Paint Job

Hello bloggers, I hope you have had a fairly good week! I know I have!

I have wanted to paint my room for a really long time! Almost 3 years now. I have wanted to paint it lime green. Green is my absolute favorite color. My parents have painted my older sisters (only one older siter not multiple older sisters. I am in the middle of three girls) room 2 times now, so I figure, it MY turn. I have begged and pleaded and still my mom would always say that her room gets painted first. So Sears was having a paint sale and my mom found some she liked for her, so I asked if they could buy me some paint. My mom said that we were NOT painting my room, end of discussion. But my dad said if I bought my own paint, primer, rollers, and tarp I could paint my room. So I went to my bank. AKA family bank ( they always come to me when they need money. HA) I had about 82 dollars not counting the money my parents owed me for mowing and allowance. (Now I know, mowing?! Yes I mow my family's yard every Saturday. We have no boys besides my dad and he cant be in the sun for very long because of his skin cancer on his neck, so I get the lovely pleasure of waking up early on Saturday mornings and working up a descent sweat. )
Now Sears didn't have the right color that I wanted, so we went to Walmart, they had 2 pretty good colors that I liked and my mom told me I had to get a fairly light one. So I ended up having to compromise, but hey its way better than nothing. So I bought the paint "Green Tomato". Well actually with the money my parents owed me I didn't have to pay a cent! So we are painting my moms and dads room this weekend and we are painting mine in 1-2 weeks! Cant wait! I have waited long enough. But we have to take my paint back and get a new one because they gave us Semi-Gloss instead of Satin. But hey it'll all work out. And I am thrilled that I finally get to paint my room. Its gonna be sooo great!

Just Give me a Quote

"Lord I do not ask that you bless me or my life, for you have already done that by being with me everyday. But what I do ask is that you give me the ability to bless others and show them the way, just as you have with me. "

I thought of this just as I was falling asleep last night. I thought I would share it with you. Its not the best quote in the world, but hey its alright!!

Phew

Well fellow bloggers I did it! Yep I did get Baptized on Sunday! And I tell you I have never been soo nervous in my whole entire life. I couldn't sleep and I couldn't eat very much, I have high anxiety and boy this was a big choice to make and I was nervous! I bet we all are about that at some point in our life. But I reassured myself that by heart is in the right place, this is the right thing to do, Jesus will be pleased. I told myself that over and over.

So finally Sunday came and it was time. I got their and 2 of the families I had invited were at the church waiting in the parking Lot. I only invited 18 people total. The next People to arrive were Cody and Jeannie. Jeannie was smiling and I couldn't help but smile back. But I was still nervous. I was determined not to wear one of those baptism suites and so I wore my swim trunks and a blue tee shirt. When everybody got their my dad asked for my Confession. ( Even though I don't really think I had all that big of sins that I needed to repent) And we went in for Jeannie to Baptize me. The water was HOT! I am not even kidding it was really hot. And so then she baptized me! I was shaking so hard though, I was SOOO nervous and everything. Right as I was getting out more people started coming to church. So I did it at a good time.

No I am not a big attention seeker so I did not want the prayer blessing during the service. However it was announced and I got TONS of hugs. Even that was too much attention for me. Here are some of the numerous things that I was told( The ones I don't like)

- FINALLY!! ( That was my least favorite,because I feel that you heart makes you the Christian, and not the water. Getting Dunked into water doesnt mean a thing if your heart isn't where it should be)

I was told several times " Boy I am really disappointed I didn't get to see you". Well I figure they can buck up.

After my baptism Jeannie Gave me a really pretty necklace that I love. And she also gave me a pocket stone, something she carried in her pocket and it gave her peace when she needed it. Anxiety is a big issue with me, so this made my day. I have put it in my pocket every day so far, and I love touching it and it really does give you peace. It is a shiny Stone/ metal patty and it has a cross on it. I love Jeannie and I love Cody too. This just made the icing on the cake. I had a pretty good day and I look forward to seeing other people come to Jesus by seeing my faith in God. And I hope I do a good job.

Walk Humbly with your God, and have Peace.

My birthday.... April 23rd

Hello, and no tomorrow is not my birthday. Just hang on and you'll hear the story.

Ok so I have contemplated baptism for forever. I wanted to make sure that I was really ready for it. And if you read my thing before on baptism this will make more sense to you.

Ok I was thinking on Thursday night while I was in the shower ( I know weird huh) "What if I got baptized on Sunday". Out of the blue! And I thought and thought, then I went to bed and thought of how I would tell my dad .I decided the hit and run tactic. So on our way to school here is how the conversation went-

Me-" He dad, I want to get Baptized on Sunday, and not to become a Christian because I feel to some extent I believe I already am, My heart is in the right place and I believe that God looks at the heart I am doing it to become part of my faith Community and along with everything else OK.

