Girl of the Prairie

Goodness Knows...

2011-10-11T19:55:00.000-07:00

I was looking at my blog today... looking at old posts from quite awhile ago.. It's amazing to me how many little things I have forgotten. Little things that aren't really important, but reading about them made me smile as I remembered them.

I have been on a hiatus from blogging now for quite some time, but reading my old posts made me think maybe.... possibly... I should get back into it?

Goodness knows I don't have all the time in the world. I don't live on an island in a tropical paradise sipping away at a cocoanut drink and wiling away the hours tanning on the beach... (take one look at my practically vampiric face and you'll understand exactly what I mean!) I don't have buckets of money which I spend on servants to do my chores and paint my toenails and do my schoolwork for me... And goodness knows I've promised to get back to blogging a hundred thousand times, but been distracted by my non-beach-y, non-servant-y life....

But maybe it's time to make a change?

I'm not promising anything... but maybe it's time to get back to blogging...

So for my first post of my possible blogging renaissance, I would like to share a film my mom and I made together about a week or so ago. We began by creating a picture using sharpies, watercolors, and tissue paper, and then filmed it using our DSLR camera in a stop motion animation sort of way. The short film is based on the poem "Nothing Gold Can Stay" by one of my favorite poets, Robert Frost.

Perhaps the poem is right and nothing gold can stay. Perhaps I won't get back into blogging, and it was just something fun for a time. But then again, maybe I will.

And goodness knows I want to. ♥♥

Love Song ❤

2011-08-30T17:16:00.000-07:00

A friend of mine was talking about this song called "He Was Walking Her Home" by Mark Schultz on facebook, and I looked it up for fun... and found my new favorite song! The lyrics are so beautiful! What a wonderful love song about a committed husband and wife, and how refreshing when contrasted with the short term, psuedo "love" relationships usually glorified in modern music!

Enjoy this beautiful song and the lyrics that, quite literally, brought me to tears. :')

Lookin back
He sees it all
It was her first date
The night he came to call
And her dad says
Son have her home on time
And promise me you'll never leave her side
He took her to a show in town
and He was ten feet off the ground as

(Chorus)
He was walkin her home
Holdin her hand
Oh the way she smiled
Stole the breathe right out of him
Down that old road
With the stars up above
He remembers where he was the night he feel i
n love
He was walkin her home...

Ten more years in a waiting room
At 1/2 past one
Is when the doctor said
Come in and meet your son
And his kness went weak
When he saw his wife
Well she was smilin and
She said hes got your eyes
And as she slept he held her tight
His mind went back to that first night...
Well..

(Chorus)
He was walkin her home
Holdin her hand
Oh the way she smiled
Stole the breathe right out of him
Down that old road
With the stars up above
He remembers where he was the night he feel in love
He was walkin her home...

They wandered through
The best days of their life
60 years together
And he never left her side
The nursing home
At eightyfive
And the doctor said
It could be her last night
And the nurse said
Oh, should we tell him now?
Or should we wait until the mornin to find out?
When they checked her room that night
He was layin by her side

(Chorus)
He was walkin her home
Holdin her hand
Oh the way she smiled
When he said this is not the end...
Just for a while, they were eighteen
And she was still more beautiful to him than anything...
He was walkin her home...
He was walkin her home...

Lookin back,
He sees it all
It was her first date
The night he came to call...

*sigh*....

Glow Bowling, Take 2

2011-07-30T16:50:00.001-07:00

So we went glow bowling again... (not with the youth group, though) and this time my sister video recorded our rather epic bowling chops.

Glow Bowling... Ahhh.. That wonderful sport. Where else can you go to find disco music, slightly broken and dingy vending machines, glowing plastic shoes, and circular weights which are flung down slippery lanes in attempt to knock down some pins and thus rack up points? Nowhere but at a Glow Bowl. Come on. You know you love it. :)

By the way, the best part is at 2 minutes 30 seconds, where my siblings undertake the task of extracting a bag of sour skittles from the vending machine. Truly a noble endeavor. ;)

Psalm 10

2011-07-23T16:47:00.000-07:00

As evil men do unthinkable crimes in our world - our world which is so affected and infiltrated with sin - it is easy to wonder where God is. We tent to want to ask, "God, why are you forsaking your children?"

But what we are forgetting is that God has promised to never forsake us, and we know he will be true to his word, and he never will.

Oh God, as this world falls apart around us,

as we fail stumble through this darkness which surrounds us,

remember your children;

Keep us safe and remind us of your unfailing love, grace, and power

which is able to keep us forever.

Help us to never forget who is in ultimately in control.

Amen.

Psalm 10

¹ Why, LORD, do you stand far off?
Why do you hide yourself in times of trouble?

² In his arrogance the wicked man hunts down the weak,
who are caught in the schemes he devises.
³ He boasts about the cravings of his heart;
he blesses the greedy and reviles the LORD.
⁴ In his pride the wicked man does not seek him;
in all his thoughts there is no room for God.
⁵ His ways are always prosperous;
your laws are rejected by^[b] him;
he sneers at all his enemies.
⁶ He says to himself, “Nothing will ever shake me.”
He swears, “No one will ever do me harm.”

⁷ His mouth is full of lies and threats;
trouble and evil are under his tongue.
⁸ He lies in wait near the villages;
from ambush he murders the innocent.
His eyes watch in secret for his victims;
⁹ like a lion in cover he lies in wait.
He lies in wait to catch the helpless;
he catches the helpless and drags them off in his net.
¹⁰ His victims are crushed, they collapse;
they fall under his strength.
¹¹ He says to himself, “God will never notice;
he covers his face and never sees.”

¹² Arise, LORD! Lift up your hand, O God.
Do not forget the helpless.
¹³ Why does the wicked man revile God?
Why does he say to himself,
“He won’t call me to account”?
¹⁴ But you, God, see the trouble of the afflicted;
you consider their grief and take it in hand.
The victims commit themselves to you;
you are the helper of the fatherless.
¹⁵ Break the arm of the wicked man;
call the evildoer to account for his wickedness
that would not otherwise be found out.

¹⁶ The LORD is King for ever and ever;
the nations will perish from his land.
¹⁷ You, LORD, hear the desire of the afflicted;
you encourage them, and you listen to their cry,
¹⁸ defending the fatherless and the oppressed,
so that mere earthly mortals

will never again strike terror.

Nail Polish and Bowling

2011-07-23T06:22:00.001-07:00

I am not one to usually follow trends. I'm more of a "make your own trends" type of person. (Which pretty much means I do whatever makes me happy in the fashion dept.) But I decided to try out a trend that I've seen a couple places now... and that is painting your nails, but painting on finger on each hand a different color! I went with pink and green.

I thought a lot of people would inquire as to why my nails looked like that... but only one person was wondering, and I actually brought it up (they didn't actually ask.). lol So if you're feeling nervous about trying this nail polish idea, don't be. It's crazy cool and a blast to look at (I don't know why, but I just like looking at my nails when they're painted.), but not so crazy that you'll get people stopping you in the streets and asking to take their pictures with you to send home to mom. :)

Now, I have to ask, what better day to test out a crazy nail painting scheme than when you are going "Glow Bowling" with your youth group? I can't think of any better time. :) Which is exactly what we did last night. So that was a lot of fun. (The 1970's Disco music and Videos they had playing at the Bowling Alley were rather entertaining, as well. The kids in my youth group love to sing. loudly. So I'm sure the people who work at the counter were rather amused when we all chimed in to "We Are Family" when it came on. hee hee.)

(I am sorry to say I lost. Pretty badly. But I did get a couple of strikes! And a couple of almost-strikes!)

Before I go, I wanted to tell you all about my little sister who just got a new blog. :) Her blog is called "Surfer Girl". So if you want to check it out, I'm sure she'd love that!

Other blogs and websites on the "painting one nail differently" trend:

(I cannot guarantee that all content is appropriate on these blogs, so please use discretion. :)

http://thebeautydepartment.com/2011/06/polished/

http://www.kandeej.com/2011/05/how-to-add-cool-twist-to-your-nails.html

http://lustlovelose.wordpress.com/2011/02/06/love-or-lose-one-nail-different/

http://www.alllacqueredup.com/2009/05/multi-colored-nails-trendy-or-tacky.html

quickly, a note.

2011-07-06T14:17:00.000-07:00

Wow! I am pleasantly surprised! Just three days after I *finally* post again on my blog, and I have four new followers! Who'd-a-thunk-it? Thanks so much! :)

This evening we are going to a Bible study at our Pastor's house, so I need to go get ready. But I think I will try to post again soon. :)

And by "soon" I mean tonight or tomorrow.

We shall see...

Love,

The Rather Unfaithful Blogger,

Happy Fourth of July!

2011-07-03T15:25:00.000-07:00

My mom took this picture of me today at the park, and I thought it turned out cool, so I just wanted to share. :)

Happy 4th of July! I hope everyone's 4th of July weekend is as awesome as mine has been.

My sister and I were invited by some friends to go to a special 4th event at a reenactment village. We were able to watch the fireworks, and listen to a concert of classical music by an orchestra. It was really awesome!

The stage where the orchestra performed.

Hanging out!

My sister Hannah

Me... I would like to take this opportunity to point out my vintage 1950's

dress which I got from Goodwill. It is my pride and joy. :)

The crowds!

My best friend/boyfriend and I :)

(I would like to point out real fast that by "boyfriend" I mean we are courting. I personally don't believe in dating, and I feel like the word "boyfriend" has dating connotations, so I wanted to clarify my terminology. I'll have to post my very long thoughts about courting in my next post.)

For the finale, the orchestra played the 1812 overture, complete with real canon shots and fireworks. It was epic and wonderful! (You may not recognize this song by it's title, but go ahead and give it a listen. You may know it by it's melody. It is the epitome of classical, Fourth of July music in my humble opinion, second only to the Star Spangled Banner and those other traditional patriotic songs. This is only the end of it, though, because it is honestly a 15 minute song. Maybe longer. I heard the full version in the concert,

but the end is the best part.)

Make Your Own Hula Hoop

2011-06-25T05:47:00.000-07:00

I love to hula hoop. I'm not even kidding! It's so fun! But the problem is most hula hoops are made for slightly... shorter people. According to this random website I found, "The hula-hoop should come up to somewhere between your upper chest and your stomach, according to the online Dimensions Guide."

Because it's hard to find hula hoops that size... why not make your own?? The video up there shows you how. I think I really want to try this!

"The River Flows In You" Piano Duet

2011-06-22T18:43:00.000-07:00

Up there ^^ is a video of my favorite guy in the whole wide world and I playing our theme song, "The River Flows In You" By Yiruma... :) (Please tell me I'm not the only one who has theme songs...) You may or may not recoginze this song from the movie "Twilight". (I say that for those of you who watch Twilight. I have personally never seen it, but I thought it might be informative for some of you who will listen to this and then go "I know I've heard this song!!! Where is it from???".)

Anyway, we enjoy playing duets, but to date we don't have any *real* duet sheet music. (We're working on that.) So instead we do duets where one of us plays the treble clef and the other plays bass clef. In the video I just posted, I am playing bass and he is playing treble.

So enjoy watching. I know we enjoyed playing it. :)

(By the way, if you enjoyed that, you may also like another piece by Yiruma entitled "Kiss the Rain". I just found it today, and I didn't even get halfway through the song before I was frantically google searching for the sheet music...)

Ooh, and one more thing. That same really amazing guy up there got me a rose, and I took pictures of it. How sweet is that?

Hair and Makeup Tutorials

2011-06-08T06:21:00.000-07:00

I have this *thing* about hairstyles and makeup and fashion. It may or may not have something to do with the fact that I am a 16-almost-17-year-old girl. O_o

Anyway, I have recently found some blogs that are really great when it comes to the beauty tutorials, and I thought I would share the joy.

The first one is "My Yellow Sandbox". I just found this blog today, but I'm in love with her hair tutorials! (You can find all of them by clicking on the tab entitled "hair styles" on the sidebar...)

She has a ton of supercute hairstyles up there... love it!

Next up, "The Beauty Department". You may have already seen some of tbd's hair tutorials floating around on the internet (especially if you have a pinterest.com account). There's a lot of fun and informative stuff on there, including makeup tutorials as well... (plus they have a super cute blog design to boot!)

Lastly, if you're a bit more interested in makeup, check out "keiko lynn". I love her makeup ideas, and although I wouldn't wear them exactly as is, it gives me a lot of inspiration to adapt.

What I Gave Mom for Mother's Day...

2011-05-14T09:11:00.000-07:00

This is what I gave my mom for Mother's Day:

(I am ashamed to say I painted this the *day after* Mother's Day. *ahem* I would have done it the day before, but I was at laser tag and a friend's house all day. That was quite the experience!)

I think it needs some words up in the upper left hand corner, but I'm not sure what to write or how to add it (paint? stickers? idk.)

Royal Wedding!

2011-04-29T19:31:00.001-07:00

Not to, you know, overwhelm you all with yet *another* post to add to the world of blogger about the Royal Wedding today... but I am a teensy bit obsessed, so bear with me. ;)

Oh my goodness... The Royal Wedding! It was so fun to watch!

(If you missed it, youtube it. It was great!)

The Dresses...

The Music...

The Prince...

Catherine...

The Veil...

The Trees...

The Cars....

The Carriage...

The Abbey...

Everything.

I just loved everything.

And I'm feeling extremely inspired for my wedding someday. :)

First of all... the tree-lined aisle... This was probably one of my most favorite elements. It was just stunning. And I love the fact that they are going to plant them outdoors, so they will be a lasting memory of the wedding. How cool is that?

And her dress... I'll admit, at first I was a little disappointed. But after I took a second look, I realized it was perfect. It's classic, it looks great on her, and it really fits her personal style. And of course the train, though not as dramatic as Princess Diana's, was beautiful in its own right.

But her veil. Oh my word. I loved her veil. I loved it.

My sister thought it was weird how everyone wore white, including the bridesmaids. I disagreed. I thought it was sweet and very bright and spring-y looking. I especially liked the little girl's flower tiaras and Pippa's sprig of white flowers.

I also loved Prince William's pop of bright red with the uniform.

And then when the bride and groom held hands and said their vows... oh my goodness.

*thump thump, thump thump*

be still, my heart. <3

This wedding was beautiful.

Something New...

2011-04-19T20:00:00.000-07:00

I have been seeing a lot of these "GIF" images on various blogs, and I think it's really cool! In case you are unfamiliar with GIF images, basically they are just a series of pictures which are put together and are played very quickly. If they are really well done, they may end up looking like a short video clip.

I really wanted to try a GIF out, but I didn't know what program to use. I google searched it, and I found a website that converts images to GIFs. I tried it out although I don't have any really great pictures for a GIF, I found a couple of pictures which I could use to test it out. Ideally, though, you really need images which are captured quickly and in succession... basically, think of how a animated movie is made. Animation is a series of images in which the subject moves only a slight bit in each image.

