Life: Stormy Style

A Lot

2011-01-11T17:57:00.002-05:00

Well, a lot has been going on here in little Rosewood.

Since my last post I have presented my graduation project and submitted it completely finished. I passed with flying colors!

I'm also almost finished with my first semester of senior year. If it hadn't been for the lame excuse for "snow days" these past two days, I'd be finished already. Wayne county was frightened by the forecast and we were out of school yesterday and today, but no snow happened.

Hopefully we'll go back tomorrow and wrap up this semester so I can finally begin my final semester of high school.

I am still a very dedicated warrior to end childhood cancer. My other blog, previously known as The Praying Mantis, is now called Cancer Kickers and is dedicated to raising awareness for the children forced to fight for their lives.

Speaking of childhood cancer, Olivia had scan results from her check up come in today, and she is still 100% cancer free! This is very great news and with a weight off their back, the Haveri family can now begin to plan Olivia's eighth birthday party. Olivia will be 8 years old on January 22.

2010 was not the best year. I don't want to go into detail, but let's just say I'm very excited for 2011.

Only one bad thing has happened in 2011 so far, and it happened today. I went out to check the mail and found a letter from the NC Teaching Fellows Commission. I applied for the Teaching Fellows scholarship to help pay for my teaching education, and I was really excited to get the letter. However, when I opened it it was only to inform me that I had not received the scholarship. I was heartbroken for a moment and then realized that God must have another financial plan for me. I will keep pushing on and filling out applications and will not give up my dream to teach the first grade.

Papa Roscoe is still in treatment for his lung cancer, but did get to come home for Christmas with the family, which was very exciting for everyone. Please keep my papa in your prayers.

Dalton is doing well. He is standing, high fiving, and mumbling words.

My mom broke the glass on the backdoor and cut her hand yesterday, but she is fine and just needed stitches.

Speaking of stitches, our dog Bella has quite a few on her leg after being hit by a car just before Christmas. Thankfully she is ok. I don't think this family could handle losing another dog.

Those are the major things that have been going on, and I'll try to update more during the next semester. High school is time consuming, especially senior year.

Trust in God. Always.

Photo Shoot 10-31-10 Unedited

2010-11-01T16:47:00.010-04:00

So Sorry

2010-11-01T16:46:00.001-04:00

I'm super busy with school stuff and I have neglected this blog.

There are a lot of things I need to catch up on, but I can't right now for lack of time.

Photo Shoot pics coming soon.

Should get caught up with blogging this coming weekend.

Bring The Rain

2010-09-27T13:06:00.003-04:00

Goldsboro, NC is getting some much needed rain right now.

My sister and I overslept this morning, and mom allowed us to stay home today and just enjoy eachother.

I've caught up on the blogs I read and have gotten way ahead in my Latin class, and I'm having a friend bring me the other work I missed today.

It's amazing how peaceful a rainy day can be.

Look forward to a lot of posts in October, I have a lot of plans.

Glory To God Forever

2010-09-06T13:17:00.002-04:00

http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#!/video/video.php?v=428220369380

http://www.facebook.com/video/?id=843034380#!/video/video.php?v=428111084380

4:12

2010-09-05T12:16:00.002-04:00

So I just got home from church.

I was going to go to the second service at Whitley, but I ended up in 4:12

4:12 is a middle school service the Pastor Josh does at Whitley.

There was a high school freshman there that told about how he started a Christian club at his school and even though he was kind of shy and he stuttered, over 100 kids now come on Friday mornings to the band room of his school to worship.
That's amazing.

Josh talked about how to be unique and let God shine through in you.
He said that even when we are young, we can make an impact just by picking up someones books for them or telling two friends about God, because then they will do it for someone else.

Olivia came up and sang Glory To God with Gage, and it was absolutely beautiful.
I didn't take any pictures because it wasn't the time or place for that, and I was worshiping.
Her little voice brought me to tears and I could feel God in the room.

And then something really cool happened.
Olivia's favorite nurse, Chris, came up and sang Everything Is Going To Be Alright.
It's the same song he sang to Olivia when they told her she was going to lose her hair.

I had a very uplifting morning.

And I am officially back at Whitley and a member of the 4:12 staff.

It's where I belong and I can't turn away.

Sunday Morning

2010-09-05T08:29:00.002-04:00

Hey everybody.

I know I haven't blogged in a few days, but being back at school really has me busy, and since I don't get a grade on my blog, it has taken a backseat.

Today, though I have a few amazing things to share with you here.
These are things that God is doing and I'm seeing them happen right here in town.
One literally in front of my face.

So, yes, school is great and fun and stuff, but that's not what my writing is about this morning.

It's about three little girls.
One who sent me a message from heaven, and two whose earthly lives were saved by God.

I'm sure you remember Ellie Potvin, the 8 year old little girl from Charlotte that passed of cancer in June.
Well, everyone says that butterflies remind them of Ellie or that they are Ellie saying "Hi" from heaven.
On Monday of this past week, I got home from school after having just "one of those days".
I needed something to lift my spirits, to remind me that some people have it worse than me and that I'll see better days.
As I rounded the corner to my back door, I saw a beautiful butterfly.
It was a velvet black color with blue on it's wings, and if I could have seen it's mouth, I'd be pretty sure it was smiling at me.
I immediately though of Ellie and talked out loud to her right there in my backyard.
I said, "Hey, Ellie. Thank you. I needed this." The butterfly flew around me for a second and then I said, "Ellie, can you land for a second and let me look at you?"
And you can believe me or not here, but that butterly landed on the window of my house and sat right there for about a minute.
I was so amazed.
I wish I had gotten it on video.

This next one you may not remember if you don't read my prayer blog, www.goprayingmantis.blogspot.com
Madison Strickland, a 5 year old little girl from Whitley Church, went to the hospital for her appendix in June or July. They made it just in time.
Madi's appendix ruptured and she had to have numerous surgeries and be in the hospital for a long while, but her life was saved and she got out just in time for back-to-school. The doctors told her mom, Mrs. Tammy, that had they gotten to the hospital just a few minutes later than they did, her youngest baby girl would have lost her life.
Last night I went to the Saturday night service at The Bridge, a smaller location of Whitley Church.
Pastor Ferrell talked about Madison and his words brought many to tears, including him. "Madison Strickland is a miracle girl. She was in the hospital for months because her appendix ruptured. I know God was there because little Madi almost left this world, but last Sunday I saw her at Whitley Church." He stopped there, starting to cry, and then, "Let me tell you that I hugged little Madi. I hugged her and I felt bones. Those little bones because she had lost so much weight. But Our God saved her! How great is our God?" and then the people said Amen.
A few mere minutes later and Madi wouldn't be here right now.
So hard to think about.
But so easy to think about how God saved her.
God is so so so so great, beyond words.

You probably all know about Olivia, the 7 year old little girl who was diagnosed with Stage 3 Burkitt's Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma in July. She also goes to Whitley Church and there have been servicecs just for prayer for her and little Madi. There's actually one tonight to thank God for their healing.
Yep, after just 3 months of fighting, Olivia Haveri is completely cancer free.
Our God is an awesome God.
I think it is som amazing that on September 1, 2010, the first day of childhood cancer awareness month, Olivia found out she beat it.
I trust God, without a shadow of a doubt.

And so if you are having doubts this morning, please think of my 3 little heros.
You will be amazed.

Happy Labor Day Weekend.

<3,
Stormy

Parking Paint

2010-08-28T15:10:00.005-04:00

The first three days of school were so great!

I love my classes and I have lunch with my friends!

So far I've already had Biology homework every night, had to write a two page paper for English, done a whole chapter in Latin, and Beth, Marieke, and I have to teach chorus, but I DONT EVEN MIND!

I'm loving every minute of it!

Even the supplemental reading!

Today, after getting permission from the principal, we took spray paint and wrote the numbers of our parking spaces on in Rosewood Purple.

We asked to do this because the old numbers had faded and we couldn't see them.

I took pictures!

Paint Hands
Paint Can
Rosewood Purple!
Beth's One. She wasn't there, so I really hope she doesn't see this. Supposed to be a surprise!
Me, Marieke, and Kelsey
Me and my 2
Kelsey and her 3
Marieke and her 4

UPDATE!!

These are of Beth in her Spot. Taken the first full week of school.

First Day of School 2010-2011

2010-08-25T19:01:00.000-04:00

1st Grade and 12th Grade =)

First Day of Senior Year

2010-08-25T18:39:00.002-04:00

Today was the first day of my senior year.

This morning I was awake at 5am after tossing and turning all night in anticipation.

Traffic was crazy dropping Savannah off at the elementary school and then trying to get back to the high school, but I got us both safely to school and on time.

Homeroom lasted an hour and we went over the student handbook and health forms and general first day back stuff.

I am very happy with my schedule this semester which is:

Chorus
English
Latin
Biology

I have first lunch out of two lunches.
I'm happy about that because it means my third period doesn't get interrupted for lunch.

I took some pictures this morning of my sister and I and I will post those later,
but now I need to do homework!

So You Should Read It Too!

2010-08-23T11:38:00.003-04:00

Hey bloggers!

This post is all about my favorite blog, Kingdom Twindom Plus 1!

This is the first blog I ever read and the blog that inspired me to start a blog of my own!

Mrs. Sarah Valente (Kingdom Mama) writes the posts. She is a Christian mother and wife and homeschools her children. She posts about the children, marriage, homeschooling, cooking, cleaning, and just life! Mrs. Sarah posts about God and religion quite often too. Her posts are very uplifting!

Sometimes, Mr. Valente (Papa Bear) posts on the blog. Every post is fun to read.

With five children (two sets of twins and a singelton) I can't imagine how Mrs. Sarah has time to post! I am thankful that she does, though, because without her, I might not have a blog right now!

So hop on over to www.kingdomtwindom.com and leave a comment on her latest post saying that Stormy sent you from www.lifestormystyle.blogspot.com and get hooked like I did!

And So I Packed Away My Summer Clothes

2010-08-21T13:45:00.006-04:00

This summer has flown by ridiculously fast. It seems like yesterday that I ran around school on the last day of my Junior year making sure all the Seniors had signed my yearbook in fear that I might not see them again.

Little did I know we'd throw a surprise party for one of them and I'd see them all again at least one more time. Or that I'd volunteer at VBS at the same church one of them went to.

But now they are all moved in to their different schools across the state. Some are close and some not so much, but they have promised to keep in touch. Thinking logically, I know deep down that keeping in touch will be a small facebook chat or a text now and then, and I am thankful for that, but it's hard to know that it might be a very long time before I see them again.

It's even harder to think my younger friends will feel as I do now in just 10 short months. I will be the graduate that they will miss.

Thankfully, I have spent a lot of my time this summer with the girl who became my very best friend. Kelsey helped me through some hard situations last year, and spending a week together at the beach at the beginning of the summer really did a lot for our friendship and led us to spend the rest of the summer together as much as possible.

The last few months of school last year, the girl who has been my best friend since I was 6 made some new friends while we didn't have many classes together. I felt like her mindset was that I would still be there when she got ready to come back, and that really hurt my feelings. There were arguments and immature silent treatments and the biggest "fight" we've ever been in. I will always love Beth and we have Chorus and we have spent a couple of days together this summer and we are still friends through it all, but I think we both know that our friendship is different. She has a new crowd, and so do I. And as much as I hate the idea of a clique, it just happened. She will always be my first best friend and she knows so much about me it's crazy, I look forward to spending our senior year and 12th year as friends together and hopefully go to the same college.

Kelsey was there for me through all of the drama and she has been here all summer.
We are more than ready to go back to school and, as we say, "run this place".
We are proud of the BFF label, and even with only one class together and lunch this semester, we are confident that nothing can tear us apart. It has been a summer of heartbreak, fun, secrets, and adventures like none either of us had ever been on. I hope we end up at the same college after graduation, but it's unlikely since our career paths are so different.

I've spent a lot of time with family, too.
We've visited dad in Charleston, SC countless times, and we all went to the beach at Topsail for a week.

It has been tons of fun spending time with our household family, and with my cousins and their household family.

