2017 year in Review

And I'll try again,

2017 year in review...
This year began with a lot of hope for what was to come. We had began to heal some from grieving my dad and things were beginning to look a little more bright. About 10 days into the year, my mother attended a drs appt and was eager to get home and had an accident in the drs office. She broke several ribs and had some other injuries and after spending the night at home, she was taken to the hospital. She only ever spent one more night in her own home. She spent 2 months trying to recover from this but in the end, it was more important to her to be with my dad. She fought a hard battle, but passed away March 18th, 2 days before her 80th birthday. Dan and I spent the next week helping get the house cleaned out (at least started) and things going as far as disbursement of their things.The month between January and March were pretty much consumed with this. we grew quite close with our next door neighbors who have become family (Charles and Gwen). Charles lost his mother only a couple of weeks before I lost mine. He has been much of a fill in father to me after my dad died and going through these experiences I feel made us all form a kind of bond. We met Charles through Kyler, then Kyler moved away (much to Charles' dismay).
In April, we lost a long time friend Glen. It was a shock. I guess they needed him in Heaven. Even though we live far away, this was a huge loss to our family. He was one of the true friends. AKA Candyman, Mr Mellow Yello, etc. We got to spend some time with Sam and Karl & Renae as they were here for Lizzie's dance competition. Also, had friends from Utah come visit. We were given tickets to Jimmy Buffet (Thanks Gwen), which was very cool! Also what made us look into the house seats program for locals here in Vegas. Learning about this has made it so we have been able to see a lot of Vegas and sort of live the Vegas life sometimes. Also makes it so we can take people to see things when they are in town. Pretty cool deal.
In May, we attended Lance and Lizzie's Wedding. Dan had the opportunity to be the photographer for this. It turned out very nice. Glad we were able to attend and be a part of this day. It was a good thing for our family as we all needed have some happy memories made.
June and July were consumed with changing of Dans job. He changed positions and companies, but never moved. The company he was working for "Solar City" merged with Tesla . This change has been a blessing and otherwise. Dan was promoted to Supervisor at his job.  We are still adjusting. It's pretty cool though, once people learn that Dan works for Tesla, he becomes the coolest guy in the room. Although he usually is anyway, it's pretty cool when this happens. Aubree and Matt purchased their first car. We got to see Natalie and Kelley for a few minutes. Jake got his drivers License. Also in July, My cousin Lori moved to LV and Aubree and Matt decided to move their wedding up (at my urging). It changed from March 2018 to October 2017. It was also the 1 year anniversary of my dad's death in July. Attended a few work friends birthday parties. (Dan's work people). Dan and I celebrated our 28th anniversary. We attended a dinner with all of the managers and supervisors and heard some pretty killer karaoke via Fernando. Then saw Frankie Moreno the next night. This one was one of Dans favorites.
In August Dan and I attended his family reunion in Hobble Creek Canyon in Utah. We camped, in a tent...enough said. It was a nice couple of days. We had to leave to get home for a work thing for Dan, but got stuck in stopped traffic for 3-4 hours less than 20 miles from home. Jake started his Junior year of High school. He is a student Leader and a pretty killer percussionist! Looking at a pretty sweet senior year. Only needs a few classes.
Between August and October, we were pretty much consumed with wedding planning. In September, my BIL Rick had an emergency quadruple bypass. He has always been kind of superman, so this was a little scary for everyone. He is doing well, when we were there for Aubree's bridal shower, just a few days later, he was up and at em like nothing had happened. So glad is is OK. he's pretty special to us. We got to attend a baby shower for Marilu's Daughter. It was pretty fun. MariLu is the bomb. She's very kind, and can make any kind of food and it is always delish. She even made Dan a Vegan Birthday cake. We got to see George Straight as well. 25th anniversary show from Pure Country.
On October 28th, Aj and Matt got married. Kyler married them, I was escorted down the isle by Jake, and Megan was a bridesmaid. All of my siblings were here. This was amazing to me. I even got to see some family and friends I hadn't seen in forever (Kathy, Lie,) and so many of my work people were there to support us. It was great. The wedding turned out pretty nice.  We attended weddings almost weekly before this one. Some of Dans work friends were getting married and one of them had him shoot their wedding reception. It was really fun. Many memories were made. I/we have gotten to meet some really cool people this year. Charles and Gwen moved, but they are very nearby so we are OK with it ;-)
November was pretty low key, we had Thanksgiving here, just us and Lori. We learned that even though he tried hard, Dan does not like Tofurkey...LOL.
Jim & Shirley were here for Christmas. Kyler came down as well and Lori came over. All in all we had a pretty nice Christmas.
Now we start 2018 with hope that this will be the year we meet our goals and have no losses.

