.

Today

2009-01-31T11:37:00.001-08:00

is such a beautiful day.

If you missed out on HSM this week,

2008-12-14T19:04:00.001-08:00

I got you covered (:

Oh, Christmas music (:

2008-12-10T16:53:00.000-08:00

I just got $30 to iTunes the other day, so I've been buying Christmas music like crazy! Here's some new and old favorites;
"Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas" by Judy Garland.
"Born in Bethlehem" by Third Day.
"I'll Be Home For Christmas" by Bing Crosby.
"Mistletoe" by Colbie Caillat.
"The Winter Song" by Sara Bareilles and Ingrid Michaelson.
"Christmas Canon" by Trans-Siberian Orchestra.
"12 Days of Christmas" by Relient K.
"What Child is This?" by Zoegirl.
The entire Michael Buble "Let It Snow!" album.
"Carol of the Bells/Sing We Now of Christmas" by BarlowGirl.
"Little Drummer Boy" by The Almost.
"Greatest Time of Year" by Aly & AJ.

But I need more! Any suggestions, please?

I promise I am not that obsessed;

2008-12-06T00:41:00.000-08:00

but I kind of melted when I saw this picture.

Oh, Thanksgiving Break

2008-12-04T14:02:00.000-08:00

Let me tell you why you were great;

-having the whole week off
-going to a traditional Chinese/Buddhist wedding
-having my sister, brother, brother-in-law, brother's girlfriend, and grandma from Chicago home
-shopping for the first time on Black Friday
-having family dinners with the whole family every night
-Starbucks dates with sister like we always do when we see each other
-singing at church
-numerous trips to Starbucks, Coldstone and Golden Spoon with the sibs
-watching my parents re-new their vows at Newport Beach Marriott where they got married 25 years ago
-a wonderful Thanksgiving
It was such an amazing break, let me tell you.

Oh, and pictures of course;

This was at my neighbor's Chinese wedding. There were 1,000 guests, no joke. And my family plus about 2 other people were the only white people. It was so great.

Is he not the cutest little man you've ever seen?!

Luckily Andrea and her family were there, or else we would've felt tremendously awkward.

Photoshoot at the park!

Thanksgiving!

Nani and Jason

Jenn and Justin

The kids table...plus Auntie Bev

Black Friday

This is the only proof that I have of Nani and I waking up at 4 am to go to the mall..

Later that day..
my parents re-newed their vows!
I was the flower girl, Nani the bridesmaid, Justin the groomsman (:

Whole family plus Doug Elliott, who re-married my parents.

Doug, Amy and Gabrielle Elliott

So I end this post in a bittersweet mood;
Bitter because everyone is gone now, and school is here again :(
But sweet because I will see all of them during Christmas, and only 3 more weeks of school until Winter Break, Christmas and Chicago!!!
Oh, I'm so excited.

P.S. I apoligize that this was the longest post ever.

I just realized;

2008-11-26T13:27:00.000-08:00

About a year ago, I witnessed one of the best nights of my life.

Read about it here.

I found this gem of a picture on Steph's blog...

2008-11-26T00:02:00.000-08:00

Oh, small group dinners. You never fail to bore me.

FINALLY

2008-11-25T17:12:00.000-08:00

My ENTIRE family is home. Everyone. Including my brother-in-law and my brother's girlf. No one is missing for once.
I love this.
Ahh, it's a beautiful day (:

My worst nightmare

2008-11-25T09:21:00.001-08:00

I had a dream the other night that both my brother and sister died. It felt soo real. I woke up bawling. I hate dreams like that :(

I love this so much

2008-11-23T00:27:00.000-08:00

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
"Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus."

R.I.P. Sweet Lorraine's

2008-11-18T17:05:00.000-08:00

Remember this gem?

Sweet Lorraine's Cupcake store at the Spectrum officially closed. Cheyenne heard the news and even filed a complaint. Today in Spanish we both wanted to cry.
Dear dear Sweet Lorraine's, may you rest in peace :(

R.I.P. favorite show

2008-11-16T16:21:00.000-08:00

Boy Meets World has been my favorite show since I was about 6 or 7. I love it. I miss it dearly. It's NEVER on anymore! It makes me so sad :( Yesterday on the way home from the small group retreat, Jessica and Cierra and I were reminising the entire time about our favorite Boy Meets World episodes and lines and whatnot. We were all seriously dying laughing, that show got me everytime. So today, I went YouTubing and found some golden videos. The first one is long, I apoligize, but it was really worth my 10 minutes (:

Eric catching the curtians on fire

The Feeny Call

The good looking guy

Oh, there were so many more. I love this show so much! And, if anyone wants to get me the DVDs, Christmas is only a month and a half away and my birthday is only 2 and a half months away...just saying.

I'm comin' home again

2008-11-09T11:22:00.000-08:00

I think I win for most awkward. ^^^ Yep.

2008-11-08T11:58:00.000-08:00

Homecoming,
Palm Springs,
and barely any homework

= my glorious 4 day weekend
(: (: (:

Another Geometry story

2008-11-06T21:30:00.000-08:00

Today in Geometry we had a test, and it was surprisingly easy. This is a miracle for me since I'm awful at math and didn't even study. But the day just got even better when Mrs. Boomer (great name, I know) told this one guy Brian to get up in front of class when everyone was done with their test and sing for us because he's in the Solo Concert or something. So he sings (a little awkwardly, but not too shabby), and when he's done Mrs. Boomer goes, "He gets extra credit! If any of you have guts to come up here and sing in front of the class, you will get extra credit too!"
Jessica Raleigh and I made eye contact.
"We'll sing a duet!"
We sang Under the Sea from the Little Mermaid. And got extra credit for it. It was a grand day in room 202.

Oh my

2008-11-04T18:05:00.000-08:00

There is a girl in my math class named LuLu Lu.
Not even kidding.

One year ago today;

2008-10-28T22:44:00.000-07:00

Happy Anniversary sista.

No, it's not a rumor...

2008-10-23T20:01:00.000-07:00

I am indeed dancing in our homecoming float in the half-time show on November 7th.

Oh, and one other great bit of news...since the sophomore theme is clowns (I know, ew), we have to dress up crazy.
So, I thought, what do I have that would be perfect? And then it immediately came to mind.

That's right. The unitard is coming back.

Meet Guacamole!

