Thanksgiving

There is so much to do between now and Thanksgiving. Tomorrow, I plan to focus on cleaning my room, bathrooms, and other areas of the house. Monday will be a day of getting all school stuff complete and turned in. Tuesday, school should be pretty easy... parties are planned, easy going type school day. Tuesday, my cousins fly in @ 3 pm. I have a hair appt @ 4:30 pm, and that evening will be spent at my grandparents house. (Cousins must reunite :)

On Wednesday, my aunt Terri comes. Spending time with her and my cousins. Really really getting things up and running for Thanksgiving. Baking cookies, helping Mom with whatever need be. Thursday (THANKSGIVING!) lunch at my house, dinner at the Currie grandparents. This will be a special special day. Friday, Saturday, and Sunday are gonna be played by ear. A trip to the mountains and a night of smores by the fire with my cousins is in order.

Cannot wait. Unless I find time to blog again between now and then, HAPPY THANKSGIVING! :)

Pictures will post.

blogger survey

How far ahead have you planned your life?

I am in high school and I have thought a lot about college and places I would like to attend. I know that I want to be an elementary education teacher because I love kids. I want to get married one day to someone who loves me for 'me.' I know that God's got someone out there just for me, but I'm not going to rush into anything. I want to be a Mom. I don't know how many kids I want, but I know that God will provide me with the perfect amount of little blessings. God has my entire life plans already made and I can't wait to see what He has in store for me.

"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." Jeremiah 29:11

If you had plans with a friend, and they cancelled on you, what would you do?

I would be an understanding person. Things don't always go as planned, that is a fact of life.

When you’ve had a long day, what do you do to relax?

Get into my PJs and relax, maybe watch a movie.

You have a quiz or test coming up in school. What’s your strategy?

I do my best and study as much as I can.

What’s in your journal?

You are reading it. This is it. :)

You’re at a park and see a little kid fall and start crying, but her parents didn’t see. What do you do?

I would go up to them and make sure the child is not hurt and I would make sure their parents knew what had happened. Try to help them the best that I can.

Do you have lots of friends?

I would say, yes. My close friends are the ones I depend on and spend the most time with though.

Describes your bedroom:

Blues and browns. Simple. Just mine.

You consider YOUR birthday...

A special day for me.

If you saw two close friends fighting, what would you do?

Well, I am quite the peacemaker. ;)

What types of movies do you prefer?

Comedies, Chick Flicks, Drama. No scary whatsoever.

If you knew that tomorrow you were going to die, how would you spend the last day of your life?

I would spend my time with those who mean the most to me. And I would make sure they knew just how much I love them. However, it would only be the last day of my life on earth, because I've got an eternity in heaven waiting for me.

excitement.

Excitement is flowing through me.
Why?

• Tomorrow is Friday.
• I get to sleep Saturday.
  
• Two days of school next week, that's it.
  
• Cousins come Tuesday @ 3pm from far far away.
• Terri comes Wednesday AM.
  
• Thanksgiving is Thursday.
• Thanksgiving = family, food and love.
• Break = 5 days of joy and happiness.

I love my life. SOOOO excited.

today's thoughts.

1. I was twenty-three hours and forty minutes short of being a firework, born on July 5th.
2. I love all things bright and happy.
3. Writing is one of my favorite things to do when it isn't a chore.
4. I over-think things.
5. I try to find a reason for things over and over, but am learning that not everything has a reason or answer. Some things are for God to know only.
6. I laugh at the most random things. I laugh at myself. I laugh when things aren't funny to anyone but me. I laugh. A lot.
7. You can normally tell when something is wrong. My face shows it all.
8. I love to have fun and to make people laugh.
9. I used to be shy, now I'm far from it. I don't like the quiet all that much, but there are times I need my solitude.
10. Ever since I could remember I've wanted to be a teacher. And that my friends-- hasn't changed. I used to "play school" in my room when I was younger.
11. I love making memories and capturing them.
12. I love the colors yellow and purple. Although, my room is decorated with blues and browns.
13. One day I hope to write a book.
14. Pedicures are amazing.
15. I love the aroma of baby lotion (and lotions in general). The smell that is in the air after it first snows while it is really cold out. The smell of laundry detergent. The smell of the ocean. All things fresh.
16. I love summer and the beach is a second heaven to me. (Although I'm sure it doesn't even slightly compare to God's heaven.)
17. I love snow although my favorite season is summer.
18. I love the holidays. Thanksgiving and Christmas are my favorite. The feeling I get around this time is indescribable.
19. I love kids.
20. I hope to have made an impact on someone's life.

reunite

Next Tuesday we will be reunited. (Cody is not pictured.) I am so excited.

