Vertical Impact Blogs

West Side Story

2008-02-17T20:59:00.000-08:00

^Yes, that is me about to beat Wes. If you haven't heard already Mariemont High School is tackling the tragic, love story of West Side Story this spring. Based on Romeo and Juliet, this musical is filled with passion, humor, love, and tragedy all summing up the lives of two young, love struck teenagers separated by the fate of being stuck in two different, enemy gangs. If you don't know the story I won't give away what happens but you def need to come see it! I have been lucky enough to get the role as Maria (as you see above), the so in love character who falls for a guy from the enemy gang. If you haven't been seeing me at VI latley this is why. I am so busy with vocal rehearsals and stage blocking that I barley have time for anything else. I am super nervous with the premier less than a month away, but hopefully all the cast hard work will come together to make this musical great. The musical is the weekend of Marh 14th and tickets went on sale a few days ago, so get them soon! There are shows Friday and Saturday night at 7:30 pm and one on Sunday afternoon at 2:00 pm. I sure hope to see you there, I know that I speak for Drew, Annie, Hannah, and I when I see we always love to see your smiling, loving, supporting faces there to cheer us on.

love always, xoxo
katie

This Is How I know God Exsists.

2007-12-31T09:02:00.000-08:00

Today is New Years Eve, and I woke up this morning in such a good mood and the urge to take a walk outside, so I did. I got all bundled up, grabbed my ipod, and headed toward the pond at Stepping Stones. This is only a few blocks away from my house and the place I usually go to chill out, take time to think, pray, or even just walk around. And let me tell you, its gorgeous. If you want some down time, or time to be by yourself, this is the place to go. I took some pictures to give you a little picture in your head of what this place looks like.

How beautiful is that? When i think about places like this, i dont think of them being a five minute walk from my house. I feel so blessed to be able to go to places like this and look around and think wow, this is so beautiful and I get to experience it as often as I want. Keep in mind, i took these pictures on my little picture phone, and look how pretty they turned out anyway. There are geese in the last picture, and they were so calm even as I came closer to them walking around. The lake was even a little frozen and everything was so still and silent, and I could just feel God all around. It is truly a magical or spiritual experience, as goofy as that sounds. I love going there, its my way of getting away from the businesses of the world and just sit and be with nature and myself and God.

Just wanted to share that with ya'll.

Love you all, Katie

Just For an Update

2007-11-28T11:25:00.000-08:00

Life is crazy.

Its hard not get caught up in school, homework, after school activities, friends, and numerous other things that occupy a lot our time. I know I struggle a lot with finding time for little things like when/where/how to eat dinner and getting the right amount of sleep...those things should be most important. So I have been so super busy.

Anyway, to start off...schools going great. We just got back from Thanksgiving break and to return to all the homework and booming voices of teachers was hard but its nice to be back with all my friends. Over Thanksgiving I got spend time with a lot of friends coming back from college and it was great to see them. Thanksgiving Day, I spent with my grandparents. We ate a huge meal and played dominoes for a large proportion of the time. Although cheesy, it was a ton of fun and I dont think I have ever laughed that hard in my whole entire life. Then, we watched Wild Hogs...which is a really good movie. It was really great to spend time with them becasue in my busy schedule I dont get to see them a lot. I spent the rest of the break getting caught up on sleep before returning to the strenuous school life of a student. Now it is the Wednesday after and Im home with strept. Its a stinker. So no VI tonight for me :(

VI also put outs its new apparel for the first time in a few years! It was very exciting and a very big hit. Big thanks to Phil for designing the Lo(vi)ing shirts (CLEVER), breakfast club shirts, and VI sweatshirts.

We also did new family pictures over christmas break. Check out these videos on my dads website. They are sweet.

http://www.keiserphotography.com/KatieMeggie/Katie.html

look down at the bottom left column of writing and click on MEK and KCK to watch new slideshows of me and meg, theres music make sure your sounds up :)

thats really all thats up with me guys, hope to see you all soon and hope you had a wonderful thanksgiving!

real homecoming update

2007-10-11T14:47:00.000-07:00

Okay ya'll so homecoming was last saturday and it was blast! I went with Sam Franer (:D) and it was so much fun! our group that went was Annie and Taylor, Bryan and Hannah, Laura and James, Sam M, Allison, Syd, and Sam and myself. It was a pretty big group but really fun!

