Education For my Kids with a Biblical Perspective

My older son is nearly 3 and a half years old and he really loves to learn new things.  I have decided that I am going to do some home-schooling pre-school for him starting in September.  My parents' neighbor has been a pre-school teacher for years and years.  She let me borrow a few books with activities and learning ideas and gave me a box filled with a lot of great stories and activities and learning sheets.  I am really excited about starting.  I plan on adding a cirriculum with some Biblical activities too.  I have so much that I am going to have to get together (like making a trip to Michael's for craft materials).  I decided to start working on how well he pays attention and can sit still with learning as it is. I read my boys the Three Little Bears book (we have a few versions of the story and I've read it to him in the past).  I looked at one of the learning activities involved with the story. There are many things about learning about bears, but I decided to just try teaching him about big, medium, and small items.  I took different sized bowls and different sized spoons and had him let meknow which was big, medium, and small. Every time he got it right no matter how much I mixed things up. Then I had him put the correct size spoon with the matching sized bowls. He loved this activity so much that he's asked on different days to play it again. I've also started to teach him how to write big and little letters. He holds a pencil correctly and traces the dotted letters I make and he sorta does it okay without the dots to trace.  He really loves learning and I know it will take time.  I figure if he does well enough I might start him in Kindergarten (homeschooled again) the following year, otherwise I'll just continue with the pre-school cirriculum I'm putting together. 

My only concern is that I won't be able to figure out how many hours I am to keep his attention for. I think he'll be okay. Another concern is trying to give equal time and attention to my younger son. I am sure with practice I can figure it all out. I plan on teaching both of them at least through middle school if God gives me the ability to do well enough in it. There are loads of ways I can have them socialize with other kids at church and through things I've found.

I thought I'd share with you because this has taken up a lot of my prayers and thoughts lately. My husband went to public schools his whole life and he said with all the moving he did, he hardly remembers what he learned and I think he lacked in a lot of Biblical learning that I got out of my years of Protestant schooling (up through 9th grade), and things he has mentioned where he didn't even learn much in his being raised in a church. My mom even tells me (who has read the Bible once a year for 35+ years) that I know more about the background history of Biblical issues that she wishes she knew, because of all the training I got in the school I attended. The point I have to make is that I think it is incredibly important to teach Biblical standards. It is good that my husband has learned a lot from the Bible on his own, but it is sometimes frustrating when I have to explain something that I have known for years. . .and I know I am really hard on him when it comes to that, as if he should know it, because really I feel he should since he grew up in a Christian environment his whole life. I sometimes forget that we are two different people who are so similar that I also find that we are one person. This probably makes no sense to you all reading, but we freak each other out sometimes by how connected we are where we really are the same person but different too.  My point is that I admit that I am hardest on my husband and very gentle with others who really don't seem to understand the Bible at all. I honestly am hardest on Christians than unbelievers. I don't understand sometimes why I have to explain who Nehemiah was to someone that has grown up in the church forever. They should be in the Word and growing daily. It is an issue that I try to not be frustrated about so much because I don't want to be like a Pharisee or Sadducee.

"Train a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not turn from it." -Proverbs 22:6

I think it is very important to educate my children in general education, but to have them learn Biblical history and the proofs, memorize scriptures that they will be able to use throughout life (I know I have remembered scriptures I learned in kindergarten like, "Keep your tongue from evil" and "Think on things that are from above, not on things of the earth"), learning about how temples were built that have been found, or parables and what they mean, the history of the Jewish holiday Purim, etc.. . These are things that I learned in detail. I had to memorize entire chapters of the Bible in 8th grade and still remember them and have used them as a way to witness even. I wish that I had the whole Bible memorized, that is a goal I have. The most important thing is I want is to breathe it in so much that I want to live in action of the faith I have so it can be useful in love of Christ shown to others. I'm probably sounding prideful right now, but I'm not. I just really am thankful that I had the opportunity to be trained up since I was a child. I am STILL learning so much (and hate the idea of stagnancy)!

