Domino's

In September there was talk of Kellogg's making some changes within the company. Not knowing the details of these changes but wanting to be prepared, Jay began browsing at other companies. In a way this softened the blow when Jay came home from work with an official update: The HRAD program which Kellogg's created in August 2013 specifically for Jay, along with a few other BYU alumni, would be cut effective April 1, 2016. Initially this was frustrating news. When Jay accepted his job in August 2013 we were so confident in our future with Kellogg's. But here we were barely 17 months into the first of what was supposed to be three rotations, and everything was coming to an end. Despite the frustration, we both felt a strong sense of peace and excitement in the idea that something better was in store for us. Jay went from browsing around at different jobs to actively looking and applying.

When Jay accepted his position in 2013 with the HRAD program for Kellogg's in Michigan, I had already accepted the fact that we would be living far away from family for awhile and I was at peace with it. But recently for whatever reason, the distance was really getting to me. And with this new information regarding Jay's job I thought; Kellogg's brought us out here. If we're no longer with Kellogg's there's no reason to stay out here. So why not take this opportunity to go back west where our family and friends are? A job in Ohio came up. Jay went through the motions of interviews and learning about the company. Things seemed to be moving in the right direction. The job itself as well as the perks that would come along were appealing to both of us. The only downside was that it was in Toledo, Ohio- two hours further from family. I did not want to move to Ohio. But I strongly desired to be a supportive wife as well as faithful and submissive to God's will. I plead often in prayer; If Ohio is where you need our family to be then please, oh please give me the strength I need to move forward.  

 Through prayer, examples of friends, supportive words from family members, and constant heartfelt discussions with Jay about our future financial and personal goals, my faith in Heavenly Father's plan grew tremendously. Through this new faith and trust it was like; Ok Ohio, let's do this! Jay and I spent about two weeks talking about the Ohio job as if it were happening. We even looked up potential cities we could live in. We found beautiful affordable homes, shops, restaurants, and recreational activities nearby. (We would be gaining a Chick-fil-A and a Costco!) I went from anxious and apprehensive to hopeful and excited!

It was so close we could feel it! Jay went for a final interview. We thought for sure it's as good as done, we were just waiting for the official 'yes'. 
But no. No Ohio. Jay was bummed and felt a little like he had failed to provide for his family. I assured him that was nonsense, that my love and appreciation for him has nothing to do with status of his employment. He knows this, and after taking a day to grieve over Ohio he was back on the job hunt, actively looking everywhere including the west side of the country. There were potential jobs in Michigan, Ohio, Georgia, Texas, Arizona, and California. It was all speculation at this point with nothing set in stone. Georgia actually really intrigued me, but obviously I was rooting for Arizona or California. Every time Jay came to me with an update about a potential job I tried to keep cool and not get my hopes up.

Jay got a call from Mike, a former Kellogg's employee who currently works for Domino's. After telling Jay of the job opportunities available at the company, Mike promised to put in a good word for Jay once he sent over a resume. Jay kept up with his leads over the next couple weeks and did a few more interviews. It was quiet and we were living in suspense as the holidays really slowed things down. After Thanksgiving, Domino's reached out to Jay requesting that he come to their headquarters in Ann Arbor, Michigan for an interview. We didn't know all the details of the job but he wasn't going to say no to an interview.

(I played a big part in preparing him for his interviews- making sure his hair and beard was freshly groomed, and even picking out his wardrobe.) 

On his way home from Ann Arbor Jay shared more details with me about the job: He would be working as an HR manager stationed in Las Vegas, Nevada, but would travel often to oversee other Domino's stores. What an incredible job opportunity for Jay! And VEGAS?! A 3-4 hour drive away from family?! Of course the travel was a downside. But there were ways around it- Jay wouldn't be traveling far and Evelyn and I could probably tag along with him occasionally. Also, by living a shorter distance from family and getting more frequent visits with them, Evelyn and I could more easily bear the travel. At this point I truly felt willing and open to whatever job was going to be the best for our family. I was sure to let Heavenly Father know of my willingness as well as my wish for Jay to get this Vegas job.

