Summer time is here, friends! The sweltering heat and the opening of neighborhood pools has confirmed that Summer 2012 is in full swing. Today I thought I'd share a few of my favorite summer things.
1. The pool. Seriously, there is nothing more relaxing than spending a few hours soaking up the sun and splashing around.
2. P-whip. In case you are not familiar with the treasure that is P-whip, it is a local frozen treat stand. They feature pineapple and then a random flavor. We aren't exactly sure what the "whip" is...maybe really creamy ice cream? Oh well, it's delicious nonetheless.
3. Tan lines. See #1.
4. Friends. Yesterday I spent the morning with my friends at church, the afternoon playing water games at Ashlyn's, and the night chilling with some cool people at Josh's. Honestly, nothing can lift my spirits like these people. Yesterday was just the day I needed. Minus the Irish rock and Dubstep...
5. Good music. See above. Dubstep sounds like people were recording normal music and then an earthquake hit while aliens tried to make contact. Gross. I prefer some Ke$ha or Carly Rae Jepsen. So, call me maybe?
6. Flexibility. There is less of this now that the majority of my friends have jobs, but it's still better than the school year. Now I can call my friends and plan to get together the next day and we don't have to worry about school or homework interfering.
7. Watermelon. It's like a food and a drink.
8. Sunshine. See #1 & #3.
9. CAMP. Possibly the highlight of my summer. Jesus, friends, and the lake. Perfection.
10. Road trips. Stay tuned for this one.
Have a great week, and enjoy your summer sunshine!
Monday, May 28, 2012
Tuesday, May 22, 2012
Cherish Life.
Ten years ago, I met a little girl. That little girl became my best friend for 5 years, and is still a good friend to this day. That little girl had an older sister, Megan, and an older brother, Josh.
Josh was constantly terrorizing Emma and I. He would throw our American Girl Dolls down the laundry chute that was in their house. One time, we bought a slip'n'slide, and Josh was the first one to try it out. On the very first slide, he out his feet through the end of it. That was the end of the slip'n'slide. We used to play hide and go seek in their backyard with Nathan and Ryan. Josh was a bug pain in my butt the majority of the time, but he was like an older brother to me. He was a good kid. He just finished his freshman year at Dordt college. He was a skilled debater and golfer, and an amazing Christ follower.
Last Wednesday night, Josh committed suicide by laying down in front of a car on the highway. He was on drugs at the time. The past week has been a blur of memories, and lots of tears. I'm sad, because I lost my friend. But I'm also glad, because Josh is in the presence of the Lord now. He is in a place I can only dream about. While our hearts ache here on earth for the loss of a son, brother, and friend, all of Heaven is rejoicing because they just gained an amazing young man.
We miss you Josh, but we know that you are partying it up in Heaven.
Josh was constantly terrorizing Emma and I. He would throw our American Girl Dolls down the laundry chute that was in their house. One time, we bought a slip'n'slide, and Josh was the first one to try it out. On the very first slide, he out his feet through the end of it. That was the end of the slip'n'slide. We used to play hide and go seek in their backyard with Nathan and Ryan. Josh was a bug pain in my butt the majority of the time, but he was like an older brother to me. He was a good kid. He just finished his freshman year at Dordt college. He was a skilled debater and golfer, and an amazing Christ follower.
Last Wednesday night, Josh committed suicide by laying down in front of a car on the highway. He was on drugs at the time. The past week has been a blur of memories, and lots of tears. I'm sad, because I lost my friend. But I'm also glad, because Josh is in the presence of the Lord now. He is in a place I can only dream about. While our hearts ache here on earth for the loss of a son, brother, and friend, all of Heaven is rejoicing because they just gained an amazing young man.
We miss you Josh, but we know that you are partying it up in Heaven.
Sunday, May 6, 2012
Uh.
I really didn't have a title for this, so "uh" it is.
First off, I want to ask you guys to pray for me. A group of students from my youth group are going down to Barnabas in Branson this summer, and I'll be joining them. I have had a little bit of experience working with special needs students, but never one on one for a whole week. I'm so, so excited to have this chance to serve and bond with these kids, but I'm also really nervous. Pray for peace of mind as I prepare for this summer.
Now on to a lighter topic: reality TV. It's a horrible addiction, but I'm not really willing to break it. Big Rich Texas, The Real Housewives of New Jersey, and really anything with plastic faces and teased out hair.
