First Day of Snow in December

Today it snowed for a little bit! We got about 3 inches. It's so pretty! We get to have a white Christmas! :D

Here are some pictures of the snow.

Today I have a 10 problem history quiz and a 50 problem history exam. I am also going to clean the church with Shannon, Abbey, Mom and Calvin, wrap some gifts, make rolls, lift some weights, maybe make some fudge, and then we're going caroling!

Tomorrow we are opening our gifts, and having a ham dinner with Aunt Debbie and the Leach family. :) Then go to Free Grace's Christmas Eve Service! It's going to be great! 

A Wonderful Weekend with Nina and Kelsey!

Friday afternoon Shannon drove Corrie, Jessi, Jolie and I to the Portland Mall. On our way to the mall we stopped at Cumberland Farms to get some coffee. :)

When we got to the mall we met Nina by Longhorn and I put my sleepover stuff in Nina's van. Nina and I did some shopping until Kelsey called and said she was getting out of work early. Nina and I said good bye to Corrie, Jolie, Jessi and Shannon in Macy's and then we left the mall. We picked up Kelsey and then went to Walmart and Nina bought me some nice boots for a Christmas present. The link to those boots aren't the exact ones I got, mine don't have the studded trim. We went out to eat at McDonalds and then went to Nina's home.

Nina, Kelsey and I helped Mrs. Gaudreau put frosting and sprinkles on cupcakes. When we were done decorating the cupcakes I think we talked for awhile and then watched Pirates of the Caribbean 4.
 That was pretty good! :)

The next day we got ready to stack wood. Mr. Leifheit, Johnny, Stevie, and some people I hadn't met before came to help us stack wood. I met two lovely ladies named Jordana and Lauryn. :) After 2 or 3 hours of stacking wood we had a lunch break. :) We had yummy meatball subs!

After lunch we stacked wood for a little bit longer then we sort of stopped and fourwheeled down some muddy trails! I rode with Nina, then Jordana, then Kelsey. Jordana has awesome fourwheeling skills! We drove through the mud puddles really fast to get big splashes of mud. It was great! After my ride with Kelsey I attempted to drive the fourwheeler on the dirt road. :)

When the fourwheeling was almost over the Leifheits left. Jordana and Lauryn stayed and talked for awhile and then they left too.

Nina, Kelsey, Mr. Gaudreau and I had cheese pizza with some feta cheese added for supper. Nina, Kelsey and I went to a mall in New Hampshire to browse in Claire's, and K-mart. I bought Nina a cool ring and Kelsey a pair of earrings.

When we got back home Kelsey fell asleep pretty early so I tried showing Nina Return To Me on Youtube but it didn't really work.

Kelsey left for work the next day in the morning. Nina and I painted our nails and relaxed most of the morning. Before we painted our nails we helped Mr. Gaudreau stack some more wood.

That night Nina and I went to go pick up Nina's great grandmother and then go to her grandparents house for supper. That was really nice. :D

When Nina and I got back to her house we tried learning the Moonwalk but gave up. :P Then we watched part of Elf but the VCR player kind of stopped working.

The next day Kelsey came to Nina's house and we got ready to go to the mall to meet Dad, Shannon and Calvin. When we met up with them we hung out in the Apple Store for a little bit and then put my sleeping stuff in our car and then went to go pick up Abbey at the Portland airport.

Me, Kelsey and Nina! <3

After we picked Abbey up at the airport we shopped at Goodwill and the mall again then went home. :) I had SUCH a good time with Nina and Kelsey!

Baking!

After school today I plan on baking a bunch! I plan on baking Chocolate Peanut Butter Fudge, Cowboy Hats, and Ginger Bread Cupcakes with Eggnog frosting.

I've made the Cowboy hats plenty of times! :) Some people call them Hershey Kiss Cookies. I like them because they're small and not too sweet. I've already made them twice this month, once for Home Group after church and another time just for my family. They get eaten FAST. Here is the recipe!

48 Kisses

1/2 cup shortening

3/4 cup peanut butter

1/3 cup sugar

1/3 cup brown sugar (packed)

1 egg

2 tablespoons milk

1 teaspoon vanilla

1 1/2 cups flour

1 teaspoon baking soda

1/2 teaspoon salt

Preheat oven to 375. Unwrap kisses. Beat shortening and peanut butter. Add sugars and beat until fluffy. Add egg, milk and vanilla; beat well. Sift dry ingredients then beat into peanut butter mixture. Shape into 1 inch balls; roll in sugar. Bake 8-10 minutes on ungreased pan. Press kisses into baked cookies then remove from pan.

