Christmas 2012

We spent Thanksgiving at Joe's family in Nampa. His brother Mark was able to visit from Seattle area, and then his mom and brother Phil hosted it at their home. Unfortunately Joe's dad didn't make it. It is always fun to get together, especially since we don't get to see Mark very often. I can't believe I didn't take any pictures!! Oh well...

We spent the weekend before Christmas at my parent's home. We were hoping to spend Christmas time with them, but I was scheduled to work the day before and after Christmas, so we decided to stay home in Hailey for Christmas.

 We bought this tree during the Black Friday sale. I bought some ornaments from the dollar store, some from sales at Gardner's Village, and the crystal ones are Joe's grandma Grace's. You can't really see the detail...

I actually came to love how it all turned out. I still need to come up with a tree skirt...I have been using an old sheet since we've been married, it works right? And Silky LOVED lying on the sheet. We love her =0)

I made some Christmas angels as part of my gifts for family. I think they turned out pretty cute. I got the idea from an angel my Aunt Tarryn made for my sister Stephanie. I have actually made a Garden Angel (herb theme), a Liberty Angel, and a Halloween witch, as well. They are so much fun to make =0)

Some of our decorations I have collected or made throughout the years. 

Some of the angels on the middle shelf were grandma Grace's. 

GraDuaTioN!!

I graduated with my Bachelors in Science from Weber State University December 14th, 2012 at 1:00 pm. My mom and sister Stephanie met us, and it was so good to see them again. I had no idea how LONG the ceremony was going to be. But I am grateful that I walked, and enjoyed the idea of accomplishing a big goal I set for myself when I graduated from High School. I know, who would have thought it would have taken me ThIrTeEn YeArS!?! My mom and dad gave me a freshwater pearl necklace, I LoVe pearls!! They were so beautiful.

 



Stephanie was the photographer, she did such a great job!! I love her pictures. Mom took us out to Texas Roadhouse, so yummy =0) The Bare family gave me a necklace with exchangable medalions that have inspirational thoughts. I have seen these and always wanted one. These gifts are wonderful for remembering these moments whenever I wear them.

Thank you, Stephanie and Mom, for joining Joe and I on such a special occasion!! And thanks to all of my family and friends for your love and support. I am so blessed!

Note!! I passed my SPI and OB/GYN in February, where I came a Registered Diagnostic Medical Sonographer. I passed the Abdomen/Superfical test in October. My official signature is: Krystell Johnson, RT(R) (ARRT),  (RDMS) OB/GYN, AB....Wow! Now that's credentials ;0)

Miracles really do happen!!

I was hired on as a full time ultrasound technologist at the St. Luke's Wood River Hospital in Ketchum, Idaho!! My start date was November 9th, my sister Stephanie's birthday, what a great day =0) Joe and I were able to find a nice condo to rent in Hailey, just 11 miles south of Ketchum. We moved into it that weekend with the fantastic help of my mom, Joe's mom and brother Phil, and a guy from the Elder's Quorum Presidency, Bro. Pettingill. They saved us from doing SOOO much by ourselves. We owe them a lot.

The hospital: looks like a resort!! No joke, I was a little turned off when we drove up to it for my interview. But during my tour and interview, Kandis Pederson-Romero (the manager and previous US tech) won me over, along with the super friendly Radiologists (who knew they existed, right?!! ;0) ), Joe and I left feeling really great about it. Now that I have been there for a few weeks, I can honestly say I LOVE IT! I love the friendliness of the employees, doctors, patients...seriously, Joe and I talked about how nice everyone is in this area...I hope that Joe finds employment close by when he graduates so we can stay here.

The condo: is so much nicer than we had wanted or needed. But then again, I have been told that's to be expected with this neighborhood. But we LOVE it and are enjoying the open space. We REALLY miss our old apartment in the ol' Catholic Church, it was so cozy and simple, and cheap!! Almost half of what we are paying now. But this new place has a patio, garage, gorgeous appliances, a dishwasher and disposal (Joe and I feel like we are in heaven not having to hand wash everything), a bigger tub in the master bathroom (not the huge ones), 2 bedrooms and 1 study...front loading washer and dryer....Oh, and a gas fireplace!! We have only used it twice...but it's kind of fun. Our cat Silky is loving the space and spastic moments of running around back and forth through the hallway and living room. She is out of control, but we love her anyways.

