The Nelsonian! All Nelson News, All the Time!
It's been a long time since I posted anything in this blog. I can now face my blog. Not long ago, I couldn't really face anything, but now I am back in the saddle. What happened? Right after my last post....right after Christmas....our lives became very, very difficult. Some things are just personal and non-shareable. Others I will share The biggest struggle we had was Travis lost his job...two days after Christmas. I felt panic, but Travis felt peace. He told me not to worry...he would get a job...but he felt it would take a little while, but once he got it, it would be the job that he called his career. For three and a half months there were no interviews, no call backs. It was fun having daddy home with us all the time, but super stressful as well. Every day that Travis was home was a day we had no income. We survived on my student loan, tax return, cashing out retirement, selling a bike, returning clothes bought....pretty much anything we could do to survive. In the middle of it all, I got pneumonia, Connor got double ear infections everyone got colds. (And no insurance)
Needless to say, we had a very rough start to the year. But.......we prayed....we prayed very hard. Who ever could make it to church, went to church and we prayed and prayed. I begged the Lord for solutions and help. The message I constantly received was, "In my own time and my own way. Be patient." I cried and prayed some more and waited.
One day Travis said, "I applied to the funeral people again. I keep thinking about them. I keep remembering my experiences in dealing with the people when Kim died. I feel like it's something I'd like to do. To help people." (Kim was Travis's sister that died of brain cancer in 1997)
I told him if he felt that strongly, then he needed to be more forward. Don't just fill out an online application, call them. I told him he needed to actually meet people face to face and let them see that he is more than just another applicant. He's good at conversation. He needed to talk to someone. So Travis sent an email to the local funeral home that was listed with the job opening. (The application was with the corporation) Fifteen minutes later, Travis got a phone call. He spoke to the sales manager, Renee. She scheduled an interview and asked him to fax her his resume.
A couple of days later, Travis met with Renee. After talking to him for a while she told him, "You know, looking at your resume and seeing that most of your experience was retail, I really thought you were not going to be a good fit, but I met with you as a formality and was fully prepared to tell you thanks, but no thanks. Now!....after talking to you and seeing what kind of person you are....you are going to be my rock star!"
I actually was given the chance to say I told you so! Renee had Travis meet her boss, then he had to do three background checks, a drug test and take (and pass) the state life insurance exam. (All of which came out of our empty pockets...which we will be reimbursed soon...but it was just one more obstacle)
Eleven days ago, Travis officially started working for Dignity Memorial. His office is at the Sequim Valley Funeral Chapel. He is a Family Service Advisor. He will be selling pre-need plans to people and helping with funerals etc. He has already delivered ashes to a memorial service and sat in with grieving families planning the funerals for their loved ones. It sounds like a depressing job, but it feels right. After all of those very difficult days of worry....we now feel peace. It is a good job. He has a great boss. There is a potential for making a very good living. There is a light at the end of the tunnel...and my favorite little decorative doohickey, that says "prayer changes things"...it was right!
Elizabeth helped me run errands and get my packages all sent. Everyone has their gifts from us now. Phew. I love her princess Santa hat!
Jingle Mouse got interesting for a night. He entertained in Izdet's doll house.
It snowed. We built a snowman. It rained. The snowman melted...all in a 24 hour period. It was actually nice that way.
Saturday, while the younger three and I were at the church, Joseph and Travis were at the Minnoch's house. A deer threw herself into our van and shattered the headlight, so Jason, the amazing one, helped us install a new one. Jason has a great big snazzy garage....filled with boy toys. Joseph was in heaven! Here are some pictures of Joseph and the "toys". (When did he get so big?!)
A quick catch up....Jingle Mouse came on Friday night and brought a bag of change and a note...think of others...donate this money to the Salvation Army. There was some arguing and much rudeness in the house Saturday night, so Sunday morning, Jingle Mouse hadn't budged. (Mostly cause mommy fell asleep) The kids understood that they need to try harder to get along, so this morning they discovered Jingle back on the move....and eating a healthy carrot!
Saturday morning we went to the church and practiced for the Primary program and then they decorated cookies. Sunday, I admit, my kids were awesome in the program. All three said their parts and sang the songs. I was so proud.
Also, on Sunday, we woke up to frozen pipes in the bathroom. I admit, I panicked. Our friend, Jason, called me and told me just to run the water and heat up the house and it would probably thaw. 5 hours of running the water and turning the house in to a sauna, it thawed. I was so grateful because I really didn't want to have to call Landmark. They sent us a letter and warned us to be careful with the pipes. I didn't think too much of it because we are always home, the house is always warm....except while we are sleeping...and it's 14° outside....oops. Lesson learned.
I'm off to write my last paper and study for my last final until next year.Oh, and clean the oven out cause the element broke last night.
Tonight was the Christmas party. Lasagna, salad, rolls and desserts galore. The kids loved the food, were excited to see that my homemade rolls were the first to go, and had fun singing. Of course the best part was seeing the man in red. Travis had to work, so it was just me...I take the kids to church on my own all the time, but a party with a buffet table..including a fondue fountain...I kinda lost control. We took daddy a plate of food after it was over and now we are watching movies and having a dinner party (while mommy studies). It was a fun night!
Jingle Mouse brought ring pops and played in Dora's casa. I'm afraid he's not super creative at the moment.....Mommy has finals this week and this weekend, so until this weekend is over, mommy isn't feeling the Christmas spirit too much....but starting next week...partay!
Connor woke up in the middle of the night with the pukes. I'm not sure what he has...no fever or other symptoms...I guess we just have to keep up the tradition of one person being sick right before Christmas. :-)
Jingle mouse appeared in a parade today. I was desperate for something simple (thanks to the pukeathon), and was afraid that the kids would say it was totally lame, but they all thought it was funny and cute and Elizabeth was beside herself to see HER animals taking Jingle Mouse for a ride in a parade.
