And a happy new year!

My, time has gotten away, this last week has been so busy! Christmas Eve, Christmas, Zoolights with my family, and now new years (and not to mention the wierd happenings at work!)...and I have lots to update...but all of that will have to wait for a time when I can sit down and type a lot...plus I am waiting on pictures from this last week so I can post them with the update :)
Anyway...big update coming soon...but until then...
HAPPY NEW YEAR!!

Jesus is born...'tis the reason for the season!

Well, it is once again christmas time, and the whole month has been hectic...lots of snow and ice, people trying to get their last minute shopping done out amidst the bad weather, people getting snowed in at airports. Yes, it's quite the month. But what about the real reason we celebrate? Do we forget amidst the hustle and bustle what we are really truly celebrating? This season is time to remember the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ (not that we should not remember it all the time, but at Christmas, we need to celebrate it, not celebrate the presents and Santa and his reindeer). Right now, America's economy has everyone worried and times are tough for everyone. Many people are on especially tight budgets this year (I know we are!), or losing jobs, or dealing with other issues. But, remeber this picture, of Mary and Joseph, traveling on donkey, Mary ready to give birth to Jesus Christ. God's faithfulness was upon them. In the midst of an amazing experience they could not have done on their own, God was with them and lead them on and protected them. They trusted Him, and were faithful and obeyed. Just think about Mary, as she is ready to have the baby, coming upon Bethleham, finding no room anywhere to give birth. Think of Joseph, wanting to help Mary and finding no room at the inn to accomodate her. And then there was the stable. Not fit for a king people would say. But, a stable it was. Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior was born in the humblest of places, in a manger in a stable, amidst the animals and hay. He was wrapped in swaddling clothes, and lying in a manger. Great wisemen and shepards alike came to see Him and worship Him. Angels sang His praises, proclaiming the good news of great joy, leading the shepards to Him. Wisemen followed the star. It was truly a miracle. When you find yourself starting to worry about life in the world we live in, the economy, tough situations and whatever else everyone is facing, just remember our Savior was born in a stable, because there was no room for Him in the inn. He humbled Himself and came down as a baby, and grew to be a man who laid down His life in order to save us. This truly is the greatest gift anyone could ask for. So this Christmas, remember all of this, its not about the tree and ornaments, Santa Clause or elves, or candy canes. Its not about the gifts you receive or give, Christmas is about the greatest gift, God's son.

Whenever I think of Mary, and try to put myself in her shoes, it overwhelmes me to no end. A young girl, soon to be married to Joseph, and she finds she is to give birth to Jesus Christ. What would her family think, what would Joseph think? I cannot even imagine. I admire her. Her faith in God and giving her everything to Him and being faithful and following His lead.

What Child is this who, laid to rest
On Mary's lap is sleeping?
Whom Angels greet with anthems sweet,
While shepherds watch are keeping?

This, this is Christ the King,
Whom shepherds guard and Angels sing;
Haste, haste, to bring Him laud,
The Babe, the Son of Mary.

Merry Christmas, and remember the reason we celebrate! God bless!

Full of questions...

Does anyone know how to get the project playlist on here? I have a music playlist, but do not know how to get it on...I tried a couple ways, but they didn't work....any help would be welcome! Thanks! :)

There's a storm a brewin'

So, as if we don't already have enough interesting weather conditions...there is a storm coming tonight...it started snowing again around one today, and they let me leave work at three because I have a long drive home, and it took me twice as long as usual to get home...the roads were already starting to get a bit slick, and it was snowing pretty hard by the time I reached Bonney Lake. Actually, I was lucky I even arrived at work this morning...the main roads are fine, but I couldn't get off our road very easily. When you back out of my driveway, you have to drive up an incline, which is bothersome on the ice. My wheels kept spinning and I kept sliding backwards. My dad tried pushing, and that didn't work either, because our road was too icy, he couldn't plant his feet! So I had to keep backing up down to the flat part of our dead-end road to get a running start at it, and after about five tries, my car barely made it over the top of the hill. So I arrived to work, and it was HECTIC all day, we had so many people in today...everyone wanted to drop off library items and pick up dvds and music in case of getting stuck at home in the storm! So yes, it was a crazy busy day. I was happy to come home, and get here safely, I only slid around once time coming home :) I guess for the storm tonight there is supposed to be a lot of wind, especially around Enumclaw, Buckley area...the foothills. And I am on the Bonney-Lake, Buckley border, so yeah...I am expecting our power to go out...so yesterday I did a ton of laundry, and some baking just to get prepared for being out of power for a few days! So yes...we are ready for the storm... I am sad that church tomorrow is cancelled though due to bad weather, although I would not have been able to get there anyway, not if there is more ice coming!

Last night, I went with a few people to a musical called "Scrooge" at a very large church in Tacoma, they put on the musical every year, and it is really well done, great singing, acting and set, etc. It was a very fun evening.