It's really quick and easy! Just make sure you don't press the Hershey kisses down to hard on the cookie or else the kiss might is squished. But don't press too lightly so that the Hershey kiss won't stay on the cookie. Enjoy!

I've made the Peanut Butter Fudge a couple times before. I usually only make it around Christmas time. It's REALLY sweet! Here's the recipe...

2 cups sugar

2/3 cups evaporated milk

1 teaspoon vanilla

1 cup fluff

1 cup peanut butter

1 package (2 cups) chocolate chips

Butter sides of 2 quart saucepan. Heat sugar, milk, and vanilla over medium heat, stirring constantly until sugar dissolves and mixture boils. Cook to soft ball stage (234 degrees - candy thermometer). Remove from heat and stir in fluff, peanut butter and chocolate chips.  Pour into 9x9x2 baking pan. Score with sharp knife while fudge is still warm to make it easier to cut later.

Now for the Ginger Bread Cupcakes with Eggnog frosting. I have not tried this recipe yet but it sounds delicious so I wanted to try. :) 

1/4 c shortening
1/4 c sugar
1 egg
1/2 c molasses
1 1/2 c flour
3/4 t baking soda
1/4 t salt
1/2 t cinnamon
1/2 t ginger
1/4 t cloves
1/2 c hot water
Cream the shortening and sugar. Beat in the egg, then molasses. Sift the dry ingredients and add. Add the water and beat until smooth. Bake for 20 minutes at 375. 

Eggnog Cream Frosting:
1/2 c milk
3 T flour
1/4 c shortening
1/4 c margarine or butter
1/2 c sugar
1 t rum extract or 2 t rum
1/2 t vanilla
1/4 t nutmeg (or more to taste)
Cook the milk and flour in a saucepan until it thickens. Cool it thoroughly and then beat in the remaining ingredients until light and fluffy.

Enjoy! I'll let you know how they turn out in tomorrows blog post!

Christmas Shopping

Today Mom and I are going Christmas shopping while Dad, Shannon, and Billy workout at the gym. I'm excited! I don't have that much time to go Christmas shopping. I plan on baking tomorrow, packing Friday, visit Nina (a good friend of mine) from Friday-Monday, then hopefully Anna's birthday party on Tuesday. So, maybe I'll get another chance to go shopping Wednesday. On Friday I'm meeting Nina at the Portland Mall so that will give me a chance to shop there too.

Tomorrow I will share with you the recipes of what I'm baking which is Chocolate Peanut Butter Fudge, Cowboy Hat Cookies, and Gingerbread muffins with Egg Nog Frosting.

Planet Fitness

Dad got a black card at Planet Fitness so he can bring a friend. Last night Billy and Dad invited me to come along. So, this morning we woke at 5:30am and left a little bit after 6am. Since it was my first time, I let Billy show me around. He was doing upper body workout so I decided to work my upper body too. The only annoying part about the gym was that after using each machine you have to wipe down the handle bars. I suppose it's a very good thing though! I also worked a little bit of my core and legs. I'm pretty sure I'll be sore tomorrow. :D

Man, do I need to go Christmas shopping! I still have to figure out what to get Shannon, Tim, Dad, and Angie...Once I get a gift for each of my family members I'll buy gifts for my friends.

Talent Show, Card Games, Yummy Food, Good Friends, Airsoft, Concerts, and Babysitting!

On Friday, after SMASH Corrie, Rebecca, Shannon and I went to Rebecca's rehearsal for a Christmas concert she was accompanying. When Rebecca was done Mrs. Richards drove us to A Christmas Talent Show put on by Petra. That was good! The Albee family sang Go Tell It On The Mountain. Petra and Evan sang Baby, It's Cold. There were also three girls that sang Happy by NevershoutNever! That was cool!

After the Talent Show Tucker, Billy and Pastor Sam arrived and we all hung out for a bit. Probably about an hour later we left. Pastor Sam played some Christmas songs that we all danced to for a bit. Ha! Then Tucker, Billy, Corrie, Pastor Sam, and I played Hearts and Spades. After Pastor Sam went upstairs Corrie, Billy, Tucker and I played President. Rebecca and Shannon made us Shirley Temples. Those were good! Shannon and Rebecca watched The Secret of Moonacre . Corrie and I watched the last part of the movie and then *I* went to bed. I thought  everyone else did too but apparently Corrie, Rebecca and Shannon went downstairs for a snack and talked for another hour.

The next day we had eggs, bacon, muffins and fruit for breakfast! :D After breakfast Pastor Sam, Tucker, Billy, Corrie and Shannon went to the Smith's to get two Christmas trees. Rebecca, Mrs. Richards and I prepared lunch and then met everyone else at the Smith's to help out. That was fun!

