Austenbook :)

A dear friend told me about this, so I had to go find it myself. :D And did, much to my joy. :) It is absolutely and utterly hilarious! I thought y'all might enjoy reading it. :D
Oh, and I found it here, in case anyone is interested!

P.S. It also helps the humor of it if you're familiar with facebook, though its still funny if you're not.

Austenbook

	Charles Bingley is renting a house in Hertfordshire!
	Mrs. Bennet became a fan of Charles Bingley.
	Kitty Bennet can't stop coughing!!!
	Charles Bingley is now friends with Mr. Bennet and Sir William Lucas.
	11 of your friends are attending Assembly at Meryton.
	Fitzwilliam Darcy is dreading this evening.
	Charles Bingley and Jane Bennet are now friends.
	Elizabeth Bennet is not handsome enough to tempt a certain gentleman. Ha!
	Mrs. Bennet had a most delightful evening!
	Mr. Bennet wishes that Mr. Bingley had sprained his ankle in the first dance.
	Elizabeth Bennet promises never to dance with Mr. Darcy.
	Fitzwilliam Darcy became a fan of Fine Eyes.
	Caroline Bingley is all astonishment.
	Lydia Bennet became a fan of Officers.
	Kitty Bennet became a fan of Officers.
	Caroline Bingley tagged Jane Bennet in her note Visit us at Netherfield.
	Jane Bennet finds herself very unwell. :(
	Elizabeth Bennet is going to stay at Netherfield with Jane.
	Louisa Hurst saw Elizabeth Bennet's petticoat and is absolutely certain it was six inches deep in mud.
	Elizabeth Bennet is improving her mind by extensive reading.
	Charles Bingley created an event: Ball at Netherfield.
	Fitzwilliam Darcy is writing to Georgiana.
	Caroline Bingley has suggestions for Mr. Darcy's domestic felicity.
	Elizabeth Bennet and Caroline Bingley are attending the event Take a Turn about the Room.
	Fitzwilliam Darcy feels the danger of paying Elizabeth too much attention.
	Elizabeth Bennet is back at home. Thank goodness!
	William Collins tagged 7 of your friends in his note I Propose Myself the Satisfaction of Waiting on You and Your Family.
	Lydia Bennet does NOT feel like listening to Fordyce's Sermons.
	William Collins is paying his attentions to Jane Bennet.
	William Collins is paying his attentions to Elizabeth Bennet.
	Fitzwilliam Darcy is not pleased to see Wickham in town.
	Elizabeth Bennet and George Wickham are now friends.
	George Wickham told Elizabeth Bennet about Mr. Darcy's evil deeds. ;-)
	15 of your friends are attending Ball at Netherfield.
	Fitzwilliam Darcy is dancing with Elizabeth Bennet.
	Elizabeth Bennet is trying to make out Mr. Darcy's character and does not get on at all.
	William Collins has been "rejected" by an elegant female.
	Mrs. Bennet is all in an uproar.
	Caroline Bingley tagged Jane Bennet in her note We're Leaving.
	Jane Bennet is in London.
	Mrs. Gardiner is visiting Hertfordshire with her husband.
	Charlotte Lucas and William Collins are now married.
	Elizabeth Bennet is at Hunsford visiting Mr. & Mrs. Collins.
	Elizabeth Bennet thought that the pigs were got into the garden, but it was only Lady Catherine and her daughter.
	Lady Catherine de Bourgh thinks that Miss Elizabeth Bennet gives her opinion very decidedly for so young a person.
	Elizabeth Bennet and Colonel Fitzwilliam are now friends.
	Fitzwilliam Darcy is not afraid of Elizabeth Bennet. Well, maybe a little.
	Elizabeth Bennet does not perform to strangers.
	Charlotte Collins thinks she knows why Mr. Darcy visits so often.
	Colonel Fitzwilliam wishes he weren't a younger son.
	Elizabeth Bennet is furious at Mr. Darcy for separating Bingley and her sister.
	Fitzwilliam Darcy is proposing to Elizabeth Bennet. It is not going well. :-/
	Elizabeth Bennet is ??!!
	Fitzwilliam Darcy tagged Elizabeth Bennet in his note My Character Requires This to be Written and Read.
	Elizabeth Bennet realizes that she never knew herself until this moment.
	Elizabeth Bennet has much to conceal when she goes home.
	Lydia Bennet is glad that Wickham isn't going to marry Mary King, that nasty freckled thing.
	Lydia Bennet and Kitty Bennet joined the group 1,000,000 Strong Against the Officers Leaving Meryton! {join!}
	Lydia Bennet is going to Brighton with Colonel & Mrs. Forster!!!!1!
	Elizabeth Bennet, Edward Gardiner, and Mrs. Gardiner are attending Trip to Derbyshire.
	Elizabeth Bennet became a fan of Pemberley.
	Fitzwilliam Darcy is surprised and hopeful.
	Elizabeth Bennet and Georgiana Darcy are now friends.
	Lydia Bennet and George Wickham are in a relationship.
	Jane Bennet tagged Elizabeth Bennet in her note Bad News About Lydia.
	Elizabeth Bennet is rushing home.
	Fitzwilliam Darcy is determined to find Wickham.
	Mrs. Bennet joined the group Widows of Men Killed in Duels.
	Mary Bennet is consoling herself with moral extractions from the evil before her.
	Mr. Bennet is back home and feeling guilty... but it will pass away soon enough.
	Mrs. Bennet left the group Widows of Men Killed in Duels.
	Edward Gardiner tagged Mr. Bennet in his note They're not Married, but They Will Be.
	Mrs. Bennet is in raptures!
	Lydia Bennet and George Wickham are now married.
	Mrs. Gardiner tagged Elizabeth Bennet in her note Yes, Mr. Darcy Arranged Everything (and I think he likes you).
	Charles Bingley is back in Hertfordshire with Darcy.
	Jane Bennet and Charles Bingley are now engaged.
	Lady Catherine de Bourgh is in Hertfordshire.
	Elizabeth Bennet has been insulted in every possible method.
	Lady Catherine de Bourgh is most seriously displeased.
	William Collins tagged Mr. Bennet in his note Lady Catherine is Most Seriously Displeased.
	Elizabeth Bennet is excessively diverted.
	Fitzwilliam Darcy never thought to be made happy by a talk with his aunt!
	Elizabeth Bennet and Fitzwilliam Darcy are now engaged.
	Elizabeth Bennet and Fitzwilliam Darcy are now married.
	Jane Bennet and Charles Bingley are now married.
	Fitzwilliam Darcy rather enjoys being the object of open pleasantry.
	Mrs. Bennet KNEW that single men with good fortunes would want wives.

