It's official!

That's right. As of Friday, June 19th, I am officially a senior in high school! Where does the time go?

My junior year ended on an outstanding note, for me at least :) I ended the year with a 3.4 GPA. It was a close call, as in two of my classes, I went from a D- to a B in a month. Hard work and extra credit does pay off after all.

This B average means I get to take driving lessons this summer! I am speechless!

The problem with my Chemistry grade, which was one of those D- grades, were tests. I did terrible on tests! But, Quals rolled around (look it up on google...it's hard to explain. haha), and I made sure to be extra careful and specific in my observations, and ended up getting a solid 300! That and cleaning up the lab for 25 extra credit points gave be a B.

Photography was my other D-, which is ridiculous. Hahaha, I just didn't turn things in. On the very last day of school, I finished all of my assignments and brought that grade up to a B+.

How 'bout them apples? Moral of this story, procrastinators can have good grades too!

ahem.

The end.

New post on Jacklynn's blog

Just finished writing a blog post over at my nieces blog:

www.jacklynnlee.blogspot.com

This was written by MckMamma. A very well put, thought out, and TRUE post! I love it!

Stellan (aka MckMuffin) is her youngest son, who is currently in the hospital with heart problems. You can read about that and other things on her awesome blog, which I keep up with as well. Link: http://www.mycharmingkids.net/

the truth about Easter

We all sin.

There is no one who does not suffer from Adam's curse, nor a human who has not done wrong, not a soul who can claim no membership in the depravity of man club. We all have fallen short; we all enter this world, at birth, with a sin nature. And as for me? I rank right up there on the list of all the world's imperfect people.

In fact, Romans 3:23 reminds us that we all do, when Paul wrote, "For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God."

For that very reason, I love this stanza from Horatio Spafford's well-known hymn, It Is Well With My Soul:

My sin, oh, the bliss of this glorious thought!
My sin, not in part but the whole,
Is nailed to the cross, and I bear it no more,
Praise the Lord, praise the Lord, O my soul!

Our sins, all of our wrongdoings, icky thoughts, and impure motives can be nailed to the cross. We needn't bear them any longer, nor suffer under any guilt because of them.

That is the truth about Easter!

The truth is, Jesus died for everyone. His blood was spilled for me, for Stellan, for you.

And He did not stay dead. After three days, He rose again. To this day, He lives. And our sins can all be forgiven because of what He did on the cross!

If you're thinking of tuning the rest of this post out, because it sounds like I'm starting to get awful religious, let me have you consider this:

I am not religious at all!

No, I mean, seriously. I'm not. I do not follow a religion but rather a Person. I follow Jesus Christ. Grace has set me free. I am not bound by any traditions, ceremonies, rules or any religious formulae. I know for an absolute fact that I am going to Heaven, and let me tell you, it's not because of anything I have done in my life. And, by the same token, I wouldn't not get to Heaven because of anything I didn't do. I could never be a good enough person to earn my way into Heaven. Nor will I get into Heaven by just trying hard enough. Neither will I miss out on Heaven because I sin too much.

I have already mentioned that I am a sinner, right?

You see, the truth about Easter, and about Jesus, is that no one can earn or behave their way into Heaven. When I die, I will go to Heaven simply because I believed in Jesus and accepted the fact that He died for me, forgiving my sins, and letting me into Heaven because of what He did for me on the cross, not because of anything I did or did not do on earth.

I have written about this exact topic of truth on my blog before. I believe Easter is a good time to reiterate it, because this season represents the most pivotal point about Christianity, the one act upon which everything else hinges: that Jesus died for us. If we only but believe in Him, we can have life everlasting, beyond this earthly existence.

No. Strings. Attached. It's just truth, plain and simple.

Of course, in our enlightened day and age, is totally hip to be self-focused. To search for your own truth. To do what makes you happy. To simply find what floats your boat. To cling to what seems to ring true to you. To believe in whatever you want to believe in, with the thought that your belief makes whatever it is true for you. Oh, and to afford all others that same right, of course.

