Hey everybody! I hope all is going well today. It is drizzling outside right now. I do hear a little thunder, so I will try not to post too long. Dad does'n tlike us being on the internet when there is a thunderstorm.
There is a scripture in the Bible that goes: 'No temptation has over taken you, except such as is common to man. But God is faithful, he will not give you beyond what you are able, yet he will make a way of escape, so that you may be able to bear it." (I know I somewhat paraphrased, but you understand the meaning.) Well, the point of why I wrote the verse was that yesterday, I really saw that in action.
I know it sounds weird, but it really helped with my dealing with not going to the Christian concert I mentioned. You see, I understood why I couldn't, and shouldn't, go, but I would be lying if I said I didn't struggle with that. I soooo wanted to go. It was something that I was looking forward to when I first heard about it. The group that was singing was one of my favorites, I would see some of my friends, and witness some cool fireworks. Ok, I think you get my meaning. Yet, there is the scripture: "Honor your father and mother, for this is the first commandment with a promise."
So, yesterday was that concert, but amazingly, I didn't struggle as much as I could have. God, in his amazing love, gave me another outlet to enjoy some friends. I did wind up going swimming with the Sterlings, and Brianne came with us. I had so much fun. We swam for about five hours, and just had a great time. I hung out with Hannah and Brianne, and also talked with Grace, and watched Lydia and Faith while they played in the shallow end. All that to say, I didn't think about my disappointment. In fact, the concert never entered my mind until we were heading home and the guy on the radio was going on about it. Then, I felt a twang, but realized that I wouldn't make it anyway, and I wanted to see my dad. I wound up going home, since Dad did work a little late, and just watched some Westerns, which I like.
So, I know this mind sound ridiculous to you, but it was just a way I saw God this week. It wasn't a temptation, but God DID create a way of excape, so that I might bear my disappointment. Most importantly, though, God was faithful to me and got me through that difficult issue. How thankful I am for that, and for Him. He truly is a loving God.
Why don't you look and try to find God in a way similiar to that this week? He won't let you down; He will carry you through all the storms of life that we go through. Mine was a result of my family's and mine stand on modesty and separateness from the world. Yours might be different, but the result will ultimately be the same. You will see God high and lifted up, I am positive!!

Greetings and salutations from Idaho where the temperature is 105 degrees outside. Whew!!!! Today was our running around day, and as the car doesn't have air conditioning, it was a bit difficult. Garrett and I got right home and washed Mom's car. ( and ourselves too!) That was refreshing. Tomorrow, we intend to go swimming somewhere with the Sterlings. That will be fun. However, the last time I went in some "funny" water, I got leeches on me. Gross!!!!!! I definitely don't want that again.
I am not sure what has happened of excitement this past week. Oh, yeah I do. Does anyone know what to do with jelly that didn't jell? Use it as ice cream topping. It is yummy. Mrs. Best gave Mom the idea, and it was sooo good. Unfortunately, they couldn't have any with us, but the Lavourantes did. The liked it too. ..I think.
People are interesting characters. Yesterday we received in the mail something we had ordered, and it was pirated. I really have no desire to watch a movie that is in Japanese and has Japanese subtitles on the bottom of the screen. I was upset with the sender at first. I will give her the benefit of the doubt, that she didn't know, but still. Isn't it sad that people would even consider that in the first place? We live in a messed up world. I would never think about deceiving someone with anything.
The harvest is going well. I think we are making jam again tonight. The raspberries are ripe, and the apricots are getting there. The Lord was truly the Lord of this harvest. I wish, though, that the apples and peaches didn't have something worng with them. Hopefully, Dad can get the problem under control. Those are two of my favorite fruits. I used to not like cherries, but they are growing on me. Rhubarb is good, and apricots (dried) are ok, but I DO NOT like plums and/or prunes. Yucky!!!! I don't know wht I don't like them. Maybe it's their texture, or perhaps it's something else. I won't complain, or at least, I will try not to. The Lord put them on this earth for a reason.
My book is soooooo good. I can hardly put it down. I think Mom is going to let me read two or three at a time, but that's it. She said that when she read the series, she was engrossed as I was. Dad still enjoys it; I get him a book in that series, or another one by the same author, every Christmas, birthday, and Father's Day. He doesn't seem to mind. (It's not always those two; it's some form of book;)
I had better close. I need to go help with dinner, and then, cherries await. Bye!

