Happy Anniversary!

Happy 2 Year Anniversary! I can't believe it has already been 2 years and I can't wait for the next 22. I love you!

We are HOME!

It's been a LONG time and a LOT has happened! We are finally home, living with Anne and Bob in Normal. We've been here for a little over a week and so far, so good. But ask us in Jan and we might feel differently! :) We (and I mean the Wettsteins and Meiss') are hoping and praying that Ted's house gets done soon so they can move in!

We made it home the Wed before Thanksgiving so we were extra thankful that we got to be with family for the holiday. We were able to celebrate with 3 sides so we really got to see everyone! All went well but as they were Thurs, Friday, and Sat, we got a little tired of Turkey!

Since Derek transfered with his job, he started right up on the Monday after the holiday. He actually had training up in Chicago for 3 days and started in Peoria on Thurs. He thinks he will enjoy working there. It is a much smaller office so he will be able to have more relationships with his coworkers. It is a drive but he did sometimes have to be on the road that long in San Jose so there are definate pros and cons. I don't have a job yet but am looking. I am actually willing to work anywhere. Well, not ANYwhere! But I'm not limiting myself to only an x-ray tech position. So if anyone knows anything? :)

So a little about the trip home. We decided to actually make it a trip vs. just driving home so we made a few stops along the way. We went to Las Vegas, the Grand Canyon, saw the Rio Grande in Albuquerque (which was NOT grand, more like Rio Tiny), Hoover Dam, and the Oklamhoma City bombing memorial (this was awesome and very moving). Vegas was big, the stip goes forever, or at least thats how it felt! We stayed at the MGM Grand which is the largest hotel in the nation and we snuck the cat in in a backpack! Yes, we did. The parking lot was probably a mile and half away from our room and we or shall I say I trucked her thru the parking lot, the hotel LOBBY, casino, hallways, and elevators to get to our room. Derek had to walk behind me to make sure she didn't get out! We went with the mentality of sneaking her into hotels that we don't ask, they didn't tell so we didn't Really know if it was wrong! We saw a Cirque de Soliel show which was really neat and I won $20 playing slots! I put $2 in and won $20. It was so funny! I was just playing to say that I did and I won! The Grand Canyon was breathtaking, of course. I had never seen it before but Derek had. We got there just in time to see it and then watch the sunset. Pretty cool! Pictures will follow in a different post because I'm not one my computer.

The Sun is setting in California

Wow. We are moving THIS week. It's so surreal. I dreamed of this day (and these upcoming to the actual day) wondering how I'd feel. Wait, thinking that I would only feel excitment. Which I really really do but I also feel kind of sad. I mean this is where we started or at least thats how I feel. I want to memorize it, here, the streets, where we like to eat, shop, I want to remember so that when we visit it won't be all new and we can point out places to our kids. But I know that I won't remember, at least not everything. So this week we are visiting our fav. places to eat that aren't in good ol' IL (and because everything is packed and there is a lack of food :)) and doing things that we won't be able to. Like going to the beach to watch the sunset. We went to Half Moon Bay yesterday, sat on the beach, and just soaked it all up. Derek LOVES the beach, loves that it is just an hour away so he's a little sad about being many many many hours away in IL. Here are a few pics.
So Beautiful!

We both got Nor Cal sweatshirts from Nor Cal! Cause aparently people out here are very proud of the fact that they are from NORTHERN Cali vs Southern Cal. Like it's 2 different states.

This is actaully the first time I put my feet in the water at Half Moon Bay. The Pacific Ocean is FREEZING! Always. Even in the summer.

It Has Begun!

Packing has begun (and our apartment is a mess) !!! Less than 2 weeks now and we'll be on the road again! Crazy! In 2 wks, we won't even be in the state of California! Weird. We are planning on leaving Friday the 21st and getting home the 26th! Just in time for Thanksgiving! We're both really excited and can't wait to get home!

What a Man!

Finally Derek has been getting home at a decent hour. I'm so glad to see him at night even if that means I need to think of dinner! :) However, the week that he worked crazy hours was also the week of my birthday. (And when I say crazy, I mean crazy....like 92 hrs in 1 wk!) Anyway I did get to have a quick lunch with him on the actual day but we just celebrated yesterday. So what did we do?



