Christmas Thoughts

I woke up this morning to the wonderful sound of...well, not the sound of anything really. I woke up to my little brother poking me over and over. Not to mention at 6:30. Merry Christmas to me! However, I must give him credit; he was a lot better about waiting until after three a.m. to wake everyone up this Christmas. So we made our way downstairs to see what presents were ready to be ripped open.

As you all know, today also happened to be a Sunday. Church never rests, even on Christmas. I thought maybe a handful of families would actually come to service because most I know are out of town around this time. After my family had our traditional Christmas breakfast and opened presents, we headed off to church.

Now I am sure everyone says this, but I think my church is the best! I am Southern Baptist, and everyone in church is so close! I absolutely love it! I was genuinely surprised today at the turnout in service; it was amazing! The sermon is never short of wonderful, but today's was simply perfect, a great reminder of the true meaning of Christmas. And there is nothing better than singing Christmas carols with a sanctuary packed full of people.

This was a Christmas of many firsts for me. This was the first year that Santa didn't come to our house. I know I am almost sixteen and have a thirteen-year old brother, but this is a really sad thing for me. This was also the first year I mostly got gift cards and cash from family members. I am going to miss the days when a big pile of shiny wrapped boxes sat under the tree waiting for me to attack it. These are pieces of my childhood that I am going to have to give up. At least, I have many, many fond memories to look back on as I continue to make memories with my friends and family.

Merry Christmas and happy reading!

Lily

Let it Snow, Let it Snow, Let it Snow! Please?

Merry Christmas Eve Eve! I just cannot believe it is December 23rd. I mean the weather here in North Carolina has been in the sixties for the past week! Crazy. I have three words that perfectly describe how I feel about this weather: I. HATE. IT.

December is my second favorite month for many reasons (my first favorite being February because that is my birth month and I heart Valentine's Day). I love the way the Christmas season is full of joy and peace. The music is so cheerful; the movies are heartfelt, and most times hilarious. Along with that, it is a great reminder of the love Christ has for us.

The cold is one of my good friends. One of the main reasons I love December with a passion is the frigid weather. In an ideal world, I would make it snow every single day during this month. However, I am mortal and unfortunately do not have that power. Any other time I would take the weather we have been having lately and run with it; it is not too hot and not too cold. December is the month of snowflakes, hot apple cider, and curling up with a good book by the fireplace (I recommend Nicholas Sparks). Fortunately, I have gotten two of these three things, instant apple cider and an excellent book the great Sparks. Google and Youtube have given me a replacement for the real snow I am missing in my life right now; my computer screen was snowing yesterday and then proceeded to frost. How cool is that?!

Merry Christmas you wonderful people! Remember to keep Christ in CHRISTmas. We wouldn't be here to celebrate His birthday without Him.

Lily

Why one should NOT make their own crayons

As I mentioned in my last post, I lead a normal life outside my studies. Let me define my version of normal: hectic, crazy (thesaurus.com failed to provide me with an accurate replacement), and completely and utterly upside down. But I love it! 

Last Saturday I had the immense fortune of getting the house all to myself for five hours. Now I know what you are thinking, "Oh no! A teenage girl all alone in her house for so long!" No need to be concerned. Unlike the normal female teen, I did not have my boyfriend over (one because that is gross, and two because I do not have one nor do I want one) or throw a party. Plus that last idea really only happens on television. 

I had the brilliant idea to make my own crayons. I am really a five year old living inside a fifteen year old's body, so I use crayons on a daily basis. This whole idea stemmed from a pin I saw on Pinterest, my favorite of all websites. 

Steps:

1. Chop crayons into pieces. (I should have know from here that this was a bad idea.)

2. Put them in a silicone mold and bake at 230 degrees for fifteen minutes.

The Steps That Actually Happened:

1. Cut crayons with scissors because the knife idea didn't work.

2. Put them in a mold which I thought was silicone (which was actually rubber). Then bake for four minutes because the mold started to melt.

3. Take it out and melt it in the microwave for five minutes.

4. Pour the melted wax into the mold, but miss and spill it all over the floor creating tiny little splatters everywhere.

Personally, I like the first set of steps much better, but beggars can't be choosers. Needless to say, I spent an hour and a half on the floor with my hairdryer and a roll of paper towels. You will learn soon enough that this isn't at all surprising.

Happy Reading!

Lily 

Congratulations! By some crazy twist of fate, you have stumbled upon my blog. In case you were wondering, here is a little background info on myself and where I come from. Currently, I am at the wonderful age of fifteen (sarcasm included). That also makes me in tenth grade. And not any normal tenth grade! I am in an Early College program, which pretty much makes me a nerd to the outside world. But believe me, I am no genius! I lead a pretty normal life when I am not engrossed in my studies. I have dynamite friends and a brother, whom I adore. Honestly, I think I should have my own T.V. show. You will soon understand if you have the patience to get to know me. :)

Happy Reading!
Lillian