Ski Day

For Christmas this year, one of Paul's gifts was lift tickets in Big Bear.  In ten years, we had never been to the snow together so this was a first for us.  We had a TOTAL BLAST!  It was a very romantic and youthful day on the slopes.  Merry Christmas amor; I love you!

Christmas 2008

This was a very blessed Christmas!  With the exception of the loss of Paul's grandfather this year, our family is in good health, I am on my way to settling in my career, Paul's graduation is getting closer everyday, and we are still in love with each other.  We also had an abundance of lovely presents to give to each other.  (as you can see in the pictures!)

I decided that I would start the tradition of giving books to the children in our family.  As a new teacher and a lover of books myself, I knew that books would be meaningful.  I had a blast in Barnes & Noble picking out books for all the people I love.  

We spent Christmas Eve first, with my family at Grandma and Grandpa Warder's, then went to my Dad's, then saw Paul's brother Aaron for his birthday, then to Aunt Lu and Uncle Jim's for Pozole and Sam's annual reading of The Polar Express, and finally to Mom's for hot chocolate and sleep.  Christmas morning was lovely at Mom's new house, with the exception of me being sicker than a dog by this time!  We exchanged Christmas presents with Paul's side of the family in the afternoon.  I was getting sicker by the minute and actually could not participate in dinner because of it.  I was in bed for two days after that!  Despite the nasty flu, it was a Christmas filled with fun and love.  

Finally Accepted a Job!

I spent the entire summer last year (2008) searching for my first teaching job.  I interviewed many times, even did phone interviews while vacationing in Brazil.  I was lucky enough to have about seven offers before I finally accepted one.  I know that sounds crazy, but I was not willing to accept a job I knew would not be a good fit for me.  

In the end, I chose a position at a middle school.  I always envisioned myself teaching kindergarten or first grade, so this was a big leap of faith that this would be the right place for me.  IT WAS!  I LOVE MY JOB!  

Wicked

On November 29th we went to see Wicked with our wonderful friends, Jess and Dustin.  My Birthday was November 27, Dustin's was the 29th (the day of the show) and Paul's was December 2nd.  Celebrating our birthdays together is so much fun.  We went to a Brazilian restaurant, which I'm sure Paul and I enjoyed more than they did.  

We got all dressed up, upon my request. Hehe!  It was a fantastic evening.