Quote

Do you or do you not agree with this quote? Why?
"God helps those who help themselves." - Benjamin Franklin

I read this little article in today's newspaper and I thought it would be interesting to post some of it. Its talking about the top ten beverages that Americans drink daily.

- Bottled Water, 72 percent
- Soft Drinks, 62 percent
- Milk, 61 percent
- Coffee, 61 percent
- Fruit Juices, 51 percent
- Black Tea, 31 percent
- Vegetables Juices, 17 percent
- Green Tea, 15 percent
- Beer, 14 percent
- Hard Liquor, 10 percent

I think that it's very good to see that water is on the top of the list, hopefully that will stay on top. I was surprised that coffee is the same percent as milk. Apparently we are becoming more dependent on caffeine. Comments are appreciated!!!! :)

Joy

Yesterday I went to my orthodontist and I got my retainer. I am excited to have it because it will help my jaw, but its painful, makes my cheeks look weird and I can't talk very well. But that's only supposed to last the first couple days. I have to wear it all the time except when I am eating or brushing my teeth. Unfortunately, I don't know how I'm going to speak Spanish if I can't speak English, so class will definitely be interesting. :)

10 Things that make me joyful: (because I was tagged by Ana Liza)

1. First and foremost that Jesus died on the cross for me. If I had everything else in the world but wasn't going to heaven someday none of it would be worth it.

2. All my wonderful friends. Even though there are always going to be ups and downs, you guys are always there for me when I need to talk or when I need a hug. I've had so many friends, and I'm not as close to some of them as I wish I could be, but at the same time I don't know what I'd do without you people!

3. My family. They are the people who see me for who I really am and they love me for who I really am. My parents have made such a big impact in my life, and I know I wouldn't be who I am today if my brothers or sister were any different then they are. I may want to change my family sometimes, but in the end I know they are good for me!

4. Music is a big joy! I could sing and sing and sing!!! I am constantly listening to something, even if its just playing in the background of my room. There are so many different types of music, but I don't even think I have a favorite, little bit of everything is the best way to go! ;)

5. What can I say except I love swimming! There's a certain joy in completing a set, in dropping time or even finally getting the hang of the stroke. Even when it gets hard and I'm sore, or depressing because my progress is slow, a smile from Therese makes me know she think I can do it. That makes me so happy! :)

6. I have had some awesome opportunities to travel!!! I went to Hong Kong and China for 11 weeks when I was twelve. I just recently traveled to London and Paris with my Grandma for a vacation. And then there are all the trips we took to Williamsburg, Philadelphia, Gettysburg, Washington D.C., Florida, the Caribbean and to Grandma's. I love to travel, even riding in the car is fun especially when you are with people you love! :)

7. And kinda to go along with that, being homeschooled! I have had so much more flexibility to do things like travel because my parents decided to homeschool me. People always ask me if I want to go to school, and truthfully it might be interesting, but in the end I would always want to come home. And its not just for things like doing school in my pajamas or sleeping late, its being able to be taught by someone who loves me, and being able to believe what I believe and incorporate it in my school.

8. Living in my house. I have lived here my whole life that I can remember. Our neighborhood has always been so welcoming and friendly. It has been special to be close to the Johnstons and the Pulliams but most importantly the church. Sunday morning we can see people drive by our house and on Monday's we see James running by. I have so many memories of hide and seek and bloody murder. Our house has so much character and it's really become our home. I can't ever imagine moving.

9. Rainy Days like today! Even though they can be depressing they also show the awesomeness of God like nothing else does. I love curling up with a book an a cup of coffee - just seems like perfect example. I guess its a comfort thing.

10. Sleep. Here's the cold hard truth: if I never had any sleep I would never ever be joyful. Waking up after getting a good night's sleep is so refreshing and going to bed after long days feels so wonderful. My pillow is my best non-living friend. :)

I tag: Alyssa, Alissa, Beth, Bekah, Sara and Tamera.

Quote of the post:
"A joy that's shared is a joy made double." -English Proverb

Fall Ministry!

I'm back! Did you miss me? lol.

I know this is a great way to start out, but I hate group games, I know they are supposed to be ice-breakers, but more or likely they are just another way to make a fool of ourselves. The only one that I've actually ever liked was the one we played at SONrise where we tied a string to a balloon, and tied the other end to our ankle and we had to pop everybody else's balloon. Anyway I ended up having a better time then I expected.

Friday night was a combination of group games, a speaker, finding out where we were headed and just hanging out and talking. I slept at the Faris's, and ended up talking till pretty late. Addy and I were the first two people - besides Mrs. Long - in the church basement Saturday morning. Breakfast and making our lunches was fine, and then Rebekah Sawyer drove my group up to Lafayette.

Lafayette is a great city, and they have a wonderful church. I can definitely see God working especially with the college age people. Two teams went to Lafayette this year, one team to the church and one team to the Pentecostal camp that Winter Conference is held at. My team included, Pat Hart, Ben Jones, Julia Cerbus, Ellen Edwards and Rebekah Ray. Our leader was Emily Humphreys, and we cleaned the Lafayette church building, pledging the pews, vacuuming, washing the windows inside and out and getting rid of all the cob-webs. We finished all the work early, as did Micah Humphreys group at the camp. The two groups combined and played ultimate Frisbee and "I never", then we ate our dinner of pizza together at the church.

Julia, Ellen, Rebekah and I went back to the Humphrey’s for the night. Emily did a wonderful devotional about serving, and then we watched "13 going on 30!" Be proud of us - we got to bed by 11, though I know I feel asleep before the others, so you'll have to ask them how late they stayed up. In the morning we all got ready for church and Emily made monkey bread which was delicious. Church was encouraging, Pastor Long preached on having a "teachable spirit." I loved seeing some of the people I know that go to church up there, though the one week I was actually at your church Sara you weren't there. :) After service, Mrs. Kessler made us a wonderful meal which was also delicious.

Since we didn't have to be back at North-side till 4 we played scategories (sp) and just hung out. We got back to North-side and I talked to Ruth until service. Last year a lot more people stayed and went to North-side service, this year nobody did. It was kinda sad. Anyway I had fun, though I was pretty tired when I came home. Thanks to all you who prayed.

Quote of the post:
"He had a feeling that the answer was quite different and that he ought to know it, but he could not think of it. He began to get frightened, and that is bad for thinking." - J. R. R. Tolkien

Hola

Today was Spanish - we have been learning about ar, er and ir verbs and how to conjugate them. Last Thursday we had a test on ar verbs and I am happy because I got a 95% on it. Our assignment for next week is to memorize the er and ir conjugations because we will be having a test on them. In our text book we've been learning about time, and I'm actually pretty excited because I actually feel like I'm learning something and I can see myself making progress.

This week for Composition we had to write 3 paragraphs about homeschooling. Topic's including "Homeschooling: the only option", "Homeschooling: A good option" and "Homeschooling: not an option."I had fun coming up with reasons to put under each of those, and hopefully I was creative enough! :)

Swim practices have been going well. I can't explain how much I love swimming even though it makes me so extremely tired. Going back and forth across the pool may sound boring to some people, not me. At the end of October we will be having the annual Rivi swim meet at the Natitorium. I am excited and hopefully I will drop some time.

Tomorrow night (Friday night) starts Fall Ministry. Last year was my first year and I had a blast going to Michigan with Alyssa and Charity! :) This year I don't know what to expect so I'm looking forward to seeing what God has in store for me. My top 3 choices are 1) Lafayette 2) Kokmo, 3) Bloomington. You can pray for me that I will have a good attitude no matter what! Luv and miss you all!!!!

Quote of the post:
" I pretty much try to stay in a constant state of confusion just because of the expression it leaves on my face. " - Johnny Depp

My Week

I've done several hundred pages of school and I've swam several miles. I haven't gotten enough sleep all week but I'm still up early on a Saturday. I've stressed out over a Spanish test; stressed out over getting all my Worldview done and stressed out over my work hours. There is something I'm signed up to do, but the more I think about it; the less excited I become. I don't understand why people are like they are, why people say certain things; why people don't say other certain things, why people talk; why people don't talk. Wondering, "is that my fault?" Last night in family Bible Study we read Jude, here are the verses that stuck out to me:

Verses of the post:
"But you, beloved, building yourselves up on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Spirit, keep yourselves in the love of God, waiting anxiously for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ to eternal life. And have mercy on some, who are doubting; save others, snatching them out of the fire; and on some have mercy with fear, hating even the garment polluted by the flesh. Now to Him who is able to keep you from stumbling, and to make you stand in the presence of His glory blameless with great joy, to the only God our Savior, through Jesus Christ our Lord, be glory, majesty, dominion and authority, before all time and now and forever. Amen." Jude 1:20-25

Little People

Today I had classes at College Park Baptist Church. Since one class is from 9:30 to 10:30 and I have a long break before the next one at 12:30 so, I get to help out with the 3 and 4's. Today their letter was "C" and their number was "3". We colored pictures, practiced cutting on the lines, read books, played with play-dough, and told stories. I had so much fun, some kids are a lot harder to watch and play with then others, but these guys were way more on the fun side! :) Here's a song I wanted to post - I can't find the music itself, so here are the lyrics:

LITTLE PEOPLE -

They laugh at me, these fellows, just because I am small.
They laugh at me because I'm not a hundred feet tall.
I tell 'em there's a lot to learn down here on the ground.
The world is big but lil' people turn it around.

