1.24

This is a day I will be remembering for quite some time. It was on this day I received my diploma from high school. It was on this day I transitioned from one phase of life into the next. It was on this day I finally felt I could look forward in hope. Yes, on Friday I graduated high school, but for me the day was about more than just getting my diploma, as exciting as that was. :) For obvious reasons, these past two years have been hard, but in graduating I felt that those things need not hold me back anymore. I am now a high school graduate who is starting college in 2 months. Can that really be true? I find it hard to believe that I am already at this stage in life. Part of me is afraid of this entirely new phase, but the other part of me is thrilled to be moving on. That is all I have wanted to do for the past year, and now I am - ready or not- moving on. 

Graduation Day, was quite spectacular though. The day started off with my mother surprising me by telling me we are going to San Diego next week. That is quite the stellar senior trip if you ask me! I am excited to say the least. The majority of the day I spent finishing my life board and speech, but only with the help of my amazing friend, KoL. She spent most the day with me and in the evening we got ready together. On Friday night, I did my makeup, I curled my hair, and I slipped into my dress, but it still did not feel real that I was graduating. That was until I put on my cap and gown. I looked in the mirror and saw a very happy girl. I would not have described myself that way too many times lately, but on Friday, I was most definitely happy. The time came for the graduation to start. Pomp and Circumstance began to play. I walked down that aisle with probably the biggest smile on my face in a long time. I had worked so hard for so long and at times wanted to give up, but didn't. This. This was the culmination of it all. I had made it.

In my opinion, the graduation went better than I could have ever expected. I was truly blessed and am grateful for each person who shared it with me. 

Its going to be the best week.

Well folks, it has come down to this. The final week. I can hardly believe that in just 6 days I will be a graduate. These past few weeks have been filled with nothing less than hard work and now I can see it all paying off. All I have left to do is turn in is my senior thesis, a history paper, and watch some videos about Italian artists. And that is it. Just like that it will all done. My senior year all done in just 4 1/2 months.

It is so crazy to think about where this journey called school has led me. I started out with 19 amazing students. Through the years the dynamic and number changed- most dramatically during my junior year. Would I have ever picture or wanted  to graduate by myself? No. But God did. I am learning every day to trust his plan. Is it hard at times? Absolutely. Really hard in fact. I so wish I could be sharing these lasts with someone, sharing classes with someone, sharing memories with someone. As such a nostalgic person it is hard not to recount funny stories from elementary school. There are so many times where I have wished this could all be different, but through the hardship, pain, and tears, I fully trust the Lord. At times I feel abandoned, but then I remember He has brought me this far. He wont leave me now. He will never leave me. 

Onward I go. On Friday I will be launched into another phase of life. Who knows what it will hold, but I look at it with hope. My Dad reminded me of Proverbs 31:25 a couple weeks ago. He reminded me that with these hardships, I have also grown. They have definitely strengthened me. "She is clothed with strength and dignity, and she laughs without fear of the future." It is hard when I don't know what the future holds, but I want to be able to approach it without fear. All I know is that when I don't understand, I will choose Him. He is worth it all.

But, back to this week. I do know what this week holds. This week I will get to decorate my graduation board, go shopping for a new dress & shoes, catch up with great friends, and oh yes graduate with a small group of amazing people. This week will be good.

Hope your week is great too!

2 weeks

Happy Friday, in fact, Happy BLUE Friday! Go Hawks.

In exactly 2 weeks I will be walking down the aisle to pomp and circumstance as one happy girl. I cannot believe it is actually happening. Until then, how about a few pictures from my first photo shoot. Courtesy of the lovely Cami.

so close, yet so far

My cap, my gown, and my tassel showed up in the mail yesterday. Graduation is just 16 days away! That's just over 2 weeks, but these 2 weeks will be productive to say the least. I have one giant checklist of everything I need to complete by then. It feels amazing to cross something off. I still have quite a bit of work ahead of me, but I can see the finish line. Cannot wait for January 24th. It will be here before I know it :)

The beginnings of a great study guide.

I have been waiting for this year for a long time. Cannot believe it is here.

Renew

Hope you all had a splendid New Year. Yesterday and today I have been seeking the Lord on what He has for me this next year. More than goals, what does he have for me spiritually. Today He spoke so clearly and I am so very excited about it. It was one of those words where you are journaling so fast to get everything He is saying.

He said "Sarah, I have called this to be a Springtime season. Though the circumstances lately have not shouted Spring, my goodness is here for you like never before. I am coming like a spring rain to wash you afresh. You will grow with me like never before. I am bringing favour. Trust me. Believe me." I don't believe that that is just for me. It is for you too.

Then He gave me these two verses:

2 Corinthians 4:16-17

Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day.  For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all.

