Saturday, December 31, 2016

The Year in Review

2016 is coming to an end. What a year it has been! 
Jim and I moved in to our first house together. She has been a bit of a fixer upper but nothing we weren't aware of at purchase. Yes, we got a great deal! Since this photo was taken she has gotten a new roof, new chimney, updated electrical, repaired foundation inside and out and a new fence. Not to mention the little things we have done without contractor help! Wow, that's a lot!

We have had fun exploring our new city's different restaurants.
 Its fantastic architecture of buildings re-built in 1882 after a devastating fire.
Downtown artwork depicting its history.

Its parks and reservations.

I got my first pixie cut when I decided to go natural and never color my hair again. This has made my life just a little bit easier!
The biggest thing that happened this year was Jim and I got married!  Ok, so I'm clearly a very private person! 

We both said we would never get married but from time to time this would come up in conversation that maybe we should go for it. So one night over wine we decided to do it. The next morning we went to City Hall to get the ball rolling. 3 weeks later it was a done deal!
We wanted to run off and do this in private but knew we would feel guilty about not telling the moms and dads. Since Jim's parents are in MA during the summer it seemed like perfect timing.
This was the size of our wedding above. I am next to Jim's parents and he is next to mine. It is obvious when you look at the moms because we each look like our mom. 

Combined, these sets of parents have over a century of experience in making a marriage work and last.

We were married in the backyard where I grew up. Wow my hair is getting grey!
The minister of my mom's church officiated the ceremony. She was really sweet. I was concerned since Jim and I aren't churchy (is that a word?), but that was not a problem. I have great respect for the churches that accept and appreciate everyone. I bought a classic Calvin Klein dress that I will get plenty of future wear out of. 

I wanted this whole thing to be as quick and stress free as it could be and it was!

No dull moments this year! I would say it is my best year yet. It is not easy saying that when I know it has been a difficult year for many across the globe. 

I hope you have enjoyed my year in review and that I didn't shock you too much with the husband and wife thing. πŸ’• 2017 will likely be another year about the house. We wish to conquer the kitchen and half bath remodel this coming year so we will see!

Thank you to all my lovely readers. Wishing you an awesome, fulfilling 2017! ~Val







30 comments:

  1. Wow! Congratulations to you and Jim! That's big news and you kept it under your hat! Your wedding dress and hair both look perfect, by the way.

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  2. congratulations to you both! bless you all in the new year.

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  3. Congratulation! What exciting news! Wish you luck and happiness!
    It's so nice to hear one saying last year was great. So it was to me too and I hope next year will become the same. Wish you all the best!

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  4. Oh my goodness, Val, CONGRATULATIONS to you and Jim!!
    I am very happy for both of you.
    I wish you all the very, very best for the New Year.

    P.S. I LOVE your hair!!!

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  5. Congratulations Val! My hubby and I dated for 3 years with no real intention of marriage. (He's my 2nd, I'm his 3rd). But like you, when we decided it was time, 3 weeks later it was done. We would have run away too, but we both have kids and wanted them there. Then our wonderful church "threw" us a wedding. We had no clue. Showed up for the ceremony, and the church was all decorated with food and cake and it was nice. Blessings for you both and an amazing 2017!

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  6. You are great at keeping secrets!!!! Congratulations to you and Jim. (I've been secretly wishing for this post.) Wishing you both all the best in 2017!!! <3

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  7. Wow! This has been quite a year for you. And CONGRATULATIONS! I didn't know that you got married. How exciting. Apparently it was the right decision for the both of you. We did the same thing as you. Spur of the moment decision. The only people we told were my kids and his cousin. We didn't tell anyone else until the next day, or I should say when my daughter announced it on facebook the next day. I OK'd it, lol.

    I love your hair. Brian has been trying to talk me into no longer coloring but I still haven't done it. You just may be influencing me in that direction.

    Again, congratulations! I am so happy for you!!! Awesome house, awesome new husband, great new city, the list goes on. Best to you and Jim in 2017.

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  8. Happy Dance!!!! Val!!! I am so happy for you and Jim!! You both look great! What a beautiful setting! I love that it was the both of you, with your parents! So special!!! Congrats!! I am truly so happy for the both of you!!! Big Hugs and Happy New Year!! Here's to a great 2017, filled with many blessings! Much Love!

