2018 has been a memorable one and I cannot believe it is over.
We did a lot of traveling during the year while I was working for SkyWest Airlines in their Maintenance Department as a Records Specialist.
(SkyWest Airlines plane in Kalispell, MT)
In January we went to Thermopolis, Wyoming to visit my mission and enjoy the hot springs. It was great to go back, visit many great people from my mission and enjoy my husband's birthday there.
(Sulfur Hot Springs; Thermopolis, WY)
(Sulfur Hot Springs; Thermopolis, WY)
In February, I entered the Mountain America Credit Union Valentine's Day Giveaway and won the Grand Prize with 4 DOZEN ROSES and $100 to SEE'S CANDIES. I shared most everything with my 30+ co-workers. Also at the end of February, we decided we were ready for a puppy to love on after I had given Annabelle to a new family, which she is very happy with. We found Leo, an Australian Shephard/Pomeranian mix. We love him dearly and he has been the perfect addition to our family since.
(4 dozen roses I won)
(Leo, our Aussie/Pomeranian)
In April we went to Oahu, Hawaii for my birthday and had a blast visiting Pearl Harbor, the Laie Temple, snorkeling where we saw Nemo and an Octopus, ate yummy Hawaiian food and drove around the whole island.
(Laie, HI)
In May, We flew to Baltimore, Maryland to visit Charles's friend, Luke who took us to all the sites of Washington D.C. as well as Gettysburg. Unfortunately, while in Arlington Cemetery, I was a dork and was hoping and skipping around, kicked my husband in the butt teasingly, landed wrong on my foot rolling my ankle and I fractured my tibia bone.. I was then stuck in a boot for 6 weeks. But the trip was still great and worth it!
(Fractured ankle)
(Lincoln Memorial, Washington D.C.)
(Washington D.C. Temple)
(Gettysburg Battlefield)
(Arlington National Cemetery)
In June, We were able to join my mother and brother, Ashley in Minnesota with my mother's family for a family reunion and some other fun. My mom, who is now 71 years old tried water skiing after being away from it for 21 years! She got up for a few seconds and declared "I'm not as strong as I used to be." I was still quite proud of her and my husband, Charles, who also tried. I was still laid up, but was able to go swimming nevertheless!
(Sunset over Bald Eagle Lake, MN)
In July, I got to go visit with my brother, Zane and his family in Gilbert, AZ. It was nice to just jump on a plane and visit for the weekend.
(My nieces Vanessa and Whitney and sister-in-law, Judye at the movie theater)
(Whitney and I are kitties.)
In August, We made our last real trip together and went back to Ketchikan, Alaska where I worked back in 2013 for Experience Alaska Tours, a shore excursion company for the cruise ship industry. I was out of my boot and in physical therapy by this time so we got to zip line and enjoy the crab at the lodge I worked at 5 years prior.
(Charles and I in the liquid sunshine {rain} in Ketchikan, AK)
(Charles, my cousin Rea and I going zip lining)
(Charles is ready to zip)
(Me zipping through the rain forest)
On August 14, I went back to school at Dental Essentials School of Dental Assisting in St. George to become a dental assistant. This was a career I had long been wanting to pursue, but had not had the opportunity and timing until then. The school was a 10-week hands-on course that got me my certification to work in any dental office after those 10 weeks. Of course, I can say now that the school is nothing compared to actually doing the work in an actual office. I graduated from school on October 26 and after a working interview, I was offered a job at Riverside Dental Care, where I now work with 4 doctors and other amazing staff!
(My teachers DeAnna and Keri)
(Me with my certifications)
(Our first family photo)
Also in October, I took a trip to Memphis, Tennessee to see my specialist, who is the best in the country in regards to my genetic condition, Tuberous Sclerosis. Many of you who have read all my blogs are aware that five years ago when I had a snowboarding accident, I had some serious injuries and became aware that doctors discovered as a result of my condition, I have Chronic Kidney Disease as well as many other renal conditions that I must monitor yearly as well as treat through an expensive medication. Also, five years ago, I was told by a nephrologist that it would be life threatening for me to go through a pregnancy. He said after taking the medication for awhile and observing things for five years, there could be a chance I could go through one, but it sounded like very low odds. I wanted a second opinion and started going to this doctor in Tennessee. He brought me better understanding of my condition than I ever knew in my whole life. This visit in October, I asked him if he thought I could ever bear a child. He said I am only in Stage 1 of Chronic Kidney Disease, which means I'm barely below the 100% kidney function and he said he had to see imaging, but I should be able to handle a pregnancy.. I was thanking my Heavenly Father so much at that moment. The tears flowed freely as I realized that becoming a mother would be a reality. Charles and I would like two children if possible and hope for a miracle if it be so that maybe we will be blessed with twins (they do run in our family, but not yet in immediate family). Even if we don't get twins we will be grateful to have whatever God blesses us with when the time comes.
In November, I started my new job at Riverside Dental Care, which I love! It is a new path compared to journalism and clerical jobs I've had in the past, but I am so excited to be helping others with their smiles and serving in healthcare.
Also in November, Charles found out he was not accepted into flight school, which was a let down for us. Charles had pursued two schools since early summer and had not been accepted. No explanation was given other than he was not chosen. Becoming a commercial pilot has been a dream for Charles since he was a child and the fact I got my dream, but he didn't has been a tear in my heart. We have, however, accepted that this must not be his path now as he does enjoy working side-by-side with his brother, Nick in the cabinetry business.
Our Heavenly Father has sent us many blessings as we are preparing to be sealed in the St. George Temple in the next month. Charles was ordained to the Melchezidiak Priesthood by his grandfather. It has been such a blessing and increased love and joy in our home since then. I am excited to be sealed to my sweetheart. Our first year of marriage has been a great and growing one.
I look forward to the new adventures and blessings that 2019 will bring. Happy New Year to you all! <3
