A Susie Ickle Story

Hey everyone!

I hope you all had a great Christmas and are getting ready for the New Year! I just wanted to take the time to share a story my Great Aunt Lynda sent us all for Christmas. It's called a Susie Ickle Story The Next Generation. She used to tell these stories to my aunts and uncles, as well as my mom's cousins and their families. I'm so glad she started writing them for us now too! I hope you enjoy!

A Susie Ickle Story

The Next Generation

How the Kids Saved an Old Lady

Once upon a time, not too long ago, there was an old lady who lived in a house (part of the time) by a pond in the woods. The woods were lovely and sometimes a family of deer would come to visit. However, they stayed on the other side of the pond and didn’t speak English. They old lady grew up in an era when Deerish was not a common language, so it was hard to communicate. There were lots of beautiful fish in the pond and they often jumped out of the water and tried to talk to the old lady. Unfortunately, they only spoke Fishish, so the old lady could not understand what they said. She had taken a crash course to learn Fishish but never got the hang of it. When she tried to talk with the fish in their Fishish language, all the frogs would break out in a big belly laugh and go “Ribbit, ribbit, ribbit” in their own Frogish language. This made the old lady very grumpy.

She became so grumpy that she refused to take out the garbage and absolutely refused to burn the trash. Each day she got a little grumpier and the trash stack got higher and the garbage bucket began to overflow.

Then on day, when she was at her very grumpiest, the old lady got a call from the Katzes. They said they would like to visit. Well that made the old lady smile.

“Oh boy a visit from the Katzes!!!”

Then a call came from the Kropfs!!!

“Oh boy a visit from the Kropfs!!!”

Then a call came from the Strans!!!

“Oh boy a visit from the Strans!!!”

Then Paula called!!!

Oh boy a visit from Audrey, Paula, and Gray!!!”

Then Ben called!!!!

“Oh happiness, a visit from the Schemmels!!!”

Then the Sweets called!!!

“Oh more happiness, the twins are coming!!!!”

The old lady was so happy; she danced a jig as each family arrived.

Suddenly, a really nice thing happened. Benjamin, who knew Fishish went to the pond and spoke with the fish. The frogs were so happy they jumped up and down. They jumped so high that the water started to come onto the banks. So Jonathan and Jakob, who both knew Frogish, explained to the frogs that they would have to calm down or they would be evicted from the area and, truthfully, any other location but the pond put them in danger of being used for frog soup. Sydney and Lyndsey felt so sorry for the frogs that they stepped in and said (in frogfish of course, because they had both taken an online workshop on strange languages) “Don’t worry, Sydney can teach you sign language and Lyndsey will teach you all about the wonderful history of your ancestors, some of whom were great pianists. That way you can talk about your family background using sign language. Nobody will think of evicting you.” In the background, you could hear Charlie, Lukas, and Bobby giggling as they rolled around the grass acting like frogs, mimicking sign language, and pretending to play the piano.

In the meantime, Kathryn, Audrey, Gretchen, Shauna, and Rebeka said they would take out the garbage. So they carried the bucket to the edge of the woods and all took a handful, threw it into the woods as they shouted, “KLATZ”! This made the old lady laugh so hard she had to go in the house and change clothes. When she came back out, the Klatz bucket was empty and the garbage was gone.

Then Megan said, “Well I guess we better burn the trash. I’ll supervise and you can all help.” So Gretchen, Kathryn, Shauna, Rebeka, Audrey, Jonathan, Jakob, and Benjamin all took a stack of trash out to the burn barrel. Every one of them had a huge armful, as there was a lot of trash! (You could hear Benjamin say under his breath, “How could one old lady have so much trash!”) Soon they had a nice fire going and the trash was soon gone. The old lady was so happy because she was having so much fun and was laughing so much she forgot all about being grumpy.

That night they ordered pizza from Buds and had a wonderful evening playing games and telling stories. Bobby, Lukas, and Charlie fell asleep after the first story—they were so exhausted from giggling all day. Soon everyone was tired and they all went to bed.

The next morning, Megan walked into the living room and said, “Mommy, I had the craziest dream last night—I dreamed that fish and frogs could talk and Benjamin and Jakob and Jonathan could talk to them. I dreamed about tossing out garbage and burning trash.”

Susie, Patti, Teresa, Mary, Ben, and Paula all looked at each other, smiled and said, “Oh well Buds Pizza can do that to you sometimes!”

Moral of the story: For a crazy good time, get the Schemmel clan together and stay close with your family!

My Aunt Lynda is one special lady. She can make us all laugh and realize the true importance of family and Christmas as well as every day life. I hope you all enjoyed this story as much as my family did.

