Oh the joys of Christmas...

So Christmas is only 9 days away!!! Time just flies like crazy...... 
For this week's insane to do- list I feel I'm doing pretty well if I do say so myself:) 
I'm being lazy about a few things but I'm learning not to put them off... but to just get them done.. but not stress about getting everything done on time either. I've accomplished quite a bit EARLY this year.. there's for a first timer:0. All my presents were bought... even before December came.. the rest were done between Dec 1st- to today Dec 16th. and for the record.... this is the second craziest Sunday of the year. Wrapped all my presents, worked on practicing piano, made four gifts for long- distance friends, and cooked peanut butter goodies for the company in Dec 23rd. If not for music and deep breaths, it might have been a #stressoutotheextremeandgetawhoppingheadacheday :0 Thankfully, I learned to enjoy each thing and treasure the moment. like a old saying goes," no rush to hurry on to the next thing." so... now after a long day.. threading beads onto a chain while listening to" Little Drummer Boy" by Josh Groban and" Let it snow" by Jaci Velasquez. so now, at 9:17pm, I feel deserving of sipping a pineapple smoothie, relaxing on the couch, and watching Sunday Night Football  For next week's plans, I have school Monday- Wednesday and then Thursday, Friday, ChristmasEve, Christmas day, and Dec 26th are No school days. Dec 21st I'm going to Wasabi( A chinese restaurant where they cook the food in front of you!)  and the orchestra with my dad and some friends. Sugar cookie baking is for the 20th of this month and then on Saturday.. My Aunt Audrey and Uncle David are coming to visit. Then for the 23rd we have my Great- Grandma, great- aunt, and great uncles for a Christmas afternoon meal. My mom baked pumpkin pie bars and the delicious smell still fills the kitchen..:) And then on the 24th we have a concert for my mom, dad, grandparents, and aunt and uncle. It's going to be a lot of fun. I'm singing" I'll be home for Christmas,", "Let it snow," and "Jingle Bell Rock," with my little brother and my older brother is dancing to " Group 1 Crew"s new single," No Christmas( Without You). We're looking forward to partying!!! 

and last of all.... Christmas Day!!!

No- to do list,, everything check, check,, 

Relax.. watch Elf and the Christmas Story.... stay in PJ's till 1pm..

open gifts and eat leftovers and read my new novel :)

what about you guys?

Post your name and  blog spot link below, please.I'd love to see your Christmas plans for the season!

November Report Card

It's the end of November.

   

Time to sum up how I did on my goals for this month
In case you forgot, here they are
1: Take a walk in addidition to exercising
2: Eat an apple and a salad every day

  Trying to keep more active and eating healthy makes me feel great and I really am liking getting into it...

    I've learned a lot about being strict and not lazy this month.
So the grade is .....
 C+
Hey, I know that seems BAD but for the first time doing goals
I'm pretty proad of myself. I've learned not to make unrealistic goals.  
Taking a walk and exercising just doesn't work out.  I'm too tired after a invigorating  exercise to take a walk every day. Once in a while though it goes pretty well
But for having an apple and veggies every day... that's not hard. And I feel so filled up and good afterwards. Not eating so much carbs, crackers, sweets is WORTH IT! 

So for goals for December
1: Don't stress over getting all my shopping, presents bought and wrapped.. etc 
2: try more of a variety of veggies and fruits and eat more wheat bread and not white
What are your goals?   
    

          


          

School At The Robinsons

Wanted to take the time to write a small post on school.
School is.. awesome.. fun.. and well extraordinary!
My mom earned a teaching certificate shortly before marrying my dad
and she is an awesome teacher. Flexible, fun, and hard- working.
 School time in our house usally begins around 9:30- 10am and ends at 4- 5pm. I work for approxminatly three to four hours in the morning and one or more hours in the afternoon with my mom while the boys nap. Subjects consist of math, spelling, reading, Spanish, and handwriting every day and the subject of the day: Mondays( science), Tuesdays( health), Wednesdays( music), Thursdays( History), and Fridays( Art)
Spring break is most- likely when we vacation in February or January, but it's usually longer than a week. My mom miraculously always manages to see us to finish the school year by June, no matter how much time we take off. I do some of my homework on the computer which, obviously can be brought along and when visiting friends, papers, books and other materials are completed during school days at our friends house. It's a pretty convinent, awesome system!
Here's... FINALLY some pics.

sorry for the wait.

