Has it really been 4 years since we got the keys to the Cavender house?
This humble little blog started only a few weeks before that. (Please don’t look at the first few posts…..they’re a little …..ummm, rough)
Instead, look at these posts…
…and marvel at all the accomplishments we’ve made, projects we’ve completed, and humorous stories we’ve recounted from this past year.
We tore out the Indian Hawthorne bushes in the front yard……and created the hot-weather flower beds of our dreams.
Just overflowing with cacti, agave, rosemary…..(still waiting to see how much of it survives this frozen winter we’ve been having)
We cleaned up the side of our house in a big way; rebuilt the gates, added a tool shed, potting bench, and about 10 car-loads of pea gravel.
We worked some more in the garage too; finished planking the cedar walls, and installed hanging factory pendants.
Jealous yet?
We also updated our old coffee table…
Built tabletop easels…
Made oil can candles…
We even built a vintage inspired dog bed for our Doberman, Harley Davidson,
Can’t get enough of our baby girl? Read about her adventures at daycare, or my personal favorite, the story of her adoption.
I recalled a few of my favorite stories this past year; my frat party catering disaster, my old friend Lenny’s shopping embarrassment, and my little brother Josh’s speech impediment.
We had a slightly disastrous vacation to Cabo San Lucas, Mexico this summer.
Not as quite as terrible as some past trips, but still worth reading about.
It was a big year for our dear friends the Pecks too…
They welcomed little Madeleine into their lives, and we threw them a monumental baby shower.
Gift ideas? Well yes, we threw out a few of those too,
How about a “Movie Night in a Popcorn Bowl“?
or maybe even better, Cucumber Infused Vodka,
Delish!
And what does the next year have in store?
A new bathroom? A deck? Perhaps crown molding? Maybe we’ll finally get around to painting the garage floor….
We just scheduled another beach vacation……with the Pecks again (AND the baby). Let’s just hope that they aren’t the hurricane magnets that we are.
Isn’t that baby having a birthday soon? HHmmmm
How about a few new cocktail ideas? Or lemon bars? Jamie gave me a book on making beer for Christmas……..OOOhhhh, I’ve said too much already.
Y’all will just have to stick around and see what we do this year.
THE CAVENDER DIARY 
Love you guys and your blog! I look forward to reading all of your posts and seeing your amazing ideas!
Awww thanks Susan, we’re glad that you’re here to read them….
I found your blog last year sometime–I think it was your garage reveal I saw somewhere–and I’ve been a regular ever since. I don’t know how I missed your post about the Pecks, but boy! was I shocked when I read it! I taught Gert in elementary school, along with his siblings, and watched them grow up. He was a friend of my son’s when they were little. It was such a pleasure to see what a fine family he has made, including y’all. Thanks for sharing.
Nicki, what a small world it truly is. Gert is by far one of the politest, kindest, gracious people I’ve ever had the good fortune to call a friend. He is a wonderful husband and even better father. Whenever I worry about Kylie’s baby-raising judgement, I remember that Gert is there too…..and I feel much better. Anybody who knows him would say the same thing. I think that he gained some of those qualities from the people like yourself who influenced him when he was little. Thank you for that.
Btw, the 5 of us are headed to Florida in May…..should make for an interesting read.
Please make sure you tell him I’m sending him my best. Y’all have fun in Florida–all 5 of you. 🙂
I love that you reminded me of some great previous posts. Lenny’s Shopping Embarrassment is, by far, my favorite as far as your writing goes.
So. Great!
xo~j
Thanks Jen, that’s one of my favorite stories too. I’ve been slowly writing down a few more….It’s nice to have them in a permanent place (not my mind)
Happy Anniversary! You guys are awesome.
Happy Houseiversary! Did you guys do anything to celebrate? Love everything you’ve done to your home so far 🙂
Hi Caitlin, In the years past we have exchanged small gifts, last year I gave Jamie a key charm, but this year we are saving our funds for a bathroom remodel…..
Found a tour of your home over @ Eclectically Vintage – love your style – I am a new follower!
I just saw your home at Eclectically Vintage.com and was totally blown away by what you guys have done. Talk about talented!!! I love the warmth it exudes and those marvelous layers of interest everywhere. I just signed up to receive your blog and look forward to learning more from you. I plan to use some of your ideas in my home to help create the warmth and coziness that you have accomplished. Kudos to you both!
Hi Vickie!! We have a fine balance between, collected and hoarded…I love that our layers exude “warmth”, we just live surrounded by things we love. Welcome aboard.
Just found your blog love it and love the way you guys decorate!!!
Hi Tami! Aren’t you just the sweetest! Welcome aboard!