 My mom always told me that everything on this earth will fade (which is scriptual in itself too) and that she never understood the pressures parents put on their children to get the best grades and get all into the idea of their kids being successful in business. I want to dwell more on the eternal perspective. I had bad grades in 6-7 grade due to deep depression I had from a situation in my life, and bad grades in 9-11th grade due to my not caring at all, so I didn't try hard enough (I never did homework but I was smart). I am not going to shove God down my kids' throats. That's very wrong. I am going to teach them and make it enjoyable the way it was enjoyable for me and continues to be after all these years.  I really missed Bible class once I was out of private school.  My parents didn't care that I did poorly in school, instead my mom encouraged me all the time and said that I could accomplish good grades if I applied myself to it (which is true, so much so that I tested it out senior year and got on high honor roll).  I was told I was creative, knowledgable, wise for my age, and could be used for God's purposes by a loving mother who took a lot of one on one time with me.  Therefore it was more important to my mom that I had Biblical training so that one day I could live what I was taught. I hope I can still accomplish such a thing today.  This is why I went to church on Sundays, had youth groups I attended on my own decision on Sunday nights, Wednesday nights, and Thursday nights. It was all in order to help train me, and I have a lot of memories of lessons I learned at these functions; some which I have been able to take with me now that I am a youth leader at my church. 

Biblical training is not a chore or something annoying and unfun at all. It is the opposite and always has been. It is Something that I really believe helped me make good choices. The bad choices I made were when I decided to block all I learned out, thinking it would be easier without God. . .but it wasn't. Jesus is what completes us. I pray and hope that I can properly train up my children in the way of the Lord so that one day they can look back, see that I loved them, that our family was open and loving of one another, and that Jesus is who loves them more than anything.  If they choose to live life against what they are going to be taught, then I can only walk away knowing I at least did what God wanted me to do and that they know the truth. If they turn away from God I'll be praying very often that the Holy Spirit will fill them and transform their lives. Hopefully they will be able to be strong men of Christ without fear or shame of Him in their lives.

Prayer at Sunrise

Yep, another Spiritual post. Every time I make one, I see less followers. Please don't go away. You don't have to read this. If you are curious and want to put in your two cents, that's cool to me!

I did food shopping at 7AM and did a short photoshoot at a lake beforehand (since the store opens at 7 and it was 6:30). While I was looking out at the lake and listening to the geese (and watching them poop everywhere), I saw the sun right in front of me. I just was thinking, "Wow, God, this is beauitful! You are glorious!" I wanted to worship Him on the spot, but I was trying to rush to get to the store and back home to help my husband with the boys. 

[photo taken by me. . the sun was really bright in this moment!]

I started to really want alone time with God. My time was being cut short. I wake up very early (habitually since I was 7). Unfortunately so do my boys (at this point in time). We're all up between 5-6AM. I have desired to sit down and read my Bible alone and pray for at least a half an hour. To me it is really important to start my day that way. Why? To breathe in His word for guidance and then have it on my mind, keeps me less frustrated, more patient, and really it makes me feel like a better person. On top of that it is odd how often things I read can come up in a conversation or an issue that perhaps a friend is going through.  I feel at peace even when something comes in to shake me and make me angry. It is a feeling that is hard to describe, when the Holy Spirit flows, but it is so real and dynamic.  For now though I tend to either read a chapter or portion of a chapter and dwell on it while I am getting Rob's lunch made, or doing something else.  A lot of the time lately I read the Bible to my boys and ask them questions, when really I am just asking them to myself, since they don't really know much about it at all.  I want to pray more and more than just in my head to God.

I read an amazing book the other day about a woman who was in hiding during the Rwanda, Africa genocide in 1994. She was in a bathroom for 3 months with 5-7 women (two were added after a month). She prayed and prayed and prayed to Jesus since they couldn't make a sound unless the man hiding them would give them food or tell them news.  Her story really was incredibly inspiring. The book is called Left To Tell. This woman saw her prayers answered so many times and she also was incredibly in tuned with God even though there were all those women there cramped with her.  She was focused. I want that. I want time to focus and talk to Jesus one on one. I don't think I do it enough.

Oddly enough, as simple as it might sound, when I walked out of the store this morning, I saw the sun was nowhere to be found. It was getting dismal looking. I was a little down about that and prayed that God would allow the sun to shine down on me and to come out of my way of living, as I try to be His servant. The sun literally followed me as I drove in that instant. As soon as I got home, it went away (but after a few hours came out shining again).  I started to cry a little while I was praying a few other things that were on my heart and mind. I really enjoyed it. I couldn't control it and I don't even remember why it happened other than the emotions of feeling the Holy Spirit within me.

So many times I have seen God answer my prayers. It reminds me that He is working. He is listening. Sometimes He says, "no!" to my prayers, and instead of complaining about it, I try to see the positive about how it was selfish or how we need to look to God through things that do happen that are not easy to take (like a death in a family or something).  Instead of blaming Him for things, I find myself often rejoicing or being at peace.  Other times I have been praying the same prayers for certain people for many years and maybe He will answer them in the future as well. It is good to pray. It is really wonderful to also LISTEN to God. We need to not just talk and think we deserve to get our way. We forget that there are so many things God has done and we need to listen to and obey! He knocks on my heart and reminds me of all the times I have shrugged Him off. . .but I need to listen more and obey. At the same time I need to build a better relationship with Him as well.  It is not the easiest thing to do, and is a challenge. I've been seeking a better prayer life for a couple years and I still slack, but I have grown as well.  I am more and more surprised at myself, and am thankful that I am able to grow.

