What I wished I had known ten years ago.....

This is meant to be a comical posting, although somewhat depressing in my own respect ;0) Seriously, how funny is life? And how many times have we said, "If I would have known what I know now years ago, life would be different....!?!".

You might be asking, "What brought this on?". Well, I will tell you.....FINANCES!! LOL, yes, blessed money!! I can't stand money, however, due to life's rules, ya can't live without it.

So, if I had known I would be here ten years ago....I would have:

1- Just went into nursing when I was a high school grad. Seriously, with my grades back then, I could have gotten into the program, and two years later, been working as an RN... My dad tried to get me to apply right then...who knows, maybe I would have liked it? Though, I must admit, I was pretty immature and clueless, and I probably would have flunked out anyways....but that's not the point!!

2- I would have listened to people around me who suggested ultrasound in the first place. My problem was that I was SO SET on nursing. I had blinders on and I wouldn't accept an alternative.....in my book, the more I tried and persevered, I would eventually get accepted, right? Well, reality check, even though you might kill yourself trying to get into the program, unless you have the GPA, you will NEVER get into the program.....it took me awhile to face the facts, and boy was it a huge slap in the face. What? Hard work isn't enough?

3- Even though I enjoyed it all, and still kind of have a soft spot for cosmetology..... I wish I had NEVER done that. My dad was right....He's always right!?!! If I hadn't done it, and instead realized my passion was really Radiology, I would have roughly $10,000 still in my savings account (yes, blessed cosmo is that expensive!!), and I would have graduated by now, yeah, go figure that one out.... But it was a fun time, and I learned more about people....

4- Maybe I should have just applied to the nursing program and foregone a mission... According to my advisor, I had everything ready and could have had a good chance in getting in. And even though it was just 18 months later, the program prequisites had changed, and it was even more competitive. Once again, 2 years later and I would have been a RN....But then I am so glad that I went on a mission.....and I met some truly WONDERFUL people that changed my life. Yes, there are those times when I wish I could have worked harder, but all in all, it was the most LEARNING and REWARDING 18 months of my life. I learned more about myself, my strengths and weaknesses, and how much more I needed to open up to others. I learned how to love people that were complete strangers, and to see the good in them. I learned more about hard work, obedience, relying on the Lord, and seeing His Hand in all things.....Yes, I have a huge spot in my heart for the California Roseville people.

5- And last of all, but the main reason why I even got on this tangent.....I wish that I would have studied about financial aid, and realized that I will NEVER understand how the government works!?! What in the world!?!! Seriously the biggest frustration that I have is that I have made too much money to receive any financial aid (dang!! I should be rich!! And yet I am not....), but yet I don't make enough to pay for school. I have worked my tail off making sure that I NEVER went into debt.....I had to borrow some money for Cosmo school and it killed me to do it, but I worked like crazy, paying it all off within 6 months.....but now, because I worked two jobs the first half of 2008 (remember, they go off of tax returns), and then overtime the remaining of the year, I can't get a grant from the government for my program. But then again, I am so grateful I am not in debt, (until this next semester with hopefully a student loan that will go through), and that I have had a job that I love!! It's not very often that you can find a job that brings fulfillment in your life, works around your school schedule, and the coworkers are absolutely fantastic to associate with!! So, even though I am ready to pull my hair out with this blasted student loan and figuring out how I am going to work, go to classes, and fulfill my clinical hours and yet find time to sleep an hour here and there, I am grateful for everything that I have.

So I guess that is what I am trying to say.....for all of you, and hopefully I am not the only one, that have thought, I wish I would have known that ten years ago. Just think of all the adventures and journeys that we would have missed if we would have known our failures ahead of time? Oh, and not to mention the excitement when we reach our goals and experience the successes!? Isn't it worth it? Because, at least for me, it's during those times of uncertainty that I rely heavily on my Heavenly Father, and plead for His help and inspiration. And it's during these times that I see His merciful hand in my life because I am truly humble and teachable at these moments. And it's also during these times that I have been strengthened. I think that's what the Lord meant for me when He said, Mosiah 32:15 "And now it came to pass that the burdens which were laid upon Alma and his brethren were made light; yea, the Lord did strengthen them that they could bear up their burdens with ease, and they did submit cheerfully and with patience to all the will of the Lord." Alma 37:6 "...that by small and simple things are great things brought to pass; and small means in many instances doth confound the wise". So as my sister likes to quote Pres. Monson, "Enjoy the Journey" and I'm trying to do just that. And I would like to wish all of you, that as we head into the New Year, that you might find joy in your journey and hope in the road ahead.

