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!!

Ok, something short. I wanted to thank you all for the nice comments and prayers that you all gave me over the loss of Melody. Your friendship means alot! She has been gone one week now, and it still hurts a little, but I am doing much better. On the bird front, I won't be getting one for quite a while. The process is too long involved to get into right now, but I will let you know when I get another one, and also its name.

I don't have the pictures uploaded on the computer yet, so I can't post them. The bananarama was great fun. I was on a team with Hannah, Christina and William L., and Shifty's (and Grace's) brother, Billy. Pastor Chris was our driver. We did have to measure some dumb things, like a person between 55 and 65's arm! That was embarrassing. Our team got back to the B.'s house last, but that didn't matter. While waiting on pizza, we played kickball. Girls against boys, and guess which side won?! The girls did!! That was exciting. After two innings, we enjoyed the aforesaid pizza and banana splits. It was a nice afternoon.

Church was great. We had a guest speaker, and I was not able to hear him in the morning service. I was upstairs working in the three to kindergartens' class. I love being up there, but this upcoming Sunday is my last for a month. Then Brianne will take over! Anyway, I did a puppet show, and that was heartily enjoyed by them, and me. Sunday evening had another finger food fellowship. (Baptists must love to eat!) I got to listen to Dean Loftus then, and his talk was very good. I always enjoy guests, but I always look forward to Pastor Jeff!

Nothing much else out of the ordinary is going on. We ate pumpkin shakes on Friday. I am not sure if I mentioned that before. Talk about a slice of pumpkin pie crammed in a glass. You should try it! Other than that, there is nothing exciting, except watching baseball. As I have said, my family is a baseball watching family, yet only in the playoffs. It has been great fun doing that as a family. Now, on a God-honoring blog, I am sure you don't want sports recaps. So I'll just say that the World Series is tied one ot one, and I hope the home team wins tonight. Yes, my family will be watching.

Well, I will stop for now. Sorry about the pics. I will try to get them up soon. Again, thanks for being there, all of you, when I needed some friends last week. The Lord was always there, but so were you, and I am really grateful. I am truly blessed by God to have the family I have and friends such as you! I don't deserve you, but I am thankful for you!

Oh, my dear bird named Melody. (I didn't think posting this would make me cry:-( Read my preceding post to hear my story.

For my blogging audience, I wanted to say that I am alive and well! I have just been very busy. This isn't going to be a long post either, just enough to let you know that I have not skipped the blogging world. I intend to take the digital camera tomorrow to the BananaRama and post pictures afterwards. I think you will all enjoy that.

I have had a rough week this week. First off, my wonderful bird, Melody, died VERY unexpectedly on Tuesday. It was nothing I did; everyone has said that. The lady who I bought her from said that she believed it was something genetic. Melody was always skinny and wouldn't eat anything other than millet. (That is something she isn't supposed to do:-) Anyway, I found her after I got back from piano lessons, and that was not cool. I was in hysterics and blaming myself. However, Dad and I went to the Bird Barn, where we got her, and I will be getting another bird in about six weeks or so. I must admit, I am nervous, but I will just do what I did with Melody, and see what happens.

Next, I had a difficult time with some friends yesterday. One of the girls statred talking negatively about my church, and that bugged me. Fellowship Baptist Church is like my family, and I refuse to listen to my "family" be accused of being judgmental and things like that. I don't want to get into any more details, lest I become a gossip and a grudge holder. Needless to say, that made my week doubly hard. Yet, I was ok with the discussions we had. It made me really stand up for what I believe in, and situations such as these help shape me into the person I want to be. (That is: a girl who doesn't care what the world might think. As long as she remains true to Her God, her parents, and her conscience, that is what is important!)

However, I will be the first to admit that the Lord upheld me and kept me going through it all. All through Melody's death, and the group problems, I felt my God right by me. I saw His hand and His comfort. How faithful He is!!!! He enabled me to not get angry or lose my cool in any of the situations. I was able to turn it all over to Him, and He took care of the rest. I was just listening to Josh Groban sing "You Raise Me Up," and I listened to the words. The Lord raised me to walk on the stormy seas and I am stong when I am on His shoulder. His grace has been sufficient for me this week. How I praise Him for that! I hope it has been for you!

