Romance (or lack thereof) and shady waiters.

So tonight, I'm talking to this guy friend of mine, a guy friend that I sort of like, and who's been acting like he sort of likes me back. I say "sort of" because I don't know him well enough to really like him. And you know what he does? He starts asking me for dating advice. Advice on how to talk to this girl he goes to school with, and how to ask her out!

At first I was like...

(minus the cigarette, of course)

But then, I was like...

(minus the fact that, well, that's a man)

because I have knowledge!! So I helped him along his way, gave him the things he needed to know, and all ended well and happy :D

And then I did my usual pre-bedtime Facebook run-through, and there's my cousin and her husband gushing over the fact that it's their 6 month anniversary. That other girl saying how much she loves her boyfriend, how wonderful he is. That other girl having a baby!

And then, the wave of depression hit.

You know, that whole "everyone around me has someone!!!" kind of depression. I mean, I don't even have any male interests right now. Because no, as much as I wish he did, Tim Tebow does not count as a legitimate male interest.

(just because he's beautiful.)

And then depression turned to irritation when I realized that I am so not supposed to feel like this for another good three weeks!! It ain't Valentine's Day yet!!

And then the irritation somehow floated into hysterical laughter as I was lying in bed in the dark. Then I got the chills. Then the laughter came back.

So I decided to blog about it.

I think that waiter at the restaurant we ate at tonight put something in my drink. I knew he was shady.

Gosh, it's hot in here.

heh heh.

Many moons ago...

Many moons ago, when I was a little girl (much littler than I am now ;), our family had quite the different feel to it. See, my Nana didn't work...and so we grandkids (my brother Tyler and I) were doted upon like crazy. And our "cousins" Stephanie, Becky, and Adam (they weren't technical cousins) were always around as our playmates.

They'd constantly be at my Nan's house to peel corn and snap beans with us in the summer, which sounds boring, but really isn't :) Nan had a treehouse in the back corner of her yard, and a fort right across from it; The boys of course, would always be in the fort...and if my memory is correct, it was because I was too terrified to climb the very high ladder to get up into it ;) I do remember one time where Tyler and Adam told me that ants tasted like chicken, and they got me to eat one. Good times, good times ;)

We'd often go to this candy store where all the candy you can imagine is gathered into this tiny little building...just thinking back on it now, I can smell the mixture of fruity, chocolatey, tangy, sweet candies all swirled into one delightful smell that filled the air inside and outside the shop. My Nan would let us all fill up a bag with whatever we wanted, and then we'd start picking at it in the car ride on our way to the most fantastic playground ever. Well, if you're small enough to play on it, of course ;) It was like a little castle...with arched doorways, and towers, and hidden passages, and all the loveliness a little girl can imagine! We kids would chase each other all over and play hide and seek and other fun little games! It was fabulous!

My Aunt Deb (Adam, Becky, and Steph's mom) and I were talking tonight about how we're supposed to get a ton of snow overnight, and how it'll be a great snow playday for my little siblings tomorrow...and I was suddenly hit with the memory of sledriding at her house. See, they have this crazy steep hill that leads down to their backyard, and my Nan used to take us over to sledride once there was enough snow, and we kids would all take our turns going down the treacherous hill. It was so fun. I actually remember begging to go over every winter once it'd start snowing! I haven't thought about those times in literally years...it's been so long.

Things have changed so drastically. Right at the time my Nan got a job as an assistant manager at a bookstore nearby, everyone started getting older (too old to have play dates). Babies were born. Candy store visits and sledriding days gradually disappeared as life went on.

Even more than that, as the years went by, and the 7 new grandkids came along, Steph got married, Tyler got married, Becky's now engaged, and 3 years ago this June, we lost Adam in a car accident.

I just now had this moment where I felt like Jo March, saying "Will we never all be together again?"

