Happy New Year, Everyone

I Say Goodbye -(2013)-

     "it was the best of times, it was the worst of times." 
                                                                                    - a tale of two cities

     there are only a few short hours left in the year 2013; i'm finding it very hard to believe, and it's not quite sinking in, and probably won't until later tonight. 
     this year has been crazy for me. God has been growing me, is really all i can say. i was thinking back this morning to the time i stayed over at my friend Caroline's house last year, and how different i am right now - not necessarily different in my personality, but in the things i'm interested in and put my attention to. i can, by God's grace, look back and see how i've grown. this year has been a challenge for me in personal ways; mostly in my relationships with different people. there have been scary, looming mountains ahead of me, but, you know... time to put on the climbing gear. the Lord has been incredibly gracious to me... and He's testing my faith and pushing me where i need to be pushed.
     i'm sitting in the lounge chair in my room right now, looking out the window; the sun is on its downward journey towards the end of the horizon; i'm listening to "fireflies" by owl city, surrounded by glowing fairy lights and trying to type out the feelings and thoughts going through my head right now. i just honestly can't believe that the year is over. 2013 has been amazing, tiring, stressful, beautiful, tearful, inspiring - and i can not believe that it's coming to a close. i'll sit up tonight, writing in my packed journal, sending the year off with a final goodbye, and a quiet hello to 2014, once again wondering where the year will take me.
     so much can change in the course of 365 days... please don't take it for granted. i often do, and though i've gained some beautiful things, i've also lost some. life is funny like that. God gives you some of the most beautiful things when you least expect it - and then, for his own reason, He takes them away; but all things are for our good. as a friend of mine once said, "when life gives you a box of chocolate, run or get fat." i couldn't have said it better myself. don't think you deserve it, don't take it for granted; love and cherish the moment, the person, the day, as though you could lose it, him or her tomorrow.
     as always, work hard this year to grow in body and spirit, and work to serve Christ as hard as you can. thank you call for being followers and readers of my blog throughout another year; you're all amazing, and seriously guys, i love you so much.
    i hope 2014 is an awesome year... so much was packed into 2013, it's bound to be.

     happy new year, and FIGHTING!!!
     2013, we say goodbye. 2014, we look forward to what God has in store.

     - the writer

Whenever I'm Down...

I think of a strawberry avalanche.

Sometimes, Words Aren't Needed

The Gang (Christmas 2013)

Christmas Day 2013

     Merry Christmas everyone!! So, it's the end of Christmas Day... I really can't believe it. I'm sitting here in the den with the family by the fire, watching A Christmas Carol and blogging on my new laptop. I had a very good day today... just a bit tired, and looking forward to a good nights sleep. We opened presents last night, and I got some very nice things; seems like my mom is getting better at picking things out for me! We went to church today for our Christmas service, and had a very nice time there. It was good to spend the day with friends and enjoy each others company. I took quite a few pictures both last night and today, so please enjoy, and again, Merry Christmas. ("And God bless us, every one!")

Fighting!
- the writer

 Myself and my little friend Alayna

Myself and Elliott 

 My wonderful gifts! A great clock, a jar of coconut oil all to myself, a customizable travel mug, a packet of hazelnut coffee, natural body scrub and facial cleansers, Keep Calm and Carry On plaque, natural soap, organic shampoo, an adorable espresso cup candle, and three sketchbooks.

 THE LAPTOP!!!

And finally, a beautiful mounted photo.

MERRY CHRISTMAAAAAAAASSSS!!!!!!

Twas the Night Before Christmas....

     Merry Christmas (EVE) everyone!!!

     I can't believe Christmas is already here. There's lights on the tree, hot chocolate, a fire in the fireplace, wrapped presents, (no snow), and Christmas music, and I'm still sitting here blinking and wondering why we're having Christmas again... it was just yesterday, wasn't it?

     Although there isn't snow, it's pretty cold (my fingers are numb), and we've been running around all morning visiting family and such. We went to my grandma's house this morning, and this is how it ended:

    We dog-piled my brother. (Yes, that's him on the bottom. Then dad. Then me. Then Rebekah.)
    We're going to open presents soon (though I know pretty much everything I'm getting, haha), and I'm still going to be sitting here wondering where the time has gone. But, that's ok. It's Christmas.

     I hope all of you have a great Christmas Eve, and please remember why we celebrate Christmas :)
     And I also hope that all of you have a GREAT Christmas day tomorrow! Drive safely if you're driving, smile brightly (you should be smiling,) and always say Merry Christmas.

     - the writer

A Quiet Winter Night