Sue-Sue's Stories

embracing the moment

2012-02-05T19:37:00.000-08:00

occupé is the french word for busy.

That pretty much describes my life right now.

My schedule has been busy recently, there are things to do, places to go, people to visit...the list goes on and on. Often I pause for a minute and wish I could slow every thing down for a bit, to just take the time to relish and enjoy each and every second of life. Its always those little things that go by so quickly that are what really makes life worth living.

My big brother took me out for granitas at a coffee shop in the town square last night.
We talked about our future, goals and things we want to do in the years to come. There was a little ache in the back of my heart as we talked, it was a bittersweet feeling...a knowledge of knowing that adulthood is right around the corner and the inner child within us is waving goodbye. That another chapter of life is finished.

Its an exciting thought, and I am looking forward to what the future may hold...but for now, I don't want to rush through life, focusing on only what is ahead. I don't want to always be busy and in a hurry on what to do next...I just want to seize and live the moment.

“Start living now. Stop saving the good china for that special occasion. Stop withholding your love until that special person materializes. Every day you are alive is a special occasion. Every minute, every breath, is a gift from God.” -Mary Manin Morrissey

Do you ever find yourself caught up with life?

Pintresting Things

2012-01-14T21:03:00.000-08:00

I kind of love pintrest. I just sit...and search...and stare...and drool...and repeat. It's starting to become a sorts of addiction to me---but a good kind of addiction.

I mean...whats not to like?

{via}

I LOVE this wedding dress...so simple yet elegant and stunning. *swoons*

{via}

What I wouldn't do to be there right now.

{via}

roses+ cupcakes, oh yes.

{via}

Those shoes have got to be the cutest things I've ever seen.

{via}

Yes, I want lemonade...like now.

{via}

Worlds cutest hat on your favorite blogger. Ahem.

{via}

How adorable are these doilies??

{via}

what pintresting things have you found lately?

wordless wednesday- i ♥ macarons

2012-01-04T19:56:00.000-08:00

todays dinner dessert was rather delightful.

indeed, it 'twas.

new beginnings

2012-01-02T19:26:00.000-08:00

**before I say anything, please let me apologize for my long-term absence. thank you.

Holidays are over. And to be honest, I'm glad. They were fun, but just a bit overbearing.

Life has held a lot of joy and heartache these last few weeks, but instead of dwelling over the past I'll share just the small facts of today- in which I made this adorable little lavender prarie dress for my little sister. Mama made her a matching hat...by accident...and although the dress may had gone better with a bonnet or an apron instead, little sister was very pleased and mentioned quietly about how pretty she looked. I agreed.

-- The hat can be ordered in your size on Etsy right now for only $12, by the way!:)

In other things, I have spent a lot of time catching up on all the lovelies blogs, eating chocolate cookies, reading The Star Garden, sewing a baby dress and even put together a new header above! Applause for much lovely happy productiveness.

I am enjoying the new year...its been good so far, like a breath of fresh air. I've needed it. There's so much to thank God for.

How has your year started out for you?

to the mall

2011-12-08T20:17:00.000-08:00

Chloe's here.

She and I have been playmates and friends since day one. Literally. In fact, I was there when she was born. We've been through a lot together, and we have both changed throughout the years. At times we aren't much at all alike, but in other ways...tremendously the same. Either way, we normally both enjoy eachothers company. And even though we are nearly adults, some things never change...like the fact that we played with Polly Pockets and action figures today, in which Anakin Skywalker meets Flynn Rider and is married to Cinderella. Yeah, it gets rather interesting.

Besides playing dolls and such, we both *love* shopping...and we squealed with joy and anticipation when my brother Max walked in today and asked if we'd like to go shopping at the mall. Of course we said yes and made a bee-line to Charming Charlie...

where we swooned a great deal over eiffel tower trinkets and multi-colored apple necklaces. 'Tis strange at what such simple things can be made so fashionable.

After much admiring and making mental Christmas list in our minds...we stopped to get those way overpriced drinks and pretzels...but I must admit, they are rather delicious.

After our snack we headed straight to Earthbound just to try on the pretty masquerade masks, a thing we do every time we go shopping at the mall.

Of course, me being the absolute girly-girl that I am- had to have pink...Chloe's was black. Oh, and I am just going to pretend that the price stickers on the mirror add to the uniqueness of the photo.

Then Max joined back up with us with our favorite little treats- scorpian suckers (although I'm not supposed to be eating any sugar) he even bought me a pink one!!! Does anybody else eat these on a regular basis?

And then we shopped some more stores...although it was more boring types that sold guy stuff like guns and tents...so I just sat on a bench...and took pictures of my new black oxfords pumps while I was sitting there.

And that's my typical random-trip-to-the-mall-with-Chloe kind of day.

What do you enjoy doing with your friends?

lovin'...

2011-11-30T09:41:00.000-08:00

~
golden sun rays

chai tea

christmas decor

scarves & sweaters

this song by Elvis

pumpkin pie gelato

friends & siblings

bowling with daddy

my camera

holiday parties

cozy beds

bokeh

fuzzy socks

my euorpeon bestie- saff

shopping

bible reading

pajamas

ted dekker

warm fires

I just finished hanging up the stockings. Its hard to fathom that Christmas is here yet again, that I am another year older- and that I'm now on the brink of childhood and adulthood. Sis just reminded me its time for her and I to start thinking about getting a learners permit. ha. ha. Funny. The thought of driving terrifies me...not to mention learning to drive with darling sister dear. Lord, save me.

what some of your recent loves?

kind'a country

2011-11-26T20:39:00.000-08:00

I'm occasionally called old fashioned and hillbilly.

I have never worn a pair of jeans in my life, I can churn cream into butter, my best friend lives across the creek from me and when I walk outside one hundred chickens, a dog, three cats and five kids trail along behind me. No, I'm not kidding.

Okay, maybe what they say is true.

But no matter what I am or how I live...every year I get excited about the day after Thanksgiving when the Homestead Heritage fair comes around. It's not your typical ferris wheel and cotton candy kind of place. More like stepping back a century or two...where the ladies quilt and mold soap, while the boys raise barns and boast their skill on wild horses.

Where everyone dresses simply and tidy- blue jeans and plaid button-ups for the men, long skirts and braids for the woman.

Where everyone gathers together to listen to the twang of a banjo and a fiddlers reel, while clapping their hands in time. Where much hot cider and fresh, whole wheat donuts rolled in sugar are consumed.

Where you know the difference between a horse and a donkey...and you know what a mule is.

Where everyone wears a smile and shouts a hearty hello to anyone around.

Where life is lived to the fullest.

And where...well...I want to marry a cowboy, bake bread, have a family and live the rest of my life.

And that just about sums it all up.

By the way...how was everyone's Thanksgiving? Mine was lovely to say the least...although I'm a little burned out on turkey.

{Happy Saturday, Folks}

oh, so many pretties

2011-11-13T15:50:00.000-08:00

i'm a major girly girl. just ask my mom.

yesterday my gorgeous blonde sis and i celebrated our combined 15th birthday party, we dressed up and then went out to dinner with all the girls. after dinner, just the two of us and my mom browsed through gorgeous shops, including one that contained lots of sparkly things and the color pink. we were in heaven. i would have bought the whole store...but i think the store owner, a sweet lady named Mary (awesome name, btw) wanted to keep her adorable shop. she kindly let us try on princess crowns and take pictures of everything, in return i gave her my blog address and told her i would post the pictures for her to see.

the baby girl tu tu's entranced me...i shall adorn my little daughter in them some day.

so many gorgeous things, and whats better...it wasn't outrageously expensive. whats not to love?

mama even surprised us and bought purses, of course- i wanted a pink one.

and since every photographer/blogger does it..i attempted a self-portrait-in-the-mirror thingy at the shop. fail.

{happy sunday}♥

new discoveries

2011-11-07T11:24:00.000-08:00

saturday i got a call from my bestie (who also happens to be my neighbor) sarah. she lives on the property adjoining our land...she and i spend a lot of time at eachother's houses, having tea parties, giggling and gossiping. although this time she wasn't calling to ask if i wanted to come over for lemon tea. this time she wanted me to meet her down at the creek to see her newest discovery. out of curiosity...crouton, max, luke and c. decided to join me.

after much hiking, climbing up creek banks and falling into the water, we finally made it to sarah who lead us through yet another path that required climbing over a dead tree, jumping over a stream and ducking through briar branches. we finally arrived to a deep dry ditch shaded by trees. on the bank was a small, marble footstone with the initials "W.A.P".

the gang stood around it and tried to figure out where all these things where coming from and made up wild, outlandish stories of what they thought had caused them to show up in our creek. it is eery, first a tombstone, then a body and now a footstone...all connected to different people in one area. we have called the police over each discovery, but other then the body...they weren't concerned over anything. so we carefully add each stone to our graveyard of forgotten people.

life never ceases to be filled with adventure.

for those who were wondering...my condition has indeed worsened, so i was yet again put on another route of medication and pain relievers...the good thing is i feel awesome and i no longer look so horribly sick. my doctors are doing their best to treat the eye and keep it from the potential which could cause me to lose my sight. the thought scares me, but as always- God is in control. today is back to the doctor...and hopefully this time good news will be the end results.

thank you for praying and for all your birthday wishes in my last post! i smiled when i read them and i love each and everyone of you very, very much!

{happy, happy monday!}

it's my party, i can smile if i want too

2011-11-03T21:16:00.000-07:00

fifteen years ago, the world changed.... *ahem* for the better, that is.

today is my birthday. 

i didn't wake up tall, beautiful and graceful as i imagined i'd be on my fifteenth birthday. no, in fact...i still measure up as 5'1'', i'm still clumsy...and my my reflection was far from pretty as it stared back at me today. but never the less, i had a lovely day full of shopping, peppermint mocha frappes and going out to dinner with my family...and cake. as you can see, my camera was pretty attracted to it.

i am ever-so-tired, but filled to the brim with happiness. my birthday was filled with so much loveliness and i was reminded of how much and how many people love and care about me...i am ever so grateful for all the trouble they went through to make this day special for me.♥

^^props goes to crouton for taking the absolutely horrible, yet only decent picture of me today. 

my birthday was a good one, and the best part yet is that it isn't over...exactly two weeks from today, my sis, cynthia, turns fifteen. we share a 'twin' tea party with our lady friends inbetween birthdays! yay for almost-twins and extended birthdays.

its off to bed for me...and just so you know, i don't mind late birthday wishes.;)

late night rambles

2011-10-26T19:25:00.000-07:00

it's deliciously cool outside right now, the perfect autumn weather...my whole being is aching to snuggle under a blanket and drift to sleep.

i can't say life has been easy lately. yesterday, after forty-seven days later...my doctor told me that the blister spot on my eye had finally healed. it should have been a day of rejoicing...that is, if he hadn't told me that yet another spot had appeared under my iris, which means harsher treatment and even more waiting for healing. lovely. i admit, i came home and cried for a long time. sometimes i get so tired of the pain, the fatigue, the dull appetite and the often sleepless nights. the last few days i felt like a dark cloud was hovering over me, i was moody and depressed, i stamped my feet at everything and would cry over spilled milk. my poor family.

but today as i was flipping through my Bible i came across some very comforting psalms. the verses helped me...alot. i felt like a little child who had fallen and hurt themself, then ran to their mother for comfort and support. it was a reassuring type feeling, a feeling that everything will be okay. God still loves me, he hasn't forgotten me. he has heard my prayers for healing...and yes, he is working in me. maybe he isn't bringing the answers i want, but he is certainly doing what is best. maybe he wants to teach me some things....things like patience, perhaps? whatever it is...i think i'm finally at rest.

another sunny spot in my day was when i discovered i had one 2nd place in Jocee's photo challenge. isn't that awesome? i think i may have smiled twice (or three times) when i read this post today.

i also made two ginormous pumpkin rolls for my family today. they liked them. you will too. although i'll let you make them this time. *hands you the recipe with a smile* // by the way...i doubled the cream cheese filling (we like lots of it) and left out the nut brickle and walnuts.

