What's Today?!

The First Day of Spring 2015!!! Even though its cold outside here, I'm excited anyway.

  Well, I'm gonna give a little explanation of why I haven't blogged all month so far. I was under the weather and I didn't even think about it. The rest of the month, I haven't felt like doing much of anything. It's pathetic, I know. I had a few posts planned, but I got stuck in I-don't-wanna-do-anything mode.
  I know I need to get up and do it anyway when I feel like that. I'm thankful that I'm not the only one and everyone goes through times like these. I hate being this way, but it's still not enough to motivate me.
  Anyway, I'm so thankful that God is patient, and truly there. I always feel afraid that if I do anything wrong somehow I'm gonna lose His love. I'm SO glad that that's totally not true. I guess growing up with fickle friends who ignore you the second you wanna do something they don't wanna do gets to you more that you know. I'm always fascinated by what's happened to us in our childhood forms our habits even now as an adult. I'm don't know where I'm going with all this.
  I hope you all have something that you're excited about and someone to tell it to. Enjoy the First Day of Spring even though it may be cold where you are. I hope you all have a great week.

~Annah

2014

  Hello Everyone!

  I wanted to share 2 photos from every month of 2014. Unfortunately, Jan. Feb. and Mar. I didn't have any pictures. It's crazy to think, not taking any pictures at all for 3 months. There also are not any pictures from December, that's only because they are not on my laptop and on the computer. I only blog on my laptop. Anyway, I hope you will enjoy the random pictures from the other months.

~April~

Babysitting Nora. Cutie!

A sweetheart of a cat

~May~

Pretty sure these are poppies. They were growing
in the vacant lot next door.

A lizard at the Botanical Garden. I love that place.

~June~

Going to Silver Dollar City

The best picture I got in Marvel Cave in Silver Dollar City.

~July~

Fun photos in summer.

Chloe, napping under the my bed.

~August~

A squirrel, (If you couldn't tell). Yes, this is the only pic for Aug.

~September~

Mom couldn't have picked out a better cookie for me. 

Thought I'd give a little memorial to the bunk bed, Creaks. You served
your purpose. Thank you. You will never be missed.

~October~

On our way to Branson again.

There was also a beautiful sunset on the way there.

~November~

Our amazing sister Randi.

Mom and Dad's cake for their 25th Wedding Anniversary.

  I kinda kick myself for not taking more pictures last year. Maybe next year, when I do a 2015 photo recap, I'll have more pics to choose from. Be back next week for another blog post. Talk to you guys then. Bye!

~Annah

2015 As a Blogger

  Hello Everyone!

  Back in March, I decided I wanted to blog more. And I definitely did more last year than the year before. Even since march I still have not found anything specific that I really wanna talk about on the blog or interests I wanna share about. I believe I shared about a few of my interests, but mostly what I'm capable of. Not what I really enjoy doing. This year I want to share my interests with you even though some of my readers may not be interested in or like.
  I really do wanna be more consistent this year. I hope you will bear with me as I expand and organize my topics. There are gonna be times when I'm too busy, and times when I'm just plain unmotivated. I don't want those things to stop me anymore.
  I know this is a very short update but I plan on doing another blog post next week, Feb. 16th. Maybe sooner, ya never know. This update was supposed to be posted in back in January but obviously that didn't happen. Hope you all have a great week!

~Annah

October 2014

  Hello Everyone!

  Well, its the first week of November. So today I wanna talk a little bit about October.
  It mostly consisted of planning and going on vacation to Branson, babysitting multiple times, and secretly planning something really special with my Aunt Jean. Of course, there are no pictures of babysitting and probably never will be just to let you know.
  Before I go into any of that, I think on these monthly life updates I will post a monthly picture of Chloe. Can't help it. She's so cute!

Snoozing under my bed.

