I'm from the country, and I like it that way.

Well you can probably already guess what this post is going to say by my self explanatory title BUT I'm going to write it anyway, it is in my will to make you suffer.

I wasn't born in the country, in fact.. I was born in the middle of San Antonio, Texas, and if you've ever been there you know that it is anything BUT country.  But I did grow up in a country atmosphere, going to my nana and papa's farm in Missouri sometimes 3 times a year and usually staying for long periods of time. About 5 years ago we moved to good 'ol Boerne, Texas where it is definitely more country, and I like it.

This weekend was Boerne's annual Kendall County Fair, so I forced my awesome daddy to take me and my sister. Well, he did.. of course, and upon arrival we headed to the exhibit hall to check out the sewing projects my sister had entered into the contest. She did extraordinary, placing in everything she entered! After this we headed to the pavillion where the dancing took place so we could get our country dancing on! Yeehaw! Although I'm grateful it was not inside cause if that music was any louder I think my ears might have fallen off.  After about 2 or 3 songs we decided to give our weary ears a break and head to the rodeo. Well I guess it was just our luck, we walk right in between these 2 trucks to get a better view, and what do ya know? Hello there, familiar faces! Yes, we ran into a couple speech and debate families sitting together and decided to join them. Then I went up to the stand where Mr. Mack was doing the commentary for the rodeo, cause the rest of the girls were up there. We watched for about an hour and a half, and when the rodeo ended we said goodbyes to friends and walked back to the dancing pavillion.  Much to my dismay, we didn't get to stay. I was all ready too, clad in cowboy boots and my awesome country belt. But lucky for me I managed to convince my parents to take us Sunday too! (Which was just as fun, although this time we had the whole family) We danced again and then watched bullriding for about 2 hours. So all in all, it was a lot of fun! Hanging with friends and doing what I love to do. Until next time Kendall county fair, until next time!

A weekend at good ol' Garner State Park.

Now, one of the first things you should know here is, I've NEVER been Garner. . . Ever. This seems silly since we live fairly close but I've never actually been given the privelege of visiting. My dad thought for sure he had been before, but upon arrival he realized he had been mistaken. Well, we didn't just one day decide, out of the blue, to pack up and head to Garner. Yes my parents often do things without really planning, but this was not one of those times.  Also, they didn't even have to do any of the planning.. I did! Yes, normally when I try to plan things for my parents it doesn't turn out to great. But it did this time! Which is strange considering I planned this whole thing with a 16 year old boy. I'm also quite surprised that my parents even agreed to it. My mom normally likes to speak to another adult when I attempt to plan things for her, but this time the only 'other adult' my mom got to talk to was my dad, and it still turned out great!

So its about 1, on Saturday, and we FINALLY leave. I had texted him a little before this with a 'We'll be there about 2:30' message.  Well, as you've probably guessed.. this didn't happen. We didn't end up getting there til about 5:00. So much for 2 whole days. Only joking, it was absolutely fine the way it turned out.  2 hours later, we are pulling in the entrance of Garner State park and it is time to make a phone call.

"Hey!"
"Hey, We're here!"

the remainder of the conversation was used to give me directions, and after about 5 "Wait, what?" 's and "Say that again?"'s we finally figured out where we were going.  After this we arrived at their campsite and made formal 'country-style' introductions.  Then my sisters and I, Stephen, Julia and Jeremiah all piled in our small minivan and began 'the tour'!  We concluded the 'show and tell' by taking a small detour to a 'swimming hole' where Jordan informed us that she no longer wanted to swim.  She never told us her reasoning for this but it wasn't hard to figure out. She was embarrassed.  It took my dad to finally coerce her to take the plunge.  I unfortunately didn't swim because I was wearing a nice pair of jeans and didn't want to risk ruining them. (I look back now and realize how silly I was for thinking this.)  Why didn't I jump in?  I was being a total party pooper and I'm not exactly sure what my problem was.  Normally, this would've been a no brainer. Living out in the country, rash decisions like this are not only normal, but.. expected.  I regret this decision, but it's over and done with and next time hopefully i'll do less thinking and more doing.

The remainder of the trip consisted of country dancing and lots of swimming, it was so much fun! We even get to return for Thanksgiving. Hello freezing cold water!

Well Garner, until next time!

Dear Guitar.

Dear Guitar, I started playing you about 4 years ago and I have enjoyed every moment. Sure, it was tough and challenging, but what is life without a few roadblocks? Sometimes I felt the need to just sit down and write a beautiful, thought provoking song, and you were there to help me complete this. There were times when I felt like giving up, but I didn't, and now look where I am! I have met people who have a love for this beautiful instrument, and to watch them succeed and become better every day gives me hope. I have a passion to continue playing you. To learn new chords and expand in my knowledge. To grow as a young musician. The trials are only there to make me stronger, not to encourage me to give up. I am not a failure. Also, thank you Jesus for giving me this passion and this talent. Thanks mom and dad, for always pushing me harder and then listening when I have a new song to play. Thank you to my guitar teachers who have helped through the mistakes and watched me succeed because they knew I could do it. Thank you Music, Thank you guitar. :)

Love,

Me.

