Countdown continues!

The countdown continues to my graduation, so much excitement, lol, but at the same time I am nervous too.  I have applied to community college, got my financial aid going, and set up a time to take a re-test on the Math college placement test.  At the top of my "to-do" list was the chance to visit a college, one I might consider transferring to after finishing community college.  I finally got to visit a nearby college, my mom and my big brother went with me.  We were taken on a tour of the campus and I got to visit with the transfer counselor to make sure I was going to be on track with my courses at community college.  We also got to have lunch, enjoyed some Starbucks coffee (a must-have on a college campus, lol), and then we took a few pictures.  I had a great time, the campus looked great, I loved it!  I plan on visiting another college on my list at another time...this is the fun part of finishing high school, lol!  Anyway, here is a picture of me in front of the campus's education building, have a nice day!

 

 

Catlover

It's Happening Too Fast!

The countdown continues to my high school graduation, so much going on, everything is happening too fast!  A lot has taken place since I last posted.  My brother was home from college on Christmas break, so we had a good Christmas visit with him.  I was thrilled to get my favorite Spiderman movie, lol, yes I do love this movie.  My birthday was last month, I turned 18 years old....woo hoo !  My parents got me my favorite soundtrack, the music from the movie "The Hobbit".  After that has been a whirlwind of activity......getting my adult driver's license, opening my checking account (I already have a savings account), and set up a time to meet with the academic advisor in the early childhood department.  I also need to get my financial aid going for community college as well.  This week we will be getting me registered for graduation and getting my class ring and t-shirt.  Phew!  As I said, so much to do.  While I am excited about graduating, time just seems to be going by too fast....it's all happening so quickly now.  At the same time, I am still anxiously awaiting to hear whether or not I was hired for the summer camp job I applied for.  In the meantime, I can only wait and stay busy with my schoolwork for now.  Have a great day!

Catlover

Sad Day!

 Today is a very sad day for me.  My beloved cat Oscar had been missing for the past two weeks and today we realized what happened to him.  It seems a couple of really big hawks must have got hold of him.  We had seen the hawks before, about a week before Oscar disappeared.  Unfortunately hawks are known to swoop down and snatch up small animals and other creatures...and unfortunately they got my cat Oscar.  I am so very upset about this !  Oscar was a stray cat we took in, my other cat Max had brought him home, lol, which was unusual for Max because he wasn't one who cared for other cats to be in his space.  Oscar was seven years old, such a sweet kitty.  Yes, he got underfoot at feeding time, but he was funny too....like the time he accidentally got his bushy tail caught in the oven door, or when he got stuck in the recliner when I folded the foot rest down.  He was such a good cat....I will miss him very much!

Me and Oscar when he was a year old.

Recent picture of Oscar.  Silly cat trying to fit in the toy cat carrier, lol.

Catlover2

What Amuses You?

What amuses you?  Having a baby sister, I find that it's the little things that can amuse her, lol.  She loves for you to make silly noises at her, tickle her tummy, sing to her, or read a baby book to her.  She also loves to listen to lullaby music when she's ready to nap.  However, hearing this music playing while my mom rocks her to sleep.....let's just say it bores me to tears, lol.  But you know, sometimes we just need to slow down and, like my baby sister, enjoy the simple things in life, lol.  Below is a favorite Youtube video my baby sister loves to watch, lol....hopefully you find it as amusing as she does:

Catlover2

Computer issues...aaargh!

Aaargh, my computer is having issues....which is why I haven't been on the computer in awhile (I am having to use my sister's computer to do this post) dad says the motherboard or something overheated in my computer, along with the fan in the computer being broken as well.  So, whenever I turn on my computer, it stays on for a couple of seconds, then it shuts off.  My dad has ordered a couple of replacement parts to fix my computer.  One part is here already, but we are still waiting on the other part to get here.  As for my schoolwork which is on the computer, I have been making do with that for now.....mostly doing a lot of reading, painting, music practice,"Larry Burkett's Money Matters for Teens", along with doing the church bills for my dad, making the church deposit in the bank, and watching educational TV shows about my favorite subjects....Egypt and Shakespeare, lol.  Anyway, until my computer is repaired.....see you later, lol!

