Class of 2012

Unfortunately I had a little mishap with our DSLR so the only camera we had to take pictures for my party was my little phone and Instagram. Good thing that my Android takes nice pictures! Eventually I'll probably get some more pictures from Grandmas and the like, but until then this is what you get.

I spent all morning decorating the used-to-be-library with my sisters, Mama, cousin Mindy, and of course Tanner. I was actually really thankful to have Mr. Tan-Tan-the-Muffin-Man help me out because he has such and artistic eye, and him and Noey together are the bomb-diggity*. This little space was my favorite out of everything I decorated, mainly because of the bunting but also the very old tablecloth. Okay, scratch that. Everything about this little section made me giddy.

All in all I really actually enjoyed my party, shocker there right? With all my complaining and whining I know it comes as a surprise. But I was so blessed by the turn out, everyone who means so much to me was there and it truly meant the world to see people come. Being a hostess and walking up to every single person who entered the room isn't my forte, nor is it many people's, but I'm glad I did it.

Well, I better get to going. I'm going to spend some time with Hunter today, obviously the best. We're going to see Brave (The original plan was Abraham Lincoln Vampire Hunter, but as he's a minor {and I'm NOT!!} he might cause problems to see an R rated movie) and then go into my** store so I can get a new Pandora bead. But I don't know which one yet, so he has to help me. Also, seeing as apparently Hunter reads my blog now: I love you. The end :) 

*I don't really talk like that IRL. I just act like an idiot online.

**When I say "my" I mean the place that I work. 

Klutz Junior

The life of Hannah is ever dramatic. No lie, gals, it's crazy in this neck of the woods. {Ha. Get it? I live in the woods...} Basically I'm the most accident prone individual that has ever walked this planet, or I guess ever limped around this planet right now. See, I can do flips on a four-inch balance beam but give me wide flat surface and my face immediately finds the ground. Literally. So, so literally. Since I'm slowing building the suspense here, I'll finally tell you my story.

On Friday afternoon I was driving my little moped to the Bliss Store to acquire some Gatorade and other goodies before heading to the lake for a few hours before going to work. Well, to get to the Bliss Store from my house you have to turn right onto a dirt road. I turned. I straightened myself out. I then proceeded to wipe out. Honestly I'm extremely lucky that the only things messed up are my knee and chin, as I only had shorts and t-shirt on. But, I have some pretty icky road rash on my knee. Which includes a hole in my knee. I'm pretty bad to the bone. 

Then, once I got home from work that evening I went to get on my computer and the power chord wasn't working. A stupid power surge went through it when the electricity went out, so as of right now I don't have my computer. Ugh. Ma life. 

Long story short:

I'm queen of the accident prone, and regular posting should resume tomorrow when I have my own computer. Gosh, I practically forgot how to use a PC. 

On a completely unrelated note, those are my straws for my party on Saturday. Saturday people. I can't believe it's coming up so quick. I have quite a bit of stuff to accomplish by then, like my bunting, my other pictures inside a mason jar, my picture collage thing, and probably a lot more that my mother will tell me in a few minutes. And those pretty flowers were given to me by the Tan Man's mother. I shall probably be using some for my tables. 

Picture in a Bottle {Or a Jar}

My Open House is fast approaching (The 23rd if you're wondering!) and I'm finally getting some things ready that I've had planned for eons. Sunday night I tried out putting some of my senior pictures in olive oil. I had seen the idea on Pinterest months and months ago, and have finally gotten around to testing it out. Needless to say, I'm really in love with the results. The only thing I did differently was use a smaller jar and wallet-size pictures, and I also used two pictures per jar. Probably for some bigger jars I'll use 4x6 pictures and flowers instead on the backside rather than two pictures. 

Invitations have also been sent out. Some handmade, some store bought. Only because there really was not enough time to make them all. Now I've gotta find some "vintage" (Meaning probably new, but a vintage print) material for tablecloths. At first I thought that was wasteful to buy a bunch of material just for tablecloths, but I decided I'd use the material later for skirts! Smart idea, eh? 

