I Went Downstairs for Food, I Came Back with Chocolate and a Baby Name

There are things in our lives that come along when we least expect. For instance, your pajama pants getting snagged under your feet while running, causing you to do a somersault across the lawn and ending with your hands and legs bloody, was definitely something you were not expecting this morning when you quietly shuffled out of bed.

Or submitting three photos to a magazine--expecting to wait three to four weeks for a reply--and getting a personal email from the editor three days later complementing your work and letting you know that all the photos you submitted have been accepted.

Or dying to go out and get some new photos and then getting a call from some old photography friends who want to drive out somewhere cool for a photoshoot.

Those are the kind of things that come in without warning, some little, some big, some annoying, some pleasant. Either way they come swarming in throughout your day whether you notice or not, and granted some days are slower than others--but I can gladly say that today has been filled so far by these unexpected moments. One of the most monumental being the possible name choice for our new baby brother.

As you have all been hearing, for the past several months, my family is in the process of adopting another child from China--and we recently underwent the terrible tragedy of a failed adoption.

Katie, the young seven year old girl my family was planning to adopt, had a sudden downturn in her health. Her mental state was deteriorating, and that therefore made her adoption a special case--one in a special classification. My family fought hard, but we were unable to adopt dear Katie. We still pray for her, and it has been a very hard time--especially for my mom. We prayed, and we waited--not easy for us. The odds seemed to be against us and NOTHING was lining up. It was very bleak.

But then, things started to change. In what Joyce Meyer likes to call a "Suddenly" things started to move again. Weeks after the failed adoption--nearly two months actually--my family received news about a new child, a little boy.

We accepted and today we received our letter of acceptance (meaning the orphanage has agreed to continue the adoption.) And therefore, after accepting the referral, we have been busy with preparations.

Picking a name was one really big thing that needed to be accomplished. Today, we believe we have come to a decision.

Levi.

It's a toss up between that and Jonathan, which I personally love, but so far Levi is the number one choice.

Please pray as we continue down this road, and wait to see where the Lord wants us to go next.


And that I don't do anymore acrobatics on the lawn.

You Rarely Think About Where You're Going, Until Someone Asks

Yesterday I finally got to take pictures of my friends up in the warehouse! I was absolutely thrilled! 

Taking pictures of the cool objects up there was fun, but my favorite area of photography is portraits!

Our trip was short, and we only spent about thirty minutes in the warehouse. We got there later than I would have liked because we had a lot we had to do first. One of them was actually opening our Christmas presents to each other, which was really fun. I gave Hannah a Downton Abbey shirt, Clara a scarf and cameo, and Hannah gave me a photography book! I haven't given Jessie her present yet because she'll be joining us a week from now on Christmas Eve. Can you believe that it's a week till Christmas? I can't, I really can't. It's flown by so quickly I've barely had time to digest it all. And to believe that after that I have a week and a half until my school starts back. Yikes is an understatement! 

When we got to the warehouse we had a lot of fun taking pictures, but we had to be really REALLY quiet because they were still running the business downstairs and the sound travels. We didn't cause any problems though, so that was a blessing.

I also met a very nice young man who was running the store yesterday. We talked about photography and it turns out he modeled for a bunch of really big league clothing brands in New York a few years back. He said he was trying to get back into the photography/modeling business--and he said if I ever needed a male model he'd be happy to oblige! I reminded him that I was not a professional, but he said that he liked the pictures I'd already taken and that he was looking to add to his portfolio. It's a great opportunity, and I have his number now. :) But when he asked me about my photography and where I wanted to go with it..it made me think. Where do I want to go with it? 

I mean, it's a hobby, yes...but I don't know the first thing about making money with it or actually photographing a real model. 0_0 It's a scary proposition in the sense that I could fail miserably at it. There again it's a great opportunity if I want to actually go somewhere with my photography. Question is...do I? 

