# 46 (Snow!!!)

Ohmyword!  It is is SNOWING!!!  Virginia is getting the first snow of winter 2009/2010 and it's a beautiful, sticky, wet one.  We get very little snow in the part of VA that I live in so whenever we get some it's quite an exciting event.  Earlier this afternoon my dog, Ugali, and I went on a lovely 2 hour long frolic in the snow.  We had a blast although we both got soaking wet.  I still look like a drowned rat as my hair is in the early stages of the drying process.

My siblings are all off outside in the snow playing some more, as they had their breaks earlier.  In fact, I think they've gone off to the sledding hill!  Jake is at KampKloman, as tonight he and dad are camping out for the overnight portion of the Wilderness Merit Badge that they're teaching as part of Boy Scouts.  I think that I'll head back out into the winter wonderland a little bit later when my jeans are dry.  :)

Now, I am just here enjoying a cup of cocoa and watching the snow fall.  My momma is skyping her brother and later tonight we will be going crazy with cheering as the Huskers (ranked #21) play Texas (ranked #3) at Cowboys Stadium down in TX.  It's going to be a crazy intense game and I'm quite excited for it!

# 42 (dating vs. courting)

Someone asked me about my views on the whole dating vs. courtship question. I must admit my views on the whole thing would really get me some scoldings from certain people and looks of horror from others. Personally, I am not a fan of the whole set of connotations that go with either label.

Courtship often brings to mind horrific images of your parents picking out your husband, your entire family coming on dates with you, and not even being able to hug each other let alone kiss. With dating you think of one-on-one dates, serial polygamy, pre-marital sex and a host of other negatives. That said, I do think that each has positives. I am not sure what your definition of dating and courtship is. I don't really even think I know what my definitions of those words are, so rather than compare and contrast these two spouse-finding techniques, I shall tell you what I am doing/plan on doing.

I am 17 years old, very nearly 18. I've never been on a date. That is not to say I've never been asked, flirted with, et cetera, just to say that I have never said yes. I personally do not feel like I am ready to date. I so often feel like a little kid, not someone that is ready to get into a relationship least of all one that could result in marriage! Yes, you read that correctly. I think that you can date, yet still enter a relationship that leads to a strong marriage.

First of all, I think that you should get to know someone BEFORE you date them. By getting to know them I mean becoming a friend, learning about their family, getting to know what kind of person they are--not just what kind of cell phone they have. Getting to know the person before-hand allows you to know if they are even someone with whom you would ever desire to enter a relationship that could be more than friendly.

You should be open and talk about physical and emotional boundaries. Be frank about how far you're willing to go when it comes to hugs, holding hands, or kissing. Going out with mutual friends and each others families should be mixed in with one-on-one dates.

I guess the easiest way for me to explain my view would be to tell you how I plan on dating.

I'll wait until I feel ready. Both spiritually and emotionally. I won't date any guy that asks me out. I want to get to know him and see if we can even be friends for starters. I want my entire family to get to know him, and I wanna get to know his family. I wanna ask my momma for advice, if she thinks that he is any good for me. I will ask God about our relationship, listen to Him for His answers. I will only date a someone who believes as I do, that Jesus Christ is the Son of God and died for our sins. I'll keep physical closeness to a minimum. Of course, I will wait for God to bring such into my life. I don't want to mess around with my emotions by seeking and wanting that which is not in His plan for me.

I'm so crazy confused on this subject. I probably made a muddle of this post. I hope I made my opinions almost clear. If you have any questions, please do ask me, as I would love to clarify anything for you. I love to hear from my readers.

God bless.

~Riah

You know how most people go through some sort of life change as they're growing up? It is not a sudden change, something gradual, a long time in coming. You always hear about this sort of thing happening to someone 'over the summer'. That magical time when there is no school, hot humid air, first jobs, and an aura of mystery and adventure.

