A lot has happened since the last posts, but I'm hoping to start writing again, I find this a helpful outlet, and a positive way of sharing experiences with friends and fambly.
We now live HAPPILY as Hubba-Hubba and Espice-a (pronounced Eh-spice-Ah.) On 11.11.11, I married the man of my dreams on a cold and rainy day! With friends and fambly around us, we read our personal vows to each other and danced the night away. It has now been a year since our wedding, and wow, was that first year unusual! I'm glad that this second year has built on our strength and connectedness. We learned a lot about forgiveness and compromise in the first year, as marriage is a test of our commitment to each other. We're so happy living in our lil' home with our Holley girl, and we're dreaming of all the wonderful plans we will create together. It is true that everyday, your love deepens for each other; I'm more in love with Hunter now, than I was eight years ago.
On a heavy note, we lost our best buddy this year, Howard. On July 17th, we lost our pup in an accident, and it's been hard to recover... Our BIG dog took a BIG piece of our hearts with him, but hearing everyone's kind words and memories have made the transition easier. I think about him everyday and remember all the times we cuddled, kissed, whispered, and laughed together.
Currently, Hunter is now the owner of J&S East Valley Garage, specializing in rebuilding engines of vintage and classic cars. His craft is on the verge of extinction with the advancement of machines and computers in the automotive industry, but he clings tight to the importance of Career Technical Education and learning a skilled-craft. He machines all his parts by hand, with no guidance from a computer, the way these vintage cars were intended to be worked on. He is struggling without his supportive mentor, Jay Roach, who passed in January of 2012. Everyday Hunter comes home learning a new lesson about how to run a small business, and slowly, he's getting the hang of the "boss" side of the job, not just wrenching. He's doing a wonderful job maintaining the integrity of the shop.
Jessica is continuing with her Master's degree in Early Childhood Education from Pacific Oaks College and working for Santa Barbara City College's Orfalea Early Learning Center. I've struggled with finding job security and future potential, as the economy has taken a toll on educational budgets again... It's frustrating! College graduates WITH experience not able to maintain their job, find full-time work in their field, or create new possibilities is almost IMPOSSIBLE these days. I, for one, am hoping for a change soon! Teaching is not simple my passion, but my contribution to our community. I believe in continuing education, creating best-practices for young children, supporting families in need, and reaching out to our community, our country, and our world for service.
Over the past few years, we have adventured to Mexico, Arizona, Oregon, Yosemite, Nevada, and Utah. We visited Oregon for my nephew's graduation from HIGH SCHOOL! Can you believe that? My time flies quickly! Hunter's visited Bonneville a few times and worked on the world-record holder for Open-Wheeled Lakester speed. And, my little brother, Justin, is thinking about moving to Arizona and working on the cattle ranch that my family frequently visits! This year, Hunter and I, along with my mom and her boyfriend, Bill, will be adventuring to GUATEMALA! We are so excited to immerse ourselves in a new culture and explore the volcanoes, rainforest, and open-air markets.
For anyone who is wondering, Hunter and I are not anticipating bringing a baby into our lives just yet. We have thought over every little detail, and there is no doubt that we are "ready," and we are so excited for when that day does come. However, now is just difficult timing. School and work have made it difficult to set a stable home routine, and we want to provide the best care and attention to our children when it's the right time. So, for now, it's just us two! Well, and HOLLEY! But, here are some cute reveal ideas that my friends have come up with! There is lots of LOVE in the air lately!
No comments:
Post a Comment