dumped on in denver

christmas 07

review - rockabye baby!

If you haven't yet heard of the Rockabye Baby! collection, you absolutely must check it out, for it is pure genius. My favorite, of course, is the Radiohead album, but I also own the Metallica and No Doubt albums and love them all. They have many bands available, mostly popular 90's rock bands (Nirvana, Smashing Pumpkins, Green Day, to name a few), but also offer some older popular bands (such as The Beatles, Bob Marley, and The Beach Boys).

The idea was created by someone who was tired of listening to his kids music and wanted something for both worlds. But don't let the fact that they are made for babies deter you from giving them a try. If you are a fan of a group, let's say U2, I am sure you will enjoy "Lullaby Renditions of U2," even if you don't have any kids. Maybe you're like me, where you think a certain band's music is amazing but don't necessarily like the words or the heavy metal aspect that much. This is me with Metallica. I actually like Lullaby Renditions of Metallica better than Metallica's own music. Crazy, I know, but that's why you've gotta check this out:http://www.rockabyebabymusic.com/

In the end I am enjoying my favorite band's music in a format that Mason can enjoy, all the while I am pumping creative musical genius into his little impressionable brain. It's a win-win-win situation.

next step

We expected to hear back from the bank this week about our offer on house #1 (blog below) but still haven't heard anything, so we're looking more seriously at house #2:

There are pros and cons to both houses, so we'll take it from the Lord whichever one works out. Or maybe neither will and we'll have to start all over.

finals suck.....

.....I don't care how much you like the subject.

the grueling process continues

Today we put an offer on this house in Parker, Colorado. We expect to hear back by Wed at the latest.
We covet your prayers. What a nerve-racking process.

kinsley

Mason's girlfriend, Kinsley Lacina, came over to hang out tonight. They are so freakin cute together.

thanksgiving report

Good times. We spent a good deal of time with my family, including my grandparents and aunt from CA. We got to go to a UA basketball game, sitting something like 10 rows up, thanks to my Uncle Tom and Aunt Christy. We spent Thanksgiving day at the family ranch, hanging out with all the extended family....rode a quad for the first time (see picture below). Also to ride my bro-in-law Keith's motorcycle. And Mason did great the whole time (minus sleeping the first night)....he was a little charmer.

Great Grandpa and Grandma

thanksgiving in the desert

We're very excited to be able to go down to Tucson to see my family for Thanksgiving. We'll be meeting Elliot for the first time and introducing Mason to my grandparents & Aunt Karen for the first time (who are coming down from CA), and of course Mason will get to hang with Elliot for the first time as well. We'll also get to meet some new 2nd cousins (my cousin Lindsay's boy, Brody, and cousin Stephanie's boy, Hunter). We're calling it Boyfest '07.

I think Kari and I are also going to be able to hit a UA basketball game, which I haven't done in 5 years (since we moved away from Tucson).

Pray for our trip, if you would, as we'll be driving 13 hours each way with an overactive toddler strapped down. Hope you all have a great week!

chuck e cheese

I am once again a single father until tomorrow, although that deserves an asterisk since I am living with my in-laws. Tonight was fun at a place I once considered heaven about 20 years ago. Now I have a different opinion about it...although it is fun seeing it through Mason's eyes.

Uno Mas

(see next blog below before watching this video)

Kari is currently in Hawaii...

on a free trip provided by one of her best friends, Jenny Leverentz (a business trip, where Jenny was allowed to bring a guest). While the rest of us stuck at home are extremely jealous, I'm at the same time so thankful that Kari had this chance to rest and to be pampered. She works so hard in so many ways to support my seminary experience, that she certainly deserves this great vacation. Thank you Jenny!

All that to say, I'm posting this video for Kari...although I'm sure you will enjoy it if you want to take a look.

work

The Beast

Crazy Mark...up there with no ladder

kolomichuks

I thought this picture of my sister's family was cute:

Elliot is already 2 months!

Halloween

The Elgards

some hottie with my son

little dragon

These were taken at our church halloween party, Neewollah Palooza. Family picture coming soon.

