyes and the most sincere smile I've ever seen. Grandpa was a big reason behind my decision to go into the dental field. I loved all his stories and how he loved being a dentist. This was a special bond between us and led to many conversations only dental nuts would be interested in. Which leads to one of my next favorite memories...

When my grandpa came in to be a patient for me at my dental hygiene school. Haha- even just typing that made me laugh! From the minute he walked in the doors, he was the star of the show. Everyone knew who he was and loved him. In school, we had specific patient type requirements we needed to fulfill. One of these was a geriatric (older person) and a more moderate to severe amount of calculus. Since Grandpa worked for both, he got passed around at school to help people fulfill all their requirements. And since we were in school, it took four three-hour sessions to finish the job.

Grandpa came early to every appointment. He loved being around all the girls in school and telling all his dental stories (This is mostly why they took three hours :) and even pretended to start a riot when he proclaimed to all the other patients that HE was THE dentist. Oh, and we can't forget when he pretended one of the girls hurt him while cleaning and then laughed heartily and said just kidding (FYI: that is the WORST thing you can do to a dental hygiene student and grandpa knows better!) I smiled at the look on his face when he found out I was going to give him an injection (total shock and terror) and grinned from ear to ear when he told me that night what I great shot I am (pun intended) because he was still numb 6 hours later.

I was really lucky to live so close by my grandma and grandpa. Jonathon and I went over to their place quite often to watch BYU football and basketball with them and to drop off or pick up Cosmo while we were living in our apartment.

One of Jonathon's favorite memories of Gene is when we were visiting their place and Grandpa and Grandma were in their kitchen eating sandwiches for lunch. Grandpa was on a stool near the sink for some reason and grandma was at the table. We walked in the room and heard:

"Cannon got mustard on his head." -Gene

"Well, get it off, Gene!" -Ann yelling

"He won't let me!" -Gene yelling louder

So we walk over and sure enough there is a huge plop of yellow mustard on top of Cannon's head sliding down the side of his face. Like Cannon REALLY climbed up on the table and dipped his head in mustard... LOL- Grandpa just put too much on his sandwich and it fell onto Cannon's head. So Jonathon went over to help wipe and when he was about three inches from his head, Cannon snarled at him and tried to bite. So, Grandpa clearly knew Cannon. This entire story was hilarious.

Grandpa and Grandma

4th of July at Brighton Breakfast

Grandpa, me, and Grandma at my college graduation

Me and Grandpa

Our last picture together

I love you Grandpa. Watch over all of us while you're having fun up there!

Riding the bus

I rode the bus to and from school last night for the first time in a couple months. It reminded me of just how terrible it was to not have a car and realize again how hard the last couple years have been for us. Nancy and I genuinely think the Lord put "blinders" over our eyes to help us survive and de-sensitize us to how crappy that was.

We have always been grateful for the Lord providing opportunities for us with the different forms of transportation necessary to do all we needed to do. They haven't always been the easiest or nicest, but it did the job to get us the places we needed to be. Most importantly, school! Our main form of transportation after our car, Lexie, had the head gasket go out, was the UTA trax and bus. We could usually make it to the bus stop in Lexie, but no further. Or we borrowed Grandma and Grandpa Richards huge, old, trusty Suburban (we named it Gene cuz it reminded us of him) to get to the bus stop (It cost $100 to fill up.. this is why it only took us to the bus stop)

You know you are are riding the bus or trax in Utah if...

1-You park and have to SPRINT to the bus stop to make sure it doesn't leave without you or else you have to wait an hour for the next one and you're late to class

2-You wait outside in the cold until your toes, fingers, and nose are numb and never know if it really is even going to come

3-You see 20 open seats on the bus and settle down in a good spot, then a huge, smelly person comes and chooses to sit RIGHT NEXT TO YOU

4-The bus doesn't need any music because you can hear three different choices of songs at once coming out of headphones full blast (usually vulgar) so everyone else can conveniently listen too!

5-Your lungs burn from the fumes, yes, I said FUMES of alcohol, cigarettes, drugs, and probably paint thinner. Oh, and B.O. and periodontal disease. And poop.

6-At the end of the ride, you can tell your spouse Tino's entire life story because he was talking on his cell phone loudly the ENTIRE 45 minute drive... if only you knew Spanish.

7-It takes you 30 minutes to read what normally should take just 15 because the ride is so bumpy and makes you sick by the end

8-You have to carry your pepper spray in hand the entire time until you make it home because of the creepy old guys that don't stop staring at you (From Nancy)

9-You see a larger woman pull out a 2 Liter of 7-Up from her purse and chug it down to the last drop. Yes, a 2 Liter. We have pictures as proof.

Needless to say, we LOVE having our new car. It is good to have these little moments to remind us to appreciate the blessings we have. And having a car IS A BLESSING, not a right!!

We'll post pictures of Zip (our new, perfect-for-us-at-this-time-in-our-lives car) soon.

-Jonathon and Nancy

Typical "Trax Person" (this is what we call them, or TP for short)

Being an example- especially when you don't even know it!

