From the Inside Out

Roman Holiday

2008-11-30T14:06:00.000-08:00

Last night and today I watched Roman Holiday. As a short summary its about a princess who sneaks out of her castle to see what the real world is like. As she falls asleep by the side of the street, a newspaper writer comes across her and, not recognizing her, decides to pay for her to take a taxi home. Seeing she is not fit to travel by herself he decides to take her to his apartment for the night. The next day, after he discovers who she is he decides to do a story on her and takes her around Rome to wherever she wants to go. Well, they eventually fall in love and... well I won't write the end. Anyway, here is a cute scene in the movie i'd thought i'd share.

Time to Decorate!

2008-11-29T15:13:00.000-08:00

Doesn't everything look nice?

Of course there's these guys but its OK we set it up so that they can't do any major damage ha ha.

A weekly picture

2008-11-23T14:49:00.000-08:00

I've decided to share a Norman Rockwell painting with you once a week. I love his paintings and hope you do too!

(oh and why I chose this picture...when I was really little, this picture was hung up on a hallway in my grandparents' house. When I would occasionally walk by it, I would always stop and admire it, wondering what the girl was thinking and liking the fact that though it looked like a real person, there was a loud show of personality that showed on her face. Anyway, thats why I chose this picture.)

The Trip To the Mountains

2008-11-17T11:17:00.001-08:00

It was our third day in Mexico. We (my group) had all gathered at the church in Queretaro around seven, and piled onto the bus, bundled in sweatshirts and jackets our host families had given us for the freezing mountains. "Very Cold!" "Mucho Frio!" they said when we protested on their kindness. We smiled and thought, guess they never visited New York in November! We put our jackets and lunches on the cabinets above our seats, cameras in hand, and when we were all settled, started off! Headed down the highway and waited impatiently to get to the mountains we'd been anticipating for. We went bus surfing, slept, and looked out the window (which included seeing a horse on the bed of a truck.... a moving truck.) We got to a small city (or large town), where we stopped to switch buses. The smaller bus we transferred to was not as comfortable as our bus...the light came through dirty windows, and we had to squeeze into the double seats with our jackets and lunches piled on top of us. We drove across the flat terrain seeing a mountain here and there, nothing really, except that blue hue looming ahead of us. That of course was the mountains, dark, blue and beautiful. It seemed to take forever to get there when up we went! The road narrowed and the barriers on the side of the road didn't seem like much help as we looked down the shear drop edge. Higher and higher we drove until we came level with the clouds. The sun seemed to shine brighter and the colors of the sky and terrain seemed to become louder. After about a half and hour of taking in all the beauty we turned onto a narrow, steep and bumpy dirt road... with shear drops and no barriers. After laughing at the comparison of it to my driveway, we reached a little house with a huge view where some residents were setting up a church. The church was four walls of brick, with cutouts for windows and an entryway, with a cement floor and a tarp for the roof. We parked the bus, and feeling the 80 degree air, took off our layers and put them in a dark room, The room looked like a sort of pantry with lopsided shelves and bags of food. We met together out front, and started to hike up the mountains to tell people of the meeting. After about 30 seconds, I started to feel the outcomes of the 10,000 foot elevation and quickly took out my puffer. We walked from house to house, (little thrown together shelters built into the mountains) telling people some Spanish phrases we were taught to say. We admired the view and the independent people who supply for themselves and were glad to meet them. We did, however, stay away from the numerous, greasy, sick looking dogs that approached us. Well, everyone but Cotter, who pet a little puppy that looked cute, but well, like the other dogs. I told Cotter why he probably shouldn't pet the dogs, and he flipped out wiping his hands vigorously on his pants. Anyway, we took a team picture and started to head down the mountain, noticing that while we were exhausted, a little boy (11 or 12) was roding his bike up and down the steep road without even a heavy breath. Boy did we feel like beached whales! We got back to the little church and ate our lunches. Then I met....the bathroom. The bathroom was a dark room with old cement walls, brighter with the light off than with that dull light on. It had no door, just a curtain, in which the whole time I prayed that no one would walk in. Oh the idea! The floor was all wet and there was a big bucket there for the water dripping from the roof. In the bucket I noticed that someone had accidentally thrown their toilet paper in it and I was relieved that I wouldn't be the one to take it out. The toilet was like a toilet without the seat but twice as wide, wet and with no flusher. I'll never complain about an American toilet again! We had the meeting, which was great, then had a dinner with the residents that came, and we gave balloons and candy to the children. Finally, we got our stuff, and after I used the dreaded toilet again we got in the bus and headed back.

Well that's the story for the day. I'll try to write again soon!

A New York Moon

2008-11-14T04:33:00.001-08:00

Oh and by the way I thought I'd share more about my trip with you! I'll start tomorrow.