Life flies by so quickly. There are so many little moments I wish I could remember more clearly. I had a beautiful childhood, sparkling with laughter and smiles. Late night trampoline star gazing. Rainy days spent with Nan watching Remember the Titans :) Spending every day of the summer outside instead of in. When my brother was my best friend, and nothing could break our big giant extended family apart. I love my family more than anything...but so much about it has changed so drastically since I was a little girl. Joy has been lost, harsh words exchanged, yet when needed, we're all here. But I miss those days. Those days when my parents were younger and more outgoing. When my Nana didn't work. When us kids saw each other constantly. I feel like my little siblings and little cousins are missing out on so much.

I realize that maybe I was a spoiled little kid ;) But I know that someday, when I have my own kids...I want to make their young years in life so amazingly special that they'll look back on them like I do now and say, "Wow...we had a beautiful childhood." But I don't want it to stop there. I want it to be a beautiful childhood, beautiful teen years, beautiful everything. Now does that mean that every day is lollipops and sunshine? Of course not! I mean, hello, they will be my kids. I cut up our couch once when I was like, 7, because I was mad at my mom. For taking scissors out of my room. *cough*. Okay, not something I'm proud of, but still. The point is that I'm sure my kids will have their moments of not-so-pretty. But that's okay. Don't we all? At the end of the day, I want to give them experiences that will stay with them, and moments that will always be in their heart...even if they're only remembered every 5 years or so.

Single, 18 (just about 19) years old, and already I'm making plans for my kids. Buying books for them. Deciding what crafts we'll do. Thinking up the perfect outfit. What movies I'm going to make them watch. What songs I'll sing to them.

I'm at that point in life where I forget all about Prince Charming and how much I can't wait to meet him...and am very much thinking about my future kiddos and how much I can't wait to meet them.

I'm a little bit future-oriented. Have you noticed? ;)

Lord, give me patience.

Oh, how Pinteresting Wednesday! ;D

That's right...I'm linking up!! I've been so in love with Pinterest lately, why not join in on the fun?

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If you're on Pinterest, I'm sure you've seen this one...I can't wait to start mine! Fun little scrapbook type things are like a hobby of mine ;) I've just never thought of this theme!

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A rock wall that leads up into a "secret" play space above kids' bedrooms, with an entrance from each bedroom into the space! How wicked sweet is that!!

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I want to go there. So bad. Ireland. Ah.

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Pippi Longstocking night! Woohoo!

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Positively stunning.

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Haha, so clever!!

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I love Michael Scott. And for those of you who don't know him, he's not as awful as he seems ;)

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I adore this idea. Someday, I will make like, 10 of these and randomly leave them places. Just because. ;)

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This has got to be the funniest movie I've ever seen. Seriously. It's too much.

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I did this. My keys look awesome.

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90's Disney kids: do you remember this guy??? He got so old! (What a shocker!) ;)

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Ha. ha. ha. *giggles*

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❤

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A hidden reading room. Oh my goodness gracious. Can I just say, I live in a family of contractors...who know how to do stuff like this. Yes. I'm already planning what my future home will be like! ;D

Ah, Pinterest. A new friend :)

Have a good Wednesday, amigos!

PS: my Pinterest page = here.

I am such a failure at thinking up clever post titles. Dagnabbit.

source

~So remember that other wedding I got asked to be in? Well, we went dress shopping! And this was the chosen dress. That there is my color, purple storm; the one girl is wearing light purple, and the other is wearing a vibrant teal blue. Interesting color scheme, eh? ;) Anyways, suprisingly enough, I actually like this dress. I am NOT a strapless kind of girl. At all. Whatsoever. But I don't mind it on this dress too much. We'll see how it fits though when I get it. I'll have to get it altered of course...I'm 3 very different sizes so we had to go with the biggest size which will make it fit funny everywhere else, and so we'll have to work at it to fix it...I'm just not thinking about all of that yet. Ya know? Too much stress ;D

~Our work Christmas party was tonight (yes, on January 15th). It was pleasant enough :) My aunt Emily was my date, of course. Hehee. Everyone else brings their boyfriends, I bring my aunt. It's how we roll ;D

By the way, they had great cupcakes. Mmm.

