Pages From My Journal

I Love Cupcakes

2012-02-10T21:11:00.001-05:00

Well to star,t I have to say how much I love Barnes and Noble. We go on Wednesday to do school work when the babies have visitation. We also go sometimes on Fridays when they have visitation. When we went today, I found these books on cupcakes. I found two that I know I'm going to make. I found these ducky ones. They were on the front cover. Aren't they cute.

I am going to make these and bring them to my art class.

I love them and there were so many other cute ones. Knowing me, It'll take me hours to perfect them, but I can't wait to try.

Today,,, for a diffrerent reason

2012-02-05T15:26:00.001-05:00

Today is the Super Bowl. Yeepee for me. I get to sit for hours staring at the TV, pretending I understand whats happening. Not really, everyone knows I'm not into sports. For me, today is about my brother's birthday. Today he turned 11 years old. I can't believe he will be going into middle school next year. I love my brother so much.

Sorry I took so long.

2012-01-22T17:15:00.002-05:00

I have had to redo some of the petals due to me not liking it as much as I wanted. This painting is still in progress, please remember. I have to lighten up the shadows and do the rest of the petals. Hope you like it. :)

I may be only a freshman,

2012-01-17T14:26:00.001-05:00

but that doesn't mean I can't start thinking about what I like in a collage. Going to a Christian collage is a priority. Both my parents graduated from Cedarville University in Ohio, and my sister is headed there next year. I have grown up traveling the nine hour trips for homecoming. But really the only parts of the college that I spent enough time at to describe were the cafeteria and the library. And even then It was only one meal and one room. But I loved the collage from the outside. We took a trip up there this past weekend. My sister needed to meet with the coach of the soccer team and while we were there, I was a perspective student. I went to the meeting, ate in the cafeteria, then went to a couple classes. I loved going to the classes. I thought I wanted to study history, but now I am really excited about it. The people there were really nice too. When I walked into the second class, the girl sitting right by the door immediately said, "Hi my name is so and so. Are you visiting? You can sit right here." After the class the teacher came and found me in the hallway to talk to me. I had a very good time this weekend.

Art class

2012-01-06T12:39:00.001-05:00

I take art lessons every Thursday. My teacher is wonderful. I have had her since I was six years old, and I have learned so much. I have met some great friends. I have a lot of fun and it's really nice to learn from people who are better than me. I think I mentioned that I was going to paint this picture.

Well this is my progress. I do have a make up class tomorrow and so I will try to post a updated picture later.

I know, no bright colors yet. Hopefully tomorrow if I finish the leaves. I thought you might want to see pictures of my art buddies and my art class so here they are.

See that HUGE painting back there. She always says she is going to work smaller, yet they keep getting bigger. The girl pointing at me was currently working on Christmas gifts....the Thursday before Christmas.


They are looking at one of the girl's early Christmas gifts..a Kindle. So lucky : )


This painting is using a LOT of paint.

We have fun together. It's cool when you've been there so long and you see how each of us has changed and gotten better. My one friend is looking for Art schools, and one is in my grade.

Lets start out great...

2012-01-01T00:00:00.000-05:00

Me + my Cousin = a dolphin

2011-12-29T15:00:00.000-05:00

yes, I did get nine and a half inches of hair cut off

So for Christmas, my cousins are staying at my Nana and Poppop's house. They have spent a few days playing at our house, and slept over last night. The first day my nine year cousin came over she asked me to draw her a dolphin. I finally did it : ) This is what it turned out like.

She loved it. That's all that mattered. Hope you all had a great Christmas.

Remember why.....

2011-12-25T00:00:00.000-05:00

Little voices from the other room.

2011-12-17T09:06:00.000-05:00

So Bubby got sent to time-out because he wasn't obeying. Pretty normal right. Well his time-out is in a car seat in our laundry room. We have a gate baby blocking that area off, because it also leads to the garage and bathroom. Smiles is playing by the gate and all of a sudden this conversation erupts.

Bubby: Help me!!
Smiles: Ok!
Bubby: I'm stuck!
Smiles: Ok!
Bubby: Help me!
Smiles: Ok!
Bubby: Just step over the gate!

Yes, he did tell her to step over the gate even though only her eyes make it over the gate. She then figured out a way to knock it down. Then, we just put it back up, but it was still really funny.

Can you picture it?

2011-12-12T14:24:00.001-05:00

Job 39:19-30

"Do you givethe horse his might? Do you clothe his neck with a mane?
Do you make him leap like the locust?His majestic snorting is terrifying.

He paws in thevalley and exults in his strength; he goes out to meet the weapons.

He laughs at fearand is not dismayed; he does not turn back from the sword.
Upon him rattle the quiver, the flashingspear, and the javelin.
With fierceness and rage he swallows theground; he cannot stand still at the sound of the trumpet.
When the trumpet sounds, he says 'Aha!'He smells the battle from afar, the thunder of the captains, and the shouting.
"Is it by your understanding thatthe hawk soars and spreads his wings toward the south? Is it at your commandthat the eagle mounts up and makes his nest on high?
On the rock he dwells and makes his home, on the rocky crag and stronghold.
From there he spies out the prey; hiseyes behold it from far away.

His young onessuck up blood, and where the slain are, there is he."

Compassion

2011-12-03T21:31:00.001-05:00

We were in the car coming home frommy grandparents’ house, and I was reading. It was getting dark and I neededlight to finish my chapter. I pulled out my phone and saw that I had missed acall from my friend. This friend is the friend who I have written about before,who suffers from Lupus. She had been in the hospital for a couple months, and Idid not know how she was doing. Sitting through the rest of the car ride washard. God gave me a lot of compassion. Compassion is not just feeling sorry forsomeone. It comes with the desire to alleviate the pain that they go through. Myfriend goes through a lot, and me not having any ability to get rid of thatpain, hurts. I hurt when I see my friends hurt. I was kind of afraid to call her back because I was scared if somethingelse was wrong, but I called. As it turns out, she got out of the hospitaltoday. I was so happy; I did not know how to handle it. Compassion is awonderful thing, but it can be hard sometimes. That’s why God helps me throughit.

