Weddings, Pictures, & Things

It is official--my holidays have begun! I had a little "break" between my last two days of practicum, which were spent with my mom and sister in Fargo for some shopping. We had a great time together, and I was able to get a lot of Christmas gifts for people, as well as spend some (ok, all) of the birthday money I had received in November on myself. On our way back to Winnipeg, the trees were so frosty and lovely, that we stopped to take some pictures. The snow was super deep, and our pants/socks were at tad wet afterwards, but it was well worth it! A little adventure here and there is always fun!

Of our winter weddings, we have attended 2 and there is 1 to go before Spring! I guess this was bound to happen seeing as there were no weddings for us to attend this summer. Here is Jon and I at Matt and Karin's wedding last Sunday.

Last night was Kyle and Tiffany's wedding, and it was so beautiful! It was evident the whole evening how much love and joy was present. They have been dating for over 7 years, and now they are married! They are such a beautiful couple! Here are some pictures from their wedding...one of which includes me fulfilling my desire to one day be a guest book attendant.

As Christmas quickly approaches, my prayer is that I can keep focused and to take care of myself (I need rest!!!) and those around me. Tonight it begins. Jon and I are staying home by our tree, and plan to get a nice early sleep!




ps. Capo turned 1 year old yesterday--he is so cute!

A Break

It's been a long month! Yesterday was my last day teaching for my practicum. I will be going back this coming Thursday and Friday to make up my sick days, but I do have a nice little break in between.

Last night Jon, myself, my parents, and Jon's parents went out to see Steve Bell's "Holiday Express" with the Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra. It was outstanding. I had the best time there, absorbing the beautiful music, allowing all my stresses to lift off. I enjoyed it so much that I cried a couple times! It was part of Jon and my Christmas gift to one another. I was/am so thrilled that we were able to go--it was such a great time! The music was fabulous and the stories entertaining.

This morning (why do I do this to myself) I had a hair appointment for 9 am. It is a lot shorter now! After longs weeks of hard work, 9 doesn't seem like the ideal time for an appointment on a Saturday...but I made up for that by napping from 1:30 to 4 this afternoon. Clearly, I am wiped! It's crazy how much a person can do, just because they have to. As soon as I realized I was able to rest, my body just crashed.

Tomorrow Jon and I are going to a friend's wedding (Matt & Karen)...and then off I go to Fargo with Janessa and my mom! I'm really looking forward to spending time with them, and also to start (yes, start) my Christmas shopping.

This year I really don't have much I want for Christmas...and I feel comfortable with that. I didn't even give either side of the family a list. It seems trivial to me this year...not that I disagree with gifts--I think it's a fun tradition!
In some of the books I've been reading, and from different Advent readings, I am finding a lot more meaning this Christmas. I am enjoying just being in the presence of God, and focusing on the gift of Jesus. It's cool, too, because whether a person comes from a faith perspective or not, (this is coming from the mouth of Steve Bell and I think it is great) the concepts of what Jesus is and represents and is brought to us through Christmas; peace, love, joy, hope... These are all things that everyone can long for.

December already

It is now December--wow. And with this new month, comes a fresh start for me. I have been feeling overwhelmed and as though a dark cloud was hanging over me the last couple weeks, but this week has been wonderful! Advent started this week, and this week is the week of hope. The last couple weeks were weeks of (not exaggerating) despair, but not anymore. I have found and am experiencing hope and grace. I am so thankful! Wow I love Jesus.

Not much time to write, but here are some happy updates (some overdue!)

On another important note... my dear friend Alicia is engaged to Rob! They'll be married two days after Jon and my anniversary-- on July 26th! I'm super excited for them, and I'm also a first time bridesmaid! Here they are...in all their cuteness.

So that's that for now. I'm going to prepare for tomorrow and get to bed!