New Things

Life would be boring if it always stayed the same, if we were never challenged with changes or introduced to new things, no matter how little.

I'll start small and work into things....

I've discovered this new tea that's just amazing!  It sounds like a weird combination......Peach and Ginger.....but it's a delicious mix of fruit and spice.  I have to admit that I've been a little overloaded on the coffee as of late so in my efforts to diminish that intake I've turned to drinking tea (other than morning.....coffee is still nice then!).   Are there any teas that YOU could recommend??

ADJUDICATIONS!  This was a VERY growing experience for me as a teacher.  I've never participated in Adjudications as a student, let alone as a teacher putting in my students.  Everyone worked SO hard to prepare their pieces and it really paid off! I was encouraged by their efforts and their SUCCESS!

For those who are unfamiliar with Adjudications, let me explain.  I am part of the Washington State Music Teacher Association (which is under the MTNA) and I have the opportunity to put my students into adjudications. Each of the students prepare two pieces from memory to play for the Adjudicator (a professional pianist and teacher). The adjudicator evaluates the good points and the points that need some help. She encourages the students and kindly shows them ways they could improve their pieces.  Because I'm a student teacher, my teacher came to listen as well.  At the end, I played and was evaluated the same way.  Then I was able to have a conference with the Adjudicator to get input based on what she heard from my students. In all it was a lot of work but WORTH it in so many ways.














And last but NOT least......




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Someone kindly donated a beautiful grand piano to our church!!  I have been praying for this for some time (along with many others in our church). I don't know why I was so surprised when God gave it so us so simply!  Worshiping the Lord today with the rich sound of that piano was just incredible. God is SO good!

Repurposing Beauty

I love my sheet music. I love the way it looks, especially old vintage sheet music. One of my favorite places to find old sheet music is the thrift store because it's super cheap. Now, as much as I love to play music, I wouldn't necessarily use everything I find.  Inspired by some of my "blog friends" and some of my "real life friends", I began to research different uses for this beautiful sheet music, specifically in decorating.

I wouldn't say that my room has a theme right now.  It's a hodgepodge of several bookshelves, a beautiful painted fan from Thailand, some picture frames, and a desk purposed for school.  None of these things really comes together at this moment, but I have often thought that I would LOVE to have a room (not necessarily my bedroom) that is a library/music room. For several years I have thought about what my dream music room would look like.  Just last week I saw it on a magazine! Exactly how I have pictured it.  But after searching the internet I cannot find a picture remotely close to what my mind sees.

Anyway, I say all that to say that I've thought about different ways to decorate with sheet music and I've come across these neat ideas. 

Found these beautiful ideas from Tip Junkie.

I really like this idea of a paper wreath from Mitzismiscellany.  I would do a different center and it would also be beautiful with sheet music!

I love this idea for the Christmas tree! Found at Thrifty Decorating.  I'll certainly be trying this come Christmas time. :-)

These candles are also on my "to do" list!! Found at Confessions of a Plate Addict, they look super easy to make and they are beautiful!

Have you ever thought about repurposing something like this?

Slacker

Yes, I've been slacker of a blogger as of late.  I don't even really have a good excuse.  School is out. Life has slowed down.  I guess I just haven't felt like writing.  Not that things haven't been exciting.  :-)

Usually I convey my excitement for Christmas much sooner.  I have to say, being so busy with school, Christmas really snuck (sneaked?) up me! Usually I have nearly all my shopping done before Thanksgiving.  This year I hadn't remotely thought of gifts by Thanksgiving.  In fact, I just finished yesterday.  BUT....I finished. :-)  I guess it's a good thing that I'm starting to get excited about Christmas since it's in less than a week.  I have all sorts of goodies I plan to make this week and get this. I actually have time!! :-D I sincerely miss baking so I look forward to spending some quality time with my apron. haha

It's a relief to be done with school, but I have to say that was the most fun quarter so far!  It's so much fun to take classes that are actually practical.  I mean, ok, when I took Biology I will admit that I dumped all of it out of my brain the minute my final was over.  But the music classes, I soak it all up and can apply it to my playing and teaching.  I wish I could do MORE music classes. There's so much I want to do that SVC doesn't offer. Kind of disappointing but oh well.  I have quite the load this next quarter (17 credits but worth 21) but I think it will be equally fun.

