Wedding Pictures!

by Erica

Our wedding pictures are in! We are so excited. I have got to give credit to our photographer, William Meyer. He is a fellow Christian which turned out to be such a blessing since he shared the same perspective on who a marriage is built on.

We narrowed down about 750 pictures to 380. If you go to http://www.pictage.com/ you can see them all. The best way to view them is as a slideshow. If you are interested, you can purchase any of them online.

You can also visit our photo album to see some great pictures that our friends and family have sent in (and we are still adding more!). We hope you enjoy looking at the pictures of our wedding day!

Categories: Wedding Photos

Jennifer Garner

by Erica

I had heard from a friend that Jennifer Garner was filming a movie on Pearl Street in Boulder. I thought it would be kinda cool to see if we could catch a glimpse of her. I went with my friend, Tiffany, who absolutely loves Jennifer Garner. Not only were we able to watch them film a scene from the movie, we got to see Jennifer up close.

Tiffany got her autograph while I took pictures. (Tiffany is in the white shirt and sunglasses). The movie is a romantic comedy called 'Catch and Release' which takes place in Boulder, but was filmed mostly in Canada.

Categories: Fun

del.icio.us

by Jason

While I generally consider myself to be "in the know" when it comes to Internet trends, I must admit that this one was new to me. However, as soon as I understood it, I was hooked.

It all started with some sudden case of insomnia last night. You know the feeling, when your mind is just racing and you can't shut it off. Not even threats (such as Homer's "shut up brain or I'll stab you with a Q-tip") seem to work. At about midnight, I was fed up with being wide-eyed in bed and got up in an attempt to exercise my brain a little (usually just a little is enough to make it tired). You may notice that the posts on our page now contain "Category" links; this was my adventure last night.

Using this page, I was able to set up the link in our blog to contain categories. I chose method 3: using Firefox with Greasemonkey. If you are considering trying it out for yourself, stick with it. It is fairly confusing at first (if you are new to the del.icio.us idea), but in the end it is well worth it. The other methods will work well also if you do not have or want Firefox (but I strongly recommend it). Phew...

2:30 a.m. Erica wakes up and comes to find out what I'm doing. I'm tired enough that I actually try to explain all this stuff, that I hardly understand at this point, to her while she is trying to adjust her eyes to the light of my monitor. She's incredible to put up with this stuff (and for many other reasons). "I'll be in bed soon," I tell her.

3:30 a.m. I still cant' sleep, so I decide to learn more. del.icio.us is awesome. You can store all your bookmarks there with keyword tags, so I do. I have created an account seperate from the blog to keep things nice 'n clean. Now I can acecss my bookmarks from anywhere on the planet in any web browser, and I can share my information with others who might be looking for sites tagged the same as mine.

4:00 a.m. I learn about Foxylicious. This is just getting better and better. Now my bookmarks from del.icio.us are automatically downloaded into my Firefox bookmarks. I've also learned how to subscribe to my own bookmarks as an RSS feed (Firefox has "Live Bookmarks" that read RSS atoms). I'm such a nerd. But I'm a nerd who has nice categories on my blogs and synchronized access to my bookmarks -- no more bookmarks managed locally on my machine, just my del.icio.us feeds.

Now it's really time to try to sleep. I think I was out around 5:00 a.m. Just two hours until the pleasant, soothing beep of my alarm clock (worst sound ever) rips me from the sleep that I've tried so desperately to reach the entire night. Well (pausing as I scan back over this post), maybe I wasn't really trying very hard to stay in bed.

Categories: Geek Firefox Web

Go For Main Engine Start

by Jason

I'm still trying to shake off the goose bumps. Thanks to this internet-enabled-streaming- everything age, it was very exciting to watch the event live... You can even track the shuttle.

It's been two and a half years, but the tragedy of Columbia (STS-107) is still fresh on everyone's mind. At 10:39 EDT, STS-114 completed the final step of the pre-launch countdown by lifting off from launch complex 39, pad B, at the Kenedy Space Center in Florida.

