New Year's Resolutions

It is Dec. 31st. And all though I am proud to say that I kept my resolution the whole year, I need to make some new ones.
1. To write in my blog at least ten times a month. To develop, improve, and work on my talents is very important to me.
2. To do at least five service projects.
3. To get a summer job.
4. To read my scriptures every day.
5. To improve my relationship with my family, through family activities, simple service projects, and spending quality time with them.

I'm eager to get started, because I know that if I really try, I can succeed. I also learned last year that little mistakes doesn't mean you're done, you can still accomplish your goal without completely accomplishing your goal. Just because you fall doesn't mean you have to stay on the ground.
My only resolution that I had last year was to be vegetarian for a whole year. I hate to admit it, but I did eat meat last year. Still I ended the year as a vegetarian. I may have not perfectly gotten my goal. But I still believe with all my heart that I did actually accomplish what I was trying to do. I got the rewards and benefits that come from being vegetarian still.
So really, I would say, don't worry about messing up. None of us are perfect. Choose a goal, and work on it all year round. Work on it being the key words. You don't have to accomplish your exact goal to accomplish your goal. Don't give up just because you weren't perfect.

Yearbook

A few minutes a go I finished a very interesting, very touching book: Yearbook by Allyson Braithwaite Condie. From beginning to end the book was amazing, simple, and very well written. Though I didn't cry, even though I was close, this book touched me. As the characters went through trials and other hard times I felt touched the way they did. I actually thought I was going to disappointed with the ending, when I realized I was close to the end, but it had what I wanted in it. The book was completely written in first person, from many point of views. There was too many characters and too many plots for the author to decently end the book without making me upset, but she ended it perfectly. I enjoyed the fact that each and every character built relationships with all the other characters. That they touched, helped, and learned from each other. Each character giving their point of view on how they saw the other characters. It was touching. This book was an amazing read. I wish I could describe it better, I wish I could explain how good it was. But I'm just going to say that if you want to know how good it actually was, to go and read it yourself. It's worth it.

Mixed Up Fairy Tales

Character Index:
Rachel:
Henrietta Frog/Henry Frog:
Petunia Pig/Piper Pig:
Little Red/Riding Hood:
Evil Witch/Wizard:
Repunzel:
Cinderella:
Sleeping Beauty:
Peter Pig:
Parker Pig:
Hansel:
Gretel:

