Wednesday, August 15, 2012

And He's Off

Today was the day I had been counting down to all summer. 
August 14th. 
My last day to spend with Caleb until Christmas break.

He's off to Ozark Christian College to be a big kid and learn stuff, I guess. 
Which is great and all, but it's in Joplin, Missouri.
Not exactly close.
At all.

I'm proud of him, though.
And I know he's scared - heck, I'd be scared too.
But I also know he's a pretty tough guy.

So I guess it's time to start another count down. 
Christmas break, here I come.


Friday, August 3, 2012

A Battle of the Arts

Tonight was the "Art Battle" down town. Artists signed up to compete for a cash prize. They had two hours to complete a piece of art - however they liked. A good friend of mine was there competing, so I decided to take my camera and see what kind of shots I could get.

I ended up taking over 700 pictures.

And I loved every minute of it. I'm not questioning my career choice - photography is definitely my thing. I still have ways to go, but it's my element, for sure. Here are some favorites of the night.

The man of the (two) hour(s).

a fallen brush

contemplating 


Things got intense when the shoes came off

Even he can't paint without getting it all over his fingers

Seal of approval 

a toast


Tuesday, July 31, 2012

Dance




Dance. It’s more than just a movement. It’s more than just a step.
It’s more than just choreography. It’s an expression of something more.
Something bigger. It doesn’t come from the body, or from the music.
It comes from the heart. You know a real dancer when you see one.
Something lights up inside them. Something shines.
They glow, as if they are light from within, and they dance with such a passion
that it gives you chills. To watch a real dancer is like watching magic.
And magic combined with the right music and the right choreography
is truly something to behold.

Monday, June 18, 2012

Just for Fun

Summer has been going great. Working out. Drinking coffee. Giving up processed sugar. Ok, that's not so great, but other than that, my summer had be pretty darn good.

Today I googled and researched "aperture," and then went out to practice blurring the background of photos.

I also went to dance, cleaned, working on 4-H stuff, and ate food (probably too much, but oh well).

Here are some shots.






Tomorrow: Dropping the siblings off at VBS, bike ride with the best friend, dance, and more 4-H craftiness. 
Hello Summer.



Monday, June 4, 2012

He Did It

He graduated. Caleb is officially a MPHS Alumni. I, being the kind and loving girlfriend I am, went to his graduation. It wasn't had bad as I had told myself it would be. The speeches were funny and meaningful. No one fell on there way to get their diploma. They threw their hats in the air at the end (which was awfully hard to get a picture of, but I tried).

But I am proud of him. You only graduate high school once, and like many of the speakers said, it's the end of one chapter and the beginning of a new one. Caleb's next chapter will start with Ozark, which he plans to attend in the fall. His dream job is to be a minister and a teacher, and I have full confidence that he will achieve his goals. He's a hard working, determined young man with a big heart and ready hands. I know he'll make it far. And this is just the beginning.


Wednesday, May 23, 2012

The Perfect Prom

Prom was magical.

The perfect night spend with the perfect people. It was 80 degrees. The food was good. The dance was fun. The smiles were big.

It was perfect. All thanks to this guy. 
He's such a sweetheart
The day started at 7am. I woke up early. Really early. I couldn't sleep; I was way too excited. I joined my little brother and my dad for breakfast, and then I was out the door by 9 to help out at the dance studio selling t-shirts. I swear I live there. Anyway, 12pm was the hair appointment, which was a lot of "Let's try..." and "I don't care  for that much..." and "Yes! That's exactly what I envisioned!" after an hour and a half of back and forth and many taken out braids,  ended up with this.

Not to brag, but my hair is getting pretty long.


And I loved it! I know it's a terrible picture, but that's what I get for using a phone camera. What can I say? Then came the make up and the primping. I won't bore you with the details on that one, but here is the end result of about 2 and 1/2 hours of hogging the bathroom.

Bam - Eyes

Then came the packing, and finally, the dress and shoes. And then the date.

And man, did he look handsome.

New Favorite Picture


After pictures at my house, we went back to his parents house to get more pictures and then it was off to group pictures. It was hot. Really hot. But I wasn't complaining (ok, yes I was) because it wasn't freezing. It was nice not having to worry about forgetting a coat and it's definitely easier to smile when you're not shivering.