Here is one example of some cool gifs and here is another one....

Still, I think mine turned out kind of cool. :) You can try making your own GIF images here!

(Above: Lucas riding his new bike on his birthday)

(Above: Spinning outside on a rainy day!)

Self-Portrait Photography Contest

2011-04-19T19:44:00.000-07:00

"Through My Lenz Photography" is having a rather fun little photography contest, and I wanted to enter it... all you have to do is take a self-portrait.

Well, the picture below was taken by myself of myself (hence, the "self-portrait") on my couch in our livingroom. 'Tis as simple as that. ;)

Moi Personality... A Quizz

2011-04-17T19:35:00.000-07:00

I found this on Bleah's blog, and I wanted to try it out! You can take the quiz and see what personality type you have HERE. :) It was quite fun.

Your personality type: "Sensitive Doer"

Quiet, serious, sensitive and kind. Do not like conflict and not likely to do things which may generate conflict. Loyal and faithful. Extremely well-developed senses and aesthetic appreciation for beauty. Not interested in leading or controlling others. Flexible and open-minded. Likely to be original and creative. Enjoy the present moment.

Careers that could fit you include:

Artists, musicians, composers, designers, child care workers, social workers, counselors, teachers, veterinarians, forest rangers, naturalists, bookkeepers, carpenters, personal service workers, clerical supervisors, secretaries, dental and medical staffers, waiters and waitresses, chefs, nurses, mechanics, physical therapists, x-ray technicians.

Spring Cleaning!

2011-04-05T20:04:00.000-07:00

[^above... a random picture of me listening to my sister's ipod.]

Oh my word.. it's 11:05 at night... I really need to make this quick because I need to get to bed!

Ok, so let's get down to business. Perhaps you noticed the new blog design? Yes.... basically, I decided it was kind of ridiculous to still have that old winter one when spring began on March 20th... [although it's trying to fool us, at least around here... today it was snowing!] So I popped on over to the blogger design page, which was different for me since I usually design 98.5% of my blog myself. But I found this adorable poppy background which I think is super cute, and so here you go: my new blog design which took about 10 minutes to put together.

I really want to get back into blogging.... I have been a bit distracted by other things in the online world recently, but I would love to post again! But I knew I needed a new blog design if I was going to get a fresh start. So here she be! I am extremely excited. My blogging flame has been reignited! [unintentional rhyme there, by the way...]

So here we go. Blog adventure take two. Action!

[By the way, this means I may or may not continue with the "thirty day challenge" thing. I'm not sure if that is the direction I want to go in or not, so we'll have to see.]

-allison

Day 03 - A picture of the cast from your favorite TV show

2011-03-27T12:39:00.001-07:00

American Idol. For sure. ;) And I like Casey Abrams, just sayin'. And the fact that he *almost* got eliminated last week makes me very upset. :b

Day 02 - A picture of you and the person you have been closest with the longest.

2011-03-24T07:48:00.000-07:00

(my best friend forever... my sister, Hannah, and I... yep, we're tight.)

Day 1 - A Picture of Yourself....

2011-03-23T05:40:00.000-07:00

Day 01 - A picture of yourself with fifteen facts.

(above: my current facebook profile pic. )

Fact 1: My favorite days of the week are Wednesday and Sunday.

Fact 2: I am horrible at Broomball.... lol

Fact 3: I do not like painting bathroom ceilings....

Fact 4: My favorite TV show is American Idol (Go Casey!)

Fact 5: I like sharpie fine-point markers....

Fact 6: I HATE running... (speaking of which, I have to go to the YMCA with mom and do just that today.... yuck.)

Fact 7: I have my driving temps... and I drove our 7 passenger conversion van on the main roads for the first time the other day... it was all good, until I was almost run over by a giant bus.... :b

Fact 8: I like art!!!

Fact 9: I found my dream wedding dress yesterday....

Fact 10: Yellow is my favorite color.... (ya... but you all knew that... lol)

Fact 11: I am notorious for not answering emails promptly... :b

Fact 12: I need to change my blog design.

Fact 13: I LOVE to play the piano.

Fact 14: I don't like pets. :b

Fact 15: Before people really know me, they usually think I am "quiet" and "serious" (actual quotes... lol) but once they get to know me, they only WANT me to be quiet... (lol... STOP SINGING! STOP TALKING!)

30 Day Challenge

2011-03-19T13:55:00.000-07:00

I've decided to do the whole "30 Day Challenge" thing. I've seen this on a bunch of people's facebooks, and a couple of blogs, and I thought "Eh. Why not?" It looks fun, and I currently don't have anything else to post about... so 30 Day Challenge it is! :)

Here is the 30 things list.....

The 30 Day Challenge:

Day 01 - A picture of yourself with fifteen facts.

Day 02 - A picture of you and the person you have been closest with the longest.

Day 03 - A picture of the cast from your favorite show.

Day 04 - A picture of your night.Day 05 - A picture of your favorite memory.

Day 06 - A picture of a person you'd love to trade places with for a day.

Day 07 - A picture of your most treasured item.

Day 08 - A picture that makes you laugh.

Day 09 - A picture of the person who has gotten you through the most.

Day 10 - A picture of the person you do the most screwed up things with.

Day 11 - A picture of something you hate.

Day 12 - A picture of something you love.

Day 13 - A picture of your favorite band or artist.

Day 14 - A picture of someone you could never imagine your life without.

Day 15 - A picture of something you want to do before you die.

Day 16 - A picture of someone who inspires you.

Day 17 - A picture of something that has made an impact on your life recently.

Day 18 - A picture of your biggest insecurity.

Day 19 - A picture of you when you were little.

Day 20 - A picture of somewhere you'd love to travel.

Day 21 - A picture of something you wish you could forget.

Day 22 - A picture of something you wish you were better at.

Day 23 - A picture of your favorite book.

Day 24 - A picture of something you wish you could change.

Day 25 - A picture of your day.

Day 26 - A picture of something that means a lot to you.

Day 27 - A picture of yourself and a family member.

Day 28 - A picture of something you're afraid of.

Day 29 - A picture that can always make you smile.

Day 30 - A picture of someone you miss.

So ya... I'm actually quite excited! :) I am going to start day 1 on Sunday (tomorrow)... so here we go!!!!

In other news... today I won 2nd place for design at my church's AWANA Grand Prix! (That's my trophy up there... :D ) I'm not actually in AWANA, but the teens and adults were allowed to enter as well. It was a lot of fun!

My Favorite Color....

2011-03-12T18:08:00.000-08:00

3 guesses what my favorite color is....

If you said pink, you would be quite mistaken.

(not that I don't like pink... quite the contrary... but it's not the color which has my heart....)

Orange? Nope, sorry, that's not it either. ;)

No, green is not the *one* either....

Alright, alright... I will keep you in suspense no longer... I love the color YELLOW!!!!

Dressed Like A Princess

2011-03-11T05:31:00.000-08:00

This is a bit late in coming, but I thought it was better to post late than never.

Every year, my homeschool group does an event called "History Night" where homeschool students can choose a topic in history and make a presentation about it. Then, on the actual History *Night* we present our projects to the world! (or at least to those who come... lol)

This year I chose to do the Last Tsar of Russia, Tsar Nicholas Romanov II. Of course, it would be very weird to dress up as Nicholas the II, so I chose to dress up as his daughter instead... Tatiana Romanov.

I wore my mom's prom dress (the same one I wore to the Homeschool Banquet last year) and added a red ribbon sash. For the headress, I created the basic shape of the kokoshnik (crown) out of cardboard (a cereal box, to be specific) and added pearls along the top of it, and a tulle veil in the back. To finish it off I added a black necklace (Which has multiple chains) and a long chain.

My Costume was based on this picture of Olga (left) and Tatiana Romanov. Although there are differences between my costume and their clothes, I think I got the general feel of the costume.

Quotes and Sayings

2011-03-05T19:36:00.000-08:00

I have this thing with quotes and sayings.

I absolutely love reading quotes and sayings.

(This might explain why the book of Proverbs is one of my favorite books of the Bible.)

I have seriously spent a couple hours just reading quotes and sayings.

And whenever I do artwork, I almost always include some words on it. Words are an art of their own!!

On Pinterest, I have a "Quotes & Words" page, which you can check out if you are thus inclined, but I am going to post a few of my findings here. Read and be amused. ❤

Creation Sings the Father's Song

2011-02-25T10:29:00.000-08:00

I absolutely love this song, and this particular version. (it inspires me to go acquire a banjo...)

It's a great song all about God's absolute control over everything!

Creation sings the Father’s song; He calls the sun to wake the dawn
And run the course of day ‘till evening falls in crimson rays.
His fingerprints in flakes of snow, His breath upon this spinning globe,
He charts the eagle’s flight; commands the newborn baby’s cry.
Hallelujah! Let all creation stand and sing,
“Hallelujah!” Fill the earth with songs of worship;
Tell the wonders of creation’s King.
Creation gazed upon His face; the ageless One in time’s embrace
Unveiled the Father’s plan of reconciling God and man.
A second Adam walked the earth, whose blameless life would break the curse,
Whose death would set us free to live with Him eternally.
Creation longs for His return, when Christ shall reign upon the earth;
The bitter wars that rage are birth pains of a coming age.
When He renews the land and sky, all heav’n will sing and earth reply
With one resplendent theme: the glory of our God and King!

Come Visit My Pinterest... ♥

2011-02-11T17:45:00.000-08:00

These boots are so stunning. I absolutely adore them... x100. Oh my. ♥

So... I've been having a really fun time on Pinterest... and I thought I would post a link to my pinterest page so you could check it out... I've got a lot of stuff on there that really inspires me... including the above pair of boots.

♥♥My Pinterest♥♥

Forever21 and the Greenbay Packers...

2011-02-06T10:46:00.000-08:00

On Friday, my sister and I (along with our youth group) were invited to a friend's birthday party! We had a really great time sledding, playing "Catch Phrase", and just hanging out! I bought a gift for my friend from Forever21, and I thought I'd share the goodies here! (hint hint... I really love this stuff!!!)

Vibrant Beaded Necklace - $4.80
[this necklace will match everything...literally! and it's only $4.80! c'mon!!]

Vibrant Threaded Scarf - $5.50
[i have a scarf which i love that looks similar to this one... at $5.50, this scarf is an absolute steal!]

So there you go... two awesome gifts for about $10.00.... I seriously love Forever21.

Sooo..... tonight I am doing something I have never done before... that is, I am going to a Superbowl XLV party. I am not a sporty person... as a matter of fact, I had no idea that the superbowl was even coming up today until I got invited to the party.... ( for some reason, I thought the Superbowl was in November...) But I am actually very excited!

When people ask me what team I like, I have officially decided to say "Green Bay Packers"... for two reasons. Number one, the color shirt I am wearing today is green. Therefore, Packers it is. Second of all, all my friends (well, all my friends who actually care about football and know anything about it) like the Steelers, so just to be controversial, I am going to be a Packer's fan... ;) (by the way, aren't you proud of me for actually knowing what teams are IN the superbowl this year??? I'm on a roll!!!) I'm a cheesehead!!! lol (I just learned that's what they call Packer fans from my dad...)

Listen to This!

2011-01-29T17:35:00.001-08:00

How many times has the following scenario happened to you?

You are talking to someone someplace... they are going on about a subject that doesn't particularly interest you. They have been talking for a few minutes now, and you haven't gotten a word in edgewise... not that you have *anything* to say about this particular subject anyway... bored, you begin to zone off. You look around the room you are in. You make a mental note on the person's hair, their outfit... Your mind wanders... 'I wonder what we're having for lunch today'....

I have had this happen to me *so many times* before. As a matter of fact, it happened to me rather recently. But as I stood there, letting the other person go on, I realized something. Something obvious, really, but a truth I have been conveniently ignoring. Not paying attention to what the other person is saying is really, really inconsiderate. I snapped my attention back to what they were saying, and for the rest of the conversation, I tried extra hard to pay attention.

Later that very day, I engaged in an activity which is not out of the ordinary for me on Sunday afternoons: I read the local newspaper. A particular article caught my eye. "How to Be A Good Listener".

Well, if that wasn't positively providential....

I continued to think about this for the rest of the week, and realized more and more how inconsiderate it is to not pay attention when another person is talking, and how often I really don't pay attention. Not only in conversations, but how often have I zoned out during a speaker's teaching or during preaching? How many times has my mom talked to me about homeschool curriculum or menu planning, and I have been a million miles away??? This is definitely something I have been very guilty of, but I am working hard to change it!

Listening is a skill that needs to be practiced and developed just as you have to practice an instrument or work on a good habit. Below are some reasons why to practice good listening, and tips on how to be a good listener.

Why should we be good listeners??

1. Being a good listener shows others you care about them.
When you are not paying attention to what someone else is saying, you are telling them (and yourself) alot about how much you value them. When you are not paying attention to them, you are being selfish.

[Defining Selfish: Concerned chiefly or only with yourself and your advantage to the exclusion of others]

Personally, it makes my day when someone shows me they are interested in what I am saying, and I always feel loved and valued by that person. Show someone you care!!!

2. By being a good listener, you will learn a lot.
If you are always the one doing the talking, you will always be limited by what you already know. Think about how much you can learn from other people if you listen to what they say! I know people who are wonderful seamstresses, people who excel in politics and government, people who know a lot about God and theology, people who are excellent cooks.... I could learn so much from these people!

3. The Bible repeatedly emphasizes the fact that a wise person listens to others.

"My dear brothers, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry..." James 1:19
"Let the wise listen and add to their learning,
and let the discerning get guidance..." Proverbs 1:5
"The way of a fool seems right to him, but a wise man listens to advice." Proverbs 12:15

"Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others." Philippians 2:4

"A fool takes no pleasure in understanding, but only in expressing his opinion." Proverbs 18:2

How To Be A Good Listener 101

1. Make a conscious effort to pay attention to the person who is talking. I'm not talking about paying attention just enough to know what they're talking about, I'm talking about listening and thinking about what they are saying. Don't DO things while they are talking, either. Texting during a conversation is so, so rude. 'nough said.

2. Don't think about other things while they are talking. This goes with number one. If you are thinking about what they're wearing, what you look like, what the people *over there* are talking about, or even what you're going to say next, you're not being a good listener. You'll miss a lot.

3. Show them you are paying attention. Ask questions. Engage in what they are saying. Nod and audibly encourage them to show them you are listening while they are talking. A simple "Mmhm", "I see" or "Really?" is good.

4. Look at the person who is talking to you. It's hard. But I speak from experience when I say that if a person is not looking at you, it really feels like they aren't listening. Of course, you don't want to intimidate the speaker by staring them down, but really, don't let your eyes wander all over the room.

