Goodbye December, 2010

Joy seems to sum up what this time of year is for me. I love Christmas. Not because of the gifts or even the decorations (well maybe a little.. I do love lights...), I love that it is in honor of Emmanuel, "God With Us".  Our church recently did a service that focused on a scripture I love:

         "Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that you will abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit" - Romans 15:13

Other things I have loved this month....

 My boy Eddie trying to hide from the camera by jumping in the bathtub.....not so great at hide and seek.

 SNOW DAYS! One great benefit of being a teacher. Micah still went to work (after he dug himself out of our driveway).


Our Christmas was nice and simple. With a small budget we both had to get creative, and in the end it turned out to be our best Christmas yet....

Micah made me this laddershelf (I've been wanting one for years). I also have 3 more cigar boxes to add to my collection (I love the boxes), a beautiful necklace, and homemade creams and soaps made from icelandic sheep milk (he's trying to sell me on the idea of getting them).

 I put together a shadow box for Micah. This is his Grandpa Crumb and some of his memorabilia from World War II. I also got him a Wak (pan for stir fry), which he used the next day (and I neglected to take pictures of his first stir-fry creation, which was fantastic)! We'll also be going to GR to a museum exhibit he is very excited about: Bodies Revealed.

Though Christmas is over, thankfully we are both still on break. Micah is still making the most of working when he can both with construction and his position at an assisted living center. I have this week off, and plan to make the most of it by practicing something I am not good at: relaxing. Tomorrow my plan is to pay a few bills, head to the library, pick up a book, come home and curl up. We are taking one day to spend together with no interruptions and (hopefully) no thoughts of upcoming class schedules, work events, etc. We're going to enjoy moments and not look ahead.

When Micah isn't working, he's also remodeling our bedroom.....

He isn't good at relaxing either :)...I can't wait for the end result, which will be 2, yes 2 closets! As well as drawers within our bedframe for storage, reading lights above the bed, shelving, and a fresh coat of paint. I told Micah he is completely in charge, and while some spouses may be a little nervous about giving up any say, I am more than trusting of Micah. He's got a knack for this stuff. 

As December (and 2010) comes to a close, it's time to reflect on the year, and what to hope for in the new year. I've never done it before, but I'm thinking I'm going to try New Years Resolutions....I'll post what I come up with in the next few days...