I'm kinda a failure as family photographer. NO REALLY. Two birthdays have passed and I didn't get a single picture of either. Not one. I'm really bad a capturing our everyday activities.
That doesn't mean I'm not taking pictures...
They're just not of my family.
Recently, I've been really taken with light. I know, I know, photography is all about light. But I mean lonely light, light surrounded by darkness type of thing. Maybe it's because it's dark early. Anyway, here's some of my recent picture "finds".
That windmill scene is one of my favorite scenes. I get to see it all the time. But it never gets old. Sometimes I just wish I could show better what I can see! 'Cause what I see is much more spectacular.
Moving on from pictures to sign language. I forgot to mention that I sat down to this post with no expectations or ideas. Just makin' it up as I go. Sign language, though! I think I've lost part of my hear to it. Which is not very practical, because sign language has never been part of my plan. I'm just really not sure at this point where I'm going with it. But I really hope and can at least continue to ASL 2 this summer. I really like my teacher. She's very laid-back and wants us to learn at our own pace. Three hours of sign language is really a brain overload but I haven't burnt out yet so I think it must be a good overload. It certainly keeps me awake on that 50 minute drive home, which I am very thankful for. I'll admit something embarrassing, though. Several times I've been signing in the car on the way home and started swerving all over the road. I sincerely hope my mom doesn't read that. Moral of the story: don't try to sign and drive at the same time. Especially if you aren't experienced at either.
That's my hurried blog post for the week. Hurried, unplanned, and unrevised. It probably makes no sense, but it will have to do for now! I have places to be :)
I read a book last week by Elizabeth and Anna Sofia Botkin called It's (not that) Complicated. Really it was mostly about godly friendships/relationships with boys/young men. The emphasis was really just on friendships versus more romantic relationships. I did enjoy the book. It was engaging, very thoughtful and had lots of good points. However, I wasn't overly impressed. EXCEPT the section on being a godly sister. *bam* Where they specifically looking at my life when they wrote that? I'm very suspicious. So here's a little run-down of my favorite parts about that section... also known as the very convicting parts.
The whole brothers section started out with the point that we are commanded to treat all men (and women) as brothers (or sisters) in Christ. Personally, I don't want to start treating everyone like I do my siblings (as Hiccup says, "we need her to like us!") So, first step... work on my relationships with my real brothers. Because they are my practice. I know personally, the relationship I have with my younger and older brothers needs some work. "Some" in this instance means "I will be working on this for the rest of my life".
The Botkin's listed several things that I hadn't considered in my role as a godly sister/woman "...to confess...to admit wrong...to defer to another in love...to care, to ask questions, to sympathize...to be capable of giving wise counsel, loving reproof, and gentle exhortation..." (56). Okay then, let's just apply that list to my younger brothers.Maybe I'll tell another time how this book convicted me about my relationship with my older brother. But for now, we'll just stick with the little, dirty, loud, and pesky ones.
I have a very common relationship with my younger brothers. They plague my life...I plague them back. They tease me...I tease better (I mean, just sayin'!). But to defer in love? (Can you hear me justifying? "But they're my little brothers, I should NEVER defer to them! If I do, I will actually be able to watch their heads swell") But that's not really necessary is it? I don't always have to be exerting my rights as the big sister, do I? And "wise counsel", that would involve actually stopping to listen to them and showing interest in what they're doing ("But I don't care about swords and legos!"). But I'm supposed to be one of their examples of a godly woman. The mission I assigned myself: Stop. Listen. Learn to care so that I can be what a big sister should be; someone who can give encouragement (because I know them well enough to know the encouragement they need), wise counsel (because I'm seeking out God's purpose and plan), loving reproof (loving, not criticizing, undermining, or aggravated), and gentle exhortation (because a gentle answer turns away wrath). Those adjectives are important, let me tell you.
So that's what's been floating across my mind this week. :)
I've never really kept a journal. Everyone once in a while when I was younger I would keep one for a couple of months...or weeks...or just days. But I've lost them all. Thank goodness. I would guess they were pretty silly.
