Livin' the Dream

What a better day than today to think about how blessed I am?! If only I could go back to 4 years ago and know where I would be today. So much has happened.

Mark and I are coming up on our 3 year anniversary! This picture was taken the second time we ever hung out and got to know each other (the first time he was too busy playing on his four wheeler). That's why I call this picture love at second sight :) I THINK this one was taken in 2010.

 I still remember working at Gunnies late that night and a friend at the time asked me if I wanted to go camping that night. So I went and it ended up being my friend, her boyfriend, and Mark and I. I thought he was such a weird guy but he made me laugh so hard. It was really cold and he was in a tank top rallying around the camp spot on his four wheeler yelling "party shirt!!". Nothing has changed a bit. We sat around the camp fire talking most of the night and he was so easy to talk to and caring. Here we are now! All growed up.

Now let's just talk about my dream job for a minute. I can't believe I've been there for 2 1/2 years! Time flies. I'm graduated and passed by Vet Tech National Exam and I miss school everyday. But the awesome thing about my job is that I am constantly learning. I will never know it all and there's always room for improvement. I love it. I could not be more lucky to find a job so perfect for me. Not to mention all the wonderful people I get to work with everyday. This is a picture of Ginger. I can't remember her age exactly but let's just say OLD. Like a senior citizen. Plus she was diabetic, arthritic, and had already lost one eye due to cataracts. Her family took such great care of her. Ginger boarded at our clinic frequently and so we all bonded with her. She was kind of a pain with her eye drops, insulin injections (she would scream every time), and arthritis meds but we loved her anyway. The day I saw her on the schedule to be euthanized it was kind of a relief in a way. I knew all her pain would go away and she was so tired of getting poked twice a day. But of course it was a sad goodbye, After we put in her IV catheter I said, "No more pokes Ginger." RIP Ginger Allan.

I still cannot believe that I am a horse owner. Ever since Molly passed on (a blog topic for another day) I wanted to get another horse. I kept bugging Mark about it but he would put it off (just to tease me) and then one day he said I could get one for my graduation present! When me and my sister took a trip to Idaho for a Shania Twain concert (again, how lucky am I?!) my grandpa showed me a horse. She was only a yearling and he was working on training her. I kept telling Mark I wanted a young one I could train a little so we could both have confidence and trust in each other. I couldn't stop thinking about her after I got home. We found an awesome ranch that's so close to my house, literally walking distance! It's called Sunspring Ranch and it's perfect. I help on the weekends to milk the goats and it helps to pay off some of Tacoma's boarding. Plus Josie is there and she helps me with Tacoma when she has time which is great because I am so new to this training thing! Mark tries to call her Taco which doesn't make me very happy. She'll be 2 years old next spring! Tacoma definitely tries to test me and see what she can get away with. She's gonna learn today!!

And last but definitely not least I am SO grateful for family. Not only the Mellor side but the Olsen side. I feel like I fit right in. I get so much support from both sides. I have been missing my brother Corbin who is currently deployed for 6 months. What a sacrifice people like Corbin make for us. Love you guys. Happy Thanksgiving! 

Brighton Kay Mellor

     Well it has been an exciting trip so far! I've been here a week now and fly home in 3 days. I decided I'm a lot more like my mom than I thought I was. I have had such a hard time being away from work and school and my husband. I just hate not feeling like I'm not accomplishing anything or learning. But I am really glad I came!
   
     Brighton Kay Mellor was born yesterday and what an amazing experience it was. I feel lucky that I was able to be in the delivery room and gained some serious respect for women! I had never been around that before and didn't know anything about pregnancy but I learned A LOT while being here (thanks to Emily's hilariously blunt mom). I didn't realize how painful contractions were until my first night being here. Me, Emily, and Corbin were just cleaning up our dinner plates when Emily leaned over the counter in pain and she kinda yelled. I was juggling two plates and yelled something like, "Is she having a baby?!?" and then one of the plates smashed to the ground. We all laughed afterwards and Emily felt kinda bad because she forgot to tell me that she gets contractions once in a while.. haha. I had no clue!

     Emily and Corbin went to the hospital yesterday morning so Emily could be induced. We came later that morning and she looked to be in some serious pain. I wanted to help her but knew there was nothing I could do. It was really cool listening to little Brighton's heart beat on the machine (my mom is baby crazy and made me record it and send it to her). Emily's nurse was really nice and answered all of our many questions. Finally Emily got her epidural and it seemed to ease some of pain. The nurse told us it was time to start pushing because Emily was dilated to a 7. I thought, "Wait are you sure?? Already? Shouldn't we wait for the doctor?" For some reason I thought all it took was a couple good pushes and she'd just slip right out! Nope. Emily's "mid-wife" (whatever that is) finally came and they got everything ready. It was time! I stood next to Corbin and they were all just cheering Emily on. I thought I might get dizzy once I was in there (since it is very different than a cat or dog getting neutered) but I didn't at all. I was actually really interested in it! I could see Brighton's full head of hair and then after another good push there was her head and out slid the rest of her body! I couldn't believe how fast it was. And then the lady that delivered the baby kinda just chucked Brighton onto Emily's chest and Corbin cut the cord. It was actually really emotional. Even for me! I watched the nurses clean Brighton up a little and then Emily and Corbin got to hold her. You could just see how much love they already had for this little girl. Welcome home Brighton Kay! 

