living life openhandedly.

waiting with anticipation.

2012-01-15T15:53:00.000-08:00

The last week or so life has handed me some interesting circumstances. Honestly, I've experienced every emotion possible. I've screamed into a pillow, cried myself to sleep, wanted to kick someone in the shins and sat with my head in my hands unsure of my ability to make a sound decision. I've been joyful and elated, honored and encouraged and so stressed that I wanted to throw up.

Beyond that, my mind is racing. All hours of the day. Sleep doesn't come as easy and I've got attitude to prove it.

The Lord is saying:

GIVE IT TO ME.

And I'm saying {with alligator tears}:

HERE IS MY HEART.

Well...here's to letting go.

art.

2011-10-07T23:47:00.000-07:00

My great friend Kathi Inglesby has inspired a project.

It's an art exercise. You take a blank paper or index card or whatever and create something.

Doesn't matter what you use. Just create something.

At first I was intimidated by it, knowing that I'm not a very 'out of the box' creative type. But a few of us gals are starting this project tomorrow. Since we are doing it together, it should be fun to see what comes from it. I plan on keeping updates at the the latest creation.

Yet this I call to mind and therefore I have hope: because of the LORD’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail.

They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. I say to myself, “The LORD is my portion; therefore I will wait for him.”

The LORD is good to those whose hope is in him, to the one who seeks him; it is good to wait quietly for the salvation of the LORD.

Lamentations 3:21-26

oh, hello real world.

2011-10-06T00:06:00.000-07:00

Well, I'm back in civilization. Complete with cell coverage and shorter trips to the grocery store. The good news is I haven't locked my keys in the car or waved at every car that passes by. Life outside the canyon is all about adjusting.

Reflecting on the last year and a half of my life it seems to have disappeared. Sort of an 'out of sight, out of mind' type of scenario. In some way the canyon is much like Narnia.

Anyway, I'll accept my award for the {worst blog updater on the planet} later in the year. But only after not posting anything new for another few months.

What is new in my life, you may ask?

Well, here goes. I left Washington Family Ranch (or the canyon as I often refer to it) a mere 3 days ago. My seasonal position was finished and it was time for me to leave. Even still, I knew that it was right. It was hard to leave some things but other things I bid farewell with a nice kick in the shins. The worst part was saying goodbye to people who have impacted my life in a major way.

Life outside the canyon is fast. You have so many more options. Options for food, gas, people, stores and television. It's almost as if everyone around you is moving in 'fast-forward' and you are stuck in the middle of a crowd.

I'll catch up eventually. I'll remember where my cell phone is and know exactly how to get somewhere I've been a million times before. The fast pace will become my pace soon enough. For the moment, I'm in the job market and looking to start bakery school as soon as I am able.

The ultimate dream? To own a night-time bakery complete with a stage for kids showcase their band. Canvas art on one wall and photography on the other. Couches that you can sink into and not one coffee mug will look like the other. Each night some group of kids can feel safe and at home with their friends or their young life leader. This is the kind of place that I wish existed.

Someday, it will.

insert witty title here.

2011-09-11T17:24:00.000-07:00

my boss stuck me in a garbage can because i wouldn't give him the packing boxes that i verbally claimed earlier that morning.

the best part? the workcrew that were helping in the kitchen thought it was so funny that they all got their cameras.

all the workcrew were grown adults.

awesome.

sleep.

2011-08-20T02:32:00.000-07:00

sleep.

these days, i don't really get any.

the worst thing is that my eyes will be shut as tightly as can be and i will whisper to myself, "ok, now fall asleep. ok, how about now. alright, fall soundly to sleep."

nothing.

in other news, only 42 days until my next address change.

who knows what will happen then. who knows.

this is a photo of how i feel about not getting any sleep.

because you can't have more than 1,000 characters on a facebook wall post.

2011-08-04T01:52:00.000-07:00

dear mom. i know i didn't actually get to talk to you ON your birthday BUT i hope you loved the song on your voicemail.

just thought you should know that i love you.

you tell me all the time that i won't know a mother's love until i have children of my own...but i'm pretty sure that you have taught me what it means to be a mother.

you are humble, self-sacrificing and most of all compassionate.

you give wise counsel to me when i ask and even when i don't.

you shower me with gifts and letters (and somehow they are at the PERFECT moment).

you don't take me seriously.

you love me even when i don't take myself seriously.

you have a mother's intuition and take pity on me when i don't see the train wreck that is up ahead.

you give until there is nothing left. and then you give some more.

you are a daughter, a sister, a wife, a mother, a grandmother and most of all a woman who fervently and passionately seeks after the Lord.

know that you mean more to me than i could ever express and if i become half the woman you are...well, what more could a girl ask for then to become just like her mother. :)

happy birthday.

loves.

you have to ask.

2011-05-20T19:56:00.000-07:00

Lately God has been at work in my life. Not only in my own personal relationships with other people BUT with those around me. Just this evening God allowed something to happen someone that I love. Talk about tough. It's hard to be on either end. The one receiving and the one watching it happen.

I trust that the Lord is doing something big and will bring this back to Him. Eventually this will glorify Him. If it doesn't...it's not from Him.

Would you pray with me for my home?

Lord, I plead that you bind the evil one from my home and those who reside in it. You are at work. I believe that you are bigger and MORE powerful than our circumstances. Thank you for allowing moments in our life that cause us to fall to our knees. <3, Your daughter.

MARCHing on.

2011-03-17T02:44:00.000-07:00

listening to Bitter Sweet Symphony by The Verve. it's currently on repeat and it's fantastic. sure, it's old. the lyrics are odd but it suits me in this very moment.

i think it's the strings. seriously, orchestra and rock collaboration is powerful. if i ever become famous or have a band or what have you, i will have to have an orchestra. even if it's small.

in other news, i was recently sick. to the point of complete exhaustion. people asked that dreaded question, "are you feeling alright? you look so tired." you could also exchange 'tired' for 'terrible' and that could define the other half of the questioning curious bunch.

honestly, that is the last thing you want to hear, right? even if you know you look like walking death. you want to be sympathized with but not told straight out that you look awful. it dampers the already dwindling mood.

luckily, i went home a little early from work. slept about 8 hours. woke up for 3.2 hours. then i dreamt away another 10 or so hours.

i was a CHANGED woman. believe me, nothing could stop me. don't get me wrong i still sounded like a 47 year old chain smoker with a bad loogie but, i felt like 1.6 million bucks.

camp is busy. we've got group after group. which is nice but at the same time it means a change of pace. lots of explaining and lots of micro managing.

recently, my roommate robyn and i had a little excursion to the awkward shelf that sits above our staircase. this is proof that we have WAY too much fun.

canyon life.

2011-01-05T13:33:00.001-08:00

I cannot tell you how many times I open up my laptop and try to think of something to write. Something to help you climb into my shoes here at the canyon. Something to give you a peek into what life looks like these days.

It's not much different from life in Washington. Yeah, it takes over an hour to get to the nearest grocery store and when we 'go to town' it means literally, we are going to town.

4 days a week I work in the kitchen. 3 days a week I hang out at home.

My roommates are pretty awesome. We like to watch ridiculous tv shows and tell funny stories. We laugh a lot.

The room I reside in is almost finished (i'll take pictures and post when it's all cute).

Our christmas decorations are still up and as a house, we've decided that they will be up until our live tree dies or we'll just decorate them for each new holiday.

That's all for now.

sisters.

2010-11-08T11:50:00.000-08:00

Family is incredibly important to me. Not only do I have a large family but one that is crazy and loud and in each other's business. I would not trade them for the world. If you have ever met my family, you would most likely agree.

Some of the most memorable moments I have growing up are obviously with my sisters. Now, don't get me wrong. Sometimes being the youngest of 3 girls was absolutely obnoxious. You never really have time in the bathroom and your parents have seen everything before so you don't get away with much. That being said, after you grow up and have time to actually appreciate those quirks you realize that your sisters are actually your best friends. Here is a little about mine...

Dear Jessica.
You are the oldest of us three Yohann girls and do not take that role lightly. Never once have you turned down a phone call or moment when I needed you to listen or cry with me. Especially when it comes to boys.

Growing up with you as my sister was pretty easy. You were more often than not my defender in times when I couldn't stand up for myself. I have come to know you as not only a sister but a friend.

Now that you are a mother...it has only increased your ability to listen with patience to come to a thoughtful and prayerful decision. Your children are such a reflection of you. They are bright and cheerful, love to laugh and are sometimes dramatic.

When we are together, we are silly and goofy. We laugh until our bellies hurt. We cry when we watch ridiculous TV shows with surprisingly dramatic plots. We even talk in accents until your daughter gets sick of it and makes us stop.
Honestly, I cannot imagine what life would be like without you. You are by far one of the most important people in my life. Thank you for teaching me to dream big.

Dear Christy.

You are the middle of us Yohann girls and are always the one to challenge me to higher standards. You are someone I can count on to pursue me intentionally.

Growing up with you was not always easy. You enjoyed picking on me. Not all the time, but enough to know that we have come a long way from then. I can honestly say that you are the reason that I enjoy to ask the hard questions and push the limits when I don't agree with something.

Now that you are a mother...it has caused me to see you in a different light. You are tender with your children and are making sure they are well cared for. Your children are a reflection of you. They are a little rough around the edges but so incredibly compassionate and creative. They want to know why things are the way they are.
When we are together, we discuss hard issues and bounce ideas off of each other. We laugh about memories from days when life was simpler and organize like madwomen.

Honestly, I cannot imagine life without you. You are so important to me and you keep me grounded. Thank you for asking the hard questions that many people dare not to ask.

Both of my sisters are vital parts of my everyday life. Each of them is so different but so alike. I am blessed to be such a combination of them both.

Thank you to Jessica and Christy, sisters extraordinaire. You are the reason I love to laugh and most likely the reason why I am so "odd"...

Loves.

is this real life?

2010-10-18T22:36:00.000-07:00

it's been exactly a month since coming home from Washington Family Ranch. life at home is weird since i haven't found a job. most of days are filled with sleeping in, catching up on TV series from the summer, and enjoying the company of family and friends.

like most of the other interns, i miss being at the ranch. not so much the work but the community. you get to a point in the summer when things just click together and you cannot imagine your life without those 19 other people. they become your family. no matter how far away they live or how long since you talked to them last, you are changed because of the time you had with them.

the thing that i miss the most about living as an intern at WFR is being stuck in the middle of nowhere without a cellphone and without the luxuries of everyday life, knowing that you can not only survive a life like that but you can thrive. life at the ranch is completely secluded from things like the "spiraling economy" and "raging politics"...it's a community where you feel God. you literally feel Him.

i feel Him now, it's different. it's much harder.

life outside the ranch is different. it's much harder.

but, God is good and He's good ALL the time. that is the truth.

Life lived to the fullest.

2010-07-13T20:43:00.000-07:00

Mother Dearest,

I want to first thank you for the incredible way you serve me. Even when I don't have the decency to spend time on the phone or write you a letter, let alone an email. Please forgive the way that I have been lacking in the communication department while in this bubble.

You have been praying for me in a way that has made leaps and bounds of difference in my life. It shows in the way that you write me little notes of encouragement and it seems to find it's way to me EXACTLY when I need it. The Lord has given you a special gift to know what I need and the ability to give it. Thank you again for being the best mom in the world. I know other people think that too.

Remembering back to times when I would be leaving for school or work, more often than not I would find you praying in the living room. You would be on the ground. Head bowed in absolute reverence of the merciful God we serve. It used to make me uneasy. Not so now. If I become half the woman of God you are today, my life will have such purpose.

Every once in a while it hits me that my life is so blessed because of you. When I gave my life story during last session, I started to cry when I thought back to those times when we would cuddle on the rocking chair and sing hymns. That is a precious time that I will cherish until the Lord takes me home. Know that you have a daily impact on my life. Trust that I would NOT be who I am today without you. Literally and figuratively. :)

There are several times each day that I say, "Wow, I am turning into my mother."

