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 !!

life recently.

What do you do when the people around you are slowly changing? When you can't trust people the way you used to be able to? When the conversations, and constant laughter, are not a main part of your time together? What do you do when your so disappointed with the people closest to you, it's hard to even be around them? What do you do when your out on the spot and tested? What do you do when someone tries to pull you from the people your most loyal too? What do you do when you feel heartbroken, and lost without the person you felt most yourself with? What do you do when that person has faked who they are for the time you've felt so close to them? What do you do when you feel like you've lost your best friend? What do you do when the person who you felt was there for you through thick and thin, doesn't want to be there anymore? What do you do when that person has hurt someone so dear to your heart? What do you do when your mind is so confused, that you just don' know what to think anymore?

..

thier isn't much to say today, heading to small groups soon!
sitting here currently listening to shania twain, and missing my family so much :(
longer blog later.

the divine dance #3

At time you will mess up; your dance will not be flawless. But God does not expect you to be perfect. He offers forgiveness to all who will accept it. After all, mistakes are why we need a Savior. Believe it or not, you can even use your mistakes to tell about the Divine Dance. If your mistakes draw you to God, the mistakes of others may draw them to Him too. Whatever you do, don't give up. Your rhythm is unique and special; when you blend it with others' choreography, the whole performance will be amazing. You never know the difference your dance may make in someone else's life. We may find many unexpected people in heaven who will be there because someone tooke the chance and the time to show them how to dance. Dance with whatever gifts God has given you, and dance with all of those around you - don't try to make each dance a solo performance. And don't focus on the other dancers. Your job is to keep up the steps God is calling you to perform. As you dance and do your part, God will do His part as well. He'll pull the heartstrings of all of those who are watching. And He'll bring your dance to their minds long after you have left the stages of their lives, because your dance is His dance. He gifted you for this time, this place. When tomorrow comes and the scenery changes, you will find you are ready to learn the next number on the next stage of yur life. Give God time to let His plans infold. Don't worry about the next step. Take advantage of today and what you know. Dance right here with what you have. And God will make sure that you make it to wherever you need to be. And when you hear a pause in the Divine Dance and you can't quite make out the tune, sit at your teachers feet and listen for what's next. According to Luke 19:17, those who are faithful in the small things will be trusted in the big things. Little by little, step by step, as you dance, let your life make a difference to others. Never be discouraged if you only recieve small rewards. Even if you touch only one life with your dance, you have still done your oart. If one more dancer joins God's dance because of you, then you have made more of a difference that you could have ever hoped for. Not only have you touched one life, but you have also touched all of the lives touched by that other person. Stop looking at your audience as a mass surrounding you, and start looking at members of the audience as individuals within your reach. God brought them into your life for a reason. The Divine Dance may be about God, but it's mostly about touching the hearts of those in your audience. And back before time began, God intended to touch them through you.

(:

so as i have been doing my devotions, i came across this verse. and it has stuck with me since. it's important that we don't let others bring us down, or crash our dreams, but to believe in what's in front of us and what God's plan for our lives is.

"never give up on something you can't go a day without thinking about"

- Psalm 111:7

love is ..

Love is patient, love is kind.
It does not envy, it does not boast
It is not proud. Love is not rude, it is not self-seeking
It is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs
You see love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth.
It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, it always perseveres
Love never fails. Love is everlasting
Its eternal, it goes on and on, it goes beyond time
Love is the only thing that will last when you die

auditioning for a role in the story.

So today if I could offer you one piece of advice as you lace up your dancing shoes, let it be this: Dance unashamed. Rise up and share that you are the beloved of God and that you are here to proclaim His name. Dont be quiet about it, and don't be timid. Praise his name with dancing. Give Him all the glory, and enjoy the performance - God will certainly enjoy it! As you dance, you will face hard times and tough sessions, but have fun. Let the music flow through you. Then, when you are ready, God will open the doors and lead you to the stage, where the world will be able to watch. What they see will amaze them, just as it amazed you as you caught your first glimpse of yourself dancing the Divine Dance.
-
The woman who dance only for God will be different. She will be unlike anything the world has ever seen. She will be bold and daring, gentle and caring - all at the same time! She will be you, but she will be more than you. She will be God in you - for the entire world to see. Enjoy the quiet time alone in the studio with God as you meditate on His word and memorize His steps.
-
Get ready to live the life that you were truly meant to live, because God has been waiting for this moment ever since He gave you feet. Let the world fade into the background and dance for God alone.

the divine dance.