On my break I've resumed my work in the print shop.  I have missed that place!  Every time I print a book I think about who will be reading it later and I pray for them.  I pray that God will use these books to strengthen their walk with Him.  I just love this ministry.

Last Friday, our SPG (Singles Pleasing God) group went to Seattle to see Handel's Messiah. It was incredible, as usual.  I don't know if Skagit has a part in this, but I enjoyed it much more this year.  I noticed more of the techniques and musicality that I hadn't noticed before.  Utterly delightful!

My list of things to accomplish on Christmas break is getting shorter.  There's nothing like crossing things off a list!  One of the things on my list is to read.  So which book should I read?

Our Mutual Friend  by Charles Dickens
Wives and Daughters   by Elizabeth Gaskell
North and South   by Elizabeth Gaskell
or any other suggestions?

Home Again

As you may have noticed, I went a period of time where I did blog posts, blog posts, blog posts....SCREECH! The last time I wrote was in the airport in South Korea.  As not to leave you hanging (I'm sure you've all just been biting your nails wondering if I was kidnapped in Korea. :-p), I did make it home safe and sound.   Praise the Lord, jetlag was minimal.  I think going without sleep for a few days did it for me. Got some great REM sleep my first night back.  It was really great because I had a crazy weekend awaiting me then school started that monday.

All is well and I am fully loaded with school (8 classes!).  I am in the midst of organizing my desk (tossing junk papers, clearing off things I don't EVER use, etc.) Although I have quite the school schedule this quarter, I'm thoroughly enjoying my classes. My favorite and most practical class is Piano Pedagogy.  It is EXACTLY what I've needed during the few years I've been teaching.  Today I received in the mail my textbook for the course, and I am debating whether or not to read the whole thing in one week. So many of my questions will be answered! (Cue Hallelujah Chorus) :-D I'll have to restrain myself and remember that I DO have homework in my other classes.

There is so much I want to write, but I have to warn you that time for blogging is limited at the moment.  I will conclude by saying this.  God is good! Even when times are difficult. Even when we don't understand why things are happening, why He is allowing them to happen.  God is still good. He will ALWAYS be good. One of the many reasons why I love Him. :-)

Airport Musings

Here I sit at the Incheon Airport in Seoul, South Korea.  I am settling in for a 12 hour layover.  I'm thinking, this is going to be a LONG layover!  First stop, coffee of course.  I'm saving the delights of Mountain Dew until halfway through my layover. Gives me something to look forward to right? :-)  Here's my strategy.  Stay awake during the flight from Chiang Mai to Seoul (check!), stay awake during the long layover (oh boy), then sleep from Seoul to Seattle.  The time of flying from Seoul to Seattle is during night time in Seattle.  I am hoping that will help me to adjust better.  And after staying awake for about 35 hours should make me plenty tired, yes?  So that's the plan.

I am so glad that I got a window seat.  Granted, I am sitting directly above the wing which hinders some of the view.  But I find that watching lightening from above is most interesting.  Not to mention, I LOVE flying over the mountains into Seattle.  I hope that flying in from the West is a beautiful as flying in from the East.

One of my favorite things to do is watch people in the airport.  At this point in time and I am at the "Rest Area", a place filled with recliners as well as tables and a coffee shop.  I am surrounded by people as exhuasted as I am, yet they can indulge.  Must be nice!  I know I will be glad later that I didn't.  It's very interesting to watch the different positions that people can sleep in an airport.  Sprawled on a bench with a backpack as a pillow, laying straight out with mouth wide open, curled up in a ball, you name it. Most intriguing!

So now, I am trying to decide how to fill my time here.....Who knows, you may see another post in the future.  I do have to say that it's interesting to see Korean at the top of Blogger instead of Thai. :-)  Even though I couldn't understand Thai, it was a small comfort. haha. Well, signing off for now....

