Bel Canto Chamber Choir

I was looking through our pics and found these. They are of Bel Canto at Winterfest. Hope you can find your self!!
Singing "Riu Riu Chiu"

Singing "Riu Riu Chiu"

Singing ?

Horsegirl.

My Christmas

I hope everyone had a good Christmas. I did at least.

On Kara's blog she had a picture entitled "Abby trying out her new amp." And a certian someone was being a critic. I'm not going to name this critic. So, Strider, here are some pics of my amp.





Hope it is to your liking. And if you'er nice I might even bring it to orchestra and let you see it.

Bad Me

The title says it. I am bad. I haven't had much time to post what has been going on.

To start out with, yesterday us three older ones had THREE performances. We had to be at the hammons hall at 9-9:30 to warm up. That meant we had to get up at 6:30 to be ready to leave at 7:45 to pick Kara P. up. We had two performances at Hammons. One in the morning, it was a matinee for the real thing that night. The last one was at a nursing home. Which was wedged in between the two hammons performances.

We didn't get home until 10:30. It was after 11 when we were able to go to sleep.

Sorry!!!!!!!!!

I am SO sorry for taking ten days to post anything!!! It has been really hectic around here.

For starters, I have had three orchestra performances in the past six days. One on Friday, one Saturday, and one last night. Let me give all of you, who DON'T go to orchestra, a brief overview of these past three days.

Friday: Regular orchestra day. With the Beethoven and Brahms orchestras and Bel Canto Chamber Choir performing at the Hammens hall that night, right after orchestra practically.

Saturday: We got up, ate, found every body's performance clothes, got the instruments, music, and stands out in the van. Then after picking up one of our friends, Kara P., we headed to the designated church where the performance was to be held. We got there, and hurriedly found a place for our instruments and other stuff. The Concert Choir and the people who were left in Beethoven, with a few Alumni people, ran through For the Glory and the Hallelujah Chorus. Then Bel Canto figured out our standing arrangements in the choir loft. Then, I at least, had about 10 minutes of breathing time before Bel Canto had to go out to the foryer to do the pre-concert. After that, the real concert began. Let us just put it that waiting for the cue to go up and do my thing was a little nerve racking. We finally were able to go up for Bel Canto. We then did our little thing, and everybody loved us. At least that is what I am telling myself. Then it was time for Beethoven and Brahms. In Brahms, I was so out of it by then. Well, to start out, I had not seen hide nor hair of a program. So I thought that we were doing the same order as the night before. So, I get the music out, put my harp in the right key for the song, look up at the girls, who sit in front of me, and see a totally different song on their stands. So, I get that music out, change the key, and wait for Mrs. L. to start the count off. By the time I was ready, I was hearing Mrs. L. saying that we were going to skip that song, for a time saver, and go to the second one. AHHHHHH!!!!!!!!! So I watched everybody in front of me to see what the song was, got it out, changed keys one more time, and then we played our next two songs. The rest of the day went by without any other notable disasters. On my part that is.

My Tuesday: I am going to give you all the load down for Tuesday, so you all can see just how hectic it was for Kara my mom and myself.

It starts out with Lessons for us three older girls. We then go pick up Kara P. and go to the R's. house for pizza and speech class. We then drop Kara P. off at her house so she could get ready, go home, get ready ourselves, pack the van up, pick Kara P. up again, and go pick up James P.(No relation) We then head to Springtown for our performance. It was to be "performance's" but the weather had turned bad by the time we were done with the first one. So we scurried out, packed up, went to go eat, got gas and chocolate, then headed home. We dropped Kara P. and Emily C. off at their houses, and went home ourselves. It was tiring.

I had to babysit today. It was ok. For a babysitting job.

So other that what I have said above, my days have gone by fairly well.

We Are Back!!!!

Yes, we are back!!!! You guys who might of thought that we(Kara, Maddie, and I) would stop posting, think again!!! There is NOTHING that would keep us from doing it!!!!!!!

Maddie put some pics up on her blog. They are really cute, cool, pretty, the whole shebang. As you can see by some of the pics, it is snowing!!!!!! It has been all day!!!

Today, we girls watched The Nativity Story. It was an OK movie.

Our new little 2nd cousin is a doll!!! I rocked him to sleep, which was a bad idea. He is heavy!!!!! I had held him for about 30 minutes BEFORE he fell asleep. He was asleep for about 15 minutes, then he woke up and we played for an additional 15 minutes. I then handed him over to Kara. My arm hurt for the rest of the night. And well into the next day or two.

Cool Stuff, Shopping Spree, And other stuff

Orchestra was fun Friday. In Bel Canto, Mrs. S. mixed up the guys and girls. It sounded really cool!! In Concert Choir, the people in the back two rows had to stand on their chairs. I was one of them! It was scary!!!!! But singing with the Orchestra was SO awesome!!!!!!!!!!! It was my first time to do that, with all of the rest of the choir singing. It was worth standing on my chair. Even though I felt like I was going to fall over forward on top of the people in front of me. It was fun all the same.

Saturday, Kara, my mom, Maddie, Mrs. P., and her daughter Kara, and I, all went shopping for Kara's Birthday. I got a shirt for Christmas performances that are coming up, a pair of jeans, two Camis, since the one I had was too small, and a long-sleeved shirt. I also got a new purse and wallet. This is probably the first time that I have gone shopping and not come back with any jewelry.

This week is Thanksgiving week. Hope you all have fun eating turkey!! I'll see about posting about my Thanksgiving. If there is anything that would interest any of you. Talk to you all later.

The Recital

He wasn't shorter that I am. :( But he was my height. So I'm good. The music was good. I didn't recognize any of the music, so it was a new experience. Listening wise. At the reception, he had donuts. But it was a good evening altogether.

Recitals, Cool Choir Pieces, Crazy Boys

Tonight Emi and Gabe's Viola teacher is having a recital. So we are going to it. They say that he is really short. That is one of the reasons that I'm going. Not that I don't want to listen to the music, It's just that I'm not that tall, so if he is shorter than me, I will be sooooooo happy. 'Cause I don't know any guys that are my age or older that are shorter than I am.

Kara has some choir pieces that she wants to do on her blog. They are really cool.

Yesterday in church, we had potluck. It was fun. When Kara, Luke, and I were leaving. Or should I say attempting to gather the kids up to leave. Well, Luke was at the blue van, saw me coming, and ran in the parking-lot. When he has been told many times that he was not supposed to do that. One of my friends, Micah, saw it too. He asked me: "Want me to go get him?" So, being the non-athletic person that I am, I didn't refuse the offer. He striped his coat off, while running towards the area that Luke had run off in, turned to me, and through his coat at me. It landed on the ground, he turned back around and ran off after Luke. I then hear his mom yelling his name. She then asked me to pick it up, and beat him up for doing that. So I picked up his coat, and walked towards the area where the boys were. When I got there, Micah had Luke in the cruke of his arm and was walking towards me. I then took the boy, and handed Micah his coat. As I was handing it to him, I told him: "Your Mom wanted me to beat you up for droping your coat." He smiled, and said: "Just smack my cheek right here, like this." He imitated what I was to do. I did it.

I am SOOOOOOOOO Excited!!!!

I finally got to go to orchestra yesterday!!!!!!!!! I was SO excited! I actually got to sing the two songs (the Hallelujah chorus and For the Glory) with the orchestra. It was awesome!!!!! Although it was only five sopranos, three to four altos, three tenors, and, I think, four basses. So we were a little unbalanced. We were also a little spread out in the loft, so it was hard to hear the other parts. Not to mention that we only had one conductor for both the orchestra and choir. It will be easier next week when we have two.