Mexico

2008-11-12T14:02:00.000-08:00

There is so much I could say about Mexico, but I don't know where to start. I could talk about how the mountains were beautiful and the garbage was not. I could talk about the old 1960's bugs that are everywhere and how every city has its own color of them (Pachuca..white, Queretaro...red, Mexico City...green and yellow taxi's). I could talk about the beautiful house we stayed in in Queretaro and the...not so nice...house we stayed at for the day in the mountains. I could talk about the famous soccer player (no I mean futbol player) we stayed with and also the family who lives a quiet, simple life. I could talk about the old pyramids and the new(er) Hard Rock Cafe. I could talk about how nice the people were and how ashamed I am of my arrogant nation. I could tell you how excited I was to get on the Delta Airlines flight 481 to Mexico and how sad I was to get on flight 484 to New York (Nueva York actually). I could tell you how beautiful the rich, colorful, warm sunsets were, and how the pure, cool sunrises were. I could tell you how great I felt with no allergies in the high altitudes and how out-of-shape I felt in the high altitudes. I could tell you that the Pachuca Pastes were delicious and that the Inn Sur's (in Mexico City) restaurant's questionable eggs were not so much. I could tell you of all the inside jokes that were created on this trip and also the times that I wished I could get away. I could tell you that I love it down there and thinking of the colleges, and also how much I am glad to be home and that I fell in love with New York again. There is so much to write about Mexico, but I don't know where to start.

Already?

2008-10-29T10:49:00.000-07:00

Yesterday morning, when I woke up, something was different. I couldn't put my finger on it, but there was something in the air that I hadn't felt in a while.... like a yummy drink which you haven't had in a long time. Then I heard the the excited, shrill squeals coming from around the house. "Snow!" "Its Snowing!" "Mom can I go outside?" "Snow!" Sure enough, as I looked out the window I could already see snowflakes (not just any the real big ones) and the valley was covered in white mist. The sky painted with a winter grey. Already?

What Could Be More Beautiful

2008-10-24T14:24:00.000-07:00

What could be more beautiful than castle ruins, on the cliffs of Ireland, on a cloudy day?

http://sound-accord.com/yahoo_site_admin/assets/images/D1-_Minard_Castle_ruins_on_the_shore.29792028_std.jpg

My Fall

2008-10-17T07:20:00.001-07:00

I know that some, if not most people hate cloudy, wet days. I on the other hand love them... Especially in Autumn.....here's why

Happy Birthday Bannon

2008-10-06T12:07:00.001-07:00

The Start of Autumn

2008-10-05T09:41:00.000-07:00

Rainy Days

2008-09-28T13:17:00.000-07:00

I love rainy days. A rainy day for me is full of reading, crocheting, drawing, playing (music), hanging out in my room, and watching movies. That was my day today. Rain has been rather a companion for me today. I watched Somewhere in Time, and the sky seemed to be crying with me as the tragedy unfolded. The rain was background music as I cleaned my room (which was actually fun today). The rain has made beautiful pictures with the air as it spread mists over the valley. I hope everyone enjoys these days as I do.

The World Is An Orchestra

2008-09-10T10:25:00.000-07:00

The world is an orchestra
Made of all the noise you hear
You can only hear it if you try
You have to strain an ear

Rain thunders against a window
Wind whistles past a tree
Lightning and thunder clash the sky
What a wonderful symphony

Cars honk their horns
Subways thunder past
Conversations everywhere
The music will always last

A dog barks
Children may cry
A vacuum eats
For this music you must really try

A lake grumbles
A loon sighs
A dock creaks
A song for the skies

The world is an orchestra
Made of all the noise you hear
You can only hear it if you try
You have to strain an ear

~ Hannah M.

Happy Birthday

2008-09-09T13:53:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday to a warm, loving, inspiring, and unforgettable woman. Love you Mom!

My Art

2008-09-09T09:35:00.000-07:00

This week we have officially started school. I'm excited to start this new year (I'm officially in high school!) One of my favorite subjects is Art and I thought I'd share the picture we had to draw....isn't it pretty?

"The Swing"

Auguste Renoir

I can't help it!

2008-09-08T14:58:00.000-07:00

Maybe its from my distant Irish blood or maybe its just because I like it, I LOVE riverdance!

oh and I like Colin Dunne WAY better than Michael Flatley

The Caves

2008-09-02T09:08:00.000-07:00

A few days ago we went to the "caves." The caves, for those of you who don't know, are up in the woods about a mile from my house. I had always been curious about them and when Dad said he wanted to go I was thrilled! Anyway so Dad, Uncle Joe, Jake, Bannon, Abby, Sophie and I headed up through the woods and up to the caves. Its nice up there (not including the swamp we had to cross). There are cliffs (not big compare to other cliffs I've seen but still pretty) up there covered with moss with an old rock wall running across the top. There are caves but not real ones, more like holes that a rabbit or a fox could live in. However I still like it up there and can't wait to go up again.

My New Haircut

2008-08-12T18:27:00.001-07:00

So what do you think?

My Favorite Olympic commercial

2008-08-12T18:21:00.000-07:00

Go U.S!!!!!!

My Space

2008-08-06T10:07:00.001-07:00

As some of you know I have been decorating my new room. I have big yellow walls and although they look nice it is hard to find stuff to put on the walls without my room looking too old for me. I want a nice room and I've been looking for paintings that I like. I was in a stump for the longest time, when I realized that I have always liked Norman Rockwell paintings. I told mom and a few days later she surprised me with a big book that had tons of his paintings and sketches! I've been experimenting and I thought I'd share what I did!