  From the 19th to the 23rd we were in Branson. Reason being we were celebrating Mom and Dad's 25th wedding anniversary, we had season passes to Silver Dollar City, and that is where they went for their honeymoon. Their anniversary was on the 21st so that night they got fancied up, went out for a nice dinner, and saw a show.
  We didn't stay in a hotel this time, instead we rented a condo. So we had two bedrooms, a kitchen, and a living room. In the bedroom Rebecca and I shared was a Nintendo 64! I was super excited about that. I hadn't played on one since I was 12 or 13 years old. So many fun memories. *sigh*
  Of course, we went to Silver Dollar City. When we went this time there were a lot of booths with cool things to look at and buy. I mostly looked. We went to a thrift shop, a couple boutique shops, and a couple antique shops. Bought some movies from the thrift shop, a micro-plush blanket (which I love!), some more movies and a book from the antique shops. The book we got was The Great Movie Stars the Golden Years by David Shipman. If you're the kind of person who likes to read movie star biographies from that era, this book gives a brief story/timeline about around 100 actors and actresses.
  The trip was fun although I didn't get to do or see all the things I hoped to. Oh well! Maybe next time if there is a next time.

Rebecca and me at Silver Dollar City

  So, the special, secret "thing" we (Aunt Jean, Rebecca, and I) planned all last month finally took place on November 1st. Now I would have mentioned this "thing" beforehand on here, but Dad reads my blogposts.

  We threw a surprise party for Mom and Dad! A lot of people showed up and we all had a great time! It was all well worth the time and effort that went into it!

We gave a picture of their wedding cake and the decorater
tried to make a replica of it. And she did a wonderful job!

  I know there aren't a lot of pictures, but Rebecca will probably do a more detailed blogpost. So I will leave that to her. Also the pictures didn't turn out as well as I had hoped.

This is my oldest sister Randi! Love you and so glad you were able to make it!

Happy 25th Anniversary! I hope your party blessed you. We love you!

  Well, that is all I have for today. I hope you all have a great week!

~Annah

10 Embarrassing Things

  Hi Everyone!

  I realized that there are several things that I have done that are a little embarrassing that most everybody has experienced. So I wanted to share with you 10 Little Embarrassing Things That Happen to Everyone. Here we go

1. Dropping your purse at the doctor's office while trying to talk to the receptionist and your things scatter everywhere. Ya know, it wouldn't be so bad if you could just leave it all on the floor, but I think its proper etiquette to pick it all up for some character steals them.

2. Knocking your drink off the table at a restaurant. Just seeing that water and ice sitting there in that special splash pattern on the floor, wondering if you should clean it up or wait for an employee to mop it up.

3. Forgetting somebody's name. No need to describe how that feels.

4. Tripping over a rug in public and wondering if anybody and everybody saw you.

5. Food falling on your shirt when you're eating with a group of people.

6. Accidentally stopping the movie during family movie night and everyone's yelling at you to turn it back on and you can't find the remote.

7. Dropping things from your too-full arms at a garage sale. (Sounds like somebody needs to put some stuff back).

8. Missing an easy shot during a volleyball game.

9. Having to listen to your friends battle it out/argue and being absolutely clueless as what to say to make them stop.

10. Trying to stuff your foot in a shoe and realizing its not working, so you look down to see why revealing that you are trying to put the shoe on the wrong foot.

  I don't know if any of you can relate, but this is what I came up with. I hope you all have a great week!

~Annah

Summer is Practically Over

   Hi!

   Well, its been quite a while since I posted last. Every week I was kinda just putting it off. I'm sorry. July and August were just stressful and getting things back to normal. I feel bad for not blogging, but taking a break was needed.

   We've had a few couple birthdays, some transition time from something, trying to make some improvements on the house, decluttering. During the past month, I really just haven't felt like blogging about anything.

   We went to camp as we usually do for Labor Day. Got to see our "camp" friends. We basically hung out with two families. But I got out of my comfort zone and did something by myself, (instead of following someone else), and even introduced myself to someone and had a nice talk with her. As much as I was really glad to go home, I look back and wish that it was a whole week instead of a weekend.

   Well, with summer being over. I guess I should tell you how my list-of-things-to-do-this-summer went.

1. Get my permit and driver's license. I have not gotten either of them. I've definitely studied for my permit though. I'm hoping to get it sometime next week.

2. Complete 2 sewing projects. Well, I made a skirt for somebody, and altered two other skirts for her too.

3. Complete 2 crocheting projects. I didn't get any done. I don't have enough of the same yarn to complete a project and I don't want to spend all my money on yarn.