A worm can roll a stone.
A bee can sting a bear.
A fly can fly around the sky 'cos flies don't care
A sparrow in a hut, can make a happy home.
A flea can bite the bottom of the pope in rome

Goliath was a bruiser who was as tall as the sky.
But David threw a rock, and gave him one in the eye.
I never read the Bible but I know that it's true.
It only goes to show what little people can do.

A worm can roll a stone.
A bee can sting a bear.
A fly can fly around the sky 'cos flies don't care
A sparrow in a hut, can make a happy home.
A flea can bite the bottom of the pope in rome

So listen here, professor with your head in the cloud
It's often kinda useful to get lost in a crowd
So keep your universities -- i don't give a care
For better or for worse it is the way that I am

be careful as you go
cos little people grow
and little people know
when little people fight,
we may look easy pickings
but we got some bite!
so never kick a dog
because it's just a pup
you'd better run for cover when the pup grows up

and we'll fight like twenty armies
and we won't give up

A worm can roll a stone.
A bee can sting a bear.
A fly can fly around the sky 'cos flies don't care
A sparrow in a hut, can make a happy home.
A flea can bite the bottom of the pope in rome

I thought that was really thought provoking - in the movie Les Miserables one little guy is singing this and picking up bullets from the fallen enemy soldiers when he gets shot and dies. When I saw the play I was sobbing during that part. It was so sad. Sometimes we think little people are just little people, but I'm slowly learned how much little people can teach you, including patience - which James should be proud of me for mentioning.

Quote of the post:
"To be pleased with one's limits is a wretched state." - Unknown

Ello -

I feel like I'm due for an update. Right now nothing much is happening in my life. There's school, swimming, work and church. That's about it. Sometimes I feel like life just goes on without me. The funniest thing I've done since I came back from Europe has been going to Starbucks. Going out with college people is alot of fun, though they kinda make me feel awfully little.

I updated my links... Taking several people off etc. And then I added a Spanish word a day thing since I'm taking Spanish this year. Anybody know how to put accents in a word while your writing? I know its possible, but I don't know how. Maybe I should just download some sortof Spanish software. There seems to be a lack of comments lately. And I'll just tell you that every comment I get makes my day! I luv and miss you all!

Verses of the post:
"In this you greatly rejoice, even though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been distressed by various trials, so that the proof of your faith, being more precious than gold which is perishable, even though tested by fire, may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ; and though you have not seen Him, you love Him, and though you do not see Him now, but believe in Him, you greatly rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory, obtaining as the outcome of your faith the salvation of your souls." 1 Peter 1:6-9

Quote of the post:
"Criticism is prejudice made plausible." - Unknown

The Eiffel Tower at Night.  

Entertainment in a French Restaurant.  

Flowers on a English Pub by Windsor Castle.  

Jessica with English Policeman outside Buckingham Palace.  

Double Decker Bus in London. 

Quiz Thingy

Looks like I've been tagged by Sara. So here goes... :)

5 years ago I was:

10 - nothing significant comes to mind

1 year ago I was:

Starting Highschool
Taking Biology
Swimming for real

Yesterday I:
Swam at 5 am
Took my composition class
Went to Algebra
Babysat for my neighbors
played on the computer
Listened to my new CD

5 snacks I enjoy:
Sour Rips
Mint Chocolate-Chip Icecream
strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, backberries... :)
Almost all fruit

5 songs I know all the words to:

Happy Birthday
Sk8ter Boi
Friends
Star Spangled Banner
Phantom of the Opera
And tons more I don't have room to mention

5 things I would do with 100 million dollars

Go to college
Get a Corvette, Miata, Jeep and maybe a Mustang
Donate Money to Special Olympics
Take a tour around the World
And go visit the Blackwood's while they are in Australia

5 places I would run away to:

LA
Chicago
London
My Grandma's
My room

5 things I would never wear:

A jean jumper
pants that go up past my waist
any baggy clothing..

5 favorite tv shows:

CSI
CSI: Miami
CSI: NY
Joan of Arcadia
Lost

5 bad habits:

Drinking cappacinos before going to bed
Not studying/doing homework when I should be.
Saying things I regret.
Being grumpy alot
throwing my stuff all over the floor

5 biggest joys:

God.
Friends.
Family.
Swimming.
Chocolate.

5 fictional characters I would date:

Will Turner
Aragorn
Frodo
Mr. Darcy
Valjean

5 people I tag to do this:

Hee hee this is the fun part!!
Nathaniel
Alyssa
Stacey
Daniel
Bekah

There are two people I would like to tag but can't because they don't have blogs.. yet!!! So, whenever Jessica and Andrew get blogs they are tagged to do this quiz! And for all you people who want me to post more pictures... that will be my next post! Luv you all! :)

Rain

I love the rain
For the difference
That it brings
Adding a new personality
To the day

Each puddle
Its own little world
Each drop
Adds another character
To the picture

The eerie sky
Creating a melodramatic background
As life goes on
Playing out the passions
As depression rears its head
Searching for a helpless victim
Among the million of candidates
Pouting about the rain

-Unknown

I went with my brother Daniel to help close up Mr. Faris's stand tonight. We take down the sign and put all the vegetables in the cooler. Right before we were done it started pouring down rain. We had no other choice except to either walk or run in the rain. We ran. It was amazing, I don't think I'd ever quite run in the rain like that before. Anyway I thought I'd share my wonderful experience with all of you.

Now on to something a little more boring. I'm slowly get back into my swim team schedule, morning practices started this week and that's all I've been to. I know right now afternoon practices are really full, I can't wait till high-school swimming starts and a lot of people don't come to Rivi practices anymore. That might sound mean, but when there are less people Therese can really help with stroke technique and stuff like that.

School is okay, its still school though. I feel really behind in Spanish because I hadn't been there for 3 classes, I think I kinda made a fool of myself today. *sigh* And this next Monday, Algebra and composition start. I'm not really looking forward to that very much, this'll be the 3rd time I've tried to take Algebra. And its just kinda depressing. But Worldview is going well, I really enjoy the Iliad, though our class kinda argues an awful lot over which God's are better. What's your opinion?

Verses of the post:
"Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His great mercy has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to obtain an inheritance which is imperishable and undefiled and will not fade away, reserved in heaven for you, who are protected by the power of God through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time." 1 Peter 1:3-5

Question?

Do you guys want me to post more pictures?

This Tiny LIttle Car. Itsn't it cute? 

The Mona Lisz. 

Grandma, Mom, Jessica and I in Paris. 

Back home again in Indiana...

This will just be a somewhat short post before I crash. London and Paris were wonderful, the tour majorly exceeded my expectations! But I have to say I never totally got over the jet lag while I was there, so now it is finally catching up with me. I need to sleep. We got to the Paris airport at 7 am their time this morning. Its a 6 hour difference so about 12 midnight IN time. And now we're here at home - 8:30pm. It's been a very long day and I am so happy to be home. Anyway I'm going to sleep. Tomorrow I have Worldview, of which I got some of it done... maybe. Anyway pray that I will get enough done to go to class tomorrow. Goodnight!

Goodbye

We leave tomorrow afternoon - I'm excited, though the last "tour" I went on wasn't that great, so I'm hoping this trip will exceed my expectations. I'll be missing three of my Spanish classes and one worldview, so I would appreciate prayers that I'd be able to get some school done while I'm on the trip. And then that when I come back I can just get right back into the school routine. You can also pray that Mom, Jessica and I will be a blessing to my Grandma. I love you all and I promise to take lots of pictures!!! :)

Here's several quotes I wanted to leave you with:

"Come, let's have one other gaudy night. Call to me. All my sad captains. Fill our bowlsonce more. Let's mock the midnight bell." -William Shakespeare

"The best thing about the future is that it comes only one day at a time." -Abraham Lincoln

"My only fear is that I may live too long. This would be a subject of dread to me." -Thomas Jefferson

"He was a wise man who invented beer." -Plato

"Gain from your opponents without sacrificing your own strength." -Japanese Proverb

"It isn't enough to talk about peace. One must believe in it. And it isn't enough to believe in it. One must work at it." -Eleanor Roosevelt

Happy Birthday!

Hello -
Wednesday morning my mom left with my brothers to go to my Grandma's in Pennsylvania. They'll be getting back Sunday night and they are bringing my Grandma with them. Then next Wednesday at 3 pm, Mom, Jessica, Grandma and I are flying to England and then Paris. I don't know how long we are staying at each place, but we'll be gone for 10 days. I'm excited, though with school starting that might be kinda challenging.

Which by the way, both the classes I've started - Spanish and Worldview - are going well. I'm taking Spanish at this new place downtown and my teacher is really cool. He's a black man who was a missionary in Mexico, he's got dread-locks and he's relaxed, which makes the class less stressful. We had our second Worldview class yesterday, it went well. The material was harder then last year, but I'm really looking forward to this year, because I enjoy the class alot, even if its not easy!

And last - Happy 17th Birthday to Jesscia Young! Wednesday was her birthday and I just wanted to remember her! :) Jessica has been one of my best friends ever since they came to our church for several months like 3 years ago. I call her up so much and I'm just like "you wanna do something" "sure what" "i dunno"... :) We went to the state fair like 5 times this year. The last time we went we bought a box of fudge and we lost it. :-( I love you Jessica! :)

Quote of the post:
On my own, pretending he's beside me. All alone I walk with him 'til morning. Without him I feel his arms around me,and when I lose my way, I close my eyes and he has found me. -Les Miserables ( We're going to see the play Les Miserables on our trip! )

School

I guess I'm due for an update. Today was our first day of school. But only one of my classes has started so I didn't have that much to do. I work from 11-7 with Jessica. We had alot of fun because we were the only two guards - excluding the manager - and there weren't that many people there. I'm really sad to be starting school. My summer has been so awesome! I got to go to ECHO and meet new people, and become closer to my other friends. I've gotten to be on the Rivi swim team and to have a real job and to make over $1,000! God has really blessed me.