The Group
Then came dinner, which was really good, I thought. It was a buffet style, and the waiters released everyone by tables. They had a mini salad bar, grilled veggies, chicken with Alfredo, beef with mushrooms, garlic mashed potatoes, and a build your own pasta station. (I took a pass on the pasta, but everyone said it was really good.)

And then it was dance time, and boy did we dance. I sang along to ever song I knew, and made a complete and utter fool out of myself. But hey, that's what prom is for, right? 

At the dance there was a photo booth where it takes 4 pictures, each 5 seconds apart, and you can see yourself on a little T.V. screen. The pictures were included, and they ended up being my favorite of the night.

Mini Film Strip

Our version of Charlie's Angels

"Point your  gun at the camera!"
Awkward
Embrace the awkward

At midnight the dance came to an end, and we were proudly the last ones on the dance floor.

We then bowled three games in two hours. I officially suck at bowling.

Big Boy buffet for more food at 2 am, then Shane's mansion of a house for hot tubbing until 4:30 am and movie watching and sleeping at 5 am, just to wake up at 7 am.

Perfect night.
Perfect people.
Perfect date.
Perfect prom.

Wednesday, May 16, 2012

Mother's Day Meal

For Mother's Day our family friend Dave, aka master chef, grilled brisket for fajitas. While we were waiting for dinner, we made guacamole, and I ended up eating a lot of it, so I wasn't hungry by the time it came to eat our actually meal. So instead I took pictures. Makes sense.  Here are some shots. 




Pepsi never looked so good

Pico de gallo

Pure heaven? Yes.

Monday, May 14, 2012

4 Weeks and Counting

I had a count down until Summer going.

There is nothing worse than realizing that you're one week off on your count down and you actually have 4 weeks left, and not just 3.

I'm so ready to be out of school. I need another spring break, bad. People say "don't wish away your life!" Well, I wouldn't mind if the next 4 weeks just flew by. I really wouldn't. I currently don't have a life as it is.

I'm going to go insane.

There are projects I want to try and the weather is too nice to be cooped up inside all day. It's like torture. I just want to be spending my days with the people I actually care for, which, frankly, doesn't include 99% of the people I'm forced to see ever day.

I want to get out and get my camera going. I want to be biking every morning. I want to be able to stay up late one night if I'm working on something and be able to sleep in an hour or two extra. I want to wake up and make coffee and breakfast, and shower when I feel like it. I want a summer job, so I can do the fun summer things teenagers often do without having to smuggle money off my parents. I want to eat ice cream and drink frapppuccinos. I want to swim. And tan. And live off iced tea and lemonade.

So ready for Summer.

Sunday, May 13, 2012

Mother's Day

This day goes out to all those moms out there. Moms, Grandmas, Aunts, Step Moms, Mothers in Law, Honorary Moms, any woman who had ever loved a child in the way that only a mother can. Your kisses have healing powers. Your food always tastes better. You find everything that’s lost. Your hugs are the warmest. Your smile is the brightest. This day is for you. Thank you.

Tuesday, May 1, 2012

The Begining of my Graphic Arts Career

Things are finally starting to fall in place. I was recently entered in a MITES, Michigan Industrial and Technology Education Society, competition for graphics at our school, and not only did I win 1st place in the category that my project was entered, but I won first overall. Out of every project. There were 350+ projects entered.

I like to think that it's kind of a big deal.

This is only the regional competition. My project will now go to the state level, and then hopefully national. It's exciting stuff.

I've found something that I'm good at, that I enjoy, and that is a practical career. There are so many doors opened with graphic design, it's insane.

And so that's what I plan on going into.

Kate Troxell - Graphic Designer

And photographer, of course.

I'm excited for my future. I feel like I actually have a shot of making it big and being someone now.

And I'm only 17.

Life is looking up.

Saturday, April 28, 2012

Prom Number One

Last weekend was Shepherd's Prom. I went with my friend, Becca, as her date. The night started around 5:30 at my house, when, after spending practically all day getting ready, our parents got pictures of us together, and us apart, and us with our moms, and us with our dads. And grandparents. And siblings. And friends...

You get the point.

Lots of pictures.

After picture mania, which included a trip to the rail road tracks, we went back to my house to fix our dresses (god bless the person that invented bobby pins) and a quick make up polish before heading out to our Ruby Tuesday's reservation for two.

Once there, I saw three different parties of Shepherd folk, and of course we awkwardly stalked them from across our booth. And then said hi.

