Goodbye 2009!

Today is New Year's Eve!!
Can you believe that it will be 2010? And it feels so funny to be blogging the last time in 2009.
2009 has been such a great year though. It was a year full of new friendships, great changes, and great adventures. The Lord has been SO good this year!
Im excited to see what He has in store for this new year. I hope you have a fantastic 2010 full of blessings!

And So This Is Christmas...

This was a great Christmas.

My family and I had a really fun time opening up our presents, and listening to Christmas music. I'm usually sad when Christmas day comes. But this year it is different. I think it is because my family and I are looking more towards Jesus. Usually, I am sad to say- I think more of the gifts and the carols, the cozy atmosphere and all that. But, like my pastor said last night at Christmas eve service, the first Christmas was not like that at all. Jesus came into a cold world that did not welcome Him in at all. Sadly, today it is the same story. But He came in spite of our sinful nature and gave the gift none of us deserved. That is the beauty of it all. So this Christmas was wonderful, and now we are just enjoying each others company.

On another note- It was Jonah's first Christmas!! he loved the wrapping paper and bows. He made Christmas extra special this year. :)

T'was the Night Before Christmas...

Happy Christmas Eve readers!

Christmas day is tomorrow! The gifts are bought and wrapped.

The tree is decorated.

There are cookies to share.

Christmas Eve service tonight.

I hope you have a fantastic day today, and a merry Christmas tomorrow! Most importantly remember that Jesus is the only Gift we need.

CountryLiving.com

Oh Christmas Tree...

I have not blogged in a while.
It is coming on Christmas, in just 3 days! It is bitter sweet when Christmas day arrives. The next day, the season's celebration is coming to a close and so is the year.
Since this Christmas season has been especially busy and crazy, my family did not put our Christmas tree up until last night. We were hoping we would be getting a real tree, since we are in a new home and this is our first Christmas here. Not to mention, we usually put our fake tree up- so we have not had a real tree in a while.
We went on our tree expedition last night, in hopes of finding a tree that is not: too full, dry, or expensive. We searched for a Christmas tree lot in Costa Mesa, but they had shut down for the year. We then headed to Home Depot, but their trees were pretty scary. We ventured off to another place, and lets just say the Charlie Brown Christmas tree was the best looking one there.
We decided to call it a night after all.
And this morning, we put our fake tree in the corner next to the fire place. We also baked some yummy cookies. We will be decorating our tree this evening, enjoying each other's company.
And even though it is only 3 days before Christmas- we have been reminded once again of what Christmas is really about.
:) Merry Christmas readers!

An Exciting Weekend Ahead

This weekend will be filled with events!!
Tonight, I am going to my friends home for a sleepover, which I am thrilled about! :) Before I head over to Elizabeth's, my family and I are hoping to get our tree! That would be great! I will also be celebrating another one of my girlfriend's birthday on Saturday. Her party sounds like a blast-I can't wait! Happy belated Birthday Brooke!
So, I'm very excited for the weekend :) What better way to spend it- Friends Friends Friends!
I hope you too have a fantastic weekend-whether it be super busy or mostly relaxing!


Merry Christmas- Only 14 more days! It is going by so fast. :(

A Comfortable, Rainy Day

Today was Amazing!
I woke up with the gentle sound of rain hitting the streets. The sky was overcast and full of dull, gray clouds. It was wonderful! We finally had rain after so many sunny days.
Our house was lit up with candles all through our house along with neat Christmas decorations we put up on Saturday. Later in the day, I watched A Charlie Brown Christmas with my sister. Love that movie so much :) I still need to watch that movie with a friend of mine who has never seen it before!
It was a splendid day that ended with a yummy homemade brown sugar coffee cake. My family and I ate it around 10:00 pm, but it is delicious! :)
I hope you also had a great Monday and a wonderful start of the week!
Merry Christmas!!!

