Oh California, I want to go back

The palm trees

The ocean sunsets

My sister and her adorable kids

The views

A lot to be thankful for...

 So lately, I have been a little down in the dumps.  I have been struggling with my new job.  Starting a new job is never easy, but this time it is especially challenging.  I am trying my hardest to stay positive, and I realize more and more that I have been incredibly blessed.  My husband Philip provided me with a lovely birthday, and Thanksgiving was a lot of fun too.  So I really have no reason to complain. 

I am so grateful for this little guy.  My nephew Matthew.  He brings joy to my heart!

My sister in law Andi was kind enough to take me to Target's Black Friday sale which happened at midnight.  It was a four hour long excursion so that I could land this awesome $30 artificial tree, pre-lit, and 6 feet tall.  (see below)  What a steal! Although, I told Andi I highly doubt I will every do that again.  That was my first and last black Friday at Target event. 

I am grateful to Kenna's birthday party (my six year old niece) because it introduced me to this amazing idea.  Cinnamon rolls from the can, cooked in two layers and made into a cake.  It was truly divine.







And last, I am most especially grateful for new challenges in life.  They are God's gifts to help us grow.

One more thing

I need to clarify.  I announced on FB the other day that I was getting a job and that changed.  So on Monday I accepted a full time position at Ensign Peaks Services in West Valley as a program manager over an after school therapeutic program for 4th, 5th, and 6th graders.  It would mean program start-up and development, supervisory, and grant writing experience, along with individual counseling.  It was an awesome job.  But, on Tuesday, New Roads called me and offered me a position, even though they had turned me down the week prior (I had interviewed there twice and really hoped I would get it).  So after much thought and a pros and cons list (social work strategy), oh and consulting with Philip, Ray, and my former supervisor Sherrie, I decided to go for the New Roads job.  I am sad to turn down a great opportunity, but this position is in Provo, benefited, and would provide me with experience to work with an older population and substance abuse--an area in which I need more expertise.  I am happy to have been blessed with two job offers, something I never thought would happen!

Finally!

I feel truly blessed because I accepted a full time position as a therapist at New Roads Treatment Center in Provo.  Since I graduated in August, I have been a lazy sack of potatoes.  Well, not too lazy, I managed to interview at eight different facilities, send out over a hundred resumes/applications, earn my CSW license, and go on two awesome trips, but, nonetheless, I have felt extremely bored and have been a recluse.  In retrospect I am thankful that it took a little while until I got this job because I got time to go visit family, help Mac and Rachel move, move ourselves (a two month process), and get some needed recuperation from school. 

I have an increased testimony of paying my tithing.  Over the month of September, Philip and I's lives were hectic (we were temporarily living with some friends, went on two trips to Oregon and California, and were not going consistently to one ward).  While in California, I was panicking that I would never find a job, we would go broke, I would be a failure, etc etc (a downward spiral I know, and it was silly and irrational).  It seemed like nothing was working out on the job front.  I had a few fluke things happen with different potential positions, and lots of places just were not calling me back.  I also heard that many people in my program were having a hard time finding work.  The economy has been a constant worry for me as well.  While in California I watched conference and just had a strong feeling of urgency that we needed to pay our tithing.  The first Sunday we were back we paid our tithing.  The Monday after, I got a call back almost within two hours of applying to New Roads for a phone interview.  Yesterday I accepted a job to New Roads.  Tithing is such a blessing and I know that as long as I pay my tithing, I will always be protected and watched over. 

Half-marathon

So this is long overdue, but Philip and I decided to run a half-marathon last February.  We accomplished our goal last July!  We chose the Timp half marathon because it is mainly downhill.  We knew that this was not going to be easy on the joints, but I really did not expect the amount of pain in my hip flexors towards the end!  I ran much faster than when I trained, the adrenaline was pumping almost the whole way.  It was such an amazing experience.  I cried at the finish line--I never thought I could accomplish something like that.  Philip was awesome.  I am proud of both of us!  I admit my momentum has dropped a bit since the race, but I plan to get back into it and train for another one.  Maybe someday...a marathon??