Dad- O.K. Uhhh--

Me- And I want Jeannie to do it ok. Love you dad bye!

Just so you know, Jeannie is the coolest person ever! She is their for when I need her, we email a lot, we talk and I really look up to her. She is a really REALLY BIG spiritual influence on my life, she is my friend and I love her dearly. And so I only thought it makes sense if she does it. Its not like I wanted to hurt my dad, but it felt right to have her do it. She is just to let you know, my Youth Ministers Wife, although i look at her as a Youth Minister herself. She is also a Chaplain at a hospital. And on top of all that she is going to have a baby in September. She is ASWESOME!! So I thought ok that was easier than I thought it was going to be, wrong. My dad was a little disappointed he wasn't going to do it.


So I am getting Baptized tomorrow at 7:45 in the morning before first service. I don't want a lot of people to be their. So I invited all of my closer friends, and my new "birthday" is going to be April 23rd!

And Jeannie will baptize me, an honor at that. I am really nervous.

What are some of your Spiritual Birthdays.

Go in Love and Go in Peace, And keep me in your Prayers on this April 23rd and all the rest to come, And I will do the same for you. I love the way God works!

Peace and Love throughout all of your days.

Ah Dear Gordon.

As you know about my teacher history....She's back!!! I know I would normally dread going to History and know that Mrs.Buler would be their with her gripy voice and annoying songs.But not this week! Ah I am finally out of "Kindergarten" with Ms.Sams and back into doing real work! I know I am actually looking forward to work!! So my music teacher was going on vaca. Or was sick and we were supposed to get a sub for like 2 days. So on my way to my locker out of the corner of my eye I see Mr.GORDON!!!! ( He was the way cool sub for History I was telling you about) He said he was going to be the music sub!! I was so estatic and was really happy to get to see him again! I thought I never would. He brought cool games for us to play on Friday and was a hoot to have around, although I have to say he makes a way better history teacher than a music teacher.

Boy doesn't God work in Mysterious ways!!

Easter Break

Hey Yall! Sorry for my negligence. This Easter was a very different Easter from all the rest. For one my Youth Group planned a Youth Retreat for the weekend and 2 other Youth Groups joined us. We went into the mountains and camped at a Vacant Summer Camp. Sense my Youth Group lives only 45 minutes away we had to go and set up early. So we sledded ( In April!!!! I know!) And we played hours of cards and hung out. Then The other Youth Groups came around 7:30. We ate dinner and had out lessons. There was 8 feet of snow- super cold showers, and an awesome group of Young Christians spending time together. Here is how the Saturday Panned Out.

Breakfast- Cereal and muffins.

Devo- Garrett did an Awesome class. He did the " Mall of Questions." And it was about how life is more than just life. Life is a Journey and will never end. And how Jesus died- not for our sins- but to live through each and every one of us- He experiences everything we go through, he died for that.

Free Time- Ah glorious free time, but what do you do when their is 8 feet of snow out side? Well you hang out in the Chapel ( The boys sleep in the Chapel, and the girls had to sleep in the Lodge, the only 2 rooms wee used in the whole camp. Besides the bathroom) Me and my friend Megan played cards with Nate, Peter and Andrew. We played about an hour of Scum ( card game) and Mow ( yet another card game) Then we had a Yummy Lunch of Sandwiches. Then more card games with my Homies.

Sledding- We made an awesome hill and it was fun but I fell on my head over 4 times and went to go take a shower when I learned that we had to go snowshoeing. I hate it soo much. Don't go unless you really like to walk with funny shoes on in the snow for 2 hours. When we got back we had about 30 min. Of card playing then dinner. We had Fajitas.

Showering was a funny story and if you want to hear it then I will tell you about it.

Stations of the Cross- I LOVE THIS CLASS!!! We went into the chapel and visited thirteen station of the cross. Each station portrayed a different person and a different emotion. And at the end of Each station you said a prayer to God asking for Strength to be able to have the strength to carry our Crosses and live for Jesus Dailey. By the end I took my seat and was holding back tears because the story of Jesus was way more than a story is was an experience and I looked around and noticed a lot of Boys and Girls were crying. It was a really good experience and I will never forget that Easter.

I love rallies and Retreats with my fellow Youth Groupers here and in Idaho. God is great, and I love that.