Though I can't sit here and say that my summer has been perfect. There have definitely been things I would change. Things that I regret. Things that I will remember for the rest of my life. There have been times I've just wanted to call people up and tell them exactly how I feel, but I've held it inside. Or I've just laid on my bed and sobbed. I know God puts those kinds of things in our lives for a purpose, and because its part of his plan. All I have to do is remember that, but sometimes its so hard.

Quote of the post:
"We gather strength from sadness and from pain. Each time we die we learn to live again." -Source Unknown

To end on a lighter note, here's a joke I wanted to post:

Two campers are hiking in the woods when one is bitten on the butt by a rattlesnake. "I'll go into town for a doctor," the other says. He runs ten miles to a small town and finds the only doctor delivering a baby. "I can't leave" the doctor says. "But here's what to do. Take a knife, cut a little X where the bite is, suck out the poison and spit it on the ground." The guy runs back to his friend, who is in agony. "What did the doctor say?" the victim cries. "He says your gonna die."

Quiz Thingy -

1. Name: Elizabeth Ann Cutter

2. Nickname: Ellie

3. Single or taken: Single

4. Place of Birth: Methodist, Indianapolis, Indiana

5. Zodiac Sign: I dunno

6. Male or Female: Female

7. Your last name: Cutter

8. School: Homeschool

9. Occupation: At this time in my life - Lifeguard

10. Residence: House.

11. Your sn: swimmingfree21 or EllieIzabeth1



__Your Appearance___



12. Hair Color: Brown

13. Hair Long or Short: Inbetween

14. Eye Color: blue

15. How do ur nails look: during the summer they are long and clean

16. Height: 6'4"

17. Do you have a crush on someone: I think so

18. Do you like yourself: Sometimes

19. Braces? I'll be getting them soon

20. Think you're hot? Sometimes, but its not like I would know.

21. Piercings: None.

22. Tattoo: Nope.

23. Righty or Lefty: Righty



___Your 'Firsts'___



24. First Kiss: Not yet.

26. First best friend: Alissa Swigart

27. First Award: hmm.. not exactly sure

28. First Sport You Joined: dunno about that either

29. First pet: Peter (was a rabit)

30. First vacation: probably to my Grandma's

31. First Concert: Josh Groban

32. First Love: Jesus



___ Favorites___



33. Movie: dunno I love so many

34. TV Show: CSI

35. Color: Lavender

36. Music: I don't know

37. Song: the questions are getting harder

38. Food: no comment

39. Drink: Dr. Pepper!

40. Candy: Wow...

41. Sport To Play: swimming

43. Brand Of Clothing: I love Old Navy

45. School: don't have any favorite

46. Animal: I dunno about that

47. Books: Bible

48. Magazines: World?



___Currently___



49. Eating: Just ate a salad

50. Drinking: Water

51. Mood: Tired, kinda depressed

52. Online: At the moment.

53. Listening to: Simple Plan

54. Thinking About: lots of stuff

55. Wanting To: forget the past

56. Watching: The screen

57. Wearing: Awesome clothes.





___Your Future___



58. Want Kids? Yes

59. Want to Get Married? Yes

60. Careers in Mind: Police Officer - and yes I know I'm crazy



__Which is Better With The Opposite Sex___



67. Cute or Sexy: Sexy

68. Lips or Eyes: Both

69. Hugs or Kisses: Both

70. Short or tall: He has to be taller than me, but that's not that hard.

71. Easygoing or serious: Both at the right times

72. Romantic or Spontaneous: Both at the right times

73. Fatty or Skinny: I don't really care

74. Sensitive or Loud: Both at the right times

75. Hook-up or Relationship: Relationship

76. Sweet or Caring: Both

77. Trouble Maker or Hesitant: Trouble Maker



___Have You Ever__



78. Kissed a Stranger: No

79. Drank Bubbles: Yes

80. Lost glasses/contacts: Nope

81. Ran Away From Home: Yes

83. Got an X-ray: Yes.

84. Broken SomeoneÂ’s Heart: Yes

85. Broke Up With Someone: Yes

86. Turned Someone Down: Yes

87. Cried When Someone Died: Yes.

88. Cried At School: Since I'm homeschooled, that would be a Yes



___Do You Believe In___



89. God: Yes I do

90. Miracles: Yes, from God.

91. Love At First Sight: I don't know

92. Ghosts: Holy Ghost, yes.

93. Aliens: No.

95. Heaven: Yes.

96. Hell: Yes.

98. Kissing on The First Date: probably not

99. Horoscopes: Nope

___Answer Truthfully___

100. Is There Someone You Want But You Know You Can't Have? Yes, I wish I knew who God has chosen for my husband so I could be with him now.

And tomorrow I will give you a little more interesting post about what I've actually done since last time I updated, and just for everyone's information you all haven't been commenting! I feel very unloved. 'Night.

Country

I love summer!
Last night I went to the state fair with Sara, Jessica, Bekah, Laura, Luke, Liz, Amber, Jeremiah, Josh, Stacey and Jacob. It was alot of fun, we walked around looking at the 4H stuff, we saw this dance on the side of a building. We all paid 4 bucks to get 2 family packs of tickets for rides, so I went on two rides! No offence to the state fair or whatever, but those rides aren't too great. Especially if you compare them to King's Island or Six Flags. Twas fun though. Around 11:30 we rode the train around like 4 times, giving everybody walking by high-fives! That was alot of fun. Oh, and I bought a white cowboy hat, I really wanted to buy one for a long time, but I never actually had the courage to buy it because I was afraid that I would never wear it anywhere else, but since last year I've decided to embrace my country side a little more. I really do love my dad's side of the family! :)

Quote of the Post:
"Firelight will not let you read fine stories but it's warm and you won't see the dust on the floor." -Irish Proverb

State Fair

Remember how last year a bunch of us went to the fair and we had a really great time and we said, "let's do it again next year"? (Some of us did anyway...) Well, that time has rolled around again and Sara Young is trying to get a group together to go on Thursday the 11th. She's planning on going there early that morning to watch Bethany Fisher's horse show at 8am. If anyone's interested in seeing that, let her know! Then we might go home for a while and go back late afternoon/night time. They're running a special on rides that day at the Midway--unlimited rides for $20, from noon to eleven pm. that sounds fun :-). So, basically, whatever time people want to come is fine with us. Somebody will be there. And hopefully a bunch of us can all hang out together! The best way to get a hold of Sara is her cell, 217.0218, or you can just comment, etc. :) I love the state fair so much, but its not fun unless lots of people come.

Last night I had a blast with alot of older people. Jacob Fisher, Bekah Nelson, Julie Neel, Ana Marie Magnuson and I went to Starbucks after church, I have to admit that Jacob is very fun to ride with. We had a good conversation, we talked about music forever which was really fun. But I did decide that its not good to drink a venti coffee frapppechino (sp) before trying to go to bed. lol It took me forever to go to sleep last night. So anyway I'm pretty tired and I'll probably take a nap later this afternoon. And again - I love comments! :)

Quote of the post:
"Never be afraid to trust an unknown future to a known God." -Corrie Ten Boom

Time

You know those summer days where you don't have any concept of time, you don't have to be anywhere at a certain time and you just go and go without really realizing how much time your taking. Kinda like when your having fun time goes by quickly -

Yesterday I went to morning practice. Then I went to the Emporium with Chris and Charlie, we walked back to Rivi. I had to walk over to the Young's house since I was going shopping with them so Charlie kept me company. We happened to meet Charlie's dad who owns the Baskin Robbins that's close and he gave us free milkshakes. I finally got to the Youngs around 10:00am and then we left straight and went to Castleton.

We went into so many stores I can't even count, mostly expensive "I'd never buy anything there" stores. :) We even went in Sax, where Sara bought a sweatshirt for like $50 that was originally like $105. ( she had a gift card ) It was really fun pretending we could actually afford to buy a pair of sweatpants for 80 bucks. When we went to Old Navy I actually bought something, jeans and this really cool short-sleeved sweatshirt. Last we went to Kohls and I bought one of the those hanging door things. I'm not going to try to describe it, just come over and you can see it. :)

Funny thing is, we did all this and we really had no concept of time. We were in Kohls and we realized that it was like 5:00pm. So sadly I had to come home - though I do have to admit my feet were kinda tired, though really that might have had something to do with swim team. :)

Today I went to practice, our last one till next week. And then I came home and went to my ortho appointment. That was interesting, they want to put this plastic thing in my mouth, I don't know what its called but its not a retainer. Anyway its supposed to correct my jaw, and I really want to get it. But its kinda gonna cost alot so my parents have to talk about it.

I went to work from 3 - 8. Today it was actually fun. Jessica and I stayed after the pool closed and we around breaking all the rules. Going over the lane-lines and down the little kid slide. I did want to have a party there, but I don't think that's going to happen this summer. The next few weekends are all kinda full and I don't know if peoples parents would let them come if it was during school. Anyway I guess we'll have to see.

And that's about it. For once I actually wrote a somewhat long post. Be proud of me! :) And a reminder: I LOVE comments!

