Life In My Eyes

Ta Ta!

2012-01-11T22:28:00.002-07:00

Hello All! I would just like to note that Friday at 3:00pm I will be headed off to winter camp. Since our DSLR lens broke (and I probably wouldn't be able to bring it anyways) and we don't have any other cameras in the house, my iPod will have to do. The good thing about my iPod is that it's SUPER portable. I will be gone for three days which means I also wont be posting until Sunday or Monday. Hopefully, I will have lots of photos to bring back. Possibly ones of screaming faces as they plummet down the mountain in a tube, or ones of friends with red cheeks skating on the--quite slippery--ice. Oh man. Just writing this I know this will be fun. We also signed up for dodgeball teams for camp and my friend and I created our own team. Let's hopes some guys signed up for our team. Oh wait. I mean...We don't need boys...Heh...

Before you leave, you really must listen to this hilarious song.

First...Yes, I did just waste 4 minutes of your life and Second, yes, those are the only words in the whole song.

Well, I have some packing to do.

Adios!

Bad News

2012-01-07T21:04:00.000-07:00

Our main DSLR lens is broken. Do I have to say more? I wont be posting often unless I use iPod photos which I will mainly be doing. If you guys know of any cheap lenses anyone is selling for a Canon Rebel XTi (18-55) please let me know. Thank you all for being patient!

Those Special Moments

2012-01-05T23:07:00.000-07:00

Special moments are moments when you make memories. Moments that you'll never forget the laughter, and the people you spent then with. Yesterday we had a game at youth group. Oh yes, a game. I was the good girl and got in line first. Worst. Mistake. Ever. They said the first person in line step up and they had cans of shaving cream in their hand. See, this is one of the reasons I love my youth group. I kind of put the pieces together when the teams behind me had a bag of cheesepuffs. They coated my face in shaving cream and the cheeseball throwing begun. I didn't win, but It sure was a time to remember. We had lots of fun that night.

Just seconds ago my brother and I were panting and quite sweaty after countless hours of Just Dance. Our friends lent their Wii to us and we've had a blast already. Plus, there's a whole weekend ahead of us. You know what I'm saying. have you ever played Just Dance? It's really fun. Lots of laughing and jumping. Just make sure not to whack anyone in the face. Okay? Okay.

Those are the types of moments I am talking about. The amazing moments you'll always remember.

It's Here

2011-12-31T14:07:00.000-07:00

2012 is finally here. After a year of fun and memories, another awaits us.

Last year, I was so bad about my new years resolutions, I forgot what they were. This year, I'm going to write them down and remember to do them.

Do my devotions everyday
Take more photos
Practice my guitar everyday
Savor every moment

Jeremiah 29:11-"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord. "plans prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."

What are your new years resolutions? To catch up on some posting, I'm going to post a photo from every month, and share a story to go along with it. Sound like fun?

January

This photo makes me laugh. I was trying to get everyone to jump, and nobody wanted to. I was trying to get their attention but I just couldn't. I accidentally took this photo and it ended up being one of the best candid shots this year!

February

In February I got way more interested in photography, I was trying out techniques, and having ten photo shoots a day! For this photo, my friend and I were out walking around ALL day photographing each other. We thought we should make an artificial puddle to splash in. We had so much fun going back and forth taking pictures. We got really wet and made lots of memories.

March

March was a month of people photos. I got so into taking pictures of kids and fun. This photo was so hard to get. But this little girl was not the deal. The stinking hula hoop would not stay still! No kidding right?

April

This picture was so much fun to make. We used the self timer and the boys and I went outside to get these shots. The expressions were fantastic and water splashes are pretty cool in pictures.

I had to do two photos for April because this was when I first started using manual mode! Only a few days after. The flowers were in bloom and the next-door neighbors tree hung over our yard. I pointed the camera upward, waited for the beep and snapped away, also capturing some beautiful bokeh.

May

In our old house, a little bunny we gave our bread crusts to always came by. Finally I got out there with the telephoto lens and captured some great bunny photos. We claimed his name was Bun-Bun.

June

We had so much happen in June, I also have to do two pictures. There's much to our month of June and I can't even share all of it. The cupcake one above is Toby's party. (It was a little late considering his birthday is in January)

My amazing cousins from Arizona came to visit us right after I came home from Summer Camp, where I got baptized. The second day they were here, we had a huge water balloon fight. Then for photos we squeezed water balloons over our heads. (You know, a lot of times to get the right photo, we get wet. If you haven't noticed)

July

Fourth of July of course! And it was my first time photography sparklers! How did I do?

My cousin Selah came for a visit and oh...More water. We decided to go outside and play with the hose. We. Got. SOAKED.

August

The same friend I mentioned before in this post came over again and we stayed out all day taking photos. She had a new camera and so I was teaching her about all the settings. Oh it was so much fun!

September

We headed to California where my birthday, seeing redwoods, and camping took place. We also went to a few parts of the Pacific ocean. This particular day, I was standing back taking pictures. Maddy and Toby were standing by the shore and a huge wave came. Thank goodness Toby ran back, he would've been pulled in. No joke. It caught Maddy's legs and she fell to her knees. The power of the wave would've taken Toby in, we're thankful that it was Maddy. Because she was okay, just really wet.

October

We headed off to go see the cousins in Arizona. They have a pool in their backyard. I swam 4 times a day, everyday. It was so hot, and the pool was so refreshing. Let me just say, I got 10x tanner.

November

I am so surprised how well this photo turned out. I was lying on the ground with my shutter speed really slow and I finally got it. We were putting up our Christmas tree pretty early (not for us but maybe for you).

December

Christmas of course! And I got my very own, laptop!

We had an amazing year and we hope to have an even better one next year. Have a great new year everybody!

Odd Obsessions

2011-12-27T16:02:00.001-07:00

Taylor Swift

I have an odd obsession with Taylor Swift. It kind of just came upon me. Actually my dear friend Ellie heated my obsession to a boil. (ha, ha) I especially love this video.

And to brighten up the ending of the holiday season, I must tell you the lyrics to the song below are just so meaningful.

We get so caught up in all of it
Business and relationships
Hundred mile an hour lives
And it's this time of year
And everybody's here
It seems the last thing on your mind

Is that the day holds something special
Something holy, not superficial
So here's to Jesus Christ who saved our lives
It's something we all try to ignore
And put a wreath up on your door
But here's something you should know that is for sure
Christmas must be something more

Even if it's the only Taylor Swift song you ever listen to, I suggest this song.

Star Wars

Oh yes, the one and only, Star Wars Saga. I just finished watching it for the first time the other day. Have you seen these? If not, you must. If you have read on.

Oh Anakin.

That's all I must say for spoiler reasons. In the first three Anakin is my absolute favorite character... Also Obi-Wan, and Yoda, they're awesome.

For some odd reason Episode III is my favorite. (For those of you who have seen it, understand why that is odd) I loved the whole saga even if Episode IV was not my favorite. I recommend these movies STRONGLY.

Also, if you plan on watching them, Episode IV is where you need to start. Watch them in this order--Ep. IV, Ep. V, Ep. VI, Ep. I, Ep. II, and Finally Ep. III. Oh and by the way, R2D2 is just cute.

Percy Jackson

Source {imagekind}

Okay, obviously by this point you can tell I am not a typical tweenager. Everybody needs to love Percy Jackson! No, it's okay if you don't. But really, you should. I really like Percy. Is it odd have a to have a crush on a book character? Annabeth is also pretty cool, she's my second favorite character. My favorite book is the last one. Plus I love Rick Riordan's new series, "The Heroes of Olympus". Have you ever read these? Which is your favorite?

Mixed-Up Socks

You read it correctly. I wouldn't really call it an obsession, but I don't usually wear matching socks anymore. Sometimes they match somewhat, but other times, they don't match at all. And in this situation we come back to Ellie. She kind of rubs off on me. Oh and by the way, because I couldn't find any pictures of mixed socks, here is a picture of a stuffed polar bear.

Mustaches

You must be just as nerdy as I am if you've made it up to this point. Mustaches are just amazing. Why? Who knows. But I got my friend these cool mustache, finger tattoos, and she loved them!

Etsy has a lot of cool mustache merchandise. So if you are a mustache fan, I suggest you go to Etsy. I don't like mustaches on actual people as much as I like those barber shop ones that are quite popular in the tween/teen world.

Owls

What's with those feathery little guys? They're just too cute. Owls on necklaces, bags, earrings, and shirts! They're everywhere.

I really don't know the reason for the owl obsessions with all my friends. Everytime one of my friends sees an owl it's like a chorus of "aww". *shrugs* These things just happen.

If you have any obsessions in common with me, I'd love to hear. Do you have any odd obsessions?

Merry Christmas!