Then came the actual prom. We got there early, got a great parking spot, and we were one of the first people to be video taped walking up the steps. Holding hands, naturally.

Four hours of dancing later, and everyone was a hot mess. Lots of singing and dancing and flailing of arms and whipping of hair.

My best friend John, and his date Payge, won Prom Prince and Princess, which was exciting. We got video taped dancing, and I made a complete fool of myself, I'm sure. I couldn't do much with a dress on. I definitely don't dance like a lady.

After prom, we went to the school lock in at Morey Courts for After Prom, and stayed there until 3 am. Volleyball, inflatables, lots of food, euchre, and whiplash sums up After Prom pretty well.

Home by 4am and I washed up, debated on pulling an all-nighter, and then fell asleep. Up by 9 to go to church,  but not without 2 cups of coffee and some green tea.

Overall, it was a fantastic prom.

I really can't wait for prom with the boyfriend now. Prom Number Two. May 19th. I'll be sure to blog.

And now, here are just a few of the many pictures we took.

Prom Date


Bam Bam


We're incredibly cheesy

It keeps getting better

See what I mean?

Always Dancing

Four Thumbs Up








Thursday, April 12, 2012

42 is a magic number

My dad turned 42 yesterday. I would have posted yesterday had I been home at all, but I wasn't. So, happy belated birthday Dad.

I think it's awesome that my dad is 42. 42 is the answer to life, the universe, and everything. No big deal.

Tonight is his birthday dinner. Enchiladas and Oreo pie. Heaven much?

My dad is pretty awesome. He's hardworking, supportive, smart, funny, and best of all, he loves his family, me included. We share the same sense of humor, something my mom and I don't. We both love coffee. We both love writing. We're both laid back and pretty chill. I'm a daddy's girl, to say the least.

And I love my dad. He never yells. He's rarely angry. He's my biggest fan.

He's pretty awesome, to say the least. But I might be biased. I am related to the guy, after all.

Happy Birthday Dad.

Saturday, March 31, 2012

A Match Made in Heaven

We've all heard of apples and peanut butter.

And celery and peanut butter.

But not many of us have been blessed with knowing the wonders of carrots and peanut butter.

Yes, you read that right.

Carrots + Peanut Butter = Match Made In Heaven

For those of you who have tried this, you'll know just how amazing this combination is. For those of you who haven't, you're probably staring at your screen with a face somewhat like this.

0_o

Now, I know you're skeptical, as was I. But, I promise you won't be disappointed. It's a combination of tastes that cannot be imagined, it must be experienced.

So, my challenge to you this weekend is to grab you're lonely jar of peanut butter and introduce it to your equally lonely bag of carrots, and watch the magic happen.

Tuesday, March 27, 2012

Prom?

As I blogged a few Saturdays ago, I went to a Celtic dance with my dad and my boyfriend (see post here). After dropping Caleb off, we got home around 11:30pm, and my dad left right away to go play another gig in St. Louis. My brothers were in bed and my mom and sister weren't home, so I did what any girl would do at 11:30 after a long night of dancing - I took a bath.

After my bath, and seeing the no one was up, I really didn't feel like putting clothes on, and just wrapped a towel around myself. In the meantime, I got on Facebook. Caleb has been texting me this whole time, too.

"r u going 2 bed?" (this is honestly how he texts.)
"Not yet, im getting my pajamas on." (and this is how I text.)

 I wasn't actually getting my pajamas on. I'm still chilling in my towel checking my news feed.

 5 minutes later:

"U going 2 bed yet?"
"Ya, soon."

 Still on Facebook.

 "o my god!!! go look at the sky!!! right now!!!!!!"

Caleb is a fan of stargazing, and seeing as it was a pleasantly warm night, I figured he saw a shooting star or northern lights or something. So just to make him happy, I get up, still in my towel, and walk out onto the porch. I look up, and see no northern lights, but when I look back down, there's Caleb, standing in the driveway.

I freak.

"What are you doing here?! I'm in a towel!" I wrap it tighter around myself.
"I, I came to ask you a question."
"You're going to ask me to prom, aren't you?"
"Ya, I was."
"Can I go put clothes on?"
"Ya, that'd be good." He laughs.

So I run back into the house and grab some shorts and a t-shirt (which happened to one I stole from him), and walk back outside, my heart beating way too fast.

"Sorry for scaring you."
"Oh, no, it's fine, you just startled me." I'm smiling big now, walking towards him. I meet him the the driveway, and he takes me in his arms and looks me in the eye.

