Before I welcome in 2011 and the new decade that is upon us, I took a moment to reflect upon what this past year has brought to me and Blake and our life we have made thus far together.
In January, Blake graduated from Provo College's Registered Nursing Program. Blake did an amazing job in school, being on Dean's List throughout. I wanted to surprise him with something incredible for his graduation; something I knew he would never go out and get for himself but really wanted. I shocked and awed him with his 2007 Chevy Colorado. I remember filling out all the paperwork and listening to the dealer tell me it could go one of two ways; really bad or really great. I was so excited and relieved when I saw his reaction was great.
In February, Blake took the Utah State Licensure exam and passed in 76 questions. He officially became a Licensed Registered Nurse and switched to grave yards at Utah State Hospital. Its been hard at times having him gone at night, but I'm so proud of what he has accomplished.
In March, I got my third tattoo across my upper back to symbolize the true acceptance of myself, which I feel like I have finally achieved after searching so diligently. "As the Night the Day" serves as a reminder to be true to myself at all times, without feeling ashamed or unequal to others.
And on March 17th, our baby puppy, and good luck charm, Indiana was born.
(Which one is She!?)
In April, we were able to bring little Indiana home, and we began the challenge of raising our first 'anything' together. She's a little needy, yes, but we love her, and I'm pretty sure we've done a good job.
In May, Blake and I closed on our very first home! I was shocked with how smooth the overall process of buying a home seemed to be. I had always been so intimidated by the idea. I love having our own home and sometimes still can't believe we made it work.
June was a big month for us. We vacationed to Seattle for the first time. Seattle is such a remarkable city, and we had such a great time. It was in Seattle that we took our first kayaking adventure. It was so awe-striking to watch the sunset fall over the water and city.
While in Washington, we ventured out to The Gorge Amphitheater in George and saw my very favorite, Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers, together. This was our second Petty show with each other and my third overall. Needless to say, it was absolutely the best!
June also brought our move-in date for our home. We have had the most fun ever since making it all our own!
In July, Blake celebrated his 27th birthday. What an old geezer.
In September, Blake and I celebrated our third wedding anniversary. I often rave about how lucky I am to be married to Blake, and I'll never express this feeling enough. He is my life. Truly.
In October, I turned 25. Craaaazzy! Right after my 25th birthday, Blake and I looked back in awe as we realized we had officially been a couple for 6 years. My oh my, how time flies. It definitely doesn't feel that long ago that this shy and just barely 19 year old girl met the attractive college library employee I now call my husband. My happiest memories involve the time we spent getting to know each other in St. George at school.
And recently, in December, Blake and I celebrated our very first Christmas in our new home. I also found out I will be graduating with my Bachelor's Degree in Legal Studies in Fall 2011. I cannot wait to be done.
At least until we see how the LSAT goes.
2010-I'm waving goodbye to you happily and looking anxiously ahead at what awaits.
-Blake and Jess.
In February, Blake took the Utah State Licensure exam and passed in 76 questions. He officially became a Licensed Registered Nurse and switched to grave yards at Utah State Hospital. Its been hard at times having him gone at night, but I'm so proud of what he has accomplished.
In March, I got my third tattoo across my upper back to symbolize the true acceptance of myself, which I feel like I have finally achieved after searching so diligently. "As the Night the Day" serves as a reminder to be true to myself at all times, without feeling ashamed or unequal to others.
And on March 17th, our baby puppy, and good luck charm, Indiana was born.
In April, we were able to bring little Indiana home, and we began the challenge of raising our first 'anything' together. She's a little needy, yes, but we love her, and I'm pretty sure we've done a good job.
In May, Blake and I closed on our very first home! I was shocked with how smooth the overall process of buying a home seemed to be. I had always been so intimidated by the idea. I love having our own home and sometimes still can't believe we made it work.
June was a big month for us. We vacationed to Seattle for the first time. Seattle is such a remarkable city, and we had such a great time. It was in Seattle that we took our first kayaking adventure. It was so awe-striking to watch the sunset fall over the water and city. 
While in Washington, we ventured out to The Gorge Amphitheater in George and saw my very favorite, Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers, together. This was our second Petty show with each other and my third overall. Needless to say, it was absolutely the best!
In July, Blake celebrated his 27th birthday. What an old geezer.
In September, Blake and I celebrated our third wedding anniversary. I often rave about how lucky I am to be married to Blake, and I'll never express this feeling enough. He is my life. Truly.
In October, I turned 25. Craaaazzy! Right after my 25th birthday, Blake and I looked back in awe as we realized we had officially been a couple for 6 years. My oh my, how time flies. It definitely doesn't feel that long ago that this shy and just barely 19 year old girl met the attractive college library employee I now call my husband. My happiest memories involve the time we spent getting to know each other in St. George at school.
And recently, in December, Blake and I celebrated our very first Christmas in our new home. I also found out I will be graduating with my Bachelor's Degree in Legal Studies in Fall 2011. I cannot wait to be done.
2010-I'm waving goodbye to you happily and looking anxiously ahead at what awaits.
We spent the rest of Christmas Day at my parents house, crooning over my new little nephew, Keenan Ahmadou. We stuffed our faces and joked around with one another while listening to classic Christmas music in the background; truly happy to be together.
The Christmas holiday is about spending time with those you love most. I feel like this year Blake and I were able to surround ourselves with those people who mean the most to us and have always been there for us. Our family.
He is the third child to the Toure family...The smallest of the bunch.
Blake and I are so happy to be an auntie and uncle to such a beautiful little bey-bey.
We already love him so much, and I'm counting down the days to Christmas simply so I can hold his cuteness again.
Who Knows?....Maybe it won't be too much longer before Blake and I have ourselves a little peanut babe.
It could be Wonderful.
This is Indiana's first Christmas as well. She loves laying on the couch, staring at the bright lights. She loves Christmas lights as much as I do.
There's something magical about the lights of Christmas.
They just make the world a happier place.
Happy Holidays everyone!
(Don't let the silly face confuse you)
I recently found out I'm ineligible for graduation in the spring due to an incorrect calculation of credits by my adviser. After sharing a few choice words of a sailor, I moved on from the disappointment and recalculated my graduation plans. If I continue school full time, I will be finished next fall. I'm going to do my best to go to school full time while also working full time. I think I am dedicated enough of a person that I can make it, but we'll see how it plays out. If I have to cut my hours back at work, I'm willing to do so, because school is my priority.
-Blake and Jess.