The last two years, however, I kept a gratitude journal. I started after reading 1000 Gifts by Ann Voskamp. I really enjoyed her writing style, and thought having a consistent activity to cultivate thankfulness would be worthwhile. I just write in it when I do my Bible time. I started writing down in it quotes by my very quotable family (and friends! And movies! And books!), Bible verses I ran across that I liked, and notable happening I wanted to remember. Although it's not like a real journal in paragraph form, the little snippets are still really fun to look back at, because they help me remember things I was doing or thinking or enjoying or struggling with.
Here's a little tour through the years :)
"I'm going to bury you in my pyramid, Mom!" ~Kota 307. Getting to know Hannah through Chem class 355. Laundry mountain ranges 483. Instructions from Grandma Elaine 565. The perfect number of clothespins 823. Stormy knowing how to fix the bike chain 873. Kids singing the K-State fight song 914. Liddy's reaction to sparkly shoes 981. 1 warm room 982. 2 thrilled brothers 983. 3 laughing Weddle sisters-nose goes piano playing 984. 4 Christmas carols
I start my Bible time by writing down just a few gifts. I think it helps me focus my mind a little bit. ON the other hand, sometimes when I'm thinking through the previous day for something I was blessed by or loved, I think of something that I didn't get done :) So it has its pros and cons. But I really enjoy thinking of gifts, writing them down, and being able to look back over them.
45. "Hi!" from a strange little kid 57. Finding a friend (or two!) on hard hills 139. C-47 287. Running down tree rows 318. Abby-laughter conversations 332. Plaid pearl snap cutoff on the littlest 761. A varsity meeting on shorts 797. Sittin' round with my chocolate chips 824. Maiden voyage of the USS Banana 890. "one more" Studio C 925. Sr. night with Anna by my side 973. Prayer in the wrap-up station 977. Puzzles, UNO, one car delivered, and a cup of chai with hugs (Advent day 6 page 52-a quote) "Try keeping a smile on your face all day" 980. Everything learned from Mrs. Mann 988. CINNAMON ROLL DAY ~~ 13. Mrs. Ryan's help!! "hey, sweetie" :) feeling so loved 25. All the pretty hair at multi-church 47. Back with the worldview group for good times!
So there's a random glimpse into one of my favorite activities. What are three things you're thankful for today? *images from Pinterest*
If you were looking for rhyme or reason...you may consider looking somewhere else. There won't be any of that here today ;)
Currently>
READING...Pride and Prejudice for literature class, annnddd...that's it. Unless you count textbooks, then the list would be LONG :)
WATCHING...we checked out Divergent from the library this week. I really enjoyed it. The book for me was so-so. It seemed like a big rip-off of the Hunger Games, and I was just slightly depressed reading another dystopian society book. But the movie was faster paced, with none of the characters thoughts. It has actually now ranked above the Hunger Games movies for me.
LISTENING... ah, yes. Here is where I get all my literature. Although actually RIGHT NOW I'm listening to the Divergent soundtrack.
Moving onto books: I'm listening to On My Honor which I just randomly selected from an online library. I can't say much about it yet, I haven't listened to much.
On the other hand, I just finished listening to Unbroken (YA version). Unbroken is the story of Louie Zamperini a 1936 olympic runner turned bombadier in WWII. He ran in the 5000M after less than 6 months of training. He was supposed to break the mile record in the 1940 olympics. He survived 47 days on a life raft at sea.
My favorite story from the whole book? When the war was over, the prisoners of war were waiting to be taken out of Japan. They first heard the war was over when one allied plane flew over and dropped a note with the news, one chocolate bar, and a promise to come with more supplies soon because that was all the pilot had at the time. The chocolate bar was dropped to one starving guy, but he didn't eat it. He took it back to the highest ranking prisoner in the camp and they cut it into 700 pieces. Each man in the camp licked his finger and picked up one sliver of chocolate. Camaraderie, bravery, heroism, courage, and fighting spirit made the book really amazing. His testimony made it extra special.
Guys, I loved it. Guys, I hated it. The story is amazing. I kid you not, phenomenal. (I don't usually speak so strongly for or against books or movies, cause it gets your expectations up. In this case, I'm just sharing exactly what I thought of it) His running, his war stories, his POW stories, his testimony. Just WOW. But so, so sad. My dad and brother listened to it and just loved listen to his courageous story.Most of the book made me very sad. Lay-on-the-couch-trying-not-to-cry. Loved it, hated it. You should read it. :)
MAKING...really trying to find a good sourdough recipe. I'm starting to think my starter may not be very sour.
