New Houses, Late Nights And Faires

Good morrow to you, my good readers! Can you tell I've been in a time machine today? Yeah. But hold on. I've got other stuff to talk about before I get to that. 

First, Friday's activities. I spent most the day researching for my American Government paper and guess what! I have all my information now! So this next week, I start the easy part, writing the paper. And I gotta get it done in  a week. Ok well technically not since it's not due until the first week of November but we get the full 20 extra credit points for turning it in by October 11th. So that's what I'm shooting for obviously. Anyway, that took most of the day and then Jess, Wes and baby Natalie came over for Gavin's birthday dinner! I so enjoyed talking to Jess and rolling around on the floor with Nat. She's so cute! Holding her at the dinner table, I told my mom that I want one but she says to wait. Probably a good idea. ;)

After dinner and a little socializing, I was off to Shannon's! When I got there, we turned around and left for her sister Lindsay's new house. It's a HUGE work in progress but I'm sure it'll be nice when it's done! We were helping paint for like three hours while listening to Wicked and Phantom Of The Opera. Then on the way home, I hear Shannon from the backseat, "Casey I looooooove yooooooou!" to the Phantom tune. I almost died laughing! 

It was about 11:30 when we got back to her house and decided to go get a movie and snacks. So off to the scary Marsh we went. Let's just say that we were both glad Zach (her boyfriend) went with us. We made it there and back without incident and returned home with our spoils of war! Then after Zach left, Shannon straightened my hair while I sat and talked to her and Danni. About 2 am, we started our movie. We watched New Moon (the Twilight sequel) and let me advise you to not waste your time if you've not already seen it. It's way too dramatic and corny to be worthwhile in my opinion. Anyway, the movie went until about 4:30 when we finally fell asleep.

Four hours later, we were up and going, getting ready to leave again! This time, we all dressed up in our awesome costumes (see top picture) and off we went to the Renaissance Faire! It was cold. It was rainy. My straight hair didn't last two minutes. But it was completely worth it! We listened to some cool music (like this: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5SvEttR6HTY) and ducked in and out of tents, looking at all the stuff, and huddled together in groups to try to evade some of the cold (Nathan was my snuggle buddy for the day). We left earlier than we planned but everyone was ready to be warm and dry so back to Shannon's house we went. We all got out of our wet clothes (and into pajamas :D ), distributed the hot chocolate and settled onto the couches to watch a movie. The chosen show? Barbie: The Princess And The Pauper. I will tell you right now that I had NOTHING to do with it. I was not involved in the decision making process at any point! I just got to sit there and watch it and laugh at Zach's awesomely hilarious commentary. 

After the movie, I made my way home and now I'm all tired out as I write this. But I'm warm and dry, thankful for all the great people I saw this weekend and looking forward to an awesome sermon on Revelation tomorrow! 

Until next time!

Feminine Friday: Rapunzel Rapunzel

Hello my lovely readers! It's Friday again! My subject today is short and sweet but it's something I had been thinking about. For the past few weeks, I've been debating cutting my hair. Well, look what I found the other day:

1 Corinthians 11:15 "And isn't long hair a woman's pride and joy? For it has been given to her as a covering." (NLT)

Guess that settles it for me. If a woman's hair is her pride and joy, then I'll keep mine. :) Now I don't mean to say "It's against the Bible to cut your hair!" No no. If you want to cut your hair, go for it! But I personally will be leaving mine long. 

Until next time!

Outlines, Friends And Ice Cream

Hello hello hello! Guess what! I had a lovely day today! hehe As if you couldn't tell. :)


Say hello to lovely 7 am! I got to class early..... like beat the teacher by fifteen minutes early (though I was still the second one there). The first half consisted of a lecture about outlining. The second half we were supposed to start our outlines. Well I was a little ahead of the rest of the class and had mine almost finished, but for a few nitpicky things. So after it got it's stamp of approval from Ms. V, I left! 


When I got home, dad asked me to go get lunch so I also was able to run by the bank and gas station on the way, two things checked off my to do list. The three little ones and my mom were at the Ohio Renn Faire all day today so it was just dad, Garrett and I eating lunch. Garrett scarfed his down and left for a friend's house and my dad retreated to his room to work on a sermon which left me to finished my allotted chores for the day. While I was doing those, Carl came over again to work on dad's car. And he brought me ice cream! :D Yes I know, it was very sweet of him. 


