First Time Home Owners

I have been putting off blogging until I could confirm some exciting news, but the exciting news took awhile to confirm so that is why I haven't blogged for awhile :)

Brian and I put an offer an a house a week ago and sadly did not get it. We were bummed but tried to realize it was just not meant to be. Boy was that the truth. We found the perfect house for us last Wednesday, put an offer in on Friday and found out Saturday we got the house.
We could not be more excited!!!! We spent the next half hour calling friends and family to share the good news. They were all very supportive and excited for us which means more than I can say. It really helps to have your family and friends so positive and encouraging when you are going through a major life event! I think we have driven by the house about 10 times, it is just crazy to think we will be in there in a little over a month, woohoo!
I will try to post some pictures a little later, so I can "sensor" them, you can never be too careful! It was built in 2004 so it is pretty new, it is about 1600 square feet with 3 bedrooms plus an office. The backyard is a good size and has a large concrete patio that will be perfect for entertaining.

Let's see, this past weekend we did some much needed groccery shopping at our favorite store, Winco. Then we stopped by my sister's house they are building in North Albany to check on the progress, it is going to be so beautiful. They are putting such detail into it, which I know has been a huge stress on my sister to make decisions, but it is gorgeous. We watched my nieces and nephew on Saturday while they celebrated Schuyler's 30th. Then we went for a night cap at Applebee's where our friends Sarah and Travis bought us drinks in celebration of our house purchase.

Sunday we helped Brian's sister Sara move to Corvallis and then she took us out to Los Dos Amigos, yummy! We rested a little after that as it had been a long weekend and I we didn't get to sleep in as late as we would have liked (I'm not gonna say what time since I know those with kids will roll their eyes! ).

Anyway, this week looks pretty normal, month end at work again. Where did January go?!?!
I better go but I just wanted to share the good news about our new house......we are home owners, YAY!!!!

I love Sunriver!

So this weekend was awesome! We all had a blast and it was so good to go skiing since I haven't been in seriously like 10 years.
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We had Friday off work so Brian and I woke up and headed up to Keizer and loaded up the Armada. We of course made a stop to Dutch Bros. (sorry Jenny!) for some warm coffee and then off we went. Our first stop was in Detroit for some snacks and a much needed bathroom break, the coffee went right through me! Then we stopped at Hoodoo for some sledding. We found a perfect little hill for sledding and spent an hour there before we headed back on the road.

Brian is ready for some sledding.

Nate and Amy tumbling down the hill.

Our next stop was in Sister's where we ate at Subway and met up with Nick and Mindy (Bauer's little brother and his girlfriend). You would think by now we would finally just head to the cabin, but no. We went to the shops in Bend where we met up with my sister as she was so gracious to let me borrow some of her ski stuff, love ya sis. Then we went grocery shopping for the weekend and finally headed to the cabin. We got settled in while the boys went to pick up Caren and Craig at the Sunriver airport, they flew in.
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Later that night Marcus and Gretchen arrived and the party started. We played SkipBo, foosball, and a bunch of other card games. We attempted to go to bed somewhat early as the skiiers (Me, Brian, Bauer, Marcus, and Gretchen) were getting up early to hit the slopes. The sledders (Nick, Mindy, Amy, Craig, and Caren) were sleeping in and heading to Bachelor a little later.

From left: Nick, me, Caren, Craig, Mindy, and Amy playing cards.

Brian and I are ready for bed!

Saturday morning we headed off to Bachelor and I was so excited to ski. I grew up skiing but around high school I started snowboarding. I decided to go back to skiing as I was better at it and had more fun than snowboarding, however, I was pretty rusty since it had been so long. Brian was patient and spent time reminding me how to ski, it took awhile but it started to come back to me. Although I am pretty sure I was a better skier at 13 because I had way more confidence than I do now (college cheerleading will do it to you), so everytime I got going fast and Brian would yell, "Yeah, that's it, you look great!" I would panic and want to slow down because I could just envision myself tumbling down. At any rate, it was really fun and Brian was a natural. The guys enjoyed going off into the trees and doing jumps, they also had some good falls ;) I think the funniest thing is when we were going down a narrow part of a slope and this snowboarder ran into the back of me, nearly knocking me over. We didn't fall right away so we are just skiing down this slope together, unable to stop or break apart. We finally started to slow down, at this point we are both laughing hysterically, when we turn and fall. Now, I fall on my stomach and he falls right on top of me, his snowboard gets caught in between my skis and so my legs do the splits. We are still laughing as there is nothing else to do in this awkward situation, and he finally gets up and is very polite and asks if I am okay, still laughing. It was quite an experience and I would say that is a great way to pick up girls, if they are single of course. Brian found it pretty funny and made sure to ski behind me from that point on.