4. Read 2-3 books. I read 2 books. One of them being my driver's study guide. I kinda surprised myself on that one.

5. Get outside as often as possible. I feel a little disappointed about this one. There were opportunities where I could have, but didn't. On the other hand, I didn't shut myself up like a mole and got out a reasonable amount of times.

6. Try something new. Well, I didn't really try anything during the summer, but this coming Sunday, I'm going to start classes for public speaking. I'm actually really nervous about it. Public speaking and performing are one of my biggest fears. The person who invited me is pretty much the same way and she recommended it. I would not have even considered it if she was a teacher or if public speaking didn't bother her. So, yeah. That's the new thing I'm gonna be doing.

7. Learn healthier cooking recipes. I have probably gotten some new recipes, but that doesn't mean I have tried them. One thing that I really don't like about healthier recipes is, there are usually so many ingredients that you have to buy and just the prep takes longer than it needs to. Also, it would be easier if I were just cooking for myself, but I would have to make it for the whole family. I should probably just do it anyway.

8. Get white lights to decorate my room with. Just gonna tell it like it is. I didn't get any.

9. Exercise regularly. This challenge hasn't gone too bad. Exercising isn't like walking around the block or walking on the treadmill. I can do in my room, by myself, with no one watching.

10. Walk everyday. Not saying I didn't walk at all. I did! But well.. um... ya know... um... I... didn't... really... um... I could've done better...uh... please don't judge me... well... you can... I mean, its your life, you do whatever you want, but uh... yeah. 

11. Make a new friend. Well, she's been an acquaintance for quite a while, but this past summer we've gotten to be pretty good friends. I am truly blessed by her. Its hard to find someone who is willing to hang out with someone like me. I mean, I'm shy. I'm sure a lot of people find it difficult to get to know me. I don't have a picture of her on my laptop yet so its gonna have to wait.

12. Find some new interest(s). There is a really big interest that I have, but don't really wanna talk about it just yet. And the other one is not really an interest, but a hobby. I really like rollerblading. I know, big deal. But I really like it!

   Well, there's the list of things I actually got accomplished and the things I didn't. In the beginning, I didn't expect to get half of them done. Thank you, Kate and Ruby for supporting me with your comments. I definitely wanna get back to blogging once a week. Anyway, I will be back next week with another blog post! Have a great week!

~Annah~

P.S. I just realized that my first four paragraphs and my last one all begin with the letter "W". Oh well!

Silver Dollar City

  Hello Everyone!

  So, we went to Branson. And Silver Dollar City. And there were shops and rides and people and more shops and more rides and more people. Like I said when we got back, I feel like I didn't do all that much there. But we might go back in the fall. I hope so. There was a lot more in Silver Dollar City and Branson that I would have liked to do but we just didn't. Its also expensive so that cuts out some things. Next time I will go more prepared. 

  Anyway, here are a few pictures of it:

Rebecca and Dad got to go to the Titanic Museum.

On our way to Silver Dollar City

My only decent picture of Marvel Cave

   I did have a lot of fun. Got to go on a couple water rides. That was the most fun. We went shopping. There was one that I especially liked. I thought I got some pictures of it but I guess I didn't. I can't believe I didn't take many pictures. Oh well. Now I know what I need to plan for next time we go!

  I'll be back next week for another blogpost! Bye!

  ~Annah

Things to do This Summer

  Hi Everyone!

  So, I watched a video on Youtube this morning and somebody on there really inspired me to do something. He made a list of 25 things to do this summer, but not just a boring, ordinary list. He got a small journal and gave each thing a page, and when he accomplishes one of those things he documents it. 

  I decided to give it a shot. I'm terrible at completing to-do lists so we'll see how this goes. As a shy person, I tend to be very laid back and not do things that are out of my comfort zone. My list is pretty basic and easy things to accomplish. Most everyone will tell you to keep it simple especially when you have a difficult time completing things like these. I'm not going to tell you everything that's on my list because its personal and I want to keep that to myself. I want to document as many as I can by taking a picture of me doing it or something completed. This is going to be quite a challenge, but they're not impossible. I need to remember that I'm the only one that is preventing myself from doing things like this. I don't know how I'm gonna stay motivated, but if you have any helpful tips in this area PLEASE let me know in the comments.