On a better NOTE, and summer plans

A few posts ago I told ya'll that I had a try-out to make Wind symphony at my high school for next year. If you don't know what Wind Symphony is I'll tell you. Wind Symphony is the highest band that you could possibly be in at my High School that I will be going to next year. And you have to tryout to make it. And the likely hood of sophomores making it aren't very big. So I have been waiting for forever to find out if I made it. So today I found out...I MADE IT!!!! I am sooooo excited. My friend Alyson also made it too! So we will be in the same class. And I am thrilled to get to be in it. So I am very happy and proud of myself. I am proud of myself because I have only been playing the trumpet for a year and a half and most people who are in their have been playing for like 4 years or even more, so that makes me feel really good. Wahoo!!

Ok so my summer plans are basically in the concrete as of Sunday. Sense I am taking Drivers Ed. I cant go on my Youth Groups mission trip to Juarez, Mexico ( and my mom doesn't want me too). And I am going to go to bible camp with my Youth Group along with 2 other youth groups from Idaho. VBS is always a big hit. I love helping with the little kids, the 3 yr. olds. They are sooo cute. My fake little brother ( I don't have one so I adopted 2 little brothers from my church to be my brothers) is in that group and its soo sute to see the little kids sing about Jesus. They are adorable. After Camp my family is going on an Alaskan Cruise ( Thanks to my Grandma! She paid for my family to go) for about 8 days. Then when I get back its about week until my first day of High School. So their isn't really any room for a real job. A job like at a Snow Cone Shak, or a job at Maceys and a grocery bagger, or Hot Dog On A Stick. So last year I was a nanny for about a week and a half to two sweet little girls at my Church. And it pays pretty well, although I have to say I got a really good inside look on how being a mom felt like, and boy it was hard. So Mr.G thought I did a great job with his little girls and wanted to get me again. So I will be a nanny again for about 2 weeks and a little more. You see I do quite a lot of babysitting so people like to tell me a couple months in advance if they need me for a awhile. He also wants be one night a week during the summer so he and his wife and go on a date. And one afternoon every school week so they can go golfing. I love babysitting, and I love little kids. And its a really good job for me to do because its cool to see how much little kids will love you and look up to you and cant wait to give you a hug every Sunday and ask " Whens are you gonna gets to come play with us?" And when you are at their house they want to color with you and want you to read to you. You pull out all the games in the closet play Candy Land for hours( or until Erin runs away with the blue piece, or when she needs a diaper change) and you let them watch movies with ice pops and blow bubbles on the portch. But sometimes babysitting can be really hard. I will be a nanny Mon- Fri from 7:30 in the morning until 5:30 or 6 in the afternoon. And let me tell you, and you probably already know this, but chasing after a 2 year old and a 4 year old can be really tough. Especially when you don't have a lot of that mommy instinct. But for now I will be the best nanny to those little girls and show them all the love and mommy-ness that I have. And I will enjoy being able to whatch the little kids that I babysit now in about 10 years when they are showing other little kids how great life can be.

I think little kids are Gods way of showing us how much he loves us. And I can tell you right now, summer will be fun but interesting once again as a nanny. I guess I will have to keep you posted huh.

Can I Get a Break?!

Ok, I have this math teacher. Well she is my Geometry teacher. Her name is Mrs. Roundy. Which is really funny because cirlces are round and she teaches Geometry. hahah. I think its funny. She is one of the most carefree and fun teachers that we have at our school. She isn't really strict and she always laughs at our jokes and makes some herself. She is like a kid herself, yet she knows hen its time to get down to business. She isn't strict if assignments aren't in when they are supposed to as long as we get them done and understand them, she wants us to succeed. No I know she is probably a parents worst nitemare for a kid. But it doesn't take a strict mean teacher to get accrost to us. Some times all we need is more of a friend-teacher than a teacher-teacher( mean and strict and down to business) And its not like she doesn't give any homework, because we get a ton. So today when class was starting she looks at us, not the usual smile and a joke but with wettened eyes and a frown. She says
" Kids things aren't going to well at home right now, some things aren't right, and I need to be a mom to my kids right now. Mommy duty before my career. So today will be my last day." Can you believe that!!! I love this lady! I cried a little and she said that she would miss us. Everyday I come into her class room I say " Heidi Ho Lynn Longleaf!" ( really LONG story) and now I cant do that anymore. But I do respect her for being a mom to her kids.

So this year I have had half of my teachers leave. Here they are in order of their " Release"

In my Biology Class we got a student teacher, So Monson isn't technically are teacher anymore. So Mrs. Shauerhammer ( I know its really long it is pronounced shower-hammer) has been here sense the beginning of like the second quarter or a little before that. So that is Number one.

Ok now most of you know my history with my History teachers. My real teacher that I have had sense the beginning of school to Thanksgiving went in for back sugery and hasn't come back. So I have had Mr.Gordon, than I have had Mr. Dunne. Now Mrs. Sams. ( Boy do I have more stories to tell you about her!)