We started off at the Gardners for appetizers and pictures which was soo much! All the parents were there taking pictures and everyone was socializing...it made me really happy! Everyone loooked so beautiful dressed up in their dresses and tuxes here are a few piccss...

Okay...nevermind. my computer wont let me haha. Anyway everyone looked great. Then we went to the Gaburos for dinner. Mrs Gaburo had the table candle lit and all sparkly with rose name tags it was soo gorgeous and made everything perfect! she made delicious enchiladas and we drank out of tall glasses it was soooo nice! then we went to the Hatchs for dessert and had brownie sundae..they were amazing! I was extremely hyper and I dont think I have ever laughed that hard in my whole entire life...it was great to just be with friends cracking up and smiling! It was so much fun. Then we went to the dance and it was great to see all of our other friends dressed up and the guys somewhat clean and smelling kind of good haha. It was one of the most fun nights ever! I didnt get home till like 2 AM but it was soo much!

Other than that...schools going really well. Im really busy with showstoppers, voice lessons, VI, and homework but its been a good year so far! cant wait to see you all next weekkk

dont forget to write your articles!

<3 steph

WOW..homecoming

2007-10-06T09:41:00.000-07:00

Okay so when Drew told me to update my blog I was like I will eventually and then I looked at the last blog title and it says "First Week of School". Jeeze. We are now past interms at school and today is homecoming.

Last night was the homecoming football game and tonight is the dance! I am going with Sam and will surely provide you with pictures tomorrow of the lovely night tonight. We are having appetizers at the Gardners, dinner at the Gaburos, and then dessert at the Hatchs. It should be a blast. PLUS, Annie Laura and I are getting our hair and makeup done today at Valenti in about a half hour. Expect pics!

miss you all! havent been to VI in awhile..will write longer tomorrow

<3 steph

The First Week of School

2007-08-24T21:55:00.000-07:00

I know usually when you hear the words first week of school, good things dont pop into your head but to be completely honest, this week has been awesome for me! We started school Wednesday the 22nd and although a little nervous for the change in schedule and teachers, it turned out to be surprisingly fun! I love all my classes and teachers, and have friends in almost every class. The week continued on good, and I have already been loaded down with homework for the weekend. Teachers aren't hesitant to get us started right away. Then tonight (friday), we had our first football game. Although we looked crazy with all our makeup on, and totally bombed our half-time show, I had a great time!! It was nice to be back with the band in the stands dancing along to all the pep band tunes, I had truly missed it. Thanks again to all my relatives who came to watch me tonight, It was great having you there! Then afterwards we had the back to school dance. I didnt go last year but my friends and I decided to go this year. It was INCREDIBLY FUN. I didnt really enjoy homecoming that much and so was expecting leave after about a half an hour but we ended up staying for almost the whole time. Then about a half an hour before it ended we (Annie, Laura, James, Willy, and myself) walked to Kroger, bought a gallon of ice cream [black raspberry chip, the best ever] and sat outside and ate it. It was so much fun! Then Mrs. Gardner picked us up in their new, bright yellow, mini cooper CONVERTABLE!!! It was totally awesome and fun. This night has truly been fantastic, I started off school great, and I'm sure this year will be a blast!

much love, see you all tomorrow at the car wash!
<3 katie

Summer

2007-08-01T10:55:00.000-07:00

So summer is coming to a screeching hault and I dont like it. Today was the first day of band camp or pre band camp, and although it was extremely fun and we have lots of cool plans for the school year, it was a smack in the face. I still have to read all of Pride and Prejudice and do tons of other things before school starts the 22nd. It also hit me that I was going to be a sophmore in high school. That doesnt seem old but it feels like just last year I was a new seventh grader at VI. I also only have three more years of high school and then I will be leaving Cincinnati and going off to college. It all seems to be coming so fast. I am nervous and excited at the same time. I guess thats how life is though, always changing. I guess its natural to be nervous but there are always going to be new adventures and bring new, fun things into life.

