Saturday, November 26, 2011

Advent is Here

I can't believe Advent is here. It seems like forever since the last one. I completely forgot about my church's Advent wreath making thing, but the pastor said they had leftover stuff, so I took some to make my own. I am so happy I still get to make one this year. I can't wait for Christmas this year. I'm hoping to make things this year, so if I can't find anything one anyone's list, I would still be able to give them something. I can't  wait to start.


Monday, November 21, 2011

25 Things I Am Thankful For This Year

1.My family

2.My friends

3.A house to live in

4.Food to eat

5.Vacations

6.Chocolate

7.Books

8.Notebooks

9.Pens/pencils

10.Music

11.My church

12.Knitting/crocheting

13.Photography

14.Clothes on my back

15.Pets

16.Education

17.Volunteering

18.Baking

19.Nature

20.Art

21.My health

22.Being myself

23.Lazy days

24.Being an aunt

25.Most Importantly: Being alive

Wednesday, November 16, 2011

Peanut Butter Marshmallow Crispy Brownie

•1 package fudge brownie mix

•1 package mini marshmallows

•1 ½ cups semi sweet chocolate chips

•1 cup creamy peanut butter

•1 Tablespoon butter

•1 ½ cups Rice Krispies Cereal

1. Line a 9x13 inch pan with foil and brush lightly with oil. Pre-heat the oven to 350F or to brownie box directions.
2. Prepare brownie mix for chewy brownies. Bake according to box directions.
3. Remove from oven and sprinkle with the marshmallows. Bake for another 5 minutes. Remove from the oven and cool completely, or until marshmallows have solidified.
4. Melt chocolate chips, peanut butter, and butter in a saucepan over medium low heat stirring frequently. Turn off the heat and stir in the cereal. Pour over the marshmallow topped brownies and smooth out the mixture.
5. Refrigerate until the topping is set. Once set, remove brownies from the pan by lifting the foil. To cut, brush a chef’s knife with oil and cut into strips, then into squares

Homemade Butterfingers

1 lb. candy corn


16oz jar peanut butter (I used Peter Pan Honey Roasted peanut butter)

16oz pkg. chocolate candy coating
Melt candy corn in microwave on high 1 minute. Stir and continue cooking in 15-second intervals til melted, stirring after each interval. Stir in peanut butter. Spread mixture in an 8x8 pan lined with parchment. Cool completely. Cut into squares. Dip in melted chocolate candy coating. Lay on waxed paper to set.

Autumn Stew

Ingredients
•1 large white onion, chopped

•2 large carrots, peeled and chopped

•28-ounce (large) can whole, peeled tomatoes — with juice

•29-ounce (large) can of pumpkin

•2 cans low-sodium vegetable broth

•1/2 cup red lentils

•1 can chickpeas

•1 cup frozen green peas

•1 cup autumn spiced beer of your choice (or water)

•1 teaspoon ground coriander

•1 teaspoon ground cumin

•1/4 teaspoon ground thyme

•1 teaspoon chili powder

•1/4 teaspoon ground cloves

•1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper

•Salt and pepper to taste

Directions
1.In a large stock pot, heat a tablespoon or so of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add onions and cook until glassy.

2.Toss in the carrot, tomatoes (with juice), pumpkin, and vegetable broth. Bring to a boil.

3.Then add in the lentils. Cook for a few minutes — stirring often and mashing up the tomatoes a bit — and lower heat just a bit. Add the peas, chickpeas, beer, and spices.

4.Lower to a simmer and let cook for 30 minutes to an hour.

Baked Pumpkin Oatmeal for One

Recipe Here

Apple Pie Caramel Applees

Recipe Here

Bacon and Egg Breakfast Casserole

Recipe Here

2 Minute Chocolate and Salted Caramel Mug Cake

Recipe Here

Chocolate Pudding Pie

Recipe Here

Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars

Recipe Here

Crispy Crunchy Delights

Recipe Here

Thin and Crispy Chocolate Chip Cookies

Recipe Here

Weeknight Bolognese

Recipe here

Thursday, October 6, 2011

Finding a Long-Lost Friend After Over 15 Years

On Friday, September 30th, I found my best friend from elementary school on Facebook. I hadn’t seen/heard from her in over 15 years, so I was really surprised to find her again. But, I was so excited to find her.
But, I was also nervous, because I wasn’t sure if she even remembered me, after all these years. I was nervous to send her a friend request, because of that, and I didn’t know how she’d react.
If she did remember me, I wasn’t sure if she would be excited about hearing from me again. If she didn’t, I wasn’t sure if she would think I was some crazy person or something.
Yesterday, I finally sent her a friend request, along with a little message, about us being neighbors and classmates. I was anxiously awaiting what would happen next. I was hoping she would remember me and accept the friend request.
Well, good news!! She accepted it. Although, she didn’t send a message back, so I don’t know if she was just being nice in accepting the request, or if she actually remembered me. But, at least I can talk to her again.
Although, I don’t really know what to do next. Send her another message to get a conversation going? Wait for her to make the next move? What? I have no idea what to do now. There’s too much to say to know where to begin.
I really hope we can build up our friendship again. I want her in my life. She was my best friend, after all. I had written (or typed, actually) a letter of all the things I would say to her, if I was bold enough to do that.
I might post it on here, if I feel comfortable with that. I miss her friendship. We lived a block apart from each other, before she moved away. So I think the friendship was even more special for me.
I just don’t know how she feels about all this. I don’t want to push her or anything, but I would like to know. I would not be happy if she doesn’t want to build up the friendship again, but if that’s what happens, then there’s nothing I can do about it.
I don’t really know how to go about saying this to her, though. I don’t want her to think I’m desperate or anything, but I want her to know that I want this. Even after all these years.
I wish my mom was still alive, so I can talk to her about this. It sucks not having her around. She could give me advice on what to do. Although, I can ask my friends for their opinions. And maybe my dad, although I don’t know how he would feel about that.
I’ll figure something out soon. I hope. I have a lot of emotions going on right now (happiness, nervousness, confusion, surprise, awkwardness, maybe a little jealousy), so I want to figure out what to do soon.
Someday, if all goes well, I would like to get together with her, and talk. Hang out. Catch up on life. Have fun. Be friends. Maybe best friends. If we do get together, I would like to make something for her, that would be special. To tell her that she still means something to me, even after all this time.
Well, that’s all for now. More to come later.

Friday, August 12, 2011

Flowers

I love flowers. These were from an apartment by the local library. They are so pretty.