It is Friday night. Mom is doing the dishes, I am posting, (that's obvious,) and Garrett, Dad, and two of Garrett's friends are watching a movie. I decided to take some time, since I have some, and do what I love to do. Well, maybe I wouldn't go that far, but I really do enjoy posting. It enables me to connect with other people.
I have had somewhat of a rough week this week with some various disappointments. The first was that Mom decided it best for me not to go to the Christian concert next Wednesday. I was upset at first; I had been looking forward to it for many weeks. Yet, as we talked about it, and I prayed about it, I realized that Mom always has my best interest at heart. Last year I went to the concert, and it was a difficult time for me. There was too much of the boyfriend/girlfriend stuff going around, I saw friends that had conformed to the world, and I just struggled with the fact that, though I was at a Christian concert, you couldn't tell that. It was exactly like the world. So, this was why Mom did not want me to go.
The second disappointment was about the Vision Forum essay contest. I found out the results today. As I figured, I didn't place, but it still upset me. I really had felt that I had written a good essay. Obviously, the judges didn't think so. I felt the loss deeply. Mom and Dad both did their best to encourage me, saying that many people write well, but they don't get published. They also have encouraged me to try again next year.
As I ponder these things, I sometimes wonder what is the point of it all?! Why do we lift our hopes up only to watch them get bashed down? I do know the answer. As with everything else in my life, God brings about things to test my response. Will I respond with a right attitude, or will I get furious? How I wish I would be more like the former than the latter but I know I don't always. Those of you that think about it, pray for me that I would just turn my problems over to Christ. I don't want to handle them in my own power; I know God is the one who can handle everything.
I am reading Left Behind right now!!!!!!! I am so excited to read it. Mom and Dad finally said I was old enough, though there is a catch: I con not go form book to book to book. I understand where they are coming form. It gets boring if you only read one series for months on end. Anyway, I have known for many years the basic storyline of the book, but it's a different thing reading it for yourself. The End Times are amazing, yet freaky, thing that will happen in History. The amazing part is that it was foretold in the Bible thousands of years ago!! The freaky part is all the evil devastation that will take place. I wither want to be in Heaven or raptured before it all happens.
Tomorrow is going to be just an ordinary day, or so I think. I plan to read my book, do my cross-stitch, and go to the library. That's basically it. I have no clue when Garrett's friends are going to leave, but why should I concern myself with that?
I have enjoyed my friend's blog lately. My good friend has been out of town for a while, but she is back now. This other girl I know has been writing alot about emotional purity. It is an amazing thing to contemplate and think about. I totally agree with her one hundred percent. Why go and get yourself attached to a guy that you are most likely not going to marry? I want to go to my husband totally pure, but I think I have already said that repeatedly. Oh well, new thoughts on the subject will come eventually.
Who likes my new stuff on the blog? I thought it was a cool change. Galatians 6:9 is a verse that has truly comfoted me in times of struggle.
I had better go. I want to post again soon, and I will. I am so sorry about the pictures; Garrett needs to edit them for me. Oh, this is way off the subject, but you should see the movie Eight Below. It is really good!!! Ok, bye for now. Have a blessed day, and keep your eyes focused upon our wonderful Lord.

I need a big lesson in patience. I have tried repeatedly to post pictures on this site, but my internet connection is going sooo slow. I guess there's no reason to be in such a hurry. Please bear with me, though!!
I picked cherries, destemed cherries, pitted cherries, and ate cherry cobbler all day. And this is only the first tree!!!!!! Wow! Someone needs to come and take these of of our hands. The Lord is the Lord of the Harvest, and he let us reap bountifully. I am thankful for that.... but I will be so sick of cherries when all five trees are done.
I have had the privilege of checking out other people's blogs.It's amazing to see how different and yet how similar you are. I will enjoy looking at them sometimes. Yet, seeing them has made me think if I have a purpose for my blog. Mom says I should do more than just babble....
I cannot finish all of my thoughts. We are heading out to the store to get stuff for cherries. I will post tomorrow, or maybe, if I get lucky and fortunate, tonight.

Ok, I'm back....

