memories

May Memories

Abi Leah10 Comments

Hello, everyone! Let’s talk about May. The last month of school. Crazy and utterly exhausting but SO full of happy memories! In a way, I miss it but at the same time, I’m so glad it’s over!

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The first week of May was full of happy friend memories. One of my best friends made me a beautiful pillow in between her study times. How she did it, I have no idea, but it’s beautiful and I love it so much! AP exams weren’t fun but it came with excused absenses and trips to Aldi’s to get ice cream. My 6 friends and I shared a whole tub of ice cream and it was amazing! A couple of days later, I started my new bullet journal!

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For Mother’s Day, my family and I took a trip to the mountains for the weekend. It was beautiful and a great way to spend the day celebrating my mom. We were even able to see a couple of geese in the river!

Next came a couple of pool parties with some amazing friends! My sister celebrated a birthday with some of her friends. Then I hosted a couple of last minute parties with my friends before school ended. I loved hanging out with everyone and can’t wait to make more memories with them this summer! Then came May 25. The day my exams started. I had my French exam first and did pretty well! After that, I had 3 more exams, British Literature, Chemistry, and Spanish. My last exam was yesterday! So glad to be done! :)

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Other Things I Loved

  • Smores Frappuccino from Starbucks (all time fav!)
  • All of the blooming flowers!
  • Celebration donuts at the end of exams!
  • Getting our piano tuned
  • And then having a mini concert :)

How was your May? What are you looking forward to in June? I’d love to hear from you! :)

signi

Writing Wednesday – Sisterly Memories

Abi Leah9 Comments

Hey, guys! How are you? It’s been a while since my last Writing Wednesday entry so I thought I would share one this week. This one is all about memories. :)

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I remember the day when we laughed until our sides hurt and when we screamed with joy and made funny faces. I remember the day when we spent hours talking in different accents and dancing around the kitchen. The day when, as I went about my work, you were there making life fun. In those few moments, we were free. Now that we are older, those days are fewer, but I’m looking forward to the day when we can do these things again; when we can laugh until our sides hurt and when we can scream with joy. I can’t wait until the day when we can spend hours talking in different accents and dancing around the kitchen. May these memories forever be in our minds and the hope forever in our hearts.

signi

March Memories

Abi Leah8 Comments

Hello, everyone! As I’m writing this, the rain is pouring outside and my sister is playing violin. My mom is working on starting a fire and I have a big cup of tea waiting for me. Talk about perfect writing time! This past month have been filled with tons of adventures and excitement.

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In the beginning of the month, my mom and my sister and I drove to surprise my sister at her first away game for soccer. It was great except we ended up going to the wrong school! By the time we made it to the right school, there were 3 minutes left in the game. Bummer! But, we were able to see my sister play for a little bit and it made her really happy that we were there, so I’d say it was well worth it! :)

On the 5th, we hosted a missionary family for dinner. The family was really sweet and had lots of fun stories about life on the mission field and their many puppies. On the 12th, there was snow but it all melted within a couple of hours. Still, it was really pretty!

The next week, I had a friend over for a sleepover. We went to the park near my house and saw a beautiful tree! (Pictured below.) While we were at the park, a little girl, about 5, ran up to us and asked us to play with her. She was so adorable and I loved running around with her on the park playground! The next day, we met with another friend and went to walk on the campus of a nearby college, getting a feel for the college-life. It was a great experience and I learned a bit of what it’s like just to be on campus.

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Next came the Florida trip! My whole family spent our Spring break in sunny FL by the beach and it was beautiful! We were also able to go on all kinds of adventures including going to the Everglades. (I even made a video of it! Click here to watch it.) We got to see dolphins, birds, and aligators. A couple of days later, we went to Disney! I loved all of the rides but I especially loved the firework show at the end of the day. :) (Read the Florida Trip Travel Journal here!)

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After getting back into the rhythm of school life, I focused on memorized more Bible verses. This time, I memorized Isaiah 26:3-4 which says:

“You will keep in perfect peace
    those whose minds are steadfast,
    because they trust in you.
 Trust in the Lord forever,
    for the Lord, the Lord himself, is the Rock eternal.”
-Isaiah 26:3-4 (NIV)

Last week, my sisters and I took a spontaneous trip to my friend’s house! We spent a lot of time playing with her dog, :) but we also spent time outside making floral creations and talking about life. It was a wonderful way to spend my Sunday and it was pretty relaxing too! :)

Some Pictures from March:

That’s all! How was your March? Did you have any fun adventures? Let me know! I would love to hear from you! :)

signi

 

February Memories

Abi Leah4 Comments

Hey, guys! Happy March! The weather outside is beautiful and I’m so ready for Spring Break! February was full of fun adventures and memories. I can’t believe it all went by so quickly!