~So I've been on Pinterest quite a bit lately. It's fun :) My favorite part is the crafty stuff though! Goodness, I must have a hundred things that I've decided I WILL do at some point! Speaking of, it did inspire me to do the whole Bible verse on canvas thing...can we just say I'm a messy person? Blue paint everywhere. I finished at like 2 in the morning, with paint ALL over my hands and arms (how it got there, I don't know), I go look in the mirror and it's all over my face and neck, I got it on my Bible cover. But my end result was pretty cool. It has glitter on it ;D

~Football is far beyond too stressful for me. Truly. Last night, I was nauseous and jittery for the whole first half of the Broncos game. Then for the second half, I was just baffled (it was so bad). But it was too much work. I actually think I may have like, sprained the muscles in my shoulders from being too tense. Gah. I need to lighten up!

~Going to a bridal shop is a lovely experience. I thought I was going to burst out crying while we were there yesterday...in a good way, of course ;) If there is such a thing. It's just such a happy place. Although, I've no idea how I'll ever be able to choose a wedding dress...they're all so beautiful!

~Okay, speaking of football, can I just throw this out there and say that for the most part, I so much prefer Tim Tebow with his shirt on than off? I'm sorry, but shirtless guys are just...I don't know. You know? Does this make me weird? Is this inappropriate for me to be talking about on my blog? (I mean, we're mostly all girls here!) What came first, the chicken or the egg? Doesn't he look nice in his cozy white t-shirt?

;)

All right, I'm done. ;D

Have you prayed for Tim today?

Maybe you're tired of hearing about Tim Tebow. I know his name has been thrown around non stop lately. In fact, I read somewhere that his name has been mentioned either in writing or on television over a million times just this past week. And some people I know are bashing him because he's been given so much attention.
*sigh*.
When I first "encountered" Tim Tebow, it started out with "Wow. He's snazzy...and cute!" End. But as I've gotten to "know" him recently, I've developed such a high level of respect and admiration for him, and I don't feel like he's this incredibly famous guy; I almost feel like I know him. Does that make sense? Probably not. Either way, even not personally knowing him, he's already been such a blessing to me, and I'm so thankful for him. Tim Tebow is a genuinely good man. He means what he says. His life reflects what he stands for. I've learned that he is so much more than a football player; the way he puts it, that's simply his platform for sharing Jesus, for making a difference...and boy, does he. There's a lot we can learn from Tim...there's a lot I can learn from Tim, and already have. And when I hear someone say that they "hate" him because he's "overhyped", I just can't believe it. I just can't believe anyone could say anything critical about him, especially someone who calls themselves a believer. Now I'm not saying that if you don't like him, you can't possibly be a believer...I'm just saying that what he's doing is what is asked of him. What is asked of us. Sharing the gospel, and the love of Jesus. Tim Tebow is my brother in Christ, and yours! A Facebook friend of mine put up an awesome status:

"Don't just cheer for Tim Tebow...pray for him. Pray that he would be delivered from temptation. He has set a wonderful example of living out his faith in Jesus. The cynics would love to see him fall. Even if he never won another football game, a scandal would be front page headlines. He'd be the first to tell you that he is a sinner, and continues to make mistakes, but let's pray that he would flee from all the temptations of fame and fortune, so that his witness for God would not be tainted."

So among all of your prayers, remember to keep Tim in that list too. He's becoming a bit of a spokesman for Jesus (as we all should be), and as my friend said, the cynics would love to see him fall. Well, all I know is that we've got an awesome God who listens to our prayers...
Have you prayed for Tim today?

Along the Tim Tebow lines...this touched my heart.

