Nieces and Nephews

Work

For those of you who weren't aware, Jeff was working in the construction business as an estimator/bidder and because of the economy he was laid off. He was out of work for about 3 weeks. This past Monday Jeff started at Wells Fargo as a personal banker. He will be going away for training for about 4 weeks (in Kingman, AZ & Flagstaff, AZ) and home on the weekends. The benefits are great and there is a lot of room for promotions.

I have been working at Northcentral University since May. It is an online university located in Prescott Valley. I started doing admin work but am now working in the library. It is definately a change in my line of work. I enjoy it a lot. They let me work 4 ten hour days so I can do my practicum and go to school on the fifth day. They seem to treat their employees really nice, and I get benefits paid in full too.

Our Little Ones

I really get annoyed when people try to say that their pets are their children, when they take pictures with them, and when they dress them up....but I hate to say Jeff and I have somewhat become those people. Hopefully we are not as annoying and sickening as it seems.

We have two cats and two puppies. One of our cats, Elmo, is about 14 years old. I have had him since I was in the 6th grade. He is banged up but enjoys the simple things in life like sleeping on our bed and eating.

Our big orange cat around 2 1/2 years and is constantly mooching off of the neighbors and taunting the neighborhood dogs. He is a beefy cat but has the tiniest and cutest cry.

Nibbler, our first Shi-Chi (Shi-tzu/Chihuahua) is about 2 years and loves to cuddle. This is the first dog I have ever had and he taught me the joy of having a dog.

Belle, is our tiny Shi-Chi. She is about 10 months and she is very scraggly looking. She loves to lick, lick, lick, lick people and is very skittish.

One day we will actually have real kids and these guys will probably be on the back burner but for now we love them to death and enjoy their companionship.

Schools for Fools

I graduated from San Diego State University in May of 2006 with my BA in Social Science (emphasis on Secondary Teaching). Since my graduation I have substitute taught in Chino Valley and have come to love Elementary age students. Due to my epiphany, I went back to school in January of 2008 to get my Masters in Education and my Elementary Teaching Credential. I am currently working on my last semester and doing my practicum. Come January of 2009 I will be student teaching and graduate in May. I can't wait! I will finally be able to do something with my degree.

Jeff has recently gone back to school and is also working hard. He is finishing up his AA right now and will be transferring to a 4 year college before we know it. Right now he is working on his Business in Technology degree.

Church Callings

When we first moved to Chino Valley we started attending church with the Territorial Ward. Right away Jeff received a calling in Elders Quorum and I received a calling as Young Women's President. I was very nervous but have enjoyed this calling for a bit over 2 years now. I wouldn't know what to do other than working with the young women. They are so much fun and have taught me a lot.

About a year and a half ago Jeff was called to be the 2nd counselor in the Bishopric. That was an even bigger shock but he enjoyed it. I never got to sit with him at church and he had an awful lot of meetings but it was a fun calling for him. He is now the Sunday School President and teaches the 12-18 Sunday School kids. I think he enjoys this calling even more. We have always had opportunities to serve in the church and I believe our willingness to serve has blessed our lives more than we can count. Keeping busy with church keeps us out of trouble : ).

Home Sweet Home

Jeff and I were fortunate to buy our own home in July of 2006. It is a three bedroom house that we surprisingly filled up fast. It took us a long time to finally finish the landscaping and organize the garage but it suites us well.

Jeff has become such a little old man, tending the garden, mowing the lawn, fixing the drip system, working on the hot tub, and building/maintaining the pond. He is always puttering in the backyard. The pond is Jeff's pride and joy. He researched it out and obtained a bunch of pond plants, fishies, turtles, clams, and snails. It is very relaxing to listen to and he is very proud of his creation.

Our garden was a first attempt and though most of it didn't last we had a ton of tomatoes, some cilantro, too much green onions, a good amount of raspberries, and the lettuce was out of control. We now know some better techniques for next year. I am still yet to can my tomatoes and make jam with my raspberries. We are very blessed with the things we have and are extremely happy to have the home and comforts we own.

Love Story

Jeff and I met at church, in a singles ward. I accidentally sat on his lap during a rowdy game of Do You Love Your Neighbor. I told him to "at least buy me dinner first". That is when we noticed each other and it was history from there.

We dated for about 3 months before we were engaged and five months after that we got married. We were married in the San Diego Temple and had our reception at an amazing home in Escondido.



We will be married for 4 years on November 13th. Time has really flown by! It is wonderful to wake up to your best friend every day. I love my Jeffie so much, he is my knight in shining armour.