Change is good.......

.....therefore I decided to do some!

What do you all think of this new look? Please, give me some feedback! Honestly, do you like this better than my other one? I'm considering changing back----even though I just put this one up!

Just leave a comment telling me how it looks please!

Love,

Amazing!

And this is why Roger Federer is the best tennis player in the world. Totally awesome!!!!!

I love the look on his opponent's face after he hits it. The guy seems to be saying, "Well, he is Roger Federer."

Hey look-----more stuff about ME!

{01} If you accidently knick a car in a parking lot..Do you leave a note or do you get the heck out of there?

I hate to say it, but I would probably just leave a note, then leave. After all, what else can I do? I'm certainly not staying around to meet the angry person. :) 

{02} Love your body or plastic surgery?

My body is God's temple----therefore, I'm not messing with it. =D 

{03} What about your favorite blog(s) continues to drive you back? 

A blogger's humor, attitude toward life, and especially if they're Christians. I also like looking at pictures they take themselves, and what they think about current events.

{04} If you had to give up one type of meat for the rest of your life, what would it be? 

I would say duck or lobster......

{05} How often to you eat out? 

Not as often as I would like.........=) Nah, probably four or five times a month.

{06} Skinny jeans or boot cut jeans? 

I'm sort of in between----I like jeans that are slimmer down toward the bottom, but not 'skinny,' just closer than boot cut.

{07} If you caught your spouse cheating would you forgive, divorce, or plan your kill?

God tells us to forgive, but I don't exactly know what I would do in that situation-----I pray I'm never in it!

Well, thanks for  reading all this, my peeps. Hopefully this will be the last 'about me' post that you'll see for a while!

Love,

Mysteries, needles, and Chick-fil-a

So, you might have noticed in my weekly recap that I wrote about getting blood drawn. It was certainly not the most fun experience ever......=P

I'll start at the beginning, though.


Wednesday morning began like any other morning. I woke up, ate breakfast, and sat down to read my Bible. I had just finished when I looked up and realized I was seeing spots, like when you stare at a bright light then look away. But these spots were not going away. They stayed right in the corner of my eye, so when I looked at my right hand I couldn't see my thumb. I was a little freaked out, but I decided to walk Sammy and see if the spots would go away.

Needless to say, they did not. In fact, they got worse!

So I came back inside and went to lay down on my bed. I've had these spots before, and I found laying down always helped them go away. I took a little 15 minute nap, then got up. The spots were gone, but I found that my left hand was acting weird: the fingers were slightly numb, and the hand itself wasn't working well when I told it to move (okay, when my brain told it to move).  Anyway, I figured my hand was just asleep and decided to do my schoolwork.
Five minutes later, my hand was still numb and my head was starting to really hurt. I also realized (with some terror and surprise) that my upper left lip and some of my left cheek were also numb! Like when you go to the dentist and he shoots a shot in the lip/cheek area. I tried touching it (with my right hand, which was still working) and I couldn't feel anything!

I was super freaked out now, and my headache was getting worse. I still hadn't told my dad (BAD idea, I know) because I figured whatever this was, it would blow over soon.

Probably eight or ten minutes later, my lip wasn't numb anymore, but the numbness in my hand had started to creep up my arm. If I tried to put my hands on my hips, the left hand would just kind of slide down a bit.

If you're following this closely, you'll notice that these symptoms (numbness on my left side, headache, and spots) could be symptoms of a stroke. Once I realized that, I seriously started wondering if anyone my age had ever died of a stroke (yes, I know that was completely ridiculous, but I was really worried! And if you know me well, you'll know I'm a worrier).

So I was just kind of sitting around, and my dad asked me what was wrong (thank goodness he did, too!). I told him about my hand/arm, headache, and seeing spots. He gave me some ibuprofen, then told me to explain it all to my mom. I told her like an hour later, and Mom called my doctor.

The doctor asked if I was still experiencing any numbness. By this time, the numbness was gone, but I still had a really bad headache. The doctor said that I didn't need to visit the ER, but to come to her office later that day.

I took a nap, and when I woke up I felt back to my normal self. The headache was gone, I wasn't seeing spots, and my arm was back to normal. My mom was relieved, but we visited the doctor anyway.