And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints. -Ephesians 6:18

I want to pray for you. How are you in need of prayer??

I Wear Long Shorts!!!

This is the outfit I wore when my husband and I went out for our 6th wedding anniversary last Saturday!
On our way we saw this really cool looking building just out in the middle of a field. It was strange to us, but I said, "Oo! Take photos there!" and so he said, "okay! I always wanted to check this place out"

It was really beautiful! Keep in mind we live in suburban NJ with lots of cars everywhere. It isn't exactly easy to find places that are empty to photograph at.

Back in 6th grade I got in trouble for having my shorts above finger-tip length. I have really long arms plus I am tall, so shorts just end up seeming shorter on me than on people who have short arms and bodies where they end up having finger-tip lengthed shorts be very short. Personally I don't know how people can wear shorts these days that are shorter than finger-tip length. I suppose with me being so modest-minded, and knowing how men go crazy over legs and seeing bums hanging out, it just never really was something I liked. These shorts are actually slightly below finger-tip length for me!

The only other pair of "shorts" I've worn since 6th grade are some old camo pants my dad cut when he was in the Vietnam War that I pin at the waist and wear. . they go right to my knee and I've been wearing them since middle school. . .I guess I'll do a shoot in them someday too.

My chicken legs. I inherited them from my father. :: sigh :: This is why I also haven't worn shorts since 6th grade. My legs have filled out a little since then though. haha.

I really wanted to go in this structure, but there were signs saying "no tresspassing" pretty much right next to where I was being photographed. I'm a law-abiding type of person. I took a closer shot of it for you.

Shorts: O Captain
(If you put the banner I have for this shop up in your blog, you can receive 10% off your order!)
Shirt: Action is the Fruit
(I'll be wearing this probably a lot more, as this is the second outfit post with it now)
Flower Hairclip and Flower Ring: Lila-Jo
(as always!)
Shoes: Payless
(one of the cheapest buys I ever made that was put to constant use)

Photos taken by Rob other than the last one, all edited by me

Movies & Music Suggestion Post #20 - w/ 5 highlighted features!! Rare for me!!

I actually watched some pretty good films lately; Rarity for me since I rate movies so low as I am a movie addict.

Movies are rated on a scale of 1-5 stars. Anything over 3 stars is very worth it and is in bold.

Miss HIV -  2007 (Documentary) - 4 stars -You can watch the movie here! This was excellent. It showed two sides of how people would view sex as being no problem as long as you have protection and those who encourage sex only through abstaining for marriage and encourage being faithful to them. What I got from this that was interesting is that since for instance Uganda had a lot of Abstinence being expressed, the spread of HIV went down, and since having more people from countries go in and tell them to just use condoms, it has gone up. That was really crazy to hear some statistics.  I thought it really expressed things well. It is sad that a church though would kick someone out just because they are infected. Instead they should really show them love and kindness. That is what real Christians are to do. . .Just as Jesus would touch lepers and diseased people who were looked down upon in His time. I really recommend seeing this.

Uncle Buck 1989 (w/ John Candy, Amy Madigan) - 2.75 stars - When a couple has to tend to a sick father, they can't find anyone who will watch their kids. They decide that the brother they keep away from is their only hope.  Buck really embraces the fact that he is able to watch his nieces and nephew and along with doing so, he finds ways to connect with the kids even though they probably don't like him.  It was a cute story. There was sexual content and language including coming out of children's mouths. 

Josie and the Pussycats 2001(w/ Rachel Leigh Cook, Rosario Dawson, Tara Reid, Parker Posey, Alan Cumming) - 2.5 stars - I used to like this movie when it came out and I was almost done with high school. I loved the animated show as a kid, and now watching this, I don't think they embraced the show well enough at all.  I think they could have made it much less sexual and I was kinda surprised now that I'm an old married fart. The basic story is that a trio of friends who write music end up making it big, but perhaps it is the subliminal messages that got them known, rather than their actual music.