Have you ever have moments that you suddenly remember something from your past? Things that really haven't ever left you? I had one of them the other day. I was walking around the house, and a blast from the past suddenly came upon me. I then had the idea to wright them all down, as much as I could remember that is. It's still a work-in-progress, but it is getting there. I don't have much, I haven't even worked on it since Thursday, but with orchestra and other stuff yesterday, I really couldn't think. Even if I had found the time to do any of it, I wouldn't have had anything to wright down.

Dentist, Music Breakdown

Today, before lessons the three oldest ones had dentist. It was a typical dentist appointment. Really nothing interesting to talk about that.

In lessons, my teacher, Mrs. J., was getting the piano music out for one of our pieces. She flipped through the pages, and stopped at the one we were doing. She asked which measure number we were starting at for the new part that we were doing. I said that we were starting at the pick-ups to 71. She went there, looked at it, looked at my music, and after a few times of this asks: "Is this the right spot?" I look at my music, looked at her music, and I noticed why she was having trouble. "The music that we're playing at the moment is in the key of C, the music you have opened is in the key of G." She looked at it again with new insight, "You're right, no wonder the music wasn't matching up!" The rest of the lesson went on without incident.

A Day Of Fun

I didn't go to orchestra yesterday. I was still coughing, it felt like at times I was going to cough my insides out. Not that when I had all of the congestion I wasn't blowing my brains out. So with what was left of my brains and insides I stayed home, with my two youngest siblings.

It was an OK day. Most of it was spent in front of the TV, but oh well. That's how you keep kids from making you go crazy. Stick a movie in, give them candy/popcorn, sit back, and enjoy. So when the (or your) parents get home, they can deal with the sugar crazy kids.

When we weren't in front of the TV, we were ether: dressing up as a movie character, eating lunch, dancing to music, or playing computer.

Luke was SO funny when we were dressing up. I told him to go dress up as Indiana Jones. He was so exited about that. After about two minutes, he came to me and said: "I don't have any white shirts to wear! Cause Indiana has a white shirt." So I told him that he didn't have to look exactly like Jones. All I got from that was a angry sigh and a angry walk back to his room. He then came out with a brown shirt on, saying: "I'm wearing this because Indiana has a brown coat, so this is the coat. Now I have to go get my hat." Saying the later as he was running down the hallway excitedly.

Then Megan came up to me with a complaint. I told her to be ether Princess Leah or Queen Amidala. She said: " I can't find any white shirts! Because I'm going to be Amidala in the clone wars when she is fighting the thing and gets scratched on the back." So I just told her that she doesn't have to have a plain white shirt, she could wear one that is white with something on it, but inside out. She really didn't like that idea, but in the end she ended up doing just that.

Still Here

I am feeling better now. I still have a little congestion, a cough, and headaches every now and again. But other than that I am as close to being myself as I can be. Now whether I am well enough to go to Orchestra on Friday or not is to be seen.

About 30 min. to an hour ago, I was thinking that we might have been rid of "our dog". Just at that moment I just so happen to look outside and see Gabe trying to shoo the same dog away with two sticks. So apparently he is still around.

She is Back!!!!!

Kara is back home again!! Now I don't have to be the oldest anymore!!!! *YEAH* She slept in really late this morning. But we will have to give her a few days to recuperate, get back into the swing of things.

I'm not the only one who has a cold in the house. My mom, and Kara at least have a cold. My mom had it before I did. That may be how I caught it. Sorry mom, I'm not blaming you.

I finished the Lord of the Rings. I finished the Two Towers Saturday afternoon, and Return of the King yesterday. I got to stay home from church. That's how I was able to watch all 4 hours. Kara thinks that I am weird. I told her that Yesterday I got to relax and watch a movie while everyone else was at church. When I told her which movie I was watching, she sighed, rolled her eyes, and said: "Relaxing watching Lord of the Rings!" But, she would rather watch a Jane Austin or some other chick-flick movie that involves crying. I can do that, but I felt like Lord of the Rings. Don't know how to categorize it, but you all can help me out with that.

I really don't fell like doing ANY school today. But, it has to be done. Might as well do it now instead of having to do several days worth of it later.

This has to be the longest post that I have put out there in a good while. Hopefully I will have something interesting to post about soon.

Colds Are Not Fun

I have a cold. :( It is not fun, anyone knows that. I got it Thursday, but it didn't spike until last night after I got home from Orchestra. Thank goodness.

While I'm on the subject of Orchestra, something happened. It wasn't weird or anything, just to let you know. In concert choir one of our songs is O Holy Night. It has an African feel to it, which is really cool. Well, we were all having trouble with it. Everyone was either sick or just not paying attention. So Mrs. S. said this: "I'm going to do something that will put some of you out of your comfort zones." Then she points to two basses, tenors, altos, and sopranos. I was one of the sopranos. I would not have gone up of my own free will if she had just asked for two volunteers from each part. But I think I did an OK job of it. All except the high G at the end, I cracked at that note. But I had the starting of a cold, so it was forgivable, I think. The reason that she did that was to have everyone hear what the whole thing would sound like. I still don't know why she chose me as one of the sopranos. Other than that the day went by without anything else weird happening.

Doggie Problems

Well, last night around six, while I was making dinner I hear the kids all saying that there is a strange dog outside. I really didn't think that there was a dog outside, until I went to the window myself. Sure enough the dog was there. He looked just like our dog, Ginger, but kinda like a German Shepard. So, he's still there tonight. We put Ginger in the garage for now. That is life out in the country for you.

Kara is gone this week. She had a G.S. thing. So this week will definatly be a litte quiter.

The Play

Last night Kara, Becca, two friends, and I all went to the play. It was South Pacific. It was an ok performance.

Schedule

Well, I started the Two Towers. I haven't finished it yet, but I'll try to sometime soon.

The High School drama is having their latest play yesterday, today, and tomorrow. Hopefully we will be going to it tonight.

Three Fugitives

Last night us four older girls watched the Three Fugitives. It's a Martin Short movie. If you want a movie that will make you laugh and choke up a little at, this is the one.

I finished the Fellowship of the Rings Sunday afternoon. I still haven't started the Two Towers yet. I might do that tonight, if I get my school done. I had better go.

Horse Sales

Well, I didn't go to the bonfire last night. I wasn't felling up to going. So I stayed home and watched the first two hours of the fellowship. I know, I'm crazy.

Today we have, like I said, pictures. After that, I am going to a horse sale. A family that are friends of ours are having the sale. This will be my third year to help them.

Little Things

Orchestra is tomorrow. I really can't wait!!! I love orchestra. If you all couldn't tell.

Then that night my dad has a work party that we are all going to. It's an annual party that everyone from his work goes to. It's fun. There's a hayride a little after dark, and everyone cooks hot dogs and bratwursts over a campfire. There is hot chocolate, soda, and coffee I think.

We also have pictures on Saturday. We are going to the same place that Kara had her Senior pictures taken.

Small Happenings

We got our Bel Canto Cd's Friday!! Mrs. S. now says that we don't have an excuse for not having our parts down. :)

Today I had to help my mom with some retreat stuff. It was fun, listening to three moms laughing at each other, half of the time over stuff that I had no idea what was. But I guess that they have to do that, since us teenagers do that to them.

In Sunday school, we got to watch Louie Giglio speak on Chris Tomlin's Indescribable tour. It was cool. Not that Louie isn't cool to listen to. But it really made me think, Louie always does that to me when I listen to him.