5. Do not automatically assume you are smarter than the other person. Be willing to listen to their point of view!

6. Show the person that you are listening and understand what they are saying by repeating them during different parts of the conversation. For example, if someone is telling you their opinions on fast food restaurants, you can show them you are listening (and clear up any questions you may have) by saying something like, "So you think that Wendy's has better french fries than McDonald's, but McDonald's is a better deal overall?" Don't over do this, though.

7. Don't try and rush the other person when they are talking. Finishing their sentences, interrupting, or changing the subject all show the speaker you will be happiest when they stop talking....which is not nice.

8. Ask Questions. Asking questions is the best way to learn, and it shows you care about the speaker and the conversation. Ask questions which require more than just "yes" or "no" answers.

Curly Hairstyle...

2011-01-27T12:51:00.001-08:00

I don't know about you, but I love --really love-- looking at pictures of hairstyles. I hope there are other people like that reading this right now, because I am about to stick a picture of my hairstyle (from yesterday) on here. :)

Here it is:

I just (1) curled my hair with a small curling iron (2) stuck a sparkly bobby pin in the front...*side note... i ♥ sparkly bobby pins. very much.* (3) twisted my hair up on both sides (4)arranged the curls on the back of my head, (5) added a lot of bobby pins, and (6) added some of my sister's flower bobby pins under the bun part.

And voila'! I was quite pleased with how it turned out. I thought it almost looked kind of regency. And, of course, I love regency. ♥ I really enjoy mixing fancy with every-day casual... fancy hair+yellow aero shirt+ blue floral skirt+tennis shoes= my Wednesday look. :)

[The following pictures are me, very happy with how my hair turned out,

and extremely in love with the color of my shirt...]

[oh, and this isn't the post I promised in my last post... still working on that one.]

Just A Quick 2-Point Post....

2011-01-26T11:03:00.000-08:00

[ above: me being crazy the other day.]

I'm just popping in to say two things.... :)

Number 1. My blog was added to "Connecting Christian Bloggers", which I, personally, think is kind of cool. :) The reason I am mentioning this is so you will all go over there and look at the compiled list of blogs... there's a lot of them! Such lists are always valuable, especially if you're getting sick of the same old same old blogs, and you want some new reading material. There you go. :)

Number 2. I know it seems like I haven't been posting much lately, but I am in the midst of writing a post. It just seems like every time I sit down to work on it, I get distracted by an email from one of my friends from church...(we have been discussing Bible translations) and I always get distracted writing long replies to those emails... All this to say, I shall have a post up here soon. And I will hopefully be getting back into my blogging groove. ♥

Butterflies and Soup

2011-01-13T12:47:00.000-08:00

Totally inspired by this girl's flickr page... I don't think I have ever just gone through an entire flickr photostream, but this one is really really awesome. It makes me want to go take a bunch of pictures and slap butterflies all over them. seriously.

I can't wait for dinner tonight... Cheesy Ham and Potato Soup... Oh my. I love it. It's snowing and freezing outside, but inside, I'll be enjoying a nice bowl of soup... mmmm... {here's the recipe for amazing-ness in the form of soup}

Pinterest... what art thou???

2011-01-10T10:14:00.000-08:00

So, I kept seeing this "pinterest" thing everywhere, on all these blogs and stuff, and I'm like "What is this? Why on earth is everyone going so crazy over a website where you stick pictures you like on a board thingy? What's the big deal?"

Deciding that there must be *something* to it, I headed on over to pinterest website... and realized it's actually pretty cool. And I kind of want to join. And I realize I have basically been using my facebook as a pinterest of sorts... posting pictures of random stuff that I think is cool.

I'm like "eh. I'll give it a try!"

So I try to sign up.
But apparently you don't sign up on this website.
You have to request an "invitation".
how very elitist.

So, I have requested said invitation, and am anxiously awaiting the email which will allow me to join the ranks of the inspiring-picture-pinner-people.
This will be fun.

Here are some of my favorite pinterest boards, which kind of sold me on the whole thing. So yes.

"Hair" by Joy Cho [as usual, I'm sucked in by the images of pretty hair...]

Susan Peterson [pretty cool... there are a few iffy pictures here, so consider yourself warned. ;) ]

And that is all.

(Oh, and if anyone who reads this has a pinterest account, leave a link to your page in a comment and I'll add your page to mine once I get my account up and running.♥)

Ice Skating

2011-01-08T06:46:00.001-08:00

This is my first post in 2011... which is a bit shameful, seeing as it is already January 8... but anyway...

{image via}

I love to ice skate, which is why I am so excited for next Friday! You see, next Friday, our youth group is going ice skating, and then going to my friend's house afterward. I haven't been ice-skating in at least a year, so I am really looking forward to it!

When I was younger, I had some dreams to become a professional figure skater. Somehow, I was unfazed by the fact that I only go ice skating once or twice a year... still, I wanted to be a figure skater! I could imagine myself soaring across the ice in those white boots with gleaming blades, spinning and jumping... it was going to be great! That Christmas, I begged my parents to buy me my own pair of ice skates.... and they did! I still have and wear them! (my feet haven't grown much since I was, oh, 12...)

I have since lost the desire to be a *professional* skater-- I am now content to skate for fun. And fun it is! (that sounded very "Yoda-ish"...)

One thing that amazes me, however, is how many people have never skated before in their lives, or can't skate! Out of the 14 people coming, 7 of them cannot skate, and 4 of them have never skated before! Well, they shouldn't be scared. Ice Skating is actually not that hard... you just have to be brave and let go of the rink wall...

I can't wait!

Goodbye, 2010 and My Favorite Posts From This Year

2010-12-31T06:29:00.000-08:00

So it's the last day of 2010. I suppose this should be a very inspiring post, resolving what was in the previous year, and sending us flying full-speed into the new year. Well, I'm sorry to say that I am not feeling very inspiring today. It may have something to do with staying up till midnight for the past two nights... a girl needs her beauty sleep! But I will say this one thing. This past year has been a great year, some moments decidedly greater than others. But I can see God's grace through everything.

On facebook, you can "like" certain phrases, which are often funny, and there is this one that I see all the time. It says "This time last year everything was *so* different." Well, as it is almost January 2011, I can apply this to January 2010. And yes, everything was so different then. Parts of me can hardly believe that it was only a year ago that we were going to a different church. That my dad had a different job. That I was a different age. That we hadn't experienced some of the trying things that happened during the summer.

So much can change in a year. My mom has a saying which I think is very true... consider everything temporary, and enjoy it while you have it. That is not meant to be depressing, or to say that you are going to lose everything, but it is meant as a reminder, and sometimes even as an encouragement. You can interpret this as 'When you a going through a bad time, it is only temporary, so persevere.' But it can also mean something else. Enjoy what you have right now... don't be always looking to the future, and worrying and waiting for everything to be absolutely perfect. Enjoy the little things God has given you right now. I've heard that when you are old, you will be more disappointed by the things you never did than the things you did do, and failed at. At least when you fail you can say you tried.

Don't let life's little blessings pass you by, in 2011 and beyond.

Learn To Like
By Robert Service

School yourself to savour most
Joys that have but little cost;
Prove the best of life is free,
Sun and stars and sky and sea;
Eager in your eyes to please,
Proffer meadows, brooks and trees;
Nature strives for your content,
Never charging you a cent.

Learn to love a garden gay,
Flowers and fruit in rich array.
Care for dogs and singing birds,
Have for children cheery words.
Find plain food and comfort are
More than luxury by far.
Music, books and honest friends
Outweigh golden dividends.

Love your work and do it well,
Scorning not a leisure spell.
Hold the truest form of wealth
Body fit and ruddy health.
Let your smile of happiness
Rustic peace serenely stress:
Home to love and heart to pray--
Thank you God for every day.

Some Of My Favorite Blog Posts From 2010:

January 2010 "Garage Sale Treasures"

January 2010 - Garage Sale Treasures - "One of my favorite past-times is re-sale and garage sale shopping. I love sifting through interesting piles of stuff, looking for that one treasure you hope to find."

February 2010 - Snow/Happy Valentine's Day!

February 2010 - Snow/Happy Valentine's Day! - "Here in Northern Ohio, we don't usually get much snow. But this past week we got about 10 inches of the stuff!"

March 2010 - My New Haircut {{The Big Reveal!}} - "So, here are the pictures I promised! I am soooo thrilled with how my hair turned out!"

April 2010 - Battle of the Emma's - "After watching the premier of BBC's newest Jane Austen movie, Emma, I was thrilled! The movie, in my opinion, was well-made and extremely entertaining! So imagine my surprise to read reviews on other people's blogs saying how the shorter, older "Emma" starring Gwyneth Paltrow was so much better! Could it be true??"

May 2010 - Holmes County Vacation Pictures
and Animals of Holmes County

May 2010 - Holmes County Vacation Pictures (Part 1) and Animals of Holmes County (Part 2) - "In Holmes County, every-day life is just plain special! You find beauty even in every-day things such as the rolling hills (H.C. is overflowing with them) or colorful swings in a private Amish school's yard."

June 2010 - Updates, Photos, Piano, and French - "**The following contains words in French. I do not personally know or speak french-- I just know how to operate that vast ocean of knowledge- Google.com. Translations provided for the non-french at the bottom**"

July 2010 - Robin Hood

July 2010 - Robin Hood - "I have found that if there is a word phrase to describe the typical homeschooler (besides "super~smart", "polite", or "spelling bee champ") it might be "Medieval/Fantasy Obsessed"."

August 2010 - Crepes! (recipe) - "Yum! As I type this, I am taking the last bite of my breakfast; homemade crepes with homemade whipped cream, powdered sugar, and fresh strawberries on top!"

September 2010 - History Alive! - "A few months ago, I was talking to a lady who said her son strongly disliked History. She was using a textbook-like history program, which her son was not enjoying."

October 2010 - Old-Fashioned Pictures - "My good friend, Erin, and I participated in a historical reenactment last Saturday. It was very fun! "

November 2010 - A Hat Refashioned

November 2010 - A Hat Refashioned - "Soooo, Christmas Carol. Just like Christmas Carol 2007, Christmas Carol 2008 and Christmas Carol 2009, it has basically taken over 80% of my life. I have fought hard to continue on as usual, but it has finally caught up with me and locked it's proverbial hands around my proverbial throat, strangling me to within a few inches of my life (or at least sanity)."

December 2010 - Snowfall "There is something so mysterious about a snowfall. Snow is not an object that can be easily understood."

Until Next Year, then.

Perfect Day ♪

2010-12-22T13:58:00.000-08:00

When I was little, I always used to love watching these movies that were Beatrix Potter's stories animated. There was Peter Rabbit and the Two Bad Mice... I always loved the tale of the Two Bad Mice.

My favorite part of the movies, though, was when Miss Potter (protrayed by an actress) would ride in a carriage to her home on a rainy day, come inside, give her rabbit a snack or a pat on the head, and then sit down to begin writing. That's when the stories would begin.

Then at the end, Beatrix would head out again, and the most enchanting song would play. I always, always loved this song.

For so long, I have wondered what the song was called, but I have *finally* found it! I am so excited! You can listen to it in the video below. The song is called "Perfect Day" and it is sang by Miriam Stockley .

Magic.

30 Random Things...

2010-12-20T17:25:00.000-08:00

My sister, Hannah, tagged me on facebook with this tag, but I decided to post it on my blog too. All you have to do is write 30 random things about yourself. I thought it was fun! Here we go!

1. I play with the "Bop-its" every time I go to the toy section of Meijers...

2. I am usually really, *really* bad at making waffles... and I have even screwed up waffles when I was using a MIX before... sad, but true. (as a side note, the last time I made them, I actually did it right! I was so proud of myself!!! lol)

3. I have caught a toaster and a microwave on fire

4. The first time I ever lit a candle was when I was 15

5. I hate the store Krogers... :b

6. I will be able to vote during the next presidential election

7. I am afraid of a lot of things, but the following four things are what I am most afraid of: Dead people, Car accidents, dogs, snakes

8. I have never eaten fish

9. I have been playing the piano for 7 years (I've had teachers off and on)

10. I have had 4 piano teachers so far

11. I ♥ Holmes County, Ohio

12. I would love to sing like Mandy Moore (I love her voice! Esp. on the song "Only Hope"♥)

13. I am wearing mismatched knee-highs right now... one is black and white striped, the other is solid black.

14. I have about $2.00 right now... (that's it.)

15. I love the show "I Love Lucy"

16. I want to be a writer when I am older

17. "17" is my favorite number

18. I saw the musical "Wicked"... (and it was AWESOME!!!)

19. I beat my mom in arm wrestling yesterday... my dad has never been able to... my mom used to arm wrestle all the boys in her high school, and they could never beat her either... so yes, I'm feelin' pretty special! lol

20. I love history!

21. I love the song "Don't Cry For Me, Argentina"

22. In my opinion, Ohio is almost always better than Michigan. There are a few exceptions, but this is a
generally true statement.

23. I like to draw with ink-pens

24. I am so excited for the new series we are going to be doing in Sunday School... We're going to be learning about cults.

25. I love singing. a lot.

26. I wish I could read minds

27. I don't really like the "Narnia" series... (please, don't shoot me.)

28. Harry Potter is way cooler than Narnia (see above...^)

29. I'm not big into facial hair on guys

30. I have never seen "Beauty and the Beast"

Silent Night (singing in church)

2010-12-19T13:45:00.000-08:00

This morning I had the opportunity to sing a special with my church's worship team. We sang a version of "Silent Night". Although I was a bit nervous for various reasons, it turned out I had no reason to be. Everything went great, and I had a lot of fun!

My mom recorded a video of us-- I am the one on the far left. Mrs. M. (who is standing right next to me) and I both (unintentionally!) wore the exact same pair of shoes! And everyone wore black, white, gray and red, even though our outfits weren't intentionally coordinated! lol

When I was singing, I didn't realize how loud I was singing, so I kept singing louder thinking I wasn't being heard... well, you can hear me... lol I am singing the soprano, so you may be able to pick it out. Enjoy!

(sorry about the bit of wiggling in the beginning of the video... my mom was trying to record discreetly...)

Silent night, holy night
All is calm, all is bright
Round yon Virgin Mother and Child
Holy Infant so tender and mild
Sleep in heavenly peace
Sleep in heavenly peace

Silent night, holy night!
Shepherds quake at the sight
Glories stream from heaven afar
Heavenly hosts sing Alleluia!
Christ, the Saviour is born
Christ, the Saviour is born

Silent night, holy night
Son of God, love's pure light
Radiant beams from Thy holy face
With the dawn of redeeming grace
Jesus, Lord, at Thy birth
Jesus, Lord, at Thy birth

Hair Tinsel

2010-12-14T11:56:00.000-08:00

{source}

Has anyone ever heard of Hair Tinsel? It is very fine, glittery strands of thread which is meant to be tied into the hair to add a little shimmer. I think you can even curl it!