Thanksgiving

2011-11-25T13:23:00.001-05:00

Thanksgiving is always a holiday Ilook forward to, but to me, Thanksgiving could be Thanksgiving without theturkey, mash potatoes, and gravy. I would also say football, but that would bepushing it the rest of my family. Anyway, Thanksgiving has always been aboutfamily. The time I get to spend with my cousins each year is limited, whichmakes the times I do get to be them that much more special. Some Thanksgivingswe just spend it with Grandparents, but others we spend with our cousins thatare our age. This year we went over tomy Grandparents house on Wednesday and when my cousins got there, we got tohang out with them. We played Dutch-blitz, and Rook. We played games on thecomputer and spent the night over there. In the morning we headed to the paradeand met up with my parents and the three little kids. After the parade we allheaded over to our house for dinner. They stayed until like ten a clock, which meantwe played many games. Spending time with my cousins on Thanksgiving justreminds you all the more how you appreciate the times you get to be with them.

Here are some pictures. I am showing you all the ones without my foster siblings. So that does not leave much.

We breakfast at a corner deli before the parade.


The clown got a hold my my cousin, (the one with the bright red nose : )

What did you all do for Thanksgiving?

God is the Author of My Book

2011-11-14T16:11:00.001-05:00

Iwas thinking about what makes a great book, and I realized that life is a lot likea good book. As a Christian, God is my author and he’s writing my story. He is in complete control of my life ashe is writing each page with another adventure.

Somethingthat was restated in my head today was that questions are never answered in thenext sentence. Every book is full of questions, but they are not all answeredat the same time. Some are answered in the next paragraph and some are answeredin the next page or next chapter. Sometimes those questions remain unanswered thewhole length of the book, but when you get to the end those unanswered questionsno longer matter. Because other events happened and decisions were made and thequestion and doubt that was relevant in the first chapter may not connect inthe last chapter. If we knew all the answers there would be no driving force toturn the page and keep reading.

The same is with Life. We’re going to gothrough hard times, and we’re going to wonder why God would allow for suchthings to happen. Sometimes in our lives, we’re going to get a case of the “IfI did this, would this have happened?” God writes our story, and like any goodwriter he’s not going to answer all our life’s questions just as soon as the issuecomes up. When you read a book the unanswered questions make you think, andleave a sense of helplessness. God makes us need him, by not giving us all the answers.He does things that, with a human mind, we can’t understand. I know that whenquestions and doubts pop into my head, I need to keep going and see what Godhas planned in my life even if I don’t understand. I’m never going to know howthe book ends if I don’t turn keep turning the pages.

Psalm 61 Project Complete

2011-11-10T19:58:00.001-05:00

I have been working on this project in Art class for awhile and just finished tonight!! I am so excited. I illustrated one of my favorite Bible verses, Psalm 61.(verses 1-4)

Hear my cry, O God, listen to my prayer;

from the end of the earth I call to you when my heart is faint.

Lead me to the rock that is higher than I,

for you have been my refuge, a strong tower against the enemy.

Let me dwell in you tent forever!

Let me take refuge under the shelter of your wings!

So I illustrated these verses and they turned out really well.

sorry you can't really see the tower

I had to take this picture with my webcam, and because I needed both hands to hold my pictures, I had my brother click the button. And...


He didn't quite make it out of the picture.

Anyway this is my latest piece, and I hope to start working on this piece next.

A blogger award

2011-10-31T20:05:00.002-04:00

I was kindly given this award by Trinka at Amazing Love. Thank you so much.

As with almost all awards their are rules. Here they are:

1. Be sure to post the award on your blog, for all of your readers to admire! (doing now)

2. You will need to link back to the person who nominated you! (done above)

3. Make sure you tell your readers 7 random facts about yourself!
4. Also mention your favorite hobby, color and food!

5. Pass this award on to your 10 inspirational bloggers!

Random things about me:

1. I like only two types of tea: regular black, and Earl Grey.

2. I don't like peanut butter.

3. I have seen Tangled like fifty times.

4. I love Chocolate (which I think you already knew)

5. I love ballet flats

6. My five year old cousin can crush me at the wii without trying. (I stink at it)

right about now I would plunge into the ocean

7. I like hooped earrings (not super big ones)

My Favorites:

Hobby- you all know, Art

Color- Lime Green

Food- I love fresh bagels,

but that is not a meal.

The poeple I pass this award on to:

1. My mom- Random Reflections

2. Mary Cathrine- Glittering Compositions

3. Lily- Snatched from the Wind

Almost all my blogger buddies have already gotten this award, which is great.

But it means I don't have many people to give it to. Thanks again Trinka.

I no deaf

2011-10-27T17:46:00.000-04:00

This is a video (maybe it's should be a vlog) of me blogging in sign language. Don't worry I will post the words below.

This is what I want to tell you guys:
Hi, I am Princess. I am not deaf, but I help a deaf boy at my church. I saw a need in that boy's life. That boy played alone, and that boy did not learn much. I learned sign language to help that boy play better and learn more. Now, that boy plays with other kids and learns much more. Because I saw a need, and I did.

Because of the grammar differences between spoken English and ASL, this is what I actually said:

Hi I Princess

I no deaf

I help deaf boy my church

I work in that boy class

I saw a need in that boy life

That boy play alone

That boy no learn much

I learn sign language to help that boy play better

learn more

Now that boy play other kids

Learn much more

Because I saw need, I do

Boy does he have talent

2011-10-16T20:12:00.001-04:00

Interview that you probably weren't expecting

2011-10-14T15:07:00.002-04:00

So I wrote down some questions and asked Bub what his answers were.

What are you doing?
Watching princess movie (Tangled)

What is your favorite color?
Um *Yawn*

What are you wearing?
Kahchow shirt (lightning macqueen)

How old are you?
Um.....2

What do you like to play?
Toys

What toys?
Kahchow

What is your favorite animal?
Zebra ( What 2 year old's favorite animal is a Zebra! Really.)

So those were all the answers I could get out of him. Like he said he was watching Tangled so he was a little distracted and he just woke up from a nap. Off topic: Can you guys please pray for a boy at my church. He broke his tibia and fibula and chipped his ankle in a soccer game, yesterday. Buddy went to see him in the hospital today. He brought him some Mike&Ike's and a card :) He's so sweet.

