Wedding of the Year...

This past Saturday was my friend Noelle's wedding. I have known her for so long, and to see her get married was so amazing. When I was at winter camp in January I got a call from my dad saying that Noelle was being courted. I started freaking out because Michael Bower, the young man courting her, was someone I have know for almost all my life. Not only have I know both of them for like ever, but they have know each other forever too. It was so sweet to see the two of them come together as a couple after seeing them as friends for so long. Anyway, the wedding was so sweet, and I am so excited to see what God has planned for their future!!

Lighting the "Communion Candle"
Awww, the first kiss. Me, Julia, Fumie (she flew out from Japan for the wedding), and JACK!!!

Some of the wedding crashers...I mean attenders (sorry this picture is so small, i copied off my friend's facebook album).

Operation Christmas Child...

Last Friday, our homeschool group went to volunteer at "Operation Christmas Child". OCC is a Christian organization that sends shoe boxes to needy children around the world, so that they too can have a Christmas. Our job was to sort through the boxes and take out all "inappropriate" items. Inappropriate items were things that can melt, explode under pressure, or expire, things that would promote war (like camo, little soldiers, etc...), things that were would not help spread the Gospel (skull and cross bones, scary dragons, little demon creatures...you get the picture. These things were classified as "evil"), and things that could break.

It was so fun to serve in that way, and know that these boxes are going to children around the world. The boxes we sorted that day went to the Philippines!!

Enough said.

OPERATION CHRISTMAS CHILD (look at all those boxes, and that's just a fraction)

This is where all the ripped boxes go to be repaired.

Hi Brown's!...and other guy in the gray. Smile!! Nice smile Matt, but the camera's over here.

Jossie, Katie, and Fumie, doing our part to further God's Kingdom!!

I Got Tagged!!!

I love Christmastime!!!! It's the best time of the year!

1. Egg Nog or Hot Chocolate? Hot chocolate
2. Does Santa wrap presents or just sit them under the tree? He's too busy to wrap them, his elves do it.
3. Colored lights on tree/house or white? It differs. This year it's both.
4. Do you hang mistletoe? Once
5. When do you put your decorations up? Sometime during the first week in December
6. What is your favorite holiday dish (excluding dessert)? Pumpkin waffles.
7. Favorite holiday memory as a child: Watching Ryan propose to Janina on Christmas Eve
8. When and how did you learn the truth about Santa? I was always told he wasn't real...and I always tried to "convert" my friends (I was like 8 at the time).
9. Do you open a gift on Christmas Eve? Yes!!
10. How do you decorate your Christmas Tree? Lot's of lights, and mis-matched ornaments.
11. Snow! Love it or Dread it? I like to look at it, but don't like being out in it.
12. Can you ice skate? Yes, but not too good.
13. Do you remember your favorite gift? I got an old fashioned baby buggy one year. I was the envy of all the girls on my street.
14. What is the most important thing about the Holidays for you? Buying presents for family and friends, and being together as a family.
15. What is your favorite Holiday Dessert? Peanut butter balls, they are SO yummy!!
16. What is your favorite holiday tradition? Getting together on Christmas Eve.
17. What tops your tree? A really old angle that has so much sentimental value, that we (my mom) can't bear to see it go.
18.Which do you prefer giving or receiving? Giving all the way!!!
19. What is your favorite Christmas Song? The remix of Bing Crosby's "Happy Holidays".
20. Candy Canes​!​ Yuck or Yum? Yum, in moderation.
21. What do you want for Christmas? My family to enjoy our "together-ness".
22. Do you attend an annual Christmas Party? Not an "annual"one, but I am going to one tomorrow!!! YAY!!
23. Do you dress up on Christmas or wear PJs? Always PJs when we open presents, then regular clothing after breakfast.
24. Do you own a Santa hat? No. I probably woundn't wear one anyway.
25. Who do you normally spend Christmas with? Mi Famila!!!

Band Practice Take Two...

