Monday, November 30, 2009

Dallas Bound

tomorrow that is.

We are headed to Dallas tomorrow afternoon to see our cousin that's in town.

I hope to be able to go to Sam Moon since we are going to be right near it anyways! It is a huge purse/bag store. Like seriously large. I think we are planning on leaving a bit early to make that fit into our schedule.
Pretty excited!

We are going to take the ipods loaded with new music. It will be fun.

ok, seriously.

like,

where did this month go?


if anyone knows, please clue me in.


thanks.

Sunday, November 29, 2009

One letter on my keybord doesnt work...

Cn you guess which one? :D

The letter 'a' silly!

How, you may ask then, is an 'a' showing up?

My genius sister and daddy! They hooked up an external keyboard! So I type just like normal on the laptop, but when I come to an 'a', i just plunk down on the external keyboard.. Easy Peasy! :D I am glad they are so smart!

We are in the process of changing computers around in our house. My old laptop was dying. So we were able to switch around few and 'voila!' All is well!

So, not really anything special to blog about! I guess a new keyboard is on it's way and then the 'a' key should work!

haha :D

Thursday, November 26, 2009

Feels like Saturday!

Thanksgiving was grand. We had a delicious meal as always. My mom is an excellent cook.

It's 8:45 at night and I'm already curled up in my bed with my snuggie ready for bed!

Tomorrow I have a sleepover with my friend Grace. I'm pretty excited. We will have fun for sure!

Hope you all had a blessed holiday!

Wednesday, November 25, 2009

Just Thinking

Wow! It's Wednesday already! Tomorrow is Thanksgiving!
Crazy. A month until Christmas.



What are you thankful for this year? I am so thankful for health, my family, my friends, clothes, beds, warm showers, cranberry sierra mist, and SO much more. I could sit here for an hour and just list all the things that I am blessed with.

I think that sometimes we get so caught up in our every day lives that we forget how fortunate we truly are. So this thanksgiving, lets remember to truly give thanks.

I have been feeling down and out lately realizing that this holiday season I won't be going home to Wisconsin. We aren't traveling back for Christmas this year. No snow, no family gatherings, no seeing all my wonderfully amazing friends, no snow. (did i mention I'd like to go home :D)- It'll be the first time we aren't going to spend Christmas in Wisconsin, and that's a little hard to grasp. It is hard to get in the Christmas mood (or Thanksgiving) when it is 70 degrees out. Who wants to put snowmen out, or a tree for that matter when you're wearing shorts?

But, it all goes back to the ''thankful'' part. We are all healthy, I'm going to be with (some) my family, we are truly blessed.

My dad started this little thing a few years ago, where before we'd even pray for our food at dinner, we'd go around the table and find something we are thankful for from that day. As silly as it sounds, or as little as it sounds, it really makes you find one thing (or more) of what you are thankful for!


Have a great day tomorrow with your family! Eat lots of turkey for me, since I don't like it! haha.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Monday, November 23, 2009

Bible Study

Tonight we have Bible Study. I just finished my lesson. It was a good lesson this week. It really touched me as I was finishing it up.

For some reason, I am just not in the mood to go anywhere. I think it is because I'm tired. But a wise woman once told me, that on the days when you don't feel like doing something (or going somewhere) those are the days that you really learn the most.

That wise woman is my mother.

So, I am going to finish up some things, pack up my Bible, pick up my friend, Grace, and head on over to Bible study.

and then come home and sleep, and get up way to early tomorrow and babysit.

the end.

Sunday, November 22, 2009

Something new...

So, I thought I'd try something new.


You know, something I haven't done before.


Like post to my blog from my iPhone.


It's pretty snazzy!

I'm out in the boonies babysitting. I kinda like it. It reminds me if when we lived in the country. It's quiet

Saturday, November 21, 2009

The Blind Side



My family and I went to see The Blind Side tonight. I highly reccommend it. I was a little aprehensive when I heard we were going to see it, mainly becasue it was a football movie, but I was blown away when I saw it.

I would totally go see it if I were you. It was pretty clean, besides the few swear words. I thought it had a great message. It reminded me how truly blessed we are. I think this movie totally puts it in to perspective on how we often take for granted most that we have. Even our beds.

SO- Go see it. It was really the best movie that I have seen in a while. Glad we went.

It truly is the little things in life.




Me with my one cup coffee maker :D

Thursday, November 19, 2009

Thankful Thursdays

Today, I am thankful.

For a loving family, an awesome sister, a great church, a beautiful home, a comfy bed, my wonderful mom, amazing daddy, very cool car, water to drink, clothes to wear, a warm shower, a forever friend, health, an able mind. And much, much more.