  1- Get my permit and driver's license. You might as well know, I don't have either of these yet. I was going to keep that a personal thing, but I'll share it. Maybe it will give me more of a drive to get it done knowing you guys know that.

  2- Complete 2 sewing projects. I have not done a sewing project for a very long time and its about time I did. 

  3- Complete 2 crocheting projects. I'm more excited about this one. I like to crochet a lot. 

  4- Read 2-3 books. As I said in an earlier post, I do not like reading. So, to me this is really pushing it. This is definitely going to be one of the harder ones for me to do. 

  5- Get outside and get some sun as often as possible.

  6- Try something new (Hopefully something fun). Very broad, I know. But that leaves me to maybe try something spur the moment instead of having something specific planned out. Less pressure.

  7- Learn healthier cooking recipes. Why is it so hard to choose healthier foods?! Why do we crave junk like pizza, cookies, cake, candy, ice cream, soda, etc.?! No, I've gone off of soda for about a month now and it was a lot easier than I thought it was gonna be. Praise God! 

  8- Get some white lights to decorate my room with. Like Christmas lights, but white wires instead of green. I've always wanted some so I'm gonna do it!

  9- Exercise regularly. 

 10- Walk everyday. Probably sounds like I'm pretty lazy. I really just don't like walking around the block when I know there's people out there, or walk on the treadmill when I have the feeling that someone is gonna sit there and watch me. 

 11- Make a new friend. Don't know who its gonna be, but this will be another challenge to get me out of my comfort zone. I don't know why its SO HARD! Is there anybody else out there that's shy like that?! Please don't make me feel like I'm alone. I know there are other people out there like that. But anyway, this should be a topic for another day. 

 12- Find some new interest(s). 

  Alright! That's all I have to share publicly, and now that I've said them, well, looks like I gotta do 'em. I will try and document as much as possible and let you guys know what I did or didn't get done this summer. 

  Question this week: What things on this list do you think I won't accomplish by the end of summer? Do you make lists, or do you just go with the flow?

  I hope you all are having a fabulous summer! I will be back next week with another blog post. Bye!

  ~Annah

I'm Home!

  Hi Everyone!

  I'm home! I've actually been home for a week, but I just got back into the swing of things. Rebecca was just starting to not feel well the day we left Branson, and she was sick for the rest of the week. Then Mom was sick. Then Rachel's back has been hurting her so I was the only one left that was able to do things. But thankfully now, Mom and Rebecca are well and life feels back to normal. I liked going to Branson, but I'm so glad to be home. Feels good.
  You know with packing for a trip, the bedroom always ends up being a disaster, and this time I didn't end up cleaning it before I left. I don't know if all you people do that. But anyway! I got it all cleaned up the other day and it feels great!
  Cleaning my room is one of my favorite things to do when I'm at home. For me, its also a good stress reducer. It really calms me down when I'm feeling stressed.
  Had a fun time in Branson. I don't feel like I did all that much, but we still had fun. Went to Silver Dollar City. Duh! Dad and Rebecca went to the Titanic Museum. (Only they went because that was her birthday date with Dad). I had no idea how much there is in Branson! That place is packed with entertaining things to do and see. I didn't get to go to the places I was hoping we would, but we'll probably end up going again this year or next year. Then I'll get to do them. I think I got hardly any pictures of Silver Dollar City.
  While I was there, in one of the shops there is a booth that sells some stringed instruments. And boy did that only feed my want for another instrument. I still would like to get a mandolin, mountain dulcimer, and a ukulele.
  Also, I never did a birthday post for Rebecca. It was very laid back, but it was fun. We actually didn't do much planning except for the color theme. We did orange and white for dreamsicle. That is her favorite flavor and scent. That was different because we usually just do our favorite colors. I really liked the change. Yeah, so instead of planning everything out we just lived in the moment and let things fall together. I wouldn't have changed it, it was great just the way it was.
  Thankfully, everything is pretty much back to normal and hopefully blogging will be back to normal too. Sorry this is a couple days late, but at least I got this posted before next week.
  Talk to you later! I'll be back next week! BYE!