                                                                                        

Maxximus

     I just really wanted to dedicate this page to the best dog my family ever owned: Maxx. I watched this video just barely and it made me think of him. God Made a Dog

     So here goes the story of Maxx. My uncle Randy used to breed great danes and I remember one time we were at my grandma's house when she lived in Lehi and he brought over all the puppies. I was in heaven. Great dane puppies are the CUTEST things ever. They're heads and paws are huge and they have wrinkles of skin they have to grow into. They are so clumsy because of those huge paws. I held all the puppies and begged my dad to let us keep one.  Of course he said no.

     A while later Randy said a lady that bought a puppy was giving it back because he was "too rough with her kids". So guess who got that puppy?!

    I tried to carry him around everywhere I went. But that didn't last long! I gave Maxx baths once a week. My dad knew I wanted to be a vet someday so he let me bathe him, trim his nails, and do anything I wanted to. He was my BIG baby.

     It was kinda fun taking Maxx everywhere with us. We took him to bridal veil falls a lot and everyone loved him. Then the movie "Marmaduke" came out and everybody thought Maxx was famous. He really was a good dog. He could be a spaz if you got him hyped up, but he would be calm when it was time. We used to get him to jump really high and we'd sometimes throw his football over the roof and he'd run so fast he'd look like a big deer. We always knew before Maxx passed away we wanted one of his puppies so we had one from his bloodline. So we got Mesa. She's alot different than Maxx. She's real sassy and has quite the personality but we love her.

      When Maxx was 6 years old he started to get sick. He didn't have nearly as much energy and would lay around all the time. I don't remember alot of what was going on with him because it all seemed to happen so quick. He was a tough dog. My dad took him to a friend of ours who worked with a vet. The vet said Maxx had cardiomegaly which meant his heart was enlarging which was causing too much stress on the rest of his body. The vet gave us some meds to help Maxx which seemed to help but we didn't want it to be like that for him. He deserved better than that. On January 26th, 2013 it was an amazing day. I got married! Everything seemed so happy that day until after our reception. We drove straight to my parents house to grab a few things, I was even still in my wedding dress! I remember walking out the door to leave when I remembered Maxx. He was at the top of the stairs laying down on his side and breathing so slowly. It broke my heart to see him like that. I walked up the stairs and gave him what turned out to be my last kiss on his cheek. Then I walked out. We went on our honeymoon that night and I tried to keep my mind off of it. My sister texted me and said they might be euthanizing Maxx that day. I of course cried like a little baby. I specifically remember looking at Mark through tears and saying, "I'm sad!" and I remember how stupid I sounded. It makes me laugh just thinking about it. Later that day my dad sent us all a text that Maxx wasn't experiencing anymore pain and was with his dad now. Me and Mark were driving to Nevada (bass pro shops hotel of course) and I just laid in his lap and cried for what seemed like hours.

     When I got home from the honeymoon it was really weird walking into my parents house and not having Maxx right there waiting for some attention. I remember looking up at his pillow and feeling that stupid frog in my throat. Then my dad told me the whole story of what happened. I'm so happy I wasn't there because I'm not nearly as tough as my dad. He said he was sitting on the garage floor with Maxx when he just knew it was time. He wouldn't even get up for food or water. He just laid there helplessly. My dad asked one of our neighbors to help lift him up into his truck. He drove to the vet and called ahead letting them know he'd be there and it was time. Maxx was in the back seat resting his head on my dads arm as he drove. He said as he was driving he felt all of Maxx's body just take his last breath and then his whole body relaxed. And just that fast he was gone. He must have known where we were headed and that it was his time. I feel like the timing was perfect and I'm so happy he didn't have to suffer. I'll miss you Maxximus and nobody could ever replace you.

08-01-2013 How important you think education is

     This is one thing that I've learned in the past year. Education is SO SO SO important! I can't imagine not going to school right now and not working towards a career. Especially since I recently got my dream job and it's what I'm going to school for.
     Without my education I'd be stuck as a cashier right now, not that that's a bad choice for everyone but I am definitely not meant to retail. Because if you sass me, you better believe I'll sass you right back! I always look at older people, like parents, that are working at dead end jobs and it makes me so sad. I can't imagine not having an education. Especially in our economy now, there aren't very many jobs out there.  It's always nice to have a Plan B and some education in your background because you never know what can happen! It's scary. So yes education, in my mind, is extremely important!! The end. 

08/01/2013 Your biggest regret in life

     This one was pretty hard for me to think of.. I thought of one that probably doesn't seem that hard but it was really hard for me. Maybe just because I'm a really sensitive person.

