"I know...you had it sorted."

I don't really know why I am writing this but I just felt the urge to blog while I was watching "Prince Caspian" for the second time this week. (Yes...I love that movie!) I got to thinking about how the characters have grown. Especially Edmund. During the first movie, Edmund was easily manipulated. He gave into the things of the world. But in "Prince Caspian", we see how Edmund has grown. He's smarter, stronger, and more mature. He know what he has to do and he does it. He doesn't think "Well, if I try this, maybe..." or "What would Peter do?" It's about Edmund becoming the person he's made to be - in England and Narnia.

The picture above is probably my favorite picture. It was one of my favorite scenes in the entire movie. Why? Edmund has scars and bruises. Aslan took him aside, they talked things out, Edmund apologized, and all was forgotten. Of course, Aslan is symbolic to Christ. All of us, at some point, have been in Edmund's shoes. We may not have traded our families for Turkish Delight, but we've traded the most important things to us for the things of the world. We've wanted to be a part of something other than what we've always known. It's like they say "If it sounds to good to be true, it probably is." Edmund learned the hard way, as do many of us. But he repented. Aslan forgave him. Peter, Susan, and Lucy forgave him. The entire kingdom of Narnia forgave him.


If you ask me, there is not enough of that in the world today. If people betray each other, they tend to hold grudges. (I'm one of them so don't think I'm trying to sound innocent in all of this.) When the betrayer seeks forgiveness, we tend to see it as "I'm not ready to forgive." or "You can't just expect me to forgive and forget after what you did to me." If Christ can forgive them, we are perfectly capable to forgive them, too. It shouldn't take a battle between Aslan and the White Witch to put things into perspective for us. After everything they went through, the Pevensies were still there for their brother. They still loved him. Lucy even gave him a drop of her dragonfly elixir to save his life. How many of you would save the life of someone who betrayed you? Sibling or not? And you know what? Lucy didn't even think twice about it.

How many of you can say that?

I would take no for an answer,
Just to know I heard you speak,
And I'm wondering why I've never,
Seen the signs they claim they see,
A lotta special revelations,
Meant for everybody but me,
Maybe I don't truly know You,
or maybe I just simply believe...

Cause I can sniff, I can see, and I can
count up pretty high; but these faculties
aren't getting me any closer to the sky,
but my heart of faith keeps poundin' so
I know I'm doin' fine but sometimes findin
you is just like tryin to smell the color nine.
Smell the color nine...

Now I've never felt the presence,
But I know You're always near,
And I've never heard the calling,
But somehow You've led me right here,
So I'm not lookin' for burnin' bushes,
Or some Divine graffiti to appear,
I'm just beggin You for Your wisdom,
And I believe You're puttin' some here...

Nine's not a color...
and if even if it were you can't smell a color,no
that's my point exactly.

I'm walking!

No boot.

No crutches.

Just a store-bought ankle brace.

Woohoo!

Happy Thanksgiving!!

A day late but everyday is a day to be thankful!

Do y'all remember the post I made prior to this one? Ya know...where I fell down three steps and sprained my ankle?

Yeah, well, um...that's not all we found out.

Ya see...Thursday night, my foot was still very, very swollen. Mom didn't like it. So, on Friday she called the orthopedic doctor I was supposed to go to a week after I fell. They got us an appointment. We went in and they did the whole, uh, whatchamacallit...exam! They told us I had a Grade 3 sprain (the worst you can get) and that the numbness was coming from the leg being swollen, not nerve damage. Dont'cha just love E.R.'s? So they told us it would be a six week recovery. Six weeks!!! And if the ligaments haven't healed by then , they're talking surgery. Surgery!!! (I feel like Josh Nichols...and some of you will get that!)

But here's something I found funny amongst all this pain and whatnot. I had a report due to the state on 11/7. I had been working on it all morning on Monday and only had one paragraph. It just wasn't working. On Tuesday, I had a brilliant beyond brilliant idea: I was gonna write about my injury! I figured I had all of the medical papers from the E.R. and I could get plenty of stuff on the internet so, "Why not?!" So when the orthopedic doctor was telling me about my injury, I already knew it all!! I felt really smart. Just kidding! But yeah, I got my report typed, printed and mailed by Wednesday so it could be mailed and delivered by Friday and it wasn't as hard as the one I was trying to write before. Woohoo! So something good did come out of this...my chances of graduating. Lol!

