Erica's Place

Wow... tomorrow is it! January 1, 2009... This is so unbelievable. I know that everyone is making their New Year's Resolutions, and I have already made one or two as well but, most of all I am just thankful that God has brought me through one more year! 22 down, who knows how many more to go! In the beginning of 2008 I NEVER would have imagined me being anywhere I am today but I am glad that I did *I am thankful for the privilege of being able to put my life in God's hands and Him leading me through the year *I am so thankful for all the supportive people in my life especially immediate family *I too am thankful for the meaningful friendships of Nicole, Sarah, and Bekki (without them I don't know what I would do! My good morning and good night friends that have stuck with me through thick and thin! Although I do miss my Nicole and Sarah so much, even more as the New Year begins). *I am thankful for IBC, without this experience I would not have been able to begin to prepare ...

I can't believe it is almost 2009! That is seriously SO hard for me to realize! 2008 was pretty hard for me to conceive too! Seeing I accidentally wrote a check to my dad for June 2007 when it was June 08! LOL Oh well! So much has happened this past year! I have sadly lost contact with some friends, but in the process have gained some incredible friends! I graduated with my BA, and then went right on into Bible College! Being independent isn't all it's cracked up to be! Lol. But all in all. It has been a wonderful year, sure I have had my fair share of tears, and laughs. I went from making GOOD money, to making NOTHING! And all I can say is, I am blessed! God has had His hand upon me through it all. It has been such an experience being able to be at Bible College, one thing that I will NEVER forget, and I am praying that I'll be able to finish up the year. I have had many people at church teasingly say that they don't believe I belong in Indiana and that I should co...

As promised here are the pictures from Christmas Day. Also, we went over to the Sablan's today for a delicious dinner! So here are some pictures from that too

So, one might assume that because I have been home for 2 weeks now, I would be blogging a lot more than I have, I mean... Normally I WOULD be blogging a lot more, however, I haven't and don't really have an excuse! So the week of Christmas was quite fun!! We went shopping A LOT! And I spent most evenings at home with the family, and making presents! Bekki and I exchanged presents Christmas Eve and then went shopping! Lol she is so wonderful to me! I was actually shopping for a present for Justin to give to my mom! What a wonderful sister I am! Then when I got home, I had to finish making my Mom's present (a family scrapbook) and after than wrapped a few presents of mine, and then wrapped Justin's presents for him! What a nice sister! LOL So needless to say, Christmas Eve and Christmas day was just wonderful. So very relaxing! I prepared the turkey and helped my Mom with the rest of the dinner, and it all was so wonderful! We are blessed! We spent the rest of the day rel...

So I have been home for a full week now! It has been wonderful! But, I still need to find a way to get money before I go back to school. If I can... But I am just leaving it up to God! Sunday was so wonderful! I loved being at my church again. I have missed it so much. Sometimes in bigger churches where you really don't know anyone, it can get kind of lonely, but in our church (which has grown a lot while I have been gone) it is so easy to worship and fellowship! This week has flown by SO fast! I have been able to sleep in every day! Well sleep in til around 10 means that it is 1 Indiana time, but I think I am growing accustomed to PST now. Monday night, Bekki and I went shopping. I've missed her so much! She is so fun! Tuesday night, my brothers and I went to the College and Career Class party! Good food and fun games! And I discovered a talent I never knew I had! LOL Wednesday I went shopping with my Mom and found... 1 thing! LOL She found some stuff for me, but now I only ha...

Well... I am HOME!!!!! I would say I was in Sunny California.... but it isn't too sunny today! Lol, but it is MUCH warmer than Indiana. It was about 20-30* and snowing when we left yesterday! Well this week passed so fast. I was done with my last final by 10:15 Wednesday morning, and I turned in my paper by 11:30 then headed to lunch. I ended up sitting around with Kyle, Matt and Jordan Stumbo til around 2 since none of us had any more finals or anything to do in general. The guys were playing their guitars and writing silly songs for their A6 band. It was fun. That day just flew by, I sat around watching friends playing games then Justin and I headed to church at 6:30. After service I ended up playing games in Theresa's room with Cheryl for about 3 hours! It was a blast. Thursday felt SO GOOD! I didn't wake up til 11:30, and met Cheryl and we headed to lunch and then again everyone just sat around talking and having fun. I went to my room and started packing. Jason dropped...

