Some things we've been up to lately....

In an effort to update more, I thought I would fill you in on a few things we've been doing recently....

Casey spends a lot of time in the library.....sometimes I go to the library to spend time with Casey :)

Casey has 6 papers due this semester (3,000 words each)...and then his thesis (20,000 words).

Pachisi!  Sometimes Casey and I squeeze in an exciting game of Pachisi (thanks to my sister and bro-in-law for this cloth fold-up playing board...so convenient!) 

Casey and I frequent the Botanic Gardens and even visited the Ulster Musuem (located in the gardens) for Valentine's Day. 

We actually have yet to walk through this area of the gardens, although it looks quite lovely.  I'm sure we'll take a stroll when it's warmer.

Speaking of warmer.......

Daffodils and crocuses are popping up everywhere!!  I took a trip to the Palm House in the Botanic Gardens today to catch a few snapshots of Spring!!!  Here are daffodils, hyacinth, cyclamen, and others I am not totally sure about....

I just love how the Palm House changes flowers based on the seasons.  It's fabulous.....

I've been dabbling with Instagram (i.e above photos).  Not sure what I think about it yet.....however, it is convenient.

Casey gave me these potted daffodils for Valentine's...along with some individually wrapped cheeses.....the man knows me well.  :)

 I'm so excited Spring is just around the corner!!

Day to Day...and Birthday...

Sorry it's been almost a month since our last post.  We quickly settled back in to life here in Belfast and have just been doing some pretty ordinary stuff.  Casey has been studying and writing A LOT and Autumn has been getting to know people/volunteering/looking for jobs.  Please pray for a job for Autumn.

Although it hasn't been as cold here as before Christmas, we have become quite accustomed to an old (but new to us) contraption called the hot water bottle.

 

It has made a HUGE difference as we put it in our bed every night about an hour before going to sleep and Autumn also likes to hug it in the afternoons for warmth :)  We have heat in our house...it just doesn't seem to warm the house very well, so the hot water bottle is nice to have.

We have also met so many friendly people here in Northern Ireland, especially at our church.  So many sweet people have invited us into their homes for lunch and to visit.  The hot water bottle was even given to us by a church friend! We are so grateful for these new friends and for their fellowship in the body. 

I (Autumn) love to paint just for fun and I received some new canvases for Christmas from Casey's brother, sister-in-law and niece.  (Thanks guys!)  So, I bought a paint kit here and set out to use my free time wisely.  I painted the above picture for a dear friend here that helped us out and recently moved away.

And last, but most definitely not least, tomorrow is Casey's birthday!!  Casey doesn't make a big deal out of his birthday, but since I'm the one blogging I will take a moment to say that I am so thankful for my husband and glad we get to celebrate another year of his life!



Here's a piece of Casey's carrot with cream cheese icing birthday cake :)  It's become a bit of a tradition for his special day (or day before).