I am possibly going to get to go sledding tomorrow afternoon with some friends in Buckley...if I can convince them to drive the four minutes it takes to come pick me up, seeing as I doubt I will be able to get there myself. I hope I get to though, I haven't gotten to do anything in the snow this year yet...no sledding, no snowman, no snowball fights...well ok...so maybe I have thrown one or two snowballs :)

Anyway...chances are our power is going out....so if no one hears from me for a few days, everyone stay safe and warm and go have some fun in the snow before it melts!

Walkin' in a winter wonderland...

Oh the weather outside is frightful, and the fire is so delightful...and since we've no place to go, let it snow, let it snow, let it snow....
Well, this morning I woke up to...more snow! Not much mind you, but enough snow and ice for me not to be able to get off my street this morning. The library system was closed yesterday, due to weather conditions (which didn't turn out all that bad yesterday), so I did not have to go to work yesterday. Instead, I spent the day making a last minute grocery stop at Fred Meyer, doing a bit of Christmas shopping and then doing a lot baking and cooking, just trying out some new recipes, and making dinner for my family. On Tuesday morning, before work, my mom and I went to Federal Way to Trader Joes and Marlene's (two great health food stores :) and I was able to stock up on everything I needed to pretty much make anything I need for my limited diet :P I have to start doing a rotation diet, just so my digestive system can heal up well without becoming sensitive to foods I eat a lot of. So, I will be eating a wide variety of foods, hence, the needed grocery run! So yesterday (Wednesday) was quite a glorious day...getting to sleep in for a little while, getting to do quiet time with a beautiful scene out my window, reminding me of God's faithfulness. And just being able to get a few errands done and take all the time I wanted in the kitchen was quite nice :) And, I even got to re-organize my allergy free pantry, which was on my to-do list.
Then, this morning, I received a call from a co-worker saying unfortunately the library is open today, although conditions are worse today than yesterday! I am normally not scheduled to work on Thursdays, but I was going to take the place of someone today and work 9-4:30. Well, due to the usual bad conditions we get here in Bonney Lake in this sort of weather, they told me that if I couldn't make it in to work, I didn't have to come in. So my dad and I were out at 7 this morning testing the roads by my house in my dad's car...it was sheer ice, and it was so bad we had to turn back before even making it to the really bad roads! So, alas, I am home again today, instead of trying to drive to South Hill for work, but luckily, I get paid for snow days :) Kind of an odd change...getting paid to sit in front of a fire at home with some hot cocoa (made sugar free with pure organic cocoa and stevia of course :P ) and a warm blanket. Its a nice break from work, because something like this usually NEVER happens! Yes indeed. My dad and I took a walk this morning for about a half hour, and I kept teasing him that he was going to slip and fall, because his boots have nooo traction. Well, he didn't, but the amusing part is that going down the hill back to our house, I was the one who slipped and fell, right on my tailbone, which is now sore, and I slid down the hill a bit. But, its all good, it was a fun way to start the day, and the sight of all the snow is absolutely wonderful. It makes me feel peaceful and happy to be alive, and just be able to take in God's creation. It's so fluffy :) Anyway, I have no huge plans for going anywhere today...no way am I going to attempt driving on this ice! So I suppose I shall spend more time in the kitchen, re-organize my room, and perhaps curl up in front of the fire with a good book. So...I am off to accomplish some things...have a great snow day everyone! And stay safe if you must be out driving!

I could have danced all night....

Wow...I have not posted on here for a while...for quite a long while... :P
Well...Thanksgiving went well..and Christmas (just kidding, although it is coming up way too quickly!) We didn't get together with relatives or anything, because they all live in Minnesota and Wisconsin :( But we did get together with a family we have been friends with forever, it was just a very relaxing and eventful evening. Lets see, what other important events have happened in the past month? Ft. Nisqually's christmas event was last weekend, and that went really well. It was good to see everyone and be at my second home again for the day :) This weekend was quite exciting, full of important things and lots of snow and ice!! Friday was, umm..well, interesting to say the least. I had to go to the dentist and get a number of cavities worked on (the dentists can't understand why....i brush faithfully and NEVER have sugar or drink pop). But, unfortunately I had some cavities, and the dentist had my mouth pried open for TWO hours and worked on me. My right side of my face was swollen and numb all day and I couldn't talk well at all :P (I was quite the sight ;) After that, I was tired so I just read for a while, and then baked up some things for the weekend. Saturday was a full day....I worked from 8-12:30 (usually I have to work Saturdays 'til 5, but my boss let me leave early :) and then headed over to see everyone at the Ft. Nisqually AI Christmas party. I was only there for a bit, but it was good to see some people I don't usually get to be with (especially Kelsey, back from college in Mississippi!! :) Then a bunch of us drove over to Ft. Steilacoom, for their Christmas re-enactment, and began the long process of changing into our lovely outfits for the ballroom. The girls dressing room was quite fun, it was lit by candles, and everyone was doing each others hair, lacing up corsets, petticoats filling the floor :P It felt like a scene from Little Women or Pride and Prejudice or something :) Although, next year, hopefully I will be able to find a silk ball gown to wear (I was the only one not wearing silk) (except for the guys of course ;) But, I did like the dress I wore, and it was pretty nice for having found out the week before I needed to find a dress! Hopefully my sewing machine will be up and running again eventually and I can make a dress at some point. Enough rambling...moving on...the dance was quite fun! We had about the same number of gentlemen as ladies (a rare happening!!). So everyone was able to do most of the dances. Jonathan Pollock provided some amazing fiddle music and we all danced the night away! And I was able to learn some English country dances (like from Pride and Prejudice) and I LOVED them...they are so graceful and elegant! Although I never did get to waltz, which is always fun :( To top off the night, it snowed!! So we all took some pictures out in the snow and walked around a bit. It was quite the end to a great evening! I drove home in my period clothes, because I needed to get home and beat the ice and snow, and didn't have time to change. I ended up getting lost, of course (with my amazing sense of direction ;) and had NO clue where to go, when fortunately the Pollocks pulled up next to me at a street light, and I was able to follow them to the freeway. So Saturday was quite the day filled with adventures :) This morning, I woke up, and we had three inches of snow here in Bonney Lake, and roads were sheer ice. So I was not able to make it to church this morning. My dad and I tried to drive around this morning (with much slipping and sliding) and came up with a semi-safer route for me to get to the freeway for later in the day. So I was able to make it in time for the party starting after church, at the Pollock's church. It was a great day filled with laughter and dancing and fellowship. (I seriously love that church, the two times I have been there, I have already felt so welcome :). And it snowed for the last half of the party, which was a nice treat, but then there was the drive home. It was quite interesting, I drove 15 miles per hour on the freeway (that was how slow everyone was driving!), and when I got into Bonney Lake, the "safe route" I drove earlier to get to my house was still ok, although pretty slick in some parts. I just crawled along, and now I am home safe and sound. And I felt like posting all about my great weekend :)
I hope everyone else had a great weekend! And now I am off to go watch Anne of Green Gables :-) 'Night all!