Thursday, August 11, 2011

50 Things You Don't Know About Me



  1. I'm afraid of death.
  2. My favorite color is purple.
  3. I love Italian food.
  4. My 2 favorite musical artists are Andrea Bocelli and Francesca Battistelli.
  5. I want to meet both of them someday.
  6. My favorite actor is Johnny Depp
  7. I want to meet him someday, too.
  8. I want to be an author someday.
  9. I got my very first cell phone this past April.
  10. I love rainstorms.
  11. I have never been outside of the U.S. before.
  12. My favorite animal is the horse.
  13. I want to live on a farm with my future husband and kids, and raise horses (and a few other animals).l
  14. I am addicted to knitting, and am starting to get addicted to crocheting.
  15. I didn't really like school, but what's odd is that I want to be a teacher someday.
  16. I'm really into linguistics, which is finding out origins of words.
  17. I have had only one major crush in my life.
  18. My favorite dessert is chocolate (who doesn't love chocolate?).
  19. My favorite candy bar is 3 Musketeers.
  20. I miss my elementary school days.
  21. I miss being a girl scout.
  22. I am a big advocate of disability rights.
  23. My favorite magazines are Girls' Life, Discovery Girls, American Girl, and Kiki.
  24. I'm a Harry Potter freak. I've read the books and watched the movies countless times.
  25. I believe in reincarnation.
  26. Photography, writing, baking, children, music, and animals are my passions.
  27. I have never been to Disney Land and Disney World, and I really want to go to both places.
  28. My favorite card game is Solitaire.
  29. I stink at doing cartwheels. I want to learn how to do one.
  30. I LOVE A Christmas Story.
  31. I was a bridesmaid in my oldest brother's wedding.
  32. My mom made my bridesmaid dress.
  33. I'm still afraid of the dark sometimes.
  34. Although, I'm a night out, and love the dark.
  35. I LOVE arts and crafts.
  36. I want to meet the cast of Harry Potter.
  37. Polar bears are my favorite wild animals.
  38. I rarely play video games.
  39. My favorite cereal is Cinnamon Toast Crunch.
  40. My second favorite cereal is Honey Bunches of Oats with Almonds.
  41. I am not a neat freak.
  42. I love bananas and strawberries. And watermelon.
  43. I have been to the north, east, and west, but not the south of the U.S.
  44. I really, really, really want to go to Europe.
  45. I have a lot of rings, earrings, and necklaces, but I wear earrings the most.
  46. I'm trying to love my body the way it is.
  47. I have lived in the same house, neighborhood, city, and state my whole live. I have never, ever moved.
  48. This may sound weird, but I love to sleep.
  49. I want to be a vegetarian again. The last time I tried, it lasted for only a month.
  50. I don't really have a 'favorite' flower. I like them all. Athough, who could say no to a rose or tulip?

Tuesday, August 9, 2011

The Butterfly Project

The Rules are:


1. When you feel like you want to cut, take a marker, pen, or sharpies and draw a butterfly on your arm or hand.

2. Name the butterfly after a loved one, or someone that really wants you to get better.

3. You must let the butterfly fade naturally. NO scrubbing it off.

4. If you cut before the butterfly is gone, you’ve killed it. If you dont cut, it lives.

5. If you have more than one butterfly, cutting kills all of them.

6. Another person may draw them on you. These butterflies are extra special. Take good care of them.

7. Even if you don’t cut, feel free to draw a butterfly anyways, to show your support. If you do this, name it after someone you know that cuts or is suffering right now, and tell them. It could help.

REBLOGGING CAUSE MAYBE MY FOLLOWERS CUT THEMSELEVES TOO, AND I CARE ABOUT EACH AND EVERY ONE OF YOU.

Wednesday, July 6, 2011

Androidify Me!

Goings-On

Not a lot is going on. Last week on Friday, I went to a memorial for a friends' dad. He was killed by a drunk driver. The service was nice, but it was getting to me at the end, reminding me of what I went through with my mom. Though it was a different situation.
I hate that my friend is going through this, this way. It makes me angry that someone decided to drink and drive. Of course, the drunk driver survived the crash, which makes me even more angry. I hope justice will be served, and this guy gets punished as much as possible.
On to something happier. On July fourth, I went to the local high school's fireworks show with a friend. It was pretty cool. One of the fireworks was in the shape of a smiley face. I really liked that one. Another one was heart-shaped, which I also liked.
After the show, I went over to my friends' house for brownies and ice cream. Since it was her birthday,.we sang happy birthday to my friend. I had a good time.
Yesterday my dad and I took one of our cats to the vet for a check up. That went well. After we dropped her off at home, we then went to a cell phone store to change my phones' plan to everything unlimited.
I'm happy now, because now I don't have to worry about going over anything. Yay!!
Well, that's all for now. More to come later.

Tuesday, June 21, 2011

My (Very, Very Long) Bucket List

  1. Go to all 50 states
  2. Go to Disney Land
  3. Go to Disney World
  4. Go to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter
  5. See the 7 wonders of the world (or however many there are)
  6. Go to Europe
  7. Go to Australia
  8. Go to Mexico
  9. Go to Canada
  10. Go to South America
  11. Go to Africa
  12. Go to a luau
  13. Write at least one book
  14. Host a masquerade birthday party
  15. Be a voiceover in a movie
  16. Have a chocolate party
  17. Go to a spa
  18. Get my own place
  19. Get a boyfriend
  20. Get married
  21. Have children
  22. Adopt
  23. Become a baker
  24. Become a special education teacher
  25. Volunteer with the Special Olympics
  26. Participate in the Summer Olympics (horseback riding or biking)
  27. Make my own clothes
  28. Make my own purses
  29. Make my own hats
  30. Make my own jewelry
  31. Skydive
  32. Meet Johnny Depp
  33. Meet Andrea Bocelli
  34. Meet Celtic Woman
  35. Meet Celtic Thunder
  36. Meet Daniel Radcliffe
  37. Meet Emma Watson
  38. Meet Rupert Grint
  39. Meet Robbie Coltrane
  40. Live on a farm
  41. Raise horses
  42. Have a flower bed
  43. Grow fruits and vegetables
  44. Swim with dolphins
  45. Learn how to do cartwheels
  46. Go bunjee jumping
  47. Learn to juggle
  48. See the Ringling Brothers/Barnum and Bailey Circus
  49. Watch a Cirque de Soleil performance
  50. See Wicked
  51. See The Lion King performance
  52. Learn Italian
  53. Learn French
  54. Learn Spanish
  55. Learn German
  56. Learn Sign Language
  57. Learn Russian
  58. Learn to play the piano
  59. Learn to play the flute
  60. Learn to play the clarinet
  61. Learn to play the saxophone
  62. Learn to play the cello
  63. Pick up the violin again
  64. Pick up the guitar again
  65. Sleep in the yard
  66. Learn to crochet
  67. Have a sleepover
  68. Have a water balloon fight
  69. Become a photographer (maybe professional)
  70. Donate money to St. Jude's Childrens Hospital
  71. Donate money to the ASPCA
  72. Watch a sunset
  73. Watch a sunrise
  74. Have a picnic in the park
  75. Go to concerts by favorite artists
  76. Learn to draw
  77. Learn to paint
  78. Take pottery classes
  79. Become more outgoing
  80. Make picture CDs for my friends and family
  81. Make mix CDs for my friends and family
  82. Live in another country for up to a year
  83. Redecorate my current bedroom
  84. Get an iPad
  85. See the Grand Canyon
  86. See Niagra Falls
  87. Have a pool party
  88. Host a clothes swap
  89. Host a clothing drive
  90. Get my driver's license
  91. Learn to surf
  92. Swim in the ocean
  93. Learn to water ski
  94. Learn to jet ski
  95. Visit Cape Canaveral (I hope I spelled it right)
  96. Walk through a rainforest
  97. Visit a waterfall
  98. Go on a sleigh ride
  99. Create a board game
  100. Ride a gondola in Venice
  101. Ride in a helicopter
  102. Learn to play tennis
  103. Take horseback riding lessons
  104. Go horseback riding along the beach
  105. Learn to snowboard
  106. Swim in all of the Great Lakes
  107. Get over my fear of heights
  108. Become a black belt in Karate
  109. Try fencing
  110. Take a basic self-defense class
  111. Go see an opera
  112. Learn Hebrew
  113. Learn to play the drums
  114. Take singing lessons
  115. Write my own music
  116. Meet Josh Groban
  117. Go to a Josh Groban concert
  118. Learn to dance
  119. Jump off a cliff into deep water
  120. Got white water rafting
  121. Ride in a hot air balloon
  122. Go on a zip line
  123. Walk through a corn maze
  124. Go zorbing
  125. Ride the London Eye
  126. Watch a rocket launch live
  127. Go whale-watching
  128. See a koala bear
  129. See a panda bear
  130. See a kangaroo
  131. Go on an African safari
  132. Ride a camel
  133. Swim with the manatees
  134. Read a book in one day
  135. See the Northern lights
  136. Visit Yosemite National Park
  137. See Christ the Redeemer statue
  138. Visit the Parthenon
  139. Visit the Acropolis
  140. Visit the statues of Easter Island
  141. Visit the pyramids in Egypt
  142. Visit the Stonehenge
  143. Visit the Sydney Opera House
  144. Visit Big Ben
  145. Visit St. Peter's Basilica
  146. Visit the Notre Dame Cathedral
  147. Visit Machu Piccu
  148. Visit the Colisseum
  149. Visit the Great Wall of China
  150. Visit the Taj Mahal
  151. See the Mona Lisa painting
  152. See the Madonna painting
  153. See The Scream painting
  154. Visit Mecca
  155. Visit Israel
  156. Visit the Eiffel Tower
  157. Visit the Leaning Tower of Pisa
  158. Visit the Blarney Stone
  159. Climb the Statue of Liberty
  160. See the Empire State Building
  161. Visit the Hershey Chocolate Facorty in Pennsylvania
  162. Ride a steamboat down the Mississippi River
  163. Visit the Coney Island Boardwalk
  164. Visit the Four Corners
  165. See the Bean in Chicago
  166. See an Irish castle
  167. See a Scottish castle
  168. See an English castle
  169. Ride a cable car in San Francisco
  170. Go to the National Cherry Blossom Festival
  171. Go to a New Orleans Mardi Gras festival
  172. Learn calligraphy
  173. Learn embroidery
  174. Learn to quilt
  175. Learn to sew
  176. Learn not to take things personally
  177. Develop better self-esteem/confidence
  178. Meet JK Rowling
  179. Save money for the future
  180. Go on a shopping spree
  181. Be a foster parent
  182. Have a chapel in my own place
  183. Have my own pool
  184. Have my own library
  185. Have my own gym
  186. Have a tree house in the backyard
  187. Meet the Pope
  188. Take up yoga
  189. Live a life of no regrets
  190. Learn to meditate
  191. Join AmeriCorps or PeaceCorps
  192. Build a Habitat for Humanity House
  193. Join Big Brother/Big Sister
  194. Volunteer at an animal shelter
  195. Start a charity
  196. Start a bakery
  197. Invent something
  198. Be a spectator at the summer Olympics
  199. Go to the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade
  200. See the Radio City Christmas Spectacular
  201. Win the lottery
  202. Take acting classes
  203. Have my portrait painted
  204. Learn to do a backflip
  205. Ride a Segway
  206. Get a henna tattoo
  207. Get a massage
  208. Learn one new world every day for a year

