12 more days...

Can you believe it?!?!? We are nearly in our new house! We've got cabinets in, interior paint, garage doors! It's all coming together so fast. We couldn't be more excited... so ready for it! It's been a long, drawn out wait. But it will all be worth it when we're finally in our first, brand-spanking new home!

Here's the most recent picture of the outside.

Valentine's Day and more...

Well, considering this is our first Valentine's Day being married, I thought it deserved some attention. We celebrated on Friday because Chris worked on the actual day. After I got home from work on Friday, Chris and I drove up to Incline Village and had a lovely dinner at Big Water Grille... the same place we had our rehearsal dinner! It was delicious, especially because it included those yummy salmon-crab cakes with lobster sauce....MMMMMMMMMMMM!!! We also got an apple salad (also featured at the rehearsal dinner), wild mushroom penne pasta, and some type of fish (similar to halibut, but I can't remember the name) on a bed of risotto with a lemon sauce. We bypassed dessert, though, as we were both stuffed to the brim! That's about it. It was pretty low key. We decided to avoid anything too extravagant because we are trying to save our money for what will be closing costs on our new house. Chris did buy me some flowers, though. Love him!

Later that evening Jared, Mel, the girls and Nanny came for a visit! On Saturday, we all went up to the snow for a day of sledding and fun. Following the snow, was the regular trip to Ghengis Grill (Jared's fave!). And on Sunday with Chris at work, they all filled my Valentine void :) We were happy to have them here; it's always a good time! Oh, and CONGRATS to Jared and Mel on the upcoming edition (now that the news is official)! We're excited for a new niece or nephew!

On a side note, our builders FINALLY broke ground on the beginnings of what will be our new home! We're excited to start seeing some progress; it makes it more real. We'll keep you posted on the progress.

XOXO

First Christmas... (technically)

Well, Chris and I have spent many Christmas holidays together (we've been together for 6 1/2 years), however, this was our first official Christmas together after our wedding!

We spent Christmas this year in Fresno (where my family lives). It was great seeing everyone, but we did miss our snow. Our first stop was in Modesto; sort of a tradition to do Christmas Eve at Aunt Kris and Uncle Chuck's for prime rib dinner. We got to see Cousin Katie's (and her fiancee, Jacob's) new house. Super cute, I must say! We are excited to attend their wedding this coming October... woo hoo! We played some fun games, in which the girls' team schooled the boys'... to be exptected :) Enjoyed some nice wine, mmmm.... Rombauer. Then, once it was all over, we drove the hour and a half to good ol' Fresno. We bought Megan and Kayleigh a package of noisemaker fireworks and a yard of gumballs. hahaha, best aunt and uncle ever! Yes, Jared and Mel love us for that, too! Recently, for the adults, we've been drawing names for Christmas, because heck, there are just too dang many of us... we'd all go broke buying nice gifts for everyone. This year, Chris drew Sonya's name and I drew Jenai's name. Jace drew Chris and Jared drew me. Chris and I asked for the same thing... gift cards to Pottery Barn. There is an awesome wine bottle chandelier we have our eye on for the new house.



Speaking of new house... yes, it is true, Chris and I have purchased our first home! It is very near the house we are currently renting. However, it is not quite a house yet, as it is being built from the ground up. So, technically, it's a dirt lot. We are very excited!!! It is scheduled to be finished around the beginning of April. We will track the progress on this blog (if I can be a diligent blogger).

For the work front, Chris's job remains the same... nothing new there. I, however, began a new job on October 1. I am working for a non-profit organization, which provides free legal services to the underprivileged population. The clients whom I represent are all victims of domestic violence. It's definitely not what I anticipated as far as a job is concerned, however, I am enjoying it. It is great experience... I get to manage my own case load and go to court. And best of all, I am helping people who really need it!

New Year's Eve was pretty mellow this year. Chris, unfortunately, was forced to work overtime 2 days in a row (I guess it's good money, but I'd rather him be home). So, luckily, Jared, Mel, the girls, Mel's brother, Dave, and my Mom came up for the holiday. We had a great time! We went sledding; the girls loved it! Megan wanted to take some snow home with her and was so disappointed to hear that she couldn't because the snow would melt. She kept asking for an ice chest... poor thing. I guess we could have let her try, so she could have learned for herself. Oh well. We had dinner at Ghengis Grill... a favorite of Jared's and Mel's. We also went to see Princess and the Frog! Overall, it was a quick trip, but jam packed with fun! We are glad they could come.