  ~Annah

Rachel and me on Rebecca's birthday

   Happy birthday to one of the sweetest people I know. She is one of my biggest role models. She has helped me a lot in learning to not care what people think and to just be myself, loving and serving God, and showing love and care to the people around me. I love you, Rebecca! Happy birthday!

Rachel and me on our trip to see my oldest sister
 who lives about 4 hours away from us. 

Leaving Tomorrow

  Hello Everyone,

  We were able to celebrate Rebecca's birthday normally and we had a lot of fun. We thought it was gonna be real different this year with the way things were going, but we had a pretty fun day.
  I've been babysitting a lot more lately and I'm loving it! Its been a while since I've done it consistently. I've missed it so much. *sigh*.
  Tomorrow, we are going out of town to visit with my oldest sister and her husband. Also while we're there, we'll be seeing a cousin of mine and her kids that we don't get to see very often. I'm excited. I don't know what it is about family get-togethers that I love so much, but I just do. We will be coming back home in the middle of the week to do a few things and then we're off for Branson! Can't wait! Can't wait!
  But that's it for today. I kinda wanna blog everyday while I'm gone, but we'll see how that goes. If that is the case, I will talk to ya'll tomorrow.

  ~Annah

Got a Haircut

  Here are a couple pictures of my haircut from today.

Before

After

I know its kinda short, but I'm getting used to it. It was needed, and I plan on letting it grow out long again.

  ~Annah

Friday Post

  Hi Everyone!

  So, May is going to be a very busy month.
  Today, we are making a cake for someone's birthday tomorrow. Mother's day is this Sunday. My sister Rebecca's birthday is the 17th. My cousin's 3rd birthday is the day after. On Rebecca's birthday, we have to make a graduation cake. At the end of the month, we are going to visit my oldest sister and her family for a few days. After that, we will be going on a small vacation to Branson, MO. (SO EXCITED BTW)!
  I have not been on a vacation since I was 12 or 13. Even though I've lived in Missouri my whole life, I have never been to Branson.
  Since we are going to be so busy the weekend of Rebecca's birthday, we are planning to celebrate her birthday while we are in Branson. I feel so bad that we will be too busy to do very much for on her real birthday. Wanting to try some new things for her birthday instead of doing everything so traditionally. Not sure yet what we'll do, but I'll probably start planning today.
  Also, before Rebecca's birthday or at least before vacation, I want to get a haircut. I'm definitely due for one. I will get before and after pictures. I won't be getting anything dramatic done, just a haircut.
  I don't know about everyone else, but I am so excited for summer, and I'm enjoying the weather so much right now. I know that was really random, but I just wanted to share that. I feel like this year is going to be a blur for me. I hope not, but we are already five months into the year and it still feels like the year just started. I hope the rest of the year goes slower. It always seems that winter takes forever to get overwith, and spring and summer go by WAY too fast.
  Like I said last week, we celebrated a first birthday. Unfortunately, I didn't get a good picture of the birthday girl, and I didn't get to stay long. Right after cake, I had to leave to babysit a couple kiddos. Which was fine. I LOVE babysitting so much. I did miss her opening her presents. First birthdays are so special. Of course, all birthdays are special.
  We know of a couple things we want to do while we're there, but if there are any of you out there that know of any good places to go while you're in Branson let me know.
  Thanks for reading. I hope you are having a good day and a great week.
   ~Annah

My cousin, Caroline Rose turned 1.

Busy Week (Whats new? Right?)

  Hey Everyone!