(Princess Council is sitting. Henry (Henrietta) Frog jumps in.)
Henry Frog: This is great, just great. Ribbit.
Repunzel: What’s wrong now, Henry (Henrietta)?
Henry Frog: Ribbit, one of those humans, is here from Earth, ribbit. That stupid witch (wizard) is trying to . . .
Cinderella: Oh no, not again. I guess we have to go meet her, and make sure the witch doesn’t get near her.
(Rachel is walking in the forest and comes to Piper (Petunia) Pig)
Rachel: Where in the world am I?
Piper Pig: Grandma’s woods, where all sweets are good.
Rachel: You’re a talking pig.
Piper Pig: You’re a talking girl, and that’s a talking rock, oh wait, I don’t think that rock talks.
Rachel: Okay.
Piper Pig: Hey, will you help me find sticks to build my house. I want to be able to play my pipes, and this whole building business is taking to long. But, apparently the big bad wolf is in town, and he’s looking for little piggies, like my brothers and me.
Rachel: Are you sure sticks will be enough, to stop the wolf?
Piper Pig: I don’t know. What do you know about wolves?
Rachel: Nothing really, I guess they don’t have hands. But I just don’t know, shouldn’t you choose a stronger building material?
Piper Pig: It’s a known fact the stronger the material the harder it is to put together and the longer it takes. Take my brother, Peter, for instance, he’s building his house out of bricks and he won’t be done until way late. My other brother’s making his house out of hay is already done.
Rachel: I really need to get home.
Piper Pig: You should go talk to Little Red (Riding Hood), she’s (he’s) going home too. She (he) just visited her (his) grandma. Hey, look here she (he) comes.
(Little Red (Riding Hood) comes up carrying a basket, or riding a horse depending on gender)
Little Red: Hiya, Piper (Petunia). Watch out for that wolf, he almost got my gramma. I over heard him saying, “Oh well, I guess we’ll just have to go for the three little pigs.” Too bad that woodcutter couldn’t get him. Who’s your friend?
Rachel: I’m Rachel.
Little Red: I’m Little Red (Riding Hood). What brings ya to Gramma’s woods-
Piper Pig and Little Red: Where all the sweets are good.
Rachel: I don’t really get that.
Piper Pig: This girl over here is trying to get home, I told her you were going home too, and that you would take her.
Little Red: ‘Course I will. Will you come with us, Piper (Petunia)? I love that pipe of yours. Ya sure do play it well.
Piper Pig: I guess I can do this later. I like playing my pipes more then this whole building business.
(Rachel, Little Red (Riding Hood), and Piper (Petunia) Pig are walking down the road. Piper (Petunia) is playing his (her) pipes while Little Red (Riding Hood) is making gestures like she’s (he’s) talking. Rachel fallows awkwardly behind.)
Little Red: Can ya’all believe it? Aren’t them bears just the rudest things ever?
Rachel: Wait, all they did was nicknamed you Goldilocks.
Little Red: Yah. Can ya’all believe it?
Rachel: You broke into their house. You’re lucky that’s all they did.
Little Red: They also tried to trap me and kill me. I was lucky I could run away before they could catch me.
(Piper (Petunia) Pig stops playing to talk to Little Red (Riding Hood).)
Piper Pig: Didn’t your mom tell you not to get into things you weren’t supposed to?
Little Red: She also told me not to talk to strangers. But if I hadn’t I wouldn’t have met you. Then again, if I hadn’t talked to strangers maybe that wolf wouldn’t have almost eaten me and my gramma.
Parker Pig (Off stage): Piper (Petunia)!
Peter Pig (Off stage): Piper (Petunia)!
Piper Pig: Brothers!
(Peter Pig and Parker Pig run on stage. Peter should be carrying a bundle of hay and Parker should be carrying plaster.)
Parker Pig: Piper (Petunia), shouldn’t you be building your house? If you don’t start now you may not be able to finish by tonight.
Piper Pig: Relax, Parker. I’m already half way done, and even with this short break, I’ll still be done before you.
Parker Pig: Don’t tell me your making your house out of straw like Peter! That will never keep a wolf out. Peter’s an idiot for choosing it.
Peter Pig: Hey!
Parker Pig: Exactly, that’s what I meant.
Piper Pig: No, I’m making my house out of sticks.
Parker Pig: My brothers (brother and sister) are idiots!
Piper and Peter Pig: Hey!
Parker Pig (Noticing Little Red (Riding Hood) and Rachel): Oh, I’m sorry. I didn’t even notice you two. How are you, Little Red (Riding Hood)?
Little Red: I almost got eaten by a wolf, but besides that, fine.
Parker Pig: And I’m afraid I don’t know you. (Referring to Rachel.)
Piper Pig: That’s Rachel, Little Red and me are helping her get home.

My Brother, Cupid Part 6

That next morning wasn't the greatest either. It was hard to go back to school once I knew that I was going to have to face Haley with a huge crush on her. As much as I hated to admit it, I liked her, and I didn't want her to think I was some kind of creep. I also realized that I probably wouldn't like her if it wasn't the affect of the arrow.
I slipped into my first class and sat down in the nearest desk I could find. I was here before Haley was, so it didn't matter where I sat yet. Then Haley walked in. I felt my heart race as I waved at her and yelled, "Haley!"
She looked embarrassed as her friends started to giggle. "Um, hi," she said, in her always polite way.
"You look gorgeous as always," I said.
She didn't even answer that and walked briskly to a different desk. Her friends that she had walked in, lingered a few seconds to stare at me. Then they both ran over to her snickering.
The next few days that followed seemed to have a similar pattern. I could see in her face that she hated the attention she was getting from me. Unfortunately she couldn't see that I suffering as well. Normally I only saw her once in a while, but eventually I did see her at lunch.
I walked over to her table, holding my tray in my hands. I was determined to sit with her, actually the stupid love spell was determined that I was going to sit with her. "Can I sit here?" I asked referring to an empty chair.
"Sure," one of her friends said snickering.
Haley looked at her terrified. "Um, can I talk to you?" she asked me.
"Of course," I said putting my tray down. I followed her over by a wall.
She briskly smiled at a few passerbyers and turned to face me, a very serious expression on her face. "Look, uh, it's Tom, right?" she asked.
Close enough to satisfy me. "Actually it's Todd."
"Right," she said, "Todd. Look, I know you like me. And, well, I don't like you. Actually you kind of scare me. Look, I'm sorry. It's just . . ."
Ouch. "I understand," I said. And I did understand, it's just my dorky hormones didn't. Suddenly I felt very upset, not at Haley, this wasn't her fault, but at my idiot of brother, Chase.
She watched me for a few seconds to see if I was okay, and then went to join her friends. I followed her absent minded. She turned around obviously to tell me to stop following her. "Need my food," I said pointing.
She turned red, "Oh, right."
I grabbed my tray and wandered to my normal spot. But as I bit down on my food my mind was only on how I would get my brother back.