Clutzilla passes the baton.....

On Monday, I fell down the stairs. As soon as I landed I heard something pop in 3 places. It got fire hot and went numb instantly. Of course, we'd been waiting for a phone call all day so the phones were upstairs. It took me a few minutes to figure out how to get from the floor to the steps. I sat down and went up the stairs backwards. I found the phone and since Ma had just called I hit "redial" and got something completely different. Once I found her number I called her and told her that I though I had broken my leg. She left work. I called Amber & Aislinn who were at the park (no school Monday or Tuesday) and told them I needed ice. The neighbor came up and waited until Dad got home from a trip. We went to the hospital and did the whole x-ray thing. T
The doctor at the ER said it was severely sprained and there's a good chance I have nerve damage because it's still numb.
Of course, when Dad came home and found out that "his daughter fell down the stairs", he immediately asked "Where's Amber? Is she okay?" Lol! So, right now I have an air cast and I'm on crutches. I'm technically not supposed to be online because my leg isn't elevated but oh well. They were the ones that left me home alone. Lol!

Look down from a broken sky
Traced out by the city lights
My world from a mile high
Best seat in the house tonight

Touch down on the cold black top
Hold on for the sudden stop
Breath in the familiar shock
Of confusion and chaos

All those people going somewhere
Why have I never cared

Give me your eyes for just one second
Give me your eyes so I can see
Everything that I keep missing
Give me your love for humanity
Give me your arms for the broken hearted
The ones that are far beyond my reach
Give me you heart for the ones forgotten
Give me your eyes so I can see

Yeah Yeah Yeah Yeah

Step out on a busy street
See a girl and our eyes meet
Does her best to smile at me
To hide what’s underneath

There's a man just to her right
Black suit and a bright red tie
Too ashamed to tell his wife
He's out of work, He's buying time

I’ve been here a million times
A couple of million eyes
Just move and pass me by
I swear I never thought that I was wrong
I need a second glance
Give me a second chance
To see the way you’ve seen the people all along

I just want to say that even though we had a dramatic loss on Sunday, my boys are still 4-2. This is the best season we've had since 2003. Let's keep it up, boys!

McConnell's Mill

We went to McConnell's Mill today. That's kinda obvious, though...

Clutzilla Strikes Again!

So...I have some "shocking" news for everyone.

AMBERLYNN BROKE HER LEG...AGAIN!

She was running in gym class and a kid pushed into her. She fell and fractured her tibia. (Now she's singing "The Bone Dance" song from "Hannah Montana")

Just letting you all know that she's off to a good start!

Fort Hand Festival

Okay, so...every year, Apollo has this 3-day festival at the park down the street. The church makes chicken wings and funnel cakes. It's set up like a little fair with food, games, rides, booths...you name it. It was a lot of fun. I will probably never eat another chicken wing or funnel cake again, but it was fun!

Oh geez...I had to put it up, though.

Amber, me, Laura, Aislinn & Emily

Manning the fryer...

Dad, me, Susan

Funnel cakes...sometimes we couldn't make em fast enough!

Cheryl and Denise

Having a good ol' time! They played all different kinds of music (50's-80's, dance party songs...) We were all dancing!

Susan, Dot, Deb & Denise

Okay so this is what the park looked like after the fireworks on Saturday night. It was insane!

...

The other day, 7 boys (ages 9-13) vandalized a Head Start program. They completely destroyed everything. They poured paint all over the toys and supplies.

Seven boys that aren't even teenagers?

What is wrong with this world?

Dad's Installation Service

Dad was officially installed as pastor of CCPR on September 13th. Here's a look at the service...

FCC came down and lead worship. Pastor Brian preached the message and installed him as pastor.

Time of fellowship.

Praying over us.

Grandma, Dad, Mom, Faye, and Papa.

Okay, so this was at the service (well, afterward). Amber had to bring the baby home for school. Dad was showing her what he'd do if she got pregnant. She looks scared, right? Lol!

Panthers...

We're 2-0, boys...

...let's keep it up!!