RULE ONE: Grab one of the books closest to me, go to page 56, type the fifth line and the next two to five lines that follow. RULE TWO: Pick five people who love books and who could receive the Bookworm award with honor. "They couldn't hide their crime because the very nature of their offense was to be seen underneath their picture just over their shirt pocket. It seemed an awkward thing to do -- my praying in the open yard and joining street meetings with other men. And yet, I dared not wait for time served to begin serving God. I felt I had to take a stand and make my decision at once." How High My Mountain - An Autobiography By Carl Joseph Ballestero (well what do you know! It's my Grandpa! This is the first book I saw in the living room!) I tag... no ONE! LOL the ones I would tag have already been tagged! Just thought I would follow through with this post!

Well, it is so weird, but true... I am almost done with the Fall Semester here at IBC. It is kind of sad, because I hear a lot of people may not be coming back especially some people that I have grown close to. However, I also hear that there will be about 30 new students coming in January. So there are a lot of people just hanging out while studying. So Finals for me started yesterday morning at 8 AM. I had a Dictation final with Bro. Gordon, then I had a three hour break, so I went back to bed for a while! Lol. I had my 2nd final at noon and was pleased to find out we were able to grade it there and I got an A on it. Then I found out last night that I was exempt from having to take my Music Theory final. That was so nice to know. There was quite a few people hanging out in the lobby studying for the 8 AM final that was this morning. I originally had two finals at 8, but I was exempt from one of them, so after the final we had a break and then had our final chapel, which Bro. Mooney p...

So since Thanksgiving... I have had such a busy week!!! We had our Freshman class Christmas party on Tues which was really fun, and then had Deck the Dorms on Wed after service, which was also a blast. We have had so many projects due and some surprise finals... It has been crazy! Last night was the banquet and it was SO much fun! It seems to be the LEAST boring week of my life! lol tonight is the Music Dept Christmas party. So I plan on having fun for that too... There are a few pics on the slide show you may be wondering what on earth... mainly the hallway ones... Yes that is water... My roommate decided she wanted to "steam" her banquet dress yesterday in the bathroom and turned the hot water in our sink on and left the room. One thing you must realize is that these sinks are quite old, and clog really easily so unless you keep the power of water coming out of the faucet on low, it will overflow quite easy! I had no clue any of this was happening, I was in Cheryl's roo...

As you can either tell, or as most of you know so well... I am a Christmas girl inside and out. Christmas means so very much to me, it is what I look forward to all year around and then what I start missing immediately when it is gone. But like everyone knows, Christmas is not just a day, or a season, it is what you make of it and what is in your heart. I love to celebrate the Lord's birth, and I love the spirit of giving; I always have. But it is more than just giving and receiving, it is more than just a day set aside to celebrate Jesus' birth. It is believing that Jesus lived, died and is alive again, it is believing that no matter what may come every day can be just like Christmas to you and me. It is the hope for a better future, it is the love of family, friends and knowing how much you are loved by God as well. It is the child-like faith in the SPIRIT of Christmas itself.. This song following is one of my favorite songs... Josh Groban sings it and it has such a beautiful...

Wow.... This holiday has already come and gone... The three of us kids got here around 5 on Wednesday, and we had dinner and a relaxing time with my Aunt Carlene, then Yesterday was so tiring (especially for my poor Aunt). Each of us kids had cooking projects to do, as well as trying to make sure everything got set out properly. We got to eat lunch/dinner around 3 and it was ABSOLUTELY DELICIOUS! Then we all relaxed for about an hour and a half until Uncle Marty and Aunt Marcia showed up! Michael came over as well, and we all had pie, and then later after Uncle Marty and Aunt Marcia went to their hotel (compliments of Michael) we played Wii and Scattergories (spelling?) and then had leftovers! Yum! It was a pretty relaxing evening! Today we slept in a bit and then were up (me unfortunately with Sinus problems and a headache/migraine) and we went with Uncle Marty, Aunt Marcia, and Aunt Carlene to Hana Yori.... YAY I FINALLY GOT THE NAME RIGHT lol! It was SOOOO good I love restaurants th...