We went horseback riding in Half Moon Bay!!!! It was so awesome! I had mentioned once before that would be something I would want to do and he remembered! It didn't matter that neither one of us had been on a horse in many many years or that he was/is kind of afraid, he set it all up! He's such a great husband! We packed a picnic lunch to have on the beach before. He got wine, cheese & crackers, grapes, and dessert. The weather was awesome; it was a BEAUTIFUL day. It was about mid 70s with hardly any wind. Perfect weather for the beach!


We were on the horses for about 2 hrs thru trail and beach!! It was like a movie....riding on the beach....can you believe it? :) It was so cool because obviously it isn't something that we'll be able to do next year! They gave us hardly any direction which made Derek very nervous and he already was! He said he didn't really like it for the first half but once we got to the beach, he felt more comfortable. I loved it the entire time but man oh man our butts are sore today!
After wasting some time downtown, we headed to dinner at a brewery on the beach. We sat outside, sipped some beer and enjoyed the sunset! It was a perfect day! I told D that he set the bar high! What's up for next years birthday? :)



A few pics of the day. Are there enough Mom?

A little wine, a little cheese

Beautiful!

Our horses!

Me & Susie Q

Derek never found out his horse's name or whethere it was a boy or girl!

Sorry they're out of order! I can't figure out how to fix it! I hate that!

I'm single?

Not really. But I do slightly feel like that. Derek has started a 2 wk crazy busy schedule. He has to work to midnight or past every night and he has to work both weekends. Not it will sort of feel like I am. I understand that people have to work. I read blogs with women whose husbands are doctors and their schedules are Way worse than his. But come on, they are doctors, saving lives. Derek is an ACCOUNTANT! I'm pretty sure he isn't saving any lives with his work! A business- maybe, a life- not so much! :)

It really makes me want to be home. I'm pretty sour about this much working but I know he doesn't like/want it. I think that if we were in Il I wouldn't feel quite this upset cause I would have family and friends to keep me company. There isn't really anyone here. Maybe I'm kidding myself. I do have to work a bit more than usual so that at least should keep me busy. Well, its a little less than 2 months now. Can't wait!

The Office or Jon & Kate?

The other day, Derek and I were in Target. As we were walking by the DVD section, I paused to pick up the new season of "The Office". We are new fans and have been playing "catch up" viewing seasons 1-3 just these past couple of months! We LOVE it! So funny! Well, we do have a slight problem with the time it's on......the same time of Grey's Anatomy!! Grr! We have watched Grey's from the beginning and we also love that. Ok, me more than him but he likes it. So back to the story. We haven't seen season 4. Hence, me picking the DVD up to inspect it.

I'm looking at it and Derek steps next to me. I hear....

*GASP*

I look over to see what he's gasping at. And he's holding the DVD of

Jon and Kate plus 8!

He's a big fan. A big fan. Well, so I am! I started watching the hour specials and made him watch with me. However, he didn't like it. Being the good wife I am, I forced him to watch it! Now he loves it! We both do! Every Monday he comes home from work and says

"Is it a new Jon and Kate?"

with this excited voice! It's great! He loves to repeat the funny lines the kids come up with!

Who doesn't remember "Daddies have weiners!" Love it! I can't wait til Caroline is spitting out hilarious lines like that! Although not that in particular! :)

Laborless Labor Day

We had a Great Labor day! We packed a picnic lunch, a beach blanket, books, and headed down to Capitola beach. It's a beach that we had never been before. It was super nice. The town was just like you imagine a cute little beach town to look like. Ideallic (spelling?). We left early cause we knew that it would be busy and it was. It was a beautiful day, 70s, sunny, breezy, couldn't get any better. Since we left so early to get there we decided to leave early (and because Derek was getting burned!). We decided to drive up along the coast to Half Moon Bay. BEAUTIFUL. You have the ocean on one side and green foothills on the other. We rolled the windows down and were cooled by the ocean breeze. Even though we are excited about moving home, we are definately miss that! Theres just no place to do that in IL! :) Here a few pics of the day.