Happy New Year! Wish you all a happy and healthy 2018!

It Is Time to Update...It's Been Too Long

It has been far too long since I posted last. Life has gone straight on with no regard for time. I can definitely say that in the 7 months since I last posted, our lives have dramatically changed.  

Kyler was laid off from his job at Solar City. There were several things that looked like they were going to change and work out for him,including being transferred to Honolulu, HI. When all was said and done though, he didn't go to HI and was laid off. This was a major blow for him. This job was so good. He was making good money and seemed to almost fit in where he was at. One thing it did do was find him some new fairly good friends. Hopefully this company will be back installing in Nevada again soon. The pic below is the crew he was on just before they all got laid off and went their separate ways.

Kyler now works for Roush, test driving pre production cars. This is pretty much his dream job. Things are hopefully looking up for him. 

Megan has been at her job at WinCo for a year and a half and is doing well. She is finally getting pretty close to full time hours.

Aubree graduated from High School at Legacy. 

We are so proud of her. She has been working at Capriottis which has been interesting. She is continuously looking for something else but has stuck with it. Matt (AKA Foxtails) lives with us now. They are working toward getting on their own and getting married eventually, etc. 

Jake is still involved in everything. He had made a decision to forgo football this year because he has a full honors schedule at school, but after much convincing from friends,teammates, coaches, etc, he has decided he is going to try it. He will be one busy guy. Between football and band and school he is gone around 15 hours a day. 


Number 62...

Band.

Second row from the front 5th from the left next to the big bass drum.

Probably the biggest change in our lives came 10 days ago...

A little background. Dan's mom and aunts have a "sisters reunion" every year. We had told them we were not coming. We had just thrown the 60th anniversary for my parents in June and we really just didn't have the time or means to go to this reunion. Dan's dad was having brain surgery on the 11th of July and the reunion was from 8th-10th. On Tuesday the 5th Dan and I were sitting on the patio enjoying the evening and were discussing all of this and that we both just really felt we needed to go. No real reason, just a strong feeling. Every now and then we have had this happen and it always turns out to be a good thing so we pay attention. Long story short, we figured out and finagled things so we could go. Friday at noon we left for Utah. Me,Dan, Megan, and Jake. The kids would be sleeping in a tent and Dan and I in the car. Well, we spent the evening there at the camp with the family. It was nice. During the night, I started feeling uneasy. I sort of passed it off that it was my addiction to my phone and I was having withdrawls with no signal. The feeling continued on throughout the morning. Around noon Dan and I decided to drive down the canyon to where there was signal so we could check in with the kids, etc. When we drove in to signal, my phone just lit up with notifications and was dinging and making all kinds of sounds. Christy, call someone in the family. Christy, please call... I then really got scared. The more messages I read and listened to the more I knew what was coming. We had not told my parents we were coming and had planned to surprise them on Sunday morning. Well, I finally called to see what was going on when I made Lori tell me. She reluctantly told me my dad had died a few minutes earlier. They could not get a hold of me. My brother was driving up the canyon searching all campgrounds looking for us. While I had known this was going to happen sooner than later, I was not prepared to hear that. I don't think I have ever felt that much sorrow before. We immediately turned around and went back to camp and Dan packed everything up and we left for moms. I will never forget the support and love shown to me by the family while we were at the camp and Dan was getting things ready to leave. It was amazing. About that time Travis and Jessica found us as well. I already knew. We knew at that point what are reasons for going were and why it was so important. Even though my dad had not been told we would be there, I believe he knew somehow and that it would be OK to rest because my mom and all of us would be there together to take care of her and each other. While I am deeply sad that my dad is gone, I am thrilled that he is no longer suffering and that my brother is getting the time with him he has waited 48 years for. My intuition has never led me wrong. Sometimes it doesn't give me good instructions, but it always makes me take action. As we went through the next several days, I felt like I was in a really bad nightmare. It couldn't be real. I had moved away and didn't see my parents very often, but how could my dad be gone? I am still 10 days out feeling a little like I'm not really here and pretty lost, but slowly as the days go by I'm returning back to whatever normality is. I honestly don't know what I would have done without Dan. He was right by my side every second and if he wasn't right there he was right by my mothers side. He wrote the obituary. Helped me deliver a life sketch, he made sure the newspaper had the notice in it and that the program for the funeral was in order, and a whole lot of other things. I have thanked God every day for years for him, but this has (if it's even possible) made me love and appreciate him even more. I am so lucky to have him. My dad loved him as well. This experience has been very hard for me, but I'm moving forward and doing my best to make my dad proud. I believe he has been proud of me and us, even when he didn't necessarily agree with our decisions.He loved us anyway. I tell people now that I now have a guardian angel watching over me/us. Here are a few pictures from the services etc. 