I really want to try putting some in my hair... It seems so Christmas-y! I am trying to figure out where they sell it... I looked at a local beauty supply store, and I don't think they carry it... hmmm...

{source}

* * Snowfall * *

2010-12-13T15:43:00.000-08:00

here is something so mysterious about a snowfall. Snow is not an object that can be easily understood. Scientifically it is frozen precipitation which falls from the sky in intricately patterned flakes.

It is said no two snowflakes are ever exactly the same. As I look out my frosty window, I see great drifts of the white stuff piled everywhere. These drifts are comprised of billions of those tiny flakes. They cover the earth and houses and trees one flake at a time until they have painted everything white. So small are the flakes, and yet they cover so much! I feel special to think of the little snowflakes. They will only fall once. You will not ever see that unique snowflake again. Once they fall, they land and lie in wait. Waiting until they are shaken off and melted in the warmth of a house. It does not take long.

Some snowflakes-- such as the ones in the woods at the top of the trees-- are not disturbed until Spring. These snowflakes sit very quietly in wait. They are the old snowflakes, and they have much wisdom for the impatient young.

Once, the sky opened and dumped a fresh blanket of snow onto the earth from it's heavenly storehouses. One of the flakes, newly come, landed beside an old snowflake. "Look at me!" the young one cried. "I am beautiful and unique! There will never be another flake like I. What shall I do to show off my beautiful design?" The old snowflake laughed a tired laugh at this conceited young one. "Yes, you are beautiful and unique" he said, "but you will stay here until you are old, and then you will melt away."
The young snowflake was very angry at these words. He longed for adventure and glory. So when he saw a child passing by, he grabbed hold of it's boot. I am sorry to say the child was on his way inside, and the selfish snowflake melted very quickly when the child put his boots by the heater to dry.

Not all snowflakes are like this one. Most are very humble and are quite content to stay anonymous forever, even though they too are unique and beautiful.

I believe each kind of weather has a personality. For example, rain is always sad, and sunny weather is always happy. Tornadoes, earthquakes, and thunderstorms are all angry and full of tantrums and fits of temper. I have always felt snow to have a good, yet cold disposition. Like a mother who rarely smiles, but loves unconditionally, and always wants the very best for her children. Our dear snow uses her low temperature to bring about good for her charges. I have heard so many complain about the cold and the icy conditions of the roads. But they are missing snow's love!! You see, her cold prompts us to build cozy fires, bring out the blankets and war, comfy socks. We turn up the heat until we are warm, and we snuggle up close to one another.

Snow brings us together. She makes the roads difficult to drive on so we may have an excuse to just stay home and be together. And you can never fully appreciate a hot cup of cocoa, tea or a bowl of soup until you have felt snow's cold breath.

There is much more I could say about snow, but it is getting dark (it has been, earlier.) I will end with this, then; My dear snow, you can bring so much warmth into our lives with your cold. Fall like glitter from the sky.

If I Was Rich... Here Are Some Things I Would Buy

2010-12-09T17:21:00.000-08:00

"Dear God, you made many, many poor people.
I realize, of course, that it's no shame to be poor.
But it's no great honor either!
So, what would have been so terrible if I had a small fortune?"
-If I Were A Rich Man [from Fiddler on the Roof]

Velvet Bolero - $69.95
[It's so pretty!]

Debussy Gown - $1100.00
[I am officially. in love. with this dress.♥]

Lalique Gown - $850.00
[*sigh*]

Gramophone Entertainment Center - $995.00
[I really, really want this thing. ]
[I have no idea where I would put it, but I want it.]
------♥------
[all items are from the Victorian Trading Co. ]
[AKA the company which would sell out on almost every product they have... if I were rich. ♥]

Linking Up--Christmas Lights!

2010-12-08T07:31:00.000-08:00

Some pictures of our Christmas tree which prove a picture doesn't have to be in focus to be pretty!
I'm entering this is Sereina's Christmas photography link-up. The theme this week is "Lights". I wanted to do it last week too, but with the show and stuff... it's been crazy!

Christmas Carol is over now, so hopefully there will be a "return to normalcy" (in the words of Warren G. Harding). ♥

Christmas Carol Tech Week l Lots of Pictures

2010-12-01T08:01:00.000-08:00

It's snowing outside!!!! December 1st, and snow has come!!! What should I do in honor of this most lovliest of occasions??? Design my new, winter blog design of course! So be on the lookout-- I hope to have my winter blog up and running ASAP!

This week is Christmas Carol Technical Week! Last night we had our first rehearsal in full costume.. that was a lot of fun!

When you're in a show, you have to wear a lot of makeup. Bright red lipstick and super bright pink cheeks are a must! We got ready at home, and I took a few picture of hair/makeup.

My little sister in her makeup with her hair done.

This picture kind of scares me... such bright makeup! lol

Meghan again... I don't think I got pictures of anyone but Meghan and I!

The stage is not 100% completed yet. The sets are rather elaborate, and take a few days to put together. I have been in this show for 3 years - this is my 4th - ( I have been in it every year since I was 12 ) and I still find the set to be so magical! It is such a thrill to be in full costume that first night at the theater with the set! We are only at the theater this week-- all our other practices have been at a local school -- so it is very fun to finally have microphones and be on the big stage and everything! I just can't wait for the 2,424 to be filled with theater-goers!

The stage and part of the house yesterday during practice.

The thing about tech week is they are working on lighting and sound, so the lighting in this picture is not right. This is a picture of me saying my line... I am in the center of the stage, wearing a red costume.

Mr. Scrooge meeting Marley.

Two friends of mine waiting backstage. Do you see the bridge in the previous picture of Scrooge? Well, the girls are sitting on the steps to the bridge backstage. It is quite a rickety old thing!

While we were waiting backstage, I spun around and then sat down, and my skirt poufed out! So my friend took a picture.

Waltzers waiting backstage. I love to take pictures of people waiting backstage. I think it appeals to me like Edgar Degas' artwork appeals to me. I like to see the behind-the-scenes.. the waiting and costume adjusting, the talking, and the cueing up.

Waiting to go on.

In the dressing room.

Adjusting her dress...

My sisters Hannah and Heidi in the dressing room

My mom (far right, top and bottom pictures) doing her part as the Charwoman.

The final scene... Mr. Scrooge is a changed man on Christmas Morning!

It is a lot of work to be in a show like this. We have to go to practices every night from 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.
We come home exhausted.
But it is worth it! It is so much fun!

A Parade and Mingling With the Celebs!

2010-11-27T18:46:00.000-08:00

Christmas Carol is sneaking up on us faster than ever! This coming Monday begins a crazy tech week and then... *drum roll please* OPENING NIGHT! Yes indeed, opening night is coming up this Saturday!

Today, we were in a parade in downtown to promote the show. It was a lot of fun, although it was very, very cold!

A cast member offered to let us wait inside of his art gallery in downtown while we were waiting for the parade to start. It was much appreciated! We took some pictures while we waited. This one is my sister Hannah, Mom and I in our CC costumes. ^

Last night, mom and I worked on my costume to get it ready for today's parade. I personally l♥ve it so much! The costume consists of a *very full* red skirt, a red wool cape, and a off-white blouse we found at the goodwill store (I ♥ thrift stores!)

My costume!!! The cape looks very red in this picture-- it isn't that bright in real life. ^

Hannah in her costume! ^

Waiting for the parade to start. ^

We walked and sang in the parade. It was actually a lot of fun! I think we were on t.v. as well, but I'm not sure.
A really neat part was at the very end. Alyson Stoner (from Camp Rock, Cheaper By the Dozen, and Step Up) was in the parade, and we were able to get a picture with her!

A friend (Maddie), Hannah, Alyson and I

Girl's Just Wanna Have Fun! (our version)

2010-11-27T10:00:00.000-08:00

3 crazy girls + 1 video camera + Cyndi Lauper music = our very own "Girls Just Wanna Have Fun" music video!!!! We made this movie during our last sleepover, and my friend Erin edited it! I think it turned out pretty cool!

Thanksgiving! ♥

2010-11-24T08:17:00.000-08:00

It's nearly Thanksgiving! I can almost smell the Turkey and Ham baking in the oven, and taste the cheese-ball... yum! I do so *love* cheese-balls. ☺ Today we are going to my Great-Grandma's to help her get ready for tomorrow's feast. We'll pull out the big tables, the nice silverware, and the matching plates. It's our one time during the year to get together as a family for a special meal... what fun!!!

There are so many things to be thankful for this year-- and every year! Thank you, Jesus!!! Last night I was humming a song to myself which, although it is not always sang as a "Thanksgiving" song, seems almost perfect as this year's Thanksgiving anthem. The song is "Great Is Thy Faithfulness".

Great is thy faithfulness, O God my Father;
there is no shadow of turning with thee;
thou changest not, thy compassions, they fail not;
as thou hast been thou forever will be.

Great is thy faithfulness! Great is thy faithfulness!
Morning by morning new mercies I see;
all I have needed thy hand hath provided;
great is thy faithfulness, Lord, unto me!

You can have fun singing "Great Is Thy Faithfulness" karaoke using the video I found on youtube below... Happy Thanksgiving!!!

Glasses

2010-11-23T08:23:00.000-08:00

{{My little sister got reading glasses yesterday, and she has been reading non-stop since! ♥}}

2010-11-14T17:46:00.000-08:00

We have had many foggy mornings lately, and my sister took this picture of our road the other day. I love the fog! It's so... magical!

When It's All Been Said and Done...

2010-11-12T15:40:00.000-08:00

"When It's All Been Said and Done" is a song my sister taught me when we were little. We used to sing the first verse over and over because it was the only part we knew. I finally figured out the name of the song, and found this beautiful version on youtube. The song answers a simple question-- After it's all been said and done, what will matter? The answer is found in the first verse of the song-- living a life for God and for the truth.

When it's all been said and done
There is just one thing that matters
Did I do my best to live for truth?
Did I live my life for you?

When it's all been said and done
All my treasures will mean nothing
Only what I have done
For love's rewards
Will stand the test of time

Lord, your mercy is so great
That you look beyond our weakness
That you found purest gold in miry clay
Turning sinners into saints

I will always sing your praise
Here on earth and in heaven after
For you've joined me at my true home
When it's all been said and done
You're my life when life is gone.

A Hat Refashioned♥

2010-11-10T07:26:00.000-08:00

The other day, my friend accused me of something quite serious. She accused me of abandoning my blog. "I have not!" I retorted. "That's absurd!!!" But deep down inside, I worried that perhaps there was some truth to what she said. So I resolved today to post a post on my blog. I have not abandoned!

Soooo, Christmas Carol. Just like Christmas Carol 2007, Christmas Carol 2008 and Christmas Carol 2009, it has basically taken over 80% of my life. I have fought hard to continue on as usual, but it has finally caught up with me and locked it's proverbial hands around my proverbial throat, strangling me to within a few inches of my life (or at least sanity).

It's been Christmas Carol practice, Christmas Carol Costumes, Christmas Carol, Christmas Carol, Christmas Carol.

So it's no surprise then that last Saturday was wholly devoted to the construction of my sister Meghan's Christmas Carol costume and refurbishing her horrific Christmas Carol hat. I'm not sure horrific even covers the monstrosity that was this hat. Sadly, I did not get a before picture, but I will describe it best I can.

Image a dark brown felt hat with globs of hot glue on it, fake red berries that are chipped to reveal the white Styrofoam that fills the inside of those things, a spray of feathers, old lace around the edges, and some worn out plaid ribbon around the top and tying in a droopy bow under the chin. That was the sad excuse of a hat we began with.

After steaming the hat on a hat block to get it to reshape, and pulling off most of the ridiculous and worn out baubles that had disgraced the hat for far to long, we began to refashion.

We saved the feathers and lace, but disposed of the rest. Then we started creating some new adornments for the hat.

In years past, we have made flowers out of ribbons for our hats, but this year we decided to try something new. Usin g the tutorial found here, we fashioned flowers out of polyester fabric, holding them over a flame to get the edges to melt and crinkle up. We then assembled the flowers, and glued them on Meghan's hat!

As my mom said "I could so this all day!". It was fun, albeit terrifying at times. But I would love to do it again! The flowers also look very pretty as a hair clip (just glued to a bobby pin), and I think I would like to make more sometime!

Meghan loves her hat, and I am almost sure I heard the hat breathe the contented sigh of relief which so many have breathed before, knowing it is no longer the homely number it once was, but is now a beautiful chapeau, ready to make it's stunning debut on the Christmas Carol stage!

3 Beautiful Hairstyle Inspirations

2010-11-05T18:26:00.000-07:00

I am posting a few inspiring pictures of pretty hairstyles I think I might try soon. Maybe they'll inspire you to try something new as well!

I almost always love Selena Gomez's hairstyles, and this braid is no exception. One of the biggest problems I always run into when doing braids is what should I do on top? I love the carefree, loose look of this! I also love how the braid itself is really loose and a bit messy. It adds to the charm. :) (This is an example of a twisted, two-strand rope braid. You can find out how to do one here...)

Look at this beautiful half-updo. I would love to try this one!

I love Taylor Swifts updos... both curly and straight. You can get the same texture in your hair as she has in the first two pictures using a 3-barrel curling iron.

Reformation Day!

2010-10-31T13:58:00.000-07:00

Happy Reformation Day! Nearly 500 years ago, Martin Luther nailed 95 issues to the Roman Catholic church door with doctrinal problems he had found, which the church was teaching, while searching the Bible. He nailed the list to the door of the church, basically wanting to address these things with the leaders of the church. Little did he know that he had sparked a reformation! Of course, Martin Luther was only a man, used by God. The word spread quickly through a new invention- the printing press! Soon, more people were realizing the theological problems with the Catholic church, and were turning towards the truth of the Bible. Thank God that he revealed those errors to Luther that day, and even now opens our eyes to the truth!

"A Mighty Fortress Is Our God" is a song written by Martin Luther. It tells of God's unfailing strength and power. My favorite line in this song is the last:"Let goods and kindred go, this mortal life also; The body they may kill: God’s truth abideth still, His kingdom is forever."

A mighty fortress is our God, a bulwark never failing;
Our helper He, amid the flood of mortal ills prevailing:
For still our ancient foe doth seek to work us woe;
His craft and power are great, and, armed with cruel hate,
On earth is not his equal.

Did we in our own strength confide, our striving would be losing;
Were not the right Man on our side, the Man of God’s own choosing:
Dost ask who that may be? Christ Jesus, it is He;
Lord Sabaoth, His Name, from age to age the same,
And He must win the battle.

And though this world, with devils filled, should threaten to undo us,
We will not fear, for God hath willed His truth to triumph through us:
The Prince of Darkness grim, we tremble not for him;
His rage we can endure, for lo, his doom is sure,
One little word shall fell him.