2008-10-21T21:50:00.000-07:00

He is my Chemistry extra credit project.
In Chem, we use units called 'moles', so the assignment was to sew together some fabric, stuff it, and create your own little animal masterpiece. Some students got very punny with it, and made "Mole-y Cyrus", "Marsh-mole-o", "Holy Moly", "Mole-ton Lava", etc., etc.
I decided on Guacamole. Original, right?
It was actually a fun project, minus almost getting my fingers stuck together with the glue gun.
And here he is:

Look! I gave him marraccas!

Tagged by Kayla and Elise

2008-10-18T15:11:00.000-07:00

Aight, here we go:

1. I love really old music and could listen to it all day, like Judy Garland or Frank Sinatra...mostly because their voices remind me of Christmas!

2. I can quote lines from mostly all classic Disney movies. I'm a bit of a nerd.

3. I desire my iPod and camera more than I do my phone.

4. I have never dyed, highlighted or colored my hair in any way, shape or form. People always ask me that.

5. If I laugh super hard, I will snort. True story, it happened today!

6. I can't cook, bake or make any kind of food for my life, except for sandwiches, cookies, soup, cereal and Funfetti cake. I need desperate help. I know, it's sad.

7. I've always wanted to be Ariel from the Little Mermaid in the Disneyland parade, judge me all you want (:

I tag Erin Brady! and anyone else who wants to take a whack at it! (Parent Trap! refer to true fact # 2!)

My weekend through pictures

2008-10-12T19:39:00.000-07:00

First of all, found this gem last weekend in the church parking lot

Spectrum!

Mr. Manipulitive photoshoot by Chelsea LaBelle (:
(and Chase Parker helped with moral support, great job bud!)

Digital Macro fun

OH EM GEE I MET JOE JONAS! VVV

Then ended at El Torito Grill(e?) and Borders (oh, Lauren)

It was a lovely weekend (:

God is SO great

2008-10-06T21:44:00.000-07:00

Today in 6th period Geometry class, we had a (terrible) sub, so instead of working on class work, Jessica Raleigh and I started mingling, catching up on life, you know. It was lovely.
Until we overhear a girl in the front of the room named Taylor mention Saddleback church. So we started listening a little closer and she was telling someone about her weekend there and such. I'm not positive if she had ever been there before, but it didn't matter...the next part was the greatest thing ever.
Taylor: "I accepted Christ this weekend."
Me and Jessica: (gasp!)
Me: "Taylor, did you say you accepted Christ this weekend at Saddleback church?!"
Taylor turns around: "Yeah," with a smile on her face.
Me: (starting to choke up) "Can I please hug you?"
Taylor: "Ha ha, of course!"
So she runs back to me and Jessica and hugs the both of us and tells us how amazing the service and music was this weekend and how much of an impact it had on her. She loved hearing what Josh Pease spoke about and how much everything was just so moving to her. She said that she was already feeling Jesus changing her life and Jessica and I were literally about to cry with joy.
It made our day! I couldn't believe what I was hearing. God is so so great!

Fine Riley, here you go

2008-10-05T09:57:00.001-07:00

no mas braces!

2008-10-04T10:18:00.000-07:00

Sweet, sweet love of God
We revere Your firelight heart
Sweet, sweet grace surrounds
We've been sought, through all of our Years
You've carried our tears with you

We are all here to find
The place where our restless souls will be free
We were all made to see
Our hearts could not rest until found in Thee

In this divine invitation we find your embrace
And in our deep adoration see the light of your face
In this divine invitation we all find the place
For our souls where the longings were born long ago

Sweet sweet Savior come
Near us now
Into the depths of our hearts

Sweet sweet breath of life
You fulfill
With the warmth of your love
A mystery of your ways

My small group is incredible

2008-10-02T01:07:00.000-07:00

We had such an amazing time.
Just knowing that all our girls feel that they trust everyone in the group enough to tell the issues they're going through is so fantastic to me!
We've only had two small groups (and Ojai), and already we've experienced so much laughter, tears, deep conversations and the love of God and the love of each other's presence.
This year is going to be absolutely marvolous. I can tell.
(:

Dear Erin Brady,

2008-09-30T23:39:00.001-07:00

U N I T A R D

2008-09-28T00:01:00.001-07:00

I have a bit of sad news

2008-09-25T21:12:00.001-07:00

Brother left today for Missouri.
He and father are driving over there.
I miss him already! :(

Did you know...

2008-09-21T21:57:00.001-07:00

that policemen got the nickname "Cops" because the buttons on their uniforms are made out of (Cop)per?
Thank you, Chemistry, for that fun little fact.

Inspired by Heather

2008-09-20T00:23:00.001-07:00

Things I really really love (you don't have to read this, I'm just bored and like doing this kind of thing):

Filling out things about myself (i.e. this post, or on forms where they want me to put my address and everything)
Knowing my friends have my back
Growing closer to people
Raspberry iced tea
Having that feeling of a really fresh and tingly face when you try a new facewash
Chapstick (preferably Burt's Bees)
Saddleback church
Balboa Island
Laughing so hard that it hurts
Weddings
My rainbow sandals
Newport Beach
Spontaneous adventures
When people actually get mad at me for not wearing my glasses (ahem, Joe West?)
Laguna Beach
Chicago
Ferris wheels
Disneyland
Painting my nails
Running into old friends and catching up with them
Finding a person who's dealing with the exact same issues as me
Driving on Pacific Coast Highway (PCH)
Sunflowers (:
Snow, RAIN, gray skies, COLD weather
Fall/Autumn and Winter
Driving to the beach really early in the morning in sweats and a sweatshirt with my favorite hot Starbucks and just sitting on the sand and watching the horizon
Sunrises and sunsets
Taking pictures of the most random little things
Really good/deep conversations
Talking with my sister on the phone for hours about basically nothing
Me and brother going on frozen yogurt dates about every other night
Going to Angel games (especially on the nights with the fireworks!) and eating the peanuts!
When my hair is perfect and I haven't done anything with it
The smell of apple cinnamon and fresh baked cookies
Amazing scented candles
Digging all the goopy stuff out of pumpkins!
Urban Outfitters
Amazing art
Taking something that looks so simple but really see it's beauty
Shopping for dresses
Walking around with bare feet
Praising Jesus Christ
Being stuck in a hard situation, and look in the Bible, and the first verse I see helps me out
People with positive attitudes
My relatives whom I miss dearly
Mud football (even though I haven't quite tried it yet, but I really want to!)
Feeling comfortable in my own skin
Going to Chicago at Christmas time where it actually looks like Christmas (:
Leaves that change to red and gold in the fall
Bright markers
Putting on mascara
Riding a bike
Going on walks around my neighborhood and just thinking about life
Being inspired
Learning something new
Bonfires
Photoshoots
Great English teachers! they're my favorite
Swimming
Painting (even though I'm not artistic in any way...I just love painting)
Making things at Color Me Mine
Listening to music all the time
When a guy screams in my Chemistry class because a chemical reaction made a loud noise
Being cold, not hot
Reading a really good book
Feeling the love of Jesus Christ all around me

I was just reminising...

