Christmas and the day after

This year Casey and I awoke on Christmas morning in our apartment and exchanged gifts. The remainder of the day was spent at the Jones'. On the 26th we spent the entire day with the Jumpers'. It was so nice to be able to spend the entire day with each family (relaxing, opening presents, eating, napping, talking, etc) without having to drive from place to place. We ate some amazing food and got to catch up with everyone. It was especially fun getting to hang out with my brother and his wife Katie as they live out of state and we don't get to see them as often. This Christmas was perfect as I got to spend it with everyone I love; I am blessed.

pre-Christmas happenings

Casey's UBS Christmas party was at Capital City Club; the photographer captured a couple pics of us.





Tonight we had my family Christmas party with my daddy's side of the family. It was fun getting to catch up with everyone!

I love renovating!

Casey and I have lived in our 1950 ranch-style home since December 2003. Earlier this year we decided that we wanted a little more space; the decision was to move... or renovate. We spent several weekends house hunting but never found what we were looking for. After much discussion we came across 2 of our new favorite people (our architect and builder). With their expertise we were able to design a home that Casey and I are so excited about. It will be completed in 2 phases (phase 2 is at least a couple of years down the road). With phase 1, we will add a master suite and a 2nd floor (to be finished out with phase 2), not to mention a complete face lift.

We moved out on August 15th into an above-the-garage apartment behind our neighbors house. It is very (very) small, but we've happily made it our temporary home. Pictured is our house in 2003, pencil drawing of blueprint, our current renovation status, and our temporary over-the-garage apartment.

If you want to follow the progress, check out our picture site. It's updated a couple of times per week.

My one (major) upset during this process is that due the size of our dwelling I had to purchase a small FAKE Christmas tree. I am a strong advocate for real Christmas trees so it absolutely killed me that I couldn't fit one in the apartment. I guess I technically could have purchased a tiny real Christmas tree, but I couldn't rationalize spending money on a new tiny tree stand, new decorations, lights, etc. for only one year of use. See pictured my thrifty Christmas tree (star made of aluminum foil).