Just Another Day in the Liberto Household.

Today, I thought I would give you a small 'Tour' of our normal days. Now, when I say normal I don't mean we act normal, but this daily routine has become normal.

At about, 8:00 in the morning, my mother wakes up to enjoy her coffee and a book before her time of relaxation is suddenly finished as Jordan comes walking out, sleepily. This is when she expects my mom to get her some cereal because she can't reach it herself. A little while later Sydney emerges form her room looking like a dead man walking (Or Woman). After eating their cereal, they both run off to find an interesting activity they can both engage in. This is when I wake up, It is now about 9:30 and I start my day out with some Bible reading and then I wash my face and exit my room, heading for. . . the coffee maker. After this the day continues, Jordan and Sydney play happily until they find something to argue about, this is when I intervene. My dad is working in his office and my mom is at her computer, checking her email or working on the business. I always find entertainment by playing my guitar, drawing, writing, reading or maybe watching a movie (But that doesn't happen to often during the day).

As the day is coming to a close and 'almost' everyone begins to wind down (The girls normally gain more energy during this time period) we sit down as a family to have our nightly Bible study. Everything goes great until the 5 year old gets fidgety and begins asking repetitively if she can leave and go find something else to do. After this is over we close for the night, everyone goes to their bedrooms. My mom retires to her computer and my dad will watch some TV while he stretches, then off to bed. The lights are turned off as sleep awaits us. Until tomorrow!

Simplicity.

Sometimes you just have to stop and enjoy the simpler things in life, now, I'm not saying you should bow to the next seemingly unimportant object you see. But merely stop taking advantage of the smaller things. For example, today I thought I would spend my time taking pictures of small things, that don't often to get to enjoy the spotlight. A few of the subjects chosen were:

-A lamp ( I thought it was pretty)

- and various picture assortments around our lovely home.

These may seem weird, but you might find it truly inspiring what a simple picture can do. Some of you might be thinking right about now. . . 'Why would anyone take a picture of a lamp?' But ask yourselves this, how would life be different without them? Lets say a lamp represents electricity, Where would we be without it? Sure, we would be fine during the day because we have an awesome God who supplies us with natural light, but he also designed it so that there would be a separation between light and darkness. So, in simpler terms, when it gets dark we need something to help us see. Now, these days they have many different lamps. Some are for decorating and some are to light the darkness, some go on the ceiling and some stay on the ground. I, myself, am happy that they make lamps with more. . . flavor, I guess you could say, because taking pictures of boring lamps would definitely be. . . Well. . . boring. Right now you might be asking yourself, why is she blabbing on about lamps? I don't care! For clarification: it's not the lamp I want you to take from this, but the picture it paints.

Don't take advantage of the little things, appreciate them.

Leaving people you love was never supposed to be easy.

We all know that feeling you get when your told: "Okay guys, this is it, it's time to go". But not just in any circumstance, when its time to leave people that you love.

I experience this every year, because every year we make a trip (Or sometimes 2) up to Missouri, to see my moms family. I love it up here. I've not yet discovered the real reason I like it up here to so much. But it probably has something to do with always feeling so relaxed and at home when I come here. See, I practically grew up in missouri. I know some of the people, I know all of the places, its like my second home. I never like saying good bye to it. It used to be a lot worse though, when I was younger, this used to be my all time favorite place, I always looked forward to it weeks in advance and could never get any sleep the night before we would leave. (Take into consideration: I was about 9, 10 or 11 when this would take place). We would always stay up there for weeks and sometimes even a month. I always dreaded leaving, and when it was time to leave I would cry and cry and cry. A couple of times I even 'threatened' my mom by telling her that I was either not gonna eat and starve or lock myself in my room. . . forever. Fortunately, I never went through with either of these genius plans. I would miss a meal and then realize how hard this was gonna be, so I would start eating again.

Now that I have matured A LOT, this doesn't happen anymore. Sure I'm sad, but I don't cry my eyes out and I certainly don't threaten my parents. But it's still hard for me to tell them goodbye, cause they are my family.

Well today, we will be heading home. I'm ready to get home, but I'm dreading the 'goodbye' part. But I'll be back for Christmas, Missouri, until next time!

I like to throw rolls at people.

Have you every been to a restaurant that prefers throwing rolls at its customers instead of politely handing them to you? I have! It was quite an interesting experience if you ask me.