2008-09-16T22:13:00.000-07:00

...when I found the greatest video known to man hidden in my computer.

Mexico '07! No regrets!

Oh. my. gosh.

2008-09-14T14:43:00.000-07:00

Lea Taffalla and Jayden Griffin are dating?!

2008-09-14T00:37:00.000-07:00

This one's for you, Taffy and Josh.
Way to have adorable kids.

The best.

2008-09-11T21:13:00.000-07:00

I've never posted about my family. Ever. That's a little sad, since I love them with all my heart. Without them I'd literally be nothing, I love them to death!
Mama and Daddy

My dad is originally from Chicago (one reason I love it there so much!) and has worked with Marriott for almost 35 years I believe (most of HSM knows that by now, ha ha) and that's sweet cause we get great connections a lot! My Daddy's seriously so great. He always tries his hardest to make my life amazing, and I'm so thankful for him!

Mother is my biggest hero ever. She is so patient with me, is happy all the time, and is just the greatest mom! She grew up a California girl and she's currently a preschool teacher in Laguna Hills and loves it.

Nani (Jenn) is my big sister. She's 23, and people think she's younger than me. Whenever we're out in public together, people think we're both 16. ha, I love my sister so so much. I talk to her every day and whenever she's home, we're basically inseperable. She currently lives in Missouri where she's a Spanish teacher and she lives with her husband of 10 1/2 months, Jason.

Nani and Jason (Byers is their last name...yeah, it still gets me sometimes that Sister and I don't have the same last name!) got married last October on the 28th...it's so weird to think it'll be a year so soon! I really love Jason too, and it's so fun having a brother-in-law like him. They're both so great, and I miss them!

Then there's my big brother, Justin. He's 22 years old and in August, graduated from the Marines after 4 years with them. I look up to him so much, I don't think I could ever do what he did. He's so hilarious too! We go on frozen yogurt dates almost every other night. He will be moving to Missouri later this month to go to college there (ironic, huh?) and where his girlf lives as well. So that'll be good fun for my siblings to live near each other. I'm going to miss him so much though! I hate being the only child :(
And last but not least, my baby girl Lily.
She'll be one years old in December, but she's already HUGE!
This is right after we got her (she was about 2 months old):

Look at her now:

She's a beast! But the most precious and sweet thing ever. I love her guts...that's really all I can say about her.
Well, there you go, my fun little family! I love you guys!

Oh, and I bet you all you'll be thinking either, "They look nothing alike" or "Why does no one else have red hair?"
To be honest, I really do not know.

I want to kiss the sky

2008-09-11T19:51:00.000-07:00

It's been cloudy tonight!
It looks like it's going to rain!
I'm so excited right now (:

Refinery for homework this week!

2008-09-09T23:15:00.000-07:00

I really want to go!
Anyone want to join me?

While I profcrastonate some more...

2008-09-08T21:35:00.000-07:00

This is so fun!

HowManyOfMe.com

There are
5
people with my name in the U.S.A.

How many have your name?

5 people have my name in the U.S. A little fun fact

Grandma Ethel

2008-09-06T22:29:00.000-07:00

Yes, that's a gun

For those of you who prayed for me this week...

2008-09-05T18:36:00.000-07:00

...dang, did they work! School has been SO much better the past three days, I'm so happy to report. The first day, like I said, was hard to adjust, was overwhelming, and of course I was scared. But it's totally fine now. I love seeing someone I know like every 6 seconds when I'm walking around Tesoro's campus. I love having my close friends in my classes! It's just great. Here's what I've come up with as far as what I like about Tesoro and what I miss about Capo.
Capo:
I liked the campus and whole environment better. It's inside, which is a plus, and they had more fun things going on every day like music or videos at lunch and stuff like that.
Tesoro:
I'm not a fan of it being all outside, especially with it being so hot lately! But, whatever I'll live. I LOVE having my friends there. I had about 5 close friends at Capo.
This week made me realize that high school is way more important and fun when you have friends there, which I didn't have a whole lot of at Capo. I'm positive now that I made a really good decision when I decided to go to Tesoro (:
I'll write later about my classes and teachers! Love you all and thank you so so much if you prayed for me, I feel so blessed to have friends and leaders like you!

I need prayer

2008-09-02T22:46:00.000-07:00

Starting a new school year is hard enough,
especially when you're new to the school.
My first day at Tesoro was okay, not fantastic. I didn't get lost at all (Tesoro is way smaller than Capo) but I don't adjust very well to change and I think that's what got to me.
It made me miss Capo a lot. I really love Capo, and I'm trying to love Tesoro too. I know it'll take some time, but in the meantime it'd be so great if you keep me in your prayers for a while. I'd appreciate it so much, you have no idea!
I really hope tomorrow is better! (:
But hey, on the plus side, I have a ton of amazing friends there, and even quite a few in my classes! Yay!

How to have a lovely last day of summer:

2008-09-01T19:52:00.001-07:00

Grab some best friends, go out to breakfast at Bagels & Brew and catch up on life!

Then go to a grocery store nearest to you (in our case, Albertsons) with the friend that doesn't have AP Euro summer homework (out of my friends, Brittany).

Buy some Funfetti cake mix and create a masterpiece!

Then watch some chicks flicks (such as Miss Congeniality 2 and Moulin Rouge), and viola!
I'm a little nervous for school tomorrow, only because it's a new school. But it'll be great hopefully. We'll see! (:

Driver's Ed, part tres

2008-08-31T23:32:00.000-07:00

So I was working on the last three units of driver's ed all day today...and when I say all day, I literally mean ALL DAY. I woke up around 11:45 this morning, had breakfast, then thewaydrivingschool.com I went! After all that, with about three 30 minute breaks in between each unit, I finally FINISHED! But, of course I got really really bored in the process (again), and had some picture fun with some nearby items. Exhibit A:

I was in awe by the sunset tonight, it was gorgeous!