The doctor had no idea what was wrong with me! Considering the stroke aspect, however, she did a nuerological  neurological exam on me. I passed with flying colors (naturally ;) and the doctor said that I was fine, but she wanted some blood tests done and for a neurologist to take a look at me and make sure nothing was wrong up in the attic.
Mom and Dad have been wanting us to get our cholesterol checked for a while now (my dad's dad died at age 39 from a massive heart attack) and this was the perfect time!

Fast forward to today. All five of us are sitting in the lab, waiting for me and the boys to be called in. I was okay with the whole needle, vial, and blood thing, but Owen and Aiden were kind of nervous. I was also nervous, but just for Owen: his past history with shots has not been good at all. Pretty much whenever he gets a shot, he turns ash white, starts to sway and get dizzy, and throws up. Not pretty

When it came our turn, I was nominated to go first (naturally, being the 'lady' and the oldest). Our nurse was really awesome though: she told me not to look (which I already knew, but it was kind of her to remind me) and joked with us throughout the whole appointment. She took my left arm, put the rubber band thing around it, then told me to look away. I did so, and then she said to take a deep breath. I did, then felt a really sharp prick. My dad asked me a question about my soccer practice, and that took my mind off the pain from the needle. Then in a few seconds it was over. I got out of the chair and Aiden took his seat. His drawing went well, and then it was Owen's turn.

I had brought my iPod, and I let Owen listen to 'Whispers in the Dark' by Skillet. It's a really loud, upbeat song, so I figured that would get his mind off the slight pain.
He was a trooper, and got through the drawing.

We thanked the nurse, then left. In the hallway Mom stopped to use the restroom. The boys and I were in the hallway with Dad, joking about what we had just been through. Owen got really quiet, and I noticed he had gotten a little white in the face. I was like, 'Oh great, he's going to throw up and faint.'
I watched him closely, then gasped as he started to sway.

I'm talking, serious swaying. Whole body swaying, like you see in the movies. I yelled for Dad, who grabbed Owen and took him to the bathroom. There (I'm assuming, I didn't watch) Owen threw up.

Aiden and I waited patiently, hoping Owen would be okay. He was fine, and we decided that Chick-fil-a would cheer him up and get his mind off the swaying and puking.

Chick-fil-a was wonderful (as usual) and soon Owen was back to his rosy-cheeked, freckle-faced self. Crazy kid.

So there's our crazy day. Still don't know why all that stuff happened to me on Wednesday-----as soon as the results come back, I'll be sure to post about it!


Love (again),

Friday already?

Goodness, I cannot believe it's almost the weekend! Busy one ahead for us......
 But now, onto my recap!

My Weekly Recap

It's stuck in my head: 'How Many Kings' by downhere

Highlight of my week: Having the weather be in the glorious 70's!

Gotta frame it:

The view from Old Main at Bethany College. One of my favorite photography locations!

My lesson for the week: The term, 'ladies first' isn't always a good rule to live by----especially when you and your brothers have to get blood drawn and you (the lady) have to go first.

This about sums up my week: Interesting and cool

I'll remember it forever: My favorite preschoolers at the gym dancing to some random techno music. I wish I could have gotten a video----they were so cute!

Psalm of the week:

Better is one day in your courts

than a thousand elsewhere;

I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God

than dwell in the tents of the wicked.

For the Lord God is a sun and shield;

the Lord bestows favor and honor;

no good thing does he withhold

from those whose walk is blameless.

Psalm 84:10-11

Hope you all have a blessed weekend!

Love,

Love and faithfulness........

Psalm 85:10-13

Love and faithfulness meet together;
righteousness and peace kiss each other.

Faithfulness springs forth from the earth,
and righteousness looks down from heaven.

The Lord will indeed give what is good,
and our land will yield its harvest. Righteousness goes before him
and prepares the way for his steps.

Getting to know me!

Like you didn't know enough about me already!

{one} If you could host a Reality TV show, which one would it be?

Probably Next Food Network Star

{two} Do you put your seatbelt on before or after you start the car?

lol, after my mom starts the car ;)

{three} Shave or hair removal cream?

Definitely shaving cream. Hair removal just sounds----unnatural.

{four} What's your favorite feature in a house?

I don't have one in my house, but I love window seats, with lots of cushions and a huge sunny window. Think the window seat from the movie Inkheart.

{five} What is your favorite "Fall" scent?