2011-12-25T20:51:00.000-07:00

What a typical title. Gosh, I really need to work on that. Anyways, Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, Happy Holidays. I hope you all had an amazing day spending some quality time with family. I know I did.

I know, you all are on the verge of clicking that little red X. I realize my posts are boring, but I will spice it up a bit when I get to photos. *wags eyebrows*

My day was great as I hope yours was too, but we must take some time to remember the reason we celebrate Christmas. We're all caught up in the gifts and we're not thinking about the purpose of the whole day. Jesus was born 2,000 years ago in that manger as a gift from God to us. We received the gifts in remembrance of the greatest gift. Now, I'm not saying you can't have fun with your gifts, but everytime you use that new camera, or wear those boots, remember the whole reason you have those things and the day you got them.

On to pictures! None are taken by me, all by my mom, because somehow I managed not to get any. Pfft. Don't look at me, I was excited okay? The faces we captured were priceless.

The tree with presents!

Let me explain some of my faces..Ahem...I get it from my younger brother. Heh. As you may or may not see, I got a laptop, I was freaking out, hence, the face. In fact I am Skyping on it now, while writing this post.

Please link me to posts about your Christmas day, or just tell me how it went! I would love to hear.

Today

2011-12-15T22:08:00.003-07:00

Today, I played the wii with my brothers

Today, I had a delicious Peppermint Mocha from Starbucks

Today, I had the best time with my friend

Today, I bought a necklace I will surely wear a lot

Today, I spent a 15 dollar iTunes gift card

Today, I learned a new song on the guitar

Today, I had a very good day

How was your day?

-Iona

I'm Dreaming of a White Christmas

2011-12-13T14:37:00.000-07:00

We've had snow on the ground for about a week. It's so fun just grabbing a thin pair of gloves, slip on some fuzzy boots and run out the door to the winter wonderland. Maddy, my cousin, just headed to her house for Christmas today. I have been busy editing photos, going to youth group, wrapping presents, and doing school. Phew! Anyways here's a few photos to show the happenings.

How've you been this wonderful time of year?

2011-12-05T19:53:00.001-07:00

Hello Everyone! I set up my blog so that I can text to post! This is very cool, this means I can post whenever i'd like from my phone and keep you updated.

Christmas is in, you wont believe it... 19 days. How insane is that? What are you asking for? I really must emphasize that no matter how much everuone loves receiving presents, Jesus is the true reason.

Like I said in a previous post, our Christmas play is coming on the 11 and we've been practicing like crazy. I will try to post a video of us doing it after we do it. Have you ever been in a Christmas play?

If any of you have a google plus, add me in your circles! I am Iona Nicole and I have a profile picture of me wearing aviators. I also have a mustache painted onto my face. (Typical me)

Have any of you ever heard of Polyvore? Its a great site where you can make little collages with fashion type stuff on it... I'm sure you've heard of it. The site is http://polyvore.com I think. It's pretty simple.

Who did NaNoWriMo? I started smack dab in the middle and did not finish. Did you finish? Do you plan on doing it next year?

We have gotten load, and I mean loads, of snow. So far this week we've probably gotten a foot. Wait. I guess thats not loads...Ah, well.

Thanks for reading!

Christmas is around the corner!

2011-12-02T22:00:00.000-07:00

I am so upset and I expect to lose many followers from my scarce posting. Now that we're home from California and all settled in I should be posting lots more often.

Christmas is seriously not too far away, It's actually crazy. Wasn't it Christmas yesterday? No? Oh. Well then. I will start posting more vacation photos VERY soon. I will make myself a reminder each day to post.

I am in our church's Christmas play this year! I have about 60 lines. It's so much fun and we are doing the play on December 11th.

I go to youth group every Wednesday night and yesterday I became a student leader. Which basically means I get to help out each week at youth! I was pretty excited.

It is snowing outside currently, we have about 3 inches so far! Have you been getting snow?

Some other major news: Oh hey, we got puppies! 2 adorable, little, girl puppies! They are doxen poodle mixes. In fact, one puppy is sitting on my lap now. Their names are Oreo and Reese's.

My best friend Ellie is an amazing photographer and she posts much more often than I do. Please go check out her blog at: http://BLANK.blogspot.com

We are doing a co-op tomorrow about making crafts with milk-jugs. Do you guys have any ideas? :)

In the next post I will do photos I just haven't had the camera out as often as usual.

My school curriculum this year is on the computer and I get up each day at 7:00 to do it early each morning. It's called S.O.S. Have any of you ever heard of it?

Maddy broke her toes 2 days ago. Yipes. She hit it on our coffee table. Who knew a coffee table could be after you?

It doesn't feel like fall here...More like winter.

Thank you all for still following even though I've been gone for so long!

Vacation Part 5: Cousins

2011-12-01T13:02:00.002-07:00

This is another post where you can see the real me. Like I don't even think I have to say anything to explain these photos with Maddy and my other 2 cousins.

There you have it. A perfectly good explanation of my everyday life.

About Maddy

2011-11-07T16:08:00.000-07:00

Lets take a break and talk about my cousin, Maddy. Maddy is twelve just like me, (but she's 11 days younger). Shes super tall like 5'6 or something like that. She has really short hair now that she cut it. She has blue-hazel eyes. She's from Texas (imagine how shocked she id about the cold here in Colorado) She's a Christian. She has 3 brothers and 1 sister. Most of the time we get along, but not always. Do you guys think you could pray for her and her family? I hope you will learn more about Maddy throughout the rest of the year!

Thanks for reading!

Vacation Part 4: Redwood Trees

2011-11-01T20:51:00.001-06:00

It was really dark so sorry about blurriness.

Vacation Part 3: Splashing in the Ocean

2011-10-28T21:18:00.000-06:00

This was after the ocean tried to swallow Maddy.

Vacation Part 2 :: Me

2011-10-25T19:55:00.000-06:00

Throughout the trip when I had my ipod out, I would snap a photo of myself. Here are the few that I took.

Stay Here for more vacation photos!

Vacation Part 1 :: The Beginning

2011-10-24T21:14:00.000-06:00

I'm not even going to wonder why I've been gone so long. I'm home now. And HOPEFULLY I can get back into the posting groove. Please stay here!

Micky-D's in Wyoming. (and may I just add, I look awful)

From right to left: Gabriel, Maddy, Toby, and Me.

This was at a food-drive-type-thing that we did. We gave hamburgers to the poor in Nevada.

Now you've seen me when I'm high on sugar. End of story.
Left to Right: Me and Maddy

There's more posts coming with more of the trip! I am actually drafting them now.

What do you think of the photos?

Redwood Forest

2011-09-03T07:43:00.000-06:00

We visited this beautiful forest last year, and I hope to visit it again. I wanted to show you how tall these trees really are. They are amazing. Have you ever seen the redwoods?

What's Happening?

2011-09-01T15:35:00.000-06:00

I took an unexpected break from the blogging world, but I think I needed it. The past few weeks I have had no idea what to post. I am trying really hard to find things to post about. This post will be (hopefully!) the last scattered post for a while.

First off, My amazing cousin, Maddy, is coming to stay with us for a while. She will most likely appear in plenty of my photos, and lots of posts. At least I hope she'll be in my pictures, to only think I haven't taken a headshot of her yet!

Second, I'm in California. Whoah. Wait. Rewind. Back up. *smacks forehead* I was so busy packing for the trip I forgot to tell people! We are visiting California for about a month. We haven't done much yet. We did go to a beautiful (and frankly, very clean) lake yesterday!

We had a blast. Excuse me and my weird faces.

California is such an amazing state! It is hot and humid, which is great compared the Colorado. The palm trees are especially beautiful.

On the way to California, we stopped at the Salt Flats in Utah! The salt looked like snow covering the land for miles, even better, it was sunrise.

Beautiful.

We've had so much fun so far on our travels, but there is much more to come. I hope I can re-boost my blog to healthy.

Tell me what you think of the photos!

Roses are Red

2011-08-17T09:43:00.000-06:00

Some of you have seen these on my photography blog already. But I just love them so much. I'd love to hear what you think!

Dreaming of the Snow

2011-08-15T16:29:00.000-06:00

I'm dreaming of the sparkling subtance on the ground.

I'm dreaming of the chilly days to come.

I'm dreaming of early morning snowball fights.

I'm dreaming of grabbing a sled from the garage and bulleting down hills.

I'm dreaming of soaking clothing after a days play.

I'm dreaming of frozen forts in the yard.

I'm dreaming of icicles hanging from the heights.