We ate Lobster

2008-07-28T10:40:00.000-07:00

Land of Nod

2008-07-25T08:18:00.000-07:00

This morning I was looking for something to read when I came across A Child's Garden of Verses by Tasha Tudor. I was reading the poems when I came to THE LAND OF NOD. I thought it was very cute and it reminds me of when I dream, and I thought I'd share....

THE LAND OF NOD

From breakfast on through all the day
At home among my friends I stay,
But every night I go abroad
Afar into the Land of Nod.

All by myself I go,
With none to tell me what to do-
All alone beside the streams
And up the mountain-sides of dreams.

The strangest things are there for me,
Both things to eat and things to see,
And many frightening sights abroad
Till morning in the Land of Nod

Try as I like ti find the way,
I can never get back by day,
Nor can remember plain and clear
The curious music that I hear.

Light of Salvation

2008-07-24T12:18:00.000-07:00

My new favorite worship song is Light of Salvation by Desperation Band. Its a great song and the lyrics really inspire me...enjoy!

One of my favorite Sesame Street songs

2008-07-14T09:52:00.000-07:00

For those of you who read my moms blog you may recognize this video, but I love this song and I thought i'd share.

Our trip to Great Escape

2008-07-13T09:12:00.001-07:00

Another check off of my list!

Happy 4th of July

2008-07-04T11:35:00.000-07:00

I thought this was inspiring...

2008-06-30T16:14:00.000-07:00

Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and self-preserved way but rather to skid in broadside totally worn out and proclaiming "WOW WHAT A RIDE!"

~Anonymous~

They are so cute!

2008-06-27T07:55:00.001-07:00

Happy Birthday Uncle Joe!!!

2008-06-25T14:25:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday Uncle Joe! I hope this year is one of the best for you! I am SO BLESSED to have you as my uncle! Since the time I was little and you always would play, to the time when you were with us at the american idol contest, 'til' now when you take us on fun hikes and long bike rides! You are never too tired to have fun and you don't mind if we just want to hang out. Again, Happy Birthday Uncle Joe!

Yes I have Decided

2008-06-25T10:09:00.001-07:00

Yes I have decided to enter in one of those baking contests in the fair. I have always thought it would be fun to do it, like the women in those old country movies and I thought I'd check it out. I looked in the "book of events" for the fair and to my surprise there were contests for baking bread and cakes and cookies! I told mom and she liked the idea so I guess I'm doing it! I also could enter my baby Afghan that I'm crocheting but I don't think I'm ready for that....

We Went Strawberry Picking!

2008-06-22T05:45:00.001-07:00

Things to do this summer

2008-06-17T07:19:00.001-07:00

Every year I write down a list of things i want to do this summer and I thought I'd share it with you this year!

THINGS TO DO THIS SUMMER

1. Raise money for the Mexico trip in November

2. Go Spelunking

3. Go Strawberry Picking

4. Have a picnic on Vroomans Nose

5. Bike down to "Grandpa George's" for ice cream

6. Go to a Theme Park

7. Sing at the fair (not really)

8. Build a Fort

9. Crochet a blanket

10. Do other stuff to make my summer an adventure

Celtic Thunder

2008-06-12T13:16:00.000-07:00

A few nights ago mom and I were watching TV, and we switched the channel to wmht. There an Irish group caught our eye called Celtic Thunder. They are kinda like Celtic Women but they are guys and they don't sing JUST old irish balads. Anyway if you want you can check them out you can on youtube!

My Life

2008-06-11T15:41:00.001-07:00

Though it does not seem like it, my life has changed in many ways this year. No matter how small my life is different than it used to be. For instance

~I am interested in how I look and don't wear hoodies, jeans and ponytails everyday~

~I have an Ipod~

~I am living in a new house where I can have adventures with my imagination ~

~ I ride my bike around town ~

~I do announcements at church~

~I'm not TERRIFIED of thunderstorms anymore...OK not as much~

~I am going to have 3 new cousins!~

~I have a new baby sister!!!~

~I am copying aunt beans style of writing~

I know for others it may seem like not much but for me its been a big change! I can't wait to see what other new things happen to me this year!

Boo and Me

2008-06-09T07:27:00.001-07:00

and grandma and abby

Heat Wave!

2008-06-07T11:19:00.000-07:00

Summer heat has finally hit! Though i don't know if is a good thing! I believe i already drank a gallon of water! Well time for swimming, lemonade, and tans!

American Idol

2008-05-21T10:09:00.000-07:00

Well, the final finale for AI is tonight and I have to admit...I'm sad! I love this show and starting tomorrow I'll have to wait almost a year to see it again! The contestants become my friends (metaphorically speaking) that I look forward to seeing twice a week. Oh well, at least there will a few new artists I will be able to listen to!
Oh, and I gotta say this has been a very interesting season! From the "I am your brother your best friend forever" guy, to Randy thinking it was 2007 I have been very entertained. I have also been disappointed, sadly watching as Carly Smithson, Brooke White, and Michael Johns were voted out. However, I'm overjoyed that David Archuleta made it to the finale! (though I figured he would) I'm hoping he wins, though a lot of people like David Cook. Well, I guess I'll find out tonight!

