Favorite picture

I finally have some time to catch up tonight. Mondays and Tuesdays have become dreadful for me. Between the busy-ness of work and driving to San Marcos for Alpha Xi Delta meetings-I am worn out by Wednesday.
Tonight though, I've had good catch up time. I went through all 623 pictures taken during my documentation of "a week in the life." This is-by far-my favorite.It showcases several things:
1. My love for cinnamon rolls
2. My not-so-good cooking (the outside was a bit burnt)
3. The reason why I let my favorite food burn in the oven: I was caught up in my daily Beth Moore study of David.
4. How much I love morning sunlight pictures
5. How crazy I am for taking a picture of my half eaten food.
6. The awesome details of life that go forgotten if not documented.

weekend

I had a fabulous weekend. My friend Angela came to spend the weekend in San Antonio. We exchanged Christmas gifts (finally). Angela gave me an absolutely fabulous gift. My "K" frame. I love it! It was beautiful weather and we had a great time. I love weekends off!

Julia & Alyssa

My 2 nieces are something else. I love hearing about them and what the new trends are for 4th graders. My sister-in-law Ann is great about taking photos and sending them to me. I just received a letter from her that included this picture. I had to share (you're too funny Ann!)
"I am sending you a photo of them all dressed and posing the night we took them to their very first concert! We saw High School Musical: The Concert. It's all the rage with kids ages 5-12. We even saw some couples there who looked like they were in their twenties who didn't have kids with them. So I guess it's something loved by many. The girls had a blast and screamed for about 2 hours straight along with thousands of others. Kevin and I could hardly hear by the time we got home! It was all worth it though to see their faces!"
Julia turns 10 years old on Monday! I can't believe it...neither can Kevin and Ann-I'm sure. It's crazy to think about because I remember that time of my life like it was yesterday. I just sent off her birthday present (on time..I'm so proud of myself!) She is having her first slumber party this weekend. On that note, let's all say a prayer for Ann.

Today

Still having fun documenting my days. I realized that a lot of my time went to playing around with my camera and taking pictures of everything I could yesterday.
I overslept this morning because I didn't have anyone to yell at me while I hit snooze for 2 hours (Ryan's out of town in Houston.) But did I really need to wake up at 5:30? I'm sure my body with thank me later today for the extra sleep!

vacation day

Today I am on vacation. I needed a day. A day to catch up, to relax, to not work! I do have to go to San Marcos this evening which will be a dramatic non-vacation-like end to my day....but alas-I have taken on the responsibility and I must see it through.
Today is Day #2 in "A week in my life." I had a lot of fun documenting yesterday. Today, is definitely not a normal day in my life (as I rarely take vacation days for no reason) but it will still be fun to record.
Lots to do, must get to it!

Life Group

Today we were introduced as new members of River City Community Church. Our entire small group (technically called Life Group) came to the same service today (in matching t-shirts) to support and pray for us. It was awesome. Our shirts were promoting our upcoming "birth" into 2 smaller life groups to make room for more young married couples to join. Our "birth"-day is 3.1.07 - when we will be the Espinoza and the Schlueter Life Groups....kinda sad in a way but exciting as well. Today was also a gorgeous day here in San Antonio so we took the opportunity to have a photo shoot on the church's campus. Here is some of our pictures:

Obedience

I spent my Friday morning off relaxing in the Word. It was wonderful. I had a cup of coffee, my favorite blanket, the comfy recliner, fresh sunlight pouring in my bedroom window, and best of all-God's presence.
The first words I read were: True faith requires obedience. The way that struck me I knew I was about to feel the power of the Holy Spirit teaching me.
In the current book I'm reading: Having a Mary Spirit, the author refers to Mary, the mother of Jesus, as an extrodiary woman.
"She was willing to say yes to God-to lay down her own hopes and dreams so that His plans and purposes could come to pass."
"There will be sacrifices when you choose to say yes to God-sacrifices of your time, of your plans, and sometimes of your dearly held dreams...."

So how-and to what-do I say yes to? Yes to waiting longer for His miracle? Yes to adoption? The only conversations I feel I'm having is:
God: Kelly-does this suck for you?
Me: YES!
God: Are you tired of waiting?
Me: YES!
God: Are you being obedient?
Me: Yes.....well, shoot-I don't know, am I?

