December 16, 2010

I was thinking...I have this blog...and with everything that has been going on at the Cove, with the Hole in Our Gospel series and all that...and how can I not have posted about how thankful I am for water?

Water is life. And...we as Americans have access to clean water, 24/7. Clean, fresh water. We drink it, we bathe in it, we brush our teeth with it...heck, we water our grass and wash our cars with it. A lot of third world countries don't even have any to drink. Yet we use it for everything here. We definitely take it for granted.

But seriously, I am so super thankful for it :) We wouldn't be here without it. God has certainly blessed us in the water department :)

December 15, 2010

Oooh my goodness. I love flowers.

lol That probably sounds funny...but I really do. Flowers are one of the things I love about springtime...they add so much color to everything, everywhere. And they're on everything...trees, bushes, and even coming out of the ground. It's awesome :)

Not to mention...they are sooo perfect for photography :) None of them look identical. MMmm I love them :) haha God has such an imagination :)

December 14, 2010

Hehe :)

I'm thankful that I was introduced to the piano at a very young age. Like...you have no idea how thankful I am for that.

My mom has played the piano as long as I can remember...she taught piano when I was growing up, and I started lessons when I was 4 or 5. So...I've pretty much grown up with a piano in the house at all times :)

I can't tell you the amount of times I got tired of the piano. Tired of practicing or hearing it. And I can't tell you how many times I told my mom that I wanted to stop taking lessons. But she wouldn't hear it. She made me keep doing it. And I'm sooo glad she did :) Who knows where I would be right now if I didn't play the piano? I don't know what I would be going to college for. I wouldn't be serving on the band at church, and I likely wouldn't know half of the people I know right now...because I met most of them through Masterworks or the Cove. It's pretty amazing :) So...being able to play has opened a ton of doors for me, and is part of who I am. So yeah...I'm thankful that I was started young :)

December 13, 2010

I'm super thankful for my phone :)

It's not so new anymore, but I still love it. I love the slide out keyboard...I love being able to text on it as much as I want (I have unlimited, YAY!) and being able to post pictures on facebook no matter where I am :) Not to mention, it's the coolest color ever. I love it :)

December 12, 2010

So, I realize I'm about a million days behind again. But serious, it's the week before Christmas and things are getting crazy here :) But I will catch up, all the way :)

But I am super thankful for cards.

Whoever invented cards was a genius. You can do anything with them. You can carry a deck around in your pocket or your purse, and pull them out anywhere...and someone is bound to know how to play Go, Fish! or something like that.

At CSM, we always play Kemps...I love playing Spades, and we've played some pretty epic games of Go, Fish and James Bond and all of those things. I even play this unnamed, one player card game every once in awhile when I'm bored.

I love them. They're fun and portable, and super entertaining :) Yay boredom busters :)

December 11, 2010

And for December 11, I am thankful for London.

That sounds stupid, because I live in America...but for real, London is where EVERYTHING interesting happened/happens. I still love American history...but British history is much more exciting :P

And on top of that...they have such amazing architecture. They have red phone booths...clock towers...CASTLES and British guards. And Scotland Yard. And Sherlock Holmes. And Jane Austen. And BRITISH ACCENTS. MMMMM. I could go on forever and ever, haha...but serious, London is so entertaining for me :) I could read about it/look at pictures of it forever. It's fabulous :)

December 10, 2010

I absolutely love chess. Ergo, I am thankful for it :P

I am reeeeeeally bad at chess. haha I'm not even kidding. I can't win a game of chess to save my life :P But I still love the strategy behind it...I love thinking...I love strategy...and I love competition. So regardless of whether I win or not...which...I lose more often than not, but hey, whatever...I still love it :) Love it for the game's sake.

This is short...but here's a pic, from the Smithsonian...it's John Quincy Adams' chess set :P Yes, I took it through the glass case. haha

December 9, 2010

Right now...this is gonna sound kinda strange, and this will probably be the first of many times I say this. But I'm so thankful that God planted the idea for this blog in my mind. I knew a time like this was going to come up...wasn't expecting it quite so soon, but I'm having a really hard time coping with some dumb stuff in my life, and I have already had to go back and read all of my posts. Even the dumb ones, like my calculator...they all help. God has really really blessed me, I hate that I forget that, but I am so glad that this blog is helping :)

so yeah, that's all for now.

December 8, 2010

I am sooooo thankful for art.

