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