I know Christmas is a month from today, and I thought I would give you my favorite reading... I know we don't believe in Santa Claus, but it is the THOUGHT of the Santa Claus spirit that is alive in us today, and in the celebration of Christ's birth. It is definitely not about the gifts, it is what is inside you.... Sigh... Christmas! So here goes! Is There a Santa Claus? From the Editorial Page of The New York Sun, written by Francis P. Church, September 21, 1897 We take pleasure in answering thus prominently the communication below, expressing at the same time our great gratification that its faithful author is numbered among the friends of The Sun: "Dear Editor--I am 8 years old. "Some of my little friends say there is no Santa Claus. "Papa says, 'If you see it in The Sun, it's so.' "Please tell me the truth, is there a Santa Claus? Virginia O'Hanlon 115 W...

This weekend was rather eventful, We had a Basketball tournament Friday, and I went to that, but didn't stay the whole time because I wasn't feeling so great, then that night I had sign team practice at 10... It was just 5 of us for the longest time because quite a few people including the director went out to eat after the tournament... They showed up around 10:45. But practice went well, and I found out once the director got there that I was going to be doing a part of the first verse on Lord You're Holy, as well as all the ad-libbing... Lol so I was there til almost midnight. So, on Saturday, I lounged around, cleaned and then I once again babysat for the same family from before. The children were once again angels. The youngest was NOT ready for bed when I put her in bed though, so I kept going up there trying to put her to sleep, lol at one point I could hear her singing her ABC's(I heard all this through the baby monitor in her room)as loud as she could. She is on...

It will be worth it all, When we see Jesus Life's trials will seem so small When we see Christ One glimpse of His sweet face All sorrows will erase So may we run this race Til we see Christ. This was the song sung in chapel today. An old but VERY TRUE song. Some of you know what has been going on in our family and in my own life, but it just seemed like bad things keep happening and life was just getting overwhelming to me. But yesterday, after a rather teary talk with my mom about the insurance and braces and money in general she calls them... and somehow gets them to do what she wants! So it looks like I may get my braces off (In Jesus Name I will at least) while I am home for break. Then I started worrying about other things this morning... And once again Mom came through for me... Thanks Mom! Then Chapel begins... And this song is sung, and I started thinking how true this is. We will not remember ONE thing from our life on earth. All we will see is Jesus and His goodness. ...

So I know I know, I am not in chorale, I wish.. lol. But I went to my Aunt's to see them perform this last weekend. So it was an interesting weekend though... Friday night I babysat at one of the biggest houses I have ever been in, and I did not get back to the dorms from there until after one! It was crazy! But the kids were in bed by 10... They have 3 children. A 2 year old ADORABLE girl, an 8 year old girl, and an 11 year old boy... They have to be the most well mannered children I have met. They asked permission for EVERYTHING that they did and if I said no, they did not question me... I give kudos to those parents. They got themselves ready for bed no questions asked, and when I put the 2 year old to bed (after reading her a fun book) she only asked for her tubby which is actually an Anne Geddy *spelling?* baby that she thinks is a teletubby... and then she went right to sleep... It was a VERY quiet night, and they live practically in the country. So it was a little scary too ...

If you are hurting not knowing what to do If you are wondering how to make it through The darkness that has come is not here to last Even when you're hurting and your "perfect" life has cracked You may think there is no one that cares But there IS One upon whom or sorrows bear There are times when you can not see the way In those times you try but can not seem to pray You're hurting and hoping that the darkness will fade away It seems so overpowering, surely it can not stay There is something that YOU have to do You see my friend, YOU have to do it for YOU Don't you know that when you are crying God is crying too? He feels all the hurt and pain that you are going through. Remember as you travel through the darkest of night That morning WILL come and everything will be made right I've heard it said rain must fall into everyone's life But it is up to you to mourn or be blithe This is a poem that I started years ago but never quite finished... and I still hav...

So I didn't really have much time the last week to get my DeKalb pictures up. I went on yet another MSA trip this time to DeKalb, but with a few of the same people and some others. It was so much fun! I love small churches! So, I here are some pictures from DeKalb. So I got back from DeKalb around 2:30 Sunday night.... had tests the next day... Helped Justin record a song for his song writing class, practiced for and then went to a freshman chapel that evening and then had a mandatory meeting with Sis Mooney and all girls... I had not even STARTED to pack yet lol! The next day was Day apart and I was not sure what it was exactly except I knew it was no classes and I was going to skip all together til Cheryl texted me that it was mandatory attendance for the meetings at 11 and 5... So I ran down to breakfast and went to the meeting, signed in... and after the meeting went upstairs to pack! I flew out that night for Cali! It was so good to be home even for one night. West Coast was a...