And then it happened. I took the final test on all the units, and I almost started crying when I saw this:

Hooray! No more driver's ed! (:

Look! Look! I have bangs again!

2008-08-30T13:47:00.001-07:00

Remember that one time...

2008-08-26T22:54:00.000-07:00

...2 and a half years ago when sister and I were in a Chicago hotel room, and she decided to take her belly button ring out, and then the top of it fell into the toilet?
Yeah, apparently it was my fault. So she made me do this.

(Please excuse the screaming and squeeling and squeakyness of my voice. I was in 7th grade, come on now...)

Anyway, I'm still traumatized from the whole experience.

Happy Half Birthday to me!

2008-08-26T10:57:00.000-07:00

Yay, it's my half birthday, I am 15 1/2.
I can legally get my permit today, but I still have to finish Driver's Ed...(sigh).

Strong desire to blog

2008-08-24T20:38:00.001-07:00

Yes, I am aware that this is my fourth blog today, but whatever.
By the way, Styff, if you're reading this you have to scroll down quite a ways to the post I told you about (:

Anyway, I have this habit that if I'm bored and on the computer at the same time, I go onto Google or Yahoo (preferably Yahoo), go to images, type in a random word and see what comes up. I love looking at the incredible photography that comes up. For instance,
"twigs"

"lights"

"art"

"autumn"
note: my favorite season!

Isn't it beautiful? This is why I love photography. It reminds me that there's so much beauty everywhere, we have to not just look, but also see.
"Open up my eyes to the things unseen."
This is my prayer when I walk out my front door.
Jesus, show me.

Driver's Ed, continued

2008-08-24T19:47:00.000-07:00

I'm halfway done with Driver's Ed. I really hate it. Though it's very useful, it's unbelievably boring. Seriously, I almost fell asleep while I was in the middle of a couple units. There's a huge amount of reading, which is not my cup of tea, considering I'm a bit of a slow reader, and only read fast when I'm interested in what I'm reading. But no, not Driver's Ed. Hopefully I'll get it all done within the next few days. But here's a little peek at how bored I got during Driver's Ed.
These are the four items that kept me sane throughout the night.
Starbucks double-shot Energy+Coffee drink, chapstick (the usual), nail polish (yes, I painted my nails during Driver's Ed), and my cell phone.

Drank a whole can of this little beauty, though I'm sad to say it did not do a terrific job of keeping me awake

And to top it all off, I had a little photoshoot with my rings

Friends, welcome to my beyond exciting life.

A couple updates...

2008-08-24T19:41:00.000-07:00

First:
I finally updated my friends list and took off those who don't blog anymore and whatnot.
But I do have a lot of new people on my list!
Yay for them (:
Also, for those of you who have gotten married since I've had my blog (a la Alanna and Annie [though I may have to take you off as well Annie, considering you haven't blogged since June 3rd! tsk, tsk]), I changed your last names.
Second:
I cleaned out my closet. It's been a goal for the past like 5 summers to do this. I know what you're thinking. "Wow, big deal!" Seriously, it is. I couldn't walk in my closet before. I, in fact, do have a walk-in closet, so cleaning it out made all the difference. See for yourself.
(before)

Oh, I also have had this little "Wall of Fame" on my closet door since 5th grade, but I took it down

(after!)
Organized books!

No more celebrities staring at me!

Yay for being able to walk in my closet again!

Phew, what a relief (:

For Styffe

2008-08-24T15:29:00.001-07:00

I owe you some pictures from Ojai (:

Driver's Ed

2008-08-22T18:44:00.001-07:00

I'm about to start Driver's Ed online right now. I'm honestly scared and nervous. Please please pray for me that it won't be too difficult and that I don't fail! It'd be a huge help. Thank you (:

Heather Leith, Rachel Styffe, Bryce Kelley, Nick Toth

2008-08-19T02:35:00.000-07:00

I just want to point out that these people have the kind of names that when you say their first name, you have to say their last name as well. At least I do. I think I always do actually, whenever I say their name. Anyone agree with me?

The good old days...

2008-08-18T02:24:00.000-07:00

This weekend I was with Mariah Snyder! I got to help her sing at Mariners for their Jr. High students! It was a blast, I'm so glad I got the amazing opportunity to do that with her (:
Here's a fun little snapshot:

Anyway, I stayed at her house Saturday night, and while I was in the guest bedroom, I came across a scrapbook that my c-group had made for her right before she got married and (almost) moved to Oklahoma. I remember it was out last c-group ever and we all brought a ton of pictures and every girl made one page with pictures and a little note attached on there as well, and then we put all the pages together to make a fun little scrapbook for her. It was so much fun looking at them...some of the pictures were from the beginning of our 7th grade year, and I'm not gonna lie, some of us look scary, and little! We looked like 4 year olds! So I thought it'd be fun to let you in on some of our little c-group adventures, I mean considering we had the greatest c-group ever!

Mariah has more pictures from when we were really little, and I don't, but still we look like babies! That's all for now, considering I'm falling asleep on the keyboard. Okay, great

True story

2008-08-06T00:45:00.000-07:00

One time in 6th grade I went to Hollywood with my sister and her friend for a night. We went over to a Starbucks, and right before I walked in, a boy who was I'm guessing about 15, screamed, "Oh my god, it's Lindsay Lohan!"
Really?

Chaotic Harmony

2008-08-01T23:50:00.000-07:00

Okay, so, I've been meaning to blog about Chaotic Harmony. But I haven't. But now I am. Don't know what, or who they are?
Oh, they're just a band. There's five band members, two of them just happen to be my cousins.
Tanner Bednar (13): Lead vocals and rhythm guitar
Wyeth Bednar (15): Drums
Seriously, they're our age, and they're SO good! They live in Elgin, Illinois and they've won a few contests, like 'Fox Fire Fest', 'Battle of the Bands' and I think another was called 'Elgin Idol' or something. But yeah, they do gigs quite often and I'm just really really proud of them and how much talent they have (:
If you want to know more about them, and hear their songs!, check out their myspace here.

^^^ Yes, I finally figured out how to do the links (: Go me! And go Chaotic Harmony!

