Life In Technicolor

QOTD

2010-02-07T21:46:00.000-08:00

"Yeah, I learned all the things I wanted to learn... you know, about the email, and the Craigslist, and the Wahoo." - Grandpa Nickles

Weekend.

2010-01-11T17:55:00.000-08:00

Took it off Facebook, added it here.

I wrote this after I got back from a mini Joshua reunion in December 2005.

Only five hours ago I was still at Hume... still on the mountain... still in the middle of the vastness of God's beautiful and glorious creation. There were friends... my Joshua family... filling me with laughter, joy, tears... wrapped in my arms... forever in my heart. There was a wedding... a declaration of love to God, to one other, to family and friends... a promise. There were infinite amounts of memories... of "remember whens"... of good stories, embarrassing moments, and reality past, present, and future. There was a finished video... a year of friendship, love, growth, pain, laughter, tears, hugs, smiles, memories... documented, dedicated, and shared. But mostly, there was time... time: to spend sitting and talking... being content... being close to actually touching a tangible piece of satisfaction. I am still so consumed with emotion... the purest joy of being reunited with souls forever connected through our Savior... the sharpest pain of realizing we have no assurance of seeing each other again on this earth... and the love that runs deeper than all else, that is beyond all measure... and the knowledge that we will always have heaven. this is what we cling to... what we press on for. But for now, Hume is our heaven on earth. It is where we go to find ourselves... each other... love. And this is where I have left my heart, in so many ways.

Can't Stop Smiling!

2009-12-14T13:18:00.000-08:00

It's such a fantastic feeling, having something to be excited about again! Not that there aren't small things that I can be excited about on a daily basis, like a breakthrough in a session with one of my little clients... or fun conversations with my roommates because we're girls and we love to giggle... or Jesus and the ways I've seen him working in my life the last few months. But, this is a new excitement... something that I haven't had in awhile now. And I can't stop smiling about it. It's glorious.

Good vs. Evil

2009-12-11T02:30:00.001-08:00

I insist on believing that some good can be found in every individual, despite the fact that the bible says that everyone is born sinful. I do not believe the bible is wrong, but I do believe that change can be made. Hello, social work. You're taking over my life.

What a night!

2009-12-11T01:08:00.000-08:00

Have you ever experienced something so completely unexpected that it takes a significant amount of time for it to even sink in? Yeah. Me too. Crazy, unbelievable, shocking, and SO fantastic. Hm. This'll be interesting...

Lavendar, Elvis, and Lots of Wine

2009-12-06T19:55:00.000-08:00

Well, had the big 60th Anniversary/90th Birthday Party Celebration this weekend for my grandparents, and WHAT a party it was! Tons of relatives that hadn't gotten together since the last reunion ten years ago. Lots of old people that I had never seen before. Decorations, and ornaments, and diamonds, and lavendar, and candles. An Elvis impersonator who is a long-time friend of the family and made not just the women, but the men blush too. Months of preparation and an entire day of decorating. Fun dressing up fancy-like and feeling pretty for an evening. Cosmic bowling afterward with the cousins. Was a blast!

Sigh.

2009-11-08T17:00:00.000-08:00

I haven't forgotten that I have a blog.
I'm just busy.
Not in the way I'd like to be busy.
I'm busy writing papers, and going to class, and reading an insanely large number of pages in textbooks, and doing an internship which is basically working part-time without getting paid for it.
I knew it would be like this.
I'm not complaining.
I've actually nearly completed 25% of the two years it will take to get my MSW.
That's kind of exciting.
I've recently become re-obsessed with Ireland.
Thus, I've decided I should travel there once I've graduated.
I feel like after the number of graduations I will have had at that point, I might deserve it.
Or need it, rather.
Unless I have a job at that point.
That could be tricky.
Often I think about writing here, but I decide that it will take too long or that I don't want to get too emotional or invest too much thought into trying to explain something that probably only makes sense to me.
So, I just don't.
I love reading about everyone else.
They always have much more interesting things to say, or artistic inspirations to share.
Sometimes I wonder if there's anything interesting about me.
I mean, I know there is.
I think.
I mean, there is, and I know it's silly to wonder about it.
But sometimes I feel like most everyone else is more interesting than I am.
Maybe they are.
Or at least, in different ways.
Sometimes I still feel like I'm waiting to become who I am.
According to psychology studies, you don't really know who you are until you're 27.
I have four months.
Or, a year and four months.
Maybe I get to figure it out while I'm 27.
That makes me feel a little better to think about it that way.
Well.
I guess I should get back to that paper I'm writing.
One of the ones that usually keeps me from updating this silly blog.
Or, I could go to Ireland.
That sounds better.