Shorts 2009 (w/ James Spader, William H. Macy, John Cryer, Leslie Mann, Jimmy Bennett) - 3.25 stars - A rainbow rock that grants any wish you want falls into the hands of basically a whole community. Chaos erupts in various forms because of it. I thought this was hilarious and cute, honestly. The idea was to do something like The Little Rascals, and I think they captured that.  It also had an 80s film feel to it for me, and not just because two former 80s teen flicksters are in this. There is a girl bully in case you don't want your kids to see a girl punch a boy or two.

Toy Story 2 1999 (w/ voices of Tom Hanks, Tim Allen) - 3 stars - I saw the first one in theatres and had never seen this one until now, since my boys LOVE Toy Story.  I didn't think there was as much depth to this one as there was in the first one.  It was still a nice story. A rescue mission by the top toys after Woody is stolen for a guy's collectables from an old puppet T.V. show.  That's basically all there is to it. There were a lot of funny things in it though. This was predictable.

Wildflower 1991 (w/ William McNamara and Reese Witherspoon, Patricia Arquette) - 3 stars - Based on times in the 30s A brother and sister really enjoy hanging out with this little girl with epilepsy who is beaten and kept locked up all the time. Her father thinks she's demonic when having seizures. They show a lot of violence like a woman getting punched int he gut and a teen girl being hit in the face a few times. This movie was better than I had expected. Very sweet. There is some sexual stuff too because the epileptic girl doesn't understand not covering up while bathing in a river because no one taught her anything. . and so there is a sexual scene between her and the lead boy.

Holiday 1938 (w/ Cary Grant, Katharine Hepburn) - 3.25 stars - This was probably the first Katharine Hepburn film where her acting was really good and didn't annoy me! I usually can't stand her acting.  This was about a guy who was set on marrying the girl of her dreams. Then her father pretty much wants to rule their lives and give them all the money on earth, when he wants to work hard to earn his keep.  It was really fun.

Valentine's Day 2010 (w/ Ashton Kutcher, Jennifer Garner, Topher Grace, Anne Hathaway, Jamie Foxx, Julia Roberts, Jessica Biel, and a million other people) - 2.75 stars - The film had just various perspectives of how people handled relationships or what they thought about love and Valentine's day. It intertwined various people's stories as well. There was a lot of stuff that was very weird for me, but overall I loved Ashton Kutcher's little story the best. I also liked seeing how the teens took their relationships and how they handled things even though I thought the Taylor Teens were overboard. . but I knew people like that in high school!!

Dick Tracy 1990 (w/ Warren Beatty, Al Pacino, Glenne Headly, Charlie Korsmo, Madonna, Mandy Patinkin, Dustin Hoffman, Dick Van Dyke) - 3 stars - I just adored the hairstyles, costumes, and the colours were all so vibrant. I loved the Film Noir and how they did all the make up for the villians.  There is however a scene of Madonna wearing a see through garment and she is sexual in this film. No wonder why I wasn't allowed to see it as a kid, like I wanted to. She doesn't sing too well in it either (and believe me, as a former huge Madonna fan, I feel I need to be honest. She was off-key often) but Many Patinkin sings so nicely! I just thought "The Kid" was really what stole this movie. If you don't know what Dick Tracy is, it was an ongoing comic strip that was very popular and started in the early 30s up through the 70s! So this film was great other than all the sexual "You want me!" and the slapping women stuff. I would have rated it higher.

My Neighbor Totoro 1988 (w/ U.S. voices Dakota Fanning, Elle Fanning) - 4 stars - This was really cute. I've been wanting to see this for over a decade and finally put it at the top of my Netflix que when Erin of Calivintage recommended it. I never know if these films will be too scary for my boys or not, but they seemed to like it.  It was about how two little girls cope with a new move, having a very hard working father, and having their mom in the hospital. They come in contact with a magical world of Sprites and such who help them out. It was very cute.  There is a scene where the two little girls take a bath with their father which is part of Japanese culture where they bathe together, so just letting you know in case you weren't aware - I am used to knowing this because I've been watching anime forever. . over 300 films/series. . .

Road to Morocco 1942 (w/ Bing Crosby, Bob Hope, Dorothy Lamour) - 3 stars - I grew up watching all the "road-to" movies with all these same stars.  They were always so much fun. I never saw this one. It is about these two friends that survive an explosion on a ship as they stowed away on it. They travel to Morocco and end up in a human trafficking scam that Bing Crosby gladly accepts. There was singing, dancing, and lots of laughter. Oh and there is a scene where guys kiss for a second (they didn't try to) so I'm warning you for that.