So the other day I started a new devotion book, that I will admit had been sitting beside my bed for some time now! It's called "The Divine Dance" and it's definitely given me alot of things to already think about, just after reading the setting the stage part! It talked about if the world is our stage, who are we performing for? It talks about how I hold center stage in God's heart. And that he has seen me at my best and my worst. He knows my flaws, but still he wants me. He wants to love me, to hold me, and keep me close to his heart forever. He has seen all my costumes, and sat through every performance, but yet he still likes me best when im not performing at all. He likes me best at the end of the day, when the other audiences are gone and all my masks come off. Whether i'm smiling or crying. He loves me. And wants to give me the world. But all my concentration on my performances has kept me from seeing the answer to all my heart has ever wanted. God calls out to me, but sometimes I cannot hear him. Sometimes I'm missing the fulfillment of my dreams and plans, and the desires of my heart. Somewhere I've disregarded the invitation God sent, because I was invited to another party put on by this world. And the moment I fail to mesmerize them, I'm cast aside. Each of us is a dancer, we dance our way through life, performing for others. And by the time we reach teen years, or adulthood we've all become artists. It's the reason we dress the way we do. It's the reason some of us got up and put make up on this morning. And it's all to make a certain statement about ourselves. Once again were all performers, and we audition for a place in the hearts of everyone we meet. We all want to be beautiful to someone - anyone, really. And that can get us in trouble. Because the world is a place that will lie to us. It tells us what we want to hear to get what it wants from us. Yet we all have alot to offer. We all possess authencity, and thats a rythym the world can never dance to. At best, the world offers poor imitations of everything you've ever wanted. So why then, do we dance so hard on this stage? Why do we try so hard to please the crowd? We become unfifilled, because God did not want us to dance for the world. He intended us to dance for him. All we need to do is give up the world, and the riches of heaven will be ours. Today YOU and me can have the performance of a lifetime, and I hope you don`t pass it up. You can watch from the side but really it won`t do you any good. No matter your music, or your style, dance unto the Lord. Not only will you be changed, but you will also change others with your song.

it feels good already.

Yesterday was my first day of work! I was incredibly nervous before I got there. Once I met the two girls I was working with I realized I really didn't have anything to stress about. My supervisor is so nice! The residents are so nice! Working is fun! Didn't drop any dishes, or mess up orders! And the best part is.. it feels good to know that when I get my pay check, I'll have earned it. (:

summer 09'

