O Come, O Come Emmanuel

I love y'all! Christmas is coming and I can hardly wait. It'll be beautiful.

I'm helping decorate for a Holiday Spirit Week with Student Council. It is going to be amazing. We're planning to sell hot chocolate, decorate the halls and have spirit days. Monday: T'was the Night Before Christmas (Pajama Day) and etc.

My classes have been hectic, but I love my teachers. They have some of the greatest personalities! Mr. Caldwell sings and dances. A week or two ago I noticed he was wearing corduroy pants and I could not resist telling him the joke.

Me: Mr. Caldwell, I've noticed that you're wearing corduroy pants today. Have you heard about the new corduroy pillows?
-Mr. Caldwell: Why no, I have not.
Me: They're making headlines.

<Mr. Caldwell puts his head back and laughs>
I later found out that he told his son the joke.

Mr. Dyer, my history teacher, is very intelligent and is teaching because he desires to help future America be more aware of the world around them to help them more wisely make decisions.

I'm also singing in a choir for Church. It's for a fireside full of music and we're singing lots of pretty music. I've been singing quite often recently and it's been a blast.

The Ward Christmas Party was fun, hanging out with Graham, Tyler, Kadee, Samuel, and Aila was hilarious! We talked about funny movies, and one of them was Hot Rod. (for those who have seen it, remember the hill?)

I also started a blog for Seth, y'all should check it out if y'all haven't already:
worththebest2years.blogger.com

I love life and people notice when you are drawing nearer to the Savior. I know because people have been telling me a lot recently that I am becoming more Christlike (for ex: a saint, a devout Christian). Never give up and serve others. Heavenly Father will help you know what to do.

Last week I was sitting in Pre-Cal and there is this nice, sweet guy in front of me. Mr. Caldwell called on him and he did not know the answer and said aloud that he felt stupid. It really stuck in my mind and at the end of the period the Spirit told me to talk to him. It was interesting how his face changed and how he became more open.

The next day right before class started, he turned around and thanked me for what I said. He told me that it really turned his day around. And that is why I keep doing what the Spirit tells me to do, this is why I strive to be Christlike because I did not know what lives I may have touched.

I love y'all, stay true to the faith!
Mary Ann

Dancing in the Moonlight!

So, in the life of Mary Ann. My life has been a little crazy (but not too crazy).

However, this past weekend was amazing!

My mom was really cool and allowed Rachel, Seth and I take her car to Florida to see our grandparents in The Villages. For the first two hours down, we had a major dance party and it was extremely fun. Later, we got tired and did whatever. It poured rain over half the way. Hello, Andrea.

But, the best part was definitely being hanging out with everybody. That night Granddad gave us a tennis lesson from the French Open. Grandma made us dinner #hungry ;). They are the coolest EVER! haha, it's true though. For the first night, we were all really tired and I talked to Rachel for a few hours in my room. We joked about how a # on twitter or whatever is replacing 'I am...'
     Ex: #hungry
           #ready to eat
           #tired
           #chilling at the beach
           #SWAG (Own that swagger?)

And, (our weird, twisted humor) we started talking about the ending 'er'.

"Hey Rachel, do you know what a police officer is?
"<Says exactly what it is>"
"Nope, it is a person who offices police!"

"Do you know what a headbutter is?"
*pause*
"A person who butts heads!"

We were laughing about that for ever. (Also known as, we were so slap happy we thought the strangest stuff was funny.

Before we went to sleep, Grandma joined us for scriptures. She is insightful and told us stuff that were really meaningful. We had a good discussion going and at the end we had a group hug. presh.

The next day it poured rain. For breakfast we all went to IHOP. It was my first time and I tried the "Cinn-A-Stack" Pancakes, yummm.
I was very pleased.

Later everyone played 'Triple E' together, without the poker portion. Rachel had the most crazy luck in the planet, haha. She ended up with ALL the chips. It is pretty ironic because the next day, while everyone was napping, I played 'Sorry' with Grandma. The first game when she got all of her guys to home, one of my colors were all in start. We played again because I figured, "How could my luck get any worse?" Well, I was sorta right. I got relatively far, especially in retrospect. When Grandma won again, we decided to see how many turns it would take for all my pieces to 'home'. Mistake. It took me over half the deck to get there. "Move backwards 4," haha, poor yellow. 