Even when Tabetha and I opted to tour the Battleship alone, and scared ourselves silly with fear of ghosts and jumping at the sight of mannequins.

I have learned so much this summer. I have become a part of a worlidwide effort to "kick cancer" and find a cure after becoming attached to stories of kids on twitter and seeing a child I know personally get diagnosed. And I have grown closer to God by private Bible study time and more prayer than ever before in my life, even though I have been away from church almost all summer.

This week has been nothing less exciting and adventure filled.
Tabetha got confirmation that she really IS expecting, for sure, and though it shocked the family, we are stepping up to help her out. It is a weight off of my back, because I had known it was a possibility since the week at Topsail and I promised I wouldn't tell.

Last night was the first home football game and I went to support our boys and to support Beth as it was her first National Anthem performance of the season.
The Eagles won 20 to 15 and it was so awesome to see everyone again. It was so surreal to have tenth graders come up to me and already be saying how much they are going to miss me and school hasn't even started just yet.

Tonight is Ross and dad's birthday party.
I'm excited to celebrate and have one more big family night before school starts and to spend the night with Tabetha and talk about everything some more.

It's crazy how our family watched Tabby graduate last year, this year it is my turn, and next year we get to go to Georgia to see Dannille graduate and then come home and see Ross graduate a month later. Then we wait until 2016 for Jack, 2022 for Savannah, and who knows what year Dalton will graduate.

Whether I am ready or not, it is time for my senior year. High school flew by just as fast as this summer, so if you are reading this and you are in high school, please enjoy every moment and take lots of pictures. Before you know it you'll be buying supplies for senior year. And worrying about college stuff.

So far I've gotten my senior pictures taken, made sure my schedule was exactly right, gotten my supplies and gotten them ready, packed away my summer clothes that aren't in dress code, and attended the first football game of the season.

Monday is orientation and then Wednesday is the first day of my senior year.

My goals are to keep up with every thing I do on this blog and to take 2011 pictures.
I went with the yellow background and purple text scheme because those are my school colors.

It's going to be a fun but scary year, and I don't want to miss a thing.

I Trust God- By Melly

2010-08-20T23:40:00.000-04:00

Dear Mr. God, I’m writin’ you today- Because it seems like lately, I’ve forgotten how to pray.

A few months ago, before school was let out, my teacher had called me out of the classroom to talk. There was a girl that said some hurtful words about people with cancer and it broke me down. Some of my friends knew about it and a couple even confronted her. Before I was pulled out of the classroom, I heard screaming, yelling and swearing in the class next to mine. Everyone ran out to see what had happened and I walked out last with my 2 other friends. There was a big crowd of students surrounding the girl that had said the mean things. The students were yelling at her, and some were even crying. The teachers were trying to get everyone calmed down and that was when I really saw how upset and hurt people were. I asked one of the girls what had happened and she said that everyone found out about what the girl said about cancer patients. I was in shock. How did that get out so fast? How did everyone find out? I looked around my classroom and that was the moment I knew Cancer had, indeed, touched all of their lives somehow.

Cancer has become a part of everyones lives in one way or another. It has become a huge deal. This disease causes so muvh pain to everyone and when I found out how much people it was affecting, I stepped up. I decided I needed to do more. When I went out to talk to my teacher, she had told me how upset everyone was. She told me to "drop it" when I didnt spread it in the first place. She even told me that cancer took some of her family. I had one question for her when she was done talking- Why are you so okay with this situation? I didnt understand how she wasnt the least bit upset. I set my goal at that moment. I let God take my hand and lead me.

I trust God. I believe that he will put me on my path and guide me wherever I need to go. I wasnt as close to God before I was set on this "end cancer" journey. I pray more now. I believe in miracles. I have found hope. Once again- I trust God.

'Cause I need you, but it’s hard to see- Why anyone as big as You, needs anything from me. I know You’re there, so how ya been? I’m alright but I can’t lie, sometimes I feel like givin’ in, you’re all I’ve got..

-Melly
www.melly1901.blogspot.com

Trusting God- By Lindsay

2010-08-19T23:18:00.003-04:00

I have been raised Catholic and for me, going to church and praying for meals has been a natural thing… not much thought had to be put into saying “Bless us O Lord” before eating our dinner and every Sunday morning is church. It isn’t until you are faced with a hardship that your relationship with God and your faith is questioned. It’s so easy to trust in Him when everything in your life is going perfectly, when your biggest hardship is studying for your math test. It is simply when times get tough, that it is difficult to trust God.

Perhaps one of these instances is when a loved one is diagnosed with cancer. Cancer is a part of nearly everyone’s lives these days. The odds of an adult woman getting cancer is 1 in 3 women. The odds of an adult man getting cancer is 1 in 2 men. Most people know someone or at least know of someone who has dealt with cancer. The dictionary definition of “cancer” is as follows: any malignant and invasive growth or tumor. Funnily or not really funny at all, is the dictionary doesn’t cover half of the destruction, the pain, and the torture that come with you or a loved one being diagnosed with cancer. Everyday 46 children are diagnosed with cancer. Everyday 7 children will die from cancer. I can only imagine the horror of being diagnosed with cancer yourself, hearing the painful words of, “You have cancer”. Some are lucky to hear these words following those previous three, “It is treatable and you have a good prognosis of survival”. Others get a devastating prognosis, something like “We can try this 30-year-old chemo drug but it probably won’t work on your aggresive cancer. You have a 10% chance of surviving”. Those words are life changing. To hear that said about yourself, to think about some unstoppable force inside of you overtaking your body is unthinkable. But it’s the reality in 1 in 2 men and 1 in 3 women.

Now, imagine that day that you give birth to your newborn child. That love that you’ve felt for them for 9 months while you’ve been pregnant suddenly grows so much more, and you are overwhelmed with complete and utter fascination and joy at your new baby daughter or son. Now, fast forward a few years, maybe even less, maybe just a few months, maybe one year, maybe two, three, or maybe even fifteen, or twenty. 1 in 330 children will be diagnosed with cancer before they turn 20. A parent would do anything for their child…they care about their child more than themselves. But every day, 46 moms & dads hear the words, “Your child has cancer.” 35% of these children diagnosed with cancer will die. I am not a parent, I do not know this incredible love that a mother has for her child, but I can only imagine the pain and the devastation that comes when your baby is diagnosed with cancer.

What do the above about trusting God and the below paragraphs about the devastation of cancer have to do with one another? Everything. When your child is diagnosed with a terminal disease, when you are diagnosed with a terminal disease, or your mom or dad, your aunt or uncle, or your best friend… so much is taken from you. Cancer can take your body, your hair, it can take away money, it can take away your childhood, it can even take away your life. But so many cancer patients and “cancer moms” are turning towards the ultimate healer when their child is faced with devastating odds. These parents have to believe that miracles are possible, that God can overcome any cancer or any illness and can terminate any bad prognosis. God creates miracles. They aren’t always obvious miracles. Every parent and cancer patient pray desperately for a miracle. They pray they will be cured on earth…and sadly, many of them aren’t. What does this mean? It means simply that God’s will was done. That in no way takes away the excruciating pain of loving your child, your mother, your father, or your friend. The pain is always there, and often times will linger forever. But you must surrender yourself…

…and let God carry you.

-Lindsay
www.lovinglosingandliving.tumblr.com

God and Cancer: The Greatest and One of The Worst.

2010-08-19T22:31:00.006-04:00

Hello blog world.

This has been a short and eventful summer.
We have traveled and I have been away from church for the most part.
It was nothing different for me, since we never went to church on a regular basis when I was growing up. We went on holidays and special occasions and sometimes on a normal Sunday, but never regularly.

I made the choice to go to church just last year and really get to know God.
Still, I sometimes forgot to pray and sometimes I slept in instead of going to church.

My life wasn't at all hard.

The things I considered major were things like my hair not looking right or something along those lines.

I had prayed a lot when my papa was sick, but I obviously didn't have a wonderful relationship with God, since I was angry at Him for taking papa.

This summer my eyes were really opened.
I learned to trust God and give Him everything and to know He has a plan and everyone has a time.

I have enjoyed this blog and my new love, twitter.
And I have gone from walking to God to running to Him.
And I have a lot of children and twitter accounts and new friends to thank for it.
Even if I have to wait and thank some of them in heaven.

On my personal twitter account (@TheSunnyStormy), I came across the accounts of two beautiful little girls:
Layla Grace Marsh and Ellie Shoal Potvin. The accounts were in support of these girls, to raise awareness about them and their battles with cancer.

Through pictures, videos, and the many many updates, I fell in love.

I felt like I knew these girls.

I prayed every night that God would save them, and rid their bodies of cancer.

I started following both of their accounts in February of 2010.

On March 9, 2010, Layla Grace passed away at just 2 years old.

I was devastated. I cried and cried. It felt like I had lost a loved one, and in all honesty, I had.

I still had hope for Ellie, though, and by that time I had began to follow other kids and their stories.

I read updates and grew to love countless children over twitter- a simple site that I never once thought would have this kind of impact on me and in my life.

I watched as some kids kicked cancer and went into remission, and I watched as some kids relapsed and had to start the fight again, and I joined in prayer to help all the kids kick cancer, and I watched some kids' lives on earth come to an end.

By June 2010 I was a full on supporter of kids with cancer, and an advocate to find the cure.

The sweet girl I had become the most attached to was still fighting and I continued to pray for Ellie endlessly.

On June 22, 2010, Ellie went downhill fast. I stayed up all night reading updates and crying and praying. I asked God to please give her a miracle. Please don't take Ellie away from us.

One update from Amy Potvin, Ellie's mom, asked that we no longer pray for Ellie's earthly life to be saved. Amy said for us to pray that her suffering end. To pray that God would call, and Ellie would go to Him.

Ellie fought all night and all the next morning for her life.

On June 23, 2010, Ellie Shoal Potvin passed away at 11:35am at 8 years old.

She left behind her mom and dad, her twin sister, and over 7,000 supporters who loved her.

After Ellie flew to heaven, I knew I really had to do something serious.

I didn't want to see another child die from cancer.

I created the twitter account, @CancerKickers.

I tweet words of support, love, and encouragement to kids and their families.
I pray for those who need it.

Though I loved Ellie and Layla, and I was aware of their disease, I will admit that I never thought it would happen to someone I knew personally, face to face.

On July 6, 2010, my 17th birthday, I got a text message that said Olivia Haveri was in the hospital.... and it was cancer.

My heart sunk and memories of Olivia and her family and church and her singing and laughter and thoughts of her mother's amazing faith and the tremendous faith of her older brother and sister and her father and how on earth her little sister would understand filled my mind.

I immediately needed more information, and I knew I was going to help in any way I could.

I started texting Olivia's mom, Mrs. Emmy, and I started a twitter for her: @PrayForOlivia.

Through following these kids and their journeys and through Olivia's diagnosis and fight, I have witnessed AMAZING faith.

I have prayed more than ever before and I have become so much closer to God.

I went from simply walking at my own pace towards Him, to running full speed.

I trust that He, the Greatest, has a plan. And I trust that someday, we on earth, will find a cure for cancer, one of the worst.

This is my story of how cancer became such a major part of my life and how it taught me to give everything to God. I now run to Him and trust Him and pray to Him like never before.

This is my story.

Next I will share with you the stories of two of my close friends that I met on twitter.

The first is Lindsay. She knew Ellie personally, and ran her twitter.

The next is Melly. She was deeply inspired by Layla.

Please read their stories and help us by joining the fight.

Just An Ordinary Evening

2010-08-09T18:09:00.002-04:00

I'm finally relaxing at home tonight.

It's so nice to be here with just the people that actually live here and be able to just breathe.

Tomorrow night I'm going to my friend Brittney's 18th birthday bash and then we leave Wednesday for one last trip to SC.

So this little R&R isn't for long.

School starts in two weeks.

I'm so ready to be a senior.

Look forward to changes on this blog!

Summertime is over and Senior Year Edition is on it's way!

Can't wait!

GOOOO EAGLESS!