Hope you all have a great new year!

plans for christmas!

I hope everyone is having a good break, and time off! I hope you are enjoying time with your family and friends!

With all the presents wrapped and baking done it's time to start the celebration!!

Today is Christmas Eve, the beginning of the festivities! My family always goes to mass Christmas Eve, and dinner to follow. The last few years we've gone to an Italian Restaurant. We then open one present on Christmas Eve to hold us over till the morning. We also give donations to our neighbors who go and serve dinner at the hospital for those families who are not able to leave. This year, after dinner, we are going to have dessert with our neighbors. We made all kinds of yummy treats. Last night, my mom and I made sugar cookies into shapes. We will probably decorate some for ourselves and of course some for santa!!

In the morning, we will open presents, but more importantly we will spend time with family. We are going to breakfast at my aunt and uncle's house...It's baby Lukas' first Christmas, and we are so glad to be able to enjoy it with him. After that, I'll go over to Danny's house for Christmas with his family. It's one of first time all the kids have been together since school started. Being able to spend time with everyone is one of the best things in the world.

I hope you all have a wonderful holiday and are thankful for family food and presents, and remember the reason we are able to celebrate Christmas! Remember the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ in everything that you do this holiday season! Merry Christmas!

Holiday Treats

Hey everyone!! I hope this post finds you all well and enjoying your Holiday season. Just wanted to give y'all a quick update on the goings on here in Cary, NC!

So far for my break I've either been running errands, baking, or watching my baby cousin Lukas.

By far my favorite part of the holidays is baking with my mama. Although, she's been really busy and i've been baking a lot of the stuff on my own, it's all thanks to my mama who taught me everything I know about the kitchen and cooking and baking. Sure following a recipe will give you good results, but knowing the little tricks and additions make all the difference.

While i was still at school, my friend Melissa and I made truffles for presents. It was the first time I tried making them. It was really fun and boy were they good!!

I started this season at home by making peppermint chocolate ice cream cake for my birthday...and yes the chocolate layers are made from scratch not a box! We've have had this cake for the last 5 birthdays and we LOVE it. It definitely gives us motivation to finish our finals. On every card or note mama sends us has the message "peppermint birthday cake when you get home."

The next thing we made was buckeyes. They are a holiday must in our household. The peanut butter chocolate combination is to die for. Of course we make them for football season, but during the holidays it is a great treat. They are pretty easy to make. Plus we trade some of those with our neighbors for some new years cookies!!

Yesterday morning, I made my Chocolate Mint Cookies. I've been making these for a few years. We usually use the mints that come in pink and green and yellow, but we could not find them this year. Instead we found some white mint chips with green and red little round sprinkles and some other chocolate peppermint things. You make the chocolate dough and roll it into balls (similar to buckeyes so I'm a master at rolling them) and bake them. Right when they come out you put the mint in them and the mint melts into the chocolate and when it cools it hardens and makes a wonderful treat.

Just a few minutes ago, I made "Tire patch fudge". While that's not its real name, I don't know what it is, and neither does my mama. When her sister, my aunt, made it when she was younger, my grandpa walked in and said it looked like a patch of tire and the name stuck. The fudge has always been my favorite thing to make.

In the next day or so, we are gonna make sugar cookie dough and cut out all kinds of shapes. We will decorate them on Christmas Eve, which always gets interesting.

I hope you all have a wonderful and Merry Christmas. I hope you enjoy baking and cooking with your families as much as I love it with mine.

"dear 16 year old me" please watch

This is a moving video about something we think is not a big deal. something we think that we can fix easily if it happens to us. It's not saying never go outside or have a major freak out if you get sun burnt...just awareness that you need to take your skin serious.

Please watch and spread the message. Cancer of any kind is traumatizing and serious.

http://www.thatvideosite.com/video/dear_16yearold_me

That's Fathers and Daughters

"When you took the training wheels right off my bike

That's the first time I could feel my wings'

Cause you taught me how to fly That's fathers and daughters"

My daddy taught me many of the things I know in life. He taught me how to ride my bike...very patiently I might add...He taught me how to be strong and responsible. He was my coach for basketball and my biggest fan for swimming. He was there for me when I had to quit sports, and there the first time I walked after surgeries. He taught me how to garden and how to take care of plants. He taught me how to build things and how to work hard in school and in life. Even though he can be the "annoying" parent sometimes, I'm very lucky to have him.

Daddy, Happy Birthday! I'm glad we are able to celebrate another year of you. You the farmer, the computer engineer, the basketball coach, and you the dad. I love you daddy, and thank you for being the best daddy in the world and I'll always be your baby girl.

