Our Adventures in Colorado

I'll start off by saying we were there for one of the two weeks because a kid at the camp got the Swine Flu and the Health Department said everyone had to go home. Ellen, Dad, and I felt fine the entire time, and never got it.

Anyways, onto the good stuff. The camp far surpassed anything I could have imagined. Here are some highlights:

-Friendships. Despite the fact that we were only there for a week Ellen and I both quickly clicked with a group of girls. They felt like long lost sisters. We've been able to keep in touch since Summit and I love that! Everyone was really focused on Christ and it was such a great atmosphere to be able to share about my faith at the meal table, in the rooms, and classroom. I hadn't met any of these people before and yet it was so easy to start conversations and get to know them. I also had a great small group, that I loved sooo much and had alot of fun getting to know!

-Studies. We had amazing classroom instructors. Summit offers the best of the best, and boy oh boy do they know their stuff! We had a lot of classroom time and even though I was typically tired my brain was like a sponge trying to soak it all in.

-Landscape. Colorado is God's country, end of story. Seriosuly though if it wasn't such a long ways from our house I'd move there. Even though it was mostly rainy while we were there, I enjoyed spending time outside and looking at the magnificent mountains.

-Olympic Training Center. We got to tour the Olympic training center near Denver area. I love love love the Olympics and so I enjoyed looking at the training centers in person. Someday I'll go to the real Olympics... someday!!!

I'm excited because our Summit t-shirts are coming in the mail soon. Also, because Ellen and I are going back to Summit for two weeks this August for the last session. I was a little apprehensive just because our first experience was so amazing and I don't want to go back and be disappointed but I think I'm making the right choice.

Three trips to Colorado in ONE summer! Wow... I'm blessed!

I'm in Michigan and don't have any have Summit pictures on my computer but will get some on Facebook soon.

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It's About Time

This post is longer than most but so much has been happening and I don't want to leave anything out!

Summit was even more wonderful than everyone said it would be, besides the fact it got cut short [that story will be in a different update, sorry for the cliffhanger]. It was so beautiful in Colorado and if it wasn't so far away I would move there.

I wanted to bring the mountains home to replace the mounds of dirt or "hills" we have here in MN.


Earlier this week our family dressed up, and went to the "Chanhassen Dinner Theater", to see "Seven Brides for Seven Brothers." It was a blast! The food was delicious, we had great seats, and the play was very well preformed and incredibly funny!

No, my eyes aren't normally this dark; red-eye reducation just got a little caried away.

Steak, potatos, and veggies? Yes please!

We were basically on the stage. It was great!


Add it to the history books, as of June 4th, Dad is 50!!! It's official both of my parents are "over the hill." We celebrated Dads birthday by surprising him at work with his other employees, Mom made a special dinner [of his choice], and we went out to see the movie, Earth.

Dad chose steak for his birthday dinner. Steak twice in one week = a good week!

Ladderball! That could come in handy at my open house if it doesn't rain ;)


We've got a busy week coming up. Uncle Brian, Aunt Judy, Sarah, Timmy, and Jared are coming on Thursday to help with graduation prep!!! Can't wait! Also, the day after my graduation party the family is leaving for Michigan for our annual two weeks vacation. The family has been doing a ton of work helping to prepare for the graduation party. I'm sooo thankful!

They've all been very faithful watering our brown lawn as well the new grass seeds we just planted.


Please ignore the quality of these pictures, the small digital camera we have is from the stone age and needs an update!

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Where I'm Headed

For the last few months I've been prodded with one particular question. But it's not only me, it's all 2009 graduates. The question... "What are you doing next fall?!" At first this question didn't bother me but as the school year has come to a close and graduation is quickly on it's way I'm being asked this even MORE and we'll just say it's getting old. So here's a blog update to answer a few of the common questions.

Where are you going to school? The Association Free Lutheran Bible School [AFLBS].

Where is it located? Plymouth, Minnesota. Roughly 20 minutes from my house.

How long will you be there? 2 years.

Are you living at home? No. Not only is it required that I live in the dorms but, Joel has begun making plans to move his drum set into my room.

