Jul 1, 2010 | Uncategorized, What's going on |
Today was just an average day. I have nothing of extreme excitement to report. I was home alone almost all day and did school*, straightened my room, inwardly wept at the fact there was no one to take a walk with in this beautiful weather, started to make earrings, and drove with Dad to see the work they’ve done at his new business. As you can see, it was nothing to be jealous of. I almost didn’t post anything today because I didn’t do anything out of the ordinary, but that was my life today and I blog about my life! What did you do today?
*{Yes,I realize it’s almost July and just about everyone else is out of school. Just tell that to my online school…do you think they missed the memo? Thankfully I’m almost done!}
On a different and happier note, I am so excited about the 4th of July! Next to Christmas, it is my favorite holiday. I know I talk all the time about “I love, love,love such-and-such” or “one on my favorite things is___”, but when it comes down to it, I just love my country so much. People say it all the time but its so true- those of us who live in the United States are so very, very blessed. I just wish that the patriotic feeling people have on this one weekend would last the whole year. It seems to be one of those things that people are so into at the moment but when it’s over, they forget all about it and go on with their lives. When I have my own home, I want to have a special America Room with stars and flags and well, American things! I love planning my 4th of July outfit each year. I feel it’s very important to wear something appropriate. This year I need two outfits-one for Saturday and one for Sunday. Unfortunately, my wardrobe isn’t that extensive but I’ll figure something out! đ
THOSE WHO EXPECT TO REAP THE BLESSINGS OF FREEDOM, MUSTâŠ
UNDERGO THE FATIGUE OF SUPPORTING IT.
Jun 2, 2010 | Uncategorized, What's going on |
,
but sometimes I need to take a break from
,
,
and even from being a
to do more of this:
.
I’ll be
and saying to them
because
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But don’t worry-
May 23, 2010 | Uncategorized, What's going on |
The very-busy-but-very-fun-week bus came rolling through my life this week.
Since I already blogged about our stay at Gram’s, I’ll jump right to Thursday. My friend Erin graduated with her Associates Degree in early childhood education so I went up for her party. The theme was Hawaiian/preschool. Its an odd mix, but the Hawaiian part was due to the fact that she and her siblings had bought Hawaiian decorations to use for a surprise 30th anniversary party for their parents only to be told in no uncertain terms that they didn’t want a party. Rather than waste the decorations, Erin used them. I had a nice time visiting with Joanna, Erin, Katie{we couldn’t get over seeing each other three times in ONE week}, and all of Katie’s 10 siblings. After I left the party, I went over to spend the night with Daniel and Erika. I got there at about 10:00 so I only saw Mr. Early Bird for a few minutes. Erika and I, however, stayed up talking til after 12:00. Sometimes girl talks out-weigh even my love for sleep. đ The next morning Erika and I went out for coffee and then went for pedicures. I’d never had a “real” one before, so it was a nice thing to share with her. We went to her office for a few hours then went shopping. It’s so fun shopping with someone who’s not constantly asking how much longer we’re going to be{not that Aaron ever does that!}! We both bought purses at the first store so between the two of us we were carrying around four purses on our shoulders. We got a few looks for that. We took a quick walk around the neighborhood after we got home then I got back on the busy bus.
The next stop was back to Gram’s/her daughter’s to help watch her grandsons. I don’t think two cuter children have ever walked, or crawled as the case may be, the face of the earth. Dad’s always telling me I say that about every child, but it is really true this time. I just couldn’t get enough of their chubby softness and giggles. Oh, the giggles! I rocked Evan to sleep but couldn’t make myself lay him in his car seat. One of my very favorite things in the whole world is holding a sleeping baby and I wasn’t about it give him up a minute sooner than I had to. I kept kissing him{kissing babies is another top favorite thing}and thinking that it doesn’t really matter if I become a preschool teacher, a Child Life Specialist, a cowboy, or an astronaut as long as I’m a mother with my own little babies to rock to sleep.
The last big event of my weekend was going to my little buddy Noah’s Little League game. I meant to go to a game last year but didn’t so I wasn’t going to let this year get by me too. He looked so grown-up and cute wearing his baseball uniform and blowing bubbles with his gum. It’s pretty safe to say that I have myself a new favorite baseball player{but Jason Varitek will always be THE favorite}! Noah was a little hesitant to say much or show much affection towards me around his teammates, but the minute he got home he was giving me hugs and saying “can you play baseball with me before you go? Please?!”.
And so ends a very long description of my life that could have been summed up in way less than half the words: I went to Daniel and Erika’s, babysat Ryan and Evan, and went to Noah’s baseball game. I think all the words just make the story a little more exciting. đ
May 3, 2010 | Friends & Fun, Uncategorized, What's going on |
Friday-
Friday night I watched these crazy kids.
They often tell me I’m their most favorite babysitter. I’ve learned to be very careful about excepting such compliments because it’s usually followed by “can I look at your phone?” or “can we stay up just a little longer?”
If I didn’t know better, I’d think they’re trying to bribe me.
Saturday-
Elizabeth and I cooked supper together.
This was a really big thing for her because as a general rule she’s not a fan of cooking with others. I asked if she’d like to be featured on my blog and suddenly cooking together was SUCH A GOOD IDEA!
I was in the onion peeling group and she headed up the onion cutters.
I guess I missed an onion.
{Poor girl, she was featured on a day the flash–basically the whole camera– seemed to be having some issues. She’ll be featured again in-depth when I have
my Andrew’s camera.}
Sunday-
After church I went to see this little cutie, Miss Molly McButter, perform in her very first dance recital.