7 school days

Only 7 school days until Thanksgiving break.

I need a break. I need Thanksgiving. I need time with my family. I need that warm feeling I get around this time of year. I need to hear the conversations, laughter, and jokes that happen around the table on Thanksgiving day. I need it all.

It's coming. I cannot wait.

My two cousins, Cody and Luke, the ones I am very close to, are coming on the Tuesday before Thanksgiving. To say that I am excited or anxious to see them is an understatement. It has been years. Literally. The last time I saw them, I was in...6th or 7th grade (maybe?) And I am now in 10th. I miss them so much. Gosh. I can't wait.

My aunt, Terri, is also coming on the Wednesday before Thanksgiving. She is the one aunt who I am very close to. Can't wait to see her.

Time with my entire family will be incredible. My parents, grandparents, siblings, cousins, aunts, uncles.... Gosh, it can't come soon enough!

Thanksgiving this year, should be amazing. I am ready. Bring it on.

I am thankful ....

• I am thankful that I am alive.
• I am thankful that Thanksgiving is right around the corner.
• I am thankful for a family of which I am proud to come from.
• I am thankful for the joy children bring to me....
• I am thankful for a church that has always been another home to me.
• I am thankful for those who love me.
• I am thankful to have a loving God that is always there.

reflecting

I don't think I reflect enough on just how blessed I am. Sometimes life goes too fast and as humans we don't allow ourselves time to reflect on our lives. As I heard someone say once, "Life is like a hamster wheel. We keep going and going, and don't slow down to enjoy the ride." Isn't that the truth? Often we focus on the negative rather than the positive. Often our perspective is all out of sorts. Often we complain rather than count our many blessings. I am more than guilty of all of these things.

To say that I am blessed would be an understatement.

I am blessed because...

• Jesus lived and died FOR me (and you!)
• Jesus loves me for who I am and sees past my many faults.
• I have wonderful parents who love me, care for me, provide for me, and most importantly raised me to love Jesus! My mother is my best friend and my father is a wonderful man of God... they both constantly encourage me.
• I have two siblings who mean the world to me. I love them more than anything.
• I have a beautiful dog who is an incredible example of unconditional love!
• I have grandparents who are simply amazing! My Mawmaw is an inspiration to me.
• I have an aunt who is one of my very best friends... who I can love, talk to, and spend time with.
• I have 3 amazing best friends who I can count on.
• My life is filled will many friends... many family members... many reminders of God's great love... and many moments of joy.

Just writing this and reflecting helps me to remember how blessed I truly am.

My prayer today:

Dear Lord,

I ask that you help me to be more positive, more loving to all, and more grateful. I pray that I slow down and focus on You and the glory You have created. Thank you for all that You do and all that You are to me.

Amen.

words.

I love words. Big words, small words. I just love them. The more unique they are, the better.

Using words like "good" and "bad" is just a little bit boring. :)

Some of my favorites:

• Marvelous
• Absurd
• Ridiculous
• Grand
• Last but not least: My favorite: :) Wack.

And yes. WACK is a word.

wack

1 : extreme; far-out. to strike someone or something. a blow or hit (at someone or something.) someone who is eccentric, strange, or odd.

I'm sorry, but how can you not love this word? :)

Take Me Out to the Ball Game

I've noticed with babysitting that I have several techniques that I use... most of them do work, and some of them didn't go over as well as I wanted them to.

I use a method called: 3 Strikes. I have a strong appreciation for good behavior, and I don't like it when the children I am keeping don't behave... which is why I do this. I prefer to reward good behavior, and make sure children learn from bad behavior. It's simple.

The 1st time they act out, they get 1 strike.

The 2nd time they act out, they get 2 strikes.

The 3rd time they act out, they get 3 strikes. And then they are out completely. Good behavior can resulting in earning another chance/strike.