IDo I want to take on that responsibility, along with the rest? School, personal life, declaring a major this year, and my main hobby--writing...all of that is very important to me right now, so do I really need to be adding yet another thing to my list? Then there's the fact that I've only been in this game a short little while, and to a lot of professional photographers who have been around for many years--my suddenly declaring photography as a viable part of my life  might seem a bit premature and silly. They've seen people come and go in that, with only the truly dedicated remaining to slog it out. I don't like to be a quitter in anything, it makes me angry, so I guess what I have to decide is--how dedicated am I? It's a burning question alright..one that I will have to answer soon.  

Hannah by the window

This is one of my all time favorite shots of Clara! :D I think it's actually one of the best ones I've ever taken of her!

Jessie! 

I also got to show them the scary mannequin room! This is a very blurry pic, I know, but it captures the moment pretty well. Hannah actually jumped when she saw the Lady of Death, standing in the back--and we were all freaked out when we actually went into the room. Though to be fair, I wasn't really creeped out so much, I was just sitting back and enjoying their reactions. Needless to say, none of them liked that room at all...and I don't blame them. The back part of the warehouse has all of the scary stuff like the rabbit and Headless Henry--plus some jack-o-lanterns that were hiding in a dark corner and that I had somehow missed. Hannah waded cautiously back through the carnage by the light of her iPod--there were many times we were sure she'd never emerge again. :) That place is horror movie central.   

Here's a picture of us when we were opening our presents. There was wrapping paper carnage everywhere! :)

I think everyone had a great time though, and I look forward to going back up there again to take more pictures--and possibly going to Dairy Queen afterwards, which is something we wanted to do this time but because of our late start we couldn't. Besides, when we got home we found that the moms had baked a TON of goodies (including brownies! Yummy!). 

Cutting off Caffeine at Christmas

It seems to me, that as a child, the Christmas season eeked by slowly--mainly because we were so desperate for our presents--but we were able to savor and enjoy it to its fullest. Now it just flies by, no time to sit back and relax.It's just part of growing up, and it's not a bad thing necessarily. I like to be busy. When I'm idle I'm miserable, though I will admit I like a good lazy day every now and again. 

But with the Christmas season flying by, I am constantly reminded that my new semester of college is coming at a pace! I'm taking four classes, like before, but one of them is a Biology class--and I'm very nervous about that. My first day of class is actually a lab, and while it will probably be choosing lab partners and discussing lab procedures--I'm still nervous. I've only dissected an earth worm...so how well will I manage with something as substantial as a frog or pig? Personally, I'm going to look for a boy in camo--if he hunts he will know how to field dress a deer and that can be very useful when it comes to dissecting things. I will label, make notes, and let him handle all of the gross stuff. Praying for a good lab partner! 

So, what did I do today? 

Today, after church, I went to my aunt's house to take her Christmas card photos--which was great! I love being able to take pictures for people, it helps them out and it's great practice for me.

Afterwards we went to my favorite antique store and I tested taking pictures of people up in the old warehouse. In a few days I hope to take some pictures of my friends up there; it'll be like having our own studio! Today was a great trial run because I needed to see what the lighting would do to an actual subject. Turns out, the natural lighting (of which I am not a fan) was perfect, the old style window provided a good filter. 

This is an angle for a shot I really want to try with my friend Clara. Problem is I was trying very hard not to actually sit on the chair because it's so old--and also not mine. 

When I came home I got to visit with my grandparents before wolfing down three eggs. I was starving.

With the busy Christmas season coming to it's peak--I have decided to wean myself off caffeine. I know, stellar time to pick, but I believe that I really should do this before the stress of the new school year begins--during which time I know I wouldn't limit my soda/coffee intake. Caffeine is really bad for your heart, adrenals, metabolism and so on--so I'm trying to limit it. However, limiting ones caffeine--limiting MY caffeine--is a dangerous occupation. Yesterday I was doing good, until my friend came over with soda. I was still good and refrained from having any...though it was a struggle not to knock her out with my tennis racket and steal it. Today, I did have caffeine--as I am shooting for one day clean and then the next with only limited indulgence. However, I did noticed the decrease. I had only a little soda, not even a full cup full, in the middle of the day--to sooth the with drawl headache. It didn't work. I still have a headache, but it got a little bit better. Tomorrow I will have to go without my precious caffeine, my strategy: Get more sleep and try not to morph into an over-sized Smeagol. 