For me this magical change is happening now. Or at least I am noticing the results of said change. I am no longer a little girl. I've become a woman, an out-going, friendly kind of

woman. With that I am also someone at whom men seem to stare, flirt, ask out. The fact that I am a woman simply, of itself, attracts men to me. The fact that I'm pretty out-going draws even more.

It's a very new concept to me. It makes me feel embarrassed and awkward. Sometimes I even get grossed out. I'm still learning to deal with it, to be gracious and kind yet firm. It's a delicate balance and one that I am having a little bit of trouble reaching. Yet in it all, I feel good. I am no longer in denial about the fact that I am grown up, therefore, I am able to deal with these guys as they show their interest. I still need to keep on experiencing it so that I can learn the best way to deal with being a grown up woman-like character, but I know that God's got my back.

If you know what I'm talking about, have any of your own stories, or just want to tell me I'm crazy, please do. Thoughts and discussion are always welcome.

The following is the tale of my final epiphany.

Mike: "There someone at the door. He has a little beard thing."

Mom: "Mariah. You take it."

Me: Goes outsides to deal with the person at the door.

Guy: "Hi, I'm Adam. *goes into his deal about energy efficient windows*"

Me: *listening and also yelling at Connor to leave Mike alone occassionaly*

Adam: *goes on some more* "So, are you the baby sitter?"

Me: "No. Oldest sister. And just before you keep on going, we are not interested in the windows (lying here) we're just renting and the owners live overseas."

Adam: "So you don't want to do anything nice for your renters?"

Me: "No."

Adam: *as I am trying to help load softball gear in the car* "So, do you know anywhere I could get a drink?"

Me: *gives him a bottle of water*

Adam: "So..."

*on it goes him making small talk about how he hates his job, and "wouldn't mind just staying here and talking" to me*

Me: "Nope, sorry, gotta go. Softball tonight you know. Good-luck! Bye."

Adam: "So, wait do you maybe want to hang out sometime?"

Me: "Eh, nope, sorry. I'm just way to busy with work, softball and school. Bye."

#35 (Slopfest)

I went to Slopfest with 2 of my younger siblings and a friend of ours. We had a blast and got very messy. By looking at my list, you can see that I learned quite a lot in the 2 hours I was playing in the mud. I fell down multiple times and I ripped up my knees and shins thoroughly. Pouring syrups and spraying shaving cream on to strangers and friends was wicked crazy. The most terrifying part of the afternoon was the ride home. Mom wasn't about to let us into her van so we actually rode home in the back of the truck. Driving down the road at 45 mph, the wind forcing shaving cream and flour mixtures farther into your ear canal and the exhilarating terror that I could fall out, die, or worse, get pulled over added greatly to the full experience. Assuming we still live in the area, I will surely attend Slopfest next year.

Things I Learned At Slopfest:

1) Blood is thicker than water, but mud is certainly thicker than blood. Mud also makes a superlative clotting material for abrasions. (Though I must warn you, the use of it leads to infection.)

2) I do not swear nearly as much as I had previously thought, comparatively speaking, mind you.

3) The current trend in guys' pants being very loose leads to certain people -cough-ME-cough- seeing a whole lot more bare butts than is ever okay.

4) It is perfectly acceptable, and even funny to swear, vigorously at one's friends, BUT it is not okie dokie to swear awfully at perfect strangers who might accidentally step on your feet.

5) Mud is sharp.

6) Shaving cream is NOT a suitable (or tasty) replacement for toothpaste.

7) Flour, maple syrup, chocolate syrup, and egg creates a tasty (I'm guessing here.) and highly functional glue.

#32 (Mac)

My mom, sister and I coach a 10 and under girls' fastpitch softball team. Both of my little sisters, Isabelle and Grace, are on the team as well. We're called the Dragons. Purple jerseys with lime green script on the front, a big white number on the back, and the name of our sponsor just above that make us look like the team we are. As coaches we even make sure to wear a purple shirt of our own on game day.