For When I Am Weak

There is nothing quite like snuggling up in bed with a brand-new homemade quilt that you got as a graduation gift and a good book. It's even more exceptional when you happen to be talking to the love of your life after you've already spent a good chunk of the day with him. 

I love just laying in bed. Thinking about my day. Listening to the hum of a fan lull me into a land full of dreams. Thinking about how nice it is to have straightened my room up, and about how fun it is to play board games with Hunter (Casie & Brad, too, of course!). And how wonderful it is to have something to cover me up tonight that was made from someone I truly love. What a lovely day. 

That's why I take pleasure in my weaknesses, and in the insults, hardships, persecutions, and troubles that I suffer for Christ. For when I am weak, then I am strong. 2 Corinthians 12:10 

You Look Beautiful Tonight

This weekend was basically just a blast. I started working (No kidding. This is actually a wonderful thing), went camping on Friday, worked some more, went to the local graduation, spent some much-needed time with the boy, and spent a day walking around Mackinaw City with Tanner and Noey.

To elaborate on the whole graduation part, it was an interesting experience. I've only ever been two high school graduations and both were at very large schools. I've mentioned time and time again how small of a place I live in, and the school is no exception. It was a pretty interesting ceremony and I'm glad I went. I was telling Tanner that although I would never want to change my home schooled education, it's sort of sad in a way to see a lot of friends up there receiving their diplomas together while you sit and watch. I can't imagine how it would be for some of the people who actually had attended that school and had to leave for various reasons. 

I was really quite glad I got to see my good, old friend, Ben graduate. That kid has been in my life for, well, forever. And I'm so proud of the person he's become. Congrats, Ben! After all the world has thrown at both of us, we're still standing. As individuals, and best of all, as friends. And, not only are we standing, we're thriving. 

What I Wore// Bethel Bound

Brad is drinking lemonade or something. Not beer. Also, I apologize for how blurry the picture of Hunter is. 

So. I'm eighteen now. In my mind eighteen seems so much nicer than seventeen, mainly because I'm fond of even numbers rather than odd. But in reality eighteen really isn't too different from seventeen, except in the fact that I can officially rent movies from my favorite store. Pretty spectacular, eh? 

My whole "birthday weekend" was pretty uneventful, really. It started Thursday with me driving back down to Bethel (Yes. Again.) for registration. Friday I registered for all my classes, Aerobics being one of them. Seriously, it was either Aerobics or Weight Lifting, so I broke down and signed up for Aerobics. Pretty uneventful and boring really. But, I'm officially signed up for everything which is pretty awesome if I do so myself! 

But it was pretty nice being with Hunter on Saturday and Sunday. The kid sort of makes me happier, and he makes me want to be happier. I ended up having a pretty decent birthday, and whole weekend really. With everything though, turning eighteen, registering for classes, I realize that I really am going away. I'm leaving. And all these things remind me more and more often that my Daddy isn't here to do these things with me. Which isn't okay. I'm not going to pretend it's all okay, and I don't mind. It's not okay, but I have to deal with it. It's life. It goes on. But it going on doesn't change anything, doesn't change the facts. The facts being that it's been two years yesterday since my Daddy died. 
Life isn't perfect. My life isn't perfect. But it is my life. It's all mine. Really, that's all we have, isn't it? Our own lives. Our story. Everything else in the world you have to share, and it isn't yours forever. But my life story. It's no one else's but mine. It makes me want to live a great life, make my story good. You know? Or maybe I'm blabbering. As per usual. Anyways, I just want to embrace my life story. The good. The bad. The incredibly depressing. 

P.S. Thing number 20 is that I like even numbers a trillion times better than odd. They even sound nicer, not to mention that they're easier to work with. 

In Which I Talk (More) About Being Homeschooled

As the school year is slowly winding up (or is it down?) and I'm about to graduate from high school and embark on my next academic adventure, I've thought a lot about my education. And how thankful I am for every aspect of my education, and really how it's molded me into the person I am today.