The rest of the afternoon, I spent working on my outline for my American Government paper. It's boring stuff, let me tell ya. But I got a good chunk of it done before I finally had to take a break. Ice cream will only last for so long before the temptation overwhelms you. ;) Carl came in and joined me and when we finished, instead of going back to my homework like I should have, I decided to read. I finally finished 'Lady In Waiting' though! It's taken me forever but I'm done! And it was a fabulous book!


I finished reading just as the little children came home with my mom. By then, Carl was also done working on the car and of course, being in love with him, Lucy wanted him to push her on her trike again. And being the ever so obliging gentleman he is, he did. Gavin walked up and down the driveway with us, telling us all about the faire and his day while Lucy chattered on about stuff. Then it was time for dinner. We got pizza and Carl stayed to eat with us before he had to leave. 


Being Thursday night, I had mime practice! Hannah came over and we had a lovely time practicing and talking and giggling. It was fun and we made progress! Next week though, I hope to practice at church instead of my house. Spatially, it works better. 


Now here I am, thoroughly tired out and decidedly done with homework for the night. Tomorrow is Friday which means sleeping in, all day to do homework and the start of an awesome weekend! But that's another story. 


Oh! I'm listening to the LotR soundtrack at the moment and you should too! It's good stuff that. 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qy-OP9rGFJE

Until next time!

Just The Right Thing

Surprisingly, today turned out much better than I expected! Seriously! After yesterday, I figured I'd hole up and do homework when I wasn't at class or work. But no! Here's what happened.


First was class this morning. Waking up at 6 was not easy but I did it. I decided to throw my hair in a ponytail and wear a sweatshirt instead of dressing up for class so I could eat breakfast. Class lecture was spent trying to stay awake while writing review notes for next week's test. Lab was an hour and a half spent working equations over and over..... and trying to stay awake. However, I ran by Starbucks for a pumpkin spice latte on the way home and there was no more trying to stay awake. :)


I wasn't home too long before Carl came over to look at the cars. It's funny how God knows just what you need and God provided my best friend! I didn't realize how much I needed a friend until I saw him drive up the driveway. How great is that! He stayed for lunch and until I had to leave for work. We had a lovely time talking and laughing and walking with Lucy up and down the driveway (he pushed her on her tricycle for a while which I thought was rather cute). He even gave me a piano concert before my dad claimed him to go look at his car. 


Then it was off to work for me. It went quite well today! We had a whole lot of kids but we kept them all alive and well. Now I'm sitting here with the peace and quiet with my chocolate ice cream, watching Runaway Bride. Good chick flick (shut up Carl!)! 


Now for your song:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=isHfhuOlFCM

God's pretty cool right? So yeah, tomorrow is speech class again. But He's gonna carry me into that class and out again and I'll be just fine! *deep breath*...... I hope.....


Until next time!

Desperate For Escape

Today didn't turn out as well as I'd hoped. My admirers in class went a little far with their comments. At first I was able to brush it off but as the day has worn on, it's been bothering me more and more. 


When I graduated last May, I steeled myself in preparation to experience a lot of things in college. Differences in beliefs, different people, lots of homework, new locations and even the dirty humor and language. But I did not prepare myself to be the feast for a man's eyes. Because I didn't get a lot of guy attention in high school, I figured I might make a few guy friends but pretty much be passed over otherwise. Today, I realized that is not the case. I'm sick and tired of the guys not looking at my face when they talk to me. A few of the comments today have me feeling dirty and degraded, even though I didn't do anything but be me. 


Honestly I'm ready to quit. I'm ready to forget this college thing and begin preparing myself to accomplish my ultimate calling, to be a wife and mother someday. I don't want be exposed to all the dirty humor and language anymore. What's more, I don't want to have to endure the double takes and the ogler's eyes. 


My prayer at the moment comes from Matt. 26:39b. "My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me. Yet not as I will, but as you will." Earnestly praying that last part is harder than I thought possible but I'm trying. I don't know why I'm going through this but I know that if there is no escape hatch, He will give me the strength to get up and face the world each morning. Good thing too because I can't do this on my own. 


Until next time. 