The Discovery shuttle is on its way to completing a 13-day mission.

This is truly one of the top three historic shuttle flights -- the flight following Challenger and of course the first flight ever being the other two. This has been branded America's "Return To Flight" after the time since the last launch. What a great way to kick off the next chapter of America's space program!

But why? STS-114 is the 114th shuttle flight. I challenge you to name a shuttle other than the three I've mentioned in this post -- there are 7 total, including a training vehicle, and Scotty, you cannot participate ;). Why all the comotion over this flight? Is it anything more than simply mankind's desire to "prove" that we will always triumph? Certainly there is something inspiring about reaching the stars, but is there something more that makes this flight such an accomplishment? Or are we a society that simply reacts to tragedy by showing support in order to feel like we are a part of the whole? Now that the country is flying to the stars again, will the rest of us just return to our lattes?

I'm anxious to hear your comments.

Categories: Space Musings

Room Transformation

by Erica

Having the summer off has enabled me to get so many jobs done around the house. The latest was painting our bedroom.





It went from white to dark red and a textured brown. It totally changed the look of the room. We love it! Next is Jason's office.

Categories: Home

Bragging Rights

by Erica

This morning I was pleasantly awaken to breakfast in bed. I have the greatest husband! How did I get this lucky?

Categories: Life

Sleeping Next to Someone

by Erica

During my first bridal shower, it was recommended to me that I keep plenty of Tylenol PM on hand because of the adjustment of sleeping next to someone. Being the heavy sleeper that I am, I thought this was good advice-just not for me. I may be a heavy sleeper, but I am also a mover. I tend to sleep sideways, I kick, I turn, and when I get too hot, I throw all the covers off the bed. It was fine when it was just me, but now someone has to sleep with all of that. I have hit Jason in the head twice, kicked him who knows how many times and I have scratched his face once. Poor Jason, being the light sleeper that he is, wakes up at every turn I make. Somehow he still enjoys being in the same room as me??

Maybe I should take the advice and pop a couple Tylenol PM-for Jason's sake.

Categories: Life Musings

You've Got To Make The Morning Last

by Jason

I had the chance to work from home yesterday. It is amazing how refreshing one day can be. Everything seemed to move more slowly. I was able to take my time getting ready (I didn't shower until 9:00... pm), and I was able to be around Erica almost all day (which was wonderful). I was able to spend the morning with a close friend enjoying a cup of coffee and a conversation.

As soon as I got in the office this morning, people were running around as if some major crisis had happened. "Are they worried about London?", I asked myself. Nope. The coffee machine hadn't finished brewing yet. I have to say, for the most part, I work with people who are very laid back about work. They enjoy what they do, but they also know where it ranks in their priorities. There are some, however...

As difficult as it can be to get out of bed, an extra half-hour in the mornings makes so much difference. It helps me to slow down; to not hit the ground running. There's no better start to the day than to sit outside while it is still cool (hard to find -- it's 80 in the mornings) with a cup of black coffee, and Erica close by, just enjoying the peace. Sometimes in prayer, sometimes in quiet, but it is always a good way to "slow down, you move too fast..."

Categories: Musings Coffee

Happy Birthday, My Love!

by Jason

Today, my beautiful wife is 25 years old! It was just over two years ago that we met, and this morning, I woke up next to her. That will never get old. Isn't God amazing?

Happy birthday, angel!

Categories: Birthday

1 Peter 1:3-4

by Jason

Read this.

I have this listed as a favorite book (profile). Every phrase pounds against my heart; there is no rest from the waves. One after the other they crash in and I am helpless against them. They beat against the walls set by my humanness. They break me down. As they come, my heart is subdued by the perfection of God's word. It's design is flawless. He reveals that I need His mercy and His son by promising life, protection, and an imperishable inheritance that He keeps for me. <deep breath> Not a contradiction, perfection.

The Bible is poetry, wisdom, hyperbole, prophecy, and always truth; this passage is a promise. But who is us and you? Verse 1: "To God's elect, strangers in the world..." His children. Such an overwhelming idea itself -- and reserved for a future writing.