How did you find out about the school? The Bible school is a part of The Association Free Lutheran Congregations [AFLC] which is the denomination our church is a part of. I’ve also known about the school for awhile because many of my friends have gone there.

Is it really expensive? No. It's roughly $9,000 a year including room, food, classes, etc...

Why did you choose this school? Because, my Christian faith is very important to me and I want to focus on God two years before I continue onto another college. Some of the credits I earn will go towards my future degree, but my main purpose isn’t the academic credits it’s diving into God's word and drawing closer to him. Another reason I want to go is to find strong Christian friends. This may sound a little cheesy, and you many be thinking... "Go to college to find friends...?!" But here's the deal. Friendships are really important. I was talking to a friend yesterday and there were a few seniors from our church last year that have fallen away from God in a big way. Why? Because of the people they're hanging around. Sure I could find strong Christian friends if I didn't go to this school, but I know that by going to school with them and constantly being in the Word we'll be a lot closer, and I also know that these are friendships I'll treasure for the rest of my life. Woah, that was a long answer...

Who will you be rooming with next year? Her name is Brianne she is from North Dakota and I've know her for roughly 2 years. She's super fun and we're both really looking forward to rooming together! Next year will be her second year.

What’s next after AFLBS? After two years there, I’ll get an art degree for photography. Also, possibly a minor in some kind of web design or something. This is just the tentative plan and knowing me, will probably change within the next 2 years. God willing, photography will start coming together soon, and I'll have a business up and running within the next two years. I'm starting a business at age 18 and our country is in a "economic spiral downwards!" I try convincing myself that I'm crazy but it's a dream and what kind of person would I be if I didn't run after my dreams?

So that's that. If anyone has anymore questions leave them in the comment box and I'll be sure to answer them!

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I know I'm not supposed to be fearful, but...

...Joel's Driving! Is it just me or does this scare anyone else?

I don't know why he has such an angry face. Maybe it's the fact that he doesn't like his picture taken. All I know is that he loves driving TOO much [at least that's how Ellen, Anna, and I feel]. At least once a day he's begging Mom or Dad to take an unnecessary library run, or trip to the grocery trip, just so that he can drive.


This picture is even scarier. Mostly because he's driving MY future vehicle!!! I hope it lasts to the fall.


Lately he's been asking my parents if he can drive out to Michigan when we go in June. The family has voted:

1- Yes
3- No's
2- Maybe

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Details Details Details

A week from sunday I leave with Ellen and Dad to fly out to Colorado for a two week worldview camp called, Summit. I'll return on May 30th exactly two weeks before my big graduation party. In the week before I leave for Colorado I have made many lists [ I LOVE LISTS] detailing everything that needs to get done. Everything from renewing my license, finishing up a college application, doing math\science, shopping for summer clothes, to finish planning my graduation party.

Meanwhile, Mom had been gently prodding me with questions... What kind of food? Color schemes. Invitations. Guest lists. Decorations. Games. The list of details goes on and on. Yesterday I said,

"Enough. I don't care what happens you make all the decisions!"

I hate making decsions. If I can barely plan a graduation party without going crazy there's no way I'll make it through months of wedding planning in a few years [I hope my future huspand\mother-in-law lets me elope!].

So much to do so little time is what I've been thinking lately.

Here are a few quotes I found about time, I really liked them!

“Don’t count every hour in the day, make every hour in the day count.”

“You can't change the past, but you can ruin the present by worrying about the future”

“Lost time is never found again.” -Benjamin Franklin

Speaking of wasting time... what am I doing up at 11:40 pm... WRITING A BLOG! This was not on my todo list. Funny how things like blogging and facebook mysteriously become priorities when they shouldn't be, isn't it?!

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Chef Julia [kinda]

You must understand something. I don't cook. A few months ago Mom left for a few days. After eating pizza for breakfast, lunch, and dinner I was eager to eat something else. So one morning I made, or attempted to make, pancakes. Easy, right? Not so much. Not one turned out. They were either gooey or burnt.

Cooking has never really been my thing. But this past Thursday Mom asked me to make supper. She was rushed, tired, and stressed. The last thing she wanted to do was make dinner. Without thinking I blurted out, "YES, I'd love to make supper!" A second later she was gone and I stood in the kitchen thinking... "What had a I gotten myself into?"