Okay, so I never got a call about singing, so that means that I didn't get to sing on Wednesday, but that was totally fine. I would rather be totally prepared, than have it be a rush, rush, "We might need you" kind of thing. Anyway, one of the staff guys came up to me and asked me how Monday night went (that was the night we practiced). I said that I thought it went pretty well. He said that he heard good reviews, so that was encouraging.

Thanks to all that prayed, and even though it didn't work out this time, it was God's will, and there will be many more Wednesday nights. Monday night is practice again, and I am really excited to see how that goes!!

Band Practice...

Oh, I am so excited to share with all of you some, well, exciting news. Our youth group is starting up an "All Youth Band", and I applied. Well, tonight was our first audition/practice,...and I might be singing on Wednesday night!!! I am so excited. Only one other girl applied for vocals...well, only one other girl applied period, and she didn't show tonight. So, since I was the only girl at practice, I was the only female voice, and I the guys said they'll probably need me. AHHHH, excitement fills my soul!!! I got the song list tonight, so we'll be doing "Came To My Rescue", "Mighty To Save", "How Deep the Father's Love For Us" and "My Future Decided" on Wednesday. I was a little nervous which then made my voice kind of crack, but water cures everything, so I sounded better afterward. Anyway, if you could please pray for a calm heart, and a yes from the guys, I would be so thankful. I should get a call tomorrow, so I'll fill you in then.

What Do You Think?...

Okay America it's your time to vote...just kidding. But seriously, my sister Janina and I always get the "Wow, you two look so much alike!!" from almost everyone we know. I have gotten mistaken for her a couple of times, and she has been mistaken me also. Once she was at our church and Julia's friend thought that Janina was me, except that I had dyed my hair blond, and was wearing high heels (Janina is about an inch and a half taller). Now Janina's hair is brown, and I've been told we look like twins (with a 10 year age difference).

So, now I'm asking you. Do you think that Janina and I look enough alike to be mistaken as each other? I don't, first because...well I won't point out the differences, I'll just let you find them and then decide for yourselves.

TURKEY DAY!!!!

Today we celebrated Thanksgiving with our friends the Ewing's and the Neesby's. It was so nice to see everyone again, and catch up. Janina and the boys came over for dessert and coffee because she had her in-laws over, she also had an early dinner for Ryan because he had to go to work at 3:00pm. I hope all of your Thanksgiving celebrations went well, and that you enjoyed yourselves.

Let the Festivities Begin!!!

Everyone looks so happy...

Say: Happy Turkey Day!!!

Where's Eric??

Happy Thanksgiving!!...

Happy Turkey Day everyone!!! I hope you all have a wonderful day, and enjoy your time with family and friends. I'll have pictures up later this evening of our "festivities". Remember: Eat lots of yummy food (then go to the gym for 5 hours and work it off)!!

Strange Fears and Odd Habits...

Okay, as some of you know, I have a strange fear of Ferris wheels. I'm always afraid that when I'm at the top of it, a huge gust of wind will come, blow it over, and I'll be dead. You're probably laughing at me right now, but that's the truth. They FREAK me out. I am also scared that when I turn on the garbage disposal (I have it on while I am washing the dishes which is probably stupidity in the most obvious form) that the swirling vortex will suck my fingers down the drain, and they will be chopped to pieces. Well, since I'm on a roll of sharing my eccentric-ness (that is probably not a word), I also have a odd dish washing habit. I don't like to get my sponge dirty, so I'll use my hand to wipe out what ever it is I'm washing, then I'll use my sponge and scrub it. I can't stand a grimy, gross, and slimy sponge....EWWWWWW!!!

If you have any strange fears and/or odd habits, I would love to hear from you. Mostly to know that I'm not alone in my abnormality, but also so I can laugh at your strangeness...LOL!!

Any Ideas?...

In January, I have to plan a activity for all the Senior class, and I have no ideas of what to do. So far we've been bowling, on a picture scavenger hunt, and lastly we had a movie night and a bonfire at one of the houses. I'm so lost of what to do, so if you want to help me out, drop me some ideas, anything would help!! I know it's still like two months...month and a half...away, but better sooner that later.