Yes, I Know, This Was 2 Weeks Ago

2010-08-09T12:43:00.006-04:00

These pictures are from VBS two weeks ago, but I still wanted to share them here. I ended up going after all and helping the group leader of my sister's team because she was all alone. Her name is Beth and she's a great new friend. Anyway, so I got to work and be there and I love the church and I seriously think this might be our new church home. I didn't get many pictures during the week but I did catch this:

This is my darling baby sister after crafts one night... Too cute. Not how they were supposed to use the stickers, but still cute.

On the very last night of VBS, I made sure to get pictures of the kiddos that hung around me the most. There were 33 Red Rustlers registered, but only a few of them hung around Beth and I. The others followed the adult group leaders. Anyway, so here's the cuties we took care of:

Sweet Madalyn. She's been in my sister's class at school for pre-k and kindergarten. She's a sweet kid and an awesome listener. Such a blessing to have her at VBS.

Matthew and Jackson. These boys are the sons of a friend of my mom's from work. Their older sister, Georgia, is close to my age and we had fun with them on the last night when groups could mingle. Matthew was a White Wrangler amd Jackson was one of my little Red Rustlers. The groups were by grade. Red was K-1 and White was 2-3. There were other colors too but these two groups are the ones I stuck with most. Matthew has the darker hair. Jackson is the one with the blondish hair.

This is my sister, Savannah and her best friend Mekenzie. Mekenzie was a White Wrangler. They met thanks to our mom's who work with Matthew, Jackson, and Georgia's mom. They all drive buses for school. These two had a blast hanging out the last night of VBS.

This is little Carlie and a different Savannah we had in our group. They were both Red Rustlers and they got along so good! We couldn't keep them still very long, so this picture is blurry, but Carlie is the smaller one.

This picture is sort of dark, but I just had to post it. It's all the kids getting ready to dance to the VBS songs. This was everyone's favorite part and it was so cool to see them all so excited about God and doing the little dance moves and all. I loved it.

The last thing I want to include here is the sweet video of the Red Rustlers performing on parent night. They did so good! Here they are performing "I Know What I'm Gonna Do"

It's Been 5 Months Layla Grace

2010-08-09T11:33:00.002-04:00

Layla Grace Marsh, age 2, flew to Heaven to be an angel 5 months ago today.

Stage 4 Neuroblastoma Cancer took her life.

We need to stand up for kids like her and fight for them!

No child should ever be diagnosed with cancer.

No person should.

We need to end it.

Until we meet again Layla, I miss you.
You still touch hearts down here.

"Because when a child struggles, our hearts struggle with them."

Layla Grace Marsh 2007-2010

Sweet Summer Time

2010-08-08T17:45:00.001-04:00

Summer is almost over, and my family is staying busy!

We are going and seeing and doing everything we can fit in!

School starts on the 25th, so the few days before that is when I'll be able to really catch up on blogging.

Thanks for staying with me!

Say yuh-yuh-yuh-yuh-yuh Yes to vuh-vuh-vuh VBS!

2010-07-26T22:01:00.007-04:00

So they didn't have a job for me at VBS, so I took some pictures of Savannah before we left since I wouldn't have the opportunity to take any there tonight.

She had an awesome time and told me all about it.

They learned that the human is God's greatest creation and as it says is Psalms, we are "fearfully and wonderfully made".

I'm so excited to see my little sister excited about God.
It warms my heart.

Goodnight everyone.

My New Blog is Up and Running

2010-07-26T21:58:00.001-04:00

The Bible in One Year

Do you think I can do it?

www.stormysbiblejourney.blogspot.com

A Much Better Week and My New Blog

2010-07-26T16:46:00.005-04:00

Last week was pretty rough for me emotionally.

This week is going so much better!

I'm so much happier and I'm having a great time.

The worst thing that's happened so far is that there is nowhere for me to work at VBS

I was kind of expecting that, since we don't actually go to Rosewood First Baptist.

I'm still going to take Savannah every night and stay with her and the other kids until after they eat, but then I'll have to leave.

I'll go back and pick up Savannah, Mekenzie, Matthew, Jackson, and Georgia and take them all home when the nights events are over, and they will tell me all about it.

I'll do a post on that a little later, as well as a post about my new blog, where I'll document about reading the entire Bible in one year.

This means I'll be managing THREE blogs.

I can definitely handle it!

I have this blog, which is about to go from Summer Edition to Senior Year Edition, and here I'll continue to document my everyday life. What happens at school, at home, where I'm led to go to church and what goes on there, what's going on with Savannah, and just the things like that that I already talk about on Life: Stormy Style. This was my first and will always be my main blog.

My second blog is The Praying Mantis. There I blog about those who need our prayers.
I post pictures of them and links to their stories in my sidebars. I update on who I can update on and I take new requests as they come. The link to that one is in my right sidebar here. It's one of the blogs under Blogs I Read.

My third blog will be called The Bible In One Year: Running to God 3 to 5 Chapters A Day. Starting today, I'm on a journey to read the Bible in one year. But that's all I'll say about that for now. The link is in my sidebar with Blogs I Read, and there is one post up, but it is to be edited. More info after VBS!

I'm off to get Savannah to VBS.

Love and Blessings!

VBS Kick Off!

2010-07-25T20:46:00.001-04:00

The kick off for VBS was SO FUN!

I didn't take any pictures tonight because it was just too hectic, but the kids had a great time!

The theme this year is Saddle Ridge Ranch.

It's country and horses and so cute!

Tonight they had Cowboys for Christ come out and they brought their horses and spoke about how in a family there is a parent child and the master, Jesus Christ.

The kids got to roast marshmallows and make their own smores and it was just an overall good experience for everyone.

I'll get some pictures during the week and show off the lovely children :)

Hope everyone has a good week.

Blessings!

An Evening With Savannah Part 2

2010-07-25T15:28:00.003-04:00

Savannah and I had an awesome time last night.

We had dinner and then we made our own ice cream!

We had to shake shake shake!

Until we got this:

It was so awesome!

Then I let her put food colring in it and she got this:

It was so good and she had a great time.

Her mouth turned blue, though!

Tonight is the VBS Kick Off at Rosewood First Baptist, so expect a post on that later tonight or tomorrow.

Love and blessings!

An Evening with Savannah Part 1

2010-07-24T17:20:00.002-04:00

It's been a long week and I've had my ups and downs, but tonight I'm going to focus on my baby sister.

She's been wanting to do some things together and I think a sister's night is well overdue.

So we're off to play some games, and sing some songs, and have our own little dinner and such while my mom gets to kick back and relax.

I want to take Savannah to see Ramona and Beezus sometime next week, because it seems like it's going to be an excellent movie for sisters around our age difference and I know she's interested because Selena Gomez is in it and Savannah LOVES her.

For now, though, we're just going to enjoy some sister time at home.

I'll post later on with some pictures and videos.

Hope everyone is having a good weekend.

Just a little piece of helpful information...

2010-07-23T19:51:00.002-04:00

Always wear your seatbelt the right way.

Because today I didn't.

And I have my first "ticket" ever to show for it.

For Ellie Shoal Potvin

2010-07-23T11:38:00.006-04:00

Please remember Ellie Shoal Potvin today.
One month ago today, at 11:35am, Ellie flew from the arms of her mother to the arms of our Father.

Please take a moment of silence to honor this sweet angel who fought for her life against Stage 4 Rhabdomyosarcoma for two years, with only 3 short months of remission.

Ellie Shoal Potvin 10/31/01-6/23/10 Forever 8

Good Morning World

2010-07-23T11:23:00.003-04:00

Even though it's almost noon.

I had a hard time getting to sleep last night, but I finally did and I slept good until I had a terrible nightmare.
It was so scary and I have no clue where it came from.

Nightmare:
I woke up and my mom wasn't home so I got in my car and went looking for her I guess.
I turned away from our little town.
I got so far away I freaked out and turned back until I got to school.
Apparently I had a friend at school and she let me into a classroom where she said she couldn't stay with me because she had to listen to the ghost.
I couldn't call anyone because I'd left my phone at home.
I think I woke up around that point but it was SO creepy.

When I really woke up, mt mom wasn't here, but it wasn't scary because she's been getting up and going to my aunts all week in preparation for the yard sale we're having tomorrow. Our family is selling some things, my aunt's family is selling some things, and my mom's friend's family put some things in for sale too.

It's going to be a long day tomorrow.

On a different note, I am very happy to tell you that on Sunday night, we will be attending the first night of VBS!
Here's the catch... It's not the one at Whitley Church.

Some family friends invited us to attend VBS with them at Rosewood First Baptist, so we're going to go. Savannah's best friend will be there too, and we just think it will be an overall good experience. She loved the Whitley VBS last year, but we missed that one this year because we were out of town.

For a while now I've been thinking of changing churches.. Maybe Rosewood First Baptist is the one?

But that's for another post..

Hope everyone has an amazing day and Please keep praying for Olivia.

Emotions.

2010-07-22T23:37:00.003-04:00

It has been quite the night and it's not over.

I've cried quite a bit.

Right before dinner, I was helping mom empty the dishwasher.
She looked at me and just kind of said real quietly, "Tabetha is joining the Navy"

I immediately called Tabetha.
She said it was true and I felt my heart break.
Tabby is not only my cousin, but my BEST friend. I don't think I'm as close to anyone as I am to her.
We've been side by side our whole lives and it's hard enough dealing with her being in SC for a week without me.

Now she's going to basic all the way in CHICAGO! And that'll be at least two months and then who knows where they'll send her.

It worries me.
It really does.

Later on, I got on facebook.
I started looking at people's pictures and stuff.
I looked at Amy Potvin's.
Seeing Ellie and her balloons and her racecar and her sweet face full of life made me cry again.
I miss her and I didn't even really know her.

I really wish I could hug Holly and Lindsay.

Also on facebook, Mrs. Emmy has posted a video of Abby and Olivia singing. Olivia is laying there with all her strength singing with her sister. Singing to the Lord. It brought so many tears to my eyes.

Then I looked at the pictures of Madison.
I've really grown attached to her too.

My heart seriously goes out to that family.
Nobody's baby deserves what she's going through.

I don't know what she has, I just know it's bad.

My aunt Phyllis had posted some pictures of my cousins Riley and Avery and Ciera with Olivia when they went to see her at the hospital. Those pictures are so incredubly precious. I smiled through my tears just thinking how much better those pictures would be if they were in Olivia's bedroom and not her hospital room.

I hate seeing these kids and these families go through this stuff.

Then I start looking at blogs.
I see people who have had healthy babies and people whose baby's didn't make it.

It tears me up!

I'm an emotional wreck tonight.

I can't think of anything but my upcoming senior year, my cousin leaving, and these precious kids suffering.

Sleep is not going to come easy.

Schedules.

2010-07-22T17:40:00.001-04:00

It's that time of year!
I'm starting to work on getting back on schedule for school and I got my schedule of classes today.

For some reason my schedule never came in the mail like it was supposed too, so my mom went today and got it from the guidance counselor, Mr. Lamm.

I still have to go to the drop/add classes day (which is this coming Tuesday) because I was put in Spanish instead of Latin, and I really would rather take Latin.

I have a full schedule, so I won't have the luxury of leaving school early like many other seniors will.
It's ok with me, though, because the more classes I knock out now, the more classes I'll be able to test out of for college. Plus, I don't want to slack off and then get a big slap in the face from reality when I'm a college freshman.

This coming semester I'm scheduled to take:

Show Choir
Latin
English
Biology

Next semester I'll be taking:

Show Choir
Latin 2
English AP
Pre-Calculus

Starting this coming week, I'm going to be going to bed at 10pm latest and getting up at 5am because this is what I'll have to do for school this year. Last year I woke up at 5:30, but they've added 20 minutes to our school day for a study hall.

That means school will start at 8am and lats until 3:15pm.
I have to get up at 5am in order to do my morning bible study and devotion, shower and get ready for school, have breakfast, get my sister to the elementary school since my mom leaves to drive her middle and high school bus too early to take her, pick up my cousins, and get the three of us to school on time.