A lot of people talk of the disadvantages of being home schooled, and while I don't think they're necessarily "disadvantages", I can see where people are going from. Sure, it's a bummer that I didn't get to go to Prom last weekend. And, I would definitely love to have a multitude of opportunities for scholarships, friends, and the like. But no one seems to notice the "disadvantages" of being public school. For starters, the drama that exists between students. Then there's the fact that there's this huge problem with how you're not taught as an individual, but rather everyone is supposed to learn in the same way. 

It's seems that when people talk about the advantages of being home schooled all they can think of is that you can sleep in "late" and wear pajama's if you want. Seriously? Do you really think I'm home schooled for just those two reasons? That would be very stupid of me to disregard public school for only the reasons of being able to sleep later and wear pajamas. So here's what I've learned in my eight or so years of being home schooled: 

1) I've learned to be self motivated. I'm definitely not saying that if you aren't home schooled you can't be self motivated, but really for a homeschooler there's not really any other option. You set your pace for the day, and you are the one who makes sure you accomplish it. Of course your parent is watching, and making sure as well, but that's usually at the end of the day. If you want to succeed, you have to do it all on your own.

2) I've learned how to be by myself. It could be just my personality, but I've noticed this attribute in a lot of other home schooled kids. I've learned that if I want to do something, a lot of the time I'm going to have to do it by myself. When all my other friends were figuring out when they'd all be able to take driver's training with each other, I took the nearest one by myself and was completely okay with it. Now, when I look at other kids my age getting ready for college I see them all either A) trying to get into the same college as their friends or B) trying to get as close as possible to them. I, on the other hand, am going completely alone. 

3) I've had to learn who my real friends are. I usually see this aspect of life eventually happen to everyone as they grow up, but for homeschoolers it happens a little quicker. When you're not with your friends everyday it's easy to lose connection, and I think a lot of young adults would agree with me. I know that I've made lifelong friends during high school years, simply because we've already had to work twice as hard as "normal" highschoolers to make our friendships last because we don't get to actually see each other very often. I learned a long time ago which friends were here to stay, and which ones weren't. And I wish that no one had to go through that, but everyone will, and mine was just a little early. 

4) I've learned how to get along with my family. Okay, I'm not going to lie, there are a lot of times that all of us fight. But, when you're with the same three people nearly twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week you have to learn how to get along with them. And this really goes for anyone you're living with. I was taught at an early age that family is extremely important. All family. No matter what. And one important thing is to get along with them, even when you want to murder them. 

5) You really do get to wear pajamas if you want to. This certainly isn't a good reason, but it's true. But, I really suspect that if I went to public school I'd still wear pajamas if I wanted to. But seriously. I get to do algebraic equations while sitting on my bed, sipping hot chocolate, wrapped in a blankie, while wearing fleece pajama pants. 

Summer Wind

As the month of May drones on (even though it's only the fourth. it's droning.) I'm beginning to realize how necessary it is to start/finish my projects for my Open House. 

When I started high school I did not, under any circumstances whatsoever, want an Open House. Then, this year around November, I had a change of heart. I saw all these seniors going to their last homecoming, and their last Prom, and their graduation ceremony, doing their senior prank, and to be honest I felt a little left out. "Hey! I'm a senior too! Even if I don't get to do all that stuff!" I wanted to cry out. But instead of crying like a little baby, I decided that there is one thing I can do that's "senior-ish" and that's have a party. 

So I've been preparing for it with a whole Pinterest board dedicated to ideas, and finally I've started to put some of those ideas into action. I decided to make all of my own invitations. Now that it's getting nearer, I'm not so sure that was a great idea. But it'll get done... eventually. Slowly but surely, I suppose. I also ordered some napkins, straws, and plates in an array of colors. I'm going to get this done, and hopefully you lovely ladies (and a few guys as well, i guess) don't mind my sharing it with you!

