Hi, I’m Eldon. I was born on April 1, 1983 in Snowflake, AZ. I am the 8th of 9 children (7 boys and 2 girls). Being born into such a big family, I always had plenty of siblings around to play with, and plenty of older ones to help take care of me. I remember our home being a place of hard work, but also of fun and laughter. I didn’t really care that we didn’t have much, because I didn’t know any better. My parents did a great job of providing for us, and helping us to appreciate all that we had. They especially taught us the importance of family. To this day, I consider my parents and siblings my closest friends.
Growing up in a small town was a lot of fun for me. We had a huge yard, which meant plenty of yard work, but also plenty of adventures. I can remember playing out back for hours on end exploring the old barn, looking for lizards in the woodpile, and playing with the dogs. When it was time for work, I was usually charged with mowing and edging the lawns, and splitting wood for the fireplace. My parent’s home had no central heating, so during cold months it was essential to keep the wood box stoked so that we could keep warm. During the summer, my brothers and I always enjoyed going out into the woods with my dad to cut firewood. We would take a few pickups and trailers and make a day out of it. It was hard work, but when we had filled the trucks we would always stop before we came home for some target shooting which we all really loved. I am really grateful to my parents, not only for teaching me the value of hard work, but that work can be a lot of fun if you have a good attitude. As I grew up, more of my siblings got married and had kids. It was always fun to have my little nephews and nieces around. I have been around kids my whole life, and I consider playing with children to be one of the best simple pleasures life can offer.
I figured out from an early age that sports aren’t really my thing. There are sports that I really enjoy, they just tend to be recreational sports like golf, skiing, and snowboarding. In high school, rather than playing on sports teams, I participated heavily in student council. I really enjoyed helping with events and assemblies, and even being in the limelight sometimes. I made lifelong friends through student council. When I turned 16, I got a job at a local garage. Growing up around my Dad, I couldn’t help but gain a passion for tools and machinery, especially cars. Thanks to time well spent with Dad, when I started my job I really didn’t need much training at all. Most of the work was pretty simple, but I prided myself on my efficiency and quality work. I made some great friends at that garage, and even got my friend Jason and my little brother a job there with me. I really miss the days of turning wrenches, getting dirty, and working with my friends.
A year after graduating High School, my life took a dramatic turn. I was called to serve a mission in Spain. Being a small town boy, I think the farthest I had traveled up to that point was El Paso, Texas. Moving to Spain was a big change, but one that I tackled head on. I cannot begin to describe my love for that country and the people in it. I tried my best to work hard and to be a good missionary, but also to take advantage of the huge opportunity that was my 2 year tour of Spain. I lived in several cities along the northern coast, and met many wonderful people in each place, who I continue to stay in contact with. I really learned to appreciate the culture and food of another country. It really opened my eyes to the wonders of the whole world, whereas before I was content with the wonders of Snowflake, AZ. =) I am passionate about learning of other places and cultures around the world, their customs and their food. I hope to someday be able to go back to Spain and visit the friends I made there. 
I moved to Mesa when I returned from Spain and lived with some of my friends from high school for a few years. We had a great time living in our bachelor pad and learning all about the real world. While I do wish I would have been going to school during those few years, I cherish the life lessons I learned being a bachelor and trying to make a living without an education.
Stefani and I met in 2005 and I have never looked back. We fell for each other so quickly it blew us away, but we felt good about choosing to get married. We were married in the Mesa Arizona Temple on August 12, 2006. I immediately began pursuing my education. Stefani has been working ever since then to help me get through. I currently attend ASU Polytechnic in the Air Transportation Management program. I have been fascinated by airplanes and airports ever since I was little, so I am thrilled to be studying something I am passionate about. I am so excited for the day when I can make enough money on my own to support my family so Stefani can stay home and tend the little ones who have yet to come into our lives.
