Christmas

Hello everyone! I hope everyone had an amazing Christmas! I know I did [:

I got to spend it with my family out here in Saratoga Springs. It was so much fun--and there was so much food. Here's our little family get together in like, four minutes. Enjoy & Happy Holidays [:

Snow in Happy Valley

My family is definitely in store for a white Christmas this year. Actually, a white Christmas is guaranteed every year in Utah. I used to love snow when I lived at the beach, & I was so excited to see massive amounts of it my first winter out here in the mountains... but honestly, I'm sick of it now, haha. But hey, it is pretty nice--that mountains are the best part.

Today, my mom, brother, & I went outside to shovel the driveway & sidewalk. My hands were freezing! I thought they were going to fall off, haha.

Shoveling can get really tiring; here's my brother relaxing in a pile of snow.

I joined him after a while.
Haha, and another video...

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Goodmorning, Stacy

kaydeezay (1:25:50 AM): i just feel like you two are a good fit
kaydeezay (1:25:54 AM): and i want it to work
kaydeezay (1:26:05 AM): from an outsiders point of view
kaydeezay (1:26:22 AM): yeah and i can tell you are really happy
kaydeezay (1:26:26 AM): its different
kaydeezay (1:26:38 AM): and its something happy and genuine
kaydeezay (1:26:47 AM): it's mature
kaydeezay (1:26:51 AM): and its' loving
kaydeezay (1:26:54 AM): its refreshing to see

"When everything feels like the movies, yeah, you bleed just to know you're alive."

You calm the storms, and you give me rest.
You hold me in your hands, you won't let me fall.
You steal my heart, and you take my breath away.
Would you take me in? Take me deeper now?
How can I stand here with you and not be moved by you?
Would you tell me how could it be any better than this?
'Cause you're all I want, you're all I need, you're everything...

Everyone deserves to feel loved. A goodmorning note is the perfect way to remind your special someone how much you care. [:

A Little Something About Christmas

I absolutely love the Christmas season. Today just got me pumped up even more for it. After I arrived home from church, I went into my parent's living room & actually took the time to look at some of the decorations my mom put around the house. It's not really a whole lot or anything, but it still brings the Christmas spirit into their home.

One of the best things about Christmas decorations is the tree itself. The colors of the tree, actually, everything about the tree represents something. Here's a little something I found online to describe what each thing stands for:

• The Star: A heavenly signs of prophecy fulfilled long, long ago- The shining hope of mankind.
• The Color Red: The first color of Christmas, symbolizing that Savior's sacrifice for all.
• The Fir Tree: Evergreen- the second color of Christmas shows everlasting light and life. The needles point up to heaven.
• The Bell: Rings out to guide lost sheep back to the fold, signifying that all are precious in His eyes.
• The Candle: A mirror of starlight, reflecting our thanks for the star of Bethlehem.
• The Gift Bow: Tied as we should all be tied together in bonds of goodwill forever.
• The Candy Cane: Represents the shape of the shepherd's crook, used to bring lost lambs back to the fold.
• The Wreath: A symbol of the never ending eternal value of love…having no end.
  

Okay, so the little tree that my parents have set up in their living room really doesn't have all those things that are listed, but I just thought it was cool how each thing represents something that related to the true meaning of Christmas.

Speaking of the "true meaning of Christmas," one of my favorite things to see in people's homes in the Nativity set; you know, with Mary, Joseph, the baby Jesus, the animals, and all the other visitors that came to see the Christ child. Here's the one set up in my parent's house.

Yeah, it's already feeling pretty Christmassy... hah, actually, I don't even think that's a word... but that's what it feels like! Here are just a couple photos of some things around my parent's house.

Christmas plates with snowmen! Haha, cute, right?!
Silverrr bells [:
Real poinsettia flowers. Very holiday-ish.

This is outside my parent's place. Snow! But it's melting ]:
Oh, and I just wanted to throw in the mountains. It's probably the best part about Utah winters [: That photo was actually taken outside of our apartment in Logan!

But yeah, anyways, I love Christmas! And so does my family... here's a little video about things we like best about Christmas [: Enjoy! & Happy holidays.

Organizing Photos on a Full Stomach

Happy Sunday! Wow, it's been such a chill-kick back & relax kinda afternoon so far. It's about 430pm right now, & I just got done eating a nice home-cooked meal by my momma [: Ah, it's so good to be at home with my parents & to be able to eat their cooking. Haha, for those of you living away from home, you know how it is. Heaven, right?

