The Story of Us . . .: September 2010

I am probably the last person on the planet to be setting up a blog.
The fact that my parents (who grew up in an era when computers were the size of houses) already have a blog confirms that I am drastically not "up with the times."

So, I will now may a heroic attempt to join the rest of my techno savvy friends and family and write . . .
My first Blog.

The thing is, I don't actually know how to add pictures.
I must confess I had to have my neighbor help me with my background, title, and so called "gadgets." It's not that I am technologically impaired (however I am spelling impaired so forgive me in advance). I figured out lots of impressive techy things while teaching school. I just haven't ever taken the time to begin a blog.

I have always thought "When I have a baby and am a stay at home mom, I will have time to begin a blog." That's a funny thought. While I do have lots of time at home during the day, it seems to disappear rather quickly and by the time I actually get around to sitting down with my computer to "Blog," Chad deems that it is "Time for bed," being the early riser type that he is. And being the pushover type that I am, I usually comply.

Ok. Ok. Too much type. On to the pictures! If I can figure out how. I thought I would begin with a relatively quick photo history of "Our Story" from the beginning . . .

I have surmised that the sole purpose of a single's ward is not actually spiritual development; it's all about getting people to meet and marry off. And I guess that is a fairly noble goal. The church is all about families, right? The problem is that most guys don't actually want to date the girls in their own ward. Too much like dating family or something. And it really stinks if you ever have to break things off. The grass is always greener in another stake or ward.

Anyhow, I met Chad through a ward function (a cake mingle to be exact) and the grass must have looked fairly green because actually dared to date me. Probably because he was about to leave for Iowa in a few weeks, so what did he have to lose?

Deer Valley - Chad On Top of the World

(Jamie said yes to the 2nd date!)

Chad took me biking down Dear Valley ski resort, then to dinner at his favorite restaurant - Shoots. On our first date he pulled up in a Lexus (impressive) and by chance took me to one of my favorite restaurants - Sweet Tomatoes. This was followed up with a midnight stroll at Snow Bird . . . in which I happened to lose my balance, so he grabbed my hand! I felt a few sparks and thought, hmm. I think I kind of like this guy. The second date I think he was trying to steal a kiss on the gondola ride,

but I coyly dodged ;-)

Shoots - Provo Riverwoods Mall

"Bing" Our favorite ice-chip & fruit dessert

Havasupi Falls, Arizona July 3rd 2007

Here is Chad attempting to keep up with Backpacking Amazon Woman in her element :-)

I had organized a hiking trip with some friends in my ward, and I guess Chad didn't want any of those other guys to have a chance to move in on me, so he decided to come along.

Chad about to pass out. . .
Hiking 10 miles in 105 degree heat with a heavy pack was probably the last thing on earth he'd choose to do on his own account. What boys won't do to get a girl ;-)

Maybe now he thinks the hike was worth it :-)

Gorgeous falls!! An Oasis in the middle of the desert.

Beaver Falls

I think this picture made me fall in love with Chad, what a cutie! Willing to risk his life to hike with a girl :-)
This is one of my very favorite parts of Havasupi. It is a cool little tunnel that leads to about a 75 foot decent to Beaver Falls. You have to use chains as you climb down.

Good times . . .

And now for a little refinement after 5 days without running water.
The night we got home we decided to go dancing :-)

Chad leaves for Iowa. Will Jamie go for a visit??

Yep. I flew out to visit Chad. Little did I know I'd fly back home with a ring on my finger, yikes!

Here we are touring the library after going to one of Chad's physics classes.

K. Ya. I think he could use a chiropractic adjustment.

Chad serenades me at his apartment on Brady street.

We took a short trip to Nauvoo, where I became deathly ill (well maybe I'm being a tad dramatic).
Anyhow, he decided against proposing there as he didn't relish the idea of me puking during the proposal!

I had never actually seen real live lilly pads. Gorgeous!

This is the fateful boat ride on the Mississippi in which Chad would consider popping the question
to his unsuspecting date.

I dodged, and said he could ask me "his question" a little later. I just thought he wanted to have a D.T.R. (define the relationship)

Pretty romantic setting!

Later that evening as we walked along the river I received the ultimate D.T.R. . . .
He spun me around and was on one knee with a ring out when I faced him again!
I think I said "Oh My Gosh" for like 2 minutes straight. I was a bit stunned to say the least.

The next day after I had done some thinking and praying over the surprise proposal,
my heart and head agreed that I should definitely say YES!!

Oh my gosh!!

A happy man.
The deed is done. Phew! He won't have to be a bachelor at Palmer after all!

The night before flying home we took a stroll on the sky walk.

So . . . I guess this means no dating other guys when I get home?!

This would be my last year teaching 2nd grade in Highland, Utah.

My class was a rainforest, and I did a theme from the t.v. show "LOST."
I told the kids we were all lost on an island together and it was our job to figure out where we were.
The totum pole "Tiki" gave us a secret geography clue each day.

All of my books were under the counter under this "Ocean."

Chad flew home from Iowa every few weeks to see me.
I had a pair of Chacos waiting for him at the airport!
Being a strictly socks and shoes type of guy, he tried to humor me by wearing them.

Here we are learning about following steps in a procedure.
We making chocolate sauce out of the cocoa beans that grow in "our rainforest!"

Nothing like a bouquet of roses 'just because.'

Provo Canyon, Oct. 2007

Sundance, Provo Canyon

October Conference, Priesthood Session.
Chad, my brother-in-law Terry, nephew Tanner, and my Dad

For my birthday in October I convinced Chad we needed to climb Mt. Timpanogus.

Unfortunately there was too much snow, so we didn't make it to the top. Grr!

Oh, well. It was a beautiful fall hike, and I was pretty much satisfied :-)

October 12, 2007 - Jamie Turns 26!

What a sweetheart! Chad got me the BEST birthday present ever . . . running shoes with a Nike ipod Chip!
I LOVED running with that Nike chip calculating my pace and distance :-) Good call Chad.

Loa, Utah - Visiting Chad's sister

On a date to the Utah Symphony!

Engagement photos by Magnifique Photography, Ogden Utah

Bridals at Temple Square

Christmas Morning at Chad's House, 4 days before the wedding :-)

We found this awesome picture of the Manti Temple at NPS (or as Chad calls it, the Junk Store).
It is a good reminder of my days as a Sanpete County girl.