Silent Night

In Bel Canto, the chamber choir, one of our songs is Silent Night. The interesting thing about it is we have to sing it in German. So I, with the help of Kara and Maddie, found a Youtube video of Silent Night in German. Look below.
Hope you all enjoy it!!

Cd's, Birthdays, and What Not

Well, yesterday we were originally suppose to get our Cd's for Bel Canto. But she(our choir teacher) didn't have them all made yet, so hopefully she will have them for us next week.

Yesterday was my dads' Birthday. I won't say how old he is, 'cause I know that he reads this. I also know that he can beat me up if I put it out there.

The Don't Song

On one of the blogs that I read, this song was on there. It is hilarious!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T-lv8745InI
It is definitely worth watching!


Monday was fun!! Getting to hold Quinci. She was very good. And she is ADORABLE. I'll get some pics later.

My New little cousin

My aunt had her baby Friday morning! We are going to see her today. So, hopefully I will have some pictures of us with her. Her name is Quinci Elizabeth, by the way. Well, I had better go.

Survivor

Survivor started last week. It was interesting. I'll have to wait a while to see how I really like this season.

Friday was OK. In chair try-outs I got 7th. I was aiming for 4th again, but as you all know, I did poorly. I'll have to be content with this arrangement, for now, until next time.

We got Concert choir Cd's Friday. One of our songs is the Hallelujah Chorus. We went through the first two pages. It was very fun.

Mozart

In lessons this week I got a new piano piece. It's called Fantasia 1. Go to You Tube, type in 'Fantasia by Mozart,' watch and enjoy!

In theory last week, in the Beethoven an Brahms theory, we ended up splitting up. The reason is that there was two books that was offered in this class. I am in the book 4 class. Last week we played games, which was fun. When we were ready to start one of the games(the musical version of Jeopardy) we had gotten into two lines(boys vs. girls) and the girls all pushed me up to the FRONT of the line!!!!!! While they were doing that and shoving the bell into my hands, I asked them "why ME?" And one of the girls answered: "Because your good!" I didn't think that, but I decided NOT to argue. I did answer the question correctly, though, which is good! But the whole category is the one that I have down no problemo, the others, I still have to work on. Not to mention that the category that I have down was not a category that was available!! It was "Name that Tune and Composer." In the category, they play a sample of music, you have to answer with the title of the song, where the song came from, and who the Composer is. For example, the question that I got right was: "Hoedown from Rodeo by Aaron Copland." Good for me that the guy I was up against really didn't know the answer.

Audrey is such a DOLL!!!!!! I really want to take her home with me SOOOOOOOOOOO badly!!!!! But I guess I will have to be content with seeing her once a week.

*sigh with a sad, downcast face*

Actions

Why did I put this as my title? Let me explain.

What is the definition of action? it is simply this:

Action-the movement of a person or thing.

There is a song by Jaci Velasquez that I think really goes well with what I will be tyring to say. It is called "Thief of Always." It goes something like this.

Before the winter chill has gone
The springtime rivers rise
Before the setting sun has disappeared
The moon is rising high

And time waits for no man
Seasons come and go
In the midst of an ever-changing world
This one thing I know

Chorus:
You've got to live every moment
As though it was your last
Before the thief of always
Steals tomorrow from your grasp
Before the chance to know his love
Has somehow passed you by
Let your heart reach out
Right here, right now
For the LORD to touch your life

Before the trees have shed
Their autumn gold
To leave the barest bark
The frost beneath our feet
Will sparkle bright
Like crystals under the sky

And time waits for no man
Seasons come and go
In the midst of an ever-changing world
This one thing I know

Chorus:
You've got to live every moment
As though it was your last
Before the thief of always
Steals tomorrow from your grasp
Before the chance to know his love
Has somehow passed you by
Let your heart reach out
Right here, right now
For the LORD to touch your life

Don't ever doubt that God
Can lift us high
Allow the flame of Heaven
To be our guide

Chorus:
You've got to live every moment
As though it was your last
Before the thief of always
Steals tomorrow from your grasp
Before the chance to know his love
Has somehow passed you by
Let your heart reach out
Right here, right now
For the LORD to touch your life

Now I want to introduce you to two people(who are not real, I am using them as examples, these are not real people) that I will be comparing what I say with.

The first is Fred. He says that he is a christian. But for two weeks I have been secretly watching his ACTIONS. For example, the way he lives his life by the way he treats his family, friends, and himself. What I have seen is not backing up what he said. What I saw was him drinking, smoking, wearing the wrong clothing, and hanging out with the wrong friends that have started him on drugs. On top of that, he is snappy with everyone. Selfish if you want to call it that.

The second is Matt. He also says that he is a Christian. Also I have been secretly watching his ACTIONS, just like Fred. But what I saw was surprising. He has the best attitude, friends, family, and clothing. He reads his Bible with his friends, a Bible study if you want to call it that. I saw that he has the ability to cook, and he drinks lots of water. He never thinks of himself.

So, how am I going to apply these two guys to Actions? Well, I am going to use Bible verses to help define who is the best to have as a friend.

Lets look at Proverbs 20:11.
"Even a child is known by his actions,
by whether his conduct is pure and right."

So, even a CHILD is known by his actions. So that means that EVERYONE is known by their actions. So, that would mean that you and I are known by our actions.

You all know that in this day and age friendships are based on appearances. I base my friendships on your actions, on how you treat the friends you already have. To see if I want to be treated the same way.

It also says that his actions are based by whether his conduct is pure and right. What does 'pure and right' mean? It means that his actions are the best that anyone could possibly have.

So, we can use this verse to help us see which of our two examples is the best for a friend. Which of the two guys do you think describes the best?

Matt, of course! His actions are the best that you could possibly have.

OK, lets look at Romans 12:1-2
"1Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God—this is your spiritual ACT of worship. 2Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will."

So, this is a LONG passage. But it has a very important message about our actions. We are to give our bodies as a 'living sacrifice.' What does that mean? A 'living sacrifice.' It means that we are to live as an offering to God. That we are to honor God in all that we do. That means that our action are to honor God and show that we have a great God. The second half of the passage is saying that we have to not act like the rest of the world, but to train our minds to be able to decide of to hear what God has planed for us. That is his 'good, pleasing and perfect will.'

So, which of the two guys does this describe?

Matt, yet again!

Now, lets look at another one. 1st John 2:16
"For everything in the world—the cravings of sinful man, the lust of his eyes and the boasting of what he has and does—comes not from the Father but from the world."

Again, what does this verse mean? It means that the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life is what is being said is of Satan, and it is right. As is all of the Bible. Because, the world is his dominion. He has reign over all evil.

So, which of the two guys is this verse describing?

Fred, of course.

Now, Mattew 5:16.
"In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven."

Let your light so shine before men. What does that mean exactly? It means to let what good you have inside shine through so that everyone can see it. See what good? Your good ACTIONS. The way you really treat others. With kindness and goodness.

Which one would be best to describe this verse?

Matt again.

1 Corinthians 6:19-20.
"19Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; 20you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your body."

Our body is a house of God. That means that God lives within you if you are a Christian!! That is amazing!! It also says that we were bought at a price. That price is that God sent Jesus to die on the cross to die for the sins that we commit. So we are to honor God with our Body which is our Actions. So that He fan shine through us.

Who is this verse made for?

Matt.

Philippians 4:13.
"I can do everything through him who gives me strength."

We and do all things through him who gives us strength. That is if we are having a hard time letting our Actions shine through us to honor God, and the world is pulling us down, we can always go to God for strength.