After, we played 'Triple E' Rachel and I went to the pool. Keep in mind that it is still pouring rain. We had a blast. We had the pool all to ourselves. We talked and Rachel told me all about this guy. Let's call him Jack. Rachel and Jack have been getting to know each other, therefore Rachel has been texting him throughout our travels. It was so excessive that Seth started to make fun of her. At first, Rachel denied that she was flirting with Jack and vice-versa. HA! Anyways, on the way home there is a really funny story about that. 

We ended up watching "42" (the movie is about Jackie Robinson). The "Barn Storm Theater" was pretty fancy.  

Finally, the rain stopped on Friday and Saturday. You know what that means? Tennis!

Granddad is seriously the best coach I could have ever asked for in a million years. He knows when to give you praise, to be hard on you, and actually teaches you how to do it. I admire him and I have improved immensely, long story short. 

Friday night, going to the square the super fun with Seth and Rachel.

On the way home, we swung by Hilton Head (beautiful), Chick-fil-a, and this historical church from the 1750s. The church grounds were truly fascinating.

Those were the highlights and I loved the whole trip.

On Sunday, church was super, super good. A returned  missionary, Michael Dropla, spoke on faith. Amazing! Later, President Mayo spoke on the restoration.

Mission prep. that night was the best I had ever done. Amber, my companion, and I spoke on how we believe in Jesus Christ. I related it to having an older brother and how Seth saved me from drowning in a pool. It was nice and simple. :) Brother Crocker, our teacher, is amazing. Think of his teaching style this way:

Brother Crocker: Mission Prep.::Granddad Jerry: Tennis

Yesterday, I went to a StuCo (Student Council) meeting. It was very productive and we have an amazing council this year. I can't wait to work with them this coming up year.


Y'all are amazing. Remember who you are. Never give up.

For a Moment Like This

So, life's been alright! Rachel has started me doing a new thing in my journal. Basically, you write everyday about something you're thankful for in that day. Swag, haha! I'm doing pretty good in my classes. (90 and above, baby!) It's great! Tennis season just ended, so I officially have a life now. Man, I love tennis. If any of y'all want to learn how to play, call me up. Seriously, if I could go playing right now, I soooo would. A phantom thing came last night with goodies. Can you say yum? Over the weekend there was a family reunion and it was so rad. I hung out mainly with Madelyn and Heidi. I was so full. There was way too much good food I almost died. After that, I hung out with Aunt Lois' family because they are the bomb. I love them (so cool).
So, Hannah is a hot mess. Anyways, she tagged me in a post about doing eleven things. I like doing them so it works, but I'm going to break some of the rules anyways. ;)

Rules:
The five rules of the game are:
1. Each person must post 11 things about themselves.
2. Answer the 11 questions the nominator asked.
3. Create 11 questions for your nominees to answer.
4. Choose 11 people and link them in your post.
5. No tag backs

11 things about me:

1. I love my family with all my heart. I'm one of those people if you don't respect them, then my respect for you goes to zero.
2. I am a sophomore. This semester I'm taking APEURO, Spanish 1,Yearbook, and H. Algebra 2.
3. I discovered that I am in love with tennis. One reason I like it is because I can have an intelligent conversation about it with my Granddad Jerry. Another is because the girls are legit and how it is individual and teamwork. (and it is so fun, without feeling like a walla beast after I'm done)
4. I love being Mormon. It's a part of me. It is the best thing that's ever happened to me. #mormon.org
5. Even though my childhood was messed up, I have grown a lot from it. My siblings and I are like *this*. We are really close and we have an awesome bond. I hope that I can make right decisions and do what is right for my future family.
6. I'm 15 almost 16, we know what that means ;) haha. If you don't..."Ask the Missionaries! They can help you!" - Russell M. Nelson
7. I am in love with my smile! :D eeeeeee! 
8. I love talking with people at night. I don't know, it just feels like no one else can hear us. hahahahaha!!
9. I want to go make some cookies.
10. Well, I stress out really, really easily, it's not cool and definitely one of my weaknesses. I also really don't like being yelled at.
11. Before I die, I want to: Ride a Carousel, Get married in the Temple, Run in a Color Me Rad race, Go to a Carolina Baseball game, Go somewhere in England (Italy (: ), Go to a phenomenal museum, and Earn my Young Women's Recognition Award.