You all have a great week, much love
katie

2007-07-23T13:40:00.000-07:00

Okay, so when I first read Chris's blog title "Jon Mclaughlin" I flipped out. I absolutely adore his music. As you can read in the comment I left Chris, my favorite song is Industry. The combination of his voice, the harmonies, the piano...ahhh its fantastic. Again, like I said, I listen to it 3 times a day minimum. Actually, I'm listening to it as I am writing this. haha you could say I'm a little bit obsessed. I advise you all to get a little taste of this guy, you dont know what you are missing out on until you hear him sing.

I also came here today to write aboutt the SL retreat thats coming up. I am extremely excited for this trip. Last year I was unable to make it and I am so pumped to be able to attend this year. I am also really excited that we are bringing in a few more student leaders, along with the new school year. Although it will be awfully sad to loose our seniors { :( }, we are excited to take in some new students. SL has been a really great experience and has really helped me grow in my faith through helping out in the ministry, and I am really glad to be able to share that and have them experience the same thing this year. Turn in those applications!

have a fantastic week!

much love, katie

Elevation '07

2007-07-03T13:11:00.000-07:00

What to say about Elevation '07? It was probably that best yet for me. Just thinking about it gives me stomach butterflies and I get excited. Its the day after and Im going through withdrawal. Its hard to go from seeing everyone 24-7 to once a week again. Its really sad! One word to describe this trip is probably extrodinary. I dont know what else to say. Amazing is way to overused so this is probably the next eligible word to use to describe it. It was life changing, fun, amazing, extrodinary, sad, and exciting all at the same time. I promised you a ten page blog and that is what you are getting.

My family btw is called Oceans 10 based off the movie and how many people we had. It consisted of Spencer and Sara, Elliot, Anne, Elizabeth, Angie, Slonie, D Frost, Corey, and myself. So the week started off with us all meeting at the church 10:00 pm Monday night. Their were nervous and sad goodbyes, but everyone seemed happy to get away for a week especially since it was Elevation. To my surprise there were several new people coming this year. Lydnsey, Alex, and Andrew were the new people and they each had only cme to VI a few times before deciding to join us on our trip. It was really brave of them. I can only imagine how nervous they were, knowing almost no one. Finally, after recieving t-shirts and having family meetings we got on the bus and started our journey. It was like any other bus ride. Everyone being loud, ipods on, movies playing, food being eaten, always such a great time. Eventually everyone drifted off for a little bit. The next morning we stopped at McDonald's to eat for a little bit. The restaraunt was only about 10 minutes from where we were staying so we werent really worried about how long it took to eat. About a half an hour later we got to our destination. Everyone climbed out, we had an orientation, and then quickly we found our rooms. They were really nice and a lot closer to the commissary than last year. It was really awesome there was a pool, sand volleyball, basketball courts, and a bunch of walking trails you could walk on. Tuesday we only really did quiz bowl and then had worship. Worship the first night is always great to break in the week, becuase although its the first day you can always feel God's prescense right away which is really nice.

Then Wednesday we got up early and departed for Lake Lanier. This is always one of my favorite days. On my boat this year it was Annie, Slonie, Maddie, Joe, and Dustin as the driver. It was sweet, we were tubing right as we got out of the " no wake" zone. We had a lot of laughs, Dustin almost killed Slon by running her over with the boat, and threw a huge ball of sand in my eye. We basically KILLED Acheson and Annie is chicken. It was eventful and fun. Then we went back to the retreat center, had dinner, and once again had amazing worship. I especially this year enjoyed the lessons. They were based on different genres of movies and different aspects of our lifes. I could really relate to each one and they really got the point across.