A Day to Remember

No, I'm not talking about what a fabulous day I had here in Chiang Mai, although it truly was a great day and one I will always remember.  But I am talking about a day ten years ago.  A day that each of us remember very clearly what we were doing, where we were.  At the time, I was too young to really be interested in politics or the happenings of the world.  But I do remember the devastation this event caused in our nation and around the world.  I think it affects me more now than it did back then.  It was at that time that our nation united and began to seek God's face.  My prayer is that once again we as a nation will recognize the Lord's presence here and do as He wills. Today, I am grateful for each person who laid their lives on the line to protect our nation.  I am grateful for those who continue to fight daily for our protection.  May the Lord always protect and bless our nation!

Giveaway Shoutout

Check out Kim's blog http://www.yellowsongbird.blogspot.com/ for an awesome giveaway she is hosting! Three awesome shops and some beautiful products!! 

Homemade Sugar Scrub

Today I got the idea to make a sugar scrub, homemade of course.  I found that it's VERY easy to make and it feels soooo good!  Why spend so much money on this stuff (actually, I never buy it because it's so expensive) when you could make it yourself? Here's how I made mine:

Ingredients:
Sugar, white   (or equal amounts of brown and white)
Olive oil
Vanilla extract (for scent) or another scented oil

I didn't measure the ingredients but just mixed until I was happy with the consistency.  First, pour your sugar into a glass bowl.  If you're using brown and white mix them together thoroughly.  Add oil.  If you add too much, simply pour in more sugar.  Alternate between oil and sugar until you've got a nice texture.  I prefer mine to be more on the oily side as opposed to dry.  But you can do what you like.  Once you've got it how you like, add your scent. When I used the Vanilla extract I couldn't really smell it in the mixture.  But once I used it, my hands smelled nicely like vanilla. So it that's easy!!  I've thought that this would be a wonderful birthday or Christmas gift.  Just find a cute little jar, add some ribbon, and you're all set!

To use: First, wash hands.  Dry, then apply sugar scrub.  Scrub for a while to get a good exfoliation.  Rinse and dry.  If you don't like the feeling of oil on your hands wash with soap.  You can also use this scrub in the shower for a full-body exfoliation.   ENJOY! :-)

Almost There!

It's really odd for me to go this long without posting something. To be honest, I have been so busy trying to finish up school that blogging has been pretty low on the priority list. Don't get me wrong, I have tons to write about! Since last time I wrote I've turned 21 (along with Josh, my twin). The day was pretty much like every other day (school, piano, print shop) but full of little blessings and birthday wishes. The Lord is so good to me in so many ways.

Three weeks from today I leave for Thailand. It has certainly come up fast! Today I received immunizations and I will be glad to not do that again!! Although, I will need to get another booster once I get to Thailand to finish off one of the vaccines. Fun stuff.

I am so close to finishing school I can smell it! (You know....the smell of coffee that keeps me goin. :-) Five papers to write, two chapters to read, one speech to give, and a recital to play. Whew! It may sound like a lot but comparitively it's very little. I am looking forward to this weekend going over the mountains to visit Maggie and Kali. YEAH! T'will be loads of fun. Kind of my last hoorah with them before I leave. Hopefully I can finish ALL of my work before then so I don't have school in the back of my mind making me feel guilty while I am there. :-)

To finish it off, I want to comment on the wonderful time of intercessory prayer we had at church tonight. It was SUCH a blessing! I love my little group and the discussions we have before prayer each month. I go away each month with not only a bigger burden for the people group but a joyous heart for the church the Lord has placed me in. I praise God for allowing me to live in a country that can freely worship. I praise the Lord for allowing me to HEAR the gospel! So many people are never even given the opportunity. Makes me want to ensure that I am sharing that life-changing gospel with those I come into contact with.

Have a blessed week!! :-D

Book Review: Preparing To Be A Help Meet

My mom ordered me this book and I had heard good reviews so I was excited to read it.  Since the author is Debi Pearl it is advisable to read with caution.  Take everything with a grain of salt. I thoroughly enjoyed the book and she had some very good things to say about preparing for marriage. 