Christmas in Idaho

This year I was able to go home for a few days before Christmas. It was just me, my dad, and my mom. What a fantastic experience!!

Sunday, we went to the Arimo ward. The people there are so nice and friendly. I had to scout out a few families that I wanted to go Christmas caroling to....That night we watched "The Nativity". It is one of my favorites!! It wasn't done by the church, but I am so impressed with their presentation of the sacrifice and love that Joseph and Mary had for one another, and for Christ. It really brings the story to life for me. It kind of opens my eyes to the customs of the times, and how much faith and courage they must have had. If you haven't watched it, I would highly recommend you watch it.

We spent the next few days making yummy treats for neighbors to go Christmas Caroling too. We have started the tradition around ten years ago in Chesterfield, and even though it was just the two of us (my dad's leg is still hurting him from when he broke it in June, poor guy!!), we couldn't let the tradition die. But one of my favorite things is making caramel, English toffee, fudge, and peanut clusters with my mom....



Here is the pumpkin pie that we made for Christmas dinner. One time we decided to add cut outs to the pie, and we loved it so much that we have just continued the tradition...



Mom, always an amazing cook!! I learn so much from her. You would think that after 28 years, I would have it all down. But no!! Each time I cook with her, I learn something new....



My parents have a few different Christmas tree themes. This year my dad choose the "Woodland tree". We put it together during my Thanksgiving break. I love the garlands, icicles, snowflakes, lanterns, and of course, the cute little houses nestled into the branches...



I know that this picture is a little blurry, but I love how it is all lit up....


I know that a lot of you are thinking....where is my dad?! I know, I plead with him to let me take a picture with him, but to no avail. I was so sad!!

Christmas night, after we went caroling, we had clam chowder with breadsticks, yet another Hebdon tradition.....Oh so good!! We watched "Joy to the World" and then opened our Christmas Eve gifts....yes, you guessed it, another tradition. And what were they? Warm, snuggly pajamas. This is something that my parents have done for us kids since I can remember!! So much fun, and they continue to do the same for my nieces and nephews.

Thanks, mom and dad for a fantastic Christmas, and putting up with me and my requests. You are the best!!

Temple Square

I was so excited to finally make it to Temple Square this year!! I was so afraid that I wouldn't make it, but my friend, Joe, is moving here to go to BYU. He has never been to Temple Square, so I was excited to show it off. It is SO BEAUTIFUL!! All lit up with the colorful lights and Nativity scenes. My favorites are always the Christus, the reflective pool with the holy family...





...and the Temple. It has been my favorite temple since I can remember. Even when I was little, I would ask my parents if we could go and see the "Square Temple". A little mixed up in the words, but I loved it so much....

Arimo Christmas Party

My mom invited me to their Relief Society's Christmas Party when I was down for Thanksgiving. They had the theme as "Christmas in Nauvoo". My mom is a councilor in the presidency, and therefore, I was lucky enough to help her set it up ;0) LOL, it was actually fun to see all of the ideas and the cute stations. And even more fun to decorate it all up....those who know me know that I LOVE to decorate!! So I was only too happy to help out.

My mom and I.....


The Smith's.....they were a couple that served in Nauvoo. They ended up staying in the same home as my anccestor's, the Vincent Knight family!! I had been there a few years ago, so fun to meet them....


This is the Red Brick Store, set up for a "Giving Tree" (where the members would pick a name off of the tree and do some service for the family they picked. My mom in her costume, so cute!!


These are people from my Aunt Tarynn's ward in Pocatello who put on the program that evening. It was set up to be in the Mansion House, Joseph and Emma's front room, talking about the gifts of Christmas and the love of Christ. It was an amazing program, with songs that brought in the Spirit...



Thanks, Mom, for inviting me!! I love you!!

Thanksgiving!!

This year we had Thanksgiving at Mom and Dad's in Idaho. My sister and her family were able to make it too!! We even had Grandma Hebdon join us. My mom was the master chef, as always. She ALWAYS makes things so nice, and so incredibly tasty!! What a talented woman.