So! This week has been so very busy! I just realized that I have not stayed home on a weekend for a long time! And I won't for a while still! LOL This past weekend 14 of us (Cody Smith, Cheryl Blevins, Daniel Blevins, Jon Crissey, Rema Duncan, Ashley Stigleman, Jason, Justin, Lauren Moore, Teryla Erwin, Kristen Hammond, Jeff Bryant,Lindsey Short, and I [oh and Kristen's boyfriend Josh met us there]) headed out on a MSA(Ministerial Student Association) trip (of sorts). When we go on this kind of a trip, the IBC students pretty much take over the services for the church we are helping. IBC students will lead in worship, in preaching and in the altar call as well. It was so fun! I drove up and back with Teryla, Ashley, and Jermaine.... we had the best car! LOL. Friday we drove the 5 hour drive and then ate dinner at the church and immediately started practicing til.... who knows when, then went to Cheryl's house and all of us took turns playing games. Then we kicked the guys o...

So it's been a week since I have posted and I figured that I may as well post since I have time on my hand (even though I am leaving tomorrow for an unofficial MSA trip and haven't packed yet! LOL) so I was talking to my Mom and told her what I wanted to post so I will not let her down! Just to let you know. My experience at IBC so far has been wonderful. I have the same ups and downs, good days and bad days that I would probably have back in Cali... All in all it has been an incredible experience, so I figured I would post this.... Some things that I have learned in my short time here at IBC 1. Drama is still going to happen whether you expect it or not 2. Some people will still only become friends with you just cuz you have cute brothers (well not JUST because....) 3. You DO get a roommate (thankfully I have an incredible one) 4. You get hardly any sleep 5. I am a wonderful creation (LOL part of the women of the Bible homework is to say that constantly!) 6. Bro Rodenbush does...

So... Today we (Michael, Aunt Carlene, Jason, Justin and of course me) went to Chicago for the day. We spent about 6 HOURS in the Science and Industry Museum... There was so much to see... I was so tired by the time we left though. After we left, we went to Maggianos downtown... The food was so good... The traffic was a REAL experience! LOL Thank God I didn't drive. Aunt Carlene and Michael both took time out of their schedules and paid for it all, they are so wonderful! It made it all the more worth it to go. I wanna go back and see the city again... Who knows when I will be able to. But here are a few pictures from our day!

So... If you are wondering what is going on in my life, and most of you know I am on Fall Break, and were wondering why I haven't posted.... I AM ENJOYING BEING LAZY! LOL This week is Fall Break (for those of you who skimmed over the former sentences!) and my brothers and I drove up to my Aunt Carlene's in South Bend for the week. It has been so nice being able to lounge around the house! Jason and I drove up Friday, and Justin came up Saturday due to a Praise performance in Tennessee. Saturday evening we had some friends over from Christ Temple in South Bend, and from my Aunt's church in Michigan. We had so much fun playing Liar, and bowling on Wii. Sunday we went to Church at my Aunt's church, and Sunday night sang there... Jason played and sang, Justin rocked out on his guitar, and me... I just stood there and mouthed the words! LOL JUST kidding! I sang... Everyone there is so nice to us. They said they were glad to have us "home"! LOL Jason, J...

I so loved this!

So tonight I honestly had such a blast! It was the annual Hayfest Social for IBC at a camp grounds called Coffey Grounds (Not a coffee place Sarah! LOL). There were prizes for best dressed so Cheryl suggested that we get a group together and dress up... They picked the Scooby Do Gang... And dress up we did! We all went ALL out. I was Scooby, Jason was Shaggy, Cheryl was Velma, Preston Keller was Fred, Ashley Stigleman was Daphne, and Daniel was the Mystery Machine! LOL It was so much fun AND we won the best dressed group prize!!! They had games, had a bonfire going, roasted marshmallows and hot dogs, made s'mores and at the end had like 15 minute hayrides! It was so much fun and we came off the ride with so much hay stuck to us! Needless to say it was fun! Hope you enjoyed the pictures!

Hide me now, under your wings, Cover me, within your mighty hand. When the ocean rise and thunders roar, I will soar with you above the storm. Father, you are king over the flood, I will be still and know you are God! Find rest my soul, in Christ alone. Know His power, in quietness and trust. When the ocean rise and the thunder roar I will soar with you above the storm Father, you are king over the flood, I will be still, and know you are God! Listen to it click here (love the slideshow) Today in chapel they sang this song. The worship leader talked first of natural disasters and then storms that we go through in our life. And it sometimes seems so hard to just be still... It is as if you have to take care of your problems immediately. But what I have forgotten is that no matter what happens or what I go through... He is God and He has a plan for me and no matter what storms come my way He knows what is best for me and all I have to do is remember that, and know that He will allow me ...