Revelation

2009-10-12T01:15:00.000-07:00

Realized something today. Well, more than one something. Listened to some fantastic podcasts from Wake@1BL. Good insight. Quite a refreshing feeling right now. Afraid to start a new day, though. Afraid this feeling will be gone with the sunrise.

Grad School.

2009-09-20T23:17:00.000-07:00

I've been in grad school for one month now. Tomorrow, Monday, begins week #5 of the semester. Grad school is hard. What was I thinking?

The End of the Film

2009-08-09T22:38:00.001-07:00

I can't stop thinking about it. I can't. It's driving me crazy. It makes me feel angry, and hurt, and confused... and I'm frustrated that I can't stop thinking about it. I feel pathetic and weak. I feel like a fool. I've always had a difficult time trusting people, and not necessarily because of one big instance in my life, but because of all the little things that have built up over the years. Especially trusting words. Words are powerful. But for once, for ONCE, I finally let myself believe everything. All of it. I finally LET GO. I gave in, said "come what may," and actually believed that everything would be the way the words said they would. FINALLY did it. And, to what purpose? To have it slapped back in my face, my heart stabbed, and my inner-NESS -- not quite my soul, but something close to it -- kicked to the side of the road and forgotten, wounded, bleeding, and possibly scarred. Memories are powerful. Memories of verbs, nouns, adjectives... at once making sense, then suddenly dropped, erased from the story. Why does it matter so much to me? Why do I let it live in my mind, when it has no existence anywhere else? It's like an old-fashioned movie playing in a darkened attic, and as the end of the film nears, the tape on the reel begins to flap, replaying the last scene over and over... and I just sit there watching it, hoping that THIS time it will make sense. It never does.

Optimistic Realism

2009-08-01T21:35:00.000-07:00

I like to think of myself as an optimistic realist. I don't know if this is an actual 'thing' and my mother informed me tonight that optimistic realism isn't possible; nonetheless, I choose to believe that is what I am. Accepting reality but choosing to view it with an optimistic flair, if you will. However, sometimes I think I get too caught up in the 'optimism' part and thus become disappointed in the 'realism' part. At least when it comes to people and my belief in who they are and their potential to become who I think they can be. Too often I find myself seeing only the good in others; their positive attributes, their gifts and talents, who they are on a 'good' day. I subconsciously choose to not remember their faults, their humanity... creating a mega-person of sorts, I guess. So, when my idea of their goodness becomes 'tainted' by their humanity, it throws me for a loop. I don't like it. It messes up my thought-system. My optimistic world view loosens its grip a bit and reality forges ahead, leaving me behind in my let-down mess. And I admit that this is completely my fault. How dare I expect my idea of who someone is, their 'perfect' self, to reign true? Yet, each time that idea of a certain perfection is muddled, I'm still surprised. I'm confused. I'm hurt. Sometimes my optimistic realism is actually what I want reality to be, instead of what it is. It's as if I create my own 'Noah and the Flood' each time it happens. A systematic hurting, healing, learning and moving on. But I'd rather have it this way as opposed to a strictly realistic viewpoint... I like to see the good in others, in the world... I like the opportunity for growth, for perseverance, for hope.

QOTD

2009-08-01T21:30:00.001-07:00

Haskel, 5 years old: Can you call my mom? Because I quit camp.

Tank: Why?

Haskel: Because it takes too long to get to lunchtime and you can't lay down during the God songs.

*Later on*

Haskel: Is anyone going to call my mom?? Because if you're not, then I'm going to.

Jr. High + Jesus = Love!

2009-06-24T21:10:00.001-07:00

I LOVE being a Jr. High leader at church. Love it. I can't get enough of the ridiculous games and competitions, especially when the boys have to cheat in order to win... I love hanging around and catching up with the girls, whether it's about who the next cute boy is in their lives or what silly thing they did to entertain themselves that day... I like that the boys will actually play football with me, even though I'm a girl... it's way too much fun to watch the other leaders crack themselves up... the discussion times with the girls are so much fun when we get to share our lives with one another, have chat time and talk about Jesus... and, every so often, I take a step back and realize what an honor, privilege and a complete joy it is to be a part of these kids' lives. I absolutely love it.

