Pinterest Inspiration

A while back, when I needed an awesome housewarming gift for my dear friends, Melissa and Mark, I decided to use inspiration from a pin on Pinterest. 

First, I found a great silver tin with a see-through top at The Container Store.

Secondly, I purchased a variety of cupcake papers for different occasions from my local grocery store. While arranging them in the tin box, I separated and divided them up so they looked varied and colorful. I also bought sprinkles to decorate cupcakes. The more colors, the better!

Next, I found cute cupcake accessories (spatulas, recipe cards, and cake tester) from Crate & Barrel. 

The final product was very cute. I was sure to find cupcake wrapping paper and a cupcake-themed card for the couple. This was a fun and easy diy gift! Thanks Pinterest! This will be the first of many "updates" now that summer has begun!

Steubenville of the Rockies 2010

Thankfully Surprised

In the spirit of the holiday, Thanksgiving that is, I decided to compile a list of things I'm thankful from this year. After reflecting, I realized a lot of things have been amazing this year...and despite the tragedies, I continue to thank the Lord for His tremendous blessings.

The List Begins...I am so thankful for:
1. The Lord Jesus Christ for giving me life, for loving me, for saving me.

2. My family, not only my parents (Bob &; Janette) and sister (Amanda), but my grandparents (Emma & Fred), aunts and uncles (Paula & Frank,  Abe & Cris, Geno & Susan), first cousins (Victoria & Joe, Victor, Sam, Nick, and Andrew), second cousins (Isaiah, Jacob, and Isabel). Each and everyone one of these people are near and dear to my heart. They make up the fabric of who I am and where I've come from, and for this I give thanks.

(This is Isaiah's First Holy Communion!)

3. Friends near and far who I've met during the various stages of my life. Without each of them, I would not see the world with such wide-open eyes.

4. Being able to travel so much this year. Some of the trips were planned, others were spur of the moment! This year I got to go to the following locations:

• Washington, D.C. in January for the Inauguration

• Atlanta, GA in March for Sarah's Birthday and a FeRVOR concert. I had to leave Denver in a blizzard...it was scary, but made it okay!

• Honduras, Nicaragua, and Costa Rica in June for a vacation 

• Washington, D.C. in September for the Eucharistic Congress. I met so many amazing women during this retreat!

Each of these trips gave me moments of joys and great memories for which I am very grateful.

5. Being able to walk alongside some of the coolest teens this year. We've done several studies including Theology of the Body, Blue Like Jazz, and Epic Church History. We've done community service, attended Steubenville of the Rockies, and prayed across the local high schools. They all continue to teach me so much, and I pray that I am doing the same for them. I hope to be a reflection of Christ to each of them--to love them as He sees them and loves them. A shot out to: MF, EF, ES, MS, ES, and MB--you all ROCK!

6. The opportunity to start up new endeavors such as a photo-a-day blog with my good friend Sarah. We call it Resplendent Awakening. It has been really cool to start documenting my life daily in a way through this blog. It has given me a new perspective and for this, I am thankful.

7. Getting to go to some very cool performances this year:

• Denver Pops Orchestra-my sister's in this orchestra, and they impress me every time I see them! 

• Star Wars in Concert-I didn't realize how much of a fan I was! While I was there, I saw so many people I knew--it was hysterical! 

• Wicked the Musical-again, another thing to give me tremendous perspective on how to not judge something by its outward appearance.

8. Being able to help others via community service, monetary donations, and even hair donations! Locks of Love received a 10 inch pile of my hair this year!

9. Being able to work at The Academy. Not only am I thankful for a job in general, I am thankful for all of the fun people I work with--as well as my students. Teaching 7th graders this year has been new and an absolute blessing!

(Here's some of us playing scooter basketball!)

10. Getting to continue this journey known as LIFE. This year, we lost those we love very dearly and they are not forgotten. But even more than that, I carry on with hope--knowing that God will continue to place us in the palm of His Mighty Hand to carry us on this journey. He makes us strong when in reality, we are weak. He fills us with the Breath of Life that can only come from Him. In Christ Jesus, I remain...Joyful!

A New Project

After seeing a couple of fun blogs (Don't Wiggle and Minty Forest) my friend Sarah and I decided to take on a new project.  We are each living on opposites sides of the world and taking a picture a day. Without disclosing the content of the day's image, we each post a picture independently.

The combination of the two pictures are proving to be incredible, and I hope the year will continue to be interesting!

Follow along!

Traveling Abroad...Again!

Hey everyone!
If you want to follow my adventures in Central America this summer, go to this blog. I hope to update often during the trip with pictures and stories along the way. Keep an eye out for video clips after the trip!

Pura Vida....

what we are living for...

So I have this friend, Low, who has a gift...a gift to communicate things I feel but never quite find the words to describe. He writes about his topics twice-first in melodies, then in words. 

