when I was young.

I can't believe I'm really saying that. When I was young? Okay, I'm still young, I suppose. But looking back on all these old pictures, I'm not-so-young anymore.

Last week I pulled out all of our old scrapbooks, grabbed a few favorites, and snapped pictures of them (no, we don't have a scanner).

My bro Samuel and I, playing UNO. 

I think this was around my first birthday. 

Regular summer morning in the Kiser home. 

First day of school. Nope, I didn't bring all of those stuffed animals with me. 

I think I was around two here. 

This was our Easter picture. Sorry, but I don't remember any of the dates from these. But judging how old we look, I think it's probably about 2003? 

I remember getting some award at school and feeling really shy standing there in front of everyone. 

Yes, I was the tallest in my class. Even out of all the boys. And I was like the second youngest...

Yep, that's me. 

Even when I was little, I was a writer and a doodler. 

Crazy kids. We never act like that anymore. *ahem*

My cousins and I one Christmas. 

Anna and Heidi when Heidi was born. Anna was happy to have a little sister. 

Heidi got extremely chubby. But she certainly isn't chubby now, that's for sure. 

Us in North Carolina with our neighbors. 

Proof I was the tallest in my class.

Heidi's 1st birthday. Awe, look at Anna. 

Well, that's all for now -- but part two will be coming. You want to see some pictures of us overseas, right? ;)
It's fun going back and looking on pictures of old times. It almost makes me want to go back, but then I have to remember to enjoy the time I do have now.

What are some of your childhood memories?

a thursday morning

 Mom leaves with four of the kids to go to the laundry mat. Anna does school and makes cookies. Nehemiah plays upstairs in his room. Samuel does math and eats the cookies. I do algebra, biology, read, take pictures and eat cookies.

Here's sweet little Anna doing spelling.

And naughty, naughty little Samuel sneaking cookies.

I try to focus on school, but my mind wanders after a few hours.

I get up and re-design my cork board.

I eat a few cookies, read to Nehemiah, then have to read a few 'historical' books before I can read what I really want to read. Hard, eh?

What did you do this morning? 

how to become a runner

    (via pinterest)

If you're a home schooling girl like I am, and you aren't really into sports, but you want to do something, this post is for you. Actually, this post is for anyone who wants to get into running. You don't have to be serious about it, but maybe you just want to be able to run a mile (or maybe 6 miles) without fainting. Here's a few tips I've learned over the year or so I've been running. Note: I am no expert. I'm just sharing some tips that have helped me, but they might not exactly work for everyone.

ONE) Start out slow. I know lots of people say push yourself, but when you're first trying out, don't make it harder than it already is. Let's say you've never run before. Don't just tell yourself you're going to run a five miles everyday. Start out doing something like 3 miles a week, and walk some of it.

TWO) Make running fun. Don't make it something you dread everyday! I know, running is hard. Sometimes you do have to just force yourself to get out the door and run. But try really hard not to make it a burden. Trust me, it helps.

THREE) Sign up for some 5K races once you're used to running. Even if you can't run the 3.1 miles without stopping, it's still fun! There are normally prizes and it's great to meet other people who run too.

FOUR) Find somebody to run with. You don't know how much this helps me. When I'm running with my dad, I always run faster. But when I'm running by myself on a little country road, it's tempting to stop and walk! It's also nice to run alone, but try to drag your sister or friend out to run with you once and awhile.

FIVE)Warm up and stretch before running. I'm not always great with this, but I try my best. It's so good for you just to jog lightly for five minutes, stretch for five, then go for a run instead of just taking off..

SIX)Find a place to run near you that isn't completely isolated, but try to avoid busy streets. Running alone in a strange neighborhood isn't the best idea. Listening to music on busy roads is also dangerous.

SEVEN)Get some good shoes. Even if you're not really serious about running, or you think they're too expensive; please get some good running shoes. I got a pair this week, and they help so much. Also, all the running gear isn't completely necessary. I just run in an old t shirt and shorts.

EIGHT)It's okay to walk. It's okay to take a break. Don't wear yourself running too much. I think there are two kinds of runners. The kind that don't do enough, then the kind that are too hard on themselves. I'm afraid sometimes I'm way too hard on myself if I skip a run. It's okay, just move on!

A 'bad' run is better than no run. Running will get easier, it just takes some getting used to. Lace up your shoes, grab your ipod, and get out the door! Running has given me time to think through my day, given me more self control, and even if it isn't always true, I think it's fun.

Let me know if you have any more questions, or feel free to give me some advice too.

In Christ,
Kendra

ps: thanks for all your nice comments on the last post. I like the design too, but no, I did not create it. The lovely Hannah did. Don't you think she did a great job? ;)