Happy 2009!

Well, here is our New Year's Day picture for 2009. I cannot believe it is 2009 already--high school reunion year...has it really been that long??

I hope everyone has had an enjoyable holiday season. I sure have been enjoying the "break" although I have definitely been keeping myself busy. Since Jeff is no longer in school, he did not get a long enough break, but I have enjoyed having him the few days I got him--and I have definitely kept him busy!

Here is a glimpse at our Christmas break. It began with cutting down a Christmas tree. Unfortunately I forgot to take a picture of it decorated. We went with our friends Annie and Shane and their little boy Garren. It was a much better experience than our first Christmas cutting down a tree....this year there was no snow so it was much easier. The only downer is that there really weren't any full, good looking trees. This was the best we could get, but it looked pretty cute all decorated.





We spent most of the time renovating our upstairs. What a project! All three bedrooms upstairs has popcorn ceiling and white walls. That is all changed now. There is no more popcorn ceiling and the walls are all painted. I forgot to take an after picture. It was loads of work, lots of trips to Ace and Home Depot, but definitely worth it! We have made so many changes to the house already and I seem to find a new project everyday...much to Jeff's dismay!


I managed, with Jeff's help, to make my first Christmas dinner. We made ham, mashed potatoes, rolls (aren't they funny shaped??!), salad, and sparkling cider. I even made fudge all by myself. We missed being with family and felt a little lonely on our own, but it was a nice break from all our renovating and with the weather being unpredictable, it was the best choice for us. Maybe next year....





This is a gross picture, but it is the only one I could find to show how much running I have been doing! My toenail is probably not going to last much longer. Either way, the weather here is terrific for winter running. We are colder than Utah, but we have less snow which is great. I was able to run outside 4 of the days which was a nice needed treadmill break! I have loved being able to go out when it is light since I didn't have to be at work. I have really been enjoying being away from school more so this year than previous years. Having a house has given me plenty of things to work on and keep busy. I hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas and Happy New Year. Best wishes for 2009!