Monday Traditions

I'm alive! I survived! Remember that test I told you about yesterday? Yeah, well I was up until 11:30 last night studying for it and then woke up at 6 this morning for class (as usual). I skipped breakfast cause I was so nervous and got to class about 20 minutes early. With all that extra time, I was able to do my devotions (shorter than I would like) and run through the study guide again before class started. Well, first we went over our current events assignment and got into some heated debate. You can read all about that on my other blog, "The Scribblings Of An Average College Student". Then came the fifteen minute break, all of which I spent listening to the surrounding students complain about how they were going to fail cause they didn't study. Hmm... I wonder why! Anyway, finally it was test time. I feel like I flew through it.... oh wait.... cause I did! And I feel like I did well. I was the third person done, handed in my test and was in the car by 10:10. Yeah! :D


When I got home, I had my daddy time which is becoming a much loved Monday tradition. He took me out to lunch and we had a great talk! I kinda like being grownup. Yeah, once in a while he gets on me about picking up my game but for the most part, there isn't as much critique in our conversations as there used to be. We had a good time! We talked about school and missions trips and boys and the test. Good stuff. 


I helped him wash the dog when we got home and then it was time for another Monday tradition! My afternoon nap! I'm lovin' Mondays now. I got to sleep for about to hours and then decided I should probably get up so I'd sleep tonight. Also, there was quite a pile of laundry to be done so I worked on that while watching My Big Fat Greek Wedding (hilarious movie!). 


Enter mom and the children from stage left. I guess everyone had a great day at Co-op and they all seemed quite happy with their day's achievements. Gavin and Maisy ate early and left for BSF which left mom, dad, Garrett and I to eat together. After dinner, my mom and I had a good conversation about a potential ministry. We're going to research it and I'm really hoping it works out!!! 


Two scoops of ice cream later, we gathered in the living room to watch a movie. We decided on a chick flick called Ghosts Of Girlfriends Past. I highly don't recommend it. One of those just not very good chick flicks. Stick with the Jane Austen. Anyway, after that, everyone said their goodnights and I packed up my stuff for tomorrow. And hallelujah I have speech class tomorrow! Woot woot! Oh! 12 weeks left in my first semester!


Now for one of my all time favorite songs by a new found favorite artist! Enjoy!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dRb3JliK_Rs

Ok, enough daydreaming. Until next time!

Sermons, Pizza and Friends

Oi. It's only 10 and I'm tired but I figured I'd post real quick. So, here's a whirlwind tour of my day. 


This morning my alarm went off at 7 and I decided to go to second service so I could sleep for two more hours. It was ever so nice! I got there with plenty of time to spare and sat through a wonderful service! Let me tell you right now, my dad is an awesome preacher! Don't believe me? Hear for yourself! Here is the link to all his sermons and I highly recommend that, if you find yourself with time to spare, listen to all his sermons on Revelation. They're amazing to say the least! 

http://www.livingstreamscc.org/sermons.html

After church, Jess, Matt, Garrett and I went out for pizza. Watching Matt and Jess insult each other across the table brought back fond memories of lazy Sundays at my house and lunches at our favorite Chinese place. Of course, we had Kate with us then but we still all were trying to figure out what Jess was laughing about. 


Garrett and I passed Carl on the way home (I think he's stalking me ;) ) and when we got back, we found we were home alone! Know what came next? That's right. The "Dance around the kitchen when the parents are gone" ritual. Meanwhile, Carl and I played 20 Questions over text. Harder than it sounds actually. 


Finally it was time to leave again. I grabbed the remainder of my pumpkin cookies, my two brothers and my keys and headed to Hannah's house! We were there to watch the football game but none of us watched a bit of it. Instead, Hannah, Shannon, Danni and I watched the little brothers play Halo and we also went for a walk. We walked down to the beach (Hannah lives on a lake) and almost everyone started playing with some lost plastic shovels, digging holes and making forts out of sticks and leaves and rocks. At one point I commented "Gosh guys.... I feel like I'm babysitting you!" to which Danni replied "Hey! You aren't babysitting me! Now can I have another popsicle?" haha Danni is awesome. :)


The time to leave came too soon so I again gathered up my siblings and keys (left the pumpkin cookies there though) and came home. Now I'm taking a short break from studying for tomorrow's American Government test. It's sooooooo much information! Thank goodness the test is multiple choice. But I'm still going to be up for probably another hour or so. :P Oh well. 


Until next time!


P.S. I'm quite nervous about my test tomorrow and your prayers would be greatly appreciated, dear reader. Thanks!

Mother-In-Training: Package Includes Picture Books, Coloring Pages And Pumpkin Cookies

Phew! What a weekend and it's only Saturday night! I can't remember a more satisfying weekend than this one. Why? Well I'm glad you asked!


