Can't...sit...still...

We enjoyed a great min-vacation the last few days starting with a late nigh Denny's run, proceeded the next day by dinner and a show at the Marriott.  White Christmas was terrific!  Then yesterday, we took a train to the city and stayed overnight.  Simply wonderfully fun exhibits at the Field Museum, KrisKindlemart (I'm sure I butchered that spelling), and a fantastic dinner at the Lux Cafe.  

Sometimes it's just nice to get away for a while.

When we got home I was a little antsy after doing so much the past few days so...I decided to organize a corner of our spare room.

Before...I know, it's embarrassing. 

After...2 hours later

and that was my afternoon.  There's still more to do but it can wait until next week.

Bro/Sis resemblance

I'm not seeing the resemblance..

26 and 29...when did we get so old?

Great time with the bro, sister-in-law, and nephew for an early Christmas.
So wish they lived closer.  We'd seriously be best couple friends.
When will my niece get here??  My bets are on Dec 29...Dad's got Dec 28.  Seriously not believing she'll make it to her Jan 12 due date.  And I'm seriously dying to know her name...there is NO way I could be that secretive.  I'm not that good at keeping secrets like that.

New experiences

It's always fun to reflect on the past, remembering where we thought we'd be and where we are now.  It's interesting how many opportunities come up and our predictions of life are way off.

Wes will be working with a refugee ministry next semester, assisting with simple tasks that those who are not from this country may find daunting.  What a neat experience that will be for him!  While this helps to fill a requirement he needs, he's really excited to do this!

Beginning in January, I will be teaching 3 dance classes, with another one added in February!  Wow, didn't see this explosion coming!  (Side note-Almost my whole dance class at the studio is Christian and as I was leaving yesterday the mom looked me straight in the eye and said "Merry Christmas, God bless you!"  I can't even tell you how blessed I felt from her just saying that...right now I feel very trapped by the fact I can't tell children Jesus loves them at work...but in this class I know at least 6 out of 8 of them are Christians...so cool)

The name of the game is busy.  But now is the time to experience all of this!  We're young, we have energy...But I will be going to bed at 8:30 every night from now until forever.

Wes and I will enjoy a relaxing 2 weeks together before 2012 starts!  Who could ask for a better end to the year?

Gettin' all crafty up in here!

Ode to Pinterest: You are awesome...the end.

Thanks to ideas on pinterest (a website where people share crafty ideas and other fun things) I found a fun way to display Christmas cards.
Using cork board, ribbon, fabric, and pushpins we have this:

Cost: $15 because I bought enough supplies for four display boards.

It's not really crooked, I just took a fast picture.  There is another one right above it.  I just have to angle the pushpins so they don't scratch the wall, but I like it!
My other project was even more simple.  A pretty Christmas centerpiece.
Using our unity candle vase (we just had a vase with a small candle floating on top), 2 mason jars I kept from after using the contents inside, and one other vase I had, I stuffed them with inexpensive decor from Hobby Lobby and voila!  I suppose it's a little bulky but, again, I like it.

Cost: $4.50

I don't think anyone else can say they've used their unity candle again.  

I tried the whole melted crayons on canvas too.  That is currently in the bathroom.  I think it's one of the ugliest things I've ever done.  However, it took about a half hour to do and was so much fun that I decided to keep it around for a while just because it's melted crayons.  Did not come out as cool as the demonstration...so ugly.

Oh well, 2 out of 3 isn't bad.