DISNEYLAND!

Not this past weekend, but the one before (Memorial Weekend), David and I had the chance to escape the heat and head to Anaheim, AKA Disneyland town! I don't know what it was but the curvy freeways on the CA-60 nearly drove me nuts. I can't stand so many sharp curves, on a very bumpy freeway with cars going so fast!

The first night we got there, we shopped a little in Downtown Disney, although I was not very impressed with the shops I saw. We ended up buying some peanut brittle, taking pictures and then heading back to the hotel to catch up with my brothers crew. Dinner was at Applebees.
Sunday we headed out to the LA temple and got some really beautiful shots there. Chris drove us down Sunset Blvd and I got to see the Hollywood sign, the stars walk of fame and some other really cool places. Now I can die happy :)

We then went to Hungtington Beach and for the first long while I was very hesitant to go in and Boogie Board with the others because of the coldness of the water (I am a chicken when it comes to the cold). After sitting in the water with Kiara as she was terrified to go in too, I got the nerve to go in and had the BEST time! I even caught a few really good waves. Chris and David dug for Sand Crabs and we found some really giant ones. As we were leaving, a group of dolphins decided to jump around by some of the surfers. It was pretty amazing to see dolphins up close in the ocean.

Monday we went to Disneyland and enjoyed getting to use several fast passes. I had forgotten how ridiculously expensive the food was at disneyland with everything being around 10$ a plate for a decent meal (something other than churros and ice cream). My thoughts were that I'd rather fork out the money and get something that would make our bodies feel good, rather than pay 3$ and feel like crap the whole day. The fireworks show was absolutely amazing-thats what really made Disneyland feel magic. For those that haven't been in awhile, they play sound clips from various disney movies and rides paired with perfectly timed fireworks and jolts of fire around the castle.

And now I am back to the real world...working with adult stroke clients at ASU and losing sleep over the stress of how to do therapy with these people. Have to understand their disorders and I don't, at least to the degree I need to!
Anyways, here are some pictures from our trip, enjoy!

Chris pretending to eat one of the sand crabs

Yes, we like kissing!

Miracles

Yesterday, when David and I were lying in bed thinking about the days events, David told me that he forgot to mail my really large credit card bill (large because of the wicked tickets we bought). He then went out to his car to collect the bill and bring it inside along with the check so that there would be no possibility of someone stealing it.

He came back with no check, no bill ...nada and said he couldn't find it anywhere. I prayed all night long that somehow we would find it A) so we wouldn't have to pay a fee to cancel the check and B) so that it wouldn't fall into the hands of someone dishonest. In the morning, I got up extra early for some reason and looked and looked and looked on our counters and in David's call-still nothing. I was absolutely beside myself...upset, frustrated and overwhelmed and this event just put me over the top. I wasn't as nice as I should have been when David woke up and as nicely as I could blamed him for losing the bill. I felt horrible afterwards because I knew it was a simple accident. He took the bill with him to put in the mail after his eye appointment but somewhere in route it has just fallen out somewhere.

I think i feel so overwhelmed because I won't have a job over the summer (due to working in the schools), i'm stressed financially, I have all these shots/TB tests, fingerprint cards, cpr cards to get in a week before clinic starts on top of trying to pull things together for my vacation to California next week. Anyways, I asked David to check with our front office to see if it had fallen somewhere outside and if someone turned it in. Around 10 this morning he texted me and said someone had turned it in to the office and she mailed the check out. I feel like we have been watched over....and miracle after miracle has happened lately.

Just last week David got thrown into his parents pool by his cousins and came out with a vibrating white screen phone that wouldn't work. After a full night of drying and countless silent prayers, it started working the next morning.

Time after time i've learned that during these moments, I HAVE to pray because nothing else works. I am so grateful for Heavenly Father, for watching over us and seeing that these small things are taken care of. I again am grateful for David for being patient with me.