The week hasn't been all bad. We have had alot of family fun watching baseball. Cardinals did win the NLCS, and you should have seen me last night. I was into the game, so much so that I was talking to the tv. I do that alot. For the record, though, I am an Astros fan, but the Red Birds are ok.:-) How I have enjoyed the memory making with my family! They last forever!

Well, that's it for me for the next day or so. You have had a glimpse of my ups and downs this week. I hope you have had more ups than downs, but if not, I hope you were able to see the Lord give you the strength to meet what comes at you, and be able to pass it with His enablement. It is in these situations that, when we get to Heaven, we may hear God say, "Well done, my Good and Faithful Servant!" I can look back and see that the Lord gave me the strength I talked about; I pray you could say the same. I wasn't perfect, but by His grace, I succeeded! Have a great weekend, and I will post soon...

"Starbucks" Cranberry Bliss Bars

For the cake: 1 cup butter, softened; 1 1/4 cup light brown sugar; 3 eggs; 1 1/2 teaspoon vanilla; 1 teaspoon ginger; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1 1/2 cups flour; 3/4 cup dried cranberries, diced;

6 ounces white chocolate, cut into chucks (or chips)

Frosting: 4 ounces cream cheese, softened; 3 cups powdered sugar; 4 teaspoon lemon juice;

1/2 teaspoon vanilla

Drizzled icing: 1/2 cup powdered sugar; 1 tablespoon milk; 2 teaspoons butter

Topping: 1/4 cup dried cranberries, diced

1. Preheat the oven to 350

2. Make cake by beating butter and brown sugar together with mixer until smooth. Add eggs, vanilla, ginger, and salt. Beat well. Mix in flour until smooth. Mix 3/4 cup diced dried cranberries and white chocolate into the batter by hand. Pour batter into greased 13x9 baking pan. Use a spatula to spread the batter evenly. (Do not fear if the dough is thick and not more liquid like. It will be fine.) Bake for 35 to 40 minutes or until cake is golden brown around the edges. Allow cake to cool.

3. Make frosting by combining softened cream cheese, 3 cups powdered sugar, lemon juice, and vanilla in a bowl with an electric mixer until smooth. When the cake has cooled, use a spatula to spread the frosting.

4. Sprinkle 1/4 cup cranberries over the frosting

5. Whisk together 1/2 powdered sugar, 1 tablespoon milk, and butter until smooth. Drizzle icing over the cranberries in a sweeping motion.

6. Allow cake to sit for several hours, then slice the cake length-wise once through the middle. Slice the cake across the width three times, making a total of 8 rectangular slices. Slice each of those 8 slices once diagonally, created 16 triangular slices.

(Note- It doesn't say to put the bars in the fridge, but I did. You keep cream cheese in the fridge, don't you?)

It's Friday, can anyone believe that? I certainly can't. The week has just sped by! It has been a good week though! Let's see...What to say about it?

First, an update on "Wolfie," as my teacher and I have dubbed Mozart. Actually, he has gone pretty well this past week The real test will be next Tuesday; that's when I find out how I am doing:-) I wish I could somehow find an audio link to put on here; that way, you can hear what it is supposed to sound like. I will tell you that it is Sonata in C. Easy key, but not an easy piece!

The Cranberry Bliss Bars were really good! I will have to post the recipe. Maybe I will do that after I am done posting. Anyway, I have to give the recipe to Mrs. E.; she loved them. I was pleased with how they turned out. I hope you would be too.

School is progressing very well too. I am always busy, but at least, I can't be accused of being lazy and doing the bare minimum. I finished Uncle Tom's Cabin, and it was a fabulous book. Now I am reading Harriet Beecher and the Beecher Preachers. It isn't so good. For one thing, it is on the boring side, and second, Harriet is portrayed in this as a discontent woman who wasn't pleased being a wife and mother, even though she knew it to be the best calling. Also, she seems on the feminist side, and that I definitely don't like. Oh, well. I have Across Five Aprils to look forward to next.