Life Lesson: Don't Procrastinate

Why is that problem just so darn difficult???
No matter how hard I think of getting all organized and becoming the next Martha Stewart, I seem to fail at conquering the disease of procrastination. Why is it so challenging you might ask?Well, I have a few ideas of what may be swaying me away from my daily chores.
The computer is a constant struggle to take myself away from. To me, there are so many great websites that fit my liking. I love the seasons, decorating, baking, art, crafts, etc. The many reasons of why I catch myself on Better Homes and Gardens.com, during a busy school day in the comfort of my own home. Not good...
Laziness. I struggle with that BIG time. The "Oh, an essay? I'll just finish that later" type of thing. Like I have some huge assignment or project holding me back from starting on it right that moment? I don't. Instead, I choose to sit back, relax, and worry about those things weeks later. Although, when those essays and chores start to pile up, it won't be very relaxing. :(
This past week, I made the poor decision to put important assignments on hold. It is quite the long story, so I will just cut to the result. Due to my procrastination, I had to skip out on a fun opportunity with a very special friend of mine, whom I only get to see once in a while. Along with that, it caused my mom and dad to miss out on some fun activities they had in mind, such as a coffee date or maybe even joining me and my friends at Roger's Gardens (if I could have gone).
It is one thing when your actions effect yourself, but certainly another when it effects the ones you love.
So- I have enough time to change my habits. I still have my life before me, and I don't want to battle with this thing called procrastination.
Let's hope I stick to it!

A Late Welcome for December

Well, I did not have the chance to write on the 1st day of December- but I am only a couple days late :)
Thanksgiving with the family was wonderful and relaxing. It was neat to hear what everyone is thankful for. I am so blessed with my family.

The day after Thanksgiving, I was invited by my friend and her family to go a park that is decked out for Christmas! It had a train, Santa station, and lights everywhere. :)
It was even more special since I had never been to this park during Christmas time. After, we went to her house and lit up her Christmas tree. It was so beautiful to see their tree illuminated.
It was also great to talk with Elizabeth about life. It was exciting to think about where each of us will be in 5 years. Our conversation made me realize again, just how blessed I am with Christian friends like her. :) Thanks Elizabeth!!
Now to get our Christmas tree up! December is going to FLY by! Only 22 days til' Chritmas.
Welcome December! *

Happy Thanksgiving!

Tomorrow is Thanksgiving.

I am thinking of all the wonderful blessings the Lord has given, and all those times the Lord has provided for my family. How BLESSED I am, yet Iam not thankful enough! The Thanksgiving table will again be covered in savory dishes and the day full of family traditions.

In the midst of that, I need to remember to really praise God for his faithfulness! He NEVER let's us down. When I really think about it, I could have a whole blog just listing the blessings in my life!

I hope you also have a great Thanksgiving, not only enjoying the food on the table-but also the precious members seated around it!

Make every day a day of giving thanks

Psalm 37:5 & 6

Commit your way to the Lord; trust in Him and He will do this:

He will make your righteousness shine like the dawn,

the justice of your cause like the noonday sun...

Jeremiah 29:11 His Plans For Me

Lately, I have been seriously thinking about my life. Not only the time now, but also the unknown future. In my head I have no idea what is yet to come. I love to dream about what may be, or picture my life when I am married and have children. All these romanticised pictures in my head: A rustic cottage on the east coast, a sweet little porch to sip hot tea in the mornings and watch the flowers grow, and a little family all my own. But I know that life can never be perfect, and sometimes that makes me feel a bit discouraged...
The one thing that always seems to give me hope is the Lord. His love, grace, and tender mercy for all His creation. How can I not be encouraged by His promises for me, or say that He is not enough for me? He knows my thoughts, He knows my dreams, He has many adventures, obstacles, and clear pathways for me to follow and learn from. I have no need to worry with God in control. :)
Even though I am only a teenager, I have come to understand just how fast time flies by. It may seem silly for me to think about these things. But I don't think it is at all. All I can do is wait patiently for the Lord and follow His leading in my life.
He has wonderful plans for me, and also for those who put their TRUST in Him.
Jeremiah 29:11

Friend and Family fun

I have not blogged in such a long time!
I have been so busy with school and family and friends. But I have had wonderful experiences with all those things. Last Friday, my friend and her mom invited me and my mom to the Jeremy Camp concert at Calvary. It was wonderful! We met for dinner early and then headed over to the concert. It was great. They also had Bebo Norman and Natalie Grant, both were awesome to hear. Jeremy Camp was also fantastic! Thanks Elizabeth! We so enjoyed our time together!!! :)