I like it.

I also like you.

Loves.

Little Alicia.

Who cut the cheese?

2010-05-22T00:12:00.000-07:00

I cut it. LOTS of it. At least that is what was on my agenda today. More about that later...

I arrived here at Washington Family Ranch on Tuesday, May 18th and have been LOVING every minute of being in this glorious place. Here is a break down of each day so far.

Tuesday:

7 AM- Leave house with a car FULL of stuff and headed south to Oregon.

7:15 AM- I wonder WHAT THE HECK AM I DOING?

7:16 AM- Pray that the Lord calms my heart.

7:18 AM- Feeling less crazed about my future.

7:19 AM til Noon- Talked on the phone, got lunch, ate lunch and then my phone service cut out.

1:00 PM- Arrived at Washington Family Ranch.

1:15 PM- Got a little lost trying to find the Main Office.

1:20 PM- Someone had mercy on me and lead me to the Main Office.

1:30 PM til 5 PM- Met an absurd amount of people and settled in to my room.

5:30 PM- Went to the Staff Village and met more people.

6:00 PM- Ate grilled cheese sandwiches and tomato soup with an awesome staff family.

6:35 PM- Helped that awesome family fold some laundry and finish the dishes.

7:00 PM- Came back to Condo 55 to settle in for the evening

The rest of the night was consumed by talking with parentals on skype, talking with the other interns, and watching the beginning of "The Labyrinth"...Let me just tell you, David Bowie is smokin' in this flick.

Turned in for the night and slept like a ROCK.

Wednesday:

6:45 AM- Woke up and for a split second forgot where I was.

8:00 AM- Went to the Main Office to fill out oodles of paperwork.

9:00 AM- Finished paperwork and started work in the kitchen.

9:01 AM til 5:00 PM- Laughed and worked and learned a ton.

During the time that I was in the kitchen, I realized how much I love it here. Which is A LOT.

5:45 PM- Followed the crowd of interns to the "Progressive Dinner" and ate a different portion of our meal at a different house.

8 ish PM- Talked with my parentals on skype.

8:45 til 9:25 PM- Went to the Sports Center to hang out. Played in the foam pit and slid down the skate ramps. Then we played bump...and I even made a shot!

9:30 PM- Finished watching "The Labyrinth"...and yet again, David Bowie's skills as an actor are unmatched as of this moment in time.

10:30 PM- Went to bed.

Thursday:

7:00 AM- Woke up and still forgot where I was.

8:00 AM- Headed to the Main Office for an all staff meeting.

9:15 AM- Meeting ended and headed to the kitchen to begin my workday.

9:20 AM til 5:00 PM- Took my Oregon State Food Handler's thing, passed with flying colors, made some oatmeal scotchies, learned a few more details to how the kitchen has changed since 2007 when I was last working in there.

5:50 PM- Went to "Core" which is the ladies small group for interns

6:30 PM- Our discussion was finished and then I was in the hot seat, the new girl had to answer a ton of questions. Gladly, of course.

7:00 PM- The Bi-Weekly worship session started.

7:20 PM- Worship was done and a staff member gave a great talk about Nehemiah. He spoke about how we need to look at what we are called by God to do and knowing that we can't be good at everything! Another few details: Pray and pray often, even in the most minuscule details...also, don't be afraid to ask for the big things, knowing that God Almighty has the power to make it happen (if He wants it to.)

8:00 PM- Went home to hang out.

8:15 PM- Talked with the parentals on skype.

8:45 PM- Watched "Flight of the Conchords" with a few interns.

10:45 PM- Went to bed.

Friday:

7:00 AM- Woke up and remembered where I was.

8:00 AM- Headed to the kitchen for my workday.

8:10 AM- Morning devo's and prayer time with the kitchen staff.

8:30 AM- Got well acquainted with the slicer in the kitchen. This beast of a machine does NOT mess around. It's automatic. Meaning I put a giant chunk of meat or cheese or even my finger and it slices it all on it's own. Pretty impressive.

11:20 AM- Finished the last cutting of the swiss cheese. All in all I sliced; 4 huge hunks of roast beef, 4 turkeys, 2 large chunks of ham, 4 huge things of provolone, 4 large blocks of cheddar cheese, and lastly 2 incredibly large blocks of swiss cheese.

12:15 PM- Cleaned up the lunch line from the front counter where volunteers and such came to dish up lunch.

12:45 PM- Helped make some delicious coffee cake.

1:15 PM- Had a meeting with the kitchen/dining hall staff where we gabbed about all the details for the campers coming in this weekend. There are two groups coming out at different times. Kinda crazy BUT it will be great practice for me.

2:00 PM- Helped put away dishes that we run through the pits.

4:00 PM- Helped the retail staff price and take inventory for this weekend.

5:00 PM- Cleaned the upstairs room to turn it into our craft spot. :)

5:15 PM- Got a call from a married intern inviting the new interns over for dinner.

5:16 PM- Accepted said invitation (since I still don't have groceries!)

5:45 PM- Headed over to eat a GREAT meal with some awesome new friends.

7:30 PM- We made our way to play wiffle ball in the field in camp.

8:45 PM- My team won and I even had a base hit and scored a run to make the final score 8-7.

8:50 PM- Went to another staff couples house and about 12 of us sat around and laughed for a really long time.

10:45 PM- Came home and chatted with the parentals and Jess and Todd (plus some sleepy kiddos) on skype.

11:30 PM- Tried to go to bed but kept typing this blog post.

12:15 AM- Posted this blog.

12:16 AM- Went to bed.

Just so you know...some of these time frames are not completely accurate. Seeing as how all the days are running together, I won't be able to relay all of the stuff that is going on or even my thoughts. Mostly because the thoughts in my head are going about 16 million miles an hour.

I'll post when I can and I'll really try to post pictures when I remember.

Loves to you all. I miss you and hope you are all fairing well as we enter into the Summer season! If you should feel so inclined to send me a package, email me or check my facebook page under the "notes" section. All the details are there. :)

Eggs and such.

2010-03-31T10:49:00.000-07:00

Easter.

I love it.

Holiday pay @ work.

Bunnies.

Birthday 'round the corner.

Fun treats.

Family dinner.

Missing grandma.

Reflecting on sacrifice.

Knowing I'm saved.

Easter.

I love it.

Dear WaFaRa,

2010-03-10T10:33:00.000-08:00

This summer will be decidedly, beautifully and remarkably splendid.

{This picture was taken after I heard the news}

It's official. I have been offered and have accepted the position of AM Kitchen Summer Intern at Washington Family Ranch.

For those of you that don't know what that means...I will be at "WaFaRa" from May 19th until September 13th, immersed in life away from the hustle and bustle of the everyday norm. My days will be filled with talking with Summer Staff and Work Crew while cooking for an incredible amount of people. Taking walks around the camp and soaking up the sun after my morning work day. Joining the family of staff that have so graciously taken time from a normal life to serve kids that need to hear the good news of the Lord!

The kitchen is a beast of its own. We start at 5:45 AM and lock up around 8:30 PM. There are 2 shifts that keep every tummy at camp, happy and full. It is absolutely amazing to be a part of a working machine! Over the years, the kitchen has been tweaked and twisted to better serve the campers, leaders and staff. I can honestly say, it is a well oiled machine.

Here is the best part...for the 6 people who read this blog, I will try my best to update as I prepare to take the most daring adventure of my life to date. While I prepare myself physically, emotionally and spiritually, I ask that you join me on my journey to Washington Family Ranch.

Pray.

That may be one of the most important things I plead in all my life, is that you join me in prayer! Pray for the camp as a whole. That things will run smoothly and flawlessly to better serve the kids and leaders while they prepare for the best week of their lives. Pray that God would reveal the kids that He has prepared to hear His message. Pray that God would put His hand of protection over the campers as they travel and while they are on the property.

Pray for me, that I would be able to transition well and be able to grow in the Lord while helping others grow. That God would humble me daily as I wake up at the crack of dawn to make meals for around 1,000 people. Pray that God would take away the desires of my heart and replace them with His desires. That He would be what people see when they look in my eyes. Pray for this precious time that I have before my summer away, that I can spend it wisely.

Thank you in advance for sharing in my excitement!

Warning: This post is completely random

2010-02-23T18:32:00.000-08:00

2010 has been fine. Not incredible or awful or fantastic or wretched. Just fine. Nothing seems to be sticking out. Content is a word that flows from my lips lately and that is okay for now, I guess.

Sometimes I fear that admitting my being content with life will only cause a shift in balance. That saying it aloud makes it too real and somehow that confession cracks the silence of the stability of where I am in the moment. Now, don’t get me wrong, I am not saying that I am expecting any sort of life-altering, earth-splitting, rock-your-world moment to happen in the near future. But I am expecting for things to change.

As the seasons transform and years seem to fly past me, I am learning to embrace change. Sure, it’s not easy and it’s not something that I would love to happen frequently. Yet, the idea that I have lived in this little bubble has been plaguing my thoughts; that I haven’t stepped out into any sort of situation that has caused me to leave the comforts of home and the security of family behind. (sidenote: What an incredible family I have…couldn’t ask for a better one!) No, I am not going to do anything drastic like move out of the country (I tried that and it didn’t go over so well).

What can I do? I can take those little nudges that have been disregarded in the past and entertain them. Make sure I am leaving my own plans in the dust and walking the path that God has set out for me knowing full well that He has the BEST intentions. Trusting that He isn’t surprised by anything that comes my way. 1 Corinthians 10:13 states “No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. God is faithful. He will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. When you are tempted; He will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it.” (Thank you Mary Jensen for making me repeat that verse OVER and OVER again until it stuck!)

Lately, the Lord has been prompting me to be still. UGH. I literally despise being “still” and why would I want to sit when I could be organizing or watching “Make It or Break It?” Really? Are you sure??

Yes. God always wants us to plan time to spend with Him. That is the only way to maintain our relationship; the only way to fill up our tank. Now that life isn’t all about what I am going to wear to homecoming or what cute boy just winked at me, it has become so much more real that I need to dive into the Word with every single part of my heart, mind and soul.

{insert lame blog post title here}

2010-01-29T12:27:00.000-08:00

Ok, nothing really exciting has happened in the 6 years since my last blog post. BUT, life is pretty awesome these days.

My best friend, Courtney and I have joined LA Fitness and are working out 6 out of 7 days. Not bad if you ask me...

Todd Beamer High School Young Life is starting this Monday and I can't wait! We have some gnarly clubs and events planned.

A coworker and I are participating in a colon cleanse. Kind of awkward to share with everyone (all 4 and 1/2 of you that actually read this thing) but so far it's not so crappy....well, you know what I mean. ;)

Work is a little busy since our part-time concierge quit, but when I choose to have a positive attitude about it, things just turn out right. (Hint: if anyone is looking for a part-time job on Sundays and Mondays on Mercer Island PLEASE let me know)

My friends are pretty incredible. We hang out WAY too much but I don't mind. Our agenda consists of:
*laughing until our abs are sore and tears are streaming down our cheeks
*watching The Office over and over and over again
*making dinner for the clan
*eating delicious food
*making fun of infomercials
*watching 10 minutes of a documentary and shutting it off because it's poorly made
*us girls cheering on the boys during Tuesday night basketball games
*having serious conversations until 2 AM
*talking about the LA Fitness Trainers. scratch that...more like making fun of them
*discussing the thought process of the writers of The Office

Last, but certainly not least...my family. Especially my parents. I think it's safe to say that I have the most incredible parents on the planet. The Lord continually reveals to me the blessing I have in having them as my parents. My dad and I are two peas in a pod, as I have shared in past blog posts. He showers me with humor and encouragement. My mom and I are SO much alike, it's almost uncanny. We can have a conversation about something totally shallow and every time, we end up talking about God. I LOVE that about her. We can laugh about something days after it happened and I can share my heart with her.

