SUMMER 2011

Since both of our graduations, our lives have been in limbo. Jacob was offered a job with Eleutheria to work as a Speech Language Pathology Assistant. In addition, Kimarie was offered a job with the same contract company as a school counselor. We waited a while to hear more details. Finally in July we were supposed to sign our contracts when a wrench got stuck in our plans. It turns out the school that Eleutheria is contracting with for Kimarie's position is reneging their original position and saying it is on an as needed basis. Eleutheria still wants to hire Kimarie but since they cannot guarantee any hours they cannot give her benefits, but they did offer a higher hourly wage. On July 13th Jacob and Kimarie met the owners of Eleutheria at Claimjumper. Jacob signed his contract, but Kimarie is taking time to decide. In the meantime she has been applying for other jobs, but mainly is being offered jobs for secondary math again-not really her favorite. If she decides to take the position with Eleutheria then she will continue substitute teaching and tutoring while she waits to get more hours with Eleutheria. We were going to move somewhere closer to the West Valley since that is where our jobs would be, but ever since we found the wrench in our plans we have not felt right about it yet--especially since it costs a lot of money to move and we currently do not have much of any income during the summer. In order to stay on campus Kimarie will be taking a class or classes at least for a semester until we can get back on our feet and figure out if moving is the right decision. She is currently trying to decide what classes interest her, but it also depends on financial aid. She is thinking about Sociology of Marriage and Family, Accounting, Brief Calculus, Orchestra, or maybe a typing class. We will try to keep everyone posted.

Hello 2011!

Wow! I cannot believe it has almost been a year since we have updated this blog. Time flies when you work and go to school. So where to begin? Well I finished teaching middle school math at Connolly Middle School last May 2010. After having like 15 interviews during the summer I landed a high school math teacher job at Apache Junction High School. However, I got hired like 3 days before the kids were to start. The subject I was to teach was Algebra 2 and Geometry--not my favorite, but it was a job so I took it. Well, it went okay, but it was very stressful that first semester. Many of the kids I taught were disrespectful. Since I am in my Master's and nearing the end as of summer 2011, I needed to start my internship in the Spring. I decided to resign from Apache Junction High School and just substitute teach while doing my internship. I really love substitute teaching because I get to teach a variety of grade levels and subjects. Each day is like a brand new adventure. I also love the kids and counselors I work with at my internship at both Holdeman Elementary and Kino Junior High. Jacob is staying busy keeping up with his studies. He recently applied to graduate school at BYU, NAU, U of A, and ASU. We will not find out until late March where or if he gets accepted somewhere. Our future right now is very unpredictable we may be moving, where, who knows except for Heavenly Father. Whatever happens we have faith that things will work out as long as we keep doing whats right.

Stride Vault College Tour

Stride Vault College Tour

Jacob participated in a free photo shoot at ASU!

Goodbye 2009 Hello 2010!!!

We can't believe that 2009 is over! It's been crazy so we haven't been able to keep up with this blog. Hopefully with the new year we can do better. Recently, we have been able to conquer our messy study by working together. Kimarie is sad that her break is almost over :( . Jacob on the other hand has two more weeks and Kimarie is green with envy.

Summer Camping with family

Hey everyone!

The Smith campout was a blast! All who came know it, and all who didn't will wish they went! I sure hope we have more in the future. A big thanks to Jenny, Jason, and Uncle Mark and everyone else that made this happen!

Well Jacob and I drove up friday morning with my sisters. It was a long drive! When we got there we set up the girls tent. It was nice and roomy and BIG! Then we set up our proud little two man tent that Jacob received as a graduation present. Everyone laughed it was like a puny little kids tent compared to the girl's tent. Aunt Loretta suggested that we switch. After convincing the girls they actually made it work quite nice. Aunt Alene had another two man tent, so that Crystal, Caitney and Charity were able to place it facing the other one. Therefore, they had one big tent once a canopy was put over both. We had a pretty ok night in our tent with having more space except that it was brrrrrr... cold! (and Jacob accidentally left crackers in his pocket so we had a bear brush up against our tent during the night...at least I think)

From a black bear roaming through our campsite, exploring ice caves, to having Aunt Jackie and Uncle Mark come up with her accordion the fun never ended! Jacob and I even found our tree, it was meant to be. No joke! The tree next to the bathroom had a heart carved into it with a K+J inside it.

Well we really had fun and didn't want to go but we left at four pm. After the wild nauseating roller coaster ride down the mountain (it was a packed car with three girls in the back) we stopped at Discovery Park where Aunt Jackie works. It was awesome! She gave us a nice tour and we rode in a radical space ride! With getting a bite in Globe and dropping off the girls we didn't get home until after 11pm! We were so exhausted, but have some terrific pics to share with all the family.

It's been a zoo!

We were able to go to the zoo during Spring Break. We took lots of awesome pictures with our new digital camera. However, its been hectic and we feel like we have been living in a zoo and so we are just now posting this entry. We saw lots of spectacular animals. Some highlights include: parrot feeding, aquarium, an Australian boat ride, safari train, log flume ride, and last but not least A ROMANTIC DINNER FOR TWO AT THE TIBURON AQUARIUM RESTAURANT!!!

Kimarie's spring break

It is so nice to have a week away from the demands of teaching!Last weekend Jacob and I saw Mall Cop. It was a pretty funny movie. Yesterday, I ate lunch with my good friend, Allison, at On the Border. It was really good food. Then we decided to go to the temple and walk around. I am really glad Allison likes the peace she gets from being on the temple grounds. The flowers were all blossomed and they smelled soooooooo wonderful! I love this time of year! Not too hot and not too cold--Just perfect! It reminds me of the day we got married. I cannot believe it has been almost 2 years.