This applies to everyone who is a believer.

James 2:19-20.
"19You believe that there is one God. Good! Even the demons believe that—and shudder. 20You foolish man, do you want evidence that faith without deeds is useless?"

That faith without deed is useless or dead. So if we believe and we don't show that we believe, how are other believers to know that? How are we to fellowship with others if they don't know? If you believe that Jesus died for your sins of the cross and don't let others who do know, how are you to strengthen your walk with the LORD if you stay hidden in the closet for the rest of your life? You need to show that you believe in God. Even if it means that you give your life for it.

Matt won this round again.

1 Samuel 2:3.
"Do not keep talking so proudly
or let your mouth speak such arrogance,
for the LORD is a God who knows,
and by him deeds are weighed."

By him deeds are weighed.
Actions are weighed by God.
So what we do in our life is known by God. God knows what you did yesterday, today, and for the rest of your life. Everything that you have done or will do, he knows. So, if you want treasures in heaven, don't store them up down here on earth. Store them up with God. For He is the only one who really will remember everything.

Matt again.

1 Thessalonians 4:11-12
"11Make it your ambition to lead a quiet life, to mind your own business and to work with your hands, just as we told you, 12so that your daily life may win the respect of outsiders and so that you will not be dependent on anybody."

This is my favorite passage if the Bible. I think it really describes who I am. Maddie agrees with me on that.

We need to be able to work hard, have a quite life, and to not have nose problems. Some people like to gossip, right. But we need to be able to keep to ourselves, and let others tell us if something is wrong. Let them admit that they need help. That is what Paul meant when he said 'so that your daily life may win the respect of outsiders.' He wants us to not have to owe anybody anything.

I think that Matt gets this one as well.

So there are 9 passages from the Bible that talk about Actions. Which one was able to get the most?

Matt.

A real Christian lives out what he/she says.
Make it your ambition to lead a life that will store up treasures beyond comprehension up in heaven.

I want to tell you all a story.
It is called "Power of your Actions" and I thought it fitting to share it. I don't know who the auther is, but this is a real story. I got it from a Sunday School Class several years ago.

"One day, when I was a freshman in high school, I saw a kid from my class who was walking home form school. His name was kyle. It looked like he was carrying all of his books. I thought to myself, "Why would anyone bring home all his books on a Friday? He must really be a nerd."

I had quite a weekend planned(parties and a football game with my friends tomorrow afternoon), so I shrugged my shoulders and went on.

As I was walking, Isaw a bunch of kiks running toward him. They ran at him, knocking all of his boods out of his arms and tripping him so he landed in the dirt. His glasses went flying, and I saw them land in the grass about ten feet from him. He looked up and I saw this terrible sadness in his eyes.

My heart went out to him. So, I jogged over to him and as he crawled around looking for his glasses, and I saw a tear in his eyes. As I handed him his glasses, I said, "Those guys are jerks. They really should get lives."

He looked at me and said, "Hey, thanks!" There was a big smile of his face. It was one of those smiles that showed real gratitude. I helped him pick up his books, and asked him where he lived. As it turned out, he lived quite near me, so I asked him why I had never seen him before.

He said he had gone to a private school before now. Until then, I never would have hung out with a private school kid before. We talked all the way home, and I helped carry his books. He turned out to be a pretty cool kid. I asked him if he wanted to play foorball on Saturday with me and my friends. He said yes.

We hung all weekend and the more I got to know Kyle, the more I liked him. And my friends thought the same of him.

Monday morning came, and there was Kyle with the huge stack of books again. I stopped him and said, "You are really going to build some serious muscles with thes pile of books everyday!" He just laughed and handed me half the books.

Over the next four years, Kyle and I became best friends. When we were seniors, we began to think about college. Kyle decided on Georgetown, and I was going to Duke. I knew that we would always be friends, that the miles would never be a problem. He was going to be a doctor, and I was going for buisness on a football scholarship.

Kyle was valedictorian of our class. I teased him all the time about being a nerd. He had to prepare a speech for graduation. I was so glad it wasn't me having to get up there and speak.

Graduation day, I saw Kyle. He looked great. He was one of those guys that really found himself during high school. He filled out and actually looked good in glasses. He had mofe dates thatn me and all the girls LOVED HIM!!!

Boy, somethimes I was jealous. Today was one of those days. I could tell he was nervous about his speech. So, I smacked him on the back and said, "Hey, big guy, you'll be great!" He looked at me with one of those looks(the really greatful one) and smiled. "Thanks," he said.

As he started his speech, he cleared his throat, and begain. "Graduation is a time to thank those who helped you make it through those though years.

Your parents, teachers, siblings, maybe a coach...but mostly your friends. I am here to tell all of you that being a friend to someone is the best gift you can give them. I am going to tell you a story."

I just looked at my friend with disbelief as he told the story of the first day we met. He had planned to kill himself over the weekend. He talked of how he had cleaned out his locker so his mom wouldn't have to do it later and was carring in stuff home.

He looked har at me and gave ma a little smile. "Thankfully, I was saved. My friend saved me from doing the unspeakable." I heard a gasp go through the crowd as this handsome, popular boy told us all about his weakest moment.

I saw his mom and dad looking at me and smiling that same greatful smile. Not until that moment did I realize it's depth.

Never undrestimate the power of your actions. With one small gesture you can change a person's life. For better or for worse. God puts us all in each other's lives to impact one another in some way. Look for God in others."

My New Template

How do you all like my new template? My sister helped me to get it on here.

At orchestra Friday, we had chair try-outs. I did horible! It might of had something to do with the fact that I was sitting. Usually I stand when I am doing something by myself. Like for lessons, I stand while playing. The only time that I sit and play for violin is in orchestra playing with a big group. So that might have had something to do with it. I'm NOT looking forward to seeing the results.

Well, have to go get ready for school.

Batman Begins

Well, last night I(along with my parents, Emily, and Gabe) watched Batman Begins. I liked it. After we had finished the movie, Kara and Maddie thought that we, Emily and myself, had warped minds for watching a movie like that. But they also said that about the Lord of the Rings.

Hopefully what I said a couple of days ago made sense to everyone. If it didn't, please tell me.

Well, I had better go do school. Yes we started this week. I am aming to not get behind this year. I did last year, and I hated it!! I know hate is a strong word but, I think it is better than lothe. Even if they mean the same thing.

Physical Therapy

To Heather-in Christ alone:
This is horsegirl.
The type of therapy I am interested in is physical therapy for mentally and/or physically handicapped people where you use horses as the therapy. The handicapped people are aided in riding as they build self-confidence, personal-interaction with their horse, improve balance, and being able to concentrate on tasks. They take these skills that they learn at the center and apply it with every-day life.

When I first found out about Horse Therapy, I had volunteered at a Horse therapy center for a Sunday school project. Volunteering at that time triggered a spark of interest to do this. Since I LOVE horses, and wanted to do something WITH horses as a career, I thought this would be what God was telling me to look into.

There have been many reports by family members that have a loved one that had been using regular physical therapy, then switched over to horse therapy and saw incredible results.

Like one person that I read about from the center I volunteered at. Her son, I think, had been on physical therapy for several months, and he hadn't made much progress. The family heard about horse therapy, decided to give it a try, and fell in love with the environment and assistance. After either the first or second riding session, the guy walked from the horse to his wheelchair, I think, on his own. He might of had some assistance in the walk, but they hadn't seen him with that much independence since before his accident.

