Cheri, 2008

As we became empty-nesters in 2008 -- both Kirk and I willingly admit we are very comfortable in that role. After all, this IS what we have strived toward for the past 23 years.... raising our kids to leave our nest and begin their own adventures as adults. We're excited for our kids --- they are doing EXACTLY what they should be doing --growing up and moving on (and out).

I'm still a "working woman" (trying to help keep up with the college expenses)....but a "farm girl" at heart. Seeing our chickens in the yard (now and then), taking care of our neighbor's horses, or having the dogs running around the yard makes for good "views".

The rest of my life looks like this:

• My job at the bank -- ended in February.
• Followed by new job as office manager at a nearby church.  Quit at Thanksgiving.
• New job at architecture & design firm downtown Rochester (Dec)
• New look in kitchen - painted cupboards!
• Took over Cara's bedroom for my own "office"
• Learned to knit (or was that last year?)
• Interior Designer for our new church building - moved into building August.
• New hobby -- learning photography (emphasis on learning)
• Wedding "photographer" & florist for a friend's daughter (May)
• Florist for another friend's wedding (December)
• Engagement photos for friend
• Senior pictures for one young man
• Added more chickens to our coop (total of 6 now)
• Wonderful times with family and friends

Some favorite photos...from the year

Kirk, Me & Singer/Songwriter Aaron Shust

Easter Weekend with my sisters

and their families at a retreat center

Wall climbing, Easter Weekend

Nate taking care of the kids!

Our three

Uncle Kirk and nephew Kale

Danae

Nate

Cara (our wild one)

(No fish were harmed in the taking of this photo)

Barn work begins

precision

Blue Man Group - Rochester

Girls weekend,

me and my sisters

Cara's graduation

Friends from back in the day

Zabek wedding

Fruits of my labor

My kitchen makeover

Taking care of Silk & Red

Our neighbor's horses

From our garden

Just outside our front window

(we had triplet deers in the neighborhood)

Visiting Kirk's Dad in St. Louis

(Maddie the Yorkie belongs to us)

Our front yard

Thanksgiving

All the cousins (my side of family)

My sisters and I

How we deal with the snow in our long driveway!

"A grown man's toy"

Before the snow flew in November

Have a most wonderful Christmas friends and family!

Cheri