HAPPY NEW YEAR!

best way to bring in the new year, is with your family!
we enjoyed a lovely dinner together, & than spent the rest of the evening at home ..
playing rockband of course!
hope everyone has a fantastic year in 2010!
ps- this is my 100th post :O

a wonderful surprise!

today all that needs to be said is that i miss my auntie & family like crazy!
received some mail from them today, and cried when i opened it!
it feels like ages since we've seen each other ..
i look forward to hopefully going back again this summer for more wonderful memories!
thanks for the starbucks card (:
it'll for sure come in handy!
and thanks for all the little notes to add to my bulletin board!

as for my lack of blogging once again, i've been extremely busy!
working almost everyday, including christmas & boxing day!
had a wonderful christmas morning with my family opening presents & spending time together!
look forward to seeing how our family changes over the next couple years ..
as we all seem to be getting older over here at the vanderhooft house!
i got a new blue digital camera, & it's fantastic!
the best present of this christmas season though would have to be ..
the flat screen TV that we bought for our parents!
i hope that everyone else had a wonderful christmas as well!
And enjoy their new years eve plans tomorrow as well!

...

Life is full of disappointments & people you trusted will sooner or later let you down.
I've learned that often those you love will love someone else & there's only one way to fall; fast & hard.
I've learned that out of thousands of smiles, it takes one to touch your heart.
I've found that words can be deceiving, but the truth always lies in a person's eyes.
I've learned that everything can change in the blink of an eye & tears often come without invitation.
I've learned crying can make us stronger & there is never too much love to go around.
I've learned that prejudice helps no one & that weapons don't hurt people, people hurt people.
I've learned that every time you give someone a piece of your heart,it's a piece that you will never get back.

I've learned the past is meant to be put behind us & we can't dwell on regrets, for what's done is done.
I've learned that trusting yourself is the first step & that forgiving is remembering that helps your own heart more then theirs.
I've found that family isn't always blood & everyone is someone's hero.
I've learned life is unexpected I've learned some things aren't meant to be understood & that only time heals. I've found that imagination is our greatest gift & that we are meant to dream for a reason.
I've learned it is never too late to fall in love & that being "beautiful" is all on the inside.
Mistakes are our best teachers & everything happens for a reason.
Only then can you live life to it's full & true potential..

an update.

So I haven't written in what feels like forever, which I find is kind of depressing, so here I am ready to update you on stuff that's been going on! Our youth group spent a weekend away at the beginning of November at Millar College of the Bible! It was an awesome experience, and we learned so much about God. The main thing I felt God was impressing on my heart is my need and desire for him in every aspect of my life. It's easy to push him away throughout the week, especially when your week has so many other demands. I will admit that I sometimes get distracted with things like work, dance, school + friends. And while all these things are important parts of our lives, it cannot be the thing that consumes us. God needs to be our portion, the one who completes us. Its a challenge, but one I think everyone can accomplish. I challenge you to put God at the center of everything you do, allow him to be the reason for every thought in your mind, for every word you speak,and for every action you choose. Their is no better reason than to do something with God at the center of it! For me it has already brought a new and more positive outlook on life and tough situations. In everything, I know my one true best friend is there with me, guiding me, and loving me unconditionally. Making God your center may also lead you to new dreams and aspirations, maybe it will help you find his calling for you in your life. So open your heart, and make God your portion.. I dare you.

you better watch out!

yes, that is exactly what you're all thinking it is!
my drivers license :D
actually just drove for my first time, on the way home!
i didn't kill myself, dad, or anyone else ..
SOOO that must have made my first time
A SUCCESS!!

birthday bash!

YES I REALIZE THIS IS INSANE, IN A MATTER OF 24 HOURS THIS IS MY THIRD POST!
BUT I FIGURED IT WAS NECESSARY TO POST SOME OF MY BIRTHDAY BONFIRE PICS!

the future ..

This semester at school I am learning about the basics of working with elementary school children! For those of you who don't know, Children are AMAZING! I love them! I also am looking into becoming a elementary school teacher. As I'm sure some of you have felt in the past, or are feeling, you sometimes doubt whether your dream is really going to end up being as spectacular as you want it to be! And, that was mostly definitely the position I was in! I know I love kids, I know I'd love to work with them, I'm organized and patient.. but is teaching actually my calling? So now that I've been in my placement classroom maybe a dozen times, I know this is what God has called me to do. When I'm working with the children, it puts a smile on my face when that light bulb finally turns on and they understand their math homework, or social studies assignment! I've also realized I feel fairly comfortable talking in front of the whole class, and even teaching a lesson as I did the other day! I am in this class till February, and I'm looking forward to every minute of working with the kids, and my supervising teacher! The teacher I'm working with, says she has lots up her sleeve to challenge me, so I can see the potential I have! :) exciting stuff !!