Snow!

 

Well, we haven’t actually received a load of snow yet. Or anything that really lasted. However, it snowed today! Little flakes dropping from the sky in different orders and sizes. I absolutely love it! I love to stand outside and close my eyes feeling the cold drops melt on my eyelids. It’s a calming feeling that makes you just want to stay there for hours. However, the coldness quickly has you turning back indoors.

I’m really excited about winter this year. It will be my last year in school and everything seems more exciting! I’m really looking forward to Christmas! I love the atmosphere! Seeing everyone rushing about, looking for gifts for loved ones makes wish I could just stand on a tall building and watch. It’s really my favorite time of year. I love Christmas shopping. So much that I have to put a budget on how much I spend or else I would be emptying my bank account every year!

          I love working at the store during this season. Everyone is trying to find different little gifts for their pets. Sizing sweaters and winter coats for their dogs and buying stockings to hang for their pets. I love the busyness and rush. Last week at work Amy and I were going through some of the old decorations and decided we needed new ones drastically. Rick gave us permission to go and buy more. He usually lets us decorate after November eleventh.

                Before I end Ill add some pictures that I promised I’d post for you. I have a few of the ride I went on.

                                So what it does is it spins you around in circles as well as upside down.

                               

            It was tons of fun. The funny aspect of it was because I had no voice (from my cold) I was unable to scream. Levi stopped when my face apparently went white. Even though it involved getting sick after the car ride home and a bruised shoulder with speckled red dots from pooped blood vessels it was totally worth it! ;)

                      Friends and I went to the park to hang out and take pictures a couple weeks ago before the cold weather hit. It was alot of fun. I thank God for blessing me with such dear girls.

                                Lacey and I. She moved in with us a month or so ago. She's sucha a blessing and I'm very blessed to have another girl in the house. She makes life fun and interesting.

                                                                  Silly girls.
                                

                          Michael tried taking a picture with his phone but it didnt really turn out that great cause we werent able to get it much bigger. :)

As time goes by...

It's sometimes hard to watch as time slips out of one’s hands. Some days it seems to go quickly, while others too slow. This year has been one of those years one wishes they could re-live. It went by so fast that sometimes I wish I could do it all over again and take in everything that really happened.



Birthday:

My 17th birthday went really well. My brothers, my friend and I have very close birthdays so, Michael (my brother) and his friend took us out for lunch and a fun afternoon. We went to the Hot House and enjoyed some delicious food. It was funny because when the guys went to pay for the bill, Michael turned to his friend and said I'll pay for Lacey's and you can pay for Amanda's. He agreed with a smile because I hardly eat anything. So for lunch all I really had was an appetizer. ;)

After lunch we split into two teams and headed off to complete an all around town scavenger hunt. It was pretty fun. Half way through Levi offered for me to drive, seeing as how I had just received my N a few days prior I accepted quickly. :) However, I wasn’t driving for more than 10 minutes when I went to do a U- Turn but stopped. For some reason half way through I was unable to continue? Levi was like "Amanda, just go? Ur fine?" I argued back that something was wrong cause for some reason it wouldn’t go forward? He laughingly pointed out that my foot was still on the break. Ya, embarrassing moment #1

Car Rally:

Every year our church runs a Car Rally Event on Halloween. Everybody designs their own piece of wood and after placing wheels on it races it against others. It’s a great family event that our family has been a part of for years. This year I was in charge of the registration and running the races. It was a big responsibility but a lot of fun. Seeing the kids faces when they saw their car pass the finish line was priceless.

Other:

Well it’s late and my headache is calling for attention. I’ve sort of been sick for the past week. No voice and throbbing headaches have had me going a little slower lately. Praying that it will soon ease up. I will post some pictures tomorrow hopefully.

17 tmr

Not many people can say they had their N when they were only 16. I was just one of the lucky people i guess. It's tons of fun though. Now all I have to do is try and find myself a car. I'm thinking more towards the honda civics but we will see.