Our Parakeets

2008-05-14T16:52:00.000-07:00

While I was away in Texas, my family bought parakeets. My brothers (preferably Jake) and I had been reading about bird care and decided that even though we wanted a parrot, we should start with something cheaper, and easier to take care of for our first bird ... like a parakeet. Well, we decided to save up our money and maybe get one in a few months. Dad however, surprised us by taking the boys to the pet store and letting them pick out a couple (2 but "couple" sounds better). Jacob picked one (a green and yellow one he named Banana), and Cotter the other (a blue one he named Leodis). Anyway, when the boys first brought them home they wouldn't do anything, not step up on their fingers, or even want them to touch them. Slowly they're learning however, and now we are training them to feel comfortable upside down, and we whistle a tune for them to hear, who knows, maybe they'll copy us sometime!

American Idol

2008-05-09T13:55:00.000-07:00

I hope he wins! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CkzVs9O0T9w

Working on my purse

2008-04-15T12:16:00.000-07:00

Now that its spring, and that I'm soon going to Texas, I want to get a new spring bag. I have a dark leather purse now, and though I love it, (thank you Aunt Bean) it's rather small for all the stuff I have to jam in it. Since the bags at WalMart are really expensive, I decided to make one. Maama has been giving me fabrics and ideas, and when she took me to WalMart to see the different styles I saw exactly what I wanted. Maama came over to my house and we worked on it. Since our sewing machine doesn't have a foot I couldn't finish it. I can't wait until its done!

I Thought this was a cute Poem

2008-04-02T10:36:00.000-07:00

Smart

My Dad gave me 1 dollar bill
'Cause' I'm his smartest son
And I traded it for 2 shiny quarters
'Cause' two is more than one

And then I took the quarters
And traded them with Lou
For 3 dimes-I guess he don't know
that 3 is more than 2

Just then along came old blind Bates
And just 'cause' he can't see
He gave me 4 nickels for my 3 dimes
and 4 is more than 3

I took the nickels to Hiram Coombs
Down at the old feed-seed store
And the fool gave me 5 pennies for them
And 5 is more than 4

And then I went and showed my Dad
And he got red in the cheeks
And closed his eyes and shook his head
Too proud of me to speak!

~ Shel Silverstein

My Backyard

2008-03-31T13:48:00.000-07:00

I Love the Woods!

2008-03-27T09:40:00.000-07:00

I live on a mountain, in the hills, surrounded by woods, and I LOVE IT!!! It's so peaceful up here! A dirt road, run down rock walls, graceful pine trees, a quiet pond. I love waking up to the sun rising above the mountain and valley view. Ok I'm exaggerating about the view, but the dawning sun is still nice. Chickadees, woodpeckers, robins, chipmunks, and squirrels come and gather around our birdfeeder. Deer cautiously walk by on their way to the meadow (actually it's a field, but "meadow" sounds better). We even have a grouse that comes by every once in a while. Again I love it here and I hope it never changes!

2008-03-26T08:35:00.000-07:00

When my Grandparents moved out of the house, they left a Bow-flex, and another exercise thing (I'm actually not sure what it is). We got permission to use it, and we (Cotter, Jacob and I) have been working out for the last couple of weeks. Unfortunately, I wasn't sure how to work them! Maama told me how to use that exercise thing, and Dad told me how to use the Bow-flex. Dad made a schedule of what exercises we do a day, and every Monday we bike ride to a nearby basketball court. I always feel better when I exercise. I've been trying to eat better, and have been drinking ice water (which burns 123 calories). I'm so glad we have these now!

2008-03-25T14:05:00.000-07:00

Every once in a while I imagine what life would be like if I was an only child. The house wouldn't be so loud, I wouldn't wake up in the middle of the night to a squealing toddler who doesn't want to stay in her bed. It wouldn't be as hard to get on the computer, and no one would be telling me to get off every 5 minutes. Anyway, I was going to finish my school work when Mom asked me to take Abby outside to play. I did, though longing to get school done. I put the coat on my smiling sister and headed outside. Holding my hand, she led me to her imaginary house. Seeing a slide we brought from our red house (which we are selling), she asked politely if I could take it down. I tried to get her to change her mind, but arguing with a 3 year old (or at least Abby) when she wants a slide, doesn't work very well. I got the slide down, and seeing her joyful face made me fell so good. When Bannon asked me to play basketball, I couldn't say no. His grinning face, and Cotter saying "good job" when I made a basket, made me realise how lucky I am to have brothers and sisters. I'd be so lonely! No one to play air hockey with, no one to laugh with, no one to argue with. I'd be out of my mind with boredom! When Abby came over and hugged my leg, and said " I love you Heenna (Hannah), your my best friend! " I knew that it's worth it.