Eatin' lunch.

Can you see D's reflection? :)

How about the windsheild reflection? :)

On a side note. Derek was reading my blog while I was sitting next to him. I have to apologize for my poor grammar! I have a very bad habit of NOT proof reading my blogs.....and it shows! I write like I think and it doesn't always come out making sense! So I'm sorry and I promise to work on it. But please don't expect perfection cause you won't get it! :)

Weekend Update

Scott, a friend from ISU was coming out to the Bay area for work this week and decided to come out a little early to come visit! He got here on Saturday and we just hung around the apartment. We went to dinner at Gorden Biersch that night. It's a fav of Scott's. We really enjoyed "dining" with a friend! We talked nonstop! I do remember I did a lot of the talking. Hmmm. Does that sound like me? Scott had to be in San Fran for work on Monday so after breakfast out we drove to "the city". (Everyone out here calls it the city. We don't know why. Especially considering that San Jose has like 300,000 people on it.) The weather was beautiful and Scott's rental was a Pontiac G6 hard top convertable! I was so excited! So many times I've said to D "Wouldn't be awesome to have a convertable in this weather?" and we finally had access to one! BUT the dang top wouldn't go down!!! Grrr! Sorry, getting back, we walked around the Wharf and down to Ghiradelli Square for some ice cream! Cookies and cream in a waffle cone! YUM! Aparently I got a little ice cream on my lip from my first bite that stayed until my last. Thanks guys for telling me! After our ice cream we headed back to San Jose by way of train (since Scott drove). It was a great weekend. Here are a couple of pics from the weekend.






This picture isn't from the weekend but it needs to be shown. It is evidence that Derek does IN FACT like the cat. If he has ever told you he doesn't then he's a liar. This pic proves it. And I'll have you know that he went and PICKED Jacy up to lay with him. I'm pretty sure she loves him a little more than me!

Great News!!!

So this post is going to seem a bit ironic considering the last post. But........

WE'RE MOVING HOME!!!!!!

It's true! We are so excited and I reiterate the WE!! I know that I have always been the one to want to move back but Derek has finally jumped onto my boat! :) After much thinking and praying the decision was made. D will be transfering with PriceWaterhouseCoopers (PwC) to the Peoria office December 1st so we still have 3 1/2 mths here.

It just makes me think about the "plans" that I made for my life. I always thought I would grow up, get a job (although I could definately give that up now! :)) , get married, have babies, and just be happy. However, I ALWAYS thought that all of these things would be done in central IL near my family. I never wanted nor dreamed of moving away. But Derek wanted to. And I married him. So, I had to. Right? But more than that, God changed my "plans" and expectations to His plan. His plan was for us to move here to San Jose, CA, 2000 miles away from anyone and everyone we know. And it was/is hard. That may sound trite but unless you've done it, don't knock it! :) But also, it's been great. Great for us, our marriage, our time. We both feel that even though we moved 7 mths after getting married, THIS is where we started our life together. And D always thought that he would want to be in Cali for (if he had his way) 5-10 yrs. But God changed his plans and his heart. God really worked in his heart and now D is just as excited to move as me.

I'm not SUPER!! excited about moving home!!!!! Cause I AM!!! I can't wait! Hopefully I'll see you in December!!

Happy Anniversary to Us!

It had been 1 YEAR since we have officially lived in California.


August 16 last year we arrived here in San Jose around 4pm and had everything moved in by 7:30!! Thank you Meisses (I know this is my last name but I have NO idea how to pluralize it!! Can someone tell me? :)) They were so helpful and so great! We had our first meal in our apartment. It was pizza from Pizza California. Pretty good. We still get it and it's literally around the corner.


I remember the last day of driving. I was anxious to see the apartment and just get here. We spent 40 HOURS in the car. AND that was over 3 1/2 days driving behind a 26 ft truck that could only go about 65! It was pretty much awful!