Getting into the Christmas spirit already! Just yesterday, My mom and I went with Elizabeth and her family for a festive night at the most beautiful shopping center! It was so decked out for Christmas with carolers and lights everywhere. Beautiful!!! The stores were so stunning and so fun to look through. Can you believe that Thanksgiving is just this upcoming week!!?? I can't. I will be disappointed to say goodbye to Fall as I enter the Christmas spirit. But I think I'm ready to unload all the lights and pick out the perfect tree. The carols will be flicked on the day after, If not the night of Thanksgiving. So...lots of fun things, so much more to come during the Christmas season!! Yay!

Country Music

Finally, the weekend is here! I just love the weekends, but I especially love Saturday mornings.

Lately I've been on this country music kick! I like country music, but not too much. Hehe.

One artist I love is Carrie Underwood. I think I really appreciate her music because she it is not to country-ish, and most importantly she is a Christian. Her faith shines through her and her music. I hope I can get a handle on her C.D. I got a bit of a taste and I love it!!

imusicdaily.com

Kitten Smitten

Tonight we fell in love with a little gray kitten, I named him Jonah Malachi.
When we first entered the room of our community group friends, he stood out in the crowd. His soft, plush face and dark little eyes were gazing intently around the room. The whole time of fellowship, my mom and I got to cuddle with this little guy. Our focus tonight was the book of Jonah. As I looked down at the kitten and read the title of the book, I knew I wanted his name to be Jonah. (Malachi is his middle name :) ) We are now watching him for the night, though I wish it was for forever. He is the sweetest, most playful, and energetic little thing. We only have him for a night, and we are looking for a good home for him. He needs buddies!

Welcome November!!

Can October already be over?! Now Halloween has come and gone, and thanksgiving is this month...

The last day of October was fantastic! (Halloween) I so enjoyed Elizabeth's gathering with her high school friends whom I had never met before! They were so sweet and most of all so funny! It was a truly wonderful night of homemade beef stew, cookies, and of course trick or treating. :)

Hoping on over to the first of November, my family and I joined some friends at their house for an " All things pumpkin party!" It was delicious. We had pumpkin chicken soup, sourdough and pumpkin bread, salad, and pumpkin pie for desert. Everything was amazing. After we ate our meal and pumpkin desert, we gathered in the living room for some music. Singing along to some good oldies..

TODAY was a very awesome day indeed. We went down this morning to San Diego to enjoy the day. The ocean was so beautiful there. We had a great time talking and looking through some of the neat one of a kind shops. The weather was perfect and so was the company...

Chestnuts

Chestnuts: That's what my friends and I picked yesterday! It was so amazing!
My friends and I got together kinda last minute to go apple picking. Well, our plans kinda changed. We went from the idea of picking apples to strawberries to pumpkins and chestnuts...
The chestnuts was the best part of the day I must say! The pumpkins were pretty intresting... they were kinda the "pumpkin leftovers" from earlier in the season. My mom called it a pumpkin cemetary since a good amount of them were either smashed, rotted, or had bruises and scrapes, haha! My friends found great pumpkins though! The chestnuts were so fun! They are wrapped in a prickly ball that needed to be dropped and cracked open in order to grab the nut in side. Although it's not winter, the whole time I was thinking of and humming "chestnuts roasting on an open fire." It was an awesome experience!

Pumpkins, tights, and a hot vanilla

Today was surely a wonderful day. My mother and I went grocery shopping, where we found the most adorable miniture pumpkins!! They are just so cute! Later today, we went to the mall and I purchased the perfect fall brown tights. :) They will be great to wear with a soft warm scarf. Only if this hot weather would dissapear! What happened with the rain!? :(
After I bought these wonderful tights, I went to the Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf to enjoy a nice hot vanilla. My personal favorite. It was a fantastic night with my mother, with a few of life's simple pleasures. I am so looking forward to the weekend now! :D

Cloudy Fall Day

Today is a nice cloudy fall day. A perfect day for a cup of "true loves kiss tea" for sure. :)

Not much for today. Just enjoying the weather. School work. family. Then making yummy pumpkin bread with fresh whipped cream....that's going to be good!