2008-03-24T16:38:00.000-07:00

As I sit by the computer, I think of how long winter has been, and how far away spring seems to be. Yes, I know the seasons have already changed on the calender, but according to the weather, and the chill in my bones, the battle for warmth, sun, flowers, and gentle breezes has just begun. Winter doesn't want to retreat to the North just yet, and Spring can't wait to return. Winter is no longer the quiet wonderland I've been enjoying, but a cold, heartless, freezing punishment. However, robins are a cheery reminder that sunny days are soon to come, and small buds on trees are starting to show.

mom told me

2008-03-24T15:34:00.000-07:00

My mom told me to do this so I can change my default picture (Finally!!!)

Talking Easter eggs

2008-03-22T08:16:00.000-07:00

Its kinda weird, but its also really funny!

This one is for Dad

2008-03-21T13:47:00.000-07:00

"Violence is no longer in my nature but if you want it you got it sister!"

August Rush

2008-03-19T14:22:00.001-07:00

Recently, I watched the newly released movie, August Rush. This is a great story of adventure, love, music, and family. The movie starts with a lonely 11 year old boy in an orphanage. Desperate to find his parents, Evan sets out into New York City, following the music he hears around him. As he wanders about, he meets a boy who is singing and playing guitar in the park. The boy brings him to an old rundown building where other homeless kids are. There he meets Wizard, a slightly crazy street musician who is the guardian of them, and who taught them how to play. Evan learns to play guitar and becomes the best musician on the street. Meanwhile, a sad young woman discovers that her child who she thought had been miscarried is alive. And a lonely Irish rocker can't stop thinking of a girl he lost long ago.

~ Again this is an awesome movie and I highly recommend it. I don't usually cry at movies (except Where The Red Fern Grows) and I must say I had tears in my eyes!!~

2008-03-18T07:55:00.000-07:00

Yesterday, My grandma and I went shopping for an Easter dress. I always love to shop with her and yesterday was no exception. We looked around, and I tried some on, and after a while we found one we both liked and I bought it. Though its not a big deal, I really love getting Easter dresses, its something I've enjoyed ever since I was little. It's the one day a year I can wear a dress and feel very feminine without feeling like I over dressed. Well, anyway, I thought I'd share that (since I haven't really written in a while!).
Well,
Have a great Easter!

Happy St. Patricks Day

2008-03-17T06:20:00.001-07:00

WIGS AND HATS!

2008-02-11T17:03:00.000-08:00

MySpace

2008-02-10T14:46:00.000-08:00

http://www.myspace.com/hannahsspotilikecoffee

Well, now I'm 14 I have been allowed to have a myspace. I'm not TOTALLY done with it but its getting there. I'm still gonna try to write here, but as you can see I haven't had anything to write about!

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

2007-12-31T08:15:00.001-08:00

Some Of My Favorite Movie Quotes

2007-12-10T14:51:00.000-08:00

"Run away before I kill again! I'm a psycho! Danger! Danger!"
~ The Grinch from The Grinch Who Stole Christmas

"I Like to stick to the four main food groups. Candy, candy cane, candy corn, and syrup!"
~Buddy from Elf

"6 Dollars. That's like a dollar an hour!" ~Napoleon from Napoleon Dynamite

"Practically every things white.....INCLUDING MY FATHER!"

~Ted Brooks from Snow Dogs

"Humans, think they own everything." "Probably American!"

~ Chum and Anchor from Finding Nemo

"That wasn't flying...that was falling with style."

~Woody from Toy Story

Well even though there are a ton of others these are the only ones I could think of in a couple minutes. If I think of others I'll add it.

What I've Been Doing

2007-12-06T18:15:00.000-08:00

Sorry I haven't blogged in a while, it's just that I've been stumped! I just haven't had anything to write about. Today however, Mom suggested to put up pictures of stuff I've been doing to increase my Christmas spirit.

Here is our Christmas tree. Notice how most of the ornaments are at the TOP of the tree????

I know that Mom talked about this on her blog, but here is the paper chain I made with the numerous snowflakes Jake made.

Here is the covering picture of our advent calender I made. Novice I realise but I'll get better.

Sugar cookies Jacob and I almost terribly screwed up ( I mean what are sugar cookies without sugar?) Have you noticed using cookie cutters is a lot harder than it looks.

Well, there it is... Our homemade nativity scene is not... ready for pictures yet.

The Dancers

2007-12-03T05:34:00.000-08:00

Now, I know I've been putting a lot of pictures up lately, but I HAD to put these pictures up. Bannon and Abby had been dancing with our angel that plays music. I came up and said "Hey guys here let me show you how to dance." Well I said something like that. Anyway, I showed them the form you know hand on shoulder, hand on waist and holding hands. It was so funny because they actually did it, and enjoyed it!

Sophie meets THE DOUGHNUT

2007-11-30T06:08:00.000-08:00

See Any Resemblance???????