The Day The Earth Moved Haiti

If you are my friend on Facebook you have probably seen me post millions of posts from me about this book. After many months of hard work, these ladies have finally produced a wonderful and inspiring book about the story of Haiti. They give insight into the life before and after the earthquake that destroyed the already poor country in January 2010.

I have just bought a copy of this book and am beginning to read it. All the proceeds of this book go to three wonderful organizations that help the Haitian people. They include the Compassion Weavers, Hope for Haiti Foundation, and Ryan Epps Children's Home.

This book includes stories and testimonies of people who were part of mission trips, those who began programs, and poems and stories from the people who could not themselves go to Haiti.

While I am completely biased because I know one of the authors, I think everyone should read this book. So far I have laughed and cried, and grown inspired and I've only gotten to page 60! Please consider buying this book to become educated and to support Haiti.

end of november

The end of november is almost here!

Hope everyone had a good thanksgiving! I know i did. full of laughs, shocking moments, food, family and football. Hopefully everyone was able to enjoy it with their friends and family.

To all my friends who are in college: good luck with your last few weeks! Keep your head high, prioritize, and get the work done! I know that's what i'll be doing...have a ton of projects, papers, and exams.

Just think in a few short weeks you will have nothing to do for a while, and are able to enjoy friends and family!

I will post more later...of to read some more...

adventures at ecu this morning

As many of you probably know, ECU was under lock down for about three hours today due to reports that a man was walking near campus with some kind of gun. Turns out it was an Umbrella. Makes the story less exciting but it still was a scare to us. I was calm on the outside because there were people with me who were majorly freaking out and I didn't want to make it worse for them. Instead I was freaking out on the inside, talking to other people through text message and Facebook. There were police swarming the campus, checking every building nook and cranny for this guy. University officials made sure we were aware what was going on and that we were all properly locked down.

Many people (who do and don't go to this university) seem to think this is funny, that our university freaked out over an umbrella. this is what I have to say:

it wasn't that funny to students who were locked in the buildings who had no clue what was going on and had parents and family members calling to make sure they were safe. I'm glad it was only an umbrella and that no one got hurt and that my university and surrounding police departments were able to take measures to protect the students faculty and staff. when two people call in a report about guns around a university their main priority first is to make sure the people are safe.

Thank you to all the police and university officials who made sure that we were all safe. You did your job correctly. I'm glad you protected us first, then found the guy and weapon second. To all you haters, you wouldn't be hating if it actually was a gun or if people got hurt because police "checked it out first" or "took their time".

This is too much excitement for one day. going to rest and go to class. until next time blog world...

Honors College Trip

This past weekend I went on a trip to the outer banks beaufort area with the ECU Honors College. We were split into two groups. the first day my group went to the NOAA research facility. While this was fun, I didn't understand some of it since I was not familiar with the terms and concepts since I'm not a science person. Then we went the the Maritime Museum which was TONS of fun. I loved seeing the Blackbeard exhibit. We had a lot of fun there all being pirates (AARRGGHH)!!

After that we did the

by far coolest part of

the trip. We got to go to the aquarium, meet the scuba divers, and take a behind the scenes tour. We got to see the feeding of the fish, and my favorite part, the feeding of the endangered green sea turtle. I learned that they are very sma

rt, but have to be trained everyday to maintain their memory since they have small brains. They do exercises with her. They said if they don't, she

starts to get a little feisty and unresponsive. It was such a cool experience to be able to feed her.

Then we went to fort macon. We were behind schedule, so we could not go on formal tours of the fort, but it was fun to hang out with other students. Here we met up with Baxter (the associate dean) and went to dinner with the other group. it was pretty good, but could have been better. the Sea food wasn't fresh which was weird considering the view outside the window was the ocean.

We stayed at a place called the Outpost. It was very "rustic" as they warned us it would be. We were however not expecting one bathroom where you had to switch the sign if males or females were currently occupying the bathroom. Also were not expecting the communal showers. However, there were a few single outside showers that we all used...or we just chose not to shower till we got back. We all talked for a really long time getting to know each other. It was the most sleep I've gotten in a few weeks so that was refreshing.

We woke up to breakfast on the dock overlooking the channel. It was really nice and we had a great bonding experience. Then the groups switched, and my group went out sailing all day. This was really fun, except I had a really bad headache and the motion of the ocean was NOT helping. But thanks to some awesome friends and a great crew, i was able to feel better faster and get back to having fun.

This was a great idea for the honors college, so students could get to know each other. If you didn't go on these trips, I would highly recommend going on one.

WE DID IT!

We all successfully finished the 5k! while we all finished at different spots we never gave up! It was a ton of fun and supported a great cause!