The Ward: is so small!! We belong to the Hailey 2nd ward, in the Carey Stake. The chapel size reminds me of Chesterfield, and the number of members too. This could be fun! I enjoyed the close knit ward in Chesterfield. We are excited about getting to know the ward better. At Twin Falls and Pleasant Grove, people were constantly moving in and out, therefore changing things around. We added to that chaos. SO this will be a nice change, we hope! Our first Sunday we went to the Boise Temple Dedication (Joe's first dedication. It was such a wonderful experience. I really enjoyed Elder Bednar's talk. Pres. Monson was so personal and fun. Joe has never seen him like that). So last Sunday was our first Sunday meeting the members, and that was Thanksgiving weekend. We will see if the numbers change after the holiday.

The graduation: is set for December 14th!! And yes, I am going to walk. I figure it took me 5 1/2 yrs of working strictly towards ultrasound, and since I graduated from high school in 1999 that I have been trying to figure out my career...it is worth the walk. I am hoping for a smaller group since it is in December. WAHOO!! So exciting!! I have one more comprehensive final, and I am done, at least regarding school. I still have to take two more national exams for abdomen and OB/GYN...but I am done with school, what a relief...

The landscape: is such a nice change to the flat, barren lands of Twin Falls. We love the trees, the hills, and the wildlife. Joe drives me to work when he can, and we often see herds of elk on the drive. The people here seem to take their time and enjoy life. That is something we have to get used to...10 miles below the speed limit isn't such a bad thing, right?

Over all, we are beyond excited for this new change for us!! Joe does have to commute to Twin Falls which is 69 miles south of Hailey. This semester he has one class a week. Next semester he has twodays of classes a week. Then the summer he has 40 hrs of clinicals a week for 8 weeks at Twin Falls. In the fall he has 20 hrs of clinicals a week at Gooding (45 mins from Hailey) and 2 days of classes a week at Twin Falls. Then in the spring he will have 40 hours of clinicals a week at Ketchum, where I work. He has been so supportive of this move for me in my career. He quit the job at C3 in Twin Falls, and has committed himself to be a "stay at home hubby" and a full time student. He has been wonderful with keeping things clean and cooking dinners. He even packs me a lunch and makes my breakfast shake. WHAT A KEEPER!! I am grateful for him.

I am grateful for miracles, that a new graduate like me can be employed 40 hrs a week, Monday-Friday, 4 days a week, no oncall (unless it's an big emergency that can't wait), and usually no holidays...Seriously, how blessed am I? And Kandis graduated from Weber's program and was trained at Twin Falls too, so she knows where I am at and is so patient with me.

Heavenly Father is good to us. He is good to all of us. Sometimes it seems like things will NEVER fall into place...but just with my experiences in my life, things eventually do. And they end up better than I could have hoped for. Meanwhile, I tend to complain, moan and groan...But He is always faithful. There is this song that I love and I can't find the name or the lyrics...but it comes to my  mind every now and then. It starts out as, "Gentle healer, my deliverer..." and it talks about Him being the giver of gifts. I like that, He is the keeper of the covenant, He will alway be there...

Halloween 2012

Joe wanted to be Caesar for Halloween. We had some extra sheets that we didn't use anymore, and I got a few supplies from the dollar store or Walmart...and I will have to say, not too bad!! It was fun to put it all together, and Joe was so excited.

He won the First Place Costume Contest at his work. He had some pretty good competition, so he was excited.

I gathered up some stuff that we had for a Pirate costume, and bought a few additions.

We had a our car decorated for the Stake Trunk O'Treat. We had a fun time =0)

Fall Photos

Our Young Women's did a fundraiser for next year's Girls Camp. It was only $30, so we decided to help them out. We didn't know how it would turn out...here are they are, not too bad...

Here are my favorites:

Here are the extra shots...

Shhh, we are hunting for whabbits!!

Sorry, couldn't help the title. It reminds me of Elmer Fudd...from the Looney Toones. Seriously, sometimes I feel like those hunters in the fall...paying for a ticket just to have a chance at a deer....and striking out.....but anticipating the next year....and the year after that....knowing that SOMETIME I will be the lucky one...