More Favorite Things

  • A warm, comfy bed
  • Smiles
  • Making someone's day
  • Compliments
  • Hugs
  • Stars in the sky
  • Shooting stars
  • Rainbows
  • Waterfalls
  • Polar bears
  • Popcorn with lots of butter
  • Balloons
  • Sleep masks
  • Nature
  • Making new friends
  • Glitter
  • Lace
  • The color purple
  • S'mores
  • Origami
  • Strawberry-banana smoothies/shakes
  • Claire's Boutique
  • The Italian language
  • The French Language
  • The Spanish language
  • Purses
  • The Museum of Science and Industry
  • The Adler Planetarium
  • The Brookfield Zoo
  • Science
  • Astronomy
  • Girl Scouts
  • Things that glow in the dark
  • Making things out of clay and then painting them
  • Making lists (I know this one is weird, but I love lists)
  • Getting a phone call, email or text message from a friend
  • Strawberries
  • Bananas
  • Bagels and cream cheese
  • Brussels sprouts (yes, I said Brussels sprouts)
  • Banana boats (bananas with the middle scooped out, filled with mini marshmallows and chocolate chips, and cooked for a few minutes)
  • Candles
  • TGI Friday's
  • Reed diffusers
  • The Rainforest Cafe
  • Dyeing eggs for easter
  • Tie-dying clothes
  • Running through the sprinkler
  • Sudoku
  • Stickers
  • Butterflies
  • Learning something new
  • England
  • Puzzles, especially 3-D ones
  • Children
  • Vision boards
  • Olympics (Go USA!!!)
  • Sleeping late
  • Gardening
  • Helping people
  • Praying
  • Scrapbooking
  • Sitting on the porch in the evening
  • Cake Boss (TV show)

My Favorite Things

  • Friends
  • Family
  • Animals
  • Books/reading
  • Writing
  • Traveling
  • Shopping
  • Swimming
  • Music
  • Dancing like no one is watching
  • Walking/playing in a rainstorm
  • The smell after a rainstorm
  • Flowers
  • Chocolate
  • Children
  • Arts and crafts
  • Lazy summer days
  • Volunteering
  • Donating blood/bone marrow
  • Ice cream
  • Pasta
  • Italy
  • Ireland
  • Scotland
  • Andrea Bocelli
  • Celtic Thunder
  • Celtic Woman
  • Irish music
  • Block parties
  • Baking
  • Board/card/video games
  • Laughing
  • Movies
  • Johnny Depp
  • Christian music
  • God
  • Journaling/blogging
  • hot chocolate on cold days
  • Lemonade on warm days
  • Knitting/crocheting
  • Jewelry
  • Clothing
  • Horseback riding
  • Girls' Life Magazine
  • American Girl Magazine, Dolls and Store
  • Discovery Girls Magazine
  • Kiki Magazine
  • Floppy hats
  • Photography
  • Musicals
  • Doodling
  • Getting mail from friends and family
  • Taking a long relaxing bath or shower
  • Massages
  • Yoga
  • Birthdays
  • The Chicago White Sox
  • Sandals
  • Tank tops
  • Crayons
  • Markers
  • Colored pencils

Thursday, June 16, 2011

A Friend in Need

I found out today that a friend of mine lost her dad to a drunk driver. I am sorry for her loss, but I'm also angry that the person was stupid enough to get behind the wheel and drive. Thanks to that person, my friend has to live with the grief and anger of losing her dad this way.

I hate it when people think they can drive after they've had drinks.  I know their judgment is impaired after drinking, but I don't get why they are allowed to get behind the wheel when they're drunk. It just gets me angry.

I wonder how that person feels, knowing that he has killed someone. I hope he feels tons and tons of remorse, guilt and shame. I hope he's put in jail for a long while, so he can think about what he's done. My friend and her family does not need to go through this. She is one of the most wonderful people I know, and I am fortunate to be considered one of her friends. She does NOT deserve this.

I will be leaving my phone on all night, probably for several nights, for my friend, if she wanted to talk at night. She was there for me when my mom died, so I'm repaying the favor for her. She desperately needs friends and family right now.

I know what she is going through, so I can shed a little light on her situation, if she has any questions for me. I'm just angry that there are people out there who drink and drive, and think that's ok. They don't really care about anything if they do that. I don't mind if people want to have a good time, but drinking doesn't have to be a part of that.