A Sunday Afternoon...

*edit* There are new pictures at the bottom of this post! (Thank you, Meli! <3)



This past Sunday the weather was GORGEOUS. I mean, really, really beautiful.

The wind was just slightly blowing, the sun was shining and the sidewalks that encircle the neighborhood by our Church building were just begging to be walked upon. I couldn't help but take off my shoes, though many of my dear friends protested at such an act. Something about feeling the warm cement beneath my feet is just so thrilling. And it reminds me a bit of my home in Texas.

What commenced was Melissa, Melinda, Lenna and I taking a walk and enjoying ourselves quite well. :)

The others seemed to be engrossed in a game of Ultimate Frisbee, which did not quite appeal to our tastes. :) All in all, we had a lovely time together and managed to snap a few pictures while those driving by couldn't help but grin at the girls huddled in the middle of the street, smiling at a Fire Hydrant which held the camera most precariously. It was a delightful bit of fun. :)

Sometime after our walk some of the others decided to join us and we took a short skip about the neighborhood. We ended the gorgeous day with a group picture in front of our car. :) It seemed fitting somehow.



It was also our friend Garrison's last Sunday, so a picture seemed important anyway.

Don't you just love Sundays? I especially love them when they're so beautiful and filled with sunlight and joy!! :)

Lord bless, y'all!!

