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!!