I can't believe that it has been a year. It went by fast but I also feel like "WHAT? It's only been a year!?!" Looking back it went by fast but there were different months that I thought we had been here so long but it wasn't even a year yet. But now it officially has.


Happy Anniversary California.

FYI:

I have an announcement.......Ahem.

I did not get out of my pajamas until 4:30.

I know, I know, what was I thinking? NOTHING! Thats what I was thinking! I didn't do ANYTHING today! And it was wonderful, glorious, loved it! Well, I did clean the bathroom (gotta give me a little credit!) but that was it. It was just one of those days!

Don't hate me cause I disgusting!

It was too short!!

We're back..... with a FEW complications and MANY great memories.

First, lets start with the flight home and go from there. We had an early flight to Chicago and had about a 2 1/2 hr wait for the flight to Bloomington. HOWEVER, there were some storms that passed through that delayed our flight. We're supposed to leave at 3:50 but didn't until 5:30. It was a long wait and we almost missed it! They told us that the plane wouldn't be there til 6 and then they changed the gate. I wanted to waste some time so we walked around. Derek kept saying we should check but it was only 5:15 so I said no. Then we sat near but not in the gate area and started playing a game (name that person from Il that we both HAVE to know. kinda like 20 questions but who wants to keep track? quite fun actually) Thats besides the point, on with the story. While we were playing, I heard the announcer girl say something about Bloomington flight but didn't know what. D got up to investigate. Our gate had been changed AGAIN and it was the FINAL boarding call! AHH!!! You know when you see those people rushing to get to there gate? Yeah, that was us! But we made it!

We arrived to BMI, called Anne and she said she was almost there. We turned the corner and there she was! With Ali, Nick, and Libby, oh and of course, Caroline! We ended up going to Ali and Nick's, and had Monical's pizza (which we miss!) There was also a small issue with D's suit but in the end, everything worked out. We were able to see so many friends and family this weekend. 2 very pregnant friends that did NOT help my baby craze!!! So cute!! The wedding was great and got to see even more people! It was a busy weekend but we were glad for it!

Flash to Monday, time to leave. We head to the airport about 4, start to check in and the lady says, you do know your flight's been cancelled? What? NO, we did NOT know that! Yes, we called xxxxxx and left a message at noon. What? Noon? Oh thats not our number. We booked our tickets thru our credit card, they called them. It was cancelled to due more storms in Chicago so we debated about driving there. In the end we felt that we would be too pressed for time. As it turns out, the San Jose flight was cancelled! Yay! We got one more night here AND we don't have to feel guilty for it! (Thankfully, I didn't have to work but Derek did but he got it cleared) So now Tuesday, time to leave. We check in fine, get to Chicago, and decide to have dinner at Chili's. Let's waste more time. We don't have to leave til 8:40 and we got to Chi at 6, we got out of Chili's at 7:15. Not bad. We walk to the gate, settle in for a wait. After a while, Derek gets up to get a drink and notices that the flight has been delayed til 9:05. Ok, fine. (I do have to work on Wed, calculating how late we'll get back, how much sleep....) We don't end up boarding til 9:30. Everybody gets seated, start up the plane, pull away from the walkway, stop, wait, wait, wait, captain comes on and says there's problem with an engine. It's too hot and they need shut it down, cool it off, and start it again. It doesn't work. We have to DEBOARD and wait for another plane! We didn't end up leaving Chicago til 11:30!!! We were/ still are so tired!

But you know what? It was not fun and I did complain but I'm really happy we got to go home in the first place.

Weekend Getaway

Yes that right, Derek and I are taking a short weekend getaway to.......Illinois!! Yay! It's a short trip just Thurs to Monday. Derek's in his friend Seth's wedding, so we're coming back. We're very excited even though it's so short and we're happy that we're able to make it. We can't wait to see all our family and friends. We're pushing everyone into 4 days but we're pumped! However, we're not so excited for the 6:45 am flight tommorow and the over 2 hr layover in Chicago (we're then flying to B-town) but what are you gonna do? :) Hope to see you this weekend!

A Post of Pictures

So cute!

I had to capture her crying!

What a sweet family!