Snaps is the name of the game, the name of the game is snaps, ready?!

2008-07-28T20:21:00.000-07:00

Can someone please explain to me how this game goes?
It was on P.S. I Love You and I seriously get like, peeved everytime I watch it because I really want to know how the game is played.
Reply VVV

Step Bump! Step Bump Bump!

2008-07-27T03:00:00.000-07:00

Just watch, you won't regret it

I love life.

2008-07-23T21:00:00.000-07:00

God is so so great. Did you know that? Really, He is.
I'm in Hawaii right now, and it just dawned on me a couple random times during my trip how much I love Him and I've wondered why He's given a person like me the chance to come to such a breath-taking place, and not others who deserve it. But as I was sitting on my surfboard today just looking out into the horizon, I was just in awe. Why God? Why do you give this to me? I don't deserve it. I don't deserve You.
Thank You for everything you've ever given me God. I love You so so much, and I long for the day that I can see your beautiful face.

My friends and I think we're funny

2008-07-15T02:04:00.000-07:00

That's right, 3rd blog in 30 minutes

2008-07-14T23:15:00.000-07:00

I'm freaking jealous right now. My best friend Torey just calls me and says this:
"JORDAN! Guess what just happened to me?!"
"What Torey?"
"Okay, you know how I'm at the Coldplay concert right now?"
"Yeah"
"Well, Chris Martin, the lead singer, decides to come right to where our seats are, and he starts singing 'Yellow' right in front of me!" (mind you, 'Yellow' is one of me and Torey's favorite Coldplay songs, so I was quite jealous at this point)
"What?! Oh my gosh that's so cool!"
"I know! What?...Where you going Dad? OkaysorryJordanIgottago,loveyoubye!" (she said that last part quite fast)
Ugh, well yeah, I'm jealous. My best friend got serenaded by Chris Martin. I'm like, peeved right now.

Well, I've got two other blogs down there for you, so check 'em out!

E is for Erin Brady

2008-07-14T23:00:00.000-07:00

Erin, this is a shout out to you! I love you a lot, little ray of sunshine!
I love that we've vented about all our current boy problems to each other at 2:30 AM and have planned on having a "make-each-other-feel-better" day. And she was the first to see that little poem down there VVV. So, Erin, I am a big fan of you! Thanks for being my friend and being there to talk to! Love you! (:

:(

2008-07-14T22:59:00.000-07:00

Not a second goes by that I don't feel that ache,
The pounding, beating heart in my chest that breaks.
Yet not for myself, but another being,
Whose feelings for a girl are not quite ceasing.

I'm sorry to say that I don't feel the same way,
It's not you, it's me. Great friends is what I'd like to stay.
But you want more and promise there's more for me in store,
And you keep on telling me you love me to your very core.

But I tell you no, I cannot be forced
Into a relationship that will soon run it's course.
I weep at the fact that I'm breaking your heart,
The feelings that you have for me, I cannot start.

This situation is tearing up my soul,
I promise you your dream girl is out there if you let your love for me fold.
Now if I could ask you one thing it'd be "can we please stay friends?"
Because I know with all my heart I'll be there for you 'til the very end.

Wow

2008-07-08T22:25:00.000-07:00

Someone wrote in my truth box that they loved me soooooooooo much.
Then they asked me to marry them.
Okay, sure. Just tell me who you are, little stranger!

I can't think of a catchy title

2008-07-03T20:13:00.000-07:00

Alright, so, I've never been one to be obsessed with male celebrities like basically every other girl in the world. I've only had about one major celebrity crush, and it was Lance Bass from N'Sync.

That attraction ended when I was like 8.
And since then I haven't had another major crush. But of course there were (and still are) a few minors, like these gems:

David Beckham

Ryan Gosling

Leo

Even Ben Savage from Boy Meets World (I was so incredibly jealous of Topanga)

So with all of these minor crushes, none of them really made it to the major level.

Until my eyes fell upon this face (and British accent).

Yes. His name is Jim Sturgess, and you probably recognize him from Across the Universe. Ever since I heard him sing "I've Just Seen a Face" and "All You Need is Love", I think I'm in love. Like I said before, I'm not one to drool over celebrities, or anyone else for that matter, but in all honesty, I think I would faint if I ever saw Jim Sturgess in real life.
He's beautiful. That's it.

Mr. Manipulative & the Baby Brigade

2008-07-03T18:26:00.000-07:00

Our first band picture:

I'm so dang excited!

2008-06-05T18:27:00.001-07:00

Come close listen to the story
about a love more faithful than the morning
The Father gave his only Son just to save us

The earth was shaking in the dark
All creation felt the Fathers broken heart
tears were filling heavens eyes
The day that true love died, the day that true love died
When blood and water hit the ground
Walls we couldn’t move came crashing down
We were free and made alive
The day that true love died, The day that true love died

Search your hearts you know you can’t deny it
Lose your life just so you can find it
The Father gave his only son just to save us

Jesus is alive
He rose again

<3

"You make me so hot, make me wanna drop..."

2008-06-03T23:45:00.000-07:00

I'm randomly and oddly obsessed with the song "Hot" by Avril Lavigne.
Is that weird?

Don't be like me

2008-05-31T22:12:00.000-07:00

and wait til the last day to study for a test that covers 4 chapters and making 77 flashcards.

yes, that's 77 flashcards right there

I mean, no offense Ms. Hogan, but I really don't care about learning that a detritivore is an organism that feeds on plant and animals remains and other dead matter.

I got my braces off!

2008-05-31T15:26:00.000-07:00

And then they put them back on :(

Okay here's the story:

Thursday, I went to the Orthodontist, and they said my appointment would be a little longer than usual because they had to re-position some of my brackets. Okay, whatever that means, I thought.
So I'm in the chair reading US weekly, when Dr. Staples (yes, that's my ortho's name, intimidating much?) tells me he's taking my front 6 braces off! I was like WHAT?! But then he says, we're taking them off, cleaning them, then putting new brackets on those 6 teeth and re-positioning them, so you're teeth will move faster. I was like, ugh! Well thanks a lot Dr. Staples for getting me all hyped up and then breaking my heart!
So they took off my front 6 braces. It was such a weird feeling not having anything there! They asked me if I wanted to see them in the mirror, but I told them no, because I'd be too sad to see what my teeth look like braces-less and then having to get them back on. But Dr. Staples wears glasses and I could kind of see the reflection of my little teeth. They looked so pretty :(
"Oh Jordan, you look so much older with no braces," Dr. Staples said.
Yeah Staples, thanks a lot.