I love art in general (which can also include things like music, photography, theatre and dancing), but one of my favorite forms of it is sketching/drawing/painting and all of that jazz :)

I will admit it...I'm a HORRIBLE painter. HORRIBLE. haha Nothing looks ANYTHING like it's supposed to when I paint. But sketching is another story entirely.

(I drew this, trying to copy a magazine picture I found online. The proportions are off >Isn't it awesome? haha I love it :) It's totally Venice. AWESOME.

I've done some art for my room..I painted a couple of music pictures (that's more modern art, so if it looks messy, I pretend that it was meant to be that way), and I sketched a London phone booth from a picture and I framed it. That has to be my favorite picture on the planet. lol

But yes. Sketching = AWESOME.

December 7, 2010

It's another sky post...but I absolutely LOVE it, so I can't sit here and not post about it :)

I AM very thankful for the sky. The clouds...the blueness...rain comes from the sky, and I LOVE rain (unfortunately, snow also comes from the sky. I don't love snow. But that's for another time :P).

One thing I absolutely love about North Carolina is the sky. It's almost ALWAYS blue, no matter what. Generally there aren't too many clouds...but when there are, they are big and fluffy, or long and streaky during a beautiful sunset. It's amazing :)

In the summer, I love just sitting outside and staring at the sky. It's so beautiful. But anyway... :)

December 6, 2010

Today is another food post :P

I am VERY thankful for ice cream cake. haha

I don't get to have that often, either...perhaps even less often than I get to have cheesecake. lol But it's sooooo good :)

For my 17th birthday, we went boating on the lake with some friends, who bought me an ice cream cake from Dairy Queen :) (pictured above) It was soooooo good. Mmmmm.

Someday, I am going to figure out how to make it. It doesn't require baking in an oven, so I should be good...I can't burn it or anything horrible like I tend to do in the kitchen :P haha

December 5, 2010

I am SO thankful for our soldiers.

Not just the ones who fought WWII or Vietnam or anything like that...my grandpa was in the Navy, in Vietnam, so I'm definitely thankful for all of them too...but for those who are still fighting in the Middle East, and even here in America, keeping us safe.

Every single person who is in our military...THANK YOU. For everything. Everything you've done, are doing, and will continue to do. It is because of you that America is free, and that we can live in peace.

So yes. I know this is short...but know that I am sooo thankful for every single one of them :)

December 4, 2010

Can't you tell I'm on a DC tangent? haha

But one thing I am AMAZINGLY thankful for is that I live in a FREE COUNTRY.

I can't imagine living in some kind of...communist country, or something like that. I'm not going to go off on how messed up America is...because everybody knows that. But we are still free. I don't care how screwed up the government is...or how screwed up our economy is...WE ARE STILL FREE. Free to worship God, free to be ourselves...free.

So...don't ever forget that. Ever. Be thankful that we're free :) And be thankful for those who fought to make our country that way. But that's the next post :P

December 3, 2010

December 3's post is a little more solemn...

This is another thing that may seem a bit weird to be thankful for, but that won't stop me.

I'm thankful for places like the Holocaust Museum, and for the people who run them.

It was so hard for me to walk through the 4 floors of that museum, seeing pictures of millions of people, suffering as not many people will ever see in their lifetime...seeing little figurines portraying the way that 6 million people died during the Holocaust...seeing pictures painted by the children who lived in death camps, walking through a train car that held real prisoners, walking on cobblestone streets transported from the real ghetto of Warsaw...and knowing that the whole thing could have been prevented...was one of the hardest things I've ever done. I couldn't even cry.

And because of all of that... I am thankful for the people who organized that museum. Who spent tons of time and money building it. The people who are taking such huge measures to make sure that people are educated. To make sure that people today are aware of what's happening in places like Darfur...to make sure that it WON'T happen again. That museum is so eye opening. And that's why I'm thankful for it...because I know that I'm not the only one who wants to keep something like the holocaust from happening again.

December 2, 2010

So yes, I am very behind again. But this time, I have a very valid excuse. I was vacationing in Washington D.C. until yesterday, and today I have been very busy catching up on piano lessons and studying for finals :P

But I shall catch up now. :)

This is probably an odd thing to be thankful for...but I'm thankful for it nevertheless :) It = SILLINESS.

Sometimes...there are times when there's nothing that seems like it can cheer you up. And then someone makes a dumb remark, or makes a funny face, or tickles or pokes you...and you can't help but smile.