When we got back to the Richards' house we had lunch then Shannon and Rebecca practiced the songs Shannon had to sing Sunday. Corrie, Billy, Tucker, Noah, Lucas, and I played a short game of Airsoft. Noah and Lucas are the Richards' neighbors. Corrie and I had to get ready for Rebecca's concert (Billy and Tucker already were) so Billy, Tucker, Noah and Lucas continued to play Airsoft.

We couldn't stay for Rebecca's entire concert because Shannon and I had to babysit Gabe. Rebecca did a good job from what I could see/hear. So, after we got back to the Richards we packed up our sleepover stuff then we said our goodbyes and left.

Shannon and I dropped Billy off at our house and then we drove to Tim and Angie's house. After Tim, Angie, and Addie left Shannon went and bought supper while I read books to Gabe. After Supper we played with Gabe a little, watched part of MythBusters and then Home Alone 3. Gabe is so much fun, funny and SO adorable! <3

Colby College Christmas Chorale

Yesterday, after SMASH Shannon made homemade pizza for supper. Anna, Billy and I helped out a little. It was soooo good!

After supper we went to go see Colby College's Christmas Chorale do a Lessons and Carols service. It was SO cool! Nick and Joel were in the Chorale so that made it even cooler. Joel had a solo. :) I really enjoyed the whole service. It was very well done! They even read some Bible verses in French and Hebrew (and English, of course). Here is a video Dad took during the last song which was my favorite!

You can't see Nick from here, I don't think, but Joel is in the back row just to the left of the wreath. Alot of us SMASHer's came and supported Nick and Joel. We took up a looong row in the chapel. Jenna, Amanda, Amanda's friend Shea (not sure if that's spelled right), Amanda's little brother Ethan, Tucker, Rebecca, Pastor Sam, Seth, Colin, Libby, Jolie, Jessi, Brenna, Corrie, Sarah, Erica, Sarah and Erica's siblings (I can't remember their names), Mr. Stuart, Mr. and Mrs. Estes, Kenan, Linnea, Catherine, and Diana all came! It was awesome!

Tonight, after SMASH, Shannon, Billy and I are spending the night at the Richards. Also, tonight we're going to a Christmas Talent show that Petra planned at her church. I'm mainly going to watch Evan ad Petra sing Baby, It's Cold together. :D Their going to do great!

Service of Lessons and Carols

Today we have another SMASH rehearsal! Hopefully we'll get to Act 3 Scene 3 because that's my first scene. I think we just finished Act 2 Scene 2 last Friday. We're supposed to finish the play with both casts tomorrow...

Tonight, after SMASH, Anna, my family, and lots of other SMASHers are going to see Nick and Joel in a Lessons and Carols service type thing at Colby College. I'm really excited! Nick and Joel are in the chorale. It should be really good! :D

Christmas Music

So, I'm trying to put together a good Christmas playlist. What are some of your favorite artists and songs? I like upbeat songs (that aren't too lovey dovey) or powerful, beautiful songs that are about Jesus' birth. Some of my favorite artists are Amy Grant, Bing Crosby, Celine Dion, Relient K, Tran-siberian Orchestra, Carrie Underwood and Barlow Girl.
I don't normally like Justin Bieber but he did a REALLY good version of Silent Night.

Barlow Girl did a really cool version of Carol of Bells.

Celine Dion did a beautiful job with the song O Holy Night.

Spartan Soccer Update

One of my new favorite games is Dutch Blitz! It's so much fun! I'm not too good at it but it's a fast card game which I like.

Last night I went to go watch Billy, Shannon, Pastor Per, Josh, Mark, and Pastor Tracey play soccer. I watched them with the eldest Tracey, Anna and with Jenna. Our team lost 4-0. It was an exciting game though! Except Josh got kneed in the eye. :/ I think Mark got hurt in the quad and ankle too. A good thing about the game was that Billy made an amazing save! There was a break away and Billy caught up with the guy but before he could stop the ball our goalie slide tackled the ball and stopped the guy on the other team but the ball kept going and the other guys were catching up but Billy like dove into the goal and kicked the ball away before it went over the goal line! :D

Wright Visit!

On Friday, before SMASH, I did a special hairdo on Anna that I sort of learned and sort of taught myself. It looked REALLY pretty on Anna. I wish I had a picture of it. I also put a silk flower that Anna made in her hair by her ear.

At SMASH I didn't get to do my scene but it was still funny. It was only our second rehearsal and we're doing really well with lines and such! It's going to be a REALLY good play for both casts!