Have you noticed the errant, yet all-too-common, mentality in our politically correct, inclusive, tolerant society that what works for you, spiritually, might not work for me, and vice versa?

I have. And today on Easter Sunday, I want to say something very pointed.

Truth is truth.

Truth is not relative. There is no truth for you, and truth for me. Truth is absolute.

It is as absolute as the fact that our son Stellan is currently wearing striped leggings on his legs as he sleeps in his hospital bed. Whether you believe in something or not, does not have any bearing on whether or not it is really true! Either Stellan is wearing leggings, or he is not! There is no, "If you want to believe Stellan has stripey leggings on, that's great for you, but I don't believe it and that's okay for me."

Like it or not, it does not work that way.

There is an absolute truth about Stellan's legs. Either they are adorned with leggings right now, or they are not. Now, you may not know if he has leggings on or not, but that does not change the fact that there is an absolute truth. Either he's wearing them, or he's not. Truth is not relative. It does not hang in the balance. It hinges on nothing. That is what truth means!!! Either Stellan is sporting leggings, or he is not! There is no room for any middle ground.

And, either Jesus is real, and He died on the cross and rose again as the only way to Heaven--for everyone in the world--or He did not.

There are no other alternatives.

Personal truth has no place here. In fact, there is no such thing! Personal truth is an oxymoron. There are not many ways to Heaven. I happen to believe that Jesus offers the only path to life after we die. And you do not have to believe that! But simply because some people choose not to believe that, doesn't mean it's not true! The choice to not believe in something has no power in and of itself: disbelief in something can't make it not true!

You might believe, deep in your heart, that Stellan is not wearing leggings on his legs right now. But the fact of the matter is, Stellan is wearing leggings! You can believe all you want that he is not, but that won't change the truth!!

Therefore, by the same token...

You might believe, deep in your heart, that Jesus' death on the cross is not the only means of salvation beyond this earth. But the fact of the matter is, Jesus is the only way! You can believe all you want that He is not, but that won't change the truth!

The truth about Easter is absolute. And it can change your life. The truth about Jesus, and His forgiveness of my sin, continues to change my life every day. And, in the spirit of Easter, as you nibble on chocolate and watch your children hunt for eggs, I want to encourage you to seek real truth. And I don't mean to find a truth that works for you, but to instead seek the one real truth, and to make it work for you.

Because, if truth is really truth, there are no other options, are there?

There is a way to know for sure what will happen when you die and I believe it is through a relationship with Jesus Christ, who died and rose again on Easter to break us free from our sin, and nothing else.

The truth about Easter pretty much rocks my world.

for the love of...

MUSIC!

I love music...it's my life. My Ipod is my sidekick, especially when writing essays in English. Hey, that strategy earned me a 100% so I am continuing on with that :) I have headphones threaded through my headboard, and they lay right next to my head as I sleep...softly playing music from said beloved Ipod.

Choir is my favorite class and always will be. I hope the college I go to offers a choir class. If not, I will be heartbroken forever. I am hoping, praying, and crossing my fingers that I will be in Chamber choir my senior year. I just auditioned yesterday and I think I did pretty well. Much better than last year's audition!

I like all kinds of music...except music with nasty words, meanings, heavy metal, rap, screamo, etc. I don't have a favorite song, well...that's a lie. At the moment it's "Let It Be" by The Beatles...but it changes.

Anyways, just some random thoughts about music.

Till next time,
Jennifer

Little Disjointed Blurbs

Everyone has their moments. Nobody's perfect.

Imperfections make us beautiful. I break out on my face on occasion, I have freckles, but I don't cover it up with make up. I am very stiff, and out of shape. I walked late. My ankles roll in, and it makes me walk funny, and my balance is horrible. My laugh is probably one of the funniest things you will ever hear.