~Jessica Nicole

P.S. Melinda has the photos from the walk, so when I get them from her I'll post them. :)

A few book reviews... :)

I thought I'd put up little blurbs about a few books that I love, to make up for not having posted in forever. :)

As most of you probably know (or can tell) I absolutely love to read! Jane Austen once said, "The person, be it gentleman or lady, who has not pleasure in a good novel, must be intolerably stupid." I could not agree more. :)




Spider's Web by Agatha Christie
This book was a play adapted into a book. Very fast paced and keeps the reader interested. The story of how a newly married woman finds a dead body in her house. She would call the police but there is a slight problem. Her husband is bringing a *very* important and secret guest from his business home for dinner. She makes a quick decision to hide the body and with the help of a few friends deposit it in the woods nearby. What she does not expect is that the police will knock at her door. Who is the murderer and why is the body in her house? At times down-right hilarious and just plain fun! :) Agatha Christie is swiftly becoming one of my favorite authors! Highly recommended for those who love a light-hearted mystery. :)




The Circle Trilogy by Ted Dekker
(consisting of "Black", "Red" and "White")
It's so difficult to put into words what I love about these books. I would call them an allegory, but some may say differently. What I do know is that these books paint a picture of the love Christ has for his bride in the most beautifully descriptive way I have ever seen. Here is a description of the first book in the series, "Black":

Enter an adrenaline-laced epic where dreams and reality collide. Fleeing his assailants through deserted alleyways, Thomas Hunter narrowly escapes to the roof of a building. Then a silent bullet from the night clips his head...and his world goes black.From the blackness comes an amazing reality of another world-a world where evil is contained. A world where Thomas Hunter is in love with a beautiful woman. Then he remembers the dream of the chase as he reaches to touch the blood on his head.Where does the dream end and reality begin? Every time he falls asleep in one world, he awakes in the other-both facing catastrophic disaster. Thomas is being pushed beyond his limits...even beyond the limits of space and time. Black is an incredible story of evil and rescue, betrayal and love, pursuit and death, and a terrorist's threat unlike anything the human race has ever known. Some say the world hangs in the balance of every choice we make. Now the fate of two worlds hangs in the balance of one man's choice.

The only thing that I would warn about these books is that I would not recommend them to anyone under the age of 16. They can be a bit violent and scary at times. But that is my only caution. I love these books without reservation! Ted Dekker is an incredible author. I'm working my way through reading all of his books. (And I'm almost there! Only 5 or so that I haven't read yet!) :D



The Martyr's Song by Ted Dekker

This books is very short (about 150 pages or so.) but worth every moment of those pages. Beautiful, breathtaking, and moving. I cried, I wanted to sing...this book will fill your heart and stay with you long after you're finished. I also highly recommend listening to the song "The Martyr's Song" sung by Todd Agnew that is included with the book. Beautiful! Here is a short synopsis of the novel:

What would you die for? That's the question suddenly thrust upon a small band of women and children in Bosnia at the close of World War II. When a group of bitter soldiers stumble upon their peaceful village, they suddenly face an insidious evil...and the ultimate test.
It is then, in the midst of chaos and pain that the Martyr's Song is first heard. It is then that the window into heaven first opens. It is then that love and beauty are shown in breathtaking reality.

Well, those are some books that I greatly enjoyed reading this month and thought y'all might enjoy looking into. :) I'll try to keep posting. Hopefully more often then I have of late. *grin*

Have a marv week!

Cheerio!!

Jessica

A bit amusing...

I received the most hilarious Valentine on the 14th that I thought I'd share with y'all.

Here is what it said:

"Jessica Dear, Though your love of singing is loveable, you cannot stop singing. You could join the opera and sing as loud as you want!

Just kidding. I would miss you. :-) Love, Abigail"

I think it's a hint for me to cut back on the singing. LOL! What kind of funny things have your younger siblings told you?


Oh, and a post with photos is coming soon. :-)


I am Feeling:Amused

That Crazy Little Thing Called Love

Valentine's Day is here!

That delightful time of year has arrived when love, flowers, and chocolate fills the air. When you notice, with sweet envy, the couples walking hand in hand, the smiles on their faces, the love in their eyes.

For me, Valentine's Day brings to mind people like Romeo and Juliet, Lizzie Bennet and Mr. Darcy, my mom and dad. *grin* I hum songs like "L-O-V-E" and "That's Amore". I smile at movies such as "The Shop around the Corner", "Ever After" or "The Princess Bride". I envision gauzy pink dresses, shiny dress shoes, black tuxedos, and red roses. I can picture the smiles, the joy, and, of course, the love that seems to hang in the air.

