Sunday, March 24, 2013

Virtual 5k in Alamo, NV

I feel like it was forever ago that we were in Montana and I registered for Sandy Hook Virtual 5k, having no idea where I would be running it at. Well having been our traveling day, running was last thing on my mind but Kristina came over and pushed me into my running shoes. I'm so glad she did!

Funny when I registered I thought for sure I'd be running in 6 layers of clothing and fighting my way through a snow storm... not going to lie yesterday's run I wished I would have lost another layer. Sorry to my running buddies in the snow! ;)

We ended up running my faster 5k at 29:21. I'm giving Kristina the credit for the time, she defiantly kept me pushing. It was in the afternoon so we were able to go outta town a bit where normally I'd avoid because of lack of street lights. Turns out Alamo has some nasty hills and that are sure to give us some sexy calves if we keep that up!

I look forward to many more runs with this girl and earning our summer bods!

Officially married to a JL

Wow. I think I'm still speechless. I am officially married to journeyman lineman. Just wow.

6 months of being a grunt.
3 years and 4 months being an apprentice.
9 states.
Roughly 15 cities.
11 months of total lay off (this makes us a little sick...)
15 month engagement.
2 trailers.
1 crazy trailer dog .
1 pregnancy with 2 obgyns.
1 baby with 4 pediatrician.
Too many missed events at home.
So many tears, laughs and memories made on the road.

Its been a huge sacrifice that my husband has made to get to this point. Mike earned every single hour to his journeyman ticket. He's missed family reunions, birthdays, holidays, and too many family/friend events to even begin to count. I've made sacrifices. I've lived in a trailer for two years. I gave up my career to keep my family together and support Mike 100%. We've had to learn how to relay on only each other to push through the lay offs and last minute moves. We have an incredible story and strong married to prove it.

Its a long haul to reach this point but we made it. I am so proud of my husband for his dedication, hard work, and continually effort to learn everything he can about being a safe, efficient power lineman. I am proud of myself for making the tough decision to pack up my life to go with Mike, that I pushed myself to stay busy, and raise a baby in a trailer.

We got up early Friday morning and instantly both felt that sick to your stomach, mammoth butterfly feeling you get when something big is coming. We went to the Mountain States Apprenticeship office to drop off his hours, than we met up with our friends Brandon & Astra (Brandon is a mtn states 4th step and Astra has turned into one my most treasured friends.) We went to lunch to wait for the okay to go to Local 57 to pick up the ticket. After a yummy breakfast we all headed to the union hall. It felt so surreal walking in and watching Mike tell him why we were there. There is such a pride in this job that is so cool to see. The guy gave Mike a nice speech and a hand shake (all while I was mentally trying not to tear up!) We weren't there long but I doubt we'll ever forget that day. Thank you again Brandon and Astra, you two being there made that day extra special. Your friendship is defiantly a lifelong one... we can't wait to be sitting back home watching our kids run around, drinking cold ones, and remembering back on the tough days of the apprenticeship. We love you three!!

The rest of our trip was filled with a little shopping, pool time, food, celebratory drinks and lots of relaxing.
dropping off final hours! (he's not excited at all...)

LOVE this girl!! (and brandon & baby u)
 

future lineman?

-so cool!

golden ticket!! so proud of this handsome husband of mine!
 
Before we left for SLC, one of the guys was laughing at me because I was saying it's been a long time coming and I kept saying "we". I thought at first he was making fun of me but than he got serious and said that I earned it too, Living on the road and supporting my husband every day. Hearing another lineman say that defiantly made me feel better. These 4 years have been filled with so many ups and downs but damn its been one hell of an adventure.


We keep getting asked what our plan is now. Truth is we aren't sure... we had it in our head we'd come home right away. But after the 6 hour drive back to Alamo we're really undecided. There are so many options, that's the beauty of the jl ticket! So I will say this...as of right now we're staying in Alamo. I'm loving the weather, Mike loves this job, I have Kristina with me now, we love our family sunday dinners and we aren't ready to decide. You all know I'll keep you updated on where and when we decide to move! :) 

 
So at risk of sounding like a broken record, I'll leave you with this. Thank you. Thank you friends & family who have cheered us along the way, wished Mike good luck during tests, sent me positive messages during tough trailer days and most importantly carried our journey in your prayers. I can't explain the look of pure happiness I got to see on my husbands face as he handed in his last time sheet, got handed his golden ticket and the goofy smile on his face as read each of your amazing/encouraging comments. We love you all.

Monday, March 18, 2013

St. Patty's in Pictures

I feel like yesterday was part dream because it went by too quickly. But I guess that's expected when Mike gets a day off and we have to cram grocery shopping in... seriously I really don't like grocery shopping anyways but this trip took the cake and confirmed my desire to never live in a town without an actual grocery store.

I woke up went for a quick run and hit the road to Vegas. All together it took me 6 hours to get there, shop and head home. Ridiculous. I felt like the insane coupon lady with over flowing carts. It was all worth... with a little magic it all fit and we are completely stocked up. (okay too much HP? am I only one who reeeally wishes they had a wand when it comes to cleaning/organizing?)

 Costco & Walmart I kinda wanted to hurt people after trying to fit everything in the carts... I didn't take an after pic of Costco but come on its Costco we all know how quickly we find stuff we neeeeed :)

To my happy surprise Jamba Juice was right next to the shopping center. Takes me back to my preggo days... and yes it was necessary to get the largest cup!


