The Secret Is Finally Out...And I've Never Been So Happy!

I was in seventh grade when the school nurse told me to bend over so she could run her long finger down my spine. Little did I know that day would eventually change my whole life. I was told the news that I needed to see a chiropractor as soon as possible. Later that week my parents took me to the local chiropractor up the street. We took xray after xray and were told I had Scoliosis. I wasn't that worried since a lot of the woman in my family also have this and they look as perfect as can be. My chiropractor didn't feel the same way however. I started seeing the chiropractor two to three times a week. He would hook me up to wet electric sponges, pop my back, neck, (basically everything), and strap me into a suit that was hooked to the wall and make me run on the treadmill. I would be lying if I said I enjoyed any of it. With an initial spinal curve of 43 degrees we hadn't seen any progress over the next year of constant chiropractor visits. We decided I should be fitted for a back brace. For the next two years I wore a plastic brace that fit snug against my hips and waist. I would get strapped into this brace everyday for at least 18 hours. (which meant I refused to wear this to school) NO ONE could find out about this secret of mine. I was so embarrased that my hips weren't even, or that my shoulders didn't line up or yup, my butt was a little bigger than the next persons. I couldn't let anyone know. 

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Two years had passed and no change had been made. Luckily my curve hadn't gotten worse, but it hadn't gotten better either. Since I was starting high school now I decided it was time to tuck that brace under my bed and say goodbye to the chiropractor for good. I went all through high school without any of my friends finding out about "my secret." There was the occasional back ache but nothing I couldn't handle. I was finally finding that self confidence I had lost for a bit and I was happier than ever. I tried everyday to shift my hips over and lift up one of my shoulders so I could look normal. Life was good and I was happy!

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It was time for college and I don't think I've ever had as much fun in my whole life as I did last year. Well second semester had hit and so did a lot of back pain. I hadn't had back pain like this ever and I started to get worried. I really didn't know much about Scoliosis but I wasn't so dumb that I didn't realize it could cause serious problems down the road. After months of talking to my parents I made the decision that I needed to change schools. This came as a surprise to a lot of people and a lot of people heard a lot of made up reasons why I was changing schools. I still couldn't get up the courage to tell anyone about this part of my life. I knew exactly why I was changing schools and why it seemed like the worst decision at the time, I don't think I have ever been happier. 

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About six months ago I found out that my scoliosis had increased from an initial curvature of 43 degrees to 58 degrees. I was having constant back pain and it was obvious it was only going to get worse. My spine was affecting my lungs, my ribs, and could cause serious heart damage. It was obvious that a Spinal Fusion was the only answer. 

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On December 16, 2013 I recieved the greatest blessing in the whole world. I have perfectly lined up hips, and my shoulders are finally even. My back is STRAIGHT. That seems silly but this was the biggest life changing experience for me. This ten hour surgery was the scariest thing I have ever done in my entire life. I can't bend, I can't twist, and I can't lift anything over ten pounds. I lay in bed most the day while my sweet family picks up the remote I dropped on the floor, or feeds me dinner, puts on my socks, takes off my socks when I get too hot, holds my hand as I walk, wakes up every two hours to get me my pills, and never once complains. My heart has never felt so much love from everyone. I have been blessed beyond belief. The countless cards, flowers, candy, gifts, and visits have meant more than anyone could ever know. Sometimes I don't understand how I got so blessed. My life has been perfect and I am so completely happy. I wish I could run around and show everyone how good of a job my doctors did! But I have to remember no one really wants to see a giant scar down my back. So instead I'll just say how thankful I am for such talented doctors there are in the world. I have never been so happy in my whole entire life. My Heavenly Father has been my constant comfortor and has been there with me every step of the way. Not once have I ever felt alone during this crazy process. I have been so blessed and I could never explain to someone how thankful I am. I've been given a new life. A healthy life. But most of all, such a happy life. 

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This surgery changed my life in more ways than just physical. I will never take the littlest of things for granted again. I have been humbled in so many ways and I thank my Heavenly Father for this experience every single day. I am so happy and can't wait to continue life with my "new back!" 

So I guess the secret is finally out and I couldn't be anymore excited!

Before and after I had 2 rods and 21 screws placed in my spine. Isn't this incredible!!!

I was so excited!

Life is still good:)

This is the only "gross" picture I promise! 

Just hangin in there:) 

My incredible Doctors

My Favorite Visitor!

Learning how to walk!

We're Headin Home:)

I have the sweetest family in the world!

Who knew walking up the stairs could be such a workout.

My beautiful sister has been the best "baby sitter"

I'm finally as tall as my sisters!

