Dear Becca,
This past week has been a lil crazy craze, which is no legitimate excuse for my lack of posts, so forgive me. I'm slackin hard!
(Just a quick image: I cannot believe how much I'm sweating in the kitchen right now, it's gotta be 80 degrees in the house, and I can barely here my thoughts over Oprah hollerin bout the Oscars.)
Jericho Grayson Skogen, child of the covenant baptized in His name most Holy! The weekend was overwhelmingly sweet. I was continuously flushed with affection for all the many people we had venturing in and out of our house, neighborhood, and Pines. Lindsey's parents, Shelley, Mike and baby Banjo-man, Catie's Dad David, wife Cam and precious Grandmother all came in town for the occasion celebrated in typical glorious Skogen fashion. Chocolate cakes, truffles, pies, Mom's melvins, homemade rolls, dips, and various appetizers swelled into all three of the Skogen houses. No matter where I went, there was some aroma intense enough for me to succumb to indulging myself, (in the name of celebration of course). The weather was spectacular enough (Thank God!) for everyone to filter to the back deck/gazebo area, which has become such a blessed attribute! Babaganoosh bought a huge table and many comfortable chairs, making it a much desired place to fellowship. Julie and Scott Davenport (along with all six kids) made their way from Charlotte for the event, which was absolutely wonderful! I loved getting to see their family again, and their little girls Ellie and Bonnie are just precious. I have a feeling they are gonna be pretty ideal best friends in Peru.
The service itself was gorgeous. Joseph was a smiling devil up in front of the congregation. No doubt he spotted his section of fans, and just had to perform for them as if on stage. Being honest, I couldn't really focus on what was being said, his winning smile is just too charming. Poor Linds could barely keep him still, for when that boy gets the spotlight he can hardly contain his need to entertain.
I have so enjoyed the time I've got to spend with Caleb lately. Throughout the week many of the family was occupied with various things, and it made for some very fun, (funny) bro sis time.
Now this week is what has the jitters making their way inside me. Thursday night is girls night out for Catie, Bonnie and I. Ever since unwrapping those Brian Reagan tickets for Christmas, we all have been antsy to see him live. Then on Friday Amelia Crouch flies into Raleigh at 10:15am. The past year has been long without a single sight of her, so you can imagine how amped I am to see her bright, cheery lil face! That weekend I show her off to the Pines then of course Nueva York on Sunday! It's going to be the trip of the year, and quite the graduation gift. I'm bringing Catie's old camera, since mine broke (not that Amelia won't have her bajillion dollar professional photographer's camera) so I'll put some pictures captured by Moi next weekend.
Now that my hand is cramping and all I have covered is objective facts about my current life, I shall post again when I''m rested! (Frankly, putting off homework till after the Oscar's was just about the most dumb bunny thing I could have done.)
Love you dear
Sincerely,
Annie
P.s Stuntin Like Mufasa is a Lil Wayne song based off The Lion King... do not tell anyone I suggested it
Monday, February 28, 2011
Thursday, February 24, 2011
The other one
So it's about time you had a post by someone other then Annie. I know Annie is poetic and funny, so I'm going to try my hardest to be neither.
Do you remember me talking about an African Short-term Missions trip? There is a group from our church going to Kenya for 2 weeks in july, and they wanted me to join them; and i really wanted to go! But as we started the process and found out that it cost $3,600 we realized we couldn't afford it.
I was disappointed but not too bad. Then last week my Dad came home and said he got an anonymous letter saying that someone in our church wants to pay for my entire trip!!! I couldn't believe it and it still hasn't really sunken in. So yes! July 14-25th I'm going to Kenya. I'm excited, scared, nervous, anxious all in one. I woke up last night in the middle of the night having a panic attack.....Do they have coffee in Kenya??
Lord have mercy and let the answer be yes.
Here are a list of things that have happened recently.
-Lucy went into my room and ate an entire piece of chocolate cake.
Why there was chocolate cake in my room? Well...dont worry about it.
-I watched my Mom instant message my Dad
I laughed so hard.
-We watched American Idol last night at Catie and Calebs house.
Caleb made fun of everything the entire time. It was so great.
-My Dad has been gone all week for his classes, he gets back tomorrow!
Im so excited to see him.