{good night, dearies}

exciting week-ends...

2011-10-22T13:55:00.000-07:00

i'm beyond worn out. but it was a week-end well spent and i enjoyed it immensly.

i spent yesterday with family, and photographed my sister's entire wedding and reception. the pictures came out well enough, but i've got a long way to go before i'm a pro photographer.

besides the pictures, the wedding was very nice. my sister, celeste, looked absolutely gorgeous and i officially have a new brother-in-law.

i'm hoping to do a photo shoot of my sister rachael and her husband eric next week. they are one of the cutest couples ever and are very photogenic. you'll be sure to want to see the pictures from that shoot if your the type that loves romance and pretty people.

^^celeste and rachael at the reception party. why yes, i have beautiful sisters, indeed!

crouton arrived home from a mission trip in time for the wedding. i must admit, i've kind of missed him and its good to have him back home. life is never boring with him around...

...including last night when he was driving me and a couple of other family members home from the wedding around ten o'clock at night driving sixty mph. he drove around a curb and all the sudden out of no where a man appeared right in front of the headlights of the car, his arm stretched out and not moving a muscle. all the girls in the car screamed. crouton remained his calm, usual self...swerved in the wrong lane and narrowly missed the man.

needless to say, the man's attempt of suicide failed. but not so much crouton's epic dodge.

life always holds excitement...but for now, i've had just about all of it i can take. it's off to a long, lazy, saturday afternoon nap for me.

because i love autumn

2011-10-19T15:27:00.000-07:00

today is windy and chilly. the kind of day where you wear warm socks and sip tea.

which is exactly what i did.

i've been rockin' a pair of colorful soaks with my penny loafers a lot recently. normally i would freak if i even saw somebody wearing something like that. but now, now i've had a change of heart and i, myself, am caught wearing them. soo comfy!! daggum, what has happened to me??

why yes, I realize that my feet are rather small. crouton and chloe remind me quite often. my mom thinks i should embrace shortness with pride. i haven't yet.

and tea...oh, how i love thee. i chugged a ton of hot chai tea with way to much sugar and extra cream sprinkled with cinnamon. hey, i like life sweet...don't judge.

{^entering in Jocee's photochallenge^}

i rarely do photo challenges, but i am a lover of autumn and got all excited when i saw that the uh-mazing jocelyn pevensie from the cupcake dictionary (love you, dear) is having a "all things autumn" challenge. oh, happiness! go enter before its over.:)

besides lovin' the weather and all that comes with it, i am currently in a annoyed mood and rather sick of my stupid ( ahem, sorry) glasses. my birthday is coming up and my birthday wish is that my doctor will say "mary, you may start wearing your contacts again." please cross your fingers for me. thank you.

how's this fine autumn day treating you?
{happy wednesday}

somebody just handed me a happy pill

2011-10-17T20:28:00.000-07:00

guess what???

^^this girl's dad just went out and bought her a canon eos rebel T3 camera.

her dad is cool.

i totally haven't quit grinning all night, all i have said to my parents since the camera was placed in my hands is "i'm so happy!" even the sales boy who helped out with the whole buying process got an overdose of happiness from his customer. he suggested i celebrate by joining a little girl who was gettin' her groove on by a bunch of speakers blaring music...but i declined to the dancing. instead i came home and celebrated with a creamy dish of peppermint ice cream.

life is good.

i'm happy.

welcome to my {future} home...

2011-10-13T16:09:00.000-07:00

my mom went through a slight obsession with the 'shabby chic' style and changed our living room up with lots of white wicker arm chairs with ruffly cushions, lacy curtains, a old piano, antique flowers and a victorian style sofa. She also took my beautiful old fashioned picture of ladies all dressed up in ribbons and hats at a tea party that came from my great-grandmother, and hung it on the living room wall. at first, i didn't know what to think of our newly fashioned living room. but after sitting on the couch and rummaging through a pile of shabby chic magazines my mom had neatly displayed in a wicker basket by a white lamp...i fell in love.

since then i have daydreamed about how my future home will be like someday.

no...it shall not all be stiff, moderen and new. it will be shabby chic to the core.

maybe i should explain.

the kitchen will be bright and sunny. it will have a diamond chandelier, lacy curtains, tons of roses and tea cups and floral, gold rimmed saucers will be used at breakfast, lunch and dinner.

the living room will also have a chandelier, and tons of books, decorated with more flowers and pretty things. the sofa will have lots of comfy toss pillows and cushions.

there will be a comfy little loft with books and a cozy, feather bed for my daughter. although husband dear must build a railing so she won't fall off.

the master bedroom will be simple and cozy...an iron bed with a white embroidered coverlet...and tons of fluffy pillows, of course.

there will be lots of windows in the bedroom and old bottles with good smelling blossoms will sit on the windowsill and dresser.

i'll also have my desk in corner beside a sunny window where i will blog, email friends and write letters.

the bathroom will have a deep, clawfoot tub. just right for long, scented bubble bath lovin' girls like me. there will be lots of soft towels and husband dear will put up a chandelier in above the tub, as well. there will be scented bath salts on a table beside the tub.

there will be pretty things adorning the bathroom sink and vanity table.

there will also be a guestroom for when family or friends come to visit.

...and that about sums it up.

except for one thing...there will be a swing in the back yard for daughter to think, pray and play.

hope you come visit me some day.

one big yay

2011-10-10T09:28:00.000-07:00

this past week= a perfectly horrible, terrible, no-good week. i call it my "Job" week.

sounds lovely, does it not? hah.

but i'm not going to dwell on that because there is always good in the midst of bad things...and the rest of this month is totally looking up. especially when my dad came in the other day and told me he and my mom are buying me my very own canon eos rebel t3 digital slr camera next week. *insert mouth dropping open and falling over dead* it was literally the most beautiful music to my ears i have ever heard...i have never loved my parents more. well, i mean, i would still love them...even if they didn't buy me any camera. ever. but this...this iced the cake.

i'm going to try it out at my sister, Celeste, wedding on the 21st. i'm not sure who will be more excited, Celeste: who is marrying the love of her life- or Mary: who is getting to use her camera for the first time to capture the special memories of Celeste's wedding.

personally, i think we'll both be pretty happy.=)

now i just need to pick a name for my camera, any suggestions?

that feeling...

2011-10-04T18:24:00.000-07:00

sometimes i feel like my heart will burst with happiness. i have that feeling, ya know? like when your day goes really awesome and everybody suddenly seems like your best friend.

that feeling...when you make a huge batch of chocolate chip cookies and everyone gobbles them up and declares you the best chocolate-chip-cookie-baker in the world.

that feeling...when cuddling a three month old baby...admiring his tiny, perfect, pink toes and kissing his soft cheeks until he squirms in protest (much to the dismay of his older, teenaged brother who doesn't think it's manly to be kissed all the time by 'old' woman.) *offended frown*

that feeling...when you finish tying nine quilts with a group of your best friends in the world...

that feeling...when your listening to your favorite song by celtic thunder....

that feeling...when you read an awesome blog post by one of your dear friends.
i love you, sierra!=)

that feeling...when the last rays of sunshine wraps you in warmth.

and that feeling of knowing you will always be loved and accepted by God...
no matter what.

what brought you that feeling today?

lalala life goes on...

2011-09-27T12:17:00.000-07:00

before i say anything, i want to give you all my most humble thanks for praying for me. after eighteen days of terrible pain, steroids, antibiotics and other numerous medications...i am officially well! all thanks goes to you that prayed for me, a wonderful doctor, and of course, God. you are all amazing. *big, happy smile*

currently listening too: "obladi oblada" the beatles

Obladi oblada life goes on, brah!
Lala how the life goes on
Obladi Oblada life goes on, brah!
Lala how the life goes on.

yes, i'm listening to the beatles. i must be going crazy. my mom bought me this little 70's-ish babydoll top the other day...it's actually rather cute. today i looked at pictures of my mom from the 70's and tried to do the hippy, part-your-long-straight-hair-down-the-middle style...it didn't work. i've got to get used to the fact that the 70's are forty years behind me.

oh well.

life does goes on, afterall...

besides, i would rather listen to switchfoot then the beatles, anyway.

(vice verses, anyone?? i got it in the mail last saturday! *happy dance*)
and i think i'll stick to wearing my normal, more up-to-date clothes. for some reason, i don't look right in babydoll tops and parted hair.

what's your favorite thing about the 70's?

please?

2011-09-20T18:50:00.000-07:00

I'm battling an eye infection that has been going on for more then a week.

If it isn't well by Friday, the doctor says i have to go to a specialist. I don't want to go to the specialist. I want to be well. I hate to ask this, but I'm going to anyway...

would you please remember my in your prayers tonight?

no! for real! i didn't join the dark side...=)

thanks. i love you.

my irish blood is showing

2011-09-18T18:40:00.000-07:00

i'm inspired::

to pick up my fiddle and play like my life depended on it...

i'm lovin::
this song-- i'm off to Ireland, my dears. bye.

can somebody please tell me why American boys aren't as cute, toe tappin' and smiley as the Irish??

i'm anticipating::

the arrival of a very special friend and soon-to-be sister...isn't waiting hard??

i'm wishing::
i had a hot cup of lemon tea.

i'm dreading::

going to the doctor this week for my eye allergies and to get a physical done...pray for me!

and that just about sums it all up...

{nightie night, ladies}

birthdays, blades and eyeballs

2011-09-14T11:24:00.000-07:00

Today something that makes me slightly sad happened. My last big brother that lives at home (Crouton, that is) turned eighteen. I could post a bunch of dirt about him, but since he really is a pretty cool brother and he probably won't be at home much longer...I'll just wish him a very happy birthday and a wonderful new year of being an adult ~~even though he doesn't act like one~~.

So c'mon dearies....lets make his day and wish him a very

happy birthday.

As in other things, my parents are considering bringing me in for LASIK eye surgery. I would love to get it, it would mean I would no longer be legally blind, which also means no more contacts which also mean one big epic YAY!! But I'm a little bit nervous, the thought of a blade cutting my eye is a little freaky. Has anybody else out there had LASIK? If so, are you pleased with the results? Let me know how it went for you. I have never had normal vision in years, the thought of being able to see without any correction would be a dream come true, it seriously would.

{happy wednesday, everyone}

i'm off to do some reading and perhaps a little nap. treat yourself, do the same.

counting blessings and bits o' sunshine

2011-09-12T19:04:00.000-07:00

Today I felt the endless weight of boredom, even though I had a lot to do. I felt tired, even though I had a full nights rest. I felt sick, even though it was only every day allergies that where bothering me. In other words, I was drowning in a lovely pull of self pity. It looked nice to the eyes, but once I jumped in, it was deep, and I went no where but farther into the dark depths.

