Jewelry

I started making jewelry as a hobby when Bryson and I were dating. I was working full time in Utah and Bryson was in Illinois working on his doctorate, so when I would come home I had nothing to do. I might have been bugging Bryson a little too much, because one day Bryson said that maybe I needed to find a hobby, either something I used to do or something new. It was a great suggestion and one that I needed. As I thought about what I wanted to do and liked to do, I remembered a friend in college that had made me a bracelet while I was sitting chatting with her. I thought learning to make jewelry would be a fun new hobby, so after I had done some research I went to the store and bought beads and beading tools and got to work. I made a bracelet and some ornaments for my mom for Christmas and I loved it!

Fast forward four years and my hobby has become a love of mine. I love reading and watching anything about beading. I love figuring out and learning new techniques, and most of all I love creating! I think my favorite thing to make is bracelets, although I've made necklaces and earrings too. I have a goal this year to sell my jewelry, which is exciting and scary at the same time! I'll keep you all updated on my progress. So without further adieu, here are some pictures of the pieces I've made. I hope you enjoy!

Lately

In my last post I put up pictures of the winter storm that happened around Christmas, but I didn't put up any pictures of Christmas itself. We stayed home in Janesville this year which was so fun! Bryson's mom flew in from Utah, and Bryson's brother and sister-in-law drove down from De Pere. We had a great time and a wonderful Christmas together! Before Bryson's mom flew home she helped us finish Bryson's office, which turned out beautifully! Then came a full and busy January which included a trip to Milwaukee for a music conference and me having the flu for the first time. That was not fun at all! But I got better just in time for my mom to come for a visit! While there was quite a lot of snow it didn't slow us down one bit. We had such a good time and Emerson loved having Grandma here to play with! We were sad to see her go but we can't wait to see her again in May!

The day after mom left, Bryson came down with the stomach flu...which then Emerson caught the next day, and I caught the day after that. Consequently we spent Valentines Day in bed, sipping water and eating saltines. It was not the funnest Valentine's but I'm sure it will be a memorable one. The rest of February flew by and all of the sudden it was my birthday. I had a wonderful relaxing birthday, filled with love and warm wishes and fun with Emerson while Bryson was at work. A winter storm moved in during the afternoon but we did manage to get out for some dinner before heading home, putting Emerson to bed, and enjoying some cake. Now here we are in March. Where did the last couple of months go? Well hopefully I will find time to post a little sooner next time, instead of waiting two months. Here are some pictures from the past couple of months. Enjoy!

Merry Christmas!!

 Here's the office almost finished!

Downtown Milwaukee

Emerson loved the Milwaukee library!

Hello down there!

Time for some fun in the snow!

I love my mom!

Grandma snuggle time!

Being cheesy for the camera.

Having fun on my birthday!

Me and my love on my birthday :)

Being silly with daddy's eye mask. 

Emerson getting used to his potty seat. He's going to hate that I put this picture up when he's older, but it was just too cute! 

We've got a lot of snow!

Winter Storm Draco

Winter Storm Draco paid us a visit and we had a lovely day watching the snow and hearing the wind blow outside, while we enjoyed a lovely fire inside.

Janesville's Nativity Festival

This year my friend and I were asked by our Bishop to put together a nativity festival for our ward. The theme we came up with was "Born in a Manger." We put together a wonderful committee of ladies in the ward and it was a lot of hard work and long hours, but it was all worth it! It turned out beautifully and we had a great turnout as well. I am so grateful for the wonderful committee that helped to put it all together! 

And we're back!

After a crazy 5 month hiatus, we are back! Here's a long photo update of what we've been up to the last couple months.

July
We enjoyed our growing garden, going to the fair, watching the baby birds hatch (the birds made a nest in one of our front hanging planters) and taking a trip up to De Pere and Sister Bay to visit with Kirk and Kaija.

August
We went to Utah for a wonderful family reunion and Bryson's mom's graduation! It was so much fun! We also had fun at the park and celebrated our third wedding anniversary!

September
My mom came to visit and then Emerson and I flew back with her for a wonderful week in Oregon! I also got to fly for the first time by myself with Emerson. It was a long day, but we survived!

October
We went up to Sister Bay, WI with Kirk and Kaija to watch General Conference and enjoy the gorgeous fall foliage. For Halloween Emerson was a chef and Bryson and I were his sous chefs.

November
We had a great thanksgiving just the three of us! We did a little black Friday shopping and then got to hang out with Kirk and Kaija before they drove back up to De Pere. The week after Thanksgiving I worked on decorating the gym for our wards first annual Nativity Festival. That will be it's own post. And now on to December! And hopefully I'll stay more caught up on our blog!