Please Step Back

2009-06-09T19:07:00.000-07:00

I'd just like to remind the general public that I am not, in fact, European, and I am okay with that. I appreciate space and cling dearly to my personal bubble in most, if not all, situations. At least in public. Around people I don't know. So, this evening when I was in the check-out line at the grocery store waiting for my turn to pay, I realized why I was beginning to feel uncomfortable: the man behind me was quite literally breathing down my neck. Okay, so whatever. I'll try to deal. But then when you realize that you're both looking at the magazine covers of half-naked women and the "next best way to get him to do what you want," it makes it that much more awkward. Hence, the presumed position: stepping as closely as I could to the lady in front of me, wrapping my arms tightly around my wallet and grasping it as closely to my person as I could, and staring straight forward, hoping that I could psych myself out and pretend there wasn't a man standing so close to me that if I were to turn around my nose would be touching his chest. I think it's okay to want at least a minimum amount of personal space. I'm okay with the fact that I'm not as free and open as the Europeans are, and that I'm not okay with riding buses or subways, clinging desperately to a handrail while I strain my muscles so hard that I probably actually pull one, just to prevent my face from landing straight into the armpit of the semi-questionable, definitely sweaty person next to me. Thank you, America, for creating and celebrating comfort zones. Now, please take a step back.

QOTD

2009-05-28T22:29:00.000-07:00

Something that really stuck with me from church on Sunday:

Don't spiritualize your preferences into something connected to salvation or being a true Christian.

So many times I've needed to be reminded of that, or could have used it as a platform for certain "discussions" with others...

Grampy Steals the Show Again

2009-04-20T21:35:00.001-07:00

Went to Cho Cho San for dinner since my cousin is in town visiting...
(Warning: This entry rated PG-13)

*Waiting for our food at the table*

Grampy: Jesse, do you eat with chopsticks when you go to your girl's house? ... Does she eat with chopsticks at your house?

*Watching our food being prepared by the talented cook*

Grampy: Jesse, all of your sons are going to be learning how to do this.

*Talking about all the ladies at the house where Grampy stays*

Mom: Yeah, she thinks you're cute.
Grampy: Well, I am!

*Asking Grampy about the company he wants to start*

Elizabeth: Grandpa, what kind of a company is it?
Grampy: Retail.
Elizabeth: Oh! What do you sell?
Grampy: Well, everything from sanitary napkins to cereal.
*Hysterical laughter*
Mom: Why are sanitary napkins the first things you think of?
Grampy: They're NOT the first thing I think of!
...
Grampy: The traveling salesman told me all about them. I know all about the sizes, the softness, the hardness...
*Hysterical laughter, again*

*Trying to put Grampy back in the car*

Mom: Dad, lift your left leg! Dad! Your left leg! Lift your leg!
Grampy: That's not my left leg, that's my sex organ!

QOTD

2009-04-19T18:38:00.000-07:00

I absolutely love this quote:

Real love doesn't ask what is in it for me; it just gives unconditionally. It just tries to take the weight out of someone else's pack, lessen the load, and if it gets reciprocated, that's great, but it isn't what you did it for. - Donald Miller

Easter Brunch Quotes

2009-04-12T20:06:00.000-07:00

*Grampy snacking on carrots and dip before brunch*

Grammy: Don't dip it in there so deep!
Grampy: Well you have to if you want to get anything on it!

*Waiting for mom to finish in the kitchen before we eat*

Grampy: Where's Leesi?
Grammy: In the kitchen.
Grampy: Well good, that's where I want her!

*Grampy having difficulty eating the scone he's holding. Thanks, stroke*

Grampy: Well how'd it get all the way down there?

*At the table*

Grampy: What do you call this Vodka drink?
Mom: Pink lemonade.

*Opening the 'Resurrection Eggs', as Grammy gets to the one containing the "stone"*

Grampy: Well, he'd be living in a gopher hold if that was the size of it!

*Mom trying to help feed Grampy*

Grampy: Leesi, don't rub it all over my face!

*After Mom and Dad brought Grampy back from the bathroom*

Grampy: I want Leesi to save her baby-making parts for things other than lifting.

Grad School!

2009-04-10T20:09:00.000-07:00

I got the letter in the mail today! I was accepted to the Social Work Master's program at CSU Fullerton! I am SO excited! It's such a relief knowing I get to finally do what my heart is so passionate about. Cannot WAIT! =)

Random Fact

2009-04-05T14:35:00.000-07:00

I don't like carpet in bathrooms.