Back to reality, pitying myself wasn't helping my situation at all. So instead, I tried to count my blessings. And you know what? It helped a lot, that and also baking (and consuming) a rather large quantity of chocolate chip cookies. Hey, I like sweets, don't judge, 'cause I know you do too.

I also climbed a tree. Yes, I climb trees...in a skirt...with a camera (don't worry, it was strapped around my neck) I love climbing trees, My mama always taught me to be a lady, and I normally was (most of the time) except when it came to climbing trees, especially the big cedar beside our driveway...it has the loveliest branches to sit, and read or ponder upon.

Beside eating cookies and climbing trees as entertainment, I felt a bit of sunshine to realize that I have quiet a few new followers to get acquainted with. So, if you are a new follower,

hey there, dear.

Thank you for being my friend! It pleases me greatly that you actually took the time to read my crazy ramblings and take interest in my every day life...if your a new follower of mine, please comment and put your blog link at the end of the comment as well so I can come read and follow your blog!

Now I'm off for a bubble bath and to dream about spending time with my lovely grandma, auntie and mommy tomorrow!

They promised peach izze's and cupcakes from Central Market with the whipp-y yummy frosting would be involved too...

*happy face*

did you count your blessings today?

random happy post of things that make me happy

2011-09-10T10:59:00.000-07:00

big brothers that let you tag along behind them wherever they go and take you to Starbucks just because they know you like it...brother No. 1 is a keeper sibling...

sleepovers with your little 8 year old sister on friday nights that involve wayyy to much sweets, giggles, tears and staying up past your bed time. I want to be the big sister to her that I always wished I had.

daydreaming about wearing these beautiful floral oxfords with some warm, wooly socks. {{credits go to my darling friend Jocelyn for rubbing her oxford obsession off on me.}}

and of course, as always...I'm absolutely LOVING the weather! I could literally eat it! Seriously, I could!

now I'm off to go soak up some sunshine and cool air, then off to celebrate a birthday, wait, no, my birthday....good gosh! only about eight weeks and I'm going to be fifteen?? Kind of a scary thought.

whats making your day happy?

out with the old, in with new

2011-09-06T19:28:00.000-07:00

I officially said goodbye to Summer...it was a pleasent goodbye...a walk on the beach with my camera around my neck, the wind whipping my hair and warm sand between my toes...

Hello Fall.

I'm anticipating...

 cool weather

scarves and sweaters

apple cider

piles of leaves

warm, cozy blankets 

pumpkin pies

a book next to the fire

tea parties with friends

leaf shaped sugar cookies

What about you?

unknown facts about me...

2011-09-01T21:00:00.000-07:00

Unknown fact about me:: I've had a slight obsession with B. Reith in the past year or so. And lately his music has been on replay when I have my headphones on. Oh, and I'm not one to get all swoon-y and gushy over just any *ahem* lads. But I seriously think the definition of cute in the dictionary is probably B. Reith. {by the way...Reith is pronounced *r-IGH-th* not *r-ee-th*} Look below----See what I mean??? Blueee eyes!!!!

now is not forever

all that's seen will fade away
these wars will end
there is an antidote
to heal your broken pain
there is a lifeline that hides inside
the maker of your frame
He gave His life
Hold your head up high
you will get by
you will get by...

antidote~ by:: b. reith

Yupp...my current favorite singer.

(and song)

Anybody else a fan of B?

Unknown Fact About Me:: I'm a big fan of this really awesome blog called Fearless by this really sweet girl named Monica. (and guess what? she's from Texas! So am I! And so is Jocee!!! Isn't that cool???) Seriously a super cute blog! Click the link below and go check it outttzzz.

{Fearless}

Unknown Fact About Me:: Two of my absolute best friends are my brother Crouton and my nephew Marky. No seriously, their cool (I'd never tell them that, but yeah) Since they are all old and have girlfriends and jobs and go to college now, I don't get to hang out with them much. But starting tomorrow we get to spend the whole weekend on our annual yearly trip to the beach together! The three of us go every September and I must admit, I'm excited!

(Picture from our beach trip in September '10. The boys are guna kill me for posting this!:D ---by the way...I'm kneeling down in this picture, I'm short but not that short. Heh heh.)

Unknown Fact About Me: (Well, not real unknown, but maybe to some people) I seriously LOVE my bed and thats where I'm heading right now! Ta-ta and toodle-loo folks!

{Happy Thursday!!!}

i kinda forget to blog sometimes

2011-08-28T15:59:00.000-07:00

currently...

wearing: yellow top and black skirt
reading: Roses for Mama by Janette Oke
eating: uhh, nothing at the moment, but earlier-- a peach fried pie. Yumm-o.
drinking: an Arizonia strawberry-kiwi drink. Arizona drinks= Awesomeness.
listening to: NY2LA by Press Play:)
anticipating: tea party with my friends and going to the beach this week-end.
despising: how hot it is=/

Yupp...it's me. Remember me? Sue Sue? Yeah...well, I've kind of neglected my dear blogger world lately. Life just goes crazy once in a while and there isn't time to do things you normally do {or you don't feel inspired too} so yeahhh...I'm guilty, and I'm sorry. Forgive me? For now I am busy hanging out with family and we are also all eagerly anticipating and preparing for the arrival of two very special people (there will be a blog about it when they come) and I'm also doing much praying. Do pray with me, dears. I would appreciate it very much. Oh and two more things you can do!!!::: Check out my guest posts over at Saff's Sanctuary anddd...wish my awesome brother, Gage, a Happy 26th Birthday!!!--

good days

2011-08-19T15:11:00.000-07:00

Good days always involve strawberry snowcones, right? I think so.
Thats why I had one today.

Good days also involve friends moving right across the, um, creek from you! Yupp, thats right! My besties Naomi and Sarah and their family moved in a house on the property across our creek. Its walking distance, but also involves wading. We need to talk Crouton into building us a bridge. If you read this, comment and demand Crouton build a bridge for me, 'k? Oh, and I want it to look like this::

Oh, and good days also involve tags from awesome people, I have this epic tag from my gorgeous friend, Kimmi, from Kimmi's Korner, (Check her blog out guyzzz, I know you want to!!!)
~
1. Favorite Sport: I don't really like sports at all, but if had to pick, probably basketball or baseball.
2. A good name for a Dog: Uhhhhh....I don't know. I always thought a good name for a annoying dog would be Doggonit, because thats what I sometimes say when I'm annoyed. lol.
3. Favorite Animal: Bunnies and kittens
4. Favorite Subject in School: Spelling
5. Favorite Drink: Strawberry Lemonade
6. Last Song You Heard: Dark Horses by Switchfoot
7. Do you like to make people laugh?: Yeah, but I'm not very good at it;D
8. Favorite Color: Aqua blue and sunshine yellow
9. Favorite Hobby: Singing really loud
10: School Grade You are in: 9th
11. Last movie you saw in theaters: I don't watch movies, soo...
12. Favorite Season: Spring!
13. Favorite pair of shoes: Some really cute high heeled sandals I got from Charming Charlie, but they hurt my feet=/
14. Favorite Fruit: Strawberries and watermelon
15. What are you excited about: Going to the beach for Crouton's birthday in three weeks
16. Last thing you were sick with: A cold. Blech.
17. Last thing you bought: A snow cone. :D
18: Farthest you've been away from home: Washington D.C...probably
19. Last name you said: Flea...I told her to go to bed. I'm such a mean sister;)
20: Least Favorite Food: Meatloaf and Pork Chops. EW!
~
Thanks Kimmi! That was cool! I tag Sierra, Saff and Chloe. Have fun ladies!

Good days also involve listening to cool music, and so I'll leave all you Narnian and Switchfoot fans and fams with some cool music...

Night, all!:)

i really love my mommy and big cameras

2011-08-16T19:04:00.000-07:00

I think I must have been awarded kid of the month or something. You may wonder why, but the answer is because my mom has been spoiling me right and left lately! Not that I mind or anything...*grins*...but it is quite strange. Last Saturday was a no-reason stop at Starbucks, just because Mommy knows I love mocha coconut frappes. Then at the dinner table a couple of days ago I was mourning because I wanted to preorder a twenty dollar CD that would be released in September, but I didn't have the money too. So what does mom do? No, she doesn't tell me I don't need the CD, nor that it isn't even released yet so why am I even worrying about buying it...but she hands me her credit card and tells me to go order it.

Did my eyes just pop out of my head? I think so!
*DANCE PARTY!!!*

Oh, and not to mention that she keeps demanding me to let her do the dishes lately since my allergies are bothering me so bad. She also downloaded me some AIO episodes and didn't make me pay for them. She said they were a 'gift for me for helping her so much.' And she just asked me if I'd like to go shopping......

...Hmmmmmm....

I think she's buttering me up for something...should I be worried? Hopefully not---But anyways, this is a poem I wrote for her::

My Mommy Loves Me

Forever with me through thick and thin
Never giving up when I didn't win
Holding my hand when I was afraid
Always there with the right thing to say
Gentle arms and the sweetest kisses
Always supporting my childish wishes
'Twas me she prayed for to God above
On me she showered much tender love
All these things can't be done by any other
No, only one- by my dear, sweet mother.
How can I repay such deep devotion?
I say this with the deepest emotion::
And pray that with these words you will see
Just how much she means to me---
I love you, Mommy

Now, as for other things, my cool lawyer brother is home for a few weeks and I discovered he is very generous with his big camera. I think I just decided who my favorite sibling is! ;)

*swoons*
I just love it (the camera, that is)! It takes such beautiful pictures, does it not?

See what I mean? Such lovely images! Oh, and that little guy up there with the sparkly eyes? That's my brother Luke. Yes I know, he's handsome...but sorry ladies, he's too young.
~
To the awesome camera and my mommy::
Ya'll are both really cool.
:)

the ultimate switchfoot experience

2011-08-09T13:45:00.000-07:00

I survived and I'm back!!!
*hallelujah chorus*

Oh, and just to let you know...I didn't really want to come back, but I was forced too.
*sighs*
It was literally the best trip of my life. I had a BLAST!!!
~

Day one started out with a longgg drive in the car, which meant gummy bears, jammin' to Switchfoot and Hawk Nelson CD's and playing on games on the laptop.

We arrived at our destination (aka a hotel) about seven hours later. Crouton wanted to go see Disciple, who would be playing live later that evening at Rock The Desert, (a three day Christian concert and festival we attend every year) so we headed over to the dry, hot, field in the middle of the desert where the festival/concert was to be held. Disciple isn't really my 'type' so I walked around the festival and ate snowcones and bought Switchfoot silly bands and Shonlock writsbands. I enjoyed myself, although I had a horrible nosebleed that lasted fifteen minutes which had medical people instructing me on what to do to stop a nosebleed and also had people stopping to stare at me. Lovely.

Second day started out awesome, I decked myself out in a Switchfoot t-shirt and my new Switchfoot silly bands, then we headed out to do some shopping, and stopping at Double Dave's for pizza then more shopping. We also stopped at Starbucks for some Coconut Mocha frappuccinos before heading back to the festival. Normally I like venoms before I go to concerts, but sugary, caffinated coffee is good too.:)

after we finished shopping, we headed to the festival.
That's where the fun began---
Ooooh yes.

