It's still a work in progress, but here are the long-awaited photos of our little house in Cleveland. It really is fairly small, but because Ben used a wide-angle lens when he took the pictures, everything looks much bigger than reality. The kitchen, for example, is quite small:
Here, you can see one of my first sewing projects--the curtains. When we moved in there were these terrible "curtains" up that didn't fit the window and they had crazy ugly roosters on them. When I saw this material at the store, I couldn't resist buying it. More roosters...
slightly more classy.
We also had next to zero storage place in the kitchen, so we invested in the microwave stand and made use of a closet organizer for the white shelving in the corner.
Some homemade magnets from my mission decorate the side of the fridge.
We only ever use the kitchen door (the point from which Ben took the kitchen's picture). When you look to your left upon entry, you see this view of our bedroom. We like the red curtains, but if they stay closed too long into the day, the entire room is a lovely shade of pink.
One of my current obsessions: houseplants. It started with our herbs and has expanded to include this umbrella tree. I have many more ideas in mind, but most of the nurseries are still closed in cold Cleveland.
The famous Texas star has a place in the hallway across from the bathroom.
Ben and I went antique shopping a few weeks ago and picked up this window. After a coat a paint and some artistic sanding, it made a nice addition to our bathroom.
Given the central location (and Ben and my love for good food), the dining room is one of the most frequented rooms of the house. I would also like to note that all the furniture in this room was free.
Ben snagged a picture of a general dinner set-up, minus the food.
Another one of my little art projects. I like the effect, but most people ask, "Are those supposed to be empty?"
The living room is known fondly as our "brown room." Brown floor, brown walls, brown TV stand, brown rug, brown couches. One day we'll have more color.... Meanwhile, those brown couches were somewhat hard to come by. We love them, but they're HUGE. The sofa had to be hoisted over the balcony and brought in through the french door your see in the right corner.
On the other side of the living room, slightly more color is provided by our book and game collection. Ben and I like to read aloud to each other, and that habit is aided by our expansive selection.
Off the living room is a small sun room that houses the desk and piano. Despite the fact that it's the coldest room in the house, it's also the sunniest, and, as such, is one of our favorite corners.
Ben says: George Washington never had "wooden teeth", as is so commonly believed. They were actually made out of rhino tusk and over the years, lines and cracks and discoloration have made them look kind of like wood.
After our time on the west side of the island, we headed back to San Juan, after which we enjoyed the east side. 
On our last day (Sunday), we took a ferry out to another island: Vieques. We were planning on a lazy day on the beautiful beaches of this island and were delighted to find a church building across the street from the ferry station when we got off the boat. The members were in Sunday School and would be starting sacrament meeting in 20 minutes. We hung around and enjoyed the Spanish meeting. We were able to see a recent convert receive the Aaronic Priesthood. There was a strong spirit in this tiny branch, and I was thrilled to be able to attend church. Ben translated the talks for my benefit. 
Ben Says: Want to peel a hard boiled egg in about 10 seconds flat? Simply tap both ends and peel a dime-sized portion of shell from the top and the bottom. Put your mouth around one end and forcefully blow the egg out! If you eat hard boiled eggs like me, you'll save approximately 23 seconds a year.
Another one of my little art projects. I like the effect, but most people ask, "Are those supposed to be empty?" 
I came home from a short visit to Utah to find tulips on the table from my sweetie. I had stayed up late the night before making him some of his beloved, family-recipe honey taffy. Meanwhile, he'd been scheming to provide me with a perfectly wonderful Valentine's evening.
