Welcome!

Welcome to our blog! We got tired of debating whether to use Facebook or Myspace, or neither, and we decided this was the best way for our family and friends to keep in contact with us.

The past year has been a whirlwind! Despite the poor economic situation, we have both been incredibly blessed with wonderful careers. Ryan got a job as a meter reader at Pacific Power and is doing really well. I am so proud of him. He's made an incredible transition from being a self-employed contractor/landscape maintenance/firewood/ski bum ;) to working 40 hours a week. He's still not completely sold on working that much, but he's doing well!

I graduated from Grad. School this April with my teaching degree, and with the help of the Lord, landed a 4th grade teaching position in Metolius, Oregon...population 770. I absolutely love it. My students are so sweet, and they work so hard. I asked the Lord to place me where I would be most needed, and He definitely answered my prayer. These kids need stablity, consistency, and love so much. They need a light to follow, and I pray that I can be that for them. I have to pray every day...constantly. I couldn't do it any other way. It's so much work, but it is so worth every ounce of energy I put into it. I am so thankful Ryan is so understanding and supportive :).

Because Metolius is so far away, we did have to move to Redmond, and that's somewhat of a painful adjustment for us. We miss our trees! and land for Summit (our dog) to roam free. But, it is what it is, and we are so incredibly blessed to be in the position we are in.

I now know that I am not superwoman...I got what I believe is the "pig flu" a few days ago. I had a high fever for four days, sore throat, cough, stuffy nose...but I am so happy to say that I woke up without a fever today! WOO HOO! It's amazing how many different viruses the kids bring into the classroom. Regardless of how much time I spend wiping down their desks with Lysol wipes, and squirting their hands with sanitizer, the germs continue multiplying. Oh well, at least I got to catch up on some much-needed sleep.

Ryan is hunting for the third weekend in a row right now...I'm praying they "catch"/shoot an elk this time! ;) I like to tease Ryan and tell him to chase 'em down for me. I like the image that brings to my mind, haha. Anyway, I think that's about all I have to write for now. Thanks for checking out our new blog!