"Chase!" I yelled as I walked into the house and threw my stuff to the side.
He walked downstairs. "'Sup little bro," he said attempting to be cool.
I rolled my eyes. "I'll tell you what's up, Haley told me off today."
"Who's Haley?" he asked.
"My arrows victim," I said.
"The girl you like?" he guessed.
"Yes," I said.
Chase actually looked sorry. "Wow, I'm sorry, dude. That sucks," he said.
"Yeah, and it's your fault," I said. "She thinks I'm some creep because of your stupid love spell."
"Oh," Chase said. Then he perked up, "You know I could just-"
"No, don't hit her with an arrow," I said. I stomped off to my room saying, "I'm sick and tired of your stupid arrows."
"I'll make this up to you," he yelled after me, "Trust me, I'll make this up to you."

Full Story

My Brother, Cupid Part 5

"Wow," I said.
"Todd," said Chase walking up. "Look, we can go now if you'd like."
"Yeah, I guess so," I said, "It was nice seeing you again New Years.”
“Same, it's nice to see some kids at these dumb parties,” he said quoting me from the Valentine's Day Party.
I waved as I followed my brother out.
Unlike my brother, walking through that portal always scared me. For a few seconds you find yourself stranded in midair going lightning speed through flashes of light and color. And then it's over and you realize you've traveled miles in the time of a few seconds.
“What were you thinking?” Chase yelled as we wandered into out living room, “Interrupting a meeting like that. You do realize that the results would have been the same after the meeting, right? The arrow still would have been gone.”
“You know what. Chase? It wasn't gone this morning, you could have taken it off then. Or even better yet not shot me at all,” I said.
“It was a harmless prank. Look I'm sorry. But it's not like I haven't done this before, what's so different about this time?” he said.
“I didn't like then either. But this time was different because I was starting out with a new slate. I could have been someone, just because you were a loser in school doesn't mean that you have to make me one too.”
“For the last time, I wasn't a loser,” Chase said, “I got a ton of girls.”
“Right, I highly doubt that you just started being a loser when you grew up. I mean even Mom thinks you're weird,” I said picking up a red rose from one of his vases, reminding him of her reaction when she first saw his house.
“I'm not a loser now either,” he said. “Look, I think we're done with this conversation now. Sorry about the whole arrow, falling in love, clean slate thing.” Then he started to fly away.
“You don't even care, do you?” I said. He ignored me.
As much as I love my brother, he may just be the most annoying person who ever lived.

Full Story

Santa Claus

Some people think that Santa Claus is a bad thing to teach your children. I think their wrong. They say that stuff such as Santa takes away from the true meaning of Christmas, the letters of Santa spell Satan and so on. Again, that is nonsense.
Santa is a good man. If you think I am wrong, what are his flaws? Is it that he is happy? Or maybe that enjoys giving? Could it be that loves children? Basically if Santa is a bad man, then so am I. Because I enjoy being happy, I love kids, and I like to give presents.
Which brings me to my next point. It is the concept of Santa that I really love. He works all year for all of us and to show his love for Christ he chooses to give his gifts on the same day that he was born. Santa is a Christian. If you don't believe me look at the evidence, he celebrates a Christian holiday, he is loving and kind, and he is giving. Santa is a Christian just like me.
Some people thinks he takes from the true meaning of Christmas, which is that Christ was born for all of us. That is because they are teaching it wrong. Remember, Santa did not create Christmas, Christmas created Santa. And for a good reason too.
Santa is amazing; he represents Christian love. To take Santa away from Christmas is wrong. To teach your kids that Santa is a bad man is wrong. Santa is good.

New Years Age Line

If you read My Brother Cupid (Part 4) then you would know that there's a character named New Years. New Years lives and dies in one year. So technically he can't be more years old but he seems to be more years old. So when I say in Feb. he's 12 years old, I mean he has the presence of a 12-year-old.
5 days = 1 year
January 1st - Infant, barely born
February 1st - 8
March 1st - 16
April 1st - 25
May 1st - 33
June 1st - 41
July 1st - 50
August 1st - 58
September 1st - 66
October 1st - 75
November 1st - 83
December 1st - 91
December 31st - 100

My Brother, Cupid Part 4

“Fine. Fine. I'll take it off,” Chase mumbled. Most of the holidays smiled at this action. He came up to me and waved his hand over where he shot the arrow. This makes the invisible arrow visible to everyone. That's when I heard a gasp from the audience. I didn't understand it until Chase said, “It's gone.”
“The arrow's gone!” I yelled. “What do you mean it's gone?”
“Well, the arrows like a shot-”
“I know, you've already explained it to me,” I said. “So I'm in love with Haley forever now!”
“Pretty much.”
I let out a loud groan.
“Um, I'm going to finish this meeting and then I'll talk to you later. Okay?” Cupid said looking around obviously embarrassed that I was still there.
“Whatever,” I said leaving, my head facing downwards.