And you know...what's even better are those times where you can join in on fun and stupidity :P There's nothing better than being able to laugh at yourself :) It's very healing. lol

And yeah, in case you were wondering...these ARE old, but never-before-seen pictures. And there are MANY more of them, that you will never see. Yes, sit in suspense. It's good for you.

December 1, 2010

Today, I'm thankful for my twin-face! And don't you dare tell us that we don't look at all like twins. Cuz I know we don't. But we are twins in every other way :P



I met Grace when I was smallish...like..8 or 9, I think. We both lived in Michigan, and were part of the same homeschool group. We went to each other's birthday parties and sleepovers with mutual friends and everything :) We have lots of awesome memories from our growings-up. When we were about 10 ish, Grace told me that she was moving...to Wisconsin. It was a very sad time. But we promised to write to each other.

And...we totally did. For like...4 years. lol And then we got our own email addresses and entered the world of computers. Our writing of paper letters dwindled down to nothing, but we still kept in touch via email (and eventually gmail chat!). And after a time...we started to find out more and more about each other...and how we loved almost the EXACT same things. Everything from books to movies to hobbies...it was strange. And our families are almost identical too, except she is the oldest of 6 girls and I am the oldest of 4 :P

And...after all of these years of not seeing each other...after she moved again from Wisconsin to Minnesota...and I moved from Michigan to North Carolina...we were finally able to organize a meeting. The first time I had seen her in 7 years. She came down to NC to visit me this past August...and we had so much fun :)


So yes. I am VERY thankful for my twin-face. And I love her very much! :)

November 30, 2010

Cheesecake.

I. LOVE. Cheesecake.

It's so thick and rich..and full of amazing goodness...

I ESPECIALLY love Cheesecake Factory cheesecake.

The stuff is so rich that I seriously can only take one or two bites, and I have to save it. Which is a good thing...because that way, it lasts. If it didn't last...well, even if it didn't last, it would still be worth the $7 a slice :P

And because it's so expensive, we don't get it often at all. Which is partially why I love it so much...because when I get to have it, it's a special treat that I can savor for a few days :) It takes me 3 days to finish off the 30th anniversary chocolate birthday cake cheesecake, pictured above. haha

God suuuure knew what he was doing when he planted the idea for cheesecake into its creator's head :P

November 29, 2010

Today, I'm thankful for beautiful sunsets.

There's just something about them that makes me totally in awe of God's awesomeness :) I can tell he has way too much fun using his paintbrush to convince us that he is so magnificent :)

November 28, 2010

Today, I'm thankful for the Testify Youth Choir, and with them, the Testify band (which I happen to play keys on :D But I don't have a pic of us yet...I will be getting one this afternoon :P)

I feel so honored to be a part of what God is doing through all of these kids...my friends.

And when I say God is doing things...he is :) He was totally present last night at the first two concerts of the season...you could feel him. And 5 people gave their lives to Christ after the 2nd concert. How awesome is that? It's so amazing to be a part of it...I can't even describe it. It makes the 3 hour long rehearsals and all of the prep time we as the band had to do with our music, and the confusion and chaos of setting up the auditorium for concerts yesterday, totally worth it.

God is doing awesome things :) Yay Testify!

November 27, 2010

And now it's Daddy's turn!

I am so thankful for my dad :) He works so hard to provide for us...his big family full of girls, haha :) It's so obvious that he loves all of us.


He's awesome, really...he has the most hilarious sense of humor...and we have a few friends with personalities to match, so when they're all together you can't do anything but laugh at their wittiness :)

And I'm so thankful for everything he has given me...he bought the grand piano for me, and my car (I have to pay him back eventually, but...he bought it, for now), a lot of the stuff for my bedroom...new clothes for my audition...I don't deserve a lickin' bit of it, but he did it for me nonetheless :)

I love spending time with him...when I have to vent about something, or even when I just have exciting news, he always listens. Always. And he was there for most of the exciting times in my life...most notably, my audition and acceptance into the music program at UNCC...seeing the smile on his face and hearing that he was so proud of me made my day :)

Anyway...I love my dad :) He rocks. haha

November 26, 2010

So, I know I'm a few days behind again, but you'll have to forgive me. I'm going to get caught up today :P

But for November 26, I'm thankful for my Mom.

I love her soooo much.