-This morning i was looking for some change, and i found an old piece of cheese in annie's purse.
yeahhhhh
-Jericho has been smilinggg!! so much and so cute. Annie has a picture, ill tell her to send it to you.
-Joseph loves Justin Bieber. So does Lindsey. (:
Song of the day: Heard Ya Talkin' by Jeremy Kay
One of my favorite Pictures of him. So cute.
Lindsey titled this one "I think Jericho feels an invasion of personal space"
Looks like shes got some dance moves going. Love her.
Sincerely
~
B
"If we live, we live for the Lord; and if we die, we die for the Lord. So, whether we live or die, we belong to the Lord." ~Romans 14:8
Do you remember me talking about an African Short-term Missions trip? There is a group from our church going to Kenya for 2 weeks in july, and they wanted me to join them; and i really wanted to go! But as we started the process and found out that it cost $3,600 we realized we couldn't afford it.
I was disappointed but not too bad. Then last week my Dad came home and said he got an anonymous letter saying that someone in our church wants to pay for my entire trip!!! I couldn't believe it and it still hasn't really sunken in. So yes! July 14-25th I'm going to Kenya. I'm excited, scared, nervous, anxious all in one. I woke up last night in the middle of the night having a panic attack.....Do they have coffee in Kenya??
Lord have mercy and let the answer be yes.
Here are a list of things that have happened recently.
-Lucy went into my room and ate an entire piece of chocolate cake.
Why there was chocolate cake in my room? Well...dont worry about it.
-I watched my Mom instant message my Dad
I laughed so hard.
-We watched American Idol last night at Catie and Calebs house.
Caleb made fun of everything the entire time. It was so great.
-My Dad has been gone all week for his classes, he gets back tomorrow!
Im so excited to see him.
-This morning i was looking for some change, and i found an old piece of cheese in annie's purse.
yeahhhhh
-Jericho has been smilinggg!! so much and so cute. Annie has a picture, ill tell her to send it to you.
-Joseph loves Justin Bieber. So does Lindsey. (:
Song of the day: Heard Ya Talkin' by Jeremy Kay
One of my favorite Pictures of him. So cute.
Lindsey titled this one "I think Jericho feels an invasion of personal space"
Looks like shes got some dance moves going. Love her.
Sincerely
~
B
"If we live, we live for the Lord; and if we die, we die for the Lord. So, whether we live or die, we belong to the Lord." ~Romans 14:8
Saturday, February 19, 2011
"Um...were ya'll spooning?"
Dear Becca,
Saturdays are always memorable, and today made the top favorite list, not because anything ultra fun happened necessarily, but because I got to spend some quality time with the Skogen girls.
After a day of cleaning, Mom, Lindsey, Catie, Bonnie and I attended a single woman in our church's birthday party. Or what we thought was a birthday party. When we got there, we were handed a catalog of Spring collections, and clothing as well as detailed information on "What's hot this season". In addition to this souvenir, a lady rolled a cart of clothes out into the living room and spent over an hour saying things like "This Delicious Blazer is a must for every woman's closet!". At the end of each and every article of clothing being described and displayed, the lady says, "Now for the fun part! Who wants to play dress up?!". Of course Mom responds, "Girls why don't you try something on! Annie didn't you like those Caravan Pants?" She gave me the look...I couldn't say no... Needless to say I became a model and tried on multiple outfits from various collections. As much as my head was complaining, Mom made up for it by buying me the most flattering pair of Lou Lou gray wash jeans for my trip to New York in March, and for that I am very thankful.
I became extremely homesick this late afternoon while me and Bonnie walked around downtown Southern Pines. I kept picturing the Chattanooga streets, and when we passed a group of hippies smoking, I whined out loud about missing Fraiser. The day will come when we visit your apartment, eat at Sweet Pepper, and walk across the Market Street bridge together, and when it does I will be fulfilling a dream of a sort.
The Lord has brought so much blessing to us here in North Carolina; more than I ever imagined. When my discontent, ungrateful heart creeps into play, I only have to remind myself that not many people live right next to their sister in laws, let alone get along with them! I've been frustrated before with the fickleness of people and the ebbing and flowing of friendships, but with them I always have a trustworthy and everlasting relationship. Whether I need advice, to vent, a good time, or just the company of someone who loves me, they are always right down the street. I am always learning from them what it means to be a Godly daughter of Christ, in addition to the remarkable example I already have from my Mom!