Sometimes I do the Math

2011-10-11T11:52:00.003-04:00

So yesterday was an awesome day for my big sister.

This photo has nothing to do with this post other than it's a picture of my sister.

She got accepted into college!!! She received her letter, yesterday, saying she got accepted into Cedarville University. It is a great college and she will love it. Both my parents went there and it is a college that I might attend myself. I love my sister even through we are very different.She is a big part of our family, but there are many of us. My sister is turning 18 in January, I just turned 14, my younger brother is 10, my younger sister is 7, my foster brother is 2 1/2, my foster sister is 1 1/2, and my baby foster brother is 3 months. My mom teases and says her baby is going to college, but she still has six more left. :) My mom is going to be homeschooling for a long time. I go to college in 4 years, but the baby baby will only be 4. With the help of Skype my big sis should still be able to see her little sibs grow up.

I love my art, but I love my daddy more

2011-10-03T14:06:00.000-04:00

My daddy loves me, he tells me all the time. Yesterday after church, he took me to a wonderful lunch at Panera, then onto a amazing afternoon at the art museum. I loved it!!!!!!!!!!!!! I had such a great time. My dad is not a huge art person. He took me because I love it. If he had the choice he would have stayed home and watched the Cardinals vs. Phillies game, but no he took me to look at old paintings because he loves me. He is so wonderful. Part of the fun was hearing my dad's comments on each painting. This is what he looked like when he didn't like a painting.

Believe it or not, this was the painting he was looking at.

sorry it's sideways I forgot to edit it on my camera

Neither one of us are into modern art. My dad had a lot to say about this piece.


sorry, just tilt your head 90 degrees to the right and you get the picture.

I had not been to the art museum in a long time and it was amazing to go with my dad. Thank you Dad.

Fall

2011-09-26T11:38:00.002-04:00

Lot’sof things change in the fall: school has started, the temperature drops, and soccergames take over our weekends. The leaves on trees begin turning that picturesqueorange and brown color, and rakes come out of the shed. Jeans and sweatshirts becomea necessity and flip-flops take their place in the closet. It’s no longer awall of heat you run into when you emerge from the house; It’s a wispy breezethat sends a chill down your spine. It makes for cozy nights in a book store, studyingwith a cup of Earl Gray tea. The results of “Fall” are different in every partof the world, but where I live it’s always the same. It’s cold, windy, and theperfect picture of God’s artistic ability.

Lovely Blog Award

2011-09-17T19:16:00.001-04:00

I feel so special. I got awarded this award 3 times by Sylvi, Mary Cathrine, and Alisha. Thank you very much. There are two rules you have to follow in order to accept this award.
1. Tell 7 random things about yourself
2. Pass it on to 15 other people (I will try to get as close to that number as I can, but this award has been going around so it might be kind of hard. I don't want to give to someone who has received it already.)

Random things about me:

1. I LOVE brussel sprouts, lima beans, olives, and mushrooms.
(I love other things too, just those are the weird ones)
2. I found out two days ago that I can not play ping-pong to save my life.
3. I watch Cars or Tangled almost everyday, not by choice.
4.I need a nap.
5. I can make a bottle for Cutie with one hand.

6. I love apple picking with my family, which we did today.

7. I only drink tea when it's unsweetened.

Poeple I give this award to.

My Mommy- Random Reflections
My Daddy-KEYBOARD CONTEMPLATIONS
My Brother- Super Days of Bionic Bud
My Sister- Once for All
Lily- Snatched from the Wind
Wow! That is no where near 15 people so I'll change it to 5. Thanks for this award guys.

I need your votes

2011-09-09T14:42:00.001-04:00

You might remember this picture.

I gave away this painting of mine as a giveaway not to long ago. I have entered it in a online contest and I need your votes to win. I know a lot of you like my work and I would really appreciate your votes. The winner is the picture with the most votes. So please take the time to vote for me in my first online art competition. To go to the contest page click here. In order to vote just click on the VOTE button on the right side of the page. You will have to make a username and password to vote, but please take the time to do so. Thank you so much.

I wanted to show you something.

2011-09-07T17:51:00.002-04:00

Before I leave tomorrow I want to show you my latest art piece. Well actually I finished it early this summer, but it was a surprise for someone and I have not finished a piece since. This is a watercolor piece I did for my big sister. It's scary but she is a Senior in high school now and will be off to college before long. As it turns out, the trip I will be on is a trip to visit a college 12 hours away. Whether she goes there or another college, I will miss her. So painted this picture as a gift.

When I did this I told myself that when I finished I wanted to look at it and see nothing wrong. Guess what....I don't. I can't say that about any other piece I've done. You may look at this and see a box full of junk, but when I look at this piece I see my sister. I see her hobbies, I see her spirit, and I see her faith. This is my sister. This is why I love her. If you want to see her work (GREAT photography) click here.

Yeah i've been away and will be again

2011-09-06T07:55:00.000-04:00

So I have been camping with my family. Unfortunately my parents had to stay home with the babies due to weather, but the rest of us went with my grandparents and met up with my cousins. I had so much fun. We had three ways to camp: a Coach, a Pop-Up, and a tent.

Guess what I slept in? The tent : ) I don't care. I had a air mattress. My Grandparents and sister slept in the RV. My Aunt, Uncle, two cousins, and brother slept in the pop-up, and my sister, cousin and I slept in the tent. The weather was really nice except the last afternoon it rained and didn't stop until we left. I was nice and warm the rest of the time not freezing cold like past years. We always come back with many stories to tell. We do things that people would think was crazy. (we probably are) We have fun just doing things together as a family and love to share about the fun after. I had a video made of the pictures of the trip, but I lost it :( So I will see if I can redo it a post it soon. I will be leaving Thursday again for a college trip for my big sister. I will have my laptop and may post while I'm away, we'll see. Do you go on vacation with your family? Do like camping? What do you camp in?

About my foster sibs

2011-08-29T17:55:00.000-04:00

So I noticed a few days ago that I keep mentioning my foster siblings and how I hate not being able to post pictures of them, but I can tell you about them.