Cinnamon, or nice, crunchy leaves.

{six} What tv show are you looking forward to seeing the most this Fall??

NFL football baby! And the Next Iron Chef.

{seven} Personal Shopper or Personal Chef?

Don't know what either of these are.....so I'll just say Personal Chef.

{eight} What is the first word that comes to mind when you think of "Fall"?

I have a lot of words------Crisp, leaves, jackets, sweatshirts, jeans, football, turkey, wind, bonfires, toasted marshmallows, fires, and soccer.

Ah, wasn't that so much fun! Feel free to answer these questions yourselves in the comment section! I love learning things about my friends. =)

Love,

A little late------but better than never!

My Weekly Recap

It's stuck in my head: 'The One I'm Waiting For' by Relient K

Highlight of my week: Having Manchester United beat Newcastle United

Gotta frame it:

Sammy's first night home. So cute!

My lesson for the week: After bouncing on a trampoline for like 30 minutes, your legs still feel like they're bouncing. Even on solid ground. =)

This about sums up my week: Pretty awesome!!!

I'll remember it forever: Having Abby Wambach say hi to me and getting to meet Cat Whitehill.

Psalm of the week:

Yet he was merciful;
he forgave their iniquities
and did not destroy them.
Time after time he restrained his anger
and did not stir up his full wrath.
He remembered that they were but flesh,
a passing breeze that does not return.Psalm 78:38-39

Sorry that my recap is a little late-----I had a sleepover at my friend Brittany's house! It was very fun, and it was great to see her again.

Hope the rest of your weekend goes smoothly!

Love,

The Voyage of the Dawn Treader - Official Trailer HD

Yeah---I know I just posted but I had to show you this!

Something else for you to read 'bout me!

Found this on Emily's blog (her button is on my sidebar thingy) and thought I would fill it in myself! I love doing these little quiz things----don't you?

So here goes....
1. High heels or boots? Definitely boots

2. What time did you get up this morning? 7:32

3. What was the last movie you saw at the theater? Despicable Me

4. What is your maiden name? Not married yet, therefore I feel no need to post this. =D

5. What is your favorite TV show? Soccer or Next Food Network Star (so glad Aarti won!!!!!!!

6. What do you usually have for breakfast? Cereal

7. What is your middle name? lol, sorry. Too personal. 8D

8. What food do you dislike? Uh----peanut butter

9. What is your favorite CD at the moment? Britt Nicole's newest---don't remember the name. :D

10. What characteristic do you despise? People who are stuck-up, thoughtless, and just plain rude really annoy me.

.

11. Favorite clothing? Jeans---with a sweatshirt!

12. Anywhere in the world on vacation? The British Isles---Ireland, England, and Scotland

13. Are you an organized person? I wish!

14. Where would you retire to? A lovely house with a huge wrap-around porch on a huge piece of land with lots of room for my horse sanctuary

15. What was your most recent memorable birthday? Uh---my last one?

16. What are you going to do when you finish this? Take my brother to soccer practice, then hit the drugstore.

17. Furthest place you have ever been to? Florida 8D

18. Person you wish you could meet? I wish I could have met Steve Irwin---someone alive? Probably Sarah Palin or Rio Ferdinand. Or Cesc Fabregas.

19. When is your birthday? Right in the middle of October-----:D

20. Are you a morning person or a night person? I like both---but probably night. I love to stay up while everyone is asleep and read or write (or blog!).

21. What is your shoe size? 7-8. My size varies with the store

22. Do you own any animals? The best dog EVAH

23. Any news you'd like to share? I'm hungry----not that that is news.

24. When you were little, what did you want to be when you grew up? A vet

25. What is your favorite flower? Black-eyed Susans

26. What is a day on the calendar you are looking forward to? September 18---classes start!

28. If you were a crayon, what color would you be? Sepia, or bubble-gum pink

29. How is the weather right now? A bit overcast---it'll rain soon

30. Last person you spoke to on the phone? My awesome friend Brittany :D

31. Favorite drink? Sprite or hot chocolate

32. Favorite restaurant? Qdoba---best burritos ever!

33. Hair color? Brown, but now the ends are blond because of the sun.

34. What was your favorite toy as a child? My stuffed dog Pepper. Still love him!

35. Spring, summer, fall, or winter? Definitely fall.

36. Chocolate or vanilla? Chocolate

37. Coffee or tea? Tea all the way---coffee is blah :P

38. Wish you were still young? No.....I AM!

39. Do you want to get married? DUH!

40. When was the last time you cried? Watching the Blind Side

41. What is under your bed? Luggage and just stuff

42. What did you do last night? Watch Aarti win the Next Food Network Star.

43. What are you afraid of? snakes and spiders and scorpions (oh my!)

44. Salty or sweet? Sweet---but I like some salty too

45. Best quality you have? I hate bragging on myself. Uh, I'm thoughtful? I dunno----you all could answer that better than me!

