After my sophomore year of college I was lucky enough to be hired at the civil engineering firm, Mayo Corporation, as an intern. My job as intern required for me to be at work early in the morning, usually by 6 or 6:30. Most people you know would be crabby and need a cup of coffee before you could talk to them—not me. I am a morning person. Every morning I was extremely (and I must emphasize, extremely) bubbly and talkative. From a distance I had seen Jared laughing and talking with the other guys at the firm, but whenever I would come in the room he would quiet up and usually leave. At first, I just thought I was too hyper and happy in the mornings for him to handle, but later I found out that he was just shy around girls. Things all changed for Jared and I one night after work when everyone went to the ‘Come Back In’ for a “Safety Meeting” and a few beers after work. A group of people decided to play darts, but everyone had to have a partner. By the luck of the draw, Jared and I became partners. A few beers took away Jared’s shyness and we realized that we really clicked. After that, we laughed and joked at work all the time and soon started dating.
That fall, I came to pick apples at the orchard and help Jared out. He had just bought the place (formerly Hazard’s Orchard) earlier that year and was realizing just how much there was to do. I proved myself as a good worker and hit it off with his parents right away. In fact, the first time I walked into Jared’s parent’s house, I looked around and saw all the crafty things his mom did and thought to myself, “This woman is going to like me.” Since it was apple season, Diane (Jared’s mom) did not have much time to put something together for lunch so we all sat down and enjoyed some hot dogs. Diane still brags that was our first meal together and I still came back.

Jared and I continued dating until the next apple season when Jared took me to the top of a hill that over looked the country side and proposed. Of course, I said “yes.” I still had two years left to finish college so we decided to wait until I graduated to tie the knot. We were married on June 25th, 2005, a beautiful summer day and have been happy ever since.

Well, we've been talking about it and now I'm finally doing it. I'm starting a blog for Lapaceks Orchard. Some crazy things can happen at the orchard and now we're going to share them with you. Along with news on the trees and apple crop...and probably some updates on my adorable little girls. Yes, girls, plural...we had our second baby girl on February 24th, 2008. She's going to be like her momma...always on time. She decided to join us on her due date and didn't take too much time in doing it. Her name is Capri Grace and was 8 lb 1 oz and 20.5" long. Most of you probably met our other daughter, Mercedi (or Cedi), this past apple season. I would look forward to meeting her again next year...she's starting to talk up a storm and it's just adorable!

Check back later for more news!