Oh, and since I've had some "angry" comments about not having pictures of my Senior class, I'll get some ASAP.

A Lizzard in The Sink?!...

YES!!! Tonight I was washing a dish and I looked into the other side of the sink and there it was. It was so gross, and I was totally freaked out. It was probably about six inches long. I was scared it was going to climb out of the sink and then be lost in the house. *SHUDDER* How awful would that be? Amazingly though it stayed right where it was. My dad came and caught it and took it outside...WHERE IT BELONGS!!! I don't know how it got in the house, but I just hope that no more do. We once were invaded by frogs...but that's another story.

Senior Year!!!

Alright, so I am now REALLY REALLY REALLY excited about being Senior. Last night all the Seniors got together for a movie night. After the movie we sat around the fire and talked about graduation day. Last night it came a reality that I am graduating, and I will be done with high school forever!!! We talked about our speeches, group photo shoot, and our Senior song and verse. We didn't get very far with the group photo or the song, but we did choose a verse. Patrick thought that it would be cool to have a verse from Romans because "Romans sounds so awesome!!" so he said. Phillip remembered that there was a verse in Romans 8 that he thought kind of went with graduating, but didn't know exactly what verse. I'm pretty sure we picked Romans 8:37 it says "...In all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us". Yeah, I guess that does sound pretty awesome. Next, we thought about our group photo shoot and the theme song to go with the picture slide show. We were joking around, saying we should mix like 20 seconds of each Seniors favorite song, or make a music video with us covering a song. Everyone plays an instrument...but me, of course. So Patrick and Deyvid said I could play either the tambourine or bass drum...THANKS GUYS!!! It was fun brain-storming and coming up with totally great (but mostly impossible) ideas.

Oh, side-note. I haven't put up any picture to go along with my posts, first because I don't have any to blog about, and second... ummm,there is no second.

Bubbles...

One of my favorite things in the whole world are...BUBBLES!!! I love them. Even though I am seventeen I still, on occasion, play with bubbles. My favorite thing to do is hold the bubble wand, and spin in circles so that I'm surrounded by bubbles. I don't do this by myself, my little brother is actually the one playing with the bubbles, and I'm usually out with him. Just so you know I'm not totally insane, but I'm still a little kid at heart!!

Let's Say Thanks!!!

With Thanksgiving coming up, I thought it would be nice to send a letter to one of our troops and tell them thank you. Thank you for your courage. Thank you for your loyalty to our country. Thank you for your strength to press on, and for denying yourself the comfort of being home. Thank you for giving up the holidays with your family, and spending day after day away from the ones you love. Thank you that we can live in the home of the free, because of you, the brave.

If you would like to bless a solider with a letter of thanks, there is a website called http://www.letssaythanks.com/. You can select a card, fill it out, and send it off. I know that they will be much appreciated.

"Therefore encourage each other with theses words." 1 Thess. 4:18

The Little M&M

As some of you know, back in April my Aunt Heather went in to the hospital to have her little girl Maddyson, but almost didn't make it out. The complications we horrendous, and we all thought we were going to lose her. By the grace of our loving Father, and all your prayers, she was fine. Well, it's been almost seven months since that tragedy, and it's amazing to see how much she has progressed. The doctors and nurses said that it would take at least a year for her to be "stable", and she would probably never fully recover, but God had other plans. She is doing great. While we were out there in May-June she came home, just a little over a month after she went into the hospital. The last I heard was she was DRIVING!!! Can you believe that?! God is so great, and His was are way beyond our comprehension. Anyway, Aunt Heather is doing great, as well as Maddy (or the little M&M). Maddy is almost 7 months old now and is so adorable. She moves around really well, and is growing so fast, and is looking so much like her mom.

The Little Pumpkin Princess

Somethin' Funny...

