50 Shades of....ME!

I'm working on getting posts queued up--seriously, when you get off your routine, it does take a little while to get back on track. However, being off of said routines can be liberating things as well. It offers one the opportunity to be carefree, to do things one doesn't always do.

So that means I am going to do this tag I discovered on Alexandra's blog, "Of Trims and Frills and Furbelows". It was a lot of fun to read! I hope you learn something new about me as you read =)

1. Are you young at heart, or an old soul? I'm mostly young at heart. I do love things like old movies and Fran Sinatra, but at the same time, I'm only twenty-two and a half. And yes, sometimes that means I blare my music and whip my hair back and forth =)

2. What Christmas present do you remember the most?
Easy. I got my Samantha doll when I was seven. I was SO excited to get her. She didn't leave my side the entire day.

3. Name one physical feature that you like about yourself, and one you don't like.
I like my eyes--some say they are blue, some say green, some say hazel. I don't have the foggiest idea. I also like my straight hair--it doesn't run in the family and I somehow got the gene.

I dislike my feet and my height (but that has been heavily documented already)

4. What holiday do you most look forward to?
Hmm.....I love Thanksgiving because of all the food that I cook. And Christmas because of what the holiday signifies and the decorating that I can do. Southern Living offers PLENTY of ideas.

5. How is the relationship between you and your parents?
I have a wonderful relationship with both parents. I have been richly blessed with a fantastic mom and dad.

6. You've got the TV on, but you're not really watching. What channel is the TV on?
Ooh....that's a toughy. I'm one of these people who functions well with noise in the background. If I have a project to work on in my room, I usually have something from Netflix on. But if I'm downstairs, in general, my TV is usually tuned to Food Network or a wedding show on TLC.......and by that, you had to have seen my personality =)

7. If you could pick anywhere to live the rest of your life, where would it be?
Hmm...in a big(ish) city. I like a little space between houses...but in a neighborhood. Being near an ocean could be nice. 

8. Have you ever spent a night in the hospital?
Yes. I did when I was eighteen months old (but I don't remember that). And then I stayed at the hospital when I was ten and needed surgery to repair my broken arm.  

9. Do you enjoy being with only one or two friends, or with a large group of people?
I'm good with both. I love being with one or two really close friends, but I also love being in a large group of people as long as they're all really good friends. If I don't know the large group of people, my introverted tendencies really come out.

10. Do you like the type of music your parents listen to? Do your parents like the type of music you listen to?
Um, it depends. My dad, when he listens to music, listens to Oldies--like the Stones, Bee Gees. UGH! Cannot stand that kind of stuff. My mom listens to that as well, but she also does Frank Sinatra and country. I like those. My music tends towards country, some Christian, some soundtracks--and that is all good for them. Put the Maroon 5 or random Lady Gaga song on and not so much ;-)  

11. If you could only eat one thing for the rest of your life, what would it be?
I have no idea. I love food too much to limit myself to just one type.

12. Do you believe in a god?
I believe there is only one God, and yes, I believe in and on Him. He is everything to me!

13. What's you're favorite hashtag to track?
I don't track hashtags too much.....but my favorite is probably one that goes along with my interest in spoiling TV shows. =)

14. When you were young, what would you dream you would be when you grew up?
Besides always wanting to be a wife and mom, I wanted to be an actress when I was four...that lasted for a while. There was something about "the stage" that appealed to me. Now, though, I know acting would not have been the path for me. I do think that I always wanted to be a published author, though. But it was fiction and now, it's non-fiction, but hey, a mere technicality. 

15. Do you want to have more friends than you have right now?
If they are the right people. I used to settle when it came to friends, "quantity over quality" you might say. Now, it's different. 

16. Have you ever met someone through the Internet, then met them in real life?
OH YES!!! Seven of my nearest and dearest friends and I have met face to face. I still have several to cross of the list--and I look forward to the day.

17. Tell me about the last book you read.
"Safe Haven," by Nicholas Sparks. I must say, I greatly, greatly enjoyed it. The upcoming movie was on my radar beforehand (Hello, Josh Duhamel!), but now it most definitely is. It's one of Sparks's less depressing of stories or so I felt.