The Way We Were 1973 (w/ Barbara Streisand, Robert Redford) - 2 stars - A woman who is involved in political speech falls for a guy who everyone admires and adores - the popular sportsman in college.  Although their lives are very different from one another, they try to love each other through their differences.  This movie is so depressing. Not worth it in my opinion. There is a sexual scene and there is some language and drinking. There were some really great outfits though.

Flaming Star 1960 (w/ Elvis Presley, John McIntire, Barbara Eden, Dolores Del Rio) - 2.5 stars - A mix bred man tries to bring peace between the Native American and the white man. Elvis really is pretty violent in this film, so if you don't like seeing him punching people, hitting people's heads into things, and shooting people down. . .don't see it. There really was a lot of violence considering the time period!! I honestly was a bit bored by this film but it wasn't toooo bad.

Legend of 1900 1998 (w/Tim Roth, Pruitt Taylor Vince, Clarence Williams III, Bill Nunn) - 3.5 stars - When a child is abandoned on an ocean liner ship, a worker decides to bring the child up and names him 1900 for the year he is found.  1900 becomes a child prodigy pianist and doesn't know life outside of the ship he has been raised on.  He befriends a trumpeter and perhaps in the future,  finding love will encourage him to step off of the ship.  There was a lot of language in this, a little bit of gore in the beginning, but otherwise this is a really beautiful film but very depressing!! Thanks Loryn for recommending it to me. Tell Devon Rob and I loved it.

Music I've been listening to Lately:

Random Task - Dividing Line album - favourite tracks: all of them. . which is why they are one of my all time favourite bands. Love my former local NJ scene band.

Mae (week three) - (m)orning album, (a)fternoon album - favourite tracks "The Fisherman Song (We All Need Love)", "Two Birds", "In Pieces", "Communication"

Bjork - Debut album, Medulla album - favourite tracks: "One Day", "Human Behaviour", "Like Someone in Love", "Venus As a Boy", "Where is the Line", "Who Is It", "Submarine"
And Then There Were None - Who Speaks For Planet Earth album - Favourite tracks: "Bed of Nails", "Reinventing Robert Cohn", "The Hospital", "Action is the Anecdote"

Happy 2B Hardcore - Vol. 3 Comp. - favourite tracks: "Shooting Star" by Bang! Bang!, "Pleasure and Pain [Justin Time Remix" by Ad-man, "Eye Opener" by Brisk
Future of Forestry - Twilight album - favourite tracks: "All I Want", "You and I", "Open Wide", "Sanctitatis"

And Then There Were None - "Thank the Watchmaker"(which is not one of my favourites of theirs at all, but would you believe these guys were a hardcore punk band and decided to just randomly write an industrial techno album for fun??)

Inspirations and Western Shirts

Are you wondering "What are those little hearts next to each photo on your blog?"

The answer is that Hypeed.com, in which I've been featured in their online magazines three times now for, has an inspiration section. If you are signed up to hypeed.com, all you have to do is make sure you're logged in and click on the little hearts. Then my photo that possibly inspires you, will be placed in here: http://hypeed.com/my-inspiration and it also will be listed on your hypeed inspiration portion of your profile. I don't really know too many bloggers at all who use hypeed.com (other than Vicki of Magpie Girl who has been in their magazines too), or I'd have some inspiration in my own profile, but maybe the more you lovely people sign up to it, the more of a chance I also have to be inspired by you as I might be able to inspire you in the fashion sense!! When they were test running this, some of the people who run their site did add some of my photos to their inspiration list, so that is pretty cool that I am in the inspiration gallery already.
-------------------------------------------------------------------

I love when I have bought something from a shop in the past, and I receive messages from them saying I might like a new item because of a similar item I purchased from them. This shirt was one of those items. At first I shrugged it off because it is a little big, but I decided I could work with it! I am glad I decided to own it! You know I have a gingham addiction. 

shirt: The Knotty Girl

belt: came with an outfit

Shoes: Mandees (circa 2005)

Jeans: Forever 21 (circa 2009)

Celebrating 6 years of Marriage!!!!!!!!!!!!

On June 19, 2004, I married the man who continually sweeps me off my feet.
"A wife of noble character who can find? She is worth far more than rubies. Her husband has full confidence in her and lacks nothing of value. She brings him good, not harm, all the days of her life." -Proverbs 31:10-12

I wore a vintage 1971 veil (was my mom's), Wedding gown that was my $50 prom dress but altared by my Mother-In-Law, and yes, I did get married barefoot!