In March, there was a PRN ultrasound job at IHC's Cassia Hospital in Burley. Being a bit over zealous and ill prepared, I applied for it. LOL, needless to say I never heard back from them.  So recently (middle of September), I looked at their job board, and it was still left open from March....I gathered up the courage to call the manager and ask what they were looking for so that I could prepare myself to fulfill the position. However, no one answered, so I left a message. A day or two later I received a voice mail from the manager saying they wanted to set up an interview and see if it would work out. I was beyond ecstatic and called back asap. Again, no answer so I left a message. Called back later in the day, again, no answer....left a message. I called the next day...no answer, but I decided 2 messages were enough....still waiting for that phone call. Kind of bazaar...wondering what happened....oh well, moving on...

Around June I decided to apply for a few ultrasound jobs, just to see if I could get a bite or not. Well, I applied to a women's clinic in Idaho Falls, and got a phone call the same day. I drove a couple of days later for an interview (2 1/2 one way) and felt that everything went really well. I loved the facility and it even had LDS artist's painting on the walls....what a breath of fresh air! However, Joe and I prayed about it and just requested that if it wasn't a good fit for us, we didn't want it!! So, a week or so later, I received a call that they chose someone who was registered already and had a year's experience. We were a little bit disappointed, but felt that it was for the best. She referred me to a position in Eastern Idaho Regional Medical Center, in Idaho Falls and also asked me to contact them when I graduate. They might have more openings in July 2013.

I also applied for a few jobs in the Boise area (St. Luke's, St. Alphonsus, you name it, I did it), knowing that I could probably stay with Joe's mom and brother if I needed to. But I never heard back from them....

My clinical instructor for St. Luke's in Twin Falls told me they opened up a PRN position here and to apply for it (first of September). I did that immediately....still haven't heard back from them....I will wait patiently. I will be competing against another Weber student and a registered tech that hasn't worked for 5 yrs...not feeling confident.

SO....around the middle of September, I received a phone call regarding my application to St. Luke's Nampa Hospital (yes, I had to recall the MANY applications and what this one was). They requested an interview and I made sure that they understood that I was a student and wasn't registered, but would asap after my graduation (I didn't want another false hope like Idaho Falls, drive 2 hrs just to find out later that I didn't meet their criteria). They said that would be fine. SO I drove to Nampa, and had a 5 person panel interview me (3 on a conference call and 2 in person). Long story short, it was an intense 30 min interview with a request to go to Downtown Boise to scan at their facility there. Over all, I felt very confident of my interview and my scanning, but worried that I might have been slightly inadequate with the scanning. Just last Friday, I received a voice message saying that I was hired!! And so I have been trying to get things in line for that to take place. I sign paperwork Monday and have my orientation next Thurs. But my actual training won't start until Oct. 9th.

It is only a PRN position, which means I would just cover the vacations and needs. ANYTHING helps and so I was excited for the opportunity, and to have it on my resume. I am working on getting the paperwork filled out so I can get school clinical hours for the hours that I work....NICE!! To get paid and credit at the same time....PLEASE!! And it is a substantial increase to what we are earning right now, even with just the few hours. Long story short...the manager emailed me thinking he can get me the full 24 hrs a week between all of the facilities in the valley. So, that is kind of exciting. However, that would mean a lot of commuting...so there is always the thought of Joe and I packing up our stuff and living with his mom for awhile in Nampa. He would drive down to Twin Falls every Thurs for classes in the fall....every Tues and Thurs for classes in the Spring. They have 2 clinical sites at Mountain Home (1 hr from Nampa) that he could possibly get. They are still required to go to St. Luke's Twin Falls Hospital for 1 semester....I don't know....That is a lot of driving for him too....But Boise has so many more options for employment for me and for him. I am concerned about both of us finding a job in the same department in the same hospital, which is the case in most of the towns in Idaho. They usually only offer one hospital....There are so many things to think about and decide so quickly....YET AGAIN!