In the end, much to my disbelief, everything turned out! I don't think any cooking adventure of mine has ever turned out so well! The meal was a sucess.







My one mistake. Forgetting to take the butter off the hot stove! Half of it melted before I noticed it.

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Yes, I'm addicted

Mondays are my least favorite day of the week. Maybe because it's the end of sleeping in, no more weekend, the beginning of school, and a schedule. Whatever the case, I always look forward to Fox @ 8:00... 24! I've never been much of a TV show junkie, with the exception of American Idol and The Biggest Loser [Yes, you can make fun of me!]. But this year, the family, except Mom, always goes downstairs with our homework and see how Jack saves the world every week!



Anyone else care to share their TV show addictions?

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Giving up the Habit

A little over a week ago I gave up pop for lent. In the past I usually either pick something to give up that really isn't that hard to give up, or I quit halfway through the 40 days. But not this year! So far, its been hard not to drink pop, especially when its either sitting in front of my face or being offered to me. I know by next week I'll be used to not drinking it, and it won't be so bad. I just have to remind myself why I'm actually doing it, and thats to remember Jesus and his sacrifice. Remembering that makes it so much easier to give up pop!



Did anyone else give up anything for Lent?

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random things pt 2

13. I eat my spaghetti without red sauce, and my pancakes without syrup.

14. I wear pants all year long and hardly wear shorts.

15. I enjoy looking at random people's blogs.

16. I'm a commited Vikings fan even though they never win and only ruin Minnesotans hopes for the Super Bowl.

17. I order off the childrens menus when I go to Culvers.

18. I don't like the thick head bands that girls are wearing these days... espcially the plastic ones!

19. I think groups like the Jonas Brothers, Taylor Swift, and Miley Cyrus\Hannah Montana are overated, and don't deserve their fame!

20. I think people way overedit pictures in Picnik and make them look dumb.

21. I enjoy watching the Biggest Loser, and yes, I do get laughed at and made fun of by my family.

22. I enjoy playing pointless games on the computer like Minesweeper and Solitaire.

23. I don't like roses and I hope my boyfriend never buys them for me.

24. I like gold more than silver, and pearls more than diamonds.

25. Sometimes I take showers at midnight [this happens about once a week]!

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Good Fortune, Okay Maybe Not

A few weeks ago our family was over at our friends house having a birthday party. There were bowls of chocolate everywhere, and being the sucker for sugar [especially chocolate] that I am, I had a few. Okay I lie...I had A LOT! But seriously it's so much fun reading all the messages inside, and of course... simply eating the chocolate! Well in at least three of the chocolates I got the same message! Is that not a sign or what! I wonder what this means?



Well for all of you reading this and thinking, "oh no!!", Julia is becoming "new age" well...I'm not. I don't believe in these messages, or in the little fortune cookies at Chinese restraunts, but I do enjoy reading them.

***By the way... this blog is obviously going under some major reconstruction! Stuff is being moved around quite a bit, but hopefully I'll eventually get it all figured out!

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random things pt 1

So on facebook everyone has been posting 25 random things about themselves. I decided to blog my 25 things because I haven't blogged lately. Enjoy!

1. I love lists, and will write something [I've already accomplished] down just so I can cross it off. It makes me feel good.

2.I enjoy polotics.

3. I like the smell of sharpie markers.

4. I'd rather be hot than cold.

5. I play my music loud in the car with my windows up, even in the summer.

6. The first thing I notice about people is their hair and smile.

7. I'd prefer cleaning the toilet to vaccuming.

8. Custard from culvers is WAY better than ice cream!

9. I really like mirrors and have 13 in my room.

10. I listen to Christmas music all year long.

11. I don't have my ears pierced but buy earrings if they're on sale. I can't ignore a good deal :\

12. I love conversations in the dark.

I'll post the rest another day!

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growing older

This past saturday I turned 18!!! I welcomed in the day at 12:01 am with some family and close friends! I woke up later that day, around 10:00, to find the house decorated with streamers, balloons and notes! Dad took me out to lunch and I spent the afternoon relaxing and watching football! That evening friends came over to celebrate!