We both had really long hair, so much so that most of our wedding photos don't show our faces at all!! Rob was my "maid of honour" and I was his "best man" since we didn't have a wedding party at all. I wanted one, but when I got engaged at 18 only a couple months after high school ended, most of my friends were focusing on college and didn't want to think about marriage yet, two people were still in high school that were going to be in my wedding party. These friends weren't really close to me nearly two years later when we finally wed. Rob lost all but one of his friends by this point for many various reasons. It was really a rough time period for both of us in our lives, but we had each other. I love my best friend. I am completely so smitten by him and I am glad that the feeling is mutual. It is nice that we have so much depth in our relationship and are able to tell each other everything, even our struggles, knowing we're going to work on everything together as a team. I was 20 and he was 21 when we married.

Right after the ceremony, this shot was taken.

sorry these scans are old and pretty bad. I don't look too happy because there were a few sad parts about my wedding (nothing to do with the groom though, mainly family issues)!!!

I was always really boney. . pregnancies fixed that and I know I am still skinny but I never want to look like this again.

I am all teary-eyed in this shot

We didn't really like our wedding and want to renew our vows and get remarried to each other. Our wedding was not the best day of our lives and too many things could be listed that went wrong (other than marrying each other of course). We always talk about how much we want to get married again. Maybe we can for our 10 year anniversary.

We went on a lame honeymoon in the Poconos because we had no money (we also went to an anime convention and camped out one night too), but it was okay. We came home early because of what a bore it was.

Rob is in a longhouse here.

The best part of our honeymoon. . walking for miles at Bushkill Falls, PA

2nd best part was the 50s diner we went to as well, but I don't have scans of it right now. . oh other than this shot of Rob that I found on my computer that is old.

nevermind I found this shot too. I don't have scans of the rest of the time there though. My scanner broke and most of the photos I took were not digital.

in case you were wondering, this is the post I had in edit mode since January. My marriage and relationship with Rob is a huge part of who I am.  I thought last week it would be cute to make entries leading up to my marriage.

Nostalgia: Engaged at 18? Crazy Young Love!

Goodness, I think I was so much prettier at 19. This was about six months after graduating (I was 19 in this shot). I wasn't very modest back then at all. . .It is crazy how much my idealisms have changed as I've grown older and have learned things about men's lusts and about human trafficking/modern day slavery and all. . .it really changed how I dressed myself.

I think I took this one right before high school ended or directly after (so I am 18 in this shot). I loved this dress so much. It was a Vintage Late 50s/early 60s dress with little pink seashells all on the front collar area.

I worked at a pet store and took a lot of animals home, or wanted to. This one I actually did bring home and so if you've seen photos of me with my dog Patience, this was when she was a puppy. We bought her together a couple months after I graduated and she stayed in my place. We bought a cat together the year before which I took home with me from work too, but he ended up staying at Rob's place (RIP Adric).

A couple months after high school was all done, Rob proposed to me. He would have done it earlier because we were Pre-engaged a year before. This Photo was taken a year afterwards though! . .we were still engaged.

I used to put my whole head in braids constantly. Or I would put a bunch in all around with hair hanging out under (because I have a lot of hair). . this was my whole head though and I didn't need any hair ties. They actually stayed in place all day like that.

And this was even later than that. We were engaged for nearly two years (which means together as a couple for nearly 4 years).

I want to thank you so much for taking a trip into my teen years with me (and slightly earlier). You now journeyed through time with me through ten years of my life (10-20). I thank you even more if you actually read through them all! I doubt you did, because it was a lot, so don't say "oh yeah I did" if you didn't. no lying please! It is okay if you didn't!

I leave you with a photo of me from when I was 17 wearing my awesome handmade Troll doll necklace, loads of bracelets, and Rob's rainbow belt that was given to him by one of his ex's moms (don't ask. . he and I think of the rainbow in the form of God's promise to never destroy the whole earth with a flood again, and I wore it proudly for that reason until I got tired of people asking me if I was a lesbian and having to explain).
This was taken while I was doing Madonna's vogue dance and singing it at the same time.

Nostalgia School post #4 (11th & 12th grade) - photos, yearbook messages, and a little more

11th grade 2000/2001 activities and involvements: nothing. slacker.
11th grade yearbook messages:

