What a great time of year, isn't it? One of my favorites if I'm being honest. I love that the snow is staying around, the sky has been bluer than blue, and thinking about Christmas is an every day happening around here. And although the temps have been bitterly cold, I read a quote the other day that said, "there's nothing like -20 to make you appreciate 20 above!" True story. We've been staying cozied indoors this past week. Doing Christmasy things...
{like, putting up our Christmas decorations and watching movies on the living room floor}
{munching on cinnamon sugared almonds, pomegranates and drinking lots of hot chocolate}
{making Christmas pillows, and spending some "quality" time with Sami over Thanksgiving weekend}
{some outdoor decorating at mom + dads. Pine trees are so wintery.}
{frosty, sunny mornings. turning the heat up and putting on wool socks.}
{blurry Christmas trees, and...}
{the finished product.}
We are quickly approaching the capstone of what this whole month signifies. As Jared and I attempt to slow down and take time for the two of us, to appreciate the blessing God has given us in a home, in each other, and in His Son this Christmastime, I also hope that you are able to find the same peace, joy and rest! Happy Decembering!
Peace I leave with you, my Peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled, and do not be afraid. | John 14:27
On this eve of June 1st, we are basking in the summery-ness. We enjoyed a bike ride before dinner while discussing IRA's, Roths, and life insurance. Yes we did. We have the windows wide wide open, there is a slightly chilly breeze, but it smells like summer. We have a full pitcher of lemonade in the refrigerator (however not quite that full after our yummy dinner) and I just put on socks because of said breeze. Sigh, it's wonderful.
I will be playing some catch up with blogging, here, as I took a slightly longer than wished break due to my laziness/stubborness/inadequacy in fixing my computer. But right now, I'm off to spend some more amazing evening with this hunk.
Oh, he makes me smile. Hoping that you can find as MANY things to be thankful over tonight as I am! If this is any indication of how great June is going to be then I'll take it. Happy last day of May!
These things mean it's Christmastime. Among many other details like red and green sprinkles, reading Christmas books at night with Jared, peppermint mochas, our big Christmas mugs, and hiding my stash of unwrapped goodies. But right now, I'm loving these:
Can't get enough pomegranates. It's like pulling teeth to seed one, but we go through them like chocolate. My favorite is with vanilla yogurt. Jared and I wait in anticipation for December to roll around so we can have these. We tried jumping the gun in November last year... don't bother. Wait for the good ones. It's SO worth it.
Setting up my North Pole village. Mom & Dad have a marvelous spot for it on their dining room hutch right now.... we shall see where it ends up next year. More to come on that soon.
I started receiving one house each year from my grandparents when I was pretty little. The collection grew and grew, and now I absolutely love not only having this as a momento from them, but being able to set it up every year. It's always fun finding some new detail or way to set it up. Last year we made the sledding hill (top right photo), and now it's one of my favortie "house displays."
I did have to branch away from the traditional North Pole collection just once... there's something about Caribou at Christmas. :)
Our stockings. When they get hung up, it makes me feel like a newleywed all over again.
This manger scene has been around as long as I can remember. It stepped up it's cool-factor when I thought to hang the angel from the tree (circa 1998), and is now a wonderful detail of Christmas in my mind. I'm trying to decide what type of manger scene I want to start for Jared and I now. I loved the tradition of setting it up and I want that for our family too.
Well, it's still a brown December here. :( In some ways, I am thankful, as Jared's commute has been that much easier with good roads, but I am craving me some wintery wonderland. For now though, I am enjoying the details inside the house. Have a great weekend! Merry Christmas!
Ok, maybe more like an open house. ;) Sorry for the delay... long story of internet troubles. We seem to attract it like a magnet. That being done, here is our home! I am proud to say that we totally moved in in about 5 days. I think that is an all time record. :) My favorite room is our bedroom....
It's about twice the size of our old one, with 2 big windows. I love that. Even after 2 weeks, it is a retreat for us. Being in there brings so much peacefullness! Now let's start from the beginning...
That's our door on the left. I don't really like looking at our shoes. But with no closets.... k sera sera.
View as you walk in the front door. We LOVE the fireplace.
Somehow, knowing we will be moving 3 times in 3 years, we have managed to not have to buy a couch yet! Thanks for the nice hand-me-down Dave & Chris! Jared was wonderful hanging all our pictures last Saturday. Talk about mind over matter. Thanks sweetie!!
Standing at the front door. We really like the semi-open floor plan!! Still have get bar stools.
Living room, front door, and patio. Again, our lack of storage meant the kitchen had to spill over to the living room a bit.
The dining room is my second favorite. :)
The kitchen is small, but I still love it! It's fun being in there, and I've had lots and lots of time to cook while I'm still looking for a job.
I like having a kitchen view into the living room, as well as a bar counter. The laundry room is against the left wall. You saw the door in a previous picture.
The "hallway" to the bathroom (right) and bedroom (left).
We installed a curved shower rod which we are drooling over. Best. choice. ever. The bathroom is smaller than our previous, but we are making do. :)
Peeking into our bedroom!
AND... the only closet in our entire apartment. I'm getting over it. :) It is so nice though to have all our stuff in one place!
Hope you enjoyed the tour. :) One of these nights when Jared and I head out to the pool again, I'll take some pictures of the outdoor "scenery." As for tonight.... I made peach crisp so I'm sure that will pre-occupy us.
Love from Barboursville!
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