  Wasn't able to do a post last week. Again. This is getting bad. Anyway, they are a couple things I want to talk about.
   First off, I was going to do a post on my interests. I was gonna talk about sewing and show you the project I was hoping to get accomplished this week. But, I can already see that its not gonna happen. At least not this week.
   I will also be doing a post about somebody's first birthday party soon. It will be short though.
   I have a birthday party to go to this weekend. My cousin Samantha is turning 13. Last year, I made her a quilt. I was trying to think of something else creative for this year. I don't have time for a huge project so I was trying to think of something creative and simple. So, I went to Michael's to get inspired and I decided on buying a fun colored table standing photo frame. I will draw her picture and put it in the frame. Unfortunately, the only fun colored frames were ones that you hang on the wall. They can't nail holes in their wall so I had to find a way to make it work. I kept looking hoping to find another frame that did stand by itself. I was really disappointed that I couldn't get a colored one. Finally, (I wish I could think of these things myself without needing to have a visual), I found a variety of different stands I could put the wall-hanging frame on. Needless to say I was pretty excited to find them. I got some letter stickers so I could put her name on the top of the frame to add some more yumph to it. And just as I was getting in line I saw big standing initials for $5. I grabbed an S. Everything worked out so perfectly. Before I went into the store, I prayed and asked God to guide my shopping and show me what to buy. Because I was going in completely clueless on what to get.
  Today, I went grocery shopping with Mom and I remembered a friend that had been feeling down recently and I wanted to find a way to possibly cheer her up a little. God gave me the idea to find some inexpensive, small things that I know she loves. I just want to encourage you guys that if you know someone who is going through a tough time and really needs some love and encouragement, don't be shy. Step out and show them that you're thinking of them. It doesn't have to be anything big. I could just be a card, but let them know that they are loved and cared about.
  God loves you, and I love you too. If there is someone I'm able to help in the world, I pray God will use me.
  Hope you all are having a good week!

  ~Annah

Her colors this year are green, blue, and yellow. This was
the only S and it was green.  

Interests & Hobbies

  Hello Everyone!

  SO sorry I didn't blog yesterday. I feel bad about that.
  Well, anyway, for a while I'm gonna be doing posts about my interests and hobbies. I have a list of 20 of them and I'll do 1 or 2 at a time. I probably won't do them in the order they are listed. I will start next week because today is gonna be a pretty full day and I don't have time to sit here and write anything worth reading. For the most part, its gonna be non-stop till I go to bed tonight. So, here's the list, and come back next week on Tuesday to find out what the first one is.

1. Piano
2. Violin
3. Sewing
4. Crocheting
5. Knitting
6. Quilting
7. Cleaning
8. Organizing
9. Writing
10. Cake decorating
11. Drawing
12. Painting
13. Cooking
14. Blogging
15. Youtube
16. Photography
17. Babysitting
18. Food allergies
19. Dogs
20. Friends

  There are some other interests that I have but I'm not going to be talking about them any time soon. Hope you have a great day! I kinda hope I have a good day too, because today is going to be busy/hectic. Bye ya'll.

   ~Annah

No Post Today

I haven't had time to do a blog post today. I just got home again. I thought Tuesdays would be a good day to do this. Its been good for the most part. Today was just busy with things that required my attention and I wasn't able to concentrate. Hopefully it will be up tomorrow.

   ~Annah

Life Update 4/1/14

   Hello Everyone!

   Today is just going to be a short little life update.
   Well, I made it all the way through March. I want to continue to remain dedicated to blogging weekly.
   Tonight, I will be going to see my Aunt Jean, Leona and her babies. I will try and take pictures. There has been colds and flu going around so we haven't been around too many people. It will be nice to visit tonight.
   On Saturday, I went to a horse show with some friends. I didn't bring my camera. (I'm still not used to taking pictures for the blog yet, but I will try to be doing that more). The horse show was show jumping. I was so much fun to watch. At points it got a little frightening. When you're calmly sitting there watching them jump and then you hear the loud sound of the horse's foot hitting against a pole and everyone tenses up. I've never been to a horse show, so it was a fun, great experience. I hope to go to more in the future, and next time bring my camera.
   Today, we went shopping! I don't know what it is about shopping, but it always boosts my mood. I always feel so happy when I'm done. It never fails. A lot of the clothes I have right now I've had for years, and I don't feel good in them anymore. I bought a couple skirts, t-shirts, and a hooded sweat-shirt.
 

Trying on a blue tee that I bought today.

   I've been enjoying the weather SO MUCH by the way! We've had some nice, warm days.
   Random note: feels like tomorrow is Sunday. I guess because we went shopping today. I don't know.
   Questions for this week are: What is your favorite day to go shopping? Have you ever been to a horse show? Let me know in the comments.
   Sorry this post was so short, but thanks for reading. I hope your day is going well!

   ~Annah