Life as We Know It: Year in Review 2010

This time last year, Matt and I were embarking on our second full year of dating. We welcomed the 2010 with a group of friends in downtown Austin, and then celebrated on NY Day with a traditional (Kresta) family dinner with just the two of us. At the time, I didn't pay much attention to the coming year, as so many events and adventures were already planned out.

The year really kicked off with a bang, because in 2010, Matt celebrated his six year sober birthday!! We went to Kerrville, so he could get his 6 year chip. In the last two years, my eyes have been opened up to a whole new lifestyle, a cleaner lifestyle, a lifestyle that lends it self towards living in the now, and not planning so far out into the future. This is Matt's lifestyle. It has taught me to slow down, to not take each moment for granted, and to truly (as cliche' as it may sound) stop and smell the roses. We went to the meeting at the center, and I was blown away by the shear number of people in attendance. And then something rocked me to my core. During a special segment, when a person walks up to get their chip, they are invited to speak, if they should feel so inclined. Well to my amazement, I see out of the corner of my eye, Matt start to walk to the front, stand tall in front of this crowd of 50 people, and proudly say... My name is Matt...and this is my story. He went on for about three minutes. Those three minutes, time stood still and my eyes filled with tears. His words struck me so profoundly. He stood there, so vulnerable, so honest, and so poised, and told his story. Albeit brief, but it was his story. I had heard snippets of his story throughout the past year, but to hear it here and now while he was receiving his chip, brought on new meaning. I thank God each and every day that he brought this amazing man into my life, and I am so thankful that Matt continues each day to live his days better than the days before. What an amazing, Godly man who was chosen for me.

Later that month, Matt and I ventured to Orlando, to visit one of my best college friends, and his girlfriend. What a trip...not only did we explore Orlando and little surrounding towns, but I finally got to see Cinderella's castle. Yes, I was 25 years old at the time, but the little princess inside of me jumped for joy when the castle was within eye shot. Ever since I was a little girl, 3 years old, at Disney, I have wanted to walk inside the castle, to see Cinderella, so be absorbed with everything princess. Diva at the age of three, you betcha! Tragically at 3 years old, my family didn't indulge me, since we were on a tight schedule with 15 other family members. Needless to say, Matt indulged this 25 year old and I couldn't have been more excited!!

February and March came and went, and Matt I spent our weekends inbetween Austin and San Antonio. In April, Matt celebrated his 31st birthday, and I loved that just the two of us were celebrating this year. It was so special to be able to take him to a fancy dinner in downtown SA, and I loved the look in his eye when he realized where we were going. If you know Matt, then you know he has a love for food that is unmatched. His love for food can be measured during each meal, when he critiques the food to the fullest extent, or rather critiques my cooking. Thank goodness I am a half way decent cook, because he has a no holds bar approach to food. Dining at five start restaurants isn't typically in the budget, but for this birthday, I made it happen. We still revel in this wonderful outing.

As summer rolled into Texas, Matt and I enjoyed quiet weekends in the hill country. In June I went to Cabo San Lucas with my family, which turned out to be the trip of a lifetime/one for the record books. It all started with my sweet mom booking the wrong flights for my dad and brother. Needless to say, after two hours of discussion with the counter agents of Continental, we were well on our way to Cabo as a full family of six. WATCH CABO, HERE COME THE KRESTA's was our slogan for the trip. And my goodness we hit that town with a bang. My wonderful Aunt and Uncle have a beautiful home on the Baja, and we are so very fortunate that they share this lovely vacation spot with all of us. Here are a few pictures of our adventures....

Once back from the family vacation, I stepped into a wonderful girls weekend with my three best friends since childhood. I have been through high school, boyfriends, college, college boyfriends, first jobs, weddings and soon to be babies with these girls, and I wouldn't have it any other way. I am so blessed to call these ladies my very dear friends! 2011 is going to bring us BABIES, with Taryn and Megan giving birth in the summer. I can't wait!!

September marked our two year dating celebration. I hate to say anniversary, because let's face it, we aren't married yet, and once we are married, then it will be an anniversary :) We had a lovely time we shared at the Driskill for dinner and a night out downtown. Matt and I share a love for amazing food, and what better way to celebrate our two year dating milestone than at the Driskill Restaurant. If you are ever in Austin, this place is a must see. The old world architecture and history that you can hear speaking to you from the walls clearly makes this an experience to be had.

Rolling right into football season and fall, our lives revolved around Roughneck Football! See previous posts :) We were so happy for my little brother, and I am so thankful that Matt and I were able to be apart of this special time in his life.

Closing out the year, we celebrated Thanksgiving with our families, and then came my birthday in early December and then Christmas. What a lovely time with friends and family. We were able to spend so much time with our families that it truly warms my heart. We are so very fortunate to have such wonderful families!

As Matt and I said goodbye to 2010, we smiled at the possibilities of 2011. This year is going to be an amazing year. We are hopeful and faithful that Matt will find a job in Austin, and he will make the move to be closer to me. What a blessing it will be, when we are finally in the same city! This year will bring about new babies for three of my very dear friends, weddings for other friends, and watching our McClain grow.

2010, you were amazing, but 2011, I know you are going to go above and beyond our wildest expectations! Here are a few pictures of our adventures in 2010.....