Countdown....3.....

Can you guess what I'm counting down to?  That's right!  School....  I know I've said this before...but I'm both excited for school, and...bummed about school....  I'm a bit nervous....  I mean, I like some of the teachers, and I miss some of them, and I miss some of my classmates, and a few people from the other classes...oh, I guess it's just the principle of the thing...you know, sitting down for hours, being under the control of people who aren't my mom, and a bunch of work that I have to do.
And, I've been working on my updos some more....

Meet the ballerina bun.  It's done by making a ponytail, then taking little pieces and twisting them super tight and pinning them up so it looks awesome like that....

Okay, you see how complicated this looks?  Guess what...it's not complicated at all!  I didn't even realize how hard it really looks until my mom took a picture for me.  What you do is...yes, you make another ponytail, and then you make a twisty braid.  If you don't know how to do that, here's a link: Twist Braid

Just don't wrap any hair around the ponytail holder....  Then you just twist it around in a circle and pin it.

This is just a normal bun....I prefer different buns :p

Well, I gotta go now...and leave the wonderful world of blogging, online hairdos, and Lizzie McGuire. Lizzie McGuire

G'bye.

~Katie :)

Pictures, pictures, pictures!!!

Okay, so to start with, (no, you don't get your pictures right away, hang on, and you'll get some) while at camp I got a job.  You can either be a server, a waiter, a bathroom cleaner, or a dishwasher, and I don't know if you get paid for being a server.  Anyone want to guess what my job was?  I was a bathroom cleaner!  And yes, I unfortunately had to clean the guy's bathroom too, and it was DISGUSTING.  So disgusting.  Plus there was a point in time where I was out of the foamy cleaner stuff, and I had to use bleach.  I almost passed out because of the fumes.  I hate bleach.
Anyway, I got paid 50 dollars.  5 of which went to tithe, and 15 of which went to paying for the room I shared with my cousin, and best friend, and the rest went to school stuff.  Pens, pencils, binders, paper, erasers, and new boots.  Although, I didn't have enough for the boots, so my kind wonderful, loving cousin helped me out.  He said it was my birthday present, although my birthday isn't until November.  It was awesome.
And I found out that I'm related to one of the board members, which is pretty crazy!  See, he's my dad's mom's cousin.  Pretty cool, huh?
Anyway, I've also been preparing for school by figuring out some updos I can do that won't give me a headache, and are fairly easy and fast to do.
To start with, here's a few pictures of my new boots:

 That picture was kind of dark, so I took another one.

See, you can tell what color they actually are there.

There's a picture of them on my feet.

And there's a picture of the kind of outfit I would wear to school.  I have to have sleeves below my elbows, my hair up, a long skirt below my knees, and closed toe, and heel shoes.

This is my new dagger in its sheath.  I love it.  A lot. 

This is my dagger out of its sheath.

Me holding my dagger, smiling hugely, and looking cheesy and creepy. 

This is me looking less creepy and cheesy, but loving my dagger none the less.

This is me with my hair wet. 

This is my hair up in a new hairstyle I came up with. 

A semi better picture of it. 

I redid it, trying to keep it from slanting up.  It looks huge right there.

A sock bun, however, I see that the sock is seen.  Bummer....  I need to work on making the sock unseeable. 

Another picture of the sock bun. 

The updo I'm practicing for today.  I kind of like it.  If you want to know how to do it, what you do is you take your hair, and put it into two ponytails, then you braid your ponytail into several different braids, of different sizes, then you just twist it all together, and around the base of your ponytail, then you pin it up like a normal braid.

And there is a rather blury picture of my mommy :) 

You know how I said I bought new binders?  Well, here's the one that I had last year.  Yes, I decorated it all myself.

This is my schedule from last year, all up close and personal. 

And this is a close up of the hand I had on my binder. 

My English class binder for this year. 

The title, "English" on my binder. 

A close up of one of my favorite quotes. 

I figured that this would be a good Bible verse to put on a school binder. 

\

My Bible class binder. 

A close up of one of the sayings I put on my Bible binder.

This is a quote that they have in the back of the tabernacle at camp. 

A close up of the title, "Bible" and John Three sixteen. 

One of my favorite scriptures.

My name, which I will be putting on my locker :) 

And this is my schedule for this year!  See the difference?

