Grandpa Bingham

I got a phone call from my mother this morning letting me know that my Grandpa Bingham passed away. My family has been so blessed because we have never lost a family member on either side before. I will miss my Grandpa but I know he is in a better and happier place. I can't wait for the day when I can see him again. I love you Grandpa.

The End of "Bri The Lifeguard!"

Ryan and I have been in Laramie for just over a week now and we both have applied everywhere for jobs with little success. I found an ad for lifeguarding and figured I should apply because I still have a year left on my certification. They called a couple days later and asked me to come in for a swim test. The test consists of three parts. CPR, 3 saves including one spinal, and the brick test. I was most worried about the saves and CPR because I haven't lifeguarded for 2 years! And I need to re-certify for CPR anyways. I was very hesitant in doing the test but scheduled to do it anyways because I NEED a job asap!

The swim test was a total failure. First of all, I thought all I had to do was perform CPR not have quiz on it! So that was the first fail, lots of wrong questions. The second was the brick test (the one I was least worried about) it took me three tries to get that stupid brick! I think it's because the first time I did this test was my certification and it was a 9ft pool. This pool was 12.5 feet! Wasn't ready for that. I almost had a break down because how can a lifeguard save a person if they can't even safe a stupid brick! After that fail I lost all confidence. Then I had to save this HUGE guy! It took me like 10 mins to get him to the side of the pool because he was so heavy. The lady said I did good on the test overall but I view it as a complete failure! I will be in total shock if they call me about a job.

After my fails I was gasping for air and felt like I had worked out for 3 hours straight. I was defeated. It's bitter sweet for me because I didn't realize how much I actually enjoyed lifeguarding until I found out that I can't do it anymore. I never got any pictures of me guarding in Texas but above is a picture of me that summer. I was tan and my hair got super blonde (although you can't tell in this picture). I loved sitting in the sun soaking up rays and jumping in the pool to cool off on breaks and sipping MD whenever I got the chance. I will miss being a lifeguard and feeling the prettiest I have ever felt in my life. I am grateful that I got the chance to go to Texas and lifeguard. I got to spend time with my sister and her kids and feel so much closer to them because of that. I also met Ryan there. So this is the end of "Bri the Lifeguard." Unless there is a miracle and I get the job!

My Cute College Graduate!

We couldn't leave Powell without seeing Ryan graduate. He is a major smarty and graduated with 3 associate degrees in engineering, math, and physics. He looked so cute in his cap and gown and I am so proud of him. Love you babe.

The day would have been perfect if it wasn't for the seat stealer shown below. I went early and saved 9 seats by sitting on the end of the row and putting my purse 9 seats in. This balding lady sat down right next to my purse which would have been fine if she wasn't a seat stealer. (Note: she clearly saw my purse and that I was saving seats) When the Murphy Family arrived I went over grabbed my purse and went to the bathroom. Amber was then in charge of saving the seats next to the lady so she put her arm on the seats. When I got back from the bathroom Amber told me what happened. Amber turned, taking her arm off the seats, to talk to Mom. When she turned around the lady put her purse in one seat and a newspaper on the other. This was Amber and the lady's conversation.
Amber: Hey, were saving these seats.

Lady: So are we!

Amber: (grumpily and mad) um okay...

I was shocked and angered when I heard this but didn't have the guts to say anything. She clearly knew I was saving seats. What a big jerk of a lady. I glared at her though. It made me so mad I couldn't concentrate on the graduation very much. Stupid Seat stealer.

On the other hand Amber noticed this Cowboy on the other side of the gym. He looked like a statue the entire graduation. Made the day a little better.

Even though the day was dampened by seat stealers and smelly people I am still so proud of Ryan. He is amazing and his smarty brain will come in handy in the future!

We Love Our SUSHI

I am so glad that I learned how to master the art of sushi making. It has been a joy for both me and Ryan. I was able to make us this mound of sushi for our first real night in our new apartment. Perfect.

Mother

Mother,

Happy Mother's Day. I love you more than anything and I miss you terribly. You have taught me so many things throughout my life, how to love, forgive, move on, and how to sneak Mountain Dew past Dad :) I am so thankful and blessed to have you as my mother. I wouldn't be where I am today if it wasn't for your love and support. I appreciate all you have done for me. I love you and will see you soon.

Love, Bri

Britain Jane Jones

My best friend here in Powell Wyoming had her beautiful baby girl on May 4th. She is the most perfect little angel and has a full head of dark hair. I love Emily and this little girl. I will miss them so much when we move this Saturday. I will be waiting in Laramie for the day the Jones family makes there way to Laramie in a year.

I don't know why but when I went to the hospital to meet little Britain I burst into tears the minute I walked into the room. I think there are two reasons why I sobbed like a loser. The first being this baby is so close to Heaven and I could feel the sweet spirit she brought with her to this world. 2nd I will miss the Jones family and I knew this would be one of the last times I get to spend with them before we leave.

Thank you Emily for being a wonderful friend to me. You helped

me survive living here when I hated it. (Which I don't anymore) We might not have hung out as much as we should have but just the same I got a friend for life. I can't wait until you move to Laramie and I hope you don't change your mind. I love you and Britain. And I'm sure Ryan loves Brandon just as much :) See you soon!

Easter Sunday

For Easter Sunday Ryan and I went to Aunt Melinda's house for a family get together. We ate tons of food, played marshmallow golf, did an egg toss, and had an easter egg hunt. It was wonderful being with family and I know I will miss them terribly when we move.

My marshmallow for golf!

Steve, Sonya, Melinda and Amber

I work with Aunt Melinda and I have grown to absolutely love her.

I also work with my friend Kortney. I was so glad that Melinda asked her and her daughter to come spend easter with us. I just love Kortney.

And her daughter Aubrey.

Marshmallow golf was very entertaining. It is so hard to hit that dang marshmallow.

Everyone enjoyed it and I enjoyed being with family.

LDS Prom

Amber and Alex went to LDS Prom last week. I went over and did Amber's hair and makeup for her. I'm ok at doing makeup but not so good at hair. I thought Amber looked beautiful I just hope she liked it as much as I did. I hope they had fun!

Can You Say "Happy Birthday!"

The month of April is the Birthday Month from Hell! Just kidding but it is insanely crazy. The Murphy family has 6 birthdays and most of them are right in a row. (there might be more like grandparents but I can only handle the 6 for now.) It was great for me because I got all the icecream cake I could ask for. To start the birthday month off Grandma and Grandpa Cozzens retired and got a gift card to this restaurant so they took us all out to dinner.

Happy Birthday Neal!

Happy Birthday Amber!

Happy Birthday Alex!

Happy Birthday Sonya and Steve

and

Grandma Cozzens!

Grandma didn't want anyone to know that the restaurant we went to was actually a bar... She is so cute so I had to take a picture of the bar. Love you Grandma.

Ryan decided he would show up for dinner too :)

That was the end to the birthday celebrations for now anyways. It was a great month to spend with family.

I want please...

I want a German Shepherd puppy! End of Story.