Jake wearing Dad's suit. We didn't have his dress clothes with us and it just so happened that mom had a suit of dads that was just cleaned (still in the plastic)and she told him to try it on. It fit perfectly. She gave it to him and he wore it proudly. It was something special to him. 

The pic above makes me cry every time. Look at all of those boys and men. This is a major part of the legacy my dad has left. All of these are walking in his footsteps proudly. 

When Dan and I returned to work yesterday, we were met with cards and gifts and hugs, etc. It has been amazing the support we have received from our jobs and our friends here and in Utah. We are so appreciative of this. It has been wonderful. 
 
What was waiting for me at work upon my return.  Dan also received a card. It has really helped us to feel loved and cared about during this time. Special thanks to Meredith and Emily who have just sat and listened to me talk. They have no idea how much it helps me.  

OK, so I need to stop writing now so I can compose myself again and go to sleep. Work comes early. I have found though that talking and writing what I feel is really a big help for me. Hopefully the next update will be a whole other experience. 

Thanks for reading.

~Christy


Additional note:
Jim's surgery went well and he was home the next day and is doing better than we would have expected. Time will tell if it helps all of the issues he faces, but for now, he is no longer having headaches and things in that regard. It's a good step. 

It's 2016

A few minutes ago I was lying in bed talking to Dan. He asked me if I was OK. My reply......NO, I'm really mad for some reason.  I have no idea for what reason or at who, I just feel really mad and angry and the moment. He said, OK, I'll just roll over here and go to sleep and hope it's not me your mad at. Just for clarification, I am not mad at him. I am however feeling very angry. I don't think it's really at any one person or thing. I am just really tired of feeling this way. Life really is very good for us right now. I think the anger I feel is from feeling like there isn't really anywhere to be or even talk to that is not in some kind of conflict. I have, over the past year especially, worked very hard to have a positive outlook and try to be happy. I will admit that I'm not perfect at it, but I have really tried. 

Here are a few good things, highlights if you will, that have happened over the past while. 

I recently, on January 5th, passed my probation at work. An entire year (to the day) of 100% intense evaluation and review. This brings with it a promotion and a raise. It also, and most importantly, brings with it very good job security. This, is quite literally the best thing I could ask for, especially now. I still have a lot to learn, but the worst part is in the past and I can now focus on getting better and learning more. Sometimes working in a welfare office can be draining, sometimes I have to keep myself from walking away, but in the end, it's really a good job that has made me proud of myself for not only getting, but keeping and perfecting. It's never dull. There is always something going on. 

Dan has been at his job at Solar City for 10 months. Even though I have a pretty good paying job, he has managed to out earn me by around a third. It has never been handed to him, he works A LOT, has earned every penny. More importantly, he has earned the respect and confidence from his employer and colleagues. Between the two of us, we are doing a pretty good job of taking care of ourselves and our family, and even be able to have a little fun every now and then. We were just talking earlier today that we are so close to having things in order and being able to plan and work towards a future. A feeling we are not used to, but happy to be having. 

Kyler has been working at Solar City since July. He started as an installer and in November/December was moved to the warehouse. He has really done well at this job. He is making good money for a 21 year old and has made a decent impression. Dan was speaking to someone from the warehouse the other day who mentioned that he was the hardest worker in the place and they would recommend him to anyone if asked. This could be a real need as our legislature just passed a bill that made it so SC had to shut down all installations in Nevada so almost all the installers were laid off and the warehouse workers are being either laid off or transferred. It is looking like there is a real possibility that Kyler will be moving to Norwalk California with a transfer for his job. Things are still up in the air with this, we will see what happens hopefully soon. We are happy to see him finally succeeding with a job and liking it. He has made some good friends and connections there. Thus, one of the reasons he will likely transfer and didn't get laid off. 