2007-11-28T18:05:00.000-08:00

The Sharp-Shinned Hawk

2007-11-28T09:57:00.000-08:00

Yesterday, we had been doing school, when Mom shrieked "Look! a hawk is trying to get a sparrow!" We all rushed to the window and looked out at the big sparrow bush. Sure enough there was a big bird trying unsuccessfully, to jump from one branch to the other, catch one. They seemed to be mocking him, hopping with ease around the tangled bush knowing he couldn't keep up with them. They didn't all stay though. Some grew so scared that they left the mean game, but the braver ones stayed until the poor hawk gave up and flew away. Upset that I didn't get a good picture, I went online to see if I could figure out what He was. There were a few kinds that looked similar but I wasn't sure and I hoped He would come back. He did! For some strange reason he just sat next to the bush where he had failed miserably earlier. I think he was looking for moles, voles, and that kind of stuff. After he discovered that where he was wasn't high enough, he flew up to the tree house tree. After about five minutes he got impatient and flew away. Dad and I quickly looked at the different species and found that he was a Sharp-Shinned Hawk. I hope he comes back again today!

Tuesday Morning Photography

2007-11-27T09:00:00.000-08:00

Flickr

2007-11-27T08:51:00.001-08:00

This is a test post from , a fancy photo sharing thing.

Disney Memories

2007-11-24T13:22:00.000-08:00

Now that Bannon and Abby are old enough we have introduced the old Disney movies. I absolutely love watching these movies again with them. Mom will tell me how Cotter, Jake, and I, LOVED 101 Dalmatians and how Cotter would quote from the movie "Poor Little Thing..." (you know, when they think Lucky is dead). Mom and Dad also tell me how I would yell "Run to the Thicket!" from Bambi. I remember when Dad brought home Lion King and I watched it for the first time. I never got tired of listening to Ariel sing in Little Mermaid. I can't wait to watch all these movies again!

Breath of Heaven

2007-11-18T18:22:00.000-08:00

Breath of Heaven

the song i'm singing for my church's christmas play.

It's Snowing!

2007-11-16T06:48:00.000-08:00

Oh how I love the snow in November. I love how the snowflakes softly fall to the ground. Seeing the mountain next to my house blurred by the snow blowing by it. My favorite thing about snow is waking up around 7 and seeing the ground and trees covered by snow. I love looking at the winter wonderland out my window. I LOVE SNOW!!!

Happy Birthday SOPHIA!!!!!!

2007-11-12T14:54:00.001-08:00

Abby and her " eggs"

2007-11-08T16:52:00.000-08:00

Abby, (as my mom put in her blog), finds the simplest things around the house from a candle holder, (her phone), to a block of wood (her ice cream). Lately she found one of Cotter's baseballs, and my softball. Calling them her "eggs", she gently pets them, and puts them on a big felt toy block. After carefully putting them in the box, she sits on them!!! How she figured out this I have no idea... but it is cute!!! here are some pictures of her and her "eggs".

"When the Frost is on the Punkin"

2007-11-06T15:08:00.000-08:00

They's something kindo' harty-like about the atmusfere

When the heat of summer's over and the coolin' fall is here—

Of course we miss the flowers, and the blossoms on the trees,

And the mumble of the hummin'-birds and buzzin' of the bees;

But the air's so appetizin'; and the landscape through the haze

Of a crisp and sunny morning of the airly autumn days

Is a pictur' that no painter has the colorin' to mock—

When the frost is on the punkin and the fodder's in the shock.

Ranger wants to come in

2007-11-06T10:09:00.001-08:00

This is my Border Collie Ranger. It's a little hard to tell but this is him looking through our door window. He does this when he wants to come inside.

I Know I Know

2007-11-05T15:51:00.000-08:00

I know, I know, a couple months too late... but on one of the American Idol shows Carrie Underwood sings the song I'll Stand By You and I (though I hate to say it) had tears in my eyes!! Maybe I was just tired.

The Lady of Shallot

2007-10-23T09:14:00.000-07:00

Fall

2007-10-17T10:11:00.000-07:00

Up at my house Fall has finally hit. After my hot and sticky Summer, I have finally got my cool, and refreshing Autumn. This is my favorite time of year, and it has finally come! I love the red, yellow, orange, and brown colors that are splattered over the hills at my home. I will never get tired of hearing Canada geese flying over my head. Picking delicious apples and having mom make her wonderful Apple Crisp pies! I love Autumn and I wish it was Autumn all year.

"It's Fall! Hot chocolaty mornings! Toasty marshmallowy evenings!"
~ Winnie the Pooh

Just Thinking

2007-10-16T09:45:00.000-07:00

I have been learning about medieval times in school. I have been singing songs written by, and about people in those times and I am reading books about that time period. I am reading Ivanhoe, The Once and Future King, and The Age of Chivalry. I hope there are more books I can read during the rest of my school year about that age! I think it would be cool to be a royal person back then. Having fireplaces scattered throughout my castle, Riding horses whenever I wanted to, wearing pretty clothes, going to jousts! Oh well, instead I get stuck 800 years later. (sigh)

My "New" Blog

2007-10-16T09:42:00.000-07:00

As you can see I have updated my blog. I know the music and the template doesn't match but oh well! I want to get a slide show for pictures I like but I still have to figure it out. OH WELL!