One of things that has been consuming my mind lately is the idea of young adults of the 21st century and the new phenomena known as the Quarter Life Crisis. We've been told all our lives that we were special, unique, that our efforts were worthy of gold stars. Our parents, teachers, the world told us that we could be anything we wanted. 

Then after our college degrees are earned or trades are learned we're pushed into the money-making machine known as the job force. Little did we know that our gold stars would turn into worthless pieces of sparkling tin. The accolades we received as kids don't really amount to anything substantial  in the "real world." We were given such a broad scope of possibilities, many of us drowned in the ocean of uncertainties. 

"What do you want to do with your life?" "What do you want to be when you grow up?" "How are you going to support yourself on that dream of a profession?"

Twenty-five years of life has typically been a time when, in previous generations, you settle down into the family life, you've found the perfect job, and you conform to the American Dream. However, it has become more and more clear that young adults of the present culture are not running down the aisle anymore. Perhaps they've seen the pain and destruction of divorce in their own families and are perfectly content to just build relationships with the opposite sex but never commit to marriage. The job market seems pretty bleak and following your dream becomes a distant memory.

To return to the days when all you needed was a Capri Sun to suck back and the dream of becoming whatever you wanted when you grew up. 

I feel like my generation has been lost for sometime. No one stepped up to lead us through reality. We just felt like we could experience it through reality TV shows and that'd be enough. The line between fake and real life was blurred and we remain blinded by the uncertainty of it all.

Back to my friend and his gift of music. He's doing it...he's following HIS dream and in the mean time, learning what it means to understand what we are living for.

Check him out:

The Song Wade

Amazingness Around Me

Do you ever sit and look at how AMAZING the people around you are. I mean, you go to work, church, the gym, etc. and there are people all around. It seems impossible that we'd forget the awesomeness that God puts into each and everyone of us...but we do.

I know this family....ahem, the Shelstas...and they are all pretty much the most amazing family I've ever seen (aside from my own, of course...and all those other amazing families I've seen). Anyhow, the moms and pops of the familia are so stinkin' cool--they traveled the world as young adults, stayed rooted in their faith, and performed with Up With People for YEARS.

Then, they went on to get married and have 5, yes count 'em, 5 children!

Starting with their youngest, Taylor...he just rocks my socks. Every time I see him, he yells my name and greets me with a huge wave or thumbs up. I pretty much think God created wonderfully talented, hilarious, compassionate young man all wrapped up in Mr. Taylor. He loves pirates and colors/draws sweet pictures.

Then you go to Brenna...who can wail and sing like none other! I mean, that girl brings down the house with soul! Her genuine spirit transforms the heart with love and spirit....not to mention, she's as cute as a button! She makes you think more about who Jesus is and how He can be apart of your life every day. She's traveled (and is currently traveling with Up With People too!)

The family continues to Cass who is going to be an astounding teacher (I can just tell). She always gives me a hug to say hello, and she makes you laugh with your whole body when she gets rollin'! She'll be going with UWP soon to join the family legacy of performers and inspirational motivators.

Jared is wicked cool and has gotten the UWP vibe too. He gets to be a techie in the cast...lights, design, sound, etc. This fella also has a touch of humor blessed upon him (which is a total understatement).

And Mr. Garret (who is married to the beautiful Aubrey). When someone can articulate all the skepticism of the Church without being declared a heretic, you've got talent! I mean, we all search our souls and find doubt in what we see on Sundays. However, it's not always so easy to describe and explain where that doubt stems from...not to mention calling folks out on the stuff that sucks. I pretty much think this song captivates the mind and heart when it comes to pastorship. CHECK IT OUT! (P.S. don't misunderstand me, I said CHECK IT OUT, so.....DO IT!

Reflections on 25

Today was a pretty momentous day...I guess. At exactly 4:09 am this morning, I turned 25 years old. To be honest, I really wasn't looking forward to the coming of this birthday. Mostly, I just had some really deep concerns about where my life is going, and what it really means to be 25 years old. Silly things kept on popping into my head like...I've lived 1/3 of my life according to the national average...or how about, if I lived in Jesus' time, I'd almost be dead...and the ever favorite, I was expecting such a different life by the time I turned 25.

Basically, with a lot of love, a dear friend helped me get out of this mind frame. Instead, she said she was so happy it was my birthday, because it was the day that God decided to share His Joy with the world.

It made me realize I do want to share JOY with the world...be it in a friendly encounter, encouraging word, a prayer, or a hug. I want everyone around me to know that the Lord loves each of us more deeply and passionately than any other. He knows when we feel inadequate or like we've wasted time in our life. But honestly, time...age...all that stuff really doesn't matter. He created us to live with in into eternity and therefore, our souls are only bound to His glorification...not a time line.