We've even got three new teachers!  My friend Lee's mom is going to be teaching first and second grade, because we had first and second grade teacher problems last year, because the teacher had to leave after the first semester.  Sad huh?  And then they had two first and second grade teachers for the last semester.

Then we have a new 7th and 8th grade teacher, and the former 7th and 8th grade teacher is going to be teaching English, and the former English teacher is going to be teaching Bible.  However, she's still going to be teaching Computers.  BUT she won't be teaching Journalism.  The former Bible teacher ran off and got married, which is really upsetting.  She also taught Heath/P.E., and Evangelism   We no longer have an Evangelism class, but, our other new teacher is going to be teaching Psychology, and I think Business Math.

I would have taken Psychology, but Mr. Brewer doesn't like me, so he decided to put Choir and Psychology at the same time.  I'm taking choir again this year, because I don't want to have to take Art. Not that I have anything against the art teacher, it's just that I can teach myself to draw just fine by myself, and I like to sing.

I'm also going to try to join a deputation group, because I...um, again, I like to sing.  I just hope I don't end up with a bunch of people I don't like.

And apparently we have a new girl in my class.  I should be super excited, but I'm not really.  I mean, for one, what if she ends up being one of those annoying girls who only thinks and talks about boys, hot actors, clothes, and hair.  I mean, I talk about that too, but I also talk about cats, and dogs, and horses, and movies (the actual movies, not the actors) my dreams, my books, see, I have much more to talk about than them.  And what if she's not quite like that, but she's snooty?  And, besides, now that she's here, I'm less unique!  I mean, seriously, how many non-homeschooled people can say that they're the only girl in their class?  Not too many.  And now I can't either.

I can't wait to see who the other new students are though.  It'll be really exciting.

I'm actually pretty nervous though, because I haven't had a first day of school before.  Because my last first day of school, it wasn't really my first day, because I came late.  I was about a week late.

If anyone has any updos that they could recommend to me, please let me know, because I really want to have different hairdos, but I'm not too good at updos....  Anyway, I must depart.  Farewell!

~Katie :)