That word above all earthly powers, no thanks to them, abideth;
The Spirit and the gifts are ours through Him Who with us sideth:
Let goods and kindred go, this mortal life also;
The body they may kill: God’s truth abideth still,
His kingdom is forever.

More Reenactment Pictures

2010-10-26T06:00:00.000-07:00

Here are a few more pictures of our costumes!
The reenactment is actually put on by a local museum, so my Native American costume was borrowed from the Museum. It has a Burgundy tunic, with a wool wrap skirt, a woven belt, and a pair of the most awesome moccasin/boots ever! I would love to just own a pair of those boots for everyday wear! They were extremely comfort
able, and warm... not to mention they looked pretty cool!

Erin's costume was crafted from costume pieces we both already owned. The skirt and shirt are mine, and the black vest and shawl are hers.

I did her hair by first curling it with a 3-barrel curling iron, which my mom bought me a few weeks ago. I absolutely adore the thing! It adds the most wonderful texture to hair, even if you are planning on putting your hair up afterwards. But I'll do a post about that later. ☺

It was a very fun reenactment!In our scene, we are two students learning to read and speak English, as well as sew and dance! The reenactment is done like a tour. When a group comes to our portion, we (along with other students) have to read the Lord's prayer, and then do an old-fashioned country dance, while a group of (rather talented) musicians play the music for us! It is very fun!

Another girl (who I have met previously) was also an Indian, and she came up to me before and said "I'm surprised you haven't done this before. It seems like something you would be really into!" I agree. It is something I'm really into, and I would love to do more!

Old-Fashioned Pictures

2010-10-25T18:06:00.000-07:00

My good friend, Erin, and I participated in a historical reenactment last Saturday. It was very fun! Beforehand, we had a great time hanging out at her house, getting ready in our costumes and getting our hair done. After we got all dressed up, we had some time on our hands, so we went in her backyard and did a photoshoot. She is the American, I am the Native American. Here are some pictures we took, which I made look old with flickr.

Erin in her costume

I think it's quite clear from this picture that I don't really have an ounce of Native American blood in me. Not a drop. I am clearly of French/Scottish/English descent! Maybe I was kidnapped as a baby.... hmm......

I am going to post more pictures later!

A Tag! (Thanks, Jane!)

2010-10-19T06:01:00.000-07:00

I've been tagged! Thanks to Jane at Novel Pretender!

The rules to this tag are as follows:

You are given 8 questions from the person who tagged you before, your job is to answer them, write 8 questions of your own, then tag 8 people with your questions.

1. If you had to choose, would you rather be blind or deaf?
(I ask because I have thought about this question for years and can never decide. I love the beauty of this world, but I also love music and the sound of people's voices...)
I think I would rather be deaf, because in a way you still have both your ability to see and communicate (sign language or reading lips), but being blind, you only have your ability to communicate (speaking). But I would probably sink into a deep depression or something because I love music with a passion!!!!

2. What is your favorite part about blogging? I want to be a writer when I grow up, so I really enjoy writing posts, and I think it's cool that people are able to read what I've written! It really encourages me when I get positive feedback from people!

3. What is your favorite book and why?(You can do more than one if you can't choose.) It is near impossible for me to choose! I really enjoy many books! I just got done reading a book called "The Wave" by Todd Strasser, which was quite interesting.

4. Why DID the chicken cross the road? I think it was insulted by the Chick-fil-A on one side of the street, so it crossed the street to go start it's own fast food joint called "Cow-fil-A" for revenge.

5. What do you want to be when you grow up? (You can answer this even if you are "grown up." We're never done growing, and everyone has a dream.) I un-intentionally answered this in the "What is your favorite thing about blogging" question, but I want to be a writer.

6. Think about your day. (Or yesterday if you're reading this early in the morning.) Think through everything that happened to you during the day... people you met, things you discovered, interesting events. Now pick one thing and describe it for me in as much detail as you can. Whether you were skydiving or picking out a muffin, I want to hear about it. At 10:00 this morning, I got into my dad's red car (with my dad in tow), and drove myself to piano lessons, being sure to avoid the swarm of squirrels which felt the need to sit in the middle of the road, and to observe the 25MPH speed limit. I also remembered to obey stop signs, which is quite an improvement.

7. What do you think of Nancy Drew? Do you consider her a good role model? What do you think of the movies (Old movie with Bonita Granville and new with Emma Roberts) and the computer games? I am not sure whether or not she is a good role model. I've never really thought about it. I used to enjoy the books and computer games when I was younger.

8. If someone offered you a hundred dollar bill to do it, would you sing an entire song, without music, in a crowded restaurant? I'd do it for $10.00! For some reason, singing and being silly in public doesn't really scare me. If anything, it appeals to me! ☺

My 8 Questions are.....

1. What is the weirdest thing that ever happened to you?

2. If you could change one thing about your life right now, what would you choose?

3. What is your favorite day of the week?

4. How many pairs of shoes do you own?

5. Can you speak another language?

6. What is a song you currently love?

7. If you could do anything today, what would you do?

8. What would you say if I said I was going to take you out to see any movie, and go to dinner anywhere you want? What movie would you want to go see? Where would we eat?

I'm gonna break the rules and only tag 4 people... Yes, I'm a rebel. ;)

Hannah from "Hannah's Corner"
Erin from "High Heels and Pencil Skirts"
Cori at "Cori's Blog"
Abby at "Child of Grace"

Costume Study - "Secret of Moonacre"

2010-10-15T15:33:00.000-07:00

esterday, I walked into the living-room, where my sisters and brother were watching a movie I'd never heard of called "The Secret of Moonacre". I was intrigued, and though the movie was halfway over, I sat down to watch anyway. I have no idea what the movie was about, as my sister said only "Some lady was going to marry some guy... or something.... and now this little girl lives with her uncle..." which explained in no way why on earth the girl hung out with a guy named Robin who had feathers sticking out of his collar or why she kept mentioning "Moon Pearls".
No idea.
But I do know one thing.
The Costumes... were s-t-u-n-n-i-n-g!!!

So, of course, I had to post pictures on my blog.

The main character is named Maria-- she's the little girl on the right.
I love this first blue dress. The detailing really draws me in. I am especially fond of the color, and the lovely pleats on the bottom. I really love clothes with character!

The embroidery on the bodice is really something... just so beautiful!
The back was really amazing as well!

It had a sort of "exposed bustle" look. The bustle is covered in the same fabric as the dress, and it has ribbons coming down.

-=♥=-

The next costume is a beautiful rose-colored dress. In style, it is similar to the blue one.

Again, the loveliest fabrics, and the pleats at the bottom... *to die for!*

-=♥=-

The next dress has a bit of a medieval feeling about it. It is made out of a lovely and luscious red velvet. On the front (in the last picture) are "moonstones"... ya, I have no idea.

I just noticed those shoes... which are pretty awesome in and of themselves! You could probable make those with some black high-heels from the thrift store, some sturdy gray fabric, and a piece of black ribbon around the top.

I really loved her hair in this scene... just a fishtail braid with some ribbon in it! So whimsical, and really easy to do!

-=♥=-
Next up is this lovely green number. I just love how all of these dresses mix whimsical with historical... taking elements of both to create a very pleasing design!

Is this supposed to be her camouflage dress? I love the earthy colors!

It remids me of the forest during Autumn! I love the little polka dots on her yellow underskirt too (you can see them in the picture below). I really find the use of many patterns that are different, yet work together, to be really neat and beautiful! In the bottom picture of this dress, you can somewhat see the back of her dress, where there is a green-and-yellow striped bow! Although her top is already patterned, the two patterns work together to create a very interesting look!

-=♥=-
As a quick deviation away from our current costume study of Maria's wardrobe, I would like to add a picture of another lady character with a lovely gown. I am not sure who this character was, but I was able to deduct from the portions of the film that I watched that she was 1) a main character, 2) her name, I believe, was "Loveday", and 3) She has the loveliest clothing.

I was particularly fond of the the dress below--♥

-=♥=-
Our last object for study is Maria's nightgown. You would be sure to have sweet dreams in this frock!

This dress from the movie is currently for sale at propstore.com. This costume bears the *ahem* hefty price tag of $529.00. {view listing here}

-=♥=-

*All pictures are from "The Costumer's Guide to Movie Costumes" Website*
Check out the website for more pictures of Moonacre Costumes! They are truly stunning!

-=}♥The Art Museum ♥{=-

2010-10-13T08:21:00.000-07:00

The speed of my life has increased quite a bit these last few days... starting this past Monday, actually. Christmas Carol practices have begun, four nights a week. Plus piano lessons, schoolwork, church, art class and exercise days with friends, it has just become a little crazy.
So that's why it seems like I'm never on my blog anymore!

I wanted to share a picture with you all from when we went to our local art museum on Tuesday. I had a really fun time! We were able to go on a guided tour featuring the works of the impressionists, which was very interesting. Did you know the name "Impressionists" comes from a painting by Monet entitled "Impression, Sunrise"?

--=}♥{=--

Mr. Statue and I

Hannah in front of Monet's painting of Water Lilies

Hannah, walking down the staircase

Mom in an area known as the "Family Center". It's a room full of art supplies for little kids to make art with, and it also has fun and creative toys for the kids. Of course, I have fun painting at the little easels too. ☺

On the tour.

--=}♥{=--

I hope I will be able to post a little more on my blog, but if I am mysteriously absent, you'll know why!

Don't forget to take a look at my "Giveaways I Am Entered In" page. You'll find the link in my linkbar above. It has an ever-changing list of giveaways which I entered, and you may wish to enter them as well! I'm always amazed at the awesome stuff people give away. Now, if only I could win one..... ♥

Have an adventurous day!

Two Photos I Want to Share ♪ ♫ ♪ ♫

2010-10-08T14:50:00.000-07:00

CrAzY HaT NiGhT!!!

2010-10-07T17:07:00.001-07:00

It was announced last night in church that on the last Wednesday of October it will be crazy hat night for the AWANA kids, but everyone is invited to join in on the fun! So, now I am considering the challenge of creating a crazy hat. Hmmm.... How should I go about this? The only rules are it has to be able to sit on your head.

Here are some cray hat inspirations!

I actually really like this one, and I think I know how I could make it! You would just have to make some sort of base hat (like a hat you would wear in the winter) or base headband, modge-podge images of butterflies onto a paper plate, hot glue that to the hat base, and add 3D butterflies!

This may be a bit more difficult to make....

For some reason, I'm really leaning towards butterflies... hmm....

You could go the Mad Hatter route....

Bigger isn't always better.... maybe I should down-size. :)

Feathers sticking directly off of my head are always to be desired....

I'll be sure to post a picture of my finished hat, whatever it may be!

Before I sign off, do you want to see a sneak preview of what my sister is considering for a hat??? Ok, here you go!!!

An Autumn Fun Day!

2010-10-03T13:50:00.000-07:00

Thank you for all of your feedback on my last post! I read every comment, and I think it's great how many girls are committed to dressing modestly! ♥ I also noticed today that I have 50 followers! Thanks so much! ♥

You can tell that fall is here-- at least where I live! Yesterday, it was a frigid 49 degrees outside! I haven't seen temperatures like that in quite a while! Despite the practically arctic temperatures, I had a really fun day! It all began at a local Apple Orchard which was having their annual festival. There were rides, a shopping area, and of course, delicious apple orchard cinnamon doughnuts and fresh cider. Mmmmmm. My sisters, cousin, friend and I all went on a rather dizzying, but nevertheless fun, ride to start out with.

It spun around and around in circles... and I tried to not be sick, all the while laughing and screaming with the girls!

Next came the bouncy house. It's surprising how tiring those things can be-- they really give your legs a workout!

Cold - but happy - friends!
{Hannah, Me & Erin}

After a while, we headed home and prepared our house for some youth group friends that were coming over. My friend, Erin, made some of the sweetest autumn banners, and we decorates with those. After decorating and cleaning, with help from our friends Erin and Elisabeth, we turned on some good Celtic music, and danced around the living room.

Erin and Elisabeth dance to an Irish Fiddle Tune!

When our friends got there, we had a fun night of Apples to Apples, sloppy joes, cheesy potatoes, and karaoke. Lots of karaoke.

Happy Autumn!!

My Personal Thoughts on Modesty

2010-09-28T17:13:00.001-07:00

{The picture above is of my little sister at a park the other day. Isn't she pretty?}

Thank you to everyone who offered me suggestions on my last post! I read and enjoyed each of them!

I realized this morning that I have never posted any of my own thoughts on modesty, and seeing as I have nothing else to say (well, unless you would rather hear about how my piano lesson went this morning or what I'm learning about in school...) I feel this is a most opportune time to do such a post.

First of all, as a little background info.... I only wear skirts and dresses, but I am not required to. I am the only one in my family who never wears pants or jeans in public, and it is a choice of mine. I have had so many people say "Do your parents force you to dress like that?!?!?" ☺

I started going dresses-only about 4 years ago, when I was 12. It was about that time we started going to Amish country, and became a little (eensy-weensy) bit *obsessed* with the Amish and Mennonites. ☺ One thing that really struck me about the Amish and Mennonites were their clothes. Not only did I think the dresses were really pretty, but I thought it was interesting how their clothes identified them with something. It identified them with being Amish. And with that came automatic assumptions about them. Perhaps those assumptions were not always true, but it caused me to evaluate what sort of assumptions people were making about me.

Which brings me to the first reason why I choose to dress modestly. You tell the world what you want to be by the way you dress. I am certainly not saying that you ARE the way you dress, but the way you dress is sending a message about who you are striving to be. Like it or not, people will judge you by the way you are dressed. And when people see me, I want them to know something about me. I want them to know that I am a Christian, and that I am dedicated to following Christ.

Does dressing this way in any way actually make me a Christian??? Certainly not! It is only God's grace that can truly make save you! The outside is merely a reflection of what I am striving to be. But I want it to be an accurate description. I want my clothing to be a testimony of God's grace in my life.

Now, I would like to clear something up that I think is often assumed by many people. I don't wear dresses to be modest. I wear them because I like them, and I think they are pretty and different. I say this, because I don't think you have to wear dresses or skirts to be modest. I believe you can be just as modest in a pair of pants as you can be in a skirt. I know many of you won't agree with me on this, but that's OK. We can have different opinions. ☺ Modesty is a 50/50 deal. You can be covered from head to toe, and not be modest. Then again, it is not all about the inward aspect. You can't go to extremes here.

Yes, it is incredibly important that your modesty comes from a heart that wants to serve God, and your outward modesty is an overflow of that. However, good intentions on the inside are not all that matter. You have to actually cover up. ☺

But truly, modesty is not a set of legalistic rules. "Oh, if it is above this point, it isn't modest."
"If it isn't a skirt or a dress, it isn't modest". I don't believe that.