Isaiah 40:31

but those who hope in the Lord
    will renew their strength.
They will soar on wings like eagles;
    they will run and not grow weary,
    they will walk and not be faint.

As a girl who has always loved the snow and winter time it is odd for me to be craving the Spring. I cannot wait to see the flowers bloom, feel the sun, and begin to see life again. Though that physically wont come for another 2 months, He is bringing renewal to us spiritually.

I looked up the definition of both the words Spring and Renew.

Spring

: a time of growth and renewal

Renew

: to make something new, fresh, or strong again

:to make like new

I feel overwhelmed with the Lord's blessing right now. I am excited to see what he has in store for this season. May he so bless you as you start this new year!

A Year to Remember

I can hardly believe another year has gone by. Seems like not to long ago I was compiling my 2012 video. Due to a crazy unexpected schedule, I was unable to create some fun end of the year video/ post, so this quick one will have to suffice. Allow me to recap this year.

Made 300 cupcakes in one evening with the best friend. Valentines dinner with the Class of 2013 (I have been in so many classes now, I have to clarify by their graduating year :). Rome. Florence. Assisi. Piza. Bologna. Venice. Placed 4th in state for business ethics. Turned 17. Watched my life long friend graduate High School. Disneyland. Placed in the top 15 in the nation for business ethics. Crew. Crew. Crew. Loved it so much. Family Camp memories. Quit my job!!! Became a nanny/ mom's helper. Senior Year. Gained 4 of the best girlfriends ever. Senior volleyball season. Watched my brother be awarded his Master's Degree. Had my last day of High School ever. 

And now I look to the future. A little unsure of what it holds or why everything in the past has happened, but this I know: God is good. A friend posted this on facebook today & it was too good not to share.

"This year has taught me so much about friendships, how some are meant for a season or a life time. Either way God put them in my life for a reason. He has a purpose for all he does."

No matter if it was for a season or lifetime, God did it for a purpose. I love how that does not just apply to friendships, but practically anything we go through in life. 

2013: you were an unexpected but good year. I had no idea what this year would hold, but it was good. I made so many new memories. Can't wait to make more in 2014.

2014 feels so right. Happy New Year!

Don't Lose Hope.

This song has been my song lately. I know that He is with me to the very end. No matter what.

You know me and I know You

You’re the God who calms all my storms 

You’re the voice inside my head 

Don’t give up

Don’t let go

Don’t lose trust

Don’t lose hope

You can have all my fears, God

You can have all my sins

You can have all my weakness

I know you’re with me to the very end

Live. Love. Laugh.

Ya, its been a while since I have posted. One day I will get to posting about all this crazy, but today is not that day. How about a few pictures of my last day in High School. Today was supposed to be my last day, but snow had its way and school was cancelled. Talk about a heartbreak. Out of all of this I didn't even get a last day to say my final goodbyes. It was hard  to just see it all end so quickly. 

Just after I found out there would be no school today, my dad came in with a dozen roses. Then my brothers and I took a stroll through the snow. While walking my sister drove by to deliver a coffee, chocolate, and a card. What an amazing  family I have. They sure know how to make a girl feel special on a hard day.

Yesterday was a day full of tears and laughter. It will forever be in my memory.

Dr. Simon got some PEZ for Christmas. Ha!

We got behavior reports for pranking the teachers classrooms. Such naughty girls. :)

Just kidding. They loved our pranks :) 

These girls have been some of the best friends a girl could ask for.

It wouldn't be a proper last day of school without walking to Fred Meyer.

And to end it all, we went out to dinner and a show. We saw Oliver! at 5th Ave. So fun.

It has not really hit me yet, but once Christmas is over and I am not at school it will feel so weird. In the meantime, I am trying to enjoy the Christmas season the most I can. My grandma comes into town on Monday. Yay!

Merry Christmas!

A few thoughts...

It is Sunday night. That means I am ready to clear my head. Ready or not, here I go :)

1. Tomorrow is Veterans Day. As a school we will be honoring veterans from local retirement homes. We have done this for years and it is so special.

2. I saw my Nephews and Niece yesterday and today. Two days in a row is such a special treat.

3. Homework and studying are my life right now. I wish it could look as picturesque as this, but I make do with what I have.

4. Yesterday I played my last High School Volleyball game...ever. I cannot believe its over. Yes, I cried. It was such a bittersweet ending. Volleyball has definitely helped shape my character these past 4 years. I am so grateful I joined the team as a freshmen. I built so many lasting friendships. Ugh. Crying. Again.