Kinsley Lacina

Averie & Hadley Elgard

Ineloquent - One of These Days

This band freakin rocks...but I'm a bit biased, as they are my buddies. They only have a 5-song EP recorded at this point, but they are in the process of recording a full album. I think this song will be on it. I love it.

Mid-terms become me.

review - overdressed, caedmon's call

Like Casting Crowns, this is a group who in my opinion doesn't do anything amazing musically, however their lyrics are typically genius (in particular, their albums 40 Acres, Long Line of Leavers, and Back Home). Ever since Derrick Webb left the group, the music as a whole just hasn't been the same. With Derrick's return to the group for the album, I had huge hopes for a return to the old-school genius music, however I just wasn't that impressed. Don't get me wrong, it's still a great album, but there just isn't a song where you think, "Wow, that is a great song" (like 40 Acres = Faith My Eyes, Long Line = Piece of Glass, Back Home = Mystery of Mercy, among others). About half the album contains good songs (#1, #2, #3, #5, #11, #12), but then the rest of the songs are either just plain boring or else the lyrics are shockingly amateur.
Nevertheless, I do have to admit that I had higher than normal expectations for this album, and as a whole it is still definitely worth a listen.

hearing God

I've been having a hard time deciding between the Counseling Licensure program (which I'm currently enrolled in) and the Counseling Ministries program. It's been somewhat a battle of my heart vs. my head. I am more drawn to the spiritual health side of counseling, but the logic says to get trained in mental health to be more marketable in case I can't find a job in a ministry.

While I was at school last Thursday I decided to take a walk along the Platte River behind the campus to do some praying about this huge decision. As I marveled at the clear blue sky and the beauty of the nature around me, a distinct thought entered my head. "God does miracles." This thought repeated itself over and over again as I reflected on my struggles. God Does Miracles. That was all there was. As simple as it sounded, I recognized how profound it also was.

As I kept walking further from campus I saw a sign in the distance. I decided to walk that far and then turn around and head back towards campus. When I got to the sign I found myself looking at it from the side, to where I was only able to see the posts holding it up. As I walked back the other way and the sign became more visible again, it struck me how much I view reality in front of me with such a limited perspective. When I keep walking, eventually the whole truth of what's in front of me becomes visible. It was at that moment that a second phrase entered my thoughts: "I have great plans for you."

As this statement repeated itself in the forefront of my mind, "God does miracles" slowly faded to the back, though still lingering. I Have Great Plans For You. They might not make sense to you right now, but your perspective is limited. And even when you think you can see more clearly, remember that I do miracles. God was definitely speaking to my heart, and he had my attention at this point.

As I neared campus there was a bicyclist heading towards me on the path I'd have to cross to get back to the school. I played a little game and decided to not slow my pace to see if he'd pass me by the time I needed to cross the path. Sure enough he passed just before I had to cross, and I never slowed down. At that moment the third statement entered my thoughts while the second phrase joined the first in the back of my mind. "My timing is perfect." As that phrase dominated my thoughts for the rest of my walk, I suddenly realized how little trust I've had in God's goodness. My Timing Is Perfect. God holds my tiny future in his enormous hands. And he takes great care of it.

God, you've brought us this far and you've not only provided the necessities but you've blessed abundantly. When will I allow the anxiety to melt? You are a good God. I will follow your lead and embrace this process of learning to depend fully on you. Please help me in my unbelief.

i can't believe this kid is 2

http://smilestore.picturepeople.com/my/images?tk=5560f321-c9bf-4688-a517-ceffe28875eb

mase counts to ten

Apparently this freaky-looking bird was in my parents yard yesterday trying to eat the fish and turtle out of their pond. There's no point to this story, except to show you what a freaky-looking bird this was. What the crap kind of bird is this?

review - the altar and the door, casting crowns

One of the most common complaints I hear about a band like Casting Crowns is that nobody wants another band/artist like MercyMe. There are just too many out there that all sound the same (see Downhere, Michael W. Smith, Shawn McDonald, Shane & Shane, Stephen Curtis Chapman, Aaron Shust, Tree 63, Jeremy Camp, blah blah blah). I'm with you. Other than for 3 or 4 songs, MercyMe (and most of those others) is just way too overrated. On some level I can understand putting CC in with this group. I'm talking mostly on the musical and general style level. On the lyrical level, I'd strongly disagree.