It's on days like this that I wish I had a lacy hammock underneath a giant tree, a book in my hands , and a cool breeze rippling about me, as the hammock rocks gently to the rhythm of the wind. Unfortunately for me, it is rather chilly outside, the trees are bare of their leaves, and that hammock is still in the Soft Surroundings catalog. So much for a romantic afternoon. *grin*

I cannot say that I do the same thing every year, as I have not. One year I was working in our Tea Room, another I found myself shopping with Tiff and eating free ice cream at Culver's. Another year I found myself doing absolutely nothing but the everyday things. This year, however, I'm going to celebrate a bit with three dear friends and my darling family. Us girls will watch a “chick flick” and laugh...just have a lovely time. We're going to prepare a romantic dinner for my parents and help them celebrate this day of love by giving them time with one another, because it's good to keep in mind that true love is about giving to others. It should be a lovely day.

Many of you may have romantic aspirations that you hope to someday attain. You envy those Jane Austen heroines and wonder where your Mr. Knightly is. When he does come, you are sure that he will sweep you off your feet. He'll give you flowers and serenade you with love songs. He'll cherish you. Isn't that nearly every girls dream?

Two important things that I remind myself of on this day (especially) are 1.) I am not "incomplete" or "single" (I have my family, my church family, and most importantly, my Lord.) and 2.) I am not going to be "depressed" on Valentine's Day because God has not yet put that “special someone” in my life. I am content with where He has me.

What am I going to do on Valentine's Day? I am going to rejoice in the love of Christ, my Savior! Some of you may frown and say that I know nothing about it, since I am just eighteen and haven't spent my mid to late twenties wondering if that right man will ever come along. And I admit, y'all are right, I have not experienced those feelings, and as such, unfortunately, I am unable to tell you anything save this : God gives us the grace to be content with where He has us, now and in the future.

"Not that I speak in regard to need, for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content:" (Philippians 4:11, NKJV)

He is my True Love. And He is yours. He will always be there, no matter what, and He will always love us. Who is able to snatch even one of the sheep out of the Shepherd's hand? I am safe in His embrace and content in His never-ending love and nothing can ever change that. Once we are His, we remain His.

I have a Love this February 14th...Jesus. He serenades me through the Scriptures, and through the obvious love He has poured out all around me through my parents, my siblings, and my friends. I love my Savior passionately. He died to save me. What greater love can there be than that?

In closing, here are some favorite *love* quotes of mine:

"Can he love her? Can the soul really be satisfied with such polite affections? To love is to burn - to be on fire, like Juliet or Guinevere or Eloise..." - Jane Austen, Sense and Sensibility

"Dear Diary, Today I tried not to think about Mr. Knightly. I tried not to think about him when I discussed the menu with Cook... I tried not to think about him in the garden where I thrice plucked the petals off a daisy to acertain his feelings for Harriet. I don't think we should keep daisies in the garden, they really are a drab little flower. And I tried not to think about him when I went to bed, but something had to be done." - Jane Austen, Emma

"Many waters cannot quench love, Nor can the floods drown it." -Song of Solomon 8:7a

"You know you're in love when you can't fall asleep because reality is finally better than your dreams." - Dr. Suess

"My bounty is as boundless as the sea, My love as deep; the more I give to thee, The more I have, for both are infinite." - William Shakespeare, Romeo and Juliet

And last, but certainly not least:

"If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. If I give all I possess to the poor and surrender my body to the flames, but have not love, I gain nothing.

Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.

Love never fails. But where there are prophecies, they will cease; where there are tongues, they will be stilled; where there is knowledge, it will pass away. For we know in part and we prophesy in part, ¹but when perfection comes, the imperfect disappears. When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put childish ways behind me. Now we see but a poor reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known.

And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love." - 1 Corinthians 13

Happy Valentine's Day!

I am Feeling: Content


I am Feeling: Thankful

In preparation...

for Valentine's Day. :-) A hilariously ridiculously amusing video that never ceases to make me laugh:



"Awww! Bless his heart; he needs to be cared for!" LOL!

A new post will be swift in following this one! It's a bit early as of yet but, Happy Valentine's Day! :-)

In Christ Alone,

Jessica

I'm Feeling: Peaceful

I feel quite ashamed for the way I have neglected my blog of late. But I came to the conclusion that 'twould be better for me to not post then to write something that would bore everyone to tears.