Most of the information I have heard and that's the privilege I have had with being raised in a Christian home.  There were, however, a lot of good reminders and really helped me to refocus.  There are so many important things to understand BEFORE marriage and I think this book was very helpful.  I recommend it for single women but, again, I caution against taking everything she says about relationships at face value.  The most valuable aspect of this book for me was the preparation within ourselves for marriage.  The key point she made that I found really helpful was this:  if you want to marry the right kind of guy you need to be the right kind of young lady.  I can't expect to marry a godly man if I am not taking the necessary steps to be a godly young lady. Anyway, I really enjoyed the book and in fact read it pretty much in one sitting.  That may have had something to do with the fact that I didn't want it distracting me from school the next day. haha Overall, definitely a useful book.

Wednesday in Pictures

Here was my day:

Started out with my devotions then studying before class...

 Then I went to my Public Speaking class....

 Then I piano practiced for approximately an hour...

 Then I worked in the print shop.  Finished printing a book today.  Tomorrow I will be collating.  I don't know what the dealio is with my stacks. They always seems to lean! haha

Studied again....

 Went to church (don't have a picture for that)...
Then celebrated Christopher's birthday with gifts and an icecream cake!

 Now I'm off to study again and work on scholarship application stuff.....fun!

It's A Monday....

I could just tell you it's a Monday and that would explain my day. However, let me ellaborate. I'll start with last night. I had a headache for the last half of the day on Sunday. Not just a "oh it will just go away eventually" headache....it was one of those "oh boy, am I going to be sick?!" headaches. I was able to be coherent enough to do a video chat with Maggie and Kali after church which I was grateful for. I really miss them!! After that, I didn't even really get ready for bed. I put on pjs and crawled right into bed. Nevermind that I had piano lessons in the morning and that I didn't know my scales. Nevermind that my room was a mess (I'm still moving back in from when the Teales were here). All that could be taken care of in the morning. THIS morning.

I woke up and my first thought was "SCALES!!!!". So I quickly went through my routine and dashed to the piano. I'm pretty sure I drove my mom crazy as I played my scales SO many times. At last I finally felt confident in them. (Ironically she never even went over them at lessons!) I sat at my computer for a few minutes and lost track of time. I looked at the clock and realized I had 15 minutes to finish getting ready, fix a lunch, and pack my school bag for the day!!! AAHH!!! So I quickly did all of the above and dashed out the door, almost forgetting my choir folder. Whew! Stopping for gas and coffee (of course....it's Monday!) I made it to school a few minutes early.

Piano lesson begins. At the beginning she referenced the recital that was next week. I asked "OUR recital????" She replied in the affirmative and I'm sure the look on my face was humurous. I had no idea that MY recital was NEXT WEEK!!!!! I was a nervous wreck, to say the least. I think that affected my whole lesson. All of a sudden I couldn't remember certain parts of the song and my fingers got jumbled. Why was this happening to me?!?! Needless to say, I have A LOT of work to do and I will become best friends with the piano this week. I don't normally struggle that much with my Mozart piece but I think it just took me by surprise. After lessons and good time of practice I went to Choir. Actually, choir was uneventful and I am grateful. And of course, I did remember that our choir concert is two days after my recital. Oy....three performances in less than a week. I'll be stretched, for sure!

Getting back into my car to head home I realized I forgot my lunch!! Oh well. It was just the icing on the cake. So now here I am, sitting in my room that I still haven't finished, about to leave to go play wallyball, thinking about the two papers that I have to write tonight, and fretting over the performances coming up.

The Lord brought a verse to my mind. Isaiah 40:29- "He giveth power to the faint; and to them that have no might he increaseth strength." This is a huge source of encouragement for me!! The ONLY way I will get through these next couple of weeks (which also include finals) is with the Lord's strength! Otherwise, I would be toast. :-) I hope your Monday has been a blessing. If it hasn't, I hope that verse helps!

Love this!