The next day (Friday December 4th), Jay came home from work and told me Domino's had given him a tentative job offer and asked that he take the weekend to think it over. Initially we were conflicted. We were totally sold on the location of the job and the job itself, but we were left with the simple question: Is this right? It didn't feel wrong. There were just a couple of concerns including the heavy travel, which we knew meant a weekend of sincere praying and pondering was indeed in order. 

My greatest fear with Jay traveling was the possible negative long-term effect it could have on our marriage. We have such a solid relationship, he is everything to me and I can't fathom losing even a little bit of our "spark". I'm thankful for the support that came from our family members as we discussed the job with them over the weekend. They made some great points which Jay and I took into consideration when conversing with one another. That weekend during our Sunday walk to the park Jay shared a thought: Maybe Domino's is where we need to be and had it not been for Kellogg's, an opportunity to work for Domino's may not have come up. Him and I then listed off all of the good that has come of our Kellogg's/Michigan experience and felt an overwhelming sense of gratitude. 

By the end of the weekend my thoughts/spiritual impressions included:

If this job will help Jay build his career and benefit our family long-term, then I have full trust that Heavenly Father will take care of us and we'll learn to adjust. The heavy travel would only last the first eight to nine months of the job and in the grand scheme of things, that is such a short amount of time. When Jay got his current job with Kellogg's we kind of thought we were set. At least I did. But maybe Jay was right, maybe our experiences with Kellogg's/Michigan was meant to prepare us for Domino's. And maybe Domino's is meant to prepare us for something else. Or maybe we'll reject Dominos' offer and end up with a different company. The point is I was seeing the bigger picture, realizing that life is short and we don't know what else is in store. But we have a Heavenly Father that does know, so why not trust in him? The travel will probably be difficult at times but as I said, Jay and I have a solid relationship and it's that strength that will get us through, if this job is truly where we're meant to be.

Jay flew to Vegas for another interview the following Wednesday. Before the trip it just so happened that we found and fell in love with a house online. The house itself was beautiful, it was located in a great part of town and in a gated neighborhood with a community pool (a must for surviving those Vegas summers). After a long day of travel and an interview with his potential boss who was LDS, Jay drove over to the house and met the current tenants who were also LDS. Nothing was set in stone with Domino's just yet so Jay basically told the landlord, "Look, I know this house is going to go really fast, but once I know when my family will be moving out here I'm going to contact you." I was so glad Jay got to see and approve of the house. But I was stressing that it really would go fast. 

On the following Monday, Jay drove to Ann Arbor for a final interview. I got an exciting phone call that afternoon where Jay told me he had received and accepted an official offer from Domino's! After congratulating him and sharing in the excitement, I insisted he reach out to Andrew (the landlord of the home we were hoping to rent). Jay called me back moments later informing me that not only was the house still available but Andrew had been saving it for us. Andrew told Jay over the phone that there were several people very interested in the house but he had a good feeling about Jay.

Job: Check! House: Check! Just like that. Everything was coming together and it was coming together dang fast- it was December 14th when Domino's offered Jay the job then they wanted him to start work on January 4th. He told them NO, haha, and agreed to start on January 18th. So here we are... The movers are coming to pack us up and move us out of our current home on Thursday and Friday. Then on Sunday the three of us will take a one way flight to Las Vegas, Nevada.

We're getting more and more excited as the day gets closer. Even though we're fortunate enough to have professional movers help us through this transition, it's been chaotic trying to settle things with our current landlord, arranging Kella's travels, and making living arrangements for the 10 days we will be in Vegas without the majority of our belongings, including our car. With the way things are falling into place, I can't help but take it as confirmation that this move really is the right move.

Michigan has been such an extremely wonderful blessing for our family. Jay and I have gained perspective and a sincere appreciation for the circumstances in which we were raised. It has strengthened our testimonies and our trust in God's plan for us. And let us not forget Evelyn, our Michigan baby. (She'll mostly likely forget her time in Michigan which is why I made her this shirt). Of all the things we accumulated while living here, she is our most treasured souvenir.