Thank you everyone who prayed for us and/or donated!

Here's a picture of all of us before the race!!

5k tomorrow!!!

Hey all!

Tomorrow I am walking in the 5k Purple Stride run/walk for pancreatic cancer. I'm walking with Mrs. Maloney and my Mama, while Danny, Mr. Maloney, Daddy, Sydney and Danny's Uncle Gary run the event. We are all doing this in Memory of Danny's aunt who passed from pancreatic cancer a few years ago.

This is my first big event since my surgeries and I'm glad I am able to support this cause.

Many of you will be reading this after the event is already over, but if in the off chance you do read this, pray for us as we do this. Also, pray for those who have pancreatic cancer, as well as any type of cancer. Pray for those who are family and friends of those who have cancer, and please pray that one day we can find a cure. Together we can do this.

Thank you to all those who donated as well as those who have been praying for us for the last few weeks. We greatly appreciate it.

Hope you all have a great weekend!

halloween costume

For halloween, I just went to the university activities. It was cold and rainy and that was all inside. Went with Danny, Kathleen, Caleb, and some others. It was tons of fun although very crowded! Here are some pictures of my halloween costume!!

Here are some of Danny and the rest of the group!

the weekend of 10/29

Here are some key events from the end of the week/weekend:

The Saint Peter's Halloween Carnival was awesome! Hearing a lot about this carnival we just had to go. Granted, it was a lot more fun for the younger ones, but it was great to see the people we see in church every week in a more relaxed setting. We had some extra tickets left over, so we took a friend of ours little boy

around the carnival.

He was so happy that alone made the whole time worth it.

Saturday was the homecoming game. It was SOOO cold, but it was worth it. We had a great time and the pirates won. We had great seats and I had like 5 layers on. I looked like a pirate ninja. It was also Band Day where there were thousands of people on the field from many schools around the area. It was really cool to see them perform with the ECU band.

Today we went to church and then walked around campus. Danny had to do a project for school where he had to capture the essence of ECU through still photographs. Since I went along, he took some really nice pictures of me. He took some really good pictures of the campus. See my Facebook page for the pictures.

Also, I would like to make a public service announcement. Please please please stop at stop signs. Today I heard about the 2nd accident in a week caused by people not stopping at stop signs. One resulted in a totaled car and a few freaked out kids, and the other resulted in major injuries including 14 broken ribs and broken vertebrae, as a result, having difficulty breathing and being in ICU. This shouldn't happen. It has an easy solution. You may be in a rush, but if you hit someone, you sure won't be going anywhere fast. Please take the few seconds to stop to prevent these accidents.

Yes this is halloween weekend, no I don't want to go out. I have too much to lose to go out. Even being in the wrong place at the wrong time can get me in huge trouble with the university and the honors college. But it is funny to sit outside and watch people walking down

town.

I get to see Sydney in FIVE days!!!! I just have to get through this week and i get to see the family! I am doing a 5k this weekend, so please pray for me. It's the first major thing I've done since my knee surgeries.

Have a great week everyone! Until next time...

fun facts about ECU

Since this weekend is homecoming I thought I would share some fun facts about East Carolina University:

1. The University was established in 1907 as East Carolina Teachers Training School.

2. In 1920 the name was changed to the East Carolina Teachers College (ECTC). In 1951 the name changed to East Carolina College and finally in 1967, the campus got it's present name East Carolina University

3. The Cupola in the mall is a replica of the original that sat on the top of the old administrative building. There is a myth that if as underclassman, you walk under the Cupola, you will not graduate from ECU in 4 years. You will see people clearly avoiding the area, and sometimes see cruel friends trying to lead their friends under the cupola.

4. The Dowdy-Ficklen Stadium is our football Stadium that holds 50,000 people. We also have Minges Coliseum for basketball and Clark-LeClair Stadium for baseball. Soccer, swimming, track, and volleyball are among the other sports offered at ECU. Athletics are a huge part of the experience at ECU.

5. The Student Pirate Club is one of the largest student organizations in the state. We are loud and proud to be pirates. Most schools worry when coming to play at ECU.

6. ECU is home to 9 undergraduate colleges. a graduate school, and four professional schools. There are about 28,000 students enrolled and 5,000 faculty and staff.

7. Barefoot on the Mall is held every year in the spring. It is a day full of musicians, vendors, food, and games.

8. The University has a really good ROTC program in Army and Air Force. We are very proud to support the armed forces.

9. There are 15 dorms split into three neighborhoods. The Hill, Central Campus, and West end.

10. Our Mascot is PeeDee the Pirate, and our colors are Purple and Gold.

Cheer for East Car'lina,

Cheer on for old E.C.,Loyal and Bold,we're the purple and gold,WE ARE THE PIRATES OF E.C.U.!