Well, that's my two cents, so I'm off for a movie night with my family! I hope that your Christmas season is going well and that you have an awesome holiday! :D 

This is one of my favorite shots from my shoot with my aunt. Little Michael behaved perfectly! 

Warehouse Pictures

Today I finally got to go down to a local business (the antique store I love so much) and take pictures in their warehouse. I was really excited about it! I had been wanting to take some pictures in an old building--and this place was perfect! It was a factory back in the 1950's, so the architecture is really interesting. 

There were a lot of really interesting things stored there, so I was happy that I had some props to use.

This tag on an piece of luggage was interesting. 

This was the big window up in the attic. I love the vintage feel and the cool lighting it gave me! I was worried with the attic not having any overheads, my camera wouldn't pick anything up. 

I love this picture so much!

The colors were interesting too. Several walls were painted lime green, with all the pipes painted purple. 

There were also a lot of chairs.

See, it was really packed with chairs. I had to be careful not to back up over one and trip while taking the pictures. 

But, as much as I loved the warehouse, it was a little creepy. So just in case you thought you were going to get some sleep tonight--here come the nightmare. 

The door up to the attic was a little foreboding. 

And inside....

This is the first thing you see when you come in, it's right beside the door. Note all of the flower baskets around him, probably offerings to keep him from going on a killing spree and devouring small children. 

There was this headless wonder...yea, not sure exactly where he came from or where his head is. Maybe it's in the flower pot right there. 

But worst of all---was the side room. There are two rooms in the attic, and in there is...this:

The mannequin of death. When you go in, she's just standing there--with the dissected bodies of her brethren scattered about her. She is, I believe, the scariest thing in the warehouse. 

There are dozens of pieces of other mannequins lying around there, I'm not sure where they came from but hey, there they are.

Yea, the mannequin is a little beyond creepy. 

Winter Fun with Friends!

We all piled our feet on Hannah--she did not appreciate it. ;) But she was a good sport and didn't kill us for putting our wet, dirty shoes on her. That's what you get when you have long legs---you are used as a footrest! 

Well, from the title I'm pretty sure you can guess that I had friends over and we had an amazing time!

This was the first time our little group had been together in weeks--since everyone had been out of town for the holidays...and then were stricken with illness. But yesterday we got back together and had a series of adventures!


Mainly we just talked, that's usually what we do. We laugh and talk (very loudly) and basically just have a good time. We fangirl over our favorite shows (Hannah and I completely freaked out over Doctor Who) and listen to our favorite bands. We talk about life events and all sorts of crazy stuff. We're weird, crazy, random and very, VERY chatty!

First on the list was a golf cart ride--as always. 

It was a lot of fun, despite the rain. All day long there was a thick mist coming down and by the time we got back inside we were all pretty much soppy wet. I hate it when it rains like that, the mist soaks you and then you can't get dry or warm no matter what. But we had fun.  

I don't trust Jessie

See that look, that's the look I give Jessie when I know something crazy is about to happen--and it did. Right after this pic we took a turn too sharply and I was slammed into her. There was much screaming and laughing.

See, this picture is very poor quality and the colors are all messed up, but here we are. Yes, lovely aren't we?

Jessie, Hannah, and Clara. We were unable to get really good pictures due to the low lighting.

Jessie and me together after coming in from the rain. 

Jessie and I before we actually went out riding. It wasn't raining then--tricking us into thinking it was safe--but once we got out over the hill (the very back end of our property, here came the rain! Very sneaky, rain...sneaky. 

The back end of our property. 

After we got back inside we were all exhausted, and we retired to the sofa. We ate pizza, and watched Disney's Robin Hood. Yep, Disney night with the girls! Nothing better! Next time we want to watch Pocahontas so we can sing along. Love these girls!

This was, I believe, the best picture of the night. Haha, this is truly us! From left to right: Joanna (my sister), Jessie, Clara, Hannah, David (Hannah's brother) and, of course, that's me sitting on them. :) I love David's expression! Haha!