So this past week has been pretty tiring, but fun! We had normal classes Monday and Tuesday and then had chapel Wednesday through Friday mornings at 9 and immediately after would head out til 1 doing outreach, some of us going on bread runs, and some students went and held jail services. We had some late night practices for choir and sign team, and then IBC Choir, Praise and Sign Team performed last night, downtown at the Circle. It went over really well. Then today Calvary Tabernacle hosted a Block Party in their parking lot with contests and attractions, and of course food and music. IBC Sign Team and Praise performed today. I forgot my camera today, but as you can see I remembered to take pictures last night!!! LOL. So tomorrow, Chorale is performing in the morning and choir at night. Today I have nothing really planned. I just got back from the block party, cleaned my room and am sitting here posting and listening to Odyssey! I am looking forward to relaxing. I can not wait til we ...

Well.... So Yesterday (my first day of doing my diet) went really well. It was my fruit day! And the cabbage soup was so yummy! I was not regretting it one bit.... Then I went to sleep and woke back up, *Sigh* I realized that this week is Reality Week and there is going to be a lot of outreach and working for miscellaneous things around town, and it will be hard enough for me to eat in general than it would be to eat per plan! *Sigh* so I caved!!!! So long Cabbage soup diet! I give up, however, I am going to try to stay off of sweets, coffee, and soda (I type this with caffeine withdrawals as it is!) for the rest of the week. So we shall see how THAT goes! To all those who think I am a slacker.... well I guess I am in a way, but I worked out last night, and then played tennis for almost 2 hours and then worked out again tonight... So I am going to follow my Mom's diet advice, stay away from soda/coffee (won't be consistent in that... I'll want it at LEAST once a week), eat ...

So... First things first. I had so much fun at Ashley's house and her church is so neat, and tonight's service was just incredible. We got back right before curfew tonight! The main reason I am writing this post.... Is to let everyone know that once again I am going on the infamous cabbage soup diet!!! Infamous for many reasons lol! I told myself I would never do it again I know! But I am actually excited! Ashley and I went shopping for it Saturday night, and her mom made the cabbage soup for us. I am wondering if it will last the whole week, but if not, I will just keep up with the day by day diet part! Lol. I will keep you updated!

So I keep meaning to post, because I really do love to blog, but things just keep coming up that get in the way. This past week has been fairly busy during the day, but the night life is kinda sorta dying down. I mean, I have broken curfew twice, but each time it was a desperate necessity! LOL Well... kind of. I have had more relax time lately though, I am starting to enjoy, although I still do stay up really late (or early lol). Well, Sunday's service was so long.. It was good but incredibly long. They did not put Bro Jerry Jones up to preach until 9:45. But, he was done by 10:15 and we were leaving by 10:30. Monday flew by, and Tuesday was my first Ortho appointment, and we were supposed to meet my Aunt Carlene, but unfortunately that didn't work out so we rescheduled! Tuesday's chapel, however, was so incredible. It was one of those services that you won't forget for a long time. Wednesday was a pretty boring day, Thursday, I went to class, had another orthodontist a...

It just seems like everything is going by so fast! A lot went on this last week, mainly school stuff. I went to play tennis with a few others on Monday (I AM HORRIBLE!), Tuesday and Wednesday chapels were so incredible, as was Wednesday night service. Thursday was Justin's birthday (Hence all of the 2 pictures lol), us three kids went to Red Lobster for dinner mmmmmmmm it was so so good! Last night was the concert for Calvary's Anniversary services. It went really well and then after the mass choir finished singing, the Holy Ghost fell down! God is so good! Last night afterwards was curfew ball, always entertaining! Lol. Today was pretty lazy, yet busy, I woke up did my laundry, went to lunch, went to our first sign team meeting, came back to my room being a disaster (we ended up rearranging the whole room) and went to Walmart. Right now I am waiting on the boys to come pick me up so we can go eat Japanese food!!! I can't wait. We are going out with a bunch of Justin's ...