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February started off great with my birthday! I hosted a vision board party, hosting two things off of my goals list for this year. I had a lot of fun hanging out with my friends and family. Shout-out to my wonderful mother who created a huge meal of tiny sandwiches for my birthday lunch!

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A couple days later, I went to watch the play from my high school! It was a lot of fun and I saw a bunch of people that I know (shout-out to M, A, M, L, and H).

On the 11th, I headed over to the park with my sister to walk around and take pictures. It was so beautiful outside and it seemed that everyone was out enjoying the weather! The light reflecting off the water took my breath away. Plus, there were so many dogs – an extra bonus! ;)

Valentines Day came and went without a mishap. My sisters and I made breakfast in bed for my mom and we each got a little bouquet of flowers from our dad. On the 16th, I spent the day writing letters and making cards for my friends and family. And the next day, I went to my first college visit – very exciting.

Then came the big mountain trip! We spent three days in the cool weather with rivers and plenty of trees to sit by. (I even made a video about it. Watch it here.) I ended up spending a lot of time writing which was really fun for me. It’s been a while since I’ve taken the time to let my dreams take shape in writing form. ;) Our short trip in the mountains was a fun one and I can’t wait to go back.

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February closed with lots of flowers; flowers in my friends’ hair, flowers in vases, flowers outside, flowers everywhere! I love how such little things like flowers can brighten up the world. :)

I also tried to continue the Photo A Day Challenge this month but then I missed a day. Still, I was able to take some really pretty pictures. Here are some of my favorites. :)

Other Things I Loved

Beautiful right? How was your February? Is the weather getting warmer where you are?

signi

January Memories

Abi Leah2 Comments

Hey, everybody! How was your January? It was a great start to a new year with new goals and a new mindset. For me, January went by all too fast.

january-memories

I started off January with my friends. We had an amazing time ringing in the New Year and laughing together. On the fourth, I worked on my scrapbooks! I’m so close to being finished with the last one. Then on the seventh, it snowed. It was so much fun even though the snow didn’t stay long.

sparklers

Picture Creds: Sis

On the ninth, I received my business cards from Vistaprint. I was so excited and so pleased with how they turned out! And two days later, I received my Vistaprint Promobox. I totally forgot about it so it was an amazing surprise to receive in the mail. :)

cards

Then my friends and I started a Bible study type thing for us all to memorize Bible verses together. So far we have memorized Matthew 10:28 and Philippians 4:4-8. To help me memorize my Bible verses, I started a journal. On the left page, I write the Bible verse and my initial thoughts. On the right page, I write a “React and Respond” section where I write my thoughts at the end of the week and things that I want to remember about the verses that I studied.

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On the thirteenth, my friend (shout out to A) taught me the basics of video making. Then on the seventeenth, I uploaded my very first Youtube video! (3 Things You Should Know About Me) I am super excited about my Youtube channel. Ya’ll can expect some great things coming soon! Also, I’m hosting a GIVEAWAY! (More about that here.)

My school had to move the piano into the common area for an event and they decided to keep it there for a couple of days. It was wonderful hearing so many people playing songs and everyone connecting over the music.

This month I also participated in a Photo-a-day challenge. It was a lot of fun! Here are some of my favorite pictures from this month.

Other Things I Loved

  • 52 Lists Project book
  • 52 Lists To Happiness book
  • Pinterest “tried it” button
  • VSCO
  • Nothing Bundt Cakes
  • Sherlock Season 4

That’s all! How was your January? What are you looking forward to this February?

signi

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2016/2017 Tag

Abi Leah5 Comments

Hey, everybody! I was nominated for the 2016/2017 Tag by Ally from Dreamers and Dancers.Be sure to check out her blog here and her version of the tag here. :)

* Sorry it took me so long to get to the tag!