Crouton, about a hundred other kids and I all went over to the place which people called "The Teen Tent" to chill for a while. Switchfoot band members Tim Foreman, Drew Shirley and Chad Butler came over to hang out with us. They said they'd play us some of the new songs off the new CD "Vice Verses" if we promised not to get our cameras out. They didn't want us to record any of the new music because it wasn't released yet. We agreed and before long we all (including Tim, Drew and Chad) were tapping our feet and nodding our heads to the CD booming out of the speakers. After they turned the CD off they started talking to us and asked if we had any questions for them. A couple of brave kids asked questions then I got the guts to ask one myself after it got awkwardly silent while everyone waited for somebody to ask a question. I raised my hand and said "Me!". Tim dubbed me the new nick name as "'Me' in a blue shirt" and asked me what my question was. I asked him how old he was when Switchfoot was created...he told me he was still in high school, so about eighteen. When I asked how long ago that was, he, Drew and Chad laughed and Tim replied with a dramatic sigh "Decades and decades and decades ago..." Then we all busted out laughing.

After much chatting and singing to Switchfoot CD's. The three guys left to go meet up with Jon Foreman and Jerome Fontamillas before it was their time to sign autographs at the Artist tent. The rest of us kids ran for the artist tent so we'd be first in line to get a autograph...but sorrowfully the word spread around that Switchfoot was here and would be signing so the line was already extremely long. We did manage to all get an autograph though, and Tim, Chad and Drew and I joked about being old again. Then Drew thanked me for coming and for listening to their band. Thanked me?! Good grief, I should be thanking him.

Yes, thats me meeting Jon Foreman! *squeals*

After signing, the band disappeared to get ready for the concert that night...which of course, was amazing!! At ten o'clock that night, Switchfoot lit up the stage and played all my favorite songs, including "Your Love Is A Song" and "This Is Your Life" in front of 20,000 screaming fans.

Then Jon surprised everybody and picked a little boy up out of the crowd and sang "Restless" to him. It was so sweet!

The little boy automatically turned into a celebrity when Jon set him down and people all around him started giving him high-fives. Then Jon surprised the life out of me and another girl next to me when he reached out and grabbed our hands while he was singing. I thought it was pretty cool...but the other girl ...well, lets just say say she stared at her hand and bawled her eyes out the rest of the concert.

See? I'm not fibbin'!

I tried to take a picture of Drew and Tim, but Tim is kind of blurry...he never quits moving.=/

It was, to say the least...an amazing experience.

~
Anybody want to hear about the rest of my trip in the desert??:)

My Life Verse (Guest Post By Sierra)

2011-08-08T12:48:00.000-07:00

Hi girls! My name is Sierra, I blog over at Keep Growing Beautiful and I've known Mary through blogger for about a year and half?

That is what I'm thinking. Anyway Mary has been awesome, she is letting me guest post on her blog!Really cool.Before I get down to business, I want to talk about how awesome Mary is.

Mary is such a sweet, beautiful, kind, modest, God loving, music loving, Justin Bieber fan but not a crazy fan, daughter of the King. Talented, funny...I could go on and on.She is really awesome.She has a great, big family so a lot of great stories.Her blog is really fun and I am sooo honored to be her friend.Seriously, if you just stumbled on this blog, you need to follow!

Now I'm going to be talking about my Life verse as Saff did Saturday and why I have it as my life verse, what it means to me and some ways I apply it to my life.
Here is my life verse:

Finally, brothers, (Or sisters)
whatever is true, whatever is noble,
whatever is right, whatever is pure,
whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—
if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—
think about such things.
Philippians 4:8

So one way to think about this is think about good things. Like bunnies, babies and sunny meadows right?Well I guess that could work.I mean it did in The Sounds Of Music("Raindrops on roses and whiskers on kittens"). But this is like deeper. This is thinking about the right think, the truth, admirable (I'm using admirable as honorable) works. It means more than being happy.It's like love actually.Or beauty.With love it can be the rush of the moment, the excitement. but when you get married it goes way deeper than kisses.It is about caring for the other person and putting them in front of yourself and being a team.With beauty...it's pretty superficial right now.You have to have the right clothes, the right friends, the right attitude.And once you don't have that your nothing. But true and real beauty is having a beautiful heart. Being kind to others and comfortable with being you.
So this verse is kind of a challenge.To go deeper and yearn for more of God's great plan for you.To not get wrapped up in the world and what it says but to go for approval from God.
I apply this to my life by dressing modestly, seeking God for the help I really do need since I'm a huge mess(though actually I like to be neat) , trying not to get mad at my siblings.There is a ton of stuff that you could apply to your life from this verse.Just think about it.

And now for a really good picture to go with this post,

Sierra
Keep Growing Beautiful♥ (Cause You Are!)

My life verse (Guest Post by Saff)

2011-08-06T03:38:00.000-07:00

Hey all, In case your wondering who I am, I'm Saff (Sofia) from Saffs Sanctury, Mary asked me to look after her blog and do a post for her while she's away. This is me....

Anyway when I emailed Mary to ask her what she wanted me to blog about she replied that she wanted me to pick a favourite verse/chapter out of the bible and explain why it means so much to me or how I apply it to my life.

So here is the verse from the bible that i have chosen.

Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity.

1 Timothy 4:12

(Simple version) Don't let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith and in purity.

1 Timothy 4:12

~ So what does that mean?

Well lets say your at a party or you went with your mum to your mums friends house, and while your mum and her friend are chatting away or if your at the party and all the adults are talking and laughing and having a good time, you can sometimes feel left out and even though you are a mature teenager, they still treat you like your 3!

Well sometimes it can be a bit like that in church too. All the adults are praying and worshipping and you are just sitting there wanting to join in but you feel like every time your about to pray or say something that everyone will look at you as though you dont know what your talking about.

Now dont get me wrong, that doesn't always happen and im not saying that it has happened to you before, but it has happened to me before. I used to get upset about it until i was looking through the bible one day and i suddenly came across this scripture 1 Timothy 4:12.

As I read it I felt much better and it really spoke to me, and even though im not an adult, I can still pray and God can still use me to do his work. We shouldn't let what people say or think bother us, God made us special and he made every single one of us individual and we all have a job we have to do. We should be an example,we have to show love, faith and purity in everything we do.

Even if your only ten years old, your still a child of God, we all are!! So no matter what remember you are special, God created you to worship him and love him. Just remember this scripture. If you do this and carry on loving God and praying, then people will start to respect you and they wont see you just as a pesky little kid. Be an example to other people your age.

So that's my guest post! Get ready for one from a beautiful Godly Girl called Sierra she will be doing hers on Monday.

So thank you for reading and thank you for having me on here Mary (Sue Sue) :)

Why not check out my blog? Just click here. I'd love you to check it out/follow or comment!

So what did you think?

au revior (goodbye) dear blogger world

2011-08-02T15:43:00.000-07:00

I think all of you ladies French obsessions are rubbing off on me...but I don't mind:)

Anyhooo....enough with the French, lets get on to the subject-

I'm to be off on my new, big adventure to a three day concert and camping at the Rio Grande very soon...*dance party* I'm so excited!!! (minus the 7-hour car ride). *sighs*...I'll try to come back alive and in one piece, that is, if I don't sing my lungs out or get eaten by a bear.

No worries.

Oh, by the way...my lovely friend Miss Sophia (Saff) Wilson from England is officially in charge until I get back, so don't totally dessert Sue Sue's Stories for the next ten days.:) Be sure to come back for an awesome post by her, leave her a comment and check out her fabulous blog.

Okay, I'm done rambling.
I love you all, dearies!
*tears*

i'm anxious...

2011-07-29T16:19:00.000-07:00

...for adventure.

Crouton and I still haven't decided where we want to go on a vacation next week. Pop's says he'll take us to wherever we want to go next weekend, but we can't make up our minds. I personally am hoping to go to Big Bend national park and stay in a little cabin surrounded by mountains and take hikes and gaze over the Rio Grande. But Crouton has Colorado in mind, or maybe New Mexico. I think little sister suggestions should be more important, don't you?

~
for excitement...

Which will definitely be the Switchfoot concert next week! I am very much anticipating seeing them live again, twice in one day!!! Everywhere I go is making me excited about seeing them, I even walked into Brookshires today and "Dare You To Move" was playing. I almost started singing out loud in front of all the shoppers----but then thought twice before doing so.

~
...for fun.

Many friends and family will be gathering tomorrow at a party hosted by my oldest sis, Rachael, to celebrate the big guy (aka, my brother Gage) finishing the 3-day lawyer bar exam. I'll finally be able to cross off "Have all my parents+siblings+nieces and nephew together at one time in 2011" on my bucket list! Yay-ness!

Oh, and speaking of Gage, he and I just made a pizza with anchovies tomato sauce! Sound appetizing? Dinners will be so boring once he leaves again. I can't believe I won't see him for a WHOLE YEAR while he's away in Japan. *sobs*

~
...for the perfectly wonderful week ahead of me.
...lets hope it stays that way.
Toodle-looooooooo people! I don't think I'll be around blogger world much for a while, and I may have a few guest bloggers next week while I'm away...so stay tuned and don't miss me too badly;)

things like these make me extra happy...

2011-07-26T12:45:00.000-07:00

strawberries and cream-
my new favorite snack...

poppies-
these things grow wild in fields in united kingdom where my bestie, Saff, lives. i'm jealous.

david selby-
he does such a fab-u-listic job acting the voice of Mr. Skint in AIO's new audio drama "the green ring conspiracy". not to mention he looked pretty fine a couple of decades ago.

vintage camera charms-
i saw it on etsy and fell in love. the end.

switchfoot-
what can i say? their awesome and i'm gunna go see them in less then two weeks! YAY!!!

Rachel-
she's got the sweetest smile and the most be-yoo-ti-ful blog that makes me all warm and cozy inside:)

Lily-
because she's adorable and darling and literally dripping with sweetness

Riah-
she's simply just an amazingly awesome girl and friend. i love her!
~
and last but not least...
my followers-

I love you all. Thanks for making me extra happy with your lovely emails and comments. It means a lot to me!
~
My heart is warm and happy tonight.

granola is for cool guys...

2011-07-23T13:18:00.000-07:00

^it's a Crouton phrase, don't ask.^
Anyhoooo...(speaking of Crouton) I decided to ~~get revenge~~ discipline him for hacking my blog the other day. But don't worry I wasn't too mean to him.
*sweet smile*
---

This is my brother before, m'dears--
he thought he could get away with that "i'm-a-charming-blog-hacker-leaning-against-a-tree-acting-innocent-and-cool" attitude...but he thought WRONG!!!

I don't think he'll be thinking that anymore, do you?
Heh heh.
And if he does, he can be disappointed CAUSE I ALREADY POSTED THAT PICTURE HE HAD THREATENED TO POST OF ME ON HERE!

There, I did it.
Gosh guys, that was taken seven years ago...quit laughing!
But really, don't get me wrong, I wasn't really a crazy eyed, messy haired little monster all the time when I was seven...in public people would have seen me as this-

-a sweet little girl that loved babies and flowers and was her mommy's little shadow.
Yupp...that was a long time ago.
There, now you have all seen it and Crouton can't hack me and post a bunch of old, bad pictures of me.
By the way- Crouton's real name DOES NOT fit him. That's why I changed it. Maybe some day I'll tell you what it is. :)
By the way...um, does anybody know the French word for "Handsome"?