My friend Brittany and I have been going back and forth about how much we love music. I mean, it just becomes embedded in your life and you wonder "Would it be possible to live without it?!?!"  She shared this with me and I just loved it!  It's so true...

A Day at Home

Do you ever have times where you feel like your ALWAYS gone?  Times when you barely get a moment at home before you have to run back out to run some sort of errand or make some appointment?  That's how my life's been for the past ..well...long while.  Today was not one of those days.  I did pretty well with getting my assignments done throughout the week (With the exception of one paper) and that allowed me to spend a relaxing day at home.  Got a great start this morning with going on visitation.  I was partnered up with a good friend and not only did we have a great time of fellowship, but we had a few good responses!  Although, I am still convinced that people didn't like me because I seemed to be rejected quite frequently.  C'est la vie. 

The rest of the day was spent enjoying my favorite instrument (Can you guess?), watching a movie with my family and playing games with my brother while drinking coffee. I did get my paper done, but I didn't completely stress about it.  It was a nice day of rest to gain back my momentum as I jump full speed ahead into a jam packed week.

Success!

I just had to share with you something exciting in my day!  Today I had three of my students coming for lessons.  I LOVE teaching and each student is special to me.  At the end of this month I am putting on a recital for my five students as well as a few others in the church who play the piano but don't have opportunities to play in recitals.   Nine of us total.  It will be a smaller recital, but for most of these kids, this is their first recital!  I am SO excited for them! One of my students has been really struggling with his song.  He's been working on it since last summer!  And it just hadn't clicked yet.  Today, he came in, sat down, and played straight through his song with NO mistakes!!!!  I couldn't stop smiling as he played through his song, his feeling of success showing through the smile on his face. I was SO proud of him!  It was a relief to me, since the recital is next week.  There's nothing like the feeling a teacher has when her student finally grasps a concept or a song.  It's not only success for the student, but for the teacher!  Anyway, that just made my day.  I'm off to get ready for dinner with a few friends...

MY Monday

Ok so I've seen several people posting about their Mondays.  Sooo I thought I would share mine. hehe  It was fairly relaxing.  Slept in to XX hour.  Did some major piano practicing before my lesson.  Then Anna, Nicki and I all went to my lesson.  I hope they weren't too bored. lol There seemed to be more talking and less piano playing at this lesson.  That's not always a good thing. LOL but I did learn a lot.  After my lesson we headed to Burlington to do some shopping for the Sweetheart's Banquet.  I can't believe how fast it's coming up!  We found some great stuff for the decorations.  It's always a relief to have it cemented in our minds.  Then we went to the mall and the girls treated me to my first manicure!  It felt soooo good!  I've been wanting to get one but didn't want to spend the money for it.  So it was definitely a treat and I enjoyed every minute of it. :-)   So now here I am and after a relaxing day I have to think about school again.  It was nice while it lasted!

A New Year, A New Phase

You've heard it said, "Out with the old, in with the new". That explains my life right about now. First, I'll take a look back. This year was one to remember! While it went by SOO fast, it's incredible to look back at everything that happened. Memorable occasions were: The Sweetheart's Banquet (we SPGs organized it), My birthday (turned 20!!), LTIA (Leadership Training Institute of America), Played the piano for a wedding for the first time, Youth Camp (I was a counselor over the younger girlies), a couple of adventures over the mountains with the Waldrons, attended several classical concerts, and welcomed my dad home from deployment. It was a great year! Not only did I experience things physically, but the Lord really grew me spiritually.

I'm moving into a new phase of my life. After I graduated the Lord showed me that I needed to just work and wait. Wait for Him to lead me into the next phase of my life. That next phase for me is college. This past Tuesday was my last day at work (more on that later) and I am officially unemployed. The Lord has directed my life into furthering my music education in order to better serve him in the future. While I am really looking forward to it, it's scary to be making such a huge change. I have been veeeery comfortable, but now all that will change. School starts on Monday!