Then Thursday we got up had breakfast and went to our work sites for the day. My worksite was called NOA or the No One Alone program. It is a battered or abused womans shelter. This was really a time when my family or cast bonded together. We all had to learn to work together, to find our each others strengths and weaknesses and make them work together. It was work but we had a lot of fun. We started off cleaning up a playground, then mulching all around, and cleaning off all the equiptment. We blared one of Spencers CD's, and he would quiz on on the artist or song. It was all old people songs so we didnt really know any of them but it was fun anyway. When we were finished with that. Slonie and I organzied one of their outdoor sheds. She broke a bike and I laughed. It was really funny. Then we cleaned out bushes and mulched out front. It was messy and hot but we really ended up having a good time. Around noon we went inside and ate lunch. We played a fun get to know each other game, which I was incredibly bad at. haha anyways then we had like a little seminar with the manager of the program. She had a slide show and we learned all about what they did. We heard stories and they were extremely sad but it is a great thing that they do, and they help a ton of people each year. It was a truly rewarding experience, and showed me how lucky I am to feel safe in my home and in my community. We went home, showered, had dinner and amazing worship again.

Then Friday we got up, and it was your choice day, and I chose white water rafting. This was my first time and I was lets say...really, really nervous. In my boat was Annie, Stephanie, and Stacy. Our instructors named was Patrick. He was very nice and really made me feel comfortable and well informed. We went over lots of strong, exciting rapids. We saw a beautiful water fall, jumped off 12 foot cliffs, and even went body surfing. Then in the end, Mike, another instructor, captures Annie, I jump off trying to be heroic and save her, but get kidnapped too. She eventually climbs out and swims to her boat. I decide to stay in that boat becuase I didnt have to paddle and just got to sit back and enjoy the ride. It was an incredible day, and I cant wait to do it again next year. That night we got back late, ate dinner, showered, and hung around before worship. Worship again was amazing and then another thing I forgot to mention was the Prayer Circle. The prayer circle is a thing where after worship you can outside on the porch and sit around lit candles and just sit with your friends and pray or think. It's such a great time to reflect or talk to God. Its simply life changing.

Then Saturday was the basketball tournament. For our familys basketball team was me, Elliot, and Elizabeth. WE WONN THE WHOLE THINNGGG, btw. Sorry Dave. We basically ted. It was bunch of fun and then afterwards we went swimming in the pool. That night we again had dinner and amazing worship.

Then Sunday, the final day, we had obstacle course. There are really crazy things you are timed on and its another one of those things where you bond and work together with your family, it was great. We came in fourth which wasnt so bad but we could have done better. We had fun though. Then that night we had the final dinner. Its always great to see the leaders dressed up as waiters and waitresses. Our waiter was Spencerr, basically the best ever! We had the best table and we all had a great time making toastes and talking about our favorite memoires of Elevation. We had music playing, we all did the electric slide. It was so awesome seeing everyone trying to dance together. Then after dinner, David, James and I went on a long walk. When we finally reached the end of the road, I asked James what time it was he goes 8:31, and I then ask what time is worship 8:30. CRAPPP. We are like three miles up this road and are already late for worship. I personally thought it was hilarous, and they didnt. I couldnt stop laughing the whole way back. We ended up being on time anyway but it was < > this much funny. :D Worship again was amazing and extremely special becuase it was the last night. We honored all the leaders and seniors, which was sad but a really nice ceremony. Then afterwards again we walked the trail again. And as we approached the end of the road we heard tires squeal really loudly and I mean there is nothing back there so we got freaked out and assumed it was a Ghost Car. Obviously, we got back safely but we were really scared. It was a really fun night, I stayed up till like 3:30 chatting, and was exhausted for the bus ride but it was really funn!

Over all the week was totally unforgettable and life changing. I bonded with everyone there. I grew stronger with my old friends made tons of new ones! I have come out of this trip only rewarded and am so glad that it turned out better than expected. I think everyone there enjoyed themselves and would go back to that week in the summer in a second. I know I would!

I would now like to have a little tribute to one of my new, but best friends in the world Alex. He came to VI only a few times before he signed up for Elevation and really only knew Dan Angus when he came. We were friends right away and I dont know what I would do without this guy. He is totally awesome and fit right in when he came to VI. Hes totally hilarious too. We bonded a lot. One night we went on a walk and had a Notebook moment. He made that perverted but it was still fun anyway. He is also our cat's, Casper's, grandmother. We love you, buddy! :D (is that good enough?)