Each and every fall season for the last four years, I have been fortunate enough to referee high school girl's lacrosse Super Sevens for my old coaches Fish and Soni (Taylor) Bartlett. It's a great way to get exercise in and make some extra $money$, especially while I was getting through college (You know.. all those crazy jobs you have in college just trying to get by!)

Some weeks I absolutely loved reffing. The girls would be so nice and cute and I got to teach them how to be better players and help them learn new moves like how to have a better cradle and how to play bottom-hand defense. Other weeks, I hated reffing. The parents would yell at me on the field and tell me all the calls I missed (Even though I've been playing for NINE years compared to their being a fan for one or two... Have you even READ the rule book??) and how awful I was. This made me really sad because for each game, I really did try my best to be fair and make the right calls. It really brought me down and was extremely frustrating.

At the end of the last game this season, there was an envelope labeled "Nancy" sitting on the score table. I thought it was probably just a check for reffing and put it in my pocket. When I got home, I pulled it out and opened it. Inside was a full-page, handwritten letter, cute sparkly "N" keychain, and a Subway gift card.

This was a thank you letter/present from one of the girls I had reffed. She started playing the first year as a freshman so she was one of the few that had been there all along with me the last four years. Paraphrasing, she wrote:

"I wanted to thank you for everything you've done for me the last four years. You have no idea what a great example you've been for me as a lacrosse player and friend and when I grow up I hope to be just like you. Love, Lacey #14"

As you can imagine with my sensitive little tear ducts, I started crying. How CUTE is this girl??! Mostly I was emotional thinking about how I never even thought of someone watching my actions. I thought about how I was dreading and even hating having to go some weeks. Did my attitude bring others down? Was she watching to see how I 'reacted' to the world at those times?

We never know when someone is watching us, looking to us as an example. Don't you think i would have acted differently if I knew each week this girl looked up to me as a role model? It is our responsibility to help others and lift people up. It's the sure way to happiness.

I'll be forever grateful to Lacey and HER example to me and for helping me to have this little "a-ha moment."

Be an example- always. You never know when someone is watching you and your decisions.

p.s. I can't forget to mention that I am grateful too for this Super Sevens because through this I got to meet Smallz and Shalece Hansen who are awesome and I love them. I made some eternal friends with this lacrosse business. :)

My calling as a Sunday School teacher

Trina told me to post more soooooo here it is!

Jonathon and I are on our second round of teaching the 12-14 year old Sunday School class at our church. We absolutely love this calling and those kids. I am so impressed by their innocence and desire to be good. Even the trouble-makers and loud-mouths say things that make me smile and teach me wonderful lessons.

Today we taught a lesson on Immorality and it made me sad thinking about them ever having to go through a tough time or falling into that kind of sin. ANY sin, but especially that one because it is such a powerful thing that can be used in both bad and good ways. I just want them to stay young and not have to go through those hard experiences that cause so much sadness. I want them to make good choices and be successful in life. I know, I know "Just wait until you have kids!" and I know with my own kids it'll be ten times harder. Luckily, we get some "practice rounds" through callings!

Heavenly Father really does know what is best for us and He wants us to be happy. We need to have a stronger desire to follow Him and be better so we can be examples to others and help lift them up.

Random

I've been wanting to post for a long time but can always find a million reasons not to. Mostly I'm too lazy to make it look all cute and clever like most people. Sigh. Thus, this may be one boring post, but who the heck cares!

Here are my random thoughts at this very moment:

1. I love Jonathon. He is my best friend and we love laughing and having so much fun together. It's just easy to be around him and with him and he helps me to be happy in many ways including:

-listening to me ramble and just talk about nothing, makes me feel smart and pretty, always lets me know he loves me, works hard to get us some extra income, he helps me understand the Gospel better, helps me be a better person by encouraging me, he's SO funny!!, makes cute songs and loves to sing, and loves to make other people happy by being nice to them too! I just love him. Alls the time.

2. Cosmo just scratched his ear with his foot and it made the same "thump-thump-thump" sound Thumper from Bambi makes when he scratched his ear.

3. I'm trying out Latisse to help my eyelashes grow all thick and lush so I don't feel the need to put on make-up every morning. I will keep you updated on results.

4. I love being a dental hygienist. I go home so happy at the end of the day because I love my patients. Here is a cool story of one of them:

I saw a patient on Tuesday who had no use of her hands because her mother took some sort of stomach medication while pregnant and caused this deformity. However, this woman had nearly PERFECTLY healthy gums and very little build-up! She uses her feet and teeth to do EVERYTHING for her. And she flosses 2x day using floss sticks and brushes with an electric toothbrush. I was amazed. What an awesome woman. This means there is absolutely no reason in the world that everyone else doesn't floss everyday too!

5. I love hot showers. My mom's house runs out of hot water fast though so I can't ever fully enjoy it. :(

6. Does anyone know how to get rid of sideaches while running?

7. I'm running a marathon next year. - Grandpa Huckvale had a stroke a few months back and does not have use of his right side so he can't walk and talk right now. He made a goal to be walking and talking by July for our family reunion. We decided that we'd all make a goal of something to accomplish by July by the time the family reunion comes and we'll all talk about our experiences. I made three goals:

1) Run a marathon.