Goodness, after writing this I am becoming more and more grateful. Thank you Becca for helping me cultivate a content and overwhelmed heart, once again.
Oh and P.S.
Bonnie babysat for a family in our church tonight and I went over to keep her company once the kids went to bed. Their house was so cold that me and Bonnie were snuggling on the couch under a blanket when they walked up to the door. I saw them looking in the window at us as they passed and I nudged Bonnie slyly and told her they were home. Of course she had to jump up WAY too abruptly while they were still looking making it one hundred times more awkward than it should have been...
When they came in they just laughed and said they hoped their girls would be that close someday...Bonnie and I laughed so hard once we got in the car.
Have a lovely Sabboth sister!
“Dear friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another. No one has ever seen God; but if we love one another, God lives in us and his love is made complete in us.” - 1 John 4:11-12
Sincerely,
Annie
Saturdays are always memorable, and today made the top favorite list, not because anything ultra fun happened necessarily, but because I got to spend some quality time with the Skogen girls.
After a day of cleaning, Mom, Lindsey, Catie, Bonnie and I attended a single woman in our church's birthday party. Or what we thought was a birthday party. When we got there, we were handed a catalog of Spring collections, and clothing as well as detailed information on "What's hot this season". In addition to this souvenir, a lady rolled a cart of clothes out into the living room and spent over an hour saying things like "This Delicious Blazer is a must for every woman's closet!". At the end of each and every article of clothing being described and displayed, the lady says, "Now for the fun part! Who wants to play dress up?!". Of course Mom responds, "Girls why don't you try something on! Annie didn't you like those Caravan Pants?" She gave me the look...I couldn't say no... Needless to say I became a model and tried on multiple outfits from various collections. As much as my head was complaining, Mom made up for it by buying me the most flattering pair of Lou Lou gray wash jeans for my trip to New York in March, and for that I am very thankful.
I became extremely homesick this late afternoon while me and Bonnie walked around downtown Southern Pines. I kept picturing the Chattanooga streets, and when we passed a group of hippies smoking, I whined out loud about missing Fraiser. The day will come when we visit your apartment, eat at Sweet Pepper, and walk across the Market Street bridge together, and when it does I will be fulfilling a dream of a sort.
The Lord has brought so much blessing to us here in North Carolina; more than I ever imagined. When my discontent, ungrateful heart creeps into play, I only have to remind myself that not many people live right next to their sister in laws, let alone get along with them! I've been frustrated before with the fickleness of people and the ebbing and flowing of friendships, but with them I always have a trustworthy and everlasting relationship. Whether I need advice, to vent, a good time, or just the company of someone who loves me, they are always right down the street. I am always learning from them what it means to be a Godly daughter of Christ, in addition to the remarkable example I already have from my Mom!
Goodness, after writing this I am becoming more and more grateful. Thank you Becca for helping me cultivate a content and overwhelmed heart, once again.
Oh and P.S.
Bonnie babysat for a family in our church tonight and I went over to keep her company once the kids went to bed. Their house was so cold that me and Bonnie were snuggling on the couch under a blanket when they walked up to the door. I saw them looking in the window at us as they passed and I nudged Bonnie slyly and told her they were home. Of course she had to jump up WAY too abruptly while they were still looking making it one hundred times more awkward than it should have been...
When they came in they just laughed and said they hoped their girls would be that close someday...Bonnie and I laughed so hard once we got in the car.
Have a lovely Sabboth sister!
“Dear friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another. No one has ever seen God; but if we love one another, God lives in us and his love is made complete in us.” - 1 John 4:11-12
Sincerely,
Annie
Friday, February 18, 2011
Sunshine Cleaning
Dear Becca,
I seriously have chocolate all over my hands and face right now. Dadgum Girl Scout cookies melted in my car but that did not stop me from attacking them when I got out of class.
This seventy-three degree whether had me skipping out the door this morning in (what I have learned throughout my day via many mocking classmates) a "way too springy outfit for February"... Needless to say my out-of-place halter dress goes well with my Justin Bieber backpack, so I threw the 'ole "You're going to a community college ya loser...." well ok I didn't say that. Point being: PRAISE GOD for this gorgeous weather!
