Looks like I've managed to miss the entire month of February in blogland. Wish I could find the time to do more frequent updates, although I'm afraid they would be fairly boring since all we do is work! :) So, I'll catch ya up on what went down in February and the first week in March. February was mostly spent working. Unfortunately, I even had to spend Valentine's day and night at Pier 1 working. Maybe some year we can take a mini-vaca or something...it's a long shot, but maybe! ;)
We did however find one Sunday that month that neither of us had to work, so we ran to the beach with Toby in tow. Considering Bailey's hip and knee problems, we had to leave her at home. The beach is her favorite place, but we couldn't afford another $300+ vet bill. So, she watched over the house while we were gone.
We decided to go to Cannon Beach- where we got married. There wasn't a cloud in the sky and it was unbelievably warm for February. We couldn't believe our luck! I cannot stress enough how much this little trip was needed. I was so happy to spend time with my husband!
Most of the time was spent with me lounging on the sand while Jer and Toby tried their best to tire each other out. I was so proud of how Toby did. We took him off the leash and he just stayed by us, not minding the other dogs and most importantly the kids (he LOVES kids). He also did pretty well retrieving tennis balls which he's usually too lazy to do!
After beach time, we did some window shopping, grabbed some pizza-by-the-slice, bought Jer's favorite fudge, and stopped in the doggy shop so that Toby could get a treat. It was so relaxing!
In other news, Jim started building a house on one of the lots behind us. We knew it was coming, but it's still a bummer. I'm not so much bummed about the house, but about the fact that the deer haven't been around since building began and I'm afraid they won't come back. :( Here's a look at the house from our back deck a few weeks ago. I should take an updated picture though because as of this week, the roof is on and today they put the windows in. I'm looking forward to taking a tour though. I love the house building process! It's so interesting to me to see how they are put together and since my big hobby is decorating, I love to imagine how I would set up the home.
That brings us to March. And the biggest news of the year. We found out Monday, March 1st that Jer was laid off from his commercial construction job. It was completely unexpected, but we feel very blessed that he had the job for as long as he did! We were really concerned back in December 2008 that he would lose his job and luckily, he was able to work more than a year later.
We could have freaked out, but decided to look at this as a blessing. No more crappy job that Jeremy hated. No more working over-time every day for no extra pay. No more 45 min. commute each way. No more cranky husband because he had to deal with one of the worst bosses he's had (and there have been a few doozies!).
We decided that it was time for Jer to focus on Quinby Construction and really put his all into it. I truly believe in him and know that he has all of the skills necessary to be successful at this. One of his biggest stresses the last few months was that he desperately wanted to make his business successful, but just didn't have the time to put into it. Now, he has been given the answer to that question. He has the time, and this week he actually loved his job!
Another benefit is that now we don't have to be careful about sharing his professional goals. Not only is he striving to make his company successful, but I can finally post about his plans to become a firefighter. He is in school now to receive his EMT basic and has been accepted to Paramedic school. Upon graduation, he will be testing to get a job as a fireman/paramedic. He absolutely loves it and we are both looking forward to the day where he has his fire job (on shift every third day) and can do his business on his days off.
While we're scared financially and for the unknown (and can always use prayers!), we are very much looking forward to what's in store for us as a couple the next few months, and the year ahead. So, that should bring you up to date and I hope to be sharing about our lives a little more regularly now!
Jeremy officially graduated with his EMT Basic on Thursday night! I'm very proud of him for accomplishing this first major step. Next, he begins his A&P class April 24th and will be on track to start Paramedic school in September. Congratulations Babe, you amaze me!
As of Monday night, Jeremy is no longer on probation...with the fire department that is! The probies were voted in and are now official volunteer firemen. I can't believe it's been a year of involvement with the fire department. It's been a huge commitment, but a lot of fun for both of us.
Thought I'd share a favorite recipe in the Quinby house. This is beef stroganoff made in the handy-dandy crockpot. I LOVE crockpot meals! There's nothing like coming home from work to the smell of dinner waiting. :) Okay, here's the super easy recipe...
We decided to go to Cannon Beach- where we got married. There wasn't a cloud in the sky and it was unbelievably warm for February. We couldn't believe our luck! I cannot stress enough how much this little trip was needed. I was so happy to spend time with my husband! 
Most of the time was spent with me lounging on the sand while Jer and Toby tried their best to tire each other out. I was so proud of how Toby did. We took him off the leash and he just stayed by us, not minding the other dogs and most importantly the kids (he LOVES kids). He also did pretty well retrieving tennis balls which he's usually too lazy to do!
That brings us to March. And the biggest news of the year. We found out Monday, March 1st that Jer was laid off from his commercial construction job. It was completely unexpected, but we feel very blessed that he had the job for as long as he did! We were really concerned back in December 2008 that he would lose his job and luckily, he was able to work more than a year later.