Things I'd Like To Say About Today

2009-03-30T21:12:00.000-07:00

1. Freeway signs should tell you which side of the freeway your next freeway-of-choice will be on.

2. People should get in trouble for not using their blinkers.

3. Interview-ers should at least RESPOND to interview-ees, and not just blankly stare until the interview-ee has completed answering a question. How is the interview-ee supposed to know if they should keep talking? If they answered it even remotely 'correct'? If anyone in the room has any idea what he or she just said?

4. The city of Placentia should have never been named that.

5. There needs to be more than a one-lane freeway entrance to get on the 91, especially when 50 feet back it's the bus lane, and there's no WAY you can get over in time... thus resulting in 3.5 U-turns before you can actually start heading home.

6. I was the minority for once! Maybe I WILL get in!

7. Just because I'm dressed nicely doesn't mean I'm going to the Job Fair. And no, I don't know where it is.

8. The CSUF map said there was cheaper parking. It lied. I paid $8.00 to park for less than 2 hours.

9. CSUF students really like hot dogs.

10. I sang all the way home, and didn't care who looked at me through the window. That's a lie. I did care. I just made sure my lips weren't moving as much if I lined up with a car in the middle of traffic.

11. You want to live on the OTHER side of the train tracks in Fullerton. Trust me.

Come Home

2009-03-29T19:00:00.000-07:00

Normally, the reason I love a song is because of the music... the melodies, the harmonies, the amazing drums, the beautiful piano... but today, for some reason, the lyrics somehow made it into my consciousness, and this specific song is almost EXACTLY what I am thinking, feeling, wanting to say at this moment. So thank you, Onerepublic, for recording some incredible lyrics.

"Come Home" by Onerepublic

Hello, world, hope you're listening.
Forgive me if I'm young
Or speaking out of turn.
There's someone I've been missing,
And I think that they could be the better half of me.

They're in the wrong place, trying to make it right,
But I'm tired of justifying.

So I say to you:
Come home, come home,
'Cause I've been waiting for you for so long, so long.
And right now there's a war between the vanities,
But all I see is you and me,
And the fight for you is all I've ever known, ever known,
So come home.

I get lost in the beauty of everything I see.
The world ain't half as bad as they paint it to be.
If all the sons, all the daughters stop to take it in,
Well, hopefully the hate subsides and the love can begin.

It might start now, or maybe I'm just dreaming out loud.
Well, until then,

Come home, come home,
'Cause I've been waiting for you for so long, so long.
And right now there's a war between the vanities,
But all I see is you and me,
And the fight for you is all I've ever known, ever known,
So come home.

Everything I can't be is everything you should be,
And that's why I need you here.
Everything I can't be is everything you should be,
And that's why I need you here.

So hear this now:
Come home, come home,
'Cause I've been waiting for you for so long, so long,
And right now there's a war between the vanities,
But all I see is you and me,
And the fight for you is all I've ever known, ever known,
So come home, come home.

Goodness

2009-03-28T21:08:00.000-07:00

Today was a good day. Spent most of it washing things... the dog, the cars, the dishes... productive day! I had a much more positive outlook on life today than I have been able to muster the past week. Had a GREAT conversation with my parents. Did a lot of writing yesterday... for myself, for others... quite therapeutic. Got to chat with Alissa recently, which was SO nice, because it was starting to feel like we lived in separate worlds. Had a lovely dinner with grandparents and cousins and adorable children tonight... it's amazing what a pair of dimples can do for the soul! More camp sign-ups tomorrow at church. Preparing for an interview with CSUF on Monday... really excited, slightly nervous, but overall have a good feeling about it. I'm ready to get my life to a point where it feels like it's moving again. I'm ready for the part where I help change the world.

Running Around in Slow Motion

2009-03-27T19:26:00.000-07:00

Sometimes I forget that life is happening around me, despite whatever it is that's going on in my own life. It's somewhat embarrassing, realizing how caught up I can get in my own actions, emotions, worries. It's so easy to think about others when everything is going well with me. Funny how that is. There doesn't seem to be enough time in the day for me to analyze one more thought, cry over one more hurt, or attempt to figure out how to make things happen the way I want them to happen. If I could make myself physically move and accomplish things at the same rate my mind moves, I would seriousy be Wonder Woman. I would. Because while I sit there, I let myself begin to obsess over the little things, and it feels like it will never end... my thoughts are running around at lightning-speed while I just sit there, letting everything else happen in slow motion.

