Are You a Digital Citizen?

Rachel: Here is my very first infographic flowchart! Dad wanted some posters for his classroom and asked me to make one about being a “Digital Citizen”. Originally, I planned to find a good one online and tweak it a bit to fit our purposes, but I ended making one completely from scratch. I am really pleased with how it turned out!

So, are you a Digital Citizen?

Digital Citizen

Side Walk Chalking

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Yes, it may seem childish, but side walk chalk is nothing less than fun. While I was sitting on my grandparents porch this summer, I thought to myself it would be fun to create some colorful art on the sidewalk. After I finished my creation and showed it to the others, then almost everyone began coloring away.
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Jessie decided to draw a bright hot air balloon, inspired by one that had flown over our heads just minutes before. Rachel drew a chalky sunset like the one we had been enjoying every night for the past few days. I, on the other hand, was less creative and stuck with the word love. In the end the pavement leading up to my grandparents house was, to put it simply, very very colorful.
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Missing Summer and Family

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The school year is nearing at an uncontrollably swift pace, and in looking forward I also look back at the memories I shard during the summer of 2013. This particular day, in Dallas TX, was one of my favorites because I had the privilege of spending an entire day snuggling my baby cousins.

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The day started with a batch of caramelized french toast made by yours truly, and ended with a sunset as I held a little, sleeping girl in my arms. Everywhere in between, I enjoyed time on the lake’s shore, taking photos, cooking out, and playing with the dog, Snorts (as we have nicknamed her).

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I’ve been so blessed with family who love and care for me, I will treasure this day for a long while to come.

The Power of a Song

Dear Rachel,

As I was on the plane headed back to Tianjin listening to music, I thought to myself how powerful music can be. It can make you cry, laugh, and embarrass yourself more than you thought it ever could. As I sat on my incredibly uncomfortable Hainan Airlines seat, with aching legs and tired eyes I started to think of all the songs out there that reminded me of you. These songs stick in my head, and every time they happen to play I think of you.  For example, “There Can Be Miracles” in the Prince of Egypt, this song reminds me of the time we went to KTV (karaoke) with our cousin, Jenna. You and Jessie sang this song together at the top of your lungs (standing on top a table, of course) and had no shame whatsoever. Or “Stay” by Rihanna, this song can almost make me cry even thinking about how you loved listening to it and every time it came on the radio I just had to call you over to listen with me. I am so thankful that God has placed these songs in my life so that every time I’m missing you or just need a little cry I can listen to these songs and think of my sweet big sister.

Below are just a few of many songs that remind me of YOU. (If the player doesn’t work just click HERE or HERE – sorry!).

Note: The player may not work if you are using google chrome as a browser.

KimChi Rice

kimchiriceI am a big fan of Korean food so when I found this recipe on Cakies Blog I couldn’t resist trying it out myself. I picked up a package of kimchi at the store and tried my hand at Korean cooking. However, I didn’t read the recipe close enough to know I needed 3 cups of kimchi and I only had about 1 cup’s worth. “No problem, I’ll just half the recipe,” I thought. Well I prepared the dish following the recipe adding seaweed as a garnish, but I have to admit it was a little bland. Hey, I’ll get it next time, I’m sure of it.  Anyhow, it was a good try and I’m not giving up on my Korean cooking just yet!  The full recipe can be found here.sauceWe used this korean sauce (actually meant for meat) to add more flavor. kimchirice2

Hello, Austin TX

Dear Rachel:
I’m missing you already, now that I am back in Tianjin; but I am thankful for the time we had in Austin visiting the University of Texas. Austin Texas is such a interesting city and it was fun experiencing it with you! I hope you enjoy these pictures as much I did!

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This snake-cycle (the line of tricycles inside the snake’s ribcage definitely qualifies it to be a snake-cycle) parked in front of the Indian food cart was my favorite piece of decor in Austin.

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Hello UT
I also really enjoyed visiting the University of Texas! Both the campus and the facilities were beautiful.

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I would definitly gain the “Freshman 15” with all the amazing food around campus!

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Plus, I think I can see myself working in the studio…

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…or enjoying the beautiful pool!

I am so thankful to the Lord for giving me this special trip with you!
Miss you!
Jessie

Headrick’s Back in the US

Summer 2013 brought us Headrick’s all back together in South Dakota to celebrate Sean’s parent’s 50th Wedding Anniversary.  This was Michael’s first trip back to the States in three years!  He found the trip very refreshing, spending time with cousins, grandparents and extended family.   On the 4th of July we celebrated in the small home town of Sean’s parents, Flandreau, SD.  Here we snapped a patriotic family photo during a short visit with Sean’s aunt and uncle.

Summer 2013

Spontanious Garage Party

There is no such thing as too many “Connecting 4 Meetings” – or maybe its just our excuse to spend time together with some good food! Whichever it may be, Rachel and I planned a “spontaneous” Connecting 4 “barn party” (which actually was to be held in the garage because our grandma doesn’t have a barn). Food Network magazines provided the recipes for our two main dishes: roasted chicken salad and grilled zucchini and feta cheese salad.
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I was so proud of grilling my grandma’s fresh zucchinis and actually creating a delicious dish!
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In the end we actually ended up on my grandma’s front porch because the garage was so hot… hey – it was still fun!
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