     So once upon a time I had this boyfriend. We dated pretty seriously and truly did love him. The biggest problem was that I did not fit in with his family at all. I felt uninvited and his brother was actually pretty rude to me. Any time I went to his house with all of his family there I felt really uncomfortable. Which was a big deal to me because I always wanted in laws that I could hang out with and be myself in front of (which I got luckily)!

    Well after about 4 months of dating he was preparing for a mission (I'm sure you know where this is headed now..). It was really hard for me when we'd talk about him leaving because 2 years seemed so long to me and I didn't know what would happen. I'd try not to cry in front of him because I definitely supported him serving a mission! I always told him there were no promises whether I'd wait or not and that we'd just see what happens. Well a couple weeks leading up to him leaving I made a dumb decision. I promised him I'd be here when he was back and that I wouldn't date. I really thought I was going to marry him. I remember him being in the Provo MTC and at the time I lived in Orem so I felt so close but so far away from him! That was rough on me. It was easier when he left for Argentina. I'd go to his parents house for mothers day and Christmas calls but always felt like I shouldn't be there.

     Then of course I met Mark and fell head over boots for that guy! I was comepletely honest with both of them from the beginning. I told Mark all the time that I had somebody else and that I made a promise to him and I told the missionary everything about Mark. I'd tell him when I started hanging out with him, when feelings started and when I made my decision. It was all very confusing and hard for me. I didn't understand why I'd have to hurt someone that I truly cared for. He was a really great guy and I know he'll find an amazing girl and I know Mark is a better match for me than ANYONE. The only thing I do regret is breaking that promise.

7/26/2013 Highs and Lows of this past year

     Hmm... It does seem like I've had alot of highs and not too many lows so that's really good news!

     This past year I was really lucky to always have a job. I finally have one that will actually help me in my career and I learn new things everyday! But my last two jobs were part of my lows of the past year. I worked at Gunnies which I LOVED at first. I wasn't making a ton of money (mainly because I spent it all there) but I was content and thought I'd be there to get me through college. Then I got a new manager.. and we butted heads big time. At first when I heard she was the new manager I was a little butt hurt because I was there longer and I kinda knew we didn't get along that great. But then I realized why the heck would I want to be a manager ever in a million years?! Way too much responsibility! ha. So I was happy for her and thought she'd do a great job. Which she did, most of the time. But she was a major kiss butt and acted like she was better than everyone. It was a western wear and hunting store so a lot of us hunted and wore boots etc.. but since it was so many girls working there of course everyone is competitive. Long story short she was really rude and didn't treat people with respect so I talked to the store owner and told her what was going on. Well since this manager was such a kiss butt she liked her and had no sympathy for me. So I told her if things didn't change I didn't think I could do it anymore. Well they didn't change so I quit. Walking out that day felt like a weight had been lifted off my shoulders! It was amazing!

     The next job was good ole Lowe's. I wanted to work there since I was a little girl and my dad would take me their to get tools. No idea why. But I learned REAL quick I was not meant to be in retail. At least for a big company. It all started when Lowe's installed me and Mark's carpet in our house and we got my new bow stolen and my sisters kindle. We tried for months and months to get money back or somehow for them to make it right with us. They never did. I lost respect for them and kind of quit caring. Terrible, I know. The thing that sucks is I loved some of the people I worked with and it was the most money I had been making. But once I got my dream job I put in my two weeks. I'll miss those great people I worked with. Mainly just one.. she knows who she is ;)

I've been super lucky this past year! I have Mark in my life and we have a beautiful house in a great neighborhood. The lowest of the low actually happened right after getting married. I lost my best friend and the best dog I will ever know. Maxx. He passed away while I was on my honeymoon and I'll miss him very much.

7/16/13 15 interesting facts about yourself

     Well hopefully I can think of that many! Hmm..

1. I've always known what I wanted to be when I grow up.
2. I eat A LOT! Mark always makes fun of me because I'm always hungry!
3. I have a scar on my ankle that looks like a worm and for some reason I named it Frances..
4. I love going to school and learning and feeling like I'm working towards a goal.
5. I started getting into archery about 2 years ago and LOVE it.
6. I can handle all the poopy diapers in the world but once I see boogers.. I'm out!
7. I love running especially in the rain.
8. My favorite flavor of ice cream is vanilla, you can't go wrong with vanilla. 
9. I used to barrel race and I miss it more than anything.
10. Sometimes I sing really loud when I'm in the house alone.. only sometimes.
11. My dream job is a large animal vet but I love hunting, is that bad?
12. I'm a little bit of a tom boy and can't stand a lot of girls.
13. My favorite body part on a male is calf muscles and um my husbands are NICE!
14. My obsessions are: Jeans, t-shirts,hats and hoodies. Classy right?
15. My sister is my ultimate best friend but can drive me crazy sometimes cuz she's such a girl.