I hate forms!

Ok, so I'm not a stupid person (at least I don't think so), I have at least a small handful of common sense, I know how to read and write but I stress out to the max whenever I have to do any kind of paperwork. Matt can't believe I've never done my own taxes (thanks Mom and now Matt). Thank goodness my job does not require too much paper work or I'd have to quit. Speaking of having to quit a job, if I don't figure out how to apply for my next teaching certificate in 2 months I might have to quit because I won't be certified anymore. I have spent at least 2 hours total reading the instructions and trying to understand all of the steps necessary to get my new certificate but I've only gotten as far at changing my name and address. Which by the way all the name change stuff this last year was stressful for me too, but totally worth it. Anyway, I'm just venting because today one of my coworkers had an envelope ready to send off for her certificate so now I'm feeling behind. I think my problem is I'm trying to do everything online and I should just mail away an envelope. Ahhh....I'll pay someone to do this for me. Please!

April Madness

The month of March is well known for the men's college basketball tournament.  Well, it's time for the grown-ups to start playing.  It only took two games in the NBA postseason to have a game better than any in the NCAA tourney.  Today's opening game of the Spurs-Suns series was a classic, filled with many clutch shots, drama, and ending with a Spurs victory in double OT.  Here are the highlights. Enjoy.

My New Favorite Blog

I think in the last 2 years I've taken a new interest in cooking mostly due to the fact that I moved into a house that had counter space. Now, I would never claim to be a great cook but Matt eats my food so I'm happy with that. Lately, I've been really enjoying reading a blog I happened across called Champaign Taste. Some girl named Lisa has a blog dedicated to food related stuff going on in and around Champaign. She reviews restaurants, give recipes, and much more. I think I like reading it because I feel like I'm a chef. Also, watching Top Chef makes me feel like I could do anything in the kitchen too (if you don't watch that show, do it). Last night I made fruit salad, cut up fresh pepper, heated up sauerkraut, and Matt grilled brats so clearly I'm not that cheffy but that is my dream right now. Hope you like the blog!

Book Review: "Life Together" by Dietrich Bonhoeffer

Over the last few years, I have a read a number of books related to small group ministry and building biblical community, focused more on the strategy and practicals of participating in and leading a small group. I have not read many books which speak to the heart of community. I was recommended "Life Together" by a friend and I must say that the book turned out to be one of the most encouraging and challenging books I've ever read. Not only did it speak to the heart of community, but it captured the essence of Christian living.

Bonhoeffer was a Christian leader during WWII Germany and participated in leading an underground seminary which eventually led to his arrest and death. The book details his observations, teachings, and wisdom on what it means to live in community for God. Bonhoeffer detailed the difference between spiritual community and human community. He spoke of the tension of a Christian solely depending on God yet allowing God to use other people in a Christian's life. And through it all, Bonhoeffer painted a picture of an authentic, vibrant, living community that was Christ-saturated and Christ-exalting. The book is a quick read, with the first part containing Bonhoeffer's exposition on a biblical view of community, with the remaining parts of the book detailing the practical community he experienced.

If you are in a small group or find yourself looking for more in your community, I strongly recommend this book. God used it to change my perspective on what real Christ-centered community life can and should be.

Spring is Here

We kicked off spring and my spring break this weekend! I'm so excited the weather is warm and I'm on spring break this week. I can relax, go for walks, and read to my hearts content.

Matt, Joshua (our nephew) and Jared (Matt's brother)

The first event of the weekend was Jared's 30th birthday party. We had a great time hanging out with friends and family for the whole afternoon. I really enjoyed playing American Idol on the Nintendo Wii that one of Jared's friends brought.

Matt and me in Indy

Then on Sunday we went to Indianapolis for the day. It was absolutely beautiful outside and we really enjoyed just walking around downtown. We went to the Indiana State Museum to see the IMAX show Whales and Dolphins 3D. It was pretty good. Then we headed to the Weber Grill Restaurant for an early dinner. That was amazing from the beginning when we were given soft pretzel rolls, to my Mojito, to my ceasar salad, to my garlic mashed potatoes, to my perfectly grilled ribeye! If you're interested Matt had beef brisket, sausage and ribs! Finally, we went to an Indaian Pacers and Milwaukee Bucks game. The Bucks lost but I still had fun at my first pro basketball game.

I put up lots of new pictures on our Webshots page (see link to the right) if you're interested.

Charlie Bit Me

And that really hurt.

HSM Ice Tour

Sorry it took me so long to blog about High School Musical Ice Tour. It was amazing. You can use the link below to look at pictures with captions so you can get the whole story.

High School Musical Pictures

Top ten things about HSM Ice Tour

10. Avanti's for dinner
9. Disney knows how to put on a show
8. Hanging out with Jenna (Jenna if you're reading this, sorry you're only #8)
7. The demographics (60% 8 and under, 35% moms, 4% dads, 1% people with no kids)
6. The mentally impaired man behind us who knew all the words to every song
5. Our seats were great
4. The music
3. The ice skating
2. Sharpay and Ryan
1. Troy and Gabriella