Loving life and I hope to have some awesome news soon! :)

Patience. Grace. Bah Humbug.

2009-12-05T12:16:00.000-08:00

You know those few people that just get under your skin? When they walk in the room and immediately you just want to kick them in the shins? They haven't done anything wrong, per say, but they just rub you the wrong way.

Lately, I have been face to face with those individuals more than usual. It's like they have planted some device that tracks my whereabouts and knows my every move. They find me in the most inopportune moments. Like, when I am about to head out to lunch or right after my boss asks me to take care of a big project that needed to be done 20 minutes ago. Or when I am wanting some peace and quiet. They would never know it, as I try my hardest to not give off a negative vibe, but I would, literally, rather be anywhere else than in that very situation.

The worst part is that deep down, I want to help them figure out a solution to their problem. It just seems that there is some barrier that prevents me from letting that part through. Knowing that the "barrier" is my own sin and imperfection, I still find it hard to serve those certain folk.

Would you pray with me? That I may exude patience and grace to the people that I am deliberately choosing to deny the same things my Savior has so wonderfully blessed me with.

It's hard to admit when you are wrong. It's even harder, once you have admitted that, to then live it out in your daily life.

The Lord has done and will continue to do a good work in my heart and soul.

These will be the verses that I run to when selfishness, impatience and outright annoyance fill my heart:

*Hebrews 6:12b Imitate those who through faith and patience inherit what has been promised.

*1 Timothy 1:16 But for that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display his unlimited patience as an example for those who would believe on him and receive eternal life.

*John 1:16 From the fullness of his grace we have all received one blessing after another.

*Romans 6:14 For sin shall not be your master, because you are not under law, but under grace.

Sisters.

2009-11-20T15:16:00.001-08:00

I came across these pictures from Hawaii last year.

If you can't tell, we are so incredibly excited.

Before.

After.

I love this.

Buzz.

2009-11-18T15:14:00.000-08:00

My dad is awesome.

There are times that we talk about gadgets and technology or have entire car rides where we listen to Earth, Wind and Fire as loud as your ears can stand. We spend countless hours watching recordings of NHRA drag races and go to the races every year. We could watch Law and Order for hours, not say a word and I still know we are bonding in the midst of it all.

He will fill my gas tank for no reason or wash my car because I mentioned that I needed to plan on washing it sometime soon. He is the one that I can count on to help me if I have a problem with my car or have some question about the law.

I can remember numerous times when he would be walking down the hall, pop his head in the door to my room and say, "Have I told you yet today that I love you?"

You call him Buzz. I call him Pops.
You think he's funny. I don't. (At least not all the time...)

All in all, my dad is one of my best friends and I just wanted to say, "Dad. I love you."

<3 your FAVORITE daughter. ;)

Hello again,

2009-10-08T14:27:00.000-07:00

It's official. I suck at blogging. Mainly because I am not married and don't have any adorable kid stories to spill.

That being said, I am content with what I have, where I am at and am enjoying the view along the way.

What have I been doing you may ask?

Watched too many episodes of The Office
Still taking a break from white flour and sugar
Spent quality time with great friends
Read My Life Is Average and can't stop
Attended weddings like it was going out of style
Facebook stalked
Played on my iPhone
Loved on my niece and nephews
Had heart to hearts with Courtney
Caught up with long lost friends
Learned some things the hard way
Payed off debt
Accidentally flashed my best friends ENTIRE extended family
Hosted Bingo night at work
Went to Wildhorse Canyon for a week
Wanted to stay at WHC indefinitely
Spent some time in Cheney and learned first hand that there is absolutely nothing to do there
Learned that taking a bath can, in fact, be harmful to ones health
Found out that even when you feel like a gomer, Jesus loves you

The end.

Insert witty title here

2009-08-04T11:24:00.000-07:00

Just thought these pictures were pretty cute. :)

Blogging has not been part of my summer agenda. I have been working, taking kids to YL camp, spent countless hours laughing with family and friends...but other than that, life has been pretty sporadic but busy.

I have:
* Watched too many episodes of The Office
* Driven to Issy and back so much, I could probably drive it with my eyes closed
* Been to Wildhorse Canyon for the umpteenth time and could barely stand getting back on the bus to go home
* Had some great quiet times with the Lord
* Gone to the Drag Races with Dad and Todd
* Survived a heat wave
* Prayed for friends who are going through tough times
* Thought that things couldn't get worse...they did
* Spent way too much time on Facebook
* Had adventures in Bellevue Square
* Needed medical attention via Fire Department and Aid Car :P
* Welcomed a new nephew, Owen (he is ADORABLE)

That is it for now and I will try to do something fun/stupid so that I can post about it. :)

Loves.

scrupulous. enough said.

2009-05-15T17:41:00.000-07:00

Lately I have been constantly on the go. You know when you just can't say no to anything because you would rather be exhausted than miss out on the fellowship of others. With all the hustle and bustle of normal life I have left one person in the dust.

Jesus.

To be quite frank, He should be the first person I talk to in the morning and the last person I talk to at night...

It's not that I do it on purpose but it becomes an out of sight, out of mind type of thing. Again, that is no excuse but it has me thinking...if I can get up for my Young Life girls at 6:30 in the morning (which doesn't happen often but is completely possible), why can't I get up to meet my Savior?

He is the one who gave me life and now my life should be consumed with praising Him!

For instance, this morning was one of the mornings that I attended Bible study with our YL Campaigner girls. It was great. My heart feels a little bit fuller since my day began in the Word.

And I will be honest, mornings are not gracious to me or my hair for that matter...I hit the snooze about 5 or 6 times. All because I am too selfish to get myself out of bed and meet my Lord.

This morning Jenny talked about the verse in Luke where Jesus says, "If they (the disciples) keep quiet, the stones will cry out." In the Message it says, “But he said, ‘If they (the disciples) kept quiet, the stones would do it for them, shouting praise.’”

WHOA. Talk about wake up call. I have been chewing on that all day and have come to the realization that I have been pursuing so many other friendships and relationships that I have left my relationship with my personal Lord and Savior to shrink and wither away.

Here begins the change. Now. RIGHT now. I choose to not be content with just listening to the Word…but rather knowing my Savior in a way that I can call Him my best friend.

In other news…my dear friend Jaclyn has started a blog.

yes. i am alive.

2009-04-18T16:31:00.000-07:00

It was my 22nd birthday over the weekend and I took a little trip to:

Yes. I went to Forks, WA. We went for Twilight but found SO much more. It is absolutely gorgeous over there. I can't even believe that I have lived here my whole life and haven't ever seen the rain forest. Never mind the fact that it's only a 4 hour drive and it contains the most beautiful moss you have ever seen...

I forgot my camera and all of the pictures are on my friends camera, so I will post them when I get them! I promise.

Go Team Edward. :)

siLLy gOOse.

2009-03-27T12:07:00.001-07:00

I have noticed that my blog has taken a serious turn lately...not that there is anything wrong with that but I am not that serious in real life.

I will share with you some silly one liners:

*"Shopping makes me ill" -my friend Joel who is quite the cowboy

*"I'll try to get his pic, he may break my camera, seriously that's how hot he is" -my friend Courtney when talking about the incredibly good looking butcher in Italy

*"Oh, they need to just stop pussy-footin' " -my mother

And my personal favorite...

*"Truth be told, I think I thrive under a lack of accountability" -Michael Scott "The Office"

Hallelujah.

2009-03-19T10:34:00.000-07:00

I am now officially finished with my first quarter back to college.

I.can't.even.believe.it

Never thought I would be here...but I am and I will have you know I finished strong and got some pretty good marks!

Whoa there...

2009-03-02T11:33:00.000-08:00

This week has been interesting. I sometimes feel like I am just going through the motions of life and leaving thoughts and progress behind. It's as if I am an onlooker of my actions.

I wish that I could rewind the last week and relive it. I might have done things differently. My actions would have been different. There would have been grace and understanding. I would not have yelled at the ridiculous drivers on the road back and forth from the island. I might not have gotten frustrated at my mom when she woke me up for church. I could have not gotten irritated when I was misunderstood. I probably should not have been so quick to peg certain people with certain stereotypes.

Instead of thinking back on the things I wish I could do differently...I choose to live and love this week in a way that exemplifies Christ. This life is just a passing onto an eternal life that we are mentally uncapable of grasping.

I choose to live my life in a way that glorifies Christ.

I will live my life in light of the cross.

Welcome back.

2009-02-21T11:54:00.000-08:00

I have decided I am done with my hi-tech hiatus. This story alone is worth it.

I am at work and helping an older gentlemen with the copy machine. It's been a while since I have seen him and after he is done with his project we started to chat.

After a quick minute he asks me, "So are you excited?" To which I replied, "About??"

He then says to me, "Well, when are you due?" After I picked my jaw up from the floor I stated, "WHAT?!"

This poor guy...he is just trying to start a conversation and it BOMBED on him. He was a little frazzled and began to apologize and wouldn't look me in the eye. I told him it's ok and it was probably the style of shirt (it does look a little 'maternity')...but really I don't think I look that overweight. Do I??

I think that when I get home...I will either burn this shirt or put it away until I am pregnant.

Who doesn't love awkward moments.

time out.

2009-02-05T17:16:00.000-08:00

I am finding that I need a break from the computer.

I won't be posting anything or checking anything. I also have decided to deactivate my facebook account. I am not sure how long this will be for but my heart desires change and this seems to be a start. I will check my email once in the evening.

If you need to get a hold of me I have my phone as well as a home address.

I bid computer technology goodbye for now.

too-when-dee fuh-eye-veh {twenty five}

2009-02-04T01:21:00.000-08:00

I know I totally copying Christy...but I would rather post random facts about myself here and not on Facebook.

So here goes.

1. I hate red licorice and LOVE black licorice. I am pretty sure I am the only person on the planet who feels this way.

2. I can't eat things that have a weird texture. Hence my dislike for marshmallows.

3. I sing anywhere but in the shower. I would probably be in there for like an hour singing my
heart out.

4. I think I have mild social anxiety...I haven't had a birthday "party" since I was about 5.

5. I love to quote lines from my favorite movies and TV shows. I could go back and forth all day long and would never get tired of it.

6. I didn't write a research paper until my junior year of high school. I now wonder how I even got to 11th grade.

7. I love deep conversation. Therefore, I dislike shallow conversation.

8. My favorite shape is a crown. {not a tiara, a crown}

9. I hope to be married someday to a man who loves the Lord more than he loves me. {if you know any of those kind of guys...you can give them my number ;) }

10. I love to wear socks to bed. I also tuck my PJ's into them so that my legs don't get cold in the night...don't deny it, you know exactly what I am talking about.

11. I am an awful story teller. The story only comes alive after I type it out and actually think about how I am going to tell it.

12. I am a procrastinator. That isn't really random because most people are...but I love to work under pressure.

13. I have a fear of long fingernails. I cut mine as short as is humanly possible.

14. I hope to be able to have a preschool out of my home...after I purchase a home, even though I know my parents would LOVE to have a preschool running out of their house {HAHA...Mom, I am totally kidding. Sort of...}

15. It takes me exactly an hour to get ready in the morning...no matter how short or long of a shower I take. It always ends up being an hour.

16. I make my bed every morning. Well mostly every morning. My day is always a little more chaotic when I miss that part of my morning routine.

17. I seem to always have great intentions...but am usually a little late with the follow through.

18. On April 10, 1987...my mother arrived at the hospital at 3:00 am and I was born at 3:03 am. My dad was parking the car. I must have had a pressing engagement to attend. ;)

19. I have never smoked a cigar or cigarette. I have never done drugs. I didn't drink until I was 21 and even now I don't drink much. I guess living with the "law" in your house got to me at a young age.