Quote of the post:
"Time flies like an arrow. Fruit flies like an orange." -Unknown

Song of the post:
"Somebody's Hero" Jamie O-Neal

Band

I guess I'm due for an update. My life is so busy right now, which makes it go by so fast, I wish for once I could slow it down and make the end of summer last forever. Do you ever wish you could rewind life and change the things you did? I do. Do you ever want to go back to a certain time in your life and never move on? I do. But God doesn't work that way, and we have to learn from our mistakes.

On to bigger and brighter subjects, I want to start a band. Actually that would be Ruth and I. We already have our first song, titled Why? by Ruth Enas and Zachary Blackwood. So if you have any musical talent and would like to join our band just leave a comment. :)

Quote of the post:
The best, most beautiful, and most perfect way that we have of expressing a sweet concord of mind to each other is by music. -Jonathan Edwards

Impossible

Today was an awesome day! I went to practice as usual, Therese is at sectionals so Suzy coached which was different. Then I went and helped with camps, so I'll be doing that all week, anyway I had a blast playing will all the kids, they are all so cute. I had a window of 2 1/2 hours before I had to guard, so I came home. Then I went back and guarded, but there weren't very many people and I got taken off rotation to watch this cute little boy named Nate, who goes by Nature Nate. Isn't that cute? Jessica and I went off the boards after almost everyone else was gone and then Michelle let us leave early! Oh, and chef Fred gave us bread sticks, they were really good! :) Overall it was a really wonderful day. I miss and luv you all!

Quote of the post:
"Probable impossibilities are to be preferred to improbable possibilities." -Aristotle

Verse of the post:
"For nothing will be impossible with God." - Luke 1:37

100th Post!

I know in my profile it doesn't say that this is my 100th post, but it really is. I've had my blog for over a year - I got it when I came back from ECHO last year. I know I haven't been very faithful, but I am glad I got one and I'm glad all my friends have them too! :) Its such a good way to keep up with everybody I don't see often.

Today it was really hot at the pool, the temperature is like 93, but the humitity is like 105 or so someone told me. I think I got slightly burnt, but there were several people who got worse then me. Its quite surprising how tired you get from just sitting out in the sun all day. Whenever someone wasn't in a chair, my boss had them walk around with cups of water, and right now I'm thanking God for air-conditioning. :)

Thanx to Nathan for the music - I couldn't figure out how to put the media player on my blog, and he did it for me! Now I just have to figure out how to change the song, but I don't think that will be too hard!

Quote of the post:
"The pool is a great place to be on a hot day, unless your a lifeguard."
-Michelle Viehmann, a fellow lifeguard

Song of the post:
"Unusually Unusual" by Lonestar

Update -

I guess its time for an updation.

Yesterday - I went to practice. Then I came home and Ana Liza Platt picked me up and we went shopping and out to lunch. It was really fun, but sometimes duty comes before fun, we kinda had to cut our time short for me to go to work. Work was fine - kinda hot, this might sound mean, but I had fun putting these 4 little boys in time out. :) I think sometimes I'm a kinda mean lifeguard. After work I came home, my dad bought a car, its a Toyota something, I don't really like it very much. Before bed I watched "Les Miserables" with my mom. Its a really good movie and I recommend it to anyone who hasn't seen it.

Today - I'm working 10-5 and then 8-10. It'll be a long day - I'll probably come home in between. Hopefully it won't be too hot. I'm trying to think if I have anything else to post. Oh, my mom and dad have cell-phones and we're not very happy with it so they want to renew their plan, but its not up till September. So they got me/the kids a prepaid cell phone. So now you can call me!!! :) E-mail me if you want my number! :) Luv and miss you all!!!

Quote of the post:
Electric communication will never be a substitute for the face of someone who with their soul encourages another person to be brave and true.
-Charles Dickens

I know...

I know what my life purpose is
I know where I'm going when I die
I know when I sin God's not happy
I know why Jesus died
I know how much that means to me

I also know that people don't really like to comment unless I update, and they also don't like to comment unless I comment on their blogs, most people return the favor, and I'm sorry if I haven't been commenting alot recently as most of you know I'm kinda busy. Today was about the usual - except that after work I went to the RCA championships with Sara and Jessica Young and Bekah Nelson. It was fun, though I'm not really much of a tennis fan. Weeeellll, that's about all for tonight. Goodnight - I Luv and miss you all!!

Quote of the post:
If everybody thought before they spoke, the silence would be deafening.
- Anonymous

Margaret 

Today -

The things I've accomplished today -
1. I woke up on time, and went to swim team.
2. I came home and cleaned my room.
3. I succeeded in taking apart and putting together a table in a reasonable amount of time.
4. I found my little sister when she disappeared for a while.
5. I went to swim team again
6. I did my best and had a good attitude

I really don’t know if those are considered accomplishments, but oh well. Sometimes swim team really does feel like an accomplishment, especially today. I am really tired, and I’m literally falling asleep as I type. Oh, and I said I would post a picture of our new kitten – for one day her name was MJ, but now her name is Margaret, not exactly the name I would pick, but its cute. I luv and miss you all!!!

Quote of the Post:
As every cat owner knows, nobody owns a cat. – Anonymous

Storm

Hello people!
The thunder is rumbling outside, like it has been for the past several hours or so, its so amazing. The weather has been so random recently, one minute is sunny and then it suddenly gets cloudy and it pours down rain and after it stops it becomes extremely hot and humid. Right now that's not happening though, its just raining, and I did my absolutely amazing thing again - I jumped on the trampoline in the rain. You should all try it.

Anyway today I woke up and Mom took me to the bank, I put most of my check in my account, but I cashed some of it. We stopped at Target on the way home; I bought a new boom-box and a pink wallet. My mom wanted to get her hair trimmed so we stopped and I decided to get mine done too, it doesn't look that different but it feels better. :) Tomorrow is our church luncheon, so my brothers and I helped set up all the tables at church, and when we came home I made two pies for it. Oh, and about 2 this afternoon our power went out, a tree apparently fell on the wire, so we didn't have power till 5 at least. And then I babysat this evening, and I had to update before I went to bed, so that's about it. Luv and miss you all!!!

Question of the post:
What is your view on wives taking their husbands name when they get married?

Quote of the post:
The heart of a fool is in his mouth, but the mouth of a wise man is in his heart.
-Benjamin Franklin

Long Day...

I woke up at 5 am. Sat at the computer and drank my coffee, then I walked outside and got the newspaper, read the comics - woke up my Mom and then she took me to swim team. We swam from 6:30 - 9, and then did weights for half a hour. After practice Mom picked me up and I came home and ate. I then got ready for my ortho appointment at 11:40, which was both positive and negative. I have TMJ – it’s a jaw thing, I’m not going to explain it, but basically my jaw does a lot of popping and sometimes it’s very painful. I had a lot of x-rays done, and I’m schedule to go back for a consultation soon. I’m excited to get it fixed, but it’s probably going to be very expensive – so I guess we’ll just see what happens. Anyway I was there getting my x-rays done till 2:30, my Mom picked me up – then I picked my swim team and work stuff up – and she dropped me off at Rivi. Technically I was supposed to work from 3 – 8, but today was a very rainy, overcast day – so they didn’t need me at 3. I went to swim team, 3 – 4:30 and then Terry said I could work from 5 – 8. Not a very long shift, but at least I got some hours. From 7 – 8 I sat on the island, there were basically these two guys swimming laps for-ev-er! Anyway that was one of the longest hours in my life. Mom picked me up, I ate here at home and now I’m updating.

I love being busy, though I really think my busyness would be a lot easier for my mom if I could drive – I should make an appeal to the president, probably more likely the governor that home-schooled children should be allowed to get their licenses when they turn 15, but of course the parents would have the choice to allow their children to, or not to….. Another dream unfulfilled. *sigh* oh well.

I think I’ve started rambling, which for me that probably is a bad thing. So I'll be done - I luv and miss all of you!

Verse of the post:
“For every house is built by someone, but the builder of all things is God”
- Hebrews 3:4

Quote of the post:
“Never, never pin your whole faith on any human being: not if he is the best and wisest in the whole world. There are lots of nice things you can do with sand; but do not try building a house on it.”
- C.S. Lewis

Updation

I feel like I need to update, though at the moment I can't think of anything I should update about. It feels like everybody is gone - mostly to Covie, and yesterday the swim team when to King's Island. I didn't go to Covie - obviously - and I didn't go to King's Island. :( So I guess I'm in a sortof depressed mood. I woke up in the middle of the night, and it was raining so I sat and watched the rain. Then I read Psalm 56, and cried myself back to sleep. If you all could please pray for me right now I would really appreciate it.

On to bigger and brighter subjects - We named the Kitten MJ, though I didn't even know that until I asked my mom this morning. Everyone needs to come over and see her eventually, she is really cute. Yesterday I finished the book "Phantom of the Opera" I liked, everyone I talked to told me I should just see the movie, but you know how usually the movie isn't as good as the book? Well, I think the book was really good, obviously they couldn't actually sing in the book, but it made the whole story a little less confusing. I don't know about anyone else, but I thought the movie was somewhat confusing, especially when you see it for the first time.

And that's about it.