I found something funny the other day. I was on my friend's Kari's blog, and from there I went "blog hopping". I came across this one blog called "Cheers to the Brilliant". Well, I guess this girl was in desperate want of comments because she leaves comments to herself...funny huh?. I thought so. She wrote a poem and this was the comment she left for herself, "Wow Dierdre, that was really good. I was totally worried that you hated me now. But wowww... That was..." That totally cracked me up when I read that. That was the best comment she left herself, she commented on another of her poems, but it didn't say much. Maybe I should be kind, and drop this girl a comment...I think she needs it.

My Loving Friend...

There is this certain person in my life that I love so dearly. The relationship we share is so dear to my heart. When we were younger though, we weren't as close as we are today. I think that's because I was the litte sister who whined and cried all the time, and was still consumed with playing dollies. While she on the other hand was older and long past the doll stage. She had her friends, and her responsibilities. She had her life, and I had mine. I'm not saying that she didn't include me, the exact opposite. She always made it a point to play dolls or barbies with me, she always let me hang out in her room when her friends were over, but I think that since I was so much younger than them I felt "out of the loop". Anyway, now that I'm older, I don't think I have a closer friend in the world. I love having an older sister, one who can sympathize with me on the different problems of growing up, and gives me the advice and encouragement that'll help me through. She knows almost every crush I've had, every hardship I've faced, and has helped heal the pain that went along with it. I love my sister, and am so blessed to have her. I am thankful that God has given her to me, because I couldn't have picked a better one myself!!!

"A sister is a gift of friendship and family all wrapped up in love".

Our Future Husbands...

Today my friend Priscilla and I were texting back and forth talking about country singers, and the Christian singer Chris Tomlin, and we came to a conclusion. She is going to marry Chris Tomlin, and I'm going to marry Chuck Wicks. Chris may not be the youngest guy, and Chuck already has a girlfriend...but that's okay, we know it'll work out in the end. :)

Christmas And A Modern Day Scrooge...

I am so EXCITED about Christmas. I love the holiday season!! I will admit that I am already listening to Christmas songs on the computer. I'm hopeless, I know. I'm extra excited about this Christmas because it will be extra special, know why?...JUSTIN WILL BE HERE!!!! He comes on December 22. I so am looking forward to seeing him. It will have been over a year (386 days to be exact) since I saw him last. Funny thing about him and Christmas is that he is not such a fan. I love to listen to Christmas music in the car, at home, anywhere. He, on the other hand, will do anything he can to get away from listening to it, and once all the presents are opened, we aren't even allowed to hum a Christmas tune. This might be because when we were younger (by younger I mean years ago) Janina would start the Christmas music in like September-October. I think that our "modern day Scrooge" got sick of it by the time Christmas came around, and never gave it a second chance. What a shame, it can really put you (by you, I mean me) in to such a happy mood.

Anyway, Justin isn't really a Scrooge, one thing about Christmas he does like, are the Christmas presents. I mean c'mon who doesn't like presents? One more thing, only 48 more day till Christmas!!!

Anonymous...

On some of my posts I had this anonymous person leaving me comments. It was bugging me because I didn't know who it was, but it was also kind of exciting to have some mysterious person leaving me comments. Well, it turned out that the "anonymous person" was just my younger sister Julia. She had been leaving the comments, and then when I would talk about this "person" who left me a new comment and try to figure out who it was, it made her little joke all the more exciting. So, last night she gave me a note saying that she was the culprit. I was kind of bummed, because, like I said, it was exciting to have some mysterious commenter, only to find out it's her. It's kind of funny because some of my friend who read my blog were also trying to guess who the anonymous person was, but now we know it was just Julia.

A Hippalo

You may be wondering what a "Hippalo" is, so let me enlighten you. A hippalo is a cross between a hippo and a buffalo. It was discovered this morning by a certain Jack Miller. He was looking at his foam animals, and he saw a Yak, and what came out of his mouth was "IT'S A HIPPALO!!!". It was the funniest thing hearing him try to figure out the right name. So Jack, here is to you and your hippalo!!

Science Student of the Year!!!