Anyway, I got to thinking about what I want the purpose of my blog to be. Yes, I want to have an online journal, but I also want to be telling a message. So, I think my message will be encouraging others to stay separate from the world in all things. I intend to talk, eventually, about the dating verses courtship thing. I believe that will be the main topic I will talk about repeatedly. Also, I will talk about the need to remain pure in every essence of our live. These are things that we all need to be reminded of, especially when the world, tabloids, and Hollywood are telling us something entirely different. Their voice is not only the most common, it is the loudest. I want to be encouraging others, as well as myself, that waiting on your future spouse is one of the best, and most rewarding, things we can do.
So, you know the gameplan of my blog. But rest assured that I will always, and most predominately, post about my normal, everyday life. I just wanted you to have fair warning if I lapse into a reflective mood or something:)
I still have fourteen days of school left. I still have a lot to do. Though I am done with my writing (boo hoo) I still have some Consumer Math and tons of History. Do research papers ever stop!!!! I am inclined to think not. I don't know if I am ready for school to be done. I mean, I won't feel guilty if I don't get something done. (like today, I was upset that I didn't get to history.) But, I know that I do much better with a routine. You know how it is; you know what and when you have to do something and you do it. When you off a routine, you have a tendency to become lazy about things. I don't want that to happen. I intend to be a wife and mother. While they don't have school to keep them on a routine, they have to make one. So, perhaps I should start. I know I should. but I want to get away from the sound of my incessant alarm clock for a while. (It drives me crazy!)
I know I should go, much as I don't want to. I know I will post again this week. An exact date I cannot say. But know that I will try my best.
~~Oh, referring to patience at the top of this post, I am still waiting to find out about the essay contest. The winners now won't be announced until Friday. The waiting is agonizing. Not that I expect to win or anything~~

Hi ya'll!!!!! Wow, it is nice to be posting once again. Nana and PopPop are now gone, so I have time to do this. There is so much to say, and I will start right away. Perhaps, though, I will do it in two installments or something.
Let's start with last Friday. Nana, Mom, and I went to Ginger Thai for dinner. I was a little afraid to give it a try, but it was very good!!!!! I was so full, I brought some of my dinner home to have the next day. (A recommendation: sticky rice with mango is yummy!) Then, we watched the movies that I mentioned last time. Mom and I loved them!!!!!!!!!!! Nana, as I expected, fell asleep on the couch and/ or went to bed half way through. In all of them, I was on the edge of my seat, totally wondering what would happen next. Also, I did my running commentary like I always do. Saturday, we went shopping, and I got some nice clothes, as well as new white shoes for church!!!! We had lunch at the tea room, where I tried a different kind of sandwich. It was good. (If I remember correctly, it was a sun-dried tomato panini with turkey, cheese, black olives, lettuce, artichoke hearts, and a spread.) On Sunday, we went to church, but Nana had to go to the Catholic Church. That was hard to do. I struggle with the fact that she will not embrace the things we believe. I do remember coming away with thankfulness in my heart that I do not attend a church that is so grandiose and pompous looking. Truly, the heart of the church is more important than the building in which it presides or all the rituals that are performed. I had always known that, but driving away from the Catholic church just impacted me more fervently with that knowledge.
I can not overly remember day to day some of the things we did. On Tuesday, I did have my piano lessons. I could have taken the week off, but I really don't like to do that. I so enjoy playing. I didn't get all of the practice time that I had wanted to, but I believe Mrs. Wierenga understood. She's continuing to talk about my doing the Sonatina Festival. It's exciting to think about it!!
Oh, that night we want to Applebee's for dinner, because guess what they'd? Fired pickles!!!!! We tried them, and they weren't that bad. I think Garrett like them the best of all. For myself, I have added them to my list of foods, but I don't necessarily have to eat them again.
On Thursday, Dad took the day off so we could go on a drive. No, we didn't get to go to Shoshone Falls. Apparently, Dad had called the Twin Falls Chamber of Commerce, and it was down for 18,000 cfm's to 300 cfm's. So, instead we took a drive up through Stanley and Sun Valley and down through Mountain Home. The drive was beautiful. There was snow still in the Sawtooth Mountains and it was breathtaking. The weather was crummy, so much so that we ran into a tremendous hailstrorm in Mountain Home. I mean, it was gray and dreary. I so would have enjoyed it more if there had been blue sky. In all, we were in the car a total of ten hours. My bottom was soooo sore by the end of the trip. I also felt so bad for Nikki, who couldn't come with us. (we weren't in the truck.) Boy, was she ready for us to get home!!)
Nothing much else to speak of in realtion to Nana and PopPop's trip. I had a difficult time saying good-bye on Saturday. I hate good-byes. I bawl everytime I watch them on tv. It's also doubly hard when you don't know if you will see the person again. I mean, PopPop has had triple bypass surgery. What if he dies before I see him one more time. I know I have to surrender to the Lord on this, but it is just hard. Plus, Nana got choked up saying good-bye to us. What's odd: Nana never cries. Oh well, I have to think upon the goodtimes, and just believe that I will see them once again. Most likely, though, it won't be for another two years. (that's when I graduate!)
Yesterday, we had church. Do I have to say again that I love it there!!!!!!!!!!!!!! We are always the last to leave, both in the morning and at night. The relationship we have with the people is, like Grace Doolittle put it, a big, happy family!!! Example, as we driving down the road, Pastor Jeff was right next to us, and he started squriting us with a water gun. Never in my sixteen years has my family had that kind of friendship with the pastor. Oh, I will be playing the piano on July 9th. You know what is amazing and "coincidental" about that? That will be my one year aniversary of being at that wonderful home. God works in mysterious ways!
Tomorrow, we head to the Dykstra's. Yippee!!!!!! Then, there's piano!!!!! Then, I go to a baby shower with Mom. Sounds like a busy day! I ought to go, but I'll post again soon. Enjoy some pictures of Nana and PopPop's trip here.