So, I hope that I have answered your questions. Hopefully I have also inspired some other people to look into this more, especially if you are, like me, horse people and want a career option other than training.

First Days are Tiring

Orchestra went well yesterday, seeing that it was only the first day.

I was really excited about Choir. After Bel Canto(Select Choir) I was sad thinking that choir was over. Then I realized, that I had a whole other hour of choir after I taught my beginner theory class! Then I got really excited.

After theory, I went to the Concert(High School) Choir. It has at least doubled in size. Our guy section has really grown. That has to be the biggest addition to the choir.

In my theory class, I have an adorable little girl. She is 8, has shoulder length dark blond hair, blue eyes, and just the sweetest personality that anyone could possibly have! I wanted to take her home with me. I still do! Her name is Audrey.

Life is soooo Confusing Sometimes

Well, to start out we were going to start school this week. But we didn't. So I still have at least one more week of freedom left. But I probably shouldn't be saying that. Since my teacher(my mom) reads my blog. Yes I am home schooled. It is fun, yet hard all at the same time. The fun list is:
1. We can stay in our pj's all day long if we want to.
2. ORCHESTRA.
3. You can, somewhat, work at your own pace.
4. You can have a one-on-one with your teacher.
5. You have a very flexible schedule.
The bad, hard list is:
1. You can get behind if you aren't careful.
2. When you get sick #1 can become a BIG factor.....
3. It seems to take forever to get back to were you need to be.
4. Your teacher is always on your tail to see that you get the work done in time for summer.

Kara and I have an orchestra performance on Saturday. It will be the last time for the Beethoven and Brahms of last year to play. It's saddening to think about. So I won't think about it until the performance is actually over.

Another thing that we did in Tennessee was that we went on a 1.3 mile hike to see a waterfall.It was gorgeous!!!!! The water was FREEZING!!!!!!!! But it felt good on my hot skin. You could say that it revived me for the 1.3 mile trip back to the van. I think Kara has some pics of the trip on her blog.

Hi, I'm Back!!!!!!

Does the title say what I'm thinking right now?

The answer is YES.

I really had a fun time in Tennessee. I did NOT come back with an accent. Thank goodness!!!!!!

We went to the Biltmore Estate. It had 250 some-odd rooms. We only saw a small fraction of them. It was 153,000 acers when it was at its biggest. The house has a mid-evil look to it. It was an awesome experience.

Well, I'll tell you more later.

Orchestra

Well, I am in the Select Choir!!!!!

We are going to Tennessee all next week. It's for a family vacation. My grandparents have a time share, they were going next week, and invited us to join them. It's free, which is good. Now, all we have to pay for is food and gas for the trip there and back. So we won't be at Orchestra next week, but that's ok, all the playing that I would be doing is orientation stuff. I know that they can do it without me. But then again, everything is about me.

(YEAH RIGHT)

Tomorrow my aunt is having a baby shower. The girls of the fam are going. It's all the way up in KC.

I just realized that I have been in KC a lot this summer. This will be my third time.

Well, I had better go pack. Blog in about a week or so.

My Day Yesterday

Well, I didn't get my permit yesterday. I missed 7. You can only miss 5. So, I'll be studying some more.

Kara and I had two orchestra performances yesterday. I think we did really well. Given that we only had one practice last Friday. Having been off all summer.

After our last performance, we ate at McAlister's. I hadn't been there in a while, so I was happy. It was a long day. A REALLY long day.

My Permit

So, I am thinking about getting my drivers permit next week. I think I'm ready. I had taken a practice test on the 12th of this month and got 13 out of the 44 problems wrong. I took it again about ten minutes ago and got 7 out of 44 wrong. I'll do the math for all of you and tell you that I got 6 questions more than last time. I don't know when the drivers office is open, but I think that it will be open ether Monday or Tuesday. That's all for right now. Blog Later.

A Short Vacation

Well, we got back from Big Ceder in Branson. We were supposed to come back tomorrow, but it was raining, today and tomorrow. So all we would be doing is watching TV all day long for the next two days. So we decided to come home today instead of tomorrow.

Orchestra starts up in two days!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I'm really happy if you can't tell. I love going to orchestra.

While my grandma was here, I don't know if I already put this out there or not but who cares? Well, she taught me how to make net scrubies to wash dishes with. They only take an hour to make, 30 minutes if you're really fast. There also easy to wash. You could put them in the dish washer of in the washing machine.

She also had a movie for us to watch. It's called "The Russians are Coming! The Russians are Coming!" It's an old 1966 movie(that IS in color)that is one of the funnest movies I have ever seen. She also brought "Love is a Many Splendid Thing." We haven't watched it yet.

While we are on the subject of movies, I would recomend you all to watch "The Russians are Coming! The Russians are Coming!" You would like it, very much. Another movie is "Enchanted." The music in it is awsome!!!!!

A Night at the Theater

Well, we all got back from KC. Last nights feature was "Fiddler on the Roof". I think it was better than the Music Man. I wasn't quite prepared for the dream that Tevye has. When Lazars first wife, Fruma-Sarah, "comes back to life". When we would watch it at home, my mom would always fast forward threw it. So I really didn't know what to expect at that part.

My grandma is staying with us this weekend. It will be really fun.

Orchestra is starting back up next week!!!!!!!! I'm really excited.

A Peek into the Past

I thought that you all would like to see me when I was about, oh say, 5 months old. Something along that line. It's a picture of me and my grandfather, who died 5 years ago. I really miss him.

The Olympics

Sorry that is has been over a week since I have posted.

So, the Olympics start today. My favorite is the gymnastics.

Today I will go to our church worship practice. I went last week, but didn't play on Sunday. I am playing violin. I am play this Sunday. It depends on how I do today.

The Music Man

Well, it was The Music Man. If you have ever seen the movie then you know what I'm talking about. I've seen both the Shirley Jones and the newer one with Matthew Broderick.

The guy that was Professor Harold Hill, I really didn't like him singing wise. That part of the character was too big for him. He was always singing it an octave higher or lower. But he did a great job of it otherwise. The lady that was Marian, she did a great job of her part. Both in acting and singing. But when she got to those high notes, she really didn't need to be miced. She could be heard all the way to the back of the theater with room to spare, without the mic.

My friend, Kara P., came too. It was fun to have a friend coming along. It was kinda like having a birthday party, only with one friend coming with you. She is kind of like another sister.

Orchestra is starting back up!!!!! But that also means that school starts back up again too. :( But this year, there is going to be a Select Choir added to the choirs. I'm thinking about trying out for it. So are my sisters.

Another Post Thown At You

Sorry that it's been a whole week since I last posted!!

Well, to start things off, tomorrow my family is going up to my mom's parents house to spend a while. Then we are off to the theater in KC. To see the Music Man, we will see the Fiddler on the Roof in August sometime. Our friend, Kara P. is coming with us, which is awesome!!!

Last week we went to Bran-town to Long Creek. We swam, ate, slept, and watched movies in the awesome theater. That's right, our own private theater. With surround sound. So watching Transformers was awesome. The Lord of the Rings would probably be awesome to watch there also.........

Well, I think that's it. Blog Later.

Promised Pictures

Here are the promised pictures.
Mrs. L. as Dr. Lizzy, who sometimes gets dizzy.

Here I am as Lab Assistant Sophie. I really don't ware glasses. They are just a part of my costume.

I don't think we have any of the other two people. I'll have to get them soon, hopefully. Well, I think that's it. For now.

V.B.S. Update

Well, it's over, *sniff, sob.*

It was SO much fun! I'll put up some pictures later, if I have time, or find the time to do.