20. I have wanted to live in Australia {or go to school there} since I was a junior in high school.

21. When I sing harmony to a song {that is the part that "blends" with the melody, or natural tune of the song} I do everything by ear. I can't even read music.

22. I am extremely independent. I like to figure things out on my own and usually have a hard time asking for help when I need it. I am working on this though and I am making great progress.

23. I would rather text someone than call them back. I am not a big phone person...unless the occasion arises in which a phone call in necessary.

24. If I think about my family dying, I cry. I cry REALLY hard.

25. I used to work at about 4:00 in the morning and would run on like 3 or 4 hours of sleep and now that I have a "big girl job" I am grouchy if I don't get my full 8 hours.

I think this is about it. This was MUCH harder than it looks. I will not tag anyone because it seems as though everyone I know has already done it. Although, it does make for a good read!

four.

2009-01-23T13:28:00.000-08:00

The rules to play the Fantastic Four Meme are simple:
Copy/paste the questions into your blog
Type in your answers
Tag four people on your list
Don’t forget to change the answers to your own!

FOUR PLACES I GO OVER AND OVER AND OVER:
work.school.target.the "700"

FOUR PEOPLE WHO EMAIL/IM/TEXT ME REGULARLY:
R49&1/2.facebook.val.jac

FOUR PLACES I LIKE TO EAT:
taco time.el sombrero.olive garden.mom's kitchen

FOUR PLACES I’D RATHER BE RIGHT NOW:
bed.hawaii.london.australia

FOUR TV SHOWS I COULD WATCH OVER AND OVER:
the office.life.leverage.what i like about you

FOUR PEOPLE THAT I THINK WILL RESPOND:
val.lindsay.shawna.aimee

bling bling and forward thinking.

2009-01-02T18:39:00.000-08:00

I am in that season in life where it seems that EVERYONE around me is either seriously dating someone, engaged/planning a wedding, or having babies. I know I am totally exaggerating and making it seem like I am the last person on the planet that is single. This is not the case although sometimes it can seem that way.

What I do know is that sometimes I feel alone or out of place when I am in the company of couples, whatever stage of life they are in. This is "normal" and "everyone feels this way at one time or another" but it is always different when it happens to you.

I am assured that I don't need a physical person to fulfill the places of my heart that only the Lord can fill. Our society has filled our head with the idea that you need to have a relationship to be "happy" or "satisfied." That is a load of crap if you ask me. That being said I know that the Lord has created us so that we can in turn create, but that is NOT all there is to life.

We live to worship our Lord and to give him the glory in all things. We are to acknowledge him and he will make our paths straight. While it would be great if Mr. Right could do that, I am sure that he doesn't have "turning water into wine" on his resume.

Psalm 62:5 "Find rest, O my soul, in God alone; my hope comes from him"

Hello.

Hebrews 13:5 "God has said, 'Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.'"

Again I say...hello.

I know that my day will come when I walk down the isle and I get to grow old with my best friend. Until then I can live my life knowing that He is enough for me and that He treasures my in a way no man on earth could.

I leave you with this little nugget of truth.

"A woman's heart should be so lost in God that a man needs to seek Him in order to find her."

Hmmm. How time flies?

2008-12-20T19:43:00.000-08:00

Look what I found the other day on my lunch break.

This bad boy speaks for itself. :)

I can't imagine the adventures you could have in this vehicle...

You may be asking yourself, WHERE HAVE YOU BEEN!?

Well...I have been

*Hanging out with friends

*Working on "The Rock" (Mercer Island :P)

*Spending quality time with family

*Sitting at home because the snow is absolutely ridiculous

*Registering for classes at GRCC

*Got my driver's side door dent fixed...even though it wasn't even my fault. Shame on whoever hit my car and left the scene without even a note!

*Went ice skating with some good friends (There is a story further down the blog)

*Decorated at work and home

*Watched WAY too many movies

*Purchased some totally rad Christmas presents

*Had a few pretty great laughs (you know the ones where your belly hurts...)

*Read a ton of books

*Was too lazy to update my blog and now I am sure that NO ONE reads it...haha

Ok here is part where I tell you about my ice skating extravaganza...

I haven't been ice skating in a while and a few friends and I decided to brave the Kent Ice Rink(kind of ghetto I know...)

We got there and I ran into a few people from Seattle Christian (they were having a little shindig.) Then there was the renting of skates, the almost breaking of the ankles while getting used to wearing skates on the rubber floor, and then there was the first moment where your skates hit the ice.

Pause: I am not so coordinated when it comes to anything but standing, singing, walking, running, and organizing...that was my disclaimer to those who accompanied me on this expedition.

So I am doing alright in the skating department and not falling at this point. They start turning the lights off and turn on the black lights and the strobe lights...and seriously who can skate when they can barely see in front of their face. Now we are surrounded by highschoolers. Apparently I didn't get the memo that it is necessary to link arms with 10 of your friends and block the entire path on the ice. Hmmm...better check my email when I get home. I proceed to skate, slowly I might add, and I fall. Let's clarify...I am the FIRST one to fall out of everyone at the skating rink. Hey, at least I am around for cheap entertainment.

I struggled a little bit and fell two more times...IN THE SAME SPOT. Yeah I know I am pretty lame but I can laugh at myself.

I bruised my knees from falling so many times that I could barely walk the next day...and yes I totally called in sick.

Here is proof that my knees took a harsh beating.

Oh and they are way worse in person...trust me.

Right.

Left.

Pray that my life gets a little more exciting so I can have some more blog posts...haha

Nerd Alert...

2008-11-08T14:43:00.000-08:00

Ok I am totally obsessed with this series. I know that may make me a total nerd but it's the truth. I really stayed up into the wee hours of the morn finishing this first book. It took me all of 2 nights. Really I know how ridiculous that sounds but I seriously can't help myself. If you have read it then you totally know what I am talking about. If not you should read it, totally worth it!

What could be more romantic than that of a love story between two teenagers...is it weird that one of them is a vampire? :)

I will post more about my extremely boring life later but until then...just know my nose will be in one of these books...

Time for some change...

2008-10-18T14:49:00.000-07:00

Well...It has been official since the first of October but I thought I would post about it anyways. I am moving back to my parents house. I have VERY much enjoyed my time on my own but in prayerfully thinking it through, it's time to move back home. I will miss things more so as the end of the month comes near.

I am so grateful for Hans and Becky and their sweet kids. I have had such a great time getting to know them. I hope that a few extra miles doesn't take it's toll on our friendship. It will be very hard to say goodbye to our cute little house...

The Lord has taught me so many things in my time at Star Lake...but now it's time to put my literal learning hat and head back to school.

Yes you heard me right...I am going back to school. It has been 3 years since I have stepped foot into a classroom but I am confident (much like my friend Simon Birch) that the Lord has a plan for me.

Please pray for me in the time ahead and the adventures that will surely take place.

My agenda on Nov. 4th

2008-10-08T18:18:00.000-07:00

Voting for McCain/Palin :)

Check this out

In my opinion, enough said.

Is my hair too big?

2008-09-20T13:13:00.000-07:00

Me
circa 1990

Try it out yourself...

My Momma...

2008-09-13T13:45:00.000-07:00

I love you mom.

Wish List...

2008-09-13T11:53:00.000-07:00

Here are some things that I would love to purchase...but my bank account causes me to think otherwise

For now I spend my hard earned moola on this stuff

I love being so "grown-up"

Ashes to ashes.

2008-09-05T11:31:00.000-07:00

I know that I have been lacking with a post...and here would be the place where I would write out a big long excuse...but there isn't one.

On a totally different note, I was looking through pictures from Chris/ty's wedding on John Keatley's website and I found this picture with Grandma.

I must say it caught me off guard. My eyes welled up with tears and I thought of a song by Jason Harwell called "A Nice Day for a Blue Suit"

It's a tribute to his Grandmother. I found it comforting.

Brandma...

We miss you.

It shakes your brain!

2008-07-29T21:12:00.000-07:00

On the 20th of July my dad took Jac and I to the drag races at Pacific Raceways. Talk about INCREDIBLE. It was probably to most fun I have had in a long time. We had great seats and some awesome orange ear plugs. It was most likely the BEST place to people watch ever. There are some characters out there.

Here are some sweet pictures of the cars and such.

Here is a picture of the Young Life pro stock car. With the new logo that I don't like.

Here is a shot of the pro stock cars racing.

Here is a snapshot of John Force racing. Any girl that races like Ashley Force is totally legit and deserves a shout out on the blog.

Here is a picture of how close we were to the action.

Here is a shot of the coolest car there. I have wanted a car like this for as long as I can remember. It's pretty much boss.

Before you watch this video make sure that you have your volume up and get ready to experience drag racing at it's best...at least a nikon camera best.

This is a video of the pro stock racing. I am amazed at how fast they change gears. Hello...

Only a few years away...

2008-07-16T10:51:00.000-07:00

I was poking around on our company website and found out that I can retire in the year:

2052

I can hardly wait...

ABC...it's easy as 123

2008-07-10T10:50:00.000-07:00

A- Attached or single: Single...very single
B- Best friend: Jaclyn
C- Cake or pie: Pie...especially apple
D-Day of the Week: Don't know that I ever thought about that...
E- Essential item: Cell Phone
F- Favorite color: Aquamarine...it's fun to say and it's also the color of my eyes
G- Gummi bears or worms: Worms
H- Hometown: F-Dub what what...(sorry that is just the ghetto part in me)
I-Indulgences: Office supplies...I just love it!
J- January or July: I don't really know...I like them both for very different reasons
K- Kids: Someday when I am all grown up and married and such
L- Life is incomplete without: Mom's (Of course mine is by far the best!)
M- Marriage date: Geez way to rub it in that I am single...seriously!
N- Number of siblings: 2...Jess (7 years older) and Christy (5 years older)
O-Oranges or apples: Green apples
P- Phobia or fears: I don't like long fingernails...they are just gross!
Q- Quote: Love is wanting what is best for someone regardless of your needs and regardless of their reaction...
R- Reason to smile: My family...and good friends
S- Season: Winter
T- Tag three: Everyone I know has already done this...obviously I don't know that many people
U- Unknown fact about me: When I feel pressured to get somewhere at a certain time and end up getting lost I start to cry and drive home. I don't like to eat messy food in front of anyone cause I am sure I look like an idiot...
V- Vegetarian or oppressor to animals: I thought about being a Vegetarian cause I could live without meat but it is really difficult and spendy
W- Worst habit: Forgetting details or not planning ahead...but I love to be spontaneous so there
X- Xray or ultrasound: I would probably want an ultrasound...X-rays are usually b/c something is broken...
Y- Your favorite food: Mexican...to be specific burritos
Z- Zodiac sign: Aries I think...

I know I know it's about time...right?

2008-07-07T00:11:00.000-07:00

I know that this is a pretty long post but if I don't do this all at once...I might never get it all done. So here is my house and use a little imagination to piece it all together.

Here is the shower...
Here is the ledge in the shower...

Here is the sink...

Here is the toilet...(I know it's almost too exciting!)

Here is the bathroom...

This is a view of the kitchen from the front door...

Here is the front door...

This is the view from the couch...
Here is my sweet table from craigslist...
This is the view of the living room from the bathroom...

Here is the kitchen...

This is more of the kitchen...

This is the laundry closet...(in the kitchen)
The other side if the kitchen...
The kitchen as a whole...

Here is the hallway to the back of the house...
This is our glorious music room/library...
The piano in the music room...

Jac's comforters...

Jac's picture collage...

This is my room...

Here is my bed...
My AWESOME picture...(thanks mom for helping me pick it out!)

This is the sweet secret closet by the bathroom...(if you take all that junk out it would make an awesome hiding spot for hide and seek)

This is a lame picture of the linen closet...

This is my hope chest/nightstand...
This is my dresser from Ikea that I put together all by myself...(I won't mention that it took me well over half the night to complete the task)

Here is my picture collage...
This is my closet...(nice and organized)

This is my window sill...