FEELING...a little stressed. It's Monday and I have lots to do kind of stressed. Not bad, just a little apprehensive.
PLANNING...what I'm doing this evening. Help deliver firewood, go running...when, where, etc.
LOVING...a new sweatshirt I got for Christmas. It's so comfy!
When did I last sing out loud? What did I sing?
Yesterday morning at church. We sang a song I'd never heard before but really liked- The Love of God. Listen here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OIdC_SRrzNY
Describe something beautiful I've seen lately...
Anyone been watching the sunsets? The last two weeks there's been some really pretty ones. By pretty I mean colorful-red- yellow-orange, and big-all striped across the sky. Like this one last week:
These questions are snagged from Chloe at Curious Ramblings. Hop on over there to see some spectacular gifs. They are hilarious :)
What did you do in 2014 that you have never done before?
I navigated an airport by myself, and I got a driver's license! Both scary, exciting adventures!
Did you keep your 2014 New Year's resolutions?
WELL, as I can't remember what they were, or if I made any, I seriously doubt it. I'm guessing I didn't make any. I'm more likely to make a "new week resolution" than a New Year resolution.
What countries/states did you visit?
KANSAS! Alaska, Washington, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska. The United States :)
What would you like in 2015 that you lacked in 2014?
A job. :) Maybe this summer. A fashions sense would also be nice, but that's not going to happen.
What song/album will always remind you of 2014?
While I was in Alaska this summer I was forced to listen to Katy Perry and some other artists that are just not my favorite. But hearing those songs will forever make me think of this year!
Did you move anywhere?
Across the couch? No, I didn't move anywhere, aside from a little jaunt to Alaska. I'm very happy with our little house on the prairie. Our house moved... up...then...down. But that doesn't really count. :)
What was your biggest achievement of the year?
Aforementioned driver's license. It was stressful, it was scary, I took some serious teasing along the way, but it's over now, and oh be thankful!
Compared to this time last year, what are you?
Running a lot less? At this time last year I was running A LOT. Currently, I'm not running that much. I'm also more swamped with school and slightly more independent. Slightly. :)
Did you suffer an illness or injury?
I've ALWAYS been the sickly one. And this year was no different. I would get sick, no one else would. But all around, no, I've been very healthy. I did get this mean blister. (How boring is that? I need a BATTLE WOUND!!)
What was the best thing you bought?
Gifts. I love buying gifts. I especially enjoyed picking out Alaskan souvenirs. I also really enjoyed a graduation present that my parents bought for my cousin. Granted, I didn't fork over the money for it, but it was my idea and I made it! So... can I have 12% of the credit? (Did anyone get that?) Here's a picture:
Where did most your money go?
Gooooddd question! Very good question! It seems to be missing...
What did you get really, really, really excited about?
All the time I got to spend with little people and babies, Mrs. Mann agreeing to our little trade idea, passing my driver's test, meeting new friends in strange places, working in the kitchen at Bethlehem Revisited, beating Veritas, finishing well our last game at state, new shoes, egg nog... the list could go on and on :)
What was the best concert you went to this year?
Well, ummm...I didn't go to any. So, yeah.
What do you wish you'd done more of?
Math and Biology. But that is very much my own fault... so I wish I'd taken more pictures. We don't have very many pictures of our family this past year. woops.
What do you wish you'd done less of?
One word: internet. Two words: time suck.
What was your greatest music discovery?
The CD player in my CAR!! Oh my word, that thing has kept me company in the fog, at 1AM, in the dark, when I'm tired. It's been the best. I'm guessing that's not what the question meant. So that aside, I really like this song because it's a newer, fast paced version of one of my favorites songs:
How did you spend Christmas?
Doing NO school (not a single bit!), caroling with the Ryan's, going to the movie theater to wait in line then getting cold and bored so going home, and playing games with the Robersons. Now THAT was a mouthful!
Who do you spend the most time on your phone with?
