Let's begin with an update!

WOW! It's hard to believe that it's already been 1.5 years since we said "I do"! First of all, thanks again to everyone who helped make our special day just that! We had such a blast celebrating with everyone!

In that time, we have been busy! Here is a quick (or not so quick) recap of the past one and a half years:

1.) When we first got married, I left my home of 22 years and moved in with the new hubby in Mt. Pleasant.

2.) I was responsible for relocating us to sunny North Carolina! I landed a teaching job near Raleigh and after some consideration, we decided that moving would be a great experience for us. Pat was a wonderful, supportive husband because from the time I got the first call to the time we moved, it was a matter of just a few weeks...(ie, no time for him to find a job) So, needless to say, Pat picked up everything to support me and my job endeavor without knowing what he would be doing down in NC. **Side note - I currently teach 8th Grade Science and Social Studies and love it!**

3.) It turns out that moving to North Carolina has brought us closer to some of my extended family. My second cousin, Liz, and her hubby, Jason, and new baby, Lilly, live about 30 minutes from us! In addition to them, my mom's aunt and uncle (would that make them my great aunt and uncle?) are moving down here; just about 45 minutes from us!

4.) Pat ended up getting a job within about two months of us living down here. He works for a company called Americal which specializes in diabetic socks and women's hoisery. He works with a bunch of ladies who treat them like their son. He is able to work 4 10 hour days which leaves Friday for...rest and relaxation (otherwise known as MORE work - Pat does freelance graphic design work on the side.)

5.) We were blessed with a beautiful niece in October 2007 - Rhea Kaylynn Walderzak. She's already over a year, walking, & talking!

6.) We have added a member to the family. She is a little ball of fur known as Cammie. Even though she does not look like the traditional one, she is a Pomeranian and we LOVE her (despite getting into things, chewing things, taking ornaments off the Christmas tree, etc.) :)

Here is a picture of Cammie as a baby...

And here is a picture of Cammie more recently...

7.) We bought a house! After spending a year in an apartment and looking at the housing market down here, we decided it would be wise to invest in a home. It was a big stepping stone into adulthood (aside, of course, from getting married and getting a REAL full time job) We have so loved getting things situated in it and making it cozy. And of course, Pat is loving being able to use tools and have his own shed! :)

8.) We have had family come visit us a number of times so we are grateful for that! We have also been able to make trips home which has helped ease the pain of not being near our immediate family.



My wonderful brother, Greg, came to visit me for my birthday! Love him! :)



This is a picture of my brother and I up in Caseville, MI.




Me, my mommy, and my mother-in-law enjoying our FAV drinks from Red Lobster!





My parents came to visit us for Thanksgiving this year!

9.) We were able to take a trip to the nation's capital for a business trip for Patrick.




10.) And last but not least, Pat is happy to announce that he shot a deer! He didn't think he would be able to hunt down here but was lucky enough to find some land and find an 8 point! (Guess I should learn some venison recipes! :) )

11.) We have been blessed with new friends down here but still hold our MI friends close to our heart and hope that this is a good way to keep in touch!

Well, that just about sums up the past year or so. I'm sure I'll think of things later that I forgot to include, but at least you get an idea of what we've been up to.

With all those updates said, we have had an incredible journey thus far and are excited to see what is in store for us next.