Verses of the post:
"When I am afraid I put my trust in you. In God, whose word I praise in God I trust; I shall not be afraid. What can flesh do to me?" -Psalm 56: 3-4

Quote of the post:
"But above all things, dear brethren, study to practice in life that which the Lord commands, and then be you assured that you shall never heard nor read the same without fruit." -John Knox

Kitten

I don't know if any of you guys heard what happened to our cat Kelly... basically there were these pit-bulls that came to our house because of our chickens, my brother called 911 and the police and the animal control came and took care of them, but they killed all our chickens and Kelly. You can go to his blog, to see pictures. ( just scroll down ) Anyway I had talked to Maria Blackwood about taking one of their kittens, so last night our whole family went over to the Blackwood's and had dessert, swam, Charity and I had a nice long talk and then we brought home this beautiful little gray kitten. We haven't named it yet, so if any of you have ideas, we'd appreciate it. :) Anyway that's my news for today or for yesterday. Oh and as soon as Daniel comes back from Covie I can put a picture of the kitten on here! :)

And one last thing - everyone needs to tell me what they think of my backround, I'm trying to learn how to do it, and this was just a random picture I found that I thought I could make it work. Anyway it might be changing again in the near future... just tell me what you think! :) Luv you all -

Quote of the post:
"When elephants fight, it is the grass that suffers."
-Kikuyu Proverb

Gone

Today was my day off. It was really nice; for once I could just hang out at the Rivi and just play around. Andrew and I biked down at like 10:30; we went off the diving board and down the slide. Ed - one of the swim instructors - bought a kayak, so we played with that in the pool. I was going to buy us lunch, but I didn't have any money with me and they wouldn't let me put it on my tab because I wasn't on duty. Mom picked up Andrew at 12:30, then I hung out with Chris till swim team. All the people in the office had a cake for Ingrid because today was her 72nd birthday, I got in on that, and it was really fun to surprise her! :) Then I went to practice, it wasn't that hard, kinda boring actually, but oh well! After practice all the swim team people went off the diving boards, it was alot of fun! I love diving boards!!! :) And I really want to have a party, but I don't know if I'm allowed. I'm going to talk to Therese about it! :)

Here's the song I've had in my head all day, I was kinda bugging Chris because I keep singing it, the same part over and over... and over and over! :)

Gone - by Switchfoot
She told him she'd rather fix her makeup
than try to fix what's going on
But the problem keeps on calling
even with the cell phone gone
She told him that she believes in living
bigger than she's living now
But her world keeps spinning backwards
and upside down

Don't say so long, and throw yourself wrong
Don't spin today away, cause today will soon be

Gone, like yesterday is gone,
Like history is gone
Just try to prove me wrong
And pretend like you're immortal

She said he said live like no tomorrow
Every day we borrow brings us
one step closer to the edge, infinity
Where's your treasure, where's your hope
if you get the world and lose your soul?
She pretends like she pretends like she's immortal

Don't say so long, you're not that far gone
This could be your big chance to make up
Today will soon be

Gone, like yesterday is gone
Like history is gone
The world keeps spinning on
You're going, going, gone
Like summer break is gone,
Like Saturday is gone
Just try to prove me wrong
You pretend like you're immortal.

We are not infinite
We are not permanent
Nothing is immediate
We're so confident
In our accomplishments
Look at our decadence

Gone, like Frank Sinatra, like Elvis and his mom,
Like Al Pachino's cash, nothing lasts in this life
Gone, my high school dreams are gone,
my childhood sweets are gone
Life is a day that doesn't last for long.

Life is more than money, time was never money
Time was never cash, life is still more than girls.
Life is more than hundred dollar bills and roto-tom fills,
Life is more than fame and rock and roll and thrills,
All the riches of the kings end up in wills
We've got information in the information age but do
We know what life is outside of our convenient Lexus cages?
She said he said live like no tomorrow
Every moment that we borrow brings us closer
to the God who's not short of cash
Hey Bono, I'm glad you asked
Life is still worth living, life is more than what we are.

Quote of the Post:
Start living now. Stop saving the good china for that special occasion. Stop withholding your love until that special person materializes. Every day you are alive is a special occasion. Every minute, every breath, is a gift from God.
-Mary Manin Morrissey

Burnt

*sigh* I did it again, and this time it is much worse. Yesterday I spent the whole day at a lake, in my bathing-suit, in the sun! I am horribly, terribly, awfully, can't describe it, burnt. My face is really red, and it hurts to move. So now that I've informed all of you, I'll stop complaining!

I have had a very nice week so far. Sunday night, a bunch of people came up from Southside, it was really nice to have them, especially since they came on the night we had refreshments! :) I had a really good talk with one of my friends - God's really been teaching me a lesson, there was something I wasn't content to let God have control of, but I've given it to him, so please keep me in your prayers.

Tonight I went to a Birthday Party for Elizabeth Enas. It was really fun and there were alot of people there! She had no idea that all of us were coming over and we really surprised her! :) Anyway I don't know when I'll see most of you people again, since almost all of you are going to Covie - I wish I was going, but I'm not. So I'll have a good attitude! :)

"Beauty without grace is the hook without the bait." -Ralph Waldo Emerson

Hello -

Here's an overview of my weekend:
Friday -
I didn't have to work, but I went to swim team from 6:30 - 9:30. Then went out to breakfast at the Illinois Street Emporium and hung out at Rivi till about 11:30. I came home and slept for an hour, then went back to Rivi to pick up my pay-check! My mom and I went to the bank and cashed it, and on the way home we stopped and got drinks for symphony on the prairie. I took a shower and got ready, and then my mom decided that her, Daniel and Jessica were going to come too. We got there early and so we walked around the village with Bekah. It was really fun, until certain people started yelling at us on the phone *cough* Allen *cough*. J/k. we walked back over and found them, then most of us walked back to the cars to get all the food, we rode the trailer thing back... and then the bottom of this back broke. We were all laughing, and Allen ate all the chips off the ground. :) Somewhere in the middle of this we found out that they were giving away free starbucks shots, we all had a lot and I personally had like 15. They were really good! :) More people got there… and we played volley-ball and rolled down this hill. I got dared to see if I could summersault up the hill, and I did. Then the concert started. I have to admit, I didn’t really listen to very much of the concert, I was talking and dancing. Some people *cough* Zachary *cough* Nathan *cough*, wouldn’t come dance with us. We watched the cannon’s go off and then the fireworks. It was really fun, I wanna go again!  I also received an awesome CD from Andrew; it’s him playing the piano. I’ve listened to it several times since I came home, and actually I’m listening to it right now!  We didn’t get home till like 11:30, so I read and then went to bed.

Saturday –
I slept in till like 10:30 – which if you consider what time I usually get up, that’s pretty late! Anyway, Philip and I went to Kast-a-ways with my mom. I bought a new suit, cap and goggles. Philip bought flippers. Then I went to work, and Daddy took me out to dinner afterwards. I read till 11:11… kissed my knee and went to bed.

And that’s my weekend. This afternoon about 4, Beth Long and I are going to work on picture posters, I was asked to also make an ECHO one, so we’ll be working on that. I wish I knew what was going on tomorrow. I’m supposed to work from 1-5, and I don’t think I can get out of it, so I don’t think I’ll be going to the Owen’s, but we’ll see. Anyway this has turned out kinda long – so here’s my quote:

Quote of the Post:
It was, perhaps, one of those cases in which advice is good or bad only as the event decides. -Jane Austen

Rain...

You have no idea how absolutely amazing it is to jump on the trampoline in the pouring rain. If you look up at the rain, its like you are flying towards it, and it towards you and its so... I can't even explain it.

I know I have said I love rain before, but I just wanted to make sure that you knew. Only sometimes it ruins plans, like tomorrow if it rains we won't be able to go to the Symphony on the Prairie. And if that happens I will be extremely sad. I am really looking forward to seeing everyone again. Here is a poem about rain -

Rain
Rain is water,
Rain is sky,
Rain looks like clear glass falling from the high,
Sometimes it looks like snow,
Falling softly to the ground,
But then there may be the sprinkle,
Very few it may be,
But still it shall be rain,
When it hits the ground it looks like shattered glass
has fallen,
But softly though,
It falls,
Rain feels like wet warm showers,
But though sometimes it feels like cold,
Freezing water,
Rainbows appear above,
After the rain is gone,
I am sad because of this,
There is no rain,
But rain is my name

Katie Rains

Sleep

Have you ever been so tired, but you can't go to sleep because you might sleep too long, or because its the middle of the day you might not be tired when it comes time to really be tired? That's how I feel right now.

1 four-hundred freestyle
1 three-hundred IM
1 three-hundred Pull

10 one hundreds freestyle

4 three hundreds pull

10 fifties - your worst stroke
400 IM - all out
10 fifties - all freestyle
400 IM - all out
10 fifties - your best stroke

200 warm down

Now I know that's probably confusing to people who don't swim, but let me explain a couple things. In our outside pool a 100 is 2 lengths of the pool, down and back. In our inside pool a 100 is 4 lengths of the pool down and back, down and back. So if you feel like doing math you could figure out exactly how many lengths we swam. I just don't feel like engaging my brain in something that complicated at the moment. And that's about all for this post.

CPR

Is anyone certified in CPR?
Tonight was in-service; we have it once a week to review our rescuing skills and to go over situations that happened during the week. We have one at 6:30 and then one again at 8 for the people who were on duty. I was the victim in the 6:30 one - it was really fun. I got to jump in and be a passive drowning victim, someone would rescue me and then they would use the backboard to pull me out of the water. At 8, I was one of the rescuers and Michelle, Danny and I did CPR on Jeremy. I'm glad we review it every week because if we didn't I'm sure I would forget what to do in a real emergency.
Quote of the post:
"The formula for water is H2O. Is the formula for an ice cube H2O squared?"
-Lily Tomlin

I got soul...