Catlover2

Patriot Day Pictures

The Countdown Begins

Yay, the countdown begins for my high school graduation from homeschool!  I can't believe I am a senior already, I am so excited, but at the same time a bit nervous as I think about attending community college next year.  So much to do during this school year......order my cap/gown, get graduation pictures done, get a class ring, write an essay for scholarship money, go visit a college, and plan a graduation party.  I am also getting started with my college-prep math so I can score better on the college entrance test and not have to deal with many pre-requisite math classes.  I am all set for freshman college English since I already tested into that.  Along with the map prep, I am also taking Bible, Government/Economics, art, practicing my music, and currently reading the "Hobbit". 

The rest of my summer wasn't too bad, I enjoyed my 4-H field trip and visiting friends...plus my big brother came home from his summer missions trip, it was great to see him again.  I also found out that the dentist will be needing to refer me to an oral surgeon to have my wisdom teeth removed about six months from now.....yikes!  I don't really want to have that done, but the dentist says that, if I don't, then my wisdom teeth will misalign the rest of my teeth.  And then I would have to get my braces re-done all over again, so it just can't be helped.  Sigh!

Well I need to get going here, I didn't sleep too well last night so I am tired.....ugh, stupid allergies again!

Catlover2

I'm melting

Ok, I am positively melting here, lol.  After getting a bunch of rain all last week, the temperatures are now in the 90's.  I am so ready for a trip to the lake so I can cool off .  I have mostly been staying inside, except for going outside to help mow the lawn.  Thing is, I literally bake in the sun if I don't use sunscreen, so I always make sure I use plenty of it....and drink tons of water too before I go out.  Even then, my cheeks still get red, not from sunburn, but from just being hot.  I also got all hot and tired from chasing our younger dog Milo , he got loose out of his collar when my sister was taking him for a walk.  One time we chased him thru the neighborhood for 20 minutes, the next time we had to chase him for 30 minutes before I finally caught him.  Aaaargh, I was so mad at that dog , guess you can see why I like cats better .  I was so hot after chasing that dumb dog.  Sigh...definitely time for a trip to the lake!

Not much has been going on here.  My mom and I and my younger sister all went to see the fireworks  , they were great!  We had managed to get a good spot on the dock, right on the river there where the fireworks were going to be shot off  of a barge in the river.  It kind of felt like the fireworks were shaking the deck we were on.....it was fun!  Both my mom and dad each had a birthday after that, their anniversary is on the 26th which makes July a busy month of celebrating, lol.  I continue to practice my driving, I have to practice a certain number of hours before I can go in and try for my limited provisional license.  Once I have that, I can drive alone or take along one of my sisters with me....and maybe try out driving on the highway.  But I am still going to have my mom with me when it comes to that highway driving, people are such insane drivers it makes me nervous . 

Well, as I said, not much going on for now, although I am looking forward to a 4-H activity, my brother coming home from his missions trip, and meeting up with friends.  Have a cool day!

Catlover

4th of July Angel Food Flag Cake

  With Independence Day coming upon us in a couple of days, I thought I would post a tasty recipe for the holiday.  It's called Angel Food Flag Cake and it looks delicious.....especially the blueberries, lol!  Enjoy!



Angel Food Flag Cake

 

Ingredients

1   package Betty Crocker® white angel food cake mix                       

1 1/4

cups water

3

cups fresh or frozen unsweetened (thawed and drained) raspberries

3

tablespoons sugar

3

tablespoons seedless red raspberry jam, melted

1

container (8 ounces) frozen whipped topping, thawed (3 cups)

2

cups fresh or frozen (thawed and drained) blueberries

 