It was a few minutes later when the meeting was let out, I didn't really care though. What more could Chase do then what had already been done. Then it was time for the after meeting party where all the holidays sat around and talked to each other.
An old man sat next to me and smiled. He said, “I'm sorry.”
I looked up. I knew all the holidays, from our annual Valentine's Party, but this one didn't look familiar to me. “I'm sorry, who are you?” I asked.
“Don't you recognize me?” he asked.
I looked at him for a few seconds then shook my head, “Sorry, no”
“New Years,” was his response.
Then I took another look at him, it was New Years. “Oh, wow,” I said, “You've grown a ton.” Last time I had seen New Years, he had only looked a few years younger then me. Now he looked like an old man. I then remembered that every year New Years goes through an average life cycle. Chase told me that New Years is like an infant at the beginning of the year and a 100-year-old man at the end.
“You've grown as well, young man,” he said.
“Not compared to you,” I said.
“We've grown the same, age wise,” he said.
“But not look wise,” I said, “How old are you?”
“Not even a year,” he said, “About nine months.”
“I mean look wise,” I said.
“About 65 years,” he said.

Full Story

The Real Monster

For Halloween I decided to write something to do with Halloween:
Mr. and Mrs. Hanson sat on their couch holding their three-year-old twins, Amy and Annie. It was a crisp fall day in September, it had been clear but windy. The orange sun was casting it's rays painting the sky multiple colors as it set behind the end of the gorgeous landscape dotted with red and orange trees. This quaint little family didn't notice the sun set though as they watched "Cinderella" with content expressions on their faces. Mrs. Hanson looked at sweet little Annie, who was snuggling deeply into her mother's chest, and noticed something was not quite right. She pressed her hand down into Annie's face to feel the brown stuff she was noticing that was beginning to form. It was soft fur. She looked at her precious daughter as she watched this child become something that was not quite right: a dog. Suddenly in the place of a sweet innocent child there came a vicious beast with white canine teeth, daggers for claws, and dark eyes. Mrs. Hanson let a scream escape her lips and then she heard the words "Get Amy out of here," come from her lips and reach her husband's ears. Mr. Hanson, who had been shocked by this unexpected transformation, grabbed the little girl in his hands and swept her out of the room. Mrs. Hanson allowed for them to leave and slowly made her way to the back door making sure the monster was following her. She left the building and so did the dog. As the dog stepped out, Mrs. Hanson made a mad dash to the door. Then she shut it and locked it right behind her.

My Brother, Cupid Part 3

This left the door completely unguarded. This meant that if I wanted to, I could just walk inside the meeting and get my brother to take the dumb spell off of me. But I knew this wouldn't make the elves happy or the holidays happy so I grabbed a plate of cookies to take with me. Then I walked inside and closed the door behind me.
“Mother, we've told why we can't make Mother's Day a week long holiday,” Santa Claus was saying as I came in.
“I'm just thinking about all those poor mothers who work all year long, and need a week long holiday,” Mother Day responded.
“There is no vay that the children vould be able to stand it for one veek,” Dracula said.
“That's right, it's hard enough to get kids to behave and serve their moms one day but by one week the kids will be misbehaving left and right and mothers will be pulling out their hair,” Santa said.
“I agree. When my mom has mother's day or her birthday by the end of the day she was sick of us doing things for her and always starts doing them herself. There is no way she would like one week,” my brother said.
“Cupid, when was the last time you talked to your mother?” Mother Day asked.
“That's off subject, Mrs. Day,” he said but she looked at him so concerned he added, “Last week my brother, who is standing right there -
“What are you doing here, Todd?” he interrupted himself. All the holidays, who didn't notice me before, looked my direction.
“Hi,” I placed the cookies on the table, “Can I barrow Cupid for like ten seconds?” I asked.
“Why?” Mother Day asked.
“He put one of his love spells on me, and I need him to take it off,” I said.
Immediately all the holidays attention was on my brother, “It was a joke. That's what brothers do, they play jokes on each other.”
“I like it,” April's Fool said.
“You're mother would be especially disappointed in you, Cupid,” Mother said.
“I agree with Mrs. Day, that was really mean of you. Not nice at all,” Santa Claus said.
“It was a joke. We all need a few jokes in our life,” April's Fool said.
“A joke is only funny when both sides are amused. Does Todd look very amused?” the turkey, who I never talk to because he freaks me out, said.
No body responded.