Well...I hope you liked this post. Until next time.

I'm such a bad blogger...

2008-06-21T17:36:00.000-07:00

Hey there...

I know I keep promising that I will post and blah blah blah...but I still don't have internet at my house and it is way too busy at work to try to post anything from my laptop.

So I apologize for not keeping everyone updated on my life.

What have I been doing lately:

* Had 3 or so events at work (only one had a bad turnout but I won't let that get me down!)
* Went to Hawaii for a family vacation
* Dreaming up a backpack trip through Australia (in about a year and a half)
* Learned that my favorite drink is a tie between a strawberry margarita from El Sombrero's and Piña Colada's
* Found a new and refreshed love for my family
* Got a sweet tan
* Joined the Todd Beamer Young Life team (I am SUPER excited to jump back in this year!)
* Decided it's time to give in and buy a Mac...

I will try and buckle down and post something soon...

Woah...

2008-05-22T17:33:00.000-07:00

I am headed to Malibu this weekend for Discipleship. I am SO excited and didn't expect to be able to go. But alas the Lord must want me there for a certain reason...

I will post when I return and I PROMISE that I will do a virtual tour of my new house!

Hit and Fly...

2008-05-17T17:21:00.000-07:00

I was walking to the leasing office at work on Friday and I am taking my sweet time because it is SO darn hot outside. I take one step and another and all of a sudden I felt something SMACK the back of my head.

I stopped and looked around. A crow is flying away. Really? Are you kidding...?

Yes you guessed it a crow flew into the back of my head and kept on going. I wish that someone had caught it on tape because I would have loved to see that in slow motion. I could barely contain myself and by the time I arrived at the office everyone thought I was nuts.

The CRAZIEST things happen here at Shorewood Heights...or is it that they just happen to me?

Juno...

2008-05-08T10:49:00.000-07:00

Geez Banana Shut your freakin' gob...

Sorry I can't help myself I love the movie Juno. I think everyone should see this movie at least once in their life. I probably watch it enough for most of the western hemisphere.

So last night...Jac and I tried to watch it and couldn't because her TV ate my Juno DVD...

I just bought the legit copy on Tuesday night! I am SO mad.

I hate modern technology sometimes.

GREAT is Thy Faithfulness

2008-05-07T17:46:00.000-07:00

The last few weeks have been like a roller coaster to say the least but I am trusting that God is in complete control of my life. I am thankful that I have such a solid rock to stand on. I know that I can't be perfect but as long as God is numero uno in my life...all will be brought to His glory.

I have a hymn that is brought to mind. It is one I used to sing with my mom night after night when things were rough...

Great is Thy faithfulness, O God my Father;
There is no shadow of turning with Thee;
Thou changest not, Thy compassions, they fail not;
As Thou hast been, Thou forever will be.

Refrain

Great is Thy faithfulness!
Great is Thy faithfulness!
Morning by morning new mercies I see.
All I have needed Thy hand hath provided;
Great is Thy faithfulness, Lord, unto me!

Summer and winter and springtime and harvest,
Sun, moon and stars in their courses above
Join with all nature in manifold witness
To Thy great faithfulness, mercy and love.

Refrain

Pardon for sin and a peace that endureth
Thine own dear presence to cheer and to guide;
Strength for today and bright hope for tomorrow,
Blessings all mine, with ten thousand beside!

Refrain

p.s. God is SO good.

What is a girl to do?

2008-05-03T10:13:00.001-07:00

So I am here at work...with absolutely nothing to do

I am all alone in the clubhouse and I have cleaned and organized every closet and file cabinet I can find! Our corporate office is moving this weekend after a merger with a smaller management company so we can't process any paperwork.

So what am I doing with all this time you ask...

*Watching You Tube videos

*Eating boxes of Hot Tamales

*Catching up on some Biblestudy

*Twiddling my thumbs

*Doodling

*Craigslisting for things I can't afford

*Watching cable TV on the big screen next to my office

I know it's hard work but someone has to do it!

PTL...

2008-04-28T19:40:00.000-07:00

That's praise the Lord not passion tea lemonade...for all you starbucks folks out there.

Anywho...My roomate Jaclyn got her car back! WOOHOO...it's totally a fluke kind of thing but she is so excited about it. And the new club that she has to put on everytime she gets in and out of her car.

Here's the story...

Whoever stole her car parked it in a stall at an apartment complex and the person who was paying for the parking stall was very frustrated that he couldn't park there. So he opened the unlock door and looked for something to contact the owner. He found an opened cingular bill with her number on it. He left her a message asking her to not park there or he was going to tow her car.

Sadly her phone had died and she had NO idea that she had a missed call or voicemail. Luckily she got the message after charging it. She replied to the voicemail and headed out to go find her car. But when she got there and tried to start it...it wouldn't turn over (which means nothing to me other than the car isn't working. My dad has tried to explain what it takes to "turn it over" and I got lost the moment he started using his hands to demonstrate how it works.)

The police officer looked under the hood and found everything was there. So he sat in the driver's seat to get a better idea of what could be wrong. He tried to turn the lights on and figured out that the battery was just dead. So he gave her a jump (as in the car) and off she drive all the way back to our little house!

Wow...what a weekend! And the most amazing part is EVERYTHING was in her car except for the stuff in the backseat was in the trunk and vice versa. Weird huh?

Welcome back Jane Honda!

Just call me Grace...

2008-04-26T08:56:00.000-07:00

So I am walking upstairs at work to the fitness center to make sure everything is intact before I head home. I found one of the blinds wasn't working and tried to fix it. After about 2 minutes of wrestling (not literally) with these blinds I decided to walk away and fix it later. So I turn to walk out of the room and when I took my first step I tripped over the cord from the treadmill. I didn't even see it.

I fell flat on my face! I am sure it was pretty entertaining for the 2 gentlemen working out. I hit the floor with an "umpfff." The greatest part was that I was laughing so hard at myself that I could barely get off the floor. One of the guys looked at me and asked, "Are you going to be ok?" I replied with a, "Yes and the entertainment was free of charge."

The kicker is that this is all on camera! I just need to find it...

The town is officially red

2008-04-24T13:15:00.000-07:00

So my roomate Jaclyn and I went out on Saturday night. Being 21 and all we really wanted to sit in the bar...but we got to the Ram and nothing was open. So we sat down at a normal table.

We opened the drink menu as our waitress walks up to take our order.

After we order our alcholic beverages she asks for our ID's. She takes a good long look at them and declares, "You guys are like 4 days apart...are you guys like sisters?"

ARE YOU SERIOUS? Our mother would have been in labor for like 5 days?!

When she walked away we could not help it...we started to giggle and then it burst into a full on belly laugh. She had to have walked away and thought, "I am such a nerd!"

Are you kidding me?

2008-04-23T16:52:00.001-07:00

So today I am at my desk and I am scratching an itch on my neck...

Next thing I know my necklace breaks in half!

It didn't even break in a place that is fixable...

OH MY WORD...you have got to be kidding me! Doesn't that just make you so mad. I am sure as you are reading this you have steam coming out your ears...

Now I know this looks really expensive...because it is

Mine was from claires...

My New Job...

2008-04-19T18:07:00.000-07:00

I started my new job 3 days ago and haven't had a moment to post (still don't have internet)

I love it. I get to do some busy work talk to people who live in the complex.

I will report more later...have to get back to work!

Sorry for the delay and non-excitement in posts

Attn:all ladies over 21!

2008-04-07T12:51:00.000-07:00

My 21st birthday is this Thursday and I am going to dinner and a movie. I don't know where I want to go to dinner but I do know we will be heading up to Seattle around 6:00.

After dinner we will be headed to The Big Picture to watch The Bank Job. It starts at 8:30.

If you would like to join me for one or the other or both just let me know...all the ladies (who are 21 and over) are welcome to come! Either post it on a comment AND/OR call me! I just want to get a head count for dinner and such.

BUT this isn't a "party" (I don't like birthday parties I am lame I know) it just happens to be my birthday and I want to go out...so there!

This would be SO cool...minus the part where it says Luke and the part where I don't even like cake...(again I know I am lame and no fun but we can pretend!)

Brain Fart...

2008-04-03T12:15:00.000-07:00

I just want to let you all know I have taken pictures and such but I can't post them because I don't have internet...

I didn't even think about that! HA anyways I will have to go to my parents house to figure that out. Sorry about those who haven't seen it and are waiting. I PROMISE that I will post pictures as SOON as I possibly can!

Oh and the first night it took me forever and a day to get to sleep. I kept hearing weird noises and I have an old school clock that I am not used to hearing go tick tock through the night. But once I got to sleep I was fine. (In case you were wondering...)

I promise it's not April fools...

2008-04-01T11:41:00.000-07:00

I am such a big girl now...

In the next 2 weeks I will be

Moving out

Turning 21

Getting a new job

I am super excited and am ready for the challenges that are coming at me.

I move out today. Although everything is in the house except for me...I am looking forward to staying there tonight. I will post pictures as soon as I get home tonight (I will let you know once we get settled and decide on a date for our housewarming party...)

I am turning 21 on the 10th and can't wait to spend the evening out with family and friends...(by the way if you are 21 and older you are welcome to come...we are going to a theater in Seattle where you can drink and enjoy a flick. Just let me know so we can plan carpool etc...)

I am getting a new job. I will be working for Riverstone. They are a third party management company for apartment homes and condos. I will be working on Mercer Island (I will be carpooling with a friend and it's only 30-35 minutes so it's not that bad!) My title is a concierge. I am in charge of accepting packages for the residents, showing and booking a few furnished apartments, and event planning. That is my favorite part...I get a budget every month to put together whatever I see fit for the residents to create a community throughout the complex.

I am so excited to begin this new chapter of my life and I am looking forward to sharing it with all my faithful readers!

I promise I will get pictures of the house on here ASAP!

Kids...

2008-03-19T13:44:00.000-07:00

Kids really do say the darnest things...and they repeat everything you say!

Here are some of those "things" that I hear from the backseat of the car or from across the playroom:

* "Let's go boys"...although it's just me in the car, I am not a boy, and there is only one of me...Luke likes to say this because I say it when I have Luke and Timmy (apparently I say it more often than I realize)

* "Boo Ya"...this is what Timmy says when he makes a basket. It is SO darn cute

* "Hoop it"...this is code for "put the basketball in the hoop"

* "I'm busy"...Luke thinks that he can get away with "building with Bob" instead of trying to go potty on the "Big T"

* "Donut Cookie"...this is code for "Alicia draw a cookie and a glass of milk with a swirly straw so I can pretend to cook it"

* When I ask, "Where are you going Luke?"...he replies, "Costco" or "Starbucks"...what a savvy kid

Only a few more weeks...

2008-03-15T20:12:00.000-07:00

I am so excited to move into my new house... I promise I will have pictures soon but until then here are some of the things that I have purchased from Ikea...

"big girl pants"

2008-03-06T09:35:00.001-08:00

So I am happy to report that Jaclyn and I will be moving into the house on Star Lake on April 1st.

Seriously it's not quite hit me that I won't be living with my parents anymore, but at the same time I am excited to "grow up" and experience life on my own.

The house is absolutely perfect for us...it has two bedrooms, one bathroom, a huge living room, an office with a wall to wall built in bookshelf, and a very cute kitchen. Everything is brand new (the previous tenants were drug dealers that also used part of the house to grow marajuana)...pretty much when we came along the very cute (and christian) family was thrilled to have us move in.

We still need some furniture so if anyone has suggestions or some free stuff...send it our way!

We need:

Couch

Loveseat/big comfy chair

Small table and chairs

We are trying to get some of this stuff on craigslist but people must not think we are serious because they keep selling it to other people when we are planning to pick it up...talk about frustrating! Anyways if anyone has any ideas or just wants to help us move in or just see our new place let me know and we can try to plan a time to check it out!

Oh Howard...