Born-again Christians? Every one of them. It doesn't get more explicit than this: "He [God the Father] has given us a new birth..." Every Christian must be born again into this "living hope." I love the spring time. Everything comes back to life. It happens so quickly, you can almost feel it. I pray for that kind of continual renewal in my heart, that God would make everything clean and fresh again and I would be a rich soil where His life can take up its roots and grow. This all hinges on a single phrase: "through the resurection of Jesus Christ from the dead." Not just "through Christ" or "because you are really neat," it is because He has overcome death, even death on a cross, and sits at the right hand of the Father.

This passage promises an inheritance. Doesn't an inheritance usually come after someone has died? Oh yeah... He did. I must. I have not had the personal loss of a loved one who left me an inheritance. That day will come, but I am thankful it has not come yet. What I know of that day, however, is that the passing of an inheritance is not a joyful moment. The friends that share their experiences with me talk of very mixed emotions: gratitude, sorrow, relief, guilt. Is this inheritance much different?

Is this inheritance salvation? I don't think so. I think it is even more. An inheritance is meant to be used by the receiver. Something that can be taken and multiplied. Not to mention, this promise is "kept in heaven" for us. Salvation gets us in, but what's waiting once we get there? Something more? Something better? I don't have this answer, but somehow, this inheritance that is meant to be used and enjoyed will exist for eternity. Sounds like, well, heaven.

He keeps this inheritance for me and I do not deserve it. His mercy is truly great. It breaks me down and brings me to my knees.

We'll get to verse 5 later...

Categories: Bible

Happy Birthday Amy!

by Erica

Today is Amy Sutherland's 24th birthday! Amy and her husband, Collin, live about 1 hour south of our house. Amy is a pianist, a teacher, a wife, and a very dear friend. Happy birthday, Amy!

Categories: Birthday

The Heddings Family

by Jason

As this blog is underway, it seems only appropriate to take a moment to introduce the rest of the Heddings family.

Meet Ollie. He's my baby. Don't let the 130-pound rottweiler scare you; he thinks he is a lap dog. Someone left him on the side of the road in the winter of 2003. He was picked up by a friend of mine who runs a rescue for australian shepherds & border collies.


This is Cody. He's our goofy german shepherd/bloodhound mix. Have you ever seen Scooby Doo? If the part was not taken by a great dane, Cody would be first in line. I got him from the Boulder Humane Society in 2002. No idea why someone would leave him. He is a lot of fun!

Oakley is our oldest cat. She came to us from some friends who had a baby girl who turned out to be alergic. Oak's will love you to pieces if you let her. Her favorite thing is to crawl up on your chest and rub her face on your chin. You just have to push her down, because she'll never leave you.

Rylie is the only boy of the cats. He came to us from a friend who wasn't able to keep him. Someone left him at a shelter in Arizona when he was born. He is very skittish around new people or lots of comotion. Once he knows you, though, he is a very loving cat.

Ellie (sometimes "Squeaker" or "Tubby") is the baby. She came from the Boulder Humane Society as a kitten. She loves to jump up on the bed first thing in the morning to tell us it's time for breakfast. Trust me, she could stand to skip a meal. She doesn't have much of a meow; she has more of a high-pitched squeak.

Categories: Life

Out In A Boat

by Jason

It has been a long time since I have been out boating. My best friend just got a boat and we went out on it this evening. It was a great time, but I stink at wake boarding.

Check Out Pics!

Categories: Fun Adventure Boating Photos

Getting Over My Blogging Insecurities

by Erica

My first experience with blogging was reading my friend Angela's blog. This is not an ordinary online journaling-what's going on in the life of Angela-blog. Her postings are deep, intellectual, and sometimes even over my head. I told myself I would never enter into this world for fear of sounding shallow. Well, I have changed my mind. Thanks to my husband for getting this site up and running, I would like to use this blog to record stories and events in the life of newlyweds. Perhaps I will be enlightened from time to time and post a thought provoking insite. I may choose to just leave that up to Jason.