Alright, I wasn't really named "Science Student of the Year". I had to write a thank you/acceptance speech for my communications class, and that was my subject. It was kind of fun because it was all made up, I even made up my own future. In case you didn't know I was accepted in to U.S.C. with a full scholarship. I am enrolling in their Neuroscience Program, and hope to one day become a pediatric neurologist. In fact, I didn't even know that is what i was doing after graduation. Anyway, that made the speech more fun to think up. I am still little nervous about reading it infront of everyone, and I also hope I don't have to go first. Wish me luck!!!

It's Cold?...

Well finally!!! I've been waiting for cold weather since the beginning of Autumn. Last night I went for a walk with a beanie on...can you believe it...A BEANIE (and a jacket, and pants)!!! I am so excited. I love the cold weather I think because it make the inside of the house so much more cozy, and give you that fuzzy warm feeling. I am so glad it's finally here (I just hope it stays)!!

We Had a Super Halloween...

Halloween was AHHH-MAZING!!! It was fun dressing up and trick-or-treating with friends. All the younger kids looked so cute. My ''peeps' and I were rockin' the "80's" theme. We trick-0r-treated for a while, and got tons of candy. It was so much fun. Thanks Paulinski Fam for opening up your house and being such great hosts!! You are such cherished friends!!

Jack was a puppy and Emily was Belle.

Julia and her friends. Me and my girls. Work it ladies!!!

Here we are!!! Chase, Sara, me, Katie, and Amber. Don't we look fabulous (it's ok to say no)?

Our one and only picture of our group...or procession as some candy givers called us.

Tomorrow!!!...

Alright, so I am super excited about Halloween!! We don't usually celebrate it by going trick-or-treating, but tomorrow we are. Three of my friends and I are going "80's". Crimped hair, lots and lots of makeup, leggings, and everything else. My friends Sara and Katie, and I are all wearing skirts with leggings, boots, and big belts. Our friend Chase got a white blazer (with shoulder pads!!!) and a yellow polo to go underneath. His mom tried pushing for a pink v-neck to go under the blazer, but he said no. All of us girls thought it would look PERFECT...that's probably why he didn't get "the lady shirt" (as he called it). We were also trying to push eyeliner on him, but once again he said no (so boring). "That's okay Chase, we'll still be your friends". Anyway, I am so excited for tomorrow. I'll have pictures of our time up as soon as I can!!!

In The Potters Hand's

There is this band that I love called "Least of These". They sometimes play at our church youth camps. They are an amazing group of people. You can just see the light of Christ shining through them. They have a song on their c.d. called "Found Victorious". It's talking about how much grace we have poured on us, even when we wander and go astray. There is one part in particular that stick's in my brain. It goes: "Human nature fights against Him, though I'm just a piece of clay". I take a pottery class at the junior college, and last week I needed to get a new bag of clay. The fresh, new clay that I got was so soft and easy to work with, compared to the older clay that I had before. The older clay was hard and leathery because it had been exposed to the air and was drying out. So, if possible, I try to spray it with some water to soften it up and make it somewhat easier to use, but sometimes it's past the point of softening, and it goes in the trash. That can kind of illustrate the Christian life. We are, as the bible says, clay in the hands of the Potter. And when we get exposed to the "air", or the world, we tend to get hard, and leathery, and difficult to work with. Thankfully we have people around us that keep us "soft", they keep us accountable, teach us the Word, and help us strengthen our walk with the Lord. I am so thankful that I have such a loving Creator, that even if it seems like I'm past the "softening" point, He doesn't "throw me away". He still showers me with grace upon grace, and shows His never ending love to me through that. What a blessing to be clay in the hands of such a wonderful Potter as we have!!!