Welp...I don't have a cell phone. The ONLY person I've ever spent significant time of the phone with is Hannah. I have a deep-set irrational fear of phones, but Hannah has helped me a step closer to conquering that.
What was the best book you read?
Oh my. Cruelty! I don't remember half the books I read, let alone which was best! I really enjoyed the Royal Rangers and The Brotherband-Scorpion Mountain because my whole family was in on the adventure.
Did you fall in love in 2014?
Uhh...no. Thank heavens.
What did you want and not get?
Well, I've been meaning to buy a cell phone. But I have some stipulations I've set for myself that I've not attained yet. So I shall wait and sincerely hope I never get a flat tire out in the middle of nowhere.
What were your favorite films of the year that you saw in theater?
I saw Catching Fire, X-Men, The Winter Soldier, and Night at the Museum 3. My FAVORITE was Captain America. I went to X-Men with some friends, and like the ditzy self I am, didn't know there was other X-Men movies that I hadn't seen. I was sitting in the theater after the movie thinking that is by FAR the worst movie I have ever seen! There was SO MANY unexplained aspects. After watching the OTHER X-Men movies, I felt very blonde and it made much more sense ;)
What did you do on your birthday?
I nannyed. It actually don't remember what we did that day. All the days melded together! I remember having lemonade pie... I remember opening gifts and being so, so homesick. I remember my aunt being very thoughtful and making some new friends right around that time. But that's about all I remember.
What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?
Being a perfect human being.
OH, and maybe trying this:
What valuable lesson did you learn in 2014?
Dehydration isn't always very pleasant and keeping your mouth shut is always the better way to go. *ahem* I may be learning that lesson for years to come. Which is not an exciting prospect.
Big shocker here, but nothing's happened since I blogged last. Nootthhiiinnggg. Okay, a few little things...I was home all by myself all day long (my family was split in KC/at Gma's). Except I had the puppy, which was interesting...annoying...something like that.
Anyhow, I didn't have anything to blog about. So I searched pinterest for prompts and came up with a few journal-type questions I decided would be fun to answer.
I love the sound of...
The bread machine I was just listening to that and thinking it was a very comforting sound. That's weird, I know. Let's tie it to good memories involving homemade bread, okay?
Heaters at night. Seriously, this sound lulls me to sleep. It's so familiar and monotonous and warm sounding.
My parents reading out loud.
Little kids saying my name. It's usually something like "Beff". :) Makes me just want to melt.
My favorite catalogue...(just look or buy?)
TITLE NINE. Not only are the clothes cute (and look soo comfy), the pictures are fun! The models look like they're having fun, not staged. It's bright colored and there's funny Q&A with the pictured model like "shouldn't have (blank)" or "hidden talent: (blank)". It's fun to look at...but it's way on the expensive side, so I keep it at just looking!
If there could be only two brands of cereal left in the world, what would you choose?
LIFE cereal (my favorite, FAVORITE!) and shredded wheat (when I was little I called it "cloud cereal" because it was puffy and white). I would miss chex for making puppy chow, but I'm sure I could find something else to use (like popcorn).
Today is worth remembering because...
I started school after my nice, long break. It was actually really nice, cause I really felt like I'd accomplished something. I haven't been totally useless during break, but getting some school done was a nice feeling.
I called HCCC so I could get enrolled. I don't enjoy talking on the phone, and I had no idea what I was doing. It was nice to have it over with and feel like I'm moving forward with enrolling and this next semester. It made me feel independent. :)
My family's all home in their right places. It's good. No, I don't love every minute of it. Actually, most of the time it's pretty annoying. But it feels right. You know, the right kind of annoying...that makes lots of sense, right?
That's all from me for now. I would love to here what your answers to these questions are! (No, seriously, I'm nosy like that! :)
September:
It's pretty easy to sum up...volleyball and football!
October:
Ditto to September.
November:
There was some more volleyball in November, but I don't have pictures of that. So we'll settle for Kota in his "warrior" outfit, and our yearly cousin picture :)
And finally, December:
December came with a new puppy, a new haircut (I took a picture before I got it cut, 'cause I'm a little bit sentimental), and one more family picture (a goofy one)! :)