A quick update

Life has been a whirlwind with so much change lately.  Yesterday, Philip and I moved out of my parents' basement!  It was a monumental step in our relationship.  however, we are still not independently living on our own, we now live in Rick and Janet's basement.  They are the parents of Philip's brother's wife, Rachel.  They are really nice people and they are renting out their basement to us until we move into Philip's brother's condo to rent from him when he and his family move to California.  The estimated time when we move to his place in Pleasant Grove is mid-October.

I got my diploma!  Now I am officially a Master, and that means a Master in everything...  NOT.  I also received my license as a Certified Social Worker.  This means I need to work under supervision of someone who has their LCSW (licensed clinical social worker) for two years/4000 hrs and then I will get my LCSW.

I have been searching and applying diligently for employment.  I have tried several places, interviewed at some, and am waiting to hear back on others.  I am impatient to start working again, but I need to remember I only officially graduated three weeks ago...  I am trying to enjoy my time off but I get bored easily.

My current position as a respite provider for VMH has come to a close as well.  It was difficult to say goodbye to my girls.  The process of working with them has been extremely challenging in the beginning.  Ask Philip.  I have seen them grow and progress and make improvements in their functioning and behavior.  Myself, I learned so much patience.  Perhaps the greatest lesson I learned was that you cannot coerce a child into good behavior for long, what will make the change is to develop a positive and trusting relationship with them.  I would find myself getting so upset and frustrated with them, and this simply would not work.  With time, I was able to form attachments with all three girls, and they respected me and would do as I asked.  If I had more than a year with them, I assume that I would not have to ask them to do much, they would know my expectations of them.

I have gotten to spend time with family as well, here I am with the nieces and nephews.

I am in love with this new addition.  Don't you want to squeeze his cheeks?

I hope that my next post will be a review of our trip out to Oregon next week...

Our dream house

While going for walks up at Bear Lake, we found a house that we really liked.  One reason why we liked it so much is that we think that we could recreate it using my father-in-law's manufacturing company Fairmont Homes that he works for in Nappanee, IN.  I'm posting this because I want to have a photo so I don't forget about it.  I always do that, think of something or desire something that sounds really perfect and then it leaves my mind and I forget about it. 

What makes this home so great is the landscape too. It's hard to imagine where we will end up living.  We could really end up anywhere in the US.  It's pretty exciting.
I'd love to see photos from whoever reads this of their "dream home". 

Bear Lake Trip

Every year my Uncle Brent invites the entire Parkin family (my mom's side) to their cabin up at Bear Lake. I look forward to it every year. We just got back a few days ago. I think I gained 5 pounds, I;m slowly trying to work it off... Here are a few pictures.




























































We spent time on the beach, going four-wheeling, eating, swimming at the clubhouse pool, and doing foot spas. The restaurant seen here is where Philip and I stopped at to try in Park City on our way back.

Some Florida Pictures

Here are a few pictures from our Orlando excursion with Philip's sister Ray and her husband Kev. (they live there). We went last May, and yes, this is long overdue...















Here are some from Saint Augustine, the oldest town in the US. It's very haunted, and I wanted badly to see a ghost, but to no avail. I guess I need to plan another trip for a hunt. Philip's dad Rick joined us on that day, it was really quite fun.

There of course were many tastey treats along the way. This awesome Italian ice cream place called Jeremiahs in Orlando. We stopped there several times. I liked the oreo mixed with vanilla gelato.

Rick of course made us his amazing fruit pizza. Sorry, no link to the recipe--it's top secret to the public. You have to marry into the family for it.












Kevin made his homemade version of wings that had this amazing Parmesan and savory flavor.




We ate at this place on Daytona Beach and I had the best coconut shrimp of my life. My mom got me hooked on coconut shrimp, which we only eat on vacation. It was definitely worth going despite the crazed college co-eds.
Of course we had to try the Cuban food. The Cubans are famous in Florida for their Cuban sandwiches shown here. I also liked the fried plantains.
My favorite part was the beach. I tried skin boarding for the first time and actually didn't wimp out. We saw thousands of fish in the waves. I loved it. This is in our hotel room Ray found us on priceline.










I can't wait to go back!

A month in review

Wow, April was H-E double hockey sticks at times, but there were many ups too. I hope that my alluding to a swear word is not too offensive, but it was for lack of a better word. I made it through finals, whew, and am gearing up for my graduation ceremony. I am not technically graduating but I have to walk in the spring.