Treasure Box

2009-03-20T23:48:00.000-07:00

Tonight I pulled down this dusty box from the very highest shelf in my closet. I set it down, got all comfy in my bed, and slowly opened it up. My treasure box. I couldn't believe all the memories I had trapped in there, intentionally trying to keep them all locked up inside, not letting them out until I decided it was safe again. One of the notes I found in there actually instructed me to use the box as a place to keep my treasure... which I did. What I didn't do was realize how big a treasure I actually had before I locked it all away. Memory after memory came pouring out as I spent hundreds of minutes slowly and delicately peeling back time with each paper, photo, keepsake I uncovered. I sit here in awe at what I have so lovingly and preciously re-locked away, trying to figure out why I needed or wanted to lock it away in the first place. Something so valuable, so adored is meant to be cared for, cherished, loved. Aren't things like that supposed to get even better with time? But I suppose they can't, if they're locked up and tucked away, intentionally meant to be forgotten on a shelf until it's safe to pull them back out again.

Invisible Children: The Rescue

2009-03-08T21:38:00.000-07:00

I cannot tell you how many times I have seen the "Invisible Children" documentary, how many times it has touched me in a different way... or how many times the video ends and I find tears streaming down my face yet again.

The guys telling the story have worked for years to give those children a voice, and they continue to work for peace, and to rescue the child soldiers who are still under Joseph Kony's reign. They have made a new documentary, and are letting everyone know about another opportunity to get involved and how to provide a voice for the children of northern Uganda.

Get involved.

Go here for more information: www.therescue.invisiblechildren.com

Watch the video. It will change your life.

QOTD

2009-02-28T21:07:00.001-08:00

"I'm not prejudiced, but I think I'm getting there." - Mom

QOTD

2009-02-15T21:38:00.001-08:00

"Because he doesn't dance. He gets all up on me." -Brian

QOTD

2009-02-09T20:22:00.000-08:00

Overheard tonight...

Dad: "It doesn't work this way. I can't do it like that."

Mom: "Yes it does, just do it right there."

Dad: "But I can't reach."

I want to marry Josh Groban.

2009-02-01T23:17:00.003-08:00

QOTD

2009-01-17T00:23:00.001-08:00

"Miss Nickles, those are some kick-ass shoes." - Student at TOHS

Oops.

2009-01-17T00:17:00.000-08:00

How did I forget I have a blog? Maybe because my laptop literally DIED for a period of time. That could have done it. Although, my mother makes fun of me enough for having a blog that one would think I'd never forget.

I don't have any SUPER exciting news to post.

However, I will update for those (if any) who read this:

1. Working at TOHS in a Special Ed class in the mornings. Love it.
2. Still working at Adult School. Sometimes love it.
3. In the beginning stages of planning Adventure Weeks 2009. It's really tough, so far.
4. Jr High leader at Living Oaks. Love it.
5. Waiting to hear back from CSULB. Don't love the waiting.
6. Keeping fingers crossed about getting in to CSULB, and then moving to LB with Alissa. Would DEFINITELY love that.

I guess those are the bullet points of my life for now. Hope you enjoyed the presentation.

For Emmy

2008-11-23T14:05:00.000-08:00

I took some pictures of Cooper today, just to show Emmy how big he's gotten since she's been away!

I want to be Martha Stewart

2008-10-29T21:44:00.001-07:00

Today I spent a few hours shopping for, baking and decorating the most ridiculous cupcakes I've ever made: Creepcakes! I wanted to make something fun and Halloween-y for youth group tonight since we were dressing up and having a pre-Halloween party, so I looked up some ideas, jotted them down and ended up with some really fun, quite silly, but delicious cupcakes. I received many compliments, which felt nice, of course... but it was actually a lot more enjoyable just having time to myself to bake and decorate while the Food Network channel was on the TV in the background. I could totally do this for the rest of my life and be completely content. I took some photos of the silliness... please enjoy!

Go, Jonny, go!

2008-10-22T23:59:00.000-07:00

We watched this tonight at youth group...