When I have something in my life that I need advice or help on, she's always there to listen and help. And she's always there to protect me, or give people a talking-to on my behalf,
when they aren't being very nice. lol Which is very good, cuz sometimes I need that :P lol

She's an amazing cook, teacher, and homemaker in general...our house is almost ALWAYS spotless, haha :P And she loves interior decorating. She helped me pick out colors and make things for my room :) Oh yeah...that brings me to another point, she's also very 'craftsy' haha :P She's really good at making things :)

She loves shopping, too...and coffee :) And she coupons, like...full-fledged, giant binder packed with clippings coupons. haha She's saved TONS of money doing that :) Goes to show that she knows how to smart shop! :)


And after all of that...tons of people love her. There are a lot of my friends who have adopted her as their 'second mom' :P

At any rate, I'm so thankful she's my mom, and that she's always there for me :)

November 25, 2010

Last but not least, Leyna!

She's such a sweet and loving kid. She is by no means mellow (she's REALLY busy! haha), but she's always there to say a sweet word, or encourage, or hug you. She loves hugs and kisses. :)


She tries to be like all of her older sisters...and we're all crazy. Therefore, she's crazy. haha She loves trying to be like us, which I find really funny. And she loves crazy pictures.


One of her absolute favorite things to do is play dress up and have tea parties. And she can actually pull of a British accent very well, for being 5! :) She's very much a girly-girl...she loves dresses and baby dolls, and she loves to dance. She dances with the dance team at our church and absolutely loves it...every week, she comes home, enthusiastic to show us the new dance they were working on :)

She's so fun-loving. She loves to play outside, and loves anything outdoorsy. She's generally smiling and full of energy...

Oh, and did I mention...she's freakin' adorable? haha :)

(btw...for those who don't actually know me, or know about my family...which...is understandable, if you just randomly ran across this blog. You have no excuse if you are fb friends with me :P haha...but anyway...Leyna is indeed adopted, and from Guatemala :D There, now you know! haha)

November 24, 2010

Sorry these are a bit late :) It got really busy at my house over Thanksgiving!

But anyway...

Lyndsie.

Lyndsie is our 7 year old dancer. The only hardcore dancer in our family at the moment, I might add.

She's absolutely adorable. She's sassy, short, and a spitting image of me when I was her age. lol As in...we are so similar, Mom and Dad continuously say how the way I was when I was small is pretty much how she is now.

And on top of it all...she's really funny and cheerful. She always finds ways to make things funny...and she loves to make people laugh. And her laugh is one of those that makes anyone that hears it laugh, too...just because it's so cute and funny. haha I love it :)


And for being 7...she acts a LOT older. She loves wearing make-up (when we let her, haha) because it makes her look "grown-up." And she's a bookworm. She'd rather read than watch a movie on most days (sometimes...that's not the case, but whatever. haha).


At any rate...she's pretty darn cute :)

November 23, 2010

So...yesterday, I said that I was thankful for my sisters in general. So...the next 3 days, I shall concentrate on each one, and why I am thankful for each one (lucky Leyna, she gets stuck on Thanksgiving! haha :P)

So today...Brittany.

I can't even really begin to tell you how absolutely wonderful she is. She's probably the best example of a sister one can have. And, in all honesty, she's my best friend. Which is awesome :)


I can tell her pretty much everything. And, regardless of whether she can help me or not, she at least listens. And sure, we pick on each other a lot, but we never REALLY fight. Like...end it, and not talk to each other for a long amount of time. haha We're pretty close :) We grew up together, literally. We're only a year and 11 months apart.

A lot of people think we're twins. We probably could be. I don't see how we look alike, but whatever :P We like a lot of the same things - our personalities are very different but we get along just fine :)Not to mention, she's beautiful, inside and out. She's an amazing example to the kids in her life...and has a LOT of mini-Brittanys at the Cove. :P And on top of all of that...she never fails to make me laugh. We can get pretty insane. And not even care what each other thinks :P A lot of things I do around her, I would NEVER do around anyone else, because I'd be afraid of looking like a crazy fool. haha But I know she doesn't care :P

So yeah. I can't imagine life without her being there. She's pretty darn awesome :)

November 22, 2010

Mmm...today, I'm thankful for my little sisters :) All of them.

Most of you do know that I have 3 sisters - I'm the oldest, Brittany is second oldest at 15, Lyndsie is 7 and Leyna is 5.


We are pretty average siblings. haha We do argue and fight and all that. But I still love them :)

(me and Lyndsie)

And we can be PRETTY crazy together.


(I don't have a clue what they're doing here. haha)

haha I can't really think about how life would be if they weren't here.

(me and Brit)

(me and Leyna)