My Fave Song: The Photosynthesis Song

Last week in biology class we were studying photosynthesis and our teacher (Mrs. Gorna) wanted to make it more interesting for us, so showed us an English video called "My Fave song: the Photosynthesis song". I thought that this was pretty funny and silly, since I'm an American and understood everything said in the song. The Czechs in my class were a little confused, but found it silly anyways I guess. But I had an idea.

I thought it would be fun if I asked to be orally tested in biology the next week, and by then, I would learn this ridiculous song. So I did! And after my normal testing I sang the Photosynthesis song (in front of the whole class). And it totally payed off! Instead of giving me either a 1 or a 2 (she hadn't decided yet), she gave me a 1! Haha! It was a nice change to get that kind of reaction from a teacher because I sang a song she played in class.

Here's the video of the song... it's really random and funny! (And beware! The tune of this song gets in your head very easily!)


Enjoy!

The month of January

This month of January has been full of fun little things that made my days special. I got to celebrate birthdays (you'd be surprised how many there are in January!), and spend time with people that I really love.

Before Tyler left to go back to Moody, I got to have an art day with him! I'd been wanting to do this while he was here for Christmas, but didn't get to it until the very end of his time here. I was so happy that I got to have this special time with Tyler and it's a great memory that I have of him being here. He came into my room with his computer and sketchbook, and we listened to music while drawing...so fun! We both worked on pictures with the lovely "Copic" markers, which I have come to adore! Although a challenge, they have become one of my favorite art mediums and I've loved experimenting with them.
(My drawing is a portrait- the picture is of someone I found on the internet. Tyler did a doodle (below) that he creatively thought up... it's so fun!)

Caleb's Birthday was another thing that was a really nice perk in the month! It was a pretty low-key party, but wonderful all the same. Mom made a gluten-free German chocolate cake that was to die for!! (link to recipe here) I am so thankful to have Caleb as my brother. He's so thoughtful, fun, adventurous, happy and friendly! It was great celebrating him, and remembering all these things that I love about him throughout the day. Thank you Caleb for being an awesome brother and friend too! :)

In the midst of all these fun things, we've had lots of snow and COLD COLD weather! Last week it got down to -23 C (about -8 F). Since then the temperature has been rising, and now sits at a lame 0 C... not cold enough for the snow to stay completely-- sad! Hopefully it will get colder again and we can have a little more snow. I like the snow at this time of year!

Wonderful Christmas and a happy New Year

This year I had an awesome Christmas celebration! From my time with family, to yummy food, to fun Christmas carols, and the best part: celebrating Jesus' Birthday... everything was so sweet! Tyler flew in 5 days before Christmas, and it felt so special to have him home. The first night we all sat down to have dinner, it felt like our family was full again. Without Tyler, there's just something missing! I've enjoyed the sounds of a full house... walking up the stairs, the clinking of bowls, the closing of doors, and the sweet voices of everyone throughout the house! These sounds make me happy, because I can tell we have everyone at home again.

We spent Christmas Eve with the Till family. I loved being with them! As is tradition, we had fajitas for dinner. There hasn't been a Christmas Eve dinner that I can remember when we haven't had that for dinner!

On Christmas Day, I felt so blessed and happy, as God showed me his love through giving his Son for me, and also for giving me my family, a warm home and cheerful spirits. The Christmas Story means more to me every year, and every year I learn new things about it. I love having a reason to think about Jesus' birth all the time!


On New Year's Eve, the Ellenwood family came over and we had dinner, played games, and watched some beautiful fireworks! I thought a lot about the year of 2009 and what all happened. I've experienced a lot of exciting things! I ended ninth grade and am now in high-school ; Tyler left for college ; I went to my first English Camp; I'm 15 years old! I've grown a lot through everyday challenges and trials, and I am so thankful to God for all the people who've encouraged me and helped me in this year. Thank you!

I don't know what all the year 2010 will hold, but I thank God for every day that I've had so far and every day that will come!

Simple Moments and Thoughts

I have taken this wonderful idea from my mom, who found this list on http://thesimplewomansdaybook.blogspot.com/. It's very inspiring and helps with doing weekly posts. I have found myself in a rut of writing... what with all the business at school and with the extra activities I have. I feel as though my blog has been a little neglected. But not anymore! Hopefully this list will help.