Wednesday, November 18, 2009

Wonderful Wednesdays

It's a brisk morning today. I slept with my window open all night, hpyed up on Benedryl of course. The temperatures got down into the 40s. perfect!

If you don't already know by now, I love, love, love the cool weather. I love to have to put fuzzy slippers on and curl up in a snuggie :D

My mom and gramma went to BSF this morning. We fixed Grampa breakfast and are getting ready to watch Kris Allen on Regis and Kelly. haha. Exciting huh?

Oh yes, and that other thing. School.

Tonight, I think Kathleen and I are going to drive to Georgetown and show my grandparents around a bit and then go out for dinner. Mexican of course!

I hope your Wednesday is indeed Wonderful!

Tuesday, November 17, 2009

Today I am:

-Wearing pink slippers.
-Drinking Dt. Dr. Pepper before lunch.
-Loving every moment of this cooler weather.
-Watching Regis and Kelly while working on school.
-Hanging out with my Grandparents,


Today I am blessed.

Monday, November 16, 2009

What a special day!

Kathleen was baptized at church, on my birthday! What a privilege! I was so proud of her.


Then we headed home and opened presents before lunch. I got a One cup coffee maker, and an IPhone, SO CRAZY, and earrings, perfume, and a few other gift cards. I am so spoiled!



My mom fixed such a great lunch with, Round steak in bacon, oven potatoes, sweet carrots, homemade yeast rolls, fresh salad, and a yummy birthday cake with amazing frosting! My grandparents went to get my favorite pie from a restaurant that I love. It was soooo good.

Then we just sort of hung out until the Packer game started, The packers won on my birthday too, so that was cool!


Then Kathleen and I headed off to church and afterwards, we went to Plucker's, because I had a free meal there.

To finish off the evening, we went on a four mile walk!

It was such a great and special day. Both sets of grandparents were able to be there for my birthday and to see K get baptized. I am so blessed.

Sunday, November 15, 2009

Hey puppy...

that is my birthday present.

But since you look so sweet, I guess you can stay... Make yourself right at home.


oh yeah, you already did!

Saturday, November 14, 2009

I don't like bugs, ok?

I don't like bugs.

Especially when they are this close to me.




Just on the other side of my window.

What in the world is this ugly thing?

Gross, gross, gross, grosssss.

Just saying.

Friday, November 13, 2009

It's snowing!!!

What more could I ask for?!?!


If only this snow would melt.

Fabulous Friday

Today is just another ordinary Friday. One step closer to the weekend. Two steps closer to my birthday :D

Today, we will do school and babysit.

My grandma is in a exercise kick. I am proud of her. I really am! She has been doing this 5 mile walk video for as long as I can remember for a few years now. She brought it with on vacation. Now that's dedication.

Well, Kathleen and I don't do this said 5 mile walk video. We do the Biggest Loser Cardio Max one. I've been doing this for over a year now. Kathleen I think since before school started. It is quite a workout. A workout that I prefer to do in my room, behind closed doors. But, for some reason, we had to prove to my gramma that we do work out. (I don't think she thinks we do...)
So, because it is indeed a Fabulous Friday we did a family work out today. how fun is that? I don't believe my gramma thought it was as difficult as she soon found out.

I have to babysit tonight. late.

So, on this Fabulous Friday, I am going to finish up my school work and enjoy the day.

Thursday, November 12, 2009

Breakfast Tacos

Today, we made breakfast tacos for breakfast.

(not my picture)

My grandparents arrived safely from Wisconsin yesterday. My Grampa really loves bfast tacos so we will probably make them a few times before they go home!

Working on schoolwork now and then hanging out.

Tonight is Kathleen's last day of driving school!

Wednesday, November 11, 2009

Wednesday

means:

-Kathleen only has 2 more days of driving school. (going every night)
-My grandparents fly in today at 1:30 from Wisconsin
-Church
-Only two more days til the weekend.
-Only FOUR more days until I am 18... freaky.

Tuesday, November 10, 2009

Grampa...

Update:
We heard back. They assume that his cold, viral infection, from last week, traveled right down to his leg and is agitating it. The doctors said that when you have a joint replaced in your body, that the infections heads right to that spot right away. So. All is well, he is just not to excercise it, or agitate it too much. Thanks for prayin!

Original Post:

Please keep my Grampa in your thoughts and prayers today. He has a doctors appointment for his knee since it is giving him problems.

My grandparents are flying down here, to Texas tomorrow for my birthday. I hope that they can still do that, and my grampa wont be in pain.