I'm dreaming of the Snow.

miscellaneous ramblings {lowercase post}

2011-07-31T15:44:00.000-06:00

busy...

i have been so busy. I only get a bit of time on the computer a week, and so posting is scarce. i am truly sorry but i can't promise anything. i am putting together this post to keep you guys interested in my blog. :)

julian smith

raise your hand if you've ever heard of julian smith. he is a youtuber that puts hilarious yet pointless videos on youtube. below is one of my favorites. if you watch any others, or if you've seen any others, which is your favorite video?

family
my cousins have been here for about a month, and leaving on tuesday. we've had a fun month. we've taken lots of pictures and had a grand ol' time.

my brothers are good. i mean. i don't usually get into their business. they mostly play video games all day, when i'm not pointing a camera to their face anyway.
my dad is working hard at his work and my mom's been working hard by taking care of five children for the past month.

author
it's awesome saying that my mom's an author. she's clattering away at her keyboard, typing up the second book. the first one got published after a long, sleepless week for my mom. it's available on some sites, and it's so exciting for all of us. did any of you buy it?

buy the kindle and paperback version at these places:
create space
barnes & noble
amazon
her site

road trip
this autumn we are going to be travelling a lot. i am ecstatic. the sheer joy of travelling somewhere away from home makes me jittery. i've always loved travelling. i admit, i can complain in the car rides, but doesn't everybody? i love to look out the window at all the scenery, from sunrise to sunset.

school is here
school is creeping up on us, don't you think? i'm not the type to hate school. being a homeschooler, occasionally school can be enjoyable. i've wanted to do an online school, there are a lot out there. i am going through booklet to booklet. it's hard choosing which one. i've narrowed it down to k-12 or connections academy. do you guys have any opinions?

design
i need another design. i want neutral colors, yellows, maybe blues. do any of you have time to do it? it needs to be free. please do not take it harshly if i decline.

polyvore

summer

this summer had been a mix of scorching heat, and pouring rain. this weekend has been one where we burn to a crisp. sun burnt faces smile as they dive into the icy pool. between dips, iced drinks and sucked up. summer has been fun and i'm sad it's over. but it will come again.

Inspiration

2011-07-24T14:46:00.000-06:00

{disclaimer, not my photos}

Playtime

2011-07-22T10:39:00.000-06:00

Beautiful Cousin

2011-07-09T20:00:00.000-06:00

My cousin is so beautiful and amazing. We fight. All the time. Two years between us kind of effects a lot. Although we fight and fight, we love eachother.

Note: She looks just like her mommy here!

Selah, you are so beautiful.

Camp for Joy!

2011-07-09T15:27:00.001-06:00

Instead of jump for joy. Am I right? Yah? No? Okay. Anyways, camping is around the bend and I wont be here for 6 whole days! *Gasp!* I would love to have internet connection, but something tells me campsites dont quite have that. Just kidding. I love camping. Sometimes no internet is a-okay. Anyways, the camera gear is packed up with a fresh memory card and my new awesomely-awesome camera bag. I am ready. Be prepared for photos and fun.

I am off.

Seeya!

Bucket List

2011-07-07T12:01:00.002-06:00

I had never really thought of having a bucket list. However, an amazing-if I do say so myself-giveaway over at (life is too short not to) wear red shoes is prompting me to. By the way, you better go enter this awesome young lady's giveaway. Now. Go. I'll wait here. Done yet? Okay.

I want to visit Venice, Italy.

{via}

*happy sigh* It looks so beautiful and amazing. I have to visit someday.

This is kind of an odd one but I've always wanted to take a picture of an amusement park at night.

{via}

It just looks so whimsical and colorful.

I want to learn to play guitar.

{source unknown}

The sound of the guitar is just so peaceful. I already know some chords.

I want to learn to speak French.

{source unknown]

And possible visit Paris.

I don't have much on my bucket list. But it's a list!

Whats on your bucket list?

Born To Be A Dragon

2011-07-05T13:28:00.000-06:00

She's alive? Yes I'm alive. My computer got a little virus, hope I dont catch it! *cricket cricket* Right. Anyways, it came up with a virus and posting may be scarce. I have been pretty busy, Summer Camp, Family, Fun, Family again, and my mom's book release. *record scratches* What in the world are you talking about Iona?

Many of you may or may not know that my mom has been working on her Middle Grade novel. I am excited to announce that on July 20th, her book is being published. It is a book for the ages 8-12. If you are older or even younger It will work amazing as a gift. The book is titled Born To Be A Dragon. Before I tell you anything more, you must know what it's about.

Do not meddle in the affairs of dragons, for you are crunchy and taste good with ketchup...

This is what Lord Edric wants you to believe. He will do anything in his power to see that humans never come in contact with dragons again. However, he doesn't plan for Meia, the foster child who dreams of dragons, believing they are real. Or Deglan, the ten-year-old dragon who bears the ancient mark that threatens everything Lord Edric has worked for.

Join these two unlikely friends as they discover the truth behind a legend so extraordinary it will alter each of their lives... forever.

Although it's awesome that this book is being published in only a few weeks, there is also plenty of prizes you can win! Each day, starting tomorrow (July 6th) over at my mom's blog is a scavenger hunt with things that you can win!

Here is just a sneak peek of the prizes you can win.

Those are just a few, and the grand prize is the most exciting, a Nook! It will come with a free certificate to buy Born To Be A Dragon to read on your new Nook. We are so excited to be holding a giveaway each day in honor of Born To Be A Dragon. Read about the rules and more info by clicking here.

Along with the excitement of this Scavenger Hunt Book Launch, you can also pre-order a signed copy for $6.99 right now! Click here for details on how to buy. We need your help to get your family, friends, and your friend's families to buy.

We are also looking for one blogger who will post about this Scavenger Hunt Launch and help us. If you are interested please let my mom know on her blog. Also, whoever is willing to help will get a free entry for the grand prize!

The book is coming on fast and we are scrambling around with last minute changes. We can't wait for the next few weeks of prizes and fun.

Thanks for taking the time to read this long post, my mom and I certainly appreciate it.

Spread the news! Born to be a Dragon is coming your way.

Early Mornings

2011-06-25T13:44:00.000-06:00

There is something about typing a blog post in the light of the early mornings.

There is something about the chill of the early mornings.

There is something about the suns rays shining through the trees in the early mornings.

There is something about the green grass in the early mornings.

There is something about the light colors of the sky in the early mornings.

There is something about the soft chirps of the birds in the early mornings.

There is something about the pastel colors in the early mornings.

There is something about lying in the dew filled grass in the early mornings.

There is something about early mornings.

What about mornings make you happy?

Welcome Summer

2011-06-22T09:34:00.001-06:00

Has the sun, finally come out for us here in Colorado? I think so. Our youth BBQ was the other day and I totally thought we were going to get rained out. It turned out a lot better than I expected. It was cloudy in the morning, and it was park day for us homeschoolers. We got to the park and the dirty creek suddenly looked welcoming. Afterwards was the BBQ, it started to look cloudy. Well we had played human knot, worshiped, and ate. I thought by then we would be done. It was far from that! We played capture the flag...With water balloons. To think I forgot my camera through all this! There was a whole lot of laughter. Screams of joy were heard all around the church. The skies are getting bright blue and the days are getting hot.

Welcome Summer.

Today

2011-06-20T20:38:00.002-06:00

Today, I decided to have frozen fruit in a bowl. I scoured the cupboard for something new to put on my fruit. I spotted the powdered sugar and figured that it was enough. After the powdered sugar was drizzled onto my fruit, I picked up a raspberry. The juices ran down my arm as I devoured the bowl of fruit. Fingers sticky, and stomach full, I was content.

Today, I experiment with my outfit. try something new and original. I yank various shirts from my closet and start trying things on. I try combinations that aren't usually cute and I come up with something spectacular.

Today, I sat on my window seat. I watched the clouds roll and the drops fall from the skies. The pitter-patter on the window beside me was somehow calming and whimsical. I lean back against the pillow perched behind me and I smile.

Today, I doodle on a page, letting my imagination lead my pencil. I draw circles, squares, and anything in between. The colors come to life onto the page as I scribble inside my doodles.

Today, I read and read. My fingers flip the worn pages and I am lost in the print between the two covers. Every word makes me more anxious to read the next. When the the adventure is finally over, I know that the book in my hands, isn't in my hands for the last time. I close the book, and I place it precariously on my side table.

Today, I pick up my guitar and start strumming a song that only my fingers know. The music rings through the room. It makes me sway and sing words that I made up in a split second. The reverberating sound of the guitar continues and the rain seems to fall in unison.

Today, I cherish the smiles that little boys let off. They help you cheer up in any situation. When you are sad, or upset, they come and give you one of those grins that is burned into your memory.

Today, I read my bible and pray. I fold my hands and murmur words of praise. While in deep conversation with the Lord, I thank him for life.

Today, I create an outfit that stands out and helps make the day brighter with the color yellow. I create an outfit that tells us that the sun is not gone forever,

Today, the rain shoots down from above and the clouds are thick and grey. A gloomy day always calls for someone to make is brighter. A day with the sunshine hidden calls for creativity. A day where I dance and sing even when outdoors in bleak and lifeless, is a day like today.