The Ronald Reagan report is taking up all of my free reading time. I don't know if you all have ever done this, but it isn't very enjoyable to read a book, knowing that you have to keep your eye open for notes. I much prefer reading a book and getting absolutely engrossed in the characters. I hope I don't appear to be a complainer, for I am really enjoying learning about our foreith president. I am trying to find a copy of his funeral. I was unable to watch it for some reason, but I think it would be good for my report.

This week, I uncovered my notebook that has my 70 page story, and growing, in it. I love writing in it. I get to make up characters the way I want them to be. It is a rather sad story, but it is God honoring. It is about a girl who is homeschooled and lives in a big family. And the book goes through the trials the family faces and how they rely on God and each other to see them through. Sounds odd, doesn't it? Yet, I love it!!! Right now, the girl's brother has proposed to his "girl" right before he leaves to go to Iraq. I know that when I write the good-bye scene, I will bawl, or at least get teary-eyed. I want to encourage you all to try writing your own story. No, mine might never get published, as much as that would be cool. However, it brings enjoyment, and it really stretches your mind and creativity. You explore things you never could imagine!

Tonight, Mom and I are going to the Boise Philharmonic. Unfortunately, there is a guest conductor, and it's a woman! I don't like that idea. I think we are going to the concert earlier than usual to hear some background on the pieces, but I am not sure about that. This week, it is a "You Picked It" Concert. Season ticket holders got to pick some out of a whole bunch of choices. I know Swan Lake is one of them! I will have to let you all know how it was.

Tomorrow, we are probably going to rake leaves and then go to Brianne's house. On the weather, it is absolutely beautiful. (I think my friend, Alice, is experiencing winter right now!) Anyway, I am enjoying all the leaves and the cooler temps. It is wonderful!

Well, I must clean a bathroom and then change for the concert. I am also partailly watching baseball:-0 Surprising, isn't it? Hope you all have a great week. (Oh, please no more comments about being dead and stuff like that. I don't think that is a very God-honoring topic. Sorry Shifty!)

Let's see.. Bible time, check. Piano practice, check. School, check. Dusting, check. Fold laundry, check. Exercise, check. Make some sort of treat, waiting on an ingredient that Dad is buying at the store. Blogging... uh, check! :-)

Well, that's been my day so far. For those of you who care to know, I spent my entire practice time trying to figure out my original composition. I would really appreciate your prayers on this. I am about to go crazy, or maybe I already have! I am thinking the Irish Jig idea is going to be scrapped, and instead, I am going to do something about Springtime. Who is to say yet!

Again, I am loving my school books, except I have gotten to a rather depressing part in Uncle Tom's Cabin. However, I am enjoying it despite this. My Ronald Reagan report is in the note taking stage. I don't have any idea when that will be finished! Yet I am so glad that I chose to do it about him. He's truly an amazing guy, yet I have said that before:-)

I am waiting to make these cranberry bliss bars when Dad gets home. I have a cookbook that are "top secret recipes" from like restaurants, fast food chains, and things like that. (No, it's not the exact recipe, but almost.) These bars are from Starbucks. I have never personally had them, but the recipe sounds really good. It also is pretty fattening, or maybe the word I want is rich. Anyway, I am waiting on some white chocolate that goes in the batter. I plan on taking these to the Ladies' Fellowship tomorrow night, so I have to bake them this evening.

I am sure you all want to hear about my weekend. Saturday was wonderful. We went to the tearoom, and stayed there for over three hours with Grace and Mrs. D. It was a really nice time of fellowship and food. Then, Mom and I made cards, or rather she did. I couldn't figure out what I wanted to do. I wanted to do a different type of card, instead of the ones I usually do, but nothing was coming to me. I did finish one before Mom and I went to watch Wives and Daughters.