It's a bittersweet experience to be leaving A Knot In Thyme. I've worked there for 2 1/2 years and have gained such valuable experience as a result. My main job title was Garden Manager, but it went much beyond that. I was pretty much whatever I needed to be even aside from the gardens. :-) It was fun to learn practical things like fence and wall painting, transplanting, every day and not so everyday gardening techniques, holly pruning & picking and more! It was always challenging to learn about the 100's of plant types as we planted the seeds in the spring and nurtured them from there. Challenging, but really fun! I say it's bittersweet because while I will miss the job, I am looking forward to this new experience. I will also enjoy having free Saturdays. :-)

On one of our busiest days of the year, I lost my voice and couldn't sing. So my job was to help the kids transplant and it was SO much fun!

The Quilted Garden.....one of the many gardens at AKIT

The Vertical Garden

Back to New Years, we drove over the mountains this past week to pay a visit to the Waldrons. Last time we visited my dad was on deployment so it was great for him to be able to come with us this time! We had a blast! We played so many games....some of which I schooled my opponent, and others in which I was schooled. LOL New Years Eve was spent at the Watchnight Service here at BBC where we had two different PITs (preachers in training) preach, a Bible quiz, a "year in review" slide show, lots of singing, food & fellowship, and prayer. To actually ring in the New Year I did a video chat with the Waldrons. Can't break tradition! Every year since we've moved back we've spent New Years Eve at their house. Sad to not be able to do that this year. I am SUPER excited at what this new year will bring. I have a pretty big plan in view, but that can't be disclosed quite yet. I hope that each of you have a year filled with God's blessings!

It's Here, It's Here!

Christmas is here! The long awaited day! I wait for this day all year. Not because of the gifts, the music, not because of the food, but because of the wonderful memories that are formed with family and friends and because of the time the world pauses to reflect on why Christ came as a baby.

It's our family tradition to open gifts on Christmas Eve, although my dad was pushing to do it on the Eve of Christmas Eve. haha That didn't happen. After I got home from work on Friday at about 4:30, I helped Mom finish up the goodies, which included a shrimp ring, Cheese & Sausage Dip, Artichoke Dip, Chips & Salsa, Popcorn Chicken, Veggies, and much more. YUM! We opened gifts and it was such a fun time! We shook things up this year and let mom and dad open their gifts first. I have never been so excited about their gifts before! It was a lot of fun. This year I had asked for a Kindle and, tada! I got one! It's a very neat little gadget and I like it even more now that I've played with one! I have downloaded 50 (free) books already from Amazon. So fun! If you have any suggestions of books, PLEASE give me ideas. :-)

Dad & Christopher putting together his super cool RC Airplane.

My new Kindle! It's smaller than it looks. About 7-8" long. Love it! I got a cover and a light for it as well.

Josh snuggling up in the faux mink blanket I got him.

This morning was spent at church, celebrating the real reason for Christmas. I sang a solo which didn't start out too great but ended up decently. *sigh* Mornings just don't treat me well for singing! The message was spectular! Bro. G preached on the Gift By Grace. He compared the gift of salvation to gift giving at Christmas time.

After the service we had a couple of families over, one of which couldn't stay long due to having to catch a ferry. We had SUCH a good time eating and playing games. That is probably the most fun I've ever had playing Guestures! Let's just say, it would have been difficult to give a trophy out.

Yesterday was spent at work (as previously mentioned). It was my last day singing for the wagon rides and we also did a photo shoot.

All in all, it was a wonderful day. As I sit here pondering all that has occured I can't help but think of what this time must have been like some 2,000 years ago. Granted, Christ wasn't born on December 25th exactly, but could you imagine actually being there at Christ's birth?? And why did He even come? It was for ME! That is an amazing thought. It's one of those things that we know in our heads, but it's different to know it in ours hearts. I hope that each of you had a wonderful, Christ-filled Christmas.

Cookie Exchange

Tonight was the Ladies Bible Fellowship for the month of December.  It was wonderful to be able to fellowship with other ladies, and even meet some new ladies!  Every December we do a cookie exchange, and there are usually so many goodies the plates are overflowing!  This year I tried a new recipe, Triple Chocolate Peppermint Cookies.  MMMMM!!!!! They were so delicious!