 

 

Answers to Hannah's Questions: 

1. How did you come to blog? My sister, Rachel, told me I should do one whenever she went off to college. I started out posting about once a month, but then I got caught up in life. Typical right.
2. What is/are your favorite book/books? Hmmm, Dealing with Dragons by Patricia C. Wrede. It's a childhood favorite. My sister, Katie, read some of them with me. Even though I know what is going to happen, I love it. Beauty by Robin McKinley is really close though. I also like Princess Academy by Shannon Hale. It's fancy.
3. Who do you miss being around? My family. None of this step-sibling business, my legit siblings. I love having late night talks talking about the most serious things, to the most ridiculous things. All of them are examples to me. I love what makes them, them.
4. What is your favorite food? Oh my gosh, who asks this question, teehee.Well, I love my Aunt Lisa's Mashed Potatoes. I remember when I first had them when I went to hang out with Madelyn, I couldn't have enough. To die for.
5. What is/was your favorite job (or the one you hated least)? Well, I haven't really worked, but I enjoy babysitting. I really want to get a job this coming summer though!
6. What is your favorite hanging out activity? Tennis. Just Kidding, I'll stop with my tennis nerdiness. I enjoy laughing my butt off about something, and doing new things. Sitting around isn't really my favorite, but if it includes laughing my butt off, it becomes the best.
7. What motivates you to get out of the bed in the morning? SEMINARY (whoa, heck to the no, haha) My future, what I will become. I feel like one day I am going to do something important and that I make a difference. My sisters help too. Whenever I get loving stuff from them, I just want to accomplish something amazing and heartwarming.
8. Where is your favorite vacation? Lake Anna. My family used to go there every year to visit my grandparents. We would have soda at every meal, water ski, play Hit the Beach, "Oh No,99", Muggins, have story time, play with some of the toys (maybe that was just me...), catch up with family that lives in Virginia, stay up late, guaranteed a float, eating amazing food and other stuff that I miss.
9. Do you like pictures being taken of you? Yes! I love being able to look back and be like, 'aha, I remember that!'
10. How do you keep track of important things? I write them down somewhere I know I'll look. I never use the school agenda book. I'd like to use sticky notes, but I haven't gotten there yet.
11. Why did you end up participating? My sister, Hannah, sent me a text being like yo, you should do the post thing. (and she's just awesome, so you know... how could I say no)

Questions: Please feel free to elaborate. (Why you feel a certain way is always a desired part of your answer)

1.  If you could go anywhere in the world, where would you go?
2. What is your favorite movie?
3. Have you ever had a defining moment in your life? (like a changing point)
4. What is an important lesson you've learned?
5. What is your favorite question to ask in order to get to know someone better?
6. Do you like anyone? (I do, he lives in NC ;) )
7. Do you like t-shirts? If so, what size?
8. What is your favorite holiday?
9. What is your dream job?
10. When you get overwhelmed, what do you do to get back on track?
11. What is one of your funniest, or most embarrassing moment ever?!

Answer my questions in the comments below!
Katie http://boggledyblog.blogspot.com/
Rachel: http://rachel-rah.blogspot.com/
Hannah: http://bittersweet-pyro.blogspot.com/

Or anyone else that reads my blog...go for it :)

We are family!

Two of my sisters and I are looking at blogging features and how to track pageviews. We also looked at changing privacy settings and not tracking your own pageviews! It was so fun. Actually, this is Katie writing this. Mary Ann is embarrassed that someone might actually see this before she gets a chance to delete it. Maybe she'll just edit it when I'm done. But anyway! Blogs are fun. Yes? Yes. We have a blogging ... revival going on. Heidi made her first post in a long time. Katie recently started a blog. So did Laura. Hannah's pretty consistent. Rachel has a blog, too, and she posted recently.

OK! well, I'm turning things back over to Mary Ann. I sure do love this girl!

Well, I have had a lot of fun these past weekends. (Alright, I feel like a blog is a journal online, so yeah. This is definitely strange for me.)

Last weekend, I took a bunch of pictures on a walk when I went up to the Gentry's with Katie, Rachel, and Nathan. Super fun road trip. I got to have some amazing talks with Katie and Renee about life and catching up. I loved it!!!We talked about education, family, dreams, and things of that nature. By the way, Levi was adorable :) I mean seriously, look at him playing with his other precious, smiley cousin, Nolan.