18. Predict what your life will look like a year from now.
I have ideas of where I would like to be.....but seriously, the Lord has taught me to be open about where I will end up. That being said, I would to almost be done with my Bachelor's degree by this point next year. We shall see.

19. Early bird or night owl?
Definitely night owl.  It's wayyy too easy for me to stay up to the wee hours, and wayyy too easy for me to sleep laaaate. ;) Case in point, it's almost midnight as of this writing and I'm not even tired.

20. Where do you live? Be as general or specific as you want.
In Idaho

21. What was the longest car ride you've ever taken?
My family has moved across the country twice. (Long story. Not the time for it). So yeah, those are some pretty long car rides!! Great way to see parks of the country--like going up in the Gateway Arch and narrowly avoiding a tornado in Texas--but at the same time, they aren't my favorite thing in the world.

22. What is your ethnic heritage?
Let's see--I'm one quarter Italian (although I do not look like it) and then I have German, Welsh, Irish, English......

23. Do you want to live until you're 100?
Probably not. Unless I am in the prime of health

24. Do you practice what you preach?
Not as often as I should. :) But I do try. "Honesty is the Best Policy" 

25. Have you ever laughed uncontrollably when it was socially inappropriate?
Oh, soooo many times. I don't want to tell you about the last time =)

26. Do you often skip breakfast?
Yep. Unless I go out to breakfast. But here's the weird thing--I make breakfast for dinner quite frequently and I eat it then. I guess my aversion is eating so soon after getting up

27. Would you want to know the exact date and time you were going to die?
Definitely not. 

28. Describe your neighborhood.
Typical neighborhood. Including the occasional noisy neighbors and cats that roam free.    

29. Name a TV series you didn't enjoy until after it ended.
Easy--Three Rivers. I didn't know that show even had existed until recently. But mostly I watch shows as they air. Old ones do not count ;-)       

30. Have you ever bought a product from an informercial?
    Um....no.

31. What is one thing you could never forgive?
Hard to say.....I hope that I can learn to forgive as Christ has forgiven me

32. What part of the past year sticks out in your mind?  
Seeing friends, lessons learned, being asked to be a bridesmaid in a wedding, the Olympics....

33. What is your favorite sport?
FOOTBALL!!!!!!!

34. What has been troubling you lately?
How politics can be one of the most annoying things in the world. I love them. And I hate them. All at the same time.

35. Who was your first crush?
Easy to remember. His name was Jonathan and I could have sworn that I would have married him someday. But yeah, that didn't happen. I was such a hopeless romantic at six years old. And I still am. Trust me. And those friends who know me super well know that to be true.       

36. Where is your favorite place to go out and eat?
I love going out to eat. There are some local restaurants that I love and franchises that I love as well.

37. Give me an unpopular opinion you have.
Um.............that could be personal. And I don't want to cause debates in the ranks. But I believe a girl can still want marriage and a family and go to college/have a little career at the same time. I know. I know. It's an unpopular opinion in some circles but you asked!

38. Describe a person that inspires you.
My mom. Ronald Reagan. Kate Middleton. Etc.   

39. If you could earn minimum wage doing what you love, would you? 
I have been blessed that I enjoy my currently place of employment and earn a great wage too. God is good.

40. Describe the last time you were very angry at someone.
Why? What good would that do?

41. Where would you prefer to live? A city? The suburbs? The countryside? The mountains?
I'm just happy to have a nice house and live pretty close to civilization. :) I need people around. 

42. Where is "home" for you?
Not to be cliche, but wherever my family is. :)

43. Where do you and your friends go to hang out?
Most of my friends are online so I don't really have local friends to "hang out" with...but when I do something with others, it's bowling or a movie or some other such things.

44. Have you ever been bullied? Have you ever bullied anyone else?
 Yes I have. And it's not fun. Being bullied I mean.

45. Is it possible for guys and girls to be just friends?
 YES. I used to think it meant that by being friends with guys, I would get too emotionally attached and I would be impure towards my future husband. Yeah, I have changed from that way of thinking. You still have to be careful, but before I did have a group of friends (guys included) who my brother and I went bowling with and play games with.....it was wonderful

46. What are the 6 songs you listen to the most?
This is tough because I listen to so much all the time! However, some I'll turn to often...
-You Are, by Colton Dixon. It's a current fave
-Anything Carrie Underwood sings
-Defying Gravity from "Wicked!" Gosh I love that song
-Casting Crowns and Chris Tomlin music
-Glee's rendition of songs. Don't judge.

