Preparing for 2009

In order to start 2009 off right, Ryan and I decided we needed to "de-clutter" our life. So for the last month we've been working on an intense "apartment renovation" project to help us transition to 2009.

About a month ago we spoke with our apartment manager and found out that we are able to paint our apartment (without having to paint it back) as long as we don't paint it any super bold colors. Since we plan on staying in this apartment for a while, we felt that it would be worthwhile to paint our apartment and make it feel like "home." Within 2 days of finding out we were able to paint, we began our project.

Along with painting the walls, we also painted the baseboards (the few that the apartment has), re-caulked the bathrooms and kitchen, re-organized and cleaned out all of our closets and storage boxes, and did a super DEEP clean on the entire place (including all of the air vents). Although it took a month, we have now FINALLY completed all the changes. It took a ton of time, was a ton of work, and was ABSOLUTELY worth it.

We're interested to see how 2009 will go as it will be our first complete year working full-time. Even though we have no idea what this year will bring, we're much more prepared now that our home is in order. Bring on the new year!

(Pictures of the living room and kitchen are still to come)

Bedroom #1

Bedroom #2

Bathroom #1

Bathroom #2

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A Very Merry Christmas

Every year, Ryan and I rotate spending time with our families during the holidays. This year we spent Christmas with my family here in Arizona. The highlight of the vacation was getting a week off of work to spend time with family.

My sister and her family flew out from Michigan to spend the holidays with my family as well. The week was full of shopping, eating, playing, and shopping and eating some more! Seriously, I think I gained at least 5 pounds in the last week. Although my clothes are a little tighter, the week was a blast and we wish it could've lasted longer!

Spending some quality time with Grandpa and Grandma

This kid has no fears (seriously, he'll climb ANYTHING!)

Feeding the horses

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Charlie Brown Christmas Tree

Since Ryan and I trade off spending Christmas with our families each year, we've never felt the need to get our own Christmas tree. This year we decided that since we'll be staying close to home for Christmas, it was the perfect year to get our own tree. For the last two years we've carried on the "real vs. fake" Christmas tree debate. Since Ryan grew up with a fake tree and I grew up with a real one, we both see the benefits of doing it our "own families'" way. 

Being the great husband that he is, Ryan gave in and let us get a real tree this year. Although it's only 3 feet high, it's our very own Charlie Brown Christmas tree and we love it. NOW we can have a Merry Christmas!

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Catching Up

We always look forward to going to Spokane to spend time with old friends. Ryan's friend Lance got married while we were there so Ryan got to spend some quality time with the boys. They had fun hanging out and playing videos games late into the night. We wish we were able to see everyone more often, but it was fun getting to catch up while we were there!

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