My first early morning is this coming Tuesday.
The drop/add starts at 8am for juniors and seniors, and as seniors, my friends and I get to choose our classes first.

I'm so looking forward to more little senior things like this!
This year is going to be so fun!

Home

2010-07-20T16:52:00.002-04:00

Well I'm home from SC.
I had a nice time but it feels good to be home.
There had been a power outage while we were out, so I came home to a 90 degree house.
That wasn't fun, but we turned the air back on and it was our normal 73 in no time.

I still haven't unpacked.
I should probably get to that... I'm such a procrastinator.

We have one more family trip coming up for this summer.
We're going to spend the week at Topsail beach.
It's not until August, though.

This summer is flying by!
Pretty soon it will be time for Senior Year Edition here on my blog.

I'm really going to try to keep up, because I don't want to miss a single second of this coming school year.

I'm so excited but scared at the same time.

Tomorrow we are going swimming at some family friends' house.

I know there haven't been many pictures, so I'll be sure to get some.

There are a few from SC, but my aunt has them and so I'm wating for upload.

Until then, I hope everyone is staying cool!

South Carolina

2010-07-18T12:42:00.002-04:00

Hi readers!
I'm in Charleston, SC

We've been here since Thursday with a whole bunch of family!

My parents and my sister and I plus both dogs are here, plus my uncle and his wife and baby Dalton and stepdaughter and her best friend. Friday, my other aunt and uncle came with their three kids.

It has been very difficult to stay patient with all of us kids.
Everyone has been annoyed and cranky at one point and we are driving eachother crazy.

Yesterday we went to Folly Beach and we crossed the Charleston bridge.
We did some shopping and went to lunch and dinner.

Friday night we went to Smokey Bones for dinner. That's my favorite restaurant.

Today we are heading to the battleship here in Charleston.
There's some ghost tour thing I want to go on, so hopefully we will.

The men are cooking on the grills at the hotel later tonight and all us kids are going swimming.

I'm ready for the simple chillin.
It feels like we've been going nonstop since we got here.

We go home Monday for a couple weeks and then its off to Topsail beach with my aunt and uncle that have the three kids.
We'll be there for a week.
I'll definitely be thinking of Ellie Potvin, since that was her favorite beach.

Olivia is still responding well to her chemo with no side effects, so please pray that it continues. She deserves to be a little girl.

I'll post again when we are home.

Love and Blessings!

Olivia

2010-07-09T17:54:00.007-04:00

Hey guys.
A family that goes to the church I went to last year recieved some bad news this July 2010.

This is family I really enjoy to be around and their faith in God is amazing.

Their 7 year old daughter Olivia was diagnosed with Burkitt's Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma.

Olivia is fighting and they are getting good news as of right now.

Please keep Olivia and her family in your prayers and watch these sweet videos of her:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a_8OBFDNFEU
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JS4RQNz40yo

We love you Livi!

The 4th and My Birthday

2010-07-09T17:50:00.002-04:00

Hey there bloggers!

My family had an awesome 4th of July!
I made a video for the people that came to our party, but I'm not going to post it here because it is way too long.

The 6th was my 17th birthday and we had a small party at home.
I had a cake that looked like the beach and a few family members and friends came over and we lit fireworks.

The next day Kelsey and Tabetha and I went shopping and I got a dress and a new shirt and a few more things and I bought a pin for Ellie's mom.

Tomorrow I'm goint to take my best friends shopping again!
We had planned on going to Emerlad Isle, but the rain forecast changed our minds.

I'm leaving on the 16th for SC again and I will take pictures!

ttfn!

South Carolina and Eclipse!

2010-06-29T12:16:00.004-04:00

We went to South Carolina for the weekend.
It was nice to see dad, but there isn't a whole lot to do where he is right now.
We did go shopping and swimming, and dad took us to dinner twice.
I had a good time, but I'm glad to be home.

We got to see Dalton and Aunt Kathy, but Dannille is visiting some other family, and so she's coming to stay here for a week in a couple of weeks.
Dalton is so little!
He is one year old and he wears 3-6 months sized clothes.
Aunt Kathy says it's because of the Downs Syndrome.
He is still a handsome little baby, though, and we all love him to pieces.

I didn't take my camera, so there are no pictures, but I will definitely get some when they come to visit us.

Now on to part 2 of this post: Eclipse!

Me, mom, and Tabetha all got into the Twilight series.
Tonight, we are going to see Eclipse, the third movie, at midnight.
We have read all of the books, and have the tshirts and bags and everything!
Tonight our local theater is showing all three movies. Twilight starts at 6pm and then New Moon right after that, and then the premiere of Eclipse! We are going to see all of them!
We are in a big group and I can't wait!

It's 12:24pm right now, and my mom is hosting dinner before we leave, so we have to go to the grocery store. I can't wait to see the new movie!

Lift Up Ellie

2010-06-23T22:05:00.003-04:00

On my twitter account, I came across an account made by two girls close to my age to gain support for a little girl named Ellie.

Ellie was diagnosed with Stage 4 Rhabdomyosarcoma at age 6.
She fought for two years with the help and support of her twin sister, Grace, and their parents, Amy and Tim.

I followed Ellie's story for months.

I grew to love her.

This morning at 11:35, Ellie got her angel wings.

She flew to Jesus to watch over us.

Please keep her family, the Potvins of Charlotte, NC, in your thoughts and prayers.

RIP Ellie Shoal Potvin. 10/31/01-6/23/10. 8 years old.

A week at the Beach.

2010-06-23T21:53:00.002-04:00

I spent the first week of my summer break with my second family. We went to Emerald Isle and I fit right in with my best friend Kelsey and her family and friends. Here are some pictures!

The beach. My favorite place on earth.

All us kids! I was almost too short for this one!

Group Shot! L to R: Megan, Sydney, Lindsey, Me, Kelsey, and Nicholas and Evan on the bottom.

Another group shot down on the beach. Our house was waterfront!

Kelsey and I on the beach. This girl is my best friend. I can always count on her.

I had a great time on our beach trip and I'm glad I went.
We had so much fun from our bed falling the first night, to meeting and hanging out with the family in the next house, to an aquarium trip, to chinese food, to swimming with stingrays, to new nicknames, to ... well I guess you could say we had a blast. The week flew by like time does when you;re having fun, and I can't wait to spend more time with Kelsey this summer!

Blog Makeover and the start of Summer Edition

2010-06-23T21:50:00.003-04:00

Hello wonderful blog!
Now that school is out for summer, I have time to update and share my life again!
This summer will be filled with memories from sad to exciting.
I want to capture every moment right here.
I am now a rising high school senior and I'm addicted to twitter!
You can follow me! @TheSunnyStormy

I hope that when visiting my blog you feel relaxed with the background of my favorite place in the world-the beach.

I can't wait to document my summer and I'm super excited about my new blog look.

Get ready for summer updates!

Prom Pictures

2010-05-10T17:11:00.002-04:00

Prom and Darlington and My Car and Cleaning Up

2010-05-10T17:06:00.003-04:00

So I went to the prom.
And it was fun.
And my next post will be my five favorite pictures from the night.

We had a great time, but there isn't really much to go into detail about.

My dad got me a car!
It's a 2002 Ford Escape and I love it.
I drive the cousins to school now every day.

I cleaned up my area upstairs in our house because I finally got tired of all the laundry everywhere and the average teenaged clutter. I guess I'm growing out of it all.

This past weekend we went down to South Carolina and went to the Nascar race in Darlington. I had a lot of fun, but the pictures are on a camera that is still in SC with dad.

It's a busy time as the school year is coming to an end and I'm getting my summer plans together.

I apologize for ignoring my blog.

All Kinds Of Stuff Is Going On

2010-04-25T18:13:00.003-04:00

and I keep neglecting this poor blog!

Piper had her kittens.
It took us like a week to find them but we did and they are great.
No pics, shes very protective this litter.

Prom is coming up.
Going with the bbff (boy best friend forever, for those who dont know).
After prom, bonfire at Kelsey's and sleepover there too with Brittney!

Cant wait to get the pics up.

Sorry for the grammar issues, but I gotta go!

All-County Chorus and Prom

2010-04-17T19:58:00.002-04:00

Hey everyone!
Sorry I keep taking these long blogging breaks, but my life is extremely busy right now!

I was selected to perform in the NC Wayne County All-County Chorus this past week and I had a lot of fun!
I've been selected for all-county a few times in the past with choir, and it's always fun!

At all-county, all the choirs from all the schools in the county send selected members to sing together in a big choir directed by a clinician of a higher level.

This year our clinician was Dr. Morrow from Campbell University.

He was so great!
I'm looking into going to campbell and Dr. Morrow alone may have convinced me!

We rehearsed only twice for all-county because that's part of it; not much rehearsal time.

We rehearsed Wednesdy from 4-7pm and Thursday from 9am-12pm and then the concert was Thursday night.

We sang "Gloria in Excelsis" from the 12th mass composed by Mozart, "Erev Shel Shoshanim" arranged by Jack Klebanow, and "Swing Down Chariot" arranged by Mac Huff.

I had a great time and even met some new friends.

Now, on to prom
Prom is May 1, 2010

I'm going with my best friend Brandyn.

More on that later!

Still no kittens, just one fat cat!

Random pictures I liked from Florida

2010-04-11T19:55:00.002-04:00

Florida Family Photo Shoot

2010-04-11T19:38:00.003-04:00

Easter in Florida

2010-04-11T19:20:00.003-04:00

My Spring Break was Amazing.

2010-04-11T18:50:00.006-04:00

Spring Break!

2010-04-01T14:44:00.002-04:00

Spring break is finally here!

I put new songs on my ipod, packed two bags, and I'm ready to go to Florida!

We leave in two hours with Ross and Tabby and a girl named Britney who is the daughter of one of dads work friends and needs a ride.

No kittens yet, the house sitter will call us when they arrive!

Keep an eye on my tweets, as I might not post again until we get home.

Happy April Fools!

(even though nothing in this post is a joke).

Kittens, Spring, Disney World, and Stuff to Come

2010-03-28T19:28:00.002-04:00

Hello oh dear blog that I have neglected!
I am back!

Piper, my cat is going to have kittens....again.
We are waiting for them to arrive, and it should be any day now.

Spring is here!
Spring break starts Friday and I am ready!
My family and I are going to Florida, and there will be pictures galore.

The Show Choir Disney trip is over.
I didn't go.
However, my faithful friends sent me lots of pictures and it felt like I was there.

We are hoping the kittens are born before we leave so that our catsitter won't have to wait around for them.

Other than that, there's not much to say right now!

Good to blog. :)

Photo Shoot 3-14-10 UnEdited

2010-03-15T20:02:00.007-04:00

Pageant Pictures!

2010-03-15T19:31:00.003-04:00

Lock In and Miss Rosewood

2010-03-13T21:52:00.002-05:00

I have been busy busy busy lately!
Last week I was sick all week and I got better just in time to enjoy som eplanned events.

Last night the Show Choir had our lock in rehearsal from 7pm to 7am.

I stayed up 11 of the 12 hours!

I got a nice surprise when my senior friends from my freshman year, Amber and CJ came to spend the night with us!

We rehearsed from 8-10, 12-1, 3-3:30, and then the director said we had the rest of the night to hang out.

I had a great time.

Tonight was the Miss Rosewood pageant for girls from school.
Nine girls competed.
My best friends Beth and Marieke were among them.
Other friends in the pageant were Anna, Leia, Briona, Rachael, Kelly, Jen, and Angelica.
Yeah, I'm friends with everybody. haha.

The girls put up a tough competition and I am thankful I wasn't a judge.

In the end, the title went to the very deserving Rachael.
Leia was Miss Congeniality, and Anna and Briona were the runners up.

Now I am enjoying a nice evening at home catching up in the internet world!
Gotta love a busy weekend!

I just got Baptized

2010-03-07T12:35:00.003-05:00

and it was the most amazing thing I have ever done in my entire life.

I was baptized in a group of 17 people this morning at my church, Whitley Church.
We were baptized one by one in a warm pool of the holy water.

