A Quick Look Back

Everyone seems to be doing the "2008 Year in Review" post, so why should we try to be any different? 2008 has really flown by, but we managed to cram a whole lot in there.

This past year:

We faced (and survived) our first winter in Chicagoland

We attended a Bull's game (and sat in box seats!)

We went to the Shedd Auqarium

We fell more in love with Chicago

Monica started seeing a new doctor who has really helped

Monica worked on the ESV Study Bible

Brian went to the Together for the Gospel Conference in Louisville, KY

Monica started a purse making business

Brian completed year one of his MA degree

Brian came down with mono

We went to a Cubs game with Monica's parents

We celebrated 2 years of marriage

Brian's grandparents and parents came to visit

We took a vacation to Michigan

Monica turned 24

Monica's dear friend from CA came to visit

Brian grew his photography business

Monica's sister and brother-in-law came to visit

We went to CA for Brian's sister's wedding

Brian started year two of his MA degree

Brian helped co-lead our Young Married's Bible Study

Monica's brother-in-law came to IL on a Marine Band Tour

Monica went to the True Woman Conference with her mom

Monica went to the Evangelical Theological Society in Providence, RI

Brian's parents, sister, and brother-in-law came out for Thanksgiving (which Monica cooked)

Brian turned 23

Brian finished up his second to last semester in the MA program

We went to CA to celebrate Christmas with our families

And that pretty much brings us up to date! There have been so many other little things that have contributed to this past year, and so many things that can't be quantified or summed up in a short sentence. But afterall, this post isn't called "A Long and Lengthy Look Back". We are bringing in the New Year by celebrating with some of our close friends. There are so many things we are looking forward to in 2009, but for now, we give thanks and praise to our God for his goodness and faithfulness to us. It is such a comfort to know that we can trust him with our past, present, and future, knowing that none of it is without purpose. We seek to continue to love each other and glorify God each day in 2009.

Happy New Year!

3 Years

Time is such a strange thing. As you go through each day you think time is moving so slowly, and then one day you wake up and realize that 3 years have quickly slipped by. (And, no, I'm not talking about how long it has been since we've updated!) Do you know what happened 3 years ago today? Brian Scott Gee asked me to be his bride. I am still amazed that he decided to choose me! What an amazing privilege it is to be Mrs. Gee.

This pic wasn't taken the day we were engaged, but only a week or two after. I love that three years later we still look at each other the same way. Well, not exactly the same, we love each other even more!

Bolsa Chica

Most of you know that I (Monica) have a little side business for making purses and other fabric goodies. But, just in case you didn't know the details, I have an online shop and also a crafty blog that tells a little bit more about what I do. Just thought you might like to take a look:

Bolsa Chica online store
Bolsa Chica blog

Thanks! :-)

Weekend Trip to Chi-Town

Due to popular demand (OK, it was one request - we don't keep our standards too high around here!) we are posting some pictures from a short weekend trip we took to Chicago. In the middle of October Brian reached the half way point in his semester. That meant two of his classes finished and one new class started. We decided that was a good reason to celebrate! A mini-weekend trip was in order. It just so happened, that same weekend some of our good (generous, giving, hospitable, etc.) friends were going to be out of town and offered to let us stay in their adorable Chicago apartment. This fit in very well with our budget, so we decided to take them up on the offer. Thank you Suttons for making our little weekend trip possible - we loved staying in your place! :-)

The pictures aren't terribly exciting, we were mainly just enjoying spending time together, trying a few new restaurants, and leisurely exploring new parts of Chicago. We knew we were in for a great weekend when we walked in the door to find this.

I have never felt so welcomed - Kirra, you could definitely give the Four Seasons a run for their money! You are a way better concierge than I've ever experienced in a hotel! After a late night chic-flick (thanks hubby for bearing with your sentimental wife!), we slept in and enjoyed our morning, taking in all the sights and sounds of a downtown Chicago apartment.

As you can tell, I was really excited!

Then we headed over to Lincoln Park to explore the cute neighborhood, the FREE Lincoln Park Zoo, and an amazing restaurant recommended by some friends. Here are some pictures from those endeavors.

Exploring an apes behavior.

I think he was trying to imitate a zebra. Words really can't describe.

Ah. Chi-town in the Fall.

Me and my new lion buddies. Here I am thinking something along the lines of: "I get to see lions for free? Are you kidding? This is awesome!"

We finished off with a lunch at Oven Grinders - a must visit for you Chicagoans!

Sorry there are so many pictures of me - after all, I am married to the photographer! The rest of the weekend we put away the camera and just enjoyed ourselves. Hope you enjoyed some snap shots of our Chicago get-away!

:: eli & allison :: e-session ::

i have to say a big thank you to eli & alli for their wonderful patience for the rest of their photos! i had a great time, and i hope you guys really enjoy your photos. i can't wait for your wedding that will be here soon! click here to see the full gallery on the geefamily photography website. if family or friends would like to order some or all of these prints, online ordering should be up within a day or so (i'll post an update on this post to let you know). here a sampling...



again, to see the full gallery, click here.