I am so happy and Life is wonderful:)

What a Perfect Holiday

I was lucky enough to be able to travel to Arizona this Thanksgiving break to spend the holiday with my sweet sister and her cute family. It couldn't have been a better week. We didn't waste a single second together. It has been too long since I've seen that cute house my sister has worked so hard to decorate. She has raised her family perfectly. I have to admit, I think I meant to be the youngest of four sisters because I have been so blessed with being able to see them all raise their families. I hope to be half the mother they all are one day. This year for thanksgiving I had more than my fair share of things to be thankful for. To name a few, my sweet family, my job, being able to go to school, being able to receive my upcoming surgery, and this perfect gospel. My life's better than anything I could ever ask for. It was a perfect Thanksgiving even though we missed all the family back home!

Can't you guess why being an aunt is the greatest thing on this planet.

Our friend, the head even decided to come along this trip... He wasn't welcomed very well.

Love this sweet sister of mine.

It was a very sunny and warm Thanksgiving break!

Grateful for you...

Hello November! 2014 is right around the corner and I couldn't be any more excited! This year has been incredible. I can't believe how much i've grown and learned over this year. Every happy moment or bump in the road has been something I have needed in my life. That's why I love November. November to me is that extra reminder to count your blessings. I know I have too many to count but i'm trying the best I can to write them all down. This month I've tried something knew. Every morning before I do anything else I thank my Heavenly Father for all the blessings I saw in the previous day and then for the new day. I haven't ever really given thankful prayers very often. And yes I could always use a few more blessings but doing this over the past week has taught me so much. I have learned to appreciate such small things. My eyes have been opened to how wonderful this world really is. There is so much good out there to be seen, we just need to realize it. So during this Thanksgiving month here are just a few of the unmeasurable blessings I've been given:)

-My Very Biggest Blessings-

-My Beautiful Sisters-

 -These Perfect Kiddos-

-Being with them Forever-

My Incredible Roommates (haha just kidding) 

Blessed to have them as parents.

 -The Chance to Travel-

-The Best of Friends-

-The Opportunity to go to a Wonderful School-

-This blessing becomes a greater gift every day. There is no one I know that is as thankful for everything than this guy. He only sees the good and I hope a little of that has rubbed off on me over the years;) He makes me so happy and I love him so much. I'm proud of who he's becoming and hope I can measure up one day. I know for a fact I don't need Thanksgiving as a reminder to count my blessing for him everyday.

Life is so good and obviously I have so much to be thankful for.

Things Always Work Out

One day you hear someone mention something and you instantly brush it off. Well months later it gets brought up again and you try to shove it aside... again. This keeps happening and happening until one day reality smacks you in the face and you find out news that really could make or break you. 

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There's a quote I love that says, "Life is 10% what happens to you and 90% how you react to it." I never realized how true that saying was until I had to put it to work in my own life. Sometimes really scary things or hard things happen to us that can bring us down so low but it's INCREDIBLE what can happen when we put a little more faith in the Lord, a bigger smile on our face, and a positive outlook in our minds. Sometimes a positive outlook isn't the easiest thing to come by, especially for me but i'm trying a little harder each day. Life is a wonderful blessing and i'm thankful everyday for the events happening in my life right now. I am learning so much about myself but most of all I have become so much closer to my Savior. When you have a lot on your mind he seems to always be there to help you figure it all out. I am SO blessed! 

Fall Has Been too Good to Me

October has always been my favorite month. No, not just because its my birthday month but because of the leaves, the smell of pumpkins lit on the porch, pumpkin patch pictures and of course Halloween. This month has been one of the best I've had in a long time. 

I can't believe this year is practically to an end!

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This year I tried my very hardest to come up with something new I've never done that a "20" year old could do....yup there's nothing! After weeks of idea after idea being tossed away I thought of it... a party with NO children!! That is a very rare thing at the John household. But I'm not complaining because I love those kiddos. Well this was the result of one very fun night with the adults.  

Can I just mention how much I love my family. They put up with anything I want to do and yup I wanted to play Clue. I have never had so much fun in my whole life and 

I think they would say the same. Don't they all look PERFECT!! 

We found Mr. Boddy!! haha don't you wish you were in my family?

I was spoiled rotten this year and 20 couldn't be any more perfect! 

Everyone wanted me to make a big wish but the thing they didn't know is 

I've been wishing for the same thing for awhile... "the default wish."

What a happy happy birthday!!

Oh and this guy... He treated me like a Queen! Not to mention how amazing he is doing out there. I couldn't be anymore proud. He said it best, "It's been tough but look how much we've grown. We wouldn't trade this experience for the world." He's right on! I sure do love him.

