Less than Free

There is nothing that is free....Everything comes at a price. That was the theme of a movie I watched recently. How true it is. Take Clinique for instance. They have the semi-annual free gift....WITH PURCHASE! Love their make-up, but it costs a ton. Technically, work should end up being free. Think about this for a second...You should be making what you are putting out in effort, right? Well, those of us that work our tails off, don't really get paid enough for all that we do. The company is out money for all those slackers out there that really make more than they should. I still haven't mastered how to work just enough....
Nothing is free, except for one thing. Salvation. Doesn't cost us a thing. Yes, it did cost Jesus his life, but he willingly gave that up. Now, why wouldn't everyone want the only thing in life that is actually free?

Weddings

There are so many people getting married right now! My cousin got married a couple weeks ago; my friend, Dawn, is getting married this weekend; Jon's cousin is getting married in a couple weeks. Yikes! I was beginning to think that most of our friends were already married, only to have more pop up. Nothing like finding friends....just kidding. To all those that have yet to tie that infamous knot:

1. Marriage is the best!
2. Marriage can be the worst. Pick the man/women that God has for you and lay you marriage at His feet. Imperfect people can't make this union work, but God can. Everyone disagrees, but make sure you mend those fences.
3. Enjoy your spouse and compliment the things they do well.
4. Encourage them in their walk with the Lord and with their goals and dreams.
5. Set aside time for yourselves (together and individually). Have friends of the same sex that you can do stuff with. Absence makes the heart grow fonder. But, get away with your spouse. Jon and I have enjoyed time in Dallas and San Antonio and have grown closer during these times.

Two and a half years has not made me an expert, by any means. Count on the counsel of your parents and other godly couples. Forget February, June is the month for love!

More Monday Madness

1. I have a picture of .....Coke Blak....on my computer desktop.
2. There are ....three... pictures hanging on my living room walls.
3. My big goal for this week is to ...rest....
4. I plan to visit ....five.... blogs this week.
5. The weather we're having right now is ...too hot....
6. I really should ...eat better.... more often.

More Kami Pics

I promised some more pics of our bunny. Kami has so much fun running around our apartment, chewing on anything she can. She has a bigger cage on the way. This cage will be on wheels and up higher, so I don't have to get down on the ground all the time. Her favorite food is carrots. She will run across the room if she sees that I have them in my hand. Anyway, thought I would share pics of the cutest bunny in the world!

Online Fellowship?

I heard an interesting story today on my way to pick up my husband from work. It was about a church that has started an online church. My question is, "How biblical is this?" Seriously, I know that we are to gather to learn more about the Bible, but what about the fellowship of believers. I have the same problem with TV church. Granted, these are great tools to reach people who wouldn't enter a church building, but where does it end? More and more of the kids I grew up with no longer find solace inside the church. Aren't we supposed to 'not forsake the assembling of ourselves'?

X-Men III and My Adventurous Side

We went to X-Men III and it was fab! Normally, this isn't my type of movie, but I loved the first two in the series that I can only imagine that I will like this one equally or more. This strays from my love of classic movies and love (girly) movies (Much Ado About Nothing, being one of my favorites). I imagine that part of me longs for action and adventure. I have been known to enjoy heights and roller coasters. My older sister does not share in my love for roller coasters, much to my amusement at times. For some reason, this sense of adventure has waned as I have gained full time employment and grown-up responsibilities. Or, maybe I want to see X-Men because Hugh Jackman is in it....

Arms Falling Off

I think my arms are falling off. Literally, they are about to pop out of socket at the shoulder. We have been shifting files this week at work. It sounds like not such a big deal, but trust me, it is. I am developing these man muscles on my arms and will soon been on the pro arm wrestling circuit. We hope to be done tomorrow....so hopefully no more sore muscles. Good thing too, I am starting to scare Jonathan with my guns. I'm looking forward to the long weekend and a trip to San Antonio......

Common Commonalities

TV seasons are coming to an end. The school year is coming to an end. I was taking a look back through some of the pictures on our computer and came across this picture of me in our old apartment in our first year of marriage. It is crazy to think that we have been married this long, it seems like we were just dating yesterday. I cherish every moment. Look how long my hair was! I got it chopped off and can't wait for it to grow back. I think that my favorite blogs are ones with pictures. They just seem so empty without pics. Wish I could have some of that cake right about now!