Let's start with the oldest, the 2 1/2 year old- we'll call him bub

He has blond hair that sticks out like the rays of a sun if we don't keep it cut. He has light blue eyes. He is ALL muscle. His thighs have no squeeze what so ever. He weighs 30 something pounds and isn't very tall.

He sometimes has OCD about particular things. We have two lights on our kitchen and both have to be on or both have to be off. When he goes to bed he has to have three blankets on no matter how hot it is: Bob the Builder, Lightning McQueen or Kachow as he is better know in our house, and a plain red one. He has to be tucked in like a mummy or he won't go to sleep.

He will only take naps if he is in a moving vehicle or unless he is EXTREMELY tired.

He loves to clean, yes a 2 1/2 year old cleans or at least he tries.

He loves to play with trains. He is really good at them, but he enjoys them better when you help him build the tracks and put certain sections 'under construction.' (he's so cute)

His favorite movie is Cars.

His favorite color is yellow. How do I know? To him everything is yellow.

His favorite song is "Our God" by Chris Tomlin, but he likes other praise songs as well.

His favorite drink is milk. No wonder he has such a strong build.

His favorite sport is soccer, and he is good. He can drop kick better than I can and he has a really good kick. He loves playing in our family room with a really really soft fabric block. (we had to ban balls. because they were becoming weapons)

His favorite shirts are Lightning McQueen See a pattern?, and football.

His favorite food is fruit.

Most importantly he knows that Jesus loves him.

Now onto the second, the 1 1/2 year old, we'll call her Smiles.

She has light brown hair that falls into a single curl behind her head. Has vibrant blue eyes and the cutest little smile you would see.

She is a very tiny girl only weighing 20 pounds. She has somewhat chubby roles, but because she so small they are not that big.

She loves to get her picture taken. You can never tell her to smile because she'll squint and go "CHEESE."

She only eats if she really wants to. If she's sick she won't eat. She eats food like a normal kid her age, but she does eat PediaSure to bump up her weight.

She loves to get a bath. I think she purposely gets herself filthy at each meal so she will have to get a bath.

She likes to play with her baby dolls. She even knows how to burp them.

This is quite funny to watch. She likes to play cowgirl and ring-around-the-rosy.

She is probably one of the toughest girls you will ever see. She will get clobbered by her brother and she won't even flinch.

Her favorite food is watermelon.

She loves to talk on a fake phone and always wants to Skype with my laptop. She doesn't ask for it, but she will stick her head in front, wave, and yell, "Hi!"

Unlike her brother she doesn't like playing with trains, only destroying the track that he has already built.

Her favorite song is "Twinkle Twinkle Little Star" (When I am aloud to post pictures, I have a video of her singing it.)

Last kid, the 6 week old, we'll call him Cutie.

Well as he is only 6 weeks old, you can't know much about him. He has darker skin and dark brown hair. He has the cutest little ears and don't think I'm weird in saying so, they truly are.

He is a normal baby boy. He cry, eats, poops, and sleeps.

He always seems to know when dinner is because he always cry when we try to eat.

So far the only thing I know he loves is the sling. We mom found one from a friend for Smiles and Cutie loves it so much. Thirty seconds in it and he will be asleep.

So that is the basics on my foster sibs, Bub, Smiles, and Cutie. I hope you enjoyed learning about them.

100-1-14

2011-08-23T18:58:00.000-04:00

So today is full of numbers. So I will start with the first.

100

This is my 100th post.

Yeepee for me!

I have been blogging for almost two years so it's kind of surprising

that I have not reached my 100th post yet.

I am happy and excited.

Most of my blogger buddies have reached this milestone already, but oh well.

Now onto the next number...

So today marks one year for my foster siblings living with us.

It seems like it was yesterday that we opened the door to welcome into our home.

They have grown so much, and now we have their baby brother as well.

I remember the emotions and the hard times that I have and to go through the past year for them.

Looking at it now.....I would do it all over again for them.

So...Last number.

So this week is my birthday and as you can guess I'm turning 14.

I am looking forward to going part time in highschool.

I am looking forward to what God chooses to push my way.

I am looking forward to spending time with friends and family.

I am looking forward to be yet another year older.

My Advice on Art

2011-08-13T15:30:00.000-04:00

God gave me many abilities, one of which is art. I can draw and paint well for my age, but I am not the best artists in the world and I know that. I try very hard and I want to bring God glory by using the talents he’s given me. He didn’t give me this ability to ignore, but to show everyone what a great God he is. Art is a very subjective hobby. You can show your art to someone and they not like it because they are into abstract and you did a realistic painting of a mountain. Everyone likes different things which means not everyone is going to like your work. You just have to keep trying. You can’t take their criticism personally, and you have to remember that not everyone thinks the same. Not everyone is going to have the same opinion of your work.Some will like it and some won't. Sometimes people will give criticism about the quality of your work or how well you followed the basic rules of art. Sometimes you have to take that criticism and look at your art and see if what they said is true, and it may be. You have to be prepared for that. You also have to keep in mind that everyone has their own style. If you set a bowl of fruit down in front of ten people and they all paint it, how many paintings will look exactly alike? None. Every one of those people’s painting is going to be different because God made them differently.

What did God make you good at? What is your biggest advice to people who do the same as you?

I am so ready for school

2011-08-12T10:58:00.000-04:00

I love summer. I love having the summer free from school. My mom is my teacher so learning never takes a day off, but school will. By the end of the summer I am so ready for school to start. This year I am starting before my siblings. I am a part time student as well as home schooled so I get the best of both worlds. Yesterday my mom went to work by herself to get school ready. My brother an I went down in our basement and went through ever single book my mom has for school. It took awhile, but we got it done. We wrote down every book she has a put them in boxes by grade. That way we don't have to rummage through boxes every year trying to find a book.(11 grades full) This year I am a freshman in high school.

Lit- World Lit

Lit elements
Bible as lit
Iliad
Hunchback of Notre Dame
(Pieces of) Dante's Inferno
Cry the Beloved Country

Writing- prompts and stories

Math- Geometry

Vocab- Worldly Wise

History- (finishing) US History 1

Science- Physical Science (at other school)

Bible- OT Survey

Spanish- Spanish 1-2

I am going to try to be more organized this year. It should be a good freshman year, a least a hectic one.