"I first remember what first came out of your mouth in class which was, 'I want to eat that squirrel!' Then you asked me if I wanted a piece of gum.  After that I started going to youth group and you were there, so that was probably the beginning of our friendship.  The only reason I really kept going was because I knew you, so I went.  Although obviously you were the best influence.  I don't need to tell a long story, you know what happened.  No matter what happens you always always seem to be there for me.  You are definitely a God send and my best friend.  I hope that we always will keep in touch and I wish you the best of luck in the future.  I will always defned you and try to be there as much as I can.  I pray that no matter what happens we always remain friends."
"Though it was about halfway through the year, I started 'hanging' out with you.  I think it is really cool how we kinda of clicked so well..well maybe not clicked, but I think you're really cool and we seem to get along pretty well.  Please don't remember me for what I write, remember me for who I am.  I also enjoyed reading your poems.  They're really cool. " -Eric (I posted this for you Michelle. . if you read it).
"No matter what terms we're on or whom we happen to have an obsession for/love we'll always be best friends! you're my lil pee carrot and we have to go do something together this summer.  We shall be friends for a looooooong time, so let's put it to use. "
"You are our #1 non-sex groupie.  The skateboard bowling, punk shows, flying tampoons, random singing and dancing in class, and the stories!!  I love you to death and I predict you will be very happy once you get that wedding ring and can remove that purity ring of yours!"
"You are my favourite cousin"
"You are the most kind person I ever knew.  You are a true friend."
"We have become so close this year! I'm so glad you were here for me through all those times I needed you.  I hope we stay friends for a long time.  You know that God wanted us to meet.  I hope you and Rob stay together a very long time.  You can tell just when you look at the two of you together that you are so very much in love.  My mom wants to probably thank you for talking to me about God. I'm here for you as you have been there for me.  I appreciate everything you've done for my self esteem and how you give me courage to do things I didn't think I would be able to accomplish.  You mean so much to me."
"I'm so happy that me and you finally got put into a class together this year.  Hopefully next year we'll have lots more.  I wish you and Rob the best. You guys make a beauitful couple. I love you. Don't ever stop being sweet. You're a terrific friend."
"Hey SugarPie, thanks for being there for me. You are a great friend and a wonderful person to talk to.  Stay sweet and don't change."
"Thanks for the pants. You are a cool girl even though you are a Straight Edger, but I won't hold that against you."
"I remember you being the weird girl but then I got to know you and you are so awesome.  I loved having art class with you."
"You're such a cool chick.  I love you. It was amazing having you in art and getting to know you.  Stay good, but boys are like a salad bar so sample them."
"I hated you when we were in gym class and you used to sing and run around half naked! But I grew to love you! Don't forget that Ice cream is good! Don't ever change."
"You're an awesome girl and so talented.  Stay sweet."

Check out my pink bangs. This is my favourite school photo

The man of my dreams wrote in my yearbook:
"Modo, Vix, Beautiful, Dream, Wonderful, All the rest,
I don't know how to start this.  We've been through a lot this year and I can't begin to imagine just what else we will go through.  I caused us both a lot of pain and I pray I won't do that again.  We've only got another month and a half til we've reached a year and at least to me, that isn't what it feels like.   It feels like just yesterday this whole trouble with me being a jerk started when it was actually a year ago from the time I couldn't wait to see you again.  At the same time it feel like it's been forever since this all started.  I mean, it feels like everything that's happened in my life was just a piece of classical music and you are my crescendo; the center piece and reason for everything having happened the way it did.  Going back to me simply being in a bad mood the day I went for those modesling pics as a baby.  I just don'tknow how to describe how I feel cause I've wasted so many words on other people.  So all I'm going to say is thank you.  Thank you for being you and loving me not matter how I was treating you or whether you really realized it or not.  Thank you.
I love you,
Chip (Rob)"

Remember that Major crush I had? well he became my boyfriend at the start of the school year (he was a senior, I was a junior)! My hair was tied in a knot here and I was so sweaty after gym class.

he was in a band. This was in the yearbook, taken the day after he asked me out. Look at how he sang and played bass.. .ahh. so cute!

So yeah. . .I fell in love in high school big time.

Wearing one of my vintage dresses to school - this was in the yearbook -. . .you can buy this dress in my etsy shop!! I looked so pretty.

They cut Rob really weirdly but this also was in the yearbook and gives you a taste of how he dressed going to school!!!! :: drools ::

And this is what it says in his yearbook, but unfortunately he was dating another girl in the first month of school when he filled this thing out, so he crossed it out and put my name, but everyone else's says "Marry ex's name" :( . . .Romaine Lettuce by the way is Rob's old band in high school. He wrote loads of quotes that were jokes from movies and song lyrics, but they cut them all out and put one of the worst lame quotes in. not fair.

This actually was put in my senior yearbook but there are lots of people from Rob's grade in it, including him, so I'll post it for 11th grade for you all. He had bleached blonde hair for a while (it was weird looking!).  My favourite lunch lady is all the way on the right and she gave me free chicken patties all the time.

and right after he graduated he drove me around in this 1964 Dodge Dart.