I am also a youth umpire for the 10 and under age group in our league. Yes, you clever reader, that means that I end up umpiring for the team I coach! Contrary to popular belief this is not a conflict of interests. I'm a professional and fair umpire. That is not to say I do not make mistakes, I am human after all, but I have never and will never call my sister or even one of my players safe when she's out. Because I am an umpire I've actually been unable to coach any of the Dragons's games. I've umpired a great many, yet I've not coached a single one, nor will I. I'm okay with that though.

I love the game, I love my girls, and I love teaching and helping them. This season has been quite an amazing one. It was our second season coaching our Dragons. We had many returning players and even a handful of girls completely new to the game of softball. As individuals all our girls have improved greatly, as a team they've grown immensely, and I am so proud of them all. It has been a pleasure and an honor to coach each and every one of them, and I hope to see them in the future.

One of my players, Emelie, more commonly known as 'Mac' is out for our final play-off games. The reason being to heal. before the spring season started, Mac's appendix actually ruptured. She'd been sick for weeks and eventually lost control of her bowels and began vomiting up blood. She was admitted to the hospital for tests and the transfer ed to another hospital that could better help her. During her week in the hospital, 16 ounces of poison was drained from her body. They could not operate on her immediately because the surgeons would be unable to differentiate between healthy organs and poisoned parts.

On Tuesday, 26 May, Mac had her surgery. Although the hope had been to perform a laprascopic surgery, that did not quite work out. The surgery ended up lasting for 1 hour and 50 minutes and they had to cut into her and her muscles. Because of this the recovery time went from a week to 4 weeks. It also meant for a very painful recovery. On Wednesday, 27 May, my mum, sisters and little brother (our bat boy) went to the hospital to visit Mac. The night before we'd gone to WalMart to buy a few things and we put together a little care-package for her. We included Sunny D, silly putty, colored pencils, a notebook, some snacks, and, of course, get-well cards x5.

When we finally found her room (The hospital is confusing!) we were ushered in by Emelie's mom, Marie. We gave her the bag of goodies, and stood (a little awkwardly in my case) in the tiny room. When I saw Mac, usually so enthusiastic and full of life, pale, barely able to smile, and in obvious pain my heart ached for her. I could tell how exhausted her parents were, even through their smiles of gratitude. Upon sight of that Sunny D we were graced with one of Mac's mega-watt grins, which, I must admit really made my day. Later that same night, Mac's mom emailed us thanking us for stopping by. She mentioned how excited Emelie was that we were coming and that the Sunny D was already gone. I think, for both parties involved, the visit was definitely much needed.

It was so amazing to see how God had answered my prayers for our star pitcher and a delightful little girl. As of now, Mac is at home still recovering. She sleeps a lot and does many crafty projects. She's even committed herself to the possibility of a summer team in mid-June.

Phew!

On a lighter note another one of my players, Emily "Hoppy", is the proud big sister to a beautiful baby girl. Claire was born on 14 May. She weighed 7lbs. 13 oz. and was a long little girl at 20 inches. It was just yesterday that we were able to give Claire and her family the baby gift we'd purchased, as well as, a stack of hand-made cards. I definitely look forward to seeing Claire grow up, and I cannot wait to see her in a few years when she get started playing softball!

On Tuesday, 2 June the Dragons had a very close and well-played game that carried them into the next round of play-offs! Tonight's game has been cancelled due to rain, but we might be able to get it played on Saturday if the rain holds off long enough. I'll keep you updated with how we do in our next game!

God bless.

#30 (Concert!!!)

Okay. First thing first, y'all! I'm about to go an become UBER CRAZY HYPER on ya.

I am going to a CONCERT on Saturday!!!

My mother, 3 sisters, & I are all going to the MZQ Fest at Nissan Pavillion on May 9th!

Of course, it is a country music concert, I mean, this is still ME we're talking about. Because this is Izzy & Grace's first "official" concert it's an especially big deal for them. Today I was spending some time helping them pick out their outfits. Hehehe. It was, actually, a LOT of fun. They're going to look SO SO SO CUTE too.