So, Yesterday and today have been rather interesting. Lol... wish I could say never a dull moment, but there has been lol! So Wednesday night service was good! Then Thursday morning I had an 8 o'clock class (ugh!) and had classes all day with only 2 periods off. One before 10 and one around lunch time. But I am so loving the classes. Then Thursday afternoon, I sat around while the A6 Superheroes band rearranged the student lobby and set up their instruments and sound system. Then prayer started at 8. Each prayer service just seems to become more and more powerful. God is so good! Then the Casual kickoff social started at 9:30... A6 played the whole time pretty much. There were people playing ping pong and there was pizza and drinks and there were even people playing wii. It was so crowded after awhile. I kept having to walk outside. I so missed it. Justin was playing with A6 (there are 6 of them [duh lol] it is Jordan Stumbo (lead singer), Justin (guitarist), Matthew Corbitt (bass)...

The saying is so true. Time flies when you are having fun. And just to let all of you know, no socializing is NOT the only thing I do here. One thing I am proud to brag about is my piano practice time. I may not be the best piano player in the world, but I am having a love/hate relationship with the pieces of music that my piano teacher Sis. Tamera Gordon gives me. She recently gave me a harder note piece to work on, and it looks much harder than it is. I end up practicing over an hour some days, and not all in the same time, my friends say (and I quote) "I hate you! You are always practicing the piano, show off!" While I have had others say "Erica you are my hero, everytime I see you, you are practicing". Lol.... I just had to break down and brag on me... Sorry lol. But not only that, I spend a lot of time in classes and practices. Last night I had practice at 10pm and it went past curfew, and the night before we practiced starting at 9:30. Lol everyone was asking ...

Ok, I so wish I could say I took pictures.... I didn't. Sorry!! I had so much fun the past few days. It has been rather busy. Thursdays are my full day in school with the exception of one free period and lunch, I go straight from class to class. I so love the classes that I am in. Thursday afternoon I don't really remember what I did (this is why I need to post more often so that I remember what I am going to say!) But we had to be at the church at 6 for choir practice. That night we sat in the choir loft (it is kind of hard to hear up there) there was 2 preachers (one was Bro. Mullings) so we sang before each one. Then Friday morning... I got a little sick, right before service so we were running a little late, there was 3 preachers and they were all so incredible (I would say the names but I would so SO butcher them) and then we had time to eat, I practiced the piano, took a half hour nap, ate dinner with Jason, Justin and co. and then hurried to get ready to be on time for c...

So since I last posted (Saturday afternoon), I have had a rather boring yet busy week! Saturday evening a few of us went over to Chris and Leah's house to play games and have dessert. That night I remembered I left the car over at the guys dorms and had already walked back to the school, none of my girl friends were around and I decided to go ahead and run over to the guys dorms to grab the white car (and get my water bottles out of the trunk) well come to find out, I had a lot of angry friends once they found out what I had done, lol that was my excitement for Saturday night! Sunday was Family Day for Calvary, so they held services at CCS (Calvary Christian School) right down the street from IBC (Where we play curfew ball on Friday nights). We had a casual Sunday so the IBC choir wore black and denim, it was fun. Then I went home took a nap (surprising!) and got ready for church in Connersville since there was no church in Indy. My Uncle Martyn Ballestero preached that night on ...

I can't believe how bad I've been at not posting! LOL I just never put time aside for it, and at night I am too tired by the time I get back to my room. I'm a failure! LOL So... It has been an incredible week, in so many different ways. Wednesday was kind of full. I woke up a little late, but made it down to class on time. Bro Mooney is so neat. I love his class. Chapel was incredible. They pretty much had service with us standing up at the altar, when Bro Romine was ready to preach he let us sit down, but it was all just so incredible. Immediately afterward, Kayla and I were deceived into going to help for "an hour or so" (Chris Henderson's interpretation of how long it would take) at Calvary to stuff about 2200 envelopes.... We got there around 12:30, and we got back to the school closer to 4:15. LOL so then right after, Kayla and I went running up and down the street by the guys dorms and then came back and got ready for church. Thursday was a pretty busy d...