2008-02-27T13:19:00.001-08:00

Our committment to absolute excellence...

Perfect shot

Pefect Milk

Perfect cup of coffee

Leaving a lasting impression on your heart and a smile on your face

Most of you know I work part time for Starbucks. Well, last night we had a retraining meeting. It was 3 hours long and when I walked in the door I was ready to leave...although in the end it was a great meeting we have changed a lot of things at good old Starbies.

During the meeting we talked about what Starbucks has meant to people over the years. We got to hear stories and experiences from other people in our own store and corporate wide. Howard made some videos and talked to us (as in all of the United States partners) about getting back to where we started.

We have changed so many things (for the better.) As a company Starbucks has shelled out a lot of money for this "retraining" and people still think that it's Howard's new marketing scheme. He closed EVERY store for 3 hours...most of which didn't reopen after the meeting was done...and he paid ALL of the partners to be there. Think of how much money was not made from a retail standpoint. I will tell you Howard isn't thinking of anything but doing the best for the company and it's customers.

I am excited for the change and the opportunity to grow as a company. I am glad to say that I am part of some MAJOR Starbucks history. And if you notice that we are "slower" with getting you through the line be reassured that we are committing to excellence with every drink, every person, every time...we want to be the best part of your day!

Like Howard always says, "We are not in the coffee business but the people business”

Stop by your local Starbucks and make a point to get to know the baristas behind the counter...they want to get to know the real you!

This was kinda funny...

This one's for you Jess...

Blegh...

2008-02-26T23:02:00.000-08:00

I'm sick.

The end.

Some more bad news...

2008-02-14T00:05:00.001-08:00

I heard from a friend my friend Wendy, we met while attending classes at Highline Community College, that her mom died on Tuesday. Wendy's mom got the flu on Friday causing her to become dehydrated. That led to a heart attack in which her muscle released proteins that clogged her kidneys and liver. She was put on a ventilator and dialysis.

That sent her into a coma and they pronounced her brain dead on Tuesday morning and Wendy and her family decided to let her go peacefully on Tuesday afternoon.

Again there are mixed emotions when processing through these tragedies...it's too close to him. Again all we can do is keep these families in our prayers. Thanks for putting your prayer warrior "hats' on and bringing these families to the Lord.

Tragedy...

2008-02-13T23:56:00.000-08:00

A few weeks ago my best friend Jaclyn got news that an old friend (who is the same age as we are) got into a horrible car accident and wasn't expected to live. Whitney (the girl that got into the accident) was the only one of the several people in the accident that was injured.

She had a broken pelvis, shattered skull, broken eyesocket, collapsed lung, damaged spleen, missing finger, glass in her face, and that is just the beginning. She was in a coma and the doctors decided to keep her there so that she would be in less pain for all the surgeries they were about to perform on her.

A few days ago she was expected to recover 100%. Things were hopeful for Whitney and her family. Until she got a staff infection. Whitney took a turn for the worse and I found out today from Jaclyn that she went home to be with Jesus.

This brings so many mixed feelings...it's too close to home and I know that their family needs prayer. That is the best thing to do in light of what we know about prayer...it's so powerful.

Holla for Jebus...

2008-02-13T17:32:00.000-08:00

This is what I saw at Redondo on my way home...I took a few pictures while driving (it's ok I am an awesome driver and no one was harmed) and this sunset was so amazing when I got down to the boardwalk that I parked and took a picture!

Seriously God is so good...

Monday Madness...

2008-02-12T01:29:00.001-08:00

Today was just a normal Monday. I had to watch Luke and his little friend Timmy.

Remember that Luke is barely 2 and Timmy turns two this next week...

Today's list of things I had to take care of...

*4 poopy diapers (the kind that aren't so pretty)
*1 poopy pair of undies
*1 "accident" on the carpet because we couldn't run to the "big T" fast enough
*1 load of dishes in and out of the dishwasher
*3 loads of laundry in and out of the washer and dryer (and folded while 2 little squirts kept stealing the already folded laundry and tossing it in the air as if it would fold itself back up again...at least they thought they were helping)
*1 lunch rush with 2 hungry hungry boys who seem to shovel food in their mouth when you turn your back
*2 naps for 2 boys who need 3 stories each and a song or two thrown in...
*1 real good sweeping of the kitchen
*1 trip to the grocery store (while the boss is working at home) without the crazy kidders...
*2 snacks after playing hard outside for an hour or two
*1 awesome quiet time with boys sleeping at the same time!
* 1 peaceful ride home where I can breath and not worry that someone is choking on a marble in the backseat...

A weekend to remember...

2008-02-09T01:48:00.000-08:00

So I was supposed to go to Snoqualmie to do program for a Young Life Ski weekend but the pass was closed...talk about sad. I have been preparing for this for about the last month and I have these awesome costumes and characters and no audience. TRAGIC. So instead I will take the weekend and enjoy the time off of work. I plan on spending my time at home and with my peeps watching Dexter...

I was running...

2008-02-03T00:24:00.000-08:00

So in the last month or so I have picked up the habit of running...I used to run every once in a while and during high school I was involved in Cross Country. Anyways now that you don't care about the activites I did in HS...I really like running. So today I decided to run my usual route from my house to Redondo and back.

I usually don't see anything crazy or blog worthy but today was TOTALLY different. So I am minding my own business when I hear something caw. It seemed to be too loud for just a bird but then over the crest of the hill I see about 6 crows perched over someone's driveway. Assuming that they all were "cawing" at the same time I ignored my prior thought that some person made that hidious noise.

Oh was I wrong...I get closer and closer and finally get over the hill and this man is ripping up some food that looked like bark and not appetizing AT ALL and was throwing it on his driveway. I am sure that I looked at him like he was from Mars...but then he started to caw at these crows that were sitting on the telephone wires above his driveway. For real? Yeah no joke it was like he was having a conversation with the birds.

I felt like at any moment Ashton Kutcher or perhaps Alfred Hitchcock were going to come around the corner and yell out, "SYKE!"

After he sensed that another human being was staring at him in disbelief he stopped and looked at me like he was a deer in headlights. I made a half smile as if to say, "Hey I won't tell anyone." Which is code for I am totally blogging this when I get home you weirdo!

I felt sorta bad for the guy but then I realized if you are going to set yourself up like that...you HAVE to be ready to take the hit for being goober...

Redondo Photo Shoot...

2008-01-23T20:02:00.001-08:00

My friend Samantha and I went to Redondo and took some fun pictures...

I hope you enjoyed it as much as we did...

Are you serious?

2008-01-10T18:38:00.000-08:00

I was looking through some pictures and found these...

I got this in the mail a while ago...why in the world would anyone feel the need to send this to me...

This box included a guide to using camel products, a coupon book and a pretty pink lighter with some ghetto rhinestones on it. Lucky me...

Too bad I threw it out...

Christmas time is here...and gone

2007-12-26T14:18:00.000-08:00

I have been busy and a little lazy with updates...but in my defense nothing has been "blog worthy." Anyways I wanted to let you all know what I got for Christmas this year....

I will try to be better about updates etc. in the new year!

Til then...

An absolutely glorious Tuesday

2007-12-05T13:20:00.000-08:00

Tuesday is essentially my only real day off. So I like to sleep in and lounge around the house. So yesterday I did just that...slept in until about 11:00 am. After I woke up I had to use the ladies room. So I preceeded to walk into the hallway when all of a sudden our house alarm went off.

Pause here and let me explain to you how abnoxious this alarm real is...you might recall the noise that Jim Carrey makes in the well known flick "Dumb and Dumber". He calls it the "most annoying sound in the world" and yes it is just that. Ok so you have that sound in your head...multiply that by oh say a trillion and you have the noise that was completely surrounding me on this lovely Tuesday morning.

So it takes me about 5 seconds to figure out what the heck is going on and about 2 seconds to dash to the alarm pad and turn the dumb thing off. After which I am shaking like a leaf from sheer terror.

The security company called and made sure everything was ok and the guy on the phone didn't think it was funny that someone left the alarm on with someone in the house...I thought it was (well after my heart wasn't beating out of my chest) I am just glad that I didn't go "potty" (as Luke says) in the hallway.

Oh and on a lighter note Jess and I went to a kickboxing class last night and it was awesome!
Except that it kicked our butts instead of us kicking boxes...

Are you serious?

2007-12-01T09:43:00.000-08:00

Ok I just got done working at Starbucks...lets just get one thing straight

Be nice to the Baristas when you go through the drive thru. Just because you are too lazy to get out of your car and use your legs. I have just a teency bit of understanding for those with children in the car. But everyone else...it's probably faster to go inside anyways.

We DTO's (aka the people who try to take your order) have SO much to do. So it is imperitive that you know what you want and would it be too much to ask that you order slowly so the new people can put the right drink and modifiers into the computer. Oh and when they repeat the order back to you actually listen just so we didn't get anything wrong.

And if we do get something wrong I personally am sorry that we messed up. But getting angry only makes those with the aprons on frustrated. It slows things down and the people behind you get frustrated at us...

So what I am trying to say is that if you don't have "time" to sit in the line or don't appreciate the people who serve you the much needed "caffeine" fix...then don't bother coming in until you change your attitude. Oh and I am sorry if I have offended anyone I am just tired of the jerks that come through the drive thru on their cell phone and don't give us the time of day.

Driving Miss Daisy

2007-11-18T23:00:00.000-08:00

So in the last few days I have seen some pretty funny stuff while driving around town.

The other day I was coming home from Starbucks and was so tired that I don't remember ANYTHING from the drive home except for this lady behind me. I thought she was having convulsions but no no no she was just "feelin' " whatever song was on the radio. I could not stop laughing. I am sure that people were looking at me like I was just as much of a loser as the chick driving behind me. But seriously it was SO SO funny.

Tonight I had to go to Fred Meyer to pick up groceries to make my salad for the Young Life Turkey Day dinner (and thanks to the awesome salad dressing idea I got from Peggy Camp...thanks by the way...I will have the best and maybe only salad in the joint). On the way home I was driving behind this guy that had a 30 inch flat screen with a S-N-Double O-P D-O-Double G video complete with dancing girls. It took me about a half mile of trying to catch up to this yahoo to figure out what was playing. It was totally distracting. Just like that huge flashing billboard on I-5...I hate that thing. I almost didn't stop at the light when the car kept going.

So if you ever drive past me and I look like a goober or you are distracted by something in my car (or just my good looks)...know that you should call me and tell me to stop perplexing your driving skills.

Not spring cleaning...

2007-11-18T14:57:00.000-08:00

Last night I cleaned my room...

Have you ever seen the show Clean Sweep on TLC? That is exactly what I did but it took me all night and there were no tarps involved. I am glad to say I feel better about the reduced clutter in the cracks and crevices around the one room in the house I can call my own.

I wasn't the only one in the house rearranging and fixing up my room. Jess and Todd brought Hailey over last night and they helped my parents "Trade Spaces". Only they swapped the living room, dining room, and family room around. It was a little hectic around here last night but it was fun to be with my family, sweaty and irritated as they were...

I am not gunna lie this morning when I walked into the "family room", that now has our dining room table in it, I forgot where I was for a second. It will be quite the change but I think it will house our ever-growing family perfectly.

Night on the town

2007-11-13T21:29:00.000-08:00

I tried to download some more of the pictures I took in Cabo but the thing was working. So instead I will tell you about my night in Seattle.

My friends Stacy and David and I went to Jet City Improv. It was so much fun. First off I had to drive...I don't enjoy driving in Seattle AT ALL...anywhere else I am fine. I actually prefer to be the one driving (because I know that if I die it's probably my fault...). So we get there no problem but we can't find a parking spot. Well let me rephrase that...I couldn't find a parking spot that didn't require me to parallel park.

