Halloween

This is Joe's FAVORITE holiday.

All about me

Well I did it. I got off my lazy (scared) butt and got me a job! What?? I know. I have been a stay at home mom for 13 years. It was the saddest looking job application I have ever seen. But luckily it's Christmas time and people need help. I have returned to my old stomping grounds of the mall. I got a job at Childrens Place. I am nervous since I have been out of the loop for so long but it should be fun. I start tomorrow. The silver lining to this job thing is having to buy new clothes. I do like new clothes!

Joe

Joe is in Florida for a week at a conference. Lucky dog! I figure since he's gone... and can't tell me not to.... I will spotlight him.

Joe was born in Spokane WA and spent the rest of his "Before Stephanie" life between Kennewick WA and Umatilla OR. After graduating in 91' he continued working and started college. That's where I come in!

November 1993

Joe and I met while we were both working at JCPenny. I was a credit catalog girl and Joe did display. I'd seen him before but I was too busy flirting with the stock hands to pay much attention. One day at work the phone rang and one of my coworkers said it was for me.

He said "Hi this is Joe and I work in display. Do you like kids?"

haha I didn't know who this guy on the phone was but I was so sure I was going to have to break his heart right there with a nice version of I am way too cool for you so don't ever call me again.

I said sure with the question of why in my head. He said that he was putting on a haunted house and needed volunteers. He asked if we could get together after work to tell me more about it. My arrogance faded.

We met that night and after telling me the details and what he wanted my part to be we spent the rest of the night talking and talking. He made me laugh and I loved that. He was ambitious. Even though he didn't have the best life he made every opportunity count. I admired that about him.

That was October 14 1993. We have been inseparable since. We got married in May of 94. Kelsey was born in May of 95. Joe joined the Air Force and left 2 weeks later for Basic Training.

Joe at Basic Training Graduation July 1994

Since then the boy who had never left the Northwest never gets to go back. We have lived in Washington DC, Maryland, Texas, Germany and now Illinois. He has been a writer for the base paper then editor. He cross trained into computers but even that's not what he's doing now. It's top secret. He'd tell you but he'd have to kill you.

Things you may not know about Joe:

1. He decorates our house not me
2. He colors my hair (I like changing colors)
3. He can draw very well
4. He is artsy craftsy
5. He makes really good lasagna
6. After these next set of classes are finished he is going to start his doctorate so we have to call him Doctor... Dr Joe. Kelsey says it has a nice ring.

New Calling

Joe has been the 11 yr old Scout leader and taught the Valiant Boys in Primary. I have been the Wolves and Bears Cub Leader, CTR 7 teacher, and a Visiting Teaching Supervisor. I say this because I have been frustrated lately with our busy schedule and the fact the Joe and I have to be in the same places at the same times and there is no one left to run kids to and from or to be at home when one of the kids is sick.
Saturday night Joe got a phone call from a guy in the High Council wanting to meet with both of us on Sunday. Joe got called to be the 2nd Counselor in Elders Quorum. I was so excited. Joe too. He's happy to be out of Primary lol. I am happy to have our callings seperated so we don't overlap so much.

Update

We are still here. Just really busy. Jonothon tried out and made the 6th grade basketball team. Being the good mom I am I was sort of hoping he wouldn't make it. Kidding! But it is one more thing to do lol. So currently Jonothon is doing soccer (a practice and a game every week), basketball (practice 3 times a week), scouts and he signed up for a chorus group at school. He does chorus during lunch twice a week and one early morning practice. So maybe Jon is busy and I just drive alot!
This week has also been sick week. First Josh got the stomach bug then Kelsey then Alison. But on the plus side...all the bedding has been washed.... several times..... and I am only down to 3 more people to get sick.