Anyways, I'm currently organizing photos in to folders on my laptop. I found an old video from a few months ago that I never got to put anywhere. It makes me laugh. It involves Filipino food (yum!) & my brother--getting soda in his eye. Enjoy [:

Happy Finals Week?

So, I've decided that every Filipino on the entire planet that knows how to play guitar plays this song: Officially Missing You. That, and More Than Words.

Hah, yeah. Well, I was on youtube this morning looking for some good covers to some songs (instead of studying for the three finals that I have today... yikes!) ...but yeah, I was specifically looking for some good ol' Peter Cetera covers of that Karate Kid theme oldie, Inspiration... So I could learn how to play it, haha.

Anyways, while I was searching, I came across this cover of Officially Missing You... by MagicMike from The Boogie Bots! Haha, it made me so happy--just because he's a favorite of mine. [:

Haha, for some reason, I can see JMill rolling her eyes at me right now : P
Hahaha!

Although this is pretty typical since he is Filipino & everything, it's still pretty nice [: Aw, he's attractive & talented, yay! Haha, okay.

HAPPY FINALS WEEK?

The Perfect Remedy for a Hurting Heart...

"Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time: Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you." --1 Peter 5: 6-7.

In time, He will heal all that is broken.
I have faith.
I have hope.

Cake & Icecream

Hey! It's birthday weekend & my roommates & I are having lots of fun eating lots of yummy snacks--uhm, fattening foods :D Yay! Haha, ew. But yeah, it's Shadie's 20th birthday today, & Perla's 19th birthday tomorrow.

Amy made a whole bunch of cake so we could celebrate tonight! Jed bought the ice cream. Mmm [: Haha, don't you love the variety of plates that we have? Hah, typical college apartment. But yeah, she made so much cake! We had a bunch of people over to celebrate [:

Oh, here's everyone--but I ruined the picture because I couldn't decide if I wanted to run in in time for the timer or not. I failed & ruined the picture. Aha. Oh, and everyone else was dressed so nice & I was in my gym shorts & Landstown High PE-Tee. Haha!

Yay! Caaaaaake & ice creaaaaam!

It's Beginning To Look A Lot Like Christmas

Well, it's that time of year again. I love Christmas! I love the sweet feeling of kindness, gentleness, giving, and love. The Christmas spirit is starting to kick in again; seems like everyone in my apartment is starting to feel it.

My roommates and I recently put up our apartment Christmas tree! It's so cute and colorful, haha. Melanie even made little stick figure ornaments of each of us and placed them on the tree. Everyone in the apartment finds it quite amusing that she strung them onto the tree with dental floss. Hah, ah, college kids--gotta do what you gotta do [;

Anyways, since it's the end of the semester and pretty much everyone's getting ready to go home for the holidays, Utah State University has been hosting a bunch of Subs for Santa's and Penny Wars all around campus to help give to the needy for Christmas. First off, let me start by saying--I love Sub for Santa! I think it's such a great idea. It kinda helps me remember that I don't actually need that new iPod, flat screen tv, earrings, make-up, or movies. I just need to realize how fortunate I am to have the things that I already own. I'm lucky to have a warm home to live in, food to eat, and clothes to wear.

Some people don't even have a jacket to keep themselves warm.

I know everyone's already heard the phrase, "Christmas isn't about the presents, it's about giving to those that are less fortunate," or at least something close to it. But it's true. It's true. People forget sometimes... This year, I'm determined to make it a goal of mine--to not ask, but give. Christmas really isn't about the presents. It's the time to really focus on things that Jesus taught--to love your family, your neighbors, your friends... and even those people that you don't already know.

Oh, and of course, there's more to Christmas than just that. It's also a time to celebrate! It's a time to celebrate the birth of our Lord & Savior, Jesus Christ. Hah--random side thought. I hate it when people write out Christmas as "x-mas" ...write it out. CHRISTmas. Afterall, it is HIS birthday [;

I hope everyone enjoys the holiday season--no matter what you celebrate! Just remember it's the season to give [:

PS--i love you swoopy.

Hey, Thanks!

Due to popular demand Melanie Weaver, I'm updating my blog. Haha, wow, I haven't blogged since the xanga.com days. Weird, right? Anyways... I had the most fantastic Thanksgiving Break with the family. I hope whoever is reading this right now had a great one too!