Side Note:: Don't worry, the black eye happened in a accident between Crouton and his big brother Spin last year. The sledgehammer and I actually had nothing to do with it. I'm not that evil.:)

Three Nice Things (Hacked by Crouton)

2011-07-21T21:13:00.000-07:00

Hey folks, it's me, Crouton. Filling in for my Bad...mmmhhhmmm!!.... I mean, wonderful little sister Sue-sue. The unfortunate thing is that Sue-sue didn't offer to let me write on her blog(she doesn't trust me or something), but when you have the password it doesn't matter[insert evil face here].
But I also have some business to fulfill. I was thinking that last time I hacked Sue-Sue's blog, the threats I made weren't very nice. In our family we use to have a rule that whenever you insulted one of your siblings you had to say three nice things about them. And I figured I should probably uphold the rules, even here. (The bad thing is that they had to be true. I couldn't say something like: "Sue-Sue I love your Ferrari". Because, well, she doesn't have one:( )

Sooo... Three nice thing. Hmmmmm.... You know what? I'll get back to you on that.

Sue-sue actually offered to let me guest post on here, but when she saw the evil grin on my face she kind of changed her mind. But that's ok, hacking is funner anyways. I mean, When you guest post you can't say anything the owner doesn't like. And your also kind of obligated to say something nice about them because it is their blog. But with hacking you don't have that problem. Everyone just figures that if you go to all the trouble to hack someones blog, then your going to spill all the dirt about them anyway. But that's right, I'm suppose to be saying nice things about Sue-sue. So I'll have to save the stories for another day.

Ok. My three nice things... You know what? I think that Sue-sue has said enough things about me on this blog that we're even, right? In fact, I'm probably behind and should have permission to tell some stories about her. So I think I'll scratch telling y'all the nice things. Instead, I'm sitting here right now coming up with some good stories about her. But it's kind of late, So I'll have to wait to tell you all the stories I have. Although I'm figuring that after this she will probably change her password. But who knows, maybe someday she'll accidentally leave her blog logged in and, well, you know what happens then. Untill then...

P.S. I think if you read all the way through that long post, you should win a prize, don't you think?
P.P.S If Sue-sue deletes this when she sees it, I'm expecting y'all to scream about the injustice and post it on your own blog, ok?

And finally, @Jocee
I won that debate. You even said I did and I have the emails to prove it. Sue-sue just wanted you to win, that's all;).

Good Night People.
Crouton

some days just aren't my type...

2011-07-18T17:44:00.000-07:00

This morning started out just like the beginning of a fairytale book. I half-opened my eyes to sunlight streaming through my partly opened curtains, birds twittering and tweeting to each other on the branch of a tree right outside my window, I lay under my freshly clean, warm sheets drinking in this blissful moment. I went through a mind checklist of what I was going to do today- eat biscuits with lots of jam for breakfast, fix up the yard for when my spiffy lawyer brother comes down for a visit, take some pictures for a blog post, try to talk my mom into bringing me to the fabric store and start on that new book I'm so anxious to read. I felt content and happy as the sunlight streamed down on me and I reminisced my prayer I said the night before asking God for this day to be blessed and enjoyable.

It's going to be a good day.

But I think the devil had other plans, because right after I thought that I suddenly felt something warm and wet dripping down my chin. Blood. It was pouring from my nose. After several minutes of holding dozens of tissues to my face, the bleeding pretty much stopped and I went downstairs for breakfast. Unfortunately all the biscuits were gone by then though, so I went to fetch more ingredients to make more...but there was no butter. I decided to skip breakfast. After getting dressed I checked the weather channel to see if the rumor of a chance of rain was true. It was and so was a bad air quality warning, no wonder my eyes itched and my nose was bleeding so much- allergies had decided this was the day to have a dance party in my head and mess everything up. No being outside for me. Oh well, its all cool since it was supposed to rain anyways, I'd just clean house and enjoy the pattering of rain on the roof.

Big dark clouds formed and mockingly waved as they passed over the top of our roof and continued their path wayward, but sending us no rain at all. I was ticked, and on top of that I sneezed and blood began to gush from my nose again. After my nose again quite bleeding, I decided to take pictures, but they didn't turn out very pretty. After lunch I tried to talk my mom into bringing me to the fabric store, but she kindly told me she would be painting and maybe we would go another day. So then I headed over across the driveway to the little guesthouse were Crouton's bedroom is to get that book I wanted. But his stupid, daggum door wouldn't open so I took about thirty minutes banging and jerking on the tricky door handle and finally discovered how to open it. I finally retrieved the book and headed back for the house. Hallelujah! One thing finally went right for me!

I read for a while, then I had to go down for dinner. Dinner was good, but I burned my tongue. After dinner I decided to take a big bubble bath with lots of mint oil; can't go wrong with that...except GETTING SOAP IN MY EYES!!!

*sigh*
Wanna hear the other little details I left out as well?;)
Maybe God's will is for tomorrow to be blessed and enjoyable, eh? I do hope so.
Some day I'll look back on this day and be able to laugh at how wrong it went, but for now...I just want my bed. I think it's time for me to retire.
Tomorrow's a new day!
Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not upon your own understandings... Prov. 3:5 ...Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself...Matt. 6:34
{Happy Monday, Peeps!}

yellow is my positive color...

2011-07-16T18:42:00.000-07:00

I wore yellow today...

I wore it to help brighten my day because it's fresh and bright and sunshiny...like the sunflowers sitting on our table that were used to adorn my friend, Ayse's, wedding yesterday.
I must admit, the wedding was beautiful, I thoroughly enjoyed it...I saw old friends, wore my new, freshly starched dress I made by myself in two days, and took tons of pictures...but I couldn't help but choke up when I watched Ayse walk hand-and-hand down the isle with her new husband, deep down inside I wanted to jump up from my seat and tell this so-called groom walking her down the isle to go back to Missouri where he came from and not take her with him. But instead I just continued singing and smiled as they walked passed me through teary eyes. I thought I knew just what I was going to say when it was my turn to congratulate the new couple, but I choked up again as Ayse reached out to give me a tight hug. After whispering a few words to eachother I hurried on through so the other some-three-hundred people could get a word in themselves to her and her new husband.

I know I should feel happy for the new couple, and I do...but I can't help but feel sad knowing that Ayse, who I've seen nearly every week of my entire living days, who shared in many important parts of me and my family's lives, who sent me fun texts, shared funny stories from the past and was just there as a friend, is now a married woman and moving some hundred miles away away from us.

Things change. Some thing are sweet, some not so sweet...but life goes on.
I guess I'll just choose to wear yellow and look at the bright side.

Has anybody else worn 'yellow' recently, as in, trying to look at the bright side and stay positive?
~
I don't know about you all, but I'm ever-so-happy this week is over with! I'm anticipating the week ahead of me and hoping it is a good one!
{Happy Saturday, Folks!}

quality time with siblings...

2011-07-11T14:17:00.000-07:00

Today I spent quality time with my little siblings. (Please, somebody...give me a hearty pat on the back. Thanks.) We all sat on the front porch with cold chocolate milk and talked just about anything and everything. Most of the conversation consisted of if chocolate milk turns to hot chocolate after you drink it when your in the sun, though. Ew.

Anyhoooo...after spending quality time with them, I spent quality time with little sister, Flea, while doing a little photo shoot together. The discussion changed to things such as flavored lipbalm and flowers...much better then the discussion about chocolate milk, the sun and such.

She's pretty good at posing, and totally girly to the core...

She's got that heart thing down better then me!

The girl also knows a thing or two about good deals, she got the necklace above and a couple of other pretties at a vintage sale for $5 a couple of months ago. *insert jealous face here*

Pretty and prissy to the soul...yupp...another me in the making!

After much picture taking with little sis, big brother, Crouton arrived home from work. Shortly after Crouton, big brother, Mex, stopped by on his way back home from work to bring a watermelon and a cantaloupe and to give all his little siblings a hard time. After that we all sat around the table and ate melons and teased Crouton (who was heading out the door to some of our friends house) about one of the girls who live there ~~and who also happens to be his secret crush~~. Mex and I had him blushing from head to toe. Oh the joys of being a sister.
Now there is much thinking, praying and decision making about adding three more kids into my family! I say bring it on...the more the merrier! That means there will be a total of thirteen kids in my family, and I'll be right smack in the middle, six older, six younger. Whoa.
Life never slows down, does it? Especially when it comes to siblings.

{Happy Monday, Peeps!!!}

sue-sue the seamstress...

2011-07-05T15:20:00.000-07:00

Sewing...

the word makes me cringe. Sitting for hours with the boring hum of the machine, the endless task to make sure every stitch is perfectly alined and every tuck is just-so. I never had much of a desire to get real involved in it. I got away with sewing blocks together for quilts, blankets and baby burp cloths, but I always avoided the big stuff, like clothes and such. But just recently I was quite annoyed when a bunch of my dear Mennonite friends decided they were going to teach me to sew what I dreaded doing the most- a dress. After a week of hoping I would become deathly ill or abducted by aliens, just something to get me out of the whole ordeal- I found myself in front of my friend, Loretta's, sewing machine surrounded by many carefully cut pieces of lavender material and pages of complicated instruction papers. But Loretta patiently guided me through each step and before long I began to see the little dress make shape. I actually began to enjoy it...and even felt slightly disappointed when my mom and Loretta's mom's came over and told us it was time to go home...but with the promise that we'll finish the dress soon, I'm satisfied...and I think Flea is too, because in the meantime she gets a new dress.

Maybe in the future I'll even get to wear some of the clothes I make...

I think I like sewing after all.:)

{Happy Tuesday, Peeps!}

life's good lately...

2011-07-02T09:04:00.000-07:00

(revenge of the hammer) Don't ask.

{reading} Just finished reading "Lunatic" by Ted Dekker...about to read "Elyon" by Ted Dekker

{listening} "In My Arms" by Plumb

{drinking} Ice water...yes, I'm healthy;)

{eating} About to go eat some fresh pineapple...I told you I was healthy:D

{anticipating} Fourth of July celebration with fam!

{loving} Chillin' with Chloe this whole weekend, acting absolutely ridiculous and talking about stupid stuff.

{looking} At Etsy website, desiring this necklace.

{inspired by} Chloe to make some more dumb gif's like the one above:D

What's up with you lately?
{Happy Saturday, Folks!}

this post is about me...hey! where are you going?

2011-06-28T17:33:00.000-07:00

My gorgeous friend -Emily- from The Nerve Of Verve is having me as her featured follower this week, and has requested I write a post about myself for her! So here you are, deary, I hope you like it...:)

My name is Mary Susannah, but I often go by Sue-Sue, Susie Lou and Susan according to different people, but I much prefer plain ol' Mary. I live in a tiny town deep in the country where everybody knows your name, and while I really love it here...I do enjoy going to the city once and a while to go shopping at the mall, eating at fancy restaurants and going to concerts. I love to bake and cook just about anything. I also enjoy reading, writing, singing, taking pictures and blogging (of course). I'm not a big fan of sports...maybe because I'm kind of short and not very strong so I have never been good at them, but I do enjoy shooting hoops once in a while and I love to go bowling...(if you call that a sport) As for my blog, it is kind of like a diary of my life, where I can post bits and pieces of whats going on in my own little world. I try to keep things fun and interesting for everyone who visits my blog, as well as sharing my faith and love for Christ...without Him I don't know where I'd be in life. I strive everyday to be more like Him, and while I also fail daily...He is always there to lovingly pick me up and set me back on the right track. As you can see, I'm not much different from any other teenage girl. I often find myself longing for approval, beauty and love- but then I have that little reminder that I already am all that and much more in the sight of God...no matter what earthly humans might say. I am my own unique person, nothing more, nothing less...and even better, I am God's.