These things help shape who I am. I like being imperfect. Our society today tells us to be perfect, and it's impossible. God's will is not perfect. If it was, he'd send Jesus to be born in a palace with marble walls, not a stable. Everything happens for a reason. The only thing that matters is living for the Lord. He chooses your path, and following it can be tough, and we all fall short. He will forgive you.

One example of his word is Kayleigh. She is a true miracle. She had days to hours to live, and then they found a solution to why she was doing so bad, and is doing MUCH better. Read her story: http://www.kayleighannefreeman.blogspot.com/

Another example is me. After my mom had a surgery to have a cone shaped portion of her uterus taken out due to cancerous cells, the docs told her it was impossible for her to get pregnant. Well, she did the impossible. The docs told her she would misscarry if she even did so much as pick up a broom. Best case scenario would be a preemie baby. If she were to make it to term, I would be deformed. Guess what? I am here today, typing this blog post, a junior in high school. I am normal!

My friends are the best. I don't know what I would do without them. I really wish I could see some of them more, but most of them are all older than me, and therefore in college. Most of them I met in choir last year. Choir kids are quality kids. I have never met a mean choir freak. Ok I take that back. But whatever, that was a long time ago. Anyway, I am very lucky in the friend front. All my friends are real, and genuine. I like people for the Person they are, not the way they dress, or their outer qualities. People who become friends with me over a shirt are FAKE. I am me, and I don't need to change who I am or be two-faced to impress my friends. I like who I am and that is what counts. If you don't like me, then that is your choice, buzz off. One friend or one-hundred, I will be satisfied either way.

Anyway, that is about it for tonight, this is just a disjointed post about stuff that popped into my head. I will post about my family later. Peace out :)

Busy Busy Busy

Being a Junior in High school, a full time Aunt, and just plain lazy are the 3 factors of lack of posts...also I get no comments therefore I don't think anyone is reading so why bother?

Everything is good here...gave blood and passed out but that's all over now! I am in concert choir this year which is tons of fun! I love it! :)

if anyone is reading, leave a comment and tell me what's going on with you!

This blog really has gone downhill. Ha ha! Well nothing much is new except that I just turned 16 (and got a laptop!), and will be starting school in 3 weeks. I'm pretty excited! I'm loving life and living every day to it's fullest :) I have been hanging out with friends and being your average, yet not average teen. I don't get into all the crap a lot of teens get themselves into. I plan to make my life as healthy and amazing as possible...except I don't eat that healthy. ha ha! Anyhoo...if anyone is even reading anymore...drop by and say hi!

Bahahaha!!

Her political speech

WOW!!!

This girl has a voice! She is 6 year old Connie Talbot. I am blown away!

Cameron and Jacklynn

Jacklynn and Cameron had a photoshoot! I was going to put a song onto this...but it didn't work :( the recommended song is "We're Going to be Friends" by Jack Johnson.

(Hasn't Cameron gotten big??)

Make an on-line slide show at www.OneTrueMedia.com

Buhlud!!

What I do in my spare time!

I find stupid videos like these! hahaha :) Course...










This one starts out slow...








Charlie the Unicorn 1 and 2! :) haha the most randomest little internet cartoon EVER. If you are a serious person who doesn't enjoy ditzy, random things...don't watch these.

Brittany's wedding invite photos

These were taken on 4-27. There are some of Jacky, some of me, and a lot of Brittany and Ronnie. (point your cursor below and click when the little hand appears. for some reason the link isn't showing up.)

http://s62.photobucket.com/albums/h120/tinkwink92/Photo%20shoot%204-27-08/?start=0

This is funny :)

This was included in our daily school announcements about 2 weeks ago to promote our school spirit week. Hilarious! :)

I'm not perfect

Nobody is perfect. We make mistakes, sometimes our hair won't stay in place, we get things thrown at the back of our heads. I have bad days, you have bad days....we all have them. And sometimes we just wish we weren't who we are. Which brings me to my next point.