Elevation was so many emotions mixed into one that is just indescribable and I am currently trying to overcome Elevation withdrawal. Its so hard to go from seeing everyone 24 - 7 to once a week. I miss you all and cannot wait till next yearr!!!

much love, was that ten pages? <3 steph

3 hours and 10 minutes

2007-06-25T15:50:00.000-07:00

3 Hours and 10 minutes until Elevation. I could take up seventy million pages trying to explain how way beyond excited I am for Elevation this year, but that would be silly. Any of you who have gone before know how basically amazing this trip is, and are probably feeling the same things I am right about now. I got about 3 hours of "sleep" last night and was up all day just waiting for the moment I could climb on that bus with all my loved friends and depart for one of the best weeks in my summer! Its finally here, the thing I've been waiting for for months, and I can't tell you how majorly PUMPED I am! See you all there!! :D

Someone asked me a very good thing over the weekend, that I will ask you all to keep and mind and think about over this next week, and that is What makes this trip such a valuable experience?

I thought about it for a really long time. To be honest, I was stumped. I named a few oridnary things that any person who hasn't gone on the trip would say, but I couldn't put into words. I couldn't explain my emotions on how much this week means to me and how much I look forward to each year. So this year, I am going to think about it, and try to show and tell this person how valuable this trip really is!

See you all in now 3 hours and 5 minutess! be back in Cincy in a week...adios!

much love, katie (steph)

2007-05-29T10:05:00.000-07:00

HEY EVERYONEE! Well its me, and Annie, and LM, in Spanish class on exam week. Fun stuff. Well this morning I took my first exam which was History...with Kerr. That basically means it was a piece of cake. I got an 100% for any of you who are curious. We just finished reviewing for our Espanol exam tomorrow with flashcards. It was really intense. Lots of yelling and jumping out of seats. But we are really prepared for it...just kidding. I'll probably spend 6 zillion hours tonight studying for Spanish. HAHAH oh well only 3 days left afterrr todayy!! Can you say excited?! (quoting Annie Gaburo and her cool freaky ways)

Now heres a segment in Spanish to wish you farewell... (try to translate)

Hasta Manana Chicos! Te quiero!!!

much love, stephh

Saturday

2007-05-19T13:26:00.000-07:00

HOLAAAA BABES! what's up with you all today? Well its Saturday, May 19th and I am having a fabulous dayy. This is what has happened so far with me today. I got up around, ahhh....ten-ish and I would have slept later but my sister had like ninety of her little friends and their parents were there to pick them up so I got up and got breakfast instead of sleeping. Then, I suddenly realized, WOW I am getting a pedicure today..yay! So after breakfast I took a shower and left the house with my mom around 11:50 and went to Valenti to get my nails done. When I arrived I got a drink and basically sat in a massage chair while the nicest lady ever massaged my feet with all these different lotions and then finally added color. Then I walked over to Walgreens and found out that my mom locked her keys in her car. Great. So we sat there for liket wo and a half hours and waited for AAA to come open the car. Then I decided wow, I'm hungry. So I called Maddie, and got us both Subway. Then I dropped by her house and we watched the Mary-Kate and Ashley movie, Holiday in the Sun and Ferris Bueler's Day Off. Both fabulous movies. Actually I'm at Maddie's house now. Then tonight I am going to see Hello Dolly with my grandmother. Some of you know her as Betty. Tomorrow I am attending the last SGM, and I am terribly upset that its ending. Hope you all have a wonderful, wonderful weekend. Maddie says Hi. Much love!