My Grandma and Dad shared many memories with us.....one of my favorite times to hear all about the family and childhood mischief my Dad would get in...


The kids sang all of their Thanksgiving songs they learned in school this year...


One of Jenna's (Stephanie's youngest)favorite people in the world would have to be her Grandma Hebdon.....She knows that she has a ready playmate willing to do anything that she wants...So cute to see them playing tea party down stairs together...


The next day we were able to see all my Mom's famiy at my Grandparents'. The majority of the kids were there to celebrate my Grandpa's 80th birthday, quite the show up!! Imagine 12 of the 13 kids and many of their spouses and families. It was so good to see everyone, and once again, hear all of their stories they shared about childhood. What a FANTASTIC Thanksgiving.....spending time with loved ones and enjoying one another's company. I love you all!!

Grandma and Grandpa Neibaur

My cousin Morgan was married in the temple Saturday. My grandparent's 60th Anniversary is today, November 16th in the Salt Lake Temple. I wasn't able to go, but my aunt Betty Jo posted her pics on fb, and I just had to steal these of my grandparents. I love them to death!?! They are such great examples to me. I will NEVER forget how much they have taught me, and how much love they have for each other. I am truly blessed to have them in my life...

This is a picture of my mom and her older brother Chad. Isn't she beautiful?!!

A reason to laugh...

K, so I got this email from a friend, and it made me laugh!?!! Perfect for today!! So I wanted to share it with you, just in case you need a reason to laugh too...

CHURCH HEADLINES:
~Ladies, don't forget the rummage sale. It's a chance to get rid of those things not worth keeping around the house. Bring your husbands.
~Remember in prayer the many who are sick of our community. Smile at someone who is hard to love. Say 'Hell' to someone who doesn't care much about you.
~Don't let worry kill you off - let the Church help.
~Miss Charlene Mason sang 'I will not pass this way again,' giving obvious pleasure to the congregation.
~For those of you who have children and don't know it, we have a nursery downstairs.
~Next Thursday there will be tryouts for the choir. They need all the help they can get..
~Irving Benson and Jessie Carter were married on October 24 in the church. So ends a friendship that began in their school days.
~A bean supper will be held on Tuesday evening in the church hall. Music will follow.
~At the evening service tonight, the sermon topic will be 'What Is Hell?' Come early and listen to our choir practice.
~Eight new choir robes are currently needed due to the addition of several new members and to the deterioration of some older ones.
~Scouts are saving aluminum cans, bottles and other items to be recycled. Proceeds will be used to cripple children.
~Please place your donation in the envelope along with the deceased person you want remembered.
~The church will host an evening of fine dining, super entertainment and gracious hostility.
~Potluck supper Sunday at 5:00 PM - prayer and medication to follow.
~The ladies of the Church have cast off clothing of every kind. They may be seen in the basement on Friday afternoon.
~This evening at 7 PM there will be a hymn singing in the park across from the Church. Bring a blanket and come prepared to sin.
~Ladies Bible Study will be held Thursday morning at 10 AM. All ladies are invited to lunch in the Fellowship Hall after the B. S. Is done.
~The pastor would appreciate it if the ladies of the Congregation would lend him their electric girdles for the pancake breakfast next Sunday..
~Low Self Esteem Support Group will meet Thursday at 7 PM. Please use the back door...
~The eighth-graders will be presenting Shakespeare's Hamlet in the Church basement Friday at 7 PM. The congregation is invited to attend this tragedy.
~Weight Watchers will meet at 7 PM at the First Presbyterian Church.. Please use large double door at the side entrance.
~The Associate Minister unveiled the church's new campaign slogan last Sunday: 'I Upped My Pledge - Up Yours!'

Hope you got a giggle or two!! Wishin' ya a great month =0)

FrUsTrAtIoNs!!

So, I guess that this is my downer time!? LOL!! Seriously, I guess that I have a few more moments than is normal, however....here I go...

I can't tell you how excited I am to be in the radiology tech. program. I have been waiting for awhile to be here. With everything that has happened, I feel incredibly blessed. I absolutely feel that I have found something I enjoy!!