Weekend at Hume Lake

2008-10-19T21:43:00.000-07:00

Well, Jessica and I went up to Hume this weekend to work... and boy, did we ever! They're in the middle of transitioning from the summer/fall season to the winter season, so lots of random things need to get done within the next few weeks. I think it's going to take a couple days for the both of us to fully recuperate... washing and driving golf carts; hauling huge barrels full of anti-freeze into the swimming pool; carrying canoes from the lake to the truck and from the truck to the pond; checking out the new tube run; making sure the Wagon Train pool was good to go; hauling bales of hay over to the back volleyball court and setting up horseshoe pits; preparing communion; painful but fun off-roading trip to see the Big Trees; driving around in a truck with only half of a seat; squishing five people onto a golf cart MULTIPLE times; organizing, cleaning, re-strapping and cataloging 68 pairs of broom hockey shin guards... it was an intense weekend! OH! Oh my GOSH! ANNNND this HUGE spider in our cabin that we're pretty sure was a Brown Recluse that I had to cover with a cup until it could be disposed of. Jessica wouldn't get off her bed until it was gone. She took a picture. Seriously, it was huge. We also met two fantastic girls, also named Jessica and Becca, who we got to room with and work with all weekend. They were so much fun and we really enjoyed making new friends. Fun fact: On the way to Hume on Friday, there was a sudden STOP in traffic... we didn't know what had caused it until we got to the bottom of the Grapevine and saw that a CARROT TRUCK had tipped over and there were CARROTS literally ALL over the freeway. Ridiculous! We had a less eventful drive back home, but it concluded with the last moments of a beautiful sunset as we drove into Simi Valley. Jess and I both decided we would definitely do a weekend like this again.

Quotes of the Weekend:

*Playing Cribbage*
Charlie: That's some GREAT pegging!

*Eating lunch Saturday*
Charlie: Hmm... that is NOT a jalapeno cheese cube at ALL!

*Putting my scarf on before leaving the chapel*
Me: Sometimes if it's off-center, it's too long and it gets caught between your legs when you walk.

So, yes. It was a fantastic weekend. Now, back to Real Life.

Jessica, Rebekah, Jessica, Becca

It's a Grim Day.

2008-10-12T16:17:00.000-07:00

It was good, since we got to chat with Emily for awhile, and my mom was excited to hear she was actually reading a BOOK. A REAL book. We were so proud!

Until...

I found out she's reading TWILIGHT.

I'm so disappointed.

And upset.

And embarrassed.

Ohhh, Emily...

In awe.

2008-10-08T21:04:00.000-07:00

I got home a little less than an hour ago from our Jr. High leaders meeting... I always love our meetings, even though we seem to talk about the same things every time. I'm not sure if Rory thinks we're not interacting with the kids enough or that we don't know how to have conversations with them, but just in case, he provided us with an entire packet of random conversation topics that we can use next time we find ourselves trying to chat with one of the kids. Kind of reminds me of Pride and Prejudice when Mr. Collins is at the dinner table, commenting on how he prides himself on the fact that he can practice giving compliments to women, and succeed in making it appear as if he had not rehearsed them whatsoever... "Hold on, what did my conversation topics packet say on page 5...?" Anyway, back to the meeting. We discussed the usual 'goods and bads' about our midweek meetings, Sunday mornings, and other activities while munching away on our delicious Chipotle burritos. It's been so much fun having Haendel join us, especially since he and Rory just feed off of each other and provide MANY humorous moments... never a dull moment. We've recently begun having what we call 'discussion groups' during our Wednesday midweek meetings, where the girls and guys split up and we get to have a small-group time of sorts; I personally love this time, since it gets the kids thinking a lot more deeply than they have to when Rory is just up front teaching the lesson. We might start implementing small groups as well, where each leader has his or her assigned group of students, just to create consistency and a group where trust and relationships can grow even more. I am SO excited to see where this ministry is headed... in the last nine months I've already seen it grow so much, and I love watching the kids interact with each other independently, without prompting from leaders. They even got together tonight to hang out since we didn't have youth group! I love it.
I cannot fathom how God uses us to do His work, despite our faults and ridiculousness. We're not any more 'holy' or 'righteous' than the next man or woman, yet God has instilled in us a passion to work with these kids... and actually uses us! It's such an incredible opportunity and I am so thankful that we live in a place where we are allowed to worship and do ministry freely. What a blessing. I honestly have so much fun hanging out with the kids, being crazy and playing ridiculous games and having silly conversations about dating boys for two weeks and then breaking up over AIM. How can people NOT love kids? I never understand people who say that.
I guess I just wanted to try to express how excited I am to be used by God in this way... and that I find it so rewarding to see young kids change their lives for Christ. When you get to play a mad game of dodgeball with a bunch of rambunctious kids one minute, and the next minute get to watch them raise their hands in worship, it's an amazing, beautiful, incredible thing.

QOTD

2008-09-29T22:36:00.001-07:00

Jesse: Did you just fork my pec?

Mom: No, but I tried to.

Nice Hair

2008-09-27T11:17:00.000-07:00

Borrowed from Darin's page

QOTD

2008-09-22T12:09:00.001-07:00

I tried a new Banana Bread recipe a couple days ago, and we brought a loaf to the house where Grampy is living.