Just wanted to say hi to you all. Nana and PopPop are here and we are having a great time with them. We've already gone to the Iris and the Rose Gardens, we've done croosword and suduko puzzles, and other stuff. I am not sure when we will be going to Shoshone Falls, but I hope it is soon. The guys are leaving to go on a weekend fishing trip tomorrow, so we girls will be home alone. I believe we plan to go to the tea room, shopping, and watch Pride and Prejudice, Sense and Sensibility, and Emma. I think we'll have a whole lot of fun.
I am so thankful to the Lord that conversations one on one with Nana have gone so well. I was afraid that they wouldn't, as I have had bad experiences in the past with others. College has come up in a way, but no problems, at least non that she said verbally. Thank you, Lord!!
Has anyone heard of french-fried pickles. Nana went on the internet before she got here, and a website said that Idaho, particularly Nampa, is the fried pickle capital of the world. How weird is that?! We have called the Chamber of Commerce, as well as diners around here, and no one has ever heard of that. So, we are scouring the valley until we locate them. I'll let you know what we come up with.
I am going to close, but I hope to get in touch later on in the week. BYE!

This is super short! Just hope you all enjoy the pictures!!! It took awhile, but patience prevailed. Now, I have to go get ready for Nana and PopPop. They get here in about 4 and a half hours!!!!! Hopefully, I will post again very soon, so until then, so long, fair well, adieu!!!

By the end of the day, Mr. Doolittle was tuckered out

Playing volleyball (obviously this was before I quit!)

Faith Sterling enjoying a brownie

Garrett and his ever-present sidekick, Jim "Shifty" Doolittle

The Mom's doing what they do best: TALKING!

Dad and Pastor Jeff goofing around

A small majority of us sitting around: Me, Brianne, Wyatt, Isaac, Carlina, and Lydia

Melinda relaxingin the hammock with Faith and Olivia

Poor AbbyLynn! She couldn't play much with a broken arm!

Starring Dad as.... The Grill-Maestro

It's Saturday... and I am posting!!! What an amazing turn of events we have here:) Anyway, I see this as going to be a short post, because there is not much to say.
We had the youth thing, but we didn't play volleyball. I think that was probably a good thing! We roasted hotdogs around the campfire, which felt nice as the temperature began to drop. I assisted Hannah in finding floss for her next cross-stitch pattern. I saw Rachael, Hannah's sister, for only a short while, then she hung out with baby Naomi on her mother's bed. Melinda and Brianne weren't there, so it made for a small entourage of girls. I don't want to say the night was overly boring, but it wasn't the most exciting one we've had. I think the best was at the Hardin's house around Christmas time. Since we didn't have volleyball set up, there wasn't much to do. Some of the kids played GameCube. I wanted to play Cranium, but Jason, Hannah's brother, wouldn't get people to. So, I just spent the evening talking to Hannah, which was nice, I will admit. Pastor Chris did the devotion; it was very good, or so I thought. However, I was glad I went to the youth night. I just love the people at my church; we are so like a family. (I say that often, don't I?) Also, I sooo appreciate the fact that guys and girls can talk, and you don't get branded that you have a crush on them or something. That is really nice.
I went out to breakfast with Dad. I sooooooooo enjoy the time I get to spend with him. I asked for his recommendation on what to eat, and I liked his choice. It was blintzes, which are cream cheese-filled crepes with peaches and raspberries on the top. It was really yummy. Then, we ran some errands and just got home a little while ago. He and Garrett are out setting up our trampoline, so that we'll have it for Monday. (I can't wait!!!!) I am not sure what I am going to do. I want to e-mail one of my friends, so that will be first on the agenda. Then I will probably work on my cross-stitch.
About Monday, everyone we invited is coming!!! That means the Bests, Estes, Doolittles, Sterlings, Lavorantes, Longs, Bakers, and us. It is going to be a backyard full!! (forty-seven, I think.) We are going to do capture the flag, volleyball, some other game Dad is going to make, horseshoes, crochet, and the trampoline will be set up. The menu will consist of hamburgers and hotdogs, chips, desserts, and various types of salads. The company will be wonderful; just hope the weather will be too! Please, Lord, could you have it sunny?!
Have a great day, ya'll. I ought to post sometime Tuesday. I have the next two weeks off of school!!! Yet, I will be cleaning and getting the house to rights for Nana and PopPop's visit. So, if I don't, know that I am either cleaning bathrooms, dusting, removing dog stuff, or other neccessary things. However, I will try to the best of my abilty to get on here one last time before they come, and I will try my utmost best to post pictures of the picnic, so you all can see. TTFN.