Classes went well today, a whole lot faster than normal. It is Friday and of course that means my Spanish teacher (an Ewok with the thickest Puerto Rican accent I've ever heard) gave his weekly speech after class: "Bemember, today ees Friday, haf a gewd weekend, eef jou drink dont drive eef jou drive don't drink and stay away from bad eenfluences such as Skogen." Everyone laughs, I just throw my hands up. Where does he get his information?
Anyways, I'm working on a piece from Handel's Messiah to sing for baby Jericho's baptism at the end of the month, which is challenging, so pray I can produce an appropriate interpretation when the time comes. Tonight I am babysitting for Caleb and Catie! He called me he said they were going to a movie. You should have seen the offense on his face when I accused him of going to see Never Say Never. He didn't even laugh with me.
I have been a little anxious on the news and plans concerning my mission to Peru this summer, so if you could be in prayer that final preparations would be smoothly attained, and that my maturity level excels not just so my parents see that they aren't sending me to my death, but so that I am genuinely prepared for the challenge.
Today is a day for thanksgiving and joy!
Psalm 8 is appropriate for this post.
http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm+8&version=NIV
Sincerly,
Annie
I seriously have chocolate all over my hands and face right now. Dadgum Girl Scout cookies melted in my car but that did not stop me from attacking them when I got out of class.
This seventy-three degree whether had me skipping out the door this morning in (what I have learned throughout my day via many mocking classmates) a "way too springy outfit for February"... Needless to say my out-of-place halter dress goes well with my Justin Bieber backpack, so I threw the 'ole "You're going to a community college ya loser...." well ok I didn't say that. Point being: PRAISE GOD for this gorgeous weather!
Classes went well today, a whole lot faster than normal. It is Friday and of course that means my Spanish teacher (an Ewok with the thickest Puerto Rican accent I've ever heard) gave his weekly speech after class: "Bemember, today ees Friday, haf a gewd weekend, eef jou drink dont drive eef jou drive don't drink and stay away from bad eenfluences such as Skogen." Everyone laughs, I just throw my hands up. Where does he get his information?
Anyways, I'm working on a piece from Handel's Messiah to sing for baby Jericho's baptism at the end of the month, which is challenging, so pray I can produce an appropriate interpretation when the time comes. Tonight I am babysitting for Caleb and Catie! He called me he said they were going to a movie. You should have seen the offense on his face when I accused him of going to see Never Say Never. He didn't even laugh with me.
I have been a little anxious on the news and plans concerning my mission to Peru this summer, so if you could be in prayer that final preparations would be smoothly attained, and that my maturity level excels not just so my parents see that they aren't sending me to my death, but so that I am genuinely prepared for the challenge.
Today is a day for thanksgiving and joy!
Psalm 8 is appropriate for this post.
http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm+8&version=NIV
Sincerly,
Annie
Wednesday, February 16, 2011
Not a One Time Fever
Dear Becca,
I hope you feel a real sense of pride in me for fulfilling my word to you by creating this blog in dedication to keeping up with you. As much as I have said this in the past, I will continue to complain and admit that I truly dislike you not living here in the North Carolina Pines with me and my family. My absolute purpose in consistently blogging is to fill you in on every detail of my life that I so desperately wish you could be apart of. You may read on your own time, whether in the middle of class or middle of the night. (Oh the beauty of the world wide web.)
It would please you to know that Joseph walked around the house today shouting "I love Justin Bieber!". I told you the fever has spread like fire. In addition to his comment on "that beautiful guy", his favorite song just happens to be "Itty bitty bitty moe lover", which he now sings while shooting his apple-size, yellow Nerf basketball into the 8 foot goal that used to be on our concrete basketball court at Hickory Lane. I had the joy of spending a good seven hours with him and Lindsey while Jacob was in Charlotte on Tuesday. Lindsey and I both fell asleep on the couch during nap time, and of course I woke up to her serving me pound cake and hot tea. I know you just got really jealous, so repent Becca, repent. Her company is more enjoyable and beneficial than I could ever express. Such a countenance, I love her more and more.