47. If you could meet anyone on earth, who would it be?
Tough one! Tim Tebow. Prince William and Kate Middleton. Those are the big ones.

48. What is your favorite blog currently?
There's no way I could choose just one. 

49. What's the farthest you've ever been from home?
Pittsburgh to see DEAR DEAR friends!

50. What's the one thing you're afraid of?  
Losing people close to me. And heights. And airplanes. And elevators =D

Downton, Downton, Downton!

I pride myself on being a rule follower. I'm one of those people who cannot stand when people snipe songs off of the internet or steal songs off of library CDs. As much as I  would like to, I can't bring myself to do so.....

Until I come to Downton. I know it doesn't hit US airways and Masterpiece Theater until January, 2013, but it airs over in the United Kingdom this Sunday.....and I watch it then. I'm forever grateful to the person who told me away around little things like IP addresses.....because when it comes to Downton, I have zero patience. I must watch!

I decided, in the midst of all of the posts I am working on, to do a post all related to Downton Abbey. Granted, I doubt you will find anything new; it's all been recycled via other blogs and websites. Still, it would be fun to generate such discussions on my little space of the internet.

First we have the trailers!




My thoughts and observations on this viewing:
1.) I think the "wedding" we have heard so much about it Edith and Sir Anthony......we had better not get jipped out of Matthew and Mary
2.) Ethel (why is she back) has turned to prostitution....
3.) I cannot wait for the fireworks between Shirley MacLaine and Maggie Smith
4.) Branson has a very, very special place in my heart and it looks like he will be a BIG deal as we move forward

Now we have this fun interview!

Add in some random pictures ;-)

 Unfortunately, because of Downton Abbey's move into the Dramatic category at the Emmy's, I do not see it winning many of the awards for which it is nominated (because as I can see it, Claire Danes has it locked up against Michelle Dockery and Bryan Cranston against Hugh Bonneville) However, its best chance is going to be in the Best Supporting Actress category.....I will be rooting for DA like crazy. I just don't have high expectations going in.

So I want to hear from you, get the ball rolling so to speak. What would YOU like to see happen in Season 3? What do you think WILL happen? And will you watch before January? ;-)

Link Lovin'

I have several post ideas in the works, but it will be a few days until I have them up and running. So, I thought it would be fun to do one of those linking posts. After all, y'all seemed to love it so much last time.

So here you go. You are about to get a glimpse into my brain this past week, the things I wanted to share with you, etc.

**This picture, from Barbados, makes me want to go on a tropical vacation right NOW. Those blue waters, those sandy beaches. Sigh.**

*I have been soaking these up this week.....and I have my 30 day countdown going on!

*I find this current couple so darn cute.

* This movie and this movie are on my to see list. Though I bet I will see the former one first =)





*I still love color blocking and I find this ensemble, at left, absolutely stylish.

*You have GOT to try this cupcake recipe. Everyone will thank you...trust me.

*I'm currently in love with this song....I know. I'm bad =)

*One of my favorite scenes from one of my favorite musicals EVER! I need to watch this movie again soon.

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So there you go...It's my link loving for the week. As always, it's fun to show you what I love, what I think....who I am....

My thoughts and prayers are with all of you, my wonderful readers and friends today. And everyday.

Remembering Rodgers and Hammerstein

Sometimes, there are movies that stick with you for years and years. They can be in positive ways, triggering your memory of happy times and events.....or there are movies that leave a bad taste in your mouth (and you remember that for the rest of your life as well =) Yesterday, one such movie was on TV and it reminded me of something. Since it is Friday, and I planned on doing movie reviews anyway, I thought I would step into the world of Rodgers and Hammerstein--I have seen them all--but just between us, you don't have to view them all.