Unleashing the un-techiness of Kendra

Ack, I can't figure out how to put anything on here! Facebook was not this hard....haha.
I can't figure out how to get a different background on here, I only got part of one, and I can't figure out how to get my music playlist on here! I suppose I shall figure it eventually.... :P

Of votes and notecards....

Wow...election day is over. We have a new president, Barack Obama.
I had to work all night, and as I sat in the back room, I listened to the news on the radio...and as I listened to the updates on the votes, I kept thinking why? Why does Obama have to be ahead? Why God are you letting this man in? The last hour of work I had to tear myself away from the back room and go clean up the library before we closed. As I picked up some books off a table in the children's section, there was a notecard sitting faceup on the table. As I leaned over to grab it, the words shouted off the card: "Trust in the Lord with all your heart." Wow. God wanted me to find that notecard with its message. I think sometimes I get caught up in whats wrong, and wishing I could do something, but I need to bring it all back to God. "Trust in the Lord with all your heart." It was the perfect reminder for me...just waiting on the table for me to find it. I love how God works like that. When I got to my locker at the end of work, I had a text from my friend Maddy...she told me who won the election. It seemed wierd, because we still had people in our meeting room voting! But that is how it goes. I cried as I drove home. I am scared for my country and its people. But, I do have hope. God is in control. Christians need to be on their knees before Him praying faithfully for this country. God has a plan. If McCain was meant to be our president, God would have allowed him to win. God knows what He is doing, and I am going to trust that.
I wish that our country was what it used to be...with foundations built on God. I miss our founding fathers and their morals and beliefs. That is what our country needs right now. Our world is just going so downhill, and it seems so many people have turned from God. These next four years are going to be a huge test of faith. I am so determined to live my life out for God and be a shining light to people, and I pray God will keep giving me the strength. We as Christians can stand strong.
Well, I think I am going to go to bed...it has been an extremely hectic day. Work was one of the most crazy days I have ever seen at the library, because we had a ton of people coming in to vote. So I am drained physically, mentally, and emotionally.
But I leave you with a word of encouragement on this election day '08. God knows what He is doing. He knows our every need and He will get us through times we are distraught. Place your hope and faith in Him and He will get us through.
"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." Isaiah 40:31
"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart." Jeremiah 29:11-13
Seek God and stay strong. Through Him all things are possible. Goodnight everyone.

This was played on the news a couple of days ago...I put it here in a link, since I cannot yet figure out how to post videos on here :P

Dear Mr. Obama:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TG4fe9GlWS8

Tomorrow is election day!!

A time for change...

Well...I thought I would start this blog over with a fresh start, I haven't posted in about 6 monthes! Seasons of life change, and I am in a completely different spot than I was then and I am a much happier person :)

As we get closer and closer to our upcoming election on Tuesday, I keep praying things will turn out right. I know God is in control of how the election turns out. This election is going to be really close as far as I know, but I am praying McCain and Palin come out ahead in the end! It makes me really nervous to think about Obama leading the country, especially with our economy the way it is right now! Yes, change can be a good thing, but not the kind I feel he is going to bring.
I am really excited I get to vote this election, and make my voice be heard for the first time :) All Christians need to be on our knees daily praying for the future of our country and its leadership.
Tuesday....it will be here soon....
Anyway...I am off to work...I just wanted to share some of my thoughts on the election and let everyone know I am back! :P Hello all!