Categories: Musings

Happy Birthday Grace!

by Erica

Happy Birthday to Grace Higgins. She is 2 years old today!

Categories: Birthday

My Wife

by Jason

Isn't that amazing? I had barely gotten used to "my fiance" and I have yet to say "my wife" without grinning like a love-struck schoolboy. Even though I fell in love with her some time ago, I find myself just staring at her at times. "She's with me?" I ask myself. Before I can mess up the answer, as if I had asked the question out loud, she responds with a smile or a kiss: "Yes!"

Today I was talking to a co-worker about nothing important, just normal office banter. He had asked a question and I responded with "blah...blah...blah... for my wife ...blah...blah...blah" and suddenly I had butterflies in my stomach. How does she do that?

She has the summer off of work... Each morning since we've been back from the honeymoon, I get up while she is sleeping and get ready for work. On the way out the door, I give her a kiss. She mumbles something that sounds a little like "I love you" and maybe "have a good day at work" but it is most likely a medley of the two at once. It is the greatest feeling in the world. She always asks me to call her to wake her up in a little bit. I wonder if she knows how much I love that...

At the wedding, there was plenty of the old cliche "So you are going through with it?" they would ask. It was tiring. When someone asked, I motioned to my bride and countered with "wouldn't you?" They stopped asking.

Fortunately, God is good... In all the years before I met Erica, I had no idea what He was preparing for me. I had prayed for "her" without letting God truly take control. *Note to self: stop doing that; He never fails.

Categories: Life Musings

Honeymoon Events

by Erica

Well, our honeymoon was wonderful and memorable! We loved Mexico and our resort, The Bahia Principe Tulum. I would recommend it to anyone. They were there to serve you and that is what they did! We would come back to our room to find chocolate dipped strawberries, towel creations made into kissing swans, and flower petals on the bed. Through all the romance and newness and excitement of marriage, we did have some interesting experiences:

Monday: Arrived in Cancun which was mass chaos! We made it to Tulum around 6:00 and all was well. The resort even upgraded our room to a Jr. suite....special for the honeymooners. We walked on the beach, grabbed a bite to eat and found our way around the resort.

Tuesday: We spent a relaxing day at the resort and at the beach. After spending not even an hour on the beach, Jason fried! His chest and legs were burnt the rest of the trip.

Wednesday: Spent the day on an excursion to Chichen Itza to see the ruins. Very Hot! Jason was in pain from the sunburn, but didn't complain. We also went to a cenote which is a very deep pool of crystal clear water fed by underground rivers, usually found below ground level. We could have jumped in for a swim, but chose not to.

Thursday: Around 3:00 Erica had to visit the doctor due to an infection. The meds he gave me made my pee turn bright orange. Also, it didn't really kick in until 8:00 so I was in bed crying all day. Jason says that I am not pleasant to be around when I am sick. We did make it to dinner at 8:00. We were ready to be out of the room.

Friday: Now this was an interesting day! We went on a Mayan snorkeling excursion. We started in an inlet where the water was calm and peacefully. We saw many beauiful fish. All was well until we got towards the ocean and the big waves. Well, I started to not feel too good and ended up throwing up right in the ocean. We very slowly made our way back to shore. Then we went on this very bumpy van ride to our next snorkeling location. I decided to sit in the front of the 15 passenger van. Knowing that I was not going to make it much longer and saw that we were headed back towards our resort, I asked our van driver (who knew very little to no English) to drop me off at our resort. He smiled and nodded. Thinking that we understood me, I tried holding it all in. Well, he didn't and drove right by the resort. About a minute later I puked all over myself in a van full of people. The van driver didn't pull over until we were at our next spot! Needless to say, it was embarrassing. They did take us back to our room. I was better right away.

Saturday: Travel day. Both of us felt fine. We hung out at the pool for the morning and mid-afternoon. We made it back to Denver around 11:00 pm.

So, we were quickly introduced to marriage and all its ups and downs. All and all we had such a wonderful time! It was unforgetable!






Check Out Pics!!

Categories: Wedding Fun Adventure