This is why I don't drink. Or, rarely drink. I don't want to put other lives in danger, because of my actions. I hate seeing people suffer, especially if it's friends and family. I just want to scream at the top of my lungs, because life is just so unfair. I know I can't change what has happened, but I wish I could tell people NOT TO DRINK AND DRIVE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

This is what happens when you do. You jeopardize your life, and others' lives as well. You could end up killing someone, or yourself. You could cause a lot of grief, anger, and confusion. I wish I could ask this person why he did what he did. And how he feels. I really want to make him feel bad for what he did. But, I can't. That's ok, though. I don't want to cause anymore problems than there already are.

I really wish my friend wasn't going through all this crap. It's not fair. I hope the person who caused this finds it in his heart to apologize (even though that isn't enough for what has happened), and to feel bad for what he has done. If he doesn't feel sorry/bad about his actions, then he doesn't have a heart, and he is a  MONSTER. He doesn't deserve to live, if that is the case.

Sorry for going on like this, but I needed to let it out. Thanks for listening.

Tuesday, May 31, 2011

Survey About Me

I got this survey from this blog, which I thought was interesting. I've decided to take this survey myself.

1. First thing you wash in the shower? My arms.
2. What colour is your favorite hoodie? Black.
3. Would you kiss the last person you kissed again? I don't remember who I kissed last. It's been ages since I kissed anyone.
4. Do you plan outfits? Not really.

5. How are you feeling RIGHT now? Tired and bored.
6. What’s the closest thing to you that's red? A bag of Doritos.
7. Tell me about the last dream you remember having: Being at my grandma's house, putting stuff in the van to take away.
8. Did you meet anybody new today? No.

9. What are you craving right now? This survey.
10. Do you floss daily? I try.
11.What comes to mind when I say cabbage? Eh.

12. Are you emotional? Overly.
13. Have you ever counted to 1,000? No

14. Do you bite into your ice cream or just lick? Both.
15. Do you like your hair? Not really.
16. Do you like yourself? A little.

17. Would you go out to eat with George W. Bush? No.
18. What are you listening to right now? The keys from the laptop clicking.
19. Are your parents strict? Not really.
20. Would you go sky diving? If I had someone go with me.

21. Do you like cottage cheese? Kind of.
22. Have you ever met a celebrity? Yes, Svengoolie.

23. Do you rent movies often? No.
24. Is there anything sparkly in the room you're in? Some jewelry.
25. How many countries have you visited? None :(.

26. Have you made a prank phone call? No.
27. Ever been on a train? Yes.
28. Brown or white eggs? Does it matter?
29.Do you have a cell/mobile phone? Yes.

30. Do you use chopsticks?  Rarely.

31. Do you own a gun? No.

32. Can you use chopsticks? Sort of.
33. Who are you going to be with tonight? My dad and brothers.

34. Are you too forgiving? Probably.
35. Ever been in love? Yes.

36. What is your best friend(s) doing tomorrow? Not sure.
37. Ever have cream puffs? I might have. I don't remember.

38. Last time you cried? Last night.
39. What was the last question you asked? I don't remember offhand.
40. Favorite time of the year? Spring and fall.
41. Do you have any tattoos? No, but I want to get one someday, in memory of my mom.
42. Are you sarcastic? Why, no I'm not : D
43. Have you ever seen The Butterfly Effect? I believe I have.

44. Ever walked into a wall? Yes.
45. Favorite color? Purple.
46. Have you ever slapped someone? No.
47. Is your hair curly? No.
48. What was the last CD you bought? Hundred More Years by Francesca Battistelli
49. Do looks matter? Somewhat.
50. Could you ever forgive a cheater? No.
51. Is your phone bill sky high? I don't think so.
52. Do you like your life right now? No.
53. Do you sleep with the TV on? No.

54. Can you handle the truth? Depends on what it is.
55. Do you have good vision? Definitely not.

56. Do you hate or dislike more than 3 people? I don't think so.

57. How often do you talk on the phone? Probably every few days.

58. The last person you held hands with? Don't remember. It's been ages since I've held hands with anyone.

59. What are you wearing? Shorts and a tank top.

60.What is your favorite animal? Horses. And polar bears.

61. Where was your default picture taken at? A park.
62. Can you hula hoop? Yes.
63. Do you have a job? I wish I did.

64. What was the most recent thing you bought? A CD.
65. Have you ever crawled through a window? No.
SAY EXACTLY WHATS ON YOUR MIND & DON'T CHANGE IT.

1. You & your ex - I don't have an ex.
2. I am listening to - The clicking of computer keys.
3. Maybe I should - Get a job.
4. I love - reading and writing.
5. I don't understand - math.
6. I have lost my respect for - talk shows.
7. I last ate - pasta.
8. The meaning of my display name is - important things, and my name.


IS YOUR/ARE YOU:

1. Is your hair wet? No.
2. Is your cell phone right by you? Yes.

3. Do you miss someone? Yes!

4. Are you wearing chap stick? No.

5. Are you tired? Yes.

6. Are you wearing PJ's? No.

7. Are you mad? No.

8. Are you upset? No.


HAVE YOU:

1. Recently done anything you regret? No.

2. Ever lied? No.

3. Ever kicked someone? No.

4. Ever tripped over your own feet? Many times.

TODAY HAVE YOU:

1. Have you cursed? No.

2. Have you gotten mad at someone? No.

RANDOM.

Q: Is there someone on your mind right now?

A: Yes.


Q: Do you want children?

A: Yes, someday.

Q: Do you untie your shoes every time you take them off?

A: Yes.

Q: Do you like your handwriting?

A: Sort of.


Q: What color shirt are you wearing right now?

A: Purple.


Q: What were you doing at 7pm yesterday?

A: Knitting and watching a movie.


Q: You can't wait until?

A: I get a job.


Q: What would you rather be called?

A: Not sure. For now, my name.


Q. Are you one of those kids that cut their hair by themselves when they were younger?

A. I don't think so.


Q. What do you think when you see someone trip, and then try and play it off?

A. That's awesome.

Q. Are you the kind of person who wears GIANT hoop earings?

A. No.


Q. Would you rather work a boring job, or a fast pace exhausting one?

A. How about one in between?

Q. Interested in manga? [Japanese "comic books"]

A. A little.


Q. Did you believe in the Ouija board?

A. No.


Q. Know someone who just has way too many freaking msn screen names?

A. No.

Q. Can you be trusted with a fragile object?

A. No.


Q. Ever almost get run over by a car?

A. Yes.


Q. Do your parents have home videos from when you were a baby?

A. Of course.


Q. Ever get poked in the eye?

A. Yes, a few times.


1. Do you sleep in your bra? Yes.

2. What is your mood right now? Bored.

3. Are you happy with your looks? A little.

4. Do you enjoy drama? Nope.

5. Are you a girly girl? Kind of.

6. Who was the last person you hugged? My dad.

7. Small or large purses? In between.

9. Do you like someone? Maybe :)

10. What would you do if someone smacked your butt? I would tell them not to do that again.

11. Do you care if your socks are dirty? Yes.

13. Do you dress up on Halloween? Sometimes, depending on how I feel.

14. Are you double jointed? Yes.

15. Where is the weirdest place you have slept? Not sure.

16. Has anyone touched/smacked your butt in the past 24 hours? No.

17. Is there any type of rumor going around about you? I hope not.

Has anyone told you they missed you lately? No.

Where did you get the shirt you're wearing right now? Old Navy.

What's your middle name? Lynn

What's the last song you listened to? Hundred More Years by Francesca Battistelli.

Where could I have found you last Saturday? At an art festival.

