The Best of My Life: 2010

Monday, December 6, 2010

Twenty-five Years...I love you more than ever before!

Night of our "first date" a drive up Provo Canyon Spring 1983

Look at us NOW! Not just the two of us anymore! October 2010

When I think back over twenty five years I think about all the things I never really knew would come into my life as a young twenty-year old girl, getting married, and dreaming about the future. There are things you don't even know to dream about. There were things that others had advised me about as being important for a happy future, and some things I knew in my heart were important. There were numerous other things that I would say I didn't even know to wish for, that for some remarkable reason I was blessed with by marrying Greg. Our anniversary was June 20, 2010, and in the fashion of most of my posts, this is late, but better late than forgotten or not recorded. Here are some of the things that I love about Greg...these are the things I knew from the start.

He is kind. Greg is kind to everyone he meets. He genuinely cares about people.
Greg is a hard worker. When we got married he was a grunt worker at "Swings and Things". That didn't bother me. I knew that better things would come along. Greg has always had a good job. He works hard, he is honest and gives every job he does his seal of excellence.
Greg is a worthy Priesthood holder. He honors his Priesthood, and it blesses our home. My dad was never one to give lots of dating advise, but the one thing that stuck with me over the years was, "Marry someone whose mother doesn't have to wake them up to go to Priesthood meeting." I saw that attribute in Greg, and I respect him for his faithfulness.
Greg's parents have both passed away, but I can truly say that he is a devoted and loving son. He is still a wonderful son to my parents, he was a loving grandson to my grandmother. There is a lot of pressure being an only child. Greg served, loved and respected his parents, even when there was a tremendous burden associated with caring for them. He was always able to weigh our his parents needs, and his own families needs and balance them remarkably.
Greg is funny. He has a great sense of humor. Sometimes I probably am not fun enough. He likes to joke and tease and laugh. Who wouldn't love to be around someone like that!
Greg is honest. He always considers what would be fair for everyone involved.
Greg is handsome. He makes my heart skip a beat when I see him in a crowd, when I hear his voice I feel peaceful, when I see him smile I know true happiness. As the years go on he gets more and more conscious of his aging body. When I look at him, I don't notice that he is any older, he just looks like Greg...he still makes me smile, he makes my soul happy and I can't imagine anyone or anything could be more beautiful for me.

Here are some of the things that were bonuses, that I had not realized I would get as part of the package when I married Greg.