In Which I Talk About Being Homeschooled

Remember back in March when I went down to Bethel College to audition for the music program and for a potential scholarship? Yeah. So do I. And ever since then I've been waiting, and waiting, and waiting, for a letter telling me about what the outcome was. And then I went on vacation. During which time my letter came. 
*Insert squeals of excitement* 


I opened it yesterday, and just had to tell you all what officially happened. Drumroll puhlease! 


I just received my second, count 'em one and two, scholarship from non-other than Bethel College! Stellar right? All my worrying, and practicing for months has payed off. I now have an academic scholarship and a music scholarship! 


In so many ways this is just freaking me out more about leaving, like it really is gonna happen. But then I'm so excited. I know this is not only where I want to be, but where I need to be. All these years of being told and believing that because I was home schooled I wasn't going to be prepared, and that I was missing out, and it might be hard to get into college has just been proved completely wrong. Being home schooled certainly isn't for everyone, and I will never go out and say it's the only and best way to be schooled because everyone is different, but it is effective and anyone saying anything else simply doesn't know what they're talking about. 


Maybe I won't be able to go to prom in a few weeks (although i personally think it sounds quite fun), and maybe I won't be able to walk with a (tacky and polyester) cap and gown on to get my diploma. Sure, I may not have as many high school friends as the average Jane. But, I can tell you I never missed out. I went to a homecoming, bad decision by the way, I have the best lifelong friends anyone could ask for. Heck, I've even dealt with the not-great parts of high school. Like mean girls, and drama that I didn't know I could be a part of when I don't even know the people. 


My high school experience may be different from "normal" people, but I've never claimed, or wanted, to be normal anyways. But guess what? It worked for me. I got into the college I've wanted to attend forever, and I even got a few scholarships. And really, that's what's important right? Doing what is best for you. Getting the education that you personally need. For me it was being home schooled. For you it may be public or private school. 


When it comes down to it, I'm so grateful for how my education turned out. And now I'm excited to start a new chapter in my schooling. I'm nervous, scared, petrified, and so pumped. 

What I Wore// My Thoughts Included

I really love the show "Make It or Break It". I'm generally obsessed with horrible ABC Family shows, but this one has really got my attention right now. It has horrible drama, gymnastics, and once again, horrible drama. What else could one ask for in a TV show?


Today I've had an intense realization that by the end of next month I will no longer be a high school student. Sometimes I feel like I'm so not ready to be graduating, but then other times I'm so ready it's not even funny.


The boy has the cutest freckles. Seriously. I want to count them and touch them all. All over his face. They're wonderful.
Also, I secretly love tickle wars. But don't let him know that. 


I've currently been obsessed with the song "Ours" by Taylor Swift. Some people don't like her, but c'mon. It's T-Swift. I've loved her for a long time, and actually went to a concert of hers once... before she was the headliner. She was touring with Rascal Flatts at the time, which is my all-time favorite band. Of all time. 


I received this huge bruise on the side of my knee Saturday while playing basketball in my cousin's basement. I was learning how to slam dunk and hit my leg against the wooden pole the basketball hoop was attached to. It hurts. Especially when Hunter pokes at it. 


I really like this dress. A lot. I'm planning on wearing it to my graduation party. Also, aren't my earrings the bomb? I won them from a giveaway hosted by the lovely Abbigayle! 


I really love how for at least a day after you shampoo your hair it still smells so good. I use Garnier's Length and Strength and I love the smell. 


I also am really loving the smell of Spring. Dirt. And trees. And pollen, even. Call me a crazy country girl, but I start getting excited when I can smell the nearby horse and cow manure. It means there's no more frozen anything and Spring has truly sprung! 


Sometimes when I have a headache I massage my head and pull my hair. I swear it helps alleviate the pain. 


I love when the boy just looks at me. Sometimes I feel as if I get shivers from it. His eyes are so blue, and his smile so sweet. It's going to be really hard being away from him come fall. 