Thoughts and Moments of the Day

Outside my window...darkness. It's 6:55 in the morning! I love winter, but I do not like waking up in the dark. :D

I am thinking...about our youth group's weekend retreat that starts today. I hope it goes really well and that I will have the energy to be really involved in it.

I am thankful...for our beautiful house that we got to decorate for Christmas last evening. It looks beautiful!

From the kitchen...all the lights are off, except for the little Christmas ones by the window, and a lit up church. Charming! :)

I am wearing...my pajamas and a warm blanket... I'm a little cold in the mornings!

I am reading...just finished Til We Have Faces by C.S. Lewis. Very interesting book and I am still pondering all the meanings of things.

I am hoping...that Tyler arrives safely and happy in only ten days to Czech!

I am going...to the last day of school for this week. At least today's a pretty easy day!

I am creating...a picture with oil pastels of a window. It's still in its first stages, but I think it could be cool when it's done!

I am hearing...just my little noisemaker (that makes whitenoise) next to my bed. It feels so eery in my room without it! :D

I am praying... for my classmates. I know that some of them are really searching for Jesus!

Around the house... mom is starting to get up, but otherwise its totally quiet. Christmas tree is lit in the corner of the living room. :) Ah, I love Christmas.

One of my favorite things...waking up in the morning when it's dark and going downstairs to see the Christmas tree. :)

A few plans for the rest of the week...my youth group retreat is this weekend. Then I have two tests on Monday and Tuesday in school. And then I need to get some Christmas shopping done! :)

A picture I am sharing... our Christmas tree at night. Ah, how beautiful and cheery it is! :)

Thanksgiving

This year, I got to celebrate Thanksgiving twice! :)

On Thursday, as usual, we celebrated Thanksgiving with our Josiah Venture family. JV Thanksgiving conference is always one of the highlights of my year... what with all that food (the best food I've ever tasted!), lovely people, hangout time, and the annual talent show! Talent shows are so much fun, because (mainly) JV Kids are so talented! I love watching everyone show what they can do, and how God has gifted them.

My second celebration of Thanksgiving happened today! Our youth group organized an evening and brought all the food, and Caleb and I hosted the party at our house. I loved hosting it! It was fun being in an environment where I was really comfortable, and where I could help out. We had a great time chatting and enjoying each others company. :) Those are the bonding moments I love!

I am thankful for SO many things! First of all, I am thankful that I get to have a relationship with Christ, that he loves me, and that He gave His life for me! That's the greatest blessing of all! God has given me so many other blessings too-- My family, friends, my home, my food, a comfy bed, a fireplace with a crackling fire. :) I'm also thankful for prayer, love, peace, the Bible in my own language, a church and a community of Christians around me.

And those are only a few of the things that God has blessed me with! THANK you, Jesus... for EVERYTHING you've given me, and for who YOU are!!!
*The table of food at JV Thanksgiving :)

15th Birthday

The celebration of my 15th birthday this year was very sweet and enjoyable. Since we were flying to the States the day after, it was a more low-key birthday, which I really enjoyed!

The highlights:
* Started off my day with a beautiful sunrise! I took that as God's birthday present to me :)

* Went to school and got a surprise birthday song and birthday cake baked by one of my friends. It was awesome!

* Went for tea and then took pictures with Hayley

* Yummy black bean soup (Mom made it in the crock pot, and I could smell it all day - it was so tantalizing!

* A "Caleb-friendly" German chocolate cake that my mom made...it was absolutely amazing!

* Lots of birthday wishes throughout the day on Facebook :)

* Went to Frydek Mistek to find a special piece of jewelry

I thank God for all of these 15 years that I have had! I hope this year I can glorify His name even more, and that I can learn more about Him.

Windswept

My newest artwork (which I actually did over the Summer, but forgot about it until now!) It's done with Copic markers and a drawing pen. Is that what you call them? Or are they black liners? Hmmm... not exactly sure.


Tyler helped me a bit and taught me how to use Copic markers, so thank you Tyler! It was really fun! We made an "art day" out of it. We both had pictures we wanted to do, so we sat outside, put on some music and drew! I loved it! A perfect Summer afternoon spent with my brother. Those are the kind of memories that I like to look back on. I will definitely have to do another one of those art days with Tyler some day! :)