This is Our House. This is Our State. This is our Nation. The Pirate Nation.

ten things you may not know about me

some things just for fun:

1. I have always been known as the "tomboy" but I LOVE shoes and getting dressed up, sometimes the gym shorts and tennis shoes are easiest.

2. I am always known as the confident person, but sometimes i just want to curl up into a ball and hide, rather than face the facts.

3. I really like to sing, especially songs that mean something to me and I know by heart.

4. I miss playing sports more than anything, having 2 knee surgeries and 10 years of knee problems, I'm not able to do any anymore. I get really jealous of my sister who can.

5. I hate the color pink. I think it is ugly.

6. Halloween is my least favorite holiday. I hate scary and creepy thing, and don't understand the holiday.

7. If I didn't have to worry about school, jobs, and money, I would love to just drive across the country, stopping at any historic place I feel like.

8. I watch the food network almost every night before I go to sleep. I love to cook and wish I could cook real food (instead of a microwave)

9. Even though my twin sister and I fight a ton, at the end of the day she is my best friend and I would do anything for her.

10. My nickname with my family is Lyndsey Ladybug, because ladybugs are my favorite.

hope you learned something about me.

if heaven weren't so far away

The month of October is a really hard month for me. I am a really strong person and I have a strong faith...yet every year around this time I struggle. I lost two of the most important men in my life in the month of october, way before their time. They were both so young and had so much life left in them, yet God took them away from my family, from me. Today in Lifeteen we were talking about how great God is, and the whole time I was just thinking Why? Why is He so great? He took all these people away from me. They never got to see me grow up, they never got to see the rest of their grandchildren. My grandpas were two of the strongest men I knew, they were my rocks. Sure God has his reasons, but couldn't He have waited just a few years? I wasn't ready for them to go. It's been 11 years since Grandpa Schemmel passed, and I'm still not over it. I remember the phone call from my uncle saying that He passed right when we got home from visiting him for the last time. He was so happy and full of life when we left, that i couldn't imagine him not here.

During the program tonight, this was all I was thinking about. We were talking about letting go of the images and things that others want us to be, and to be free to be ourselves. With my grandpa in the back of my mind, I asked God to let me stop worrying about what others here think of me, stop changing who I am because of what others think I should be. Then I started thinking, what would my grandpa say if he were still alive? would he be proud to call me his granddaughter? And I realized, no matter what, that man would be the proudest man alive to have me as a granddaughter. I can see him telling all his friends about me, and my sister.

These were some of my thoughts as I sat in the church tonight, looking up occasionally in the presence of Jesus:

If heaven weren't so far away grandpa i'd pack up my bags and come for a visit. It's been too long since i've seen you. what would you think of your little baby granddaughter all grown up? would you be proud of who I am? of who I've become?

I miss you more than anything. I hope that you and grandpa sweet uncle carl and uncle warren and of course our little baby girl Sam are watching over all of us, and keeping us safe. I hope you fish with uncle carl and be the wonderful man who you were down here.

I remember you taking me fishing and being patient with me. I remember going to visit you and not going to say hi to anyone else until I found you. I remember you helping me climb the Looning Tree and I remember sitting on your lap driving the tractor. I'm your little country girl grandpa. I tell all the cousins tons of stories about you and letting them know that even though they never met you, you still love them more than anything.

Don't get me wrong I love God and my faith is so strong. But this is always a hard time, and in time God will show me why He did what He did. Everything happens for a reason.

Grandpa, you are my borrowed angel. I love you so much and I miss you every day. Thank you for helping me become the woman I am today.

10/24/2000

tattoo :)

This is my tattoo I got on September 29th 2011 for my baby cousin on the 7th anniversary of her death. She is our little borrowed angel who we all miss more than anything in the world. I got this to remember and honor her. When she died, it was one of the toughest times in my life even though I was so young. I know that some people don't like tattoos but this one is so important to me and my family. I will always remember and love that little girl. Her picture is right by my bed, and I see her face before I go to sleep and wake up every day.

When I was in 7th grade I wrote a poem for my english class. This year, on the anniversary of her death, I looked through my old email for a bunch of old pics and stumbled across it. Yes I cried when I saw the poem and the pictures, but it was really good. Here is the poem I wrote when I was in 7th grade:

why did u take Her,
from a Family of loving people?
i want to know why--
couldn't she have stayed longer?

She was like a blessing,
that touched Everyone's soul.
she was a rose,
that God had picked for My family.

she was so small,
she was as quiet as a mouse,
when She slept in my arms,
I couldn't imagine life without Her.