Wednesday night, I may call a child down 2 times... then I might say, "You have one more chance."

It works. And there is a song that goes with it. And believe me--I'll sing it if I have to. :)

"Take me out to the ball game, Take me out with the crowd. Buy me some peanuts and cracker jack,

I don't care if I never get back, Let me root, root, root for the home team, If they don't win it's a shame.

For it's one, two, three strikes, you're out, at the old ball game."

Saturday vs. Sunday

Saturdays are normally very busy for me... they often consist of shopping, family, friends, errands, cleaning, etc.

Sundays are more relaxing... church, nap (sometimes), babysitting, and whatever else we have planned!

One thing that is different: I am more focused on God on Sunday than I am on Saturday. Church is a very uplifting time for me. I love Saturdays, but Sundays are even more wonderful. I need that weekly reminder about just how GOOD God IS.

"Happiness is a symptom of circumstances. Joy is a product of perspective. God is still good. I will be grateful."-Pastor Steven Furtick, Elevation Church

No matter how busy, hectic, rough, crazy, or chaotic life is....God is GOOD, and I will be grateful.

blogging streak

I've made it 3 days in a row. This post makes 4. It is a record. Well, not really...but considering I've been busy--it is! :)

Today was great. Woke up around 9:30, got on the computer, ate breakfast, got to drive my aunt's mini cooper (and LOVED it) and then cleaned. After that, we went to my grandparents house, had South 21 for dinner, went to Walmart and now I am home...and smelling delicious cookie cake in the oven (thanks Mom!) Tomorrow is my Thirty-One gifts party. It will be fun :)

Church in the AM. Home for the partayyy and some yummy cake.

Happy weekend.

Video of the Day:

Ellen pranks Taylor Swift.

It is hysterical, and if you don't agree then I am concerned about your sense of humor! :) Enjoy...this video is funny enough to watch over and over again!

Click here to watch.

His Eye is on the Sparrow

Those who know me, know that I do like to sing...and sometimes it sounds good, and often I don't really care if it does or not. That is simply one way I express myself. I have always been a lover of music. What genre do I like? Well, I grew up in church and listening to all sorts of Christian music...whether it was "This little light of mine, I'm gonna let it shine!" or "Jesus loves me this I know, for the bible tells me so!" or now, "Shout to the Lord all the Earth let us sing...Power and Majesty, Praise to the King...Nothing compares to the promise I have in YOU." (These songs have always been my favorites...and there are so many others, too!)

Although, lately...I have had a certain favorite. One that has been fitting and inspirational.

His Eye is on the Sparrow

Why should I feel discouraged, why should the shadows come,
Why should my heart be lonely, and long for heaven and home,
When Jesus is my portion? My constant friend is He:
His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me;
His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me

I sing because I’m happy,
I sing because I’m free,
For His eye is on the sparrow,
And I know He watches me.

“Let not your heart be troubled,” His tender word I hear,
And resting on His goodness, I lose my doubts and fears;
Though by the path He leadeth, but one step I may see;
His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me;
His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me.

Whenever I am tempted, whenever clouds arise,
When songs give place to sighing, when hope within me dies,
I draw the closer to Him, from care He sets me free;
His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me;
His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me.

This song, my friends, is beautiful. Just beautiful. I love it. My prayer is that these words are more than just words and that it blesses you the way it has me.

Favorite arrangement of this song, click.

busy blogger.

I am busy. Extremely.
Why haven't I blogged?

Let's see:

• Babysitting every Wednesday night at church and most Sunday afternoons for a friend.
• School everyday from 8-3.
• I had bronchitis last week. No fun. Missed school for 3 days. Cough isn't completely gone. Joy.
• Missing school lead to makeup work that has literally taken HOURS and is still in the process of being completed. Explains why I am up at 12:30 am on a school night.
• My Mawmaw has had some issues with her congestive heart failure. Please continue to pray. She is my hero. <3
• My aunt was in town today. It's always fun when she's here. I've missed her.
• Busy. Busy. Busy.
• Thank God tomorrow's Friday.

I realize I just rambled about nothing. But I had a lot on the brain.

And still do.

Now. Finally. What I've been waiting for...SLEEP. Goodnight.