Happy Mother's Day

I would just like to say Happy Mother's Day. Especially to my mom, who has been there for me in ways no one else could. And, to my grandmothers, including Momo, who have been great examples of God's grace and godly wisdom. My mother-in-law has welcomed me into the family with open arms. If it weren't for wonderful mothers, where would we be?

Idaho Pics!

My cousins, Jamie and Charlie

My Grandpa and Grandma at their 50th!

My sista and her boy

Becca and me!

Sorry

Sorry for the long stretch of no posts. We were in Idaho for the past week! I will post pictures soon of our trip. We were celebrating my grandparents' 50th wedding anniversary. There were many people celebrating with us, upwards to 250 guests. Look for pictures tomorrow!

Review

The concert on Friday was fantastic! We were probably some of the oldest people there, which was a little weird. The first act was a newcomer, Josh Hoge. He only performed a few songs, but I liked what I heard. He was able to give away a few sample CD's of three of his songs. We have been listening to it and think that he could really have some hits. The only complaint I had about his performance was his gestures. He was a little distracting with his 'spirit fingers'. I think that his on stage character will improve with time and experience.
Next, Mat Kearney performed, but with only one other accompanist. It was a nice change from the loud band. Jon and I have been listening to his music this year and really enjoyed hearing the songs we knew. His little rap sequences were very original and he even made up lines about Austin. The crowd was enraptured with his music.
We didn't stay for Matt Wertz, but he did help out a couple times with the other musicians. For all my friends in Boise, look for Mat Kearney to be there next week. Please give these up and coming artists your attention and support for their awesome talents.

Concert Tonight

We're going to go see Mat Kearney's concert tonight downtown. It should be pretty cool. For those of you that haven't heard of him you can check him out at www.MatKearney.com. His music is great! He just has one of those voices and does some really awesome things musically. Matt Wertz is opening for him. I have only heard a couple of his songs, but I like what I've heard so far. So, if you are looking for someone new to listen to, check these guys out!

Oh, and congrats to my friends, Becky and Adam, on their new arrival on Tuesday. A cute baby girl!

First Serious Thoughts

I want to share a few thoughts I have had the last couple days. I saw a bumper sticker the other day stating, "Proud member of the religious left wing." I thought to myself, " What religion is this guy that he can be left wing? Obviously not a Christian." If this guy is a Christian, what a terrible witness. I don't see how you can be left wing and a Christian believing and holding true to the Word of God. If anything, I would consider myself 'religiously centered'. I believe that God holds us to a high standard politically and the vote in a way that would honor Him. Most people consider me to be very conservative. I guess I am for the most part. I pray for all presidents and leaders to be guided by God and to make wise decisions. I agree with most of what republicans believe, but sometimes the cheesiness of any politician will get to me. I don't want to go down a road of raking politicians over the coals because they are people just like you and me. Overall, I just want people to think about what corner you want to stand in. As for me, I'm want to be in God's.

Bunny

For those of you that don't know, I have a bunny. We got her a couple months ago and she is just like a member of our family. Kami, our bunny, loves to hop around our apartment and kick up her heals. Her new favorite thing is hiding under the couch. She is even litter box trained. Hopefully we can get a better picture of her soon. Kami is a little camera shy, even though she will do anything for a carrot.

Soup

It is as muggy as soup!

Record Temps

It is official! We hit 100 degrees today! Way too hot for April! Ugh!

Friday

It is Friday! I love Fridays! For some reason, Friday is almost everyone's favorite day. Maybe it has to do with not having to face work for a whole two days. I have always felt bad for those that have to work on the weekends. They have to work when the rest of us get to play. This weekend, I am looking forward to relaxing and getting rid of whatever crud has settled itself into my lungs.

I know in most parts of the country, spring is about to sprout. But, here in Texas, we are about 90 degrees today and that feels like summer to me. I would love to spend the weekend outside sitting in the grass.....oh wait, the fire ants. Texans do not ever go into the grass because the Texas-sized fire ants.

Back to spring....the weather is wonderful. Jonathan even went swimming in our pool yesterday. Summer is on the way....

Riverwalk

The Alamo

Looking into the bright sun on the Riverwalk

Mom and Dad

My parents visited us this weekend and we had a blast. We went to San Antonio Riverwalk and the Alamo. Then, on Monday, we went to Fredericksburg. It is a neat little German town that is known for the wild flowers and peaches. It is too early for peaches, but we went to Wild Seed Farm where the bluebonnets and poppies were blooming. It was beautiful! We also went to many of the little shops along Main Street. If you ever get a chance to visit the area, these would be a great places to go.