Directions

• 1 Move oven rack to middle position. Heat oven to 350°F.
• 2 Beat cake mix and 1 1/4 cups cold water in extra-large glass or metal bowl with electric mixer on low speed 30 seconds; beat on medium speed 1 minute. Pour into 2 ungreased loaf pans, 9x5x3 inches, or 3 ungreased loaf pans, 8 1/2x4 1/2x2 1/2 inches.
• 3 Bake 9-inch pans 35 to 45 minutes, 8 1/2-inch pans 28 to 38 minutes, or until top is dark golden brown and cracks feel very dry and not sticky. Do not underbake. Immediately turn each pan on its side on heatproof surface and let rest until completely cool. Run knife around edges; remove from pans.
• 4 Line each same loaf pan with plastic wrap, allowing wrap to extend over edges. Place raspberries, sugar and jam in food processor; cover and process, using 3 quick on-and-off motions, until coarsely chopped. Cut each loaf cake horizontally into 4 slices, using serrated or electric knife. Place 1 slice in bottom of each pan; spread 3 tablespoons of the raspberry mixture over each. Top with another slice cake. Repeat with remaining raspberry mixture and cake slices. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate at least 2 hours until chilled.
• 5 To remove loaves easily from pans, place serving plate upside down on top of pan; turn pan upside down onto plate. Remove pan and plastic wrap. Cut each loaf crosswise into 8 slices, using serrated or electric knife. Serve with whipped topping and blueberries

 

Catlover

Resting my brain!

School is done for the summer, , now I can rest my brain.  But don't think I am going to be bored, I still have plenty to do.....music, computer games, reading, practicing my driving, housework, 4-H activities, cooking, and having fun with my baby sister....she is starting to smile and laugh a little now, so cute .    This past weekend I entered a blueberry recipe contest.  I didn't win this time (two years ago I got third place) but I still had fun making blueberry banana bread.  It was kind of funny when I brought my entry in the day of the contest.  For some reason they put my entry on the table for the youth category (youth category is for ages 9-15).  I told them, "No, I'm 17 yrs. old"....guess they thought that I was a kid since I am kind of short, sigh.  Anyway, here is my recipe for blueberry banana bread, enjoy:

 Blueberry Banana Bread

 

3 or 4 ripe bananas, smashed

1/3 cup melted butter

1 cup sugar (can easily reduce to 3/4 cup)

1 egg, beaten

1 teaspoon vanilla

1 teaspoon baking soda

Pinch of salt

1 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour
1 cup of fresh blueberries

 

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). With a large spoon, mix butter into the mashed bananas in a large mixing bowl. Mix in the sugar, egg, and vanilla. Sprinkle the baking soda and salt over the mixture and mix in. Add the flour and mix. Then add in blueberries and mix.  Pour mixture into a greased 4x8 inch loaf pan. Bake for 1 hour. Cool for 20 minutes. Remove from pan and slice to serve.

 

Catlover

 

I'm a big sister....again!

 

  I'm a big sister...again!  Here I am holding my new baby sister for the first time, isn't she cute?!  She arrived the morning of May 1....we were all excited at her arrival.  She weighed 6 lbs. 5.19 ozs, and is 18 1/2 in. long.  While at the hospital I had the chance to practice changing her diaper, lol, she was real wiggly the whole time.  She is a real sweet little sister, I can tell she already has a sweet personality and loves to be talked to, lol.  I have enjoyed picking out an outfit for her to wear and helping my mom get her changed.  My sisters and I have also kept real busy helping keep things going at home while my mom was in the hospital.  We managed to do pretty well, lol.  I still can't believe how cute she is, I love being a big sister...again! 

 

 

Catlover

Rainy Days

  Along with Spring comes a lot of rainy days for us.  I've been needing to get out and tend to my flower bed but the weather has not been cooperating...although I'm sure the rain has been good for my flowers .  Since going to my friend's wedding, things have been pretty busy around here, along with the usual stuff of schoolwork and music practice.  Homeschooling is winding down since we only have a month to go...I'm so excited to be nearly done with my junior year .  In music, my younger sister and I have been practicing a piano/guitar duet of "I See the Light", which is one of our favorite songs from the Disney movie "Tangled".  We will be playing it in front of a crowd of people at our town's local Strawberry Festival in a couple of weeks.  I love going to the Strawberry Festival here since it has so much fun stuff to do and great food to eat ....looking forward to this!

My mom will be having her baby anytime now, so excited that my baby sister will be here soon.My sisters and I have been busy helping my mom around the house and helping get baby stuff out such as baby clothes.  We also got down the baby bassinet and got that all set up, baby sister will be sleeping there for awhile right next to my mom's bedside, lol.  Along with this excitement, my older brother will be getting home from college next week...yay!  As I said, lots of excitement going on around here! 