My Aunt would be so proud

2011-08-08T10:38:00.001-04:00

I like to scrapbook which I have already told you guys. I also make cards for occasions like my birthday parties, Thank you cards, and whenever my mom does not have time to make cards for any other party.My birthday is coming up and I made invitations for it. Here are the pictures.

If it wasn't clear, the front is supposed to imitate a chocolate bar.

My Aunt loves to make cards and is REALLy good at it.

Now I have to do the envelopes.

Bloggin with baby

2011-08-06T13:08:00.001-04:00

At the present I am holding my new foster brother.

He is a sibling to the other two we have and just as cute.

He is almost three weeks old.

Their next court day is on Monday.

We heard that DYFS will be pushing for adoption.

(Isn't that awesome!)

It is still killing me that I can't post pictures of them and share their life with you.

The good news is, if we adopt them I will be able to post pictures.
It is a really crazy time right now, with seven kids.

Three in diapers and four in car seats.

We had to purchase a 12 passenger van.

Being a foster family demands sacrifice from everyone,

but for these kids it's worth it.

Drum roll please....

2011-08-02T07:08:00.000-04:00

And the winner of this painting...

...Is...

Sylvi

Congratulations to you.

It may take me a few days to contact you and actually mail the painting, so be patient with me.

Don't forget

2011-08-01T08:34:00.000-04:00

So I just want to remind you that today is the last day to enter in my art giveaway. It is a really nice painting and few people have entered. If you want to learn more click here. Please remember that it is only US participants only. (just because of postage reasons)

Good luck to those who entered. I will announce the winner tomorrow.

I had so much fun.

2011-07-31T17:34:00.002-04:00

I spent the last week at a camp. I had so much fun. I learned so much at chapel. The speaker taught about the Hall of Faith in Hebrews 11. We did high ropes, team swing, challenge course, canoeing, tubing, pool, nature walk, and a ton of other fun things. I had a pretty large cabin with nine girls. My older sister has been working at the same camp all summer. I put a slide show of my pictures and and a video of camp together for you guys.

Tell me what you think. Have you gone gone to any camps this summer?

Blog Giveaway

2011-07-20T13:16:00.001-04:00

I have noticed that many of you have been interested in my art. I thought that you might enjoy me giving away a piece of my art. So lets make it fun. This is a 9inch by 12inch acrylic painting on stretched canvas. (that just means that it is pulled over wooden boards instead of flat paper)

Here's how you can enter:

1. Leave me a comment telling me you want to enter.

2. Follow me, leave me a separate comment to tell me.

3. Blog about my giveaway, leave me a separate comment to tell me.

I will be using random.org to pick the winner. This giveaway ends August 1st. I can't wait to see who wins:)Oh. I forgot to mention only US participants only please.

The video that I have been trying to post for days.

2011-07-13T08:19:00.000-04:00

Hand Speak

2011-07-12T16:33:00.000-04:00

My family switched churches awhile ago. When we decided that my new church was the one were going to stay with, I started working in the children ministry. I started working in the 2-3s. Then I got moved to the 4-k class. I was really enjoying that. I really like working with kids, but one little boy touched my heart. He was mostly deaf and could only talk with a very limited vocabulary. He played by himself and rarely sat down to pay attention to the story or color. How could he? He didn't connect with any of the other kids. So I went home and learned, online, some words in sign language. The next week he was there, I signed to him. He clicked with me. He played with me and sat down and listened and asked me questions. He did things I had never seen him so in Sunday School before. I am now one of is Masterpiece Buddy's. This is a program at our church where a number of people volunteer to work one on one with a child with special needs. Next week I will be his buddy all week for VBS. I am so excited to make a difference in this boys life.

To be honest I did not want to be switched to the 4-k class, but now I thank God that I was.

2011-07-11T19:06:00.002-04:00

So I've been drawing..

2011-07-08T15:45:00.000-04:00

So I started reading Mary Cathrine's blog a few months ago, and I saw this picture of her little sister.

So I drew this picture of this picture and took a picture of it.

The quality of the photograph of the picture is pretty bad.

Tell me what you think. I hope you like it Mary Cathrine.

Happiest Kid in the World

2011-07-05T19:54:00.000-04:00

My brother has to be the happiest 10 year old on the planet.

A while ago he made baseball allstars.

He ran a 4th of July 5k yesterday.

My mom asked him what was his strategy and he said, "Beat Dad!"

My dad ran the race as well, but was pushing a jogging stroller the whole way.

Well he did beat my dad by two minutes. (My dad has a ton of excuses)

I am proud of him for training a running the whole race without stopping.

He has now pursued his dream.

Build a car.

It is really a watered down version of a go-cart.

He has the body, brakes, and front wheels down.

He is so excited.

*Looks around corner*

He has now got the back wheels from a friend down the street.

(Can I just say he is wearing a Boston Red Sox hat,

but we are St. Lous Cardinals fans. Just making that clear)

I'm back and need to sleep

2011-07-01T12:34:00.000-04:00

We got back last night from the Lake. I had such a great time. We swam on the dock, made smores in the fire, walked downtown, fished, and just hung out. Bud was a little bummed because the motor boat was not in the water yet, but he had so much fun I think he forgot about it. I was kind of happy to have on day that was not that nice so I had an excuse not to go in the cold water. We all had fun with my mom's cousin's two kids. I took a lot of pictures; unfortunately a lot of them have my foster siblings in them so I can't show a lot of them.

The name of the Lake house.

Me with the view from the loft.(my room)

View from deck.

View from dock

Other view from deck.

Little sis headed for lunch.

Oldest of my mom's cousin's kids.


Bud with youngest of my mom's cousin's kids.

I had such a great time with my family at the lake. Please tell me where your family is going for vacation.

Video tour of Lake house

2011-06-28T09:43:00.000-04:00

We all know I can't take pictures and I certainly take a good video, but I tried.