Unfortunately, I can't even think of anything to bore you to tears.

So, as such, I am going to ramble a bit about my life and three very dull things indeed that have occupied a bit of my free time. :-)

1. Here are a few things I have currently checked out from the library and/or are on my reading list:

The Corinthian by Georgette Heyer
The Buccaneers by Edith Wharton
Love and Respect by Dr. Emmerson E. Eggerichs
Why Shoot a Butler? by Georgette Heyer
Tuesday Club Murders by Agatha Christie
Then There Were None by Agatha Christie

Georgette Heyer is a current favorite of mine. "Cotillion" is a marvelous piece of fiction! I'm reading "The Corinthian" currently! Her regency-style writing, wit and humorous and exciting storyline's are ones that Jane Austen herself would have loved to read, I'm sure. Mhhm! True brilliance, I say.

2. Some people might be wondering what is going on with my novel. I will tell those who are curious (*hugs*), and for those who are not, well, I will tell you as well. :-) Subsequently, I, being my brilliant self, decided to do a bit of typing in my novel while sitting upon my bed's coverlet. I had previously taken my novel off of the internet (it was on my Google docs page.) and put it in a word document. I (still being my brilliant self) removed myself from the bed and leaving the computer in its comfortable resting place, vacated the room. I had no idea that, apparently, leaving a computer on a bed can do one of four things:
1. Catch the house on fire.
2. Overheat and never turn on again.
3. Catch the house on fire and get destroyed with the house.
or 4. Nothing.
Unfortunately, it did not do the last, and instead did number two. It overheated and now refuses to turn on. But thankfully, my Father is wonderfully heroic and is aiding me in aquiring someone to get the data off of the computer (aka. My novel). So what began as a nightmare, is ending...well, rather well. Of which I am very, very thankful!

Another thing that I have done this week was watch an episode of the ever-hilarious-and-oh-so-British TV show, "Jeeves and Wooster". Really, it's worth a try! Absolutely hilarious and full of non-offensive and clean humor! Here's a clip from the latest episode that we watched. And as a side note (to understand it better) Aunt Agatha (the older woman) is always trying to get Bertie (the fellow with the pearls) married. He's never stood up to her, but *let* her boss him around. Well, when he finds out that she was trying to get him to marry a girl who he discovers (she didn't know) to be a thief, he finally gets the gumption to stand up to her. Too funny! :-D Oh, and check out that happy dance at the end! :-D




Alright, so I divulged three interesting facts about my life. Whether you found them interesting or not, I leave completely to your own judgment. :-)

Lord bless and have a marvelous week! Until my next post...

In Christ Alone, Jessica



I Am Feeling: Devious

Twelfth Night

Today is a rather celebratory day in the McDonald household. To most people this is just January 6, 2009, another day in their life. You might raise an eyebrow when I tell you that today I am going to dress up in costume, make a twelfth-cake, drink Lamb's Wool and watch Shakespeare's "Twelfth Night". But I am. Because, my friends, today is the last day of Christmas! Twelfth Night. The day my True Love gives me Twelve Drummers drumming.

Just joking about the drummers. :-D Oh, *cough* and the true love. :-D

Here are the words to the song "The Twelve Days of Christmas". My Mother posted an entire post about the meaning behind this song, that I found to be particularly fascinating! You can read it HERE.

The Twelve Days of Christmas

On the first day of Christmas,
my true love sent to me
A partridge in a pear tree.

On the second day of Christmas,
my true love sent to me
Two turtle doves,
And a partridge in a pear tree.

On the third day of Christmas,
my true love sent to me
Three French hens,
Two turtle doves,
And a partridge in a pear tree.

On the fourth day of Christmas,
my true love sent to me
Four calling birds,
Three French hens,
Two turtle doves,
And a partridge in a pear tree.

On the fifth day of Christmas,
my true love sent to me
Five golden rings,
Four calling birds,
Three French hens,
Two turtle doves,
And a partridge in a pear tree.

On the sixth day of Christmas,
my true love sent to me
Six geese a-laying,
Five golden rings,
Four calling birds,
Three French hens,
Two turtle doves,
And a partridge in a pear tree.