I hate when people write in not their real voices. It's just uncomfortable to read. 


My Pandora bracelets need to be cleaned desperately bad. Like. Seriously bad. 


I'm really excited to eat the hamburger that my Mother is making me right now. But, no ketchup please! I despise the stuff. Give me some mustard, baby! 

This is getting really long, but I sort of like the informality of it. But, I'll leave you now. Have a wonderful day. And may the odds be ever in your favor! 

In Which I Speak of My Audition

Numerous times I've sat down to write about my audition, but to no avail. So, instead I decided to film a vlog about my experience. In which I probably rambled way too much. 
Also, sorry for my constant squinting. It looks like I have a grimace on my face, but I don't. I just had a headache. 

The Thursday Before...

{random picture of ice cream, because i swear it can brighten anyones day!}

It is early here in Michigan. Okay, so it's nearly seven o'clock but that's pretty darn early for me. I'm sitting here being anxious. Anxious to leave. Anxious to stay. Although my audition isn't until tomorrow at three o'clock, because we live six hours away we're leaving this morning at nine thirty. Hopefully we can get some shopping in tonight at the mall (hint, hint, Forever21) and maybe some swimming at a pool. 

Some interesting things happened on Tuesday morning concerning my audition... if by interesting I mean completely horrid. 

I received a call confirming my audition Tuesday morning, which I was expecting. To be honest I was still in bed, because, well I can be. Long story short, I was told Tuesday that I needed to have two pieces prepared when previously I had been told one. Which is a pretty big deal. I've been working on a Sonantina by Clementi for a few months, perfecting it. Memorizing it. And come to find out 1) Now they say it doesn't need to be memorized and 2) I need to prepare another piece... in two days. 

So I pulled an older song out of my repertoire. One I haven't really played faithfully in roughly two years, but still has early advanced techniques. I practiced non-stop Tuesday until I went to my teacher's house for an impromptu lesson (by the way, have I ever mentioned that she is the sweetest person I know?) when she told me I've got a good handle on the song and I need to just give it a break. Can I just break down and be honest here? Well, hello, it's my blog and I can do whatever I please! The song I'm playing is the one that two weeks prior to my Daddy's death (and my sixteenth birthday) he asked me to play at his funeral. Which I did. So in a weird, twisted, not-in-the-way-I-want-at-all way I feel like my Daddy's gonna be there with me. Like, this is a song he listened to. And loved when I played. And because I believe music holds many powers within itself, it will almost be like he is there. Sorta. 

Somehow this whole horrible happening (which, mind you, is still horrible because I haven't practiced nearly enough) turned into not a so bad thing. Isn't that the way it always seems to go when one has an optimistic attitude? 

May you seize this day, and seize it to the full. For what is the point in seizing it all if it is only halfway? Smile a genuine smile, even if your alarm clock didn't go off until five minutes before you had to leave. Do a little skip out to the school bus. Be joyous of the fact that you can feel sorrow, for it means you're alive. 

The Week Of Guest Bloggers

As you all know I have my piano audition this Friday. I'm extremely nervous about it, but also really looking forward to it. It should be a great (and terrifying) experience. 
This week I'm going to be really trying to focus on my music, and completely perfecting my piece. As much as I love you guys I know I'm not going to be able to put my all into this ole' blog, so I asked some lovely ladies to help me out. You'll be hearing from some wonderful gals, and I'm extremely excited to have them as guests. So little lovelies, clean your rooms, take out the garbage and getting ready for some guests to move in for the week. Treat them with the utmost love. 


P.S. If you think of me say a little prayer, I know I could all of them I can get. 

where has that old friend gone lost in a february song?

Goodbye February! I'm not sad to see you go, especially with weather such as this. Though I am a bit worried about the happenings of March (such as my piano audition at the end of the month!), I'm very excited to welcome another month into my dismal life and even more excited to experience it with all of you! 