The Sound of Music is my favorite of Rodgers and Hammerstein, but only because it was the one I grew up watching. I remember seeing it at my Nana's house when I was little--then she gave me her VHS copy--which has since been replaced with the 2 disc DVD edition. I know all of the songs by heart and the plot by heart as well. I had to read the real life story of Maria Von Trapp for school and I have to admit, I like the film better ;-)

State Fair is my "older age" favorite. I don't own it as yet, but I get it from the library often enough, I might as well. It is the story of a family who goes to the state fair--the parents hoping to win blue ribbons, the kids hoping to find romance. The songs are positively wonderful! And for me, and knowing old actors and actresses, names like Dana Andrews and Jeanne Crain are very easy to watch. I definitely recommend watching this one--but not the 60's remake

The King and I comes next in my favorites list. I actually watched this one recently after not having seen it for years (I tried to watch it a few years ago....but it didn't happen and it is a story Mom and I talk about quite often) I more remember the storyline--that of an English school teacher who goes over to Siam to be a governess for the king's many children. They all find up falling in love with her (but there isn't a romance) I can't recall if there is much with the differing religions thing, but obviously, nothing bothered me.

South Pacific was one that I hadn't seen before until this year (probably because it was the most mature subject in the bunch) The story takes place in WWII on an island in the South Pacific. There is a nurse who falls in love with a Frenchman who resides on the island--only she struggles when she finds out he has native children. Then there is a young soldier who struggles with the fact that he loves a native girl. Obviously, you can tell racism is the theme of the film, in a manner of speaking. It is a good story, though if you have a problem with native men and soldiers running around without shirts, you might want to reconsider. Also, I do know there is a "passionate" romance between the soldier and the native girl--but if anything...uh...happens, it is off camera. The songs are great, though.

Oklahoma--I have mixed feelings on this film. I love the songs and Gordon MacRae/Shirley Jones are a great pair together. It is the story of a boy who falls in love with a girl (I can't tell you another way to describe it) But there are a few other things going on that don't thrill me. For one, there is a dance number that is so bizarre, I fast forward every time. Then, there is another guy who is in love with Shirley Jones and yet, he has a thing for "French women" Lastly, there is a character who wants to get involved with one of Shirley Jones's friends....only without marriage (nothing happens and it is quite funny) What am I trying to say? If you could, watch it for the music.

Carousel is my least favorite of the bunch. I can't get into it if I try--and both Gordon MacRae and Shirley Jones are in it. When there isn't a song that sticks out in my memory, that's a problem. And when what does stick out is the weird dance number I fast forwards--that is also a problem. The guy's character isn't likable; in fact, he is a heel. So, honestly, don't watch this film--unless you want the story of an angel who gets to go down to earth and help his fmaily--but it is more odd than that (I can't explain it better than that)

So tell me, if you have made it through all that, what Rodgers and Hammerstein have you seen? Which ones do you like? Or hate? If you haven't seen any of these besides The Sound of Music (and if you haven't seen that....where have you been =) get one and try it! Personally, I say State Fair, but it is entirely up to you ;-)

I Killed Mr. Elton!!!!

Calling all Jane Austen fans! I have brought The Pemberley Chronicles to your attention. Now it is time for me to do another one.

I stumbled upon Lost in Austen--Create Your Own Jane Austen Adventure, by Emma Campbell Webster quite by accident. I was looking up something else with the same title and I discovered this book. I checked my library, saw they had it, and thought, "why not get it?" I did and it has been so much fun.

Picture this: You are Elizabeth Bennett but you have the ability to change the outcome of her life! The book presents you with choices and then, you have to suffer the consequences. You end up crossing paths with the majority of Jane Austen's beloved characters from ALL her books. You discover, if you choose one way, that Mr. Knightley is a friend of your father's. Or you create the Persuasion scenario and you have an uncle appropriately named "Mr. Bennett." (You know, it was Mr. Elliot in Persuasion.)

Now, I have to warn you. Some of the situations that result are highly unrealistic and not all that Jane Austenish. (Like I don't think Jane would have written where Elizabeth accepts Darcy's cousin, Lady Catherine shoots you because she is mad, Fitzwilliam shoots her, and then Darcy shoots him, do you? =)

Also, cheating by looking at all the paths doesn't ensure you success. Trust me, I found that out. I thought my way was going okay.....but all of a sudden, I found myself in a scene from Emma. Mr. Elton starts paying attention to "me." I find it annoying, so I leave the Weston's party. He follow me and is crushed by "my carriage" and I got to jail for killing a man of the cloth! Interesting, isn't it?

A lot of the dialogue is strictly Austen, so all of you true fans will appreciate that. But I think all of you would like the story. So, go get Lost in Austen for yourself!