It's hard to believe that I'm a "adult". I can buy cigarettes, vote, starting dating :) , no more curfew [not that I had one before], and be tried as an adult in court, just to name a few. It felt weird getting stuff like a laundry basket, closet storage containter, extension cords and other stuff as presents for my dorm room this fall! But I enjoyed it! I'm glad to be an adult, and I'm enjoying more responsibility and privledges...so far!

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So...

Why do I live in Minnesota?

Fyi... click to enlarge picture and see minnesota ;)

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Contemplations

I think it's easy on holiday's like Thanksgiving, to either get caught up with the mountains of food, or by making a battle plan on how to attack the next morning of shopping. But in the end that's not the point, it's to be thankful. Sometimes I think its funny that we have a day set aside to be thankful, since we should be thankful everyday. It's almost an excuse to take a day off of work and school or something.

Nonetheless, I'll be exceptionally thankful tomorrow... it will be almost a year since we discovered Dad had cancer, and now he's been cancer free for six months. But there's so much more! Ellen started driving this year and nobody died, speaking of death my car hasn't died yet either. We've had food on our table everyday of the year, I've survived half a year of school classes, and I have amazing friends and family who love and support me at my best and worst moments. But even if I didn't have any of those things I would still be thankful because I have my Savior who is with me all the time, listening to my every need and being patient when I'm not.

Happy Thanksgiving Everyone!

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I feel like rambling...

So Friday night Joel and Anna both had slumber parties [different parties]. Not gonna lie, it was kinda weird with just Ellen, Mom, Dad, and I at home. We had some friends over, and watched the movie: What About Bob ... very funny! Although I enjoyed the extra quiet and peace around the house, its good to have them home again.

On Saturday, Dad had a radio interview, and Ellen and I tagged along for the fun of it! Later that afternoon I babysat, from 4:15 until 6:45, and I got $25 bucks, AND it was only one kid. Can't really complain about that... huh?! My friend Rachael, was in a high school play called, Guys and Dolls. That started at 7:30 and it was a ton of fun! It was preformed very well, and I was able to catch up with a lot of friends I haven't seen in a long time!

This morning Ellen and I taught sunday school class for 2 year olds! So much fun! It's a big highlight of my Sunday mornings. The kids are always so excited to learn about Jesus, and some of the funniest things of my week happen on these mornings. We had five extra minutes at the end of class today, and had a "dance party" with bubbles :) I guess you probably wouldn't call us a "normal" class!

Right now, I'm in the basement watching football [GO VIKING'S], and I'll probably take a nap before youth group tonight! Sunday's are my favorite day of the week!

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Problems

So we have two computers in the house. Our basement one has all 2,000+ pictures [some of which aren't backed up], all our homework assignments, etc... Earlier this morning it broke down, and we can't get it to work! Hopefully we'll get most of our stuff back.

Nonetheless its a good reminder to not trust in the things of this world because they will fail. I'm sooo glad that I believe in a God I can fully rely on all the time, he's trustworthy, and has my best interest in mind!

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leaving

this weekend i'll be gone at a youth retreat. i'll be back sunday and i promise a "real" update to come sometime next week! have a great weekend everyone!

here are some pictures ellen and i took, during a photoshoot yesterday. i love fall!!!

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life

Recently life has been a roller coaster, and I can barely hang on. I'm ready for my roller coaster ride to end, and life to proceed as normal.


the cause of craziness:
-SAT prep
-catching up on science
-applying for jobs
-planning sunday school
-getting chores and school done before a weekend away
-photography

i'll try to get some football pictures of joel up sometime before i leave this weekend.

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Backyard Theater

This past weekend we gathered at a friends house for the second "drive in" movie theater of the summer. weather couldn't have been better, it really was the perfect night. We had burgers, and lots of junk food. There was a raffle and we watched a John Wayne movie [I can't remember the name]. Some of you might be wondering how on earth we set it up, well we used a projecter from my Dad's work, and hung up a kingsize sheet. The host, also works as a DJ and had all the sound equitment necessary! Here's some shots from the night [espceially the details, they make everything so memorable].

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Back in the day....

... we all looked a little different.

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