12th Grade 2001/2002 Activities and Involvements: Peer Mediator, Art Club, 2nd place conte crayon award, Most Unique in the senior polls
12th grade yearbook messages (as a little intro, I want to tell you that two people died in different grades from me both in the 2001 part of my senior year, and one I took a little hard. In between the deaths whas when September 11th occured. . and we could see the Twin Towers on a road right near where I went to high school. That is how close I live to the City. . so it was rough, plus Rob not being in school with me any longer made it hard - and we got pre-engaged at the start of my Senior year):
"Be You! You're great!"
"Thanks for being there when I had rough times."
"You're the funniest girl in this school and I hope you always will be too."
"You are a great girl. Thanks for being nice to me."
"You are a very cool chick."
"I had so much fun with you throughout high school.  YOu're funny and you're such a sweet girl.  I will always cherish our fun times and all of our talks. You're awesome."
"We've had our ups and downs, but who doesn't? That just means we're close.  We must get past all the stupidness and look at what's good.  I'll always be there for you, and I know you'll always be there for me. "
"Tell you're boyfriend I said hello." (awkward?)
"I remember the first day we met.  I am so happy we got to know each other."
"All those talks we had were fun."
"It's been a strange couple of hears.  A lot of weird but cool stuff.  You are a very unique girl.  Very special.  Stay that way.  Don't change for anything.  I don't know how you've been doing in your faith but I just want to encourage you for the future.  Always love God.  Hope you and Rob make it."
"I was most fortunate to become your friend this year.  I'm very glad we started talking and I began visiting you at lunch. I'm very glad you took a million pictures of me and we found somberros and we did good in math for a while.  We learned all the words to Cantate De Domino. grr latin. We had fun this year.  Everyone always told me (example my mom) If I just looked for people in school I'd find new friends.  I always found it impossible but I gained a new friend this year.  Vicki! Yay Vicki! You are one of my new favourite people now.  I kid you not.  I know I'll see you at some shows. Poop us cool.  Next year is going to stink." -underclassman
"You are such a wonderful person to talk to. You are always there for me when I was sad. I appreciate it.  I wish you the best of happiness with Rob."
"I am glad we became close and have our secrets.  You are very special and unique.  Keep being like that (surprising everyone).  I hope you and Rob are going to be happy forever and have beautiful unique children like you."
"The next time I see you will probably be your wedding. You are the weirdest but coolest person I know."
"I can still remember the first day you came to BHS - The first thought that came to my mind was ; She looks nice; she dresses different; that's good!' Then we talked and have been 'school buds' ever sinces.  Good luck with all your future plans of marriage and raising a family.Be You always!"
"The first time I spoke to you I got yelled at by Mrs. Haas! We shared a lot of memories, Memories I will cherish forever and ever."
"I really do love you. You mean so much to me.  Never ever forget me and all the times we had together.  You'll always be in my heart.  Don't forget to invite me to your wedding."
"I am realy going to miss your unique styles and the way you always try to do good.  We need that in our school."
"I'll miss your cheerful smile and personality.  The way you could brighten up a dull day with just your presence.  It made my high school days better.

My senior picture and I hate it. Yes I chopped my hair too :( It was sad for me.

So here are old webcam shots. . . I wore this to school and NOT on Halloween. I dressed randomly however I felt. It was enjoyable. If you don't know what Madonna wore in this music video, go see to compare our outfits. haha. I was very accurate, too bad you can't see the bottom half of me.

And out of one of those pics I drew this with conte crayon, but took out the mole. It won 2nd place out of 500 art pieces entered that were on display in some place near the school.
Sorry there is a reflection in this since I have it in a glass frame.

This one got one of those honourable mentions and was offered $50, but I love it and have it hanging in my living room today. You can tell Gustav Klimt is my favourite artist.

Me in choir class (back row second from left). I walked around in my socks or barefoot everywhere in school. Wonder Woman rules. I'm a giant by the way. I tower over all and was the 3rd tallest girl in my class.

This is the Art Club which wasn't really didn't have too much going on and I think I only went to about 4 meetings all year. haha. That's me in the shirt with the little girl drawing on it and wearing my Jnco ribbon bells (I had a few Jncos).

This photo got so many negative comments. It was put in the Senior Polls section: "Most Unique" that I was voted for by the class. They didn't like the original photo we came up with (which I own, don't feel like posting though). 

And so I graduated! Rob was there to support me. My friend Cristina is on the right and the guy in the back. . .he was in Rob's class and died in the war a couple years ago. I am soaked in sweat here. It was so hot during the ceremony outside.