Ok, about that.... I LOVED it. It was a great movie. (Thanks to Melinda for loaning it to me!) It is long, 5 hours, but you get really into the story line. It is entirely decent, and I believe there is only one low cut dress. The realationship between Molly and her dad is great, and Molly's attitude throughout the whole movie is fantastic. I did cry at the end of tape two, though I won't say why. I will tell you that I was on tinterhooks until the final credits. I was hitting the couch and talking to the tv screen, I was so into it. Those who have seen it probably understand my meaning. Anyway, it was good, and I do intend to buy it. It's one of those that you want when the guys are gone on an eighteen hour fishing excursion, as they were this time. However, if I get the movie before or after Christmas remains to be seen:-)

Yesterday was church. I was up with the kids, and I enjoyed it. We did stay down for part of the service but then we went up and traced the kids' hands and feet and talked about how we can use these to serve the Lord. It was great fun. After church, Garrity went to the B's house while Mom, Dad, and I went to Golden Corral with Pastor Jeff and his family, as well as Hannah and her family. We had a wonderful time of fellowship and stayed there until 4:30. Then, we came home for a half hour to take care of Nikki, and then headed back to church. It seems like a crazy day, but it was a great day.

Well, I had better see if I need to help with dinner. It is dreary out here right now. I am wearing a scarf that I made around the house. No, I am not cold; I just like it. However, I did have a beam of sunshine today. I saw the Lord answer a prayer that I had prayed that morning. Isn't the Lord wonderful! I know I can say that today; I hope you can too. Even if not in a form of answer prayer, look and see; you will discover that He IS wonderful, regardless of what things appear like!

I have a brief few minutes, so I figured I would update you all on my life this week. It has been great, and not too crazy!!! Anyway..

Tuesday was piano lessons. They went fine, but I must admit, I am at a block with some of the pieces. First off, I don't like Mozart. I know I have said that repeatedly, but it's the truth!! I am trying to have a positive attitude about the guy, but it is just so hard!! Then, I am still in the midst of composer's block on my original composition. I wanted it to be an Irish Jig, but that's not happening. My few notes sound more like an Arabic terrorist group or something! It is nutty. Oh, how I wish I could get these things figured out! The Lord needs to grant me patience, both with the pieces, and with myself.

Yesterday, we went to the Phillips, Craig, and Dean concert. We got there early like Dad wanted, but we wound up in the middle section of the center. But, I could see!!! We wound up sitting with the Dy's, so that was fun. The music was incredible. (I say I don't like them, as a father/daughter joke, but I am really kidding.) Oh, the lyrics were amazing. I nearly got teary-eyed several times, and I am not sure why. The music was just getting to me. They played my Dad's favorite (but not the one you said, Alice.) They played two songs off of their new cd, and I just love the song, Your Name. Talk about a song with a message. But I liked this other one that went, "Lord, I am amazed by you, Lord, I am amazed by you, Lord, I am amazed by you, that you love me." It was just a cool song, because it is sooo true. How the Lord loves me inspite of myself and grants me grace and mercy every day I can hardly fathom!

We did discipleship tonight, and the subject was on modesty. Oh, that is such an important subject, but one that is not really practiced anymore. We really talked about how modesty is a law by God and it prevents guys from stumbling. That is why I do it. Yes, I do it for Garrity, but I do it for the guys at church too. I just wish there were more people that did things my way. (Actually, it's God's way.) I pray that never will I, even accidentally, do anything that leads a fellow brother, or any guy, down a path of destruction.

Ok, Mom and I have figured out our plan for Saturday. We are making cards, like I said, and we are going to the tearoom. But we decided to go with Grace and Mrs. D. They have never been before, and I bet they will enjoy it. (Though it isn't the Ritz or anything:-) Then, Mom and I are going to watch the new Pride and Prejudice and Wives and Daughters. I have heard the latter is really good. I have seen the former once, and I tried very hard not to compare it with the long six hour one. I don't know how good I did. The scenery and music in the new one is breathtaking! Yet, it left out alot of the book, but it's to be expected with a two hour thing. Something has got to go!

