Now what?!

Well, guys, I don't have time to post something long or meaningful today. (Though I intend to post pictures of our house getting decked out for Christmas this weekend.) We are leaving very shortly to go pick up my bird. In fact, I think we are leaving about now! :-) However, I still don't have a name. I don't want to be calling it "Birdy" for very long, but I don't know what to choose. I think I am between Chloe, Juliet, Harmony, or........You can see how undecided I am. Usually I am not this way; I know what I want to do, o what I should do, and I do it. In this case, I am going against the norm. Oh, I wish it were easy. Too bad the bird can't say, "This is what I want my name to be, and that's the end of it." Haha. I do know this: Since "it" is coming home, I will undoubtedly have to name it something. It WILL have a name by this weekend, especially if my family has anything to do with it. I am so relying on them to help me make up my mind. What would we do without our parents, or even our brothers?!

Winter Wonderland!!!

Ok, I bet you're looking at the picture, and you're thinking, "Is Ella nuts?! Since when is that little dusting of snow considered 'Winter Wonderland?' You can't make 'Parson Brown' out of that?" Well, ya'll, this little dusting is the Treasure Valley's first snowfall. We don't get much; nowhere in comparison to Buffalo. :-) Still, it was exciting to walk downstairs and see a tiny speck of whiteness. I am not sure if we're supposed to get any more, but I do know we will be having cold temperatures. (I think Wednesday is a high of 29 degrees! Brrrr!!!!) Anyway, I just wanted you all to see a picture....

I also need your help...BIG TIME!!! The bird in the front, the pretty yellow one, is my new bird. She is doing very well with weaning and everything that the plan is to bring her home this weekend. Now, I don't need your help with that, but I need a name. I don't quite know what to choose, and Mom and Dad are telling me to decide. So, I figured I'd ask. Please give me advice. There is one thing you need to know: I want a name that is either literary, musical, or something regal/monarch like. Does that make sense? I need ideas really soon, and I am relying on ya'll to help me!!!

Feel Free

I forgot to mention this earlier, so PLEASE make sure to read my other posts!!!! I just wanted you to know that our family has started a blog. If you ever want to read what has gone on in our lives, either through the eyes of Mom, or occasionally myself, feel free to stop by. The address is on my side bar. However, as of right now, you are not able to comment. We might change that in the future, but don't let that stop you. We'd love for you to keep tabs on us, as we are "Celebrating our Joys."

Thanksgiving Through Words

I hope your Thanksgiving day, like these chrysanthemums, was full of beauty, color, and closeness. I know you saw my day with pictures, but being a word person, I had to write a tiny bit about it!

The day started out like I anticipated it would. We ate breakfast, which was the traditional Dutch Boy pancake. (Does your family have those kind of dishes that are just synonymous with the holiday? Well, this is ours.) As we ate breakfast, we all talked about what we were most thankful for on this day. We all had pretty much the same, but we worded it differently. It was a pleasant meal. After we finished, Garrity and I went downstairs and watched the Macy's Parade and the National Dog Show. Again, something that goes with Thanksgiving. I don't know if I had a favorite float, but I do know that I didn't like the Radio City Rockettes. Yeah, their kicks are impressive, but I don't like the outfits! I was also bummed about the dog show outcome. We are beagle fans, and it didn't win in its group. Then, to make things worse, a toy poodle won Best in Show!!! Beagles trump poodles any day!! (Am I biased or what?)

We left for the D.'s house around 2 o'clock. The men watched football or played computer games while we girls talked and ate appetizers. Around five, we sat down to eat. Our meal consisted of turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, sweet potatoes, green bean casserole, a broccoli casserole, green salad, jello salad, corn pudding, and rolls. No wonder everyone was so full! We totally pigged out, but that was before dessert,. Our choices were between pumpkin, caramel apple, or chocolate pecan pie. I had pumpkin and apple, along with a cup of green tea.