*Grampy chewing and talking with food in his mouth*

Grampy: Bekah, this is delicious. It would make great husband bait.

Bek: Great what?

Grampy: Husband bait. You should put a hook and a line in it and drag it behind you out the door.

*Later that same day... Grampy is still thinking about the banana bread, after asking for a third piece approximately seven times*

Grampy: Bekah, you better find a man that looks good when he's fat.

Bek: Why is that?

Grampy: Because you're going to be fattening him up!

*As we're getting ready to leave*

Grampy: Make sure you drag some of that banana bread behind you when you leave!

Stryper. Best Ever.

2008-09-12T12:58:00.001-07:00

QOTD

2008-09-11T22:11:00.001-07:00

*Helping Mom with computer stuff at work*

Mom: Really, Rebekah, I need you to write out directions for me for the different things I need to do. I won't remember this tomorrow.

Bek: Mom. Come on.

Mom: No, seriously! I think I'm...

Bek: ADD?

Mom: No. I think I'm... challenged.

*Hysterical laughter*

Mom: No, I'm being serious.

The Talk

2008-09-06T22:17:00.001-07:00

2 hours 14 minutes

It could have been worse.

Not much.

But it could have been worse.

QOTD

2008-09-05T21:41:00.001-07:00

"Don't make me make the pirate eye!" - Court

QOTD

2008-09-05T21:37:00.001-07:00

"Last time we were here we got a Ring Pop and shared it during a movie. It was weird. It was good, but it was weird." - Dave

Moon

2008-08-31T19:52:00.000-07:00

Making Mud Pies

2008-08-31T19:41:00.000-07:00

Earlier this evening while my dad and I were inside at our computers and what-not, somebody decided he wanted to make a few mud pies for dinner... let's just say he's a messy cook.

San Diego

2008-08-31T17:27:00.001-07:00

This last week I got to spend a glorious few days in beautiful San Diego with some great friends. It was a fantastic end to the summer before the school year, or new jobs, or reality begins. Wednesday morning Dave picked me up, which was so nice of him... the drive to Courtney's was filled with mildly awkward conversation; you know, that "we're kind of friends, but I'm really friends with your girlfriend, and she's really the only thing we have in common" kind of thing. Only a limited number of awkward silences. We arrived at Court's where I discovered her bag was indeed NOT bigger than mine, hence I won the prize for the Largest and Most Unnecessary Packing Job Ever. It was a great drive to San Diego (save for the time when my ears started itching from the ridiculously loud subs in the back of Dave's Scion), no traffic and great conversation. We stopped at the Rainbows store in San Clemente on our way down and took a picture with the ginormous Rainbow sandal out in front of the store. After purchasing our "Limited Edition" Rainbows, we drove the final leg of the trip to Jason's house in SD. We watched The Life Aquatic (an incredible movie... I'd recommend it to anyone) that afternoon before Dave and Court left for their Radiohead concert. Jason and I drove around SD for a little while... Coronado is beautiful, and I decided I want to live there. Or in the Hotel del Coronado. I'd be fine with either. We had some Little Caesar's for dinner (oh, childhood memories) and watched The Darjeeling Limited (another incredible movie) until Dave and Court got home from the concert. Thursday was our check-off list day: the Buffalo Exchange for some fantastic thrift-store finds, ran our toes through the sand at the beach, a stop at Kansas City BBQ (where the 'sleazy bar scene' from Top Gun was filmed) for some photos, and some drinks at the Shakespeare Pub (which just happens to have one of the best views in all of SD). It was a pretty great day. After we got home we got ready for bed and watched Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End. So good. Friday we slept in, lounged around, took some photos with the pirate ship in the backyard, and finally made our way out the door to get some lunch before we dropped Jason off at the airport. On our way back to the freeway we drove through the Gaslamp Quarter District which I discovered was the part of SD I had been looking for the whole time without knowing it: brick buildings, outdoor restaurant seating, and an overall romantic feeling as we drove through the area. I'd love to go back there again. Driving home we stopped at the Ripcurl Outlet so Dave could get a new wetsuit, SONIC for some delicious drinks and snacks, and the Disney Outlet that had some pretty fantastic pirate costumes. As we drove into Simi Valley the sun was setting and it was one of the most beautiful sunsets I've seen in awhile... a plethora of clouds and gorgeous colors just taking over the sky. What an incredible end to a wonderful trip.