He is a terrific father. I have to say, I wondered how he would do at Fatherhood. I knew he was a great person, and loving and kind...but would be even like babies--he was an only child after all. Wow--glad I never really concerned myself with worrying about that one. Greg was a natural. He loved, cuddled and nurtured probably better than I did at times. He will be a terrific grandpa someday. I can hardly wait to watch him!
Greg is creative. If anyone in the family needs a great idea for a poster, a slogan, a logo or a story, Greg is the man for the job. He is creative in his work as well. When he was in sales, he always found a way to close the sale by being creative. He has re-invented himself and his skill set over and over again to stay on top of the game.
Greg loves to travel. How lucky am I? Okay, this is one of the things I really did worry about. Before we were married Greg had not traveled much at all. He was afraid of flying. He'd had a harrowing experience over the ocean coming home from Taiwan, on his mission, that had made him fearful. I had hopes and dreams of seeing all I could. Little did I know he would overcome the fear of flying, and become a million-miles frequent flier! We have traveled to Europe, Asia, South America and all over the US. He values vacations...and so do I.
Greg loves pets. For a guy who's mom wasn't patient with animals in the house, he has forged new territory! He has encouraged pets. We've had cats, dogs, fish, gerbils, lizards, turtles, birds, a sugar glider....I probably am forgetting something....but he loves all creatures and have made it fun to be a pet owner.
Greg likes to shop. He may disagree because he doesn't want everyone to know that he shops. He shops stores, on-line, catalogs....he knows how to find a good deal, and he loves to find good deals. He studies out the choices, smells the shampoo, reads the consumer reports and reviews...then looks for the best price. I love him for that!
Greg is a gadget guy. I put this on my list of bonuses, because other that being a little pricey at times, it is fun to be up to date with cool gadgets. He is mostly an electronics gadget guy, but he has some pretty good collections of camping gadgets, knives, and tools too. I learn new and exciting things that he has found. We once had a spider vacuum, which came in handy when he was at work and a spider needed to be destroyed. He had one of the first brick cell phones....oh those were the days. He's up to date on new televisions, computers and mp3 players. Maybe all guys like gadgets...but he's the guy I know best and I love it!
Greg gives thoughtful, wonderful gifts. He has never missed a birthday or holiday. He chooses the perfect things for whoever he is giving to. This may go along with the last item of being a gadget guy, or the one before of liking to shop...whatever it is, he makes the holidays great. He does the shopping, I do the decorations! He lets me shop a little, but he does such a good job...I say...go for it! He's camped out in front of Best Buy, waited in a huge line in front of Walmart for a Fruby...only to be disappointed. He knows how to "snipe" bids on e-bay...YEAH... and he always finds the best, perfect gifts. Who would have known Owl poop was so interesting?, or that Creepy Crawlers or Lego's were just right that year...Greg did.
Greg always wanted a daughter, so he could have a Daddy's girl. I had now idea that we'd get one. I knew he could be rough and tumble with the boys. Watch the super hero movies until the tapes wore out, but I didn't know he'd sit through the "Nutcracker", or be truly interested in how the first Make-up session at the Mac Counter went. He adores his daughter, and she him.
Greg is my best friend. That is something Greg always encourages the kids to keep at the top of their list of important things in finding a spouse. He definitely is mine. He is the first one I want to tell exciting things to, the one I want to be with when I get to do something fun, and for sure the one whose arms I want holding me when I am sad. He can tell me the truth even if it isn't what I wanted to hear because I know he is telling me to be helpful, not hurtful.
Greg has taught me to listen first to understand. He is a great listener. I want to be more like him...I think I am becoming more like him.
Greg is a cheerleader. Never saw it coming! He boosts me up...motivates...and makes sure I finish what I start, do the best I can with all the support he can muster. He has stood by me through years of school, interviewing for jobs, organizing committees, church callings, motherhood....if there is anyone I wouldn't want to disappoint, it would be Greg.

Well honey...I could go on and on, but the Ambien I took to help me sleep is kicking in..I will post this with a big thanks for a great 25 years. XOXOXO

Friday, November 19, 2010

Rocky Romero WOOF!!!

Taylor can be convincing. I am a softy for a cute little face. We have welcomed in a new dog. Milo isn't so sure about him, but I think he may be a keeper. He is adorable, smart and is winning over my heart. Now if he poops in the house, or chews up the furniture, the love affair could come to a halt, but I have faith in the little critter!

Oh how time goes by...

Time slips away from me and I am horrible at keeping this blog updated...my New Years resolution will be better at blogging, keeping a journal and family history. I feel like some days it is all I can do to get up and do the "have to do's" and I don't get or take time for the "would love to do's..." The more I learn the process of entering blogs and working with the blog, the more likely I will be to actually recording things on it.

In thinking back over the passed year there are some events I haven't blogged about that I really don't want to miss. I think I will add them as separate blogs and title them accordingly so that everything isn't in one big blog.

Welcome to the Family

Matthew Allen Romero and Sharlene Witt Romero

Family Picture taken May 29, 2010 at the Joseph Smith Building

Matt and Sharlene Witt were married on May 29, 2010. Can't believe it has almost been six months and I haven't put it on my blog....it is because I am not technically able, but I will try. Sharlene was a beautiful bride. I thought of her a couple of weeks ago when I was watching TLC's "Say Yes to the Dress"...the show depicts girls grieving over which overpriced dress to buy. I was flabbergasted at the prices of the dresses! It made me think of Matt and Sharlene. Sharlene's dress was far less than 10,000.00 and she was absolutely gorgeous! I can't imagine that choosing which overpriced dress to wear for a day, could be of any importance in the realm of what is really important in this world!