Tmr I turn 17. Pretty excited. :) My amazing grandma arrives on the plane tonight. Looking forward to some time out with her. We have this routine of going out for lunch then heading for the mall after. It's become a birthday tradition. I Love her so much. It's hard to believe that I wont be 16 anymore. I remember looking forward to being that age for so long and now that it's over I'm not really sure where the time went? I guess thats just how life is. :)

YES! I GOT MY N!

   

        Yup I Did it! I'm so excited about it! I went for my driver’s test 8:45 am. Took about half an hour. I was nervous doing it but more excited with anticipation as to whether or not I'd get to drive by myself later that day? Sure enough, when we pulled in to the parking lot she announced I had passed. Yes, I'm very excited! I got to drive home and then to work and the dentist later that day! :)

Drivers Test!

I'm taking my drivers test tomorrow morning! So excited! I know my information but I'm just worried I'll mess up on something becuase I'm nervouse. We will see how it goes. Keeping my fingures crossed! I really need the N because I have another lifeguarding course coming up and could really use it. Wish me luck!

I refuse by Josh Wilson

We played this video in our Church last week and if you read the words they are powerful.

Gotta watch!

Hey

Sorry, I’ve been so busy lately with everything happening. I’m excited to tell you that I’ve started two new blogs. Just for the fun of it. The first one is just of pictures that I take. I would love for everyone to rate the pictures for me. The second on is just different stories if life. Take a look and let me know what you think. J

http://amandas-photography-blog.blogspot.com/

http://home-is-where-the-heart-is-blog.blogspot.com/

Back to School

HeyEveryone,

      Sorry, I've been so busy with school and friends lately I haven't had much time for blogging. But I'm back now so it's all good. :)

    
School has been going well. IT'S MY LAST YEAR! I can hardly believe it! I'm trying to make the most of it. Working hard and spending time with the family as much as I can. I'm not sure where I'll be here next year so I'm trying to make up for it now.

Lifeguarding is on hold right now. The pool is closed for maintenance work at the moment so not much going on there. I handed in my resume and am not just waiting. The only down part is that because of my leg injury last summer, I missed out on a course and had to wait a year. The course i need isn't being run till November so they may not hire me till after that. We'll see though. I'll keep my fingers crossed and see what happens.

Family is doing great. Steven is playing in the finals in soccer. His team is doing amazing! I went tonight to watch part of the game and it was really amazing. The team they were playing against had tall older guys. However Steven's team is younger and shorter. Watching was entertaining cause it looked like these little kids were always at the tall guys feet. :) They won tonight and have another game tomorrow! Hoping he wins. Michael is now working in Smithers as a Paramedic. He absolutely loves his job!


    Last but not least I think I'm going to be joining Search and Rescue! I went to one of their meetings the other night and ya! I can't wait to help out more! I'm like the youngest person in the group which is funny but challenging, so we'll see how it goes!  Wish me luck :p

Spell Check?

                                                   Can you trust your Spell-Checker?

I have a spelling chequer

It came with my pea sea

It plainly marks for my revue

Miss stakes eye cannot sea

Each thyme when eye have struck the quays

I weight for it to say

If watt eye rote is wrong or rite

It shows me strait a weigh.

As soon as a mist ache is maid

It nose bee fore two late

And aye can put the error rite

Know matter small or grate

I’ve run this poem through it

A’m sure your policed to no

It’s letter perfect in tis weigh

My chequer tolled me so.

Technology has its limits. Essay markers can always tell whether a human eye has checked for errors.

-How to write excellent essays

J.B. Webster

Hey!