Weight Overload

OK, so this "10 Pound Race" thing's not going so good for me. It was at first, but now I'm slacking, and it's showing!!! *LOOK OF HORROR* I try, but fail...All The Time. WHY!!! I think I fail because I forget to remember that my body isn't invincible and I have to put the good things in, and not the bad. The Bible says that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, and I don't want this temple to be littered with junk food. I also need to find a better exercise routine...still, it's been like two months in the process. My brother's is hopefully coming home around the holidays, and it'll be over a year since I've seen him, so there's some motivation. He's this awesome, super buff Spec-Ops guy, and I hope that I don't look like a TWINKIE when I see him in December. So all that being said, I'm going to try again no sugar, and exercising (I exercise now, but maybe it's not enough) , and also eating only "real'' things, nothing processed, as much as possible. Prayers are always helpful, and comments too.

My Three Loves...

Here are my three loves at their finest!!!

Here is the young scholar, Mr. Jack Ryan (he doesn't really wear glasses).

Super Ethan to the rescue!!! And now his sidekick, the Amazing Joshie Boy!! AWWWW, ain't they cute?

My Personal Gift...

I think that babies and small children are my personal gift from God. Only He know's how much I truly, truly cherish them. There is NO WAY I can EVER be sad, upset, lonely, depressed...etc. when I am around them. The way they snuggle up to you when they're asleep in your arms, or how they say some super sweet thing that makes you want to cry because it was just sooo cute, and you have no idea where they got it from. Mmmmm, I adore those moments. Sure, there are some times when my little brother doesn't STOP talking, and I wish for just half a moment of silence, or when one of my nephew's asks me the same question over, and over, and over until I hear it in my dreams. But someday I'll look back on this time, and wish for just one day of having these three little guys, little again. Hearing their high pitched voices screaming in delight of chasing one another down the hall. Having a little teary eyed boy come to me with a owie, or putting them to bed when the day's joys have come to a close. I look forward to seeing what kind of men they'll grow up to be, but still hidden deep inside, I'll wish those playful day's back again.

Birthday's and the Cross...

Whenever I have a birthday I get really excited. Another year's gone, and a brand new one is here for trying new things, and making new memories. I also feel really guilty when I look back over the year, and I think of all the things I could have done differently. I could have given a softer answer to that person, been more of a help, been more considerate. I "could have" but I didn't. So why would my family want to bless me with a day of my own, that revolves around me? Why would they want to give me presents, and birthday cards full of affection and love in written form? Why?...because they love me. That, to me, is a small glimpse of what Christ did on the cross for me. Why should He, King of the universe, have to die on the cross for me, a selfish, earthly sinner? What did I do to deserve such a priceless gift? What part of me is good? Sure, I may think that I have "good" qualities, but I don't. I know I'm not perfect, not even close. So, why did He die for me? Why? He did it because He loves me. HE LOVES ME!!! Wow!! Jesus loves me so much that He came to die such a horrible, painful, and shameful death on the cross, all for me. That is an AMAZING picture of love.

So, in this upcoming year, I'm going to strive to have more love-centered qualities, and others-centered deeds, and not self-centered ones. I just have to remind myself that Christ died on the cross to show His love to me, so I can easily (with His help) show my love to others in many different ways.

17 years ago on....

Hi, I am Joss's friend, Priscilla. I am doing a special post for her for her birthday - join me in wishing her a Happy 17th Birthday!

....October 18th, Jocelyn Rose Miller was born. Welcomed by parents Rick & Pam Miller and older sister and brother Janina and Justin.

Fast forward 17 years later to today:

Joss is a now a senior in high school, older sister to Julie and Jack, Aunt to two, sister-in-law to one, and most important calls Jesus her Lord and Savior.

Us in the 90's She loves her Lord, family, friends, all things green, fall, coffee, the Waltons, church, baking/cooking, shopping, the beach, and music.

Oh, yes, she also loves comments. :)

I look to the Lord for you Joss: that you will love the Lord with all her heart, soul, and mind. And for God's blessing, protection, and guidance for you for another year.Happy Birthday, friend.

Us in 2008

Total Dorks?...

Ummmm....YES!! I love my dorky friends (I am the biggest dork of them all...but shh don't tell, because no one knows that). We're an absolute AWESOME threesome when we're together. I love you "girlths"... :)

Katie and me (I look like a complete FREAK!!)