While V.B.S. was going on I finished the two towers and watched all of the return of the king.

That's not how the movie was supposed to end. Saruman and Wormtounge don't kill each other in the two towers, but at the end of the return of the king. And the shire is not supposed to be as peaceful as they left it. Saruman had gone there after Isengaurd was destroyed, had built mills and destroyed everything in the shire. Frodo, Sam, Merry, and Pippin have to get things back into order.

So anyway, that's my intake on the Lord of the Rings. My favorite character would have to be Sam, followed closely by Merry and Pippin. The movies made them out to be So funny. But on the whole, Sam comes out to be my favorite of all characters.

Well, I'll post again soon.

V.B.S.

We start our V.B.S. tomorrow!!!!!!! The setting up that is. Em is so excited, this being her first time to help with the setting up. Everything is looking really good! In my station that is. We'll have to wait 'till tomorrow to see how it all looks on the stage.

Well, yesterday we played "house." We all took a job, like banker, librarian, etc., and played for two hours or so. It was interesting and fun at the same time if you have younger siblings and know how it is. I'll attempt to take some pics and put them on here.

I'm Bored, Again!!!

HI...................................

You can tell that I am feeling as the title says. Bored. I don't really have anything to do today.

Earlier I had another V.B.S. meeting. It was the last meeting until Sunday, which is the day BEFORE V.B.S. I think we did a lot today. I also think that we are ready music wise, well, I am at least. But then I'm always like this every year, ready. Music wise.

Well, I'll blog later. Bye.

Birthday Pictures

Here is the promised pictures. They aren't all of them, just some of them. Hope you enjoy them.

My Birthday

Well, as I said in the previous post, I had my b-day. I got a bunch of stuff, like anyone gets on their birthday. I got: chocolate/candy, a latch hook rug, two paint-by-numbers, sweetish weaving material, a $10 gift certificate to WM, the "Fiddler on the Roof" DVD, and Tickets to the theater in KC to see Fiddler on the Roof, very exciting.

Well, what else to blog about? We went swimming again today. It was OK. Right now we are watching Pocahontas 2. I'll attempt to put up pics from my Birthday later.

I still haven't watched the second hour of the Two Towers.

Happy Fourth, Late

Happy 4th everyone!!!!! Sorry that it's late. I've been at my grandparents house watching fireworks, eating, swimming, eating, talking, eating, you get the picture. Lots of eating there.

Well, I'm 16!!!!! Don't feel 16, but I felt that way when I turned 15, so we're good. I had a good Birthday. I'm pretty sure that Kara will put the pics on her blog.

I had the weirdest dream last night. We(My family)and some people from Orchestra lived at mall. Don't know how that flew, but it did.

Something to spark your interest

Well, last night my mom, dad, and I all watched one hour of the second part of the Two Towers. My dad said that I could watch the movies all by myself, didn't know that I was old and responsible enough to do that.

Thursday is my Birthday!!!! I don't feel that I'm one year older. But that happens to me every year. It just so happens that I have a V.B.S. meeting that day as well.

The Video

Kara put a video on her blog that has all of us kids in it, well, all but her anyway. She put all the juicy details on there as well. So go watch and enjoy.

One More Post ;)

Hi, just felt like putting another post out there.

Last night our friends the P.s and Micah R. came out and swam. It was fun, and scary all at the same time. The reason I say 'scary' is because Josh and Micah did this little dance when the were leaving that was, lets just say, interesting. OK more like really really scary!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Today I have a meeting for V.B.S. There is a downfall to it though. It takes place during lunch. :( But I know it will be fun. We have to come up with stage names and crazy hair styles. We also get to wear these coats that look like lab coats but are really nurse coats. Because one of the people that I am working with is a nurse. We are doing the Power Lab this year. I really like the music this year.

Catching You All Up

Sorry for not posting in awhile!!! :( I have been preoccupied with other things.

For starters, I have been working with some other people for my churches Vacation Bible School. I am working in the music station this year. Like I have for the past two years, it is just something I like doing. My favorite part of the station is in seeing the faces of all the kids when the finally get through the whole song that we had just done without messing up once. It's also fun to see if I mess up with any of the actions in the songs. I did that once last year, and it was embarrassing!!!!!!!!!! I looked out to see if anyone had caught my mistake. Only one that I remember caught it, he was a cerw-leader though, so none of the kids saw it, I hope. If they did, I never saw it. I'm known as the one to look to if anyone forgets the motions.

I still have not watched the second part of the Two Towers. It stinks, to tell you the truth. I can't remember when we started it, but it seems like it was an eternity ago. Hint to mother.

We have swam the last two to three days in our pool. It gets tiring ofter awhile. The kids were asking us older ones if we would go out and swim with them today. It was like at 10-10:30 this morning when they asked us this. We told them not today. Because us three older ones have music lessons today, my mom has to go to town at 1, and we have to get some more school done.

Well, I had better go. Blog later.

The Poll

I'm trying something new. I put a poll on the side of my blog. Thanks ahead of time for voting in it.

More Info

Maddie got her fish! She'll give you all the scoop, so I'll leave it at that.

I finally got to watch the Two Towers, the first part anyway. My mom, dad, and I watched it Monday night. Got to go, I'll blog later.

The Pool

We worked all day yesterday and Saturday to get the ground ready for the pool. The unfortunate part of it is it started raining last night. It is going to rain all day. The only days that we would be able to do it is Tuesday and Wednesday. The weekend, Thursday through Sunday, it will rain, so they tell us. Not to mention that my dad is going to be gone on a business trip on Wednesday, so that would only leave Tuesday to do everything that we need done. Which won't happen. The ground will be too wet for that. The hole that we have right now is FULL of water. So we made a joke that that is our pool. Though it looks more like a pond than a pool.

I can't remember if I posted this or not. More likely not, but Maddie got a fish tank for her B-day!!!! She got it Friday, so I think. She can correct me if I'm wrong. Today we are going to get her some fish. For the fish that she saw when she got the tank she didn't like. I don't know what kind or species she wants, so I'll let her put in all those little details. Her blog is on my favorites.

More on the Lord of the Rings

I still have not watched the Two Towers. Hopefully, it will be soon.

We are getting a pool!!!!!!!!!! It will be fun, fun, fun. Now we won't have to wait to go to our grandparents house to swim.

A little more Info

I thought that all of you out there would like to be caught up a bit, right? Well, I'll do my best.

Well, for starters, my sister, Maddie, is having her B-day today!!!! I hope you have a good b-day Maddie!!!!!

Next, I was finally able to watch the Lord Of The Rings!!!!!!!!! I had started the books in January and finished them in April. Sunday night I was able to start the Fellowship with my mom. We finished it last night. Hopefully, we sill start the Two Towers tonight, if my mom can stay up that late again for the third night in a row.

They took out a lot of things in the book that I liked. For example, Frodo and Sam, when they got to the forest and saw the elves going to the sea, Merry and Pippin were with them. The elves helped them to hide from the black riders as well. And they took out the part were they are at the mounds. For that is were they got their swords. They also took out the part before they get to Bree and while they were in Bree. They got Bill at Bree as well, which they did not put in as much as in the book. There was no mention of a "thing" going on between Strider and Arwen in the book. The way they portrayed the orcs, the elves, and the dwarfs are not how I had portrayed them ether.

I'm Bored

I am SO bored!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I have nothing to do but: read, play music, catch up on school that I haven't finished yet, watch tv, and play computer. (Like I have any games that I really play on the computer.)