On the seventh day of Christmas,
my true love sent to me
Seven swans a-swimming,
Six geese a-laying,
Five golden rings,
Four calling birds,
Three French hens,
Two turtle doves,
And a partridge in a pear tree.

On the eighth day of Christmas,
my true love sent to me
Eight maids a-milking,
Seven swans a-swimming,
Six geese a-laying,
Five golden rings,
Four calling birds,
Three French hens,
Two turtle doves,
And a partridge in a pear tree.

On the ninth day of Christmas,
my true love sent to me
Nine ladies dancing,
Eight maids a-milking,
Seven swans a-swimming,
Six geese a-laying,
Five golden rings,
Four calling birds,
Three French hens,
Two turtle doves,
And a partridge in a pear tree.

On the tenth day of Christmas,
my true love sent to me
Ten lords a-leaping,
Nine ladies dancing,
Eight maids a-milking,
Seven swans a-swimming,
Six geese a-laying,
Five golden rings,
Four calling birds,
Three French hens,
Two turtle doves,
And a partridge in a pear tree.

On the eleventh day of Christmas,
my true love sent to me
Eleven pipers piping,
Ten lords a-leaping,
Nine ladies dancing,
Eight maids a-milking,
Seven swans a-swimming,
Six geese a-laying,
Five golden rings,
Four calling birds,
Three French hens,
Two turtle doves,
And a partridge in a pear tree.

On the twelfth day of Christmas,
my true love sent to me
Twelve drummers drumming,
Eleven pipers piping,
Ten lords a-leaping,
Nine ladies dancing,
Eight maids a-milking,
Seven swans a-swimming,
Six geese a-laying,
Five golden rings,
Four calling birds,
Three French hens,
Two turtle doves,
And a partridge in a pear tree!

So you might try picking up Shakespeare's "Twelfth Night" this evening and give it a read-through. Or maybe you could sing "The Twelve Days of Christmas" aloud to yourself! Or, you might even dress up in costume and celebrate! But whatever you do (even if it is just the usual.), I pray that you have a HAPPY Twelfth Night! And as it is still officially Christmas, I hope you have a VERY Merry Christmas! :-) Have a blessed week!

In Christ Alone,

Jessica

I Am Feeling: Excited

I Am Feeling: Giddy

I Am Feeling: Jubilant

I was reading the blog of my dear friend, Elissa, and after reading her New Year post I came to the conclusion that writing on my blog a recap of my life in 2008 was a perfect way to begin the New Year. I will say that this year has flown by! I hardly know where to start! Someone told me that the older you get the more quickly time flies, which is really a disappointment. Shouldn't it be the other way around? ;-)

So to begin, 2008:

January - The husband and father of my dear friends, the Davis family, passed suddenly into Glory. I prayed so much for them during this time that I remember it with much clarity. The Lord gave and the Lord took away. Blessed be the name of the Lord! Also in this month was the birthday of my dear sister, Melissa, who turned 20.

February - My very first nephew, Joshua, was born!! Hmm...Tiff and I spent Valentine's Day at Culvers. :-) We happened to have 2 free coupons from some kids meals so we used them to get free custard. :-D It wasn't a very romantic way to spend Valentine's Day, but it was memorable. *grin* Tiff turned 22 in February...where has the time gone? Also we attended the Erber/Hill wedding in Rockford, which was beautiful. I'm so glad that we were able to attend and be witnesses to the vows of Josh and Abbey!

March - Brought lots of events! There was a Hymn Sing, A wedding (that we weren't able to attend. :( ), Easter Sunday, The Serven Family's visit, Liberty Day, and the baptism of the Ryken children! Virginia Grace turned 7!

April - A trip to Indiana, a visit from our old friend, Merisha (who was just married yesterday), a visit from Mr. Pudewa, William turned THREE, and I think that was the month we started to make "ahead" plans for May!