I know you all are asking for pictures. Seriously, I want to put them on here, but they are taking forever to download. Maybe I am just not having enough patience or something. I don't get how they take so little time for Garrett and yet forever when I go to post some:)
Well, I am post four days from my previous post. That could be a record! It has been a great few days. I am sure you are all tired of my talking about piano lessons, but, that's some of my excitement. They went well, but they pretty much always do. Mrs. Wierenga NOW is talking of my doing Mozart at the Sonatina Festival, which is on a higher level than the one I usually do. (I guess I am not butchering Mozart, since she thinks me capable of doing that high level.) I am all for it. I like the idea of doing an additional festival/competition in addition to the one I do every spring. I think with this one, though, I would be extra nervous. However, we will just wait and see. Perhaps nothing will come of her talk.
Mom and Dad got to vote in the primary elections Tuesday too. I wish I could. So many people abuse their freedom to vote, it's sad. There are others who would die to have even the opportunity to freely pick their choice. Life seems so mixed up. Those who can't vote, want to, and those who can, don't. Voter turnout is always low. Anyway, I won't get to vote in November of this year, but I will get to do the primaries in '08. Yippee!!! I can wait to drive, but I want to vote very badly. It's a freedom, as well as a privilege, and I don't want to abuse it, or take it for granted.
Yesterday, we took a meal to the Spencers's, as Mrs. Spencer had a baby boy Tuesday morning. I couldn't overly tell what he looked like, but his name is Cameron Charles Spencer. I bet as soon as he can walk, Mr. Spencer will be teaching Cameron how to throw a football or a baseball:)
Tomorrow is Friday. Garrett, Dad, and I are going to the Sterling's for the youth night with our church. I wish Mom was coming too, but she said she needs to grade schoolwork. (such as History;) We are going to have a cook-out, and play games. I know that means volleyball, which I absolutely stink at. I wonder if I will even attempt to play, or if I will save myself the embarrassment. No, no one would make fun of me; I just would feel extremely uncomfortable. But, we'll see.
Saturday, I hope to go to breakfast with Dad. I look forward to doing those things. I think it is only far, because for the next three Saturdays, Garrett and Dad will be doing guy things. Monday, we are having a Memorial Day barbeque with seven families from the church. It is going to be a packed house. Hopefully, it will be sunny. I am soooo looking forward to it. If I can ever get this wacky picture problem figured out, I intend to post some. That way, you can "see and meet" my precious family and freinds. God has richly blessed me with each and every one of them. I don't know what I did to deserve them, namely my family, yet my wonderful church family too. God truly does beyond all we can ask or think.
Something scary happened today. Nikki got out of the fence, and none of us had any idea where she was. I just had visions of finding a dead dog or something of the sort. Yet, I prayed, and the Lord was watching out for her. She wasn't far from home at all, yet with her beagle nose, she definitely could have been. Also, she wasn't on a busy street; she got out the back fence. Still, it could have been bad. I thanked the Lord that we have Nikki back safe and sound.
Nana and PopPop come on Tuesday. I haven't seen them in about three years. I am looking forward to it. I don't think I will be able to post when they're here, but I will right before the come. Perhaps, you will find pictures of the previous day and an itinerary of what we plan to do with them:)

