Very shocking news: Mikka’s appendix burst, and she had to go to the hospital to have an emergency surgery and drainage. As of right now, she is recovering from surgery and is in significantly less pain. I just ask that she be in your thoughts and prayers, as she is so sweet and doesn’t deserve…
Teenagers, especially girls, have this habit of constantly comparing themselves to others. I don’t think I know a single person who hasn’t felt that longing at some point, wishing they had someone else’s life or appearance. It’s just part of living in a world of flesh. But here’s the thing: Today at church, the pastor…
Because yesterday’s post featured my strange least favorites, here are my favorite things that most people think are strange or unconventional. Avocado Everyday I love avocados, they are my absolute favorite fruit. Read all about it in my avocado love letter. In short: healthy, delicious, practical. I think everyone could easily carry an avocado with…
I am a generally positive person, but there are somethings that I absolutely cannot deal with. Call me weird, but if you really think about it, these pet peeves are totally valid. Opening Containers of Refrigerated Dairy Sour cream, yogurt, cheese, you name it, I am terrified of refrigerated dairy, especially if it has been…
Last year, my friend Charlie got hit by an ATV. Read more… This year, I was praying for a peaceful and fun 4th of July with my friends without any injuries. Luckily, the day ran smoothly and concluded with awesome fireworks. I went to my friend’s house and watched the boys play basketball for a…
Kinley and I were baking the other day and stumbled upon a perfect way to make healthy pie crust, filling, and topping without any refined sugar or artificial ingredients. This is about as healthy as you can get without making the pies taste weird. Crust 1 cup flour 1/2 cup softened butter or coconut oil…
Emily was the greatest joy for our family, and we miss her so much! I want to gather as many people as possible to urge her mom to let her come back. Please, in the comments below, share your favorite Emily stories and why she needs to return to the U.S. to finish high school….
Dearest Emily, It’s quiet here now. Too quiet. There’s a silence in the halls where there used to be slipper shuffles. The fridge still opens, but nothing falls out onto the floor anymore, and I know it sounds dumb, but I miss that, and the “whoops…” afterwards. And your room feels like it’s holding its…
This year with Emily has been absolutely amazing. I couldn’t have asked for a better match. Unfortunately, this exchange year has come to an end. Olga is on her way back to Germany as we speak, and Emily will be right behind her. Emily, you will be missed, but you will always be my sister…
Today it rained! That was a first for June, and it was refreshing to see. Olga, Emily, and Mom are all in Seattle today, and my dad is working, leaving me home alone with a guitar, piano, and brainful of ideas. One of my favorite hobbies is songwriting, and I’m working on a few songs. Other…
Well, it’s Saturday, which means yesterday marked a full week of summer for me and my friends. We’ve been on so many adventures. With Olga here for only two weeks before Emily leaves, we are cramming the fun as much as we possibly can. Yesterday we went to Multnomah Falls and some farms in Hood…
Last night, Emily’s mom Olga flew into town for Emily’s last two weeks. She is so sweet and nice, and although she doesn’t speak English (Emily is our translator), she has been so fun to have around. Today as a family, we went to Fort Vancouver and learned about the history of the town. Everybody…