Hm, let's see--it all started last Tuesday when I was driving to my parent's house from the apartment in Logan. It was probably the shortest two hour drive ever, haha. Yeah, I was on the phone (with an extremely attractive guy, haha), listening to music, and driving on the interstate all at the same time. Talent, right?! Baha, actually, no, don't ever do that. It's not safe, haha. But yeah, I got home Tuesday in the early-afternoon-ish. I didn't do much that day, really. All I remember is watching Spongebob : D

Wednesday was when all the fun began. My mom, Darryl, and I went to the DMV so Darryl could get his PERMIT. I can't believe that my little brother is already that old! I mean, I'm literally still shocked that my baby brother is almost a foot taller than me--but dang! DRIVING?!

But yeah, when we got there, my brother had to fill out all those darn forms they make you fill out.. Mommy had to help him with some of the stuff too. He was really excited, haha. I couldn't stop laughing because he was literally "giddy" haha! Everytime the lady at the counter would turn around, he'd turn to me and give me a thumbs up... and then he would say, "I got this yoh, I got this." Hah, funny : )

Anyways, while we were waiting, I popped in my headphones and started listening to my iTouch. I kinda wasn't looking forward to the wait, but it was whatever. Thankfully, we only ended up being there for about half an hour : ) And YES, he got his permit!

Haha, he took this --->
right outside of the DMV.
Shocking, isn't it? Darryl Carteciano driving a car... Watch out! Hah, actually, the kid isn't that bad at driving at all. I got to take him out to a church parking lot so he could practice some of the basic things like using turn signals, turning corners, and reversing. He's not too shabby, but I'm sure that my parents will probably freak out once they get in the passenger seat of a car with Darryl behind the wheel. I can see it now too... They're either going to A) Pee their pants from being scared, B) Have massive sweat stains under their armpits from being scared, or C.) Come back home with a few more gray hairs... from being scared. My poor mom and dad, haha.

Okay, so after the DMV, my brother, Becca, Deb, Mark, Leo, Eko, and I went out to Applebee's for lunch. Afterwards, we went to see Twilight... yeah, that Vampire movie. It was pretty good, but I really don't think I'd ever pay to see that movie again. Uh, yeah. Moving on. Haha.

Thursday; THANKSGIVING! My family got together with our extended family and friends at Uncle Roy and Auntie Joy's house. We had a super-huge feast : ) Yum, I love food, haha. We had like ten different families there. Everyone brought massive amounts of food from their own kitchens, so you can probably just imagine how much was there. Anyways, here's one of the tables. The food literally did not have an end to it. We had like, a million turkeys. I like turkey : ) I'm just scared of live ones and the noises that they make. Yikes!

Hm, well, here are more pictures from the celebration of THANKS : )

The boys playing halo:

The high school seniors, Becca and Lee goofing around:

And just everyone waiting around for the food to be ready:

I took a lot more pictures, but I won't put them all up on here, haha. There's just too many. Oh, except I really want to put this one up of Mark and Leo's son, Eko, and Uncle Roy and Auntie Joy's daughter, Hannah. They're cute : ) Don't you just wanna pinch their cheeks?!

Well, anyways, Thanksgiving was awesome. Oh, actually, one more picture. It's Sam eating dessert by himself since everyone else was too full, haha!


It was so funny. We laughed at him. A lot.

Moving on to: BLACK FRIDAY. Black Friday could possibly be one of my favorite days of the entire year. EVERYTHING goes on sale... well, almost everything. My dad woke up really early to go to Best Buy to pick up a new digital camera. He's really happy about it, haha. My brother and I didn't start until noon with our shopping. We headed over to University Mall to partake of some of the sweet deals. Yeah, the addiction kicked in and we ended up buying more than what we originally planned. Oh, and we ended up buying the same pair of shoes, haha.

We got home and our parents thought it was funny, so we took some pictures. Oh, by the way, this picture is amazing... not only because it's of Stacy Carteciano and Darryl Carteciano, but because it was taken at the end of November... and there's NO SNOW !

I'm dreading the snow : ( Booo, snow!!

So, when I got home, I was talking to Scottie on the phone and he kept asking me if I got Microsoft Office for my laptop (which was on sale for seventy bucks at Best Buy; YES!) Uhm, yeah, Microsoft Office--a college student's best friend. I ended up leaving the house again with my mom and brother to go buy it. I pretty much had a successful Black Friday this year. Yeah, awesome : )

Mkaye, well, this blog is long enough... My Saturday, Sunday, and Monday wasn't too exciting... nothing worth sharing, actually. But yeahhh... Uhm, are you happy, Melanie?! Haha.

i LoVe MeLaNiE

melanie is the best roommate ever!!!