I asked Joe why everything in our life has to be so crazy, why we are required to make such big decisions in such a short amount of time.... Needless to say, I regret moving to Idaho for multiple reasons, mainly for finding healthcare work. It has been HORRIBLE trying to find me a job....and even Joe one too. We haven't been picky, in fact pretty desperate. It scares me to death to not find an ultrasound job after I graduate....So I think that this might be the answer to prayers. Gooding is an option, but my shifts are so sparadic, and they won't let me scan until I am graduated....and even then, there aren't a lot of ultrasound exams ordered. And they are only licensed to do the first trimester OB exams...It's all too confusing....distinguishing the answer. We shall see what happens....in the mean time...if your thoughts head in our direction, would you mind saying a little prayer in our behalf? Thank you =0)

College of Southern Idaho, Radiology Class of 2014....

This is Joe's class that he will be with for 2 years. Oh the fun they will have =0) He is excited that there are so many men in the class. Pretty impressive, if I may say so myself. When I went to class there were 4 out of 20 for Weber State's Provo Campus. They have already decided their clinical sites. I guess that the majority of the class had agreed on sites and were happy about the decisions....but then there were of the girls that threw a fit, and as we have all experienced, ruined it for the rest of them. Joe was going to get: Gooding, Burley, and then Twin Falls. But now, he has Idaho Falls, Jerome, and Twin Falls. Idaho Falls is 2 1/2 hrs away...not so fun. But we will see. A lot can happen in the next 2 semesters. He starts his clinical rotation Summer of 2013, working 40 hrs a week. Fall of 2012 is 20 hrs a week. Spring of 2014 is 40 hrs a week. We are both excited for him to have hands on experience...

What's up with the Johnson's

SO, I know that I have said this before, but we don't have any internet at home. The only internet access we have is at McDonalds (fun, fun times), the hospital, or when we hang out at Joe's school (College of Southern Idaho). And even then, I am taking tests, submitting assignments, and I rarely have my pictures downloaded. Well, now I do!! So, I am going to be diligently working on updating pictures and posts. They are in chronological order. I am playing while Joe works diligently on his x-ray homework....loving the physics questions he asks me...and expects me to remember....and I am realizing that I am SO GLAD to be done with that....

What's up with the Johnson's:

1. Joe had his first day of class August 30th. He is very excited to start the Radiology program and at the same time is feeling a little overwhelmed with keeping up his grades and working full time. I am so grateful for his willingness to work so hard. He will do great in the program.
2. I have started my LAST and FINAL semester....!?!?! I can't believe it!! 5 long years later, and I am FINALLY coming to an end of my Bachelor degree in Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ultrasound). I have been loving it and the various exams. I would have to say the 2nd trimester OB is my favorite!! I thought that I missed X-Ray so much, but then with doing some xray exams the last couple of months, I realize, and am SO grateful that I feel this way, my passion is in Ultrasound!!
3. Joe is working full time at C3, a calling center for medicare. He just finished his training and is starting on his own tomorrow. It has been a crazy rollercoaster trying to find a job that offers benefits and isn't hard on his body. Since last August, we have both been looking for employment. Needless to say it has been a trying ordeal figuring out how things would work out. Hind sight is a beast, but I guess it has worked out...
4. I am working PRN at North Canyon Medical Center (Gooding, ID) since May. I have enjoyed doing x-ray exams again, but like I said earlier, can't wait to be doing ultrasound too. The one exciting thing about this job is training to do CT. That has been fun, and might prove to be a huge blessing later on.
5. Joe is still the 4th Sunday Elder's Quorum instructor and enjoying reading the conference reports more in debth. I am still the YW's Secretary. I am trying to do a good job....I feel a little lost at times. I need to do better, but am proud to say that I have been doing a monthly newsletter that they haven't had before and I think that has been a success. I am trying to do a blog, so that all of the leaders can post pictures of activities and also updates on upcoming events for the girls and their parents to enjoy. I think it will be a hit.... hopefully!! Any other ideas of what your YW's secretaries do, I would LOVE to hear. I have read a few blogs of what other wards are doing....Feel a little overwhelmed!! There are some amazing leaders out there that sacrifice a lot of time for the young women. What great examples!
6. Our cat, Silky is doing well and acting like queen bee. Joe and I laugh that we are living in HER home, and we are grateful to her for letting us stay there ;0) She is a good cat. We love her and enjoy her, especially when one of us is home alone. 
7. I have been applying for ultrasound jobs in Idaho Falls all the way to Boise. The one in Idaho Falls didn't work out, and so we are crossing our fingers for Boise. Twin Falls is a little bit limited to employment opportunities. There are techs that need more hours and there just aren't enough for what they have, let alone for new job for me, so we have decided to branch out. We are always praying for opportunities to come our way, but if it isn't a good thing for us, to not let it work out. Idaho Falls would have been so great! With a potential to move to full time...but we are comforted to know that we are where we need to be. I do have a fear of not working in ultrasound after I graduate, and that could be disasterous in finding a job later on. It seems that you need to work for awhile in that field before venturing away, and that was the mistake I made with X-Ray. We shall see what happens....As my Grandpa Neibaur is famous for saying, "You need to be flexible or in life, you will get bent out of shape." We are getting more and more flexible each day.