Isn’t she the most adorable thing you’ve ever seen?!
I’m pretty sure she was more excited about wearing red lipstick and glittler hair gel then about the actual dancing! Her mom asked me to put her hair in a bun so she could finish getting ready. After about 16 bobby pins and copious amounts of hair gel{“don’t forget my sparkly gel!”} she had an up-do that I was praying would make it through the show without falling out on-stage.
This is the best picture I could get of her hair. Like most people in show biz, she was running a little late and didn’t have time to stop for the paparazzi.
She’s so sweet I could eat her up! â„
Apr 23, 2010 | Uncategorized, What's going on |
My view on debate and speech tournaments were altered in the last three days in a good way. Thereâs still a little too much arguing, but the stress level wasnât nearly as high as in other years. There was even a little more food than usual! All in all, it was quite successful for the following reasons:
1. I got to see my friend Lindsay for the first time in over a year. I have a story about Lindsay{âdo you have a story about everything?â Yes, as a matter of fact, I just about do}. We met while campaigning on the Student Action Teams for a senator in Pennsylvania. We were like two pieces of Velcro right off the bat. It’s amazing sheâs still friends with me after the breakdown she witnessed me having on her hotel bed. It was not a pretty sight but you know what they say: those who campaign together stay together.I was a little unsure how our reunion would after so long, but when the second thing she said to me on Sunday was âyour ring matches your earrings!!â, I knew we would be fine. Without further adieu, the lovely Lindsay.
2. I judged a humorous round and survived. I was just as shocked as anybody. It was ridiculously easy to know who put in last place: the guy who’s speech didn’t make me laugh at all whatsoever. I didn’t have the heart to tell him on the ballot that I didn’t understand{let alone laugh at}his speech about a turtle talking to Achilles{talk about random}, so I very politely informed him that ‘its probably a good storyline but I was slightly confused.’ I was more than slightly confused, but I didn’t want to hurt his feelings.
3. Imagine my excitement when the boy who humorous speech I judged and absolutely loved{and completely understood} got first place! I really feel like I played a part in skyrocketing him to stardom.
4. I believe it’s safe to say I was close to becoming known as “the annoying sister who’s always trying to take pictures of her brother.”
He didn’t make it very easy; I’m fortunate to have gotten this one.
5. This is my friend, Elizabeth, and I. The fingers behind my head belong to her sister, Rachel. She tried to justify her action by saying âbut…but…I thought I was doing it to Elizabeth!â Sources say she knew just who she was âdoing it to.â Good thing sheâs cute!
6. Speech and debate people have their own special clap called the âForensic clapâ. To eliminate endless clapping during the announcements of who moves on to the next level, clapping is supposed to follow this pattern: name, clap, name, clap, and so on and so forth. At one point they were announcing who was moving up to the finales in Lincoln-Douglas debate. I was so excited because our friend Jonathan was in the running. I clearly forgot about the Forensic clap because I messed up. Below is a re-enactment of what happened.
Announcer- âRachelâ
Everyone else- clap
Announcer- âJonathanâ
Everyone else- clap
me- CLAP CLAP CLAP CLAP CLAP
Needless to say, I wanted to sink through the floor and never return. Unable to do that I simply hid behind Lindsay. My over-enthusiasm was worth it because he made it to the finals!
7. Ladies and gentlemen, I am pleased to announce that our friend, Mr Jonathan the Tall, is the Lincoln-Douglas debate champion of the northeast. To think that this fellow home schooler comes not only from my state but from my neighborhood. Side note: I have yet another “I’m so nervous for you I could be your mother” story to add to my collection. The powers that be didn’t announce the winners of the LD debate until the end of the awards ceremony. Right before we found out, I leaned forward and asked Jonathan’s mother if she was nervous. She answered, and I quote “no, I’m just enjoying it all.” End quote. Shocked, I replied{and I quote}”REALLY?! Because I’m really nervous!” It’s possible I may have squealed at an unladylike volume when they finally said he was the winner.
My newest mission in life is coaching Aaron and Elizabeth into great public speakers who will wow the world with their duo speeches. Elizabeth asked me “what credentials” I have in this area but I chose to plead the fifth. I was too busy wondering the answer to that question myself.
Apr 17, 2010 | Uncategorized, What's going on |
I mentioned a few weeks ago that I was so proud of Aaron for making it to the regional debate tournament. I also stated that debate tournaments are not my cup of tea. At all. Too much stress, too much arguing, and not enough food. I didn’t bother saying that I never judge these events because someone who barely understands what’s being said should not be put in a position of such power. Besides, I’ve never judged a debate{or speech for that matter}in my life.
Who do you think has been commandeered to judge at this debate and speech tournament due to lack of judges??
I’m praying that I only have to judge the speeches as they’re much more interesting. I’m almost positive I wouldn’t be able to handle the debates. The best speeches to judge would be the humorous; at least I can rank according to who made me laugh the most.
I’m trying to think positive about the whole thing. Maybe I’ll just love it and ask to do it again!{highly doubtful} Plus, I’ll get to see some friends I haven’t seen in a while! I hope they’ll still associate with me now that I’m no longer in the same ranks as them. đ
***
In other news…while he was recently serving in Haiti, this picture of my friend Myles{the same one I thought I was going to marry}appeared in a news magazine. I stood just a little bit taller when I saw this. I was proud, oh yes I was.
{I no longer have the link for this picture so I’m unable to properly credit it.}