Nevertheless.....I feel like I am just not quite catching on like I am suppose to. Shame on me for comparing myself with others, I know, but hey, what can I say? I am Krystell....it's a given!! But I am hard headed, and refuse to give up. Kind of like "the little engine that could". I have to remind myself that "I think I can, I think I can" only to meet reality smack dab in the face, I am struggling!?!! It's only my first semester, and I am so terrified that if I am struggling this early, how is it going to be in the next semesters!? And I hope I don't fail out of the program, that would be devastating...

My fav. part of the program are the clinicals. It's so much fun to interact with the techs and students, and work with the patients. But, like with everything... there is opposition to all things....and what is that opposition, you might ask? Every tech. uses different techniques and guidelines....all to end up with pretty much the same pic. I guess it all just depends on what works best for you....which after awhile, I finally became ok with that. The problem that I do have, is that when I go to do an exam, the tech that is following corrects me because I am not doing it their way. So I change for them....and then I go to do the same exam with a different person, and THE SAME THING HAPPENS!?! I am doing things wrong, and they show me their own way of doing it. I think I would feel so much better if I was just assigned to one tech, and I would learn their way, get confident in that process, and then if needed I can change techs....I get so flustered trying to remember what all the different techs prefer. Oh well, such is life, right? I am just incredibly grateful that they are all so kind and patient, and don't mind teaching.

Also, to add onto that, I am frustrated because I have not been able to do a session at the temple every week. In fact, it's starting to look more like once a month instead....urgh!! It helped me so much in the past to go regularly. And I can feel the difference now that I haven't been able to. Oh, and then because I have clinicals randomly everywhere, I have to rearrange my work schedule to fit, and by doing so, I miss out in sleeping, but most importantly I miss going to church a few times a month....another urgh!?!! So, feeling spiritually down, mentally down, and just plain exhausted....I have found that this is going to be a whole lot harder than I ever thought it would be.

The very idea that I still have three more years of this psychotic life....makes me tear up!! I truly hope and pray that I not only survive, but I actually will enjoy the whole experience.... I seriously need a big huge boost... any ideas?

A little bit of ICU Silliness!!

With the whole upset of the H1N1 flu, we had to be fitted for our isolation gowns and ventilation system. This Maria Salgiero and I...don't we look hillarious!! Seriously reminded me of the show "ET"...

This is Jessica Holding, another one of my favorite nurses to work with...

Halloween at the Hebdons

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Girls day out....

Jeff and Jared were going out for a father/son camp out, so Stephanie invited me to go with her and the girls to see Temple Square. We hadn't seen it this year with all of the summer flowers. It was so beautiful!! I had never noticed this statue before of Emma and Joseph. I loved it!!



And of course, I have always loved the reflection pond...





We were even able to go and see the Lion House, which I haven't been in for quite a few years. It just amazes me how much love and hard work the pioneers put into their work. The architecture and details...well all that I can say is you'll have to take a tour one of these days...



It was such a great time. I love hanging out with my sister and nieces. Thanks Steph, for inviting me!!

Gardner's Village in Midvale, UT

One of my mom and my favorite places we like to go to, is The Gardner's Village in Midvale, UT. We found it my Senior Year in Highschool and love to go there whenever possible. We were able to go there with Stephanie and Jenna one afternoon. Tons and tons of fun. They had it decorated for Halloween.

I highly recommend visiting this place. They have so many cute craft ideas, and it's just fun and relaxing to walk around the village. They have many houses, each specializing in something such as furniture, clothing, jewelry, crafts, paintings, quilts, Christmas, fudge, and more. They also decorate the village according to the time of year, making it fun for the kids.

Come what may, and love it!!

I have started my Rad. Tech. program!! It has been such a great experience so far, and I am so grateful that things have worked out so well. I will admit, I have been superly stressed out trying to fit school, clinicals, and work out.....but somehow they have come together. But to add to the choas called my life, I have moved yet again!! I swear, when I talk about what I have been up to at work, they all drop their jaws and say, "you just barely moved?!" LOL! Believe me, no one better than I know that fact!! So after almost a year of living in this place, needless to say that there were a few differences, and finally my roommate Annalea and I moved out. This happened Sept. 7th, and we found a place by the 11th. I tell ya what, it was a whirlwind, and now that it's all said and done, I am sure that we are going to love it!! It's very close to the hospital, and it's in a basement of a sweet family.