What brand of digital camera do you own? Canon.

Was yesterday better than today? I think yesterday was better so far.

Do you think long distance relationships work out? It depends on the people.

Do you wear makeup everyday? No.

Do you know anyone with the same name as you? Yes, a few.

What are you doing right now? This.

Who was the first person you talked to today? My dad.

Did you talk to anyone before you went to bed last night? One of my brothers.

Are you waiting for something? A job.

Is there anyone that hates you right now? I hope not.

How did you feel when you woke up today? Lazy.

Are you the shortest of all your friends? No.

What does your hair look like? Dark brown, a little past shoulder length, a little wavy.

Do you care about what people think? Yes. I probably care too much.

What would you do if the door bell rang and it was Lil Wayne? I'd be speechless, but he's not my favorite artist, so I wouldn't really do much else.

Do you consider yourself spoiled? No.

Have you ever gotten a speeding ticket? Nope. I don't have my license yet.

Are you a jealous person? Yes.

What was the last thing you ate and where? I had pasta at home.

Do you take pills daily? Yes.

Wearing any bracelets? Not right now.

What were you doing at 8:00 this morning? Sleeping.

What's the last compliment you received? Probably that I was pretty.

Who are you closest to in your family? Probably my nephew, and he's six.

Do you say sexy a lot? No.

What color are your socks? I'm not wearing any.

Are you a bad influence? No.

Who last called you? My friend Eric.

Do you answer the phones at your job? I don't have a job yet.

What's your ring tone? I have a different one for different friends.

Last time you smiled because you got a text? Probably last week.

Do you straighten your hair everyday? No. My hair doesn't need to be straightened.

Has anyone ever told you that you have pretty eyes? Yes.

Are you over 18 or under? Over.

Your plans for this weekend? I don't know yet.

Do you know anyone with the same birthday as you? Yes, a couple of people.

Where do you see yourself in 5 years? Hopefully working, and with my hospitality degree.

What time is it? 12:56.

Do you miss anyone? Yes.

Sunday, May 29, 2011

Currently I'm...

I got this list idea from Frenetic Reader. It seemed cool, so I decided to make one for myself.

Current Book: Hippie Chick by Joseph Monninger

Current Playlist: Andrea Bocelli, Michael Buble, Colbie Caillat

Current Shame-Inducing Guilty Pleasure: Chocolate ice cream, brownies

Current Wishlist: A job, getting my hospitality degree

Current Needs: Money, knitting supplies

Current Bane of My Existence: Knitting, books

Current Color: Purple

Current Drink: Hot chocolate

Current Food: Ice cream cones

Current Favorite Show: America's Next Top Model

Current Celebrity Girl-Crush:

Current Outfit: Jeans, high school choir shirt, sweater

Current Excitement: My nephew's birthday party next month

Tuesday, May 10, 2011

Connected

I am happy to announce that this blog and my cell phone are now connected. Now I don't need a computer to post, which makes me happy! More to come soon.

Sunday, May 8, 2011

Mother's Day and More

Today is Mother's Day, and it was bittersweet for me. My mom died in November, so today wasn't really a "happy" day. I really wish my mom was here, because I need her. A lot. My dad's mom also died, the Sunday before Easter. So life sucks right now. A lot. My dad, 2 of my brothers and I visited my mom's grave today, in honor of Mother's Day.
After that, we got dinner from Smokin M's. I had shrimp and fries. It was really good. It's been a while since I had food from there, and actually missed it.
Last week, my dad and I went to a T-Mobile store, to look for a cell phone for me. We looked around for a while, and I found a phone I liked. It's an LG Optimus Android phone. I really like it. I'm already pretty used to it, but I'm still learning how to use it.
I've figured out how to use a lot of the apps, the text messaging, and calling people and answering calls. I am so happy to finally have a cell phone. Now, I can't wait to get my driver's license.
Since I love to bake, I have decided to post a recipe on here once a week (or at least try to). I will hopefully make the recipe as well, and post pictures as well. Tomorrow, I will post my first recipe.
Well, that's all for now. More to come for now.

Friday, April 22, 2011

Clock

Materials:
Paper plate
Cork
Paper fastener
Plastic bag
Different colors of paint
Paint brush
Old toothbrush
Clear tape
Scissors

  1. Paint the paper plate.
  2. Using a toothbrush, sprinkle different colors of paint. Then, paint the twelve numbers with different colors of paint.
  3. To make the clock hands, cut two arrows out of cardboard, one longer than the other. Decorate them with stripes. Make a hole at the end of the clock hands.
  4. Fasten the hands to the center of the clock by making a hole with the paper fastener. Glue the cork to the paper fastener. Glue a bag handle onto the back of the clock so you can hang it on the wall.

Helicopter

Materials:
Plastic container
Cardboard
Two toothpicks
Two craft sticks
Cork
Cloth scrap
Different colors of paint
Paintbrush
White glue
Clear tape
Scissors

  1. For the window cut out a piece of cloth and glue it to the container.
  2. For the landing skids, cut out three pieces of cardboard for each one, and glue them together. Paint stripes on them.
  3. For the tail, cut out a strip of cardboard. Glue two toothpices to the end in the shape of an "X." Paint the tail.
  4. Attach the landing skids and the tail to the container. Use clear tape for the landing skids. Make a small slot in the container for the tail.
  5. For the rotors, glue two craft sticks in the shape of an "X" on top of the cork. Paint them. Glue them to the helicopter.

Penguin

Materials:
Paper towel tube
Cardboard
Different colors of paint
Paintbrush
Marker
White glue
Stapler
Scissors

  1. Draw the shape of a head with a marker on the top of the tube. Cut out around the head.
  2. Make the wings and beak out of t he leftover pieces of tube. Staple the wings to the body and glue the beak on the face.
  3. Trace the outline of the tube, and add feet, on a piece of cardboard. Cut it out. Glue it to the bottom of the tube.
  4. Paint the penguin, leaving the stomach and face unapinted.
  5. Paint the penguin's beak and feet with orange paint.

Box Cake

Materials:
Round cardboard box
paper plate
Plastic container
Plastic cup
Different colors of paint
Paintbrush
Old toothbrush
White glue

  1. Paint the box and the plate.
  2. Paint stripes around the plate. Use the old toothbrush to sprinkle on some paint.
  3. Decorate the side of the box with triangles and dots. Sprinkle on some paint with the toothbrush.
  4. Paint strips on the plastic container. Paint its rim red.
  5. Glue all the parts one ont top of the other. Glue the plastic cap on top as if it were a cherry.

Firefighter

Materials:
Empty plastic bottle
Egg carton
Rope
Balloon
Crepe paper
Tissue paper
Red tape
Paint
Modeling clay
Paintbrush
Masking tape
White glue

  1. Cover the bottle with red and orange tissue paper. Wrap red tape around the bottle.
  2. Make the eyes and the nose out of modeling clay. Glue them onto the bottle cap.
  3. Cut out a long strip from a piece of balloon. Tie it around the bottleneck for the arms.
  4. Cut out a cup from the egg carton. Paint it, and put it on top of the bottle cap.
  5. For the hose, attach some crepe paper to the end of the rope with masking tape and wrap it around the firefighter's body.

Spinning Top

Materials:
Old CD (ask permission first0
Different colors of paint
Paintbrush
Toothpick
Cork
Double-sided tape

  1. Paint the center of the CD.
  2. Paint triangles from the edge to the center of the CD.
  3. Finish painting it with different color triangles.
  4. Stick a toothpick in the cork top and paint the cork.
  5. Tape the cork onto the CD with double-sided tape.