Hello - And Goodbye. Just a song and a quote today! luv you all

Song of the Post:
When there's nowhere else to run
Is there room for one more son
One more song
If you can hold on
If you can hold on, hold on

I wanna stand up, I wanna let go
You know, you know - no you don't, you don't
I wanna shine on in the hearts of men
I want a meaning from the back of my broken hand

Another head aches, another heart breaks
I am so much older than I can take
And my affection, well it comes and goes
I need direction to perfection, no no no no

Help me out
Yeah, you know you got to help me out
Yeah, oh don't you put me on the back burner
You know you got to help me out

And when there's nowhere else to run
Is there room for one more son
These changes ain't changing me
The cold-hearted boy I used to be

Yeah, you know you got to help me out
Yeah, oh don't you put me on the back burner
You know you got to help me out, yeah.
You're gonna bring yourself down
Yeah, you're gonna bring yourself down
Yeah, you're gonna bring yourself down

I got soul, but I'm not a soldier
I got soul, but I'm not a soldier
I got soul, but I'm not a soldier
I got soul, but I'm not a soldier
I got soul, but I'm not a soldier
I got soul, but I'm not a soldier
I got soul, but I'm not a soldier
I got soul, but I'm not a soldier
I got soul, but I'm not a soldier
I got soul, but I'm not a soldier

Yeah, you know you got to help me out
Yeah, oh don't you put me on the back burner
You know you got to help me out, yeah.
You're gonna bring yourself down, yeah.
You're gonna bring yourself down
Yeah, oh don't you put me on the back burner
You're gonna bring yourself down
Yeah, you're gonna bring yourself down

Over and out, last call for sin
While everyone's lost, the battle is won
With all these things that I've done
All these things that I've done
If you can hold on
If you can hold on

Quote of the Post:
"No man is condemned for anything he has done: he is condemned for continuing to do wrong" - George McDonald

A Child's Dream

I sit and wonder at my window,
Will the moon show full and bright,
Will my dreams come true,
Will we dance on the moon?
I sit and wonder at my window,
Are you coming to take me away,
Are there places to go for love,
Are there fantasies that come true?
I sit and wonder at my window,
Knowing that some will come,
And some will go to a place,
A place where I can not go.
So the moon so bright,that's fading fast,
Don't be long, I'll see you again.

-Monica Kay Sleeper

I'm falling asleep as I type - today has been really nice and relaxing. I went to practice this morning, read all afternoon, and then babysat this absolutely adorable little boy all evening. Right now I can really feel this mornings practice, I think I must have done something to my shoulder because its kinda painful. Anyway - Goodnight, Sleep tight, Don't let the bed bugs bite...

Goodmorning -

I've started posting every night, and last night didn't end up happening so here I am posting this morning. I am not a morning person, or I didn't used to be. I can stay up all night and not really have a problem, but waking up used to be a major difficulty. Now that I'm on a swim team I've gotten better about it, but I'd still rather be sleeping.

Sorry this is kinda short at the moment, I might update later if I can think of something more insightful to post. I don't have to life-guard today, though I am babysitting from 4:30 - 10:30 tonight, so I'll be here at home. Luv you all! :)

Verses of the Post:
"I will bless the Lord at all times; his praise shall continually be in my mouth. My makes its boast in the Lord, let the humble hear it and be glad. Oh, magnify the Lord with me and let us exalt his name together!" - Psalm 34:1-3

Ellie the red-nosed person...

I got burned today, especially my nose! *sigh* I guess that's something that happens when you are at a pool all day and you don't wear any sun-screen. I guess I just figured that my skin was pretty used to the sun by now, but its not, so I won't be doing that again.

You wanna know something awful? I already am planning what I'm going to wear on Sunday. Its the only day of the week that I actually get to dress up for, all the rest of the time I just wear shorts and t-shirts or my bathing-suit, and you really can't wear makeup to the pool - that would just be stupid! I wanna go out to dinner - which means when my dad gets home tonight, I'm going to bug him into taking me out this weekend. :)

Here's the song that's been stuck in my head today:
Its called Mi Morena by Josh Groban -

And so my love
From my window I can see
A beautiful vision
And when the music plays
Your body rises like a bird of grace

Mi morena
I saw you dancing in the rain
Holy water
Shining like a silver flame
Come like a ghost
I will watch you dance alone
Mi morena
You’re the light within my soul

And so my love
The way you’re moving in your dress
To a nylon guitar
On wings of silk and lace
You lift upon the notes and slip away

Mi morena
I saw you dancing in the rain
Holy water
Shining like a silver flame
Come like a ghost
I will watch you dance along
Mi morena
You’re the light within my soul

Take this cross of feathers and bone
Take this heart I’ve carved in stone
In your name

Where the setting sun surrenders to the moon
Mi querida
I wait for you
(Repeat chorus)

Mi morena
Hold your hands out to the night
Be my lover
I will fall into your eyes
Sweet fire of love
For you I’d steal the stars
‘Cause I adore you
O my morena

Quote of the post:
"I don't know anything about music. In my line you don't have to."
-Elvis Presley

Quote of the post:

"It is far better to be alone, than to be in bad company."
Do you guys agree with this quote?

Zachary, Charity, Maria, Tamara and I had a wonderful lunch! Us four girls treated Zach cause his birthday is Thursday. We all got these Strawberry smoothie things and they were really good! It was alot of fun, I wouldn't mind doing that every week! :) Anyway tomorrow I'm swimming from 6:30 to 9:30, working from 10 -1, then I have a break, and I'm working again from 3 - 8. I love my job! :) You people should come see me sometime, I can probably get you in free if you tell me that you are coming, or at least I get a discount. I want to have a swimming party sometime this summer - I'm aiming for July 21. Luv and miss all of you!

Lunch

I'm on the phone with Charity and we're talking about lunch tomorrow! She and Zachary are going to come up after her Drivers Ed. After reading all my comments I figured I'd tell all you people that you should come. Don't feel like you have to come, but it'd be awesome for anyone who wants to. Just call me tomorrow morning around 11. If I'm not there leave a message! ( I sound like an answering machine ) Anyway that's The End!
"On with dance, let joy be unconfined, is my motto; whether there's any dance to dance or any joy to unconfined." -Mark Twain

Father's Day!

Here's to my Dad!

A father and a dad are not the same:
One can be a dad and not a father,
Or one can be a father and not bother
To earn through love the more endearing name.
Some find fatherhood a bit too tame,
Leaving all the details to the mother,
Or dumping the sweet burden on another
Man with just a passing twinge of shame.
You have been our dad so many years
That you've become the landscape that is home,
The mountain that we look to from afar.
No matter where we go we're not alone,
For you remain within to still our fears
And be the word that tells us who we are.

Anybody want to go out to lunch with me on Tuesday? Applebee's in broadripple is donating 15% of all sales to my swim team! But you have to show a flyer. Anyway if you are interested just call or e-mail me, or just call me or e-mail me just to talk anyway! :) Miss you all!

Life must go on...

So here I am – at home. My summer schedule has started, I’m sore and tired. I still haven’t caught up on sleep, though it’s not like I ever do anyway. Tomorrow I get to sleep in till nine – wow that’s so late. (being sarcastic here) I miss all you ECHO people an awful lot! And last, I’m really having an issue with a certain little green monster. Forgive me – I kinda had to vent. God has been so good to me and I shouldn’t complain. I have wonderful parents, three wonderful pastors, four siblings that aren’t exactly wonderful all the time, but can be. I have tons of friends that love me, and I wonderful of all I have an awesome God who is in total control of my life.

On to bigger and brighter subjects: I bought the “phantom of the opera” soundtrack today. If you haven’t seen that movie, it is beautiful; I only wish I had a voice like Christine, or at least the confidence to hit the extremely high notes. I suggest you watch the movie before you listen to the soundtrack though, because the songs tell part of the story, and you might be really confused if you didn’t see them movie first. Anyway it’s a beautiful movie and soundtrack. If I could get my music to work I’d try to put one of the songs on my blog, but unfortunately I’m not smart enough to do that. :(

Sunday evening the people who went on the first Echo trip have to share. Anybody who wants to come is definitely welcome, service starts at 6pm. I really have “Echo depression” so to see any of you would make me happier! I added a bunch of Echo people to my links, so check them out and if I forgot you, please remind me. Thanks to all the people who took time to comment on my blog - :)

Quote of the Post:
"Sooner or later, you start taking yourself seriously. You know when you need a break. You know when you need a rest. You know what to get worked up about and what to get rid of. And you know when it's time to take care of yourself, for yourself. To do something thatmakes you stronger, faster, more complete. Because you know it's never too late to have a life.And never too late to change one." -NIKE Advertisement

Back Home Again in Indiana...

The first ECHO team of 2005 got back to Southside 2nd RPC at about 5 pm today. During the last stretch of driving before we got to the church my van – Daniel, Nathan, Luke, Andrew, Haley, Heather, Grace, Charity and I – sang psalms. As we pulled into the church the girls all started crying, I think our crying must have been contagious because by the time everyone was out of the vans all the girls were crying.

ECHO was a blast! I hope I get to go every year I can from now on. But I can’t even try to compare this year and last year. They had their differences, things that were good and things that were not so good, but were both equally awesome!!! :) I already decided before I started writing this that I wasn’t going to give you all the nitty-gritty details, and right now I don’t feel much like giving you an explanation at all, maybe tomorrow when I’m not so tired.