Answers to Questions--First Edition

Okay, so four gals asked me some questions. Miss S., Anna, Jasmine, and Bonnie....you asked some good ones! The "deep" questions will be answered in posts of their own, but I thought I would do the fun ones now. I appreciate y'all starting this off.

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Miss S. wanted to know: How often do I eat a hotdog? The answer is never. I cannot stand hotdogs! I can't get past the whole "eating parts" thing. I occasionally eat a chicken corndog; those are more standable. At sporting events, I do not care if hotdogs are culture and tradition...give me a burger anyday!


Do I like sunny days or cloudy days better? Why? I would say sunny days, with an average temperature in the 70's. The sunshine makes me happy and it benefits my skin a great deal!


If a teapot fell from the sky and onto my head, what would I do? I would duck! I freak out when baseballs, volleyballs, ANYTHING seem to be coming near my face =)

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Jasmine asked me: What is your favorite movie? How can I be limited to one??!! I love almosst every single movie I watch. I love black and white films, girly films, musicals, some new (but decent) movies... so I cannot say. One that I could easily add to my list would be The Inheritance. If you all haven't seen it, you should!


What is your favorite soundtrack? Hands down, it would be Emma. I love that one; it is so soothing. But when I am dusting, Pirates of the Caribbean is great.


What is your favorite song to play on the piano? I absolutely love Gershwin's Prelude #2. I had to play that this year at my festival. Pachabel's Canon in D is great too.


What color are my eyes? My eyes are blue...but at times, it certainly doesn't seem so! They change with every color I wear.
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Anna asked me: Which do I enjoy wearing more: skirts and shirts or dresses? I would have to say skirts and shirts. It is much harder for me to find dresses that look good on me than it is to locate skirts. However, I have two summer dresses that I want to make soon.

What is my favorite color to wear? That would be blues of all shades--especially turquoise. I am a "summer" when it comes to colring tones. I also like red and believe it or not, brown.

What is my favorite way to fix my hair? I really enjoy having a hair style. I keep it at shoulder length (or a little below) and I use curling irons to flip it up at parts and down in some parts. It only takes about 8 minutes to do and it isn't "overboard."

What is my favorite quote on womanhood/femininity? I absolutely love what Peter Marshall says on the subject. My favorite quote you can all read here, as it is rather long for me to write it all.
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Bonnie asked: Have you ever traveled outside your home country? The answer is yes, I have. But only for an hour. We were up in northern Idaho on vacation just a few miles from Canada. We decided to make a detour and go. However, we had to make it snappy. (Garrett and I didn't have passports or anything and the guy said the only way there wouldn't be a problem if he let us back in.....and we had only an hour. We nearly bought gas (not realizing it was the metric system) but we made it make to the U.S.A without any issue! =)

What is your favorite food treat? HARD!!! Right now, I haven't had sweets or French bread in a long time so both sound really good!! But probably cheesecake; I only get it twice, maybe three times, a year.

What is something you'd love to do, even though people would think you crazy? That is also difficult. I would say following politics. I do it already; most teens my age can't stand them. I am one who stays up until 2 in the morning watching election returns!

That was fun, y'all. If you girls have any more, please let me know. And I will do the deep ones in the next day or two!

A Silly Post For Once

I haven't posted something silly and ordinary for a while. So I thought I would today. You shall find out what is going on in my head at this moment....or immediately comes to it......scary! =)

I am: a great sinner who has been saved by a Great Savior

I think: a lot--and sometimes out loud

I know: that I don't know all the answers

I want: to meet my on-line friends one day

I have: the best family in the whole world

I wish: I was doing something for my graduation (long story)

I hate: being stereotyped by the news media

I miss: my grandparents down in Florida

I fear: stairs with holes in them

I feel: extremely blessed

I hear: Celtic Woman singing "You Raise Me Up."

I smell: the mango scent burner from upstairs

I crave: bagels, french bread, sweets.....junk food. Bad girl!

I search: the scriptures, books, and God's creation for the bulk of my writing inspiration

I wonder: how God will write my love story.

I regret: that far too often, I hurt those closest to me

I love: but it pales in comparison to God's love

I ache: in the stomach sometimes.