Two friends from school that I've known since the first grade were in that group with me, Leia and Kristal.

We were baptized by Pastor Andy, who baptized two of his own children, which was absolutely beautiful.

After taking this amazing step toward the Lord, I have decided to join the Whitley Church Encounter Student Ministries Drama Team. I have friends on the team and they do beautiful work for the Lord.

You can see some of the drama routines, sermons by our Pastor, and to learn more about the church I go to, please visit www.whitleychurch.com

Emergency Room

2010-02-27T12:52:00.002-05:00

Yesterday was a pretty slow day.
Plans to babysit Ash fell through, and I forgot about the FFA Movie Night, so I stayed home.

Around 9:00pm, my grandma and grandpa stopped by to say hello and see how Savannah was doing. (On Monday she was diagnosed with Pink Eye)

About 10:00, my grandma helped my mom give her her medicine and get in bed, because she had been comlaining about a stomachache.

Savannah wasn't in bed for 10 minutes when we heard this terryfying shrill and then she just started crying.
Mom went and got her out of bed, and after 15 minutes of crying in pain, mom realized she had a slight fever and was holding on to her right side. Thinking appendicitis, we rushed her to the ER.

We arrived at the hospital about 10:30 and the ER was kind of busy, but not really.
Savannah was called back pretty quick. Mom and grandma went with her, and I sat with grandpa in the waiting room, because there's a 2 visitors policy.

We waited there until 2:00am for my grandma to come out and tell us that they had taken blood, put an IV in and done an xray and that it would be 30 minutes before they knew results. Then she went back to the back and we sat there until 4:00am.

This time it was mom who came to update us. She said they were going to give Savannah four 30 minute sessions of contrast juice so that they could take her for a CatScan to check her appendix. We went for a bite to eat and then it was back to the waiting room.

So, at 6, we went back and checked on the situation. Tired of sitting in the waiting room chairs trying to catch at least a little sleep, we totally ignored the 2 visitors policy.

When we got back there, Savannah had just gotten back from CatScan. We sait there until about 7:00am waiting for the radiologist to call. Finally, after hours of IV fluids, contrast juice, xrays, catscans, and discomfort; my little sister found out that there was no appendicitis and she wasn't going to have surgery.

The doctor on call told us that Savannah has a Urinary Tract Infection and that is what is causing her pain.

He gave her an antibiotic, and finally, at 7:30am, after almost 9 hours in the ER, we were out of there.

Needless to say, this family has been asleep all morning.

Savannah is still asleep, poor thing.

Yes, I'm Alive.. AND I'M GETTING MY BRACES OFF!

2010-02-19T18:58:00.002-05:00

I am soo sorry that I have neglected this blog.
I have just been so busy with school work and prom committee and appointments and writing music that I totally ignored my blog.

Ok.
Update.

School Work:
AP US History and Psychology are a lot of writing and organization, and I had to really get caught up after missing days for appointments and such.

Prom Committee:
I am on the prom committee because the Junior class gets that opportunity, and I decided it would be really fun!
I went to our first meeting Wednesday and we picked out a theme called Starlit Paradise from Anderson's Prom 2010 Magazine.
It's light blue and white and silver, and I'm gonna get a blue dress.
I'm hopefully going with a close guy friend and my girls.

Appointments:
I've been to the dentist and othodontist both this week and I worked Monday night.

I now watch two little boys.

My dental hygenist hired me to watch her little boy when I'm not with EJ!

Writing Music:
Beth and I have started to write music together!
She plays guitar and piano and I play piano a little and we are both really good at writing lyrics! So exciting!

I went to the orthodontist today,a nd after nearly 3 years of braces and an oral surgery and a roofplate, I am scheduled for a removal in 8 weeks!

I am so excited!!

I'm off to re-do the blog since Valentine's Day is over for this year!

Babysitting EJ

2010-02-09T20:19:00.000-05:00

So my mom has been wanting me to get a job.
I didn't want to wait tables, so I found a local website for paid babysitters and childcare givers and made a profile. On sunday, I got a call from a guy that made it sound like I was going to be assisting his wife in caring for a few children, like one of those home daycare things. He said they'd pay me six dollars an hour to start Monday.

So Monday after school my mom drove me to the address so she could meet Diana, the lady.
When mom left, Diana explained to me that she did not run a home daycare. I had misunderstood her husband, Eric. Basically, they needed a babysitter for their 21 month old only child, EJ. She told me they'd been taking EJ to daycare, but he'd gotten sick there and they didn't like it, so they were trying sitters until they found one that fit EJ.
Monday was my trial run. I took care of EJ with Diana home doing her household chores.
I gave him his snack, his bath, and helped a bit with his dinner. Diana was shocked. She said I was the best sitter they'd had so far. She was amazed at how smoothly EJ's bath time went. I got him out and dressed without a fight or any sort of tantrum, and Diana said it usually took both her and Eric to get him out without splashfest complete with kicking and screaming.
Eric came home about a half hour before I was scheduled to leave. Diana told him how great I was with EJ and they agreed not to let me go! I am officially hired as EJ's babysitter at six dollars an hour and I love it!

I got a few pictures of him, but I'm posting from my phone so they'll be up later on.

Kayla's Party

2010-02-06T17:40:00.000-05:00

Last night was my friend, Kayla's, 17th birthday party.

Every year, Kay invites the same 5 people and we all have a blast.

Kayla is autistic, so her parties aren't your average teenaged sleepovers, but they are soo much better.

Since seventh grade, it's been me, Marieke, and Kirsten. Last year, Kay invited some new friends, twins Marah and Heath. Marah and Heath don't spend the night, but they sure do add to the fun when they are there. Plus, Kay's brother, Charles is hilarious!

Last night, I went over around 6.

We played Disney Scene It, ate homemade spaghetti, played Twister, made a human knot, ate cake and ice cream, played I Saw a Bear, watched Kay open her presents, and then Heath and Marah had to go home.

Around 11, we watched the original Nightmare On Elm Street. I screamed like a little girl, and I've even seen it before!

I went to sleep around 4 and woke up at 8. Mom came and got me around lunchtime and I crashed until like 5. I just got up and got a shower and then Tabby showed up for a surprise sleepover tonight. We're headed to iHOP and I have three essays to do for AP US History by Monday.

Hope everyone is having a weekend as fun as mine!

Farm Show Part 2

2010-02-04T20:19:00.002-05:00

So the Farm Show was great!

First, we went to Bojangles for breakfast.

Then it was off to the Farm Show.

That hour ride with a bunch of obnoxious FFA boys and younger girls was a bit annoying, but I toughed it out and it was totally worth it.

Me and Tabetha spent most of the day together.
Ross tagged along a bit at the beginning, but then he caught up with a few of his friends. We texted my dad while we were there, and he thought it was just great that the three of us were having some nice cousinly family time.

Most of the exhibits were tractors, and we saw one that had a tire as tall as Tabby!

We stopped at one booth that had some mission farmers talk to us about God and we got brightly colored yardsticks with those rawhide bracelets on the end with the colored beads that represent the message of Christ.

Mine is orange.

One booth gave us a plant that we can plant and let grow so I'm gonna plant mine by Diesel.

I learned about Cow Dogs.
Apparently, they are dogs that herd cows.
Like sheep dogs.
Interesting.

On the way home we stopped at a shopping center in Garner and Tabby and I had Buffalo Wild Wings for lunch.
Ross went into a sporting goods store and bought a turkey call.
Poor Tabetha.

We made it back to school just in time for the bell to ring!
It worked out great.

They are calling for more winter weather this weekend.
I hope they are wrong!

Farm Show Part 1

2010-02-04T07:08:00.001-05:00

Back to school yesterday went well.

No pictures, because I forgot my camera.

Today I'm going with our chapter of the FFA to the NC Farm Show at the state fairgrounds in Raleigh.

Part 2 later about how it went!

I'm a totally weird kid...

2010-02-02T22:31:00.002-05:00

I've been complaining cuz school was out..

Like almost EVERY other kid I know, besides Beth, would be totally overjoyed.

Oh, well.
I like being different.

School tomorrow.
And I'm jazzed!

The next two teacher workdays are student go days now... HOORAY...
NOT...

Pictures of Beth and I taking part in life outside our houses tomorrow?

Goodnight.

School... Except Not..

2010-02-02T17:23:00.002-05:00

So I'm home again on yet another snow day with snow that just isn't fit for playing in.

So far, we're on a two hour delay tomorrow, but who know how long that'll last.

I hope there's school tomorrow..
I'm so bored!!!

Snow Snow Go Away
Come Again Some Other Day...

Why, You Ask, Am I on the Computer AGAIN?!?

2010-02-01T21:52:00.002-05:00

BECAUSE THERE IS NOTHING ELSE TO DO!!!

Dear Beth,
THANK YOU SO MUCH
for sitting on the computer and IM chatting with me so I don't die of boredom.
Love,
Stormy

We found out a little bit ago that tomorrow is another snow day.
We (my best friend Beth and I) are not looking forward to yet another day cooped inside with our lovely little siblings and we can't even take them out to play because it's like snice and not exactly snow.

Oh thank Heaven for power and books.

Sleep well an keep warm!

Bold Blogging- A Story of Tested Courage to Share God with a Non-Believer.

2010-02-01T16:47:00.005-05:00

So, I've been wanting to join in on Bold Blogging.

Bold Blogging is hosted by one of my favorite blogs, Kingdom Twindom +1.

I've been having a little bit of trouble joining in, because I felt like my opinion of Bold would be too different from an adult's.

After e-mailing Mrs. Sarah about it, I have decided to join in anyway.

My first topic will be God.

I know that what I'm about to write about is sometimes hard for adults too, so I want every reader to know, its through a teenager's eyes.

As a teenager, it's sometimes really a test of my faith just to go to school.

I have a friend who doesn't believe in God.

She's a wonderful friend.
Trustworthy, caring, otherwise awesome..

The two things she lacks are God and respect.

Through this school year, her lack of belief has caused a tremendous growth in my faith.

Sometimes, in class discussions, at lunch, walking the halls.. she'll make comments such as "if your God is so great, why..", "why would I believe in an un-loving, un-caring God", "if God loves us all, why do some of us go to Hell", or even the always stinging cuss word I don't even want to type.
At the beginning of the year, I felt afraid to call her out or verbally disagree with her when she made a rude or sarcastic comment about God. I had trouble answering her questions for fear that she wouldn't want to be my friend anymore.

I saw that our other mutual friends were having trouble with this too.

I talked to my youth pastor about it, and he told me to show my faith without fear and to disagree with her and answer her questions the best way I could and without seeming rude about it.

I read blog posts about God.

I searched Bible verses.

I continued to talk to Pastor Jared.

It was still hard to correct her, and to disagree, but it suddenly became much easier to answer my friend's questions.

"if your God is so great, why..",

Followed by the 'why' here would come things like global warming, hunger, poverty, and other overall 'bad' things.

The next time I heard that one from her, I said, God is great. He gave us the power to choose. Man has made and continues to make decisions that are wrong for our planet, our animals, our kind. It is OUR fault, not God's.

"why would I believe in an un-loving, un-caring God",

Well, oh un-believing friend, why would you think God wasn't loving and caring?

"He sends some of us to Hell, He allows us to destroy the planet, He allows war, etc.."

Once again, dear friend of mine, it is not God, it is us. We make our own choices. We choose to fight instead of talk. We choose to pollute the air and kill our ozone layer. We choose to sin without repentance. We choose to not believe in God, our creator. (Oh yeah, that one took guts, but I said it, and I was proud)

"if God loves us all, why do some of us go to Hell",

That one, dear friend is hard for me too.

"but I thought you knew everything about this God you love so much"

No, I definitely do not. I love God. I trust God. I let God lead. I ask God for forgiveness. I do not know all there is to know about Him.

My opinion on your question about Hell is going to sound quite the same as the answers I have given to your other questions.

I believe that Hell is not a sentence from God, but one that those who go there give themselves.

Humans make their own choices. You decide where you spend eternity. It isn't predestination. The Calvinists were wrong.