Here’s a song I’ve had in my head for a couple days, Allen got a mix CD from Laura Soma in a care package, and we played it in the car… anyway here’s the lyrics. I would try to put it on my blog, but I can’t figure out how to make the music work at the moment.

Friends Forever by Vitamin C
And so we talked all night about the rest of our lives
Where we're gonna be when we turn 25
I keep thinking times will never change
Keep on thinking things will always be the same
But when we leave this year we won't be coming back
No more hanging out cause we're on a different track
And if you got something that you need to say
You better say it right now cause you don't have another day
Cause we're moving on and we can't slow down

These memories are playing like a film without sound
And I keep thinking of the night in June
I didn't know much of love, but it came too soon
And there was me and you, and then it got real blue
Stay at home talkin' on the telephone and
We would get so excited, we'd get so scared
Laughing at our selves thinking life's not fair
And this is how it feels

Chours:
As we go on, we remember
All the times we had together
And as our lives change,
Come whatever
We will still be, friends forever

So if we get the big jobs and we make the big money
When we look back now, will that joke still be funny?
Will we still remember everything we learned in school?
Still be trying to break every single rule
Will little Bobby be the stockbroker man?
Can Heather find a job that won't interfere with her tan?
I keep, I keep thinking that it's not goodbye
Keep on thinking it's a time to fly
And this is how it feels

Repeat chours

La, la, la la; yeah, yeah, yeah
La, la, la, la, we will still be friends forever

Will we think about tomorrow like we think about now?
Can we survive it out there? Can we make it somehow?
I guess I thought that this would never end
And suddenly it's like we're women and men
Will the past be a shadow that will follow us 'round?
Will these memories fade when I leave this town
I keep, I keep thinking that it's not goodbye
Keep on thinking it's a time to fly

And if anybody from my ECHO trip is reading this right now, I miss you bunches and bunches already! I wish our trip wasn’t over. I love you all!!! :) Night-night.

Updation

Hello People!
I'm guessing that nobody reads this right now, because all the people who read my blog are here with me on this ECHO trip. Anyway those few people who do read my blog will probably appreciate my updation.
Yesterday after lunch it started raining, for a while we waited in the new shop until the rain wasn't as hard, after a while my group - Grace, Mary R, Zachary, Nanthaniel and I - weeded with Lyndsi. It poured and so by the time we were done we were soaked! :) We got done with work early and some people were using a tarp as a slip-and-slide, but I had a headache so I went and took a shower. After dinner Danny organized a square dance. He had music and we all danced and danced. It was really fun, but by the time we were done we were all really hot and sweaty. I think that should be a tradition that every year we square dance at least once. We all went back to the church and had ice cream, and I called my mom. I miss you mom!!! :)
Today its still raining and so all the interns had to think up jobs for us to do inside, Grace, Haley, Micah and I are cleaning the seed bank. And as were were cleaning off the counters I decided to see if I could hack into the computer - legally! :) Anyway Grace wants a turn on the computer, so I better get off!
I love you all and miss you terribly!

Hello...

ECHO rocks!!!! :)
We've been here since Friday night, and today was the first day of work. In the morning I power washed these trailers, the best part was when I killed a bunch of fire ants with the hose thingy. In the afternoon I worked with Zachary, Bekah, Heather, Beth, Mary R, Mr. Blackwood and two interns, Laura and Rachel. We weeded the area. It was really hot, but Rachel was really nice and turned on the sprinklers for a little while. Tonight we are going to Walmart, I am really excited because we haven't been allowed to get out at the gas stations, and the only place where I bought something was McDonald's. Anyway Mr. Blackwood has been doing devotions in Ephesians, its been really good and this morning we all put our hands up and said to the best of our ability we weren't going to lie today. You can pray for our team that
1) We will all work hard
2) Have good attitudes
3) To be sensible
I love you all and I miss you bunches and bunches!!! :)

ECHO

Bright and early tomorrow morning I leave for ECHO. If you want to send us (me) a card, care package, or money ;) the address is......

17430 Durrance Rd
N ft Myers, Florida 33917

Please keep us in your prayers. I don't know if I'll have access to a computer while I'm there, and if I do I will attempt to post! :) So I will leave you with two quotes:

"Anyone can do any amount of work provided it isn't the work he is supposed to be doing at the moment."
-Robert Benchley

"Hard work spotlights the character of people: some turn up their sleeves, some turn up their noses, and some don't turn up at all."
-Sam Ewing

And I would appreciate comments on the post below:

Long Day...

Today was my first day of work. I worked from 7 to 11 am, immediately after swim team. Danny and I were the only two lifeguards on duty, we watched the indoor pool until the water aerobics class started, and then went outside and put up all the umbrellas and got the pool ready for people. Danny had money and he sent Paul - another friend from swim team - to the Illinois Street Emporium to get us cinnamon rolls, if you have never eaten there I highly recommend it, their food is AWESOME!!! :) Anyway then we swept the pool and screened it, and surprising enough our shift was up and the other guards came and took over. I didn't even have to get in a chair, which is really fine with me.
Then I came home and helped get the rest of my family ready to go back to the Rivi, we had Jessica's birthday party today. She's seven - I can't believe it! :) She invited alot of little friends and Ed took control of the party and had fun games for them to play, with the boat and noodles, etc. We had cake and ice-cream, and they opened presents. I hope all the little girls had fun, because I know that not all of them liked swimming very much.
Then I went to Practice again - we are in the outside pool now and the water is still quite cold. But Therese was awesome and let us get out 15 minutes early. I took a shower, and came home and ate. I was starved... and now that I'm sitting here I've realized that during some part of today I got sunburned. I have goggle burns on my face, and I'm so glad I don't have to go anywhere important tomorrow! :) lol
Thursday I leave for ECHO and I won't get back till June 14. I don't know if I'll be able to post while I'm there, but if I can... I will try to. Please be praying for us, I am really excited, but kinda nervous at the same time. There are going to be alot of changes this year, and we have a huge trip! And finally I am very proud of you if you read my boring account of my day.

Quote of the post:
Character is like a tree and reputation like a shadow. The shadow is what we think of it; the tree is the real thing."
- Abraham Lincoln

Question of the post:
Is it possible to be allergic to water?

Odd Things About Me

1. I write in my journal every day - I haven't missed one day all year

2. I love rain

3. I love taking cold showers

4. I love singing so much that sometimes I sing until my voice is gone

5. I can shop for hours and hours for nothing at all

6. I once had a crush on my cousin

7. I once kissed a toad

8. I love my bed and my pillow

9. I could be a very content mermaid


5 Days till I leave for ECHO!!!!! :)

Candy Shop

Looks like I need to start some very interesting discussion or something, because I'm not getting any comments on either my blog or my xanga. But I didn't even think my last post was very interesting.
I'm going to be doing alot of shopping today and tomorrow to get ready for ECHO because I haven't done anything but make a list. I'm going to hopefully buy alot of candy... and I was thinking of buying some licorice. Which made me think I should post these pictures: These are from fall ministry... And since I can't get this to post above the pictures...you get to read this after you see the pictures. :)

Bees

This spring, my dad and my brother took a class about bee keeping. Last week we got our bees, and now they are in a hive. I don't care much for the bees myself, but my family finds them very interesting. I'm also not really a fan of honey - I mean its fine in cooking when you don't taste it, but other then that..yuck. Though, maybe real honey will taste better, unlike the kind that comes in the little bear bottle. :) Anyway here's a quote that goes along with my subject:

"The Wicked have a hive of wasps around them, many sorrows; but we have a swarm of bees storing honey for us."
-Charles Spurgeon

Graduations...

Everyone needs to read my little brothers blog. He got one because today was his official birthday! He's twelve... Which is kinda scary.

Anyway this weekend has been very busy. Saturday was the 2nd RP Graduation... It went really well, everyone did great, and their displays were all beautiful. ( I hope I got to sign everybody's book, but if I didn't... I'm sorry. ) After Graduation I went to Bekah Nelson's open house... There were alot of people there, but it was fun. After that I went to Jenny Baumgardner's... Which was fun too! :)
Yesterday - Sunday - I went to church, James preached a really good sermon. We ate at the luncheon, then went to Sara Young's graduation in Brownsburg. That was cool to see, and Sara your speech was definitely the best!!! :) Then I came home, went to an ECHO meeting... it informed everyone about what the changes are gonna be this year. Then I went to evening service, and left straight afterwards to go to Sara's Open House... It was fun, and Mrs. Young makes really good food !! :)

Quote of the Post:
"It usually takes more than three weeks to prepare a good impromptu speech."
-Mark Twain

Rain

I have had a good day. This morning I went to swim team, then I came home and decorated a cake for my little brother.Daniel turns 12 on Monday, but he's having his party today! This afternoon I went out to lunch with Becca Long... I won the contest on her blog like a month ago of who could comment the most. Anyway, that was a fun time, we had some enjoyable conversation. Tonight I have a meeting at Rivi about my job.