Now, there are times when skirts are not as modest as pants. Take jumping on a trampoline, for example. Now, I know many of you may be saying "I don't regularly come across the obstacle of having to jump on a trampoline". I know it's a bit rare, but I actually do come across this often enough. You see, almost every time my youth group is at anyone's house, there is trampoline jumping involved. And do you know how difficult it is to modestly jump on a trampoline in a skirt??? It's tricky business, friends. Does that mean it is wrong to jump on a trampoline? I would say not. But you must do it modestly.

I want to get to the second reason I dress modestly. It is perhaps the more obvious reason, but I want to dress modestly so others are not caused to sin by my clothes. I don't want to just throw myself at everyone. You can be immodest in more than just revealing clothing, too. Clothes that are too flashy are just saying "HEY! Look at me!". I want to be a young lady. I want to be treated like a lady by other people. I respect those who are dressed modestly.

I want to say one more thing about modest clothing in closing. I believe God teaches and sanctifies each of us at different rates, and realizing this, I don't want to judge others who dress certain ways. There are people at my church who wear clothing that I would personally feel uncomfortable wearing, but that certainly doesn't mean I am more "spiritual" than they. There are many things I would love to learn from these people! I do not ever want to be legalistic or judgmental, because I certainly don't have it all "figured out". We are all in the process of learning, and God is changing us to be more like him. So for me to say to someone else, "You aren't meeting my standard of modesty" is wrong. I don't want you to feel that way while you are reading this post. God will show you what He has for you in His time. Dresses only isn't for everyone, and that's fine.

A Modest Issue {Suggestions Requested!!}

2010-09-25T18:25:00.000-07:00

{picture via}

I would like to hear from all of my skirts and dresses only readers about a certain issue I am facing.

I have been dresses/skirts only for a couple of years now, and I really love it, for modesty's sake and for pretty-ness' sake!! But I find that in some instances it would actually be more modest to wear jeans/pants. Take today for example. We had our church harvest fest, and they had a moon bounce. Every time I fell on the moon bounce (because, it's honestly impossible to stay upright on a moon bounce!!!) I risked my skirt flying up immodestly. And then I wasn't able to go on the rock climbing wall, because you have to wear pants to do it! Another instance is when I am exercising or running around playing outdoor games. It is at these times when I wish I was wearing pants!

So I have a question.

What should I do?

I'm not going to start wearing pants--at least not by themselves. Does anyone have any pictures of cute outfits that have skirts or dresses layered over jeans or jeggings?

How do you handle situations such as the above? How do you stay modest, and still have fun? Suggestions are needed!!!

{images via}

{Would these look nice with jeans under them?}

I like this look from AE Outfitters {the middle one}....maybe with some jeans or pants underneath???

Blog Party! *< : )

2010-09-24T05:34:00.000-07:00

I'm participating in Shannon's Blog Party - {Click Here}

1. Ring! Ring! You receive a phone call from a national sweepstakes organization saying that you have won a life-time supply of your favorite beverage!! What would that drink be?

Italian Sodas from Barnes and Noble, for sure! I could suck those things down all day!

2. If you could live in a Jane Austen novel, which book would you pick? What character would you be?

I think you may be shocked to hear that, even though I most ardently love and admire Jane Austin's works, I wouldn't want to live in any of them. But, I suppose I would have to pick Emma, just because the characters in it seem to always have such fun! From Christmas Parties to Dances, Emma is the book I would want to jump into!

3. What is your theme song, that favorite song that absolutely matches you?
That is a tough question! There are songs that truly inspire me to get off the couch (I'm thinking "Eye of the Tiger", "Chariots of Fire", and "The Rocky Theme Song" here), and there are songs that inspire me to trust God ("God is in Control" is an all-time favorite). There are songs that make me relax or moody (I'm referring to "Emma Soundtrack" and "North and South Soundtrack".) It's really hard to say, though.

An all-time favorite is "Deliver Us" from the "Prince of Egypt Soundtrack". I sing and dance and cry along every time I hear that song. And if it's playing at my house... it's playing full-blast!!!

4. You are trapped on a deserted island. Your only supplies are the clothes you have on, and a box with five things in it. What are those five things?
Here we go: {1. a BIG tarp} {2. food} {3. fresh water} {4. a weapon of some sort} {5. a boat so I can get off the desert island....}

5. Chocolate or Caramel?
Caramel!!! I have been dying for some Caramel Apples lately!

6. Vacation! If you could go anywhere in the world, where would you go?
I want to go to Italy, Egypt, England, and Ireland

7. If forced to do one of the two, which would you do: sky diving or scuba diving? Why?
Scuba! It would be scary, but interesting to see the beautiful underwater world! My aunt and uncle used to scuba dive all of the time, and they took the most amazing underwater pictures!

8. Favorite TV show, and why?
Well, I did like Robin Hood... until I finished it. And we got rid of all of our TV (just runnin' on Netflix and movies, people!) so I can't really answer this question. :)

9. Are you a coffee and donuts sorta lady, or a tea and scones type of gal?
I HATE coffee, but doughnuts steal my heart! ♥ I am a tea and doughnuts girl! lol

10.The time machine has finally been created, and you are the first to be able to use it! What era would you travel too?
I would travel forward in time and see my future! That would be so fun.

11. What is the last movie you watched?
"Tinkerbell and the Great Fairy Rescue". Don't judge me. I have 3 younger sisters.

12. Ding-dong!!! Your favorite actor/singer/celebrity is at your front door! Who would it be?
RICHARD ARMITAGE!!!!!! (**hyperventilation**)

13. What was your absolute favorite toy as a baby?
I really don't know! I don't remember much from when I was a baby! lol

14. What types of blogs do your like best? (examples: DIY, cooking, journal, ect.)
I love reading tutorials!!!!!

15. What is your favorite Bible verse, your "life verse?"
I don't really have a "life verse", but I have some that I really, really like! One in particular is...

"Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen."

-Ephesians 4:29

Christmas Carol Auditions

2010-09-23T09:23:00.000-07:00

Remember when I talked about Christmas Carol Auditions a couple of posts ago??? (reference here). Well, the auditions were last Saturday, and I think they went great! I am still anxiously awaiting the call to tell me what part of the show I'm going to be in. I am a little nervous!

Well, it turns out, my best friend Erin, filmed her audition , my audition and my mom's audition as well as her acting audition. And she put it on Youtube. Thus, the video below.

Happy Autumn!

2010-09-22T14:21:00.000-07:00

Happy Autumn!

Gathering Leaves
by Robert Frost

Spades take up leaves
No better than spoons,
And bags full of leaves
Are light as balloons.

I make a great noise
Of rustling all day
Like rabbit and deer
Running away.

But the mountains I raise
Elude my embrace,
Flowing over my arms
And into my face.

I may load and unload
Again and again
Till I fill the whole shed,
And what have I then?

Next to nothing for weight,
And since they grew duller
From contact with earth,
Next to nothing for color.

Next to nothing for use.
But a crop is a crop,
And who's to say where
The harvest shall stop?

I never knew....

2010-09-22T13:15:00.000-07:00

I never knew how much I would love my little brother. He is so sweet, and even though he's only 4, I love spending time with him.

Before he was born, my parents found out it was going to be a boy. I actually started crying. We had 4 girls, and no boys. I had heard stories about how awful it was to have brother, and how mean brothers were. Of course, I had heard the same things about sisters, but I knew from experience that it wasn't true. Nevertheless, I believed all the stories I had been told.

Maybe it was true for them, but I have not found any of it to be true. My brother is my little buddy, and I love him so much. ♥

A Daybook Entry

2010-09-19T12:51:00.000-07:00

September 19, 2010

Outside My Window...
Is light!
♥
I am thinking...
That I want to go outside on a walk, but I need to wait until my mom gets home!
♥
I am thankful for...
A successful Christmas Carol Audition! Thank you God!
♥
I am wearing...
A homemade tiered skirt, a white undershirt, a brown sweater, black knee highs and a necklace I borrowed from my sister. :)
♥
I am creating...
Hmmm... Nothing! lol
♥
I am going...
to go on a walk soon!
♥
I am reading...
Nothing. Man, I don't have much of a life, do I? lol
♥

I am hoping...

That I will play the piano well when I do special music in church on October 10th. I'm nervous but excited!
♥

I am hearing...

"Bob the Builder"
♥

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week:

Monday: School

Tuesday: Piano Lessons and School

Wednesday: School and Youth Group

Thursday: School

Friday: School

Saturday: Harvest Fest at Church (I am running a game booth for kids)

Sunday: Church
♥

A Picture I Am Sharing:
Here are some pictures of my siblings, my mom and I at the park from the other day!

T-a-g♥

2010-09-19T12:32:00.000-07:00

I was tagged by Hannah from Hannah's Corner

#1 As far as books go, do you like historical-fiction, or fantasy best? Historical Fiction, for sure.

#2 What's your favorite color? This answer is a bit capricious, but I always love pink!

#3. Do you like the country, or do you like the city? I like parts of both!

#4. What color is your tooth-brush? Pink and White!

#5. Who do you think is the best character in, "The Chronicles of Narnia" series? I don't really like Narnia that much, but I would have to say Lucy is my favorite.

#6. Do you like Summer, or Winter? Winter... I don't like hot weather!

#7. Do you like the library, or would you rather be shopping? Library! I love getting stuff free! lol

#8. Do you have a friend who's first name starts with either, E, F, J, O, Q, U, W, X, Y, Z? I have 3 - Erin, Elisabeth & Julia

#9. Do you have a phobia of any sorts? (you don't have to tell what it is) Yes! I am really afraid of dead people.

#10. Do you think these questions are random, or do you think they have a point? They are random, but isn't that the point of tags? So they are random with a point! lol

I tag... anyone who wishes to do this! ♥

A Christmas Carol!!!

2010-09-17T05:28:00.000-07:00

Those of you who followed my old blog may remember what happened about this time last year.

(I'll give you a hint)

***Christmas Carol Auditions***

(Do you know now???)

That's right! It's Christmas Carol time once again!!! I am sooooo excited!!!!!

For those of you who may not know what in the world I am talking about, for the past 3 (this is my 4th) years, my family and I have been in a local theater production of "A Christmas Carol". The first two years, I was just chorus, but last year I finally got a part as Scrooge's maid during the Christmas future scene. Coincidentally, my mom got to act as another of Scrooge's maid in the exact same scene. (She had had that part the first year we did CC as well.)

In my scene, I was stealing from "Dead Old Scrooge", all the while spitting out lines with all the cackling and cockney accent I could muster. It was very fun!

This year, I am auditioning with the hopes that they will give me the part of "Belle", Scrooge's ex-fiance'. Why Belle, you may ask? Well, First of all, how fun would it be to break off an engagement on stage, right?☺ And Belle gets to be in a dance, which would be really awesome. Quite frankly, unless I get the part of Belle, I don't see myself being cast as a dancer.... so Belle's my only hope, so to speak. ☺

Auditions are tomorrow, so I'll see what I get, and let you all know ASAP! I'm singing "Think of Me" from Phantom of the Opera.

In closing, I'm going to post some pictures of last year, and what I said about them.

"This is a picture I took of the stage from the house. The Theater can hold up to 2,000 People, and Thursday is a sold-out show!"

"I ratted my hair so much, and hair-sprayed it that way! I also have about 5 different colors of eye make-up on. Black, Gray, Purple, Brown, and White. Look the left of my face. I added a fake mole right by my eye. We had a lot of… comments on our costume/make-up. One girl said, "You guys look terrifying-ly good!"

"...my mom in the Fezziwig Dance. She is the one in the blue dress in the picture below. I had a bit of a hard time getting a really great picture, but this was the best I got. "

"My Mom's Dicken's Singer Costume"

"My little sister Heidi got in on the fun as well, and tried on a very brightly colored hat. This one is not for CC… the theater stores all of their costumes at this warehouse. "

"The place where the theater stores all of their costumes is a gigantic old warehouse. It is a really lovely place, full of character! Many of the costumes are in boxes. Sadly, last year many of the Christmas Carol costumes were not returned to the theater, so they don’t have as many as last year."

Here we go! Another crazy year of Christmas Carol!!!

It's Official...

2010-09-16T16:53:00.000-07:00

Allison Elizabeth is on facebook.

Allison Elizabeth is now talking in the third person... about herself.

Allison Elizabeth 's facebook has taken over her computer time.

Allison Elizabeth misses her blog. :'(

Allison Elizabeth wants to come baaacccckkkkk to blogger.

Devoted Blog Reader forgives Allison for her temporary abandonment of this blog.

Allison Elizabeth likes this

Allison Elizabeth says thank you. ♥

**I shall return asap with a blog post soon. **

What my family would look like in the 1900's

2010-09-07T12:53:00.000-07:00

Today is the first day of school for me! This year, I am learning about the 20th Century, beginning of course, with the year 1900.

What would my family have looked like if it was currently the early 1900's???

Our Clothes-----------------------------------------
In the early 1900's, mass-produced clothing was first made available. At first, you could only purchase men's clothing, but soon the women's shirtwaist was made available. Perhaps my mother would have worn a factory-made shirtwaist with a home-made skirt.

Perhaps my father would wear clothes such as these:

The outfit on the left is a topcoat for morning wear, and the outfit on the right is an overcoat for business wear.

My little sisters would have worn knee-length dresses, and worn their hair down, perhaps with a ribbon tying it back.

And of course, my brother would have looked charming in his sailor suit:

Our Fun---------------------------------------------
Perhaps we would have enjoyed games such as cards, checkers, chess, monopoly (made in 1906), or charades. We might listen to books being read aloud such as "The Wizard of Oz" (published in 1901) or "The Call of the Wild" (published 1903).

* Just as a side note, I am currently reading "The Call of the Wild", and my mom is currently reading "The Wizard of Oz" aloud to my sisters for school.

Perhaps we would have sang around the piano, or listened to songs such as "Mr. Dooley" (1902).

Or "You're the Flower of My Heart : Sweet Adeline" (1903)

How about some croquet during a hot summer afternoon?

Tennis or bicycling, anyone?

Our Home----------------------------------------

In the city I live in, there is an area where there are hundreds of Queen Anne-style homes. In the Victorian era, this part of town was the rich area. Now it is a bit run down, and these old houses go for surprisingly cheap prices. No longer do the rich of the city live in this area. But if you drive through there, you will see what it would have been like to be rich in the early 1900's around here.

If I lived in the 1900's, I would love to live in a house like these...
(These are houses in the neighborhood I talked about. I did not take these pictures...)

Our Vehicle--------------------------------------------

A Horse-drawn Carriage... The first mass-produced cars weren't really available until the 1910's.

History Alive!