Oh, I don't remember if I said that I decided to do Ronald Reagan for my research paper. Well, I finished one book today, and I wound up with six pages of notes and four pages of quotes. I still have either four or five books left to do!! I have come to determine that he was an amazing and godly president. If only we had about four presidents, each with two terms, that were just like him, our country wouldn't be so far gone today!

Well, I must close. So, there's a brief update. Have a swell weekend, and God Bless!!!

Happy October everybody! I hope you are enjoying the season of autumn, though I bet it is being spent at the books. I know mine is! School is going well; I am enjoying all of my subjects, except science. I really don't like that! Yet, it is required, so I have to deal with it:-) However, if I could get off, and instead do more literature or history, I would in a heartbeat!

My week last week was very good. Friday was the ladies thing. I enjoyed myself immensely. Hannah did not show up ,but Grace, Brianne, and Melinda did, among others. I ate far too much junk food (but it was good:-) Afterwards, most people talked, but I made a decorative candle. It was easy; just nakpins cut out and rubbed on the wax with a HOT curling iron. I got a tiny bit of wax on me, the neck to be precise. No, I didn't sick the curling iron up there; it was just so hot, the wax splattered. Thankfully, it was hardly anything, and I didn't cry out. Mom and I left around 10:30. I think those who weren't staying overnight left around then too. We got home and discovered that the guys at our house at almost all of the cookies I had made!! (I had doubled the chocolate chips and did a batch of oatmeal raisin!) I believe they liked them though.

Saturday was pictures. I am sorry I don't have any to post on here yet, but if I can, I will eventually. Anyway, they turned out great. We went to various places in the Meridian area, a barn, pond, and along the river. Yes, I said a barn, and actually, we did buy some of them. Our family picture is along the Boise River in Eagle. I liked it the best. Oh, if I didn't say before, Mom and I wore red, and Dad and Garrett wore hunter green. It looked really nice!

Yesterday was church; need I say more? It was great. We did sing, and it was to the Lord's glory. The majority of us wore pink or red, and that wasn't even planned. We girls all got a kick out of that! I wasn't overly nervous until offering, then it hit me. My legs felt like jelly and lead, if that is even possible. I just prayed, and then got started. I think we did very well. I tried to keep pitch with Grace; hopefully, it worked! yet most of all, I hope the congregation saw the Lord high and lifted up in our song. Truly, we are Redeemed, and I want to proclaim it. I am his child forever!!! Otherwise, church was great besides. We stayed a tiny bit later than school normal last night. I just talked with the girls and had a great time of fellowship with my fellow believers.

This week is a busy one, yet again, it's with my family. Tomorrow is piano and Dy's. Wednesday is the Phillips, Craig, and Dean concert. (They are my dad's favorite, and he sooo wants to go!) Friday is Andrew Dy's birthday, so the whole family is going over for cake and fun. Saturday, Garrett and Dad are going fishing all day with Mr. R., so Mom and I are having girl time. That means making cards, going to the tea room, possibly with a friend, and watching a girly movie. I think it will be Wives and Daughter and my new Pride and Prejudice. Sounds fun!!!!!

Well, I must dust, and help get dinner prepared. I hope you are all blessed by the Lord, and that I am thankful for each of you and your friendship!!! May you see Him in amazing ways these next few days! To God be the Glory, great things He hath done!!!!! For He is good, and His love endures forever!

Here are some various photos of autumn foliage...

This tree is in our backyard..

These next two are at Kathryn Albertson Park, in downtown Boise

Isn't it pretty?

Oh, it is such a beautiful autumn day here!!! I wish I had pictures to post of the beautiful downtown scenery, but we left the camera at home, by accident. I will try my utmost to take some next time. The Lord has created a magnificent world, hasn't he? I do believe that spring and fall are when he really when he gets his paintbrush out!