Thanksgiving Craze

hey everyone. having one of those " I'm bored" times , so figured that meant I need to write a new post. It's been a long time. Time is flying so fast and bringing awesome, unbelievable changes with it.
First of all... yesterday my dad ordered three copies of my book. I'm still in SHOCK!
my book is getting printed! I've waited and dreamed so long to have this come true and now it is!!!!!!! SOOO EXCITING!  In one of my older posts you can read  more about it,"Excerpt from New Titanic Book".  I won't go into detail with it now. But, I've decided to wait until Christmas Morning to read it, even though it arrives next week. I want my parents to read it first and get their opinion and besides, it'll give me something to look forward to on Christmas :) I love doing that.
Secondly, Happy Thanksgiving! We are having a calm dinner tomorrow( provided by Boston Market... Yum!) and a quiet day.. NO SCHOOL! I'm exuberant! I've grown rather sick of school these past weeks and I'm SO ready for a break. Then on Friday we're traveling to visit friends in Missouri and go to a wedding. I'm looking forward to watching October Baby in the car.


Here's the trailer. It's an awesome movie. If you haven't seen it yet.... you really NEED to! It's on DVD and can be purchased online or at Target, Walmart etc.

A good love story, inspiring, amazing:)

Currently Digging

WOW!! October is almost over! I can't believe it! Life this past year has been a blur.. to say the least.. this year will be over before I know it.. CRAZY! So I appreciate slowing down the pace at nighttime.. at the end of a long school day.. invigorating morning exercise.. or a long Saturday filled with baking, hanging out, football games, and so forth and just pop in a CD and close my eyes.. RELAXATION

So here are the MOVIES, MUSIC, BOOKS, and FOOD I'm craving.


A: Movies: I am currently in LOVE with this movie..:)

I've read the book and fell in love 1st then twice! I found this at the library and I WAS THRILLED! Kate Winslet is one of my favorite actresses and the movie is so neat. It was a lot more easier to understand having read the novel by Jane Austen than Pride and Predjudice( with Keira Knightley). And by the way I really want to read that book too! 

So check this out for yourselves girls

B: Music.

Group 1 Crew is the bomb! I've only heard the music once( till 3 weeks ago!) with the" He Said" song with Chris August. However, I looked more into them when I found out they were in concert with Britt Nicole( which I was going to with some friends)

and not I can't stop listening! Workouts, nighties, music for baking... it all is awesome for rocking to their songs. Encouraging, filling, thoughtful, honest, wholehearted dance- like music that never fails to amaze me! You can see their love for Jesus just spilling out so much when they perform live. It's indescribable!! I appreciate how honest they are about their struggles, and how they encourage us in our own. I love you 2! Log on to Group 1 crew.com to see some of their music! 

Secondly, The Young Victoria soundtrack. A friend of ours gave me a cd she burned with all the songs from the movie. I realized about a month ago I'd never listened to it. But once I did.. it was breath-taking.Beautiful, calming, awe- inspiring music( with no words) that helped me fall asleep dreamily and made my imagination soar...  I don't know what you guys like to listen to at night and you might think some of the songs are too LOUD for nighttime so depending on your style.. just listen to the songs first in the day- time and then try them at bedtime. I could gladly burn you a cd and send it to you if you give me your address. Trust me... even if you don't like it at bedtime it will still inspire you and prove to be a calming respite for a relaxing afternoon nap or a quiet Sunday morning. 