And now my wonderful math teacher. What have we done to deserve that? My class ( the whole ninth grade) has gone through so much in the past year.

We have ad 3 girls O.C.D. at my school. Well actually they came back to school drunk and they had overdosed on dog depressant medication. A girl in my classes dad died. And a girl in my classes mom died in a car crash the day before Thanksgiving. And now we are going through teachers like a roll of toilet paper. But we really do have good school, so don't think that my school is terrible we just have had rotten luck. And all this time all I can think is, What have we done to deserve any of this. Then I regret saying it.

And after she tells us the news and all this goes through my brain. And I look to the ceiling and say- God thank you again that you will never leave me, But I think I already learned that lesson. Alls I want is a teacher that will stay with us until the end.

Small Talk in Spanish

I have to say I LOVE Spanish class. The teacher is so nice and treats us like human beings. She rocks. We get a seating change every new quarter and midterm ( middle of the quarter) and I got the seat in the corner back of the room in front of Emma ( not real name). Emma and I have a pretty interesting relationship. I am not one of her close friends, I am not in her crowd, but she finds that it is very easy to talk to me about stuff. She told me today " When I am talking to you I feel like you listen, and that I am not just blabbing on an on. Thanks" Well a compliment like that is very cool to get. I have been told I am like a sponge when I want to be- I soak up everything. And we got to the subject of religion- I invited her to Wednesday Night coffee Shop that we do, she wanted to come but her Aunt is in Town. We talked about summer camp and how she wanted to come- but she cant She is going to be in Europe that week. ( With family) And she asked me, "You're not baptized are you, and what is your definition of a Christian" . This is my reply.

" Well our Church believes that baptism is a main requirement for being considered a Christian. Personally I don't. I believe that what is in your heart and your actions will truly show that you are a Christian. And your personal relationship with God. But personally baptism to me, doesn't make you a Christian, its what is in your heart. Water to me makes no difference."

She says " Oh my gosh that's exactly what I think, but nobody else has ever said that. And personally to me Christianity isn't a religion its what you believe in."

But I was very very very happy that we had this discussion. And who knows maybe one day she will come to camp or Wednesday Night Connection. But for now Small talk in Spanish is a step in the right direction.

3 Down 1 to Go

Hey Yall out there I just finished my 3rd quarter of school! That means one more to go! Not to mention I get to take summer Drivers Ed!! Wahooo. The only bad thing is that my class starts at.......Drum Roll Please..... SEVEN IN THE MORNING!!!!! Yeah I know ay too early. But at least I will be able to get my license and be able to drive when school starts. Then its off to the high-school. But I have to admit I will miss my school. I will miss all my routines. I love routine, but I also love to be spontaneous. But in the long run routine works best for me. Seeing the same faces in my same classes that I have everyday, makes me feel good. And people actually know who I am and take the time to talk to me. I walk the same halls in the same order and do the same things everyday. I know it probably sounds really lame, but I love routine. And sometimes the prospect of a new school and my school will merge with other schools and people might make new friends and then we will have to get used to the new groups, boy that's a lot of change to handle.

Its a good thing that God will always be there, he's one part of my routine that will never have to change. And that is one big relief.

Festival

On Thursday the top band at my school (Symphonic Band) oh yeah did I mention I am in that band? Oh well back to the story. So once a year all the Top bands from the middle schools in our region get together at one middle school and play three songs. We had like 5 or 6 bands at this thing. So while we were "listening" to the other bands me and my friend Emily Played tic-tac-toe, the dot game, and our favorite hangman. We played about 10 games of hangman to say the least. Well this was my first time at festival and the judges seemed really picky especially about articulation and dynamics. ( boy I really sound like a band geek don't I. oh well I am what I am. And God loves me the same) So my teacher this is his first year with our band, and his first Festival. So basically we were hoping for a good score. We got out there and played our hardest. And the judges seems to like our performance and we were all pumped up and thought we did our best, especially Alison ( the one with the poster) she had to do a solo in the middle of a song and she ACED it. We were happy for her because she was really nervous and was worried she was going o mess up, but she didn't. So here is the grading scale from best to worst,
1, 1-, 2, 2-, 3, 3-, 4, 4-, 5, 5-. So 1 is the very best and five minus is the worst. After festival was over our teacher went to get out score. So we all loaded onto the buss and Mr.W told us our score. We got a ONE MINUS! Which is very good I might add! Everybody was really excited, then the bus started moving and West Jordan Middles buss was ahead of ours and all the boys in the front of our bus started flipping the kids off from W.J.M. off and saying "F You!" to the other bus. It put a damper on the mood. But words are just words, but it was a little unnecessary and we found out today that West Jordan got a 1.

Boy, don't things keep getting better for me.