<3 steph

2007-05-05T10:13:00.000-07:00

HOLA CHUPA'S!!! Whats up with everyone? Well its Saturday May 4th and I just returned home from a sleepover/Birthday party at Maddie's. It was great fun. Basically the night started out with watching Family Guy, something about the end of the world and twinkies?! Yea well it was really funny. Then we opened presents, ate the best food in the whole entire world, and watched Chicago. It was hilarious watching the look of shock on Annie's face as she watched certain dirty scenes through out the movie. Then Annie, LM (laura martin, Claudia and I decided to go on a walk. So we took off and headed toward the green. Here's where the exciting part comes in. All of a sudden we hear someone calling my name, it sounded like a guys voice. We freaked out and all took off running and screaming down the street all the way to the green, where we finally slowed down. I was calling out just to let these vandals that we were not scared and that they could just come out. Finally Mike called me and said it was them. They caught up with us and we were just walking around. Then we came to a persons house whose name is going to be remain unsaid and I was like "Who wants to ding dong ditch them?!" Jokingly. Mike being stupid runs up to the porch. We all sprint down the street and get hiding places. Us four s get behind a tree and act like we have been there for forever talking and then the man of the house they ding dong ditched came up and questioned us. It was terrifying. Everyone was to scared to talk and we didtn know where the boys went so I talked. Eventaully he left and we took off home. But then there was this weird car that passed us like three times really slow so we got home quickly. It was scary but really fun. Then we went back and spent the rest of the night eating preztel crisps and talking till like three am when we fell asleep. And now here I am at home...exhausted.

Thats pretty much my weekend so far. I heard prom was fun...Merey Shell was prom queen!! :D So thats fun. Well you all have a good week and I would like to say Happy Birthday to MEGGIE KEISER AND MADDIE BARNHILL!!! HAPPY FIFTEENTH AND THIRTEENTH BIRTHDAYS YS!! love you both <3

xoxo steph

2007-04-26T16:29:00.000-07:00

Hello all my lovelies. How are we all doing today? Well since all my fellow bloggers have yet to write about ASP, I'm going to get the ball rolling. Basically one word I would use to describe Appalachia is beastlyishiss (beast-lee-ish-iss {like hiss without the h}). Just in case you were wondering I made that word up. Anyway, it was awesome. We started the trip off by meeting at the church at 4 pm last thursday. There we found out about what was going to go down this weekend, cars, dinner, etc. In my car was Mrs Gardner, Chris Acheson, Mackenzie Saffin, Bryan G., and myself. It was great time. The whole way down we listened to the Supreme's, and I watched "Just Like Heaven" for the first time on Chris's video IPOD. Great movie by the way. Anyway we arrived at about 10:30 and spent a little time looking around and getting settled in before heading to bed. It was an early 7 am morning so we wanted to get good rest. The morning came quickly and I was exhausted. But I was also excited to get to work. I had been on this trip once before, so I know basically how it was, but I was still a little anxious. We had breakfast, packed the cars, and took off for our work sites. Mine was about 25 minutes away which wasnt bad. When we got there, Mrs Gardner realized we had to go up a steep gravel hill with two wheel drive. Of course shes likes "Yea, we can do it." and I'm in the back seat hyperventilating. Luckily, we made it up after some tossing and turning. After the first time we did that I thought it was so cool and our whole car chanted "You got it!" as we went up the hill everytime afterwards. There were about 12 dogs running around everywhere. I fell in love with a particular one named Beauty. She was a black lab and the sweetest dog you will ever meet. It was hard to leave her! The house we worked on was originally a trailor and the work previously done was a two room addition to the home. Our job was to side, prime, and paint the outside, and lay down wood boards, and linoleum tiles in the hallway and bedrooms. I got to participate in a little bit of everything, and the work is very sticky, and a lot harder than you would think. My main job was to lay down linoleum tile. If you have ever tiled you know that its the stickiest thing in the world. If you havent tiled, you basically have to lay down floor adhesive, and set down tiles on top. By about half way through I couldnt touch anything without sticking to it. And lucky for us we ran out of GOO GONE or turpintine. GREATTT. Well its a week later and my back and knees are still me. I feel bad for complaining because the other group had to dig a 20 in deep water line. My work was easy compared to that. We stayed an extra two hours the last day and finished all our work! It was a great feeling, and the family was so thankful. Oh, and heres a little background on the family. It is a five person family, three people of which are autistic, and three people of which sleep on couches currently. It's been really hard for them and they sure do appreciate all the work we have done. Now, after their addition, everyone will have their own rooms and own beds. Not to add the two year old and I had the same earrings! She was adorable. This year was great for me. I bonded with everyone, and thoroughly enjoyed myself just like everyone else did. This is so overused phrase, but if you didnt go this year you just HAVEE to go next year. Its an unforgettable experience and so rewarding!