What happened on the blog this month?
She had 22 posts, 1,235 visitors, and 7 new stalkers readers! I'm pretty sure that that is a record for this ole' blog. (Hi, new readers! I'm really glad to have you here! Keep commenting and interacting, I love you all)
I was accepted to Bethel College!
I made my first ever gif for the blog.
I posted (1, 2, 3, 4) some snazzy hairstyles and hair DIY's. 
Did my first ever guest interview featuring Abbi! 
I was interviewed on Abbi's blog.
Ivory Giraffes is now on Facebook, Bloglovin' , & Twitter! 

don't forget to remember me

So I'm thinking maybe we should have a party because of this, no? 

I can't even begin to describe to you guys how absolutely happy I am at this moment. It's incredible, and I'm so happy.

tattoos on this town

As you may, or may not, know I'll be graduating in the spring... of this year. Can you believe it? Little ole me will be graduating! Okay, sorry for the freak out there. 
Anyways, since I was in about eighth grade I firmly stated that I did not want an Open House. At all. Ever. Under no circumstance. Well, turns out I've reconsidered. I guess I decided after seeing all the fun things that all the "regular" seniors get to do that I don't. Like Senior Prom (don't make fun of me, but would it not be super fun to get dressed up?), Class Songs, Caps & Gowns. All the stuff that screams SENIOR, I don't get to do. Which doesn't mean that I want to quick enroll myself into Pellston High. But I did figure that there's one Senior thing I can do. That being an Open House. 
So I went on ole trust Pinterest and created an Open House board. I'm trying to go with a vintage feel. I've also decided to make my own invitations. Scarlett's been helping me, and those are my two favorites thus far. 
I'm sure I'll have lots of little projects going for my Open House soon, and I'll make sure to keep you updated! 


Oh! P.S. I wanted to say a big resounding "Hello!" to my new followers! Don't be shy, comment away. (: 

fairy dust

Another favorite Senior picture. 
You can almost see the fairy magic, and hear the faun's singing. I've always been a lover of mythical things, and will never stop believing in Fairies and in Narnia. Narnia has always been a real place to me, and it will continue to be so until the day I die. 


Life is too short not to believe in little miracles, and I for one do not plan on wasting my time on this earth being cynical. I want to always be aware of the fairies dancing in the woods, the unicorns leaving trails of glitter, the Loch Ness Monster swimming happily, and a wardrobe opening up to Narnia. Even when I've graduated high school, college, and whatever else happens to come along. I will always keep the magic of the world alive. 

mixed.

As I look at my Senior pictures, I'll share the ones I especially like. 
I really, seriously like this one. I like how this is my real smile. You see the nose wrinkle. You see the infamous snagle tooth. Also how my eyes get lost. Flaws. But fully me. 
Let me tell you a story about that lake behind me:


No. That is not Lake Michigan, though Lake Michigan is a mere mile from my house, this is O'Neal Lake. What? Never heard of it. I didn't think so. This lake is about a mile from my house in the opposite direction as Lake Michigan. O'Neal Lake holds many special things for me personally, and my family.
O'Neal Lake was named after my Grandma's family. My Grandma on my Daddy's side. Her name is Leona O'Neal Byard. Yes. I'm Irish. And Native American, actually, in case you were wondering. When my Grandma's family originally moved here years and years and years ago they owned a lot of land. O'Neal Lake being part of it. 
What with our family connection to the Lake I've spent a lot of time there. There are trails to hike, and sand dunes to climb. I've released baby turtles that were found on nearby roads there, and I'm sure some of the turtles I see now are those babies all grown up. One of my fondest memories of O'Neal Lake was when I was in around 5th grade and my youngest sister was having a speech therapist come to our house for therapy sessions. The therapist didn't really seem to like having the hustle and bustle of Scar and I being there so my Daddy took us down to O'Neal Lake with a row boat. I remember going all around the Lake, doing nothing at all. Just being there. It was fun, and I wish I could do it again. 
It's memories like those that make me happy and sad all at the same time. Happy that I got to have the experience, but sad because it will never happen again.