Well, that's it for now. Here's to the new start of 2010! Wishing everyong the best for this next year! Cheers!

XOXO

HITCHED!!!

Well, we did it! Finally took those eternal vows. We couldn't be happier :)

Thanks so much to everyone that was able to attend. Your presence meant everything to us. For the honeymoon, we sort of took 2 vacations... First, Family cruise, 7-days, Mexican Riviera. What an amazing time we had with everyone. Quick shout out: Mom, Dad, Jared, Mel, Meg, Kayleigh, Jace, Sonya, Joel, Raechel, Lily, Jenai, Jaxon, Ethan, Alex, Gary, Jessica, Nic, Coop, Peggie, Dave, Kate, & Sara. We had a GREAT time, and hope everyone else did as well! Hope to be able to do it again sometime! Second, we (Chris and I) flew to Kauai for 8 days! The transition from the cruise to Kauai was rough; I was having terrible stomach pain (hmm. hmm... the lady kind), stupid head cold, headache/bodyaches, SUNBURN to the point of having my left ankle swell and blister (but oddly enough, no peeling)! Then, once we arrived in Kauai, we had to do our laundry at some booty laundry mat. So, needless to say, I wasn't in the greatest of spirits. But it did get better! We ended up having an amazing trip, seeing some beautiful sights, and eating some delicious food (thanks to my Aunt Kris and Chuck)! Oh, and did I mention, we both got hour long massages, outdoors under a gazebo... amazing!

Thanks again!!!

XOXO

When will the madness end?

I have never been so unbelievably busy in my life (or so it seems). If it's not one thing, it's another. And quite frankly, I am struggling to keep track of everything. Who had the crazy idea of getting married, on top of studying for a bar exam (which I don't know if I passed) and looking for a job (which I do not have)? Didn't think that through too well, now, did I? So. much. stress. Just gotta roll with it now, I guess...

So... update. Hmmm...

Oh yes. For those of you who have checked out our Target registry, we apologize. We registered online, and did not realize that mostly everything is available ONLY online. I suggest checking out the items that offer FREE SHIPPING; there are a few. Also, you can just ditch Target and check our Sears registry. All the items at Sears are available in the store. Or, just get nothing and bring your pretty little selves to the wedding!

It's almost down to the 2 week mark, and I definitely took on too many "projects." I lack the Martha Stewart skills, so not too sure what I was thinking. But Peggie (Chris's mom) and Kate (Chris's sister) have offered to help me. So, together, I think we can get it done!

So, there are two weeks to go, AND... WE HAVE NO ONE TO PERFORM THE CEREMONY!!! The judge for whom I work was to perform the ceremony, but he is very ill and is now unable to do so. I pray for his health and recovery. In the meantime, I am tapping some other resources, but if any of you are legally authorized to perform a wedding... we're taking volunteers! LOL. See, just more stress... it's a theme. Not to mention, the constant state of disarray in which our house exists (for those of you who really know Chris, this one bugs him the most). But seriously, it's a disaster. Wedding "stuff" everywhere. When that glorious day rolls around, Chris will be most excited about getting all the sh*t out of the house. hahahaha!

Well, I've rambled enough. Sort of felt like a therapy session. Thanks for listening. Hope this finds everyone well.

2 more weeks... can't wait!

XOXO

COMING SOON...

Hi all! So, I know it's been a while since I posted anything... and for that, I apologize. I plan to devote my focus on the wedding from here on out... ya gotta give me a break, I just finished taking the NV Bar Exam. But now, I'm all yours...

In the near future, I plan to introduce the "players" in our wedding; AKA- the wedding party and family. This introduction will include pics (I hope) of each person, plus a short bio and how we know this person. I know, I know, you can't wait, right?

Again, we look forward to seeing everyone at the wedding, and will miss those who are unable to attend. Thanks again for all your support! Chris and I are thankful for everyone in our lives.

*REMINDER*-- If you have not yet RSVP'd, please do so no later than August 7th! We have to get a final count for dinner... YUM!

Hotel Rooms...

Hi there! Hope this finds everyone well. Not sure how often this is viewed, but thought we would throw out a message and see what kind of answers we get back. We are looking to reserve a block of hotel rooms, currently at The Cal Neva Resort. Before doing so, we wanted to see how much interest there was for hotel rooms? I think the rate we were given is $149 a night (that's if you stay only one night, should be less if staying longer). So, if you check this... either post a comment or send me an email to let us know whether or not you are interested in a hotel room discount.

Thanks!

EMAIL: jaimeknel@yahoo.com