Hey Everyone,

       Almost done making the video. Should be up pretty soon. I've just been so busy lately. School is just around the corner! I can hardly believe it's my last year. Time goes by way too quickly. In some ways I'm excited but then in others I'm sad. Weird I know but ya. I confuse myself alot.
       Handed my resume in. We'll see what happens. Cross my fingers and hope! :) I probably wont get hired until they re-open in October because  then I'll be 17 and hopefully have my WSI finished. Who knows, I may not get the job untill January, which would be disappointing but it's life.
       Went to Youth Group tonight and had alot of fun! I tried Long boarding and well, I don't think it's for me?? Hahahhaha I fell and rolled on the cement and now my leg is scraped up. I don't know, but I think it's has something to do with my balance and the fact that I'm moving at the same time. lol
      Anyhow, I'm a little sad at the moment because everyone is leaving to go to school. :( I almost feel left behind at times. :( Oh Well, I have my great friends Logan, Roxy, Rachel, Rebbecca and such here so we'll see how this year goes.
      Well, I'm a little tired and in need of some sleep so I'm going to head in. I'll update you a little better later. Night!

Smithers Fall Fair

Hey,
Last week we went to the Smithers Fall Fair!
It was alot of fun! Here are some photos I thought I'd share!

BEST RIDE EVER!!! lol

New Hair!

My friends mom used to be a hair dresser and offered to do my hair. I absolutely love it. :)

Ya! I'm finished NLS!

                 I'm really excited! It's been a busy past two weeks and I'm just a little tired. Or maybe I should say exhausted Hahaha. Anyhow Thursday was our last day and I'm trying to make a little video out of all the pictures and videos I took. I should be finished with it in a couple days here.
                It was SO much fun and I have lots of funny stories to tell you however, today we spent the day in smithers at the fall fair. So I'm a little tired and in need of sleep. I'll update everything for you tomorrow hopefully! Thanks for reading.

Hurray!!

Justin Gets Home Today around 2pm! Sooo excited!!!!! I missed him soo much!

NLS Week Update

Hello!

           Sorry for not posting for the past two days. L I’ve honestly just been too tired and by the time I get home I’m too exhausted. I’ll do my best and try and update you on my past week. 

Day: 1 

Our first day was spent at the Kitimat Fire hall doing Work Safe Emergency. It was an interesting day. Five of us are from Terrace while the other four were from Kitimat. Everyone was a little nervous, not knowing what to expect. It was kind of funny cause one of the first questions Calvin (Our instructor) asked was “So who here is NOT shy?” Well, I was like I’m not and raised my hand and noticed that I was the only one. :p  We all had a good laugh over that. I wasn’t able to snatch any photos that Day cause I forgot my camera’s batteries at home. We finished the day of with a little test which everyone passed and we received our Work Place Emergency certificates! 

Day: 2 

The second day was a little better. Everyone kind of new each other a little better than the first day. We went over standard first aid and went through our books. It was a lot of fun being able to practice how to deal with different simulations such as strokes, seizures, heart attaches, fractures, choking victims, unconscious victims and so on. It was a lot of fun! I was able to take a lot of photos that day so I’ll post some for you! By the end of the day however, everyone was a little tired so the drive home was a little quiet. J

Day: 3

Day three was our first WATER day! Everyone was a little excited to be going to the pool! We spent the first couple hours our son in the community room going over some material. When we hit the water he had us wear runners, shorts and t-shirts on top of our regular swim suits for some of the drills/sims. I actually found it easier to do eggbeater with runners then without. I also decided that I’ll probably never wear sandals when guarding. I find that it’s harder to react when in an emergency. 

Day 4: 

Day four was A LOT of fun! We started off by taking our standard first aid test. Which I did pass nicely! Then before lunch headed into the water for some more simulations and fun! We practiced scanning the pool, roll overs and some carries. After lunch we watched a couple lifeguard videos before heading back into the pool. My favorite part of the day was when we practiced guarding! On my turn I handled everything great except for the fact that I didn’t have my glasses so I wasn’t able to see the person drowning under a mat at the far end of the pool. :p So from now on I’m wearing glasses. 

Here are some pictures for you! Enjoy! If you have any questions or comments please do! 

                                 My Drama SHOCK look Hahhhaha :)

NLS day 2!