Happy Birthday Bannon!!!

2007-10-06T12:53:00.000-07:00

Watership Down

2007-10-02T10:43:00.001-07:00

Recently I finished the book Watership Down. It is a great book and I highly recommend reading it. It's the best book I've ever read and I was upset when I got to the end! I hate that sad feeling when I get done with a good book. I get to feel like I'm in the story and that I actually know the characters!! Oh well, I started the Lord of the Rings trilogy and those books will last me a while.

Zombie Prank!!

2007-09-06T18:39:00.001-07:00

Something Weird is happening over here!!!

Long Ago.....

2007-09-03T09:05:00.000-07:00

Aren't They Cute??

2007-08-30T14:35:00.000-07:00

Why The Tone Of Your Voice Towards Your Parents is So Important

2007-08-28T07:56:00.000-07:00

People should watch the tone of voice they use for their parents and other elders because the way that you speak with them is a way of respect. If you speak annoyingly, harshly, impatiently, or Know-It-All to your parents your voice says that you have no respect for them and that they are in our way; even if we don't mean them to think that. Because of speaking disrespectfully kids have gotten bad and/or distant relationships with their parents and have spent their days full of shouting, unhappiness, and being grounded. Parents feel just as punished as we do when we speak disrespectfully, it makes them think that they have been bad parents and they wonder what they have done wrong when they haven't done anything. When we speak respectfully we show our parents how muck we love them and that we care about what they say. If we do, the outcome will be that we are closer with your parents and that we will have a happier family.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY JAKE!!!

2007-08-26T09:30:00.001-07:00

Fooling around with the Camera

2007-08-24T20:28:00.000-07:00

American Idol Contest Tommorow!!!

2007-08-06T10:09:00.000-07:00

O.K. I'm singing tommorow at my towns fair tommorow @ 1:00 and I'm really nervous so if you could pray for me that would be great! thanks!

Generation Conference

2007-07-31T17:36:00.000-07:00

A few days ago I went to the generation conference IT WAS AWESOME!! I got to listen to a whole bench of great speakers. From Joyce Meyer to Chris Hill. I thought I should write some quotes of what the speakers.

Chris Hill- Nothing you can make for god can equal him, but you can make a joyful noise unto him!

Pastor Mark Schilling- Don't shrink your dreams to open reality.
- Trust God even if it doesn't work out the way you wanted it to work out.

Stephen Baldwin- Are you a Jesus Freak?
- My generation will be an impact on America

Pastor Michael Servello- You can tell a lot about a christian by the way they treat sinners.
-Jesus forgave you. you should forgive them.

Joyce Meyer- The more you try to get what you want the less likely you will get it.
-Watch out for the little things god does for you through his love.
-No matter who you are god will accept you

Chico Woo- The burden of communication is on the one communicating.

Ed Young- When you run from god you'll run right into god.
-God is the author of authority
-The rhythm of rebellion: I saw, I thought, I felt.
-95% obedience is 5% short.

Today

2007-07-24T14:38:00.001-07:00

Today I didn't do much. I picked some black berries with Bannon and now I'm packing for the Generation Conference. I can't wait for it I had a blast last year and I am SO excited!

P.S. there are some people from church in the video if you pay attention

NOT AGAIN!!!

2007-07-20T12:38:00.001-07:00

I have been so happy that the temperatures have dropped ( it feels like fall at my house) and now the temperatures are soaring up again! YAY. Oh well I guess I'll just have to go swimming!

The Beauty of Nature

2007-07-18T17:42:00.000-07:00

People are very busy. Most of the time too busy to stop and look at the beauty around them. I was playing a computer game when the phone rang. I went outside to look for my dad who was receiving the call when I noticed how beautiful my backyard was. It had been raining all day at my house so outside it was all misty. A late sunset was peering through my maple tree and the dew of today's rain was scattered across the grass resulting in a glittering ground. The sky was a dark orange with a few clouds whisking across the sky. Low fog covered my mountain. It was just gorgeous! I hope other people experience these perfect pictures as I do.

Day Today

2007-07-09T15:52:00.000-07:00

Today I had a great day. I woke up around 5:30 excited about my church's first day of V.B.S. Also I woke up a little nervous about the bad thunderstorm outside my house... you'll have to forgive me,I have strange fears. Around 7:55 we left for Wal-mart and then set off for V.B.S.I had a good time I think its fun to be a helper in V.B.S. There is so much to do, well,when there are enough kids for volunteers to help ( if that makes any sense). After V.B.S. Me, Dad,Mom,Cotter Jacob,Bannon,Abby,Sophie,and Maama went of to a state park to go swimming and have a picnic. There was enough wind there that we all forgot about the 95 degree weather. The water was very refreshing and we all had a great time. When we were finally done swimming we packed up and set out to go get ice cream. Then we came home and here we are now enjoying the fans and looking forward to watching the newest show of Hells Kitchen!