Those Special Moments...

2011-06-15T14:50:00.000-06:00

Don't you just love those moments with your family, that make you want to smile.

You can laugh together.

You can make memories together.

Those special moments are larger than life. I love them. I was going "Aww" everytime I saw these photos of my cousin and her mom. Love you mom!

P.S.
Sorry that the watermark is huge.

I'm off...

2011-06-06T10:31:00.000-06:00

As of today at 2 P.M. I will be free. Free from everything. I will be able to spin barefoot and be happy. I am going to camp for a week. No electronics, phone service, or internet. Just friends, myself, and most importantly, Jesus. A whole week of nothing but fun, and growing in Jesus.

Things To Pray About

Safe travels there and back
A great time with friends
That we will all be healthy
Jesus will grow in us all
Special Request: The people in Joplin, Missouri

If you think of anything else to pray for, please do. Thanks guys!

Goodbye!

"You smell that?"

2011-06-03T08:13:00.000-06:00

"Take a deep breath through the nose. Really let that seep in. What are you getting? Because to me, that's summer." -Flynn Rider, Tangled.

Oh Tangled, you never fail to make me laugh. Getting to the point of this post, it has been feeling like summer lately. I love it. There is nothing stopping you from running barefoot. It sounds so cliche, but it really is true. The warmth of the outdoors make the grass look more welcoming than ever. The sweet smell of summer illuminates the air, and make me want to jump for joy. Having friends to spend it with make it all the better. Splashing in puddles left over from the sprinklers cool water, climbing the branches of the blooming trees, and sitting on the fence, watching the sun fade away into night. It all seems so beautiful. When I go outside, I feel as if I am free. Free from everything. It feels perfect.

School is out for most everybody, people are graduated and moving on to be an adult. Summer is where you really can stop and smell the roses. Spin barefoot. Live life like today is your last day. Summer is where time freezes and you can be happy. Lately I think I have been smelling the roses more often. I go outside and immediately kick of my shoes (literally) and go have some fun. I made a friend this week in my neighborhood, and we both are enjoying summer very much. I have plenty of things planned for the summer and I figured I should let my blog in on some of it.

I am going to summer camp this Monday. I am immensely excited. I am going with my youth group up to camp for a week. Like I said before, I feel free outside. At this camp, there is no internet, no electronics and no phone service. I am going to have more fun than ever. I will take lots of pictures, and most of all, grow in Christ. We have two church services every day and I am very glad. People get saved at these services, and other people grow.

My cousins are coming, when I get back from camp. I saw them last year and we had so much fun. We laugh together and cry together. We are best friends. I stayed a week with them in there home before, and we had an awesome time. I expect this time will be even better.

I have much more planned for the summer and if I did sum it all up in the post, I could not describe how excited I am. Some absence on this blog will be necessary at some points, but I will never leave you hanging. Some posts may be short and sweet with one photo, and others will be long and laid out with many photos. All I have to say is,
This Summer, will be better than any other.
Are you excited for what summer has in store for you?

Scripture and a Snapshot

2011-05-31T09:39:00.000-06:00

Awesome Giveaway!

2011-05-29T18:00:00.000-06:00

Lucia is having an awesome giveaway! She is giving away a blog design by, Beauty Blog Designs. Yay! I am going to have her re-do this blog if I win. =) I hope you enter, it's a $60 dollar value!

Read more about it here.

Have a great day!

Volley Ball

2011-05-29T15:39:00.000-06:00

My friend was rocking volley ball.

We had so much fun!

Do you like volley ball?

Pen Pals

2011-05-27T08:52:00.000-06:00

{via}

I love getting letters from my pen pal. Although I only have one pen pal I still enjoy it very much.

Pen pals are so much fun. I love how creative you can be when you write. Sticking stickers, writing in bubbles, and anything in between. The writing from pen pals make you feel closer to them. Emailing just doesn't make me feel the same. Getting a letter is like getting a gift. It means they took time out of their day to write to you. My pen pal can be funny, and even though she lives miles away, I feel closer every letter. She writes about her life, draws little pictures and sends small gifts. I send one back. I write slowly, I make jokes, I have fun. Writing to your pen pal is not something you need to have on a to-do list. You need to write when you feel you have something to say. You need to write when you want to. Don't make it something you have to dread. Writing needs to feel personal. Some ideas are,

Send a photo
Share what's going on
Share you're favorite so-and-so
Send some stamps
Send a short story or comic strip

I don't have any pen pals from blogger, but I hope to someday.

If you have a pen pal, do you feel the same way? If you don't have a pen pal, I suggest you get one. They are so much fun!

Blooming

2011-05-23T20:54:00.000-06:00

We're all blooming.

Just like these flowers we have not yet seen who we will become.

We grow more and more each day, getting closer to who we are.

We wont know until later, who we will really become.

For now, we must embrace who we are.

Live each day and not anticipate the day where we become who we are meant to be,

Love who you are, live each day, and keep on blooming.

Memories

2011-05-18T15:33:00.001-06:00

I was going through some old photos and these became my favorites!
(I didn't take any of these :))

We were so cute! I am so glad I went through all these. Memories are being brought back. Stories galore come to mind.

Have you ever went through memories?

Dark Skies

2011-05-14T20:36:00.001-06:00

The thick clouds are covering the skies, and they have been for the past week or so. The one good part about this is rain. Everything after rain is so fertile and green. I love rain. Everything about rain makes me happy. I love playing in it. Listening to it. Photographing it. Ahh rain.

What do you love about rainy days?

Breathe...

2011-05-08T16:53:00.000-06:00

I got a necklace from my friend the other day that had a pendant with the word, "Breathe" on it. That got me thinking. I think we all need to take a breath. Even me. We scurry along with our everyday life, not knowing how short and precious life is.

Every time you anticipate for something to be over, it goes by slowly. I think we should cherish these moments that go by slow. A simple saying that everybody says, "time flies by when you're having fun" is very true. Those moments where you want the next day to come quickly, don't mope.

Do something that you know that you will have fun doing. Time goes by fast. We all have trouble breathing, stopping to smell the roses. Especially when special times of the year come around. Christmas for instance. You are so

excited for Christmas, and when it's come and gone, you realize how quick that was. What we don't realize is that the next Christmas will come just as quick as that one left. Take a breath. Don't anticipate for life to go by quicker, and if you want to it go slower, do something fun that you will remember. Make a memory. Even though life is very short, we can enjoy it by making memories that will last, memories we will look back on and enjoy all over again.

Breathing is important for everybody. We all need to reflect on God's gifts to us, one of them, life. Life is short, don't waste it. Don't do anything you know you will regret. Just take some time to breathe. I need to do it, that's for sure. With moving and all there's so much work and I'm eager for it to be over. That's why I've been outside photographing nature lately. I've been inspired. Go out there and make some memories with your family. Breathe.

Mothers Day!

2011-05-08T16:15:00.000-06:00

Happy Mothers Day to all the mom's out there who work so hard everyday. I especially wanna thank my mom. She works so hard everyday for all of us so that we can stay healthy. You love of so much and I thank you. I have to make this short and sweet because I'm with a friend. I just wanted to point out how great every mom is. Thanks Mom =)

List of Miscellaneous

2011-05-05T16:52:00.000-06:00

Art Blog
My friend and I started an art blog. We are open to more contributors too! The name of it is, "Just Another Amateur Artist Blog". We will be post all kinds of art on there. My personal favorite Manga! I hope you all enjoy this blog, and we will love it if you'd spread the news. Click here!

Project 365
I started up project 365! If you don't know what it is, Project 365 is a project where you take one photo every day for a whole entire year. Check out my Project 365 blog here.

Tangled
Tangled is by far the best animated movie, in my opinion. Seriously though, I am watching it now for about the 20th time. The songs are very addicting if I must say so myself. Everybody has a crush on Flynn, but I have a crush on Maximus. Just kidding.

A New 'Do
I got my bangs cut! Here is a before and after.

I know, it's not a very good comparison. But you get the point.

Moving
As far as I know, we are moving this Sunday! All the boxes are packed and our house is getting emptier and emptier. When I get into my new room I will surely post pictures. I wont be here for the box moving though. I will be camping with my friend Arya. I might come back with some pictures, and I do have some posts scheduled!

Year in Review
Can you believe it? It's already been 5 months into the year. I made this collage to show you what has happened in this past 5 months. These are in no particular order.

Lots of photos. Which reminds me, I still never posted the photos from my birthday party. Last year in September.

Bun-Bun
Sounds odd right? It's the name my mom nicknamed a bunny that lives in our backyard. I was kind of weirded out by the name. Now, I think it suits him/her.

It's kinda cute.