What else has happened since I talked to you last? Well, I finished all of my finals! Yes, I survived and (though I don't have my grades back yet) I believe I passed! I'm so happy! Today's final was history, and it marked the end of this semester.


It's been a real learning experience, and I'm glad I can say that I'm better off because of it--but I will miss it. I'm excited/nervous for the new Spring semester--and also the new year!

Each year I'm nervous about starting over--but I remind myself that God is with me and he has continued to bless me in unimaginable ways! I pray and trust that he will guide me through whatever challenges the new year brings and that he will bless me beyond my wildest dreams!


That's about all I can say right now--because I've got to take my sister to piano--so until next time!

Well, the Tree's Up

Look! My tree has two shadows! Vashta Nerada! RUN! No time to explain just run and jump in the phone box! 

Haha, random side note there. But yep, the tree is up now and my room has been mildly decorated. I'm not a really BIG decorator--I like my room the way it is, plain and simple.However, I can't be in the Christmas season without a few decorations around and a couple of my favorite carols on the radio. 

So, today, how are things going? Well, I manged to climb into the attic and get out again without becoming that character at the beginning of every Supernatural episode. :) Comforting and disappointing all at the same time--I mean, I really do want a Dean for Christmas--a Dean or a Castiel, both are good.

Also, it might not have been a good time to go in there for another reason. Last night I re-watched DW "Silence in the Library"....and considering the fact that our attic light currently doesn't work and there are millions of books in there....it was probably not a wise decision on my part. But again, I made it out alive...will I never run into Dean or the Doctor? Seriously people.

But Christmas is starting to set in here. Yay! I'm already perfecting my Christmas list and getting the last of my shopping done. I believe next weekend I will wrap presents to put under my little tree. I always wait a while before doing that so the wrapping doesn't get messed up.

I've got most of my shopping done, but I still have to buy Clara her present. :) I really love shopping for my friends, it's so much fun! With most of my family they know exactly what they want--but with friends you can just go and try to find something you think they will like. We get to surprise each other! Last year, Hannah bought my a Hobbit calender that I completely freaked out over! Loved that present so much! This year I've gotten, her and Jessie presents I think they will really like! I know exactly what I'm getting Clara, I just have to find the time to pick it up! :)

This is my deranged nutcracker--he eats souls.

I am still thinking about doing that post about dating--maybe it would be interesting. I dunno, still thinking it over.

But yea, this post is going to be a little shorter than normal as I am tired from dodging death in the attic. So until my next death defying adventure--which shall surely come sometime soon.

Jessie is Back!

My lovely friend Jessie just came back from her trip to Peru and look what she bought me! 

This has been an inside joke since August. When we found out she was heading off to Peru, I told her (jokingly) to bring me back a llama. She thought it was funny, and afterwards we continued to joke about her smuggling a llama across the boarder for me. Of course, being a good law abiding citizen (darn those!) she didn't actually smuggle a llama across the boarder for me. She did, however, pick up this adorable little guy in a tourist stop! 

He's a key chain, but I hesitate to put him on my already crowded key ring because of the severe beating my keys tend to take. Seriously, though, I sound like a one woman marching band with my current keys! That ring is getting too full! 

But I am so very happy that my lovely friend Jessie has since returned from Peru--the Land of the Llamas! She has so many interesting stories and already she's dying to go back. She's in love with mission work now, and I'm so proud of her. Only fifteen and already traveling to different countries to spread God's word! Jessie, I am so very proud of you!

In case you are wondering, no she did not go with a youth group. She went with an all adult team to run a clinic outside of one of the cities. She worked with the children's ministries and loved it. I can believe that, she is very good with children and is such a bubbly, hardworking personality! Again, Jessie, so very proud of you!

Her birthday was also this past week (while she was gone) but when she got back I gave her a small present. Friendship bracelets--and no we are NOT too old for them! They are Partners in Crime Forever. Yea, I got them at Rue 21. The other part of her present is a trip to the movies--to see Catching Fire. I have actually already seen it with James--P.S. he will be reviewing it soon! Go check it out if you are curious!