Over the course of this school year, answering her questions has become so easy. I even have the strength and courage now to ask her nicely to be respectful when she makes rude and sarcastice comments or uses that disgusting cuss word that shouldn't be in anyone's vocabulary for use at all.

Through answering her questions, I've had to do some research on my Creator. I have learned so much more about Him.

Despite my efforts, my friend still does not believe. I will continue to share God with her in every given opportunity and I hope that she will believe soon and ask Him into her heart.

My faith wasn't tested in this story.
My faith is strong.
What was tested was my courage to share God.
I am proud to have gained this courage. (I hope to be more humble about this and other things, but I'll save that post for later).
Many teens and even adults are afraid to share their faith with non-believers.
It's hard.
She's called me stupid, she's said my beleiving is a waste of time, she's laughed at me.
Others who don't believe have called God my 'imaginary friend'.

Comments like this make it that much harder to make my faith public, to share the story of God, to share His love.

I learned in church that a believer is wonderful, but a believer who shows others the light is amazing.

I want to be amazing.

Many people will say that religion is private. At the church I go to, we disagree. We believe that God is definitely something that needs to be shared. We believe in taking out faith out of the church and sharing it and inviting others in. That's what this story is about.

The point I have attempted to make in this post is that the Courage to share the love of God is tested very much by Peer Pressure and Temptation. As a teen and a Christian, it's a test of strength and trust in God to make my faith public and be fearless about it. Over this school year, I have learned to be able to do so and know that anyone who disagrees or who doesn't understand just needs my guidance as a child of God, and not necessarily my friendship. I have also learned that those I guide are my friends, and hopefully will one day see me as a friend to them.

I am learning to be a fruitcake. (please watch Louie Giglio's Fruitcakes and Ice Cream. It's worth your time, I promise.)

I am learning to be a desciple.

This post may not seem very bold to adult's who are confident and strong in their love and faith in God, but the story I shared here took a lot of guts for me. Guts to answer her questions. Guts to correct her. Guts to tell this story here with the knowledge she might read it. Guts to share how much I stillhave to learn about God.

this post isn't very organized, in fact it's all over the place, but i feel that I have done what I set out to do when I decided to type it.

So for me, this is bold.
And I can only hope to get even bolder in the future.

Blog Awards.

2010-02-01T16:08:00.004-05:00

Ok, so I am going to give a few awards today.
However, my education on HTML is failing me today, and so I'm going to have to give them in this post.
If anyone would like to give these awards to bloggers you feel are deserving, please do.
Those that I am awarding will be commented when this post is complete to come here and retrieve their awards.

The first award is the You Don't Say?! Awesome Commenter Award.

Congratulations to:

Emily at Emily's Adventures http://eacraft.blogspot.com/

Sarah at Kingdom Twindom +1 http://www.kingdomtwindom.com/

Olga at Twinspirational Runner http://twinspirationalrunner.blogspot.com/

Give this award is to those people whose comments have meant THE WORLD to you. It takes time to visit a blog and leave a comment. Take an opportunity to say “thank you” to each and every one who leaves a comment on your blog. Also used to recognize special bloggers whose comments make a great impact on you.

Thank You so much for taking the time to comment my blog, your comments mean the world to me, you are all such great inspirations and friends.

The next award is the Beautiful Heart Award

Congratulations to:

Sarah at Kingdom Twindom +1 http://www.kingdomtwindom.com/

Ellyn at Profoundly Seth and Co. http://www.profoundlyseth.com/

Give to those bloggers who uplift you with their positive words and spirit. Also give to bloggers who put their hearts, mind and soul into their blogs and give us a glimpse into their worlds. They are positive and may not realize it, but are leading by example. They inspire with their words, educate and inform. They entertain and uplift with their humor. They are welcoming, helpful and friendly and no one is a stranger, whether you've commented once or a million times. They are ever so wise and giving. Most of all, they have Beautiful Hearts.

Thanks so much for your guidance and friendship and for letting all us readers into your lives every time you post.

The next award is the Bloggers Best Friend Award

Congratulations to:

Emily at Emily's Adventures http://eacraft.blogspot.com/

The “A Blogger’s Best Friend Award” shall be given to your most loyal blog readers. Thus, the award should be given to a follower of yours who takes the time to comment regularly on many of your posts. In addition his or her blog should be creative, funny and always entertaining.

Thanks Emily for reading, commenting, and being such a great blog friend. Also, I think it's awesome how close we live to eachother!

The final award I'll give today is the I Love Your Blog Award

Congratulations To:

Emily at Emily's Adventures http://eacraft.blogspot.com/

Sarah at Kingdom Twindom +1 http://www.kingdomtwindom.com/

Ellyn at Profoundly Seth and Co. http://www.profoundlyseth.com/

Leslie at Lambert's Lately http://www.lambertslately.com/

Erin at It's All About Alex http://alexandramaryschuler.blogspot.com/

Mary Kate at Our Journey http://michaelandmarykate.blogspot.com/

Your blogs are the ones I read first, before I even post.
I love the designs, the pictures, the style of writing, the way you share your life.
I love your blogs!!

Just Got The Call

2010-01-31T16:59:00.002-05:00

School's out tomorrow and probably Tuesday too.

Which, is sort of cool, and sort of a bummer.

Just means Summer is gonna take even longer to get here...

Still Snowed In

2010-01-31T14:19:00.003-05:00

So, the snow is still here.

And it's still snowing off and on.

I took Savannah out. It's pretty icy, and we tried to skate in our sneakers, and we fell a lot, and it was fun.

Rumor has it school's out tomorrow. I hope it's true, because I don't feel like going.

The only thing that really is no good about this snow is that they cancelled All-State Chorus.

And they most likely are not going to reschedule.

SOOOO not cool for me.

As much as I like the pretty white snow, I hope it melts before Friday.

I've got a party to go to.

I took some pictures...

I'll post them later.

Have fun in the snow,

Stormy

Snowed In

2010-01-30T12:01:00.004-05:00

And Absolutely Lovin' It!

Mom took a few pictures of us playing, but they aren't uploaded yet, so here's just a shot from my phone of our mini-snowman, Snowen.

Since we couldn't really decorate him in real life, due to his size, I touched Snowen up in picnik!

By the way, we named the puppy Rowdy

A New Addition

2010-01-22T18:17:00.006-05:00

Meet our new puppy.We keep changing his name because we can't find anything that really just fits.

He's 8 weeks old and purebred Boxer.I'll update you when we've found a suitable name for him.

He's got to get used to Jessica.Jessica has to get used to him.

Speaking of Jessica, here's a cute shot I got of her today.

So dad went to get a dog today...

2010-01-22T13:05:00.004-05:00

The new semester at school has started. I had a little trouble with my schedule, as usual, but I'm pretty happy with the outcome.

1-Advanced Functions
2-Choir
3-Phsycology
4-AP US History

The only one I don't like is Adv. Func. I hate math. Oh well. I left school early today because I don't really feel all that great, and I spent all day in the guidance office messing with my schedule anyway.

Daddy's home for the weekend. Got here Wednesday night. He and Savannah are on the way to Greensboro now to pick up a puppy he bought. I don't know what to think. We just lost Diesel Tuesday night. Mom's not really happy about the idea of a new puppy, and I just feel like maybe daddy jumped the gun and got another dog too soon. Savannah's excited, but I guess that's to be expected. I have to admit I'm excited too, and after all, this new puppy has no idea about Diesel, and we can't take it out on him. I think that mom will be happier with it once the dog is actually here.

Diesel can never be replaced. However, here's what people have to understand (because I've gotten some grief about 'replacing Diesel' at school), people have different ways of coping with things. I'll give you an example by telling how my family feels about losing diesel and getting a new puppy.

Mom- Her way of dealing with the loss is to attempt to shut out the empty feeling and say things such as "I never want another dog" or "let's get rid of all the pets". Of course, these things don't show how mom *really* feels, it's just her way of coping.

Dad- Can't avoid the emptiness. When I told him I felt like he was jumping the gun with the new dog, he said to me "Diesel is in heaven with Earl and your Papa. He is happy and he would want all of us to be happy. He knows we could never replace him and that he will always hold a special place in our hearts, but he wouldn't want me to be sad, and right now I am very sad." So dad's way of coping is to fill the hole. I see it kind of like this, Daddy wants to take all that love that Diesel gave him and share with a puppy who didn't have a home. I personally think that it's nice of my dad to adopt a dog.

Savannah- Just knows we lost our dog, and that he's in heaven with Papa and Earl. She's thrilled to get a new dog, and these feelings are expected... she's 6.

Me- I'm kind of a mixture of mom and dad's feelings. I miss Diesel and I love him and there is no way he could ever be replaced, but that puppy doesn't have a home yet, and we will love him dearly. Not like we loved Diesel, but differently. It's kind of like parents with kids. Most parents will say they love their childern the same amount and differently. I kind of see it like that.

The new puppy will start out as dad's travel companion. Daddy's already spoken with the hotel and they've agreed to make an exception to their NO Pets rule. Yes, we realize their will be hotels that won't agree, and the dog will stay home with us girls, but please blogworld and friends of mine who read this, please understand that we are not by any means replacing Diesel. That's impossible.

Diesel- July 2007-January 2010 Part II

2010-01-20T10:50:00.002-05:00

Diesel Fuel Kelly was our family dog.

He was the best dog anyone could ever ask for.

He came when you called
He stopped when you said 'no'
He sat when you told him to sit

He came into our lives in the summer of 2007.

My papa (maternal grandfather) had been sick in the hospital, and my parents and I decided it would be good for me to get away from the tension and stress. So, I packed up and went with Tabetha and her family to Surf City beach here in NC. We stayed for a week.

The night before we were scheduled to come home, I was talking to my mom on the phone. She told me there was a surprise at home. Daddy said he'd bought a diesel.

Of course, I'm thinkin vehicle.

When I got home, the most beautiful puppy I'd ever seen ran to my feet.
He was lickin and jumpin and all kinds of puppy stuff.
Then dad said "Diesel, heel" and the dog ran to daddy.

I immediately understood that my dad had gotten us a dog.

He was supposed to be dad's travel companion, but when some hotels didn't allow pets, Diesel stayed home with us.

This happened so much that Diesel became mama's dog.
He would sleep with her and protect her.
And he protected me and Savannah.

We had a chihuahua, Rocky, already when dad brought Diesel home, but we gave him away to an elderly couple who could care for him better and who had his friend, Daisy, that we'd given up earlier.
Then we got Dallas, our other boxer, to breed with Diesel, but he never seemed interested, and she ended up outside in a kennel, so we gave her up too.

Obviously, we have Jessica, but diesel loved her to death.
I have videos of the two of them playing, and some other videos of Diesel I'd love to share here later.

Last night around 11, we let Diesel out for his last potty break of the night. Around 11:15 when he hadn't come back yet, we callled him. He didn't come.
We knew immediately that something was up. We got our caots and went looking.

About 11:30, we found Diesel on the side of the road, cold and lifeless.

My mom and I lay down with him and cried for minutes.

I called my grandpa and my uncle to come and help us bury him because daddy wasn't scheduled to come home until Thursday.

They came and took care of things while me, mom, Savannah, Tabby, Aunt Sabrina, and grandma sat in the house and cried.

Mom called dad this morning.
He's on his way home.

I'm gonna miss that dog...
I feel like I've lost a brother.

It may sound silly to some of ya'll, but please pray for us as we mourn the loss of our beloved pet and friend.

Diesel- July 2007-January 2010

2010-01-20T09:51:00.005-05:00

Way Back

2010-01-19T19:44:00.004-05:00

So here in NC, a facebook trend to post pictures from 'way back' has started.
I posted a few and wanted to share them here as well.

Way back in December 1993 when it was my very first Christmas.

Way back when I only had a little bit of hair.

Way back when I was cute!

Way back when my parents were 20 something and it was our first Christmas together.

Way back when Barney came over to tell me Happy Birthday in July of 1994.

Way back when parents took pictures of you just because you were there. (Oh, wait... They still do that)

Way back when we 'double-buckled' (L-R; Samantha A., Me, Beth S., Ashley B., Tabetha K., Peyton H.)

