~The Story of Us~

How WE became a WE ~ We met in February of 1999 working for a computer company called Egghead.com. We were good friends for many months before we officially started "dating". David wined and dined me (or so we'd BOTH like to believe <grin>) and we were married shortly thereafter on 9/23/00, which means we celebrated our third anniversary last year. We've known each other for almost 5 years though, and are still going strong!

Our wedding was beautiful and located in Long Beach, WA (which is where David spent most of his growing up years). We were married in the chapel in the Inn at Ilwaco. We rented the entire Inn for the weekend and that is where our bridal party stayed. It was the best weekend of my life. My mom, aunt and I did most of the decorating the day of our rehearsal. They did an amazing job. The kids had so much fun having the run of things. David's family and friends did all of the catering. We bought all of our food and they prepared almost all of it. Again, simply amazing. I was not allowed to go to the reception site (which was the Eagle's Nest resort lodge). So, it was all up to my husband and family to decorate, cater, and get everything together. I was overwhelmed with it all.

Our ceremony was simple and elegant, with a twist. We wanted to include our 4 children. Each of them got a rose, during our "rose ceremony". Our reception was beautiful and while we pulled off all the traditional reception fun, we also had a surprising 30 minute ride in a helicopter, which landed just feet from the lodge. We flew up the coast and had our photographs taken on the beach at sunset. I will never forget that as long as I live. Seems like just yesterday!

Our honeymoon was a vacation to Southern California. We drove down, leaving the day after our wedding. Our parents were kind and gracious enough to watch the kids for us so that we could take this honeymoon. We knew if we didn't take it then, we probably wouldn't get one! The drive was so much fun.... we were able to sight see a TON... and visit places like Disneyland, Universal Studios, the California Coast, see live TV tapings, visit San Francisco, etc. etc. etc. It was awesome.

So... that was our wedding. I wouldn't change a thing!

David coaches football for a Jr. High School in our area. He also coaches as needed for other sports as well (he's been known to coach basketball in the winter, baseball in the spring, etc.). He's been playing softball on a men's fast pitch team for going on 5 years now. David is a sports FANATIC. Doesn't matter if it's a football game or pickle ball, he'll read about it or watch it! 

Jessica is a full time MOM.  I'm on a sabbatical from the working world and taking time to raise my kiddos. My home is my business, my 5 children are my career... I am mother, doctor, nurse, secretary, taxi cab driver (when the taxi's working lol), maid, accountant, cook, referee, baker, seamstress, waitress, guidance counselor, and teacher 24 hours a day 7 days a week! :) I wouldn't trade it for the world. I do sell on eBay to bring in a little bit of extra money and am looking into the home daycare field too :) I love butterflies, fairies, Anne Geddes,  scrapbooking (though there's not much time for it!) and anything Americana.

What WE do ~ We own our own business, called Bears In Chairs, which we opened in November 2003 at one of our local malls and it will continue to be open on a seasonal basis. We are also on the brink of other business ventures, so please check back for future updates! 

A new year... we have lots going on this upcoming year. We will be moving out of our shoebox sized house and "out to the country" this Summer. All very much looking forward to this. We are on the brink of several different specialty retail innovations, so that is fun and exciting for us. We are looking forward to a healthy and productive 2004!