Wish List:
50mm lens... *swoon*
Fisheye Lens...I've wanted one of these for a while now.
Macro 60mm Lens..Ooh...<3
Big Wheel Print..If only I could bring my mom's big camera to an amusement park.
Keep Calm and Snap On...Perfect for my room.

I'm sorry this post was so jumbled and all over the place, but these were all things I had wanted to post before, but were too short for one post.

Thanks for reading!

~Iona

My Best Friend

2011-04-30T09:24:00.001-06:00

My best friend, Ellie and I were taking some crazy pictures the other day so I can hang them up in my room when we move, I just had to share them. And just to let you know, I am prepared to be seriously embarassed. I hope you are too, Ellie.

This is how silly I can really get with my friends. I don't think it'll get sillier than this. Have a laugh today! =)

Ramblings..

2011-04-25T19:39:00.002-06:00

Sometimes we all need time to ramble. Ramble to friends, ramble in a journal, or ramble online, as I am doing. This is not a complaining ramble. This is just a post where I will ramble on about life.

We have been so busy this week...With moving and all, we have a lot to do. We haven't really packed much, but we have been paint matching for the house. Planning what rooms will look like. This Saturday we may be having a cleaning party over at the house. I will try to take photos! I have also been obsessed with keeping my room clean. It's kinda easy because my room is half--pretty much all--packed up.

We have also been planning for summer. Family is probably coming out in June, July, and October! I am excited to see them. I am thinking, OOH! Photoshoots!

Quite a bit ago I got my second piercing in each ear. Now I wear 4 earrings! Glasses might be coming my way, we made an eye doctor appointment for May 13th.

The boys are very normal. They have just been themselves. I did have a photoshoot with them. (A photoshoot they were not happy with) They cooperated. (Sorta)

Spring has brought on terrible allergies. Stuffy nose, cough. Yuck! When all the flowers bloom, and beautiful rain falls. I have allergies. Spring is a love-hate thing.

Etsy love!
Salmon Colored Rose Cabochon Earrings

Hello Redbird

spring flowers

Oh etsy, how I love thee.

This should be posted on my photography blog...But what Canon lens do any of you photographers recommend? I might be saving up for one.

Candy. Yeesh. There is a crazy amount of candy in this house, you don't even know. No joking there.

Words that are over-used. There is a bunch. Some words that I think are overused but I can never stop using are:

but
like
so
sometimes

Don't you agree?

Yahoo! A giveaway by my favorite blog designer! I have to answer a questionaire, yay!

Do you like being outdoors or indoors?
Indoors is nice. However, outdoors has a whimsical feeling, even in the rain. If I was sick, I think I'd choose inside.

Hot or cold weather?
Most definitely hot. Even though when you're hot you can get miserable, but with the right amount of hot, it's amazing!

Favorite color?
I really like green. Grass green and neon green to be exact. I don't know why I like green. I just do. Is that good enough?

Favorite Song, and Why?
Ooh...This is a toughie. I really like the song, Welcome To The Show by Britt Nicole. The beat really is half of the reason I like it, the pacing is also pretty awesome. Overall, it's a fun song.

One word that describes you.
Beautiful. No, I am not full of myself with a group that I boss around. I am beautiful because God made me that way. He made you beautiful too.

One song that describes you.
Hmm...I don't know. I've never really thought about it.

What's your biggest goal in life?
I want to share with people Jesus' love for us.

Sweet or sour foods?
Totally sweet! I like sour, but not as much as sweet. I have a sweet tooth!

Favorite movie, and why?
I love the movie tangled! See my review here.

Greatest accomplishment so far?
Living life with Jesus.
I hope you all plan on entering this wonderful giveaway.

I have finally come to the conclusion to end this post. I have about 8 posts in the drafts, I just dont have the time to edit all the photos to go in them.

I bid thee goodbye,

Road Trip!

2011-04-15T09:23:00.000-06:00

A few days (or weeks) ago we went on a road trip! We were actually visiting friends, but we got to see the Red Rocks! We took 2 of the kids that we babysit with us. Plus my 2 brothers. I took a bunch of pictures of the little girl that we babysit, probably due to the fact that she was behind me. And a few of the other kids. I also took some scenery pictures. We were in a moving car, so don't blame me for blurry pictures.

It was so hot out there. Everybody had fun and collapsed when we'd gotten home. It was very tiring. Afterwards we went to the mall. Overall we had a great day. Even though it was tiring, one thing was good for my mom.
We all slept good that night!

The Big News...

2011-04-13T08:25:00.000-06:00

We are moving! Yes, I shouldn't have just come out and say it like that, but I just had to get it out. It may not be too exciting for you blogging friends, but it's pretty exciting over here. We are moving to a different house in less than two weeks! Things all over the place being thrown into boxes, taped shut and put into the garage. Beds are being taken down, carpets cleaned. Rooms are being planned (my bedding is probably looking like this, CLICK HERE with purple accents around the room). It's getting harder and harder to find things, but it's worth the move. As well as the move, when we're not packing, we're cleaning, if we're not cleaning, then you might as well find us doing something else out of the house.

See? And that's not even all.

I've also been writing a lot. I go to this homeschool program, and we have to write stories, so I've been working on that a bunch. Drawing has also caught my free time. I like drawing "Manga" not that I'm all that great. I may post some I've drawn, sometime.

I feel so bad for not posting. I have so many ideas bubbling, and I'm on the computer enough, but for some reason, I've just been neglecting this blog. I am also trying to comment more often. I do read everyone's posts. But commenting, I am horrible at. I can't say "I hope you understand that I'm busy", because I'm on the computer all the time. It's just plain me. So I apologize for the lack of posts and I hope that you all will still read and comment here!

Not So Faithful Blogger,

Tangled Review

2011-04-08T14:30:00.000-06:00

Rating: 1,000,000,000 1/2 Stars

Non-Spoiler

I loved this movie so much! Like, so much. The animation, the comedy, the characters, the songs, the voices, the plot, you name it! The animation was wonderful! It had the perfect amount of comedy. Even in the hardest times, there is some comic relief. The characters fit in so well. Period. The songs are so catchy and they tell the story as they sing them. The voices fit each and every character on the spot. They couldn't have chose anyone better to voice over Flynn. The plot was very good. That's all I can say without spoiling anything. ;) But overall it was a really good movie. I recommend it to everyone.

**if you dont want to read the spoiler, skip down to the bottom where it says, "non spoiler"**

Spoiler ALERT

Rapunzel

Rapunzel is just like you and me (set aside the fact that she has 70 feet of hair). She sings, she bakes, she paints, and she falls in love. The voiceover for her was PERFECT. I love it when she sings, her voice is beautiful. I love the way she acts in the movie, she is very confident. Her feelings for Flynn (Eugine) are obviously very strong. Although at first, she's suspicious about him, but I love how it ends.

Flynn

Oh goodness. He is a self-centered, theif, literally. But boy, is he funny. He can be funny even when he's being mean. And how much he loves Rapunzel, especially in the end is so sweet. I did not see it coming when (spoiler sentence) he cut off Rapunzel's hair. I certainly wouldn't have thought of that right before I died. I dont have much to say about him, except that being a theif, he can certainly be hilarious!

Mother Gothel

Even though you aren't attached to the character ever in this movie. Somehow they got me to love the character when I needed to, and not care when she gets hurt or dies. In the beginning she HAS to be my favorite character. She is so funny, sarcastic, and loving (at least good at pretending to love). Her main song, "Mother Knows Best" is probably my favorite song because everything that she says IS out there, except not as scary as she makes it sound. Just like Flynn, she is still funny even in the hardest times. They chose the perfect actor for her. Couldn't have made her better.

Pascal

Don't have much to say about him. Probably because he's a chameleon. But what I do have to say is that he has a lot of personality for a chameleon, and I would love to have him as my friend.

Favorite Quotes

Rapunzel: Something brought you here, Flynn Rider. Call it what you will... fate... destiny...
Flynn: A horse...

Mother Gothel: Look in that mirror. I see a strong, confident, beautiful young lady.
[Rapunzel smiles]
Mother Gothel: Oh look, you're here too.
[laughs]
Mother Gothel: I'm just teasing! Stop taking everything so seriously.

Flynn Rider: Oh... oh no... where is my satchel?
Rapunzel: [proudly] I've hidden it. Somewhere you'll never find it.
Flynn Rider: [Looks around the room for 2 seconds] It's in that pot, isn't it?

Rapunzel: Who's that?
Flynn Rider: They don't like me.
Rapunzel: Who's that?
Flynn Rider: They don't like me either.
Rapunzel: And who's that?
Flynn Rider: Let's just assume for the moment that everyone in here doesn't like me!

Hook Hand Thug: Go, live your dream.
Flynn Rider: I will.
Hook Hand Thug: Your dream stinks. I was talking to her.

Non-Spoiler
I hope you all enjoyed my review! If you've seen this movie, what are your thoughts on it? I'd love to know! Also, I'd love it if you shared a favorite quote from it too!