I LOVE this picture! It's like she has something to say.
Check out the drool. This is our desk top image.

Yeah, there's like 10 different pics of us making faces. We're pretty entertaining, at least to ourselves.
Seriously, when do I get one?!?

It went to FAST!!

The Wettsteins are gone......tear. It was a GREAT week and went by entirely too fast. We did lots of things and D and I felt that we also had our own mini vaca. We went to Napa, yes we had a baby in the wineries. But she was good so it didn't matter. We went to the San Fran Zoo which was SO COLD! It was like 55 degrees and cloudy. Anne and Bob ended up buying a fleece zippy and hat for Caroline. Nothing like winter weather in July! We went shopping at an outlet mall in Gilroy the garlic capital of the world. No joke, it smells like it too. We went to church, swam in our pool, got yummi yogurt, and I took a MILLION pictures (not really but alot). So yeah, it was great. Derek walked in tonight and said "I miss living with Anne and Bob, can we rent a room from them?" :) Maybe someday. :) Here are some pics to share in the fun.

The first day. She is so Cute!
Derek's favorite. He thinks it could win a cutest baby contest. I don't know, maybe we're biased! :)
In Napa
GRRRRR!

I love how he's looking at her. I CAN'T WAIT to get me one of those! :)

I took so many I can't decide so I'll just wait and post more later. Hopefully that makes you want to come back! :)

Six Flags..More fun!

What a weekend. It flew by and I can't believe that it's over. But, I'm super glad that today is done and work is over for the next week and a half! Derek's aunt and uncle and their family are vacationing in Cali and we were able to spend the weekend with them. We had tons of fun and were really happy they came. They got here on Sat around lunchtime and we gave a "tour" of our 1 bedroom apartment (exciting, we know) and then we got lunch at In and Out. It's basically a made to order fast food with fries that you watch them make and good burgers (and only burgers). Derek loves it and thinks it a necessasity when coming to Cali. If you come and visit, we'll be sure to take you. We took them on a small tour of San Jose, came back and swam and then went out to dinner. It was so great to be able to have dinner with people! They treated us and we were so thankful!!! Sunday took us to Six Flags. You know......2 flags.....6 flags, more flags, more fun! We heard that commercial ALOT yesterday. I love rollercoasters! We went on all but 2 and we rode 2 twice. One of the ones I didn't go on was called Tony Hawk's Big Spin....as you can tell in the name it spins and I don't do well with spinning. It was a really fun day but really long and draining as well. We got there at 10:30 and left at 8:20. Long day. I slept so well last night and can't wait for tonight! No pics cause we didn't bring our camera but really fun.

1 more day until Anne and Bob and of course, Caroline! Can't wait!

Happy.......?

Happy Birthday Dad......yesterday! I forgot to post this yesterday!

Happy Anniversary Will and Michelle!

2 Weeks Left!

In 2 weeks my favorite family is coming to visit us!!!! I'm SOOOOO SUPER excited?!?! Can you tell? I can't wait to hold my little neice who is not so little anymore! I got to see her roll over on Skype last night and told Derek about it. He was jealous and said that he wanted to see her do it. So tonight we got on, watched, and waited. It took a while but she finally did it! AND, she went from back to stomach to back!!! She'd never done that before and I'm SO happy I got to see one of her "firsts" as I miss basically all of them. (A few tears rolling down my cheeks now) Anyway, it was very exciting and I CAN'T wait to see you guys! Love and miss you so much!!!!

Also, just a quick thanks for looking so good for us! :)

Fun in the Sun and Weekend

We had a pretty good weekend. Friday I didn't have to work because D's work had a "Fun in the Sun" day, which meant that we went down to Santa Cruz boardwalk and beach for fun, food, and sun. It was kind of a let down though. Derek ended up having to work til 2:30 when he wasn't supposed to at all. He had signed up for kayaking in the ocean which we missed. It was a bummer. By the time we left for Santa Cruz it was about 3:30. It usually takes about an hour to get there but we ran into an accident so it ended up taking 1 1/2 hr and when we got there, it was NOT sunny. I'm sure that it is not a widely known fact but there over 800 fires in the state of Cali this weekend. This made for some inclement air quality, hazy, cloudy, all the adjectives you don't want to describe your beach day. There were some perks though, like the free food and the wrist bands, which meant that you could ride all the rides you wanted. We rode one. But that was fun and it was featured in 4 movies, the only one I can remember is Dangerous Minds. I tried to sing the song for D but couldn't remember it. Anyone remember? We topped off the evening with a funnel cake. Love 'em.