Other than appalachia, my life is pretty much consumed with school. I currently have straight A's and I am feeling pretty good about that. If I keep it up I get a new cell phone :D

You all have a good week and I will see you Sunday at SGM!

much love, xoxo Steph

Saturdays

2007-04-14T08:14:00.000-07:00

Hey Everyone! How are you all doing this week?

Well its Saturday, April 14th and when I started writing this blog I was going to complain about why I hate rainy Saturdays. But then I thought about how blessed I was to have such a great family around me to huddle inside with and a strong roof over my head so I dont get wet and cold. So this is why I love rainy Saturdays. 1) Its dark outside so you can sleep in longer because the sun doesnt wake you up. 2) You get to sit at your kitchen table during breakfast and listen to you little sister babble on about all the seventh grade drama. 3) You get a chance to catch up on homework (or writing blogs :D) because you cant go outside. 4) you get to have bonding time with your family because they cant go outside either. 5) you get to take 3 hour long naps in the afternoon, I always love those :D 6) you get to have family game and movie night with your family. Thats why I love rainy Saturdays, they really are great.

Okay so I decided that I need something else to blog about besides my life because that can get pretty boring to read about all the time. And I knew Chris starting blogs about different musical artists so I decided that I was going to start blogging about fun games you can play. Not like soccer, basketball...but like board, electronic, TV games you can play with many people. If you have ever met me you should probably know that I love to play board games of any kind. So the game I chose this week is called WhooNu. Its made by Cranium and is soo much fun.. I first started to play while I was on Spring Break. For SB I traveled down to Ball Ground, Georgia to visit my Aunt Karen and Uncle Clark. Now before I tell you about my gaming experiences I have to tell you one thing, When my family gets together to play a game it can get wild. So we were at this Super Target down there in Canton and my Aunt decides to buy a game that we can all play that evening and she chooses Whoonu. No one had ever played it before and we both love Cranium games. So that night we got out the game and started playing. So basically how you play is this. You can play with up to six people. One person is the Whoozit or is it. Everyone who is not it gets four cards. The cards have things on it like baseball, brownies with nuts, jewlery, pickup trucks, etc. The people have to pick one card out of the four that they think the Whoozit will like best. Then the Whoozit puts the cards in order for their list to favorite and the players get points based on the ranking of their card. Its a pretty simple game and is a lot of fun. My Uncle Clark is probably one of the most fun and funniest guys you will ever meet. So my Aunt Karen was the Whoozit and I gave her brownies with nuts because I knew she loved them and my stepmom put down jewlery. Brownies won over jewlery. Angie said, "Okay Clark, you know to get Karen brownies for your anniversary not jewlery." By then we had been through the whole deck and decided to change decks and my dad said "Okay Clark the brownies are gone now, you cant get that for Karen anymore." So Uncle Clark turns to me and Meggie looking totally and completely confused and just goes, "Huh?" and Megg goes, "It means we changed decks, Uncle C." and he goes in his strong southern accent, "Shoot! I thought she meant I missed dessert and she was taking away the brownies!" It was hilarious. I guess it was just kinda you had to be there type things. Well thats just one type of fun experience you can have playing this game.

And I cant figure out how to past a picture sooo .......I totally recommend it as this weeks game. My family had tons of fun and you learn stuff about your family members that is quite funny and things you never knew. I will be bringing it on Appalachia for anyone who is going. BTW I AM TOTALLY PUMPED FOR ASP, ITS GOING TO BE GREAT

okay xoxox Katie

2007-03-24T12:08:00.000-07:00

Hello Friends!! How have you all been lately? Its been a LONG time since I last blogged and I apologize for that. It is now March 24 and I am soo busy with our high musical Guys and Dolls. I know I imformed you all about it in my last blog and we so far have already had two performances and tonight is our final one! :( I completely enjoyed it and its going to be sad when its over. Thanks to all of you (Chris, Lauren, Trey, Angie...) for coming to watch us and all who are coming tonight (David, Aimee, Lee, Dustin...), we appreciate all your support and it means a lot to us to see you there! :D Oh btw, we ended up being sold out for two of the three performances...thats awesome! We have a little trouble with scene changes but other than that we are spectacular!