My Day

2007-07-08T14:42:00.000-07:00

Today I had a relaxing day at home, in other words I really didn't do anything. I woke up around eight, well actually I was awakened by Bannon and Abby who were jumping on my bed (and me) and went downstairs and had strawberries and whipped cream... which is a nice breakfast to have in the summer. After that I filled up Bannon's and Abby's little pool. They love that pool. Anyway, around 12 Bannon and Abby had their nap and I settled down to watch an old civil war movie... 10 minutes into it I found out that my dad wanted to watch it with me so I quickly switched the movie to Pollyanna. Its a pretty good movie if you like classics so I liked it. Bann and Abb woke up and I took them outside to play. Then me and Jake took them to our back yard to pick Black caps. Bannon and Jacob covered their faces with the juice for war paint and Bannon couldn't wait to go inside and "scare mom" after that I went on computer and now I'm blogging. Well, that's about it. write tomorrow!

Phantom of the Opera

2007-07-06T06:49:00.000-07:00

Bla BLa BLa

Song for Fair

2007-06-27T18:48:00.001-07:00

I have been having trouble finding what song to sing for the American Idol Contest at the fair. I'm thinking I might do "Rainbow Connection" but i'm not sure. Does anyone have any other suggestions on songs that would be O.K. for an alto?

Isn't this Interesting?

2007-06-25T19:47:00.000-07:00

(Cool email I got)

Cna yuo raed tihs? Olny 55 plepoe out of 100 can. The phaonmneal pweor of the hmuan mnid, aoccdrnig to a rscheearch at Cmabrigde Uinervtisy, it dseno't mtaetr in waht oerdr the ltteres in a wrod are, the olny iproamtnt tihng is taht the frsit and lsat ltteer be in the rghit pclae. The rset can be a taotl mses and you can sitll raed it whotuit a pboerlm. Tihs is bcuseae the huamn mnid deos not raed ervey lteter by istlef, but the wrod as awlohe. Azanmig huh? yaeh and I awlyas tghuhot slpeling was ipmorantt!

Results of AI Contest

2007-06-17T14:47:00.000-07:00

I MADE IT! I sang the first verse of "Amazing Grace" and when I finished they said I sounded good and they said I was in tune and they liked how I did scales in it. Oh, by the way... Cotter and Uncle Joe made it through too. I can't wait until the fair!

American Idol Contest

2007-06-16T13:48:00.000-07:00

This year my town's fair is doing an American Idol contest. Since they have an age level in my group I am trying out. Auditions are today so wish me luck!!

Smile

2007-06-10T09:40:00.000-07:00

She smiled at the sorrowful stranger.
The smile seemed to make him feel better.
He remembered past kindnesses of a friend and wrote him a thank-you letter.
The friend as so pleased with the thank-you that he left a large tip after lunch
The waitress surprised by the size of tip, bet the whole thing on a hunch.
The next day she picked up her winnings, and gave part to a man on the street.
The man on the street was grateful; for two days he'd had nothing to eat.
After he finished his dinner, he left for his dingy room.
(He didn't know at that moment that he might be facing doom.)
On the way he picked up a shivering puppy and took him home to get warm.
The puppy was very grateful to be in out of the storm.
That night the house caught in fire.
The puppy barked the alarm.
He barked 'til he woke the whole house hold and saved everyone form harm.
One of the boys he saved grew up to be President.
All this because of an simple smile that hadn't cost a cent.

Barbara Hauk- Chicken Soup for the Teenage Soul

What Should I Write About?

2007-06-09T13:02:00.000-07:00

I am really enjoying blogging to let everyone know. However, I always seem to never be able to know what to write about. Today I thought I would write about my day, like how I had a big breakfast with my family for my maama's birthday, and how my mom made HUGE cinnamon buns with frosting. Then I thought I would write about how much Bannon and Abby loves Veggie Tales but I changed my mind. Oh well!

Cross Stitching

2007-06-06T17:56:00.000-07:00

Yesterday was the day when I started my newest hobby...cross stitching. Unlike crochet and latch hook, cross stitch is really pretty easy. All you have to do to cross stitch is put the thread diagonal from one hole to the other then vice versa....kind of. Well anyway. Mom got this really cute picture of this little baby with his hands in a praying motion. Under the baby's hands are these larger set of hands doing the same motion. On the side it says "Pray without ceasing." It's a very nice picture, and really big. Oh well, hopefully unlike latch hook I'll actually finish this new project!

The Innocence of a Little Kid

2007-06-05T15:15:00.000-07:00

(Here is a funny email I recieved)

A little girl was talking to her teacher about whales. The teacher said it was physically impossible for a whale to swallow a human because even though it was a very large mammal its throat was very small. The little girl stated that Jonah was swallowed by a whale. Irritated, the teacher reiterated that a whale could not swallow a human; it was physically impossible. The little girl said, "When I get to heaven I will ask Jonah".The teacher asked, "What if Jonah went to hell?" The little girl replied, "Then you ask him ."

Into The West

2007-06-03T09:48:00.000-07:00

A new TV series/movie I would ighly recomend is Into the West. It is a very good movie dealing with the time period 1800's from the oregon trail to the Civil War. So if you are ever in need of a new interesting show get Into The West.