It's hot here. And I'm currently driving a car with no a/c. My precious Duh-rell was taken away when I got grounded. I'm driving my dad's Dodge Intrepid, or as I refer to it, "the turd". It sucks. But, tomorrow is inspection day, and if things are in order, I will get my truck (and my life) back!
Tomorrow I have an orthodontist appointment. I'm not looking forward to it, because I haven't been wearing my retainers. Ah.
I'm ready to start school. People are CONSTANTLY asking about scheduling, classes, extra curriculars, blah blah blah. It just needs to start (after summer of course) so everyone will just chill.
I'm heading to bed, and I plan on sleeping until at least nine...good night friends.
First off, I want to ask you guys to pray for me. A group of students from my youth group are going down to Barnabas in Branson this summer, and I'll be joining them. I have had a little bit of experience working with special needs students, but never one on one for a whole week. I'm so, so excited to have this chance to serve and bond with these kids, but I'm also really nervous. Pray for peace of mind as I prepare for this summer.
Now on to a lighter topic: reality TV. It's a horrible addiction, but I'm not really willing to break it. Big Rich Texas, The Real Housewives of New Jersey, and really anything with plastic faces and teased out hair.
It's hot here. And I'm currently driving a car with no a/c. My precious Duh-rell was taken away when I got grounded. I'm driving my dad's Dodge Intrepid, or as I refer to it, "the turd". It sucks. But, tomorrow is inspection day, and if things are in order, I will get my truck (and my life) back!
Tomorrow I have an orthodontist appointment. I'm not looking forward to it, because I haven't been wearing my retainers. Ah.
I'm ready to start school. People are CONSTANTLY asking about scheduling, classes, extra curriculars, blah blah blah. It just needs to start (after summer of course) so everyone will just chill.
I'm heading to bed, and I plan on sleeping until at least nine...good night friends.
Monday, April 30, 2012
3M.
M1: Monday
That's today, in case you didn't know. I really hate Mondays. They serve no purpose for me except to provide me with headaches and no motivation. I vote we just completely skip Mondays. Let's start a petition.
M2: Middleton
I love Kate Middleton. Seriously, that woman is so classy...and I might have a strong urge to raid her closet. She totally conducts herself like royalty, even though she isn't officially queen yet. Her desire to help others outside of her social status totally reminds me of Diana. I'm starting to sound old, so let's wrap up this subject.
M3: Movies
I really want to see The Vow. It's been out for a while now, but I still haven't dragged my sorry little self to the theater to see it yet. Have you seen it? Is it worth going to see it in the theater, or is it Redbox worthy?
Well folks, that's all I have for today. Enjoy your Monday, if that's possible.
That's today, in case you didn't know. I really hate Mondays. They serve no purpose for me except to provide me with headaches and no motivation. I vote we just completely skip Mondays. Let's start a petition.
M2: Middleton
I love Kate Middleton. Seriously, that woman is so classy...and I might have a strong urge to raid her closet. She totally conducts herself like royalty, even though she isn't officially queen yet. Her desire to help others outside of her social status totally reminds me of Diana. I'm starting to sound old, so let's wrap up this subject.
M3: Movies
I really want to see The Vow. It's been out for a while now, but I still haven't dragged my sorry little self to the theater to see it yet. Have you seen it? Is it worth going to see it in the theater, or is it Redbox worthy?
Well folks, that's all I have for today. Enjoy your Monday, if that's possible.
Friday, April 27, 2012
Confessional Friday.
Hello there! I hope you all have been enjoying the fabulous weather this week (minus the rain this morning). It's been a fairly interesting week, so let's get to confessin'!
1. I love Coke. Honestly, I probably drink way too much of then stuff, but nothing cures a headache like a good ole McDonald's Coke.
2. I do not love exercise. I couldn't tell you the last time I actually worked out. With swimsuit season upon us, I'm trying to jump back on the wagon, but above addiction is making it a little different.
3. I'm so tired. All the time. I absolutely love my job, but I came dang close to tears when my alarm went off at 7 a.m. yesterday morning.
4. I can't say "no". Tonight I am volunteering at an event that the high school puts on for 8th graders called P3 (purity, passion, and pearls). I am working in the kitchen with my good friend Katie and her mom. I love these ladies, and can't wait to hang out with them tonight. However, I am doing that tonight, working 8-2 tomorrow, and then babysitting tomorrow night. Apparently "no" is not in my vocabulary.