May - My cousin, Lisa, got married, The Lovett's arrived for a visit, The baseball game in which the Pickles, the Davises, the Hectors, and Dr. Sproul Jr. arrived! And I can’t forget the Presbytery meeting and the historic ball, in which we were able to fellowship and have a marvelous time with friends...old and new!! Most of our guests left afterwards, which was a bit sad, I do so hate to see people go! :( We were soooo thankful that the Pickles stayed a day extra so that we, along with the Davises, could go see Prince Caspian with them. It was so much fun! Elissa and I even got a hilarious picture by the knight at the theater! :-D) And the Davises also stayed a few days extra, which was splendiferous! The Hectors also came to visit us bringing Pie and Ice Cream with them which was wonderful and we had an exciting time visiting with them! It was such a beautiful month...I wouldn't trade it for the world! May was definitely one of my favorite months in 2008!

June - Josh Sanford married Jennifer! Unfortunately, we couldn't fly to Italy to attend. Though personally, I would have loved to go to Italy! Ah well! Our baby chicks arrived, Christa arrived with Joshua for a visit, Abigail turned 10, and my dear friend, Elissa, turned 16. In addition to that, the weather became warmer and warmer....

July- Daniel arrived! My Great Grandpa turned 91!, We celebrated July 4th at the Sanford family's house, Joshua was baptized, and we had an exciting visit from Jordan and Melissa Niednagel.

August - James turned 25! My grandfather passed on, and my parents and Emma flew to California for the funeral. I watched "Call Me Madame" and the BBC "Robin Hood" for the first time and loved them. :-) I attempted to read a few books that I ended up sending back to the library. Blah. Tiffany visited the Chancey family in Alabama for 10 days. And the anniversary of our move from Texas was in August. My dear friend Melinda also turned 18 in August and I had a beautiful time at her birthday party! Oh, and my other dear friend Lily had a birthday as well (17)! :-)

September - Mom had a birthday, Caleb turned TWELVE, and there was a dance in Bloomington. Lily and Melinda stayed the night with us overnight and we had a marvelous time eating Whoopers, Milk Duds, watching movies and learning the Cha Cha. :-D (How thankful I am for friends!)

October - Emma turned 6 years old, and we celebrated our first Sunday in the Morton United Methodist building! (No more "Christian Center" for us!) :-) Christa turned 24, my great grandma had a birthday, and I turned 18. The Serven family arrived for a visit, which was followed by the Reformation Day Faire (which was beautiful and oh so much fun)! I voted early in October for McCain/Palin...and, of course, Aaron Schock. :-) Tiff, Mel, Caleb, and I went to see "Fireproof" at the theatre, which was wonderful! We visited the Erber family and attended a ladies' tea while there. Oh, and the Ryken family moved into the area! We also saw "Fireproof" in theaters which was a splendid movie, by the way! Life Chain Sunday is the last event that I can remember...

November - Election Day, and the announcement that our friend, Garrison Sanford, was leaving to join the U.S. Marine Corp. We had a party for him, bade him goodbye, and wished him well! November also brought NaNoWriMo, which had me writing furiously with a smoking pen (alright, keyboard; but, pen sounds far more romantic.) deep into the wee hours of the morning. I was relieved and oh so happy to complete my deadline of 50,000 words, thanks to, I will say, dear family and friends who encouraged me the entire race. Thank y'all! We had our Elder/Deacon meeting as well, along with the "painting of our deck" party, in which a handful of wonderful friends from church came and helped us stain our deck! Thank y'all!

December - Dad had a birthday!!! I think that one of the most precious memories I have of December was the kindness and blessings of my family in giving me a surprise birthday party for my 18th year of life! I am so thankful to have such a large group of family and friends who I can love so easily! Thank you, y'all!!! December also brought our trip to Chicago and to the Civic Opera House where we attended the "Messiah" (which was spectacular)! Following that was an impressive ice storm! Also Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and New Years Eve (and then, of course, today! :-)

So that is the year of 2008 for us. I am sure that I missed many things, so please forgive me, but my memory isn't in perfect working order these days. :-) May the Lord bless you exceedingly this year and in all the years to come! May you remember that, though we do not always understand what the Lord is doing or why He is doing it, He is good and He is in control and He loves His children. How thankful I am this new year, as in past years, that I can confidently call myself a Child of the King of Kings and Lord of Lords!

HAPPY NEW YEAR! May the Lord bless each of you!

In Christ Alone, Jessica

I Am Feeling:Nostalgic
I Am Feeling: Rejuvenated