God chose you to be a profound year for me. You will be one that will most definitely stand out in my memories for the rest of my life! As your year ends, I prepare to celebrate my very last year of my twenties, which were quite a ride! Thanks to you, I fell in love in January, moved in with Alex in his condo by February....shortly after being reunited with my lil' (not so lil-21 year old) cousin Tori! She later got married this year. Congrats to my beautiful cousin....I have missed you and look forward to getting to know you! We experienced the hardships of this economy when Alex lost his job in March, but by the Blessing of God he got a great position with US Bank and started late May. And we were looking to buy a house by April!! Amazing! My best friend Matt got married and I was so thrilled to be there to witness that and watch him enter into the second biggest chapter of his life. I'm just waiting for them to have kids now.... he-he. We celebrated my grandmother's 80th birthday by throwing her a surprise party which was a huge success and one that she will always cherish. We then celebrated Buster's first birthday, YAY Papa! I love that little guy so much! Then it was Alex's 29th birthday party, and Desirae and Andrew's wedding just days later. Wow, that is just half of the year! We went on mini vacations to San Diego, Fresno/Yosemite, and Vegas baby!
July was a month of decisions, we finally got our keys to our very first home! We picked out new flooring, paint colors, light fixtures and more! We moved in when it was all done and are still making changes. I love my home and thank you for being the year that I bought my first place!
We moved in the month of August and the day after we moved in, Buster got out while we ran errands to Home Depot and Target. When returning home to no Buster that night, I would have given up the house and more just to get him back. That was one of the most painful and heartbreaking weeks of my life. With the grace of God and many, MANY prayers, we got my little guy back (tear). That will forever be one of the happiest days of my life! I love you Buster. As we searched for him we saw so many dogs in need of a home and promised ourselves that if we got him back, we would rescue one. And so, just days later we welcomed Zoey into our lives! She fits in just perfectly! I love my dogs. So unpacking and puppy training set my path for the next few weeks. :) We went to the dog beach for the first time and they loved it!!
We welcomed my baby cousin Kaelyn and Mo & Ang's baby Eli this year.
Introducing the newest member of my family: Kaeylin Sagapolu
Our friends first baby Elijah Macias:
Alex and I had 3 Thanksgivings AND 3 Christmas' but we aren't complaining.... we are Blessed to have so much family who loves us!
We hosted the first annual "Friends Holiday Dinner" at the new house. My great-grandmother turned 103 years old in November!! We attended countless kids birthday parties and family bar-b-ques. Friends moved into houses, including my dad. Alex and I got stronger in our Faith and we are so grateful to God for Blessing us so much this year! There were times when it wasn't easy, but the great moments far out-weigh the not-so-fun moments. :) We lost many great people this year both icons and in our personal lives including Michael Jackson, Farrah Fawcett, and my beloved great Aunt Mary... RIP!
The Lakers won the NBA Championship and Kobe got his 4th ring. I attended my first ever "playoff" game for any sport at Dodger stadium vs the Phillies with Shannon. The Yankees went on to beat the Phillies acquiring their second World Series Championship this decade. Phew! And I wonder where the year went! ha ha
Last, but not least, I witnessed my father get married to a wonderful woman whom I am proud to call my step-mother yesterday. Though many of our generations parents get divorced, I never knew that I would be one of those children until I was 23 years old. It was different experiencing it as an adult. I truly believe it was the best decision for my parents. Most of us do not see our parents say "I do," and I was ecstatic to have that privilege. My parents did a great job with my brother and I, but now it is time for them to find their own happiness. They had us fairly young and have a lot of life to live still, so it is my wish that has come true to see my dad "happy."
Saying their vows:
Reception a few nights later:
It was one of the best of my life thus far....thank you 2009! Welcome 2010, you have a lot to live up to! :P
Happy New Year!!!
Cheers,
Manda
