Sweet Seventeen.

Hello again! Yes, it's been awhile... but I MUST do a birthday post! Actually, I probably wouldn't have thought of my Blog at all if not for my lovely friend, M Avocado, who I wrote to a few posts ago. She wrote back on her blog, which post warmed my heart and inspired my soul. :) I love Miss Avocado! She is one of my greatest examples! Thank you for your encouragement and love. <3 You are amazing!
My life lately in a nutshell: Got home from Germany, spent the year not quite sure who my friends were. My sister graduated and left for College, leaving me so lonely I could hardly cope. I was rescued by three wonderful people: MD, my role model and hero; JB, my All-State 'escort', who probably doesn't even know how much he's done for me; and Air Head, (Air,) my bestest buddy and my first new friend. There are plenty more, but these three had the greatest impact.
Also, all three are seniors... meaning they're leaving me this year. I wonder if I'll be able to handle that. But after my sister leaving, I think I'll be okay. That was too hard for words.
I got a haircut. It's really cute.

Befoah

 Aftah

I made Mads this year; I'm SO excited to start! I didn't try out for Productions, which I really thought I'd do, but it didn't turn out to be the right thing, so I didn't. I went to All-State Choir (if you're in music and you haven't gone to All-State anything, do it;) State Theatre Competition, (where our school placed second,) and the Box Elder Choir Trip to California, which was incredible. I don't know what other really pivotal points have been in my life since last time I wrote, but then, so many things are pivotal in life, they could fill a library.
So, there is my year's summary. I truly hope you enjoyed it. Now on to... my Sweet Seventeen!

I woke up almost the same way I did last year... late. My mommy doesn't wake me up anymore though, she's decided that's my responsibility. I made it to Devotional on time, where my mommy said, "Seventeen years ago today, there was no little Jenica... and then there was a 'Waaaa, waaa,' and there she was!"
Then I went back to bed. I was late for Church as a result. I did make it in time to take the Sacrament, however; I put on my leggings and rode my bike there just to make sure I'd make it in time. Last week, I didn't get it; I was on a Choir Trip in California. We went to a Baptist Church and sang for them... it was a wonderful experience, but throughout the next week, I could feel the weight of my everyday sins on me. I felt... dark. It was palpable. So the thought of missing the Sacrament again... filled me with dread.
But I got it! And I felt weight lift off of me as I took it. I told Heavenly Father I was sorry for being late to Church, for snapping at my siblings, for not studying my scriptures as thoroughly as I should have. And I felt much, much better.
After Church, I watched 'Fireproof' with my brother and sister, (Good movie about coming to Christ,) and then Veggie tales with my other sister, (The Story of Esther,) and then I read my scriptures for a good fifteen minutes, (I think.) Then I took a nap... and woke up to my mommy saying, "Nica, your birthday dinner is ready." My family had prepared a picnic for me out in the sunshine. It was perfect light, perfect temperature, and perfect atmosphere. Peaceful, loving, and happy. When it started getting cold, we went inside and sat in the sitting room, where I opened presents. Most of my siblings forgot... but I think they minded more than I did. What could they get me that I really needed, anyway? Their kisses were the best thing about the whole experience! My five-year-old sister made me a notebook... she even lined the pages for me in crayon. My three-year-old brother drew a picture of me being sad... it was precious, even though it was very... strange. To draw a picture of someone crying in order to make them happy. Yeah. Well, he's three. He also brought me a picture of me happy, and a handful of leaves from outside. Honestly, that was one of the best things that happened that day.
After presents, we ate ice cream cake, which is cake made out of ice cream, (best dessert ever,) and then we went to bed.
Overall, it was a good day... and no. I don't feel any different now that I'm seventeen. Actually, I keep forgetting. Heheh.

Love,
Jenica