The adults spent time talking, and we kids went upstairs. the boys went back to playing computer, while Grace and I played video games with the younger boys. Yes, I did play video games. I don't own a gamecum, xbox, nintendo, or anything like that, so when I play, it's a treat. We played a snowboarding game. I stunk at first, but by the end, I got first! I was excited. Now all I have to do is beat Shifty someday, and hopefully, I will!

We spent the remainder of the evening playing Apples to Apples. If you haven't played that game before, you should. It is a whole lot of fun. Even though I wound up with three card, no easy feat with that large of a crown, Mr. S won the needed seven . Oh, well. We had a great time, complete with much laughing. The S.'s left, as did Kevin, the college guy. We G's stayed to help clean up, so it wasn't until 11:30 when we got home. (I slept in until 10 this morning! I needed my rest!)

That was my Thanksgiving day. I hope you can tell that I had a great day, because I did. I thought of you all; I count you among my blessings. I can't wait to hear how your days went!

Thanksgiving Through Pictures Part 2

(I detest when pictures don't go in the order you want them to:-() This is Dad while we were playing Apples to Apples. Does he look like he's enjoying himself? I think he was just full or something.

It was Ben's turn to be the judge. I think Billy was giving him advice on which card to pick. Mr. S. was helping him with the words.

The kitchen..... I think messiness goes with the territory of Thanksgiving. "Thankfully," when we departed at 11:15 p.m., the kitchen looked much better! Never fear, all of the bottles are empty sparkling cider ones. No alcohol was present.

I said that boys are always hungry. It's about 10 o'clock, and the guys are eating more pie. I don't know how many pieces their finished total was. From the left, you've got Garrity, Shifty, Ethan, and Tom.

I don't know who the judge was at this point. All I know is that we were playing a game, and having a great time. From the far left, it's Ben, Mr. S., Mrs. S., Mrs. D., Mr. D., and Grace.

Thanksgiving Through Pictures

Mrs. D. is lighting the candles....we are just about to eat. Isn't the table pretty?

Ok, here is one end of the table. By the look of everyone's plates, we must have been done with dinner. Mom is on the left. Mr. D. is in the yellow shirt; Mr. S. is next to him.

Boys are always hungry. Here are Tom and Ben D. getting more to eat. Aren't they full?

Sorry this picture is blurry. It is just another pic to show how long the table was. Mrs. D. is next to Mom, and I am next to her.

Thanksgiving Thoughts

Tomorrow is Thanksgiving. As I anticipate being super busy, I wanted to get a post done today. I wanted to get my thoughts on this holiday out, so you all know what is going on in my head. I want to start out by saying that I hope you all have a very blessed day, surrounded by family and friends, and resting in the knowledge of God's love for you. As I have previously stated, or so I think, our family is headed for the D.'s house. There is going to be sixteen of us...8 D's, 4 G's, (that's us) 3 S's (They're a new family, just arrived from Wyoming) and 1 college guy from church. So, it's a houseful, but I know we will have a grand time, and that we'll eat far too much food. Personally, I am looking forward to the mashed potatoes and green bean casserole. Turkey's great, but I really like the side dishes. Ok....enough with the food.....on to what I really wanted to say.

There is much I have to be thankful for this year. I have been extremely blessed...much more than I deserve. But, praise the Lord, things are not based upon my worthiness. I praise Him this day for my family. Where would I be without them?! My parents are the ones who have shaped me into who I am. They are there for me all the time; I can always talk to them when I need it. They are my cheerleaders, my biggest fans, and yet, they're my coaches too:-)

I am also thankful for Garrett. (Yes, I admit it:-) He keeps our family light and always on the edge. He is the resident comedian in our house, and it just wouldn't be the same without him. I mean, when he is gone for a day, and there's no one joking at the table, you miss it.

I am so thankful for my house and food. I never expected that I would live in a house that I loved so much. If you knew the whole story, you would understand why I am like this. Our house is like a dream house, and we didn't have to build it ourselves. The orchard in the backyard was a bonus. And I am thankful for the bountiful harvest we got this year. (Though I am also thankful that it is over for the winter;-)

My new church is an amazing blessing. I say that about every week, but I am so thankful for it. It has increased my family by several aunts, uncles, and cousins. As in the case with the house, our church was one that I never expected to get. When we left our previous church, I anticipated going to a church amost the exact same. But, the Lord landed us at Fellowship, and it is the best thing that could have happened to us. I am so thankful!