Hippopotamus

Materials:
Mold for storing bottles or white cardboard tubes
Toilet paper tube
Different colors of paint
Paintbrush
Scissors
White glue

  1. Cut out one of the bottle cartons and cut off the neck.
  2. Use the bottleneck to make four legs, ears, and a tail. Glue them to the body.
  3. Paint the hippopotamus. Let dry.
  4. Paint the eyes, the nose, and the inside of the ears.
  5. Make a bird out of a piece of cardboard, paint it, and glue it onto the hippopotamus.

Doll

Materials:
Two different plastic containers
Two big corks
Cardboard
Magazine page
Thick string
Thin string
Different colors of paint
Paintbrush
Clear tape
White glue
Scissors

  1. Ask an ault to help you make a hole in the bottom of each container. Connect them with the thin string. Tie a knot at the end of the string.
  2. Cut out two circles of cardboard and paint a face on one of them. Glue them to the string just above the container.
  3. Cut hands out of cardboard. Tie a piece of red string around the neck and glue the hands to the ends of the string.
  4. For the legs, make a small hole in each cork. Glue a piece of string in the hole of each cork. Attach the string to the inside of the container with clear tape.
  5. For the hair, cut out a small rectangle from a magazine page. Make small cuts in the rectangle to make hair. Glue it onto the head.

Ladybug

Materials:
Egg carton
Small cork
Different colors of paint
Paintbrush
White glue
Scissors

  1. Cut two cups out of the egg carton. Cut out the part of one of them to make the wings.
  2. Paint the wings red and the body black. Let dry.
  3. Paint black dots on the wings. Let dry. Glue them to the body.
  4. Paint a face on the wide part of the cork and glue it to the body.
  5. For the antennas, cut out a long strip from the egg carton and paint it black. Glue it to the head. Let dry.

Wednesday, April 20, 2011

Worm

Materials:
Three toilet paper tubes
Two bottle caps
Cork
Different colors of paint
Paintbrush
Stapler
White glue
Scissors

  1. Cut the three toilet paper tues in half the long way.
  2. Staple together the sides of the six pieces.
  3. Paint the pieces any way you wish. You can even paint on stripes!
  4. For the nose, glue the cork top to one end. Paint the tip of the cork. Paint a mouth.
  5. Paint eyes inside the bottle caps. Glue them to the face.

Camel

Materials:
Egg carton
Cork
Four clothespins
Different colors of paint
Paintbrush
White glue
Scissors

  1. For the camel's humps, cut two cups out of the egg carton.
  2. Put two clothespins on each hump. They will be the four legs.
  3. For the neck, cut out the middle mart of an egg carton cup. Glue it to the humps.
  4. For the head, cut two ears out of the egg carton and glue them to the cork. Glue the cork to the neck.
  5. Paint the camel any color you wish. Paint the eyes, nose, and mouth. Let dry.

Coin Purse

Materials:
Cardboard juice container
Hook and loop fastener
Stapler
Scissors
White glue

  1. Flatten the cardboard juce container with the help of an adult.
  2. Cut off the top and bottom of the container, leaving a small tab on the top.
  3. Fold in the sides of the cardboard container.
  4. Fold it in half and staple it in the middle. The coin purse is almost ready.
  5. To close the coin purse, glue a strip of hook and loop fastener to the tab and another one opposite it.

Piggy

Materials:
Toilet paper tube
Egg carton
Four corks
Different colors of paint
Paintbrush
White glue
Scissors

  1. For the head, cut out a cup from the egg carton and leave two tabs for the ears.
  2. Glue the head to the toilet paper tube.
  3. For the legs, glue the corks to the tube. Glue on a cardboard strip from the egg carton for the tail.
  4. Paint everything. Let dry.
  5. Paint the eyes, nose, and mouth. Let dry.

King Craft

From the book Easy Earth-Friendly Crafts in 5 Steps by Anna Llimos

Materials:
Small plastic container

Cork
Red cord
Bottle cap
Cloth scrap
Different colors of paint
Paintbrush
White glue
Scissors

  1. Cut a rectangle out of a cloth scrap. Glue it to the plastic container.
  2. Paint the king's face on a cork.
  3. Glue the cork on top of the scrap of cloth.
  4. For the beard and hair, unravel the red cord.
  5. Glue the beard and hair on the head. Glue a bottle cap on top for the crown. Let dry.

Sunday, April 17, 2011

Life Sucks

Today has ended on a bad note. A really bad note. My last remaining grandparent has died. Her kidneys gave out. We have to wait and see what they say about the funeral because this is Holy Week, and they probably can't do the funeral this week.
I really do not want to go to the funeral. I love my grandma very much, but it hasn't even been 6 months since my mom's death and funeral, and now I have to deal with another one. Another family member gone. I really, really, really hate life right now.
I wish I wasn't so afraid of death. I've been afraid of it since my maternal grandpa's death in 1999, when I was 13 years old.
Dealing with my mom's death was/is hard enough, and now my grandma's death deals another huge blow to my emotions and life.
I wish my mom was still alive so she can comfort me right now. I know I have my dad, brothers, and friends on immediate hand to help me deal, but I really need my mom.
I am planning on calling my therapist to set up another session, because I really need to talk to someone. A LOT. Life is hard enough when dealing with shit, but dealing with it without talking to someone is torture. I really need to talk to someone. And soon.
I am a religious person, but if I abosolutely knew that there really was a heaven, and life after death, I wouldn't be so afraid to die, and to be gone. But there are a lot of things I want to do before I go.
Like get married and have kids. Those are the two most important goals of mine. I would not be happy if I died before getting married and having kids. Heaven wouldn't be the same if I didn't have those chances.
Like I said earlier, life absolutely sucks. I hope God gives me the chance to fulfill at least some of my dreams, and to relieve me of my fear of death, and suffering.

Goings On In My Life

Yesterday, I had a couple friends over for an Easter get-together. We dyed eggs, made cookies, had an indoor Easter egg hunt, had snacks, and listened to music. My friends gave me some bags of jelly beans, and a container of milk chocolated malted milk balls. Those are really good, and one of my favorite snacks. I had a good day yesterday.
Today, I went to church to celebrate Holy Week. I got the palms, and enjoyed listening to the service. Church was pretty packed today. After church, my dad took me driving. I was nervous, since it has been about 7 years since I last drove, but I did pretty good. We were out for about 40-45 minutes. It didn't seem like that long. I did better than I thought I would. I can't wait to get my license.
Next Sunday, I will be going to my sister's house, to celebrate Easter. I am really looking forward to seeing my niece and nephew. I haven't seen them in a while, so I can't wait until next weekend.
I am a huge Harry Potter fan, so I am planning on buying the DVD of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 1 sometime this week. I know, I know. I would have gotten it earlier if I had the money. But I have the money now, so I will be getting it soon. I can't wait until part 2 comes out.
I also can't wait for Breaking Dawn to come out, either. That's another one of my favorite series. Stephenie Meyer and J.K. Rowling are awesome. I love their books.
That's pretty much it for now. More to come later.

I Love...

I Love...

God
My family
My friends
My cats
Chocolate
Warm weather
My niece and nephew (even though they're part of the 'family' mentioned above)
Hearing my niece and nephew call me 'aunt Diane'
Making things
Writing
Reading
Blogging
Photography
Baking
Animals
Children
Hot chocolate on a cold day
Warm, rainy days
The smell after a rainy day
Baseball (Go White Sox!!!)

