Don’t judge… :)

So this is a totally crappy video with even crappier piano playing and slightly crappier than that singing but I am totally obsessed with this song and I love love love it

So here is a CRAPPPY video of me singing and playing “Where I Stood” by Missy Higgins

***** If you want to hear it actually done well, I recommend you download her song

Ten things to always remember and one thing to never forget

“Your presence is a present to the world.

You’re truly one of a kind. Your life can be what you want it to be.

Take the days one at a time. Count your blessings, not your troubles.

You’ll make it through whatever comes along.

Within you are so many answers.

Have courage.

Be strong.

Wish upon a star,

and don’t forget…How very special you are.”

1/24/10

“It’s not about the hand I’ve been dealt, it’s about trusting the hand of God to help me when I reach out for him.” – Jason Miller

Challenge Day

I started out thinking this would be a cheesy waste of time.

But I ended the day with a new perspective on how I treat, love, respect, and get to know other people.

It was really great.

Snowball 2010

This past weekend was the winter dance at my school. It was a great night and I got to spend it with some of my favorite people. The night started out at my house to take pictures with everyone. After taking TONS of pictures we sat down for dinner prepared by Mom, Kaley and Courtney. I don’t know what my mom means when she said no one ate their food because there wasn’t anything left on my plate..Which explains why my dress was tight

The dance was filled with hundreds of kids and loud music. It was a blast. Dancing all night with my best friends and not worrying about a thing.

Here are some pictures from the dance. I didn’t take any at the actual dance because I forgot but there are some good ones from my dad.

I have to learn how to do this.

oy.

happy birthday to me

17 tomorrow.

2009 Rewind

Here are some of the great moments of 2009 that I want to share with you:

I celebrated a surprise 16th birthday/new years eve party with all of my friends

I went to snowball

I was Eleanor in “State Fair”

I went on spring break with my best friend Olivia

I ran in my second half marathon with my mom

My best friend Stephanie graduated from high school

My big sister Courtney got engaged

I was a camp counselor for some of the best middle schoolers ever

I went to Cedar Point with my family and Riley

I watched my sister Kaley go through her pregnancy

I became an aunt to Avalon Noelle Taylor on August 26

I was a cheerleader in “Grease”

My friends went to Mexico on a mission trip and didn’t forget about me

I cheered for old Notre Dame

I made a statement about my faith and got baptized in front of all my friends and family

I performed in Chamber Choir

I cheered on my favorite hockey player

I went on a retreat with a bunch of awesome middle schoolers

I found a new favorite TV show, Glee

I had my first official Christmas with Riley

And took a new family photo with all the new members of the family

2009 was a good year. I can’t wait to see what’s in store for this year.

Cassie

This is Cassie. She and I have been friends for about two years now. She attends GCC and is involved in the youth programs we have for high schoolers. Last year she was in the middle school program and we met at the first night of GSM. She is 17 and quite the lady. Every time I see her she greets me with the warmest hugs and biggest brightest  smile. I love hearing about her week and the exciting news she has to tell me. Her parents are so nice and are always happy to talk to me also. Cassie is never shy and is a chatterbox to say the least. She also looooves hugging boys like Riley, Seth or Brandon! Haha

Cassie’s heart for Christ is so inspiring. Looking back on some of the first weeks of GSM last year, she never felt out of place during worship and always gave it her all. She would stand next to me and pump her fist to the music and raise her hands in the air reaching for the sky. Cassie serves diligently at both the Granger campus and the Elkhart campus. I had the opportunity last year to serve beside her at Feed The Children packing boxes. This girl will never admit to being tired or worn down and will keep working until everything is done.

I feel so blessed to have met her and have her in my life. She is a great girl and I can’t wait to see her blossom into the beautiful young lady she is.

Happy Birthday Riley!!

You are the best boyfriend and an even better friend. I am so thankful for the relationship we have and the knowledge we have of building our relationship on God’s foundation. You are so talented and gifted and I know you have big plans ahead of you. I love you. xoxox