Dear Boot Camp,

Today, I hated you.

Sincerely,

Valerie

Chili Time

Yesterday I made chili! I'm super proud of myself. I'm definitely working towards becoming more domestic. The chili came out really well and I made little corn bread muffins to go with it =]

My attempt at presentation.

One thing I do really like about work is the last few times when I leave the sky is absolutely beautiful. I love sunsets.

Cameras never really capture sunsets well, but I still like this picture.

Amanda and I watched a lot of Friends this weekend. We decided that they are our friends. I cleaned my room and wrote Jacob two letters.

The One When We Went Ice Skating

I feel bad because I know Jacob hates this picture...but oh well! I remember this night SO well. Lydia set up ice skating as the Friday Night Activity and we all went. Jacob had started to say I was like his "little sister" and we were starting to become better friends. I would talk to Jacob about anything. Anyway, Jacob spent the whole night showing off his moves on ice. He definitely thought he was super cool. He could go really fast though. Anyway we skated around together a little and pretended to kiss through the glass a few times. For some reason we thought that was really funny and not weird at all...Although looking back on it now, it seems kind of strange. Well, my night ended when I got laid out flat on my back, got the wind knocked out of me, and bruised my elbow. I'm pretty sure Jacob laughed.

Random thought: This song reminds me so much of my own mom and Jacob...it gave me chills the first time I heard it and now I can't turn it off. I have no idea how I got so lucky to have both of those people in my life. I love them both with all of my heart.

Mama you taught me to do the right things
So now you have to let your baby fly
You've given me everything that I will need
To make it through this crazy thing called life
And I know you watch me grow up and always want whats best for me
And I think I found the answer to your prayers

And he is good, so good
He treats your little girl like a real man should
He is good, so good, he makes promises he keeps
No he's never gonna leave
So dont you worry about me
Dont you worry about me

Mama there's no way you'll ever lose me
And giving me away is not goodbye
As you watch me walk down to my future, I hope tears of joy are in your eyes

Because he is good, so good
He treats your little girl like a real man should
He is good, so good, he makes promises he keeps
No he's never gonna leave
So don't you worry about me
Dont you worry about me

The One where Jacob Slept in my Bed

I'm still trying really hard to get used to not talking to Jacob all the time! He called me on Wednesday night from boot camp. It was good to know he was safe, but it was really hard to hear him and he sounded kind of stressed out and definitely rushed. He said he won't be able to call for at least another 2 weeks, but I can handle that! I already wrote him a letter even though I don't know where to send it yet. My family and Jacob's family have been great. There's always someone to talk to which is really nice. I'm so lucky to be gaining such an amazing extended family.

Also, I quit my job because it's just not working out for me. I don't really like it that much and there are probably way better things I could be doing with my time. So that's what I'm going to do. My last day is November 18th.

Speaking of...I still can't believe it's all ready November! That's comforting in the sense that the next few months should go by quickly, even though I will really miss visiting Washington! Tomorrow I am going to try out my mom's chili recipe...I'm excited! It's one of my favorite things she makes at home.

Memory Time...

This was definitely NOT an uncommon occurrence when Jacob lived in Flagstaff. I would come home some days and find him napping in my bed with Glenn Beck on in the background. Sarah and I kind of got used to having him around. We were still just friends though and sometimes when he woke up we'd go to lunch.

The One where Jacob Sings Karaoke

So I've been thinking about some of the things I can do to keep my busy now that Jacob is off at bootcamp... I decided to start doing photo memories. Whenever I get a chance I'll add a new picture of Jacob and me and talk a little about it and stuff. I'm going to start with the oldest pictures I can find and work my way to more recent pictures. I'm really excited for this!

Well, first of all, I think Jake is so adorable in this picture. This is probably one of the very first times I hung out with Jacob. We went with a bunch of friends to Granny's Closet in Flagstaff to sing karaoke after a dance at the institute. This is probably mid-February of 2009. Anyway, Jacob sang "My Girl" and jokingly sang it to me. Who knew right? He had a pretty big fan club there that night, I think he even contemplated getting a number or two. Luckily, he didn't. =]

So this whole boot camp concept is pretty intimidating. Jacob got to Chicago today and was able to call for about 26 seconds when he got to the airport. I can't believe it's all ready here! I remember when he first enlisted and we both thought that November seemed like FOREVER away. And now, here we are! I know it will get rough on some days, but he's worth it.

A little bit of catch up and boot camp

The last two weeks or so have gone by so fast. I can't believe it's all ready November.

On Monday I got back from my last trip to Washington. =[ Jacob is on his way to Boot Camp today. I think we both did not expect it to come this fast, but it's here. 8 weeks. We can do it!

I had a really good trip back to Washington. Jacob and I went on a Duck Tour where they put you in a car that also turns into a boat. They drive you all around down town Seattle and talk about the history and stuff. It was so fun, I'm really glad we decided to go!