Sharlene and Matt have been friends for many years. As we started to think back about how long they had known each other we realized it had been since second grade. Their sixth grade school teacher, Mrs. "O"-Ostermiller, came to their reception. She said it was the first students from the same class that she taught that actually got married. They had an on again off again relationship because we all know that timing is everything...and sometimes the timing has to wait. They always had mutual love and respect for each other.

Matt returned home from this mission in August or 2009, and by October, had proposed to Sharlene. She had a very full plate at the time. She was just going to graduate from Southern Utah University with a BS in Business, and ready to find a "real job". She was very involved in her Sorority-and very stressed. Somehow they both made it through. They were married in May of 2010, in the Joseph Smith Building. It was a beautiful wedding, and the reception was at my parents house in their yard. The weather was beautiful, and it was a fun reception.

Sharlene started a job as an assistant event coordinator for the Salt Palace Convention Center, and Matt is working at Oakland Construction in their IT department. He is hoping to get back into school soon. They have one of the cutest little dogs in the entire world. His name is Baxter, and I am a proud grandma....he is house broken, doesn't bark, entertains himself with the funniest games and is so entertaining. They really lucked up with such a wonderful little dog.

Monday, July 19, 2010

Romero's Summer of Fun

This summer is for the most part over and I have been having too much fun to work on the blog....so this blog will probably leave out some of the details, but hopefully record some of the things we have done so that I don't forget. I am getting old and I forget things quickly!
Our first family adventure was to Las Vegas. Okay, it is not the ultimate place for a family vacation, but it worked well for us. We have a timeshare through Wyndham, and there is a very nice resort in Vegas, which we have gone to a couple of times. Greg and I have wanted the kids to see some of the shows there that we have enjoyed like a Cirque de Soule. We went to see Mystere. It was great! Nothing like Ka' which Greg and I had seen before, but it was still amazing.
We have spent time camping as well. We discovered one site that was up Provo Canyon way up past Squaw Peak, called the Hope Campground. It was beautiful, but the drive was steep! We were joined by Matt and Sharlene, Ryan and Lauren and Billy and a Rebecca and kids, as well as Michael and Christy and kids. It was a lot of fun, but we probably won't go back to that site because of the drive to get there. Our second camping adventure was to Payson Lakes. This site was a winner! It is serene, and gorgeous. I told Lauren that I always feel closer to God when I am camping...she ssid it is because you ARE closer to God when you are camping. I love to look at all the amazing beauties of nature. I take in the smells of the pine, the brightness of the night sky and stars that I never can see at home with all the city lights. I really love to camp! We bought a little inflatable raft, and the kids were able to take it out to fish. Everyone caught a few fish, and we fried them up for dinner. I have to say they were pretty tasty. Milo ate the left overs, and was very possessive of his food that night! He turns his nose up to tuna, but he loved the trout!

Sunday, May 2, 2010

Minute to Win It

So it's time for an update. I have been wanting to post our family's attempt at "Minute To Win It"! There is a new game show on television by the same name. It is a "Game Show" made up of gaming challenges like you may play at a school or birthday party--the only difference is you only have one minute to complete the task, and you win lots of money! we made an attempt to do it with the family and it was a lot of fun. We didn't have large cash prizes, but we had some great "white elephants". We had a lot of fun and Taylor ended up being the Champion. Too bad we didn't have a million dollar prize for him!

Friday, April 9, 2010

Milo--He's Big He's Fluffy and Has Better Manners!!!

Greg just completed taking Milo to Basic Dog Training. We were skeptical at first because Milo is a bit out of control at times. He acts out the most in new situations, around other dogs and when he is nervous...just the perfect setting for dog training! The first 20 minutes of the first session had me worried. He barked, paced and basically did everything we didn't want him to do. I am happy to report that after 6 weeks of training he can do remarkable things. He sits (which he did before) but now he actually "stays". He can "leave it"...even the yummy dog treats he craves so much. He can be calmed and we think he is ready for his next round of training. Greg hopes to use him as a Therapy Dog. It will take a lot of work. Milo is smart and if Greg is persistent in training him I think they will make a fantastic team! They both have the perfect personalities for a "Therapy" team.