"Kate, will you go to prom with me?"
"I'd love to."

And of course I kissed the guy.

So that's how I was asked to prom. In a towel. At midnight.

Romantic.



Later I found out that he kept asking when I was going to bed so he could throw rocks at my window, but I was taking too long. He also drove on the grass, instead of the gravel driveway, because he knew I would hear the car. He's so cute.

Prom is May 19th.

I can't wait.

Saturday, March 17, 2012

Happy Saint Patrick's Day Everyone!

I'm not really sure why we celebrate saint Patrick's day to begin with. Something about "luck o' the Irish" and you better wear green, or you'll get pinched. And obviously it has something to do with Saint Patty himself, but most people forget that and use it as an excuse to get drunk, even though they do that every weekend as it is, with or without a saint to celebrate.

Anyway, it's been gorgeous here. High 70's all week, mixed with fresh rain and some heat lightening. Mom and Beth are currently away for the weekend, and Dad is playing gigs literally all day, so Clay, William and I have the house to ourself. And no, we're not getting drunk.

 I've actually had a very productive weekend. Yesterday I cleaned the house. Then the boyfriend came over and we all watched Batman Begins, thoug to be honest I was half asleep through most of it. Dad made pizza and bought cream soda. Clay and Dad faced off in Mario Kart. Again. I lost track on who won.

 Today I woke up at 9 and made breakfast for William and I. Then proceeded to play monopoly jr. until 11 and lost. Typical.

 Then I cleaned my room, watched some YouTube videos, worked out, did laundry, and now we're at the park.  The current temperature is 77 degrees and I'm loving it. I'm thinking shamrock shakes are in order.

 I love spring time. Something about the fresh air and warm sun just makes your day better. You aren't cooped up in your house all day, and the town comes alive again. Ice cream shops open up, and the flip flops come out of their tiny corner in the closet.

 Yes, I know this won't last. It will probably snow in a few weeks. Doesn't mean I can't enjoy the weather now. Just because the weather isn't here to stay doesn't mean I shouldn't say hello.

 The Saint Patrick's Day Ceili dance is tonight, and it's something I look forward to every year. I'm forcing Caleb to come and be my partner. Well, I mean, I asked him, but had he said no I would have made him come anyway.

This concludes this random rant. There will probably be more to come now that I have motivation to actually do something other than eat, sleep, and dance. Until then,

 -Kate

Friday, February 10, 2012

Poof

January is gone. That was fast.

We're half way through February already.

It's truly amazing how time flies.

To sum up January - it was good. I honestly don't remember a lot that happened. Is that bad? It's probably bad. Oh well.

I did go to a rabbit show. All the champions from all the counties came to Lansing to compete. There were about 12 of us. And I won. No big deal. Just the best rabbit showman in the state of Michigan.

I got all my prom stuff. Dress. Shoes. Jewelry. Now all I need is a date.

I hate Economics. I swear it's out to get me. "There's a test Wednesday." "Awesome, I got this in the bag. I've studied and I understand everything." Wednesday - "I don't know this ... crap." C+ "Well, at least I passed." This happens about once every week or so. I'm surprised I'm still getting above at 80% in there.

Anyway, on to February. I entered a poetry contest. I submitted two poems: The Floor and They Call it Love (I changed the title on the last one). (Click the titles to read them.) I mailed those in yesterday, and March 2nd, I have to perform them, so that will be something new. I'm not exactly the one to go up and talk in front of a bunch of people, let alone memorize two whole poems and recite them. So we'll see how it goes. Worst comes to worst, I suck and I never do it again. No big deal.

Next weekend is the annual Chicago trip with the dance company, and I am very pumped. I have one goal - to buy a travel mug with the Chicago skyline on it. I saw one last year and didn't get it. I regret that. I'm buying one even if it's $35. (Ok, probably not that much. $20 is my limit.) Otherwise, I'm going to buy cute clothes and yummy food and have a blast! I've been saving up my birthday and Christmas money (which is really hard for me) and I can't wait to spend it.

Anyway, this month should be crazy busy - February always is. But hey, that's my life and I enjoy it. I like being busy. I just don't enkoy the stress that comes along with it. Oh well. Price you pay, I suppose.

Sunday, January 1, 2012

2012

Another year has come and gone, and man, it's been an eventful one.

So here's to 2012, and making it the best yet.

Cheers!

-K