2010-09-02T08:50:00.000-07:00

I wrote this as a guest post for my homeschool group's blog, and I am re-posting it here with permission. ♥

A few months ago, I was talking to a lady who said her son strongly disliked History. She was using a textbook-like history program, which her son was not enjoying. However, she showed me some books on Abraham Lincoln that her son had checked out from the library, and told me how interested he was in those. What do you think was the difference? Why was this child who was so uninterested in his history curriculum eating up the Abraham Lincoln (*history*) books? What is the difference?

I would like to propose that the difference was not in the subject ("history"), but in the manner in which it was presented. The textbook-style history was presented in a dry, state-the-facts sort of way, while the books from the library were presented in the style of a story. And isn't that was history is? The story of everything that has happened? Look at the following example of a textbook-style writing about Abraham Lincoln:

Abraham Lincoln (February 12, 1809 – April 15, 1865) served as the 16th President of the United States from March 1861 until his assassination in April 1865. He successfully led the United States through its greatest internal crisis, the American Civil War, preserving the Union and ending slavery.

Does this tell us anything about Abraham Lincoln personally? Does it draw us in? Often, history that is presented in this way is read by the child like this:

Abraham Lincoln (blah blah 12, 1809 – blah blah 15, 1865) blah blah blah 16th President of the United States from blah blah assassination blah blah 1865. Blah blah blah United States blah crisis, the American Civil War, blah blah slavery. *snore*

Now that I have clawed a bit at history textbooks (*hee hee*), I present this disclaimer, and the point of this whole article: I'm not here to judge any particular curriculum or teaching style, but I want to share some ways that history has come alive for me, and can come alive for you as well! I believe there is a place for hard-core facts, but supplemented with the right mediums, history can be much more than just a bunch of numbers, names, and "blah blahs".

Here are some different ways history has come alive for me.

Through the Medium of Drama - My first encounter with "living" history was through a 1940's/World War II play I wrote. I was about 9 years old, and my friend, sister, and I all decided to do a play in our dilapidated garage. (I'll talk more about the garage in a moment.) I dove head-first into our local library's books on WWII/1940's life (for the script), and fashion (for the costumes). My co-actresses and I created characters, and built a set in our garage that included a cardboard "house" suspended from the rafters (that barely squeaked by my mom's safety regulations), and our very own "victory garden", which was constructed out of a sheet of cardboard covered in grass that we had dug up from our own back yard (roots and all....). It was wonderful, and we all felt like stars when our audience (of exactly one... my mom...) gave us a standing ovation. WWII became really real to me through the power of acting, and because it was disguised as something fun (a play) the research was fun as well!

Through the Medium of Playing and Hands-on - I said I was going to talk a little more about the garage we had in Michigan, so here I go. That garage, though it was not fit to hold any car with even a shred of dignity, was a true blessing to me and my friends. We spent many hours turning it into a theater, a pioneer school, a western general store, and more! The second way history came alive to me was through the provision of space to play, and my mom encouraging us with books and giving us hands-on activities to do! I remember a particular time when my friend and I wanted our own prairie outfits. My mom helped us sew simple skirts (mine was made out of a floral print fabric, and my friend's was a red fabric with little white flowers on it) and bonnets. This hands-on activity helped to again bring history alive for us. Suddenly, we were Laura Ingalls Wilder running through the green prairie grasses (or our un-mowed, uncontrollable weed patch that grew far in the back of the yard....) Playing and making with your hands is a powerful tool that can really bring history home for kids!

Through the Medium of Media - Provide kids with movies and books that introduce them to different eras and events in history. I don't just mean documentaries and informational movies, although those can be fun and educational as well. I am talking about stories and movies that present history as an adventure - and it IS an adventure!! When your kids are interested in a novel or movie, encourage them to research it further. They will learn so much this way! A very recent example of movies/TV shows inspiring me to learn more is the BBC TV Show "Robin Hood" that my mom, sister, and I have been watching. It got me interested in the Medieval time period, and I, in turn, was able to go to the library and get some books that referenced things from the show-- i.e. The Crusades, Medieval Life, Medieval Social Classes...etc. Surround your kids with movies and story books that have elements of history incorporated in them, and they will have a natural interest in it.

Basically, If I had to sum all this up in one central thought, it would be this : History isn't all about Names and Numbers, it's about a story. Your kids will respond to a story, and they will remember so much more if it is presented in such a way as to get to know the who, the what, the when and the why. Be creative, and hands-on! Make the people of history your friends, and you will have a successful experience. ♥

A Chef in the Family...

2010-09-01T06:13:00.000-07:00

Don't you just hate it when you really don't have anything to post about on your blog? I sure do. I don't know how many times I've opened up blogger these past couple of days -- even going to the "New Post" page-- only to stare at a blank screen with a little flickering line that seems to say "For goodness' sake, girl. Start typing already!" I would type a new post, if only I wasn't so bogged down with Blogger's Block.

But today, I am going to try and get over it, so to speak (just as a side note, I have no idea why I jut used the expression "So to speak". I hate that phrase!!!) and just type a post.

For inspiration, I always look in my picture files.... *scampers off... crossing fingers and hoping there are some interesting pictures waiting to be posted....*

AHA! When in doubt, distract with a cute child... How about a picture(s) of my little sister being a chef? Notice the DIY chef's hat (she made it herself) and the one roller-skate (she and that roller-skate are inseparable... but apparently she wasn't so attached to the left-foot skate, as it is Missing In Action...)

Helping mom make "breakfast for dinner"-- French Toast!!! YUM! (That sounds very good right now, as it is 9:43 AM, and I haven't eaten breakfast yet...)

So, now what do you think of that? Maybe I'll be able to get over my current un-inspired state, and post something else again soon. I'll have to take some pictures of something, and write something about my pictures of something. (that sounds exciting.)

Have a wonderful day! It's gonna be 86 degrees and partly cloudy around here today. Quite the improvement from the blazing 90-degrees-and-sunny Sunday... thank heavens for friends and their pools!

Wed. Thurs. Fri. Sat. Sun.

86° F \| 67°F	86° F \| 67° F	77° F \| 52° F	70° F \| 52° F	79° F \| 54° F
Partly Cloudy	Chance of T-storms 20% chance of precipitation	Chance of Rain 30% chance of precipitation	Partly Cloudy	Partly Cloudy

Boots!!!!

2010-08-28T10:30:00.000-07:00

I love boots! I think I am only going to wear boots this fall and winter. Check out these stunners!!! (I'm into the military and Robin Hood looks right now... which have basically no relationship whatsoever, except maybe Guy of Gisborne. He's kind of "Military Medieval"... kind of...Anyhow...)

via here

via here

via here

via here

via here

Apples to Apples Winner Announced!

2010-08-27T11:59:00.000-07:00

A few posts ago, I asked people to participate in a virtual Apples to Apples game. The red cards are in, and I've chosen a winner! Before I announce that, however, let's look at the green card one more time and the entries....

________________________________
Hannah Rebekah, August 25, 2010 5:37 PM: My red card is....Barns! This is fun!; _____________________________
marvelousme, August 25, 2010 6:54 PM: Hmmmm, let's see, how about....Jane Austen; _______________________
Jane, August 25, 2010 8:34 PM: Cary Grant.
There is no one more distinguished than Cary Grant.

"How Deep"

2010-08-27T11:42:00.000-07:00

Give thanks to the LORD, call on his name;
make known among the nations what he has done.
Sing to him, sing praise to him;
tell of all his wonderful acts.
1 Chronicles 16:8-9

I love music, and I often come across songs I really like! Here is a song I found recently by Sovereign Grace Ministries. You may know of another one of their songs, "Before the Throne of God Above". It is a really beautiful song as well.... I would advise looking it up if you have never heard of it.

"How Deep"
Words and music by Stephen Altrogge
As recorded on Valley of Vision

You were broken that I might be healed
You were cast off that I might draw near
You were thirsty that I might come drink
Cried out in anguish that I might sing

How deep is Your love
How high and how wide is Your mercy
How deep is Your grace
Our hearts overflow with praise
To You

You knew darkness that I might know light
Wept great tears that mine might be dried
Stripped of glory that I might be clothed
Crushed by Your Father to call me Your own

© 2006 Sovereign Grace Praise (BMI).

I've got Apples to Apples fever!

2010-08-25T15:07:00.000-07:00

(WARNING: The following post is written by an Apples to Apples-aholic and will contain somewhat useless information, unless of course you happen to be an A2Aholic as well. In that case, read on.)

VIRTUAL APPLES TO APPLES:

Get out your Apples to Apples game, and get ready, because at the end of this post, you can participate in a virtual Apples to Apples round!

_______________________________________

My friends stayed the night on Sunday night, and, as we pulled out the Apples to Apples box yet again, we dubbed the time as "the official meeting for Apples To Apples-aholics Anonymous". I believe ours is the First Established A.2.A.A. Group, however you may feel free to start up your own division in your area, as needed.

Yesterday we were in Target, and I found out that there are quite a few versions of Apples to Apples (which has been referred to as "The best game ever"... by me, at least...) which I do not own. So, I have become a self-proclaimed Apples to Apples Collector. I'm on my way, currently owning the Party Edition and Bible Edition. Which caused me to wonder... how many Apples to Apples versions are there anyway??? I looked to the ever-knowledgeable Wikipedia for the answer....

Apples to Apples comes in the following versions:
(I own the ones highlighted in Red)

* Party Box
* Party Crate
* Party Box Expansion One
* Party Box Expansion Two
* Junior
* Kids
* Yiddish Edition
* Disney Edition
* Bible Edition
* Jewish Edition
* Junior Jewish Edition
* German Edition
* British Isles Edition
* Spanish edition (Manzanas con manzanas)
* Apples to Apples To Go
*Apples to Apples Mod Edition

I want to get the "Mod Edition" next. I have only seen it one place, and that is Target. I even google searched it, and I couldn't find it! Hmmm...
It is a very portable version, and it is unique because there are no green cards! Instead, there is a green dice with letters on it. You roll the dice and think of an adjective that starts with the letter you rolled. How fun does that sound?

I have compiled a list of my own unofficial rules for successful Apples to Apples playing every time. They are just bits of common Apple sense that are often overlooked....

Apples to Apples: Rules for Successful Playing

No. 1 - Limit the Number of Players. I know it says on the box "4-11 Players", but as a general rule of thumb the more players you have, the less fun it is. It just takes way to long if you have tons of people playing. Try groups around 6 players for maximum fun.

No. 2 - Talk Out Your Red Cards. 80% of the fun of this game is hearing the other players try and tell you why "Amputations" are Inspirational. Please, for the sake of fun, let people talk about their red cards!!! (and just to let you know, after a rather interesting game of Apples to Apples with my Youth Group, I did indeed learn why Amputations are Inspirational.)

No. 3 - Don't be too literal. Funny, ironic, or opposite almost always trump the obvious.

No. 4 - Don't play too long. Even I get tired of the game after awhile. Stop playing before the apples turn sour. The more players you have, the less green cards you should play up to.

Variations on Apples to Apples
via wikipedia

*Apple Potpourri: Each player selects a red apple card from his or her hand before the judge turns over the green apple card. After the red apple cards are played, the judge turns over a green apple card. The judge selects the winning red card as usual.

* Apple Traders: To stir things up, on each turn, each player selects one red apple card from his or her hand to pass on to the player on his or her left. Players pass the cards after drawing their seventh card but before the judge selects a green apple card.

* Apple Turnovers: The roles of red and green cards are reversed, with players using adjectives to describe the given noun. This can be stymied by the relatively low number of green cards in the box (a third as many as reds).

* Apples Eye View: The Judge must pick a red apple card based upon the point of view of somebody, or something else (a house cat, Rush Limbaugh, Bill Clinton, a speck of dust, etc). The player to the left of the Judge determines which point of view the Judge must use for that round.

* Baked Apples: After each player plays one card, the judge lays them face up and, instead of announcing the winner, identifies the non-winning cards first, each time explaining why it was not selected. The role of judge passes on to the winner of each round.

* Big Apples: Two or more players boasting that the judge will pick their card can agree to each wager one of their green apple cards. If the judge selects one of their red apple cards, that player wins the green apple card and all of the wagered green apple cards. If the judge does not pick one of their red apple cards, the wagered cards are forfeited to the bottom of the card stack.

* Crab Apples: The red apple cards are judged on how unlike they are to the green apple card. The card least like the green apple card wins.

* 2 for 1 Apples: The judge turns over two green apple cards to start the round. Each player selects the red apple card from his or her hand that is best described by both green apple cards. After the judge selects a red apple card, both of the green apple cards are awarded to the winner.

* Infinite Apples: Rather than playing to a set number of green apple cards, play stops whenever the players feel like stopping. The winner is the one with the greatest quantity of green apple cards.

* Apple Timers: Rather than playing to a set number of green apple cards, play stops when a certain time limit has been reached. This is sometimes coupled with time limits on each round, for both submissions and judging of red apple cards. The winner is the player with the most green apple cards.

Alright, now last but not least, Our Virtual Apples to Apples game!!!

If, for any reason you do not know how to play the game, you can go here to read over the rules.

For my virtual round, tell me in a comment your "red card" entry. You may deal yourself 7 red cards out of your own box at home and pick from one of these, or just make one up. I will choose the winner of the round on Thursday, and the winner will receive a badge for their blog sidebar!
Have fun!

The Green Card is.....

Quick!!

2010-08-25T13:18:00.000-07:00

Run on over and enter this giveaway at Breakfast at Gigi's!!!! A $50.00 Anthropologie Gift Card and bracelet are at stake!!!!!

A Song I Don't Like....

2010-08-24T08:18:00.000-07:00

I love listening to music, especially Christian music, while I work. But today, as I was listening to a "Wow Worship" CD, I heard a song I did not like very much at all. The song was "Draw Me Close To You". I had heard this song before, but this time I really listened to the lyrics, and after the end of the song, I realized this song had many problems with it. Before I say why I don't like this song, however, take a look for yourself at the lyrics below:

Draw me close to You
Never let me go
I lay it all down again
To hear You say that I'm Your friend

You are my desire
No one else will do
'Cause nothing else could take Your place
To feel the warmth of Your embrace
Help me find the way
Bring me back to You

You're all I want
You're all I've ever needed
You're all I want
Help me know You are near

All right, here we go!

The first thing I noticed was the fact that the name Jesus, God, Lord or any other names of God were not even mentioned in the song. Not once. The song, while it is implied it is being sung to God, is extremely generic. Not only does it not specifically name who it is we "desire", "want", etc. but it does not even specifically mention anything that relates to God's absolute power, and, well, "God-ness".

This song, while it is assumed that it is being sung to God, is so completely generic that it could be sung to a human as a love song! Re-read the lyrics. Such lines as "Draw me close to You/Never let me go", "You are my desire/No one else will do/'Cause nothing else could take Your place/To feel the warmth of Your embrace" say nothing about God's superiority, holiness, sovereignty, etc. but bring Him down to a human love relationship level. Not only that, but as a love song, it is extremely self-focused, and doesn't even exemplify the kind of love found in 1 Corinthians 13.