Over the last two years, I have really learned a lot about myself, good and bad. My habits have not changed, they are just more well defined as I am on my own away from my parents and siblings. David constantly shows support and love for me and catches me when I fall. Rarely does he see the bad things that I do (or tells me :)) and if he ever does verbally tell me my mistake, its in such a loving way. He cleans and cleans and cleans (what husband does that without being begged???) and the more he cleans, the more lazy I feel I've become, or the more I just let him because I have so much on my plate that cleaning is the last thing I can make myself do.

I feel like I have been too quick to judge, too slow to serve, and I have failed to keep up on those things which should be the most important in my life. A temple worker once told the guys in my sealing room that they couldn't return to our Heavenly Father without the women and that they needed to make sure we got back together....I keep telling David and have realized that I absolutely wouldn't make it back without him, I fall so short and I need him to keep me where I should be.

So to David, thank you for standing by my side, and loving me no matter what. Thank you for seeing the best in me and giving me wings to fly. Thank you for encouraging me to finish my masters program even when I get too tired and sad that I am putting off a family for this. Thank you for working so hard every day even when your not in the career that you want to be, and when its hard for you.

We took this picture when I graduated about a year ago, and its funny how similar the picture is of Christ in the garden of Gethsamane right before he was going to die. David reminds me how to be Christ-like and I am so grateful for that reminder. I love you!

The Happiest Place on Earth

Thank you for those that posted comforting comments. I CAN get through this next week and a half of school! I feel like the little engine that could, chugging along saying "I think i can, I think i can, I think i can"!

David and I decided this week that we will be heading to California in the next few weeks to enjoy some get away time. We haven't had a formal vacation outside of playing in the snow for a day each year, since our honeymoon two years ago, and boy do we need one! We're gonna "rough it" and stay at one of the KOA campgrounds in a little cabin. This is my kind of camping with a sturdy roof over our heads and showers near by (I'm hoping they don't have any icky critters and spiders in them!). Then we will head to Disneyland one day and the beach another. Does anyone know where to buy discounted Disneyland tickets? I can't believe they are 70$ a piece!

We are also going to see Wicked with David's parents in July, which i'm very excited about. I've heard nothing but good things about the play. It's nice to say that summer is coming and with it many long needed adventures!

Emotional Rollercoaster

So many things have happened in the last few days that have nearly made me lose my sanity.

1. I forgot my binder for school on Tuesday that I needed for notes in class that night since I couldn't drive home. And I needed the binder to study for my second out of two exams in that class for the entire semester.

2. Shortly after I realized I left my binder, I checked my yahoo email account and noticed a letter from my professor stating that I had failed to turn in two final exam questions that were to take the place of our last quiz (only those who showed up to class last thursday got that option) and that as a result I would be taking the quiz next week. This goes from spending 15 minutes coming up with in-depth questions, to spending 6-7 HOURS studying for the quiz. I had spent all week rigorously trying to finish my 15 page preschool class (same class) written project and had absentmindedly forgotten to do that questions. I failed to see the fairness in having the study this many hours for simply forgetting to do this assignment.

The positive: I, being so flustered, email the professor a few hours later and told her I didn't think this was very fair-I accepted responsibility for my mistake and asked if she could narrow the quiz down as far as what I needed to study. She emailed later in the evening and said she would talk about the quiz and narrow it as it got closer to the date. Five minutes later she emailed and said, ok, finish the questions tonight, and that will be good enough. Thank you Mary!

3. Tonight I went to a meeting with my professor of my speech program to discuss my schedule for the next year and how I could get observation hours with a certified Speech Therapist at Banner Baywood (another professor informed me that all the students in my program wouldn't get to do a hospital rotation period because of budget cuts). The professor showed me my updated schedule and I proceeded to ask her what I needed to do to get certified observation hours at the hospital, after I called Baywood. The professor said to not call them because I did not have the education or experience to even do a rotation. Not in these exact words but words similiar she said "So I gather from your emails that your are upset and bashing the PEP program, Lynette we are working and do everythign we can for you PEP students. It seems like a lot of you are unhappy with your program. If you want more experience in the medical field, perhaps you are in the wrong program." I kept saying ok...ok...ok...because I was shocked out of my mind that this normally sweet and very helpful lady was even suggesting that I was bashing the program and leading others to get riled up as well.