And while the subject is me...I have been inspired along with a bunch of other bloggers to join Olivia's "People Are Imperfect Campaign For Bloggers Who Are Awesome" or "PAICFBWAA" It's where you muster up enough courage to add a not-so-great picture of yourself where you are totally and naturally you...no make-up, editing or airbrushing...and while I don't wear make up...(other then shiny chap sticks/glosses, and I do curl my eyelashes and trim my eyebrows...but does that doesn't necessarily count as make-up.) But I do often tweak up my pictures before posting them on my blog and other things...as in I boost up the color and lighting and do a bit of softening or sharpening here and there. At first I didn't think I would join "PAICFBWAA"...but why not? We were made in God's image...and I shouldn't be embarrassed to show what I really and truly look like...sooooo...

-here you are- Yours Truly...

Quick...Jocee...hand me that pillow! I need to hid my face!;)
Anyhooo...you still here? Good...well, I hope that didn't scare you to bad.
BUT- now that I did this post...I dare you to do one! Are you brave enough to show off God's natural masterpiece?
{Happy Wednesday, Folks!}

ramblings and cool stuff like switchfoot concerts...

2011-06-27T19:59:00.000-07:00

Sorry for ignoring you for so long, blogger world, life's been busy. Busy, but good...and full of excitement. Last week-end I hit the pool, went out with aunties for a girls day, had a small get-together the fam, braved risking my life to see if the horrendous crash in our laundry room at 3:30 a.m was a mean-masked robber just waiting to blow my brains out when I opened the door...oh, and my favorite- a Switchfoot concert...

Oooooooh yes, I had the time of my life. After four years of being a fan and collecting every CD they come out with and singing really loudly every time they were being played on the radio, I finally saw them live...and it was amazing! On the ride to Dallas, I guzzled much of my favorite highly energizing beverage- the venom, so that I'd be awake and ready to sing on the top of my lungs once they hit the stage at ten o'clock p.m. It did its job, and seemed to even help the thousands of people around me as well...because when it got to be around 9:30 everyone started to get pretty restless and the countdown began. Finally at ten the stage lit up and Jon Foreman began belting out Switchfoot favorites...from the old ones, like "Stars", "Meant To Live" and "Dare You To Move" to the new ones like "Mess Of Me", "Free" and "Your Love Is A Song" I sang and clapped till my voice was gone and my hands were stinging.

Overall...they did awesome, and Jon did a great job keeping everyone entertained, from climbing up the side of the stage--- (he claimed he wanted a better eye-view of Texas)*insert gasp* to crowd surfing while sporting one of his fan's cowboy hat and another fan's big yellow shades *insert screaming* to kneeling down on the stage in front of Chloe and I and a bunch of other girls in the crowd and smiling at us while he sang *insert much fangirly squealing*. Oh and he also got his foot stuck in the bars when he climbing back down the side of the stage...for a second there I thought they were going to have to change the name of the band from "Switchfoot" to "Stuckfoot"...(Yeah, I know...that was a pretty corny joke) Way to soon the last song was played and fireworks lit up the midnight sky as Switchfoot bowed and the crowd clapped and screamed. Perfect way to end a perfect day. Now I am anxiously awaiting August 5th when I shall get to them live in concert again and also get to meet them! *happy dance*

Please don't tell me I'm the only Switchfoot fan out there...whats your favorite song by them?:)

to much 'me' time...

2011-06-21T14:31:00.001-07:00

I've had to many "Me" days recently this summer.
Days where all I'm required to do is my daily housework, which is barely anything...then I have the whole day ahead of me to do whatever I want. To be honest, I'm not overly fond of these type of days, I don't like having so much time on my hands. It often results in boredom and restlessness, or to much time thinking of how much I wish things where different--
I wish I still had my baby boy to cuddle and kiss. I wish I still had a ton of brothers at home to bother me. I wish I could still make huge cakes and cookies with tons of dyes and artificial flavors that my little brother Tommy could eat without it effecting his body and mind. I wish my grandpa and Kevin where still alive, and that my family wasn't left with these gaping, sad wounds. Oh, the things I wish.
But wishing doesn't change anything.
Its then I feel that gentle whisper of reassurance from God that its okay. He has purpose for every little think that happens..and with that I can feel peace.
In the meantime, I try to fill my hands with things to keep me busy. Like making natural cupcakes (okay they did have colored sprinkles...but the rest was totally natural ingredients)

and tea from mint that grows wild in our back yard...

...which I made in perfect timing for a little tea party snack for my mom's unexpected company today.:)
Plus much reading, but I sadly gobbled up every last word of the last Ted Dekker book we recently ordered. Now I mournfully see it set on my nightstand, with me having every word of it memorized in my mind.

Now I'm anxiously scouring our bookcases for another exciting book to read. *sigh*
If I don't find any good books, I guess I'll break out the water hose. To bad my legs are as long as the used-to-be HUGE slide on our playhouse castle...no waterslide for me=/
Oh, summer boredom.

How do you like to spend your own "Me" days? What do you like to do in your spare time?
{Happy Tuesday, folks!}

let me take the time to brag about an awesome guy...

2011-06-19T21:09:00.000-07:00

I have the best dad in the world, so don't try to say yours is better, 'cause its not true.:)
But seriously, I thank God for such a sweet dad.
There aren't many dad's out there that work as hard as my dad does every day.
Or that take their crazy 14-year old daughter to a concert seven hours away just to see her favorite band, like my dad does.
Or that take their kids bowling every Tuesday night until eleven o'clock, even though he has to leave at six the next morning to go to work...but my dad does.
There aren't many dads that have never raised their voice or scolded their daughter...ever, but one of the few is my dad.
And...there aren't many dad's that are as handsome as my dad. Yupp, I think its because he's Irish!
:D
Daddy, your amazing...and I love you so much!

{Happy Fathers Day!!!}

I'm So Happy!!!

2011-06-17T19:49:00.000-07:00

(:And I'm not really sure why.:)
Maybe 'cause I get to see these guys next week...

Or maybe because I have such awesome followers:)

Or maybe because I just finished a huge rootbeer float...

Or maybe because my mom just paid me TEN BUCKS to redesign her blog!

Or maybe because I'm really--

Yupp, I think thats it!
How's your week-end been?
{Happy Friday, Folks!!!}

Let's Give Nikky A Name...

2011-06-16T07:38:00.000-07:00

My lovely bestie, Jocee, is hosting this epic giveaway over at the Cupcake Dictionary to name her new camera. The prize is a personally handwritten letter from her...is that super cool or what?

If you could have any camera in the whole wide world (money is no object) what kind of camera would you get? Uhhh...I dunno, the biggest, most expensive camera I could find!:)
What kind of photos are you most interested in taking, looking at, etc (macro, food, nature, portraits)? Portraits! I LOVE looking at pictures of people!
Canon or Nikon? Uhh...I've never had a Nikon, but I have had a Canon and I loved it to death. But the brand doesn't really matter to me, its the pictures it takes. So yeah.
Which inspires you most: Sunny days or Rainy days? Rainy days...emotions come out more on rainy days, I think:)
A normal summer day would find you: swimming, taking pictures, guzzling lemonade and probably packing a picnic.
One word to describe you: Uhhhh....uhhh...uhhh....I dunno. Everybody tells me I'm sweet, but I don't know if that describes me very well.

Okay...sooo, here are the list of names she has for her new Nikon---

a. Sierra Leone

b. Sierra Dior

c. Mia Amour

d. Mi Amora

e. other:
I like C. So pretty.:) But personally, I think she should have just named it Peter and ended the whole ordeal right there and then. Haha, just kidding, dear.:) Hope you find the perfect name for your new camera! Oh, and don't forget to take lots of pictures with it for all of us to enjoy!

{Happy Thursday, Everyone!!!}

I Think I Like Colds Afterall...

2011-06-15T14:17:00.000-07:00

Colds and allergies. My worst enemy. But a good excuse to lounge around and be lazy all day, wearing an over-sized, comfy shirt and having my hair pulled straight back. And also a good excuse to snuggle up in a big recliner out in our guest house with some hot soothing tea and The Chronicles of Narnia, finding myself swept away to another world, away from reality and this stupid cold...and, wow, did I mention that I'd be a swooning over that fictional, honey-blond Pevensie boy of Narnia if my dear friend Jocee hadn't already declared him her's. *sigh* By the way...why do all the Princes and knights in shining armor have to be fictional?? But other then that, I am enjoying the book tremendously.

But in other news, life has been good. Summer has been treating me well, and so have my siblings... weird. Just yesterday Crouton took me to Braums and out bowling, then this morning my little sister handed me a bag full of chocolates...is it just me or is there something fishy about this? Maybe there's not, but I can't help but wonder what this special treatment is for. But, hey...I'm not complaining.:) I'm enjoying it immensely.

How has your day been treating you?
{Happy Wednesday!!!}

Lets Just Dedicate This Post To Food

2011-06-13T19:01:00.000-07:00

I was awarded the sweet award...and not only once! But three times by Lily, Rachel and Grace! Thank you dearies...this makes me very happy!!!

What's your favorite sweet *ahemunhealthyahem* thing to eat {or drink, ya' never know!}? Gummi Bears...ohhhh yesss...and chocolate chips...OH YESSSSS!
Have you ever dreamed that Candyland was a real place? Uh, to be honest, no...but now that I think of it...it would be pretty cool!
If there was a flavored brand of bubbles, what flavor would you get? Licorice...hmm...and maybe cheesecake.
Have you ever been kicked out of a bakery for smelling everything? Haha! Not yet...;)
What's your favorite tea flavor? I like chai tea....chai's a flavor, right?:)
Strawberry or Red Velvet? Ohmyredvelvetwithcreamcheeseicing! Red velvet, of course!
Have you ever poured a jar of sprinkles into your mouth? Uhm, well, ya know...my mom follows my blog...so...uh...I'd better not answer this...;)
Admit it: you've eaten icing straight of the jar. Yes or no? *evil smile* Maybe {wink}
Have you ever drooled while watching a cooking show? No. Most of the stuff those prissy little cooks make on those shows looks disgusting. Haha, just kidding...but no...I never have:)

Now I shall award five very sweet girlies...
1. Sierra from Mission Beautiful--- because you always drop me the sweetest comments!<3
Chloe from Before The Sun Sets---because your a sweet gal and your able to put up with me all the time:) you deserve an award;)
Monica from Fearless---everything about you is sweet!
Adelyn from Randomness from the Addie Corner---'Cause your pretty and sweet, sugar and spice, lively and spunky and everything nice!<3
Sofia from Saff's Sanctuary---Because you are one of the sweetest friends ever<3

Have fun sweeties!

And since we all have food for thought right now, I must ask you all a very serious question.
Are you a fan of asparagus?
Good, I'm a fan of it too. If you make it often...please, please, please send me your recipe of how you like to make it. I'm just suddenly in love with its amazing texture and flavor, especially pickled. I literally ate so much pickled asparagus one time that I nearly got sick, yupp, its that amazing! I even had some grilled asparagus tonight on my dinner plate---

Oh. My. Word. I could live of watermelon and asparagus all summer long...
Oh, and cupcakes.
I had one of those tonight too...

It was amazing as well.
~
Yupp, summer-y edibles are one of the best parts of summer...can I get a amen?
Whats your favorite summer snack?