Today, of course, was piano. It was great, though I don't overly like one of the pieces. Actually, it is more like an exercise. I know the Lord has given it to me, so that I can practice patience and learn to get past out of my comfort zone. It still is extremely difficult! Oh well, nothing was supposed to be easy about the Christian walk. Now, I am not complaining; I wouldn't exchange my life or my faith for anything. I just wish I had this "wonderful" piece by Hanon over and done with:-)

I got a hair trim today. See, we are going to get family pictures taken by a friend on Saturday for Christmas presents, and I wanted my hair to look nice. Perhaps that is vain, I don't know, but I also don't see a problem with wanting to look nice. Anyway, I will have to style it myself tomorrow; the lady didn't do that. I will tell you all about the picture taking after Saturday (Obviously) I also will tell you what colors we decided to wear!

This weekend is going to be crazy. Friday, Mom and I are going to a ladies' thing at church, while Dad and Garrity have some of the church guys over at our house. Both things will have junk food and fun, a winning combination. Saturday is pictures, and then Sunday, I sing with the girls' ensemble. Yikes!!!! Please be praying for me! I am not exactly nervous, but I don't like being the center of attention, either. Plus, I wish we had had one more practice. Nothing I can do about it though. Hopefull, everyone will be there; the cold / sore throat thing is going around our church.

Next week, I know I will be busy too. But I want you all to know that the majority is doing stuff with my family. Titus 2 tells women to be keepers at home, and I do stay home a lot. I don't drive, so that is one of the things that prevents me, but I don't have the desire to run myself ragged. I am perfectly content with the few things that I do. I much perfer spending quality time with my wonderful family that I have been richly blessed me with. Too many people don't realize their family is a blessing until it is too late. May the Lord always protect me from ever thinking that!

I just posted yesterday, but I do have a few minutes to write. Last night, Mom and I went to the Philharmonic, and it was lovely. The condutor was back ,and he looked totally recovered from his stroke, which was an answer to prayer. (now if he could just stay permanently:-) The guest soloist played on the piano, and WOW! I wish I had been able to see her fingers fly up and down the keys. She did move a considerably amount (rocking, swaying, etc.) Mom says for me not to do that. I really try, but I do somewhat, yet Beethoven did as well.

Listening to music made me thankful that the Lord has enabled me to play the piano. Yet, I don't think I have any aspirations to play professionally. My ultimate goal is to fulfill 1 Peter 4:11. I play for the glory of God, and that alone. I fear that if I did become very good, I would lose sight of that.

We went to Mission Aviation Fellowship this morning. Some people did amazing speeches, even our mayor. God was truly present, I will tell you that. It made me realize that if presidents would talk like that, perhaps our country would not be so far off.

Mom and Dad are messing around in the kitchen. Garrity just got off the telephone, and I am going to work on my cross-stitch while I watch golf. On that, I have come to the conclusion that teamwork is a key recipe for success. Watching the world, the pairs are laughing and joking. You don't see it as much in the Americans. Maybe it's because of egos, I don't know, but really, if they would learn from their competition, I totally believe they would win these matches. Pride does not get rewarded you know!

Well, I am posting today... finally. I have wanted to, but the computer situation has been crazy!!! I think you were all able to gather that! I am sooo glad that Dad was able to do it!! Many thanks to him for sticking with it and getting it done! So, now I am able to post once more on here.

By the pictures below, you can tell that we had a great time with the Dy's. Oh, we enjoyed their company immensely. The little girls were so excited when they got to hold my bird. Yet, their attention span was minimal, at best. However, they played with my dolls, and that was fun. I don't play with them much anymore, but I do enjoy changing their outfits and doing their hair. (for the record, I don't think that is anything to be ashamed of. You are who you are, and you can be a kid for as long as God wants you to be. Too many people try to act older too quickly.)

School has been progressing very well. I am loving my books for English and History. For those who haven't read Uncle Tom's Cabin, you ought to. It is a really good book, and the portrayal of loving when others despitfully use you is amazing. One we could definitely learn from. Pride and Prejudice is overall good. I am picturing characters from the six hour length one as I read it. Rather amusing.

