Happy Thanksgiving!

We have so much to be thankful for this year (and every year). Carmine and I are so thankful to have eachother, we're thankful for the love and support of our family and friends, as much as we struggle with it, we can honestly say we're thankful for our health, as much as we complain about them, we're thankful to have our jobs, and we're so very, very thankful for our home!

Happy Thanksgiving to everyone we love and care about!

Happy Birthday Chris!

Tomorrow is my brother Chris' birthday. Now an avid surfer, I'm sure that's how he'll be spending a good portion of his day. Tomorrow (November 22nd) he'll be 32 and all I can think is how quickly time flys by and before you know it we're "old". Chris--sensitive, caring, and always giving-- I'm so proud of you and where you are today and so thankful to have you as my brother. I love you more then words could ever express and I hope this birthday is a happy one for you. Love, your Sister.

Pics of Our Progress...

OK, so here (finally) are a few before and after pics of our house! Some of the "before" pics are from the former owner's shots (all we have). We're still amazed at how much work and money we've had to put into our 7 year old townhouse, but the majority of problems came from or were the appliances so once we replace them, we should be good for some time to come. We still have a garage full of stuff to unpack, organize, and get through, but we really feel like the place is at a point where the major work is behind us. The stress of it all kind of takes away from the enjoyment and pleasure we should be feeling so hopefully as things wind down some of that good stuff will be a little more apparent!

A Work In Progress...

Carmine and I moved into our new home on November 1st. The move itself went rather smooth, with the help of our family and friends. We pretty much got it all done in one day and filled the 27 ft. truck we rented. We couldn't have done it without all of those who were there to lend a hand. I had the entire next week off from work to unpack and get the house somewhat livable, which brought our first disaster. The first day I was home (alone) the dishwasher broke and water filled our (finished) basement. Now we have to replace the dishwasher and fix the basement ceiling, and in the meantime I'm back washing dishes by hand. Our furniture was delivered, all but the wall unit (back ordered) and sofa for the basement which didn't fit through the entrance way (thank God for small favors). And right in the midst of all this excitement and madness....OBAMA BECAME OUR NEXT PRESIDENT!!! I couldn't be happier. I hear one of the first things he hopes to do when he enters office is sign off on stem cell research, which could lead to a cure for diabetes. I'm so proud of our country for moving us forward with open minds. I'm so happy for my little brother and my future child and the doors that have been opened for them, now there is nothing they can't do. So, here we are, new house, new president, terrible economy and just about as broke as we've ever been. But still, very, very, happy!