Soo .. as sad as it is to say, school is now just around the corner. Grade 11! Kind of getting excited, I really miss everyone. But with this statement comes the fact that my summer holidays are slowly ending! It's sure been a summer filled with lots of memories! Laughs! Tears! And many other emotions! I left on July 13th, to go and spend 3 1/2 weeks at my aunt & uncles in Smithers, BC! My trip there was amazing. I always find it so fascinating how much a relationship can grow in such a short period of time! My cousins, they are spectacular! They each have such different personalities, but each make me smile every minute of the day. I miss the sleepovers, with some awesome girl talk! Going to the lake! Watching swimming lessons! Endless Starbucks trips! Late night movies with my auntie & uncle! Dancing to the music on my Ipod! Laughing with my auntie! And SO much more!
-
Auntie Darlene .. You are absolutely without a doubt amazing! I love you so much! My relationship with you has become something so important to me! Your not only my aunt, but my friend. Someone I trust so much! Someone who I can laugh with about anything and everything! A shoulder I can cry on! Spending time with you, and having endless conversations always opens my eyes to see negative situations more positively. You put a smile on my face in an instant. I love you so much! And miss you so much!
-
Back to the summer.. Close to the end of July, my mom came out to Smithers as well. We left (mom, auntie, cousins, and I) to head back to Winnipeg on August 3rd. Our first day we left around 5:45 am, and drove to Jasper to spend the night there. Our next day we headed out again bright and early to Saskatoon, stayed with uncle ricks parents! And our last day we headed to home to Winnipeg! I have never seen 3 little girls as excited as my cousins to be in Winnipeg! It was so great to have everyone stay with us!
-
While everyone was here we had a really great time! Went to the spa one day with my mom & auntie to get pedicures! It was a really relaxing day! Spent one afternoon mini golfing with auntie, and cousins. Just before the wedding, my dad's brothers family came into Winnipeg as well. Spent one afternoon swimming in the Comrie's pool! It was super fun. Also enjoyed time playing rock band with the boys, and just happened to whoop their butts! ;) aha!
-
In mid August it was sad to say goodbye to my baby! We had to put our dog Lady down shortly after I was back from my trip! You were defintely a the best puppy ever! I remember when I was little and used to wake up early on saturday mornings, and since mom & dad were sleeping would let you jump on on the couch and cuddle with me. I also remember laying on the floor and using you as my pillow. Or just endless times playing with you. I miss having you here. I miss you welcoming us home. I miss giving you your cookie. I miss having you at the lake with us. I miss you not being at my feet right now, wanting attention. You're always in my heart! And will never be replaced! Always my favourite!
-
On August 16th, my brother got married! It was a wonderful day. And I'm very excited for him and my SIL! I'll post pictures in a later blog. (:
-
After the wedding, all our family headed back home. It's been pretty queit since than. Went out to the cabin this past weekend. It was nice to just relax. Caught up on alot of sleep too! Monday we left and went to Grand Forks. Came home today! It was nice to get away one last time!
As for the next week and a half.. I start my job tomorrow. Looking forward to it, but am also incredibly nervous! Gonna spend time with friends! Than before I know it.. it'll be time for school & dance!
-
Overall I'll say summer has been great!

new blog layout !

"My life" (the blog) has been hi-jacked. Unforseeable changes have occured and I am currently not sure why my blog is being messed with! But I think I might like the new look!? What about you?

Daddy...be sure to keep your eyes open because there is a blog coming just for YOU!

Don't you love me?

Yep I know you do and that is why that is all I am going to say!

Good night!

taylor swift!

so these pictures are in reversed order.
but that's okay!
WOOOW
Tswift was so amazing last night!
<3
I was like a meter away from her
and some chick pushed me out of the way
so the other girl got to touch her hand,
but well i didn't
but oh well.
still such a great night
thanks daddy for the tickets,
and thanks mom for taking me with you.
-
leaving tomorrow =DD

i'm employed!

yesterday while on our way to a friend of mom's for lunch
I got a phone call .. asking if I could come in later that afternoon for an interview.
so we turned around the van and headed back home.
in got all dressed and ready, and was incredibly INCREDIBLY nervous.
well when I got there I met Jeff, the Manager and owner of Devonshire House.
It's an Assisted Living Building, opening in Late August.
He told me about the plans for their Kitchen, and dining room.
Instead of just having one specific thing the residents can eat for dinner,
they receive a menu, like a restaurant, and so .. they need servers.
well the interview went on, and he seemed very impressed with my wide range in volunteer experience ..
and eventually said "Well, I'd like to offer you the Job!" WOOOOOOOOOO!
It starts at $9.25 and hour, and is everyday after school!
I'd been praying that this job would work out! Because it works with my dance schedule.
So it's official, i'm employed.
I start working the day after my brothers wedding! So this makes for an even busier summer!
Can't wait till the first day! (:

summer holidays!