Adam Steven Hebdon's 10th Birthday

Adam's 10th birthday was August 19th. We were able to celebrate it with him before they left to go back to Ohio. He is quite the character. Quite often you can see him making funny faces and speaking in a silly voice to match. We played quite a few board games with Adam and Benjamin (with Caleb ready to help out as much as a 3 year old can), and we had a lot of laughs. What a fun couple of boys. Adam is growing up to be a great young man, and we love to see his smiling face!!

Benjamin Owen Hebdon's Baptism

We received a phone call the first part of August from my nephew Benjamin. He told  us that they were coming to Idaho and if his Uncle Joe would baptize him!! Joe was so excited to receive this honor. He feels pretty close to his nephews and nieces, and this would be his FIRST baptism.
So the Ohio Hebdon's headed their way to Idaho and the rest of our family made plans to spend a few days with them. The Bare's invited them to go to Bear Lake with them...

The order goes: Caleb,  Alyssa, Aimee, Benjamin, Adam, Jenna, and Jared. Due to the sudden plans to come visit us in Idaho, Jake and Beth had other priorities that they had to be at. We sure did miss them!!

August 18th was the date of the baptism. It turned out to be an incredible event, the Spirit was so strong there with the talks and testimonies shared. And Benjamin has been such a wonderful young man and an example to us all. We were excited to be able to share this day with him.

It was a short but sweet visit. The last time that we have all been together was our wedding. We always look forward to seeing them, and can't help but wish that we all lived closer. I am so grateful for my family, for the unique closeness that we have together. My husband, parents, brothers and sisters are the best friends that I could ever ask for. Through all of the ups and downs of our lives, our family has always been there to provide strength, love, and happiness. I love you all!!

Weekend in Las Vegas

Ultrasound has proven to be an exciting but challenging program for me. Not only with making sure to pass the classes and to get the hours in for my clinicals, I also have to take 3 registry classes. The first one, physics, I took June 25th...and passed!! Phew!! Then I have to take OB/GYN and Abdomen. OB/GYN is pretty intense, with so many pathologies to cover. I decided to go to a highly recommended seminar that helps to break down the principles that are covered in the registry. The closest one the offer is in Vegas, and it is during August. So I decided to do it, and am beyond grateful that I did!! I tried to get a couple of classmates to go with me, but they couldn't go. So, as Joe was booking my trip and weaseling some deals ;0) he got some pretty cheap airline tickets. So I asked him to come with me!! We also decided to go and see "The Phantom of the Opera" at the Venetian. I love musicals, and Joe has come to enjoy them as well. We heard that in September, The Phantom wasn't going to be in Vegas anymore, so we gave into the pressures to go and see it. And it was phenomenal!! Truly, we enjoyed the whole thing and were awed by the special effects!!

I took some pictures, but my camera is pretty darn pathetic. Kindof frustrating. As I was trying to get better pictures, I was stopped. Apparently we can't take pictures inside the theatre...a shame because it is absolutely elaborate and beautiful. So here is what I got... What a great memory!!

Joe's 30th Birthday

My Jo Joe turned the big 3-0 June 21st. He had to work 3-11 that night, so I delivered a balloon bouquet  at his work, and then I tried to have his birthday cake ready for him when he came home....don't mind his clothes..... We didn't do much, but I hope that he knows how much he means to me!! He always makes me laugh, is always singing and dancing whenever he gets the chance, and people seem to be drawn by his friendly personality. He is an amazing person, with a strong testimony, righteous desires, and he loves me!! How did I get so lucky?