How many licks does it take to get to the center of a tootsie pop?

The age old question:

How many licks does it take to get to the center of a tootsie pop?


How many people have spent hours counting the licks to the center of the tootsie pop? How many have gotten tired of counting and given up? How many have lost count and had to start over...another day?

Life is like a tootsie pop. (*insert mocking laughter here*)
But seriously, it is. We're handed this candy and told how good it is. We're told how the center is the best part. Instead of eating it slowly, enjoying every part of the candy, we're in a rush to get to the best part. We end up biting the candy and before you know it, it's gone.

Now life...life is the same way. We're given life and it's supposed to be great. Good job, love, happiness, etc. Too many people think it's all supposed to be the "chocolately center of the tootsie pop"...ya know, the best. We have to go through tough times (the hard candy) before we can get our "soft center". It may seem like you'll never get passed the hard times but keep going. Do you want to be one of the people who have given up? Lost count? Said "maybe another day..."?

Maybe all of this is babbling. It might only make sense to me, but I'm writing this. Maybe it's written for me. Maybe it's wrtten for you. Everyone has a "tootsie pop life"...how will you get to the center?

Whew!!

Text books FINALLY got here!



Now for the 2 weeks of "catch-up"...ugh!

More Jonas Brothers

Jerrilyn uploaded some of her pictures so here they are!

Jerr, Tonya and I

Ninny!

They were singing their song "Lovebug" and they brought out their 7 year old brother Frankie, who I find absolutely ADORABLE! (If things don't work out with me and Kevin, he's my second choice!)

Move

Move went well. Still unpacking, but that's with any move. House looks really good actually, considering all the boxes.

Everyone is doing well.

Amberlynn started school Monday at Kiski Area High School. She seems to like it.

Aislinn is doing Pennsylvania Virtual Charter School this year. Kiski wanted her to go back to the ninth grade because they couldn't get her transcripts for that year. She's like "Forget this, I'll be homeschooled!"

Dad is doing his thing as the pastor. Makes it convienent that we live right next door to the church, too.

Mom is working. She is definitely closer than she was when we lived in Edinburg. Lol!

And me...I'm just hanging in here. I was kinda hit in the face with some things this summer but that's all part of growing. In fact, Nick Jonas helped me out with some things at the concert that I'll post pictures of after this. Learning and growing....all a part of this wonderful ride called LIFE.

Jonas Brothers Concert!

Okay, so I have to say that I have the most AMAZING best friend on the face of the planet! On Sunday I called her and she told me she had an extra ticket to the Jonas Brothers concert in Pittsburgh and asked me to go. I know you're all wondering...what did you say? I said "YES!" of course! We went to the concert on August 28th. The Veronicas were the opening act. Demi Lovato performed some of her songs from her new cd (I'm definitely buying it!) and, of course, JONAS BROTHERS!! It was an AMAZING concert. Everyone was super talented and put on a GREAT show.

The tour bus. Of course, we wrote our own messages to the boys. But unlike some people ("Give up the rings" writer), it was nice!

JONAS BROTHERS!

That's my man, Kevin! =-)

The Veronicas

Demi Lovato

New house

So, like most of you know, we're moving. Here are some pictures of the house we will be moving into. It's not the whole house but you'll get the idea. =-)

The front of the house. It's right beside the church, which is convenient. Lol!

This is Aislinn's bedroom. Mine is directly across the "landing" and is exactly the same.

(FYI: That's Aislinn's "80's Day Care Mom" look and Jerrilyn)

This is our lovely bathroom. Lol!

Our back porch. Both of our porches are enclosed...lol!

This is the living room.

So, I didn't post my parent's room, which, looks like a bedroom. Neither did I post the kitchen, the front porch, the dining room, nor the basement. But you get the idea.

Oregon

I am home after spending a week in Portland with Aunt Vera & Uncle Chuck.
I had a
B-L-A-S-T
double exclamation point
period
dot dot dot
(Some of you will get that!)

My Facebook and MySpace have all of the pictures up. I am limited on here so there is only 5. Bummer. =-(

http://www.myspace.com/c8linrenee

Fun Fest at CCPR

July 19th was Fun Fest at our church. We had a great turn out. We had tons of food, games, and talent. It was a lot of fun!