Love from,

My Problem...

2011-04-06T07:51:00.000-06:00

Remember how I'd always complain I have NOTHING to post about...Well now, sad to say, I have too much to post about. All the pictures I have to edit, watermark, one by one. Then finally upload them all and post them with some witty words! But I've been on a photo overload. Please excuse me. HOPEFULLY some posts will be popping up very soon.

Awkward and Awesome Thursdays!

2011-03-24T20:38:00.001-06:00

This is my first time participating in Awkward and Awesome Thursday! It was a bit harder than I thought but in the end, I came up with some pretty awkward (and awesome!) stuff.

Awkward

Not being able to see through the peep hole in the door without a stool.

Poking yourself in the eye with your finger.

This picture:

A tripping over nothing in public.

Going outside and then turning right around because it’s chilly.

Trying on 5 shirts before finding the one you want to wear.

Burning yourself on an obviously hot pot, while making macaroni and cheese.

Awesome

Having sunny weather.

Wearing flip-flops and ballet flats all day.

This outfit:

~Outfit~

Shirt-Hand-Me-Down

Scarf-Borrowed from friend

Pants-Wal-Mart

Shoes-Hand-Me-Down

My little brother, Toby, reading the word “Fortress” and “University” (Pretty amazing for him.).

Spelling “color”, “colour”.

Bleah Briann’s post: http://blonde4christ.blogspot.com/2011/03/united-kingdom-vs-united-states.html

Drying out roses of all colors.

Doing “Awkward and Awesome Thursday”!

Now that was fun, I will have to do that again. Maybe also post more outfits. I’m very surprised awkward didn’t out rule awesome. Believe me; I am plenty more awkward then awesome. I trip up the stairs more often than down. Also, for some odd-I mean, awkward-reason, I always poke myself in the eye.

What are your thoughts on my awkward’s and awesome’s? Are you more awkward? Or Awesome?

With Awkwardness,

I am lovin'...

2011-03-13T17:36:00.000-06:00

I am lovin'...
These posts by HorseFeathers. I've never really been into fashion, but wow...I'm really lovin' the outifts. I keep saying, "Ooh! I want that!" "Look at those shoes!" "Rockin' the dress!" *Sigh* Maybe I'll do a few.

I am lovin'...
Black and white.

Ahh, the essence on black and white.

I am lovin'...

Sun Flare.

I am lovin'...

This camera...

Oh camera's, you never can just love one.

I am lovin'...

Babysitting. Specifically this little guy!

You just cant resist that little face! So sweet!

I am lovin'...

Spring...My brothers...My Savior...

I have valid excuses for not posting! Trust me!

A Simple Question.

2011-03-06T09:40:00.000-07:00

One simple question, that I would really appreciate you answering.

Out of every single post on my blog, which did you enjoy reading the most?

It would really help if you answered.

Love from,

Oh, March

2011-03-03T20:01:00.000-07:00

Oh, March, how your birds chirp at dawn.

Oh, March, how your sunrise paints the sky.

Oh, March, how tempting it is to play outdoors.

Oh, March, how sunny yet snowy it is.

Oh, March, how well created by God you are.

A Day With Pancakes

2011-02-26T12:00:00.000-07:00

A day with pancakes at Just the sizzling sound of the pancakes is mouth watering.

When the pancakes are ready we smack 'em onto a plate. Hands reach from all directions, grabbing the greasy pancakes.

We put some bacon on the side for an extra crunch.

We throw toppings on. It piles as high as a mountain.

Everybody picks up their forks and enjoys. When it's all gone you can tell that everyone is satisfied.

What's a day with pancakes like at your house?

In His Own Image

2011-02-24T14:28:00.000-07:00

Sometimes we look at other people and say, "Wow, I wish I was as pretty as them." or "She's so tall, why can't I be tall?"

We can be so self conscious. Wanting to be that tall, wanting to be "stylish", wanting to be that person.

We don't have to be like all those other people. We are unique. We are beautiful. We are created in God's image.

In the Bible it says, So God created man in His own image, in the image of God He created Him; Male and Female He created them. (Genesis 1:27) God wanted us to be exactly the way we are right now.

We are all beautiful, we are all created with precision. Each freckle on our nose, each hair on our head, are made in His own image.

Next time you feel self conscious, know that you are unique and nobody could ever be exactly like you, even if you are a twin. Know that you are made in His image and his alone.

Boy, I'm ready for sun.

2011-02-22T20:50:00.000-07:00

I have tried to wear shortsleeves all this month, and ended up having to change.

Blooming flowers.

Swinging.

Blowing hair.

Blowing bubbles.

Ice Cream.

Lately I have been longing for hopping in puddles after a rain storm, selling lemonade on the side of the road, taking pictures in the sun, swimming. Ahh. I can see it now.

Are you ready for Spring? Or better yet, Summer?

Silly Arguments Episode 1

2011-02-18T17:35:00.000-07:00

My friend came over and we are starting this thing called Silly Arguments. We made our first video, I edited it, and here it is below!

Please tell us how you liked it in a comment. We'd love to hear from you!

Giveaway over at (life is too short not to) wear red shoes

2011-02-17T21:18:00.000-07:00

There is a lovely giveaway over at (life is too short not to) wear red shoes.
There will be fourteen winners. Winning some pretty amazing things. Please go check it out.

Also I have added a drop down menu on the sidebar. Thanks Brittany!

Let The Waters Rise

2011-02-14T17:09:00.000-07:00

There's a raging sea
Right in front of me
Wants to pull me in
Bring me to my knees

So let the waters rise
If You want them to
I will follow You
I will follow You
I will follow You

Draft. Save. Edit. Delete.

2011-02-10T14:06:00.000-07:00

Draft. Save. Edit. Delete. Draft. Save. Edit. Delete.
That's what my posts have been like. I don't know what is happening. I try to post, but then realize that many of your might not like that. I try to post pictures, but then I think, wait, I posted pictures of so-and-so yesterday. Photography is a thing that I love doing. I take at the least 3 pictures a day. That's why there has been so many picture posts. But. This is not a photography blog. I have my photography blog HERE. The title of this blog is, Life In My Eyes, but it hasn't really seemed like it. I want to post about my life. I want it to feel like you are sitting on my couch, watching me. I think I am going to just post when I really have something to post about. Please don't leave, I surely will post. I can guarantee that, but expect 2-4 posts a week, not 7. I hope you all understand why I haven't been posting! :)

Some things are just SO photogenic.

2011-02-04T22:25:00.000-07:00

I think Oreo's are one of them.

Snow Days are here... {Wordless post}

2011-01-23T19:15:00.000-07:00

Sleepy...

2011-01-17T17:03:00.000-07:00

I'm back, and I had a great time at camp. But as you can tell from the title, I'm sleepy... Really, really sleepy. We went to bed at 12:00 AM and woke up at around 8:00-ish everytime. We really had no choice. There was a church service in the morning, at night, and another later that night. Breakfast was at 9:30. But I had a good time! Who cares if I'm sleepy? I had a bunch of fun.

I didn't end up taking any pictures, I was way to busy having fun! But I do have a post in the works! Don't you worry.

Well, I guess I should go.

More later,

So Long, Farewell!

2011-01-13T19:10:00.000-07:00

Tomorrow, Friday, I will be heading off to my youth group's winter camp. I will be gone 3 days! I promise I will have snow pictures (and possible camp pictures) when I get back. Well a few updates...

snow

We just got A LOT of snow, we made a snow fort that fits 5 people. It took a while.

mom

My mom came back from Ethiopia last Saturday. I'm so glad that she is back! We got a lot of souvenirs. I have a foreign money collection that my mom helped grow by bringing us back foreign money. Maybe I'll post it sometime. She also brought back a bunch of postcards for us.

posts

Sorry for the lack of posts. I haven't been very good about that. I have a post in the works! I'll post it when i get back.

Well...Seeya Sunday!

or...

So Long, Farewell!

confessions...{lowercase post}

2011-01-06T11:20:00.000-07:00

confession... i love my blog alot. wait. let me re-phrase that. i love my blog too much. everyday i go to the computer, open a new post and stare. i have no idea what to say, and then i end up waiting way too long before finally it's a week, then i have another post.

confession... i can't believe it's 2011. i am still getting used to writing that! i actually wrote 2010 then edited it in the first sentence.

confession... i do not want to start doing school again! period. well exclamation point.

confession... i had way too many junk foods yesterday. brownies, carmel-corn, soda, ice cream...*sigh* good times...

confession... i think i'm in love with brownies.

confession... i wish i was good at blog designing. i never want to change the design i have, fearful that i'll never get one like it again. the young lady i got this from is now charging a bit of money, i can afford it, but who said i ever wanted to change this one???

confession... i can't believe my mom get's back on sunday.

confession... i first watched sound of music yesterday and i love it now. i am going to have those songs stuck in my head for ages. *hums my favorite things*

confession... the only 2 old movies i will want to watch more than once is sound of music and labyrinth.

confession... i forgot i was writing this post in lowercase and just before i wrote this confession i had to go edit it all. *tee hee*

confession... i am going to a camp from the 14-16 of jan. and 2 people asked me to come to something on the 15th. my best friend's birthday party, and my favorite singer's concert (super cheap) why the middle day?

confession... i am hungry so i must end this post. song long and farewell!