I think it is very difficult to combine good quality sound with creative & theologically sound lyrics. There are too many artists out there who write Christian lyrics at the expense of making a good quality song (the current examples are Todd Agnew and Matthew West - absolutely horrible). Most have captured a decent sound but lack any creativity in their lyrics (see most of the bands originally listed). It's here where CC sets themselves apart from the others.

This album does not disappoint. I'm not convinced that they've surpassed the genius of their previous album Lifesong, however this one certainly isn't far behind. The best songs are #3 Slow Fade, #4 East to West, #7 Somewhere in the Middle, #8 I Know You're There.

what i call "pulling a Shawna"...

...since she did this twice as a kid (bit through her tongue). Thankfully this one didn't require stitches, or at least the doctors just didn't want to attempt to hold him down. =)

EEK!

No, "EEK" is not in reference to my new nephew's initials, it is an expression of my excitement about the new Radiohead album In Rainbows being released on October 10th!!! Most of you could give a flying leap about this band, but perhaps you will change your mind after they are all dead since they are artistic genius'.

The band: Radiohead. The genre: Genius Rock.
Genius Rock, people. Genius Rock.

decisions decisions decisions

Boy am I tired of making decisions that affect the rest of our lives. My current quandry is once again in relation to school. To make a long story short, I am currently in the Counseling Licensure program at D Sem, but strongly considering making a slight change to the Counseling Ministries program. I'd be shorting myself the ability to counsel in a clinical setting (the mental health arena), but availing myself to be trained more deeply in spiritual health, the arena where my heart truly lies. The logical advice I receive is to go for the licensure anyway and keep my options open. The "heart" advice I receive (and am most drawn to) is that Kari and I have taken leaps of faith to even get to this position, and to take one more small step and follow my passion. The downside: I'd be less marketable. The upside: I'd be on the road to doing what I truly feel called to do. Is this a trusting God issue? or a taking-the-easy-road-out issue? I await the Holy Spirit's direction. In the meantime I covet your prayers and welcome your words (since that is often how the Spirit manifests his own voice).

lunchtime | naptime

Make sure your sound is on...

moving out

Well, we're moving out of our apartment this weekend, only to go back into my in-laws basement. =) The plan is to be there for 3 months or so, save up some sweet mulah with Uncle Rico, and look for a house to purchase in Parker (about 10 min. east of where we live now). Parker is close to our beloved church, as well as to some family.
Also, I finally sold my sweet Chevy Cavalier and bought my boss' old truck for work. From one beater to another...but at least the truck is a bit more manly. Plus now I'm more official as a window and door installer guy. It wasn't much fun showing up to construction sites in my tupperware-mobile.

weekly schedule

My family (ok, so it's just my mom) likes to know my schedule and I'm not sure I ever shared it because it's just stablized. So here's an average week for me.

Sun: Church (am), homework/rest/prep for the edge (pre-teen youth group), the edge (pm), family time, homework, bed

Mon: Work, basketball with church guys (every other week), bed

Tues: Work, family time, homework, bed

Wed: Work, family time, homework, bed

Thurs (class day): Take Mason to Elgards, Counseling Theories, lunch, Psychopathology, break, Intro to School Counseling, family time, bed

Fri: Breakfast with church guys (every other week), work, family time, bed

Sat: family time/errands, homework, family time/church friends time

linkin park concert

So I recently found out that a friend from church is related (thru marriage) to David the bass player for Linkin Park. Last week he offers me a VIP ticket he got from David to last Monday's concert here in Denver. Let me just say it was all I expected it to be: it freakin rocked.

The strange part was that I was listening to a lot of f-bombs standing right next to my pastor. The sweet part was that my pastor was standing right next to me during a Linkin Park concert. We got there in time to see a little bit of Taking Back Sunday, and then My Chemical Romance. MCR is one of my favorite secular bands right now, but the concert made me a bit less of a fan. Not that I should have expected much from the lead singer, but he was freakin strange and a whole bunch of scary. The music was still good. But then Linkin Park closed out the show and aside from the barrage of f-bombs, they were freaking sweet. Great show.