What Next?

The title practically says it all. We finished Orchestra Thursday, so I have nothing to do. Well, if you count school, music lessons, babysitting on Wednesday nights, and church on Sunday things worth doing then I agree. But orchestra was such a big part of my life that now its over for the summer, the things I mentioned above will have to do. As I mentioned in a previous post, I'll also have to look forward to V.B.S. this summer as well. Yesterday felt like a Saturday, Thursday felt like a Friday, and today feels like another Saturday. The second in a row.

I got my hair cut Thursday!!!! I don't know how much(in inches) I got cut off, but I know it was a lot. If you want to see my before and after pics, go to "Kara's Blog" in "My Favorite Blogs."

American Idol

David Cook won!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I am SO happy, if you can't tell already. I wanted him to win. Now I have to wait until NEXT YEAR to watch it all over again. :( But, it will be fun to watch as much as it was to watch this year.

Catching you all up

Well, this week has been interesting.

To start it out, Survivor ended Sunday.:( It was SO funny to watch though.

Then, on Tuesday, Kara and I had an Orchestra performance. It was different than what I had thought it to be. There was only 6 violins from BOTH 1st and 2nd parts, 2 violas, 3 cellos, 2 flutes, and 1 harp. One of the violins was pulled into the performance because we needed another one. We mostly played hymns though. You could tell that they(the people that we were playing for)enjoyed us very much.

Then, we had our last orchestra yesterday.:( It is very sad to think about. We have our end of the year performances next week. I'm still trying to find something to look forward to that is closer to today. I guess that V.B.S is going to have to work. Since it IS a closer date than when we start back up in orchestra.

I guess that is all I have to catch you up with. Unless you want me to tell you about school, but I really don't want to. So I'll just save all of you(and myself) a lot of trouble.

American Idol

I just knew that it would be the two Davids in the finals. If I had to choose which one I wanted to win, it would be David Cook. I just thought of something. Next week, when Ryan is announcing who wins, it would be so funny if he just said: "David, you have won." And just left it at that. Wouldn't that be hilarious? They would both be standing there looking at each other thinking: "Which one of us did he really mean? Is it me? Or is it you?" But I can't see into the future, so don't go by me. I may be wrong, yet I may be right. I will just have to wait until next week to find out.

American Idol

I am soooooooooo glad that Jason is out of the compition!!!!!! It was a good week for him to go. He did awful!!!!! But he was never a rocker, and he didn't pick the right songs. So all-in-all I'm glad he went home last night.

American Idol and Other Stuff

Brooke White is out of the competition. It's OK thought, she was getting quite annoying after awhile. I'm not to sorry that she left. The funny thing is, her husband can now, after so many months, finally cut his hair. Before she went in to addition, he had made a bet with her.
"As long as you aren't cut from the competition, I won't cut my hair."
Every time he would go to work, his co-workers would tell him to go cut his hair. He would tell them that he couldn't because of his bet with Brooke. She said in a interview that he as really curly hair, so it was going every where.
That was in August, it was April when she got cut. I just thought that all of you would like that little tidbit of knowledge.

Today all the kids that play in the Bach orchestra and down are performing. Along with the Middle School and Jr. choirs. I don't have to perform at all today, Which is a good thing and a bad thing. A good thing because I don't have to deal with the stress of this performance, but then the bad end of it is that I have to he;p with my younger brother, Luke. Only if the weather is good. If it's raining, then it won't be going on. Since it is an outside performance the weather is vital.

Well, better go eat and all that fun stuff.

The Performance

Friday night was SO hectic. I was almost out of breath. I was tired as well. But I'm getting ahead of myself. Let me start at the beginning.

Well, first I had to get ready (which was almost an adventure in it's self.) Then I had to get all of my music and both of my instruments ready. then get all of the kids in the van along with my stuff. An drive to where we were having the performance.

That is the sum-up of the drive TO the performance. The actual thing is what was hectic.

Kara and I went in, and Set up. While everyone else was practicing. Practice a little with the orchestras, then walk behind the stage over to the other side, only to practice with the choir this time. After that we had to walk back to the other side, behind the stage, to play with the orchestra for the REAL performance. Then almost right after we had finished on that side, we hurried over to the choir side, using behind the stage for transportation, to perform over there. We were able to stay on the choir side for the ceremony, then we did one more choir piece, then literally ran to the other side to be able to perform for the graduates to leave. Then we played two more pieces of music before we were able to pack up.

Then we were done. *long and tired sigh* We don't have to do it again until next year. Which, I know, will come only to soon. The only thing that I was thinking of at that moment was: "It's over! I can get out of these heels soon!"

Well, better go find something productive to do. Hope to be hearing some comments soon.

Performances, Performances, Performances.

Today I have an Orchestra Performance. It is for a High School Graduation. I have to perform three times tonight! Harp, Violin, and Choir. Hopefully it all goes well. Last night all the orchestra classes Bach and down performed. Along with the two younger choirs. The top two orchestras and the top choir will be performing tonight, which I am in all three. My sister, Kara, Is in all three of these classes, but just choir and flute. Lucky her, only one Instrument and choir instead of two instruments and choir. I won't be surprised if I am tired after the performance. Hopefully something exciting will happen tonight, so I can have a REAL reason to blog. Well, blog later.

American Idol

Carly's gone :(. Very sad. But she wasn't one of my favorites anyway. I can tell you right now, my opinion is that both Davids will be in the final two. But then so does everyone else, I think. my sister, Kara, and I are watching a movie, so I had better go and finnish with her. Write as soon as I can.

My World View

Everyone has their own view of the world. That is what I am calling the "World Viewpoint." There is one for clothes, friends, boy/girlfriends, dating, marriage, divorce, music, etc. It just goes on and on. But there is a Christian viewpoint as well. It covers the same exact things that I listed above, but has a different view of each problem or dilemma or whatever you want to call it. My Viewpoint is the Christian Viewpoint. So, I look to the Bible and other teachings that I have heard to help shape it. So I dress the way it says to, the friend choices that I make are based off of it, and I don't believe in dating or boyfriends at my age. I am waiting for "Mr. Right" or "Prince Charming" to come along on his white horse and carry me off. The one God has Made just for me, shaping his life to be a perfect fit for me. But as I wait, I too need to be making myself ready to be HIS PERFECT FIT as well. I am to young to be married, but I don't believe that it is "Right" to divorce your spouse either. I believe that I should listen to christian music by christian artist only, but I do listen to Josh Groban, I will admit that. Along with other things that I have my parents permission on. I don't do anything without it, but I'm not perfect. There has been times when I have sinned and done things without it. I won't mention them here. But I know that God is always there for me to lean on for support. I have my family, Christian friends, music/music theory teachers, and Sunday school teachers to go to in time of need. I just thank God for putting me in a family that has good, Christan morals for me to follow.

At Long Last, I Have Something Worth Telling

The title says it all. I have something worth while to write. As I said yesterday, I would wait to see what today had in store. My waiting payed off. Well, for starters, I feel a whole lot better today. If that means anything to any of you.

Today in theory my theory teacher, Mrs S., brought her "Carnival of the Animals" for us to listen to. She forgot to bring it last week(the week I was gone) and that made me feel a whole lot better. That I hadn't missed anything to important. So we listened to that. There's a story behind all of this, though.