Consecration of the Altar at St. Peters

Today I went to the consecration of the new Altar at St. Peter's. Bishop Burbidge was there to bless the altar. This is one of the most interesting and wonderful ceremonies to witness. It is a very rare event, as it is not often that churches get new altars. My favorite part of the blessing of the altar was the incensation of the altar. While most people get annoyed by the incense, I find it one of the best smells in the world. It reminds me of the familiar smell of the church. Today as the smoke was rising near the lights, I swear a saw the face of Jesus. It was a wonderful sign and it was only for a split second, but it was a reminder that He was there, and that ultimately we were there to celebrate Him.

This was one of the best things I have ever seen, so if you ever get a chance to go, go.

rant about professors

There is one thing I do not get about some college professors...they think we are all idiots and don't know what we are talking about. Now I'm not talking about all of them, but I have and have had a few classes that the professors on a regular basis honestly think the entire class is stupid. Now yes, you are a professional and have your BAs and BSs and Masters and Doctorates and a master in your field, but we aren't stupid. Yes we know we can't plagiarize that we can't just take crap from someone else and turn it in as our own. Yes I know that I can get kicked out of school for doing that. While I think that it is important to understand that it is serious to copy someones papers and their work, it is not necessary to tell us EVERY class AT LEAST 5 times. it's not necessary. and news flash we have written research papers before. this is not a foreign concept to us...

sorry rant over, but it just gets frustrating when they think we don't get the point. we got it the first 10 times you said it we don't need it 10 more. it makes us feel like you are wasting your time and we are wasting our time too. sorry to any professors or teachers out there, and like I said it's not all professors just a select few.

9/11 ten years later

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fvj6zdWLUuk

This is the song Where Were You When the World Stopped Turning (that September Day) by Alan Jackson. This particular video is the first time he sang it at an award show just months after he wrote it. He debated playing it but decided that the we the American People needed to hear it. It has since become one of the most amazing and nationally recognized song about this fateful day. I love it so much because it shows what almost everyone in America was doing that day. Whether they were teachers teaching children like me, out in the yard or at your job we were all doing different things. When we heard this we all came together as a country. We wept, we held each other, we watched happy things on the tv (other than the horrifying news footage), and we all prayed and went to services. We remember all those who died, those who died fighting to get the workers out, and those families who didn't know if their loved ones were ok, on those particular planes, and scared out of their minds.

I was in 4th grade in Mrs. Caldwell's class. She came back crying and then students started leaving school. They weren't allowed to turn on the news or tell us what happened. I'm sure they had to be very strong to hold it together for us. I never put it together that something was wrong. I got home from school and me being a nerd child checked the stocks on the computer. I said "mommy why are all values at zero?" she had to explain then and I just sat at the tv in awe thinking is this really happening? We went to a church service that night and had to sit on the floor because there were so many people there.

This was a fateful day in our history but brought us closer as a nation reminding us what we stand for and our freedom. That day, and today, and everyday after, we pray for those who died, those who are still missing, those who lost loved ones, and those who would have to and have fought for our country. God Bless America.

update

Hey everyone! Sorry I haven't posted in a while!! I've been so busy I keep forgetting to update this!

I just got back from a 2 week trip up to Ohio to help out my Aunt T with her kids while my uncle was away for work. It was a TON of work and I was often exhausted but it was a great trip and I love the little ones so much!!

I helped Ben build and paint a rocket (which launched successfully might I add) and made a whole game. We made Lego Clue. While based off the original Clue game we made our own board, pieces, cards etc. It was a ton of work but in the end it was so much fun to play :)

The girls were quite the handful. At ages 3 and 4 they are learning the value of sharing and taking turns. We had many lessons on how to take turns on the swings, with the dress up clothes, with food, just about everything. Their favorite line was "Next time can I..." it was so cute and I often had to hold back laughter to be serious. I also found out that they love braided hair...so every time they needed a bath their incentive to do it without crying was that i would braid their hair afterwords. So my little girls each had between 7 and 10 braids as they went to sleep so they could have curly hair in the morning.

Charlie the youngest, is SOOO adorable. He doesn't like to be held by anyone but Mommy and occasionally Daddy. He often gave me evil stares that rivaled mine (which is hard to do) and also started to cross his arms when he wasn't getting what he wanted. We turned it into a game where I would copy him. He would laugh and laugh. I also found that I can make him like me by throwing him up in the air and he would laugh and laugh and laugh (of course we never did this right after he finished eating). His laughter and smiles were contagious. The little monsters are so adorable and I loved my time with them. I know Aunt T really appreciated it and I would love to go back to help again :)

Other news is that my Aunt Paula surprised EVERYONE and came home early from Afghanistan. She knocked on our front door at 9pm Monday night. I don't think I have ever screamed cried and laughed all at the same time before. It was the best surprise ever and I'm so glad that she is home safe and sound with her baby girl and Gray.