So enough with the jealous-worthy experiences, I'd much rather share with you my deep thoughts for the day. Get ready, I'm pretty profound...
Bonnie and I have had a lot of time to discuss issues in our life; everything from Youth Group stuff, school work, friends/buds, spirituality, family, and Justin Bieber's killer smile.
As far as convictions, I'll share my latest, and that is the tendencies one has having grown up in a Christian home. I know that sounds mundane. I know that sounds far from exiting, or new or shocking, but Becca I'm gonna be straight with you, I am an amazing speaker. Whoa, cocky much right?
What I mean is that I know how to speak deeply, convincing and even eloquently. You might come to me with a concern, and I can quickly convince you I am in a wonderful place, and even impress you in the process. Its almost automatic. Now how terrible is that. The truth is, I feel messy. I feel scattered, sloppy and unorganized in my school, relationships spirituality, and even my bedroom. I read my Bible with no inspiration, I do my homework but I don't really try, I talk with my parents but not openly, and I respond to acquaintances with hardly a thought to how I can help them better obey, love, and serve the Almighty. I tell you this only so you know exactly how to pray for me, I desperately need it sister.
Pray the Holy Spirit interferes with my C- attitude, my mixed up priorities and my lazy habits. Pray good influences come more often than bad, and that temptation ceases to so constantly present itself.
With the end of this first post I will add that I was telling my friend about you today, and got a little emotional. How I miss you all the friggin time.
Psalm 16:8 I have set the LORD always before me: because he is at my right hand, I shall not be moved.
Sincerely,
Annie
I hope you feel a real sense of pride in me for fulfilling my word to you by creating this blog in dedication to keeping up with you. As much as I have said this in the past, I will continue to complain and admit that I truly dislike you not living here in the North Carolina Pines with me and my family. My absolute purpose in consistently blogging is to fill you in on every detail of my life that I so desperately wish you could be apart of. You may read on your own time, whether in the middle of class or middle of the night. (Oh the beauty of the world wide web.)
It would please you to know that Joseph walked around the house today shouting "I love Justin Bieber!". I told you the fever has spread like fire. In addition to his comment on "that beautiful guy", his favorite song just happens to be "Itty bitty bitty moe lover", which he now sings while shooting his apple-size, yellow Nerf basketball into the 8 foot goal that used to be on our concrete basketball court at Hickory Lane. I had the joy of spending a good seven hours with him and Lindsey while Jacob was in Charlotte on Tuesday. Lindsey and I both fell asleep on the couch during nap time, and of course I woke up to her serving me pound cake and hot tea. I know you just got really jealous, so repent Becca, repent. Her company is more enjoyable and beneficial than I could ever express. Such a countenance, I love her more and more.
So enough with the jealous-worthy experiences, I'd much rather share with you my deep thoughts for the day. Get ready, I'm pretty profound...
Bonnie and I have had a lot of time to discuss issues in our life; everything from Youth Group stuff, school work, friends/buds, spirituality, family, and Justin Bieber's killer smile.
As far as convictions, I'll share my latest, and that is the tendencies one has having grown up in a Christian home. I know that sounds mundane. I know that sounds far from exiting, or new or shocking, but Becca I'm gonna be straight with you, I am an amazing speaker. Whoa, cocky much right?
What I mean is that I know how to speak deeply, convincing and even eloquently. You might come to me with a concern, and I can quickly convince you I am in a wonderful place, and even impress you in the process. Its almost automatic. Now how terrible is that. The truth is, I feel messy. I feel scattered, sloppy and unorganized in my school, relationships spirituality, and even my bedroom. I read my Bible with no inspiration, I do my homework but I don't really try, I talk with my parents but not openly, and I respond to acquaintances with hardly a thought to how I can help them better obey, love, and serve the Almighty. I tell you this only so you know exactly how to pray for me, I desperately need it sister.
Pray the Holy Spirit interferes with my C- attitude, my mixed up priorities and my lazy habits. Pray good influences come more often than bad, and that temptation ceases to so constantly present itself.
With the end of this first post I will add that I was telling my friend about you today, and got a little emotional. How I miss you all the friggin time.
Psalm 16:8 I have set the LORD always before me: because he is at my right hand, I shall not be moved.
Sincerely,
Annie
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