It starts out the last time I was at orchestra. We were all in theory, and listening to the CD of the musical time periods. We were on the Romantic time period. And we got to the "Carnival of the Animals" and Josiah H. and Luke S. got up and started doing impersonations of the three animals that were played on the CD. The swan, the elephant, and something else. The one that involves the bones. I wish we had gotten pictures of that. I would have put them on here if I did. It was SO funny. Their faces were priceless. Did I stress that we were all laughing so hard that, I'm pretty sure, everyone was crying from laughing so hard.

During my playing hours, I say hours because I play violin in one class and then harp in the class right after that, I thought that we did pretty good, all things considered. And during choir we did pretty good too, all things considered.

Well, better go. Time to eat dinner. Barbecued chicken. That my dad cooked. Just to tell all of you, he is a really, really, REALLY, good cook. There are two reasons I say this. First off, because it's true. Secondly, because I think he reads this blog, so I have to watch what I say about him.

Orchestra

Hopefully I am well enough to go to orchestra tomorrow. Since being sick last week, I am hopfully not still sick. I'm still coughing and my noise is still a little stuffed. But it is getting better and I'm getting better. I haven't been to orchestra in two weeks. So, I'm pretty sure everyone there is farther in their music than I am. Which stinks, really badly. Hopfully, tomorrow will give me something to write about. Write later, with something more exciting.

Hi........Really nothing to do...........

Today I would be attempting to get as much of my school done before my lesson. Tuesdays are my lesson days. But when your teacher is sick, it's kinda hard to do that without one. So, today is going to be just like yesterday, nothing but school.

Today is my brothers' birthday. So, happy birthday.(I don't know if he reads this or not.) Last night we had to have the "ceremony." Because my dad is going to be gone today on business. So, that's why.

American Idol

I can't believe that Michel is gone!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I liked him. Kristy really should have gone. If you can't tell, I'm not liking it one bit. But as I said before, I can't do anything about it. My favorites would have both Davids, and Brooke. Jason's facial expressions are hilarious, but I'm not really excited about him.

Catching you all up

This week has not been a good one for me. I have been sick with a head cold. It's not as bad today as it was yesterday. I actually feel better that I have the entire time I have been sick. So that means that I am doing better. But I was not well enough to be able to go to orchestra. I still have a stuffed-up-nose and a cough but I am better. I am staying home because I would rather play it safe than sorry. Hopefully Beka is there to teach theory.:P I am staying at home with My youngest brother Luke and the sister that I am closest to in age Madalyn. She woke up this morning with what I have had all week so she, of course, had to stay home.


Sunday night, I was babysitting at my church. Near the end of it I was lying down on the floor. I had my hair out all over the floor so as not to lay on it. And one of the two little girls that I had that night came over and started to just roll around in it. Laughing as though it was the funniest thing ever. So I moved over to lay on my side and she came over and lay down right in front of me with her hand under her chin. I wish I had a picture of her doing that, it was SO cute. And we just lay there for about two minutes. Then I pinched her nose in a playful sort of way and she instantly sat up on her heels, threw her head back and laughed as though it was the funniest thing in the whole world. Then she went back down to the same position I was still in, I pinched her nose, she sat up, threw her head back, and laughed again! Judy(the other lady I work with, I've known her a looooong time, she used to babysit me.) and I were just laughing and laughing until we were almost to the point of crying. Then we got up and went on playing as though nothing had ever happened. But it was sooooooooooooooooo funny. I wish I had pictures of that night, it was so fun.

Because He Lives

At church today we sang this old hymn.

God sent His son, they called Him, Jesus;
He came to love, heal and forgive;
He lived and died to buy my pardon,
An empty grave is there to prove my Savior lives!

Chorus
Because He lives, I can face tomorrow,
Because He lives, all fear is gone;
Because I know He holds the future,
And life is worth the living,
Just because He lives!

How sweet to hold a newborn baby,
And feel the pride and joy he gives;
But greater still the calm assurance:
This child can face uncertain days because He Lives!


Chorus
Because He lives, I can face tomorrow,
Because He lives, all fear is gone;
Because I know He holds the future,
And life is worth the living,
Just because He lives!

And then one day, I'll cross the river,
I'll fight life's final war with pain;
And then, as death gives way to vict'ry,
I'll see the lights of glory and I'll know He lives!


Chorus
Because He lives, I can face tomorrow,
Because He lives, all fear is gone;
Because I know He holds the future,
And life is worth the living,
Just because He lives!

This is amazing isn't it!!!!!!!! That because he lives, so can we to give Him the glory and Honor that He deserves.

This is something that my grandfather sent me.
YOUR AGE BY EATING OUT

Don't tell me your age; you probably would tell a falsehood anyway-but your waiter may know!

YOUR AGE BY DINER & RESTAURANT MATH

This is pretty neat

DON'T CHEAT BY SCROLLING DOWN FIRST!

It takes less than a minute. Work this out as you read .

Be sure you don't read the bottom until you've worked it out!

This is not one of those waste of time things, it's fun.

1. First of all, pick the number of times a week that you would like to go out to eat. (more than once but less than 10)

2. Multiply this number by 2 (just to be bold)

3. Add 5

4. Multiply it by 50

5. If you have already had your birthday this year add 1758...

If you haven't, add 1757.

6.. Now subtract the four digit year that you were born.

You should have a three digit number

The first digit of this was your original number. (I.e., How many times

you want to go out to restaurants in a week.)

The next two numbers are

YOUR AGE ! ------ (Oh YES, it is!)

THIS IS THE ONLY YEAR (2008) IT WILL EVER WORK, SO SPREAD IT AROUND
WHILE IT LASTS

The Quartet

The Quartet yesterday was really cool. It consisted of 2 violins, 1 viola, and 1 cello. All but the viola player were guys. Which kinda made her the "special" one. But the guy that was on the first part said that the violin was the BEST instrument EVER invented. At first I agreed with him. But that was the violin player in me agreeing. Then my vocal, piano, and harp players kicked in and said: "that's not entirely true." So now I say that EVERY instrument invented is the best one. Because if everyone said that their instrument was the best, wouldn't ALL of them be the best? I guess it's just all depends on what kind of music you really like to listen to and play.

One thing down, two more to go.

I just got back from my orchestra performance. It was an OK performance, the acoustics in the room we were put in was very strange. I could hardly hear anything. Occasionally I could hear the other parts, but when I did it was a very faint sound. Did I tell you that the room was incredibly HOT. It was. I thought I was going to die from it!!!!!!!!! And we all had a hard time keeping together because it was very strangely arranged room, if you get what I'm saying. So that is how it came to be an OK performance.
I still have not been able to find the time to fit in ANY SCHOOL WHATSOEVER. And I don't do school after 5, if I do, I won't get a word of it. So, I'll have to do school Saturday Or Sunday afternoon if I don't get everything done.
Tomorrow at orchestra we are having a quartet or something-or-other come and perform. So that will be cool. I'll still have to go into town again though. I'm really not looking forward to it very much, but on the whole, it's OK.

So many things!!!!!!

I have SO many things to do today!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I don't know how I'm going to do it all, and still have time to myself. For starters, My Moms' parents are here for a visit. Then later on this afternoon I have an orchestra performance. And somewhere in between both of these things and getting ready to go I have to do school. The fact if I'm going to get EVERYTHING done today does NOT appear in the near future. I can tell you right now that I won't be able to do it tomorrow ether. For tomorrow I am at orchestra ALL DAY. Got to go.

American Idol

I can't Believe that Kristy is STILL in the competition!!!!!!!!!!!!!
It is SO not fair. She should have been gone a long time ago. But, there really isn't much I can do about it. Well, better go.

First Entry

Hi,
This is my first time blogging. So, anyway got to go.
horsegirlj3.