Christmas Eve at the Cains

As the tradition goes; the Cain, Need, Hughes, and Vanluwen families go to the Cain household for Christmas Eve for tamales, gifts and fun. Usually some of us see each other twice a year (buena vista and christmas). We have been getting together Christmas Eve for over 15 years now maybe longer. This year Maxine and Paul came and brought Max's daughter and grandaughter. Ryan brought his girlfriend and my close friend Amy all the way from Sacramento, and Jeff brought his girlfriend Beth, then of course there was me, Brett, Sarah, Derek, Samantha and all the parents.We ate the typical Christmas Eve dinner of Tamales and then Sarah and I got addicted to Guitar Hero on Wii. We all exchanged gifts and chatted up a storm. I got to say my goodbyes to everyone which was nice, Plus seeing Ryan and Amy is always fun! Then I had to rush home and go to sleep so Santa could come :).

A visitor from Atlanta..

Finally after a long 3 1/2 years of not seeing my dear friend/ family member Jessie from Atlanta ( our mommy's have been friends since 3rd grade!!) , she came to visit! Unfortunately I only got to see her for two days because of Christmas and the big move of mine that I would be making in a few days but we had fun none the less. The first night I picked her up and grabbed a drink at Fridays really quick and the next day she was such a tired girl from all her hard work at home and travels that she slept the whole day haha!! But then we got all dolled up and headed to my favorite bar Howl at the Moon. I was glad I got to go one more time before I left. It turned out to be a "you sing it night" which is basically Karaoke, and though I did NOT sing, I was very tempted when some girls started butchering Hotel California, how dare they!! :) It was great to see Jessie and I hope it is not another 3 years before she comes to visit or even I go to Atlanta (seeing how it has been since 1994 for me lol).

Snow and Sushi... Can it get any better?

December 20, 2008


So being the snow freak that I am, I had to get up to Frazier Park after it snowed just to at least see it, touch it and get my fill ... as if I wasn't moving to the freezing cold slash snow in 2 days! Jim and I ventured up the grapevine (stopping at Starbucks for hot Chai Tea of course) and I must admit I was a little nervous because it had seemed all the snow had melted, but once we got there there was a ton of snow! Of course being the instigator that I am, I through the first snowball :) and that started a war. He got me really good when I thought it was over but then later while making a snowman, I took him by surprise and nailed him with the entire head of the snowman!! I won haha. We also found the top of a plastic box and decided to try and sled, it worked enough to have a little fun. All in all it was one of my favorite trips to the snow.



One loved guy!!!





After the snow we had to rush home so I could get ready for the premier party for the sushi restaurant/club that my dad built. It is called Club Sushi and is right next to the Cinerama Dome on Sunset Blvd. a premier location. The party was allot of fun, we got to go in the VIP (where my dad has a lifetime membership along with Michael Jordan) and we got to eat a lot of yummy sushi. It was great seeing the final results of something I saw in the early stages of construction and seeing how proud my dad was that he was a huge part of the project. I loved spending time with my parents. Afterwards we walked across the street to Amoeba Records, the BEST used/new music store ever, where I purchased the Eagles album Desperado which I am absolutely loving right now! The day was a fantastic one, two of my favorite things, snow and sushi, with my favorite people....

Here are a couple videos of Jim and I sledding....

3rd Annual Christmas Party!!

On Dec. 19th Kurt and Kellie Newman threw their famous annual Christmas Party for the gang. It was a blast a usual. With delicious foods and deserts, fun games and great fellowship.. this year was especially important to me because it was the last time I was going to see a few of my friends before I move up to Oregon. I brought my friend Jim with me and he fit right in and had a blast playing guitar hero with the guys ( I sang ...badly haha). It was especially fun this year having two new additions to the gang, Reagan (Dan and Delaine's little girl) and Ethan (Kenny and Katherine's little boy). Also having both Kellie and Ashley pregnant, the gang will soon grow by two more!






I am really going to miss these friends, they have grown to be more like family. They are the kind of friends I can only hope to make up in Oregon! I am hoping that next year I will be able to make it down for the 4th Annual Christmas Party :)

My new home!

So it Eugene has recently been pounded with snow, which I learned is not as typical as I thought. Debbie took me a picture of my soon to be new home in ...oh gosh, 6 days!! So I thought I would share it with you!!!

Tennessee Ya'll!

So for my birthday I got to go visit my bestest childhood friend Kelly and her amazing family. Kelly got married last year and I was lucky enough to go to her wedding also which was a crazy weekend but this year it was pure relax mode and catch up time! I stayed with her and her hubby Nathan in their townhouse they are renting. One of the days Kelly and I went and looked at houses. I cant believe what you get for your money there! We found a few of Kelly's dream houses but she still has to convince her other half haha. We had alot of yummy meals out and one that sure was fun but warning to all: DO NOT EAT SUSHI IN TENNESSEE ... it is just not good haha. I guess I am spoiled living right next to the ocean. Afterwards we went out with some of Kel's friends to a bar which was alot of fun! On Saturday night The Miller family had a cook out ( BBQ) lol ... and I had so much fun catching up with the fam. Chris ( Kelly's older brother) is now married to Elizabeth and has two adorable children Owen (2) and Emery ( 1 month) ....


KC (Kelly's little brother) got the night off work to come hang out and I was so excited. KC is such a good guy and I am so proud of the way he turned out. We tried to teach me how to get good at ping pong but I just suck at it period. lol.


Even though it was about 32 degrees outside Mike (Kelly's Dad ) decided to start a fire outside for Smores.. yummmm and then of course Owen wanted to play so me and KC played football, frisbee, golf, played on the swings, and finally went on the trampoline with Owen. All in the Dark freezing cold, but chasing after that kid, I was nice and toasty haha...

Owen playing golf...

Owen and I on the trampoline...


The next morning we went to church, where Kelly's husband is the worship pastor. It was great getting to see him up on stage, he is truly wonderful at what he does. After Lunch at Cracker Barrel (YUM) I was off on my way home. Just a short trip but a fun one! Here is some more pics of my trip ....







I cant wait until I can go back!!! Tennessee is a beautiful state and I just LOVE the people in it :)

The Big Announcement!

Well I have been trying to keep it pretty quiet in case it did not work out but it is official! I am moving to Eugene OR Dec. 27Th! I will be living with a family friend Debi Darcy until I get a job and find a place to live, going to school at Lane Community College until the Fall when I hope to be starting at University of Oregon. I wouldn't be able to do this with out my parents who are helping me out tremendously, I am truly blessed with this opportunity. I have a quarter ( three months) to prove myself to them otherwise I am coming back home. Many emotions are going through me right now, excitement of course, but also nervousness and a little sadness. I will be missing a lot in my friends lives. Most are having babies and I would love to be here for them and see their families grow but I really feel like it is my time to shine! I need to live my life for me and I have wanted this for so long. I love Oregon and I feel like I will be able to truly be myself there. Hopefully I will find a great church and meet new friends through it. Anyways Keep me in your prayers..I need them!