                                         Logan and I practicing giving medication such as ASA

                                            Treating for shock

                                                  Evan and Tristen

         So today was day two if our NLS class. Unfortunately I forgot the batteries for my camera so I wasn’t able to take any pictures of our first day. L Sorry about that. Anyhow, it’s been great fun. Commuting back and forth to Kitimat hasn’t been too bad. We spent the first two days at the fire hall going over first aid and everything! I’m learning a lot. Our teacher has been great making the class fun and interesting. I’m super excited to start in the water tomorrow!  Here are some pictures of our second day. Enjoy!

Costa Rica!

           In this picture is my younger brother and I. He was giving me a piggy back ride. However I soon found out the getting off is a little different then I thought. It involves being thrown in the snow. :) I miss him a lot!




        It's almost been a week since Justin left. He was fortunate to be able to go on a missions trip with Samaritans Purse to Costa Rica. He and a few of his friends left around a week ago and are having a blast down there! Apparently, they are distributing Operation Christmas Child Boxes to children and families. We received an e-mail the other day stating that they were all doing great and experiencing many different things! I'll keep you updated when I get more information. :)

Finally Some Sun!!!

Mom took the younger kids to the lake the other day and was able to capture some beautiful fun pictures! I thought I'd share some with you. Enjoy!

                                  Don't they look excited?? L-R Jonathan, Katie, Matthew and Steven

                                   My Four year old sister is the best! :) I love her to death. :)

                                          She's way more photogenic then I am that's for sure. :)

                                                           She loves flowers!

                                   Matthew just LOVED sitting in the sand and playing with his beach toy's!

                                                        It was a beautiful view!

                                    Last night Jonathan decided to try and wear 4 hats at once.

New post update

Hey,


LIFE:
    Again, I'm going to apologize for not posting for like 2 Weeks! So much has happened I've really been too busy to share about it! Sorry. However, I will try to pick up where I left off and share whats been happening. :) I've personally been doing a lot better! It feels great!

SCHOOL:
Only a few more weeks until grade 12 starts. I'm almost looking forward to my last year of school. It's fun and yet nerve racking at the same time! :p It will be a heavy work load and it will be challenging but it's my last year so if I apply myself I should be fine.

LIFEGUARDING:

    One more day and I'll be leaving for Kitimat for NLS! I can hardly wait! Really looking forward to it! It's for two weeks Mon-thur 9-6pm. so looong days for sure! There is a group of us that will be commuting back and forth which helps with the driving.Went and bought a couple things for the course today. Needed a water bottle and some pens. All set to go now!!
 It being for two weeks means I'll have a weekend here still which is great for my part cause that will give me time to practice Friday, Saturday and Sunday if needed!

DRIVING:

    Booked my driving test today. I have it for late next month. I'm not sure what I was thinking cause I totally booked one of the most busiest times of the day. lol 8:45am, everyone will just be heading off to work. Hahaha Oh well, I should do fine anyways. I can hardly wait for my N!

FAMILY & FRIENDS:

   The family and I went to Price Rupert last week to watch a plane show. We took my friend along as well and had a lot of fun. Well, other then the fact that the show was canceled because of the weather :( :(  That's Prince Rupert for ya. It's either raining or cloudy. Hardly sunny.
     I've also started going to my friends Youth Group! I met a lot of new people and mad some new friends! I was pretty thrilled with it because so far my summer has been dull and boring having most of my friends away at camp or on vacation. It was a lot of fun!

WEATHER:

   What A Summer!!! We've had hardly any nice weather here! Only a couple hot sunny days! Mostly cloudy with rain.  We are becoming more and more like Prince Rupert weather wise :( :( :( Really hoping for some nice hot weather before it's back to school. I was able to go the the lake on Monday though and enjoy a little sun! I was so excited when I noticed my back was all red hahaha When we went back to my friends house to finish that party her mom looked at me with concern when she noticed my red back. Then frowned and asked why I was excited about a sun burn? I told her excitedly that now I wasn't going to be the only white person at the pool Hahaha I finally looked like I was outside! This is what happens when you work indoors all summer and when your not working you are at the pool :p  It's not that bad of a burn but the first day did hurt a LITTLE lol

                                      We were having fun taking some silly pictures on the drive back :)

                                          Silly Girls!