On Saturday night Jacob and I went out to dinner with his parents. It was a super low key Halloween, but probably the best I've had yet. After dinner, Jacob's mom and I wanted to stop at DSW to look at shoes. Of course we got complaints from the guys, but they let us go in anyway...When we left the store guess who each bought shoes. Jacob and his dad. And Jacob signed up for a DSW rewards card. We got a good laugh out of that.

Jacob's new Stacy Adams.

My favorite night in Washington was Friday. After Jacob had football practice he came home and helped me with my spanish test. Then we ordered a pizza and watched Say Yes to the Dress together. I love nights like that! It was so fun to be laid back and just spend time together. I can't wait until we get to do it all the time!

October 23-26, 2009

Jacob came to visit me in Flagstaff this weekend. Some more of my friends came up too because it was Homecoming and it was so much fun having everyone back here. I loved it! On Friday Jacob got here and we went and took engagement pictures with Shawn Walsh. He did a great job!

Here's a sneak peak at the pictures...you'll have to wait for the announcements to see the rest!

Taking pictures was really fun. Shawn picked out some amazing locations, I would highly recommend his services =] Then we went to lunch with Sarah at Fratelli's which was sooo good. After lunch Jacob and I came home and took a nap and watched Navy videos. That night we went out with Jake's old roommate and his girlfriend which was fun. I'm pretty sure it was my first real double date! On Saturday we all went to the store and made breakfast together. We had french toast with buttermilk syrup, eggs, and sausage. So good! Then we went down town for a little bit and to the tailgate.

Tailgating

That night we went to dinner at Garcia's. Jacob and I went through at least 3 bowls of bean dip...it's just so good! Sunday we went to church and then made salsa before I had to take Jacob to the airport. I also modeled the shirt his mom got me...

Team Jacob!

I took Jacob to the airport on Sunday night and it was sad to drop him off. I started to drive home when Jacob called me and told me to turn around and come pick him up! His flight was overbooked so he gave up his seat to stay an extra night!! They gave him a travel voucher AND a free hotel room at Little America. My favorite hotel in Flagstaff! I was so excited! It totally made my weekend.

Jacob's suite.

I had to take Jacob to the airport at 4:30 in the morning! It was so early and cold! But definitely worth it!

Washington

As usual my weekend in Washington was fantastic! I love spending time with Jacob and his family.

On Thursday, I got to Washington kind of late, but Jacob did take me for a McDonald's ice cream cone when he picked me up from the airport =] He's the best!

On Friday I slept in which was amazing. Then Jacob made me waffles and we went to meet Haley so I could hang out with her while he was coaching. We picked out a SUPER cute outfit for Adeline at the Rack that I love! After Jacob got done with practice we went to the mall to get my glasses fixed, and went out to dinner, and then got home in time to watch Say Yes to the Dress. I love that show, and I love Jacob even more for watching it with me! He even likes it a little.

The outfit we picked out for Adeline...so cute!

On Saturday, Jacob and I went into Seattle to the music museum. We had the best time ever in the Vocal room trying out the voice machine. It was hilarious! Then we went to this park with a crazy waterfall. I think it might be a famous park...and Jacob said something about a funeral(s?) being held there. I promise I was listening, I just forgot!

Saturday night Jacob had a football game, so I went to dinner with his mom. After dinner we went shoe shopping and to see Fame. There was a pair of heels I almost bought, and looking back now I definitely should have gotten them! Oh well! I had a lot of fun doing some "girl stuff" in Washington. I love spending time with Jacob, but it was a nice change. =]

On Sunday, Jacob and I went to church and then back over to Haley's where we all took the kids to a playground. I haven't been to one of those in forever! It was so much fun though. Haley and I tried to relive our playground days by flipping on the bars....I wouldn't recommend trying that. We were both sore and bruised the next day!

Racing Flynn down the slide. I shouldn't have picked the one with all the bumps...

I think Jacob may have outgrown the monkey bars.

As usual, I did not want to leave Washington! But, on the bright side Jacob is coming to Flagstaff in 1 week and 3 days! I can't wait!

Utah!

This weekend in Utah was everything I could have asked for!

When you are in the middle of that 8 hour drive from Flagstaff to Salt Lake, it feels like it is never going to end! But when I finally got to Utah I was so happy I decided to come! It was such an amazing trip! We got into town pretty late on Thursday night, but as soon as I woke up Friday things started to get exciting. We checked out the Pioneer Museum, where they have a two headed lamb, went to Temple Square and did some tours and played ridiculous board games. It was really fun getting the chance to meet up with one of my missionaries, Elder Van Dyke, and hang out in Utah.

In Temple Square on Friday

Outside the conference center on Saturday

It was a major bummer to come back to Flagstaff, but now that I'm here there are a lot of things to look forward to! I start work today which is way exciting, and I get to go to Washington on Thursday!! I can't wait to see Jacob! It is so crazy, he leaves for boot camp in exactly ONE MONTH from today! Wow, time flies. Not only that, but tomorrow Jacob and I have been together for six whole months!

6 months ago in Manti, UT on the way home from Conference