Here are some highlights I had throughout March and April (and today May 1st).

My sister Dana had her third baby boy on St. Patricks Day. His name is Matthew.






















In my play therapy class we learned about sand tray therapy. It's an experiential therapy intervention in which you have the client arrange items in sand and then talk about it. For some, they may find it a bit hokey, but for certain clients it's quite beneficial. This one is mine, I'll let my readers interpret a possible meaning, but remember, in sand tray therapy one should avoid making any conclusions.
















On our last day for Grief and Loss therapy, we went on a field trip to Garner Funeral Home in the Avenues. This experience was very informative and memorable for me. I also want you to see how interesting and diverse my courses have been.
















My parents are doing a major remodel of their home. We helped them (we meaning Philip) build a plastic tent of some sorts while they replaced the tile with hard wood. It is still going on. I will show pictures some day of the finished product.
















I took my respite girls to hunt for Easter eggs at a free Easter egg hunt at a nearby elementary school. It was over in less than 10 minutes so I had to find an emergency activity at the park to fill up time until lunch at Dee's in West Valley (which I love by the way and so do the girls).
















My last day at Redwood Elementary School was last week. The office staff, counseling staff, and the administrators all threw me a going away luncheon. We had homemade cafe rio salads and they were amazing. I was really sad to leave that day. It was hard saying goodbye to the students, the students on my caseload, the teachers and the staff. I had a remarkable year there. I learned so much. I was overwhelmed by the generosity of the staff. I will miss it.































They brought me a Tres Leches cake.
















So very good...
















Crazy weather in April, giving me many hangups when I wanted to go running outside and not on the treadmill at the gym. However at least it will make Florida even more wonderful. (This picture was taken yesterday morning)
















Last, today is our Anniversary of two years. Since we cannot access the kitchen upstairs due to the hardwood drying, I made us a gourmet meal out of our microwave (not so very good but hey). Philip gave me two dozen roses. Lovely!

A Nice Sunday

Poor Philip was sick today, so I taught our Sunday school class alone. We teach the 10-11 year olds and they are a lot of fun. Even though I was apprehensive about teaching alone, it turned out to be just fine. The topic was on Jesus teaching about keeping the Sabbath day holy. It reminded me of something I have been trying out this year, which is to refrain from any homework on Sunday. Throughout my undergrad I would fall into the ruthless trap of playing Friday and Saturday, and then frantically trying to study and write papers Sunday night. Monday would role around and I would be exhausted, not ready to start a new week. So throughout my graduate school-year, I decided to try being better with that commandment and try resting for a change. The payoff: a 4.o GPA, something which I never achieved as an undergrad. It's interesting, because now I actually have to push myself not to do homework on the Sabbath, but it's just like tithing, if I do it, I'll reap the blessings. Some commandments are much harder for me, so commandments like keeping the Sabbath day holy is a given.

Today, Sunday, was a nice day. In springtime, lasting for about only 2 weeks, our beautiful tree out back (which I wish I knew what kind it was), is in full blossom. I love it because I keep forgetting about it and when I walk upstairs I see it's branches and think "snow again?!" but then quickly discover it's the flowers.



This afternoon, we made Rick's Carrot Cake (Rick is my father-in-law who is an amazing cook). I have been craving carrot cake ever since April started.

I made Philip grate the carrots because
that is the only part I dislike in baking a carrot cake. I can be such a cruel wife.

Afterwards, we tested out the finished product and it was delish. Thanks Rick!

The best part about my Sunday is that I am on spring break Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday this next week (for my internship, which is an elementary school) so I don't have the impending feeling of having to go back to reality on Monday which I normally experience on a weekly basis:).

Too Busy

Okay folks, it has been a long while since I have posted. This semester in school, along with my practicum, my respite job, being a good wife, having a church calling, and my re-entering into the gym has kept me too busy to post. Looking at all the blogs I follow and how cool their posts are, makes me feel a tinge of guilt and jealousy that I don't follow their standard. So here is a brief update on happenings in my life:

1. On Valentines Day, Philip bought me the greatest gift ever: a gym membership at Planet Fitness
-I have been going almost every day and it is changing my life around, back to being more active. When I started the masters program, I stopped exercising, and thus becoming the most non-active I have been since my early teens. I noticed a big difference since I stopped exercising (choke...for 8months...) and then starting back up again. My headaches and tension have gone down, my sleep is better, I have more energy, I'm happier, and I look better. Philip and I are really getting into running and plan to run the Layton half marathon in October.