In the coming weeks I'm going to New Bern and Beaufort NC with my Daddy to see some historical sights and the Blackbeard exhibit. I'm also going to a series of concerts starting next weekend.

I hope that this finds everyone well :) until next time...

surgery

Hey everyone!! As many of you know I just had surgery this week. It went really well and has been relatively painless. Of course there have been days where it hurts really bad but not too many. The physical therapists said I was doing really well for the point of recovery I am in.

I wanted to take a minute to thank the many family and friends that have been praying for me this week. I definitely felt the prayers and really appreciate it!

For now, I will continue to go crazy sitting on the couch, but be warned I will be up and around soon. Today I took a few steps without the crutches!!!!

Love you all!

GUESS WHO'S DONE WITH FRESHMAN YEAR?!?!?

That's right you guessed it! I survived my first year of college!! Now I'm doing the most stressful part after taking finals....waiting on the grades...I'm hoping to keep up the 4.0 for another semester but I guess we'll see. Today, I took my last two finals, packed everything up, and am at home :)

I am glad to be back but sad to be leaving all my friends from ECU and those at St. Peter's who I will miss SOOOO much. I'm glad I got to know you guys over the year and don't worry I'll be back in August!!

On the other hand, it's good to be home. Get to see my family and a friends who I haven't seen in a very long time. I can't wait to see everyone and get to hang out with them.

This year has gone by super quick. It feels like just yesterday I was moving in, knowing no one, and not having the slightest idea where anything was. Now, I don't know everything, but I at least know how to find out where things are and how to do things. I feel like I have grown up so much but still love coming home to mommy and daddy :) (and hooper of course)

There are two days until I see my twin. I can't wait!!! She has done an awesome job her freshman year as well. I am super proud of you Syd!!

Anyways, to my friends at ECU, see you next year. To my friends here at home call me up!! and to my family can't wait to see yall!!

I hope everyone has a great rest of the week!

Update on my life

Hey so I haven't posted in a while so I just wanted to let you know that I'm alive haha but mostly just let you know what's up.

Earlier this week we started registering for the fall 2011 semester. I can't believe my first year is almost over!!! I got all the classes I wanted except one which I am currently trying to figure out how to get into. I should be able to in May after exams but oh well. What happens happens.

Today I am going to the Little Willie Center. I go at least once a week (I just started there last week) and it's an after school program for kids who couldn't afford to be in an after school care center or parents are not home. It is a place where they can get their homework done, and help if they need it, then they can relax and play if they want. I love seeing the kids faces when they get something or see us because they know they will get to have fun with us. It's awesome. The reason I am doing this is for my Myths and Realities of Poverty Class, but I think, as well as my classmates, this will become a regular thing after we are out of that class.

I only have about a month and a half left of school so it's getting to where all the professors are piling things up and it's crazy. I am so excited for summer it's not even funny.

This summer I'm having my 2nd knee surgery (on the other knee) in May so that will be fun i guess? I get to control the tv upstairs so that's a plus :) Hopefully after this my knees will be ok for a while so I can play sports and exercise without having to worry about knee problems.

The only thing I am in search for this summer is a job that I can do with having surgery which is proving really difficult. anyone got ideas?!?!?!?

Hope everyone is having a great first week of spring!!

My ipod tonight....

so i'm laying in bed texting and falling asleep...my ipod is trying to pull at my heart strings....

The songs that came on...in a row no joke are:

I would die for you, Help pour out the rain, Word of God speak, Borrowed Angels and now Soldiers and Jesus.

With these songs, I am on the verge of tears and busting out crying. I think of those I love, those who have passed away who meant the world to me, and my Aunt who is in Afghanistan.

I don't know why these things have happened or why my ipod played those songs in the order that they did. I have 5 days worth of music on my ipod and those are the songs that come up.

As sad as I am, I realize I am truly blessed.

I have so many great people in my life who would die for me and that I would die for them. The song goes "you aren't alive until you know who you would die for you and i would die for you"

Help pour out the rain is so cute and reminds me of me when I was younger and my curiosity about God and what heaven was and how I could get there. There is a line that says "will i get to see my grandpa..." which reminds me of both of the wonderful men who I am lucky enough to call my grandpas. I love them and miss them very much.