Megan is still at WinCo.She will be there a year on the 31st. She has struggled to have work hours enough to make her ends meet, but recently she has been getting more hours and responsibility at work. She has made many friends there and outside of work. We are proud that our kids are showing good work ethic and getting noticed for it. She is counted on a lot here at home. She is a huge help keeping the house together. With Dan and I both working full time and all day, she is a big help to make things go somewhat smoothly. 

Aubree just turned 18 on December 15th. After finals this next week at school , she will only have to go half days at school. Her graduation is set for June 9th at the Thomas and Mack Center at UNLV. Anyone who would like to come is welcomed and she/we would love for her to have a nice support group here to see her. She has a boyfriend for almost a year now. He is really nice and really cares for her. She is currently looking for a job and finishing school. She is doing well. 

Jake is finally not crazy busy for a bit. Football is over and marching band is only every now and then. They are in the MLK parade on the 18th, but other than that he actually gets to come home after school most days. He will be going on a trip to Santa Monica over Memorial Day where the marching band will be in the local parade there. He's pretty excited, last year it was football in San Diego and this year band in Santa Monica. He has made some good friends and is excelling in pretty much everything he does. 

We have our 4 furry family members. They re all happy and healthy. Sometimes even a little ornery ;-) 

See, we have a lot of happy things and good things happening for us. Not sure why I feel this way. I do think though that sometimes it's just simply because I can't understand how people in the world can be so mean and cruel to each other. I have never been comfortable in a contentious setting. It really bothers me. Unfortunately it is everywhere these days. You can't even turn on the news or anything without it. We watched a football game tonight and there were fights and all kinds of badness on there. I wish every day for some peace in the word. Not holding my breath...

I really feel that 2016 is going to be our year. It is already starting out far better than most have for us. Excited to see what's in store for us. Hopefully I will get over this overwhelming feeling of anger. Don't have time for that. 

Happy New Year everyone....

~Christy

One Year Down....

So, the last week has been kind of emotional for me. I have had some real reflection going on. Not to mention there are some other things that have run through my mind and have been fairly emotional. I am doing better now. Just had to reflect I guess. 

First off, I guess I will just go back to a year ago. This week in 2014 was one of the most busy, happy, scary, tiring, and emotional that I/we have ever experiences. We closed on the selling of our Orem house on Monday, had bought a big camp trailer to stay in for the week and Dan to stay in for a while afterward, then on Tuesday we packed up our house and drove away from it. While at least I was completely ready for this to happen, it was very much an emotional time for me. It was saying goodbye to the place we had made our home. Wednesday we said our goodbyes, etc and then bright and early Thursday morning, July 24th, we got in the uhaul, the tahoe with a trailer in tow, and in Dan's car and we drove off to our new life/home/adventure in Las Vegas. We quite literally left rain and gloomy weather in Provo, and drove right into sunny blue skies in Las Vegas. In fact, the day we moved in it was 112 degrees here. I said to everyone, if we can move in this type of heat, we don't have anything to worry about. We will be OK. The next morning I went and tested for the job I now have. We had no idea that taking the test was just a step to the interview. We thought it meant something else completely. Well, I have it now, but it took 5 months and one job at WinCo to get. Dan stayed in Utah for a couple of months and worked, waiting for the transfer we thought he was getting, but that didn't happen either, so we chose to live off of savings for a bit and he finally moved here with us the end of September. Kyler soon followed in November. He gave it a good shot at being independent and living on his own, but he realized that maybe some help from us for a bit would be beneficial. He came at Thanksgiving and stayed. 