So, first I would like to say that Sarah is no longer my roommate. She switched rooms with Breana, who was my suitemate. No it had NOTHING to do with me. Breana and Rebecca just talked it over and decided Breana would come over here. So anyway, yesterday, classes were so good, and after school we ate, and went to Walmart (where we were forever because Micole lost the money Rema, student body president/praise/espresso operator, had given her) and then headed down to the Circle. It was so much fun. Kayla and I jogged around it twice. And everyone else played tag (real mature hahaha but fun!) talked, went to the ice cream place, talked... LOL and then we ended up on the stairs of the monument listening to some guitarists playing. So after awhile, I went up and sat next to the girls sitting by the guitarists and all of a sudden look over and see this kinda scary looking man coming my way staring at me. So I nervously smile, and he comes all the way up to me (he had friends with him but the...

So obviously I have not been on here in almost a week! Oops sorry everyone! So just an overview of last week. We started regular classes on Wednesday. I only have one class on Wed and Fridays (not even the same class lol) and Wednesday chapel was absolutely amazing. Thursday was a full day for me with going from class to class. I am so loving all of the classes. Since I am a Freshman I take equal Music and Theology classes and I LOVE the Theology classes. Bro Mooney is one of my teachers and he is so neat! Thursday night Student Body Prayer was so awesome. I haven't been to a prayer meeting that powerful in a long time. The music was on for a while and then they turned it off and the Holy Ghost fell! On Friday night I went to what is called curfew ball. We went to Calvary Christian School at 11 and played until 2 am. The guys played basketball and guys and girls played volleyball. I was so confused because they only play with 6 on the court at all times so there was a lot of subbin...

So, today was a very nerve wrecking experience. As I have told you before I am a Music Major so therefore *that was so for Nicole's benefit* I had to try out for IBC Chorale. I couldn't think of anything else for the most part of today, well except for how uncomfortable those seats are in the Chapel lol! We were once again in there from 8:20-2pm. My audition time was at 3 pm so as soon as we got out of orientation, I ran up to my room to practice, and then spent some time in the lobby acting totally nervous. Micole, Jordan Stumbo, and Justin had me laughing so hard (and then I had myself laughing as well) I honestly think it was mainly nerves, but Jordan was so NOT comforting on exactly how the tryouts were going to go. So I finally had to leave and went talked to the soundmen and within about a half an hour I was up there singing and a few minutes later thanking God that it was over! I have never been that nervous in most of my days lol! So after that I sat around talking til...

Ok so it won't be as exciting of a post that I wanted. I actually wanted more pictures but we shall see what I come up with. So I am TOTALLY ENJOYING IBC LIFE! I got here Thursday and set up (as you already know). I spent the night alone Thursday night in my dorm room which was kinda scary but because I was so tired after helping them clean the chapel I crashed. Friday was CRAZY! I met my roommate Sarah Farren and one of my suitemates (we are connected to another room by a bathroom) Rebecca Adams. I spent most of the day downstairs registering for classes and going through financial registration (took me 2 and 1/2 hours to wait in line to get into the financial office). Then immediately afterwards (around 5) Jason, Justin, Jordan Stumbo (he is a missionary's kid from RUSSIA!), John Chrissy and me all went out to Cracker Barrel that was my first meal that day, and it was delicious! So then I kept running to Walmart to get stuff. I made so many Walmart and Target runs in the pas...

Well guess what? I'm here! I spent the last few days at my Aunt Carlene's in my hometown and yesterday we went around town some. Stopped at Notre Dame and took a drive down memory lane. Lol aka Union Ave where I grew up. I have pictures but I don't have internet yet. We also went shopping for bedding and clothes! Fun fun fun! Today Justin and I left my Aunt's a little before 11 and pulled into Indy around 2. I was starved I hadn't eaten but needed to unpack so with the help of a friend we got everything to my room in a fairly quick manner (omw I have SO MUCH STUFF!!). And then Justin and I went out and grabbed a late lunch then I hit walmart came back cleaned and cleared and tried to organize my room. Then went to the store again. And now am waiting in my room to go eat with my brothers at 8. I have 10 more minutes to go! Lol. So I am txting this post once again. And am hoping that I can post pictures tomorrow! Yay! I register tomorrow but I'm already all moved ...

So I imagine most everyone back home is getting ready for... PEAK! Lol... While I on the other hand... am NOT lol. I am here in South Bend lazing around until it is time to head down to Indianapolis to register. Jason leaves tomorrow and Justin and I leave either Thursday or early Friday morning to register and move into the dorms. YAY!!! So yesterday was fairly uneventful. We went to my Aunt Carlene's church in Dewagac Michigan, about 45 minutes away from her house. If I haven't told you before it is a whole new world here in the Midwest. Lol anyway, my aunt made us a delicious Sunday dinner and scrumptious pie... which after eating she *helped* me decide it was time for a healthier eating experience. Lol So I am going to TRY to eat healthier. Not sure how it will work out but who knows! So today has been a really lazy day! I had a headache from too much sleep... But migraine medication took care of that! lol while on the other hand back home... my mom went through the pain o...