Oh, just wait until I get my braces off for real!
I don't know when that will be, but I do know I'm on my last wire, so it'll be in a few months! Yes, I can't wait!

A lot is happening so soon

2008-05-20T23:16:00.000-07:00

I'm really excited for the next couple months. Here's what's on my schedule so far:

Tomorrow: Knotts with my Choir class!
Thursday thru Monday: I'll be in Missouri with my parents to visit my sister and brother-in-law!
In 2 weeks my brother comes HOME!!!!!!!! 13 days from today! Oh my gosh I'm so so so excited, I haven't seen him since November and have only talked to him a few times! It'll be so great!
In 20 days: SCHOOL'S OUT! SUMMER! YES!

Plus, Worship conference, Servant Leadership conference, possibly Ojai in August, a Vegas trip, Palm Springs trips (hopefully!), and just all the great joys of summer. Oh gosh I'm so excited for everything that'll be happening so soon!

I'm most excited to see my brother and sister though! I can't wait til the end of July cause that's when my entire family will be together after about 9 months! Crazy! (: Thank you God for letting time pass by so quickly!

RIP Red Velvets

2008-05-09T19:13:00.000-07:00

You know them, you love them <-- if not, I recommend them!
Yes, Sprinkles cupcakes, they're delicious, am I right? Yes I am.
I was so excited last week when mother brought me home some of these delightful Red Velvet flavored creations. There were four in the box, and one of them was glutton free for my mom because she's allergic to wheat, which was great! Now me and my mom and dad could ALL eat them in harmony.
The day she brought them home I was full from dinner, and only had half of one. A couple days later I remembered after school that those little guys were still sitting all by their lonesome in the fridge. Oh! Yes! I said to myself. So I went down there, opened the fridge...no little Sprinkles box...look in the little drawers below...no sign of Red Velvet anywhere....
After I clench my chest and take a few quick gasps of air I dial mother.
Mom: "No honey, I didn't throw them away, call your dad it must've been him...”
I call dad: "Oh sorry sweetie, I had one the other day, but put them right back, call your mom, she must've threw them out."
Are you kidding me?
Parents, really...you broke my heart.
The world may never know what became of those little joys in my life.
:/

My vocabulary for today is going something like this...

2008-05-05T16:14:00.000-07:00

no = doh
mom = bomb
facebook.com = facebook.comb
I'm talking funny = I'm talking fudnny
I'm gonna watch 27 Dresses = I'm gonnna watch twendy sevend dresses

...yep, I have a cold.

Sigh

2008-05-02T16:10:00.001-07:00

Today a boy opened and held a door open for me. My hands weren't full of books, or anything like that. He just did it to be nice I guess.
Oh, I felt like a little princess. Thank you, kind boy.

10 reasons I'm so so happy!

2008-04-30T22:19:00.001-07:00

1) I just found out tonight at soccer practice that we only have two weekends of games left and then we're DONE! FINALLY! 7 years of AYSO, and I'm never going back, never!

2) Track is also over! I'm kind of sad about that one, because it was really fun, and I felt great after the workouts, but I really need a break after having it every day after school. Since Track is 6th period, all we have to do is check in with Coach Sayles, sit around and do whatever we want either on the bleachers or in Sayles' room for an hour and a half. It's nice, cause I can get my homework done, listen to music, chit chat with friends, etc. I wish we could leave school, but we're not allowed until 2:30. But oh well, sitting doing nothing is better than sitting in a boring classroom learning and 2:30 is 15 minutes before everyone else gets out, yeah girl!

3) My Biology teacher said we won't be having any tests until about a week or two after STAR tests are over, which is about 3 to 4 weeks. Phew! HUGE relief!

4) I'm really excited about being with my best friends and more church friends at Tesoro next year! I'm really excited to just get a fresh start at a new school..it'll be great! (:

5) I thought about it today, and in less than a year, I will have my licsence (lisence? or liscence? I can't spell). That is such a crazy feeling!

6) Alanna and Jared are getting married so so soon! Wooo!

7) My brother comes home in 33 dayssssssssssssss!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

8) Tomorrow I'm seeing my school's musical with my mom and Amanda! I'm so excited it'll be fabulous!

9) I have Choir and Track banquets coming up soon, and I'm really excited to dress up all pretty and take pictures with my fantastic friends (:

10) 49 days (including weekends) until SUMMER! 35 days (excluding weekends) until SUMMER!

Dear Blog,

2008-04-28T22:15:00.000-07:00

Happy 100th post!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I don't feel like really writing some long thing like 100 of my favorite things or something. Nah.

Okay blog. 100 posts! Way to go!

Tagged by miss Mariah Snyder

2008-04-25T17:16:00.000-07:00

Oh, I love these!

1.You’re feeling: Great!
2.To your left: A picture of my brother and his two friends hugging..it's not awkward at all.
3.On your mind: The song "We Run This" by Missy Elliott (oh, Air Guitar!)
4.Last meal included: Blueberry Tart, Plain Tart, cookie dough, tiny little cheesecakes and strawberries...Cherry on Top, duh!
5.You sometimes find it hard to: Accept some things.
6.The weather: 81
7.Something you have a collection of: Hm, stuffed animals from forever ago.
8.A smell that cheers you up: Cinnamon or yummy fresh baked cookies
9.A smell that can ruin your mood: Stink bombs...oh, it has happened before. 6th grade, 5th period, some kid just threw one on the ground, disgusting!
10.How long since you last shaved: 2 days
11.The current state of your hair: Long and straight
12.The largest item on your desk/workspace (not computer): Tub of NaNo Vapor...my brother's (I'm in his room, mind you).
13.Your skill with chopsticks: I can get the job done.
14.Which section you head for first in a bookstore: Depends on what I'm looking for.
15.Something you’re craving: The cornbread in the fridge, mmm (:
16.Your general thoughts on the presidential race: I don't care about politics, it's so annoying, just pick someone other than Hillary!
17.How many times have you been hospitalized this year: Zero.
18.Favorite place to go for a quiet moment: The beach or on a walk somewhere.
19.You’ve always secretly thought you’d be a good: Mother.
20.Something that freaks you out a little: My Biology teacher, Ms. Hogan.
21.Something you’ve eaten too much of lately: Oh, Cherry on Top.
22.You have never: been skydiving. I can't wait til my 18th birthday, I'm so going to!
23.You never want to: fail at something I strive towards.