At church, the Sacrament talks were based on counting our blessings, and the talk that Elder Wirthlin shared a couple of conferences ago.... "I think she [his mother] may have meant that every life has peaks and shadows and times when it seems that the birds don’t sing and bells don’t ring. Yet in spite of discouragement and adversity, those who are happiest seem to have a way of learning from difficult times, becoming stronger, wiser, and happier as a result." Now, not that I feel I am having a hard time, but the memory made me laugh when I thought of that wonderful man. I remember that talk, and thinking how great that advise was, especially to learn to laugh. "The next time you’re tempted to groan, you might try to laugh instead. It will extend your life and make the lives of all those around you more enjoyable." Thank goodness for the reminder, especially because I HATE MOVING!! So here is my time to list my many blessings from this move =0)

1. Decluttering....I am a packrat....there, I admit it!! I keep things "just in case" and there have been too many times that I have thrown something away just to need it a week later. But because of moving, I am able to sort through things and throw out my trash. I recommend it at least once a year....it just so happens that I move every year ;0) and therefore it forces me to do it.

2. My family....Stephanie and cute little Jenna helped me to move things on Wed. (this will be the third time they have helped me!!). I don't know what I would have done without them!! Steph brought her van, and we packed it full again and again. I cringe to think how long it would have taken me to do it by myself. And I wouldn't have been able to move my bed, desk, or furniture in my little car. Even Jenna did her help with bringing my baskets giggling the whole time =0) Thank you so much, Stephanie!!

3. My friends....that same day, Andrea came over with her little guy, Kimball, and helped me to unpack. Once again, how lucky can I get?!

4. Fresh start....I try and try to be organized, but soon I find piles of papers and what not left here and there in my room. Moving always gives me a fresh start to recommit myself....now if I can just get everything organized to start out with ;0)

5. Miracles....even though you would think that we could have chosen a better time to move (I had just started the Rad Tech program a few weeks before, and Annalea started teaching school the same time!?), it couldn't have gone any smoother. I was so worried about finding a place in time, and we found one in just a few days. Also, this past week my classes were canceled, so I only had to go to work and clinicals so I had time to pack, move and clean. Absolutely perfect!!

I truly feel like Heavenly Father was very aware of things in my life, and helped me out so much. I am truly blessed!!

"As we look for humor, seek for the eternal perspective, understand the principle of compensation, and draw near to our Heavenly Father, we can endure hardship and trial. We can say, as did my mother, 'Come what may, and love it.'"

Family History...

I was going over some old pics that I got from my Aunt Joann. They are of my Hebdon side. I don't know what it is with old pictures, but I just love them. I am working on putting together a scrapbook, but that will be put on hold with school going on...Hopefully I can find some more pics of my dad. And I also need to scan the Neibaur photo albums as well. For some reason, and I don't know how it worked out, but it seems like there are so many pics of the kids before my dad and mom, and even pics after them...but NEVER hardly any of my parents =0(

Here's Pictures of Grandma Sarah and Grandpa Russell Hebdon when they were young, with their family, and then their mission pictures...

These pictures of my ancestors, truly treasures!! The Sessions' side:
My Grandma Hebdon's parents Ivan and Corilla Bone Session; Great Great Grandpa Keplar Sessions; 3 Greats Grandpa Perrigrine Sessions; 4 Greats Grandpa Patty Bartlett Sessions

These are the only pictures that I could find of my Grandpa Hebdon's family. His mother, Ellen May Auger...


His father, Edward Hebdon with his son's Keith and my grandpa...



These are pictures of Chesterfield, where my family has lived for generations...

Thanksgiving Point

In August, Stephanie and the kids invited me to go with them to the Thanksgiving Point Gardens. I absolutely love going!! It is so incredibly beautiful, and there are multiple themes throughout the property.

One of the kids' favorite spots was the waterfall...

And hidden within the grounds is the Secret Garden. I think that this is another favorite spot for the kids....



My favorite is always the Italian garden. It is so elegant and perfect. I love how each level flows down to the next...



And of course, I had to join the kids and dip our feet into the nice cool water...



My second favorite spot is the Monet garden. I have always loved his paintings, especially the water lilies...




We ended the day by playing in the children's garden. They have a Noah's Ark statue with various animals that spay water. There was no way that I was going to let only the kids have all the fun....so I grabbed Jenna's hand and we went for it!! All of the kids had so much fun...



This pic is of Aimee...



It was such a fun time!! Thanks, again for inviting me!! I loved it.