This last year has flown by, and I cannot believe that in a few days we will begin a new year. Even still, I will remember 2009 as it brought about a lot of firsts and accomplishments. Cale and I celebrated our first anniversary, purchased our first home, and we both graduated with a BA in economics. We are very thankful for the opportunities and blessings granted to us by the grace of God. We are also thankful for our health, and for the support of our loving families. Here are a few highlights from the year.
1. Our 1 year anniversary
We decided to celebrate our anniversary by going to a baseball game and then out to a restaurant that serves ramen.
We can't believe that it's already been a year, it flew by so fast. I have a wonderful husband who loves me and I am so blessed to be married to him.
2. Jim and Peggy's 50th anniversary
Cale's grandparents celebrates their 50th wedding anniversary this year, and a big party was given in their honor. It was so much fun to celebrate and to spend time with the family. The party was given a couple days after thanksgiving and so the family spent the whole weekend together. Cale and I had to work so we had to drive back and forth a couple of times, but it was well worth it.
Cutting the cake together.
What a cute idea- the picture on the easel was signed by everyone who attended the party; it is their wedding photo. The picture on the table is of them now, 50 years and counting!
It was such a fun weekend, we also got to visit with Travis and Loretta, who will soon introduce a new murphy- baby Aydien. Cale and I are so excited to be Aunt Lauren and Uncle Cale!
What a wonderful family they've started.
3. Homeowners
It was such an amazing experience purchasing our first home. I cannot tell you how many meetings we had with our realitor, how many homes we looked at or the number of hours searching online through home listings on listingbook. What I can tell you is that we looked for about three months, a couple times a week, at what felt like a million houses. And it's not like we couldn't find one, but it was a rat race to get one. Cale and I made 7 offers before one was finally accepted. Even though it could be painful having a seller "go with another offer", finally having one accepted was so exciting. We were also amazed with the house we ended up in. Out of EVERY house we looked at, this house was by far the best, and also the best suited for us. We still are amazed that we got the house, as there were several other offers in on the house. Eventhough we wanted to be moved in before school started (we ended up moving the week after midterms) we are so thankful for God's timing. Here are some pictures of our home.
Cale and I re-did the bathroom: we painted it grey and hung the cabinet and a new light fixture and cut down the mirror and framed it. The cabinet and fixture were gifts from my grandmother.
Living room: our first big christmas tree!
4. New family member
No, not pregnant (sorry mom), but we did happen to get a new kitten. We were driving home one night, it was dark and raining and we had to swerve to miss this poor little kitten. We stopped to get her and took her home for the night. The vet said she is perfectly healthy and about 8 weeks old. She was a little shy at first, but spent all day Christmas attacking my family's toes from under the couch, and is currently climbing up the back of the couch to come sit on my shoulder, so needless to say she is very comfortable now. When we first got her, I though she still needed her mothers milk, but i think that is because our other cat Norman is so huge in comparison.
See what i mean???
5. Graduating
Cale and I finished our degrees at the same time. We both have our BA in Economics, he from CSUSB, I from UCR. It would have been much more enjoyable to complete it together at the same school, but either way, I'm so glad it's over. I'm not a big fan of school, but I do recognize its importance.
6. Christmas Eve, Christmas
Christmas Eve was spent at the Smith's home in Crestline, with delicious food, lots and family, bunco, and cupcakes. It was so nice to see everyone together and to meet little Claire for the first time and Rubie for the second time; and also to see Josh and Jen and Adam and Jen. Travis and Loretta also surprised the family by driving down from Fort Bragg. I am still kicking myself for forgetting the camera.
Cale and I were also able to host Christmas in our now home; I was a little nervous cooking for everyone, but everything went really well, and I was blessed with helping hands everywhere, with appetizers, baking, dinner, and even dishes!
Dinner: salt crusted prime rib, cheesy potatoes, asparagus, salad, sweet potatoes and cranberry sauce.
1 comment:
YAY! I am so happy to read this long overdue post...i'll be keeping an eye here so keep em coming! Great to see you guys at Christmas! Let us know when you're coming north!
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