Identity Crisis

So Tyson and I took a little trip to the DMV.... three hours later I found out that I would be taking the written test. All anxiety from school rushed into my body. I seriously thought I was going to cry or pass out. The reminder of how bad I dislike test taking became all too clear. I sat down and read the first two questions. I thought move on and come back to them later. I had no idea what the answers were. My focus then went to the top of the page and it read you may miss three questions. WHAT? There are thirty six questions on this test. I started to panic. I looked at Tyson and thought, well here goes nothing. I finished the test with my heart still pounding. I took my test up to the lady and it turns out you can miss six if this is your first time taking the test in California. Hallelujah I missed six. I PASSED!!!! The same feeling came to me the day I found out I passed my math class in college. All in all it was a great day and Tyson was a champ to stick the day out with me. But did I mention I still don't have a drivers license. You see I lost my wallet the week I moved to California and it has yet to turn up. This has become detrimental to me. I can't get put on Tyson's bank account, and I can't get a drivers license because I have no prof of a Utah drivers license. This name change thing has been an event. One of these days I hope to be able to call myself Janessa Parker.

On a happy note I got a gym pass and have been able to attend Zumba classes again. If you have not tried Zumba you must go! I hope to be able to use my Zumba certification and teach. I also got the job working for an investment group called Mighty Oak. I will be starting July 1st and can't wait to help put some bread on the table.

We Love H2O

Well we survived our first week in California. It has been great. We have been doing a lot of cleaning and organizing and not to mention finishing up Catching Fire. I think we are about all settled in. Saturday we were invited by the Tucker's to take our first trip to the lake.

I have to say it made me feel a little at home. I grew up at the lake. Although the water here is much warmer. We were able to spend time with our friends and catch a few rays.

I have to say I was quite proud of my guy. It was his second time wake boarding and he looked like a champ. Hopefully one of these days we can get ourselves a boat.

We attended our ward for the second time. It felt good to be in a ward where they are so welcoming. I look forward to getting involved. It is a little switch from the Single's Ward but we are excited for the new change.

I interviewed for a job this week and am waiting to here back. Tyson has been busy studying for his insurance test. I am so proud of him for always working so hard.

Come visit us in California we miss you all already!!!!

Home Sweet Home

Tyson and I officially made the big move to California. I was blessed to be able to have my family come with me to see our new stomping grounds. I have to say I have the greatest in laws. They have been wonderful and amazing and so welcoming. I could never repay them for all they have done for Tyson and me.

It was great to spend a few days with my family. We were able to show them my favorite restaurant Dog House and swim by the pool.

I have to say I have never seen or heard Tyson laugh louder while we were swimming. We taught my mom how to swim under water. It was the greatest thing.

I love all these girls so much. Thank you for making the drive and sending me off. Mom you are the best and I look forward to our many Skype and phone conversations. You have taught me everything I know.

We had two receptions one at Cactus and Tropicals and one at Fort Washington Country Club. Both were gorgeous. Thank you to my mother-in-law we had a fantastic candy bar. If you know anything about me, it is that I love sugar. It was so wonderful to meet all of the people who have had influences on Tyson's life. I feel so blessed to be surrounded by such amazing people.

Sunday morning mama Parker made a lovely brunch for my family. The grandparents came over and we opened gifts. There needs to be another word for spoiled. People were so generous. I can't believe how wonderful people are. It definitely makes me want to be a better person. Thank you everyone who shared in such a special time with us. I am so happy to be here in California with the love of my life and his family. I hope that being around all of these great people will rub off on me and I can come close to being like them one day.

Memorial Day & Much More

Every year for Memorial Day my family goes to visit the graves of my dad and grandparents. It is a great time to reflect on the wonderful people I have had in my life. When we visit my dad's grave we always go around the circle telling one memory that we have. It always makes for a good laugh. My memory this year was my first dance in high school. I was getting ready to leave and wanted to say goodbye to my dad, but I couldn't find him. I asked my mom where he was and she told me he was upstairs crying because of how pretty I looked in my dress. I miss my dad everyday but I feel him around me always.

It was fun this year to take Tyson to share in the family traditions. He was able to hear memories of my dad and grandparents.

My favorite part of course involves the food. After we visit the graves we go to Litza's Pizza. They have the best garlic bread, root beer, and pizza.

The picture above is with my mom's family, the Shepherd's. They are the kindest most loving people I know.

Here we are at my grandma and grandpa Daw's grave. I miss them both so much! It is great now to have Tyson's grandparents as my own. I have missed having grandparents.

It has been a great second week of marriage. We have been in Heber spending time with my family before we make the big move to California. I am going to miss my family dearly. The longer I am here the harder it makes it to move away from my family and friends. But I am also looking forward to this new adventure of life where I will have Tyson by my side. I have never been one for change, but what it has taught me is that it gives me the opportunity to grow closer to my Heavenly Father and helps me become a stronger person.

Honeymoon

Tyson and I went on our honeymoon to Hawaii. It was my first time there and Tyson's fourth time. His first real time because the others were for basketball. We had a blast! We did lots of fun activities, swimming with sharks, Dole Plantation, horse back riding at Turtle Bay, PCC, ate some of the best food we have ever had, and best of all just relaxing on the beach.

We were deciding between swimming with dolphins are sharks! The sharks won. I am not one to get very nervous, but swimming with sharks was crazy. My legs kept going through the cage and out into the open sea.

Tyson was sweet to take me to the shrimp shacks. He is not a big fan but ate an entire plate of fresh shrimp for me. I thought it was fantastic.

Turtle Bay was beautiful. Riding horses on the beach has always been a dream of mine. Tyson got the sassy horse while I got the sweet calm horse, a little bit of both of our personalities. We were able to ride the horses where LOST was filmed and where the next Pirate's of the Caribbean is being filmed.

The PCC was wonderful! I loved being surrounded by such rich culture. The food and dancing were outstanding. The night show was our favorite part. People say it is over priced and over rated, but I have to disagree.

If you ever go to Hawaii you must make a stop at the Dole Plantation. They have the most fabulous pineapple dessert. Our favorite food stop was this little restaurant called Boots and Kimos. They have macadamia pancakes and the tastiest omelets. We went twice. We were able to stay an extra day because our flight was cancelled. All in all our honeymoon was GREAT, we miss it already!!!!