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rules

  • Mention the creator of the tag (I don’t know who this is so…)
  • Use the image that you find in this article
  • Answer the questions given
  • Mention the blogger who nominated you
  • Mention 9 bloggers/friends and let them know through a comment on their blog

*Blogger Note: I’m not going to tag anyone but if you want to do the 2016/2017 tag, feel free! *

Questions And Answers

  1. Describe your 2016 in 3 words. – Lessons, Different, New
  2. Write the names of 2 peoples who have influenced your 2016. – M encouraged me to go to school and to grow more in God’s love and R taught me that it’s important to always put God first. 
  3. Write the most beautiful place you’ve visited and why you liked it so much. – The most beautiful place that I visited in 2016 was FL. I was able to watch some very pretty sunsets there! Plus, my grandparents were there so that was nice. :)
    sunset
  4. Write the most delicious food you’ve tasted in 2016. – My mom’s food is always really good! I loved the chocolate pie that my mom made for Christmas.
  5. Which event has marked you more in 2016? (even a global event) – My birthday this past year was amazing! I loved it (mainly because my sister made me a Doctor Who themed birthday party)! :)
  6. Write the finest purchase you made in 2016, and link a photo. -I can’t think of anything that I bought this year so I’ll skip this question.
  7. Write 3 good intentions for 2017. – I plan to grow this year, become more organized, and cross off all of the things on my goal list. :)
  8. Write 1 place you want to visit in 2017. – I would love to visit my awesome cousins in London this year! E and D are amazing people and I would have a lot of fun exploring the city with them. :)
  9. Write 1 plate/food you want to eat in 2017. – I want to try pumpkin butter this year. I blogged about it here but I haven’t tried it yet!

Thanks again to Ally for tagging me! I had fun with this tag. :) Have a great day!

signi

21 Day Self Portrait Project Days 6-10

Abi Leah5 Comments

Hey, everyone! In the last post, I introduced you to the 21 Day Self Portrait Project that my photography teacher challenged me to. I also shared the results from the first five days. Here are the results from Days 6-10! Enjoy! :)

Day 6

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A couple of years ago, my aunt gave me a mirror. I call it a compliment mirror because it has words written on it. Here’s a sample of what it says:

“Oh, how beautiful you are! You’re charming. You look gorgeous! It’s fantastic. I think that you are fabulous, just fabulous! You are absolutely delectable. Your hair is really stunning, it sparkles with life! I love the way that you do your hair, that silken head of curls and waves is glorious. In a subtle way, your hair is immaculate, it looks so natural, it seems so springy and full of vitality! You are the most perfect creature that I have ever seen. You look great, you are great! You really are a very special person”

This mirror is a reminder that I am beautiful even when I don’t particularly feel like I am.

Day 7

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I hate driving. I absolutely detest it but that doesn’t mean that I shouldn’t learn to do the things I’m terrified of. My dad has always been really passionate about my development as a person – especially when I really don’t want to do whatever it is that he wants me to do.

In the beginning of October, my dad challenged me to drive every day. So I did and eventually I got better at driving. I still hate it. I still need some pushing but I’m learning that I can take those tiny steps as long as I keep moving.

Day 8

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I have a family friend who has been with my family through the thick and thin. She would watch over me and my sisters when my mom was sick. She would bake with us and celebrate our birthdays. She always remembered my birthday and took the time to get to know my interests. On my fifteenth birthday, she gave me a necklace with my birthstone and a piano charm on it. It was a simple gift, but it was a meaningful gift.

She taught me that little things can make a big difference. She cared for me and my family when no one else did. It didn’t take a lot of effort or time on her part, but it made a huge impact on the happiness and hope in my family.

Day 9

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Life is full of hard times and dark nights. But every day has a flicker of hope and every night is full of stars. When I am going through hard times, I try not to think of the darkness, the uncertainty, or the pain. Instead, I focus on the hope, the light, and the stars.

“Only in the darkness can you see the stars.”     – Martin Luther King Jr. –

Day 10

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My aunt is an amazing friend and my role model. She is a writer. She has traveled to so many places. She has been to the Olympics over five times. But my favorite part about her is her ability to connect with everyone she meets.

When I was frustrated with having so many people over for Christmas, she encouraged me. When I felt like my writing was awful, she encouraged me. When I really needed someone there, she encouraged me. She knew exactly what to say and how to say it.

I don’t get to see my aunt very often but when I do, I remember all of the wonderful times we had together.

I loved the last couple of pictures and oddly enough, they were accidental. Hehe :) Anyway, I hope you all have a great day! And let me know if you are going to do the project!

signi

Holiday Favorites Tag

Abi Leah4 Comments

Hey, everyone! Are you having a great December 3rd? I am. This week was crazy busy and next week will be even busier BUT, don’t worry, I will still try to blog every day for Blogmas! I found this wonderful Holiday Favorites Tag on Amber’s blog, What Makes Me Amber. Be sure to check out her blog here and her blog post here! :)

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What is Your Favorite…

1. Activity to do During the Holidays?

I love sitting by the fireplace, drinking Hot Chocolate and talking with my family. Bonus if we are all doing a puzzle. :)

2. Seasonal Drink?

Hot Chocolate! Or Starbuck’s Peppermint Mocha Frappuccino.