We had a scare at my school yesterday. Someone in my class had gone to the bathroom and saw a bomb threat written on the stall. It said that the bomb was going to be brought today (4-16-08). My classmate reported it. I, and the other very few people who knew about it, walked the school halls in fear today. I made yesterday a good day...just in case I wouldn't come back from school today. I stayed out of the commons as much as I could, but it was a 1-3-5 day, so I had to eat lunch in there (other days I spend lunch in my Geometry classroom so I can have some calm before my next class and to sorta hang out with the teacher....tell little stories about life, or so my friend Jamie and I can sing songs that are on my Ipod and probably [not on purpose] annoy the crap out of the teacher!).

Anyway, this scare happened for a reason. To prove that not another day is guaranteed. So enjoy the imperfections. My imperfections have made me the way I am! I'm proud of being unperfect! And you should be too :)

sleep positions reveal your personality

My sleep position is Position no. 5. "the freefall." If you define brash as energetic and highly spirited, then it is correct....but brash usually means mean right? And gregarious means "fond of the company of others." That is true most of the time :) I can be thin skinned...but not usually. and I am a chicken..so I'm not nervy. haha! sleep position 5 is good for digestion, which is VERY neccesary...I guess I sleep that way so I don't end up with stomach aches when I wake up in the morning. What does your sleep position say about you?

Sleep Position No. 1: The Fetal (41 percent)
People who sleep this way, which is the most common way to sleep, are described as tough on the outside, but sensitive on the inside. Often shy when they first meet someone, people who sleep like this soon relax. Twice as many women as men sleep in the fetal position.

Sleep Position No. 2: The Log (15 percent)
People who sleep this way lie on their side with both arms down, close to their side. They tend to be social and easy-going people who enjoy being part of the in-crowd. While they are trusting of strangers, they are often gullible.

Sleep Position No. 3: The Yearner (13 percent)
Sleeping on your side with both arms stretched out in front of you describes the yearner's sleep position. While they have an open nature, they can be suspicious and even cynical. Such people are slow to make up their mind, but once a decision has been made, they are unlikely to ever change it.

Sleep Position No. 4: The Soldier (8 percent)
Lying flat on the back with both arms pinned at the side is the sleep position of the soldier. People who sleep this way are quiet and reserved. They don't like a fuss and set themselves and others to high standards. People who sleep like this are more likely to snore and have a bad night's sleep.

Sleep Position No. 5: The Freefall (7 percent)
People who sleep this way lie on their tummy with their hands at the sides of their head. While they tend to be brash and gregarious on the surface, they are nervy and thin-skinned underneath. They don't like criticism or extreme situations. This sleep position is good for digestion.

Sleep Position No. 6: The Starfish (5 percent)
People in the starfish position sleep on their back with both arms up around the pillow. Because they are always ready to listen to others and offer help when needed, they make the best of friends; however, they generally don't like to be the center of attention. People who sleep like this are more likely to snore and have a bad night's sleep, just like the soldier position.

My Dad

As everyone that has met my dad in person know.....he's a nut! I pretty much got all my personality traits from him. Here is a conversation that when on downstairs while we were unloading the dishwasher about 15 minutes ago.

Dad: Hey Juliet?

Me: Yesm?

Dad: Can I call you maximum mortgage?

Me: uhh..-chuckle- no

Dad: Why?

Me: 7

Dad: Barkley, I don't like it when you talk to me like that.

As you can tell from the conversation above, him and I think of the randomest things. He'll say numerous times a day "Can I call you (insert random name or item here)?" He's also asked me "why are you being such a Quail?" I have no clue what that means!

Listed below are all the names he's called me :) Note: He hasn't called me Jennifer once today. haha! As most days he doesn't.

Juliet

Mrs. Barkley

Dennitder (say it out loud. that's how my cousin who had a speech imparement said Jennifer when he was little. ha!)

Gail

Michelle

Adam

Fartknocker (that's one of our words)

Gaydar

Fag (he calls us that playfully.)