                   Sad little girls Hahah Wow, i totally look like and old granny here don't I? Glass! Hahah

                                                       My Absolute Favorite!!!!

Hey Guys,

Life in General:

Sorry I haven’t posted for a while. I’ve been a little busy with different things. Life can be so dull at times than others, there doesn’t seem to be a moments breath.  Yet, time goes by so fast we soon wonder where all the time disappeared to? It’s really funny how it happens. I remember when I was younger sitting on my bed at night journaling and thinking how wonderful it would be when I was older. Being able to drive and work with other people sounded so exciting and fascinating! However, now that I’m here it feels not so amazing. Don’t get me wrong, driving is great and exciting but everything seemed so much more when I was younger. I end up wondering where all this time goes and why it feels like it’s slipping between my figures.

Lifeguarding:

                Only 24 more days until NLS! I can hardly wait. There are some things I have to work on which I have been doing. I don’t have strong egg beater which is an important factor in the course. It’s really important with different carries.  I feel confident in all the other areas so far except for this one. So, I’ve been going and practicing at the pool’s length time.

                One of the things we have to do in NLS (how I know this already is because a friend of mine finished taking it a while back) is swim head up 15m, dive down and retrieve a 20lb weight and then carry it 5m using strong egg beater. That’s probably the one that’s going to challenge me the most. I’ve been practicing and so far the weight likes to drag me down. J I tried holding it a couple different ways and well, I think I’m just gonna have to keep trying. I’m able to do it with my head barely above the water. Not great….

                I’ll keep practicing and we’ll see how things go. If you have any ideas for different ways to improve please let me know! I would love to hear! At this point I’m just going to practice with hands out of the water for a certain amount of time and doing lengths with it. J

Weather:

                The weather has been pretty decent! Not too much hot weather though. Pretty mild I’d say. Cloudy some days with rain while others sun with a light breeze. It’s been a really strange summer. It’s really disappointing without the hot weather. I haven’t been to the lake once this year? What with that right? Well, for me it’s not that crazy. I don’t go that much anyways. J

Friends:

                Summers are pretty boring without friends I would say. Hahaha. One of them is away visiting family members. Two others are away at camp. The other is kind of busy working at the moment so she isn’t really free to do too much.  On top of the aspect that some of them are away or busy others have girlfriends/boyfriends hence the third wheel. It’s just this part of life I suppose.

                Don’t get me wrong, I really do like seeing my friends happy with someone, but some days I wish we were younger when everything was so carefree. Nothing really mattered that much then. Everything seemed exciting, not that it isn’t anymore. J Now, everyone is busy doing things with their girlfriend’s/boyfriends that for those who aren’t with anyone and yet are friends with the couple it seems weird at times.

Fun Fun:

                My brother had to go to Smithers the other day for a fitness test. I think it had something to do with his paramedic thing. Anyways, we had to be there for around 10:30am so we left Terrace about 7:30am. The drive was nice. It wasn’t too cloudy so I was able to take some pictures. Not as many as I would have liked because my camera ran out of batteries unfortunately. While in his fitness exam I had around 2 hours to tour down Main Street and visit all the little stores.

                It was so much fun! Most of the staff were friendly and nice. Being a smaller town it felt like everyone knew each other somehow which gave it a community feeling! They had really amazing sports stores! I absolutely loved their board shop! The design was amazing! If you are going to have a board shop that’s how you should have it! I wasn’t able to take pictures but take my word for it “it was cool”

                I really could live there. At one point in time I thought I would never move their but I’ve changed my mind. J It’s cute, small, clean (somewhat), lots of things to do, not too too expensive, friendly and well I don’t know fun I guess. 

                I did a little bit of shopping. I bought a gray sweater which I’m very happy with. It’s really cozy and warm. It’s nicely fitted and looks stylish. I also bought a Dakine duffel bag. It’s purple and black checkered. Its medium sized and will be really handy! I’ll use it tons with my lifeguarding, especially through NLS.  

Here are some pictures for you!