YOUTH CAMP!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Yes I know the title to my post is grammatically incorrect, but you all should know that I don't really care.  I'M SO EXCITED!  Yes I know that that was grammatically incorrect too!
Okay so here's a list of things I want to talk about in this post.  Not necessarily in order.
1. Youth Camp.
2. Church tonight.
3. Youth Camp.
4. Lizzie McGuire.
5. Youth Camp.
6. The 4th of July.
7. Youth Camp.
8. Anything else that comes to mind.
9. Youth Camp.
Okay, we'll start with the 4th of July (then Youth Camp!) So, I had a pretty good Fourth.  I got "kidnapped" by my friend Ronda.  She's somewhere in her fifties, (which I find weird, because she doesn't seem that old at ALL) and can drive to my house, kidnap me, and take me to her house/town.  See, she lives a town over from me, and while I can drive, I can't drive that far, and not by myself.
Well anyway, she kidnapped me and took me to her house, and we stayed there.  I ate, tomatoes, lemonade, hamburgers, and...something else, but I--BROCCOLI!  And broccoli with cheese ^_^  It was some goooooood food.
And then we went to watch the fireworks which didn't go off till 9:45, and there was this really big hill.  Like HUUUUUGE!  Not huge huge, but huge!  See, we were sitting at the top of the hill, and I decided to roll down it once or twice.  Or three or four times?  Okay, okay, okay, I admit it!  About 25-50 times???
It was really fun!  And guess what!!!  I was the only one rolling down the hill!  The only one!  And there were kids there younger than me!  Yes I know that I'm 14, but that's normal-ish behavior for me.  Ish.
All in all that was an awesome way to spend my 4th.  And I'm really glad that I have freedom here.  And as immature as it may sound, I am so glad that I have the freedom to roll down hills, and act, "immature." YAY FOR FREEDOM, AND MAY GOD BLESS AMERICA FOREVER!
Next we'll do talk about church tonight!
Okay, so we had a really special treat tonight at church!  See normally it's just Pastor Chad's boooorrrring preaching.  I'M KIDDING!  I LOVE Pastor Chad's preaching!  He's one of the best preachers I've ever heard.  Anyway, normally it's just Pastor Chad's preaching, but today we had the awesome treat of some singers from Penn View coming!
Now I know what you're thinking, "Penn View?  What is this 'Penn View?'"  Well, to answer your question, Penn View is a Bible college in PA.  They have singers in the college, in different groups, and today we had a group call Proclaim come to our church.  IT WAS AWESOME!
Here's a link so you know I'm not just blowing steam.
Penn View
Now, as you can see they have various people in the group.  Well, I made a new friend! OH!  And various Bible Colleges go to Youth Camp too, and...THEY'RE GOING!
My new friend is Andrew, the one listed there.  I also have a cousin named Andrew...  Okay, so anyway, here's how I met met Andrew, and not just saw him, and figured out who he was and decided to call him my friend.
See, sometimes I go to the church, and play the piano there.  My mom and I have a big hymnal at home, but it will never stay open, but the one at the church will, and the piano is more in tune.  That's why I go.
So anyway, I'm there, playing piano, then around 4:30-5:00 Penn View people started showing up.
There's Joe Stratton who was traveling with him.  And he was also the Teen Issues speaker personal at Youth Camp last year, and he came in first.
Then it was...William I think...Then it was Andrew who said it was hot outside and perfect inside.
I told him that I begged to differ, but I was freezing in the church...he proceeded to laugh... Oh yeah, and I wasn't speaking in such wonderful prose and poetry, and all that stuff, I was just talking normally, like, "Are you serious?  I'm freezing in here!  My toes are cold!"  Yes I know, I'm so immature!
Anyway, they went back and forth carrying stuff from their van, and wouldn't let me help, even though I wanted to and offered, because now that there were in there I was going to more than likely have to give up the piano, and quite honestly I get really nervous playing piano in front of people.  My hands shake, my feet shake, my hands get all sweaty.  Oh yes yes yes...I have stage fright!
ANYWAY!  He was up there testing the mics, and I think he was purposely acting goofy to make me laugh, and it worked.  I think I laugh easily, unless I hate you, and in that case every word you say is evil, wicked, and NOT funny in the least!  Be glad I like you guys ;)
Then while the others were singing and stuff, (I don't think he sung once, he played his instrument, and that's it.  I think it was a French Horn.) he came and sat by me, and said hi, told me his name, asked me mine, what grade I was in, how old I was, if I was going to any camps.
Silly me forgot to ask him how old he was/is.  I'll ask him tomorrow or something.
Anyway, I really like him, he's pretty awesome, and I kinda hope we're on the same team at Youth Camp.
Anyway, in short, I have an awesome new friend, and I loved the service at church tonight.  ONE complaint...It ended, and Andrew didn't sing...
Next up on the list to talk about...
LIZZIE MCGUIRE!  It's my new fad thingymabobber.  I've had it before, but I have it again.  Anyway, here's the link to an episode.
Lizzie McGuire Part One
Okay, that was short o.O
Now for anything else that comes to my mind.
The Butterfly Challenge.
The Butterfly Challenge is when a person who has problems with cutting and stuff draws a butterfly on themselves and names it after someone that they love, when they have the urge to cut.  If they cut the butterfly dies.
People who don't cut can also draw butterflies on their arms, or legs, or wherever, and name it after someone they love who is going through a hard time.  I've done that.
It was...Thursday or Friday when my friend told me about it.  It's kind of interesting.
And now we're on to Youth Camp!
So, Youth Camp starts TOMORROW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  I'm so excited!
A whole week (five days) of people, church services, singing, boys, games, fun, and eek!
Here's the pros and cons of Youth Camp.
Pros: Meet new friends, meet up with old Youth Camp friends, church services, games, fun night, singing, crazy fun in the dorm.
Cons: Missing my mom, no internet and internet friends, no friends who aren't going to Youth Camp, no pets.
I'm so excited!  I hope that Karen, Katie, Andrew and I are all on the same team, but we might not be.  Hopefully Andrew and I anyway.  Cause that'd be awesome.  I want to get to know my new friend better, and make new friends, and have awesome friends, and I love friends.
I'm going to take my camera and get some pictures, and share them on here.  I hope I make good friends, that I'll be able to keep for a life time.
I cannot wait!
Back to whatever my mind comes up with:
My mom and I were twins at church today!  See we have these shirts that match.  They're red shirts, with black pattern on them, and she got one, and I got one, and then we match today.  I'm gonna miss my mommy when I'm at Youth Camp...
And also I fishtail braided my hair!