I tag KAYLA JOHNSTON and ERIN BRADY.

Professional Wedding Pictures

2008-04-25T00:05:00.000-07:00

I just realized that I never posted my sister's professional wedding pictures. Sorry! There's way too many to post on here, obviously, so I decided to give you the link, and look at all of them if you want. So follow these guidelines, step-by-step:

1. Go to --> http://www.lynnettephoto.com/
Then, you will be at Lynette Mortero Photography.

2. Once you're on the site, click 'enter site'.

3. When it brings you to the next page, you'll see pictures of different weddings in a slideshow. Below that you'll see some links. Click the one that says 'find wedding'.

4. Once on the next page, scroll down until you see 'Jen + Jason'. When you click on that, it'll say you need a password. The password is byers (Jason's last name).

5. From there, you can just click on the pictures you want to see enlarged, or you can go to the top right and click 'slideshow' and viola!

If you look at them, I really hope you enjoy them! If you look at all of them (which I doubt any of you want to do) you really get the feel that you were at the wedding, since our photographer got like, every little detail! But I loved Lynette, she takes amazing pictures. I highly recommend her if you know anyone getting married and they need a photographer!

Here's a little preview of some really cool pictures she got (: They make me so happy

I love this picture, because it was my sister's first look at herself after getting ready for like 3 hours

The incredible prayer my Uncle Mark did for my brother's deployment

F?!

2008-04-24T18:58:00.000-07:00

I hate Biology. I have an F in that class. I also hate Schoolloop, because he's what told me I have an F in Biology.
Ugh, I don't get it! I try and try to study, and everything just doesn't stick to my brain! My teacher isn't all that great either. Ms. Hogan...yeah, she is definitely not something I want to ever talk about to anyone, I dislike her very much. She knows I try in that class! But whenever I ask for help, it's like she tries to come up with something to make me understand it even less! She makes no sense! Jeez woman! Cut me some slack!
I'm sorry if I sound like a stuck up complainer, but that's just how I feel right now and I need to vent...if that makes sense?
I've never had an F in a class. Never. But thanks to Biology, Ms. Hogan, Schoolloop, and whoever had the faintest idea that Biology should become a high school subject that students one day in the future might fail, I am writing this sad sad little blog. F!

This is good and bad news

2008-04-22T16:30:00.000-07:00

Next fall I will no longer be a Capo Cougar :/ (That's bad news)
Next fall I will be a Tesoro Titan (: (This is the good news)
I'm really excited to be going to Tesoro, because all my best friends go there! But I'm sad to leave the people at Capo, and I really love Capo too.
But, what's done is done.
I'm excited about what will happen in the future (:

When at Starbucks, I recommend if you're...

2008-04-20T18:06:00.000-07:00

Feeling spicy?
- *Chai Tea latte
OR - *Iced Chai Tea latte with 7 pumps of chai and light ice (Bethany told me about his one!)

Feeling zen-y?
- **Green Tea frappachino

Feeling fruity?
-Shakin' ice tea lemonade with passion tea and sweetened

Feeling a bit chilly?
- **Hot White Chocolate mocha

* Get regular milk...otherwise it'll taste like water.
** Ask for nonfat milk...it doesn't taste as creamy and fattening, plus it's healthier, and tastes more natural.

They'll all just fulfill your senses, guartanteed!

Wow, Ashlee Simpson

2008-04-19T00:17:00.000-07:00

Way to go get pregnant.
I thought I had pretty high hopes for you, but now I'm just not quite sure, girl.
Come on now, Ashlee.

Note to self (and anyone else reading)

2008-04-16T18:00:00.000-07:00

Never exhale while you are chewing Saltine crackers.
Salt and crumbs fly everywhere.
And I'm still picking it all out of my keyboard.
That's all I needed to say.

Thank you Spring Break

2008-04-13T20:43:00.000-07:00

Thanks to you, my farmers tan is GONE!!!! WOOOO!
It's only taken me about 3 years to get rid of it...
Banana Boat Tanning Oil with SPF 8 really does work magical wonders (:

Bored on a Sunday afternoon

2008-04-13T15:11:00.000-07:00

I've been to the following states (in alphabetical order):
Alabama
Alaska
Arizona
Arkansas
California - live there
Colorado
Hawaii
Illinois
Iowa
Minnesota
Missouri
Nevada
New York
Texas
Utah
Virginia - born there
Wisconsin
Wyoming

I've been the the following countries (in alphabetical order):
Canada
China
Mexico
Thailand
United States - live there

Woo. 18 states and 5 countries. According to Facebook I've covered 7% of the world.
Go me!

I like you, American Airlines

2008-04-10T22:14:00.001-07:00

Today I flew home from Chicago (in quite nasty weather by the way, and if you check the news you'll see how badly flights have been cancelled etc., etc...). There is one thing I recommend if you ever fly on American Airlines:

Go to the plane bathroom right when you get into the aircraft (while people are boarding). I did this because I had to pee real bad and didn't have time to go in the regular airport bathrooms before I boarded the plane. Oh, you wouldn't believe what I discovered!
They put some delicious air-freshener in there before anyone uses it that is the tangy smell of citrusy orange. Mmm! Yum! So it's really important to go before other people use the lavetory because it gets so stinky so quickly, and you'll miss the fabulous orangy greatness!
I highly recommend it.

Really, Disney Channel?

2008-04-06T13:48:00.001-07:00

Disney Channel recently had commercials about how they're doing all Halloween movies during April. What is that?! Halloween had their time in October. Whatever Disney Channel. I just don't get you.

Post #2 on April 3rd 2008

2008-04-03T21:24:00.000-07:00

Last night, it rained while I was at my soccer practice at about 8:15. And might I say, it was glorious. We were running, screaming, laughing, and soaking wet, it was fantastic. I really really wish it rained here more. I get so dang tired of the sun! I told that to my Chicago relatives and they think I'm insane, because the only time they get sun is mostly in the summer. But I just told them that I beg to differ. I love rain, and I wish Orange County did a little more too, so we could have some more of it!

Nancy Drew

2008-04-03T20:51:00.000-07:00

I really love this movie. I've watched like 3 or 4 times already. I don't know why. I think it's because I want to be like Nancy Drew. The girl solves crimes for a living, and is freakin good at it. Sounds pretty fabulous to me!