Friday, April 15, 2011

Easter

Easter is 2 weeks from now. I am looking forward to celebrating it with my niece and nephew. I think they will like the Easter baskets we have for them. Although, it won't be as enjoyable with my mom gone. I wish she was still alive. I will be thinking of her on Easter, and of course, on Mother's Day.
Tomorrow, I am having a friend over for an Easter get-together. We'll dye eggs (of course), play some games, and eat. I wish more of my friends were able to come over, but it's ok. I'll still have fun.
The flowers 2 of my friends and I planted in November are growing now. I can't wait until they bloom. They'll be beautiful when they do. The flowers are in memory of my mom. I'm sure she'll like the flowers.
My dad is possibly going to take me out driving on Sunday. I got my permit in October, but with everything that happened after that, I never used it. Lucky it's good for a year. I'm nervous, but excited about driving again. I took driver's ed in high school, and that was the last time I drove.
I can't wait to get my license. I won't have to wait for the bus to go to school, and I can drive myself to friends' houses. I'll be more independent than I am now.
My dad will also be getting me a cell phone, which will make me even more independent. I will possibly be getting a phone in 2 or 3 weeks. Hopefully. I really need a phone.
That's pretty much all that is going on right now. More to come soon.

Monday, March 21, 2011

Spring is Finally Here!!!

Finally, spring has arrived. Winter was brutal this year. We got a ton of snow, and it was really cold out. With spring here, we don't have to deal with all that stuff for a while.
Not much is going on now. I'm looking for a job. I have applied at about 5 or 6 places so far. I have also applied for volunteer work, as well. I really hope I get a job soon, because I really need the money.
For St. Patrick's Day, I went to Molly Malone's Irish Pub to celebrate with a friend. I wore a camp t-shirt (which was green), and a headband with four-leaf clover decorations on the top. I had a pub burger and a Lady Diva for my meal. It was pretty good. We then walked around town, looking at all the shops, and the stuff they sell. I had a good time.
I am planning on going to visit a couple of my cousins, possibly next month, or in May. It's been a while since I've seen them, so it will be nice to see them again.
Other than that, not much is going on. I'm doing a little knitting. I love to knit now, although I'm not very good right now. But I want to get better. So far, I've made a teddy bear (for charity), a scarf, and a hat.
A few days ago, I started a bucket list. I love making lists, so this was perfect for me. My bucket list is about 10 pages long so far. I don't know if I will have much more to add to it. But I have a good amount of stuff on it, that I want to do. I have a hold on the movie The Bucket List. I've never seen it before, so I thought that since I made a list, I'd watch the movie.
Well, that's all for now. More to come later.

Wednesday, March 2, 2011

5 Things About Me

1. I love chocolate.

2. Knitting is my new addiction.

3. I can't go a day without music, knitting, books, movies, and baking.

4. I want to write a fiction book someday.

5. Mint chocolate chip is my favorite ice cream flavor.

Monday, February 14, 2011

Spring is Coming

We planted the seed while the tears of our grief soaked the ground
The sky lost its sun, and the world lost its green to lifeless brown
Now the chill in the wind has turned the earth hard as stone
And silent the seed lies beneath ice and snow
And my heart's heavy now
But I'm not letting go
Of this hope I have that tells me
Spring is coming, Spring is coming
And all we've been hoping and longing for
Soon will appear
Spring is coming, Spring is coming
It won't be long now,
It's just about here...

Spring is Coming

Hear the birds start to sing
Feel the life in the breeze
Watch the ice melt away
The kids are coming out to play
Feel the sun on your skin
Growing strong and warm again
Watch the ground
There's something moving
Something is breaking through
New life is breaking through

"Spring is Coming"
words and music by Steven Curtis Chapman

1 Peter 5:10 ESV

After you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you.

Just Have to Wait

Well I can't wait to SEE your smile again
The one when your eyes disappear along with all my troubles
And I can't wait to hear you sing a song
Maybe "Jesus Loves Me" or a song you learned up there

Well I can't wait to hear your mama laugh
The way that only you can make her laugh when you get silly
And I can't wait to SEE you in her arms
And know the wound so deep inside her heart is healed for good

And I can't wait to dance with you again
Knwoing that this time the dance will never have to end

And I can't wait to SEE your sisters play
The way they do when all of you are playing all together
And I can't wait to watch your brother's face
When he can finally SEE with his own eyes
That everything's okay

But I, oh, I just have to wait
'Cause I know that day is coming
So I, oh, I just have to wait

from "Just Have to Wait"
words and music by Steven Curtis Chapman

God Is It True (Trust Me)

God is it true that You're thinking of me at this moment?
God is it true that You hear every prayer that I pray?
God is it true every time my heart beats You know it?
We if it's all true
Then that must be You I hear saying
"Trust Me"

"God Is It True (Trust Me)"
Words and music by Steven Curtis Chapman

Sadness

Even the saddest things can become, once we have made peace with them, a source of wisdom and strength for the journey that still lies ahead.
    Frederick Buechner

Sunday, February 13, 2011

Shattered Dreams

Shattered dreams are never random. They are always a piece in a larger puzzle, a chapter in a larger story. The Holy Spirit uses the pain of shattered dreams to help us discover our desire for God, to help us begin dreaming the highest dream. They are ordained opportunities for the Spirit to awaken, then to satisfy our highest dream.
Larry Crabb

Close to Your Heart

Though hope is clouded
It has not left us
Though pain runs deep now
You're deeper still
And You are holding
All things together
Hold us together now

"Close To Your Heart" Words and music by Steven Curtics Chapman and Matt Redman

Psalm 33:20-22 ESV

Our sould waits for the LORD; he is our help and our shield.
For our heart is glad in him,
because we trust in his holy name.
Let your steadfast love, O LORD, be upon us,
even as we hope in you.

Saturday, January 15, 2011

Friday, January 14, 2011

Broken

What if we all got brave?
Enough to take away
All we're hiding behind even just for a day
And let the scars show even a little
Abut I know the honesty will show us all to be

Broken, we're all broken
And we all need a Savior
Broken, we're all broken
And we all need a savior
We all have a Savior
We all need Jesus

"Broken"
Words and music by Steven Curtis Chapman

Yours

I've walked the valley of death's shadow
So deep and dark that I could barely breathe
I've had to let go of more than I could bear
And questioned everything that I believe
But still even here in this great darkness
A comfort and hope come breaking through
As I can say in life or death, God we belong to you.