Dan worked a few different security jobs to get through during the "winter" while I worked at WinCo. Dan had applied at a company named Solar City several times and interviewed and tested several times and was getting somewhat discouraged.  Megan worked some security jobs as well. It was scary for a few months, but on December 18th, things started to turn around. Dan and I had decided to take a few minutes to ourselves. We had to run to the grocery store for something and were talking about how worried we were about things and wondering what in the world we were going to do for Christmas, etc. Yes our kids are older and they knew the situation, but you know, it's Christmas. Then my phone rang. It was a woman named Linda. She said she was with the State of Nevada and wondered if I was still interested in the job with the Welfare office. I said yes, why? She said "because I am calling to offer you a position!" I told her that absolutely I was. She gave me some specifics and then said she was glad I accepted and that I sounded very happy. I thanked her for calling and said that I wasn't surprised she could hear the happiness in my voice. That she had quite literally given me a wonderful birthday gift (December 19th) and that I was very grateful and would have a good birthday because of it. She mentioned that her was on the 20th and she was happy to have been able to do it. Then, 5 days later on the 23rd of December, Dan got several offers for jobs. He had applied everywhere but the D hotel and casino had offered him a position with there security dept. So there was Christmas. Dan and I had a pretty lean Christmas and so did the kids, but having the worry lifted was probably the best gift we could have received. I went to work on January 5th and he went like the next week. Leaving WinCo was sort of hard because I really gained a connection there, but there was no question where I should be. About a month later Dan got a call from Solar City for an interview. He was pretty discouraged with how many times they had strung him a long, but then they offered him a position there that took him off his feet 12-14 hours a day and more opportunity to move up so he took it. He started the in March, the same week I was doing OJT for my job. He LOVES his job and that he is helping the environment while doing it. 

I have now been at my job for almost 7 months, have graduated the "academy" for it and am working in the Nellis office. Dan is scheduling installs for solar power and loving  his job, Megan started in January at WinCo, and Kyler just started last Monday as an installer for Solar City. Things have definitely been like riding a roller coaster the last year, but we seem to be kind of smoothly sailing at the moment. We are always cautious, but doing fairly well and looking forward to our future.

Aubree is a senior at Legacy High School and only has 3 classes required this year. She is hoping to go to cosmetology school after graduating. Jake is involved in everything under the sun. He is a freshman at Legacy and is in Marching Band, Jazz Band, and Concert Band as a drummer, is on the Freshman football team and is pretty much always gone somewhere with someone. Next week he is going to Zions for scout "camp". Then the next two weeks are band camp and football hell week.

We are crazy busy all the time, but it is so nice to be busy and involved and enjoying life. It is still stressful at times, but that is reality. We will be fine. 

We went to Utah over the 4th of July as Anna and her family were visiting. It was nice to see them and everyone.  We also got to meet Anna's grandparents who we have been talking to over Facebook for years. They are really cool and we are very happy we got to meet them. 

There was a point though that I haven't been able to get out of my mind. Dan and I took a walk past our old house and it made me cry. The house was good as far as I could tell, but the yard was in horrible condition. The weeds were almost as tall as me in some places and it just was something that hurt. We had put a lot of effort into making the yard nice.  I know, we sold it and I have left it behind and I am fine now, but it really bothered me for a bit. Going there after being here for almost a year made me realize even more that we made the right decision. We fit here. 

I also had a point where it hit me that some of these times might be the last times I see people. I had to resolve myself to the knowledge that when I moved I was taking care of myself and my family. I had to put the safety and care of some in the hands of others. I had to trust my siblings and others to take care of my parents, not that they weren't already, but that was probably one of the hardest things for me.   I see that people are taking care of them, and it makes me feel more at ease. Over the last few weeks though I have known of issues going on with my dad and I have begun to worry about him a lot. I really don't know what I would do without either of them, but know that I need to prepare myself for the reality. I'm not sure I have been dealing well with this, but I'm working on it. Emotionally I have my moments, but I just hope they know and can feel my love and thoughts. I had to take care and do what was best for my family, what they taught me to do, and that is what I did. All of this on top of having to again say goodbye to Anna and her family was a little more emotional trauma than I could take some of the past few weeks, but apparently I'm a fighter and I will make it. I thank God for Dan every day. Not sure I would know how to function without him and certainly wouldn't have made it through many of these things if I didn't. He's my rock. I feel bad for him some days, but he says he is here for the duration, so I at least try not to make it too hard for him ;-) 

OK, so now that I have written a long post, I guess I will let it end. I'll try to do better at keeping this up in case there are still any people reading it. We are happy and doing fairly well.

~Christy 

Hi Ho Hi Ho It's Off to Work We Go!

Nora, Sherry, and me Selfie! 

It's been a while since there has been a real update here, so I thought I would write a few things. 