2. For an assignment for my advanced admin/management class, I asked three people (who are very close to me) for feedback on how I can improve. Two out of the three told me that I could improve my diet (hard to hear I must admit). So I changed my diet to eating more vegetables, fruits, protein, and fewer carbs. I am not perfect, but I have lost 6 pounds. Yeah me! My goal is to lose 15 pounds by May 6th.

3. I am starting to get really burned out by this semester and am trying to push to the end, but realizing that I have so much to do until April 29th when the semester is over. I still have two 10-page papers, three group presentations, two video clips of me with a client, several smaller papers, and one grant proposal to complete in order to pass all my classes. I don't know how I am going to get it all done (maybe I shouldn't be blogging then...).

4. My sister Dana had her baby on St. Patrick's day! His name is Matthew Chase Earl and he is adorable. So I've been helping watch her other kids while she is recovering.

5. Philip and I are excited for our Florida vacation to visit Ray and Kevin

6. I am constantly trying to figure out my career, wondering where I will end up with a job, what I will be doing, and where in the valley I will be working.

So anyway, I've had a few things going on, that I'm looking forward to, the I'm worrying about, etc. I'll try to be better about blogging.

Highlights from 2010

So I thought it might be fun to highlight some favorite memories from 2010. I know it is a little cheesy, but it was fun to look back on my year.



I started a new position at Valley Mental Health as a Care Coordinator for children in foster care. I worked in this position for 8 months until I resigned to go back to school.



In February, I took a cake decorating course through community ed with my sister Dana, this was a final product. I enjoyed spending time with Dana, but realized I better keep my day job:).



On April 5th, I became an aunt to really adorable twins, Collin and Keegan.



Philip and I celebrated our first anniversary on May 1st (we went to the Sandy Aquarium which used to be an old grocery store, we found it comical).



In July, my Grandma Rosa Lee Parkin passed away. In August, my Grandpa Jim passed away. These are my siblings and myself at my Grandma's internment. I played the piano at my Grandpa's funeral and it was an honor.



In August, Dave and Jennica were married. We had a lot of fun preparing for their wedding day, which was beautiful!




Also in August, we went to visit Philip's parents in Indiana. We visited Sagatuck, Michigan. It was so much fun! The dune ride scared me, but it was a blast. I loved seeing the Amish, they were so kind.



September I started my Masters of Social Work program at the University of Utah. I also started a year-long practicum (internship) at Redwood Elementary School. It has been going very well, and I am so thankful for my friend Sarah and my husband Philip who influenced me to get my masters--I never imagined doing this before having kids, but I believe this timing is good for us. The picture on the right was taken my last day of work at VMH.



When I went back to school, I started working part time as a Respite Provider for children with Serious Emotional Disorders through VMH. I took them to the state fair one Saturday, they loved it. This work has been extremely hard I must admit, but very rewarding.



In October, a big storm knocked over our trees.




For Thanksgiving, Philip and I drove to Oregon to visit Holly and Cory, along with Philip's relatives. We stayed with Aunt Barbara and Uncle Paul in Woodburn, Oregon (right outside Portland). I loved Oregon, and I loved learning more about Philip's "roots". I would move to Oregon in a heartbeat, it was gorgeous and feels like the right place for us.



In December I got to spend time with friends from high school. I think it's truly amazing we have kept the friendship strong through all these years. We have been through all walks of life and all have diverse experiences to offer. It's great to learn from each others experiences. I love these gals (sorry Rachel you weren't in this picture).



Lastly, Philip's birthday party was on December 31st. Everyone chipped in to get him an AR Drone, something he wanted for a long time. The look on his face was priceless. The party was a lot of fun. Perhaps, with the risk of sounding really sappy, the best part of 2010 was being married to Philip and getting to know him better. I have learned a lot this year about marriage and have made many mistakes. Philip has been extremely patient with me as I have learned and continue to learn about what it takes to make a marriage work. We are very happy together and I am so grateful for him.

HAPPY NEW YEAR EVERYONE!!!!