Way back in the day hanging out with daddy.

Way back in 2003 when Savannah was born- 10 years and 4 months after me!

Five Question Friday

2010-01-15T16:29:00.003-05:00

I saw this over at Emily's Adventures. She does it through My Little Life. So, I decided to follow MyLittlw Life and take part in Five Question Friday!

1. Worst trouble you ever got into as a teenager?
I'm still a teenager. I think the worst thing I've done so far is a tie between skipping homeroom and forging my mom's signature on notes to leave school early. Then again, my mom knew about the notes..

2. Are you a morning person or a night person?
Night! I love staying up and reading or blogging or just being up. I wish I was a morning person, maybe then I wouldn't be so groggy.

3. Are you a one-handed or a two-handed Texter?
I can do it with one, but it's easier to use two, because I have a QWERTY keyboard on my phone.

4. Democrat, Republican, or Independent..or maybe even Green Party (whatever that is).
No idea. Too young to vote anyway.

5. Are you a pet person?
YES! We have alwasy had pets. I love them.
We've had everything from a fish to a snake.
(dogs,cats,lizards,hamsters,rabbits,snakes,fish,crabs,etc..)
We currently have 3 dogs (Dallas, Diesel, and Jessica), a cat(Piper), and a bearded dragon (Harley).

Savannah Moved Out

2010-01-15T16:05:00.003-05:00

My little sister, Savannah, turned 6 in November.

She and I have shared a room for the past few years, because she is afraid to sleep alone.

Mom and I agree that Savannah is old enough to be in her room.

This past week, she's slept in her own bed in her own room every night!

I am so proud of her!
Not to mention glad to have my room back!
It's different in there without her, and I'll admit the first night was kinda hard for me, too.

We've decided to leave the other bed in my room for when I have guests.

Savannah made the transition fairly easily.

Does anyone else know any kids that maybe spent the beginning years sleeping with a parent or sibling and had to make the transitiion?
Was it hard for the child?
The person he/she slept with?

I'd love to hear your stories!

Moving On Up!

2010-01-15T15:42:00.002-05:00

So I didn't have school today.
Which is a very good thing because..

It means...

I PASSED ALL MY EXAMS!

I usually do well and am not very worried.
It may sound vain, but I've just always taken school seriously and most academic things seem to come naturally to me.

This past semester I was a lot worried about Chemistry.
Science isn't my strong subject, and I struggled.
I got a C.
Not what I'm used to, but I'm proud of myself for working hard, doing my best, and passing.

I start the second semester of my junior year on Thursday!

Out of school til then!

New Year's Resolutions 2010

2010-01-08T20:40:00.002-05:00

1. Care less about what other people think. Beat the high school mindset. Be humble, yet more projective.

2. Focus more on being dedicated to church and, more importantly, God. He is my eternal BFF.

3. Be nicer to Savannah. Don't have such a short temper. She's only 6. Be a teacher without trying to be a parent. I'm still a kid too, I should remember that.

4. Never give up. On anything. Ever.

5. Always think positive. Yeah, I'm gonna get let down sometimes, but optimism is an excellent quality. Gain more of it, and grab some more confidence while I'm at it.

6. Trust completely in God. He knows what is right. Listen to Him. Follow Him. Continue to grow in my relationship to Him.

7. Learn to follow my heart and my head both at the same time.

8. Say everything I want to say today, because tomorrow might not come.

9. Be more frequent and consistent with this blog.

10. Put others first and help others. Be a desciple.

All-State Chorus

2010-01-07T20:23:00.002-05:00

Hey guys I know I've been MIA for a few days, but school was back in session this week and I've been soo busy!

I have my New Year's Resolutions written out for the next post.
There's only 10, because I had an epiphany and realized the do-as-many-as-the-age-I'll-turn-this-year isn't gonna work forever, so I'm going to do 10 for 2010.
Like I said, next post. Probably tomorrow, which is definately a 2-hour delay and more than likely going to be a complete snow-day. We usually have one or two here in January.

This post is all about a thing called All-State Chorus.
My best friend Beth, another friend, Diana, and myself were invited by my Choir Director to participate!

All-State is a HUGE deal for choir kids.
It's the second highest honor a high school choir student can recieve.

There are three or four choirs each year.
This year, if I remember correctly, there are four; A men's choir, A women's choir, A 9-10 grade choir, and An 11-12 grade choir.

Diana is in the 9-10.
Beth and I are in the Women's.

Beth and I sing first soprano.
For those who don't know, that's the REALLY high part.
I love it!!

We've had a district rehearsal already and that was in Greenville, but the concert is in Greensboro on the 29th!

More info later!!

I'm so excited!!

Slow

2010-01-03T15:20:00.002-05:00

It's been a slow weekend.

Lots of movies.

Stay tuned for New Years Resolutions...

There's 17 of 'em!!

Jessica the Great!

2009-12-29T21:30:00.004-05:00

Yeah, the great and tiny!

Jessica is a purebred Maltese.

She currently weighs in at 1.9 pounds. She will gain approximately 2 to 4 more pounds over her lifetime.
Her length and height will increase, but only slightly.

My mother is bound and determined to treat her as if she were human by dressing her, and putting bows in her 'hair'.
I think this is a swell idea.

Savannah adores her.

Diesel does too, but if she does something wrong, like have an accident, he'll tell on her right away by standing at the scene of the crime and barking.All in all, he's still a bit taken aback by this tiny dog. Stay tuned for video footage of the two of them.

Just a Little More Christmas.

2009-12-26T22:22:00.002-05:00

This is Tabetha. You've met her... A LOT.She was very VERY I mean like OOBER excited.... all because we got her a PINK CHANEL BAG. My cousin was straight up jazzed. =p

Here's Savannah and Mekenzie enjoying the Wii.It's so fun! I love playing it.
Savannah does too. She's awesome at Wii Baseball. I prefer the Tennis.

Here's my awesome SNUGGIE I mentioned in an earlier post.
It's FABULOUS!!!

Stay Tuned for a post ALL ABOUT JESSICA!!!

Dalton

2009-12-25T18:10:00.005-05:00

So Dalton is doing well.He's not doing what your average healthy baby boy is doing at six months, but he's doing well.

He's finally gaining weight thanks to his feeding tube, though he hates it.and he's discovering his hands and feet like never before.

I'll leave you with this picture. He's gripping Savannah's finger.

Thank God for a successful surgery and a timely release from the hospital.
Still don't know how severe the Downs is.

Merry Christmas.

Merry Christmas from ME

2009-12-25T18:00:00.003-05:00

MERRY CHRISTMAS BLOGGERS!!

This year, I spent a lot of time with family and it's not over yet!
As I type, I'm awaiting the arrival of some close family friends and more cousins!!

For Christmas, I got some new stuff for my room, including a big floor rug.
I also got some new clothes, smelly good stuff, and the new cell phone I've been asking for. It's a Blackberry Curve. My grandma got me an awesome snuggie too! It's white with ladybug designs and it has my name monogrammed and a pocket like a hoodie! I'm sure you'll see pictures of me wearing it eventually.
She got all four of the grandkids on her side a monogrammed snuggie. I got the ladybug printed one, Savannah got a purple kitty cat, Sawyer a monkey, and Tyler a dog.

As a family, we got Jessica, a fluffy white maltese puppy, and a Wii/Wii Fit.

Yes, I am obviously very excited about the material items and 'Santa' excitement.
However, like I discussed with Savannah last night, today we celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Saviour. I feel that many of us are extremely distracted this time of year by decorations and gifts and we sometimes forget to acknowledge that all the celebration is for Him. And so I would like to take a few moments out of this crazy, fun-but-hectic day to say HAPPY BIRTHDAY JESUS!!!!

Stay tuned for a Dalton post, and probably more Christmas pictures, because like I said, more poeple are on the way!!

Merry Christmas from Dalton, Jessica, Savannah, and a few other happy kiddos.

2009-12-25T16:58:00.005-05:00

Hey guys, Dalton here. The folks and I came up on Christmas Eve to see the family in NC.

I'm doing pretty good, except I got this annoying feeding tube here by my nose.
It's kinda itchy, but mommy says "don't itch it booboo." and so I try not to grab at it or anything. The cuz got more pics of me, so expect them in the next post. ;)

Hello blog readers! I'm Jessica. Jessica Renee Kelly. I'm 6 weeks old, and I just got here to my new home yesterday!
I like it here. I get lots of love and snuggles. There's only one problem. This huge dog named Diesel keeps sniffing me! It's cool though, because he seems to like having a little sis!

Hey ya'll. Wendy here, Stormy's mom. Here's me on Christmas Eve with my youngest, Savannah, and my brother, TJ's, youngest, Sawyer. They are both 6. And we are waiting to open presents at my mom's place. That's my husband, Gary, there behind me talking with his hands...
This is their idea of being patient. I call it squirmy, but they did a good job of staying in one spot, at least.

Here they are a few minutes before, all squished in one chair with TJ's oldest, Tyler.Stormy told them to smile, and smile they did!

Hey guys! It's Sawyer and Savannah here! We are the youngest of the four grandkids on Wendy and TJ's mom's side of this big 'ole family! We are both 6 years old! Double Trouble!
This picture is of us in front of grandma's Christmas tree. Ain't we just the cutest little thangs? Yeah, we know....

Hey bloggers, Stormy here with my little cousin, Tyler. We are the oldest of the four grandkids on TJ and Wendy's mom's side of the family. We're 16 and 12.
You'll have to excuse the looks on our faces. We deal with the crazy kids in the previous picture!

Hey guys, Sawyer here. As you can see, I got a remote control four wheeler from grandma and grandpa!It's sitting here beside me. I'm a happy camper at grandma's house!

Guess who's back? Yep, it's me, Savannah.I got my kitty cat snuggie and my stuffed kitty and now I, too am a happy camper!

MERRY CHRISTMAS BLOGWORLD!!!!

Make Merry 2009

2009-12-23T14:46:00.002-05:00

So, I participated in Make Merry Gift Swap over at Kingdom Twindom +1..
AND...

My gift came today!!!

Thanks Lindsey for these gorgeous pillows!

These may look like ordinary pillows, but they are so not!

They are so soft and comfortable!!

And she even sent a nice card!

Thanks again, Lindsey.
This package made my day!

Christmas Decorations

2009-12-21T21:29:00.001-05:00

Fun in Black and White

2009-12-21T21:18:00.002-05:00

Lots of Stuff

2009-12-19T13:11:00.002-05:00

Ok, so I haven't blogged in a bit.

Life has been very busy.
Get ready for a very chaotic post

Yesterday was my last day of school before Christmas break.
I'm excited to have the next two weeks off.

It's snowing little flurries, but it's not sticking.

Shopping is done.
I got my mom something awesome, but I can't say because she might read and find out.

Yesterday I went with fellow members of the National Honors Society to visit a rest home for community service.
Friends and I had a blast.

I'll have pictures up soon.
Some of Savannah
Christmas trees
Last days of school

Anyway, off to watch some Christmas movies and get warm.
More later.

Mom's New York Pictures

2009-12-10T17:49:00.003-05:00

Community Service Chorus Feild Trip

2009-12-10T17:26:00.005-05:00

It was so fun!

First, we went to a rest home and did about a 45 minute meet-n-greet time where we broke into groups and visted with the residents. They were so sweet! Then, we performed for them in their dining hall. When we were finished, there was a lady who told our Director she wanted to hear some more! During the meet-n-greet, we passed out homemade Christmas cards that we made earlier this week. It was so great to spread some Christmas cheer. Oh yeah, and I wor my Santa hat!

We had lunch at an Asian restaurant and it was delicious!
My friend Brandyn that graduated last year met us there and went with us to the hospital for the mentally ill.

We changed from our Christmas colors to our Sparkly Uniforms and performed for the patients, but we were not allowed to meet-n-greet with them because of patient confidentiality. They really enjoyed being able to hear us sing, though, and that made me smile.