Beautiful view from Mt. Bachelor

Brian, Marcus, and Bauer

Brian and I stopping for a bite to eat at lunch.

So we skied all the way until 4 pm that night and had a blast, man are my calves sore! We took it easy Saturday night and just played some cards and watched TV. Sunday came too fast as it was time to head home and back to reality. But we have the pictures and the memories that will last forever.

Sunriver 2007!

Wednesday

Us Time
So remember how I am baby hungry? After we got married I was so excited to think "I can have babies!!" So my sister Jaime's best friend, Julia, left me a comment that made me think, in a good way (thanks Jules!). She said "You and Brian always seem to be out doing fun and exciting days. It takes me back to when I was first married. Aghhhh. Good memories. Lindsey, you and Brian seem so happy. " I thought to myself, "We do fun and exciting things?" Now, of course I have fun with my hubby but it was kind of cool to hear that our lives seem fun to someone else, I mean, we're a FUN couple! Yay!
Now I am sure Bauer would disagree as we flake out on him far too often, we got love for you Bauer. Anyway, the point of all this rambling is that although I cannot wait to start a family and have babies, I really do enjoy the freedom Brian and I have and most important, all the time we get to spend together. I know most people think we spend way too much time together, but I can't help it, I seriously have the best time with him! I can be my complete self and he doesn't judge me, just loves me :) I know if Bauer reads this he will be barfing right about now.
Moving right along, Sara, Brian's sister is going to stay at our house and watch MJ for us while we are in Sunriver. I know MJ LOVES her aunt Sara so she will be so excited. Thanks Sara!!

Jenny's Wedding
So I think they have decided on September 7th in Hawaii and then a Corvallis reception on the 22nd. It will be a beautiful wedding, on the beach in Hawaii, so romantic! Brian and I are planning on going and hopefully it all works out that we can, financially and work availability wise.

Thanks for all the comments, they are so nice to read and now I know people are really reading the blog :) Yay!
Well I am off to finish up some work, the weekend is near!

Weekend Review

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It was a nice weekend spent with friends and celebration.

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Friday I rushed home from work, packed, and we headed up to Salem. I dropped Brian off to play poker in South Salem and realized I forgot my phone! I did not realize how attached to my phone I was, I was freaking out because I wouldn't be able to have it until Saturday when we got home, ahhh! So after I told myself it was not the end of the world, I headed to Keizer to Nate and Amy's house. Amy and I went shopping and got Ashley's wedding present, a featherbed comforter. We both got some new nail polish and went home to give ourselves manicures and pedicures while watching the Devil Wears Prada and drinking wine. It was such a girly night and I loved it!

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The boys got home around 11:30 pm with some good news, Brian won!!! For the second time in a row, that's my champ :) Nate got 3rd so they were both winners, not a bad evening for all.

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Saturday we woke up at 7 am, way too early for a weekend!! But we went to breakfast at the Original Pancake house thanks to big daddy Bauer (Nate's dad, Tom) and it was delicious, so worth the early morning. We went back to the house and the guys started ripping out the old screen door. Amy and I had to go find a large enough bag to fit the comforter so we headed out. You would not believe that we went to 3 different stores and none of them carried a bag large enough. So, we got some wrapping paper and a bow. Hallmark was one of the places we went to find a bag and although we didn't find the bag I did find something Brian and I have been wanting. "Our First Christmas" ornament, it was 75% off so it was a steal! We waited to long so the Hallmark in Albany didn't have any left, but the Salem one did!
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We headed up to Portland for Ashley's wedding at 2:30. Ashley looked gorgeous, her dress was so pretty. She had 9 bridesmaids!! It was the largest wedding party ever, LOL! The reception was a lot of fun, delicious food and great music. I had a blast dancing with my friend Shauna, she is the best dancing partner ever, we always have so much fun together. Along with forgetting my phone, I forgot my camera!! Can you tell I was in a hurry when we left on Friday!?! I was so mad, but Amy took a few cute ones so I'll get them from her.