I know alot of people think rain is depressing, and I have to admit sometimes it can be, but recently I've fallen in love with the rain... which is why I looked up this poem and decided to post it:

I love the rain
For the difference
That it brings
Adding a new personality
To the day

Each puddle
Its own little world
Each drop
Adds another character
To the picture

The eerie sky
Creating a melodramatic background
As life goes on
Playing out the passions
As depression rears its head
Searching for a helpless victim
Among the million of candidates
Pouting about the rain

-Harry Rainey

Pictures

In Chicago we took pictures of everybody's eyes. I said I was gonna post them on my blog so here they are:
P.S. Please comment! :)

Ruth's Eye 

Liz Judd's Eye 

Luke Long's Eye 

Luke Hovee's Eye 

Alaina's Eye 

Grace's Eye 

My Eye 

Charity's Eye 

Whatever

I just came back from Sara Young's surprise b-day party!!! It was alot of fun and there were alot of people there. We met at Applebee's... and then Amber Wheeler drove Sara there and we surprised her, then we ate and watched the Pacer game... they won!!!! :) We all drove to the Youngs house, and Mrs. Young made really yummy cake and we opened presents ( or Sara did, I didn't, lol ) I love Friday nights because I get to go to parties! :)
Thursday was our last Biology class!!! But actually it wasn't a class, we went to Chicago for the day. Charity and Grace spent the night before at my house, we had fun but we didn't get very much sleep. I was so tired when we got home last night! But Chicago was really fun, even though the guy at the coal mine didn't believe that Liz was 21... *sigh* lol
Today was our last Worldview "class". We watched "The Village"... I love that movie but discussing it brought out that really its a bad worldview. If you want me to explain more I will. And to everyone who hasn't seen it, I highly suggest it, because its an awesome movie, even if the worldview isn't that good. I'm just agreeing and disagreeing with myself here...
I have really good news guys... even though I finished the lifeguarding class and my teacher said I had a job, I am now officially hired. They called me today and they're having a meeting next Thursday!! So now I can really say that I'm sure I'll be tanner then all of you this summer!!! lol :)

Quote of the post:
"A smile is a light in the window of the soul indicating that the heart is at home" -Source Unknown

Regeneration vs. Faith

Last post I asked the question "Which comes first, Regeneneration or Faith?" There were some differing answers so I thought I'd explain:

All men, women and children born into this world are dead in sin and incapable of doing anything to merit their salvation. If we are going to be saved, it is God who must save us. We have no power to have faith in him. Regeneration is first and after God works in us - Faith is the reward. It isn't something we choose it is something that is given to us.

Quote of the Post:
"This Gospel Transforms Lives" - My Mom

Kinda going along with this... another question:
What is your view on altar calls?

Life goes on...

This morning was Field Day. There weren't very many people there. :-( In the older girls group it was just Sara, Jessica, Abby, Lyndsi, Beth and I. We went around from all the little stations, and then at some of them, when we still had time and we were done with the event, we played " I never ". Twas very interesting..
Tonight I'm going to the Rivi to help with the "Parents Night Out" we have 50 kids signed up and there are only 4 helpers besides the 2 adults who are in charge. It should be interesting. I want to go see a movie this afternoon...
I'm in a Bible Study with Alaina Falk on Monday nights, and we've been doing a study on some of the differences between Calvinism and Arminianism. This week we were discussing the Calling of Men to Christ. I don't have time to go into alot of detail, but I have a question for all of you.

Which comes first, regeneration or faith? Explain.

Quote of the Post:
"Never forget that a half truth is a whole lie."
- Source Unknown

Poem

Lonesome
Lost and lonely,
Separtated from my only
Happy existence.
Cold inside, the warmth fading.
My heart left hating
This distance.
No longer knowing how
To continue now
With this wretched feeling.
Torn in two,
Depressed and blue.
The layers of my soul peeling.
I wish I was in a dark hole,
Hiding away like a mole.
Wanting to disappear forever.
Needing some relief,
Needing to believe
Things could be the same.

-Unknown

Busy Busy

I've had a really busy last couple days - Wednesday night was our dress rehearsal - and seriously it went really bad. Thursday I had Biology, then I spent all afternoon at Crown Hill Cemetery with Luke Long, Luke Hovee and Charity Blackwood, we were looking for leaves for our leaf collection due next week. We have to have between 15 and 20 leaves and we only got 12 leaves from our whole 3 1/2 hours there. But it was still fun. :) Afterwards we went straight to the first performance... it was AWESOME!!!!! Everyone did really well and it was so much better then Wednesday night. I even heard that Mr. Blackwood and Mr. Elder cried when I died... :)
Friday I woke up and thought - "great, I haven't done any of my WorldView" so I spent all morning on that, then we to class - twas good. Came home and had a nice long phone conversation and went straight back over to church. I would definitely say that Thursday night was better then Friday, though both were much better then Wednesday. After we cleaned up from the play, I went to over to David's... he had almost everybody over - Thanx David - it was alot of fun!!! Mary Hovee and I then went to Jessica and Sara Young's house for the night. It was a blast - Mr. Young made us Swedish Pancakes at like 2 am... then we watched Princess Diaries, and went to bed at like 4. Woke up at 7:30 and Mary and I went to church for the workday!!!
Twas all very fun and very busy - I went without stopping.
Thanx to everyone who came to my play - I hope you all enjoyed it. :) And Thanx to everyone who commented on the last post - I luv you all!!!!
Quote of the post:
No one can make you feel
inferior without your consent
~Eleanor Roosevelt

Who I am

Well... I stole this from Jae. And I think some of these answers just came because of the mood I was in, and the time of day - 4:30 am. :)

I am not: normal
I hurt: when others hurt
I love: my friends and family
I hate: sin
I hope: in God
I hear: voices in my head
I crave: coffee
I cry: alot
I always: dream
I long to: grow up
I feel alone: in this world
I listen: but I don't hear anything
I hide: where no one can find me
I drive: my friends and family crazy
I sing: and can't stop
I dance: with the wind
I search: for meaning
I feel: sad
I fail: constantly
I sleep: when my mind and body are tired
I need: a hug
I am: different
I think: because I want to do right
I exist: to glorify God in everything I do

And if you read this, please comment.. even if you only do to say hi. :)
Quote of the post:
"Laugh and the world laughs with you, snore and you sleep alone."
- Anthony Burgess

Heya

Everyone needs to come to our play! The performances are Thursday, April 28 and Friday, April 29, 7 p.m. at in the new basement at 2nd RPC. If you need directions just leave me a note. And if you didn't already know - I play Beth March! :)
Tonight my dad took me out to dinner. We didn't get to go to the father/daughter banquet because I had my lifeguarding class. We went to P.F. Cheung's in Castleton. It's a really nice (and expensive) Chinese restaurant. I really liked it. Then we went to Sam's Club and walked around looking at stuff. That was fun too.
Tomorrow I'm going to my brother Andrew's special Olympics swim meet. I haven't been to one of their practices yet this season because I've had so much other stuff going on on Monday nights, though I have worked with him on some of his swimming after swim team in the mornings. His best stroke is butterfly - and he's swimming the 50 fly tomorrow.
Quote of the Post:
"Me and music. Music was always my first love. It was my first love for sure. And still is a huge part of my life." - Johnny Depp

Stuff

Swim Team started back up this week - we had a break for like 2 weeks. Morning Practices start next week. Which since we're starting back I'm gonna try to go to 2 practices a day - though I don't know how the rest of my schedule will work out. And Life Guarding started this week too, so I skipped choir on Tuesday an Wednesday to go to that. It's been interesting - there are 3 guys and 6 girls. All the girls I know either from swim team or well... I just know Jessica. Tomorrow we're going to learn CPR, which should be very interesting. And then on Monday - Chris has to rescue me and I have to really struggle and like try to drown her.... that should be fun. :)
Tonight is SONrise and I heard we're making movies or something like that. I think I'll have to sleep at least a little bit because I have class tomorrow, but its no fun if everybody else gets to stay up and you have to sleep - so I guess I'll see. Should be fun anyway. :) And I'm not going to say anymore or else I'll have nothing to update about next time. :)

Oh and I updated my links - Sorry it took me so long Sara!!! Luv ya

Quote of the post:
We will always remember.
We will always be proud.
We will always be prepared,
so we may always be free.
- Ronald Reagan

Anything is possible

Yesterday Amanda Beard - an Olympic swimmer - pulled out of the World Swimming Trials because her 200 individual medley record was broken by a 15-year-old girl. Katie Hoff of Abingdon, Md. Her time was 2 minutes 11.24 seconds. I find this so encouraging that 1) She actually made it and broke a record and 2) she's 15. I guess its also kinda discouraging, because I'm not anywhere close to that fast right now, but knowing she worked hard to get there and she did well, is motivation enough to do it too. :)

Monday I'll be downtown at the Natatorium singing the national anthem with my choir. So hopefully I'll get to see a little bit of the swimming. I would go to the whole thing, but it costs $40... and all the money I have is like pledged to a cause. :)

EDIT:
I just got back from a wonderful evening downtown at the Nat. It was very exciting, first my choir sang, and then my friend Charity Osborne and I decided to stay and watch the swimming, which was VERY cool. Afterwards we bought swim caps and waited for the swimmers to come up so we could get their autographs. And then we waited FOREVER to get Michael Phelps... but we finally did. And we also got pictures with Chairty's picture phone, which I will post as soon as she sends them to me.
The coolest part though was when I got to meet Katie Hoff. Its kinda scary to think she's the same age as me, like she's a freshman in highschool and she's actually THAT good. Well I have to go to bed now, so as soon as I get the pictures I will post them!!!!

And I have to go... I'm going shopping!!!! :)

Song of the post: Eye of the Tiger by Survivor
Quote of the post:
"I refuse to have a battle of wits with an unarmed person"