I did have a surprise in the mail today. My granparents sent me the new Pride and Prejudice. I was surprised, for I had never talked about it; I haven't even seen it. Still, I was really excited. While I want to own the other one, I don't object to owning them both. :-) I did check on my movie review link, just to double check that it was decent, and it was. So...

Well, I had better finish up. This was just a short thing to let you all know that I am alive. I think tomorrow we might go to the opening of Mission Aviation Fellowship, or deal with fruit. I will know by tomorrow. Tonight, Mom and I go to the Boise Philharmonic (an orchestra) I am excited for that as well. I hope the normal conductor is there; he suffered a storke last season, and he will be leaving by next season. Bummer!! He was the best! There will be difficult shoes for another conductor to fill!

My little sisters: Lindsey and Anneliese. Oh, I love these two! The Lord has blessed me.

The Dy's (my other siblings:-) In the front row you have, from the left, Isabelle, Andrew, and Elizabeth. In the back are Anneliese and Lindsey

Ok, I had to delete a post in order to get my sidebar back up, and it didn't work!! It is driving me crazy!!! I am not sure what to do anymore!!!! Oh well! At least, I still have a blog, and it works, and it will eventually get back to normal. Until then, there is nothing I can do.

Anyway, hope you are all doing well, and I will actually post soon!!

I apologize for the fact that I have things all over that last post!!! If any one of you knows how to get a block quote working right. (Like how you put the aritcles in a different box, Erin.) I could sure use your help!! So, pardon the craziness... for now! :-)

Hi ya'll! It's Monday, and back to the old grind stone: school! It did go well today; I will assure you of that. I didn't get done until 4 o'clock, but that's to be expected. Yesterday was Sunday, arguably the best day of the week. I got to spend the entire day with Brianne! That was fun. (She came over to my house this time!) We went out to lunch, got her get up on a blog, and then played Life while listening to Celtic Woman. It was an enjoyable afternoon. Then, we went back to evening service for a baptism, and afterwards she and I walked a ton! Yet, we talked, and I am continually amazed at how the Lord has rewarded my effort in that area! He did above what I ever expected!

Now, the main reason for my post! I want to post three different recipes that I have been talking about before. So, here they are!


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The Best Chocolate Chip Cookies!

1 cup salad oil
3/4 cup sugar
3/4 cup brown sugar
2 eggs
1 tsp. vanilla
2 cups flour.
1 tsp. baking soda
1 tsp. salt
12 oz. chocolate chips

Mix first five ingredients with mixer. Mix in next three and fold in chips. Drop on greased cookie sheets and bake at 350 for 8-10 minutes.

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Cinnamon-Pecan Icebox Cookies

1 cup butter- softened
3/4 cup sugar
1/4 cup brown sugar
1 large egg .
1 tsp. vanilla .
2 1/4 cups flour
1 1/2 tsp.
1/2 tsp. salt
1 cup finely chopped pecans
1/4 cup sugar
1 1/2 tsp. cinnamon

Beat butter at medium speed until creamy, gradually add 3/4 cup sugar and brown sugar, beating well. Add egg and vanilla.
Combine flour, baking pwder, and salt; add to butter mixture, beating well. Stir, or mix in, pecans.
(Now I don't chill the dough here. In fact, I hardly do. I might put it in the fridge for five to ten minutes. And, after every thime I put a batch in the oven, I put the rest back into the refridgerator to chill.)
Combine 1/4 sugar and cinnamon on a shallow plate, stir well. Make dough into logs and roll in the mixture. Slice and place on ungreased cookie sheets.
Bake at 350 to 12-14 minutes. Remove cookies to wire racks to cool completely.

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Zucchini Pie (You can't tell it apart from apple!!)

7 1/2 to 8 cups of zucchini-- peeled, seeded and cut into small slices. Cover with water. Cook until tender, drain and pour cold water over-- Let set 5 minutes-- Drain off old water (very, very well)
Add: 2 1/2 cups sugar
3 tsp. cinnamon
3 tsp. cream of tartar
4 tsp. lemon juice
4 tbsp. flour
dash of salt
dash nutmeg
--Mix and put into unbaked pie shell- Dot with butter. Put on top crust (or use Dutch apple pie topping) Bake at 400 for 40-45 minutes

I hope you all enjoy these recipes. Let me know what you think!!