"A man never stands so tall as when he bends down to help a child." ❤

a day in the life :)

The hour is late, and the house is quiet. Gilmore Girls is on, which always brings a little touch of comfort to my soul; Lorelai and Rory are like old friends, and their constant banter and laughter calm me at the end of long days, as they chitter chatter in the background as I get ready for bed and wrap up the day. My little Christmas tree is lit, as are the Christmas lights still strung up around my room, each casting their lovely, warm glows on the walls. I'm fantastically cozy, and yet, there is a flaw in this seemingly perfect evening...the stink bug. Yes, the stink bug. I spotted him about 2 hours ago above my window, and then I lost track of him. But then, I found him again, up on my fan, way too high to reach! Then he flew over near my bed, and now, he's missing. And I just cannot sleep knowing that that little creep is creeping around my sleeping area. *shudder*

Today was a lovely-ish day, I'd say. First of all, I slept in far too late; that's what adds the "ish" onto the end of lovely. I hate sleeping in too late. It's such a waste of valuable hours! Thus, tomorrow, I'm setting my alarm! Even though I technically don't have to ;) Ambitious, I know.
Our local Christian bookstore is closing, which is completely depressing. But the plus side is that everything in the store went on sale today. So a friend and I went down and strolled around, and found some lovely deals! My favorite item I got: "The Love Dare". I've wanted it for a while, I just hadn't gotten my hands on it yet! I also got a little Bible Study that goes along with it. It's meant for husband and wife though, so it'll be going on the shelf for a while ;)

My amiga and I then made our way to Walmart on a search for Tim Tebow's book. Seriously, in the past like, 24 hours, I have gone from being slightly in awe of, to totally charmed by him. Tall. Dark. Handsome. Absolutely, totally in love with Jesus, and not afraid to share it. Courageous. Earlier conversation between my mother and I: me: "Mom, I think that I'm meant to be with Tim Tebow. Really...I think that I'm meant to marry him *stares off into distance, dreamily*" Mom: "Yeah, you and every other young Christian girl in America". ...She's such a downer sometimes.

Today, I rented the movie "To Save a Life". I've heard a lot about it since it came out many moons ago, yet I hadn't seen it. I think I liked it...I'm actually a tad bit unsure. I mean, it was certainly good! But it was a heavy movie. And I don't know how I feel about the ending. You know? I've got mixed feelings. It was definitely one of those films though that keeps you thinking even hours after it's over. For me, that's actually somewhat rare.

And ladies and gentlemen, that was the extent of my day. I know. Lame. But that's what happens when you work in retail and Christmas is over, and they no longer have any hours left to give you. You end up moseying. But hey, on a somewhat side note, I am staying at Harry and David! Remember my being a tad anxious about the fact that I was hired seasonally, and I thought for sure that they wouldn't keep me past that? Well, they are! ;D I'm a very happy camper!

Ah, Olive Garden commercial. Mmmmm yum! And it's 12:30 in the morning. I hate food commercials. You never see them at an opportune time.

How will I go to sleep with that little creep hiding out? What if he's in my pillows?? Eh... *shiver*

Aha!! Like, 2 minutes after I wrote that last sentence, as I was looking over this post, I found him!!! He is now captured in a cup in my room; I shall set him free in the morning. And now, I will get a lovely night's sleep, no longer worrying about waking up with a stink bug in my hair ❤

I just want to say that someday, when Tim Tebow gets married...I'm gonna be one sad girl.

Ladies, that is one incredible guy right there.

❤

The haps in 2011. and because we all have goals, whether big or small ;)

2011 felt like a big year. Probably because it kinda sorta was.

~my big brother got married! Eeep!

~my cousin got married!
(both weddings of which, I was in.) :P

~I went to the Dominican Republic, and got my first real taste of missions, and of being away from home.

~Oh yeah, I graduated high school. *hallelujah chorus*

~I got the chance to work with my Nana and my future aunt at the bookstore for quite a nice chunk of time!

~Got my first car. It's rough. It's noisy. I love it, and it feels like home ;)

~I officially became a coffee drinker. And a pear eater.

