Our New Hobby

Mike and I wanted to find a hobby we could both enjoy together. After some thought, we decided to try tennis. We found some older rackets, bought the tennis balls, and went to the park to play.

While we were playing, I started realizing that I am pretty good at tennis! And I was actually enjoying myself. I took lessons when I was 8 years old, but I don't think THAT has anything to do with it. Probably more to the fact that Mike was exhausted before we started playing, and he is too sweet to actually mention that to me. Thanks babe! I'll just keep the mind-set that I rock at tennis!! Woo Hoo!

Cutest Kid in Primary

Last Sunday, Mike and I went over to our friend's house for dinner. I was really excited because Michele is one of my only friends in the ward and we just attended a Scrapbooking Workshop together last Thursday and just had a blast. Well, Michele's son Mark was in my Primary class, but after my class was split, he is no longer one of my students; which was really sad because he is adorable.

Well, as soon as Mark found out that "Sister Pless" was coming for dinner, he apparently tried really hard to stay in his church clothes all day, but finally changed into comfy clothes before we got there. But Mark was also in charge of setting the table and assigning seats for everyone.

When Mike and I arrived, I was chatting with Michele and she mentioned that because Mark set the table, she knew exactly where I was sitting, but didn't know if Mike was sitting next to me. Mark had in fact placed himself in between me and one of the missionaries that were there for dinner as well. His two favorite people. That just warmed my heart! In fact, that touched me so much, I kept the place card he made for me just so I can remember the impact I might have on someone.

So, the rest of the night, I was teasing Mike about the new competition he had. Mike has never made me a place card! Lame!

Trashing the Wedding Dress Slide Show

Our Favorite Photographer

Mike and I had lunch on Saturday with our favorite photographer, Karyn Giss. We found her through Google by chance and she did an amazing job on our Engagement Pictures and my Trashing the Dress pictures. (We are even on her website!!) You can see her site here.

After having lunch with Karyn, I realized I had all these wonderful pictures of Mike and I and I'm not sharing them. (oops!!) So, I put our favorite pictures from Karyn in a slide show! Thanks Karyn for the wonderful memories! Mike and I both think you are amazing and we can't wait for another photo shoot with you!

Mike and Jess Slideshow

Our Crazy Sunday

Mike and I had a Sunday to remember today. We were getting ready for our 9:00 a.m. church meetings when Mike mentioned he had to give a talk today. I asked him if he was ready for it and he said something to the affect of, "I'll wing it." I am the complete opposite. I like to map out my talk, figure out how I'm going to word things and type everything up in an organized document. If I don't do this process, I'm a complete mess!

As we were driving, I was mentioning how weird it was for only Mike to have to give a talk. Usually, the Bishop has a new couple both prepare talks, but I quickly shrugged it off thinking the Bishop wanted to have me speak another Sunday. Then we got to church...

Mike picked up a program and just stared at me until I saw the words "Jessica Pless" as the second speaker. I was stunned. The Bishop never talked to me about a talk and I didn't even know what to speak about. So, my job was to introduce Mike and myself by telling people how we met and then share my feelings about the Atonement. I grabbed a piece of paper, scribbled some thoughts and feelings down and just prayed the entire time that everyone would suddenly fall asleep magically during my "talk". Luckily everything turned out fine and then it was Mike's turn to talk. He opened by telling people, "When the Bishop called to ask me to speak, I zoned out everything else he told me...so my wife found out she was speaking today about 5 minutes before she gave her talk." SO THE TRUTH CAME OUT!! But it was a good learning lesson and it taught me how to rely on the Spirit and say the important truths I know. And in return as an apology, Mike is doing the cooking and cleaning this week. :) Amen to that!!

Primary Teacher Calling

As most of you know, I am the new Primary teacher for our ward's 7 year-olds. For those of you not familiar with my Church, that means every Sunday, I get to spend 2 hours with 5 little kids, teaching them the fundamental teachings of our Gospel. But there was just one concern for me before I started my new calling...I have no clue what 7 year-olds like or how they learn. The only thing I knew was pretty much summed up in this picture...
The great thing is, I got advice from my mom, my sister-in-law Marci and my friend Holly - who all have experience with this age group. So, now, I can feel like I'm helping them learn the teachings of the Gospel while preparing them for the most important event of their lives...Baptism! And the best part is...we can all color in the meantime! (Who doesn't love coloring??)