No Pictures :(......Yet

2011-06-26T20:57:00.000-04:00

I know I promised pictures of my brothers baseball game, but I accidentally hit the delete all button. I took some more pictures, but they are not as good as the ones I had before:( I know what you're thinking. "So what , you have pictures share them." Well you all know I got a laptop and my Photoshop is not yet installed on my computer. So I think that explains enough. Soooooooooooooooooo back to the present. I am at the lake. I will have pictures. I am having so much fun and we only got here today. I will be here till Thursday. I will probably post on Friday.

Guess what I got?!

2011-06-19T17:15:00.000-04:00

I got my own laptop!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I have been saving for this a long time. I was going to wait until the beginning of the next school year, but my dad found this one on clearance. I am so excited. I am so happy. My dad was so awesome. He set up like all the software and programs I needed. He is so amazing. I am telling you right now I am pretty good at using a computer, but when it comes to all the processors, hardware, and set-up programs, I don't know the first thing about it. It's even father's day and he spent the majority of his afternoon setting up my laptop.

This is killing me :(

2011-06-18T12:17:00.000-04:00

My little foster sister and brother are so adorable.................but I am NOT allowed to post pictures of them. I am so bummed. When we first got them I though it would be easy, but it gets harder every day.
The good news is that if we adopt them (which I would LOVE) I can post pictures. IF we adopt them. What's so funny is that they look like our family. The baby girl looks just like my mom. Oh, their baby brother is due any day now, and when he is born, we should get him too. I am jumping up and down I am so excited.

I am going to head out he door to root on Bud at his All Star baseball game. I PROMISE I'll post pictures. Boy have I been lazy about that.

The Results are In

2011-06-13T08:24:00.000-04:00

My art show was last Saturday................and I know everybody is anxiously awaiting my art pick :)

You already know I had picked this picture which I have named It's not about the flowers.

About the name: As I was painting this I was so careful not to draw away from the bridge with too many flowers. I kind of became a joke because I wanted the name about the bridge not the flowers.

Here's the moment you've all been waiting for..........The second piece of art work I put in is....

This name was easy. It is Potter and the clay.

About the name: This picture was done for a magazine. I was given a poem and ask to illustrate. Here is the poem.

A Ball of Clay

Here I am

A ball of Clay

One of Millions

Not special in my eyes.

The Potter looked

For one to sculpt

For the perfect one

And He caught me by surprise.

He took my ball

Sculpted me out

Making a beautiful pot

He had a gleam in His eye.

He said, “You’re the right one.

You’re the one I love.

You are special to me.”

And He left me out to dry.

He still gets that sparkle

In His eye

When He looks at me

I feel like I’m worth more than gold.

The majority of you picked that piece. Actually all three of you picked that one. Thanks for your input. I would post pictures of the show but the pictures are on my mom's camera not mine.

Choices Choices

2011-06-06T12:59:00.000-04:00

I have a dilemma. I have an art show on Saturday and my art pieces are due this coming Thursday. I have to send in 2 pieces of my art. I have decided on the first. This...

But.... I have not decided on the second. So I was hoping that you guys could help me out. I have to choose between 3 pictures.

#1 This is a watercolor pencil that is not for sale.

#2 This is also a watercolor pencil piece that is not for sale.


#3 This is a Lino Cut print that I will sell, but I have not yet decided on the price		.

The Lino Cut I have 2 other color options. (Pink& Blue, Black) Please tell me which of the 3 you like best. One more thing. For the art show I have to name my art, and I come up the silliest names. So if you have any suggestions for any of them except the last one I would appreciate it.

Next part of my Story

2011-05-31T14:02:00.001-04:00

Erynn’s eyes flashed with anger as the car door shut and the engine started. Why didn’t her mom fight for them? All she did was turn her back, walk into the house, and shut the door. She didn’t even wave. Erynn just stared out the window biting on her lip, debating whether to speak or not.

“So, where are you taking us?”

Kim reached into the center console of the car and pulled out a notebook. She glanced at it, then put it down.

“There is a family about a half an hour from here. They’re the Ollies.

Erynn raised an eyebrow and giggled. “Ollies, really. That’s their name.”

“Yes,’ Kim said biting on her tongue. ‘Mr. and Mrs. Ollie have a 2 year old girl named Helen. You’ll be very happy there.”

“Have they had kids in their home before?”

“Yes, they have had two placements before this.”

“What happened? Did the kids get kicked out?”

Kim replied with a somewhat smug smile on her face, “No, they went back to their parents.”

Erynn turned back to the window and didn’t say a word for the rest of the trip.

When they arrived at the foster home, Natalie, the other social worker, had to almost drag Erynn out of the car. They slowly made their way to the front door. Kim knocked, and a young woman opened the door.

Please comment and tell me what you think so far.

2011-05-24T12:14:00.000-04:00

I hope you are enjoying reading my writing. I would appreciate it if you would comment and tell we what you like about it or what I should change. If you want to read the beginning of Erynn's story click here.

She stuffed the script and practice schedule into her backpack and headed for the bus.

The bus dropped her off a block from their apartment. As she rounded the corner she saw two women on the sidewalk. One had her hands on her hips talking to Erynn’s mom who was leaning on the door frame with her head in her hands. The other, a little younger, was holding her little brother; she was putting him into a car seat. Erynn ran to her mom, almost crying.

“What are they doing with Andrew?”

The young woman turned to her and stuck out her hand. “You must be Erynn, I’m Kim. Nice to meet you.”

Erynn pushed her hand aside. “What is she doing with my brother?”

“We are taking you and your brother to a safer environment for a little while.”

“I don’t have to go anywhere with you, her, or anybody else!”

She pointed her figure at Erynn in a firm yet compassionate way. “Yes, you do.”

Erynn tried to hide her anger. “Why!”

Kim stepped back and gestured for her to follow. “It’s for your own protection.”

“Protection from what!”

Kim’s eyes flickered to Erynn’s mom as her eyes closed and her chin fell. Then Erynn knew. It was because of the bruises on her back, Andrews’s black eye, the locked refrigerator, and the bottles all over the counter.

I Know 100%

2011-05-20T15:44:00.000-04:00

I see on the headlines that some people think the world is going to end tomorrow, May 21, 2011.