Full Story

My Brother, Cupid Part 2

I chased him down and started looking for him. When I couldn't find him and I had ran out of time, I went to school. You may think this is a stupid idea, going to school when you have all sorts of dumb love magic on you, and I used to think that too. But after getting hit with the arrow so many times and realizing that sooner or later you're going to have to fall in love you learn that you just have to live with it.
The way I figured it, was as long as I didn't look into any girl's eyes I wouldn't fall in love. I've done this before and it's worked. And even if I did fall in love I would just make my brother pull the spell off of me as soon as I got home. This has happened before too.
So I focused on the ground as I walked to school. When I got there, I checked in the office and focused on the lady's hands. So far it was going pretty well.
I stepped into the halls and went to look for my first class. I stared high at the walls, well above eye level. If I did see eyes they were in my peripheral vision and that didn't count. I shuffled through the masses of people avoiding them.
Then I hit her. I mean I physically hit her. We both landed on the floor with a thud and her stuff went flying everywhere. I went to go help her pick it up, but when I gave it to her I made eye contact. Big mistake.
I could feel the sparks flying like I had many times before. I knew they weren't real but still felt my lips open and one simple sentence flew out, "You're really pretty, I'm glad I ran into you."
She looked shocked. Then she looked confused. Then a few kids who had over heard started snickering. She looked at me and said, "Um, thanks."
"No problem, beautiful. Anytime. I would do anything for a look into those eyes," I said trying my hardest not to say anything.
"A little creepy," she mumbled and quickly walked away into the audience of snickers. I could hear people whispering about me, mocking me, and laughing at me.
"Chase better start counting his days," I growled. Then I left to hurry to my class.
I immediately regretted this, because she was in my first class. I had to sit by her, force of the arrow. She turned away, hoping I wouldn't talk to her. But of course I did. I said, "What's your name?"
She frowned at me but said, "Haley."
"I'm Todd," I said.
"Um, okay." And then she moved away.

A few hours later I arrived at home. The quicker Chase pulled this spell off me the better. I walked inside and started to yell, "Chase! Chase!"
A heard a zip of wings and saw my brother fly in. He was a baby with a pair of white wings on his back, a quiver on his back where his arrows and bow laid, and a diaper. "Can't talk now. Council of Holidays meeting right now."
"You have to pull the spell off of me. Everyone's already making fun of me," I said.
"Why? Is she ugly?" he asked opening the portal to where ever he was going.
"No, but she does think I'm a creep."
"Well, I can't do it now. I'm going to be late. Mother Day called the meeting and you know Mother," he said.
"You have to pull it off," I said.
He ignored me and started to go through the portal. I grabbed his tiny foot and hung on as he pulled as both to where ever he had to go.
We got to the other side and he zipped off while I found myself a heap on the cold stone floor. I looked up to see five elves looking at me. The meeting was, evidentially, at the North Pole. I nodded at these confused creatures and they got back to work.

Full Story

Writers Block

Writers block is a disease. There's nothing worse for a writer then being at the best part of an essay, novel, or short story and suddenly having to stop because you can't you think of something else to write. It's even worse when you're running on a deadline. To me, writers block is especially awful. It makes me feel like I'm no longer fully there. What are the symptoms of this dreaded ill? For me: being bored, loosing interest in things that I can normally do for an hour, depression, and confusion. I also tend to go into the more logical part of my mind when I have this, but this isn't a noticeable condition. Currently I have writers block. Actually I had writers block. What else do I say? Who knows. Sorry if this blog entry isn't as good as others. I tried.

My Brother, Cupid

If it wasn't bad enough that it was my first day at a new school, it was harder knowing that if I wasn't careful my brother would shoot an arrow at me. This arrow is full of a bunch of dumb love magic. He claims its his "first day at school gift." But there is nothing more annoying then having a huge crush that isn't even real.
I had avoided him so far, and as far as I was concerned he was still asleep. Then I heard a "Hey Todd," from behind me.
"Don't you dare!" I said turning around as quick as possible. He stood there with his bow on his side. "Look Chase, remember how we had to move because I loved Rebecah, Halie, Lizzie, Emily, Veronica, and Raquel. Let's not start this again."
"You're absolutely right," he said, but while saying "right" he hit me.
"Chase!" I exclaimed though it didn't hurt.
"Hey, that's what brothers do, right? They tease," he said running away from me.
"I don't know a lot of guys who brother is Cupid." I caught him and put him in a head lock. For even though he's my older brother he's a wimp. Truth was I could see the pain that I was causing him. "Take it off! Take it off! Take it off!" I yelled.
"Let me go," he choked.
"Will you take it off?" I asked.
"No, it's a joke."
"Take it off!"
"Let me go!"
"I'll let you go if you take it off," I said.
"Your shoe's untied," he said.
I looked down, it was untied. But when I looked down I loosened my grip and he got away. I growled. "You'll pay for this Chase."