46. How many years at your current job? I've been babysitting for about three, I guess

47. Favorite day of the week? Thursday. It just has a nice ring to it.

48. Favorite movie? Meet Me In St. Louis, Ratatouille, Toy Story 3-----I could go on and on!

49. Have you ever had a crush on anyone? Yes.......=)
Skandar Keynes is awesome!
50. Do you like finding out all this stuff about your friends?
YES I LOVE THESE THINGS THEY ARE SO MUCH FUN EVERY PERSON WHO BLOGS SHOULD BE FORCED TO DO THEM.


-takes breath- Okay, I'm good now. Enjoy the rest of your day!
Love,

Memories------such fun!

Ever had one of those days where you just sit at the computer and look through old pictures? Well, this is one of those days for me.

Enjoy these videos from a few years back-----the first was made without my knowledge and consent. The second, Aiden and I worked very hard to put on.....and then the dog decided he didn't like it.








I'm still not too sure why Sammy decided to do all that at that specific time---but it made for a funny video!

A special Saturday....

Yesterday was a great day, aside from me feeling sick. That was bad. But the rest of my Saturday was terrific!

I had pretty much the whole morning to myself. Mom and Owen were at gymnastics, and Dad and Aiden had scrimmages. So I stayed on the couch and watched Barcley's English Premier League soccer games!!! So glad the season has finally started!
That took up my morning, then everyone got home. I was still feeling pretty sick, so I stayed on the couch and watched more EPL soccer!

As I have said before, watching soccer is one of my favorite things to do.

Then we had fajitas for dinner, with fresh red and green peppers from our local farmer's market. Yummo!
After dinner, Aiden and Dad went to rent a movie from Blockbuster (we were all in the mood for something new to watch).

When they came back (about an hour later) they had not one, but six movies with them!
They had bought the Pink Panther and the Pink Panther 2, along with Inkheart and Nancy Drew! They had also rented Castaway and the Blind Side.

So we settled down to watch some movies! I really wanted to watch the Blind Side, since we had not seen it yet (yes, I know we are way behind in our movie watching) but everyone else wanted Inkheart. So we went with that.

I normally don't ever say this about a movie based on a book, but the movie is extremely better than the book. Sorry Cornelia Funke, but Inkheart just went on for too long. The movie summed everything up better, and I preferred the characters from the movie to the book.
With that over, I can move on to the Blind Side.


I knew even before we watched it that Mom would be crying during this movie. All the feedback from our friends had been good, but sad. And the first scene definitely portrayed sadness: Lawrence Taylor breaking Joe Theismann's leg.
I had no intention of looking. I don't do so well with body parts going ways they should not, so I turned away. I don't see why they had to play that scene over and over! Seriously, isn't once enough? But they were trying to make a point--------and I am certain they succeeded.

After that, the movie was great. It amazed me how quickly the neighborhoods changed in Memphis: one mile, you're in the rundown, crowded neighborhoods. The next, beautiful mansions with pristine landscaping.

A thing that stood out to me was how ignorant the richer people of Memphis were of the poorer section. I mean, poor Michael was sleeping in the gym, and no one seemed to notice or care?
It was a good reminder for me that poverty is not just in far off places like Ethiopia and Haiti, but also right here in America, right on the other sides of our towns and cities. Kids with not enough to eat, people with nowhere to sleep at night. Michael Oher's story truly is a miraculous one.

One thing I liked was how the movie portrayed the love and sincerity the Tuohy family showed to Michael, once they got to know him. He wasn't just a poor kid from the streets, he was part of their family. Once Collins realized that, she wasn't embarrassed to acknowledge Michael as her brother, even at school. Of course, S.J. was just the ideal little brother: A know-it-all, funny, loving, and goofy little guy. And Leigh-Anne loved Michael right off the bat. Sean took a little longer, but eventually he came to know Michael as his son too.