I am so glad to live in the state of Idaho. Not only is it beautiful in a deserty sort of way :-) It is still, despite a California influx, a Republican state, and I am so glad it is. (I could live in Massachusetts.) My prayer is that it will stay that way. I have lived in a few states, but I am like living West of the Mississippi. I am a Southern Belle, but I do have a tiny bit of cowgirl, and I like it!

I said this at election time, but I am so thankful to live in the United States in America. I am glad to live in a country that still allows the freedom to worship the Lord, even though it has basically left the government cycles. Many nations do not have this ability, nor the abililty to cast a ballot or choose their own occupation. I pray that fifty years from now, I will still be able to say this.

I am thankful for my friends. You all, and the few that do not read my blog, have been there for me. You've joked with me and comforted me, and that means alot. I am not able to know if you all will be friends "forever," but I do know that no matter how far apart we are, we will be together in Heaven "forever." You know the Michael W. Smith song, "And a friend is a friend forever, if the Lord is the Lord of them."

Lastly, and most importantly, I am thankful for the Lord. He is the ultimate person who has shaped me into who I am. He is taking me through the Refiner's Fire, but He's there every step of the way. I am so thankful for the gift of salvation that He bestowed on me. I praise Him that I have the knowledge of an eternal life in Heaven after death. I am thankful that He has brought trials in my life (Did I just say that?!) I would not have my life be without them. They bring me ever closer to himself...and I praise him for that.

Well, I know I could have this post run on much long, but I will stop for now. I hope you have gotten a glimpse into my heart, despite the ramblings on. I pray that you have much to be thankful for, and that you have a wonderful day tomorrow. May God blessings be upon you and yours.

He Raised Me Up!

"When I was down, and all my soul so weary

When troubles came, and my heart burdened me

I was still, and waited in the silence

Until you came, and said You were with me~

"You raised me up, so I could stand on mountains

You raised me up to walk on stormy seas

I am strong...when I am on your shoulder

You raised me up to more than I could be."

I wanted to post this picture and this chorus of Josh Groban's hit song. It was so true for me this past week. Many thanks to those of you who were praying for me when I needed it the most. No, nothing Earth shattering happened, but I still had a rough Monday. I wanted to update you all, and let you know that I am soooo much better now!!! In fact, unless I focus on the hurt that was done unto me, I am not sad at all. I can see that the Lord has something infinitely better in store for me. What that is, I have no idea. But, I am looking forward to the new adventure.

Also, I know that these trials that I never seem to get away from develop my character. They shape me into the person that He has for me to be. Therefore, I wouldn't trade any of my problems for all of the acceptance and easiness in the world. My ultimate goal in life is to grow in Christ's likeness and reflect Him to the world. How can I do that unless I have struggles? I can't. Life was never meant to be all fun and games. It wasn't for Christ; then, it definitely shouldn't be for me. Christ didn't give into peer pressure; He always stood for Truth, and that is a lesson I am learning and hopefully, will be able to take into my life.

No, I wouldn't ask for difficulties in relationships. However, I always see the Lord high and lifted up in the midst of them. Also, they draw me ever closer to Him. "Dear friends, do not be surprised at the painful trial you are suffering as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice that you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed." ~I Peter 4:12-13~

Something Short

I have no time to post what I wanted to. I hope you all enjoy the pictures that I fianlly got of the Missions Conference. They aren't in the right order, but that's ok. I hope you are all having a great day, whith the Lord being your only source of strength. I can say that today!!! It has been rough this afternoon, but God is with me now. I read this quote, "Every day, even in hardships in trials, we are growing towards God." That is true in my case. He is shaping me into the person he has for me to be!

Here are the Pics....Finally!