A Murder Story In My Backyard

2011-06-08T10:41:00.000-07:00

I live on twelve acres of wide, flat, open land lined by trees deep in the country in Texas. In one corner of our property sits our little two story house, at the edge of our property runs a pretty little creek surrounded by more trees. This creek also separates our land from a very dear family, the Weavers, who have been our close friends for as long as I can remember (the dad used to be pastor of our church and his kids were me and my siblings best playmates) and the creek between our property was our favorite place to play when we were younger. We'd swim and wade, pick berries, go fishing and sometimes even canoe down this creek. On the other side of our land runs Highway I-35, a busy four-lane interstate. The highway runs over the creek, so there is a big bridge for all the cars to go over it. My siblings and I loved to walk under the big bridges and listen to the roar of cars above our heads. Plus it was a lot of fun to sled down the icy cement slopes of the bridge in the winter time. But all that changed in 2007 when Quinton, one of the Weaver boys, decided to take a walk by himself down to the creek with his dog. He noticed something strange under some of the shrubs on the creek bank under the bridge. He kicked it, the object rolled over revealing that the object was a human skull. He ran home to get his parents, (and his camera) and to call the police. It took a while for the police to finally began investigating the whole deal. They dug up the area and found another bone...then the case fell silent for a while. The Weavers sadly moved to Indiana in 2008, so my siblings and I just found fun in different areas other then our old playground which was dubbed the nickname "The Creepy Creek" We kept our distance from it, but we still couldn't help but wonder who's skull that was and how it got there.
~
In the summer of 2010, I was outside when we noticed lots of activity going on at the creek, I saw newscasters vehicles and many other cars parked on the side of the busy highway. I ran to get Crouton, and being the nosy kids that we are it didn't take much urging for me to get him to come with me to check it out.
When we got to the creek we hid behind the trees and watched as many people including a couple of uniformed guys and some guys with really sweet cameras start setting up tents and pulling weird tools out of their cars. Crouton and I casually crept out of our hiding places and started to walk towards them. A guy noticed us and started coming towards us...he told us if we didn't have any business there then to go home. So, greatly annoyed, we turned around and headed towards home. But I did manage to duck in the heavy mass of wild flowers and take a couple of pictures of them.

We checked the local news streams for days after that, trying to figure out what those guys were doing out there...had they been looking for more bones? Did they find any?
Ends up they did...and a year later, we finally figured out what had happened.

Gabriela Reyes Aguila a 34 year old mother and wife, of North Richland Hills, Texas was reported missing by her husband three weeks after her disappearance in 2004, her husband then disappeared to Mexico, leaving behind their daughter. The police searched for Gabriela but never found her. But finally after six years, about sixty miles from where she lives, the bones and skull discovered under the bridge, on the bank of our creek were identified as her remains. The case still isn't closed yet. The police are still searching for her husband, for he is suspected of killing her and dumping her under the bridge. But nobody quite knows yet...

Gabriela Reyes Aguila

The overgrown sight where Gabriela Reyes bones where found.
Today Chloe and I decided to go down and see the place where her remains where found. We built a little cross and wove mint leaves around it to put where Gabriela's body was found. Then Chloe and I, plus my mom and little siblings all headed out for the creek. I hadn't been out there in a really long time and was amazed at how overgrown and creepy the place now seemed. Every little movement made us jumpy and jitterish. I guess you really can't stand in a place like that without it feeling just a bit nerve-racking.
Sad chills went up my back imagining what that poor woman must have gone through. To imagine being murdered and dumped behind like an animal on a creek bank under a random interstate bridge. I can only hope she is safely in the arms of God right now.

Pray for this woman's daughter, for her family...and for the one who did this.
Oh, and pray that no more idiots dump dead people on our property. No joke. It gives me the bejeebies to walk outside at night now.
Speaking of bejeebies...LOOK AT THIS! While we were at the creek, Chloe was taking pictures of parts of the 'crime scene' on her cell phone. When we finally got home and Chloe was looking at the pictures she took, she suddenly screeched "Oh my gosh!!! There's a FACE in that bush by where her bones where that I took!!!" I ran to see...and look at this...

I decided to outline just the face and trace the shadows on it...see what I came up with? Creepy, huh? I think our creek is haunted.
Now...who wants to hear the story about the time Crouton found this 100 year old tombstone in a shallow part of THE SAME CREEK a couple of years ago? Maybe I'll tell that another time:)

Ahhh...life is full of adventures.

Marcus Got Old!!!

2011-06-05T18:37:00.000-07:00

Today my awesome, handsome, cool, funny and overall amazing nephew turned
17!!!
Is that crazy or what???
Most of my favorite memories involve this guy...he always has me doubled over with laughter, he actually listens when I talk to him, he always has something nice or funny to say to me, and he makes every moment memorable...plus he's the best nephew a aunt could ever wish for!:)

We're double-trouble...don't mess with us. (Yes, those are MY shades;D lol)
Now everybody...what are you waiting for? Wish him a Happy Birthday!!!

Love ya, Marcus!!!
=P

Dumb Crouton And Some Other Ramblings...

2011-06-04T13:15:00.000-07:00

People with siblings, never leave your blog signed in.

Unfortunately I left mine still signed in on the laptop I have to share with my big bro (*ahem* Crouton) And so when he came home from a long day of work and a volleyball game with his friends he decided to chill on the computer for a while...and he must of noticed my signed in blog...and I also am guessing he decided it'd be fun to play around on it. See this post. Argh.

Stupid brothers.

(HAH! I just posted that picture of you that you hate so much!:D :D :D But don't you all think I have some pretty mad skill when it comes to take pictures? Isn't that lighting epicccc? Just sayin' *grins*)

Soooo...he wants to post a bunch of bad pictures of me and tell all my secrets, eh?
Clever, dude, clever...but guess who is the real author of this blog and who has total power of what goes on here, what goes off and also knows pretty much EVERYTHING about Crouton and is also his personal photographer.
Can you guess?
*Ahem* yours truly.

So I'd be careful if I were you, bro...'cause I'm the one who's got all your bad pictures and secrets plus the only one with the password to this blog- all in my hands. MUHAHAHAHAHAHA!

~
Okay, enough with the evil little sister-ness. I was so busy yesterday that I forgot, yes, FORGOT to post a featured follower and an Awkward and Awesome post!!! Shame on me! Well, I'd better fix that...better late then never, right?
Okay...lets start with the Awkward and Awesome-ness!

Awkward:
1. Crouton
2. Walking into the restroom, glancing towards the bathtub, and seeing a HEAD peeping out of the bathtub! *insert screams* Oh thank heaven's that was just my little sister's toy doll. Whew.
3. Glancing out the car window while your mom runs an errand and a old guy getting out of the car next to you waves at you all excitedly like your his old fishin' buddy. Uhhh...hi?
4. When my niece and I squeal and scream for no reason at all.
5. When I'm chillin', then glance up to see that same niece grinning REALLY BIG about three inches from my face...

Awesome:
1. (a little late but-)This guest post by yours truly on the Cupcake Dictionary! Go read it, (and all the other post) follow and comment because that's the best blog out there and if you don't...your missin' out!
2. Mom not being home, so we can eat all the candy we want!
3. My new chandelier in my bedroom!
4. Playing with your little sister's polly pockets!
5. Chloe, of course:)
Featured Follower (Uh, Saturday?)-
Sooo...I decided this week's featured follower shall be...
*drumroll, please*
..........

Chloe
from
Before The Sun Sets
!!!
We're related, just so you know. She's my oldest sister's daughter...so that makes her my niece...so that makes her- extra awesome!:) We're besties from day one...yupp, I was there when she was born, so I was like one of the first people to ever see her. We do almost everything with eachother, and we've spent probably 89% of our lives together. She's super cute, funny, sweet and pretty awkward sometimes too. She's always there when I need her, no matter what. She is a very special person to me...so go check out her blog plus read, follow and comment!
~
And since this whole post was 99% dedicated to Crouton and Chloe...I shall post one of my favorite pictures of them and myself...because, no matter what I might say about/to them...they are still two of my most special family members/friends ever! (Did I just say that???!!)

{{Hope everyone had an awesome week-end!!!}}

Hacked by Crouton

2011-06-03T20:02:00.000-07:00

Hey people, this is Sue-sue's awesome brother. Unfortunately I can't tell you my name because, well, I don't want you (or Sue-sue) to know who this is. As I sit here Mary happens to be very hyperly talking to my niece and drinking something that, whatever it is, seems to be give her a lot of energy(its either that or those fried Snickers she just ate). Now she finally realized that I'm hacking into her account and keeps coming over trying to get the computer saying "What are you writing? It's my blog!" So I'd better get off before she kills me. Next time I'll tell you all her secrets and post a bunch of bad pictures of her.
Until then, her awesome brother, Signing off.

-Crouton

MY Brother? A Lawyer?! Nahhh...

2011-05-25T14:09:00.001-07:00

This post is long overdue, I know...
But ohhh...where do I even began? Virginia was just so very amazing!
Everything on this trip, even the eighteen hour car ride to our destination and back again will always be deeply embedded in my mind forever.

Last week my family and I headed to Charlottesville, Virginia for this guy's graduation-

Yupp...that's Billy (Gage) Raley! And I am super proud to call him my oldest and favorite, (haha...just kidding Max, Spencer, Beau, Luke and Thomas) brother!
Oh so many memories were made. Being together with my parents, my grandma and all my siblings (well, almost all of them...we were only missing one sister who couldn't make) it was soooo much fun! I hadn't been with all of them together in what seems like forever--

(Sorry for the bad quality=/ And no, I'm not normally that tall, I just had ginormous heels on)
L-R- Grandma, Me, Daddy, Luke, Beau, Gage, Spencer, Max, Mommy, Angel-Leah, Rachael and little Tommy in the front.
Seeing my oldest brother again, and seeing how different he and everything about his life is so utterly and totally amazing, It's seems like yesterday that he was just being my annoying (yet still sweet) big brother who would sing God Bless America really loud just to get on my nerves, who would sneak me candy and tell me not to tell anyone, who would let me tag along anywhere he went---to all the sudden leaving home to go far away to a fancy college to become some big lawyer and Mr. Popular at University of Virginia Law School. I kept wondering what had happened to my big brother...But now I see what it was all for...and now, well, I feel pretty proud of him...just like when I secretly did when I was little...and maybe even more-so now. Even the last few years that he has been away, he still took the time out of his busy schedule to write me (his dumb little sister) to tell me what he's been up too, most of his letters consisted of that--he had done some work at the White House, He was going to some big event with big famous important people, He has just been published in the Law Review, He had just got acceptance letter to go to some big college in Japan and would be leaving next October (WHAT???) And Eric Holder is going to be at his graduation!!! (Who in the world is Eric Holder???)
Oh how exciting and important his life now is...and I just sit here and applaud him on with a smile, even though I don't understand 99% of what he's talking about, I still praise and celebrate with him just because that's what little sisters do, ya know.:)

Paparazzi!!!;) Yupp...he's quite the man:)

L-R (Me, Gage, Rachael) Proud sisters and his biggest fans!
The big day came, and Gage's dream came true...witnessed by hundreds of people, including that Eric Holder guy and all his secret service men, Gage graduated from The University of Virginia Law School. He took it all so casually--- the clapping, the screaming, the ringing cowbells (yeah, we're Texans;D) plus the mad dash to the sitting room at the afterparty to watch bits and scenes of the graduation on television. I think we were all more excited then he was---

But other then graduations, law reviews, and overuse of the words 'attorney' and 'jurisdiction' and all that stuff used in everyday vocabulary used amongst the campus of UVA...I totally enjoyed my trip. My sister and I found that being among so many rich and classy people was the excuse to dress up in our cutest clothes and favorite shoes every moment we were there-

Also my sisters, grandma and I did a tremendous amount of shopping, eating out at cute restaurants and many late nights just hanging out and having girl talk...plus doing much admiration of how beautiful the scenery and buildings were.