One of the best moments (in my opinion) was when Leigh-Anne is showing Michael his new room and she's talking about the futon and such. Michael says, "I've never had one of my own before." Leigh-Anne grins and says, "What? Your own room?" Michael, his face serious, shakes his head and says, "A bed." Leigh-Anne is silent for a few moments, obviously trying to process what he had just said. Finally, she replies simply, "Well, now you do." Then she walks out.
Leigh-Anne realizes that her world, full of expensive designer furniture, big houses, and overpriced luncheons is not what everyone experiences. Some, like Michael, don't even have a bed to sleep in.

I also liked when Leigh-Anne helped Michael learn how to tackle properly and why he should. Just as when he put his arm out to stop the airbag from hitting S.J., she says, he should keep the other team from getting to his quarterback. After it's put in to those terms, Michael does what he's supposed to do: protect his quarterback.

There are so many more things I could write about this movie. Sandra Bullock truly embraced the role of Leigh-Anne Tuohy, and brought her to life on the big screen. Sandra certainly deserved the Academy Award she received for that role.

And now, I'm going to rest. I still feel pretty sick----pray that is nothing serious and that I recover quickly!

Love always,

Finally Friday!

My Weekly Recap

It's stuck in my head: 'Be My Escape' by Relient K

Highlight of my week: Lunch-time at soccer camp!!!

Gotta frame it:

Owen and me at least five years ago. Gotta love the 'war paint' on his face!

My lesson for the week: Even when it is cloudy outside, your shoulders can still get very bad sunburn.

This about sums up my week: Exhausting, but fun

I'll remember it forever: The great week of soccer camp!

Psalm of the week:

My soul finds rest in God alone;
my salvation comes from him.
He alone is my rock and my salvation;
he is my fortress, I will never be shaken.

Psalm 62:2-1

Ah, it's good to be doing my recaps again! The past few weeks have been just too exhausting and crazy for me----but I'm back on track now!!!

Love,

It's been a while........

Goodness, it feels like forever since I last posted!!! Messiah camp was fantastic. I always love going up and learning from the players and Coach Frey ( a bit of trivia: Coach Frey and I share the same birthday :). I was already exhausted from last week, and now this week my team is in our club's team camp! YIKES! Talk about exhaustion----I've had zero time (until now) to post about anything.

So, since I'm super tired and don't really feel like putting in too much effort into anything (especially a post) I'll just share a few things that I love doing.

My Top Ten Favorite Things To Do

1.Finding and eating jelly beans left over from Easter.
2.Turning on the radio just as my favorite song is coming on.
3.Being home alone, just watching a soccer game on television with a Sprite and a can of Pringles.
4.Finding a great piece of clothing, getting to the register and realizing IT IS ON SALE!!!!!
5.Having a family get-together for any reason!
6.Playing pick-up soccer on a freezing cold day with my friends.
7.Going outside on a crisp autumn day in my favorite jeans, favorite sweatshirt, favorite shoes, and going to a Messiah game.
8.Watching a great movie (i.e., Remember the Titans, Hoosiers) with my family.
9.Being in Disney World at night, with the fireworks and music and my family.
10. Singing hymns at church and at World Views camp, with people I really care about close by.


So yeah, not a traditional post but I felt like sharing these things with you. =D I guess you now see (as if you couldn't tell before!) that I am a very random person. I am so glad that I finally have somewhere to put these random thoughts!!!

Love,

A week that changed my life------Part 6

Yes, I am back. You probably don't want to read anything ever again after my lengthy post last night, but I promise that you will like these quotes!!!

Katelyn emailed these to me yesterday. She was our official quote taker, in her little notebook. Those of you who did not attend camp might not understand, but please try and see it from our point of view!!!!!

Now, without further ado:

World Views Academy Quotes 2010

"Nothing good has ever happened in a forest."

Camp Director Mike, during our orientation. He was explaining the rules of the camp, and one of them was our boundaries. We were not allowed to go in the forest behind the dorms, a la this quote.

"What is truth without love?"
"You are ugly."

This was Mike Schutt and one of the campers. Mike was asking the question, and the guy was very blunt in his answer. Everyone laughed, and so did Mike (after he realized the guy was joking).