You all don't have to wait so long for a post this time. I have a few spare minutes, so I thought I would update you all on what's up! It feels nice posting right away.. sort of. Anyway, I do try to get on this blog, but I guess I need to have specific days like Garrett does or something.
About the movie that I mentioned in my last post. It was Pirates of the Caribbean, and I didn't freak out!! It was a really good movie (plus there was no language or sexual content. How rare that is nowadays!!! It was sooo nice!!!) Anyway, I was really into the movie, and I will see the second one. It was also nice having time with Dad and Garrett watching tv. That might sound weird, but it's true. So, I am forced to admit, my friend was wrong, and Garrett's friend was closer to the mark. That is what is odd.
Saturday, we did some weeding aroud the house. Boy, could we use it!!! There were some really prickly ones that I asked Dad to get. They hurt even with gloves on. I am not sure what else we did until the night time. In exchange for getting to watch a movie on Friday, Mom got game night Saturday night. We played this game called Africa in 10 Days, or something around that. The family has liked it alot; we've routinely played it.
Church was yesterday, and I was upstairs with the kids. How I enjoy that. But I do miss hearing Pastor Jeff preach. I was the only helper in the class, so that made for a rather hectic, semi-chaotic, morning, but I wouldn't change anything about that. Each one of the kids is special in his or her own way, and I like them all. Some, maybe, more than others. We ran some errands after church, got home at 3:00, only to leave at 5:30. Oh well. It was fun as always. The Word is preached in a wonderful, truthful light, and the atmoshpere is one of a family. How I continually thank the Lord for all that he has done in giving me such a place of worship!!!
Tomorrow is Tuesday, which means our busy day. Mom has to go vote in the primaries (wish I could:) then I have a haircut, probably nature study, piano lessons, and I don't know what else. We won't get home until rather late, which is a bummer, but I have to deal with it. Besides, we only have it one day a week anyway.
The weather here isn't overly pretty today. It has been raining or drizzling on and off the past few days. The lilacs are gone, but that is made up in the beauty of the roses! Maybe, if I will have patience with our internet connection, I will post pictures of them. Also, I plan to do some of our Memorial Day picnic too. (More on that later!) Bye for now!!!!!

Alright, Alright!!! Here it is, a post, finally!! I know I have taken forever, but I just don't get on the internet very often. When I get my electronic time, which due to this heat has been every day, I am more apt to watch Little House on the Prairie or something. However, it does feel good to be posting once again!:)
What's new? I am not sure. the Dykstra's and piano lessons were on Tuesday. Both went wonderfully. I just love the Dykstra's, especially Anneliese and Lindsey. They are like sisters to me. Also, at piano, I found out, once again, that Mozart is not being butchered. In fact, there is talk of playing that sonata at the festival!!!!! WOW!!! Yet, that's not until next March, so, we'll see.
I got together with my friends yesterday. It was great. We got into a rather heated discussion though, that I wish we could have avoided. I really felt like I was the bad guy, yet all I did was take Scripture word for word. Oh well! I know I did the right thing, that I said the right words, and that my friends are not made at me. So, that's good.
we are having homemade pizza for dinner tonight. Yum! Then we are going to watch a movie. It will be interesting to see. My friends says that it will scare me to death; Garrett's friend says I will laugh the whole way through it. We'll see, won't we?
I don't know what is on the agenda for tomorrow. I think we have to paint the guest room, but I not sure what else. It is supposed to rain tomorrow, so that will limit our options.
Oh, my essay to Vision Forum is on its way to San Antonio. Wonder what will happen with it? All I want is God to get the glory!!!
I am going to close. I need to look at some other blogs before I eat. Talk to you later!!:)

Sorry I didn't post two days in a row, ya'll. Sorry the pictures didn't work either. Also, sorry this is going to be a short post, but there are things that need done.
Just wanted to say that we are going vamping this weekend and we leave tomorrow afternoon. I think it will be fun, but I am bringing my cross-stitch and my book to keep me occupied. The guys will fish the entire time. Oh, well.
Have a great weekend!!!!!!!!!