I know 100% that this is wrong.

They say that the Bible guarantees that the world will end tomorrow.

I know 100% that this is wrong.

They say that they asked Jesus to come into their life, but they could still not be saved from destruction.

I know 100% that this is wrong.

Why am I 100% sure?

The BIBLE tells me so.

The bible says in,

2 Peter 3:9-10:

The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance.
But the day of the Lord will come like a thief, and then the heavens will pass away with a roar, and the heavenly bodies will be burned up and dissolved, and the earth and the works that are done on it will be exposed.

Matthew 24:36:

But concerning that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven,

nor the Son, but the Father only.

Nobody knows when Christ is coming back. So if someone says that the world is going to end tomorrow or on a certain day in 2012, I know it won't happen. I am not changing the wording of the Bible around just to make it say what I want it to say. It is what God says, and nobody can change that. I asked Jesus to come into my life when I was four years old, but it does no matter how young or how old you are when you give your life to him. I heard a story once. It was about two average people who said that they were going to swim across the Atlantic ocean. One person swam 100 feet then drowned. The other person swam 3 miles before he drowned too. They both drowned. The person who swam 3 miles could say that he swam farthest, but so what, you drowned. It does not matter how close you got to salvation by working for it. Because in the end you are going to lose. There is nothing you can do to win you salvation. The only way you can be saved is to admit that you are a sinner, ask God to forgive you of all the sins that you did and all the sins that you will do. The punishment for sin was already paid for. Jesus paid for that when he died on the cross. All you have to do is accept that free gift of salvation. The great thing about that is that because you did nothing to get your salvation, you can't do anything to lose it.

The Bible say in,

Psalm 25:10:

All the paths of the LORD are steadfast love and faithfulness,

for those who keep his covenant and his testimonies.

Lamentations 3:22-23:

The steadfast love of the LORD never ceases;

his mercies never come to an end;

they are new every morning;

great is you faithfulness.

I am looking forward to heaven don't get me wrong, but I know that when God chooses to come back, no one will be expecting it.

Meet Erynn Christine Fisher

2011-05-17T11:45:00.000-04:00

I joined Go Teen Writers a few weeks ago. I have debated over and over about what to write about. I think I have found my knack. Here is a little bit of the story.

Erynn pushed her way through the throngs of high school students. She tripped over feet and stumbled over and over again until she reached her destination. The bulletin board was cluttered, so she had to shuffle sign-up sheets, advertisements, and posters around until she found the paper she wanted.

“I hope you take bad news well.”

She spun around on her heals, surprised. “I don’t know what you mean, Chelsea”

“I mean, you didn’t get the part, I did. I told you it wasn’t worth trying.” She said with her nose pointed toward the clouds.

Erynn just stood there with her lips pulled into a line, hesitant to say anything. She didn’t even want the main role. She just didn’t want Chelsea to get it.

“Well, I’m going to be late for cheerleading practice. See Ya.”

She turned, flipped her ponytail in disgust, and walked away, followed by a small group of girls that were just trying to fit in.

Erynn turned back toward the bulletin board. She ran her finger down the names, searching for her own. Chelsea was right, she hadn’t gotten the part as Mrs. Banks, but Chelsea had. To Erynn’s surprise the name below Chelsea’s was hers. She had been given the part of Rebecca. She pulled a script from the box on the floor. She flipped through it until she found her Characters Bio.

“So, Chelsea gets to be my mom, let’s hope she’s better than my real one”

Why do I tell her to stop?

2011-05-10T13:12:00.000-04:00

     My little sister loves to sing. She is very good at, but she rarely stops. Being home schooled means, well, I am home most of the time with my family. Most of us tell her to stop singing, be quiet, go to your room to sing, and things like that. I know that, personally, I tell her to stop because it's to loud. I never realized that maybe it wasn't her singing that was making the annoying noise but everything else.
     One day I was in my room doing work and she was in her room across the hall playing, and she started singing songs by PureNRG. I had my mouth open to tell her to be quiet, and I stopped. I chose to sit there and listen to the words and listen to her voice.
    The Sunday before our pastor had mentioned what he would miss about his dad if he lost him. I started thinking. What would I miss most if I lost my little sister. It would be her singing. The singing that I tell her to stop. The singing that I thought was annoying. The singing that I never realized was so beautiful.

Do you tell your siblings only what is annoying about them, like me, or do you tell them what you love about them.

Now, if you'll excuse me, I have to go tell my sister I love her.

Just a heads up

2011-04-26T09:19:00.002-04:00

Just a heads up, if you didn't get a chance to check out the lupus walk that I will be doing. The walk is on May 15th. I will be walking with my friend Amanda who has Lupus. I am trying to raise at least $100 and I am still looking for some donations. If you are willing to donate I would be greatly appreciate it.

You can donate here.

If you want to know more about the Lupus Foundation of America you can go here.

I Spent my Afternoon Sorting Paper

2011-04-20T13:25:00.001-04:00

My mom and I are going on a craft retreat on April 29- 31. My mom has a roller organization thingy that holds paper, stickers, and books. She also has two plastic drawers that hold pretty much everything else. Both of these things were EXTREMELY messy. I knew exactly what was going to happen when me got to the retreat. My mom was just going to be going, "This is so messy! This is so messy! This is so messy!" I want to have fun and not listen to my mom complain.(hahaha mom) So I started to tackle the roller organization thingy.
My mom has soooooooooooooooooo many stickers. (Some were very cute)

I'd say this is pretty close to how much we have.

I am try to be an organized person. So I organized every piece of paper by color. Let's just say my back hurt after sitting on the floor so long.

Not my pic, but you get the point.

Next stop...... The Drawers.

Ants and Eggs Don't Mix

2011-04-18T15:16:00.003-04:00

I was making my lunch. EGGS,
An ant started crawling on the stove top,
My mom decided to cook the ant by flicking him into the fire,
She kind of missed the the fire and got the ant in my eggs,
MY PERFECTLY COOKING EGGS!
My mom fished out the ant,
Needless to say I only had half of the lunch I was expecting.