"JESUS!"

The sterotype answer to every Sunday School question. If the campers didn't know the answer to a question, we answered either this or 'THE BIBLE!' Both probably would have worked in any situation. =D

"I was juggling chainsaws-not very well........."

Mike Schutt again----I don't remember much about this one, except it had something to do with juggling cats and chainsaws at the same time. Mike doesn't like cats.

"Yet another reason I'm glad I'm not male"

LOL!!! Katelyn used this all the time, when the guys at camp would do or say something completly ridiculous. I think it's her trademark catchphrase. :)

"NIV- Nearly Inspired Version?"

I think it was Paul Jordan who was talking about different versions of the Bible, and he asked a girl what NIV stood for. I'm pretty sure this was her actual answer.

"Because I'm intelligent"

At the time, this was hilarious. It was the response to Bill Jack asking an athiest how he knew there was no Heaven. He just kept saying this, and we campers were laughing our heads off. Then Bill stopped the tape and said, "I can't laugh at this anymore, because this man is now a very good friend." There was a rather stunned silence after that----so it's not as funny when I think about it.

"Your name fell off"

This was all Brittany, all the way! We had little cards taped to our dorm door with our names on them. I had taken mine off to keep, but Brittany didn't know that. A few hours later, she was looking at the door and said this amazing statment. Katelyn and I laughed rather hard.

"I have news for you- I can't have a baby."

During one of the lectures, something about men and women being different came up. Paul Jordan practically shouted this around the whole room. I seriously could not believe he had said that! It was, well, awkward!

"take your stand from where you sit"

I honestly can't remember who said this one, or why it was said. Still, it's kind of funny!

"DIE, SUCKER!!"

In our evangelizing-lecture, we learned that in order to share the Gospel with people, we couldn't be afraid of what they thought of us, meaning we had to die to ourselves. Therefore, one of the leaders had us all write this down in big captions.

"What is an encyclopedia? a dictionary on steroids"

I believe it was one of the speakers during a lecture---not much else comes to mind.

"Whenever you're done braiding her head"

Emily Rae said this one as we were getting ready to leave our room. Brittany was French-braiding my hair, and it was taking a little longer than we had time. After Emily said this, Katelyn instantly wrote it down.

"Don't eat the cabin boy"

This came about because one of the lectures was about the Regina vs. Dudley and Stevens case (if you don't know about this---you're lucky). I can't remember why it was said, but it makes me giggle and squirm at the same time.

"sandwich artist"

I believe it was Mike Schutt who used this to describe a Subway employee.

"When the Canadians invade.......or the Mexicans.......or the French"

Something rather interesting----I just can't remember why!!! Still, it is lol just because everyone laughed at the thought of the French invading us.

"Because it makes my feet tingle"

I think Director Mike said this, but I do not remember why. Sorry!

"eat tree bark- do something!"

During the lecture on leisure, the lecturer (can't remember who) was talking about alternatives to just sitting around idly. He said this, and I couldn't stop laughing.

"Thank you for having your constitution easily accessible in your wallet."

This was during the judgment lecture, when Mike Schutt asked if anyone knew a certain amendment. We all looked around sheepishly, until one boy actually pulled the Constitution out of his wallet! We were all very surprised and impressed.

"Bummer dude"

This was the counselor's favorite phrase. It's just a silly thing to say when something bummerish happens.

"Babies could grow on trees!"

Don't remember the circumstances---but I believe a camper said this.

"can YOU paint with all the colors of the wind?"

I think it was Katelyn who said this. We had all been singing it, and then she pointed at me and said this.

"wield!"

I think it was when Katelyn and I would stage-punch or pinch or stab each other. Rather funny, I must say.

"AWKWARD!"

To me at least, this sums up the whole week. Anytime anything awkward would come up (aka, I CAN'T HAVE A BABY) Katelyn and I would look at each other and mouth, 'Awkward!' It was really funny, and we had so many awkward moments!

And there are the quotes from our week. There were many, many more I'm sure, but Katelyn couldn't write them all down! And some are better kept a secret between Katelyn, Brittany and I. Right, girls?

Again, my camper friends, if I got any quotes wrong, feel free to email me and I will try to fix them.

Talk to you all next week!

Adieu,