Sara and Jossie

Joe, Kyle, and Sam (Those are our guy names. See? Told you we're strange)

Me and Zac...

Last year I found out that the one of the stars of High School Musical, Zac Efron, and I have the same birthday. So, having that knowledge in mind, I wrote him a birthday letter. I told him we have the same birthday, and that I am also a senior in high school, so I'm excited to see HSM3 (it comes out on the 24th). I felt kind of silly sending a letter to some celebrity, but it was fun. I hope he gets it before his birthday.

Ooooh SMOOTHies...

It's so funny to see how I tend to make smoothies more often when the weather turns cold, rather then when it's hot. Today I made a smoothie for Julia and I. It consisted of o.j. , strawberry yogurt, frozen berries, and a green apple (and of course ice). It was delish. Julia is prejudice against apples, so she didn't much like it. When I don't make my own smoothies, I like to go to Jamba Juice, or Juice It Up. My favorite smoothie from Jamba is the "Strawberry Surf Rider". It's strawberry and lemon. It used to be called "Strawberry Tsunami", but after the tsunami disaster in 2004 they changed it. I had to ask why they changed the name, and that's what the worker told me. Anyway, I "heart" smoothies.

Six Years Ago...

Today is Janina and Ryan's six year anniversary. They got married September 29th, 2002. I remember that day well. I was losing my roommate, my nail painter/hairdresser, my sister and my friend to some guy I wasn't even sure I liked...well, I kind of liked him. Anyway, Janina looked so beautiful that day, and Ryan was dashing in his white suit. The wedding it's self was wonderful. It was a beautiful day, and the place where they got married was gorgeous. Family and friends were everywhere, and everything seemed so perfect.

Now they have two kids, a dog named Cooper, and a cat named Tiger. Ryan has four years in the Marine Corps behind him, and is now a Riverside County Sheriff. They own an amazing home, and are as much in love today (if not more) as the day they got married...six years ago.

Week One

Okay, so I haven't lost any weight, but I haven't gained any either. Janina and I aren't drinking soda, and trying to stay away from sugar. We have sugar once a week. This week I may have had it more than once, but I'm going to be more strict with myself this week. I have to be more strict with myself on exercising too. I just get bored with my regular routine, but I don't know what else to do. Maybe I'll add in walking more, and at a quicker pace.My biggest problem with eating better is that I need to have the right mind set when it comes to eating, and...sigh...I don't. Gosh, this is a BATTLE. Well, I'll have another update next week. Thanks for all your encouragement

How Did He Know?

There is this AT&T commercial that is absolutely HILARIOUS...or at least I think so. I call it the "Techno Twins" commercial. I crack up every time I see it. Anyway, Jack somehow knows that I love this commercial, and says "Joss, your commercial's on". AHHH, IT'S SO CUTE! How does he know? Too much t.v. maybe?...er, probably. But still, it is just too cute when he calls me from the other room so that I can see "my" commercial. Thanks Bud!!

Good Friends...

One of the greatest blessings in my life are true friends. I was thinking over my blessings, and one after another friend's names came into my mind.

I was talking last night with my friend Noelle. She's getting married in December, so she was showing me her dress and her vail, and we got to talking about how it will be when she's a wife. It was such a blessing to talk to her because we are the same in so many ways when it come to marriage, and all the things that go with it. I know that marriage is a far way off for me, but it was still nice to talk with her about it, and hear her thoughts and cares, and see how similar they are to mine.

We have some neighbors, and they are just the sweetest couple. We've been neighbors for almost 16 years, and just in the past two or three years, have I noticed what a blessing they are in our life. They go every Wednesday and distribute food to people in need. Food like bread, eggs, milk, some veggies, and lately on their way home (they live across the street and two doors down), they've stopped by and dropped off some eggs, milk, bread, and just different food products, and it has been such a blessing for us.

It's so awesome to see how God is taking care of us through others. How He gives us friends to talk and share our thoughts with, to go through trials with, to encourage us, and also to rejoice with us. I tend to take the special people in my life for granted, but now I've come to see just how special friends and neighbors are, and how much of a blessing they can be.