Thursday, April 1, 2010

Michael Buble'-A Night out with my Hubby

As soon as I heard Michael Buble' was coming in concert in SLC I wanted tickets! I knew Greg would love it too...he loves music of all types, but we both find his music so relaxing and wonderful. Tickets to his concert were sold out so I am glad we got them early! It was a fantastic concert. I was very impressed with the opening act Naturally 7. They are a group that accompanies themselves with instrument sounds that they make vocally. I think it is called "vocal play". I'm sure they have a youtube video. We had a great time. MB is a fantastic performer and singer. The technical displays were amazing. It was a night I will remember for a long time! Thanks for the great date!( Concert was 3/31/10 at the E Center)

Saturday, March 20, 2010

Spring--Please Stay---We NEED YOU

It is just time for Spring to come and stay! We cleaned the garage today...okay Greg did most of the cleaning of the garage, but I am really appreciative of it! It makes me feel like I want to get the rest of the winter messes cleaned up...The yard, the storage rooms, the shed, the closets....Spring must be coming because I am feeling like Spring Cleaning:) The problem with my projects is that it requires much help from my family, which also means that I either get willing help which is nice, or have to beg and plead for help, which makes me a bit grouchy. Everyone likes to have things cleaned up, but no one really enjoys doing it.

So what has been going on at the Romero's for the past month or so? Greg and I had a great trip to Las Vegas for Valentines. We stayed at the Bellagio and then at the South Point. We got to go to a few shows...The Blue Man Group and Lion King. They were great! I was totally impressed with the costumes in Lion King. We had so much fun that we just booked a week there for a family vacation in June. We are staying at the Grand Desert, which is part of our Wyndham time share. I know it is kind of a slimmy place for a family vacation, but off the strip I think we will enjoy the warm weather, great pools, fun shows and great food!

(Chocolate Fountain at Bellagio)

Panda's for Chinese New Year at the Bellagio

My work has been CRAZY. Primary Children's has been it busiest ever. Our unit, not usually effected by seasonal illnesses because it is a Newborn ICU has had very sick babies, and because the rest of the hospital has been so busy has had a few "boarders" from other units, and a shortage of nurses. To top that off I have been very sick the past two weeks. I aspirated my own spit!!! Isn't that disgusting? Don't try it at home, you can really get quite sick.Greg and Milo have been in a dog training class. The ultimate goal is to get Milo trained to be a therapy dog. He has a long way to go, but Greg has really been working hard with him and he has come a long way. You can actually come into our house now without him knocking you over! He is getting good at "sitting" and "waiting"....and even "leave it" which is hard for him when her wants to steal food off the counter, or take off with a sock on the floor! I have hope for their "Therapy Dog" future.

Cameron and Lindz are plugging along. Check out their blog for their latest info. Lindsey does at great job at keeping it updated. Lindz and I are counting down the days until we get to pick up our new I-pads. Of course Cam is getting one too....It is a new Apple product after all. I had fun this week having Cameron visit the NICU. I am so excited for him to start his career in nursing. It will be interesting to see what he decides to do with his degree...Where he will work and what he will be doing. I know he will do great!

Matt is living at home now. Sharlene is working in Salt Lake, and it just made more sense for him to live closer to where she was so that they could date and make plans for the future. Sharlene is an assistant event planner for the Salt Palace. She gets to be involved in many exciting events that take place there. Matt is still commuting to Lindon with his job at TAM. He is hoping to find something in Salt Lake. I am hoping he will get back in school soon. Waiting to decide when they will get married, but they are thinking about August.