so i've realized how extremely hopeless i have become at remembering I have a blog
and thinking of things to actually write on it.
in about 15 days I leave to Smithers, and I`m so excited
and I promise while I`m there I will blog a little more often!
not much has been new, same friends, no boyfriend, school`s done, and now dance is as well.
Over the summer I have so much to think about for my future!
Dance this year has become a little well .. let`s say stressful.
most days their is more disappointment than excitement when I come home
I just finished my 13th year of dance, and obviously just from the statement
you can tell I love it!
And I`m not saying I don`t anymore, I do! When i forget about all the stupidity around me
I actually once again enjoy it!
Some days I find it so hard though, everyone including me !! ..
has no idea what they want anymore, all of us are in the same position
frustrated, hurt, disappointed, confused ..
We find dance some days more like work than fun!
and it`s not meant to be that way ..
I used to come home from school and get ready for dance like an hour before class ..
now I find myself getting ready maybe two minutes before I leave ..
what has happened to my enthusiasm?
and maybe the problem is just me, maybe I need to just not care anymore,
forget about the way the teachers act (who might I say act a little immature frequently)
forget about the drama that ends up happening inbetween us,
forget about the way everyone is treated completely different and unfairly ..
and just try my best to love where I am in my life of i guess well dance.
I know I might be rumbling on but believe me this helps me sort out my thoughts
this is an ongoing battle for me, to decide what next school and dance year are going to bring.
The plan as of right now (which is bound to change) is..
* Take Ballet and Tap at WDF and continue doing my Ballet Exams
* I`ll be in grade 11! (: yaaaay!
* Get WAAAYY WAAAY WAAAY more involved in my school
(grade 12 is around the corner, scholarships)
* Work! HOOORAY! lol
I applyed at a Seniors Home a couple weeks ago, so we`ll see where that goes
and I`d also hope to get a weekend job possibly at the mall or something like that!
* Get more involved somehow at church! (: (:
SOO it seems that as I get less busy at dance, I`ll be more busy in other things
and I can`t complain, after all I would be bored silly if my life wasn`t insane!
-
One last thing, here is some pictures of a bon fire my friends and I enjoyed the other night (:

what have i been up to?

well not much of anything actually,
studying. studying. studying.
we went to the cabin i think two weekends ago,
it was nice to get away and relax before preparing for exams
now i'm looking forward to leaving for a little while.
just under a month until i leave!!

ooh yes !

i forgot to put these in the other blog post !
but i finally uploaded some pictures from the beach the other day !
it was alot of fun ! =)

i think im going to give in ..

so there went my plan on not spilling the beans .. =)

no i haven't died

yes i realize once again i have failed and not written in forever
BUT! i have been so so busy!
We just finished a two week competition that went fantastic
well my solo was kind of depressing but overall festival was great!
im actually so sad that it is done, i miss being on stage!
yesterday we headed out to the beach for a wind up for a lunch group im in!
it was actually really nice out,
and i ended up with a bit of a tan!
today was the big makeover ..
im trying to decide whether or not i want to spill the beans to my auntie of what i did!
hmm .. we'll see!

YC Manitoba

this past weekend was pretty amazing! was @ YC Manitoba with my youth group! learned so much and realize i have some big changes to make

DELETED.

canadian nationals

my weekend.

Well .. I know it's Wednesday but today is the first chance im getting to blog about my weekend,

Mom + Dad left early Sunday morning, And Donovan + I stayed home ..

I'll admit i was kinda nervous as him and i haven't been getting along much.

though this weekend we have a really great time ..

we got back into our deep serious conversations and it was great.

he really has a special place in my heart.