I merely said in my emails that I really wanted hospital experience and that I would find SLP's to observe me on my own since the ASU staff wasn't going to help us. And all the other students in my program wanted the experience as well. Anyways, I left in tears and I felt like I was just slapped in the face.

Good things:

1. This week is IA (aide) appreciation week and so my sweet SLP that I work under suprised me with flowers and a card. The principal said she could take me out for lunch and he would re-imburse her. So sweet and thoughtful.

2. I got to write my two questions and not take the quiz

3. I finished my preschool project

4. I have a friend who came to class today in tears as well from hearing bad news from the same professor so I had someone who understood what I was feeling

5. I have a loving and supportive husband who sees me through everything

_____I've realized more than anything I NEED a break_____I need to get out and do something not related to school. I think I have just been worn thin, i'm tired...mentally and physically.

Easter

So I have been trying to post this blog for a few days now...last night David needed the computer for homework so I wasn't able to get on. Here ya go...

This past weekend was absolutely wonderful as I got to take Friday off, since I work in the schools. Friday morning I spent dying eggs with my in-laws....something I haven't done in years it seems like. It's amazing to see what kinds of egg dying/glittery/tie dye kits they have these days. After that I went to my friend Shars house to help her pack things....it turned into a 3-4 hour chat session which I won't complain about :) David and I have been talking about how we never spend much time with friends anymore because we're so busy, and that we REALLY miss it. So thanks Shar for letting me come hang out with you and your kids.

Saturday morning was my niece Nikki's baptism---we are so proud of her for making good choices. Then later that evening we had my side of the family's easter egg hunt with all my great aunts, their families, and my grandma, aunts, uncles and cousins. My cousin Robin didn't get to cleaning their yard so David later noticed (Or I did because I kept smelling it) that he had dog poop on the bottom of his pants. We rushed to the Easter Pageant (I told David "I keep smelling dog poo" and he found what looked like mud on his pants, sure enough...) It was amazing because shortly after we stepped on the temple grounds the pouring rain stopped. There were dark rain clouds all around the temple, but nothing above the temple. And a guy from the president of the 70 gave the prayer. This year the pageant made me cry, and I"m not sure if it was because it was an emotional day or because more than ever...through the songs...I could feel the Savior's love for me. That he understood what I was going through. My desire to have a family, but not being able to quite yet. My desire to because a speech-path. My desire to help my husband find a job where he is happy. My desire to show my husband that I am not this boring old lady who studies all the time. I am grateful to know there is one person who truly understands my needs and is there at every moment to see me through the good and bad times.

Here are some fun pictures of me and my nieces, and other family members on Easter and from Friday. My little brother had his birthday party at chuck-e-cheeses so several of the pictures are of my niece kiara on various rides. My sister in laws (yes Fawn and Sarah) are obsessed with Easter and our egg hunt this year consisted of 680 eggs which beautifully dotted my in-laws back yard. I'm interested to see how many eggs will be accumulated by the time my kids roll around :)

My brother Kyle looking for eggs

Niece Kiara

So dang cute--I have THE most adorable nieces

Alauna sneaking some jelly beans ;)

Look at the two giant bowls of Jelly beans that Sarah and I are holding that we emptied out from the Easter eggs the kids found!

My niece's searching for Easter Eggs

Hailey bean searching for eggs with Weston

My niece Lanae twirling

Lily struttin her stuff

Savannah twirling in her Easter Dress

Uncle David playing with Auria

Auria in her Easter Dress

My niece Alauna in her Easter Dress

Baby Dallin is here!

So this week has been a very busy one with babies! On Thursday, my husbands cousin Suzanne gave birth to a little girl named Tessa. And finally on Friday, little Dallin Christopher Johnson graced our presence. He is my brother Chris and his wife Jessica's second child and what a cutie he is! He was born at 5:17p.m. Friday and weighed a little over 6 lbs---tiny tiny! We are so excited to have him join our family. Fun pictures posted below.