We entered the loud restaurant, specifically Lamberts (Springfield, MO), after waiting patiently for 10 long unending minutes. I find it quite humorous that 10 minutes isn't normally a long time to wait. . . unless your waiting for food, then it seems to drag on and on and on. And having 2 younger siblings there, patiently waiting with you (not really), makes this wait even more unenjoyable. Anyways, finally we were led to our table where we were greeted by a nice waitress and a "What can I get you guys to drink, today?". Like always, my answer is "sweet tea", Why? because it is a delicious drink, and slightly healthier than soda. . . I can only guess. Now, next is the fun, yet interesting part.

"HOT ROLLS!" customers from all over the crowded restaurant, expectantly turn there heads awaiting this delicious, hot member of the bread family. Of course, I wasn't paying attention and next thing I know rolls are being tossed at our table. I had to dodge a few to avoid being hit and getting bread crumbs all over me. But in the end it was most definitely worth it. Until my giant cheeseburger came along and I realized that I had no more room left in my stomach for it. . . Uh oh. I suppose I should of been prepared for the abundance of food I was to be served since I had dined there once before, but I was not, so I only ended up eating half of the cheeseburger and some fries. The rest is for my father when he arrives tomorrow night. (He is going to like this). My dad, is the leftover man, you don't want it. . . give it to my dad. Anyway, as the night concluded we were a bunch of tired, over stuffed kids, but when the food is that good. . . it doesn't matter. :)

A Learning (Driving) Experience

I, being the wonderful older sister that I am, promised Jordan (the 5 year old) that I would take her out for one last ride on the mule. Some of you might be wondering what a mule is. . . Yes, it is an animal but its also, This is hard to explain, a small car type thing. Not exactly a go kart, a little bigger, hopefully you see what I mean here. But anyways, this year jordan learned how to drive it. I’m not exactly sure how she accomplished this feat but she did nevertheless. Now, on with the story, It was early when we woke up because we had to stuff the car with our ‘junk’ for the trip ahead, and since I’m no morning person this was a miserable, miserable time for me. Only joking of course, it wasn’t the most pleasant time but it certainly was not miserable. Normally, I wake up and grab a nice cup of coffee but since this morning was not to go as planned I didn’t really get any time to enjoy it. . . at all. This is when Jordan finds me and asks me if we can go for a ride , in her cute little voice that she uses as a tool for evil. (To get what she wants). “Oh sure, its our last morning here, why not” I say to her. So I go out to the shed and drive it up to the house to pick up Jordan and retrieve my coffee. Now, we’re all ready to go, Jordan is behind the wheel and I’m sitting very closely to her holding my nice cup of morning coffee. “Okay Jordan lets go” She floors the gas pedal (Talk about a heavy foot) This was something I was not expecting. “Whoa!” luckily for me the coffee wasn’t hot, but I did have several coffee stains on my purple dress. She would push it a bit and then take her foot off, we would jolt forward and then abrubtly stop. “Jordan, i think I’m gonna go put this inside” This was smart, cause anymore of this risky driving and my dress would probably permenantely smell like coffee. Unfortunately, we had to go inside after this. Goodbye Farm. . . for now.

Road trips Vs. Air Travel (Choices.. Choices..)

So which one is better? OR more convenient. I, myself, am an expert in both. (Take this into consideration: My family likes to travel.) But if you were to ask me which one I most prefer I would probably be at a loss for words (no joke). Each of these traveling methods have their upsides and downsides. For starters, air travel is 100 times more convenient. (Or i guess it depends on where your going) But our vacations, normally take us to good 'ol Missouri, so in this case. . plane= BETTER. Some of you might find roadtrips to be absolutely amazing AND convenient, but for our family. . . not so much. Don't get me wrong, I love this valuable time spent with my family but traveling with a 5 year old was never supposed to be easy. (a risk my parents were willing to take) Now, if we were headed to Dallas or Houston, it wouldn't be as bad, but compare 5 hours to 12 hours. Yikes. Stopping for the bathroom breaks every 10 minutes turns this 2 day drive into a 3 and a half day drive (Yes, I exaggerated a bit.) But you see where I'm coming from, do they not get that the more soda you drink the more we will have to stop to find a toilet! (Common Sense). But there is also all the amazing times me and my other sister have spent laughing our heads off about absolutely nothing, memories I wouldn't trade for ANYTHING! So, I do like roadtrips, alot of family fun just waiting to happen.

Now, what about taking a plane? You could say its more comfortable, unless you have huge legs. (I feel for you). Or when you take off and your ears start hurting. . . This really takes a lot out of my 'music time'. Plus all the people talking and babies crying, Ugh. And whats up with the drinks? Sure they're good, but I can see why they are 'Complimentary'. . . You can finish it in one gulp! Also, the bathrooms are WAY to small, how on earth did they manage to fit a normal sized toilet AND a sink in there!(I guess we will never know). But I should be thankful there is even a bathroom at all. So I guess the only thing good about these giant flying machines is they cut a lot of time out of traveling. A 2 day trip into 2 hours. (Again, it depends on where your going).
So I guess what you take from all this is. . . Be thankful you dont have to walk!

