Christmas Decorations

This is Pat and me after we decorated the tree! Pat is an exchange student here from NY. Because only the crazy Americans would put up a Christmas tree before the 23 or the 24. Here that is one of the traditions, decorations go up on the first and the tree up on the 24 usually. Trees are sometimes themed, usually with a color scheme, but mine is to reflect Christ.

First, the tree itself is an evergreen representing everlasting life as well as just being a tree.
Second, I put apples on the tree symbolizing that it is because of our sin that Christ himself hung on a tree.
Third, the stars not only represent the star at his birth, but also OT prophesy. A star will come out of Jacob bringing strength and judgment. This star will bring an everlasting kingdom and for all nations, peace. (num. 24:17, gen 49:10, Mic5:2) Also in Rev, he is called the bright and morning star.
Fourth, the white circles represent communion
Fifth is the angel garland is for the ones who proclaimed his birth.
Finally, the use of light as a description of Christ is prevent throughout the NT.
This is the wreath that i made out of the decorations that my grandma sent me from home. She is so sweet! you can't see it but some of the ornaments even have my name on them. funny enough i just realized the only thing that my apt isn't decorated with is holly leaves. And the garland that pat made that is above the office door, that girl got skill.

This black bowl is specific to a particular village here. it is one of the only places that it is made the clay actually turns black when it is fired, its not just glazed. the candy inside the dish is also the traditional Christmas candy. most of the times they decorate the tree with it. In is actually under my tree on the tree skirt. it is my way of incorporating a little Hungarian tradition. The light up santa is for you dad, i thought that this would just brighten your day! hahahaha you love me. No worries I put this back in the box, but i had to take a picture for you first.

Baby Dedications

These are two families that I went to their baby dedication services. The family on the left is a precious family who has had me in their home two different times, and are very gracious about me not being able to communicate with them well. Both families are friends of the Millers.

The New Place

Sorry that these pictures are a little late in coming. But this picture is of my living room. I love the light that these windows let in, I mean take advantage of the light while you got it right. the down side is that it looks out over the street, and it seems odd at night that people can probably see in, but i try not to think about it much. I'll get more than sheer curtains one day.

This is my kitchen that is open to both the dinning room and living room, just the way I like it, which is very unheard of here. This makes it easier to be a good hostess and not loose contact with people that come to visit. Please note the step stool next to the sink, Ok i don't need it to do the dishes, but i do to reach the top shelf.
This is where i am now, sitting in that chair working on the computer. This is my office/guest room. who knew I would ever have an office. I really like it though, that way it is not like you stay in your room all day. The cabinet is the coat closet, linen closet as well as office supplies. Impressive no.
This is part one of the bathroom. It now has a white shelving unit to put all that stuff on top of the washing machine. And truth be told I might should have my step stool in here, b/c it might not look like it but that tub is high.

Here is the master suite. It probably hasn't been this clean since I took this picture, I'm just kidding mom, I still clean my room, but I make no promises about making the bed everyday. And look at that Christy, who knew that the pillow that you gave me would match the bedding I was given.