The Winner of Holiday Blog Design Giveaway!

2011-01-03T12:23:00.000-07:00

I know everybody wants a design from Hannah the one who designed this blog. But today, the winner of one of two packs, will be announced.
Lauren I made an exception for your late entry, I will add it ;)

And the winner is............................................................

Kendra!
from Ismikendra

You have won, Kendra! Congratulations! Thank you all for entering this giveaway, and I hope to giveaway more later.
Thanks for reading!
Just Kidding!
I'm not done yet!
Hannah has agreed to give 2 packs away. So one more person has a shot at winning.
And the next winner is..................

Lauren!
from Spinning Barefoot!!
Lauren..I need your email again, comment moderation is on.

One or both of you may have to wait a little, Hannah is really busy!
I hope you all have a great week and New Year!

1-1-11 (Looking Back... Part 2)

2011-01-01T18:39:00.000-07:00

Where have these days gone? The excitement of it being 2011 came and went after the clock ticked to 12:01. I think it was because it was unbelieveable that it was 2011. It's going to take some getting used to putting 2011 on everything. I didn't have any resolutions this year. I may have some goals, (not resolutions. Good idea, Hannah!) but resolutions means you will do it. Goals, means it may happen. You want to get to your goal. I don't know what those goals are yet. I'll figure them out as 2011 is passing by...
I'm sorry for the lack of posting. I can's use the excuse "I am really busy" because I'm not. I simply don't know what to post. I have tried everything. I am going to reflect on the past year. (Looking Back part one can be found here.)

July 2010

I got to go to California. The Beach. Family. Good times.

August 2010

I started using my mom's Canon and got interested in photography!

September 2010

I grew in my photography, and my birthday! (Party in October)

October 2010

My costume birthday party!!!

November 2010

Fall beauty coming from the sky.

December 2010

Christmas, the birth of our Savior.

I am thankful for this whole year I've had, I am very happy it is 2011.

Giveaway winner announced tomorrow.

Holiday Blog Design Giveaway

2010-12-25T16:43:00.000-07:00

Hello everybody! Merry Christmas! Happy Holidays! I have a very special announcment.
Hannah over at Beauty Blog Designs has generously accepted to offer you, one of her lovely designs! The one I have is by her, and I absolutely love it.

What you can win:
It's your choice! You can chose:
Goin' Fancy (worth $5)
-- One fancy header (with click-able links)
-- One paper (blog background)
-- One signature
-- One button
-- One watermark for your photos

The Whole Shoot 'n' Match (worth $10)
-- One paper
-- One header (with click-able links)
-- One signature
-- One button
-- One watermark
-- One logo (optional)
-- One favicon
-- Customized post titles
-- Customized gadget dividers

How to enter:

Leave a comment with your name and email (Comment moderation is on so I will not show your email.)
If you win, I will take your email and send it to Hannah, the owner of Beauty Blog Designs, so she knows you are the true winner, and you guys can talk about the designs from there!

For Extra Entries (post an extra comment for everything you do):

Share on facebook (1 extra entry)
Share on twitter (1 extra entry)
Share on your blog (1 extra entry)
Follow me! (1 extra entry)
Follow Beauty Blog Designs (1 extra entry)

I will pick the winner by drawing names from a hat.

The deadline to enter is New Years Eve! So hurry and enter, you wont want to miss this!

The Good and The Bad of the Winter Solstice: Lunar Eclipse

2010-12-21T15:22:00.000-07:00

The Good

The wonderful full moon and the stars
I was calling and texting my friend almost all the way through as she was watching it. :)
I got some pretty awesome photos
I got to spend the last half with a blanket and gloves! (Really lucky for that)

The Bad

Do you know how freezing it was? especially on the Winter Solstice. (Probably didn't help that I was in a tank top and shorts with a jacket on. I was also wearing boots with no socks. So my legs and hands were completely exposed)
The wait. It took forever.
The time, oh my gosh, I stayed up the whole time! Except the end where the shadow was going off. I was beat by then

Did you stay up super late? What was good and bad about it?

My Christmas Wishlist...

2010-12-19T18:28:00.000-07:00

This year, I had a super small wish-list. But I had one. So below is what I wanted.

None of the pictures are property of me.

Macro Tube/Lens

Doesn't have to be that exact one.

Jewelry

Not exactly this one, but I love this one, so that's why I chose that picture ;)

Clothing

What do you think? I'm just going to put a caption when it IS specific.

Shoes

Wow...I cannot think of anything else...That is crazy. No. What is crazy is that Christmas is 5 days away! How much crazier can it get?

What is your wishlist?

Looking Back... Part 1

2010-12-16T14:03:00.000-07:00

January 2010

Not the best picture, but this was when we babysat S. He wanted to be a pirate.

February 2010

This is when we first started to babysit Cinderella/B. It was her first day at the park and she slept the whole time!

March 2010

Snow, in march!

April 2010

Looking like spring.

May 2010

More flowers, indicating, spring has definitely come.

June 2010

On the road to Texas!

To Be Continued....

My List of Miscellaneous

2010-12-14T17:54:00.000-07:00

My First List

This is my very first miscellaneous post. I decided since I have alot to update on, I should try it.

I had to...

Think of a name for this post SUPER HARD because alot are taken, and I had to use dictionary.com to spell miscellaneous. Silly me.

Family

My family is doing pretty well. Nothing much has really happened lately. My mom, though, is going to Ethiopia for a missions trip. So we have really been preparing for that. She leaves on December 26th, and gets back on January 9th--or was it 11th? She gets the chance to see the child that we sponsor! She is really excited, if you could pray that her trip goes well, that would be great.

Photography

I have a billion photos I need to post, but I have not gotten around to it. So sorry. I really need to catch up. I still need to post pictures from my birthday! (September 17th)--yeesh.

We have made lots of cookies and sweets lately. I have Christmas cookie pictures, pies, brownies, everything still on my mom's camera. Seriously. That is crazy.

Christmas

Where have the days gone? Christmas is next week. What happened?!?!?!? My mom said all of our gifts are bought, so I am super excited! There are few under the tree, only the ones my brothers got for me and I got for them. We have our tree up. Decorations. Lights from house to house. Yep. I just can't believe how many days until the day. Wasn't it just Christmas 2009?

My Outfit.

I just felt like posting my outfit, so here we go.

A red shirt with some gold threads--not noticeable in the picture-- with blue jeans.

My new brown boots I bought today!

And another random picture of my outfit. Whaddya think?

March Penguins, March!

Yesterday we made these little cuties....

Oh my gosh. Let me share with you the three AMAZINGLY's. 1. They were AMAZINGLY YUMMY! 2. They were AMAZINGLY hard to make. 3. There is AMAZINGLY only 3 ingredients.

The end of my very first list....

The line above says it all.^ I hope you liked my very first list!

Preparations for the Holidays!

2010-12-05T18:45:00.000-07:00

Yesterday...(Oh yes, I had to include the "dot-dot-dot".) We set up a lot more of our Christmas Decor, and even wrapped some presents for each-other! So I had to take pictures.

Yes, those are sheep.

My mom's favorite animal is sheep, so that explains all the sheep decor.

Have you gotten any Christmas decor up? If you have, what did you put up?

It's Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas...

2010-12-02T16:18:00.000-07:00

...everywhere I go.

Seriously, it is. Most of you all, probably aren't ready for the Christmas season. But I sure am. I was ready since the day after Thanksgiving. I have been begging my mom to turn on KOSI 101 all week. I have been taking pictures of ornaments, light bokeh. We have our decor up, our whole street is lit up by the lights on houses. Wreaths on doors. I am humming Christmas songs every day. Wearing Christmas colors.

How about you? Are you ready for Christmas?

Giving Thanks to Him

2010-11-25T16:15:00.000-07:00

Happy Thanksgiving everyone!

I have so much to be thankful for. My house, my family, my life. But sometimes it's hard to be thankful. It's hard to thank God for everything.

I think everyone struggles.

With giving thanks. We can be selfish people, and just want more.