I care: about lots of things. My family, friends, country, etc.

I always: feel like my opinion needs to be known

I am not: into the High School Musical rage

I believe: that God's grace is all sufficient; that His faithfulness is great; He is more than enough

I dance: in the privacy of my room. I can't dance...or at least, I don't think I can. I have imaginary partners

I sing: all the time. And I don't care what I sound like!

I cry: in almist every movie....even Big Bird once

I don't always: clean the kitchen counter the greatest

I fight: not with fists, but sadly, with words

I write: because I love it and God has put it on my heart

I never: thought my life would be the way it is now

I listen: to music a lot

I need: to finsih up Mom's mother's day present

I am happy about: having this blog and the opportunities it brings to glorify the Lord

Collecting Recipes Even Now

I absolutely love cooking! I find such enjoyment in trying new recipes and making old family favorites. And even though the dishes part is not something I like about the whole process, I realize that it is an essential part of it.

My family members are wonderful cheerleaders in my cooking journey. Mom and I do a cookbook club together; Dad is constantly encouraging me to write it down when I find a new recipe. Garrett....well....he eats it for me! (And I know he will tell me when something is terrible.) Every different aspect of my family in this means a great deal to me. For truly, I have no desire to enter into marriage being unable to cook, a person who boils water and feeds her husband packaged macaroni and cheese.

This week, I have begun compiling a whole bunch of recipes for a family cookbook. Well, let me strike that. I have been writing a few recipes on recipe cards and putting them in my hopechest. But those are easily lost. A cookbook would ensure a legacy to carry on for future generations. So, with Mom and Dad's help, I am writing a list of so far 85 recipes that have been in the extended family or are our family's favorite eats. Sooner or later, I am going to get a cookbook making program and get it all on there, print it out, and keep that in my hopechest.

I was going to list two of them for you....but you know Blogger! Anyway, I want to encourage you all to think ahead and begin keeping recipes, buying cookbooks, and practicing what you have learned now! The waiting years are a prime opportunity to do all this! And I am sure you will grow to enjoy cooking and baking, as I do!

Garrett's 16 Favorite Things On His 16th Birthday

Today is Garrett's 16th birthday. Golly, they grow up so fast! =) I wanted to do something different to honor him today, so I want you all to know a little more about this very essential part of the family.

Favorite Color: Hunter green or orange

Favorite Food: Chicken and Nuggies. (Hard to explain....it's fried chicken in a cream of mushroom soup gravy over egg noodles. Yummy!)

Favorite Music Group/ Person: Brandon Heath

Favorite Movie: Rocketman

Favorite Book: The Strange Ordeal of the Normandier

Favorite thing to do: mess with wood and bass fish

Favorite Sport: Baseball

Favorite Baseball Team: Boston Red Sox

Favorite College Football Team: Florida Gators and Oklahoma State Cowboys

Favorite Vacation We've Been one: "All good in different ways."

Favorite Book of the Bible: Acts

Favorite Thing We Do As A Family: Watch World Series Games

One place you want to go before death: revisit Fenway Park or go to Moscow, Russia

Favorite Animal: Dog

Favorite Ice Cream Flavor: "Anything but straight vanilla"

Favorite Memory of Me and You: the times we play computer games

Happy Birthday, Garrett. I am glad that you are my brother!! I love you and I look forward to the new experiences we will have in the forthcoming year.

Oh no! Tagged!

Some of you might not know this, so I will enlighten you! I have really begun seeing my blog as a ministry, so I have tried opening it up...but with precautions of course. Anyway, Mom mentioned me on her blog, and some have begun leaving comments. However, they use Homestead Blogger, so I have created an account to make it easier to comment on theirs. This blog is DEFINITELY my top priority when it comes to blogging, but I do post on my other one every so often. (But with everything you read here, so ya'll aren't missing anything!)

I have been what is called "tagged!" Even though I want to post "important, eternally-significant things," I do enjoy fun stuff. So, I hope you like reading 8 lesser known things about me. But there is a catch, I have tagged some of you!!

1. My ideal day would be watching girly movies (Pride and Prejudice, Sense and Sensibility, Emma, Wives and Daughters, North and South) with Mom while stamping cards and eating cheesecake, while being surrounded by roses and lilacs.