For VI related things...I love all the new games we play! They are tons of fun and a change to things is always good and entertaining. Thanks to all of you who are inviting friends to VI, this ministry is growing bigger every week! Its such a small world too...the other night I was talking to my cousin Elly, who goes to Anderson High School, and one of her friends, who also goes to AHS, attends VI weekly and I never put it together. It's so funny! Anyway I just wanted to say that I am really enjoying the changes we have made recently. I am totally deprived of VI and SGM though, I havent been for two weeks! Its awful!

Other than that our band returned from Disney World a few weeks and that was loads of fun! Think of it...six of your friends together in Disney World, in Florida...sweet right? Well it was, but it didnt even compare to any of Armstrongs trips! We got to ride some of the new, just opened rides and got to take a music class in one of Disney's private building down there. We were with a man who is greatly honored in the music world named Clinican Dave. He was great and he has even worked with people like Michael Jackson...thats awesome! Anyway he was like a midget but he was very knowledgable and entertaining. And another fun part is that we got to perform in Downtown Disney. It was kinda chilly but really exciting! Of course my whole entire family had to travel down to watch us perform, that was....embarassing. Although I do really appreciate their support! Speaking of trips guess whats coming up?! APPALACHIA SERVICE PROJECT! I went last year and it was tons of fun but you also got to work for people who truly need our help. It is more hands on work than 30 Hour Famine, but I find it more rewarding. I encourage all of you to go on that trip, it will amaze you how much one weekend can change someones life forever! <3

Well guys thats really all I have to say, and keep updating your blogs! ( I know im hypocrite, oh welll) Love youuu allll a lott!

Stephh

Blog #3

2007-01-16T18:47:00.000-08:00

Hey Everyonneee! How was your weekend? Well today is the 16th and I know my weekend was fantabulous! As you all probably know, it was the weekend of the ski retreat. I had never gone before, and decided that this year I was going to try it. It was AMAZING. I know that that word is really over used but that is the best word I think can think of to describe it. Now, before this retreat I had never skiied, so I was a little nervous. Annie Gaburo and I signed up to do lessons which made me feel a lot better, and let me tell you, it helped a lot. The first day we had a really nice lady named Lynn. She was very patient, and a really fun person. The rest of the day we basically spent on the Bunny Hill, except for the very last run where we met up with David (coleman), Stefan, and Peg.

They told us that there was a really easy green hill at the top of one of the lifts, ( I think orange lift). Annie and I pondered the idea and agreed to go. On the way up, I rode with David and Peg and if you know me, I lifts. They totally scare me to. David thinks this is really funny so hes like pushing on my back and swinging the chair and I'm totally freaking out. FINALLY, after what felt like an 1 hour long ride we reach the top and made our way over to whats called the "Easy Mile". Let me tell you, this thing did NOT look easy. It was a green run, but considering that that day was the first time I had ever skiied in my whole entire life, it was huge. David agreed to stay with me the whole time which made me feel a little better, and Stefan was going to stay with Annie. After about 5 minutes, Annie is down the hill with Stefan and Peg, waiting for me. I'm still at the top going about .10099945 miles per hour. David, annoyed, finally says hold my arm and I'll ski us down.

Okay, I thought, sounds easy. Not so easy. He decided to swing his arm, I go all the way around him and fall...hard. He laughs I get up and go. He tries to cut me off. I fall a few more times and near the bottom, he decides to cut me off again. But instead of me wiping out this time, he does. I up and ski down to Peg. Okay, so thats basically my funny story for the trip. Besides skiing, each evening we would gather, play games, do worship, and have a lessons brought to you by some of VI's student leaders. The games were hilarious ( king ooga booga and the motorcycle haha), and worship was awesome. Although this trip was a lot of fun, it was the whole package. Along with time with friends, meeting new friends, skiing, we also got time with God. My first ski retreat was totally incredible and totally worth it!