Over the week I finished Peasant Fires for summer reading and I am glad I'm done. All the "evil" books are out of the way. whoop whoop! I wrote in my journal how I'm really lost/need direction/need guidance, so I am looking into getting my patriarchal blessing! YAY!! Because, where I am right now I can strive for just about anything, but I need to make the decision. I hope it will help me live to my potential the way Heavenly Father wants me too, and to have something to look on for help. :D Once again, I went up to Renee's and Becky's for the weekend. Addie's Pinkalicious (a book about a girl who eats too many pink cupcakes and turns pink, teehee) Birthday Party. Renee made the cupcakes and she helped me decorate the first two and then I took over. Look. Don't they look scrumptious? 

I just got back and it was fabulous! This week I am going to be hanging out with Madelyn, tennis, temple, and shopping for back to school! :) Have an amazing week. So next summer, I'm thinking about getting a summer job up north and having board with family. What do y'all think?

"Last of the fearless, we are the light and love, shining in darkness..."

Recently, I went to Camden ward to play glow-in-the-dark volleyball! Legit right? In opening exercises, we listened to the official song for this year. You can download it here: https://www.lds.org/youth/music?lang=eng It's called "Arise"! I am totally addicted. Haha! I even downloaded the sheet music :P Y'all are so jealous!

In January, Hannah came back down here from Utah! We went to Disney and it was marvelous! The family had a blast! We also had a very exciting time on Splash Mountain. (hahaha! good times)

This is the Youth theme for this year! :)

Oh, guess what! My paper that I wrote got selected to be put in the school paper thing! I am so happy! :) Hey, Rachel...SAMANTHAT FUMBRO! teehee.
I also started track about two weeks ago! It is a lot of fun. I also got some gorgeous purple and grey Pumas to run in! They are soooo much lighter to run in compared to my other shoes. (They are swagtastic) ;)

This past Thursday, Elgin Ward went to the temple. TEMPLES ARE SO PRETTY AND AMAZING! The spirit there rocks my socks! I mean you cannot be sealed to your family for all eternity anywhere else can you. Man, I love life. Last night, I hung out with my friend, Cassie! Our parents went to the temple together, so we were just plain ole' awesome. We looked like twins because we wore our "ONE, but not alone" shirts, and we both wore dark jeans. (btw we did not do that on purpose we are just that legit). We played Guitar Hero, made supper, went outside on the trampoline, made No Bake Cookies, watched Veggie Tales, Lord of the Beans (with the sporks! Oh no. hahaha, inside joke), and then our parents came back. When I went home with them, we delivered some of the cookies to the Whisenhunts! I spent the night over at her place and we did valentines! [Also known as, writing To:____, From: MAC (Mary Ann, Cassie) on Fundip things!] Man, I love her! She is so cool :D. shalalalalala.

I hope that y'all have been having an amazing bubble of amazing-ness!

Angels on y'all's pillow!
Maria-Ahna

The Gratitude Challenge

I was looking at youth.lds.org when I came across the challenge thing. So...
"Take a Gratitude Challenge
We always talk about counting our blessings—let’s do it! Write a list of 100 things you are thankful for. 

• Write 10 living people you are grateful for.
• Write 10 people who have died you are grateful for.
• Write 10 physical abilities you are grateful for.
• Write 10 material possessions you are grateful for.
• Write 10 things about nature you are grateful for.
• Write 10 things about today you are grateful for.
• Write 10 places on earth you are grateful for.
• Write 10 modern-day inventions you are 
grateful for.
• Write 10 foods you are grateful for.
• Write 10 things about the gospel you are grateful for.

When we make a list like this, we discover that a list of 100 doesn’t even begin to scratch the surface of all the things God has given us."

• Write 10 living people you are grateful for. 

1. Rachel
2. Renee
3. Stephanie
4. My Aunts :)
5. Heidi
6. Laura
7. Katie
8. Hannah
9. Becky
10. My Grandparents

• Write 10 people who have died you are grateful for.

1. Granny Jo
2. Jesus Christ
3. Ronald Regan
4. Thomas Edison
5. Gordon B. Hinkley
6. Joseph Smith
7. (my unborn sibling)
8. George Washington
9. The US Troops
10. Marie Curie

• Write 10 physical abilities you are grateful for.

1. Running
2. Swimming
3. Dancing
4. Singing
5. Laughing
6. Flexability
7. Musical
8. Teacher
9. Sight
10. Hearing

• Write 10 material possessions you are grateful for.