I'm pumped for Fun in the Sun. What I didn't know.

On Sunday, we decided to go to an Oakland A's game. They played the San Fran Giants in the Battle of the Bay. I decided to root for San Fran. They won 11-1. I think it was because of me. We decided to take the BART (which is basically a train) to the game so we wouldn't have to bother parking. Derek thought that you could drink on the BART so we got some drinks :) for the ride. We had a frustrating time buying the BART tickets and I told D that he had a drink waiting for him. We get on, he opens up, takes a swig, then I notice it, a sign.....no food or drinks. Uh Oh. Now we have 2 24oz drinks that we have to chug before the game! Which is in like 15 min (it didn't happen, I'm not very good at chugging). Over all we had a good time even if our seats weren't the best. I know this sounds weird but he looks like such a Meiss here!

Notice D's hat. Still representing the Cardinals.

Shopping blues

Shopping is very difficult here in California. I don't mean the stores, there are MANY. I don't mean the crowds, they are HUGE. And I don't mean the prices, they too, can be SKY HIGH.
Shopping is hard here because there is no one to do it with. I was not used to shopping alone and had quite a shock when we moved. I realize that I have Derek so I wouldn't have to shop alone but due to the crowds, I usually shop when he is at work. Since I don't work everyday, I like to hit up the malls during the week. This can cut down the crowds significately. However, it also means that I have no one to shop with. Today was such a day. I needed a dress for an upcoming wedding so I decided to go look. I found a dress that I loved on the hanger but it's a little different than what I would usually wear. I tried it on and I think I like it on but I'm unsure. Those are the times when you really need an opinion. I was never really one to buy and then return but now, well, I'm that person. I have to bring it home for D's opinion. Oh well, I guess that just another one of those things to get used to. :)

Which am I?

Yesterday at work, I heard 2 comments that really stuck with me (mainly because they are so vastly different).

Comment #1: "You are so much nicer than that other girl who used to work here."

Comment #2 made by the daughter of their 95 yr old mom (who didn't really move): "If you hurt her, I will sue."

Wow, either I am pretty good or really terrible! I hope I'm NOT that bad! :)

My Cat Ate My IPOD!

Unfortunately Derek is really busy at work this week and probably won't get home until 10 pm or after. So I decided to go on a walk tonight and thought I would just listen to the Ipod. However, I got it out and remembered that Jacy(our cat.....I mean MY cat, Derek wouldn't neccessarily lay claim to her) :) had eaten one of the ear pieces! This was a couple of months ago and we have other ear phones but not the ones that fit into your ears. I didn't want to walk with the big earphones on, so I put the one in my ear and off I went. Just a good reminder that I need to go get some new ear buds!

Side note, Derek is pretty stressed at work and will be for the next couple of weeks so prayers are definately welcome. Not only for him but for me as well, as I won't be seeing much of him and I'll be pretty lonely. Thanks!

5 things

So, we have some friends who also moved 1,000 miles away from everyone and everything that they knew. They moved to New Jersey right after they got married in June of last year. Derek and I got to be married for about 7 mths before we moved cross country. Anyway, this couple orginally had plans to stay for about 5 yrs. However, due to multiple reasons they decided to move home. AND they are moving this weekend! This girl did NOT like living away at all. Sometimes much like me! When I found out, I was SOOO jealous (ok, maybe I still am!). I am not a very jealous person, never have been. However, when I found out they were moving not even a year after they moved, I wanted to be them! I was sick and weak with jealousy (NOT a good combo!:)) While I'm sitting here thinking of them, I am, of course, thinking that I wish it was me moving home but I know that God has us here for a reason. I just need to be reminded of that from time to time. I decided that because all of this jealousy was not good for me I needed to come up with reasons why I do like living here.