So now I am **Officially** 3 hours ahead of all of you Californians! It is a bittersweet feeling! I am so glad to be out of the car and my Aunt Carlene's house smells WONDERFUL! So, today started with a bang... lol ok not really but we woke up at 4 am Oklahoma time... So 2 am Cali time. and started out by 5 am and then hit Cracker Barrel for breakfast around 8:30. Then we got to my Grandma Marxer's by around 2 and went and visited with my Great Grandma Marxer (the earphones she has on is so that she can hear everything around her... like hearing aids... but not) and then went to eat with my Grandma and got back on the road... And arrived at my Aunt's at 11:25 Indiana time (8:25 Cali time)... Now I am half blogging and half watching Jason play bowling on the wii... it is EXTREMELY entertaining. I'll probably be worse... the above pictures were from our road trip hope you enjoyed them (and no those cows were NOT the cows I thought were deer the cows I mistook for deer wer...

So we ended up coming to Oklahoma City, Oklahoma instead of stopping in Texas. Today was a long drive full of a lot of road and very little exits! Lol! We ended up stopping for a late lunch early dinner in Amarillo, Texas at Red Lobster! Mmmm it was so good! We are 2 hours ahead of California time so it is 6:45 there and 8:45 here. We pulled into Oklahoma City around 8. And tried to empty out most of the car. And then tried to get internet to work so I could post pictures from today... No such luck and I don't want to try anymore. Lol I just want bed right now! Lol but its kinda hard with both brothers on the phone lol! Ill post the pictures sometime soon hopefully!!!

So we THOUGHT we would be leaving tomorrow. Guess what.... It is 9:20 something or other and we are already on the road. Barely passing the 215 on the 15 heading up to the 40. It was so hard saying our goodbyes! So I tried to post on my brothers laptop using his air card but no it wouldn't work for me! HMPH! So I am txting it onto my blog. A little awkward but hey it works lol! So we are planning on driving all night til we reach Amarillo Texas (spelling?) and then stopping for an hour to rest then heading on to St Louis where we will spend tomorrow night and then go see my grandma. So were looking at about 26 hours not including the hour to 2 hour stop we will make in Texas! So we need your prayers! Each one of us will drive 2 hours and then have 4 hours off. Hopefully it will work! Ill keep you all updated!

So service tonight was cool for so many different reasons... One is that it was my last service for awhile so it was special! Another is that all three of us Marxer kids were in the group that sang. Chantel asked Jonathan Pierce and me to sing with her, Jana played keyboard, Justin rocked out on the guitar, and Jason on the bass! We did IBC's Hosanna. It went very well! I was planning on taking TONS of pictures..... and as you can see, it just didn't work out! LOL, so the story behind me wanting a picture with the three girls is from left to right it is Amanda Thomas, Emilee Thomas, me, and Vanessa Sanchez. Those three girls are such babydolls! I taught them in Preschool my last year teaching at LCA. I love them so much. Vanessa's mom was my friend/coworker/Starbucks-addict-along-with-me. She taught Kindergarten on the other side of the classroom. Vanessa for some reason was so much more attached to me than the others. I felt bad leaving her. lol and then Amanda wouldn'...

So now we only have 3 more days and then we leave... Wednesday, Thursday, and then we leave Friday morning, early!! I have been busy running around doing... not too sure what lol. Yesterday I really didn't do too much actually, Heather and I went and both got pedicures. It was so cool (EXCEPT the guy cut Heather's toe!!!). Before that I had to do a little running around... Really just picking up my Mom from the car shop LOL! Then I stayed home kinda packing a little... redoing my lists.... and then sent out a bunch of "Come to volleyball or else" txts (hehe) and then went to volleyball and kinda sorta ruined my pedicure! Lol.. no worries tho, since they sent home the stuff they used! So, today... We got ready and left for L.A. Garment District hit up some suit stores for the guys and then finally it was Erica time! Lol! we made a quick run down the Alley grabbed a purse, perfume, and then went to another store and got 2 tops I've been needing! When I came home a D...