Full Story

My Fairy, Kira Part 2

Part 1

"Does everybody have a fairy?" Jordan asked, though he had been told off by six inch girl that he asked to many questions.
"No. The second you were born I flew over you and thus I became your fairy. They gave me ten years of freedom then boom. No more magic, unless you wish for something, and slave to the human race. It sucks," she said bitterly.
"I'm sorry. I feel really bad. Is this my fault?" he asked her.
Instead of answering she asked, "Where do I sleep?"
"Oh!" Jordan looked around his small room. "What about the windowsill?"
Kira picked up her feet and flew to the windowsill on the other side of the room. Jordan's windowsill was covered with a long white curtain with blue ships on the top. The window was about one foot wide.
"What about food? I really like crackers. You need to feed me because I don't have my magic any more," Kira said not showing if she was satisfied with the place Jordan had set for her.
"Right!" Jordan said like he should have known. He looked in his sock drawer and grabbed a poor sock without a match. Then he ran out of the room to grab the crackers. He returned a couple of minutes later and set the sock and the crackers on the windowsill.
Kira looked at him confused and went over and picked up an edge of the sock.
"It's so you have somewhere soft to sleep. I've washed it, I swear," Jordan said.
Kira looked at him and for the first time since she had arrived she smiled and said, "Thanks."

Five Little Words that Crushed Me

I love mornings, I get alone time, it's quiet, and after about 20 minutes I'm fully refreshed. I don't, on the other hand, like people in the morning. This morning my brother, Eric, woke up about the same time I did. Eric is four years old, and as cute as can be. He followed me downstairs while I got my breakfast, I sat down and ate it and he asked if he could have some too. I frowned, I didn't want to get him breakfast. But instead of telling him to go ask my mom I told him I would get him some as soon as I was done eating. Unfortunately my mind was full. Instead I got my shoes on. Then I went into the bathroom to brush my teeth. He followed thinking that as soon as I did that I would get him some cereal. Not understanding his intentions and completely forgetting that I told him I would get him cereal I played a game with him where I blocked him in the mirror, he giggled accordingly. I went downstairs, pulled out my outline for history, sat on the couch, and started reading. After a few seconds of sitting on a stool and waiting for me, he realized that I wasn't going to get him cereal. Being four years old, this crushed him. He started to cry and ran out of the kitchen. Eventually he joined me in the living room laid his head on the couch and cried. I asked him sweetly what was wrong and offered to cuddle with him. Then I offered to help him. He turned to me and these were his exact words, "Only mommy can help me, because you're not always there." These five words took me by surprise and I mumbled something about being in high school most of the day.
As I started to think about this, I realized he didn't mean "you're not always there," meaning that I wasn't always at home helping him. But rather he meant that I wasn't always there for him to fall back on and trust. That morning I had abandoned his trust, I had abandoned him. This almost made me cry. He had trusted me and I had let him down. Even if was just over a bowl of cereal. The point is, I learned an important lesson today. I never want the feeling of letting my little brother fall again, and from now on I'll try to do what I said I would do right away.

The Power of Telling the Truth

I was not looking forward to reading my nonfiction book for English, I wasn't sure what I would find. I found one of the best books I've ever read. It's called Three Little Words and the author and main character is Ashley Rhodes-Courter. The book is a memoir so it's events that occurred in her life. The book starts when she is being taken away from her mother, from there she is transferred from foster home to foster home. Her life is difficult, and she looks forward to the day that her mom will pick her up and take her home. One of her most difficult situations is when she is transfered to Majorie Mosses home. Mrs. Moss abuses Ashley as well as all the other children. When Ashley testifies of this, she is accused of being a liar. I was taken back that they would take her away from her mother and others that loved her in an instant but let Mrs. Moss abuse her and neglect her. When Ashley finally does get adopted by Gay and Phil Courter she insists on doing something to protect other children from the evil witch. Ashley didn't succeed. But as well as being an inspiration to me, she's also been a inspiration to others. She didn't win, but she did what she could and helped many others. Ashley did something despite the fact that she was only one person. The book was very good and very inspirational.