1. House
2. Shoes
3. Blankets
4. Clothes
5. Money
6. Cars
7. Music
8. Movies
9. Internet
10. Phones

• Write 10 things about nature you are grateful for.

1. Clouds
2. Sunshine
3. Trees
4. Azaleas and Dandelions
5. Wind
6. Dirt
7. Sunrises
8. Animals
9. Mountains
10. Fields

• Write 10 things about today you are grateful for.

1. Got to take a shower
2. Able to read my scriptures
3. Went to Church
4. Family
5. Food provided for me
6. Cute clothes
7. Blow dryer
8. Oreos
9. Young Women's
10. My Aunts

• Write 10 places on earth you are grateful for.

1. The Temple
2. My house
3. South Carolina
4. The United States
5. Italy
6. Where Renee lives
7. BYU
8. Virginia
9. Washington DC
10. Maryland

• Write 10 modern-day inventions you are 
grateful for.

1. Electric Mixers
2. Electric Ovens
3. Internet
4. Cars
5. Various Musical Instruments
6. Airplanes
7. Showers
8. Indoor Plumming
9. Paper
10. Cameras

• Write 10 foods you are grateful for.

1.  Aunt Lisa's Mashed Potatoes
2. Oreos
3. Goldfish
4. Oranges
5. Noodles
6. Spaghetti
7. Pizza
8. Cheesy Brocolli
9. Aunt Sherri's Chocolate Eclair Cake
10. Chicken Alfredo

• Write 10 things about the gospel you are grateful for.

1. Jesus Christ 
2. Youth Program
3. Temples
4. Standards and Values
5. Book of Mormon and the Bible
6. Atonement
7. Priesthood
8. Prayer
9. Plan of Happiness
10. Keeps me motivated ^^

"I just haven't met you yet." - Michael Buble

In the past week or so in Young Women's, we have been working on wedding time capsules. Since I haven't done a blog in a while, I thought I might just use this. It's a cute idea anyways <3

the dress :D

my man ;) you gotta' love Michael

Hubby Qualities:

• Mormon
• RM
• Handsome
• Happy
• Witty
• Respectful
• Honest
• Spiritual
• Loving
• Ambitious
• Seeks the Savior
• Virtuous
• Kind
• Adorable
• Hygene
• Charming
• Silly
• Makes me laugh
• Temple Worthy
• Funny
• Nerd <3
• Sweet
• Responsible
• Hard Worker
• Considerate

It's cute and it has pockets. teehee

Caracas Venezuela Temple (where I'm gonna' get married)

 You have to admit. This place is absolutely gorgeous! Temples are the place to be.

Isn't it pretty? haha. Took me forever to find it though.

Flowers: I like azaleas :)

I totally stole Renee's cake, but It's so pretty.

Charleston <3. One can dream.

Hahaha! (Enough said)

Oh, wouldn't it be nice to have that car. teehee

Here are some names for some kiddos that I believe are swagtastic:

Girls:

Anastasia            Emma

Anabelle              Avery

Lydia                   Elle

Esme                   Abby  

Eleanor               Claire

Chelsea               Erin

Blythe                 Gera

Mari                    Mekayla

McKinley            Meg

Guys:

Hunter                  Tanner

Adam                    Nathanael

Sebastian             Tristan (my name. end of story :D)

Flynn                    Dalton

Preston                 Elliot/Eli

Cody                     James

Qualities I want to develop:

Funny

More Responsible

Sweeter

Bubbly

Intelligent

Cook

Become the best I can be

Be less awkward

Learn more on people’s view, ideals, and outlooks

Control Temper

Share more (SHARE-beliefs, Christ's love, candy, knowledge, food, materials, love, smiles, hugs, JOY)

Look at the brighter side of things

*I stole some of these from Rachel. And Rachel, by the way, I realized how your goals apply to me!  

How I want to be proposed to:

Personally, I really don't care as long as it's somewhere like: where we had our first date, at the lake on a canoe at night, a park, or anywhere as long as it means something to us ya' know.

So yeah! That's a nice little sneak peak of what we are doing! We are sealing them up next Tuesday. (Aunt Sherri brought some pretty paper and ribbon to decorate our cans with. I'm so excited)

Angels on your pillow, <3
Maria-Ahna