+ i will continue to pray for him daily.

other than that i haven;t been up to much lately.

just school, dancing, + sleeping.

looking forward to nationals this weekend ..

oh yeaah !!!! 81 days ! =) =) =) =)

i already failed ..

it's been a week since I've written anything and my goal was for that to not happen anymore ..
it has been a pretty crazy week tho !
everyday i was @ the studio right after school until close to 10 !
our showcase Friday night went well .. but we still have alot of work to do before Nationals !
which happens to be next weekend
so i will pre apologize for my lack of blogging that is going to be happening this week as well
since i will be @ the studio ALL week!
than at nationals all weekend

plans for tonight?

well i suppose im heading off to andrew's for a sleepover tonight ! should be fun ! cassandra is going to join us and we'll probably watch some movies.
think probably the haunting of molly hartley!
i've for some reason become a thriller/horror movie fan
i used to absolutely detest them but not so much anymore!

my muffin !

so this probably is one of the cutest little girls.
i absolutely love her to death!
can't wait till you come over to play next time babygirl.

for you my dear .. ♥

your my closest friend
the person who makes me smile
the one who listens to me go on about nothing
the one who encourages me to be the best i am
the one i could be with for hours and never get bored
the one who makes my heart melt
the one who instantly makes me laugh
the one i am completely myself with
the one i can't convince myself to be mad at
i don't want this to end
your simply perfect bbe.

♥
/ OH and I'm going to try and blog more!
let's see how it goes

post number 2 of the night. (or morning)

i forgot to mention how great of a time i had tonight bowling with melissa, andrew, cassandra and taryne =)

my bad news.

so the other day i had my ballet exam!
it went really great until the end where i kinda went over my foot.
i didnt think much of it at the time, thought the pain was just from working hard
after getting home that night i realized it was starting to get worse,
so mom said to take a bath and relax.
so thats what i did...
the next day it felt even worse, so trying to be safe i went to pan am clinic to get it checked..
well i found out i have a sprain and a strain in two spots of my foot.
he told me i'd be out for a week or so.
and i have to wear an aircast for now.
so today i go to my first session of physio, and he is looking at my foot..
and says oh boy you also have a sprain in another place
so now lucky me!!
i could possibly out for 3 to 4 weeks. =(
so for right now.. im sitting out for a week.
i guess i'll find out at my next physio how long it really will be .
until than ../

bud spud and steak.

not much to say to be honest.

championship.

yeaaah titans!

jayce aha

and kayla and i!

the other day our school played in the championship.
we didn't win tho.
but oh well the boys played great.
and are the BSIDE finalists.
(our school has only ever made it to the C-division)
so we did really good this year.
other than that nothing has been lately.
been spending alot of time @ school, dancing, and being with friends.

friendship #2.

bahahha we had a pretty good time the other night!
love you bbe!

my surrprise

the other day mom texted me while still at school ..
the text said
"dad has a surprise for you when you get home"
well boy oh boy he did have a good surprise.
on july 13th im flying out to my auntie's for my 2nd summer well spent.
im so excited i can hardly wait.
last year was so great, and im sure this year will be even better.
mom will be flying out on the 28th,
and than on august 3rd we are all heading back here for the wedding.
can't wait .. only 142 days !!

LADM.

This past weekend we attented LADM.
It was soo funn !
and we learned so much.
In our audition class I made it further than i ever have before.
The process for this audition was a little bit different,
but i really liked it.
first we had to learn a complex ballet exercise.
we than had to go 6 at a time,
after that we lined up and they would tell you your number.
so here was my time to shine..
ballet is one of my high points,
so i did it.
i mean i know i could have fixed some things,
cause as dancer's were never good enough.
there is always something we can fix.
but i got into the line, and sure enough
-Number 6 you may stay please!!!!
AAAHHH.
one of the best feelings in the world.
knowing all your hard work has payed off.
after that point we went onto jazz.
the routine was awesome!
loved it,
one thing thooo...
all the well skankier girls in our classes get noticed at this point
the ones wearing short shorts and sports bra's
and that's not me.
so sadly,
i didn't make it past this point.
but im still so proud of myself for even getting as far as i did.
also this weekend we did a competition,
we placed 1st, 1st, and 3rd.
we also received a high mark award for our lyrical dance..
than made all our parents cry ..
and the judges get goosebumps.
so overall the dance part of the weekend was great.
on saturday night after competition
we always order pizza and find a place to hang out in our hotel.
well terry (one of the dad's)
decided it would be fun to make some of us eat pork hoks, oysters and some gross fish.