2. Unlike most people my age, I do not have my driver's license...and I am not sure when I will.

3. I would love to give a speech at my home school high school graduation.

4. I am a column editor for HopeChest Magazine, Nurturing Young Ladies Toward Biblical Womanhood.

5. I have been to the emergency room twice. The first time when I had five seizures at eighteen months old. The second times was when I was ten and I broke my arm. (That taught me ALOT about obedience.)

6. Sometimes I entertain the notion that I will one day publish a book entitled, There is More to Modesty.

7. I plan on being a chef, interior designer, fashion designer, mediator, and the director of Homeland Security when I get older.....wives and mothers do all those things! :-)

8. That the Lord is my very best friend!!

Okay, that was a little bit harder than I thought it would be. Why...I have no idea. Oh, I though of an additional one, so...

9. I often get asked at restaurants if I want the kid's menu. I stand at 4 foot 11 and a half, and I weigh 85 pounds. I always get taken for a 12 year old!

Anyway, I now tag: Mom, Emily, Alice, Anna, Miriam, uh....that's all I can think of. Now, ya'll have to think of 8 things, post them, and then tag 8 more people. Enjoy!

Friday's Fourteen

Alright, I haven't been posting for a while. I am guilty!! I have seriously wanted to, but I have wanted to do an enlightening post....and one hasn't come to me. I thought of doing one in relation to the National Day of Prayer, but that was yesterday. So, I am going to do a post about fourteen things I have either been up to or will be up to. Okay? Here I go!


1. I got my hair cut. I have been meaning to (is that a recurring theme with me or what?) Since I have a style, but since it can get expensive, I only get it down every four or five months. I tried something a little different this time...and it is working to a point. I am going back to get help, but if I can't get it exactly right, I have found a way that I am perfectly content with.

2. I recently bought some new music...piano music that is. I got 100 EZ Praise and Worship Choruses and the music to the new Pride and Prejudice Soundtrack. I can't wait to play them!

3. You know the "article/ editorial" that I had you read on here? Well, I got an e-mail from Anne, saying it will be published in the next issue! I am so excited!! I am praying that God will continue to give me the words and that He will use it to bless people. Truly, He has brought this position into my lap...and I want it all about Him!

4. I have begun working on my third skirt. My second one, the blue one with the flounce, was finished last week. It turned out better than the first one. My new one is going to be...uh...I can't describe it. I will have to post a picture of the finished product.

5. I haven't spent as much time in the kitchen I would like to lately. School has been keeping me busy, really busy. However, I will try to in the next few days.

6. We are going camping for Mother's Day. That is what she wants to do, and since it is a time to honor mother's, we will abide by her request. It will be at Bruneau again; her choice once more.

7. Tomorrow, I have a busy day. Mom and I are going to the tea room for lunch and then, we are going to check out a homeschool graduation in preparation for me next year.

8. I stopped reading Dickens' novel, Our Mutual Friend. He is just a little too wordy for me. Since Mom said it was a book I chose, I could stop. Other books that are required (and terrible) I have to finish.

9. My Bible studies are going well. I am really focusing on Secret Keeper at the moment..not that I do not want to work on I Kissed Dating Good-Bye. Secret Keeper has really been teaching me a lot of things, though I do wish that it focused on the internal side of things. (Maybe it will; I am not finished with it yet.)

10. Nikki has been a month now without a seizure. That is a big answer to pray, for her last two were not this long at all. I hope and pray we have even longer ahead of us without watching her have that pain.

11. I planted two new rose bushes in the front yard. I bought them back in March but left them in the nursery until Tuesday. They are going to be pink and yellow when they bloom. I love roses!

12. We planted our garden. Lord willing, it will give us bountiful vegetables. I love fresh produce. I made a diagram of the garden that we can keep, so that in 2018 (random year) we can see what our garden looked like in 2007.

13. Family life is going great. We have had times of games, wlaks, movies, and all sorts of other things together. I am truly blessed by my family!

14. I have succeeding in updating you about my life. I hope you are all doing well. Hopefully, I will have more "enlightening" posts in the next week; sorry this took so long. God bless ya'll. I hope you are seeing Him high and lifted up, even in life's small pleasures. I am!