Me, Sherry, Nora, and Nerrisa (who is my neighbor)

Me and Donna. Back row Divas!

Proof I did it!

Me and Richard and Omar! Best trainers ever!

Me, Chandra, Michelle, and Diane

We have lived here in Las Vegas for almost 9 months now. Still loving it and finally getting somewhat settled in. It took me several months to find a job and get hired, but WinCo was really good to me for 4 months. I worked there from the beginning of October to the end of January. I mentioned in a previous post that for my birthday, I was offered a job working for the State of Nevada Welfare. I started training for that job on the 5th of January. I "graduated" from the academy on March 20th. The first thing that I have actually graduated and received a certificate for doing. I know it sounds corny, but this was a HUGE accomplishment for me. I have now been working in my office, doing my job for 2 weeks and still enjoying myself. Don't get me wrong, there are some pretty challenging things and I have been on an emotional roller coaster, but I have made many friends in the academy and a few in the office and hope to make this my job that I will eventually retire from in many many years ;-) Or at least something still in the state system. I found out  during this time that Nerissa lives 5 houses from me. Pretty cool! There are a few specific people in the academy that I really feel I connected with and miss every day. I had a VERY good set of trainers and  really couldn't have had a much better experience while make this major transition in my life. Here are a few pics from the last week and "graduation".   Anyway, that is what has been happening with me. I felt fairly confident when I came home on Friday. This is a very good thing. I hope I am able to keep gaining that confidence and excel at this job. 

Dan started working in January for The D. A hotel/casino in Downtown LV. He loved that job as he got to meet many people and be in the thick of things, but another job came along starting in March that we decided was a better fit as it wasn't as physically taxing as the D and he has a much better chance of promoting in the company. He has been working for Solar City for about a month now and still loves it. He schedules and prepares people to get solar energy systems in their homes.  His offices that he works with are Cape Cod and South Shore (Hint hint Sharon Bramhall. He may get to visit sometime ;-) Everyone loves him everywhere he works or goes, so it is turning out quite well for him. Plus, he can grow his beard and hair here. This makes him very happy. We are starting to get things together and almost be able to breath and enjoy our new lives. 

Kyler has been working for Vivnt doing system installs, but recently changed to Sales. He spent some time in California and had a little success. He is looking for something else more stable but hanging on to this one as it is at least something coming in. He turned 21 on the 31st of March. Turning 21 in Las Vegas opens up A LOT of opportunity for employment. 

Megan has been working at Winco in the Deli since the end of January. She seems to like it. She recently bought herself a car. She did it all on her own and is definitely learning the joys of adulthood and responsibility. She has mad many new friends here. She participates in the local singles ward and loves her ward family. 

Nora, John, Gio, Sherry, Me. Original Owens peeps,
Gio wasn't at Owens, but a new friend. 

Aubree is getting ready to finish her junior year of high school. She only has to take 3 classes next year to graduate, but is filling up her schedule so as to be a little ahead. She is looking into all of the cosmetology schools here and      hopes to get into one next year. She is taking her dad's advice and taking some business classes next year so once she has her cosmetology degree and some business classes behind her she can not only beautify a person, but run her own business doing it. She has a boyfriend named Matthew. Everyone calls him "Foxtails". He is nice and a pretty decent guy. Aubree has been made the unofficial poster maker for Jake's football team. 

Jake is finishing the 8th grade. The high school football team is already excited for him to be coming. Right now he is playing for the local league on the LV Saints team as their Center. He plays sometimes as a defensive tackle as well. He is almost 14 and has made all kinds of friends.  He is a lot like his dad and everyone loves him everywhere he goes. Dan is sort of the unofficial team photographer for Jake's team. If you want to see more pics you can find them on Dan's profile.

Kind of scary to me that our baby is going to high school. How did I get this old?? 

This weekend has been pretty good. Did some spring cleaning and stuff. I find myself trying to stay away from social media on this weekend twice a year. I have lost too many...So happy I can talk to Dan and to some of my friends and at least let some feelings out.  I would bet many people who haven't been around me for a while wouldn't recognize me as the same person. I may look the same, but I'm a much different person as far as reactions and stress levels. It helps not feeling sick and in pain all of the time and having Dan here to lean on. I can't express enough how much I love him. He has been right there for me through A LOT. 