I need a new camera!

2008-03-24T18:33:00.000-07:00

Any recommendations?

I now know where I want to get married

2008-03-23T19:13:00.000-07:00

http://disneyland.disney.go.com/disneyland/en_US/weddings/index?name=CeremonyLocationsDetailWeddingsPage

^ After you type that in, click Disneyland Park, and just look at the pictures.

Oh. my. gosh. Riding in Cinderella's coach?! Tieing the knot right in front of Sleeping Beauty's castle?!! Someone give me 1 million dollars, and I'm booked for my wedding!

Math Class Sonnet

2008-03-18T20:59:00.000-07:00

In Engish, we had to write a sonnet about a subject at school that we hate. Oh, Math! Perfect! A little info about sonnets, each line can only have 10 syllables and every other line rhymes. Here it is:

Oh, Mrs. Kubba's class, here in K-5,
I wonder what these problems really mean.
Math is so hard, it shouldn't be alive,
I wish I could be in another scene.

Calculators, fractions, rulers and more,
There's so much homework, I wish I could bail.
All of this nonsense is making me sore,
Falling asleep, gnawing my fingernails.

I dream of being in a happy place,
I wish so badly I could dissapear.
My bed, the beach, or even outer space,
Oh please, I would go anywhere but here.

In the end, I guess I will have to stay,
As long as I can walk out with an A!

Yep, this basically sums up my relationship with math. Ew.

I'm proud of myself

2008-03-17T22:38:00.000-07:00

'Tis the season in high school (or at least Capo) for fitness testing. As a part of that, you must run the mile in between 8 to 11 minutes. So we did that in Track today.

I ran it in 7:58

I am not a fast runner, so I was quite surprised with myself. I guess no walking breaks worked. Oh, and I beat my 5th grade record of 8:29! Oh baby!

Well, this is pitiful

2008-03-16T01:00:00.000-07:00

I'd just like to vent a little, please

2008-03-16T00:14:00.000-07:00

I'm not an angry person, but when people are jerks to my friends/teammates, I get really mad. Almost like, I want to take someone out mad. Nah just kidding, but I did feel that way this morning at my soccer game. The team we played had a small, frizzy haired girl who seriously had anger issues. A girl on my team named Nicole was trying to get the ball away from her and she elbows Nicole in the stomach, then pushes her to the ground. Nicole started crying and ran off the field because she was so overwhelmed and the half was almost over anyways. The ref didn't even call it! About 20 minutes later, we were winning 1 to 0. First, as I kicked the ball away from a different girl on the other team, she elbowed me in the head when I ran in front of her. Oh, that was fun, luckily it didn't hurt, just a slight headache. But here's the worst part. Our coach calls the ref to do subs (switch girls out and put others in) and the ref blows the whistle, but girls on the other team keep playing and the ref didn't tell them to stop. So, while everyone on our team stops playing because of the whistle, a girl on the other team was headed to our goal to score. So a girl on my team Megan ran after her and they collided and fell. The ref called it on us. Oh my freaking gosh! Players, parents, coaches, and just about everyone else were yelling at each other. I was about to explode when he gave the other team a PK and they scored because the ref said Megan tripped that girl...oh please! So now the other team has all this momentum and within 2 minutes of that last goal, they score again. Our goalie was losing all her confidence and by the end, they beat us 2 to 1. Everyone on our team was furious, and oh my gosh I was so ticked. I had to go on a run when I got home to calm me down. Stupid REF!
I'm sorry, if you read that you'll probably think I'm a phsyco freak who has anger management problems. But I just needed to get all of this out of my head. So thank you for letting me share. The end.

This is where Sister and Brother-in-law live

2008-03-12T22:42:00.001-07:00

Sister dearest took these beauties. She lives in Missouri with her husband. It's kind of gorgeous right now..

There's a farm down the street from their house..or should I say down the meadow or grassy fields?

The little swingset in front of their house

Heather Leith

2008-03-11T23:03:00.000-07:00

She is a great great great person. Look at the header she made for me. I mean really, look. Is that not incredible?! Oh Heather, you really just made my day. Thank you so much my dear!

Lily, the new puppy

2008-03-10T18:12:00.000-07:00

Precious much?

And you thought there was only one..

2008-03-01T10:56:00.000-08:00

You know Harry Potter Puppet Pals and the Mysterious Ticking Noise? Yes, you know it. Well there are more than just that one. Just watch and laugh and enjoy (:

Wizard Angst.

Potions Class.

Wizard Swears.

15 things I want to do before 2008 is over

2008-02-29T17:40:00.000-08:00

1. Go parisailing
2. Learn how to play either the piano or the guitar (even if it's just a little)
3. Go to a mud field on a rainy day with my besties and play mud football
4. Go to Chicago and Missouri for family purposes
5. Teach my new dog at least 2-3 tricks
6. Read at least 15-20 books (since there's a million I want to read)
7. Sing in HSM
8. Clear the bar in high jumping for Track (and also use Track to help me get into better shape!)
9. Get my braces off...ugh
10. Get a B or higher in my Biology class, since that hasn't happened yet
11. Change a life
12. Go somewhere I've never been before - preferably somewhere fabulous
13. Go to Sea World with Torey Markowitz like we've been planning for like 2 years but still have not done
14. DriveDriveDrive!
15. Memorize scripture

I'm going to be an aunt-in-law

2008-02-24T12:24:00.000-08:00

That's right! My sister-in-law is pregnant! She's my sister's husband's sister, Jeanda. She looks like she's 18, but she's 27 (:

Mrs. Sanchez, I love you already

2008-02-19T19:34:00.001-08:00

I got a new English 1 teacher this semester. I used to have Mr. Miller. Now I have Mrs. Sanchez. I liked her at first, but she gives way more work and homework than Mr. Miller did. But I had to give her props for just being a really nice and cool teacher. I mean, the woman gave us candy on Valentines Day, her room has an African/jungle theme, and she's just an overall great person. But today, really put her at the top of my list. I was walking out of class at the end of the period, and I said, "Bye Mrs. Sanchez." and gave a little smile. She was like, "Bye Jordan. By the way, it's so great having you in my class, you're such a wonderful student, so thank you for that!" I was like well dang girl, anytime! Yay you, Mrs. Sanchez, yay you!