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  9. I just showed mom and she said, congrats! She also said you look beautiful Val!

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  10. You have indeed had quite a year!! I'm so happy for you for both the improvements on the house and your union. I wish you much happiness and many, many years with both! :)

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  11. Val, that is SO AWESOME! I'm so glad you shared your pics! I think it's beautiful. It shows your true love. It exudes from both of you and family. That Calvin Klein dress is gorgeous and you will be able to wear it many places. That is so important. I can't thank you enough for sharing this! I really enjoy your blog! I fell in love with the home you guys bought and it's been exciting to see the renovations in progress. Continue taking us on an adventure...there are so many beautiful things that surround you.
    http://www.averysweetblog.com/

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  12. That's lovely Val, congratulations!! 2016 really has been a year to remember for you both :D
    Wishing you a fab 2017 :D

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  13. Wow, wow, wow! You got married and didn't tell us!! ;-) How exciting and very romantic. The pics are lovely. You look beautiful and most importantly, very happy. Mazal Tov! :)

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  14. Congratulation to you and your DH, Val. What a surprise. You guys look adorable, it's so romantic. Thx for sharing these beautiful memories with us, Val. May the New Year fill up days with all things that are nice and bright – here is wishing you a lovely 2017.
    xox
    Lenya
    FashionDreams&Lifestyle

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  15. Congratulations to both of you! You look so beautiful and elegant in black and white. :) Happy New Year 2017 val!

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  16. Congratulations on your wedding! Lovely that you both did it the way that suits you. Your dress is gorgeous, and I love that you can actually wear it again. Although I love wedding(dress) themed television programmes, I can not understand that people spend a fortune on a piece of clothing that they will only wear once. Happy New Year, hope you'll have a good one.

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  17. Oh Congratulations darling
    My best wishes to you
    xx

    www.sakuranko.com

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  18. Wow! 2016 was a big year indeed! I've enjoyed reading about your home improvement projects. Congratulations on your marriage! 2016 will be a year you'll never forget x

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  19. Oh wow! Congratulations, I'm so happy for you :)You chose a perfect summer day for your wedding and I love your sleek two-tone dress!
    Even before I read your text I thought you look like your mother :) Best wishes and a very happy, healthy and successful year 2017!

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  20. Happy Friday, Val. Just wanted to let you know I am no longer listed on Bloglovin, I was told my blog no longer appears in anyone's readinglist. It's a complete mess. But I still do outfits, so if you still interested in my looks please feel free to check. Wishing you a beautiful day, girl.
    xox
    Lenya
    FashionDreams&Lifestyle


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  21. wait, what?! Did I miss this? I didn't realize you guys got married this year - congratulations! You look so happy - here's to many, many years of happiness together!

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  22. Wishing you a beautiful Sunday, Val. BTW, we got a touch of snow yesterday, everything looks so pretty.
    xox
    Lenya
    FashionDreams&Lifestyle

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  23. I hope you and yours had a very MERRY CHRISTMAS and are having a very HAPPY NEW YEAR. May we display your header on our new site directory? As it is now, the site title (linked back to its home page) is listed, and we think displaying the header will attract more attention. In any event, we hope you will come by and see what is going on at SiteHoundSniffs.com.

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  24. what an amazing year for you indeed, your first house is GORGEOUS! Love your low-key wedding, if I were to get married I'd be the same way. No fuss, more fun and just enjoying the moment. :)

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  25. Lovely post!!!! Congratulations, dear Val!!!!
    Have a good week!!!!!:)))

    Besos, desde EspaΓ±a, Marcela♥

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  26. what an amazing family. Ur year started on a good note and I love how beautiful this city is .
    New post on my blog . Do drop by soon <3
    ✿thefashionflite

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  27. I'm finally catch up on blogs after weeks of illness around here and wow! Congratulation! How wonderful! I'm so glad I stopped by. :)

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  28. You looked amazing in that ck dress and congratulation on your wedding.It has been awesome following your house renovation step by step
    Happy 2017

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  29. Great post!! Have a lovely Day! πŸ’šπŸ’šπŸ’š

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  30. Congratulations on your wedding! Lovely pictures, who else do you need besides your parents on your wedding day?! I am happy for you and Jim! Hugs Miss Val!!

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Thank you for stopping by! I love reading visitor comments! ~Val