In-N-Out

Today I interviewed for a job at In-N-Out. I was nervous, but excited at the same time. The guy that interviewed me was really nice and put me at ease, but my hands were still a little bit shaky. Anyway, I went in and he asked me some questions, and then I was finished. It went by really fast...maybe too fast? I don't know. I will get a call on Friday with the answer. Friday seemed REALLY far away, but I'm looking at it like more time to pray that God will give His answer, and I will be happy with what ever the outcome. The interviews were held at the college campus, so after that I went to class.

When I was out of class, and waiting for my mom to come and pick me up, a guy came up to me and asked me if I had an interview today. I said yes, he asked me how it went. Well, we got to talking and it turned out that he works at IN-N-Out and he said that In-N-Out is really picky about their employees. They focus alot on manners and appearance, so that made me kind of nervous (because I didn't dress really nice, but nice enough), but he said that he's sure I did fine. Then he talked more about how it is to work at In-N-Out, and the positions he's done and things like that. It was nice to talk to him, and hear about his working experience. It was neat because God put that guy there at just the right time, and made my mom a little later than usual so that I could hear all that the guy had to say. Thanks God.

The Race Is On...

My mom, Janina, and I are all in a race to see who can lose 10 pounds first. Today is our first official day. I am excited to do this because I have Janina and my mom to motivate me, and also because of the competition...I don't want to lose. So, if you have any encouraging/motivating words to give, send them our way by posting a comment. We're excited...root for me!!!

WHO
WILL
WIN?

Only Five More Days...

Autumn is coming!!! I am so excited. It is my favorite season. The weather will cool, the leaves will turn, the days will grow shorter, and sweaters, pants, and warm, cozy clothing will once again be brought up from the back of the closet, and be put on the nearest shelf after being put away for so long. AHHHH, I cannot wait. The decorations will be taken down from the rafters and each piece of our Autumn Village will be carefully unwrapped and set in just the right spot for display on our piano. Cinnamon and pumpkin will be the main ingredients in our baking recipes, and hot cocoa and coffee will be the main contents of our mugs in the morning. The skies will be gray and cloudy, perfect for this time of year, and maybe a slight chance of rain will be in the forecast. Inside the house it will be warm and cozy, and the Autumn air outside will be crisp and cool. Autumn is almost here.

Hume Lake...Finally, Gosh

Ok, I haven't posted lately (ok for like two weeks) and it's because our computer has been so slow. It would have taken FOREVER to download the picts, and I don't exactly have that much patience for this thing. Anyway, here is my post on our trip up to Hume Lake.

Our friends, the Limon family, rented a cabin up in Hume Lake and invited us up. We had such a GREAT time. Our family spent four relaxing days up there. We went on some great outings, we went to the Kings River, and to a beautiful waterfall. We also went and saw the General Sherman Tree. That was fun. The dad's and the kids went fishing. Julia and Hannah both caught a fish, while Sammy and I (the one and only time I fished up there) caught a snail, figures. Micah and Jack tried their hand at fishing and gave it their best effort, but didn't catch anything. Well, good job Hannah and Julia at catching a fish,...Oh no, were not JEALOUS!!!...really. It was such a nice get away, and a refreshing way to end our Summer vacation. Thanks Limon's for inviting us!!

The girls in their natural habitat...I mean in the kitchen.

My buddy Micah

Mom and me at the King's River. **Disclaimer**- I AM taller than my mom, it's just that she's on the curb and I'm not...so there.

Gotta love that Jack!!

Quack, quack, quack!! Oh look, it's a "Julia-duck". This is a very "special" and "one of a kind" species.

Here is our happy group

It looks like Jack doesn't want to pleasure the world with a view of his handsome face.

THE AMAZING LIMONS!!!!

Our cozy cabin. The kids practicing on their casting technique.

"Return of The Killer Spider" coming to a theater (or a sink) near you.

I think that this humongous hollowed tree was my favorite part of the trip...well one of my favorite parts at least.