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It was a long drive home and we were definitely exhausted by the time we got home so we crashed.

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Sunday we did some laundry and dishes and then went back up to Salem to buy me some jeans with Brian's poker winnings. We also had to stop by Nate and Amy's since Brian forgot his shoes. I got some really cute Silver jeans from Buckle, I'll try to find them online and post a picture. It has been 6 months since I bought a pair of jeans so I was in need!

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We finished the day with a movie, Miami Vice. I love watching a movie on Sunday nights, snuggled up with some blankets, my hubby, and my dog.

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I am so excited for this weekend! We are leaving Friday morning for Sunriver and will stop at a snow park on the way. We are going skiing on Saturday which should be fun since both Brian and I have not been in quite a while!

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Well I better go back to work. Have a good Monday!

Catching up
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Okay, I finally am taking some time to catch up on my blog. This stinkin' cold will not go away, I cough all day at work and the nights are spent tossing and turning, blah.
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These last few days at work were busy with month end things. I took on a larger role which was more stressful but I kind of liked it, I felt I was contributing to the success of the team and the days at work went by much faster. Things are starting to click and I am beginning to understand a little more how things work and the different programs, it only took 4 months! LOL ;)
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Brian and I have started seriously browsing the housing ads. We originally wanted to wait until we paid off some debt and saved for a down payment, but we are starting to rethink it. Mainly because we feel we are wasting money on rent and would like to invest in a home. So Brian picks up all the flyers he sees on his route and looks online when he gets home. It is fun to think we could own a house in a few months. I know our family is thinking, "STOP MOVING!" Just kidding, I know they would be happy for us :)
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New Year's Eve was low key but very nice this year. We were originally going to go up to Portland to Linus', but since I was feeling so crappy we decided to stay local. We ended up going to Tiff and Eric's house and having a mellow evening hanging out in our PJ's and talking.

Here is us a little after midnight kissing MJ (we brought some streamers to be festive!)

This weekend we are going up to Salem so Brian can use his tools and help Bauer put in some new french doors and play poker. Amy and I plan to hit the Victoria Secrets sale and have a pajama party. Saturday night is my friend Ashley's Wedding! I am so excited for her and I missed her shower and bachelorette party so I can't wait to see her walk down the aisle :)
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I thought I would end with some more pictures from Christmas festivities:

My brother Lance and his wonderful and beautiful girlfriend, Ali

My Mom and Randy on Christmas Eve
Jaime and Schuyler showing their true side ;)
Briand and his sisters, Sara and Heather
Well, have a wonderful day and weekend!

Guess What?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!

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Jenny and Kyle got engaged!!!!!!!

Kyle proposed to Jenny on Christmas morning. After we had all opened our presents he went behind the tree and handed her a large box. First she read the card that expressed how much Kyle loved her, and at the end it said, "All I want for Christmas is........YOU". She opened the box and inside was a smaller wrapped box. She opened that one and inside was bubble wrap. She unravled the bubble wrap to find a small box and when she opened it a piece of paper said, "to marry me." (All I want for Christmas is YOU to marry me). It was very sweet and we are SO SO happy for Jenny and Kyle. Congrats sis, I love you!!!


Mom R.'s party was very fun. Good food, good drinks, and good people. Here Brian and I are in the kitchen...
This is Mom R. and I, again in the kitchen. It was good food, what can I say!
Here is Craig and his beautiful girlfriend Caren, don't you love the red hair!

Christmas Eve started out at my mom's house with pictures, of course! Here are my mom and sisters and I being us.

The Holcomb's :)
Here are my 2 nieces and nephew who are just the cutest things ever!!! Porter enjoys stealing the show :)

Here are the beautiful parents of these wonderful children, my sister Jaime and my brother-in-law Schuyler.
It was a wonderful and busy Holiday season with our families. We are so blessed to have such wonderful and supportive families and friends, we love you guys!

Well, I would love to write more but it will have to wait, Brian and I have been sick all weekend so we are going to spend more time relaxing and trying to get better.

Happy New Year!