We take things for granted. Money. Food. Even friends. We think that nothing will ever happen. Some people don't have the bed that we do. The clean water we drink. And we take it for granted. We think, 'It's just a bed, we'll always have it, why be thankful for it?'. You can even take people for granted. Not treating them well, being rude, you may never see them again. You need to be thankful that you have them now, and not talk back, saying "I NEVER WANT TO SEE YOU AGAIN!" Because one day, you wont. We don't take the time to think, be thankful and stop wanting more.

We aren't thankful for some of our stuff. Some people in other countries don't get everything we get. When you get something you don't want for Christmas. Be thankful, you could have gotten nothing. When you have to eat something you don't like for dinner (or lunch, or breakfast. Be thankful, you could have gotten nothing. When you don't want to do a chore--let's say clean your room. Be thankful, you could have had to do more.

We need to think about the less fortunate out there, they have less things than us to be thankful for, but they are still thankful. Imagine if you were one of them, would you be thankful, that you got some food at least? Would you be thankful that you are alive?

Next time you think, "That's all I get?" about ANYTHING, be thankful it's something. It could have been less. God gave you the things you have so you could enjoy them, not so you could push them away, and want something better.

Ephesians 5:20
Giving thanks always and for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.

1 Thessalonians 5:18
Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.

I hope you all give thanks today, and every day.

Finding Beauty In... {Part 2}

2010-11-21T16:20:00.000-07:00

people...Finding beauty in people...

You can find beauty inside and out in people. Not just how they dress, not how their hair looks, not by their body shape. But by what's inside. (That sounded way cheesy, but it's true)

It's how they think, and act. Not how great their smile is.

Sure some people have a really photogenic face, but that kind of beauty doesn't always count.

You can find beauty in how people, walk, talk, and act.

What I'm really trying to say is, look for beauty in the inside, and don't judge a book by it's cover. (Or in this case, a person by their looks)

Finding Beauty In... {Part 1}

2010-11-18T20:50:00.000-07:00

Sunsets...Finding beauty in sunsets.
Yesterday while driving we passed the most amazing sunset, and I only had my ipod touch on me. So I got it out and took these shots with my not-so-amazing ipod touch camera and they still turned out pretty well, with a tiny bit of editing.

Have you ever seen a really wonderful sunset and wanted to snap pictures, but had nothing?

Christmas Lights

2010-11-16T14:16:00.000-07:00

Last night we put up our Christmas tree and I HAD to take some pictures of lights. Most of them are what is called, bokeh, where it's out of focus.

I will post more later. (Of the actual tree ;))

Weekly Photography Contest

2010-11-15T17:00:00.000-07:00

Every week on my photography blog I have a photography contest called "I Didn't Blink".
This week's subject is "weather" it can represent weather, it can be what your weather is like. If you like photography, heading on over to the contest is greatly appreciated. {link below}

The picture above, I posted a few posts ago, and I adore it. It has been snowing and stopping every 5 minutes today. {Thought the picture above was taken last week}
So I hope you have the sudden urge to enter!
Click Here

Thank You!

2010-11-12T08:22:00.002-07:00

When I logged on blogger this morning I just checked out blogs. But before I logged off I saw this:
50 Followers
Literally, I practically fell out of my seat.
I have 50 people who love me.
You know how many that is? It doesn't seem like that much, but put that many people in one room (technically the room is like my blog) and that's a lot of people.
When I posted this post, I have to admit, I didn't really mean it, after I posted it, I felt like it wasn't true. But now, I believe that I am happy with just this many. (I would like more followers, but who wouldn't?)

~~Reach 50 followers~~
Reach 100 followers
Reach 200 or more followers
Post every day for a whole month
Post every day for a whole year
Get 20 comments on one post
Get OVER 20 comments on one post
Meet one of my blogger friends
Design someone else's blog (Though this design is not my handiwork)
Reach 400 posts
Reach 1000 posts
~~Have a giveaway~~

The next goal I would like to achieve, I think is the comments one. Everytime you guys comment, I have a happier feeling than when you follow.

Some of the people who are following are adults. Because I have 6 (<-- not sure exactly but it's probably around 6-9) followers back then and I posted this,

I can't believe what I'm going to tell you because it has been sooooo warm it has been 70, 72, 70 everything! But that's not all because it's going to be 80 today! I love my weather! (I'm serious!) Oh and yesterday my mom made those soft pretzels mmmmmmmm! Oh and I think this is spring and summer weather! Oh and my mom is making me a summer shirt i mean kniting a summer shirt. Well I'm gonna go bye bye!

And adults wanted to be nice, so they commented. I was random, I was not good with punctuation....But that's behind me, at least I was having fun doing it. Now I think I'm better.

I just want to thank you all, this is probably the most exciting thing in my blogging experience.
I might just host a giveaway. Might. Stay tuned!

P.S. All you wonderful followers, could you share the love and take my button that is on the sidebar?

My Blogging Goals...

2010-11-11T09:32:00.000-07:00

Today, I decided to share some of my blogging goals...

Reach 50 followers
Reach 100 followers
Reach 200 or more followers
Post every day for a whole month
Post every day for a whole year
Get 20 comments on one post
Get OVER 20 comments on one post
Meet one of my blogger friends
Design someone else's blog (Though this design is not my handiwork)
Reach 400 posts
Reach 1000 posts
~~Have a giveaway~~

I will add onto this list everytime I think of something else I want to achieve. Do you have any blogging goals?

First Snow of the Year!

2010-11-09T16:50:00.000-07:00

Today was an amazing day. Our first snow came. It's snowing as I'm typing, about half an inch of snow has fallen today! I was so excited when I saw the flakes appear. I took my mom's canon and went out to shoot some pics. TIP: If you ever want to go out and take pictures in snow or rain, take a plastic zip lock bag (gallon size for big cameras and sandwich bags for point-and-shoots) and rip/cut a hold that will fit around the lens tightly. If you have a big camera like my mom's, cut a hole for the flash and eye hole also.

What's the weather like where you are? Is it snowing? Raining? Still sunny?

Who Knew?

2010-11-05T17:05:00.000-06:00

Who knew someone could be so excited. About a toothbrush.
WHAT?!?!? You are thinking.
WHO IS EXCITED ABOUT A TOOTHBRUSH!!!!! You are also thinking.
Me. Yes, I even took pictures. Today I just got a electrical tooth brush. And this is my blog, and I am not afraid to admit. I am happy. I have had an electrical once before, and that's it.
Now for photos...

Who knew?

somtimes i feel...{lowercase post}

2010-11-03T09:47:00.001-06:00

...guilty because our own savior shed his blood on the cross for us. he paid a price that we should have because we were sinners.
...sad because jesus died for all of the sinners. he did it for us. it makes me sad that be had to go through the pain and we didn't.
...angry because so many people would be sinners. so many people made jesus die.
...scared that sin will overcome us again someday. i know he forgives us. but i still don't want a sin only world.
...loved because jesus would do something that terrible for me and you.

What do you feel?

Carving the Pumpkins!

2010-10-26T21:22:00.000-06:00

The uploader did not give up on me this time! No it did not! I have persuaded it to work for me today.
If you have a pretty big gag reflex. Exit. Now. See that itty bitty X in the corner? Yeah slowly...Yep, there you go. Now click.....Why are you still here? You wan't to see pumpkin insides and our--LOVELY, AMAZING (I muse say)--finishes products? Really? Pfft. I am NOT wasting time just so I can NOT post it. Okay fine...I am...OKAY OKAY! Onto the post!

These faces are probably made the most. (Out of all the "yuck" faces anyway.) And to think, I probably made this face more then them. =P

Muahahahaha! We took it off..Who is ready to see what was inside?

Oh yes...YUCK! Go ahead, click the X. Oh? More? Okay!

Yes...We were chickens. We used spoons.

I am done grossing you out now. So it's time for the finished products...(After carving of course!)

My fairy...I think it turned out pretty good. Besides that...uh...my *cough cough* mom *cough cough* carved it. Thank you! But anyway's, I love my fairy.

My brother, Gabriel's.

And finally, Toby's.

I hope you enjoyed grossing yourself out, (as for the people who stayed anyway.)

Did you carve pumpkins?

Can't you feel Autumn?

2010-10-25T20:32:00.000-06:00

Can't you feel the breeze that is coming on?

Can't you feel the cold looming, just days away?

Can't you feel the crunch in the colored leaves?

Can't you feel the crispness in the air?

Can't you feel the clouds hanging in the sky?

Can't you feel,

Autumn?

I certainly can. The soup, the wind, the leaves. Our tree is almost bare. Our tree is ready for winter. Our tree is definitely ready for the snow. But that doesn't mean I am. I love autumn. Something about it just makes you want to spin barefoot. Color, pastel, paint. Photograph. Everything is wonderful about autumn. I am ready for Thanksgiving. Turkey. I am not ready for carols and lights.

Can't you feel,

Autumn?

{I did have a wonderful post about our pumpkin carving planned. But the picture uploader is acting up again so hopefully I can get those up soon.}