P.S Order Dr. Pepper on the plane, the Coca Cola is gross. :)

The Conclusion to a Great Week.

Well, as many of you already know I was at a Speech and Debate camp this week and it ended up being an awesome week. Now I'm not just saying this. . . I was actually looking forward to this camp before it started. I'm not really sure if any of the other kids were but I for sure was. This is because I enjoy public speaking. Some people are terrified of it, but I'm not. In fact, public speaking is the number 2 major fear among adults. The first is the fear of death. I agree with this partially because it can be frightening at times but I love trying new things even if they appear scary at first.

Friday was 'Presentation Day' We had a Team Policy round and after lunch we presented our speeches. We each had to present a Platform Speech and an Interp. This is funny because this is exactly what I competed in for competitive Speech and Debate last year. I was just a little nervous before I went up but not enough to make me chicken out. I think most people get a maybe a tiny bit nervous before they speak, I did. But I was still more than thrilled when it was my turn to go up. I'm not sure why, I just like speaking publicly AND entertaining people with my book interpretations. :) I really enjoyed this whole week, the new information AND the meeting new people. Awesome, Thank you Lord!

The Art of Debate.

Today, ladies and gentlemen, was the first day of my wonderful, week long, speech and debate camp. Now one thing you must know about me is, I am no debate freak, I feel myself more drawn to speech at the moment. This may change in the future but as for now, no can do. Anyways, we learned about debate in the morning and covered the speech portion in the afternoon. I, was not as confused as the other 7 people in the classroom during "debate hour"and this, made me quite happy. Fortunately, I've gotten the privelege to watch many debate rounds through NCFCA speech and debate tournaments that I have attended and competed in so I've got a pretty good idea what happens. But it was still nice to have the "inside look" on Team Policy debate. We even tried a practice TP debate round today, I represented the 1st negative speaker and the topic/ resolution was as follows:

'Chocolate Kisses are better than Starburst'.

Now, this is no time to be sharing with you my personal opinion on the matter but if I had to choose right now I would probably be more inclined to go with the starburst. (Just in case you were wondering). Anyways, back on topic. I think my debate "round" went well. The reason I put it in quotes is because I'm not exactly sure if it could have been considered a round. In fact, I would have done remarkably better if I had been given time to prepare but since this was more for demonstrational purposes, I left it as it was. But what I think I learned from this is, debate is a very valuable skill to learn even if you dont plan on using it for competition. I will skip debate for perhaps, one more year and then maybe when I'm 17 I'll give it a try, so for now. . . that is my game plan. :)

"You haven't failed until you stop trying"

What is failure? Some people mistake this term to be an insult, usually made on themselves when they continually make mistakes. To me, failure, is when you give up or just make yourself believe you CAN'T do something and stop trying. Unfortunately, this attitude is possessed by many people these days because they have told themselves that they can't do something imparticular, therefore, making themselves believe that they are indeed.. failures.

Today, my awesome, wonderful, supportive mom took me to the track feild to begin training for state in high jump. I was VERY sore from yesterday, something I didn't take into consideration when I got into the car. I'm not out of shape but it's been quite a while since I've stretched that part of my back. But, I went anyway. Practicing high jump everyday would only make me stronger, I concluded in my mind. I arrived, ran a lap and completed the nessesary stretches to loosen up my muscles.

See, I'm very competitive. I strongly dislike losing AND making mistakes. I get very frustrated. Tonight, I was having the hardest time getting my back to arch and when I would finally fix this problem, another would arise. . . my feet. If my back didn't hit the bar, my feet would. Well, you can only imagine how angry this made me. So I would step back to my spot and start running making sure I did 5 steps and then 4 landing me in the nessesary spot in front of the bar so I could jump over. This is nowhere as easy as it sounds. Making mistakes only makes me frustrated and I push myself to try harder. So I would arch my back, leap over and right when I thought I had it perfect . . . Thud! The bar hit the ground and I just lay there feeling like a screw up. But circumstances like this are normally the ones that get the best of us. I could've continued to lay there and then told myself I'm a failure and then just gave up. But, the things that don't kill you only make you stronger. So, what could I have possibly gained by just getting up and leaving? Absolutely nothing. I would have never prepared myself mentally or psysically had I given up. Well, I had an Aha! moment. My attitude improved and so did my jumps. Of course, I still messed up but I wasn't expecting myself to be perfect. Talents like high jump need time and practice.

'Practice makes perfect'

So, through all this the point I'm trying to make is.. Don't give up on yourself. Calling youself a failure gives no justice to the wonderful person God created you as, and he created you in the image of him.


"But one thing I do; forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus."

Phillipians 3:13-14