5. Allergies suck.
6. I highlighted my hair! I had amini freak out of sorts when I dried my hair and there were BLONDE streaks in it. Not caramel as the box promised, but blonde. However, as the days have gone by, I'm starting to like it more and more. It makes me feel like summer.
7. <-- I had a difficult time typing that number. On Tuesday I was messing around with my dad and brother, when my dad threw a dry erase marker at me. It bounced off of my laptop, resulting in the loss of my seven key. Sad day.
8. I made no-bake cookies at work yesterday, and they turned out dang good (dang well?). Still a little soft, glossy, and chocolaty, I was pleased with my work.
And on that note, I am off to take a nap in preparation for my busy weekend. Have an awesome week and be blessed!
1. I love Coke. Honestly, I probably drink way too much of then stuff, but nothing cures a headache like a good ole McDonald's Coke.
2. I do not love exercise. I couldn't tell you the last time I actually worked out. With swimsuit season upon us, I'm trying to jump back on the wagon, but above addiction is making it a little different.
3. I'm so tired. All the time. I absolutely love my job, but I came dang close to tears when my alarm went off at 7 a.m. yesterday morning.
4. I can't say "no". Tonight I am volunteering at an event that the high school puts on for 8th graders called P3 (purity, passion, and pearls). I am working in the kitchen with my good friend Katie and her mom. I love these ladies, and can't wait to hang out with them tonight. However, I am doing that tonight, working 8-2 tomorrow, and then babysitting tomorrow night. Apparently "no" is not in my vocabulary.
5. Allergies suck.
6. I highlighted my hair! I had a
7. <-- I had a difficult time typing that number. On Tuesday I was messing around with my dad and brother, when my dad threw a dry erase marker at me. It bounced off of my laptop, resulting in the loss of my seven key. Sad day.
8. I made no-bake cookies at work yesterday, and they turned out dang good (dang well?). Still a little soft, glossy, and chocolaty, I was pleased with my work.
And on that note, I am off to take a nap in preparation for my busy weekend. Have an awesome week and be blessed!
Tuesday, April 24, 2012
Homeschooling: The Real Deal
Let me preface this post by saying that I am not anti-public school NOR am I anti-homeschooling. I firmly believe it is whatever works best for your family.
This is my 8th year of being home schooled. We started homeschooling in 3rd grade, and never looked back. There was no extremely awful school situation which caused my parents to make the decision to home school me. In fact, I loved my school. I had great teachers, and my principle was an awesome guy. However, I had been begging my parents to pull me out of school for a while, because, quite frankly, I was bored. * I am not trying to toot my own horn here, just giving you the facts* I finished my work before everyone else, homework wasn't a challenge, and I got good grades. In 2nd grade my parents made the executive decision to put me in W.I.N.G.S., the gifted program for our area. It was one day a week, and focused on a higher level of learning. At 7 years old I was putting together multiple power-point programs a month, memorizing lines and writing skits, and solving simple algebraic problems. But that was only one day a week. The other four days I was doing an advanced math curriculum, but the school wouldn't let me skip a grade because I was at different levels in every subject.
The first year was hard. My brother wasn't in preschool yet, so my mom was trying to take care of him and teach me consecutively. At the same time, I was struggling because I didn't get to interact with my friends throughout the day. There were also things that I loved about homeschooling. I didn't have to be up at 6 a.m., I was finished by lunchtime, I wasn't forced to do P.E...just kidding. Kind of. After deciding that homeschooling was do more good than not, we planned on trying another year. And we are on year 8 of "trying another year".
Homeschooling does not mean your children are sheltered. If you choose to shelter them, then they will be sheltered, yes. I am 16 years old. I listen to secular music stations. I watch reality TV. I wear modern clothes. If I don't know a song, that isn't because I'm home schooled, it's because I choose not to listen to that music. If I don't dress like a slut, that's not because I'm home schooled, but because I choose not to dress like that. The only effect homeschooling has had on me is whether or not I go spend 8 hours in a building, or 2 at home. It doesn't affect my music choice, my clothing choice, my personality, or my beliefs.
That being said, I don't judge you for going to public school, so don't judge me for being home schooled.