Dad surrounded by a mob of adoring fans:-) Just kidding. They are wanting to turn in their chips for frosty coupons

The pinata is broken; bring on the candy!

The puppet show that I did. I was the black haired one.

Pastor Jeff taking a whack at the thing

Dad's lovely pinata before it got demolished

Interesting Asian arragement.

Pastor Ron Allen and our own Pastor Jeff

On end of the Hispanic table. This end was the least nice looking

The grub, or what little there was at the time, with my lovely friends, Brianne and Grace. I don't know where I was. Probably helping Mom.

Thank Goodness!

I believe prayers were working here last night and into this morning. Here in Idaho, not all of the precints are in, but I will update you on what I know so far. I must admit, I didn't know what to expect. We have had so many people moving here, I was anticipating liberal takeover.

Our gubnatorial race is not yet fully known, that is because the democrat, Mr. Jerry Brady, has not conceded. However, it is reported that C.L. "Butch" Otter, our choice, will be elected. He does have a substantial lead, but how can one make predictions when no one has given in to the opponent? That was something Mom and I were trying to figure out all night.

I am pleased to say that the democrat, Mr. Larry Grant, has conceded to Mr. Bill Sali. I was guilty of a lack of faith, for I really didn't expect him to win. He is sooo conservative. How thankful I am that God's ways and thoughts are higher than mine. Mr. Sali will have an uphill battle now in the U.S. House of Representatives, but I pray that the Lord would let him do much good.

Our marriage amendment also passed with 65% of the vote. I would have liked a tiny bit higher, (Tennessee passed the same resolution with 81% of the vote, but hey, it's the bible belt!) Anyway, I a, pleased to say that I know live in a state that only considers marriage to be between one man and one woman.

Our Lieutenant Governor is expected to be a republican, Mr. Jim Risch, as well. The democrats might have picked up a few seats in the local House, but I heard on the news that Idaho still has the most conservative Congress in the entire U.S. I like that!

However, I know things didn't go well in some of your states, and in the Nation, either. I was glued to NBC until 2:30 a.m., so I ought to know:-) We know have to contend with a Democratic control of the House and possibly of the Senate, that one is still too close to call. We now have Nancy Pelosi in charge, and we still have to contend with Senators Hilary Rodham Clinton and Ted Kennedy. Our nation is a precarious position now; our prayers can not cease. I guess I have learned that when things seem impossible, God can make it possible!! It seems like terrible things will happen, but we can't really know that!

That is all I have for now. Thanks for your prayers regarding this. Ya'll will still be in mine. However, please add my family in your prayers. Mom, Garrity, and I are feeling puny. We aren't doing school, though I think watching tv could go as Living History and Political Science:-) Sore throats, sinus pressure, stuffy heads, it's all here..... I intend to spend the day taking it easy, and also watching whatever new things get decided. I love the game of politics, but I am saying that when, at least in my state, we were the victors. I could be singing a new tune in 2008. (Hopefully, and with prayer, we'll get control of Congress back, and that we'll keep the highest job in the land!)Yet, it is in the Lord's hands.

Guess What's Tomorrow?

If you guess it's Tuesday, you score 25%. If you said the D's, you score 50% (not to mention knowing my schedule very well;-) If you said piano lesson, it's 75% for you. However, if you said election day, you got 100%!

You might find it odd that I, as a teenager who can't vote, is talking about a subject like this. Well, that's because I feel so strongly about it. I wish that tomorrow, I would be able to show voter's registration and cast my ballot. There are too many people, including adults, who do not take this privilege we have as Americans seriously. There are people in other nations who would die to have this freedom. I believe that it is a God-given right, and we should use it accordingly. Besides, elections are soooo important!! They can decide which path the U.S.A. will take.

My family is Conservative, and that's how we vote. That said, I don't like the thought of Republicans losing the majority in the House and Senate. Democrats, while I am sure there are a few good ones, give me the creeps. Their policies and social agendas do not line up with my family's and mine at all. What do I mean by that? Well, in a nutshell, we are for anything that the Lord says is good and against anything that He says is bad. (Abortion, gay marriage, stuff like that.)