(Please excuse our "late-night-please-don't-use-flash-and-I'm-eating-do-you-mind" looks)

Me and my gorgeous Grandma...notice those awesome murals on the wall behind us??
And then, I of course, had an overdose of what it was like when I was younger and have to deal with all my brothers--

But I endured it all and didn't lose my sanity...surprisingly:)
They were even pretty nice for a change! We had a lot of talking and catching up to do. But it makes me realize just how much I miss all my big brothers. When I was little, I couldn't wait till they all grew up and moved out so nobody would pester me anymore. And before I knew it, they all did...and now, now I miss them like crazy. Be careful what you wish for, people!:) Well, at least I still have Crouton to pester me, that is- when he's not at work or out playing sports. And we even had the chance to have our ritual coffee drinking while in Virginia (Cause Charlottesville has lots of it!) and talking about stupid, random stuff while we drink it...

On the rest of the trip...we did some sight seeing, went too some museums and just some hanging out as a family. It was an overwhelmingly happy time of togetherness...and I felt a lonely sadness come over me when it was time to say goodbye to everyone, and to the beautiful state of Virginia, knowing that now that Gage had now graduated and would be moving away that there would be no more birthday trips for me there or just family visits for everyone to enjoy...but hey, now Gage moving to Japan! Do you think mom would opt to bringing me there for my birthday?:)
~

I'm Not Dead...

2011-05-23T21:07:00.000-07:00

...Just super busy! Sorry, I'm not ignoring you all...in fact I miss you all like crazy!
But...I am having the time of my life here in Virginia!!! I don't even want to go back to Texas today! *tears* Imagine that!
This week has been one of the best week's of my life, I've spent every day with eight of my nine siblings eating out, shopping and catching up on the long months we've been away from each other. We also where all here to witness my oldest brother graduate from the UVA law school...never have I felt prouder of any of my siblings.
But I'm off for my last day of vacation-ing...big post about my trip coming up!
~

Angel and A Blog Party!

2011-05-19T14:07:00.000-07:00

Today's Featured Follower is...

Angel
from
Teen's Vloggin' 4 God
!!!
This girl is amazinggg...we have been blogger buddies for nearly two years. And just recently she has started a wonderful series of vlogs on the book of Ruth from the Bible! I'm really enjoying them...she is a sweet girl with an awesome personality and she's super pretty, inside and out! I'm proud to call her my friend! Just so ya'll can get to know her a little better, I had a little Q&A with her:)
~ Q.Who's your favorite singer/band? A. Justin bieber
Q.What do you like to do in your spare time? A. Sing and Dance
Q,What do you enjoy reading about on other people's blogs? A. I really enjoy advice columns
Q.What's your favorite candy? A. I absolutely ADORE warheads
Q.What is something about you that would surprise people if they knew about it? A. I live in a RV
Q.What is something totally random about you? A. I HATE riding in elevators.... in other words, I'm claustrophobic :)

So whatcha waiting for? Go check out and follow her blog(vlog)!
Love ya, girly!
~
Okayyyy! Now for some Awkward and Awesome-ness!
Awkward:
1. Bowling a game next to this guy named Mark, he scores a 200, I score a 50.=/
2. Sneezing twenty times in one day.
3. When some random dude flips his hair and winks at you...uhhh...
4. When I looked in the mirror at church and realized I had a big tuff of hair sticking up..agasp!
5. Accidently calling a girl Erika when her name is actually Evaliena.

Awesome:
1. Angel:)
2. Church meetings!
3. Organic fruit snacks:)
4. Friends!<3
5. Cute new summer clothes

*Deep sigh*
I swear my life has fallen into jumbled bits now that I am home from Virginia...it's like I can't unwind and catch up on anything! No matter how hard I try! I wanted to do a big post on my trip....but discovered I left my camera cord behind...*'nother big sigh* So, the post must came later on. As for helping me unwind...I shall join in Jocee's blog party...this should calm my nerves!

What would your dream summer vacation be? Going on a cruise to the Bahama's!
After a rainstorm, what you think of when you see the sun peeking out from the clouds? Daggumit...I was hoping this would turn into a tornado!
If you were stranded on a desert island with the sun streaming down on you and had ONE palm tree for shade, you can only have three things with you; what would they be? A pool, a life supply of watermelon and a iPod
Vanilla, chocolate, strawberry or neopolitan? Chocolateee!!!
If you saw your celebrity crush walking down the beach with a surfboard, what would you do? I would be like..."Ohmygoshhh...where's my camera???"
If you went back in time for a day, what era would you go back to, and why? I would probably go back to the pioneer days when all the guys actually worked hard like real men and had natural tans and muscles...haha, just kidding. I'm not sure what era I would go back too...
What's your favorite thing about waking up on a summer morning? Daydreaming about what I'll do that day, and sleeping in a little:)
Your soundtrack or theme song(s) for the summer: California by Hawk Nelson...it always is:)
Say you went to California to visit family. What's the first thing you would buy? Uhhh...I'm not sure. Probably a bright yellow sundress and some of the biggest white rimmed sunglasses, I want to make sure they out-do the celebrity one's in size!:)
Manicure, pedicure, or facial? None...who need's fake beauty when you can go natural and still be beautiful...and real!:)
What's your favorite color combination? For the moment, aqua blue and pure white.
If you were at the beach and you wanted to write a message in the sand, what would you write? Justin Bieber was here.
You're stuck in Paris with $10,000. What do you do? Oh wow...I'm not sure, most definitely go to the Eiffel tower and take a billion pictures in front of it, probably buy a hundred pairs of heels and gorge myself on each and every type of crepes.
What's your most favorite type of summer weather? Warm and sunny with a cool breeze.
Blowing bubbles while taking a bubble bath? Uhhh....sure, sounds like fun...:)
Cupcakes or dictionaries? Actually I like The Cupcake Dictionary...a little bit of both!

That's all for today, folks!!!
{Happy Friday, Peeps!!!}

Girls Day Shopping

2011-05-13T11:55:00.000-07:00

Yesterday was girls day, just my mommy and I. We don't get to do this very often at all. But my awesome big sis and niece opted to babysit for us while we went shopping. So after dropping the kids off, we headed to the mall. After zigzaging through glittering isles of expensive perfume stores and classy ladies with two-inch thick mascara, we finally spotted our destination- Charming Charlie. Oh happiness! Even my practical, simple-minded Mom fingered elegant ruffled tops, shiny slippers with bows and long, fringed scarves and held them up with a do-you-think-this-would-look-silly-on-me look in her eyes. No matter what type of person you are, Charming Charlie will entrance you and strip your wallet clean once your walk back out of it's doors.

We spent much money there, way to much money there. But we came out with big smiles and armloads of pretties. And just to see my mom taking a bit of money out of her wallet to indulge herself a bit instead of somebody else makes me smile.
Another one of my biggest smiles was this top I purchased...*swoons* That big rose on the shoulder! Oh how I love it!

After that we headed to Claire's were I bought a package of Justin Bieber collectable cards in shiny purple wrapping for my obsessed niece who is suffering a horrible case of Bieber Fever. Then our last stop was to Starbucks where I agonized over if I should buy my normal tall java chip frappe or try the new Mocha Coconut frappe. My mom said I should try new things once in a while so I ordered the Mocha Coconut, and oh.my.word! It was the best thing I ever put in my mouth!

***Not my photo

Finally we had to go home, but the happiness wasn't over then. When I got home I saw a small brown package in a sack on the porch, and when I opened, inside lay my new CAMERA!!! I nearly screamed with joy! After toying with my new camera for a while. My mom and I shared a box of Godiva chocolates while we buffed our nails with a nail set from Israel. Even gloss can't make my nails as shiny as that buffer did.

Perfect way to end a perfect day.

I'm a happy lady, very blessed and feeling pretty spoiled.
Oh, and THANK YOU MOMMY!!!
:)
{Happy Friday, Peeps!!!}

To My Mommy

2011-05-08T18:58:00.001-07:00

Mom,
I don't know how to say this...other then you are amazing, simply amazing.
Your always there for me, always helping me stay on the right track...encouraging me and helping me on this crazy, winding path called life.
Without you I don't know where I'd be. Your my inspiration, my best friend, and my role model. You are one of the most godliest, strong and beautiful woman I've ever met. I can't believe through all the years gone by that you have stayed so strong...never failing...even when people criticized you, and said mean and hateful things to and about you. But you always stayed strong, instead of losing your grip and falling away from God, you've held on tighter and prayed even more. And now everybody can see the results of the seeds you have sown. I hope I am just like you some day. With you and God always by my side...Lord willing, I will be.

Oh, and someday it will be my turn to always take you out to Starbucks for caramel frappes and muffins...and I'll even let you play the Beatles in my car. :)
Mommy, you are beautiful.

I love you

P.S I hope you grow to be taller then 4'10'' some day:P :)

Featured Follower- Adelyn

2011-05-06T07:49:00.000-07:00

Today's featured follower is...

Adelyn
from
Randomness From The Addie Corner
Because, she takes the most epic pictures-

(Isn't that a gorgeous photo? That dress is my favorite color!)
...And she lives in Virginia...lucky. *sigh* Have I ever mentioned how much I love Virginia? I go there every year on my birthday...just me and my mom. We tour the UVA campus where my bro goes to College, we eat at cute little restaurants and go to apple festivals and so many other things. I just love it there! But back to Adelyn...she also post lots of pictures of beautiful people. I must say, there is nothing I like better then looking at a beautiful picture of a beautiful person. And no matter what picture I looks at of anyone in the world, I can always find something so extraordinarily beautiful about them...and you know why? Because God doesn't create ugly beings.

Adelyn, your awesome...keep being beautiful. And keep up the picture taking!:)
~
Now for some Awkward and Awesome-ness, peeps!!

Awkward-
1. While I was at the bowling Alley, Chloe and I were looking through the jukebox for a song, we finally settled on a Justin Bieber song. Then a bunch of kids started groaning and jeering and said loudly- "Justin Bieber!!! What are you!? A NINE year old???" (Speaking of Bieber, you need to watch the video below. Wow!)
2. Being in public and a guy standing near by loudly proclaims he has a wedgie, then picks it in front of everyone. Ew.
3. When you walk into the dressing room at JCPenney and that little buzzer goes off, I don't know why I always feel so awkward and self conscious when that happens...=/
4. When my family tried to cut my biscuits in half to put butter and jam in them, but they just crumbled into bits.
5. When I was running and tripped on the stairway...Beau thought it was funny.=/

Awesome-
1. I ordered a new camera!!!
2. Going to Virginia in two weeks!!!!
3. A big suitcase of new clothes for Virginia!
4. My leg where I dropped a jar on my leg is all well, but I basically cut all of the bottom of my big toe yesterday. Disgusting, I know...and painful. Plus a dumb limp. Prayers that it heals before we leave for Virginia. *sigh*
5. This video below-
This video is amazing...and so neat! I almost cried when I watched it...maybe because I've seen so many kids bullied and abused. Not only by kids, but parents too. Oh, how I wish I could stop all the bullying and abuse that happens to helpless kids everyday.

That's all for today ladies and gentleman...
{Happy Friday, Folks!}