"Yours," verse added after Maria Chapman's death
Words and music by Steven Curtis Chapman and Jonas Myrin

Faithful

I am waiting for the rescue
That I know is sure to come
'Cause You are faithful, yes, You are faithful
And I've dropped anchor in Your promises and I am holding on
'Cause You are faithful, God, You are faithful

You are faithful, You are faithful
When You give and when You take away
Even then still Your name is faithful
You are faithful
And with everything inside of me
I am choosing to believe
You are faithful

"Faithful"
Words and music by Steven Curtis Chapman

So Long

Why have I waited for so long
To be singing you this song
I thought that time was all I had
I have so much left to say
But time has faded now

So take care, so long, goodbye

And if our paths don't cross in this Life
In heaven it will be
Where there's no pain, no death, just Life
Oh the day that that will be

So take care, so long, goodbye

"So Long"
Words and music by Caleb Chapman

Thursday, January 13, 2011

God is God

And the pain falls like a curtain
One the things I once called certain
And I have to say the words I fear the most
I just don't know

God is God and I am not
I can only see a part of the picture he's painting
God is God and I am man
So I'll never understand it all
For only God is God

"God is God"
Words and music by Steven Curtis Chapman

Beauty Will Rise

Out of these ashes
Beauty will rise
And we will dance among the ruins
We will see it with our own eyes
Out of these ashes
Beauty will rise
For we know joy is coming in the morning
In the morning
Beauty will rise

"Beauty Will Rise"
Words and music by Steven Curtis Chapman

I Will Trust You

I don't even want to breathe right now
All I want to do is close my eyes
And I don't want to open them again
Till I'm standing on the other side

I don't even want to be right now
I don't want to think another thought
And I don't want to feel this pain I feel
But right now pain is all I've got

"I WIll Trust You"
Words and music by Steven Curtis Chapman

Jesus Will Meet You There

When you think you've hit the bottom
And the bottom gives way
And you fall into a darkness
No words can explain
You don't know how you'll make it out alive
Jesus will meet you there

He knows the way to wherever you are
He knows the way to the depths of your heart
He knows the way 'cause He's already been where you're going
Jesus will meet you there

When you realize the dreams you've had
For your child won't come true

Jesus will meet you there...

"Jesus Will Meet You There"
Words and music by Steven Curtis Chapman

SEE

Right now all I can taste are bitter tears
And right now all I can SEE are clouds of sorrow
From the other side of all this pain
Is that you I hear?
Laughing loud and calling out to me?

Saying SEE, it's everything you said that it would be
And even better than you would believe
And I'm counting down the days until you're here with me
And finally you'll SEE

"SEE"
Words and music by Steven Curtis Chapman

Our God Is In Control

This is not how it should be
This is not how it could be
But this is how it is
And our God is in control

This is not how it will be
When we finally will SEE
We'll SEE with our own eyes
He was always in control

This is not where we planned to be
When we started this journey
But this is where we are
And our God is in control

Though this first taste is bitter
There will be sweetness forever
When we finally taste and SEE
That our God is in control

"Our God is in Control"
Words and music by Steven Curtis Chapman and Mary Beth Chapman

Tuesday, January 11, 2011

Dive

The long awaited rains
Have fallen hard upon the thirsty ground
And carved their way to where
The wild andrushing river can be found
And like the rains
I have been carried here to where the river flows, yeah
My heart is racing and my knees are weak
As I walk to the edge
I know there is no turning back
Once my feet have left the ledge
And in the rush I hear a voice
That's telling me it's time to take the leap of faith
So here I go

"Dive"
Words and music by Steven Curtis Chapman

Remembering You

I found you in the most unlikely way
But really it was You who found me...

I wish You could stay
But I'll, I'll wait for the day

And I watch as the cold winter melts into spring
And I'll be remembering You
Oh and I'll smell the flowers and hear the birds sing
And I'll be remembering You, I'll be remembering You

From the first moment when I heard Your name
Something in my heart came alive
You showed me love and no words could explain...

And though You've gone away
You'll come back and...

And I'll watch as the sun fills a sky that was dark
And I'll be remembering You
And I'll think of the way that You fill up my heart
And I'll be remembering You

"Remembering You"
Words and music by Steven Curtis Chapman and Caleb Chapman

Fingerprints of God

I can see the tears filling your eyes
And I know where they're coming from
They're coming from a heart that's broken in two
By what you don't see
The person in the mirror
Doesn't look like the magazine
Oh, but when I look at you it's clear to me that...

I can see the fingerprints of God
When I look at you
I can see the fingerprints of God
And I know it's true
You're a masterpiece
That all creation quietly applauds
And you're covered with the fingerprints of God

"Fingerprints of God"
Words and music by Steven Curtis Chapman

Something Crazy

It's crazy when love gets ahold of you
And it's crazy things that love will make you do
And it's crazy but it's true
You really don't know love at all
Until it's making you do
Something crazy

"Something Crazy"
Words and music by Steven Curtis Chapman and Matt Bronleewe

What Now

I saw the face of Jesus
In a little orphan girl
She was standing in the corner
On the other side of the world
And I heard the voice of Jesus
Gently whisper to my heart
Didn't you say you wanted to find Me
Well, here I am
Here you are

So what now
What will you do now that you've found Me
What now
What will you do with this treasure you've found
I know I may not look like what you expected
But if you'll remember
This is right where I said I would be
You found Me
What now

"What Now"
Words and music by Steven Curtis Chapman

When Love Takes You In

I know you've heard the stories
But they all sound too good to be true
You've heard about a place called home
But there doesn't seem to be one for you
So one more night you cry yourself to sleep
And drift off to a distant dream

And somewhere while you're sleeping
Someone else is dreaming too
Counting down the days until
They holod you close and say I love you
And like the rain that falls into the sea
In a moment what has been is lost in what will be

When love takes you in everything changes
A miracle starts with the beat of a heart
And this love will never let you go
There is nothing that could ever cause this love to lose its hold

When love takes you in everything changes
A miracle starts with the beat of a heart
When love takes you home and says you belong here
The loneliness ends and a new life begins
When love takes you in it takes you in for good
When love takes you in

"When Love Takes You In"
Words and music by Steven Curtis Chapman

Go There With You

I know you've heard me say these words before
But every time I say I love you the words mean something more
I spoke them as a promise right from the start
I said death would be the only thing that could tear us apart
And now that you are standing on the edge of the unknown
I love you means I'll be with you wherever you must go

I will take a heart whose nature is to beat for me alone
And fill it up with you--make all your joy and pain my own
No matter how deep a valley you go through
I will go there with you
And I will give myself to love the way Love gave itself for me
And climb with you to mountaintops or swim a raging sea
To the place where one heart is made from two
I will go there with you

I see it in your tears--you wonder where you are
The wind is growing colder and the sky is growing dark
Though it's something neither of us understands
We can walk through this together if we hold each other's hand
I said for better or worse I'd be with you
So no matter where you're going I will go there too

I will take a heart whose nature is to beat for me alone
And fill it up with you--make all your joy and pain my own
No matter how deep a valley you go through
I will go there with you
I know sometimes I let you down
But I won't let you go--we'll always be together

"Go There With You"
Words and music by Steven Curtis Chapman

Vows

I will be here, and you can cry on my shoulder
When the mirror tells us we're older, I will hold you
And I will be here to watch you grow in beauty
And tell you all the things you are to me
I will be here

I will be true to the promise I have made
To you and to the One who gave you to me

I Will Be Here

Tomorrow morning if you wake up
And the sun does not appear
I, I will be here
If in the dark we lose sight of love
Hold my hand and have no fear
'Cause I, I will be here

I will be here when you feel like being quiet
When you need to speak your mind, I will listen
And I will be here when the laughter turns to crying
Through the winning, losing, and trying, we'll be together
'Cause I will be here

Tomorrow morning if you wake up
And the future is unclear
I, I will be here
As sure as seasons are made for change
Our lifetimes are made for years
So I, I will be here

"I Will Be Here"
Words and music by Steven Curtis Chapman

Saturday, January 1, 2011

My 2011 New Year's Resolutions

Eat healthier.

Exercise more often.

Crochet and knit more often.

Clean room up and keep it clean.

Donate/get rid of stuff I don't need anymore.

Apply for and get a job

Volunteer more.

Read at least one book a month.

Talk to friends more often.

Be less shy & more confident.

Work on writing book.

Learn a new language.

Spend less time on the computer.

Procrastinate less.