After SMASH Anna, Shannon, Billy and I headed to Anna's house. On the way there we stopped at a Dunkin Donuts. Shannon and I got coffee coolattas, Anna got some hash browns and Vanilla Chai, and Billy got nothing.

We eventually got to Anna's house so she could grab her gigantic blanket because I don't think she has a sleeping bag.

After a few wrong turns we finally got to the Wrights. :D We got a tour of their ginormous house and then we all played a couple exciting games of foosball. When we were done playing Foosball we played Round Robin  Ping Pong. That was REALLY fun! I never won but I came in second once. We were all pretty evenly matched but I think Ben won the most. Shannon, Anna, and Maggie took a break so Billy, Ben, Josh and I played a little bit of doubles. It was Clarkes vs. Wrights... We didn't really keep score but the Ben and Josh obviously won. :)

For supper we had some delicious Lasagna and Garlic Bread! Mmmm! It was so good! During supper we talked about Much Ado About Nothing, roller coasters, and how thankful we are for having Christian parents. :D

After supper we drove to Dairy Queen because it was the last day it was open for the year. :) That was really good! I got a mini Midnight Truffle. It was sooo sweet with lots of fudge chunks.

When we got back and finished our ice cream we played Dutch Blitz! That game is SO much fun! I really stink at it but it was still lots of fun!

After Dutch Blitz we played President for awhile. At first, I was President and then Billy or Shannon took my "seat". Eventually, the Wrights and Anna caught on and were President, Vice President and on the higher end of the neutrals. I think when we stopped playing the game I was scum... :)

After President Ben, Billy, Shannon, Josh and I played Hearts. I'm pretty sure Ben or Josh won.

By the time us girls went to bed it was about 1:45am. :)

The next day we had delicious apple and cinnamon pancakes and bacon for breakfast! It was really yummy! After breakfast we went outside and played around with two frisbees and a soccer ball. That was pretty fun! Billy, Ben and Shannon were up on this cliff type thing while Anna, Josh and I threw the frisbees to them or kicked the soccer ball to them. Anna's knee was getting sore so she and Maggie sat down and watched. I had Anna use my camera to take some pictures.

Ben, Josh and Billy being all cool in plaid.

Josh.

Josh.

Me.

Uuhh, me.

Ben and Billy.

Shannon, Billy and Ben. I think this is right after I fell down trying to get the frisbee and quickly changing my mind and  going after the soccer ball instead. They all laughed at me as you can see.

Beautiful Maggie watching us.

We went inside and played Catchphrase for awhile. Even Mr. Wright played Catchphrase with us! At first it was girls vs. guys but when we had Mr. Wright join, we did Wrights vs. Clarkes and Anna. I think and the guys won once or twice and the girls won once and then I think the Wrights beat us once and then we beat the Wrights once. I can't quite remember.

We all played the "Hand Game" at the dinning room table. Maggie won and I came in second. I was surprised I did so well.

After the "Hand Game" we played Foosball again. Which ever team Josh was on would win. It just wasn't fair...Unless you were on his time. :P Ben had to leave for work while we were playing Foosball. :(

After Foosball we ate some delicious Apple pie baked by Corrie. We had to leave after that. :( So, we said our goodbyes and left. *sigh* We had SUCH a good time! I hope we can plan to do something like that again. Thank you Wright family for your wonderful hospitality! :D

Mr. Wright, Josh and Ben doing dishes (being hospitable).

Fun Weekend Coming Right Up!

Last night Anna slept over so she could come to SMASH today because she didn't have a ride. Last night we played Phase 10. Anna won! :) After Phase 10 we watched Super 8. That was a pretty good movie!

When the movie was over Anna, Billy and I went over our lines. This is going to be a GREAT play! Yesterday was our first rehearsal and it went really well! Most every had their lines down already!

Today we have another SMASH rehearsal. I'm not on until Act 3 Scene 3 so I'm not sure if I'll get to act today. I hope so! After SMASH Anna, Shannon, Billy and I are going to the Wright's house for a sleepover! I'm really excited! Hopefully on Monday I'll be posting pictures of our visit.

SMASH Rehearsals Begin!

Today is our first SMASH rehearsal! I'm REALLY excited! It should be lots of fun! We are having both casts meet at Pastor Sam's house to figure out how things will work. I'm really curious to see how rehearsals will work with two casts practicing in two different locations with one Director... Maybe we'll all practice at the same location. We'll see!

Anna is sleeping over tonight after SMASH! :D I'm really excited for that! She's such a fantastic friend! <3