1) Most important, what is/has/will do for our marriage. I have said countless times to Derek when I'm upset......I will ALWAYS look back on this time and be grateful. It's hard, yes, but Derek and I are growing stronger together everyday. Although I wish sometimes that we had more friends out here to socialize with, I love spending time with just him. Before we moved, I really couldn't remember going to dinner with just him. We were always going with other couples (which I still love by the way and want to resume when we finally make it back home!:)) I definately DO appreciate the time that we have together! Love you!

2) Our church, it was a daunting thing to search for the one. Especially out here with a billion churches! (Ok, I exagerrated but there is a lot!) We went to about 8-10 different which really isn't that many but having only 4 Sundays a month, it seemed a like a ton! We were definately both ready to be consistent and settled and start getting to know others. We both realized that we would find other couples to be our friends this way! Anyway, we found a church that Derek actually went to when he interned out here 2 summers (almost 3 now) ago. It's about 20 min. away, so not to far. We have gotten involved in small group with 4 other couples and we meet on Sundays after church. We are thankful that we have gotten into a small group and are starting to hang out with new people! 1 of the couples just gave birth to thier first baby so that definately doesn't help my baby craze! Also, our pastor is really good. He's from a church in a suburb of Chicago, so I do like him a little more! And, he's funny and great about intertwining life into the sermons that makes you (at least me) learn a bit more.

3) My job. I really like my job. I work per day at a clinic that has 3 different sites. I work every Thurs. and Friday and most Mondays. I LOVE IT! I know Derek wishes I would work more becuase that pay out here is Really good. But I can't help it, I love it! I love the flexibility it gives me. I mean, I just have to say, I'm not available this day, that day, and they can't do anything! It is the perfect job that I didn't know existed! God has perfect plans!

4) Our apartment. As I said previous post, it was not fun searching the billions of apartment complexes out here (again I exagerrate but again there a lot). However, I am extremely happy with the one we ended up with. Of course, I'm NOT happy with rent price! The apartment is the biggest 1 bedroom that we looked at for the price range and the landscaping is beautiful. It has a good layout, different than most others, 2 pools, 3 hot tubs, and next door to a grocery store!

5) The weather. I can't complain about the weather, at least not really. I missed snow and winter a little bit and I did miss the trees changing but nothing compares with getting spring in mid-Feb! It was great! And pretty much the temp has been 65-75 since, except for the heat wave last weekend. So all in all, pretty good.

Sorry this is so long. It was maybe more for me.

Remember last year at this time?

One year ago we were here looking at apartments. It was both exciting and scary. Exciting....imaging the possibilities and wondering what it would really be like. It was also fun because the first trip (minus our honeymoon) the Derek and I took together. Scary.....What is it REALLY going to be like???? I was scared of the unknown and I certainly had a perconceived notion before moving. Also, I DON'T Want to Move!!! But it has gone by very fast. I mean, it's already May 15! Crazy! We'll be moving home before I know it.

It is SOOO Hot here! Record breaking temps..100 F! We decided that it was hot enough to turn on our air but it isn't central so it really doesn't feel that cool! I actually like the hot weather but just don't want it to last! Well, maybe through this weekend so we can go to the beach!

Beautiful day.

I know 2 posts in a day. Today we went to a local park in the foothills to have a picnic and go for a hike. It was a beautiful day and so nice to be outside. It is amazing that in the middle of the CROWDED Silicon Valley, there is this beautiful serene area that God has made. We have been hiking before to another place but this was much better. We saw a lot of lizards which Derek wanted to stop and look at each one. While walking we played a made up game....name someone from IL 20 questions (without counting q's cause that's just too much work!) We both really enjoyed this and were trying to stump each other. We're a little competetive! It was a great day and we're going to finish it up going to dinner. I love spending Saturdays with Derek. It makes me appreciate moving here a little more because at home we wouldn't necceassarily spend the day just us. Here are a few pics from the hike.

Our picnic.

A stream we ate by.