Let's take a walk down memory lane. I remember the 3 point turn or whatever it's called. I also remember when I failed that part of my driving test. So you can guess that on Saturday night I had NO desire to park anywhere but a normal parking lot. So being the great friend that he is, David parked my car for me. I don't know what I would have done without him (probably hit someones car or a curb).

Since we left an hour and a half before the doors open and got there with about 45 minutes until the show. (I have a lead foot...what are ya gunna do about it?) David is starving and the only restaurant we could find was only taking reservations. So we ended up going to a mini-mart/spice/Arabian movie store. Seriously...you walk in and your nose hair's catch on fire. Your eyes are bombarded with VHS movie's in a language that doesn't relate one bit to English. We got in and got out but not without the aftertaste of paprika on your tongue.

The show was hilarious but what was more entertaining was the lady in front of us that was so drunk. She was laughing when there was an awkward silence, at a joke that wasn't really that funny, and when she broke a plastic cup in pieces because she stepped on it. For real she was absolutely ridiculous. Kind of like the couple behind us that when they asked for suggestions the ONLY thing that EVER came out of their mouth was "Michael Jackson".

Let's get real guys...when someone asks you for a suggestion such as "your parents greatest advice" or "a noun"...is the first thing you can think of really Michael Jackson? It was like the only two words they knew in the English language. And after the first 6 times I had little to NO tolerance for their immaturity.

But besides that it was so much fun and might have to make it there more often...maybe next time you can join me?

CABO...

2007-11-11T22:39:00.000-08:00

Here are some pictures from Cabo...Usually I am pretty good at taking pictures but I never had my camera at the right time. Oh and Jac and I were too lazy to find it.

Luke and I at the airport (remember it's like 4:00 AM)

Jaclyn and I getting on the airplane at the CRACK of dawn

The view from the airplane

The clouds were absolutely amazing!

Jac and I getting off the plane in San Francisco

And this is just on the way there...I have a few more I will post over the next few days. For more pictures you can go here. These are my boss Amy's pictures. Please ignore me in photo's that involve myself and a two piece...I promise to work out before I go to Hawaii next year...ha what am I saying yeah right!

I know I know...

2007-11-07T18:58:00.000-08:00

It has been such a long time since my last post, but in my defense my life since Cabo has been absolutely CRAZY...

So where to begin...

My week in Cabo was absolutely amazing. Minus the part where I come home early and Grandma goes home to be with the Lord while I am on a plane...that was really hard. Nonetheless I had such a great time while I was there. We went snorkeling and saw tons of schools of fish. I saw a baby lion at the villa we stayed at. We went to a place called Todos Santos and it took practically forever to get there but when we finally did Jaclyn and I went to some little shops and tried to bargain with them, we didn't get very far (maybe next time). Jaclyn and I had some time to ourselves and most of the time it was spent by the pool or in the ocean. And the ocean is brutal, I mean those waves eat you up! You think that you are just going for a salty dip but you come out of the ocean with more sand in your swimsuit than Mt. Ranier has snow...

The next week was spent with family and exactly a week after my grandma died we had her memorial. I decided to sing that being one of the hardest decisions of my life. But I sang with a strong voice and knowing how much my grandma would have loved to have heard me sing one last time.

Other than that life has been hectic and has not slowed down one bit...I am still working as a nanny and at starbucks.

Oh and I bought Chris and Christy's Toyota...so if anyone knows someone who needs a car...let me know!

I promise I will update my blog more consistently from now on...Lord knows I got enough grief for it already

Auntie Sheeshe: Episode dos (that's 2 in spanish)

2007-10-10T11:34:00.000-07:00

At 2:13 this morning, when I was fast asleep, my mother poked at me until I opened my eyes. In a flurry she explained to me that Christy was at the hospital and probably going to have baby Camp sometime this morning. Knowing that I was not supposed to go to work until 8:30 I shut my eyes once again in hopes of not waking up until there was more news...7:15 rolled around and I had practically thrown my alarm clock across the room wishing it would push snooze on it's own. I got THE call, baby Camp was on his way. WOOHOO

I called my boss to see if we could switch things around thinking that I would just get the morning off and without any hesitation she let me have the entire day with my family! How awesome is that...

I got the hospital around 8:20 and little man Camp was born at about 7:51 AM. He is a long fella about 20 and 1/2 inches long and weighs about 7 lbs. 15 oz. Oh and fun fact...today is my half birthday! So my little nephew is exactly 20 and 1/2 years younger than I am!

Unfortunately the little man doesn't have a name yet but that is ok I love him even more than I thought that I would. He is absolutely perfect...no funny spots or blemishes...his nose is adorable and his eyes are gorgeous...in my opinion he is going to be a heart breaker in a few years.

Christy is doing well and looks amazing. (like always!) Chris is a natural...watching him give his son a bath was a privilege. They are going to be wonderful parents and I am very excited to see how they do at home with their little guy...

All in all today has been an adventure and it's only noon! God has been so good to our family this year. Oh and to see pictures of my very cute nephew go to the Camps blog...

Passports, one ways streets, and valet parking...

2007-10-02T22:30:00.000-07:00

OK...so I know that I am totally lame and haven't posted anything really good for a REALLY long time. I assure you it's only because this story is absolutely hilarious and is guaranteed to make you piddle your pants. (sorry it's so long)

So I am going to Cabo with the family I nanny for on the 13th of October. I get to go with them and another family who also has a 2 year old little boy. My friend Jaclyn who is a very good friend (probably my best) is also going...mainly because she used to nanny for them and it worked out that way! I swear I have almost the perfect life right now!?

Anyways...I am leaving the country and they just passed this crazy law that to travel across the border you have to have your passport in hand when you leave. So Jaclyn and I needed to get ours and decided why not go together! What an adventure....to say the least. So we have to wait until the 2 week mark before we can make an appointment to apply for our passports which leaves my boss Amy a little worried about purchasing our tickets. (I don't blame her) But nonetheless we get our appointments and head to Seattle having NO idea the adventure that lie ahead.

We have to be in Seattle at 9 am. We decide to leave by 7:30 just to be safe...thank goodness we did because I woke up late, couldn't find my birth certificate, and almost hit someone on the way there. So the extra time we thought we had was put to good use...

We did pretty good until we took the Madison St., James St., and Dearborn St. Exit and accidentally ended up on Dearborn St. (We needed Madison which was WAY farther than we expected) So we drive until we get to this Shell station and I decided to take an illegal left turn into. So Jac goes inside and asks for directions from a delinquent who has no idea what he is talking about and I am outside doing an 80 point turn to turn my car around. So we take another illegal left turn back onto the street we were just on and followed the "directions" that said go straight and you will run into Madison...

Only to find out the street we were on T's a block from the Shell station and Madison is nowhere to be found. Jac decides to ask for directions from an older gentlemen in a convertible stopped next to us. (note that the top was down and he didn't look busy AT ALL) She yells, "Excuse me...(no response) Excuse me...(she was sure by now the people on the street could hear her) Excuse me..." Finally the light turns green and we are dying of laughter.

We still can't find Madison so she decides to ask this other guy when we stopped a few blocks down the road. He was this old guy in a beat up truck who looked like he woke up him from his beauty sleep a few hours too soon (or he was on something). He mumbled that Madison was a few blocks up and you can't miss it. YEAH RIGHT...Madison was not clearly marked anywhere! we had to turn down a few blocks later because of all those stupid one way streets and finally found Madison.

We had to find a parking garage and of course we had to pick the one with complimentary valet parking. So I pull up to get my car parked and the guy tosses a ticket in my window and walks away...Jac and I looked at each other like UH what do we do now? After about a minute we got out and walked away only I walked the wrong direction. So feeling like a total goober I walk past the valet guys again and into the elevator.

The elevator had and A, B, C, D, and 4...First thought...what the heck? how can it go from A, B, C, D to 4?? So we go to each floor and none of them open to a street. Finally someone told us that you have to go onto to 4 and out the building...we could have been there ALL day.

Next mission: to find out which building is the Federal Building (again not clearly marked, signs are a big issue in Seattle or lack thereof). So we decide to ask this guy who was contemplating whether to stop and help us or not. He points to the building across the street and walks away like we are some kind of disease.

We get in and get out with almost no problem...when you exit the Federal Building the little glass doors that you think swing open really slide in and out of the machine they are attached to. Jaclyn found this out the hard way and almost had a nasty spill (which I thought was hilarious because of all the retarded things I had done earlier).

We needed to get coffee before anymore of this day went sour. Bad idea...minus the cute guy in line behind us. So we are waiting for our coffee when out of the back room a SHIM walks out. Yes a SHIM...definitely a man but had long stringy hair, makeup (lots thank goodness), a skirt, and better legs than I may ever have! Oddly enough it started a conversation with the cute guy and we just pretended to look busy.

We got in the car and drove home laughing the ENTIRE way. Jaclyn mentioned that it would be funny if we had accidentally gotten on I-5 North instead of South...I would have screamed if we had seen signs for Bellingham.

Needless to say it was quite an adventure but I got my passport this evening. I am super excited to go to Cabo and yes I will rub in all of your faces until the end of time (jk but seriously)...hopefully something funny will happen while I am there!

Creeper at the window

2007-09-18T10:56:00.000-07:00

So this morning I was excited about working and got up a little early so I wasn't a total grouch on the job. I get to work at about 4:14 AM and all three of the openers walk in together. We laugh and chat and catch up on happenings at the store.

I precede to take to the garbage can and put it back where it goes during the daytime and I look at our camera outside and there is a man standing out there with a LONG BLACK TRENCHCOAT...I froze I didn't know what to do.

I finally choked out the words, "There is a dude...like out there." All of a sudden the two other gals rush over and the guy whips his head around and comes and practically squishes his face against the window of our drive thru. Luckily there was a shade that was down and he couldn't see the terrified looks on our faces (he can only see blobs of people).

So Joyce, our MIC, runs over to the phone and of course we follow after her. She calls the police and they drive around our store for a while. Finally a police car came to our drive thru window to let us know they didn't find anyone but they will be around the corner (last night they were looking for someone around the same area...why do I know this...cause Jaclyn and I followed them).

So in the end we are safe but thank goodness for those police officers or us ladies would have been freaked out all morning long!?

Hopefully he doesn't come back...

Wow...

2007-09-15T18:11:00.001-07:00

I am super sorry for not posting anything in like the last year or so...I have been super busy with my two jobs, church, and of course my friends. Lately I have been paying overages on texting, going to the fair, getting a new hairdo, reading a lot, and enjoying unforgettable moments with friends.

I have some real funny pictures that I will post later til then!

Golf Carts and Anne with an E

2007-08-31T15:51:00.000-07:00

So I had Thursday off and I spent the day at the YL golf tourney. I helped Anne with registration and got to hang with her ALL day long. It was an adventure! We had time when registration was over to drive around the course. We thought that the drive would take all of a half hour. Yeah right...we got lost. So to begin our adventure we looked at the map that is the size of a wheat thin and has one street marking (320th, like I can't figure that out).

We decide to go under the tunnel and we go past a few golfers. We end up in the middle of a neighborhood. So we drive down the street and naturally when we turn the corner Anne tries to switch the blinker on...P.S. there aren't blinkers on golf carts. So after turning around and driving the wrong way about three times (which included passing the same golfers each time)...we decided to call Sean who gave us the wrong directions.

By this time we felt like total idiots and we look like we are stalking Jenny's brothers and their friends. So we hung back and waited behind some golfers. We figured out where to turn and a half hour adventure turned into almost an hour and a half. Anne and I had SO much fun and we had a lot of "important" conversation topics (we talked about boys most of the time). But really I enjoyed getting lost. Although after driving a golf cart for so long and then getting in my car felt really big...

A day in the life of a nanny...

2007-08-27T21:21:00.000-07:00

So let me run though a typical day when I am with Luke...