~My fifth little Elv was born!! (My aunt and uncle's last name is Elverson. I call their 5 boys "the little Elves" ;D)

~Speaking of elves, it was my first year of being one in our house, as I was the one who carried nearly all the gifts down the stairs! Thus proving how out of shape I am :/

~This year, my aunt and I made a new friend who is one of the most precious, beautiful, godly women I've ever known; what a blessing she's been in our lives!

~Went on my first women's retreat with our church this year...fantastic!

~Emily broke her leg! While I was in the DR of course. I remember, while I was there, thinking "I wouldn't be the least bit surprised if I get home and someone's got a broken arm or leg or something crazy like that." Well, low and behold, I get off the bus and she crutches on over! Thus, I became her chauffeur for the next month. Fun times ;)

~This was the year that we had to let go of our beloved senior pastor, who has retired, and we are still waiting for God to place the right man in our church to be the next pastor. (Though I have a feeling that Pastor Dick will simply always be our family's pastor...)

So much went on this year. It's one of those years that's ending, and I feel...different. Not the same person I was when 2010 ended. Of course I am in so many ways the same, but also, in so many ways, I feel so vastly different.
Ah, there's still so much more growing to do.

~This is my 2011 wrapped up in a single photo. (I was gonna do a bunch for every little blurb but had WAY too much trouble!) From left to right, that's my sister-aunt-friend Emily, me, and my aunt Abby, the one with all the Elves. This was taken at my cousin Steph's wedding. I love this picture soo much. See, it was originally going to be a Lauren and Emily photo, and Abby snuck in without my knowing it, and her hovering over my shoulder felt like a bug hovering over my shoulder (I've no clue how), so I swatted and kinda punched her in the face. Thus, the resulting photo.

Anyways, now to the goals!

I'm constantly making lists. Lists of "things I'd like to do this month", "books I'm going to read before I read anything else", "things I'm going to do with my kids some day". You name it, I've made a list of it!
So naturally, it just makes sense to have made a list of goals for 2012. Nothing crazy. Nothing (too) vague. All possibilities that very well may get checked off one by one. Which is, in fact, my goal ;)
So, here are the simpler things on my list so far:

~read the Bible cover to cover

~write a lengthy story

~Make my baby blanket (short story: I found really pretty brown and blue yarn. I told my mom I wanted it for Christmas to make a baby blanket. Thus, tada! Christmas gift!)

~Buy "Lady and the Tramp" when it comes out on DVD this year ;D

~Learn to be on time! (50 minutes late to meet someone yesterday, you guys. That is so totally ridiculously unacceptable, it makes me nauseous)

~Post-its in a bathroom! (You know, where you put encouraging post its on a public bathroom mirror, or on the back of the door? Always wanted to do that)

~Take more pictures.

~Write to a soldier.

~Get my wisdom teeth out. (Not a happy goal, but one that is beyond necessary!)

~Turn 19! In two months! (goodness!)

~Actually complete a journal cover to cover

~Ride a horse. ;)

~Pay Mom and Dad back for my car :P

~Learn how to make chicken dip the way Ems does (perfectly!)

~Dance with a handsome stranger in the woods.
...okay, I admit, I was watching Sleeping Beauty when I wrote this. What can I say, it's so romantic!

~Finish the Mark of the Lion series.

~Send a message in a bottle ;)

~Ride in a plane again. (please, please, please?)

~Have a picnic

~Make smores

~Try "schnitzel with noodles" (it is one of Julie Andrews' favorite things!)

~Propose to my boyfriend on February 29th!
...Okay, just kidding. I just recently saw the movie "Leap Year" with Amy Adams, and considering it's a leap year, I had to throw that goal in there ;) Heeehee. (Oh, and no, I have not recently randomly acquired a boyfriend ;D)

~Actually finish at least one of the many to-do lists I make ;D

And thus, a bit of my 2012 to-do list, among all of the other more difficult to reach goals and such ;)

Happy new years, you guys :) I hope everyone's year started out well ;D