Anyways. Because I am just CERTAIN that you're DYING to know the details of the concert...



The concert is going to be an all day deal. There is a 40% chance of rain though. It's kinda like sad. But I'm over it. Anyways!!! Yeah. It's going to be 80 degrees & humid too. So... that should be pretty warm, as well as, moist. Hehehe. So. That's the weather.

The artists that will be performing are as follows:
Rodney Atkins
Joe Nichols
Keith Anderson
Little Big Town
Jason Michael Carrol
Justin Moore
Caitlyn and Will
Kate and Kacey

OH EM GEE!!!
THIS IS GOING TO BE SO SO SO AMAZING!!!

I--in case you could not tell-- am VERY EXCITED!!!

The plan sorta kinda goes like this:

We wake up and live life as normal until noon or so.

THEN!!!

We start to prepare.
We get dressed, do our make-up (in my case at least), squeal a lot, listen to 98.7 constantly.

We'll take some PICTURES!!!

We'll go out some where and get some NOMS (food)!!!

We'll drive for about an hour out to the concert location.

We'll listen to 98.7 WMZQ constantly so we can get SUPER HYPED UP!!!

Then we'll have an amazing, superlative, joyful, happyful time.

And we'll drive back home super late.

So. Yeah.

That is the plan.

OH!!!

I almost forgot something else.

I will try to avoid being hit on, barfed on, or bothered in any way by drunk rednecks.

Hahahahaha!

There's the plan. There's the hopes. I might throw some crazy, hyper, insane post that makes NO sense what so ever up when we get home. Hehehe.

AHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!

YAYAYAYAYAY!!!

I AM SO SO SO EXCITED!!!

#27 (Beauty)

Beauty. I've been thinking a lot about beauty. There are a lot of different kinds. Different places to look. Different definitions. Just... Oi. I love beauty. I love to find beauty, to search for it. Here are some of my very jumbled thoughts on beauty and where/when you can and do find it. =P I hope that even a little bit of what I'm saying makes sense. Sometimes I am not that great at getting my thoughts down and into the English that most people understand. *wink wink*

Okay. So we all know that life is hard. It is scary. Sometimes it sucks. There are days where all you wanna do is curl up in a hole and cry. There are days where you wanna be a hermit, a recluse, and just hide from everything. Days where you want a remote so that you can rewind, and start over.

Y'all know what I am talking about. You all know that ain't ever an option. Once it is done you can't change it. You have to live with it. Live through it.

I've found there is an absolute beauty to that. Just another instance where you can see God working in your life. He chucks things at you, challenging you to rise to meet them, to face them. He helps you to overcome things you never thought that you could overcome--things that without Him you never would have overcome.

Beauty in knowing that the Lord is with you, helping you to overcome things. There is a beauty in heartbreak. There is a beauty in grief. There is a beauty in tears, in sorrow, in loss.

Then there is the obvious beauty. A sunset, a flower, the aching sweetness of a little child. There is beauty in a smile, in hope, in dreams, in hugs, in laughter. There is all that veritable, true, and visible beauty.

I love it all. I love beauty. It makes me happy. God is so amazing. He has blessed us with so much beauty! And it is all around us... All we have to do look for it. And I think that there is a lot that we can learn while searching for beauty, in discovering beauty, in finally recognizing it. *sigh* I dunno. I'm not sure what I'm trying to say. To be honest, I'm rarely sure of what I am trying to say. =P I'm immensely thankful to God that He blessed us with beauty, and that He's allowed me of all people to see so much of it. I hope that you too can see beauty. I hope that you too are touched by a beautiful person. And, I hope that every time you see something beautiful you remember who created it, who blessed you and allowed you to see it. God is awesome. God is good. God is beauty.

Signing out on another post of non-sense,

Your Sister in Christ,
~Mariah