It all started Friday morning. My mom left early for a conference and I was called out of my sweet sleep at 8 am to begin my role as mother-in-training. By then, everyone else had already eaten breakfast so I ate and indulged myself with a cup of coffee. Then, dressed in my sweats, I began the day with helping Maisy with her homework. Lucy was a little rambunctious yesterday so I found her some coloring pages to keep her busy while I completed MY homework. And I did too! Just in time. Gavin got back (from wherever he was) with Caleb and I had to feed the wild children their lunch. 


After lunch, Maisy and I had the bright idea to make pumpkin cookies! Well, we made the dough and as everybody knows, sugar cookie dough needs to be chilled for an hour or so. During that hour, I lost Maisy's attention so I finished the cookies by myself. As you can see, they turned out quite nicely! Even Maisy said they were as good as Grandma's which is a HUGE compliment!


The whole thing was a three hour process and in between getting cookies out of the oven and putting cookies in the oven, I read books to Lucy. She fell asleep just in time for me to make the icing and put the finishing touches on the cookies. As I finished, Dad called and asked if I was up for pizza for dinner. Heck yes! Who turns down pizza?! So we ate in style, all gathered in the living room, watching The Princess Bride, while eating pizza and pumpkin cookies. Bedtime ensued and after they were all put abed, I said goodnight to my dad and retired myself...... to read and text for another two hours. :)


I actually got up this morning at 7, just in time to wave my mom out the door for the last bit of her conference. Surprisingly, I felt like cooking this morning so out came the skillet and I cooked up some bacon and eggs for everyone. Then after a quick shower, I gathered up the younger three and headed to church. Today was my mom's scheduled cleaning day but I figured I'd go and do it for her so when she got home, she wouldn't have to go herself. With Gavin and Maisy helping, we flew through the job and were home before you could say supercalifragilisticexpialidocious. 


We had leftover pizza for lunch and Lucy insisted on watching the Arisocats. (And just because Carl has never seen that movie, here you go: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gfdL7k136co) That worked out just fine for me cause I got a good piece of homework done! Then the highlight of my day: Carl came over for a bike ride! It was an absolute perfect day for it and Garrett, he and I went about 17 miles. When we got back, we ate cookies and watched Lucy prance around the living room, singing songs and giving us the fast forward versions of all the Disney movies she's seen. That little girl is quite the show off... but she's cute about it. How come that never works for me? 


Anyway, my mom commissioned me to go get milk and tomato sauce for dinner so Garrett, Carl and I ventured out to the store. It didn't take long at all (yes, I drive fast) and when we returned, we finally got Carl to stay for dinner! Spaghetti and salad with a side of Victor Borge was on the menu. Good food, good laughs and very good company. All in all, a lovely night! 


Now here I sit, procrastinating on homework, eating popcorn and listening to some good ol' Mozart. And my room is a freezer! I love it! 


Ok, off to finished this forever long study guide. Until next time!

Feminine Friday: The Key To Beauty

Upon some reflection of my recent blog posts the other day, I realized that everything has been about school, work and my day to day life. In the meantime, I've been studying Biblical femininity and though I've come across some very interesting ideas and thoughts, I've somehow failed to blog about them! Silly me! So, in order avoid making this mistake again, I have officially named Friday 'Feminine Friday'! What does that mean? It means that on Fridays, instead of posting about my daily happenings, I'm going to post about my search for Biblical femininity and any of my findings, thoughts, interpretations, etc.! And just a side note: Guys, feel free to skip over Fridays posts from now on. :) So, I sincerely hope that I give you ladies something to think about while learning some things myself! 

For our first post, I have found the key to true beauty! That's right ladies, honest to goodness beauty! It's found in 1 Peter 3:3-4:

"Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as braided hair and the wearing of gold jewelry and fine clothes. Instead, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God's sight."

First of all, this doesn't mean that to be truly beautiful, we have to look plain. No no no no! We should strive to look our best. BUT! We shouldn't be putting more time into our outer appearance than into our inner beauty. Why? "Charm is deceptive and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised." (Prov. 31:30) As we grow older, our outer beauty will fade. We will get wrinkles and gray hair and sagging cheeks. But the Bible says that "a gentle and quiet spirit" is unfading beauty. Not only is it considered unfading beauty but it is of great worth in God's sight! 

I confess, I have trouble with having a gentle and quiet spirit sometimes. I've wanted to be angry and demand that I get something when I want it and stomp around, slamming doors and being not very nice to people. That's not being very gentle or quiet though. I've gotten a bit better at keeping myself in check at these times and praying for God's peace and patience. Sometimes it comes easily and sometimes it doesn't but hey! We're all works in progress right?

And so, my lovely ladies, that is all I have for you today. Until next time!