Borrowed Angels reminds me how blessed I am to know the many people in my family who have come for a visit but have had to go back to God to be His angels. I am thankful for getting to know all of them who have touched my lives in so many ways no matter how young or old they were when they went to heaven.

Finally, Soldiers and Jesus...the line "where would we be without soldiers and Jesus" was the last straw before I started crying. I miss my aunt very much an want her to be home so bad. She is amazing and I love and worry about her every day. She is super brave and a huge inspiration to me. Aunt Paula if you are reading this as Aunt Lynda would say "I love you to the point of exhaustion"

So even though I am sad I realize how extremely lucky I am to have the family I do and friends that are the best. I love you all!

update on spring semester

Hey everyone!

Just thought I would give you all a quick update on my spring semester. So far it has gone pretty well and I love my classes. They aren't too difficult and a lot are general education requirements. After this semester I have all but 2 out of the say (a lab for science and an exercise class) then get to start more of the classes in my major.

Today I signed up for my dorm assignment for next year with one of my friends and neighbors from the Honors college. I'm really excited about that cause she is AWESOME.

In the coming days I need to figure out my schedule and meet with my advisor to talk about fall 2011 classes ALREADY!

I find that hard to believe because i just had my first tests in my classes this week. It's a little crazy. It was a crazy long week but I'm home for the weekend and get to spend it with my family and danny's family. Good relaxing break.

I'm still helping out at st. peter's and enjoy it a lot. I love meeting new people and helping out and gaining friends along the way.

Our latest thing is our 10:10 prayer groups. there are groups of about 10 and it's a two week challenge. The challenge includes personal reflection, prayer for yourself and your group members, going to church, saying the Our Father at 10:10 am and 10:10 pm every day among other things. It has been a great challenge and i love texting my group everyday wishing them a good day then praying for them throughout the day. They have also been great when I need prayers for myself or friends who are going through a rough time. If you are not familiar with the bible verse John 10:10 (hence where this all started) read it and join us in our prayer!

I'm very disappointed that I won't get to go on their mission trip this year due to possible surgery on my other knee at the beginning of the summer but i know they will have a blast!!

The one complaint I have is the weather. I would like it to get warmer but if you must be cold stay cold then get warm...don't tease me with 70 degree weather one day then be 40 the next. that's just torture.

Hope everyone is doing well!

that is all for now!

ramblings of a jewelry lover

I love rings. I have a ton of rings that switch out on a daily basis depending on what I am wearing. Based on the fact that half of my wardrobe is purple I often wear my two purple rings the most (I got both from the site below). I love love love them and try them on at almost every store. In the past, I have had rings that turn my finger green…aka a sign of a FAKE ring…I found that quite annoying. My friends had similar experiencse with jewelry including necklaces…one even had a green ring around her neck from a necklace. I grew tired of fake jewelry and NEEDED to find somewhere that I could get rings that were cute stylish and did not turn my fingers green.

Sterling 925 Rare Finds is an online jewelry shop that sells one of a kind sterling silver jewelry with unique gemstones that are both common and rare. I have bought several pieces for myself, bought presents for others, and have received some pieces as gifts. On this site, there are a wide variety of rings, necklaces, pendants, bracelets, and earrings. These products are one of a kind and are beautiful. You can definitely find a piece to match any outfit or find something for you or for a friend or loved one.

I highly recommend taking a look at this site and share with your friends!!

Link to website:

http://www.sterling925rarefinds.com/Shop/

First Days of Classes

So second semester is starting. I have had a majority of my classes (a few were canceled because of the ice).

First I have English which will finish my English Requirements. I have the same professor as last semester and we will finish our ongoing project about the Honors College and how we can improve it.

Then is American History 1877 to present. I'm really excited about this class. We will focus on foreign policy and major wars and events of the time. My professor seems interesting and not at all dull.

I have your basic health class which I haven't been to yet so I have no idea what to write about it.

College Algebra is going to be interesting. My father doesn't understand why I am taking College Algebra when I took Calculus and Statistics in high school...but hey it's a requirement.

My final class is a seminar on the Myths and Realities of Poverty. It is a service learning class. We have to read 7 books...that won't be fun...and we discuss the books and common ideas and what it is really like to live in poverty. We also have to volunteer 15 hours over the semester at a place that deals with some aspect of poverty. Although it will be a lot of work, I feel like I will learn a lot in that class.

Most people say the spring semester goes faster than the fall which I can't imagine because the fall semester went by so fast. I have yet to feel like the semester is going fast but I'm not sure if it's because it just started or if it is weird because of all the snow and delayed classes.

I hope all my college friends do well this semester and to all my high school friends good luck with exams and the start of your new semester.