14/52 // Easter

Happy (late) Easter, everybody.

So it seems like every time a holiday rolls around, it serves as a huge reminder that we do not live close to family.  We know that family is gathering back home and we see friends with family here getting together to share meals.  In some ways it can be discouraging.  However, I have found that without the assumed family get togethers with each holiday, I have had to think more intentionally about the reason behind the roast dinners.  I've had to analyze why, as Christians, we celebrate Easter.  Why should we be sure to gather with other believers that day instead of stay home watching movies all day?  Why is it necessary to celebrate... is it even necessary to celebrate?  In thinking over these questions, Easter has undoubtedly become my favorite holiday - we can live without fear every day because of Christ's death on the cross and resurrection.  For this year's celebration, we got together with an extended family from church... and it was SUCH a blessing to us.

Before church we got coffee and went to a nearby park... the day was just too beautiful.

And this gem... was taken in front of the trees that are in bloom by church.  The whole way in to church I was trying to get Michael to hurry so we wouldn't be late but then I made us stop by the tree for a picture... I'm pretty sure I will be out of control with photo ops once the kids start coming along.

Much love,

K&M

Welcome 2013

How is it already 2013?  New Years Eve was quite confetti-less for us as I was sick, so we spent lots of time in bed watching movies and documentaries (thanks husband). :)  A lot has happened in 2012, it seems like each year is getting more full and moving more quickly as they go!

Obviously, the main thing that 2012 brought for us was the beginning of our marriage.  Marriage has been fun.  I was surprised when we got back from the honeymoon and I wanted to do everything with Michael.  Until now I always valued alone time, and while I still do, it is now second to time playing (or doing anything) with my hubby.  This whole new life set up also includes finding, nesting, and living in our own apartment, managing the messiness of life (literally dishes, laundry, etc.), and continually learning more of each other.

This next year will include SO much more than I can even process right now... Michael graduating from Moody and settling into full time work, deciding if and where to move, further job transitions for me, a possibly growing family, and all of the daily and weekly surprises that come along the way.

The main thing that I want for 2013 is to learn to see more of the value in people.  It is too easy to judge people by their failings, when really, God has the power to work, and is working, in everyone.

So here's to new adventures and loving more in 2013.

-K&M 

Merry Married Christmas

This year was the first Christmas that Michael and I have celebrated as a married couple -- and it has been quite an adventure.  We got back from the gloriously warm Houston last night, and have spent the day in bed... only getting up to go get pancakes with a few friends soon. :)  

-- Christmas 2012 highlights -- 

A date at the Melting Pot - a tradition that we plan to keep throughout the years of children, family travels, etc.  

New (and old) Christmas Music - this is our (at least my) new favorite Christmas song, Christmas in the Room. 

Decorations. Multi-colored lights hung around the living room would not have been my choice - but it's created a quirky, cozy Christmas atmosphere.  Those with an improv Christmas tree and homemade stockings, our halls were decked out!

Christmas Outside - a 30 second storm knocked out the power in Houston on Christmas day, so we spent a few hours outside in the 60 degree weather, eating cheese and crackers and watching the boys play soccer.  Such a great way to spend time with family!

Relaxing - everything about these couple of weeks have been exactly what we needed after the past few months.  We are praising God for the time that we have had together and with our families before Michael heads into his last semester and I pick up some more hours at work!

We hope that you all had a happy Christmas!

-K&M

Happy Holiday Weekend!

This Labor Day Weekend...

Husband is sick 

We both have at least 9 hours of homework due by Tuesday 

The apartment smells of coffee-roasting-gone-wrong.. although it's almost back to normal

There is dirty laundry to be washed and clean laundry to be folded

And in a semi-dramatic moment yesterday, I told Michael that I can't cook this semester. At all. My schedule of class, homework, work, internship, and housework, just won't allow it.  While that isn't entirely true, I do need to look into healthy snack/on-the-go options so that I don't end up justifying pop-tarts because I don't have time to cook. That happens all too easily.

Anyways, we took these pictures right before we left for Christmas break in December... We found the mug at the Shop on Perry - it was one of those things where you upload a picture of you with the mug onto a website, keep the mug, and attach the tag onto a new mug to leave at a different location.  Cool idea.  Our participation never got further than taking the following pictures and ending up with a sweet thrifted mug.  All in all, still a worthwhile endeavor. :)

And now I'm just excited for Christmas.

  

Love to you all! Enjoy the day off with friends and family.

-K&M