I really have been praying alot lately for godly men and women who desire Christ and the things of Him would be elected. I know that if Bill Sali, a man who is running for Congress here in Idaho, gets elected, that will be amazing. He is a Christian, a home schooling father, etc. However, all you hear is the liberal news media, saying how the GOP is doomed and this that and the other. I try not to listen, but it is such a loud voice. I only pray they are wrong, like they were regarding the presidential election in 2004.

Sometimes, I wish I was able to run for public office. However, as a godly woman, I know I can't. A woman is not to be over a man, and I believe that includes the government. I know what issues would matter most to me. Thing like ridding this nation of abortion and gay marriage, securing the borders, making English the official language, (Don't think me a racist, for I am definitely not) and getting this nation back on the path that the Founding Fathers wanted it to be, as one nation UNDER GOD! However, my vote will have to be enough.

Our family has a tradition of staying up super late and watching election returns come in on NBC. Don's ask me why, especially when I said that I dislike the liberal news. It's just something we have done ever since 2000. Boy, was I glued to the tv then!

So, how is this post applicable to us who can't vote? Well, I think it starts by voting when we can. Personally, I am looking forward to casting my first ballot in the primaries of 2008. Yet, for now, I think it goes deeper than that. We need to be praying about elections, asking the Lord to let good people get into office and godly propostions/laws get passed. This is so important, and something we can do now. Who knows, perhaps our small voice is ultimately making a big difference. Doesn't it say when two or more are gathered together in My name, I will hear you? Doesn't it also say that when people cry out to God, he will heal their land? Just something to think about as a very important day is fast approaching. May things in your state go well tomorrow. The entire nation will be surrounded in my prayers; I hope the same can be said of yours!

I know you all want pictures, but I don't have any!!!!!!!! I thought I did, but I don't. I didn't take any at the BananaRama, and while I did bring the camera to the Missions Conference, Garrity told me to have someone else take them. So, hopefully, he will send my brother pics, who, in turn, will send them to me, and then I will post them. So, until then, you will have to wait!

The missions conference was very good. I enjoyed the guest speaker, Pastor Ron Allen, a lot. He was very good and extremely passionate about world wide evangelism. His talks really made me think...Do I pray adequately for my missionaries? Also, I really was thinking that I, one day, would love to go on a missions trip somewhere. I feel that since I am blessed here in this country, I should go and bless someone else in turn. Anyway, that was one of the thoughts that was impressed upon me.

Hosting the Hispanic table was a whole lot of fun, though a little on the chaotic side. There was plenty of food. I made flan, and it was fabulous. Normally I don't take something that I have never tried before, but I did this time. Scary, isn't it? At any rate, it was yummy! We made a pumpkin pinata, and the kids loved breaking it. Dad had Pasotr Jeff swing at it, and boy, that was a sight to see:-) We stayed a long time, but when you're with family, that doesn't matter.

Life is pretty much normal at my house. I will admit, we were faithful watchers of the World Series this past week, though. Usually, the tv doesn't come on but once or twice during the week. Anyway, we were super excited that the Cardinals won!!!! That was an exciting series. If you want the full run down, go to Garrity's blog. I won't deny that I jumped a little when vthe fibal out was recorded.

Tomorrow, I have my group with the girls. I hope it will go better. I think the plan is to celebrate Ivy's birthday, and then get a schedule set for Secret Keeper. I bought my book, and I am looking forward to the study. I also bought the devotional, and I believe that will be a good addition to personal use. I plan on post some of the things that the Lord will teach me through it. No, I don't dress immodestly, but still, I assume you might want a thought or two.

Well, dinner is almost done, so I have to leave. I didn't get to say all I wanted, but I was also talking to Dad on the phone at the same time. Anyway, my apologizes if this post sounded trite. I didn't intend for it to be. Hope you are having a great week, and a great time in the Lord. I will post again very soon, or so I hope! You are all in my prayers!!