Tonight, Mrs. S. brought the devotion, and it was just what I needed! Isn't it wonderful when the Lord gives you exactly what you need WHEN you need it?? The devotion was on Deborah (Judges 4-5) and her example as a judge in the Bible.  She was a woman, and most people misinterpret her life as one of usurping the man's authority.  However, she was NOT in a leadership position.  Her ministry was as an encourager to Barak.  She never scolded or criticized him, even though he was weak and timid.  However, she encouraged him to follow the Lord's leading and reminded him of the Lord's promises.  She is the perfect example of a woman's role in leadership! 

On another note, it feels so much later in the month!  Even though Christmas IS right around the corner, it feels like it should be this weekend. Maybe it's because Christmas comes so early at the Holly Farm.  I am hoping to take some pictures and videos of us singing this weekend in our caroling costumes. 

Still no news with my dad.  They were able to take off but after three hours had to return due to plane issues.  Please pray that there will be no more issues and that he'll be able to return home swiftly!

50th Post!

I can't believe this is my 50th post! I wanted to do something fun and I was inspired by my friend, Maggie, to write 50 things about myself. I've definitely got it easier because she's doing 100! WHEW! So here it goes...

1. I have a been a church pianist for almost 3 years now! (3 years in January)

2. I will be starting college in January.

3. I will be majoring in music (not sure if that counts as separate. :-) )

4. I play guitar....sorta. I am learning.

5. I work at a Holly and Lavender Farm.

6. I listen to Christmas music all year. :-)

7. I eat Mashed Potatoes with a spoon. (That's for you Maggie!)

8. I have a twin brother.

9. I play the flute in our church orchestra.

10. I love playing practical jokes, but can never seem to keep a straight face.

11. Most of my favorite movies are musicals.

12. I absolutely LOVE to read! Mostly the classics

13. I think I am addicted to Chapstick.

14. I love playing Moonlight Sonata late at night before I go to bed.

15. I prefer food scents over floral scents.

16. I have only ever had two mangos in my entire life. (that's for you, Janell. hehe)

17. I love to decorate cakes, even though I haven't done one in a while. Miss you, Kali!!

18. I have two bookshelves crammed full of a variety of books.

19. I become competitive when I play certain sports, namely Wallyball.

20. I am a piano teacher.

21. I love to garden, and find it intriguing how certain flowers grow.

22. I prefer baking over cooking, but I do both.

23. I've recently acquired a love for scarves.

24. I find joy in the little individual lemonades you put in your water bottle.

25. I am running out of things to say about myself!

26. I can play Twinkle Twinkle Little Star on the violin....barely and very poorly.

27. I've lived in five different states plus one foreign country.

28. My favorite composer is Mozart!

29. I love coffee!! coffee, coffee, coffee

30. I was saved when I was 12.

31. I like fuzzy pajama pants.

32. I've played the piano at more funerals than I have weddings.

33. I am recently finding joy in decorating. ie. the church auditorium, the Sweetheart's Banquet, etc.

34. My favorite book of the Bible is James

35. I like monotonous jobs that allow me to think while I am working.

36. I've taken a year of voice lessons, but could certainly use more! :-)

37. I graduated Highscool from A Beka Academy DVD homeschool.

38. I like to shovel snow.

39. I enjoy singing acappella.

40. I like windy/rainy days. As long as I don't have to work in it.

41. I wash my hands too much. But I am not as bad as I used to be!

42. I like to listen to Gospel Bluegrass.

43. I actually like quite a variety of styles of music: Bluegrass, Classical, sacred, celtic, and more.

44. Sometimes I become a texting maniac. :-) But not as much as others I know.

45. One of my favorite things to do is go to coffee with friends.

46. I played recreational baseball for two years, softball for one, and soccer for one, but never got any team pictures.

47. I wear glasses but prefer my contacts.

48. My favorite color is Teal.

49. I can't stand the noise of crinkly candy wrappers. *shiver*

50. God has blessed me with SO many friends!