Leah, Rachel's Sister

It was the large commotion that grabbed my attention, people outside were rejoicing for some man named Jacob was here. I wandered out to see what everyone was yelling about. There I saw a man, and he was fair to look upon. But who he was, I didn't know. My younger sister, Rachel, saw and explained it to me, “This is Jacob, Rebekah's son.” Rebekah was my father's sister.
Then my father saw me also, “Jacob, this is my daughter, Leah.”
That is when the man saw me. He didn't smile as he looked into my eyes. Then he nodded politely and returned his attention to my father.
My father then said, “Surely thou art my bone and my flesh.”* And Jacob stayed with us for a month.
After a month my father thought that Jacob should work for us as he explained it, “Because thou art my brother, shouldest thou therefore serve me for nought? Tell me, what shall thy wages be?”*
Immediately Jacob looked longingly after Rachel. His eyes met hers and the shared a long loving glance. “I will serve thee seven years for Rachel thy younger daughter,” he then said.
My father shifted uncomfortably in his chair. He had a hard time giving Rachel to anyone. Then he quickly looked at me and I knew what he was thinking, “But my eldest, Leah, has not been wed yet.” Though he never actually said it. After another few long glances at Rachel and Jacob. He finally made up his mind, “It is better that I give her to thee, than that I should give her to another man: abide with me.”*

*Phrases directly from the bible.

The Taffetas

Yesterday I went out with my grandma and my step-cousin to see a play. The play was called The Taffetas and when I first looked at the stage and the program I thought the play was just going to be a bunch of fifties music. I was absolutely right. It was just a bunch of fifties music. But it was a ton of fun. I actually felt like I was in the fifties. Most of the music was fun and exciting, the costumes were adorable, I loved the band members, and The Taffetas themselves were so much fun to watch. If you ever are in BYU territory and they are still playing I would suggest buying tickets to watch them. It was so much fun.

The Hypnosis Act

Hypnotist - Ladies and Gentlemen, welcome to the Amazing Hypnotism Show. Where I transform my five nominees into things they are not. (To 1st contestant) You are sure our planet is in trouble but luckily for you, you've found another planet which will be able to support us. Every time I say the word "you", you will try to convince someone in the audience to come with you to this new planet. (To 2nd contestant) You are a dog, whenever i take a step you will bark defensively and growl for a member of the audience. (To 3rd contestant) You love playing golf, but unfortunately you lost your leg playing it. When I go to the next person you will jump on one leg and tell your golf stories, which never seem to be about getting that stupid ball into that stupid hole, to the audience. (To 4th contestant) You are a ballerina, abut you must always be in the spotlight. Find a light and dance under it make sure nobody else is under your spotlight. (To 5th contestant) you are an untrained therapist, every time you hear a bark, you must ask and audience member about a part of their life. (To Audience) As you can see their physical body is still the same but in their mind they are somebody different. Using hypnotism, I can get anyone to do anything. Even things they are not normally comfortable doing. The only other person who can do this is a very good director. Do not try this at home until you can master the mind,the results can be quite disastrous. (To contestants) You may take your seat. Now when I count to three you will all be no longer be hypnotized. One. Two. Three. You are no longer hypnotized.

Grease

Friday night I went to my friend's house and after settling down in her room she put on Grease. I had never seen this movie before, I knew some of the songs like Summer Nights, We Go Together, Grease Lightning and You're the One I Want. But besides that I had no clue what to expect. What was I thinking when the movie ended? "That was an awful movie." I absolutely hated it. It was so immoral. From drinking to smoking to sex to lying there was nothing in there with any sort of moral decision at all. All the characters and their support of these live changing sins bugged me. But that wasn't the worst part. The thing that absolutely bugged me the most was the ending. The whole movie I was waiting for stupid Danny to change and stop treating Sandy like a piece of garbage. But instead stupid Sandy decided to change into a piece of garbage. Instead of Danny raising his standards to meet hers, she lowered hers to meet his. I also hated the part where Rizzo found out that she really wasn't pregnant. She didn't learn a thing from that experience. Sure I was glad that she wasn't pregnant but the message that I got from that was horrible. Actually it was the message I got from the whole movie and that was be bad, be immoral, have no standards, have fun and there will be no consequences. But if you're good you will have no friends, everyone will hate you, and you'll be miserable.

Addison, Part 1

“I can't believe it!” Alexander, my best friend cried.
“What!?!” I exclaimed looking up from my cook book.
“This guy in my book could choose between money and the girl. And he chose the Girl! How idiotic is that?” he said, “You're not going to cook again, are you?”
I smacked him with a pillow and put down the cook book. Instead I picked up my sister's diary.
He also put down his book and looked at me, ready for me to start reading.
“Dear Diary,
“Today was the best. He was so romantic. He took me to that one restaurant that's like impossible to get reservations. How sweet is that? I love Bruce. I can just imagine it now, 'Abbigale Ryan!'-”
“I bet if she had to chose between Bruce and money she would chose Bruce,” Alex said.
“No talky. It's my turn.” I said, “Now doesn't that sound romantic. Tomorrow he's taking me to Harlen's Park.
“Bingo, that's where we'll find her.”
“Fine, but we're not taking your cooking,” he said.
“We'll get sandwiches at that sandwich place,” I said hitting him with another pillow.
“Sheesh. Easy on the pillows, already,” he said picking back up his book.