He has had surgery on this knee three times. He has already had staph infection in this knee when something broke from the first knee replacement.

His appointment is at 11:30 today, so if you think about him, just send a little prayer his way.

Monday, November 9, 2009

little notes

dear time,
please slow down.

dear parents,
please continue to be patient with me.

dear sister,
thank you for being the best. you're my favorite.

dear nights,
please last longer.

dear future,
must you be here so soon?

dear stress,
please stay away. you make me crabby.

dear worry,
you are nothing but trouble to me.

dear hard drive,
please don't just die on me yet.

dear FAK,
I miss you.

dear excel spread sheet,
why in the world must you be so frustrating?

dear november,
how can you already be almost over?

dear year 18 of my life,
please be a good one. and don't go by so fast, ok? I'm not ready for it just yet.

dear cold weather,
please get here soon.

dear momma,
thank you for being you. I couldn't ask for a better mom. I appreciate you taking the time to listen to me, and for spending time with me, when I don't always have the words to say.

dear daddy,
I am so glad that you are my dad. you're the best ever. thanks for, you know, dealing with me so well. I'll try to explain myself better.

dear Lord,
thank you for always reminding me to step back and rely on you. hopefully one of these days I will learn that you already have my future planned out. thanks for being there for me to lean back on.

Sunday, November 8, 2009

The cutest

I just want to let you all know, that my parents are the cutest, sweetest, most amazing people ever.

I admire them so much. They are such great role models and have such a great relationship. I think they are the cutest ever. Love you both :D

So thanks Momma and Daddy for being you.

You are the cutest ever.

Oh Yes,

Did I mention that I love them?

Like a Lot

Saturday, November 7, 2009

Well, it worked!

We were able to pull the surprise off.

My aunt flew into Austin on Thursday night, to surprise my Grandpa (and gramma too) for his 80th Birthday!

We thought for sure that they would find out, but we pulled it off and they were both so surprised!


Friday, November 6, 2009

Overtaken by?

My room has been overtaken by toys. Dog toys.

Gracies favorite place in this whole big house, is on my bed. She loves to sit on my bed and look out the window. Which is fine! -But she thinks that all her babies (toys) need to help her watch over the neighborhood too! Which is fine also.

I think though, that she forgets that she already HAS one baby, and when she jumps down to chase the cat, she brings another baby on the bed. That's when it gets a tad frusterating! So... when I went to vacuum my room today, here is what I found:



Did I forget to mention, that when Gracie sees her favorite doggie outside, she drops the toy on the ground. Before she knows it, there is a pile of them!

Oh the rough life of a dog.

Thursday, November 5, 2009

Snuggie

I caved in. I bought a snuggie.



Only the one I bought, is brown. Not red.


But WAIT! Order now, and you get a book light! A $19.99 value, yours FREE!


Alas, the book light doesn't work. I think I will need to go buy new batteries. Haha

I didn't order if off the TV. I was in HEB the other day and noticed that if you bought a snuggie, you got a free 6pk of Snapple, popcorn, and some nacho cheese thing. I have always wanted to try a snuggie, since you know it is FREEZING here all the time. ha and figured since the Snapple itself was $7, why not. All in all, instead of being $20, it rang up for $14. Nifty huh?

It's in the wash right now. Because it smells. as if you really needed to know that.

I had expected there to be a back on it, but it's wide open! haha.. It does work well if you are on the couch watching TV though. You just tuck it behind you. I think I will see if I can hitch up a little Velcro thing-a-mag gig for the back. It seems that it would make more sense to have closed in the back.

Wednesday, November 4, 2009

Prayer

Having received some hard and sad news about a dear friend a few days ago, I have started to think a lot about prayer. Sometimes I wonder that if God already is going to do whatever He is going to do, then why on earth do we need to bother praying in the first place!? What's the point!? But after thinking a while on it, here is some of what I came up with.

I certainly do not have all the answers. But in my walk with the Lord and in my relationships with those more mature in their faith, I have come to an understanding about all this that at least comes close to satisfying my human desire for understanding.

I believe that God answers prayers. The Bible says that He does, so I believe it. I have experienced it. I know it to be true in my heart and in my brain. But you see, God does not always answer in the way or in the time frame we want. We can ask, we can be specific with our request, and yes, God answers prayers! But the outcome we hope for, and beseech God for, is not always the outcome God has in mind.

Nor is there at all any Biblical proof that God uses any sort of tally system when answering prayers. He does not have a notebook in which he makes hash marks for each prayer prayed for each specific need, nor does He dole out answers accordingly.