What's new?

We have a very busy weekend ahead of us here folks.

We have an all-day Fun Fest in Apollo on Saturday. It is their community outreach. It's over an hour away so it's going to be a long day...but hopefully it will be fun, too.

On Sunday, the church votes on making Dad the senior pastor of CCPR and there is a dinner afterward.

In the meantime, I am only partially packed for my trip to Oregon. I have a pile of clothes started and things like books and stuff packed but I can't pack a lot of stuff until Monday morning. So, needless to say it's going to be a non-stop action-packed weekend for us. Maybe we'll meet Vin Deisel...who knows?

________________________________________________


So, Mom officially graduated. YAY!! We had her graduation ceremony last night. We're all very proud of her!

Dad is doing well. Like I said, the vote is on Sunday so pray everything goes according to His will.

Aislinn is going to Jr. Camp as a "Slasher" the last few days in August.

Amberlynn just turned 15 so she's excited about that!

Me...I'm just hanging in here until I figure out what to do. =-)

Relieved

SAT scores are back.


One step closer....

If there is no God, who pops up the next Kleenex in the box?

This reminds me of a song by Joy Williams called "God Only Knows"


You're in one of those seasons Everything seems to go so wrong Wish I could give you a reason But even I'm barely holding on
When it's hard to find the answers Let this be your hope
Chorus: God only knows all your broken pieces Only He knows what you're going through God only knows what you hide inside And He's holding onto you God only knows
You've had your fill of questions There's so much that you need to know I don't blame you for asking But it's time to let go of control
And I'm sorry for what you're feeling Please hold on to this hope
Come on, come on, He knows your pain Come on, come on, hold onto faith Come on, come on, you're on your way My friend, your struggle has an ending day
Only He knows Only He knows Only He knows


God knows what will become of our lives. It's like He's watched the same movie 47 times. He knows the funny parts, the parts we wish we could cut, the moments we realize the obvious, and the times we feel like crying. He laughs when we laugh, smiles when we smile, cries when we cry, and rejoices when we do. He gives us friends and family to help us through it, but only He holds the comfort we need. We need to rely 100% on Him. God will be there holding a box of tissues and extending His arms for you to come to Him.

Summer is here!!

It gives me great joy to annouce that summer has finally arrived!

-No school
-Hanging out with friends
-Camp
-Oregon =-)
-Kennywood

It's going to be a swell time. =-)

Let's see. The last post was about SCC and his family. What has been going on since then?

Oh, well, school is out (obviously) and my SATs are done. Yay!! My plane ticket has been bought (oh yeah!). Things are uber (my shaggy word for the day) busy here with getting ready for everything I listed above plus Dad going to General conference, and Ais & Amber going to the beach with my cousins. Oh and Ais is going to be a counselor at Jr. Camp this year. Fun stuff, people.

Dad is preaching at CCPR in Apollo right now. They vote on him July 20th.

Mom's working, working, working. But she likes it so it's all good.

Amber...she just keeps getting injured. From running into walls and fracturing her hand/wrist, to falling off of dirt bikes and bruising every visible part of her legs. She doesn't seem to care though...lol!

Aislinn passed her permit test last month so all she wants to do is DRIVE. I've had mine since February and I'm the complete opposite. I think I have like 12 minutes. =-)

So, yeah, that's what's going on with us. Sorry, no pictures right now. We haven't really taken any yet but when we do, I'll show you what we're up to!

Aislinn's Sweet Sixteen

Aislinn turned 16 on May 11th. Her best friend, Sara, turned 16 on May 16th. They celebrated their birthdays with a Sweet Sixteen party. The theme was 50s. It was a lot of fun. We had about 40 people attend. It was crazy!

The cake...so good!

Everyone...well, sorta.

At the beginning of the party, it poured! We were stuck in the garage until the rain let up. So, we danced and played games and such.

The rain did stop, allowing us to continue the games. We had a sack race, balloon toss, and shaving the balloon (below). Funny stuff.

Visiting Will

This weekend, we went to visit the newest member of the family, Will Mehaffey. He is 6 weeks old in these pictures. Ain't he a cutie?!

You see, this is funny because we all wore pink or red to see the baby "boy". We had to get a picture.