Catlover   

A wonderful day!

 Today was a wonderful day as I got to attend the wedding of a homeschool friend...it was simply beautiful!  I have to admit that I almost cried , such a happy occasion, and I am very happy for her!  After the ceremony, we went to the reception where we ate some food, along with some tasty cake and cookies .  Later on, the bride and groom came in to cut their cake, drink some punch, and talk with everyone.  Then it was time for the bride to toss her bouquet.....and guess who caught it?! Yes, that's right, I caught the bride's bouquet! Exciting!  Below is a picture of me with the bouquet:

 

 

What a great way to end the week!

 

Catlover

Spring is in the air!

  Aaachooo!  A sure sign that Spring is here is my allergies...ick.  My sinuses and my allergies have been aggravating me like crazy the past couple of weeks.  Don't get me wrong, I love Spring, the weather is warming up, and everythig is starting to bloom beautifully.  But along with that beautiful bloom comes pollen, pollen that loves to get my allergies stirred up.  Things are finally calming down, I can breathe a little better now.  And I'm glad to be feeling better too since my older brother has been home this week on Spring Break from college.  It has been fun getting to spend time with him!  I also got to attend a bridal shower, a homeschool friend of ours (who graduated a few years ago) is getting married next month.  She definitely got a lot of things, but she also ended up with two toasters and four griddles, lol.  I guess she will be making a lot of pancakes for her future husband, lol!   

School and music have kept me busy, along with helping out here at home.  My mom has two more months to go until my baby sister is born, I can hardly wait!  And, not only can I feel my baby sister move around, I can see her move around inside my mom....she's pretty active. In my music, I practicing a lot of things for church, some movie tunes, and also my recital piece.  I plan on playing "I See the Light" from the Disney movie "Tangled", it will be a duet piece I will be playing with my younger sister who plays the guitar.  I am having fun with it!

School has been going well, I can't believe I am nearing the end of my junior year, I am looking forward to my senior year this Fall.  I have already been making some plans with my mom about all I'm going to be studying.  I will have Bible and Government/Economics as my regular subjects.  I enjoy Bible a lot, but Government/Economics sounds soooo boring to me .  This leaves me plenty of room for exploring my areas of interest.....music, art, missions....and taking some college-prep math to get me prepared for community college.  I am still thinking about attending community college next year and studying early childhood education.  But I want to retake the math part of their entrance test and see if I can score better this time.  It will save me a lot of time if I don't have to deal with so many pre-requisite math classes.....especially since I am not very fond of math .  The less I have to deal with it the better, lol.

Enjoy your day!

Catlover

It's about time I posted, lol!

 Well it's about time I posted on here, lol!  It's been nearly a month sincemy last entry but that is because things have stayed busy for me around here.  I am back into full swing with my piano lessons   and practicing all kinds of stuff.  Along with learning my favorite music pieces from the "Lord of the Rings" movies, I am also practicing some church hymns, along with starting a new recital piece.  I need to keep up with the hymns since I will be taking over playing the piano at church later on when my mom has my baby sister.  Speaking of baby sister, I have gotten to lay my hands on my mom's stomach and feel the baby moving around several times.  Lol, with the way she kicks, I think she is going to be a future soccer star .  Homeschooling is going along fine, I am doing well with my Bible, U.S. History, and American Literature courses.  I have also been busy looking at colleges again, although I am still not sure where I really want to end up at.  But there is no hurry on that anyway since I will probably be starting off with community college first and then transfer to another college later on......but where to transfer to....that is the question , lol.  As I said, no hurry for now.  I can't believe I will be in 12th grade this Fall, I am so excited!  My mom has already sat down with me to help me plan out what all I am going to study this Fall.  Since I will only have Bible and Government/Economics, I will have plenty of room to further explore my other areas of interest such as missions, British Literature, art, and music.  Sounds like fun!  Of course, I will also need to make room for some test prep stuff in Math.  I want to re-take the college placement test to see if I can test better in the Math and not have to deal with that many Math pre-requisites....that would be nice, lol!  But for now, I will stay focused on what I need to be doing and not worry over anything else.

Catlover