2) Read the Book of Mormon.

3) Pay off my student loans.

This takes lots of effort NOW to accomplish these things by THEN so I'm working tough and learning lots along the way. :)

8. I love fresh apple cider. Our home teacher brought us some that is non-pasteurized and only happens one month of the year. It's amazing.

9. I am officially licensed to practice dental hygiene in Oregon and passed the Oregon Jurisprudence exam FINALLY! Wahoo!

10. It feels like nearly every one of my girl friends is pregnant right now. Crazy!

11. I am not good at baking. Or cooking. But, I enjoy it while I'm making it so...... oh well. Maybe someday!

I think that is all for now. I'm going to drive Jonathon downtown to my dental office to have Dr. Ellis pull his last wisdom tooth. It's going to be nice for him to not be in pain anymore!

Bye!

The Third of July, a.k.a. the Fourth of July!

Jonno and Nancy at the CARRIE UNDERWOOD concert!

Independence Day fell on a Sunday this year so we celebrated it on the Saturday before. It was a great day! We started out with the annual breakfast and parade at my family's cabin at Brighton.

Every year after breakfast, we go take family pictures on this humungo rock.

So, behold, the annual family picture on the big rock!

After the rock, we always rock, I mean, walk the trail around Silver Lake.

Jonathon found this stick and called it his "1820's revolver" and carried it the rest of the way.

Here he is shooting me with it.

Annnddd here we are happy that I didn't die with the shot of that almighty revolver!

Sisterly love.

My mom is always so festive. She loves holidays! Here she is with her great 4th of July outfit.

Jonathon captured this picture of my mom leaping off a rock. I thought it was awesome!

Great picture, Jonno!

Here we are in front of Silver Lake. Notice the revolver- again. Haha! :)

Me and my cute lil Grandma Richards.

We had a lot of fun at Brighton. It's always a fun event we look forward to.

This year we also did something we haven't experienced together before and attended the Stadium of Fire! It was SO COOL!!!! We LOVED it!

My most favorite singer in the world was the headliner performer: Carrie Underwood.

And the fireworks show was fantastic.

Here are some pictures:

These four jets flew over the stadium for the opening ceremonies.

They were really loud. And freakin' awesome.

The Stadium of Fire dancers. Pretty cool!

We also got to be a part of the largest Eagle Court of Honor in HISTORY.

Over 150 eagle scouts were awarded at the event. They asked all Eagle Scouts who were in the crowd to stand and hold this Boy Scout Eagle sign.

Our very own Jonathon got to stand with them- I'm so proud that I have an Eagle Scout for a husband. That really is a wonderful achievement!

And....there she is- THE Carrie Underwood!! Such a powerful voice and presence.

A.M.A.Z.I.N.G.

Me and Carrie :D Can you tell how excited I was to be there??

Fireworks:

My camera wasn't able to get the full effect of how cool these fireworks were. Hands down one of the best fireworks shows I've ever seen.

I especially loved that they played patriotic music in the background that matched the show. It even made me cry a couple times.

Jonno and me very satisfied after the show.

Here is a video of the night. Sorry it's kinda choppy.

A glimpse of Carrie!

So what do you think? Did I enjoy it or what?? Heh.

Happy Independence Day!!

I GOT THE JOB!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Ladies and Gentlemen,

I am pleased to announce that...

I GOT THE JOB!!!!!!!!!

I will try to put in writing how utterly HAPPY I am, but I believe it to be an impossible task.

I will be working part-time at A Kid's Place Dentistry in Murray on Tuesdays and Fridays. This is the same place I did my working interview last week. This is a newer office with a GREAT staff. I can't wait to start.

I'm so grateful for this opportunity. I had interviewed at an office in Draper two weeks ago and the interview was pretty bad. About an hour after that interview finished, I got a phone call to set up an interview for A Kid's Place the next day. I met with Quinndon and we had a great interview that really didn't even feel like an interview. I learned a lot of really cool things from him about life and what type of person I am and want to be. I was thrilled when he asked me to come back for a working interview. The next week at my working interview was the first time I'd ever really seen how an office is run. I felt like it went okay but could have been better, could have been worse. After that day, Christie, the owner, asked if I could come back Thursday. I was pleasantly surprised! I felt like Thursday was better, but still not perfect (of course). We got a call from Quinndon on Friday while we were driving, but I was too nervous to answer to Jonathon answered. I was scared to death and told him to say I wasn't there- he did, and then we didn't hear back from Quinndon until MONDAY. The anticipation was killing me. I thought "What if they were going to offer me the job and then I didn't answer and now they are going to give it to someone else??" So today he called again and said:

"I have good news for you- we'd like you to be a part of our team!"

I'm really excited to start. This is an amazing opportunity for me. I still can't believe it. I'm so happy and grateful. I said awhile ago that whoever gives me my first job I will always try my absolute best to do a great job for the company and go above and beyond to try and say thank you.

That is exactly what I intend to do. :)

I officially start next week- I can't wait!