It is the weekend!!!! That comment makes it seem as if I don't like the weekdays, but that's not so. I really like school; it's a fun challenge. However, you only get two days for a break. Therefore, I look forward to them.
The week has been very good. I have been keeping super busy... sort of. I went to piano on Tuesday, which was fine. I will admit, I was extremely surprised that Mrs. Wierenga said I was NOT butchering Mozart to death. I so thought I had been. She did tell me that, on all of my pieces, I am too tense. I need to relax and just enjoy the genius of the composers'. That's hard to do sometimes.
I went to Meghann's yesterday. Fun as always. Yet, I do believe that an innocent prayer request has escalated into a rather interesting debate. Lord, when we girls meet again, may my words be truth, and only yours. I know what is right, but just enable me. May I not sound like a know-it-all, yet may You and Your plan just shine forth.
I am posting some pictures this time!!! I had to ask Garrett how, but hey, what are brothers for? He has a friend over right now. That's ok, I get together with people quite frequently; it's only fitting that he gets a turn.
We are going to have grilled chicken thighs for dinner. Yum! We also are going to play Apples to Apples. Wonder who will win. Tomorrow, I am going to edit my essay, stamp cards, and work on my cross- stitch. Sounds productive!
Lastly, the Lord has been working through my spirit of perfection lately. That can be a painful process. I have had some experiences this week that have tested me, and I think I have passed. Thank you, God!!! Please continue to aid me!
So long for now, my readers. Perhaps I will post tomorrow. Wouldn't that be something? I'd be posting two days in a row!! Let's go call the news station!!!

Today has flown by... in fact, this whole week has. I am not going to post long; my bike is waiting for me out in the garage. Besides, I have it from two sources that they don't overly like my long posts. Now I do, but I have to make them happy too. So, this is going to be short. Next time, I'll be long again:)
This Saturday, we went on a picnic. I took some pictures of the surroundings, and the lilacs. I think they look really well. I plan on posting them very soon. (Haven't I said that before?) The weather was really nice, but a little on the warm side. The sun was shining for most of the day, but a BIG thunderstorm, for Idaho, came upon us all of a sudden. Luckily, we were at home and our picnic was not shortened.
Church was great. We had a food fellowship after service. Most of the kids went out and played volleyball. I was not dressed for it, so I was unable to. They had brought changes of clothes. Now, the plan is, that with a food fellowship , you leave about at 2 o'clock, and there's no evening service. That never applies for us. We stayed until 4 in the afternoon!!! That was very fun!!! However, Nikki was sooo glad to get out of her crate. Thanks, Lord, for blessing us with a church that's so much like a family!! Your grace still amazes me!!
School went well today. I learned about buying electricity in Consumer Math. Ever learned that before? It is rather boring, though I have like the rest of my curriculum alot.
Tomorrow's piano. I am lokking forward to that. It is always interesting to see if I progress, or if I flop!!!
Ok, this is adieu for now. In a few days, I will make it my goal to post.. and a long one!! It feels too weird finishing this quickly!:)

Alright, everybody. You have been asking for a post, and here it is. I have been intending to it sooner, but things just come up. Also, if Mom goes out, I can't get on the internet. So, it's Saturday morning, I am still in my pajamas and I will update you on what's up!!
The week has gone amazingly well. Piano was fine. I could have hoped for a little better, but I am still pleased with my progress. I got two new hymns to play, Day by Day and Great is thy Faithfulness. I am going to be playing these, along with Be Thou my Vision hopefully st the mother/daughter tea next month. Right now, they sound awful, but I know practice makes perfect. I am doing my best not to demand perfection of myself. I use to be that way, but I am trying to break myself from that bad habit. The Lord has given me the ability to play, and if he receives the glory when I am through, then I am satisfied.
Remember how I said that I started this blog because of writing abilities? Well, I am going to enter a essay contest put out by Vision Forum. I am currently working on the rough draft. When I have entered contests in the past, I have had high hopes about winning first place. I am not like that this time. Even if I was to get third, I would be satisfied; I would have a building block. Yet, if I don't place, and if I have done my best, I will be joyful with that knowledge. I have prayed before I started, so my words are essentially His words. If I can, I will post a link to the finished product.
I got together with the girls on Thursday. How amazing the Lord is that he put a group of like-minded people in my path! We discussed our Genesis study, then we just talked. It was such a blesed time for all of us, especially when talk began about how we are going to court and not date. You don't find many like that in today's society.
I bit off way more than I can chew in a bokk selection. I am reading the unabridged Les Miserables by Victor Hugo. Mom was astounded that I decided on that, and definitely will be if I finish it in its entirety. I believe I can.
Yesterday, Mom and I went to the Boise Philharmonic, our local version of the Boston Pops:) It was really good, though I didn't know the musical selection. Sometimes I do because I have heard it on a classical cd or somethng. We had a guest conductor again this month, since Maestro Ogle is recovering from a stroke that he had last November. I am ready for him to come back. Also, it was the final one of the season. I will miss it this summer. The people we have sat next to were really friendly, especially the lady next to me. She'll be back next year. Hopefully, Dad will let us get season tickets again!
Wonder what I am going to do today. I might weed in the garden some. I might work on my essay and cross-stitch. I might get a few more pages into Les Miserables. I don't know what I'll do yet. (The weather isn't as nice as it was earlier in the week. I actually laid on the hammock twice. It was delightful.) Oh, I know what I can do!!! I can go watch the lilacs bloom. I am sooo excited; pictures will most definitely will be posteed when the show me their colors!! Another question I have about today, what is for movie night? Not War and Peace again!!! Too boring!!
I feel extremely blessed this morning for some reason. What an awesone Lord I have!