Fully body picture, courtesy of my loving mommy, who took the picture.  I personally think I look weird in it.  Then again, I'm not very photogenic...And I don't think I'm supposed to look deep into the lens like I would look deep into my husband's eyes if I was married to him.  But I'm not married to my husband yet.  As far as I know I haven't even met him!

The braid...up close and semi personal.  though how you can be personal with a braid I have no idea!
And back we go to the butterfly challenge topic!  Here's a picture of a butterfly I drew for my friend, who's having some problems with that.

I took a picture to send to her, but I figured I could do this too.  Just to give you an example if you're thinking that you may need to do this or something.
You can really draw it anywhere.  Legs, ankles, wrists, anywhere really.
I have a very faded one on my wrist.
And back to Youth Camp...  I'm gonna have to pack last minute stuff tomorrow morning.
Here's my itinerary for tomorrow (I think.)
Wake up.
Pack a few things.
Mow the backyard.
Take a shower.
Pack anything else I need.
Go to Grammy's to meet up with Aunt Becca.
Go to Youth Camp.
Check in.
Find a room.
Do Youth Camp stuff.
Sounds kinda busy.  I hope I don't get too stressed out or cry while mowing.
If I'm stressed and just woke up I will cry when told to do something.  I have no idea why, it's just like I'm too tired to comprehend what I'm supposed to do, and I can't do it right.
I will seriously be about to cry if that happens.  I feel like such a baby sometimes.  But hey, at least I admitted to doing it!
Once I knew a lady older than me who still wet the bed.  I think she had bladder problems.  Poor lady :(
Um...I was going to say something but my mind went wacko and forgot....
The main point is that I need to get my puppy packed, and my Bible packed.  Oh yeah, and my camera, and phone, and phone charger.
And here's more stuff about Youth Camp.
I have a youth camp notebook, where I can write down when I meet my team leaders, and my team members, and the first impression I had of them.
I heard somewhere that one of the team leaders are real big on scripture memorization, and like hound you about it.  I think that that would be awful, and a great way to make kids who have trouble memorizing, or spitting stuff back out at people not want to go back.
Thankfully I'm fairly good at memorizing, and can sometimes spit stuff back out.
Alright, I'm almost incoherent.  I will finish my Lizzie McGuire Episode, have my devotions, and go to bed.
PEACE!

Confound it All!

Don't ask about the title I really don't know, but there's hardly any good titles for my blogposts, other than, "Hi," "hey," "Hello Again," stuff like that!
Anyway...Yep, my mind is still on Youth Camp.  I don't think my mind will ever leave Youth Camp.
So, in this whole excited, I can't wait for Youth Camp rush, I'm trying to learn new hairdos!  So far I have learned: The Four Strand Woven Braid (Four Strand Woven Braid Tutorial) Five Strand Messy Braid, (Cute Girl's Hairstyles) French Braid, (French Braid) and well, there's a few that I've come up with, but anyway, yeah, I really think I like this whole hairstyle thing.  As long as I have 5 different hairstyles I think I'll be good.  I say five, that way I can wear my hair in a ponytail, or normal braid for the games, and activities, and then for church I can wear it in something a little more fancy.  I don't know.
If you guys/girls/random people out there have any hairstyle ideas, just let me know in the comments, because I have discovered that I love to do my hair.
Anyway, I should leave before I start boring you all with camp this, camp that, camp camp camp!

Whooooosh!

Okay, yeah I know, oh wow, it's been a while since I've posted anything.  Like...four days?  My last post was on the 10th, and today is the 14th I think.  Yup, it's the 14th.
I haven't really had anything to blog about.  Nothing exciting, or so exceptionally boring that I felt the need to share it.
Lately all I've been doing has been crashing in my room, messin around on the computer, and watching movies.  Oh, and feeding Serenity.  Best bunny ever.  Love her sooo much.
Of course later today, after the movie I'm watching, I'm heading up to the Grocery store to do my mopping.  That's my job every Thursday.
Or Friday's if I'm unable to make it on Thursdays.
I'm also learning how to do a Fishtail braid!  I googled it, and it looks easier than I thought it would be.  I wonder if French Braiding would be as easy.
I normally hate French Braids, the main reason being that whenever they're done my hair gets pulled, and hurts my head.
Alrigh, well, off to finish my movie.
~ Katie :)