I had a beautiful birthday...starting off with Starbucks and lovely thoughtful gestures from co-workers. My bestest friend brought me my favorite lunch and spent time with me to enjoy it. Then, I got to hang with my families at dinner at the Red Robin. Of course, they had to do the awkward birthday song..."Do we have a birthday here? Yes, we have a birthday here!" But I didn't let that spoil my night! ;-)

My beautiful godson, Isaiah spent the day figuring out a present for me. He designed a paper bag with a line and dot pattern (in pink marker) with his gift inside. He was so cute, because he helped make me an ankle bracelet, and gave me chocolates in a plastic zip-lock bag. My heart just melted, because it was so thoughtful and adorable! I mean, he got it down...chocolates and jewelry...what every girl wants for her birthday! hehehehe!

My family was so much fun, and I loved every single moment I got to spend with them during my party. Mom, Dad, Manda, Grandma, Grandpa, Karin, Matt, Isaiah, Jake...I love you all, and thank you for spending mt, Kate, Ben, Maddie, Mikey,y birthday with me! Twenty-five definitely had a sweeter feel because of you each of you sharing how much you love me. I am so thankful for each of you in my life. My sister made an amazing slide show movie for me with pictures from our childhood together, and it made me tear up it was so beautiful. It started showing me that the first 25 years of my life have always been filled with graces from God.














Then, I started thinking about all the things that are way cool about the number twenty five, and I even got some help from others! How about the:
Twenty Five Reasons to Watch Indiana Jones and the Raiders of the Lost Ark






Or what about Andy Warhol's genius style with Marilyn:






There are lots of really cool things with the number twenty-five in them too...like quarters...25th Wedding Anniversaries or years of service. I could go on forever...probably (or at least for 25 more years)!

So, those are my thoughts on the transition between 24 and 25 years old.

Blizzard of '06 and Christmas!

So, we had another huge blizzard (very similar to that of March 2003)! Basically, we're still stuck with lots of snow...and by lots, I mean over 2 feet of snow! It was pretty amazing to be all snowed in...however I'm never really a fan of the not being able to get anywhere without 4-wheel drive. I get cabin fever fast, and my little car (as seen beneath the hordes of snow) wasn't getting out fast! But, we managed to find stuff to do like getting ready for Christmas, playing Scrabble, and watching movies.

I'm so stoked for Christmas! We're definitely having a white one this year....very full of snow and whiteness all the way around!

I am most excited for the birth of Jesus to be celebrated. It's been a wonderful time to remember that God came to us via a baby. I am also blown away that Mary chose to say, "YES!" to God...even though she was so unsure and so young when God sent the angel Gabriel to talk to her about carrying the Son of Man.

My absolute favorite Christmas song is:
Oh Holy Night......check out this stellar lyrics:

Oh Holy Night

Oh holy night!

The stars are brightly shining

It is the night of the dear Savior's birth!

Long lay the world in sin and error pining

Till he appear'd and the soul felt its worth.

A thrill of hope the weary world rejoices

For yonder breaks a new and glorious morn!

Fall on your knees

Oh hear the angel voices

Oh night divine

Oh night when Christ was born

Oh night divine

Oh night divine

Led by the light of Faith serenely beaming

With glowing hearts by His cradle we stand

So led by light of a star sweetly gleaming

Here come the wise men from Orient land

The King of Kings lay thus in lowly manger

In all our trials born to be our friend.

Truly He taught us to love one another

His law is love and His gospel is peace

Chains shall He break for the slave is our brother

And in His name all oppression shall cease

Sweet hymns of joy in grateful chorus raise we,

Let all within us praise His holy name.


It's just so beautiful! I love it. I hope you have a very Merry and Christ-filled Christmas. If you need a place to go for Christmas brunch, let me know! We're having lots of food, Christmas songs, and fun!

Pumpkin Patch

We had such a wonderful time going to the pumpkin patch and picking out our pumpkins to carve for Halloween! The kids were hysterical...all playing and jumping around, and searching all over for the best pumpkin! I think everyone found exactly what they were looking for to carve! Check out some of the fun pics and videos!

The Awkward Brunch

As a celebration of Jennifer's 25th birthday, the appropriate theme of the day of AWKWARD! The whole morning party from morning smoothies (including vodka!!! :-S) to New Kids on the Block videos and ridiculous outfits all started the day with Awkward style.

Our brunch eating experience was much like the circus where 50 clowns are all packed into one vehicle. We sat so scrunched together, I could have fed my neighbors if I veared the fork to left or right a little too much. But, it was a lot of fun, and Jennifer even got to take a picture with some great Denver officers. All in all, the awkward brunch was a success! HAPPY BIRTHDAY JENNIFER!! (P.S. You can go to the link and see more pics of this birthday celebration!!