Fagbee

Simpson

Amy

Jessica

George

Richard

(all the ones above are ones he called me today)

Cheesy

Cheese

Cheese-Moe

Bird

Janet

Pertiper

Michael

There's more....I'll update when I think of the rest. Note that these are real names. He'll ask if he can call me Fruity Pebbles, Ancient Hawaiian Tradition, etc. He'll pretty much come up with a name for me that has to do with anything that is going on at any time. He's my best friend!!

CATS ON THE TABLE!!!

This site has some not so nice jokes on it...so I don't explore on it much, but I thought you blog readers would find this funny! I helped a friend make a montage, and we put the song "cats in the Cradle" on it...and it made me think of this. haha

http://www.flowgo.com/funny/4788_cats-on-table.html

you can find cats in the cradle, and many other songs on my playlist towards the right. Just click the top corner and then scroll with your mouse if you have a scroller on your mouse! I have many songs on there, a few were picked by my friend. There is one rap song on there called Broken Wings, and I HATE rap...it's got a few cusswords, I don't like those either. So why do I have that song on there you ask? Because if you listen to the lyrics (If someone asks, I'll post the lyrics), it has meaning, and that's what matters. It is about how some people think women were put on this earth to please men, and that's definitely not the reason why we were put on this earth. NO WAY!!

my house

These stupid myspace surveys are addicting! I'll post a video tour to go with this sometime.

My House...

1.) When you walk in your front door, which room do you enter?
the hallway. To my left is the living room and formal dining room (in fromt of that), to my right is the stairs. adter the hallway is the family room on the left and the dining room and kitchen ahead and right

2.)Do you have a dishwasher?
Yes thank goodness

3.) Is your living room carpeted or does it have hardwood floors?
Both. Downstairs has both hardwood and carpet, and upstairs has carpet (with the exception of the bathrooms)

4.) Do you keep your kitchen knives on the counter or in a drawer?
Both

5.) House, apartment, duplex or trailer?
House

6.) How many bedrooms is it?
5. my room, parents room, guest room, exercise room (which is actually a very small bedroom), and the office/ guest room (it has a futon in it)

7.) Gas stove or electric?
Gas

8.) Do you have a yard?
Yes, a very beautiful one! Be jealous. haha Just kidding.

9.) What size TV is in the living room?
42"

10.) Are your plates in the same cupboard as your cups?
Yes

11.) Is there a coffee maker sitting on your kitchen counter?
Yes

13.) What room is your computer in?
the office

14.) Are there pictures hanging in your living room?
a couple, we are gonna put more in tho

15) ooops erased
Oh darn!

16.) What kind of laundry detergent do you use??
Tide Meadow and Rain with febreeze freshness (no I don't memorize that I just went and checked. ha)

17.) Do you use dryer sheets??
Yes of course! bounce brand. I hate it when I forget to put one in the dryer. static!

18.) Do you have any curtains in your home??
yeah in the windows on either side of the door. the rest are 3 day blinds and wood blinds

19.) What color is your fridge??
Black, and there's a white one in the garage

20.) Is your house clean?
TOO clean. Mom's always keeping it spotless!

21.) What room is the most neglected?
my room. hahaha because everything else is way too clean! I like to have my own space to look lived in, but not messy.

22.) Are the dishes in your dishwasher clean or dirty?
Right now they are dirty

23.) How long have you lived in your home?
a year on March 19th!

24.) Where did you live before?
Camas, and before that Puyallup.

25.) Do you have one of those fluffy toilet lid covers on your toilet?
in mom and dad's bathroom yes. In mine, no.

26.) Do you have a scale anywhere in your house?
Nope, I wish tho

27.) How many mirrors are in your house?
oh goodness! 4 including my big mirror in my room that came with my dresser.

28.) Look up. What do you see?
The shelves on the desk, and a bunch of African themed niknaks

29.) Do you have a garage?
Yes, full of boxes that we didn't even unpack when we moved to Camas 4 years ago!