A look back...

Happy New Year's Eve! The last few hours of 2013, and what a year it has been! We didn't get a Christmas letter out this year, so hear it is. 

I quit my job with Proliance last January after much deliberating and support from Chuck. Chuck was at the time working for TMX, division of ThyssenKrupp, in aerospace. A few months later he had the opportunity to get back on with Genie and he grabbed it. He has had the opportunity to travel a lot to Moses Lake (eastern Washington), and most recently, Oklahoma City. He is doing well at work and has had some great opportunities to advance his career. 

Chuck sold the motorcyle that we bought right after we got married, the honda ST1300, as he finally got his hands on the bike he had back in college. A honda blackbird 1100XX. After that sale and purchase we were excited to get the riding season started and do some weekend trips! 

We celebrated our 6th wedding anniversary in June this year a day early, as I had an opportunity to participate in an all-ladies track day put on by Too Fast Racing School and Ducati of Bellevue. What an incredible experience, and I am now even in their promo video!! Unfortunately, less than two weeks later I was in a motorcycle accident that totaled my bike, shattered my tibia and fibula (lower leg), and fractured my pelvis- all while only going about 30 mph (as compared to 117 on the track!). Praise God for insurance, doctors, family and friends. We had so much help and support that we were truly overwhelmed. My mom came up and stayed with us for 6 weeks to take care of me so Chuck could get back to work. 

During my recovery, we had the opportunity to make a short trip out to Whidbey Island for a family reunion for my dad's side of the family over the 4th of July. We had beautiful weather and fantastic fireworks! We also had visits from Chuck's dad and sister, plus some wonderful friends from Minnesota. 

Fall began with me in a boot and physical therapy, and Chuck having fun with his photography, fun photo shoots and the fall colors! I spent a week in Oregon with my brother- and sister-in-law and adorable nephew while Chuck was in Oklahoma, and in November we were able to host my parents and Chuck's dad for Thanksgiving. 

December brought Chuck more travel, celebrating our nephew's first birthday, and ended with a fantastic week spent with my family for Christmas- for the first time in 7 years!! We enjoyed that California sunshine and seeing friends and family. While my parents have reminded us that we are young and "paying our dues," we hope that we won't have to wait so long to get back home to visit. 

We are rounding out the year by me getting some screws taken out of my leg, and ringing in the New Year from the comfort of our living room. We look forward to 2014 and what it brings (hopefully no more hospital visits!!). May God bless you all this coming year as He has blessed us. 

Chuck and Corey

December 1st!

Wow- it's hard to believe that Thanksgiving is over and it is time to start planning for Christmas! I hope that everyone is remembering to be grateful for what we have, because we are all so blessed. Sure, we all have tough days, but it could be worse. This year, I am grateful for my life and for the hard work and love of my husband. Knowing that I was so close to losing my life in a motorcycle accident, but that I survived and am working on walking again makes me really cherish what I have. And that my husband works so hard to pay our bills and take care of me so that I can focus on recovering.

There are many unfortunate people in the world, so please don't forget to be grateful. Instead of complaining that Starbucks was out of your favorite drink, buy a muffin and give it to the homeless man on the corner. Instead of yelling at other drives while you are stuck in traffic (guilty!), be grateful you have a car. Focus on one day of positivity and see how it changes your outlook.

Budget Time!

Well, I finally did it. I quit my job! Friday was my last day, so tomorrow starts my "new" job as stay at home wife. Which means it's time to budget! Something we really haven't had to do in the last 5 1/2 years of marriage. Getting my routine down I have a feeling will take me a couple weeks, but thanks to the interwebs I've stumbled across a lot of planning ideas. Even down to what household chores to do on what day of the week so you only spend about an hour a day of cleaning. Love it!! I've also taken on the role of PR and social media extraordinaire for Chuck's budding photography business. I'll be taking over his website and also setting up a Facebook page. If we can get in a few shoots a month, that will help in offsetting our budget deficit from me not working. Or rather, from me not working for a corporation and bringing home a bi-weekly paycheck. :)

If anyone has any good tips for budgeting, meal planning, all that good stuff, let me know!

New motorcycle!

It was just a matter of time until I upgraded. Love my little blue Ninja, but I was definitely ready for something bigger and more powerful. I upgraded to a 2002 Honda (Chuck's happy!) VFR 800. I went from 250cc and 28 horsepower to 800cc and 110hp. Def something I will have for awhile and can grow into. Now to sell my little Ninja.

Memorial

For Mel :)

Here are some of the pics from our trip to Ukiah for grandma's memorial. The black and white one of me is the one he was thinking of entering in the photo contest.

Busy summer!

It has definitely been a busy past fee weeks!! After we got back from the Canary Isalnds, we had my birthday weekend, bachelorette weekend for Bryn, then Greg and Bryn's wedding. Chuck and I were both in the wedding party, and we got to walk down the aisle together. I had a fabulous birthday, and their wedding festivities were fantastic and beautiful. But I am glad to have a low key weekend!! :) Our weather in Seattle is finally summer-ish, so Chuckmand I have been riding the bikes to work, enjoying our drive times, and saving on gas. Can't go wrong! This weekend Chuck has a referral photo shoot then we have a motorcycle ride on Sunday. I wish Seattle was like this year round!!

One more...

Turns out Tenerife has the perfect climate- within 2 days my skin became nearly flawless, and I didn't have to wear any makeup beyond my eyeliner and mascara (sunscreen not included). A day after getting home, we were both breaking out. Stupid Seattle...




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