 I am going to post a few more pics of everyone else now. Hope everyone is have a great Easter and wishing happiness for all. 

Picnic with Dan at work on Easter

Jake snapping the ball

Megan's new car

Just a short little note. We will be posting a longer, better post sometime after Friday morning. There has been A LOT going on in our lives and we simply haven't had the time to post much on here.

For now, I will find a happy pic to post and ask you to stay tuned....




~Christy

2015! Bring it on!!!

So this is a picture of us on Christmas Eve 2014. Notice we are in bare feet and short sleeves, etc. It was pretty warm, around 70 degrees that day and the ones leading up to it. The week after Christmas was pretty cold, at least for Vegas standards. It was in the 20's at night and only 30's in the day. Snow was forecasted but never actually happened, at least not in Las Vegas. It did fall in many surrounding areas all the way around. Kind of crazy. 

Christmas this year was small and quiet, well, except for Jake keeping us entertained on his drumset he got for Christmas. He pretty much was the only one that got anything big. We all decided that this would be what happened. He loves them and it is helping further his schooling and stuff. Plus, they were on a pretty great deal. I'll see if I can post the little video we have of him playing for us on Christmas morning. He's pretty good. 

So the day after we moved here (so July 25th) I was scheduled to test for a job with the state of Nevada. It was for a position in the job connect area. I took the test and passed it, but did not even get an interview for that position. It was then that we learned that things here a completely different when it comes to hiring practices than they were in Utah. It was a little while, applying for everything either I or Dan were even remotely qualified for before this position came open. I interviewed for it in the beginning of October, but was not selected. At that point I saw the position posted again I applied again and again was called in the middle of November for an interview. This time I knew what they were going to ask me and had an entirely different way prepared. I focused on a different set of experience and was much more relaxed in the interview because I had done it before and I think having Dan here and driving me there gave me a little moral support that calmed me a little. I told him when the interview was over that I felt I had that position but I was too scared to hope for it or think about it.I have been and continue to work at Winco as a checker. This is a good place to work, however, it is not a steady income and is hard sometimes to count on. Very grateful I have it though. They have been pretty good to me.The state told me when I interviewed that I might not hear anything until the end of December, so I had a time frame. As the weeks went by I started losing hope more and more, but really felt as though this job was mine. So late in the afternoon of December 18th, Dan and I had to run an errand and while we were out I got a phone call, it was from the state of Nevada Welfare Services. The offered me the job! I was so excited. It was the best birthday present ever/ I start this job on Monday. I am incredibly nervous, but excited. My prayers were answered. Then, on the 23rd, after 3 months of searching and Dan coming to the point of craziness because he didn't have a job, he got 4 offers within 24 hours. He will start his new job as security at the D hotel and casino. He had already accepted another position, but decided to go to this interview anyway just to see what they had to offer, they hired him on the spot and basically told him that as soon as he was trained he would be promoted to supervisor. So this was our Christmas gift. I can't say enough how grateful I am for this. I have known in my heart and soul that we belong here for a reason and while I have not always felt secure about how things were going, I have had a crazy peace that everything was going to work out.This appears to be what is happening now. All I can do is be thankful for everything and everyone who has helped us along the way. Now we just go forth and rock these new jobs and everything will be as it should be and maybe we will get to live the life we have work so hard to obtain. 

Kyler is again installing systems for Vivint. We are very happy and appreciative to Derek for helping him get situated with this here. While we would be much more comfortable if he would get a different job with more secure hours, we are happy that he has one to go to. He is adjusting to life here and has been doing pretty well to help us around the house and so forth. 

Megan is still working on call with the security company, but hopefully if things work out well she will be working in the deli at Winco soon, or at Sonic in the local wal mart. She has found the local singles ward here and has been participating with that. Making new friends. 

Aubree is focusing on school and being encouraged to get a job. She is involved with the YW in the local ward and seems to enjoy herself. The ward here has been wonderful to us. They are aware of our family and how we feel about things and have just been there when asked. The have been very welcoming and non judging of us and our kids and we really appreciate that.    

Jake is between football seasons and spends time playing drums and is  in the jazz band at school. He appears to be somewhat of a ladies man and usually has girls hanging around. (he will freak when he reads this ;-)

We are looking to 2015 with much hope and encouragement. It's going to be great! 

Happy New Year!!!

~Christy