As for other good news, since I have moved out of my old apartment I have dropped 12 points from 160 to 148 on the blood pressure scale (top number) and that is only being out of the apartment two days. I'm anxious to see what it will be this upcoming Monday when I go to the store and check it. I knew it was the nasty smokers below! Just think where I would be in hmmm 30-40 years (If I lived that long) being on top of those people (lets say kidney and other organ damage). I want to go the management and say "Don't you dare tell me that these people aren't inflicting upon my rights. They are slowing killing me off as a drunk driver would swerve and kill some one on the road" My death would just be slower....I'm sorry I'm venting. With all that I have been through with my health and these people it's just left me fairly upset. I'm grateful now to be completely away from that situation.

Anyways :) Off to work on a major project thats due this next week, which i've procrastinated doing long enough. Have a wonderful weekend everyone!

Luau!

Last week was one hectic week that I prayed nightly to get through. I never realized how hard moving was because when I first got married, I brought a few things from my bridal shower and a few little possessions that I owned to our first apartment. We have since acquired many many things which i'm grateful for, but my arms are not. Friday I came the point where I was like "mom, my arms can't physically carry one more thing"...even though I was lame and hadn't carried what I thought was my fair share. Thank you to all my neighbors/ward members/family members that helped us get everything transferred. We have decided that once this lease is up next March that we are out of here....we need something bigger!

Also on Saturday, as if we weren't busy enough lol, we had my sister-in-law Fawns birthday Luau! It was so nice to be with family and just relax...do something different. Fawn and her husband are AMAZING barbequers. At 7p.m., Paul (Fawns husband) suprised her with a Napolean Dynamite singing telegram. It was hilarious to watch his dance moves and then cute pregnant Fawn dancing with him. Anyways, Happy Happy birthday Fawn! Below are some fun pictures of the event (courtesy of Natalia, one of my other 8 sisters).

This week is going to be eventful again. Friday night my sister in law Jessica is going to be induced and I should have my first nephew on my side that night! I'm so excited!

Me with my niece Hailey (Fawns baby)

Thats right, David and I are sportin' the coconut shell bra's

Fawn and mom (who refused to wear the coconut shells until we made her put one on :))
Napolean and Fawn

Crafti-ness

I have noticed more recently that my friends and acquaintances are using talents that they have either had for a long time or just acquired to make crafty things. Some husbands are using their tools to make furniture for their baby to be's room, or an entertainment center. Other's have been making pillows for their couches or baby crib bumpers, quilts etc. And as much as I don't like sewing because I have to unpick three times longer than I sew, I decided that I wanted to be crafty too. And I wanted to make my mom proud of me for using the sewing lessons that she had me take as a little girl. So....I decided to make two pillow shams and two pillows for my bed, and I must say they turned out rather well. Thanks mom for cutting them out :)

Here are most of the finished products: (Those of you that sew, don't look with a critical eye ;))

On another note, because we have such a small apartment, we are realizing more and more how much we need to develop our talents or do hobbies that we enjoy outside of our home. If any of you know where to find classes to do things like sports, woodwork, cooking, decorating etc. please let me know. I thought I would try the "get out" magazine published by the city of mesa but it seems as though 75% of all offered classes have a big "cancelled" sign over them due to budget cuts :(

Haircut

This weekend my friend Whitney who graduated a year ago from the Tony and Guy beauty school, is coming down and i'm hopefully going to get my hair cut. I am thinking of something that is just past my shoulders but not sure what I would look best with. If you have any suggestions or pictures please send them to me!! I always have the hardest time deciding what to do with my hair.

Next week is moving week! And with that comes the joy of switching addresses on all of our bills and subscriptions etc. Wish us luck!

On the farm....