It looks like year 8 is where it stops for me. This August I will officially be enrolled as a junior at Nixa High School. Am I excited? Absolutely. Am I terrified? Duh. But I am ready for a change, and I believe this is the change I've been looking for.
If you've made it all the way through this, congratulations! Have a great week, and be blessed!
This is my 8th year of being home schooled. We started homeschooling in 3rd grade, and never looked back. There was no extremely awful school situation which caused my parents to make the decision to home school me. In fact, I loved my school. I had great teachers, and my principle was an awesome guy. However, I had been begging my parents to pull me out of school for a while, because, quite frankly, I was bored. * I am not trying to toot my own horn here, just giving you the facts* I finished my work before everyone else, homework wasn't a challenge, and I got good grades. In 2nd grade my parents made the executive decision to put me in W.I.N.G.S., the gifted program for our area. It was one day a week, and focused on a higher level of learning. At 7 years old I was putting together multiple power-point programs a month, memorizing lines and writing skits, and solving simple algebraic problems. But that was only one day a week. The other four days I was doing an advanced math curriculum, but the school wouldn't let me skip a grade because I was at different levels in every subject.
The first year was hard. My brother wasn't in preschool yet, so my mom was trying to take care of him and teach me consecutively. At the same time, I was struggling because I didn't get to interact with my friends throughout the day. There were also things that I loved about homeschooling. I didn't have to be up at 6 a.m., I was finished by lunchtime, I wasn't forced to do P.E...just kidding. Kind of. After deciding that homeschooling was do more good than not, we planned on trying another year. And we are on year 8 of "trying another year".
Homeschooling does not mean your children are sheltered. If you choose to shelter them, then they will be sheltered, yes. I am 16 years old. I listen to secular music stations. I watch reality TV. I wear modern clothes. If I don't know a song, that isn't because I'm home schooled, it's because I choose not to listen to that music. If I don't dress like a slut, that's not because I'm home schooled, but because I choose not to dress like that. The only effect homeschooling has had on me is whether or not I go spend 8 hours in a building, or 2 at home. It doesn't affect my music choice, my clothing choice, my personality, or my beliefs.
That being said, I don't judge you for going to public school, so don't judge me for being home schooled.
It looks like year 8 is where it stops for me. This August I will officially be enrolled as a junior at Nixa High School. Am I excited? Absolutely. Am I terrified? Duh. But I am ready for a change, and I believe this is the change I've been looking for.
If you've made it all the way through this, congratulations! Have a great week, and be blessed!
Monday, April 23, 2012
Jesus and Cheesecake.
Hola amigos! I hope you've had a muy fantastico weekend..(that is the extent of my Spanish-speaking skills). I spent my weekend the right way: worshipping and fellow-shipping with my best friends. Friday afternoon about 20 students from the youth group hopped on a church bus and we set off for K.C. After a lovely bus ride, we pulled into the Independence Event Center at promptly 6:45, and by 7:00 we were getting our worship on with Jesus Culture. They are a worship team from Bethel Church in Redding, CA. After an incredible night of praise, the group hopped back on the bus and headed for Raytown First Baptist, where we stayed the night. We actually got to sleep in...until around 8. Then we went to The Plaza to some shopping and, of course, eating at The Cheesecake Factory. After we finished gorging ourselves, we moseyed back onto the bus and drove home. It was an absolutely amazing weekend, and I had a blast with some of my closest friends.
This week is nice and busy...here's a brief view of my schedule.
Monday: Bible study: 6:30-8 p.m.
Tuesday: FREE DAY
Wednesday: Work: 8-12; Office: 2-5; Pre-service worship: 6-6:30; Midweek: 6:30-7:30
Thursday: Work: 8-12
Friday: P3: 4-7
Saturday: Work: 8-2; P3: 4-6:30; Babysitting: 7-9
Just typing this schedule out makes me tired. I hope you all have a fab week! :)
This week is nice and busy...here's a brief view of my schedule.
Monday: Bible study: 6:30-8 p.m.
Tuesday: FREE DAY
Wednesday: Work: 8-12; Office: 2-5; Pre-service worship: 6-6:30; Midweek: 6:30-7:30
Thursday: Work: 8-12
Friday: P3: 4-7
Saturday: Work: 8-2; P3: 4-6:30; Babysitting: 7-9
Just typing this schedule out makes me tired. I hope you all have a fab week! :)
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