The worship aspect is not there. The dictionary defines worship as the following:

1Wor·ship \ˈwər-shəp also ˈwȯr-\ noun : reverence offered a divine being or supernatural power; also : an act of expressing such reverence

Are we giving reverence (honor or respect felt or shown - profound adoring awed respect) to God when we are so focused on ourselves to say "me" or "I" 10 times in one song? It seems that this song is more about "me", and what "I can get out of God", than what I can give to Him. (i.e. worship, respect, praise, my life, my heart etc.) or what He has done.

I also think it is interesting how it is implied in the song that God will not keep his promise in Hebrews 13:5 "Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you." or in John 10:27-30 “My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they will never perish, and no one will snatch them out of my hand. My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all, and no one is able to snatch them out of the Father’s hand. I and the Father are one.".

The lyrics "Never let me go" make it sound as if we, as believers, are in danger of being "let go" by God, even though the Bible clearly states that we are secure in him.

Lastly, the song does not tell of the attributes of God, or of what He has done. Are we truly praising God when we bring Him down to a human level, and say nothing about His perfection or what He has done for us? I realize there is a place for songs in which we submit ourselves to Christ, and I am not saying that all of these are bad or wrong. But I feel that this particular song is not worth listening to or singing to God. He deserves better than that.

Daybook Entry

2010-08-23T17:48:00.000-07:00

AUGUST 23, 2010

Outside My Window...
It is dark now, but it was very cool outside today! I am so thankful to have a break from the heat of summer!

I am thinking...
That I need to go to bed early tonight. After staying up until 12:00 on Saturday (My birthday!!!), getting up at 7:30 on Sunday morning, and having a sleepover Sunday night (staying up until 2:30 A.M.) I am more than a little sleep deprived!!!

I am thankful for...
My home and family.

I am wearing...
A homemade skirt, a pink undershirt, and a brown sweater.

I am creating...
Nothing, besides a clean house. We have been c-l-e-a-n-i-n-g this past week. Many rooms in the house look great (!) but it doesn't leave too much time for anything else!

I am going...
to bed soon....

I am reading...
I just finished "The Hunger Games". That was very interesting!

I am hoping...
My piano lessons will go well tomorrow morning!

I am hearing...
My sister and mom talking in the living room. They're trying to set our dvr to record the newest winner of "Design Star's" show. They can't figure out if it is called "Secrets of a Stylist" or "Ideas from a Stylist". ♥

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week:
Tuesday: 10:00 AM Piano Lessons
Lunch Time Birthday Party for a Friend

Thursday: All Day Greenfield Village

Sunday: 10:00 AM Church

Here is picture thought I am sharing...
Pictures of my green cards from my new "Apples to Apples: Bible Edition". We played up to 25 green cards, and I won! lol

My Brother and My Birthday Wish List ♥

2010-08-19T18:02:00.000-07:00

My sweet little brother fell asleep mid-book time last night, and my mom snapped some pictures. How cute is he? ♥

-3 Good Things About This Week-

No 1 . Saturday is my 16th birthday!!!

No 2. My parents got me Apples to Apples: Bible Edition for my birthday!!!! Whoo hoo!!!

No 3. I have gotten $30.00 in the mail from Grandparents thus far... thanks so much! xo ♥

Now, I am going to pull together a list of what I want for my birthday in case anyone asks... (and I'm hoping someone does ask! ♥)

My Birthday Wish List

1.Barnes and Noble Gift Card (I do love this store, although I'm not guaranteeing the gift card will be spent on books. They just so happen to have the best Raspberry Italian Sodas ever to touch my lips.♥)

2. Apples to Apples To Go (My sister has labeled me "obsessed". I wonder why on earth she would say something like that????)

3. Beyond Balderdash ( I have never had the chance to play this game, however I have memories of my parents playing it with the adults when we would invite people over when I was little. They would all laugh so hard, and it seemed like so much fun, but they would never let me play because I was too young! But I really want to play it, now that I've reached the ripe old age of 16.)

4. Art Supplies from Hobby Lobby ( I love Hobby Lobby! I would love some new Faber-Castell Ink Pens in black or sepia. Or even a gift card. ☺)

5. Any board/card/outdoor/indoor game. (I'm versatile!)

6. Shoe Store Gift Card (When compiling lists such as these, I try to stay away from "gift card this" and "gift card that", but it is so hard! lol)

7. Kohls Gift Card (Ok, I just had to throw one more in there!)

8. Photography Reflector (This would be so cool to have! We are in charge of our Homeschool Group's school pictures and yearbook, and this would be a handy tool. )

9. I could be really lame and grovel for followers by putting that for number 9 on my list. I could say " PLEASE follow me, as a gift from you to me on my birthday". I could, but then, why on earth would I do that????

(however....)

My Birthday Party! (help wanted!)

2010-08-16T05:24:00.000-07:00

lanning a birthday party is much harder than one would think. This Saturday is my 16th birthday, and I've got to plan and throw a party! The planning stage is what I'm a bit stuck on. For a while I had NO idea what my theme was going to be or even who I was going to invite! My party evolved from being "Scavenger Hunt" and "Apples to Apples" oriented party to a "Movie" party. But I have finally made a decision--somewhat-- on what party I am going to have.

Ready for this???

*drumroll please...*

A Mystery Party!!!

I am going to be buying a pre-written mystery party kit. Here's the way they work. Before the party, each guest is going to receive an envelope describing a character they are going to be. They have to come to the party dressed up as their character, and acting in-character. Once they get there, they are given a sheet of paper giving them "prompters" of questions to ask the other character/guests (You don't actually have a script to read, though). You are also told on the paper what "You" (i.e. your character) already know about the mystery, and what you are free to share with other characters that come asking you questions. As time goes on, you are given more clues, and towards the end you must write who you think did it. The guests who guess right will get a prize (to be decided).

At the very end, awards will be handed out award-ceremony style for different categories such as "Best Costume", "Best Acting", "Best Detective"... etc....

Dinner and Dessert will also be served.

Now the one question remains-- WHICH MYSTERY SHOULD I DO????? I have one that I think sounds fun, but I need some input. This particular mystery has been done by adults and kids alike, but I am not sure if I like it or not. It is a library/literary mystery. (click here for the website this mystery comes from.)

Mystery Description: The other night in the library, when many characters were out of their books enjoying a sojourn in the night air, a crime was committed, grim and grave, right in our own library. As a result his Majesty Henry VIII - that famous monarch from the English history books - has disappeared.

The thing that appeals to me most about this mystery is the characters everyone could be. Since it is literary-based, everyone will come dressed up as a character from different story books. Some of the possible characters are....

♥Alice in Wonderland

♥Huck Finn

♥Cinderella

♥Pinocchio

♥Snow White

♥Peter Pan

♥Little Red Riding Hood

♥Robin Hood

♥Goldilocks

♥Aladdin

The guests attending will vary in age from 12 years old to 17 years old. There will be 8 girls and 4 boys. (I realize there are only 11 characters mentioned in the list above... you can add more when you purchase the kit.)

Here are some pictures from the website of other people who did this party (These are examples of more characters you could add) :

So, what do you all think? Should I go for it? Do you think you would enjoy coming to a party like this? Do you think it will work well for the diverse age ranges I'm inviting?

Church Picnic

2010-08-13T14:35:00.000-07:00

ey! This is pretty cool! I just found this website which has free, pretty capitol letters for the beginning of your blog posts. Have fun!

Today we had our church picnic. It was fun, but h-o-t. I have not sweated like that since I went to summer camp in an un-air-conditioned church bus with 15 other people in 90+ degree weather...long story.

My sisters on the slides

Friends picnicking....

Anyhow, My sisters and I held out own athletic competition on the playground equipment. You had to run from one side to the other, braving steep climbs, tall slides, those zipline wannabees, and those platforms that are suspended from a bar which move when you try and walk on them. It was grueling, but I won almost every time... not because of my speed, astounding strength or brute force however, but because my sister failed to "sit on the benches at the top of that mushroom thingy" every time. She would get there first, and then I would come gasping and out of breath, and stumble over to the bench and sit down, declaring myself the winner. "But I got here first!" she would protest. Ah, but young grasshopper, you must learn when to sit. *read that in a Asian wise-person accent*

Hard-core Volleyball players

We also "played volleyball" (ha.), ate food ( well, actually, I didn't eat. Heat makes me loose my appetite. so do hamburgers from Gordon's Food Service. I'm just sayin'... ) and all the other stuff you generally do at a picnic. and we drank water. lots and lots of water.

My sisters on the gorilla statue at the entrance to the park... No, I have no idea why they have a gorilla statue.

Did any of you have an eventful Saturday?

On the balance beam/teeter totter hybrid

Of Skittles and Bugs...The Car and Insect Variety

2010-08-12T12:07:00.000-07:00

I was tagged by my sister Hannah. Thanks Hannah!

1. Sunny or Rainy?
Rainy! I love rain!

2. Sweet or Sour?
Sweet for sure! But I like sweet and sour mixed together (like Sour Skittles... mmmmm...)

3. Who is your favorite writer?
That is a hard one! I guess I would say E. Nesbit. "The Story of the Treasure Seekers" was such a cute book!

4.When was the last time you ate breakfast food for dinner?
I'm not sure. Sometimes my mom will make us eggs or waffles or pancakes for dinner.

5. Which is the most annoying, mosquitoes or flies?
Mosquitoes, although I cannot abide either of them.

6. Sewing or Knitting?
Sewing. I've tried knitting many times, but I just can't get into it!

7. The beach or the mountains?
Beach, although I have never seen mountains, so I can't really choose. It would be neat to see mountains!

8. Would you rather shop at the thrift store or a brand name store?
Thrift store... But I love to find brand-name clothing at the thrift store! lol

9. Broccoli or chocolate?
Chocolate for sure!

10. Did you do this tag right when you saw it, or a couple days after?
Right away!

11. Emma or North and South?
It depends what mood I'm in.

12. Do you like winter,summer,spring or fall?
Fall and Spring!

13. What is your dream car like?
Something cute and vintage-y... wouldn't it be cool to have a car that looked like "Herbie"? (From the Herbie movies? See picture #3)

14. What is your favorite month?
August.. because my birthday is August 21st!!!

15. What is your favorite time of the day?
Night. (Is that considered part of the day?)

16. Are you a night owl or morning bird?
Night Owl, although I get up at a reasonable time every morning. lol

17. How old are you?
15.. (BUT not for long!!! hee hee)

18. How many songs do you have on your MP3 player or iPod? (If you have one...)
My MP3 player doesn't work anymore, sadly. But I have 28 songs on my online playlist.

19. How much time have you wasted doing this tag?
To much time.

20. Are you addicted to notebooks?
ummmm... I don't think so.

Rules: Answer the questions, then make up 10 of your own and tag (put your number here) more people.
My Questions:

1. When is your half birthday? (You know, when you turn _____ and a 1/2 years old)
2. Have you ever traveled overseas?
3. How many pets do you own?
4. Do you like sour skittles?
5. What do you think of the movies/books "Twilight"?
6. Before this post, when was the last time you posted on your blog?
7. How many friends do you have?
8. What type of church do you go to, if any?
9. What is your favorite song?
10. Do you play any musical instruments?

I tag...
Hannah at Aspire
Natasha at What I Wear
Amber at Ruffles & Roses

Wearing Art

2010-08-12T06:49:00.000-07:00

Well, If this isn't one of the coolest things I've seen in a long time...

Painted Wedges! Via alisaburke

I have seen painted Converse shoes, but the wedges really stuck out to me because, well, wedges are my favorite type of shoe ever!

So after seeing that, I really want to try and make some "Wear-able Art"! What else could you paint on? Shirts, skirts, hats, scarfs... and of course, shoes! All I need now are some plain canvas wedges and a box of acrylic paints.... sounds fun!

(Oh, and if you click on the "Painted Wedges" link under the picture, it will take you to alisaburke's tutorial for her painted wedges!!! You can also see additional views of the shoes!)

Girl of the Prairie

Goodness Knows...

Love Song ❤

Glow Bowling, Take 2

Psalm 10

As evil men do unthinkable crimes in our world - our world which is so affected and infiltrated with sin - it is easy to wonder where God is. We tent to want to ask, "God, why are you forsaking your children?"

But what we are forgetting is that God has promised to never forsake us, and we know he will be true to his word, and he never will.

Psalm 10

Nail Polish and Bowling

quickly, a note.

Happy Fourth of July!

Make Your Own Hula Hoop

"The River Flows In You" Piano Duet

Hair and Makeup Tutorials

What I Gave Mom for Mother's Day...

Royal Wedding!

Something New...

Self-Portrait Photography Contest

Moi Personality... A Quizz

Spring Cleaning!

Day 03 - A picture of the cast from your favorite TV show

Day 02 - A picture of you and the person you have been closest with the longest.

Day 1 - A Picture of Yourself....

30 Day Challenge

My Favorite Color....

Dressed Like A Princess

Quotes and Sayings

Creation Sings the Father's Song

Come Visit My Pinterest... ♥

Forever21 and the Greenbay Packers...

Listen to This!

Curly Hairstyle...

Just A Quick 2-Point Post....

Butterflies and Soup

Pinterest... what art thou???

Ice Skating

Goodbye, 2010 and My Favorite Posts From This Year

Perfect Day ♪

30 Random Things...

*Silent Night* (singing in church)

Hair Tinsel

* * Snowfall * *

If I Was Rich... Here Are Some Things I Would Buy

Linking Up--Christmas Lights!

Christmas Carol Tech Week l Lots of Pictures

A Parade and Mingling With the Celebs!

Girl's Just Wanna Have Fun! (our version)

Thanksgiving! ♥

Glasses

{{Magical Mist}}

When It's All Been Said and Done...

A Hat Refashioned♥

3 Beautiful Hairstyle Inspirations

Reformation Day!

More Reenactment Pictures

Old-Fashioned Pictures

A Tag! (Thanks, Jane!)

Costume Study - "Secret of Moonacre"

-=}♥The Art Museum ♥{=-

Two Photos I Want to Share ♪ ♫ ♪ ♫

CrAzY HaT NiGhT!!!

An Autumn Fun Day!

My Personal Thoughts on Modesty

A Modest Issue {Suggestions Requested!!}

Blog Party! *< : )

Christmas Carol Auditions

Happy Autumn!

I never knew....

A Daybook Entry

T-a-g♥

A Christmas Carol!!!

It's Official...

What my family would look like in the 1900's

History Alive!

A Chef in the Family...

Boots!!!!

Apples to Apples Winner Announced!

"How Deep"

I've got Apples to Apples fever!

Quick!!

Silent Night (singing in church)