Yesterday I got to go with my parents and little brother to the Superstitions spring dairy farm in Mesa. Its located on Haws Rd. and Elliot so not too far away from where we live. As we stepped out of the car I saw a case in the parking lot and too make a long story short, I called the owners mother and the owner called and was so thankful I had found it. Apparently she had just got her phone replaced on Friday so this was a brand new high tech touch tone phone. I did my good deed for the day returning it too her :).

The farm had hundreds of cows and one of the mom's gave birth to her calf about four hours before we arrived and so the baby was brand new and still walking around with wobbly legs. The stench was terrible, not sure if it was the waste "lake" or the smell of the animals. I could hardly stand it. I can handle manuer (sp?) but not this smell. My mom who grew up on a farm just laughed and said "your such a city girl"... I agree, I couldn't handle living on a farm-a quick visit to one every now and then is more than enough for me!

I also got to see a cotton gin work, seperating seeds from the rest of the cotton. And upon my brothers insistance, we rode the hay ride twice with him and my dad another one on top of that. Makes me appreciate just how much effort goes into putting milk, butter, cheese and ice cream on our shelves.

Just a quick update..I saw the doctor this last week and at the visit my blood pressure was still in the 160 range so I started meds (against my wanting to) on Friday. He said there is a chance if I lose about ten pounds and move (which living in this smoke filled apartment is probably whats causing my huge stress and blood pressure) that I can check my b/p without the medication and see if I have gone back to normal. Keep praying that this happens because I want to be healthy and this medication (nor any other b/p meds) are safe to take while pregnant.

We think we have found another apartment in our complex where we can move to in the next few weeks so thats what I think we will be doing. I have been doing lots of thinking about the song Josh Groban sings...here are some of the lyrics:

Some days we forget to look around us.

Some days we can't see the joy that surrounds us.

So caught up inside ourselves.

We take when we should give

So for tonight we pray for

What we know can be

And on this day we hope for

What we still can't see

It's up to us to be the change

And even though we all can still do more

There's so much to be thankful for

Look beyond ourselves, there's so much sorrow
It's way too late to say,
I'll cry tomorrow

Each of us must find our truth

We're so long overdue

Just a lot to think about...are we thankful for what we have? Are we serving others? Anyways...here are some pictures from yesterday, hope you enjoy :)

Pee-ew! These cows stink!

Hay Ride!

The cotton Gin: (me holding the cotton leftover)

Sunday Lunch

So what do you do on a Sunday without grocery shopping in a week and having a bunch of random things-make pizza! I used my wonderful bosch to make pizza dough, threw on a few toppings and walah! The dough is so incredibly easy to make and it only takes 8 minutes to cook! Here is a picture of my creation (we were too hungry to take a picture when the pizza was still on the pan, so here is our leftovers for tomorrows lunch)

Yesterday David and I went to help Ryan and Sarah load furniture and boxes into their moving van. This is my husbands brother and sister in law. Moving from Queen Creek to Gilbert which we are so excited about because this means we will be able to hang out with them more since they will be so much closer.

I inherited some sort of nasty cold from my therapy kids again! Boy, now I understand why some teacher was desperate to create that Airborne stuff. Therapy is going really well...i've seen a lot of kids make great progress this week on their speech and language goals. To add to my health stories, I took my blood pressure again on Friday and it said 178/123 so after lots of tears (thats a DANGEROUSLY high number) I called my doctor and I have an appointment for this Wednesday to figure out if I need to be put on medication. I don't understand what is going on with me. I am a healthy 22 year old girl---what changed in the last two months since my last doctor visit that caused my spike in blood pressure? On Friday after the test I started seriously thinking about what would happen if for some reason I did have a heart attack or stroke (so young to be thinking about stuff like that, but I did). I think thats what caused me to cry so much is thinking about the damage that could cause me and what if I was seperated from my husband (i.e. no longer living). I don't think I could sit and watch him from the other side, even in heaven, alone and waiting for me, or getting happily remarried...it would break my heart. *Sigh* I am going to get a priesthood blessing and just pray that whatever I have is very minor.