We both grew up in small/medium sized towns, with lots of country to explore and friendly recognized faces everywhere you go. Work was key to the love and success of our families, with play tucked in as often as we could. Play usually consisted of camping, fishing, biking, hiking, playing outdoors by lakes and sports. The occasional road trips exploring state and national parks on longer stretches of time away from work. Our families raised us to work hard and to love and help each other in this world.
We met at our church youth singles activities. Jesse describes our meeting with memories of activities we shared and watching how Amy came to them regardless of it being a fun activity or a service night. When he called to bravely ask for a date, Amy had no idea who he was, as he had not caught her eye. She politely agreed to one date, but that one date changed her life forever. We felt so comfortable with each other, we just talked openly for hours while snow shoeing.
When we discussed the possibility of marriage, we started reading a book together, that contained questions you might ask a future spouse. One day as we read this book, Jesse proposed by stating there was a question not in the book. Then he dropped to one knee. When Amy finally realized what was happening, she of course said "Yes!"
We have two amazing daughters, Myla age 7 and Talia age 3. They play very well together, using great imagination. I often smile hearing them in the other room yelling, "Floor is lava!" and picture them jumping onto the couch. Myla is recently into hot wheels, gymnastics, reading and t-ball. Talia refuses to wear pants without tons of coaching, as she states: "Princesses wear skirts!" She loves anything pink, dancing, putting on nail polish and playing with dolls. They both agree it would be be fun and exciting to add a boy into the family. They anxiously await this addition, asking nearly daily when a brother will come.
Jesse works with wood, making and selling his projects. Amy is a nurse. We have since calmed down our extreme adventures on time off work. Our hobbies are closer to home, including drives and short hikes to waterfalls, card and board games, and of course we still save up for bigger vacations. Our favorite trips have been to Hawaii, Alaska and Oregon Coast beaches. Jesse’s parents lived in Hawaii for a few years enabling us a chance to visit the tropical paradise. We plan to save for another trip to each place again someday.
