What do you mean its almost February already?

I can't believe all the time that has passed since my last entry. You are probably thinking I have so much to catch you up on! The sad thing is, we have been so busy that I don't think I can remember what we have done. The other thing I am disappointed about is that because we have been so busy I have failed to capture any of these wonderful moments with my camera.

Of course if you are my friend on Facebook, then you have probably seen a few photos, none of which were captured by me of course.

One of the highlights of the last few months was of course our first Christmas as a married couple. However as a young married couple, we spent it on the road traveling to visit family. I know Jake does not enjoy the traveling portion of the holiday and would much rather spend it at home and someday maybe we can. For now however Christmas Eve was spent in Turlock with extended Aguiar family Christmas morning was spent with the immediate Aguiar family - my mom and dad, my sister Chrissy and brother in law Tim, my brother Ricky, my sister family and the newest joy in all of our lives, my nephew Trevor James born December 9. Of course I was able to snap a couple pictures of him.

We traveled to Elk Grove for lunch and to spend Christmas with the Cecil family - Patty, Jake's mom, Jake's brother Justin and sister in law Melody, Jenna, Josh and Mel's parents Bill and Sherri. We had fun watching Jash and Jenna drive their new battery powered 4-wheel drive Christmas presents in the neighborhood. Oh to be 3 and 5 again!

And I have to share this picture. It is my favorite picture of Trevor and Jake. He really is so good with kids and is going to be a fabulous father when we have kids - which for those of you who are wondering - will be soon but not right now. And yes I know, I am not getting any younger.

So what else have we done? And by the way, these are not in chronological order.

1. Worked!

2. Went to Reno twice - and both trips were spontaneous!

3. I oversaw the California Women for Agriculture Convention in Chico and I must say it was a success.

4. Jake's best friends Gregg, Art and Jimmy spent a weekend in the North State duck hunting, laughing and of course eating. This was a fun weekend and I hope we can do it again soon.

5. I attended the California Farm Bureau Convention in Burlingame.

6. We spent New Year's eve with our dear friends Amy & Stacy Gore and their son Jonathon. News Flash - Stacy & Amy have asked Jake and I to be Jonathon's godparents and we are so honored and so excited!

7. Jake went snowmobiling with Stacy and he only fell off twice and did not come home bruised and broken. I guess this was pretty good since he had never rode a sled before.

8. Jake took me to where he grew up - Lompoc - and showed me where his family is from. It was a great weekend!

And probably the one thing that left the longest lasting impression - literally - of the last few months - my eight second bullride on the mechanical bull at Chico's infamous Crazy Horse Saloon. The reason it left the biggest impression is because I had a bruise on my backside the size of Jake's foot for a week and a half! That would be a size 12 for those of you who are even remotely curious. While this was not one of my more intelligent life decisions, it was fun and I don't regret it. The only thing I do regret is that Jake was not there to witness it. But of course there is digital evidence. Who knows, it might make next years Christmas Card.

Since I am on the subject, I have to say my biggest regret of the 2008 holiday was I never wrote our Annual Christmas letter. I had great intentions, really. But who knows - there are many holidays and who know that letter may just arrive in your mailbox, minus the jingle bells.

I hope that everyone is enjoying 2009 despite the state of our economy. Just remember this, at the end of the day, each of us still has our family and each other. Much love to all. ~mrs. c