On the March...

I was able to attend this year's Utah National Guard Governer's Day up at the University football stadium, and I have to say, the show was pretty impressive. Because JJ works for the Air National Guard, his commander-in-chief is the governer of the state of Utah, and each year, he does his "review of the troops". It was a sight to see and definitely made me feel 100% patriotic, and so proud to be part of a "military family".

Lining up before marching onto the football field (they had to stand in approx. 95 degree heat for over three hours - one and a half hours were at attention!)

I can tell which guy is JJ, but can you? :0)

I ran way high up in the stands to get this shot, and still was only able to capture about half of the field.

JJ and Jerry with Ginger and I - all of us so thankful to finally be in the shade! This was Jerry's last Governer's Day with the Guard; he will be fully retired in about six months.

Lean Not...

Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways follow Him and He will make your paths straight.

- Proverbs 3: 5-6

This is the Bible verse that has been running through my head for the past two days, and I feel compelled and prepared to share the reason why: today I gave my two week notice at my construction/office job. Yes!!! I really did it!!! I know that some of you probably find this baffling, especially my close friends and family, because I have not talked about it with anyone; but my mom and I just bought a business together, which will become officially "ours" in the middle of October.

Most of you know that we have been selling earring charm jewelry for the past couple of years; well, we are taking it a step further, and we are going to be the wholesalers now. It is a big step for both of us, having been mainly in the "retail" end of business for most of our lives, but I feel that we are up to the challenge, especially since we are buying a well-established company. I signed a lease yesterday on a little office space about a mile from our home here in Salt Lake City. In the meantime, JJ is looking for promising jobs in the Spokane area, as that is where we would like to be in a year or so. Until that point, I will operate the wholesale business from my office, and then travel with my mom and dad for retail shows and other business trips.

The most difficult part of this entire event has been having to tell my office that I will not be with them any longer. My announcement this morning was met with surprise, sadness, anger and well-wishes all rolled up in one 15 minute time frame. That was hard for me. I have been really happy at my current job - I enjoy each and every person that I work with, and the job has proved challenging and exciting, although at times (and more often than not lately) extremely boring. When I sat and weighed all my options, the words of a very dear friend of mine came back to me: "You can always settle for stability and security, Erin. There are many, many jobs available at all times that offer both. But how many times are you going to get an opportunity like this? Is it worth it to pass it up, when the chance may never come around again?"

I say: "Wise friend."

Lagoon...

Brock came down and visited us for the weekend, and what better way to have fun then spending a sunny Saturday at Lagoon?! We had a great time with him, and we have the pictures to prove it:

Playing "Whack a Mole" (which JJ won every time. Cheater!)

Brock on the Fire Dragon. Wheeeeeee!

Brock was one seat in front of us and took this picture.

JJ with "Frogger". He looks thrilled, huh?

Poopies on the Deck...

Yes, they went with us for Labor Day Weekend, and I have to say, they were both Angels! Can you tell? (Faith on the left, Jazz on right)

Labor Day Weekend...

JJ and I made a very quick trip up to the lake for Labor Day weekend... We both feel that our time there is never, ever long enough, especially with a 12 hour drive on either end of the trip, but we both agreed that our time could not have been better spent.

Some pictures from our fun-filled weekend:

The "boys" playing Sequence, one of our favorite lake games. From L to R: Uncle Bob, Uncle Matt, JJ, Cousin Oliver and Brock.

A great picture of Aunt Marty and Brock.

JJ in the infamous Shark Hat, generously given to my dad by my Auntie Gretchen. For those of you who don't know, my dad is terrified of sharks and loathes anything to do with them. Funny!

My dad and his boat. What more can I say???

My "Tikki"...

I post so many pictures of our puppies, that I am sure our cat (JJ calls him "Tikki"), Hobbes, is jealous. OK, maybe not, but since he acts like a dog - he came in the door last night dragging someone's [for sure not ours] dirty, smelly, icky, white, wife-beater tank top - he deserves his own post. :0)

Long Overdue...

JJ and I were married last July (on the 21st of 2007) on the banks of Deer Lake in Washington. I am just now getting around to sorting through photos... I honestly don't have a good excuse for myself. Anyway, here is just a snippit of our incredible day.

This last photo was taken at our dance reception. My mom, dad and uncles built this "tent" for us - it was the most perfect end to a most perfect day! (I am in the red dress :0)

So Cute...

OK, I admit: I think I might be a little bit obsessive about my new niece, Maya. I check my brother and sister-in-law's blog site at least two or three times a day looking for new posts, and then I steal their pictures! I don't think they know that I do this yet; I might have to confess to them. I just can't wait to meet that little sweet pea!