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?

A Brief Update...

Joe and I are doing really well. We have been pretty busy with school, applying for jobs, job training, and all of that funs stuff :0) I thought I had downloaded pics of the apartment and other fun...will have to paste later.

1. Joe finished the Spring Semester with all A's!! We were excited and pleased to put on his radiology program application here at CSI 104.5 points out of a maximum of 108.

2. Joe had his Radiology program interview last week and he felt confident that it went well. Now it's just the wait to hear back. They said it should be this week. I tell him that he is spoiled compared to my experience at Weber State.

3. I was rejected for financial aid spring semester. It was pretty devastating considering we were totally relying on the grants and loans to pay for school and expenses. However, I had my family fast and pray with Joe and I, and I am very grateful to say that I received a full ride scholarship for Spring, Summer, and now Fall semesters!! Seriously a miracle and blessing to have that and not add to the student loans. However, it makes finances tight, but what a huge blessing!!

4. I received a radiology technologist job at North Canyon Medical Center in Gooding, ID (about a 45 min drive north west). Although I only pick up vacation and sick hours, I am grateful to have it on my resume to keep my skills up. So I do x-rays and am learning CT. It is pretty intense, but a fun experience. I hope to add US on that list, though it like they want me to focus on CT for right now. I only have one shift for June, and hoping for more!!

5. Joe has had a few job options that have come up. We keep hoping for a job that offers benefits, but to no avail. However, we are just grateful to find a full time job, even if it is graveyards as well. So believe it or not, we are profoundly grateful and hope that it will be a nice fit for him and his schedule.

6. We adopted a cat the first week of April. LOL, her name was Zippy, but Joe and I didn't fall in love with the name. So we thought as long as it sounded like Zippy, we might get away with another name. We came up with Silky, from her superly soft fur and after the character I was a couple of Halloweens agon when I was Miss Silky Adams. We absolutely LOVE her. She is a calico, mostly white (blast black!!) and has such a sweet spirit. We joke around that she isn't a cat but a dog instead. she loves to snuggle and give love squeezes. She is going to be 3 this July, and has already been potty trained, received shots, and has been neutered. Silky is a perfect fit for us. Especially for me when Joe works nights and is gone. He now has a new appreciation for the hours I put in at ICU, and I have a new appreciation for him being home alone, and sleeping at nights alone. We have only had 2 years this June 26th, but it's amazing how much you adjust to the comforts!!

7. I turned 31 years May 18th, AHHH!! Pretty crazy for me, but for some reason, I always add a year, so I feel like I have been 31 years old for awhile ;0)

8. Joe turns 30 years old June 21st...LOL I happened across our wedding license, and it has him down as 27 years old and me 29... I love my younger man and wouldn't have it any other way.

9. Our 2 year anniversary is coming up June 26th. It seems like longer than that, but that is a good thing. Joe's dad, Gary, told Joe that we seem like kindred spirits, and I have to agree. We are so much alike and just love to be together that I couldn't be happier. What a huge blessing in my life that my sister in law Rachel had such a wonderful cousin. That she invited him to spend some time with the family a few years ago. That my brother Kevin invited him to learn more about the Gospel. That he received a witness of the truefulness of the Gospel and of the Restoration in the John Johnson farm in Hyrum, OH. That he was baptized, and accepted the life changes that came with membership. And most importantly, that he chose me to be married for eternity in the Salt Lake Temple. We have a lot of work to do, and will need to continue to do more, but what a profound difference that has made in our lives, and hopefully in the lives of our posterity.

10. Joe was called as the fourth Sunday Elder's Quorum teacher, which he loves. He enjoys reading the conference talks and learning more about the principles taught by Modern Prophets. I was called as the Young Women's Secretary and feel very overwhelmed but excited. It is a totally different calling then I have ever had before. Luckily it's just the secretary, so I don't have as many obligations as the others. But it is fun to be challenged and do new things.

We hope all is going really well with all of you. As I used to write in my missionary letters to home, and for some reason it feels right here, God bless!!

Spring Break Continued...

So the pillows weren't enough...in fact, it just opened up Pandora's Box. I had some blocks left over from when I was trying to decide on what I wanted for my quilt that I have now. Along with some fabric that I had left over from the jelly rolls....I decided to make a Twin sized quilt. So therefore, the Benzo block was continued on to this quilt.



I was excited with how it turned out. And the best part of all...it was from everything that I already had. And I still had some extra fabric, so I decided to try another block I had seen on a blog, and make a crib sized quilt...



No, that isn't an announcement. In fact, Joe and I joked around that I have cursed us of ever being able to have a girl...we will probably end up having boys instead. I had so much fun!! By the time I was done with these projects, I must admit that I was quilted out...for now anyways.

Spring Break...

During my spring break, I got to play and do whatever I wanted. I love to do crafts and it has been since I was dating Joe that I worked on quilts. In fact, the quilt on our bed was one I started working on Fall of 2009 and finished February 2010. But by the time the lady finished quilting it, I decided to save it for after we were married. I had some fabric to make pillows, and so I went at it...and went a little bit overboard... 

But I enjoyed myself, and that is what counts, right? And these were pillow cases I embroidered for one of my Young Women's project.

I thought everything together looked great....minus the fact that Joe hates messing with the pillows....But I LOVE our bed!!