QOTD

2008-08-29T22:20:00.000-07:00

"I don't understand why people love to have nasty things." - Dave

Operation: Stealth

2008-08-27T02:51:00.000-07:00

Court: I think we should have code names.

Bek: Okay. I'll be Lowrider.

Court: (Laughs) Alright.

Bek: I'm always Lowrider.

Court: Okay, I'll be Phoenix.

Bek: Done and done.

For Fletcher

2008-08-23T22:52:00.001-07:00

Grandma

2008-08-20T01:44:00.000-07:00

After a long day’s drive she arrives at our house
Still looking fresh in her pressed pants and blouse.
Bearing tins of fudge and cookies in her hands,
She tells us there’s still more in the back of the van.
She offers us each one before she stacks them on the shelf,
Even though we know she really wants one herself.

After helping Grandma and Grandpa unpack, the girls sit down to chat
While Grandpa goes into the living room for his typical nap.
We catch up on the latest gossip and news
And then a detailed description of Grandma’s last party ensues.
Whether an outing with the ladies dressed in purple and red;
Or a dinner party with friends and its abundant spread;
It might be her new project with a needle and thread;
Or a fancy new twist on delicious nut bread.
She describes every last detail down to the arrangement of food on the plates
Including, but not limited to, the color of frosting on the cake.
We sit there and wonder how she could recall such detailed decorative style,
While sharing with each other knowing looks and smiles.

Over the course of their stay we share meals and love;
It always seems to be over before it’s begun.
Grandpa will have helped dad with a wood project or two;
Grandma will have gone shopping for more fabric in navy blue.
A game of monopoly or checkers was always in order
With Grandma always mysteriously maintaining the highest score.
Even with a simple game of Go Fish or Gin,
Grandma could never stand to let anyway else win.
Sometimes she’d teach us to knit or crochet,
Laughing hysterically when Emily’s scarf looked like it was trying to get away.
Memories of sewing an apron and cross-stitch come to mind,
Watching Grandma’s steady hands as the thread would unwind.
She also always loved to help us prepare
For graduations or parties, social affairs.
Though once I remember I began to despair,
For she had gotten her comb-curling iron caught in my hair.
But she loved to help as only a Grandma could;
Or, dare I say, as a Grandma should.

Now at holidays and gatherings it will be up to you and me
To provide the scrumptious pies and snowball cookies.
She will be missed at future graduations and weddings,
Even during scarf crochetings and needle threadings.
We’ll be waiting for her perfectly-timed Hallmark card and $5 on laundry day
Or when we just need someone with whom to pray.
I’m abundantly thankful Grandma’s faith was so strong
As she called out with her last few breaths, “To Him I belong.”
It’s a little easier knowing she’s in a perfect place,
Filled with such pure, tangible grace.
I’m content believing she’s looking down from above,
Playing checkers with Jesus and dining on fudge.

Life in Technicolor - Coldplay

2008-08-19T12:51:00.000-07:00

QOTD

2008-08-18T13:46:00.000-07:00

"The only sick thing about it is that it squirts when you bite it." - Mom

Quote of the Day

2008-08-17T03:17:00.000-07:00

Courtney: "Jesse, you can have the blue balls."
Jesse: "Just the way I like it."

Quote of the Day

2008-08-15T17:05:00.000-07:00

"I'd much rather marry Stephen Spielberg than waste my time with a woman." - Jason

Would You Rather...

2008-08-14T01:01:00.000-07:00

Great night tonight:

- Olympic games, signs, and Alissa at Jr. High youth group

- Rock Band

- More REAL Olympics

- Amazing family pictures

- Would You Rather questions, provided by the Queen of the Game

Hm. Seemed more fun than it looks in a list.
Should be updating soon... just don't want to have to face what my next update will include.

Quote of the Day

2008-08-13T17:40:00.001-07:00

"Look at the humpback whales! Right now they're humping!" - Cassie

Life In Technicolor

2008-08-10T00:16:00.000-07:00

So, I decided to join this phenomenon of blogging. I remembered I had created a blog awhile back when my brother Jesse was studying abroad in Spain... I think I had to create a profile in order to read his blogs, or something like that... but when I tried to go back to it tonight it had definitely been deleted. And that's okay with me. No idea what I had even written about. Anyway, I thought that since I generally enjoy reading about other people's lives, I might as well give them the privileged option of reading about mine... sometimes interesting, mostly ridiculous, and definitely sarcastic. So, by all means, please indulge. Who knows... maybe I'll actually stick with it this time.