Amazon.com/ The Young Victoria Soundtrack

C: Books... 

hmm. actually can't think of two many except 

"Anne of Windy Poplars" I've read this twice now and plan to read in again( eh, in about a month or more, mind you) It has to be the most interesting Anne Shirley book so far. It is the 4th in the Lucy M. Montgomery( Anne of Green Gables) series. IT follows Anne to Windy poplars where she is to teach for 3 years before marrying her fiancé Gilbert after he completes medical school. From the strange, hilarious happenings while teaching peculiar pupils, to the dinners and unique events while staying at a boarding house with two elder spinsters and a maid, this book is #3 in my all- time favorites. read it at your local library or buy it online.

D:  last of all.... Food

Let's see.. Strawberry smoothies for sure.. with lots of protein. Since starting gym workouts 2 weeks ago, I need more health- foods. They're inspiring me to eat more veggies, fruits, and get used to trying new drinks and foods. Here's a link to my food blog..

(ttp://bakinginthenatural.blogspot.com) I love fruits and veggies.. the problem is just that I always forget to eat them. I'm too distracted by all the breads, crackers, pastries, and cheeses in the cabinets and kitchen. But I plan to set two goals every month in eating healthier

1: to eat one apple or banana, one or two salads( without too much cheese or meats) but more veggies and one smoothie a day

2: to take a daily walk in addition to my workouts.

Last of all, I'd like to thank a dear friend of mine ( from blogger. We've never actually met)  who gave me the idea for setting goals. Thank you so much Kelli!

check out her blog when you have the time. It is so amazingly awesome! ..http://www.shelearnsasshegoes.com/

Extraordinary things

Oct 18th, 2012
 It is impossible to explain how much I was inspired, refreshed, and strengthen on that Thursday night, two days ago. In the beginning, when I clicked on Britt's website I thought at first it wouldn't work out. But it did.. and I finally got to see my dear friends, Charity and Angela after almost a year!! It was amazing!! We both love Group 1 crew and britt nicole and it was perfect. When the car pulled up to the Cunningham house, It was so worth all the waiting, planning, and  hoping to share a warm hug with the two of them. I love you guys! Catching up was so good. we talked about the usual teenage stuff; school, hobbies, Taylor swift, Facebook, video games, the worship bands we were going to see, all of it. the best was when we recalled past visits, staying up till 12am taking photo booth photos, listening to music, playing goofy games, being silly and ridiculous together." Good times." Charity says with a smile. Good times indeed. Those visits, talks, and hours spent together meant so much to me. they only come once, twice, or 5% maybe three times in a year. It's then I realize how much my far-away, long- distance friends mean to me. Time is precious, it goes by fast, and so we treasure every moment. Never hurrying on to the next thing. We arrived at the Britt nicole concert and I must say... I've never had so much fun this year( except for the time I went to see Titanic in 3d) this has been the best! we danced, worshipped, and sang with Royal Taylor, Group 1 crew, and Britt nicole. We cheered, hands held high. It was indescribably wonderful! and then there were those moments... of quiet reflection... talking to God with the soft sound of the gutair.. Britt''s beautiful voice softly worshipping, hugging people. I could feel and see Jesus in the room. See the smile and how proud he was of Blanca, Man well, britt, and royal taylor for .. encouraging their fellow friends in the Lord.. sharing their struggles with honesty and not hiding their imperfections.   And i knew.. he was honored and blessed by these whole-hearted servants who used their talents to glorify him.. who gave all the honor and fame to him. Towards the end of the concert, Britt let us up front. We danced and sang with her to " Gold". She even held Charity's hand and winked at her. I remember Charity saying afterward," her hands were soft." :) It was so sweet of her. B. N. ( Britt nicole)  shared with us her goal in being here, that she wanted it to be more.. far more.. than a concert. She wanted us to leave there refreshed, with hope, and knowing," God has not given up on you. If you think you've let him down so many times that he has just abandoned you, than don't give up hope. You think you've waited so long.. he'll never come. But he is is here.. he has not let go of you. and he's still holding on to you.. he's still there and he says you're beautiful.. just the way you are.'' Beautiful. I'm beautiful. Charity is beautiful. angela is beautiful. Every one of us. Yes, we have made mistakes. But God is changing us and he doesn't expect us to be perfect.. to always do what we're supposed to.  He loves us for our uniqueness, extraordinaryiness  our talents, personalities. We shouldn't try to be anyone but ourselves. This is the main thing that has really changed my life. Britt nicole can never know how much she has done for me. It was by no means ORDINARY. Group 1 crew and royal taylor can never know how much I was encouraged and full of hope afterward. Life is extraordinary and beautiful, even with it's hurts, joys, pains. It wouldn't be beautiful if it weren't for every part that makes beautiful.. even the hardships.. even the seemingly endless nights of waiting on God and wondering.. crying... feeling like we are never enough.  So many times I've thought I wasn't enough, called myself names and thought" You're hopeless." but I'm not supposed to listen to that voice. I'm supposed to listen to God's voice telling me" You are beautiful. Don't be afraid. I'm with you and I have an amazing plan for your life. So live with passion and hope and meaning in me" And to believe it.. not just say it.