Taylor is still at UVU. He is an avid Jazz fan and has been to lots of games this season. He is trying to get along with his psycho roomate, and is learning lots of life's lessons at this point in his life. School is challenging and a little stressful. He is a smart kid, it just takes a lot of getting organized and buckling down to get the grades. I have lots of faith in him.

Ryan is full of life and excitement! Had a great fancy date to Junior Prom. Isn't he a handsome guy? He just informed me that he is going to run for SBO. He already has a pretty busy year planned for next year...but it will be his last year of high school so I say...Live it Up. If you don't get involved in school it is hard to stay motivated to go your last year.

Ryan and his date Lenyx
Lauren is enjoying Young Womens. She has also been selling Girl Scout cookies for Girl Scouts. They are sooo good. She is crafting up all kinds of things with her Cricut paper cutter and is doing great in school. This year has been a little challenging for her. She is learning that many kids aren't "nice" and not every teacher loves her....and even if they don't she still has to grin and bear it. It is much more fun when everyone is nice and your teacher loves you!

Sunday, January 31, 2010

Bye Bye January...one month closer to SPRING!!!

I don't especially like winter. I don't hate it because there are some great things about it, but about this time of the winter I start looking forward to Spring. What do I like about winter...New snow on the trees and how it still looks light outside even when it is dark. I like the smell of wood burning fireplaces. I like seeing my kids get excited for snowboarding. I used to love to ski...hope to again when I get rid of more of this fat...hope I don't break something, but I am going to do it again. I love Christmas. I love getting together with family. I love Greg making his shopping lists and making sure we don't forget anyone. He is so good at that. I love hot chocolate and oh yes, the christmas lights! We have our favorite places to go to see them. One year we took all the kids on a carriage ride after visiting Temple Square. The streets were packed with snow, and it was bright outside, even though it was dark...just the way I like it. We went to Memory Grove in the carriages, and it was spectacular. It was the perfect night for taking a carriage ride. I don't think any of us will ever forget that night.
What I don't like about winter, at least here in Salt Lake is the inversion. Salt Lake has about the worst air quality in the nation. I remember bringing Doris here when she was frail with lung cancer. She had lived in Port Angeles with cloudy skies, but clean fresh air. I felt like I was poisoning Doris a bit, and it was quite embarrassing to have such horrible air. The entire family is fighting upper respiratory infections right now. We'd all get better sooner if the air would clear out! I don't like dirty lawns, that have junk on them the wind blows around, but it is too cold to clean them up. I don't like the mud. I don't like freezing hands, nose or toes. I don't like huge heating bills!
I keep seeing geese and ducks flying along the river...NORTH, and sticking around like they may be nesting...and that means that spring is coming.
I like Spring because...well first of all winter is over! Also because of the new flowers, baby animals, new beginnings, clean starts, motivation to clean the house and longer daylight.

Friday, January 1, 2010

The End of Decade...Welcome 2010

It always feels weird to see a decade pass away. Ten years ago I still had little kids at home for Christmas, and Santa was anxiously anticipated by a few of them! Most of the boys still thought girls had fleas, and Lauren only knew how to smear lipstick from one end of her body to the other, no concept of making herself more attractive by applying it. Greg had his gadgets, but his phone just had voice mail and call waiting, nothing like the I-phone!I was still teaching preschool and volunteering at the elementary school. We could go to dinner as a family and order from the kids menus, and I drove a mini van. Time changes so many things. Cameron is married, Matt is engaged, and Taylor and Ryan definitely understand that girls don't have fleas, and for some hormonal and instinctive reason are drawn to beautiful young ladies! Lauren knows all about the Mac counter at Nordstrom and is quite the makeup artist. None of the kids believe in Santa, and in fact are beginning to understand that Christmas is much more than Santa....that being Santa is much more exciting than getting from Santa. I don't miss the mini-van, and I loved teaching preschool, but I am so thankful for my job in the PCMC NICU as an RN.

Here are some pictures from then and now...kind of fun for me. It seems like just a few days or maybe even a year or two ago,....but alas it has been ten!

This was then......