90 Things You Might Have Known About Me, Or Maybe Not

1. I wanted to post these lovely pictures of spring
2. I am a follower of Jesus Christ
3. I am listening to Adventures of Odyssey right now
4. We are celebrating St. Patrick's Day today
5. I was born in Orlando, Florida
6. I had seizures when I was eighteen months old
7. I broke my right arm when I was ten, after I fell from an above ground pool
8. I started playing the piano when I was eight...or was it nine?
9. My favorite composer is Beethoven
10. I love pastel shades of colors
11. I do not like coffee, the smell or the taste :-(
12. I do enjoy seafood, though some of it is bad for you
13. My favorite vegetable is roasted broccoli
14. French bread is one of my weaknesses
15. My favorite food is my dad's chicken and nuggies
16. Mom and I enjoy going to tea rooms together
17. I used to desire to be a flower designer
18. I hope to get married and have children one day
19. I hope to stay in the state of Idaho all my life
20. My favorite books of the Bible are Phillipians and Ruth
21. My favorite hymn is Great is Thy Faithfulness
22. I like a lot of various music: Christian, Classical, Instrumental, Movie Soundtracks. (all decent mind you!)
23. I enjoy Louisa May Alcott and Jane Austen Novels
24. I detested The Red Badge of Courage
25. The Scarlet Pimpernel is a really great book..up to chapter 9 that is. I don't know the rest.
26. I do enjoy watching movies
27. Admittingly, I like the Pirates of The Caribbean movies
28. I love watching British movies
29. Little House on the Prairie is a great tv show
30. I love to watch golf
31. I don't overly enjoy horse racing
32. My favorite sports are gymnastics and golf
33. I don't mind watching baseball and college football with the family.
34. Our favorite vacation spot is Yellowstone
35. We plan to go camping this year
36. I can't go someplace that doesn't have running water or electricity
37. My dream is to go to Washington D.C.
38. I am a history fan (thus the desire to see D.C.)
39. Algebra was a BIG challenge
40. I am doing Consumer Math this year
41. Garrett, Dad, and I are in the pen making business
42. I will manage the financial side of it
43. I love my dog Nikki
44. I have had three birds in a year long period
45. I love cheesecake
46. I enjoy trying new recipes
47. The worst recipe ever invented is curried califlower sandwiches
48. Sometimes I wish my name was different than what it is
49. Yet, it means "God is my Strength."
50. 1 Peter 4:11 has special meaning to me
51. I was baptized in December of 2005
52. I have my own digital camera, now that Garrett bought a new one and everyone likes it better
53. I wish there were better tv shows on nowadays than there are
54. I am an "advocate" for modesty and purity
55. I desire to "do hard things"
56. I am not a morning person, but I definitely am a night owl
57. I loved playing the game of Life when I was younger; I still do
58. Apples to Apples is a family favorite
59. I am so glad the L's taught me to play pinochle
60. I am gulity of being a pack rat, a neat pack rat
61. I used to take ballet when I was three or four
62. I have made some of my friendships online
63. I love to spend time with my parents
64. I think I have the funniest brother around
65. Confidentially, I would love to speak at my graduation next year
66. I used to want to do the homeschool yearbook
67. I am an editor for HopeChest magazine
68. Starbuck's green tea frozen thingy is super good (I can't remember the actual name)
69. Bring on the lemon flavors!
70. My favorite ice cream is chocolate chip cookie dough
71. I love the scent of citrus in the bathroom and baked goods in the kitchen
72. I used to have a 101 Dalmatians bathroom
73. I went to public school in kindergarten
74. Trinity Christian Academy provided my 1st through half of 3rd grade education
75. I think homeschooling is the only way to go
76. Sometimes, I wish I could ride a horse at a full gallop with the wind in my hair
77. I went out of the country for a brief thirty minutes
78. If God would will it, I would like to improve on #77
79. I wish I had more siblings
80. I think families with lots of kids are greatly blessed
81. The Lord is my best friend
82. I am thankful to the Lord for all of my friends and family
83. I am looking forward to starting sewing lessons tomorrow
84. My goal is to sew a fancy Regency dress
85. I would love to have an excuse to wear a fancy dress
86. I am such a girly girl
87. I wear skirts 75% of the time
88. I enjoy wearing capris in the summer time
89. I look forward to planting lots of flowers this summer
90. I have to stop....dinner is ready!