Thank you guys so much! 

Of IV's, Fear, Grace, and Pumpkin Ice Cream

 

I hear the news... a voice rings in my ear...

  fear, that awful, bad adrenaline rush of shaking nerves, the verge of future pain, the downfall of our life's end...
the dentist stares me in the face and I pretend I'm okay... mature, brave, and pro- I can go through pain and sore lips. I answer his questions half- honestly...
the door shuts and we drive home...
 The next two weeks are strange... I feel like someone on a teeter totter... ranging from confidence to none... two voices: You can do it, trust me... my heart and Jesus speaking.  another voice: It hurts really bad and you won't make it. I know that last one is wrong.. I know deep inside I CAN DO IT.
I'm 13, getting an IV and getting my tooth pulled is NOT a big deal. I know I'm acting like a baby. Mom tells me of her experience getting her tooth pulled and I feel better
I think of something funny from Three Stooges and I Feel better again
I think Of God's ever present help and I feel better three times
I realize it's going to rain that day and Mommy tells me she'll let me pick a movie afterwards
 I'm motivated, only half - scared now... I can do it.. confidence surges through me like lighting in the sky.

   I wake up- Oct 5th, 7:27am. Mom wakes me up... I'm ready.. well sorta've. I listened to soothing lullabies overnight and I know it's strange.. but they are one of many blessings that helped me get through today. Dad follows me out to the garage. I store my water bottle in the side door and pop in watermark's " Peace" and Jordan's "Beginning." my spirits rise. We reach the hospital and I repeat to myself... " I trust you." to Jesus and to my heart. We enter.. I hesitantly flip through some magazines while waiting in the library. I have no idea what the next 2 hours will bring. " Alyssa." come's the nurse in blue's voice. I square my shoulders. I'm introduced to Dr. Powers, I am confident again. We enter, go through some basic papers and introductions for the surgery at hand. I follow the nurse I've grown to like so much.. depend on.. she smiles and explains what she's about to do. I settle into the chair. Surprise. she has me so involved in talking about life.. piano lessons, my favorite subjects in school, I feel the pinch in my vein but I'm not afraid anymore. Everything stops for an instant.. this scared girl didn't know it.  my head is filled with funny phrases, happy romantic pictures, and Jesus's comforting form. I awake and numbly follow the nurse to the lobby.. in a daze i'm escorted to the car.. I step in.. turn the cd back on and I am beginning to feel strangely wonderful.... I turn the volume up on Britt Nicole's " Have your way" and the words have never rung so true and real for me. Have your way, Jesus. You know what's good for me, you have a plan, you love me, you'll take care of me. And I love you so very very much:)  I step in the door... scroll through pages of Twitter..... fall into the bed in the basement and turn up Ilan Eskeri's  song" Love" to the highest it can go through my headphones. This is one of my favorite types of days where I wonder what limits God can take me in true happiness and peace.... " You made it! I'm proud of you. You See, I told you you could. Just Trust me. Trust my love." I smile.
Because I trust him.

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.