Where to Begin??

I almost feel like I need to reintroduce us, even though if you are reading this you know us.

First, Josh and I met on Oct. 31, 1999 at a mutual friend's engagement party. We had served our missions together and they were in the same ward (church congregation). At the party Rebekah had a couple different groups of people... childhood friends and college friends... I was only mission friend. I sat in her kitchen not trying to hide the fact that I was bored. I was wondering if I had been there long enough to make an appropriate exit when Josh walked into the kitchen for a sticky bun. According to him he looked over and saw this woman looking pathetic, and thought he would be nice and talk to me while he ate his sticky bun, then he would go home to finish homework. Well, we started talking about our interest in dancing and music, then slowly others left, and in the end it was us and our engaged friends. We talked until midnight about missions and life. We laughed a ton! At the end of the night I thought he was nice, and I wouldn't mind being his friend. Fast forward to August 18, 2000 when we were sealed in the LDS American Fork, UT Temple... still the best decision I have ever made.

Second, Josh -- age 38, earned his BA in Human and Family Relations at BYU (BYU-Provo, now) in April 2002. We move to Washington that August so Josh could attend PLU (Pacific Lutheran University) and earn his MA in Marriage and Family Therapy. Originally, we were going to move to Washington for two years, then return to Utah to live by family. Well, about a year and a half into that plan we realized we really loved Washington and didn't want to move. So, here we have stayed... home, sweet, home. Josh has established his own practice with a partner in Puyallup, Hope Counseling. His partner, Mary, came up with the name years ago because hope is what they are trying to give the people they counsel. Isn't that great? Josh loves singing and regularly sings with a group Canto del Coure, and participates in lots of church productions. He is truly an amazing man, husband and father. I count my blessing daily that he walked into that kitchen.

Third, Jeni (me) -- age 39, is two economics papers away from actually earning my Associates in Business from Pierce College here in Puyallup. (Yes, I know it looks like I graduated, but I haven't. Long story short I needed to take an incomplete in MicroEconomics. I retook the class my last quarter. I had a few papers to finish writing. The prof wasn't willing to let me slide [which is good] and settle for a lower grade. Because the class was an incomplete I have up to 6 years to complete those silly papers. I obviously haven't wanted to do them. Well, that ends this month... I will let you know when they are done.) I am actually doing quite a bit with this degree. I am the secretary for our elementary PTA. This is it's charter year, so I am basically helping to set up a non-profit organization. It is a lot of work, but worth it, because I am helping the kids and families at the school and in the community. I am also a board member of the middle school PTO (yes, there is a difference. No, I will not go into now.) I am also the new Mt. Tahoma Cub Scout Day Camp Director. I will be directing two four-day day camps for the cub scouts in our district. I am a bit nervous about this one, but am also really excited. I never thought I would have a passion for Scouting, but when Matthew fell in love with it, so did I. I am blessed to be able to do all this volunteer work for the community and with my kids. It really means a lot to them to have me involved in their lives. Oh, what do I do just for me? Good question... honestly, I read. I read a book a week give or take. I usually wonder around my library and grab whatever catches my eye. I have read some good books doing that. (Yes, I need more recent pictures of me alone.)

Ceithlinn -- age 12, graced us with her presence on July 16, 2002. She was curious from the very beginning. She earned the name, "Bright Eyes" at the hospital. While all the other babies slept (this was back in when hospitals had nurseries), she quietly looked around. She continues to be curious and it is serving her well. This past year in school she participated in track and field at Mountain View Middle School. This was brand new to her. She ran the 100 meter, threw shot put and did the long jump. She LOVES running the 100 meter and was very good at the shot put. She is also one of 10 7th graders in the 8th grade band. She was specially selected last year because of her dedication and skill. She marched in her first parades this past December. She was nervous at first, but then, said she knew they would be alright when at the first parade a Bonney Lake Police Officer who keeps MMS safe got on his loud speaker and said, "Way to go, Mountain View Marching Band!" They kept on marching, no one missed a beat. Honestly, what can go wrong when you have Officer Green on your side? What else? Ceithinn went on a People to People Student Ambassador trip in July 2013. She loved it so much she wants to do another trip to Australia and one Antarctica. Ceithlinn is an amazingly creative young woman who loves to draw, write and craft. She has a huge heart and looks for ways to share her love. She is perhaps the best big sister in the world to her two younger siblings. Ceithlinn also is a member of Fire and Ice Irish Dancers, and is looking forward to spending many years with them. I am totally in love with this girl who is almost as tall as me and regularly borrows my high heels. (When did our feet grow to the same size?)

Matthew -- age 9, made his debut on March 26, 2005, it was the Saturday before Easter. He has been all boy from the beginning. His cry was deeper and he was more frustrated about not being able to move his body. He started walking at 10 months and was tackling his sister a few months later. Matthew LOVES Legos and says one of his talents in "to create." It is fun to see his imagination soar with these little pieces of plastic.He also really loves Scouts, and has earned his Bobcat, Wolf and Bear rank advancements, arrow points, and other awards. He once told me he wanted to be a scout his whole life. He is currently working on earning his World Conservation badge and wants to earn a few more belt loops and arrow points before his 10th birthday. Matthew gives the very best hugs in the whole wide world, and gives them pretty freely, especially if he knows you are having a rough minute. He is an AMAZING brother. He is supportive and encouraging to Ceithlinn. He can make Aimee laugh like no one else, and takes good care of her and loves to show her off to other. I am head-over-heels in love with this Matthew-boy, and know how blessed I am to be his mom.

Aimee -- age 6 1/2 months, joined our family on June 20, 2014. We chose her name long before we looked at the meaning. Her name means "beloved" or "most loved." We think this is a very appropriate name for this sweet little girl. She is truly one of the most loved babies ever born. She comes to all my volunteer work with me (one of the benefits of volunteering with kid's organizations), and people always stop and want to hold her, hug her, make her laugh and enjoy her. At the middle school some staff members know her name, but have no clue what mine is. :) Aimee is a most excellent sitter. She is starting to figure out how to get up on her knees in preparation for crawling. She really wants to get moving, and get frustrated when her body doesn't cooperate. She smiles often, and has the best laugh -- actually, all the kids have the best laughs, they are contagious. Consider yourself warned. I am still overcome with joy that this little one is here. 7 years is a long time to wait, and she is TOTALLY worth it.

Well, there you have it. The Gates family reintroduced. I am excited to see what else we share this year. I have some ideas rolling around in my head. :)  Thanks for coming along for the ride.