5. Pastor Norm had the most amazing message today on LOVE. At the beginning of the school year, one of my goals was to really grow in loving people unconditionally. When we want to grow is something, the Lord is faithful to test us. To be honest I have failed a lot of those test recently. It has been hard to love people at times. Then this message came at such a perfect time. It was so encouraging.

6. I am excited for the future. MC's next year and hopefully Bellevue College the year after that. We will see though. I just really cannot wait to be in school for interior design.

7. Along with most people, I love this time of year. At this time we are reminded of gratefulness. It is a month in which we gather with family to celebrate God's goodness. I love that. One of the biggest things I am most grateful for is the Lord's unfailing love on our family. Both my mother and brother fought cancer. They are both survivors and testimonies of God's healing power. It is so good to reflect on how extremely good He is.

Happy November

one of those days

Do you ever have one of those days? One that is filled with excitement, hilarity, and joy? Well today was like that.

The morning started off by heading to the orthodontist office to get my braces removed. Yes, removed! I am happy to say the least.

As the day progressed we had the average funny moments as a class, but lunch time today was particularly exciting. It was just a casual Monday lunch, so I thought. I was eating some wheat-thins and cheese along with some applesauce. I was feeling especially kind and willingly shared my wheat-thins with some friends at the table- even though it threw off my cracker to cheese ratio. I had just opened my applesauce and stuck the spoon in when two "friends" ;) reached for my wheat-thins bag and accidentally smacked the spoon which caused the cup of applesauce to go flying...flying straight into my face and hair. It was messy to say the least. Laughter ensued at our lunch table. I was laughing so hard I was crying. I could have been upset that I would have to deal with having applesauce in my hair for the rest of the day, but instead I just laughed. Its a memory I don't think I will forget :)

These are the days of a Senior and Junior at CCA. They each look a little different, but they are filled with unforgettable moments. I like to cherish them...the good ones and the bad ones. :) 

Friday & Saturday

Fall is definitely here. The rain and cold have made their little selves very welcome here. And honestly I love it as long as I am under a nice warm blanket.

With fall comes a pretty busy season too. I think there were only 3 nights this week where I was home before 9 and even then it was 7 or 8. School, homework, volleyball practice, FBLA meetings, work, and dance productions filled up this week. How is volleyball you may ask? Its going pretty well. We have only played one league game and won that one. This past week we played 2 teams that are above are league. We lost both, but are playing both again in the next two weeks. I am excited to play them again and hopefully come out with a W. For the past 2 weeks we have had spirit days on Friday. How fun.

Good friends make spirit days even more fun :)

If there is one word to describe how I have felt yesterday and today, it would be this: sore. But thankfully I have had a lovely Saturday off to recover. I started off my day by sleeping in. It was glorious. I did a little bit of homework and then my sister and her family swung by to say hi. I love them so very much. Today as my nephew was getting ready to leave he whispered in my ear "Auntie Sar, I love you to the galaxy and back." Melt my heart. He is such a sweet boy.

And now I am cozily sitting in my house sipping coffee and watching the the rain. It has been raining SO hard today. But I love it as long as I am dry and am just observing it. Today I will most likely just finish some homework and have fun with my mom. The men's retreat was this weekend, so my mom and I have enjoyed it just being the two of us. Last night after my volleyball game we went to dick's and got milk shakes then came home and watched Safe Haven. I love mom & me days. 

But for now, homework is my battle. Often times I would much rather browse pinterest than read about the uprising in Syria. But at least I have a warm cup of coffee to help me enjoy it more. By the way, did you know tomorrow is national coffee day? It is! Enjoy a nice cup on this windy & rainy weekend. 

-chérir les moments-

Its official...

Its official! Fall is upon us! I am ecstatic to say the least. The season of sweaters, scarfs, rain, cold, snow (maybe :) coffee, pumpkins, and football is here. I am excited to completely embrace fall fashion. Today I wore my boots to church. What a good feeling it was to slip those one for the first time in months. My cute niece wore her boots today too. Can you say adorable?!?! 

So far I have planned a few fall things. In 2 weeks I will be heading to the pumpkin farm an finding my way through a wonderful Washington state corn maze and then picking out the perfect little pumpkin for my room. At the end of October I will be going to a UW football game. During the weeks I will busy with volleyball practices and games. I can't wait to thoroughly embrace fall.

New.

This past week was my first week of school and at my new job. It all went great. But I must say the first week of school didn't feel right not having Miss Unger there. She is my dear friend and it was great to have her back at school today. 

And work has been amazing. Working for the Allen's is so much less stressful. I can't believe how blessed I have been with this job. Some days I just fold laundry and other days I watch the kids ride their bikes.

This girl has such a sweet heart and smile.

I have been watching these kids since Bentley was just 1 year old. It so fun to watch them grow up.

Happy Monday!