Longest flattest drive of my life.

 
But all that was worth it all said n done! We were finally able to squeeze in park time with Daddy! Having him home makes any bad day better!! Love my boys SO much!



Oh Yeah Karen I stocked up on WINE!! :)

 The Boys cooking. Don't mind the sweet new table clothe I bought for Colton... good thing these guys are thinkers and duct taped it down ;)
kabobs, pasta salad, watermelon and strawberry shortcake for dessert... perfect linefamily Sunday dinner.

and YES we got new neighbors!! Kristina and her boys made it in just in time for dessert :) so excited to go show them the town later!
 
So now we're back to Monday but this week I don't have to wait to Sunday to see more of Mike. Only 2 more days and we'll be in Salt Lake City!! :) I am so excited to spend a little time with my family, go shopping with one of my favorite people ever (Astra and Brandon will be in SLC at the same time, perfect!!), finally meet a few more linewives for drinks, and of course pick up the golden ticket!
 
Until than I'll be busy getting ready for our trip and packing up to move tonight. Either to another section in the park or to a new park. We're still dealing with power issues and I think my husband is about to blow a fuse. Ugh.
 
Hope everything had a fun St Patty's and got their fill of green beer! :)



Monday, March 11, 2013

Welcome Spring (and Dad!)

As some of you saw I cracked. Only 4 weeks into solitude living and I have decided I never want to live in this small of a town ever again. Or have my husband work 84 hours every single week. We were both exhausted and luckily our weekend break came at a perfect time... aka before we both had mental break downs or Mike just feel asleep on the job.

Last Friday Mike's day got rained out so after 25 days of him working 12 plus hours each day, he got to come home before 6! I knew all he was going to want to do was sleep so I took advantage and called and made a very much needed hair appointment in Vegas. It took about an hour and a half one way but man it was worth it. My hair had gone from unintentional ombre to straight up trailer trash hair. I was really nervous about going somewhere I had never been but thanks to Yelp and a little guts I found a good place to relax without Wes clinging on my legs. Amazing how getting your hair done turns into a mini vaca. 3 hours later, a fresh trim and the start of me going back blonde I was feeling very refreshed! I'm not going to lie it was pretty bittersweet I missed Wesson's whole dinner and bath routine but dad took over and did great. Besides I think me tearing up over that was just more reason I needed to go!

Also as I was out relaxing my dad was on his way to us! He had business in Bosie on Friday and decided to drive the 8 hours more and come visit us (uhm I mean Wesson.) It was so great to spend time with him. Mike had to work another full shift on Saturday so it was just us which worked out perfect. I've always had a great relationship with my dad but being able to show him my home, new town and hang out just us was extra special. He'll always be my dad but there's something pretty great when he turns into a great friend too.


of course he came on the coldest day in nv so far :) quick park time!
 
He was able to come with me to pick up my first bountiful basket Saturday morning. Thanks for my bitching about not having fresh fruits and veggies at the local gas station, Aunt Amy saved the day and hooked me up with a great deal! If you've never heard of them check out this link and order your first basket. I know a few people who do it back home but seriously its awesome. We got to walk to the elementary school, pick up my baskets and I got to give the grand tour of Alamo along the way.

my first basket! freshest fruit I've had in a month!
 

We finished our day out with dinner at Carlos and poker with the guys. If dad had more time we were taking him to Vegas. He smoked us! The trip ended way too quick but dang I'm so happy Dad made the time. It really meant a lot to me... its probably one of the coolest things to see your dad playing on the swings with your own son. :)

By the time Sunday came around Mike was so happy to be able to sleep in a little bit. Not much of course because we do have a loud child who I think was pretty excited to play with his dad finally! We started our day off with french toast with my dad before he headed back home. Than Mike and I loaded the truck up for a little hike around the lake. It was a beautiful area, defiantly different than back home. We traded in our beautiful pine trees for crazy looking cactus! I'm not sure why but we're not aloud to swim in the water, total bummer because it actually looked pretty clear. We got to see two little otters playing in the water. Luckily Remmi was off chasing birds, otherwise I'm not sure we'd have gotten him back!

we really need to invest in a new hiking back pack! luckily the was a paved path this time...

lovin the sunshine!

First Alamo hike!

so happy daddy is home to hang out!

joshua tree!
 
After our hike around the lake we found a little side road to check out. Mainly Mike kept saying he was looking for rocks that he could climb up in the truck with... some days I think he never aged past 18 ;) the further we drove down the canyon road, the spookier it got. We really are in the middle of no where Nevada. We came across these 3 wooden crosses up on the hill so of course we had to go check them out up close! They didn't look like graves but I'm sure they probably were. They looked like they'd been there awhile but someone is making sure they don't tip over with all the wires.
 
 
 
We had a good time making up stories why they were there :)
 
Our Sunday funday ended with sloppy joes, fries and beers with the guys and of course the newest episode of Walking Dead... well the first half anyways. All that sunshine made me extra sleepy!
 
Wesson's early Easter present from Grandma & Grandpa Schenck. Camping high chair! :) Perfect height for sharing with Remmi now...
 
All in all I had an excellent weekend. It was the perfect pick me up I needed... now only 10 more days until we head to SLC to pick up the Golden Ticket!!! and 2.5 weeks until Grandma gets to come visit for a week!! Countdowns make everything better :)