But for now....Im excited for the rain we are going to have tomorrow. Showers all through the day!!! Can't wait! :)

Psalm 25:5

I was reminded last night, that i have not blogged in a short while by a very sweet friend. Hi, Elizabeth!

I feel as though I have no new news to share with my few readers. This week was a nice simple week. Not much involved.
Although..... I did enjoy a hot cocoa in the midst of friends last night. We went to Barnes & Noble for a last minute get together. And after looking at some very, perculiar books and things, we sat down and talked with cider and cocoa. There is nothing like a book store or even a library. I just love the atmosphere. So..classic and cozy. It's amazing to think of ALL those different books, all different plots and climaxes. Mystery, cheesy romance books, how to books, baby books, teen books. Talking of teen books...my friend and I were completley disturbed at the sound of some of those! What happened! It's just sad to think of tenagers, girls my age, are reading these books and not benefiting from it at all. They are filled of the world's expectations.
Never the less, I had a great time. It's truly been interesting to see how we have changed.

The title of this blog post, I found just recently. I really enjoyed it, and in a way it goes with this post. :)

Yesterday

Yesturday was a great day! We started off at The Coffee Bean, and I got a delicious hot vanilla. One of my favorites. :)
Apple picking was a really fun experience! I was so blessed to enjoy with such wonderful friends also! It was beautiful. Very festive. Apple orchards, of course. Pumkin fields. Very pretty. And also beautiful vinyard looking hills, with just a few raspberries left from July...haha.
Their apple pie was wonderful! And it had an amazingly large scoop of vanilla ice cream covering the slice :)
It was a great afternoon.
Later, my family and I went to a jazz festival. It was really fun. And it was the most beautiful night. I really enjoyed the music and the atmosphere...
It was a fantastic day all together!

Weekend!!

Today is now the beginning of a 3 day weekend. I am so excited about this weekend because I am going apple picking for the very first time! :D It will be very fun!

I am kinda missing my friends back east. I wish I could snap my fingers and be there. If only it were that easy. But, I know that the Lord has the right time for us to travel there. :)
Off to enjoy the weekend now. Have a great one yourself!

Goodbye, September

Well, It is now officially October. September is gone. Bitter sweet, I love September.
October will be filled of blessings. Possibly going back east and visiting family would be a very wonderful blessing! We will see..
I was SO excited the other day! We had our first autumn rain! Well, It was only small sprinkles, but it was amazing. So unexpected, such a nice surprise. Pretty sad that the first day of October is expecting to shoot to the 90's! Although, I am holding on to the fact that we are expecting a cold fall and winter this year. I hope thats true!
Well, on Tuesday, a nice chilly night, my mom and I went grocery shopping and bought gingerbread to make at home. It was the perfect treat to make! Things like that really get you in the holiday spirit. :D

Hello, October!

Sweet Sunday...

Today was a splendid day. Of course, how could'nt it be with it starting out with a great church service?! :)
After church, my family and I enjoyed a delectable lunch at Panera. (Their blueberry scones are AMAZING!) The rest of the day just got better! My mom and I went to Crystal Court at South Coast, and went to the grand opening of a wonderful kitchen ware store.....I forgot the name. haha. To celebrate, they had a really sweet cookbook author there displaying her wonderful cookie and treats book with her daughter. At the table you could decorate cookies! I could'nt pass up cookies! So I frosted an acorn shaped cookie for my mom, and a pumpkin for me. They were delicious. After going to several other stores, my mom and I split a danish from Pacific Whey Cafe. That was very delightful. Very cinnamon-e flavor, which is always great. And we just thought it was great because all there bakery treats are 50% off ater 4pm. So....when we came home we went for a brisk walk with my dad and headed back home for dinner.
Wow....I guess you don't really realize how filled your day was until you fill a a large square with all your activities, :).
Tomorrow is school. Another week to begin. :D

Fall Baking...