We go on this treip every year and it has become a tradition to have refreshments at the mental hospital. The woman who organizes for us to come brings like some cookies and light things like that and we just get to take a break. Today our director decided to bring the refrechments with us instead of have them there and so tomorrow we are going to have a party in class.

The only bad part of the day was at the end of the performance at the hospital, when we were changing out of our uniforms, two of our girls passed out. One has an issue with fainting and the other got really hot. They are both doing well now, but please pray that it won't happen again.

Oh, and of course, we took pictures.

This is me and Danielle. She's graduating this year. :(

This is me and Beth. She's my BFF.

This one is Beth and Hallie. They look so alike!

This one's crazy! Everette didn't really want to take a picture, so Danielle and Marieke (pronounced Muhreekuh) did silly stuff.

This is Beth and Danielle on the bus... matter of fact... these were all taken on the bus...

Beth and Marieke.

Beth, Hallie, and myself.

Marieke and Danielle.

Tragedy- my camera is beginning to fail me.
Dear Santa, new camera. ;)

Unfortunately

2009-12-07T19:04:00.002-05:00

I just did about 4 posts on Praying Mantis.

Please read them and pray for the people.

Not much else to blog about.

More tomorrow.

My Loverly Weekend

2009-12-06T21:15:00.003-05:00

Well, not exactly.

I was babysitting all weekend.
Don't get me wrong, I LOVE sitting.
I LOVE the girls I had.
However, I DO NOT love their arguing ways.

My mom and her best friend, Kim, signed up to go on this annual weekend shopping trip in New York, NY. Teachers and bus drivers from our school district pile onto some charter buses, ride all the way to NY, shop for about 12 hours, pile back onto the buses, and ride home. Well, my mom ofcourse needed a sitter for Savannah, and mom's friend Kim's daughter, Mekenzie, is Savannah's BFF. Soo, long story short, I got volunteered.

I love the girls.
The girls love eachother.
They are like sisters.
However, they are 6 and 8.
They fight like sisters.

So in order to prevent the arguing, I try to keep them engaged in an activity.

Mom and Mrs. Kim left around 9 on Friday night.
I had the help of my cousin and best friend, Tabetha.

The girls were hyper, so we decided to do a craft.
We sat them down and made reindeer ornaments.

All went well, and these came out great!

This one is Savannah's.
This one's Mekenzie's

Then, we put in Santa Buddies and let them fall asleep.

Well, on Saturday Tabetha left around 2:30 PM

The girls and I played a few games and then they wanted to watch TV.
I put the living room TV on Nick.
After about a half an hour, they decided to play with Barbie dolls and play their Nintendo DS games.
It was great until they got bored and asked to get on the computer.
I told them they could get on if they were willing to take turns and switch every 15-20 minutes.
Of course, they agreed, and Mekenzie went first.
She switched off, and then my sister took over.
She wouldn't switch after her time was up.
She wouldn't listen to mr, forcing me to give her a timeout.
Well, this made her mad, and I saw Savannah's bad side.

After her timeout, I told the girls that the computer was off limits for the rest of their time with me.
They were cool with that and went to playing Barbie's.

Overall, it was a nice weekend and the girls had a good time.

Mom came home this morning with gifts for all of us.
I got a really nice purse and a bracelet from Tiffany's.
I also got a T-Shirt from MTV in NYC.

There will be a post later in the week with pictures from NY that my mom brought.

On a different note, my Make Merry gift is finished and will be mailed by the 15th.

Dalton- Praise the Lord

2009-12-03T20:11:00.002-05:00

Dalton had his surgery yesterday!
And things went for the better!

The poor baby was in ICU the last time we talked to Aunt Kathy, but only for observation. The surgery went well.

I will have more info for you later, but I'm so happy I just had to post!

Sisterly Love

2009-12-02T16:35:00.002-05:00

Lighting Up Downtown

2009-12-02T16:22:00.003-05:00

Every year, we have a town celebration for the turning on of our Christmas lights.
There's a trolley ride with horses to take us around where the town lights are and the giant Christmas tree, and there are lots of activities for the little ones.

This is so cute. Savannah has a crush on this little boy. His name is Teagan. When he saw us, he begged until his mom let him stay with us for a little while.

Savannah got a snowman painted on her face.

This picture reminds me of the movie A Christmas Story just a little bit.

Savannah met Rudolph!!

And The GRINCH was there!!!

Florida for Thanksgiving.

2009-12-02T15:45:00.004-05:00

This post is going to be mostly pictures.
I have a lot.

So we're riding down the highway and I see this......I guess some folks really really get into the spirit. I call it Rudolph the Red-Nosed Pick-Up.

This is blurry because I took it from the car and the car was rolling.It's palm trees with Christmas lights on them. This is how Florida decorates.

This one's dark, but one of my favorites. It's me, and Mr. David from dad's work, and his neice Alexis.

This is me and Angeline.She's so cool! She builds stuff with dad.

This is me with Ms. JaneWe ate Thanksgiving at her house and she let us play the Wii.

These are a bird's footprints.I thought they were neat because they were leading to the boardwalk.

This is the sunset at Fort Walton Beach on Saturday night.It's beautiful. And I didn't edit this at all.

This bird let me get super close.Not as close as this picture might lead you to believe... but really close.

The water was so clear.And there were almost no waves.

I like the way the sun sparkles with the water here.I want to go back so bad, but for now I'm glad to be home.

My 100th Post

2009-11-28T13:00:00.002-05:00

100 things about me.

1. My name is Stormy Rebecca Kelly. I have three first names.

2. I'm currently 16 years old. My birthday is July 6, 1993.

3. I live in a community called Rosewood just outside of Goldsboro, NC.

4. I love music. I sing in my school's Show Choir. I'm a Soprano.

5. My current two favorite bands are Fee and Owl City.

6. I listen to just about any kind of music, but my iPod is at least 50% 80's music.

7. I have the blessing that my parents are still married, but both sets of grandparents have divorced and remarried, and my maternal grandfather has passed on.

8. I have one sibling. Her name is Savannah and she is 10 years younger than me.

9. I do not remember a time when our family did not have pets. Currently, we have 2 Boxer dogs-one female one male-Dallas and Diesel, a girl cat-Piper, a Bearded Dragon-Harley, and we are getting a Maltese for Christmas-Jessica.

10. I am a Christian. I go to a church called Whitley, where I am in a youth group of over 100 teens.

11. My best friend is Beth Stovall. I've known her since first grade, and we recently found out that somewhere far down the line, we might be cousins. That hapens a lot in our town.

12. I cried when Michael Jackson died.

13. My dad travels a lot with work, so we go wherever he is when schools out.

14. I love musicals. Little Orphan Annie is probably my favorite. I also like Mr. Holland's Opus.

15. I'm in 11th grade.

16. My favorite color is purple.

17. I have two beds in my room because my sister is afraid of the dark and being alone.

18. I live upstairs in a two story house.

19. I like watching NCIS. Abby is cool.

20. I cried when Jon and Kate split up and again when I watched the last show.

21. I met Kate Gosselin this past April. She's cool. She signed my copy of Multiple Blessings.

22. I have an awesome family. I thank God that they are too many to count.

23. I meet at least one family member I didn't know before at every family reunion.

24. I want to teach a lower grade when I am an adult. I love kids.

25. This blog is my outlet.

26. Kingdom Twindom and Profoundly Seth are two of my absolute favorite blogs to read.

27. I hate getting dirty because my grandma never let me as a kid. I'm actually kind of afraid of getting dirty.

28. I don't like other people's feet. I don't know why. I just don't.

29. The beach is amazing to me. I could stare at the ocean for hours.

30. I hate having braces because I don't like having other people's hands in my mouth.

31. My cousin Tabetha is the only person I tell everything. She's 18.

32. I love Taylor Swift. She's my favorite single artist.

33. I believe that there is a reason for everything.

34. I really want to see Patch Adams, but I can't find it anywhere.

35. I am extremely mature for my age.

36. Most of my friends are older than me.

37. I'm always tan. Beth is jealous of that.

38. I read Junie B. Jones books to my sister, because I like them and she does too.

39. Savannah once cried when I told her I was too tired to read anymore.

40. I have the same birthday as Beth's mom.

41. I know a lot of people with the same name.

42. There are two younger kids named Stormy in Rosewood.

43. They are both named after me.

44. My mom drives a school bus.

45. I've had the same handwriting since 7th grade.

46. I got in trouble in first grade for writing my name in cursef. The teacher said it made the other kids look bad.

47. I hate it when I'm at a restaurant around my birthday and the people I'm with tell the waitress and they sing to me.

48. I believe a little prayer goes a long way.

49. I like photography.

50. I like writing.

51. I have had the same teacher for every science course I've taken in high school.

52. She's my 2nd cousin.

53. I went to private school for kindergarten.

54. I'm synesthetic. Everything has a color.

55. I've been in Rosewood since first grade.

56. I like big cities, but I could never live in one.

57. I love small town life.

58. Fall is my favorite season.

59. Christmas is my favorite holiday.

60. My birthday is in Summer.

61. I love the beginning of Spring.

62. My two favorite foods are chicken and pasta.

63. I love Cheerios.

64. I love road trips.

65. I'm afraid of airplanes.

66. I've only been to Disney World once, and I was 14.

67. I'm going again in March.

68. Both times are because of chorus. We go on a big trip every year to sing.

69. I've been to America Sings twice. I love it.

70. I think technology is awesome.

71. I need a job.

72. I like driving.

73. I love it when the fair comes.

74. I like Twilight and Harry Potter.

75. Thanksgiving is my second favorite holiday.

76. I like watching the Macy's parade.

77. I love shopping early morning on Black Friday.

78. I want to take a year long trip to New York City so that I can be there for big events such as the Macy's Parade and the New Year's festivities.

79. I really want to see Wicked on Broadway.

80. I should be getting ready to go to the beach right now.

81. I love Monkeys and Panda Bears.

82. I'm obsessed with Farmville on Facebook.

83. I'm learning part of the dance to Thriller with Show Choir.

84. We are considering performing it at Disney.

85. My mom would have named me Stormy even if I was a boy.

86. I would have made people call me Storm.

87. My sister and I have the same initials.

88. Her middle name is Reese. It's my grandma's maiden name.

89. Her first name was our great grandma's name or somethiing like that.

90. My middle name was also a great grandma's name or something like that.

91. I own most of the animated Disney movies.

92. I still own a working VCR to watch them.

93. I love Curious George.

94. My two favorite shows as a kid were Barney and Rugrats.

95. My mom liked Teletubbies when I was little.

96. My favorite disney characters are Chip-n-Dale.

97. I love watching Peanuts holiday specials.

98. I'm not even close to being ready to leave home.

99. My favorite channel is TLC.

100. I love blogging!

Happy Thanksgiving Everyone!

2009-11-26T11:32:00.002-05:00

I am thankful for absolutely everything that I have.

My prayer this morning is that those who do not have all of the blessings that I do will have a wonderful and filling Thanksgiving.

God Bless!

Edited Turtle Pic

2009-11-23T18:14:00.002-05:00

so you can see the turtles better.

Real Deal Pictures!!

2009-11-23T18:01:00.003-05:00

I don't know if you can see them or not, but there are like 20 turtles in this pic!

This one is of Majesty and Allison at Tiki Jims

This is me with Walt Anderson, the guy that invited us.

This one is me and one of my BFFs, Cassie.

This is me with another BFF, Beth.

This one is me and Allie on the beach!!

Real Deal Weekend was AWESOME!!!

2009-11-22T21:36:00.003-05:00

and I have the whole story plus pictures for you tomorrow in place of Meet a Friend Monday! You will still meet some friends, but they will be my church friends that came to Real Deal with me.
Just wanted to let you know I am home safe!

The Real Deal Weekend

2009-11-20T16:30:00.002-05:00

I'm on the way there now.
It's at Myrtle Beach.

While I wait impatiently to arrive, I have decided to enter the Make Merry Gift Swap over at Kingdom Twindom.

No idea what I'm gonna make yet.

I'll come up with something.

Will blog again when we get finished with tonight's festivities.