This is Why I Walk

2011-04-06T13:53:00.004-04:00

Remember this picture? This is a picture of my friend Amanda and me at snow camp. We had a really great time, but there is one thing about Amanda that is very different from me. She has Lupus. She struggles to do things that I take for granted. Lupus is a hereditary, lifelong disease. It affects her immune system and almost every organ in her body. Her medicine causes her joints to be stiff, her hair to be short, and her bones to be brittle and more prone to break. You would think that a girl that goes through all this on a daily basis would be quiet, distant, and depressed, but she is not. She is a lively, energetic, and adventurous girl that knows her weaknesses and fights to overcome them. She does not let her Lupus keep her from doing the things she wants to do. She is a compassionate, caring girl that knows how it feels to be different. She is the kind of girl that you can look at and see how strong she is. God gave her Lupus for a reason whether I like it or not. She is made special by him no matter how different she looks. She is an amazing friend and I will do whatever I can to help her. That is why I will be doing a Lupus walk with her. Lupus Foundation of America is devoted to helping people like Amanda. The 4k walk will be on May 15^th. I am trying to raise 300 dollars for Lupus research. If you would like to donate under Alyson Schroll I would be greatly appreciate it. If you want to know more about the walk or the Lupus Foundation of America, you can go to this website. You hear a lot about people struggling with cancer, but there are other diseases hurting people. I had never even heard of Lupus before I met Amanda, and now I want to do all I can to help her fight this disease.

It's Not That Hard to Make a Diffrence

2011-03-26T10:55:00.004-04:00

Last week my older sister did a persuasion speech about foster care and adoption. She did a really good job. She only told it to my family, a couple friends, and our pastor. I wish that everyone could hear what she had to say. What strikes we the hardest is that there are 348,067 churches in the US, and there are over 113,280 waiting children in foster care. In not one state is there more waiting children than churches. If there is that many churches why are there any waiting children. She also said that most kids that are in foster care are very open to having a mentor, someone who just listen to them , and someone to just check up on them. I get the chance every day to see who fostering helps children. In the Bible it talks about taking care of the widows and orphans. It says that when we show love to these children we are showing our love toward him too. I am lucky to have a hands on experience on how fostering helps children. I get to see smiles that would otherwise not be there. The price of that smile is so cheap, its just love.

I will never grow out of Nancy Drew!

2011-03-15T13:13:00.003-04:00

I love Nancy Drew! I some of the books. I have the lost files of Nancy Drew. I watch the old Hardy Boys and Nancy Drew TV show. (on Netflix) And I last year my Dad got me four of the computer games. I have solved two out of four mysteries and I am on my third. I have solved Secret of the Old Clock, Last Train to Blue Moon Canyon, and I am in the middle of The Secret of Shadow Ranch. Whoever made this game was a genius. It so difficult but also EXTREMELY addicting.Fortunately for me (who does not find out clues until AFTER I look up the answer) there is hints and tips on this website . I really love solving puzzles, but I hate dark tunnels and skeletons. (even if its a computer game) Lukily, I have a brother who does not mind helping me when I don't feel like getting creeped out. The only thing that he can't help with is driving. (he got me in like 5 car accidents) Anyway I love solving this mysteries. Do you like Nancy Drew.

My Weekend

2011-03-08T13:09:00.002-05:00

Saturday my grandparents came over, and they helped us get some work done around the house. I don’t really know what my mom expected to get done, but we got a TON cleaning done.

Sticks cleaned up in the yard
Patio cleaned off (spring came quickly so we can eat outside)
Garden cleaned out (yummm, fresh veggies)
Shed cleaned (oh look, the floor)
Laundry room organized (mom, I can see the other side of the room)
Garage slightly cleaned up
Our Van and Car got work done (we can stop at a stop sign and not have to plug our ears from the squeaking)
Sand box cleaned (Yah, now I have to clean sand off kids)

Lets just say that we had huge messes to clean up. And we got it all done. After we got everyone cleaned up, we had pizza and we watched How to Train Your Dragon. By the way this movie is so good. My two year old foster brother watched it with us, and he loved it.

Sunday we went to church. I had the 4 year old through 1rst graders during the church service. After Church my older sister and I went to the new Jr. high and Sr. high bible study for girls. We are going through the book of Philippians. We are going to use a book by Susie Shellenberger. I love having this time with other Christian girls.

Hope you girls had a great weekend.

I am sooooooooooo loving this book.

2011-03-01T13:02:00.004-05:00

I am in the middle of reading the Zion Legacy series by Bodie and Brock Thoene, and it is awesome. I just finished the 3rd book.
One thing really stood out to me. There was a conversation between a newspaper photographer named Ellie and Madame Rose who is helping Jewish refugees. Ellie asked Madame Rose why was she helping people that she had no idea who they were. Madame Rose responds by saying, "I am here because I also hear God's calling when I look into their faces." Ellie continues to ask why she was helping these particular people in this particular place. Madame Rose says, "They simply ask for a cup of water......Someone to listen to what they are going through. Someone who loves them. Love is an action verb. It means saving by serving. That is the heart of the gospel. Only the spirit of God's love can change a life. Jesus said all the rest is simply for show. Religion without active love has no more life than a mannequin in a shop window."
Wow! Talk about a great example of active love. When you are reading the whole book you can just picture this conversation. The words are so strong. I would so encourage you to read the entire book series. You can find all their books here.

Snow Camp

2011-02-22T13:43:00.009-05:00

I am really tired today. I am not fully recovered from snow camp this past weekend. I went with my youth group. Both me and my older sister went. We had a great time. My blogger friend Mindy also goes to my youth group, so she went too. We spent our time tubing and playing in our meeting room. My older sister helped lead worship before our sessions. We listened to a great speaker and just had a great time hanging out together.
Snow camp is something that a love to do with my youth group. Does you youth group go on any winter retreats?

I Believe...

2011-02-11T12:41:00.002-05:00

I Believe...

that God saved my life.
that I am not an accident.
that "Don't Smile, Don't Smile, Don't Smile." makes you feel better.
that the sloppier the Taco, the better.
that Grace is a gift not a given.
that God never breaks a promise.
that God could not have given me better parents
that baby's giggles are the best
that I am a Princess because my heavenly father is the King of Kings.