Pumpkin Patch's make for the cutest pictures! I know I say this all the time but I have to brag, I love being an aunt. They bring so much joy into my life! 

This is the cute result of my pumpkin:) 

Just a lil Florida Lovin' 

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And I can't forget to mention how much I love this lady! Having her at home with me has been a huge blessing in itself. I'd be lying if I said I didn't see her everyday. 

We do pretty much everything together and I love every second of it. 

So Happy Halloween everyone! It's been a perfect month and looking forward to next month I know I have so much to be thankful for. I don't know what I did to get so lucky!

 Fall has been too good to me. 

A Bitter Sweet Month~

This month has taken me on a roller coaster, that's for sure. 

Although it started out a little rocky it has turned into a perfect August. 

A little over a week ago my best friend headed into the MTC. I never anticipated it being rough or sad simply because we never talked about it that much. We did almost everything together and laughed through it all. We understood each other and always knew when something was up. She was definitely an "anchor" in my life. I didn't think it would be hard saying goodbye since I've been through it all before, but it was just as hard as the first time. There's something about being apart from your best friends that makes you step up and realize how much better you can be, and what you need to be doing in your life. I'm grateful for those reality checks because they've gotten me to where I am today. Happy and focused on where I want to be. Even though I miss the heck outta her, I am so proud of where she is. She's just the same old Emi, just a whole lot happier. Man I can't wait for these missionaries to get home!!!

 LOVE YA EM!

 Well who doesn't love a good wedding!! I can't believe I'm old enough to be having my closest friends getting married but yet... another reality check. Heck I'm turning 20 in October! AHH! My sweet friend Megan got married earlier this month and I couldn't be happier for her. Being able to be there the whole day was such a happy experience. She looked beautiful and so in love. I was so lucky to be able to share that special day with her and Colton. I'm so excited for the both of them.

 Not to mention having this girl there too:) 

With all these big moments this month...who doesn't love a good escape from reality? This past week the four of us roommates left, took off for St. George. I think that was the best idea we've ever come up with. A little girl time never hurts, right? We laughed, and sang the whole 5 hours (well 3 hrs. with the way Ash drives) haha and just had so much fun. We shopped, slept, went swimming....and swimming and slept some more. It was the perfect vacation. Thursday night we went to the Tuachaun to see Thoroughly Modern Millie. It was a lot of fun, and something to remember. I am so grateful for these 4 best friends of mine. Even though I go to a new school, I'll always have Utah State to thank for them. I can't wait to all get together in the future when the other two are home and everyones married. How exciting! It was such a fun and much needed vacation! 

 Aren't my friends beautiful!

 SWIG- A reason in itself to hop in the car and head to St. George. 

It's that good!!

 Told you we slept a lot!

Well it's been quite the month and it's crazy to think my second year of college starts in a week. 

It's been such a perfect summer so far, even though I sure have missed my Florida boy. 

Life is too good, and I'm blessed beyond belief. 

Keep on Lovin' Life. 

It's the Little Things

Lately I've been trying to stop and find the little moments that make life wonderful. Well let me tell ya...It's not as easy as it seems. It's so easy to get caught up in life or the big picture and forget all about the sweet tender mercies that pass you by.

I have had so many perfect moments this week that have made me stop and just smile. Here's three that just had to make the list:)

1)Chocolate Mustache's--
who would have ever thought making a little chocolate treat with these kiddos would have made my whole night. They definitely aren't afraid to get a little messy!

2) Meeting up with old friends--

 You know those people in your life that it doesn't matter how long you haven't seen each other, but the second you do it's like you haven't spent a day apart? One of my best friends in the whole world probably didn't realize this, but she made my day Tuesday. It was so fun to catch up on everything and have a fun girl night. I'm so grateful for her. She really has taught me a lot and I'm so blessed to have her home, and going to the same school as me. It's rare to find someone going the same direction as you these days, trust me! So thank goodness for another wildcat! Love you Laur!

3)Just a little love--

 So I would be lying if I didn't say this meant the world to me. It's things like this that make being away from someone you're so in love with, that much easier. So a little back story. Two years ago I heart attacked Patricks car for Valentines day. It was covered. Maybe he should have learned his lesson and locked his car like I told him to for once;) These were just normal paper hearts, nothing special, and they didn't have anything on them...well except for one. Never in a million years would I expect that one heart that was tapped to his steering wheel two years ago, to fall out of the letter I opened this week. Now I think you'll probably understand a little better why I count my blessings everyday for that boy in Florida. 

Life sure does becomes so much sweeter when you take the time to realize the small things.