You see, God hears our prayers. But God still does what He, in His sovereignty, is going to do. He listens to our prayers, hears us each and every time we speak to Him. God is affected by our prayers and He wants us to pray.

But God is still God. I firmly believe that our prayers do not change God or His mind, at least not in the way we sometimes think. If He answers our prayers by giving us the outcome we requested, consider that that is because He knew we were going to pray before we ever prayed. He knows the past, present and future all at once. And when God does not answer a prayer the way we wanted to...what of that? What are we to think of that? But I do know that Christians believe that death is not the end. As unbelievably tragic and sad as losing a loved one must be, there is hope beyond this life. I do not think that God wants any person to die and their family to live life without them. And there is no way I believe that any person ever dies because not enough prayers were prayed on their behalf. God is infinite and I just cannot understand His ways. But I do know that He is eternal, and what He allows on earth is viewed by Him from an eternal perspective that we simply cannot fully comprehend.

I do just know that God listens to our prayers. He does not always answer our prayers the way we want him to, but He does answer them. Yet I have no reason to hold the belief that our prayers have power in and of themselves. Our prayers don't change things. God changes things.

Hmmm. If it is God who changes things, then why should we bother to pray? Can more prayers, or very heartfelt prayers, be the impetus in changing God's mind about something? I suppose maybe, but with a twist. See, if God were to change His mind about something*, because of our fervent prayers, it will be something that God already knew would happen. So, although I am certainly not inclined to think that more prayers create a higher likelihood that we will get the outcome from God, I suppose that maybe He changed His mind about what He was going to do, because He already knew that many would pray. And in that case, since He is omniscient, He already knew He would change His mind. So, I am not sure if that truly counts as God changing His mind in the way that we humans mean it. God knows what He is going to do regarding every thing, small and large, that happens in all of our lives from now until the day Jesus returns and we all take up residence somewhere besides earth.

*And there is some Biblical evidence about times when it surely does appear that God did change His mind. But regarding the idea that larger numbers of praying people are more likely to impact God to change His mind? My gut is telling me that God's will doesn't exactly work on a numbers game like we think it might.

Okay, seriously now...then what is the point of prayer!?

Maybe the point of prayer, if it isn't to get God to do what we want, is instead to bring ourselves into alignment with God so that we can be close enough to Him to be okay with what He decides instead of feeling like we need to try to get our way. Maybe the beauty in having lots of people pray is not that the numbers of their prayers will influence God as it is that there is beauty in the number of people who may draw themselves near to God by praying.

Maybe the joy here is in many of us learning to accept God's will and become closer to Him in the process. I fully trust that God is going to do what it best. Additionally, the more people who pray for someone, the more those people who are doing the praying will see God's glory in the outcome, whatever the outcome may be, and be themselves impacted by prayer. It's just that the impact of our prayers might not be just the impact we first imagined.

At some point, I have also found that it's okay to let go of my need to understand everything about God. I can study up on God as much as I want, which of course I ought to, and still never reach ultimate understanding on this earth. That, my friends, is where faith comes in. I want to love God, and, ultimately, to trust that whatever He decides is best for all aspects of my life. To have faith in His ways even when I don't understand. Even when I don't see. Even when things don't make logical sense.

In fact, Jesus said to those on earth who saw Him in the flesh, "Because you have seen Me, you have believed; but blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed." John 20:29 (emphasis mine)

I, for one, have never seen Jesus in the flesh. Yet I believe. My faith in Him allows me to overlook seemingly insurmountable human roadblocks to my prayer, as well. If God already knows what He's going to do, then why pray? Well, I pray because God tells me to, and because I believe He hears me. I pray to bring myself into alignment with God's will, and not to try to change God. I pray to communicate with God, and to get to know Him better, for He is my friend. I have faith that Jesus was real, did actual miracles, died on a cross, hears me when I talk to Him and wants to have a relationship with me. And when I have a relationship with someone, I talk to them.

Prayer is simply talking to God. Because He is real.

We can talk to God like we talk with our friends. If we love Him, and have a relationship with God, we will indeed want to chat with Him.

His Will is perfect. He has the perfect timing.

He knows.

Tuesday, November 3, 2009

Mt. Bonnell

We went to some well known little attraction thing in Austin this past week. You climb up 200 or so stairs, no lie to get to the top and look over a lake. It was pretty neat to just see the ritzy houses and such. I sure got my exercise! haha...\




Monday, November 2, 2009

Juan in A Million

As seen on TV... Man vs. Food came to Austin in June to try some breakfast taco challenge thing. We went here with Karen last week. Very yummy!





Sunday, November 1, 2009

Pedicures

We went to get pedicures with Karen too!