Am I doubting God's ability to fulfill His promise? Is my questioning of His ultimate plan only setting me back further?

Then I read the words that have weighed heavy on my heart since:
"...too often when God invites us to join Him in His work, we run ahead trying to help Him out. Rather than allowing the Lord to work out His plan in His own time, we pull out our penknives and try to force open the bud before it was meant to blossom.....and whenever we do--we cause trouble."
Now, I'm not sure what a "penknife" is, but I get it. I get how this relates to my life.
And I'll be honest-I don't like He's telling me. But I will say yes. I must say yes. I've never been one to be a troublemaker.

My Valentine!

It was a pretty decent Valentine's day. I worked from 8-4....ok, ok, I really worked from 6:30-5. Work was ok-better than the previous 2 days. Afterwards I fought traffic and went to Hobby Lobby to treat myself to some 1/2 price clear stamps, 1/2 price paper, and 1/2 price stickers. It was great. I came home to having my husband back (he had been in Houston the past 2 days). Shortly after, our beloved friends Kara and Ian came over for dinner. I made one of my favorite meals: Meatloaf and mac&cheese. All Ryan-friendly of course. Good stuff!
After dinner we forced them to stay and watch "Old School". Poor Ian should have been home studying for a test. (I hope you did okay Ian!) Good times.
So today is the sacred Thursday off. Well--it was. My staff pharmacist just called in sick. I have to go to work now. Not good times.

Overwhelmed

So much on my mind....
I don't know how to catch up. Even when I have the weekend off-I still can't seem to do it. I didn't get half of the things done this weekend like I hoped I would.
And then there is work. I suppose I jinxed myself by saying "Yeah, work is going great...I guess I'm just used to it." We've been getting our butts kicked this week. I have put in 12 hour days yesterday and today. I work early shift tomorrow, so hopefully I can get us on track and running smooth.
My sorority work has died down a bit, but still keeps me on my toes. I am really enjoying working with the new president of the Texas State chapter. She rocks.
Lots of things on my mind that I'm praying about.
Looking forward to Thursday.

This makes me smile...

I am a firm believer that every song can be made better with an electric guitar. That is what I love about contemporary Christian music. One band that opened my eyes to Christian music was Switchfoot. But...there is a small (very small) part of me that enjoys an up-beat hip-hop song now and then.
What bliss when I discovered that Switchfoot covered Beyonce's "Crazy in Love" on yahoo.
Listen here.

Relax.

Finally.
It has been a hectic 2 weeks-or 3-I'm not even really sure how much time has passed since I didn't have 500 things on my mind. But today-today I can relax some. I am off work, and I have nothing pressing to do. Love that. Not that I don't have anything to do...but knowing that I am off work this weekend as well, puts my mind at rest.
My volunteer position with Alpha Xi Delta has kept me very busy lately. I'm getting lots of questions from friends and family: "Why are you doing this?" Sometimes I do wonder why I'm doing it, but most of the time I know why I like being involved in it still. When I was a collegiate I had a very influential alumni sister who was very involved in the Purdue chapter. She truly inspired me. Elysia was an excellent role model and I can credit her with a lot of my growth as a leader. That is what I want to be to the collegiate women at Texas State and Univ. of Texas chapters. The sorority is more than what you think of when you hear the name. It taught me everything I know about leading, relating with others, disciplining peers, and responsibility. So yes, I could not volunteer all this time and let someone else do it-but will they be the positive role model these young women need? I feel called to do this. At least for now, I know I am where the Lord wants me to be in this position.
My to-do list today can be summed up with 2 words: Catch up.
I can't wait.....must get to it!

Family

We are here in Florida and having a wonderful time with family. Yesterday we spent the day eating delicious food and documenting family history. I have begun my research of Ryan's family history. I spoke to Grandma VanDeWater, Grandma Newcom, Ryan's Great Aunt Dot, and Ryan's mom Debby. I am so intrigued by all of the stories and information of our ancestors. I spent 2 hours or so last night scanning in pictures from everyone's collection. Below is Ryan's Great Great Grandma Minnia Klein Behrens and Henry Behrens taken in 1896. Love it.