My Calzone Experience

Calzone Recipe

12 Rhode's Frozen Rolls
1/2 Jar of Pizza Sauce
1/2 Bag of Cheese
Butter
Red Peppers
Parmesan Cheese

1. Preheat oven to 350'.
2. Spray pan down or use flour. Place frozen rolls on pan. Let sit for 1 - 1 1/2 hours.
3. Spread out rolls.
4. Add Pizza Sauce.
5. Add Cheese.
6. Fold in half. Pinch edges together with fingers, this works better then a fork.
7. Melt butter. Spread over Pre-Cooked Calzones.
8. Lightly sprinkle red peppers and parmesan.
9. Cook for 15 - 20 minutes.

A Good Ending to a Good Series

I recently just finished Percy Jackson and the Olympians Book 5 The Last Olympian, Fiction, written by Rick Riordan. The book is the finale of the series. My favorite thing about these books are the characters. They are well written and the characters are so believable I feel as if I know them and the author from just reading the book. Riordan can take a very serious scene and make it incredibly fun to read with a piece of dialogue. The book was full of suspense, action, and feelings. It was almost impossible to put down. I would recommend the Percy Jackson books to anyone.

The Most Amazing Party that Ever Dared to be

It's amazing to finally be 16, but what's more amazing then that was my amazing, wonderful, spectacular, beautiful Sweet Sixteenth Birthday Party. There were a ton of guests who I mostly all greeted and talked to. They brought amazing gifts and were a ton of fun. I mostly stayed with my best friend, Cheyenne, the whole night. But I did talk to others. Mostly everyone else was just family but I loved that. I loved being with the people I was most comfortable with. The party went way beyond my expectations.
The party was set up in two rows so everyone could talk to each other. There was a table with a bunch of pictures of me over the years and two more tables with refreshments. There were a bunch of balloons tied to the banister. I was wearing a cute pink shirt and jeans, tiara, and sash. It was wonderful.
I would like to spend a paragraph thanking my parents. My mother has been working her butt off for two whole days to make this the best party that I've ever had. She made three cakes, chocolate roses and hearts, and decorated and cleaned everything. She also spent a bunch of money on food, drinks, and decorations. She did the most amazing job anyone could ever do. My dad also worked very hard. I'm blessed that I have such incredible parents. I love them so much, and I have been blessed. It's been an amazing party, an amazing birthday, and most of all an amazing life.

My Fairy, Kira Part 1

I've had this story idea for a while but now I'm actually writing it down:
Jordan Keithson walked silently down the crowded hall way, avoiding eye contact and bumping into people. He knew he was in trouble with the school bully, Jack, for making a fool out of him in class and wanted to avoid him at all costs. So far he hadn't seen him at all, he was almost out of school. If he could just get out and walk all the way home maybe Jack would forget about him and he could live in peace.
"Keithson," he heard a gruff voice behind him say. "I have a debt to settle with you."
Jordan turned around to see the owner of the voice, a tall muscular kid with short black messy hair and a grim expression on his face. "Right, Jack. But you see I didn't mean to insult you, the words came out before I could actually think them."
Jack rolled his eyes. "Right, and I'll just happen to hit you before I can control my fist."
Jordan ran, but before he get very far he ran into two of Jack's friends, who smiled at him.
Jack was getting closer and closer his fist coming towards Jordans face at an increasingly faster speed. When out of no where in his right ear he heard a small female voice say, "Make a wish."
"What?" Jordan asked.
"I didn't say anything, Keithson," Jack said pausing himself for a moment to say that.
"Make a wish, you idiot."
Jordan shut his eyes ready for the blow and said, "I wish I wasn't here right now." He waited a few seconds but nothing happened. He opened his eyes and looked around. He was no longer in the front of the school but in his bedroom.
"How did I get here?" Jordan asked.
"I didn't carry you, I can tell you that," the voice in his right ear said.
"Where are you?" he asked.
"I'm on your shoulder."
He looked over to his right shoulder and there was sitting a small girl, no larger then six inches. She sat comfortably crosslegged on his shoulder.
"Who are you?" he asked hitting her off his shoulder and backing up.
To his surprise she didn't fall and then he noticed the small pair of wings that sat on her shoulders busily working to keep her up. "Kira," she said.
"What are you?" he asked.
"I'm a fairy," she said.
"A fairy?"
"Yes, your fairy."
"My fairy?"
"Yes! You ask way to many questions."
Jordan leaned down to observe her considering she had landed softly on one of his bedposts. She was wearing a dark blue dress that was torn at every edge except the neck opening. Her hair sat in a messy pony tail on her shoulders. Her small green eyes accompanied the mischevious look that she had in them.

Part 2