Today is a nice day of fall baking.
I wish it was colder, but it will be soon. :)
I made chocolate chip cookies today. They were absolutley delicious! They are just the very best when they are fresh out of the oven. :) My sister and I really enjoyed them.

Im 15!

Well, today was my 15th birthday! It was a wonderful birthday. I had many great surprises. I was so blessed with great company and gifts. :) My friend, Elizabeth was so sweet to drop off her very thoughtful presents, and my good friend Brooke took me out to Coffee Bean for a tasty treat. Everything was just so sweet. My mom and I went to see the movie, "Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs" It was cute, and also neat in 3d.
Honestly, this may have been the greatest birthday ever. I was just so abundantly blessed.
Thank you, Lord for giving me such wonderful friends with beautiful hearts, and a family so thoughtful and loving.
I have so many things to be thankful for. And I have always been happy to have the same birthday of Fall! Such a lovely season of the year.
Well, it is no longer my birthday any more. Now on to another day, and before I know it...it will be my sweet 16! Haha.
Happy Birthday, Fall! :D
P.S.
Thank you Branyn, for my beautiful festive gifts! It means so much to me! I love you, very much!

Branyn is 19!

Today is my sisters birthday!
She is 19.
Since Disneyland fell through, :( We will be making cookies together today! :)
I hope she can get in for free another time, though. I know she was really looking forward to it since shes has'nt been there in a vey long time.
But cookies will be fun! And it will be neat to have two days of celebration!
Happy Birthday, Branyn!
I love you! I am so blessed to have you as my sister. <3

A great ending for a great day

My sister and I decided to go to Target just to look around and hang out. It was so much fun looking at all the fall things and magazines! We also loved looking at the garden and sitting on the glider. Simple and cheap entertaining ideas we call it, :).

Now, it is late and I better get to bed. So happy it's the weekend!

Friday!

Yay! Today is a nice free day!
Late yesterday, I recieved the October 2009 Better Homes and Gardens magazine!
I always love it when I get the fun ones with neat crafts and ideas. Best part is that it is all dedicated to Autumn! Little by little, my family and I are decorating our small home with festive fall things. Pumpkins and apples and candles are being spread all over.
You can never have too many fall decorations. :)

Also, Im looking forward to my sisters birthday on Sunday!! She's going to Disneyland to celebrate. That will be a fun day! Happy soon to be birthday, Branyn!

Another peaceful day...

Today was a good day. I worked while I listened to Christmas carols :)

It's just so funny- I am so happy for fall, yet wanting Christmas also! Maybe I should give up the carols till' December. Hehe.
Well, tonight I believe my family and I are going to church. It's so important to have that during the week.


So, I just might blog later.

I loved this idea! It is so cute!

Use the surplus from apple season to make tabletop decorations.
For Votive HoldersPlace a tea light on an apple; cut around edge with a craft knife. Scoop out flesh with a melon baller, and insert candle.
For Place CardsUsing decorative-edged scissors, cut leaves from green paper.
Put 1 end of a 3-inch-length of floral wire between 2 leaves; use craft glue to paste together. Repeat with opposite end of wire and 2 more leaves.
Write guest name on 1 leaf. Wrap wire around apple stem.
MarthaStewart.com

Just Because...

So, I just felt like blogging right now. I have only written two posts, yet I love it already!
After posting about breakfast, I spoke to another friend of mine. She goes to a different high school, so it's always nice to catch up with her.
I can't wait till' Fall! It's just around the corner- the 22nd.
Im also anticipating my "welcome autumn party." It will be full of friends and cider, homemade apple pie, and harvest crafts. I'm even hopeing to watch Charlie Brown and the Great Pumpkin. I love the festivities of the season. I only wish the leaves would turn to red and gold....
Thinking of the harvest time, can you even believe it is almost October already?!

About 15 minutes ago, I came home from a wonderful breakfast with friends. Our friends, Brittani and Lori, recommended a great place called Zov's Bakery. It was delicious!
Best of all, It was just so nice to talk and think about life.
I am so thankful I got to spend time with precious friends today. It's one of the many great things in life....

My Blog!

Yay! I created a blog today. I'm really excited!!