7:45 am I get in my car and drive to Burien

7:55 am I stop at Starbucks because I am addicted and it's really sad

8:30 am I arrive at the Logan's house to begin the day with Luke

8:35 - 11:30 am We play in the "big room", find bugs, play in the sandbox, watch garbage trucks go by, change a few diapers, draw airplanes with very washable markers

11:30 am We have lunch consisting of tomatoes, string cheese, avacado, PB and J sandwich or chicken nuggets, and some cinnamon cookies to finish up the meal

12:00 - 12:30 pm We play some more and launch some nerf rockets on the deck

12:30 pm We read a few books, sing a song, I swaddle him and zip up his "tent" so he doesn't climb out of his crib and I say goodnight for the next 2 hours

12:30 - 2:30 pm Luke sleeps while I read a book or read my bible or go on the internet or sleep...and eat some lunch myself

2:30 - 4:30 pm We play some more and maybe watch a "moo" (movie), stack dice, find some more bugs, mow the lawn, saw some things, blow some bubbles, and play with some finger puppets

4:30 pm Luke and Amy wave bye to me while I drive away

4:30 - 5:15 pm I get to listen to my music and sing my heart out while sitting in bumper to bumper traffic

I love my new job. Seriously I could not ask for a better family to serve. I can('t) wait to be a mom someday...

P-Town

2007-08-19T11:13:00.000-07:00

So last night I went to Portland to visit some of my friends that I met while I was on Summer Staff. Let me just start with I am so in love with Portland...it's like Seattle but way better!

Anyways I met up with one of my girlfriends Katie Ann and we walked all around P-Town and went to dinner at this awesome hole in the wall place. I ate homemade maccaroni...the BEST I Maccaroni I have ever had! She also gave me a tour of downtown and we went to some really cute boutiques.

Then we met up with some more friends from Summer Staff and had a blast hanging out with them. Finally we went to sleep after a long evening of jam-packed fun. I woke up and started my drive home. About half way home I see this truck pull along my left side and I thought to myself wow that looks a lot like Todd's truck. Oh and they are pulling a boat behind them...didn't Todd and my Dad drive down to California to get a boat? hmmm.

It sped past me and I look on the back of the truck and sure enough there was a Young Life sticker on the back window...I called my dad and told him to look in the mirror. They had NO idea that I was behind them. Shows how much they pay attention!

I am back at home and sad to leave my friends but I am looking forward to my next visit down there!

skater girl...

2007-08-17T14:04:00.000-07:00

I learned how to longboard at Alki last night and let me tell you I had so much fun it's not even funny! ok so it was probably funny to watch me learn...

I can't wait to longboard some more!

Don't cry over spilt milk...

2007-08-14T20:53:00.000-07:00

So I was "hard" at work at Starbucks today when I got asked to make up a Joe-to-go. It's a cardboard box with coffee and you also get condiments included in the price. So anyways two gentlemen came in and ordered one for a retreat they were attending. I started to box everything up and wanted to make sure they had everything before they left.

One thing led to another and I had forgotten to give them their cream. I saw a cup on the counter and decided that I would use that cup for the cream. Not knowing there was almost an inch of cream already in the cup, I tossed it in the air (trying to look cool...or so I thought).

In mid air ALL of the cream spilled out of the cup and ended in a splatter along my hair, face, chest, shirt, apron, pants, and the mat on the floor where I stood speechless at what I had just done. I could not help but start laughing hysterically...

Needless to say I was a total clutz all day long and that was just the cherry on top.

Well until the next adventure...

Change...

2007-08-08T12:31:00.000-07:00

With every season comes change and this season there happens to be a lot of it!

Today I turned in my management keys and am now a lowly barista at sbux. I start my nanny job on Friday.

I just got back from Wildhorse Canyon and it was an amazing week. God did some work in me and I made some desicions about this next year and what that looks like. I hope to begin work at a property next summer. I am still praying through what that looks like and also if that is where God wants me. So any additional prayer and support would be appreciated.

I am super excited for the change and what God has in store and I am always reassured when I read Joshua 1:9b "Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the Lord your God is with you WHEREVER you go."

Luke

2007-07-29T14:49:00.000-07:00

I got a new job. I am a nanny for a little boy named Luke. He will be 2 years old in September. I am demoting myself at Starbucks to a Barista and will work partime to keep my benefits. Luke is so fun and I am looking forward to a change of pace (as in a running to catch my breath pace). I start my new job when I get back from Wildhorse. I am sure I will have lots of stories to tell!

Here are some pictures of the little rascal:

MySpace

2007-07-22T00:01:00.000-07:00

So after about a few years of being faithful to my myspace account I have deleted it. Why you ask? Well it's a long story and a wee bit complicated. So after about 5 minutes of deliberation I decided to end my myspace days and turn over to Facebook. Which is turning out to be fantastic. You should join really?

Ok so this sounds like I just switched cults...but really it's not.

In the last few days a lot has happened:

I got a new job as a nanny 3 days a week

I demoted myself at work and might change locations

I am loving life and what God is doing in my life

I am going to record a CD and send it to a famous person to check it out

I am going back to WHC for a week with my Wyldlife girls

So other than that life is normal and I am super excited to see what else God has for me!

The drive in

2007-07-14T17:59:00.000-07:00

I went to the drive in last night.

It was tons of fun.

I am going to go again soon.

You should come with me

The end.

(Imagine 7 people cramped in this SMALL area)

Home Alone

2007-07-13T00:55:00.001-07:00

I have been at home alone for almost a week now and I must say going from living with almost 150 people in one lodge to your house all by your lonesome is very awkward...

I must say I don't like it (living by myself)...kinda like I don't like the bottom parts of muffins...

bleghh.

Guess who's back back again...

2007-07-10T15:26:00.000-07:00

I am back and wishing I was still at Wildhorse...

I had the time of my life and I owe it all...oh sorry I got caught up in the song. Seriously I cannot even explain to y'all how much fun I had. I would be typing for days...well mostly because I tell stories in real time like Jess. If you have any questions or want to hear about my time I would love to have coffee (mostly because I haven't had any coffee in 3 weeks)

So not driving for almost a month is weird. And today when I was driving home I got stuck behind an extremely ghetto RV taco stand. It made my car smell like the bowling alley...the end.

Goin' WILD for Wildhorse

2007-06-12T13:10:00.000-07:00

I am SO excited! I just got a call from Wildhorse Staff and they asked me to work in the kitchen for first session at camp! WOOHOO...I was a little worried about it because I was the first person on the wait list. And it was looking grimm...but alas the Lord is good and he provided a spot for me to go! Granted I had already taken the almost 3 and a half weeks off from work and yesterday I was sweatin it a tiny bit!

I can't wait to go and serve! Oh and my uncle is giving me his guitar and I can take it with me!! How wonderful God is I get to go to camp and I get a guitar of my own all in the 24 hours!

Well this will be my last post until I get home on the 6th of July...Although I will be calling my family and they might post some updates for me...

Until then!

Driving Miss Daisy

2007-06-08T12:22:00.000-07:00

So I know it hasn't been a week but I can't wait to share my experience with my neighbor boy and his friends. He is in 4th grade and needed a ride to his end of the year concert...since I wasn't doing anything I volunteered myself.

I got to their house and told him and his friend to hop in the backseat and that we would be there in a flash...on the contrary!

After learning that we needed to pick up his other friend my patience was growing weary and both boys promised that they knew EXACTLY where his house was...So I, being the dummy that I am, believed them. So we begin our journey and after a few shouts from the backseat such as "there turn there" as we pass the street and a conversation just below a whisper consisting of "is that it?...No I think that is it...No the one with the yellow truck...Yeah the yellow truck" And you guessed it we stopped at the first house we saw with a yellow truck and proceeded to knock on their door because these two 4th grade boys said it was.

After a few knocks we realized that it was the wrong house. We drove until we saw the next house with a yellow truck...luckily it was and we went off to Nautilus my alma mader(sp). It was a great performance and I know that I have some embarrassing moments for Tate when he gets a girlfriend!

Its always embarrassing when you sing about guacamole...

weekly update...

2007-06-06T22:18:00.001-07:00

So I have decided that I will blog once or maybe twice a week...cause I can barely remember to take pills for allergies at night let alone update my blog so I will try this and see how it goes.

So this week I have been trying out my bluetooth...I have the kind that is ginormous compared to my petite ear and every time that I even wiggle my ear it falls off...here are a few options so it can work according to its purpose:

* I can duct tape it to the side of my face

* I can use packing tape and stick it to the side of my face

* I can superglue it to the side of my face

* I can attatch my bluetooth to a headband and wear the headband and it won't move!

* Or I can ignore the stupid law completely and rebel like most of Federal Way

(I know I know it lights up...I am totally high tech and everything)

I saw THE cutest thing today while driving on 320th...a mama duck and her ducklings were crossing the street and people were swirving to not hit them and speeding up to go around all the traffic they caused and when they saw how precious they were they slammed on their brakes...

It was so cute...the littlest one was waddling in last place in line and while in the suicide lane it tripped and waddled real real fast to catch up with the rest of them...I looked in the car next to me and it was like everyone was mesmerized by these things (including me...)

We have had some funny customers in the past week...but I will tell more stories later!

My dream mall

2007-06-03T22:57:00.000-07:00

Christy blog tagged me a while ago I am totally lame cause I have been crazy busy but here goes

so you can 6 stores and 2 restaurants (one fast food and one sit down)

I am definitely loving cheesecake factory

For fast food I would have to go with Wendy's (their $1 menu is to die for...)

So I have to admit that I love to shop...so there are lots of decisions...

Target because I shop there probably two or three times a month

Nordstrom

Aeropostale

American Eagle

Guitar Center

Gap Outlet

Wow that was actually kinda hard...there was a few stores that didn't make the cut but were pretty close!

well until next time...

411...

2007-05-21T13:51:00.000-07:00

411 means info or information...(that is only for you people in the older generations that might not be up to date on us youngsters new lingo)

anyways...In reference to my blog about Jimi Hendrix, I do know that he is dead but I also know that in a little while I will be playing the guitar so well that I might just knock his socks off...

Oh and another little tid bit from my weekend. I went to church and it was AMAZING. After that there was a baby shower for a gal at church and then we had a youth group leaders and parents meeting which was also very encouraging.

Stacy and Paige along with myself decided to watch a movie at my house. I had DVRed (which for you old folks means I recorded it) Sweet Home Alabama and it seemed like a perfect opportunity to watch it. During the evening we sort of (meaning pretty much only me) pigged out on chocolate and popcorn.

So, not realizing that I was being an absolute fruitcake, I was mocking Paige while sitting in my mom's rocking recliner and I was flailing my arms and legs when I flipped the chair all the way back. (I can recall the same moment a few years back when mother did the SAME exact thing which was way funnier than this incident.) I couldn't help but laugh hysterically at myself at which point I almost chocked on the piece of dove chocolate I had shoved in my mouth just moments before this tragic event took place...

So needless to say I will not be sitting in that retched chair anytime soon and I will certainly not be eating chocolate while laughing...bad combo.

There will be another break with the posts seeing as I am headed to Malibu Canada for the first time EVER...I am serving for the Discipleship weekend and will be busy getting ready and will be back late Monday night...

Until then...

No more TV...

2007-05-20T22:07:00.000-07:00

So this weekend was eventful...

I was trying to be helpful by doing yardwork at the Young Life house so I was given the task of whacking a bamboo plant of some sort. So Chris gave me this weird tool that looked like a chainsaw for a pansy.

So I was going about my bamboo cutting business when Todd walks by and yells (let me remind you that I can't hear much of anything because of the chainsaw thingy) watch out for the wire...

Pause: I have no idea what he said I could just see his lips moving and his eyes get real big and not that I really listen to him anyways...

I turned the thingy off and looked at Todd and he was shaking his head. I had no idea that I had just cut the TV cable that went from the ground to the roof...and not only did I chop it half but I chopped it in three peices.

I kinda went a little crazy with the power tools...I don't think they will be asking for anymore of my help anytime soon.