I am so happy to see her again. I've been without my little co-conspirator for nearly three weeks! That's too  dang long people!

Not the best picture--but it captures us so perfectly! We are usually smiling and laughing, given, mainly over stupid stuff.

If you are wondering, Catching Fire was amazing! Very close to the book and absolutely beautiful! I think this adaption did a MUCH better job of making you grow attached to the characters. I mean, Mags was in there for only about thirty minutes, but her death had me in tears! Finnick's devotion to her was beyond touching, and her sacrifice was so sad to watch. Trust me, as an avid fan of the books, I knew what was coming, but actually seeing it was just...wow! Loved every minute of it!

Also, on another note, my beloved friend James turned nineteen this past week! Happy Birthday, old friend!

I can't believe I've known him for eleven years now! Time flies by so fast, doesn't it? I mean, one minute we were little eight year olds running around in his backyard on scooters with lightsabers and the next we are college students terrorizing the roads in our trucks.:) An awful lot has changed over the years, but thankfully our friendship has only grown stronger. 

James is a really great guy with a lot of talent and, most importantly, a good heart. He's always willing to help out a friend, no matter the task, and he inspires others to be themselves around him. He's not judgmental. He knows so much about his hobbies and in everything he does he tries to be well informed and open minded. He's such a great friend to have! Happy Birthday, James! :D 

I went to my job's Christmas party--which was awesome! Such amazing people! I absolutely love working there, and I really hope to work there again this summer! In the meantime I want to work as a mini teachers aid at a local school! ;D A volunteer basically, helping a teacher I know with her class of first graders. I have decided that I do still want to be a teacher, and I'm very excited about it!

I have finally begun listening to Christmas music--but it's mainly Dean Martin and Bing Crosby. When it comes to Christmas music--I cannot stand modern. Modern, for me, is torture--I like the old style songs. Nothing else will due or make it feel like Christmas!

I have still to decorate, due to the fact that everyday this week I have been busy. :) But, I will finally drag out the tree Sunday! Wish me luck and that I don't get bitten by a spider---or find a ghost in the attic. Seriously, Supernatural has ruined attics for me. However, should there be a spook in the attic then I will finally get the Dean Winchester I've been asking for. Merry Christmas to me! Haha, just kidding.

Anything else? Hmmm, well I've been making new friends at school--weird how that happens at the end of the semester huh? One of them is really sweet, we will just call him Raggedy Boy. Don't ask, but yea DW reference. I give almost everyone weird nicknames--that's just me. ;) If your going to be close friends with me, just understand that I may give you a very weird nickname as a term of affection. My mom has one, my brother has one, my sister has one, my cousin Michael has one, Hannah has one, and I'm sure all my boyfriends will have their own titles. Trust me--my family already gives them nicknames, I might as well have one I like.

I had my first final of the season today--science--and I think I did well! :D

I'm still writing and taking pictures! Lots of work there of course. I'm perfecting my skills as best I can--and hopefully later this week you will get to see some evidence of it. As a reward for surviving finals I will be heading over to a favorite antique store to snap some photos of an old warehouse they aren't using. I'm very excited about it, and I'm hoping I'll be able to get some really good shots! Wish me luck!

Selfies! :D

I also got some awards at the Christmas party. Some of the employees that do good jobs get rewards there, and I got two tickets to Stone Mountain Park here in GA! 0_0 Those are REALLY expensive, so I was thrilled. However, now I'm unsure what to do with them. I mean, I can't go out there with one of my friends who are girls because--you know--not safe. My dad doesn't really hike, and I can't go with my brother. So I'm at a loss. I may give them to one of my really athletic family members--or I may go with someone I know. I mean...he has to ask first and all, on a date I mean, and then if we hit it off maybe we could go together. I don't ask guys out, period. I just don't do it.

I also got a 25 dollar gift card for perfect attendance. Not much, but hey, cushions the Christmas budget. :)



Well, I've got to go to sleep now! So until next time little bloggers