goodbye snow, hello sunshine

We are off this weekend for a week in Florida with my mom and dad, and the Los'. The true signs of winter are coming out in full form this week, today is about 20 degrees and very windy, although for a nice change we do see the sunshine here rather than in MI. We are definitely ready for some warm weather and relaxation. Merry Christmas everyone!

Charlie Brown Christmas

Well its feeling more and more like the holiday season every day. Last night we had a beautiful dusting of snow falling in huge flakes, and it stayed through today. I have been decorating the house with Christmas decor and stockings on the banister (getting creative without a fire place)! I even did a little Christmas shopping on Friday, I love going out to the stores this time of year.
However, the season didn't start out so cheery... we decided to get a tree (well, I decided we would have a tree) so we chose a small one that came in a tree stand. It was very cute at the store and I thought that it would be perfect. Once home, the lights and ornaments came out of the attic and were carefully arranged on the tree... and at last, the tree was decorated! I was excited just to have a tree, even though all the branches were drooping towards the floor struggling to carry the weight of some ornaments. It was a very sad looking tree, and it only got worse when I stepped away to get a look and the whole tree tipped over and half the ornaments fell off. Determined to have it perfect I put them all back on and rigged it up so it was more stable. A couple days went by and we were loving the Christmas atmosphere.... until, I came home from work on Wednesday (after getting stuck on the train for 2 hours) to find my tree laying on the floor AGAIN! To end the story in a flash... all the ornaments are back in the attic and I became a Scrouge for a couple of days. But don't worry, all is better and I am loving the snow!

Happy Thanksgiving

Wishing you all a happy holiday! We are spending the weekend with Kyle's whole family, they all made the trip out for the weekend. And of course, one more house update... we finished both bathrooms just in time for some guests.

upstairs bathroom

main floor bathroom

slowly but surely

We have finished 2 rooms in the house! The living room and the dining room. It is looking more and more like a home. My parents also visited last weekend, it was great to see them and they definitely helped us put the two rooms together!

Miss Deur is no more!

I know all of you think that I have been Mrs. Engbers going on 4 months now, but to me it became official this week. First off, I finally got myself to the social security office in the finest part of Worcester to change my name. Second, I became a MA resident when I got my new ID (they stole my MI license... I was so sad). And the icing on the cake: I substitute taught for the afternoon at Whitinsville Christian in the elementary art classes!

So many changes

We have been here for one week and the house already looks so different. We have fully removed the wallpaper in the dining and living room. As of one hour ago Kyle finished priming both rooms as well. It is fun to see things coming together already!

Our first project is underway. The wallpaper is down and the priming has begun.

We made a temporary living room in our dining room. It will be nice to have a place to sit and relax after a long day of work.

Here is the master bedroom, finally organized!

A First Glance

upstairs bathroom, shower to the right.

tearing up the carpet in the living room and the dining room!

didn't I warn you about the 70's kitchen? its so retro!

dining room... no longer has the ugly carpet!

living room, picture taken from in the front entry, also.. carpet less. More pictures to come when things are in order.

Moving day!

We officially signed the papers and are now homeowners!! RoseAnn and I spent the day yesterday cleaning the kitchen and unpacking some boxes. Today will be a lot of work, but we are so excited to get into our own space! Pictures to come soon....(prepare yourself for a 70's kitchen!!)

MA to MI for the weekend

We had a great visit back to MI for a short weekend (thanks to the East Coast celebrating Columbus Day). It was nice to see those we got a chance to see, and would have wished to see many more friends and family.
I also had a chance to compete in the Alumni Swim and Dive meet. It was a blast to see my old team mates, and embarrass myself thinking that I could still dive. Needless to say, my body is still sore from Saturday!
We hit up some traditional GR sites, including the John Ball Zoo! Believe it or not, it was Kyle's first visit and he was quite impressed.

On our way back to MA we got some very good news: Jenny (my cousin) had her baby last night. His name is Macen Los White and is very healthy. We can't wait to see the little guy this winter!

Home sweet (almost) home

Here is our new residence on October 15!

First Week Frenzy

I have completed my first week of working at the YMCA. It is definitely going to be an adjustment working in the intercity. I will be working at 6 different after-school sites leading iPlay activities, which is basically time that the kids are playing structured physical activity games. The kids are energetic and sometimes too excited they can't control themselves. It is going to be a challenge but hopefully the kids will get used to me coming.

Coaching is going well. It is every Saturday morning at Wellesley College (about 45 min. drive). The kids are very cute and listen quite a bit better! I am enjoying being around a familiar atmosphere in the pool!

The latest

We are starting a blog! I didn't think that we would do this for a while, but it is an easy way to update everyone on our lives out here in MA.

We are still living with the in-laws (2 months later), but only 3 weeks till we can get into our house! Pictures of the house will come soon.

I start my new job today at the YMCA. I am working with after-school programs promoting the need for physical activity every day! I will let you know more once I experience it myself.