My weekend was a good one. We had so much fun with the Sterlings on Friday night. I have never played Cranium before, but it was a lot of fun. (I also will admit that it was a nice change from the paper game.) Anyway, Hannah and I were in a rest to victory against Garrett, Jason, and Peter. It appeared we were going to win, but we had setbacks, and Garrett spelled lyrinx backwards. However, I was a good loser, and rather proud of my brother. We laughed so much that night:)) They didn't leave until 11:30 at night!!!! I was really surprised they stayed that long, but I also lost track of time. Also, I can't believe Matthew, Lydia, and Faith stayed awake that long. They were perfectly content downstairs watching The Jungle Book, and being hyped up on sugar!!
We were going to go on a picnic Saturday, but the weather wasn't cooperating. Oh, well, the Lord wanted it drizzly and cloudy, and that's the way it was. It's wierd. We have had alot of rain and the snow is melting so much in the mountains that we are having rivers flooding, levees breaching, watches and warnings. I thought this only happened in the South, particularly Louisiana!! (Never fear, we are safe from any uproaching danger!!)
Easter was wonderful, in a quiet sort of way. We went to church, out to our favorite Mexican restaurant, back home for a few hours, and then back to church for evening service. That doesn't sound quiet, but it actually was, considering we didn't go any place special. That was ok; we do for Christmas and Thanksgiving, so it was nice to have a small break.
Tomorrow, we go to the Dykstras to babysit. I so look forward to that. Anneliese and Lindsey are like two little sisters. It also is a relationship where I try to point them to the Lord. Then, I have piano lessons. I hope they go well, provided I have gotten the techinque down right this time:)

I posted a week ago... far too long to be away. Yet, I will be honest, blogging is the last prioriety on my list. But, right now, I have a spare minute, so I will update. Hopefully, my shortbread crust won't go off:)
Oh, just a word of advice, don't ever watch War and Peace. It is rather boring. Pehaps if I knew the book, things would have made better sense. It is always hard to understand relationships between characters, but this was even more so. Also, the main girl, played by Audrey Hepburn, fell in love one too many times for my taste. (I only intend to court one guy and love him only, aside from my Lord:)) So, needless to say, movie night was rather dull last week. I don't have the faintest idea what will be this week.
Today is Good Friday. Oftentimes, I tend to forget the significance of this event. Christ went to the cross for MY sins today. He took MY insults, MY mockery, MY shame, MY just punishment today. He stood in MY place on Calvary today. What an awesome God I serve!!!!! How thankful I am that this is not the end of the story. HE ROSE AGAIN!!!! He conquered sin, death, and the grave!! He LIVES!! Despite what people say, this is the truth. Thank you Lord!!!
Along Easter lines, I know of no plans. WE will go to our church, and then have some family time at home. I think that will be good. It doesn't matter so much as to where I am; just so long as my thoughts are in the right place.
The Sterlings get to come over today. Yeah, and it's about time!!! That's why I have a shortbread crust in the oven; I am making lemon bars. I also had to do them know, because Mom will require the kitchen pretty soon. I am so glad that they are over. We'll probably play the "World- famous" (again) paper telephone game. I think Apples to Apples would be over the little peoples' heads. Or will Hannah and I do some cross-stitch? Who's to say?
I had better stop. I have so many things left to do. I have a bathroom to clean, lemon bars to finish, a table to set, probably a dog to walk. Oh so many things!!! Yet, I like everyone of them. Well, maybe not the bathroom part:)