3. Christmas Movie?

My favorite Christmas movie is probably The Twelve Gifts Of Christmas.

4. Memory? (Include a photo if you have one!)

I love having family and friends over for Christmas so my favorite memory would have to be when my aunt, my mom’s friends and their families, and my whole family got together for Christmas. We had a lot of fun sitting around the fire and playing piano and worshiping together. It was a pretty goofy, wonderful time. :)

5. Candle Scent? 

Fresh Sparkling Snow from Bath and Body Works.

6. Food or Recipe? (Link it if you’d like!)

My mom makes this amazing chocolate pie every year for Christmas. You should definitely try it! Here’s the link.

7. Place to Spend the Holidays?

My favorite place to spend Christmas and New Years is at home. There’s nothing like being at home for the holidays. :)

8. Christmas Tune?

This may seem wierd but I love The Chipmunk Song. XD

9. Gift You’ve Given or Received?

A couple of years ago, I received a Canon camera! That was my favorite gift and I still love it!

10. Decoration You Own? (Include a photo if you have one!)

My mom bought us colorful Christmas lights but she didn’t realize that they flicker. I have them hung up around my room now and it looks like a disco party. ;) XD

*Bonus Question: What Is Your Ideal Christmas Eve?

My ideal Christmas Eve includes going to the Candle-lit Christmas Eve service at Church and reading by the fireplace with my family.

Tag! You’re It!

I tag anyone who wants to participate in this tag! It was really fun. (P.S. You should totally do it!)

What Is Your Favorite…

  1. Activity to do during the Holidays?

  2. Seasonal Drink?

  3. Christmas Movie?

  4. Memory? (Include a photo if you have one!)

  5. Candle Scent?

  6. Food or Recipe? (Link it if you’d like!)

  7. Place to spend the Holidays?

  8. Christmas Tune?

  9. Gift You’ve Given or Received?

  10. Decoration you own? (Include a photo if you have one!)

  11. BONUS QUESTION: What is your ideal Christmas Eve?

That’s all for today! I hope you all have a great day!

signi

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November Favorites

Abi LeahLeave a comment

Hey, everyone! How are you? November flew by so quickly! But it’s December so that’s awesome! Anyway, here are some of the things I did this month and my favorite memories. :)

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  1. Thanksgiving with the family – Thanksgiving was a couple of days ago and it was awesome! My family hosted Thanksgiving lunch/dinner. My sister baked four different desserts and my mom made a huge turkey so I have lots of lucnhes for the next week.
  2.  Field Trip with my Photography class – This month I went on a field trip to uptown with my photography class. I had so much fun hanging out with all of my classmates and taking pictures around the city. (Here’s the post I wrote on it.)
  3. My writing club – I joined a writing club at my school earlier this year. I was really nervous because I don’t normally share my creative writing but the group was really kind about everything and encouraged me to continue writing.
  4. Hanging with my Acafam – This month I had a big acappella performance and it was awesome!
  5. Self Portrait project – My photography teacher challenged our class to a 21 day self portrait story. Every day we had to take a picture of ourselves that told a story of another person and how they had changed us, challenged us, taught us ect. It was really hard for me but it was a lot of fun.
  6. Christmas Tree Shopping! – Every year, the day after Thanksgiving, my whole family goes to by a Christmas tree and then we come home and decorate it all together. It’s one of the things that I look forward to every winter. But there was something about this year that made the special “tree-day” better than the past ones. :)
  7. Hobby Lobby – I stopped by Hobby Lobby a couple of weeks ago to pick up some things for the upcoming giveaway (!!!) and saw some really cute things! I need to go to craft stores more often.
  8. Ding Dong Merrily On High by Rend Collective (song)
  9. Jesus, Savior by Chris August (song)
  10. Psalm 1:1-3 – “Blessed is the one who does not walk in step with the wicked or stand in the way that sinners take or sit in the company of mockers, but whose delight is in the law of the LORD, and who meditates on his law day and night. That person is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither – whatever they do prospers.”

How was your November? What are you looking foward to this December? (Besides Christmas of course) I hope you all have a wonderful day!

signi