I hope you are all having a great week. As you can plainly see, I have changed my blog! Now, it looks pretty! I so want to thank my brother for helping me with this one. I had it pretty much figured out, but I wanted his assistance, just to be on the safe side. I don't like that I can't have my picture up, but at least when I post comments, it can be seen. (Also, thanks to Erin who gave me the link:-)

School has been going very well for me. By the Lord's grace, I have been able to get up at 6:30, which is amazing. I don't like it, but I am getting everything done on time, so that is good. My studies really started Wednesday; Monday and Tuesday were review. I am absolutely loving my books. I am on the fifth chapter of Uncle Tom's Cabin, and it is great. I feel so sad for the slaves whose lives are just destroyed, despite their loyalty and kindness! Pride and Prejudice has short, really short, chapters, so I am on about seven, I think. I love it too. I am picturing characters from the A&E version as I read it! (I haven't seen the new one yet. -Oh, I know I am posting rather quickly after putting the quiz up. Anyone who hasn't done, it, DO!) Anyway, with this book study, I have to write a research paper on any topic of my choice. (Thank goodness!!!) I am not sure what I am going to do. I am between Stonewall Jackson or Ronald Reagan. Anyone got any ideas? I need to know soon!

I have been doing quite a bit of baking lately. Monday morning, I was asked to make scones with our tea. Today, I am making cookies to have when the Dy's come over for dinner this evening. I already did the cinnamon pecan icebox cookies, and the chocolate chip I will do after school. Why is it that I am always making those two kinds? It's like I never deviate! Oh, well, people like them, regardless of how often I make them!

So, as I said, the Dy's are coming over. That is nice. I really ought to post pictures of them, since I mention them so much on here! Maybe I will. Mom is planning on chicken and dumplings, a green salad, a broccoli salad, watermelon, and cookies. Sound yummy, if you ask me. I am sure we will just talk and show them around our house. We have lived here almost a year, and they haven't seen it yet, much less with all of the furniture in it!!

Other than that, I am not sure what else. Our trees and garden are continuing to be blessed by the Lord of the Harvest. We will have plenty of frozen fruit come winter. Life is just going very well. It is so full of surprises; I love seeing what is going to happen next!

Well, I do now that lunch is coming next, so I had better say adieu! I apologize for the huge gap between posts, but I am a busy girl---at home. Have a great weekend. Hope you are having wonderful fall weather (By the way, the temperature is dropping here. It's cold!) and seeing the Lord's amazing, colorful hand!

Take the Quiz here!

It's Monday, and the first day of my junior year in high school! Wow!! I can hardly believe that to be possible. It astounds me. I completely expected to get on here and tell you all what a crazy day I had. Well, that's not the case. I did wake up at 6:30 and did everything I was required to do. However, I did not get into my new material today; I spent my entire time reviewing and editing last year's "stuff!" I was rather disappointed; I was so looking forward to starting Uncle Tom's Cabin and Pride and Prejudice today. Yet, I realize now that I can truly start afresh very soon. Yippee! I must admit, my Achilles heel this year is bound to be science. That is not my subject of choice. Lord, You are going to have to create, if not the desire, the ability, to do it joyfully. I won't be able to do it in my strength, but I know that I can do all things when You strength me!

I won't get into great details about Brianne's party. Just suffice to say, it was great fun, as I knew it would be. We stayed up far too late playing games with her parents and watching movies. (I want to say something about that in a minute.) The food was good, particularly the cake. We ate yummy omelets and then went bowling. I did ok; I did get a strike, but gutter bowls were far more frequent. However, I spent some wonderful time with my friends. I have been truly blessed; not with just them, but with my long distance ones as well.

I just wanted to say something very brief about the movies I watched, Princess Diaries 1 and 2. While I don't like the dating and typical high school scenes they put in, I was amazed to see relatively modest outfits on the part of Mia. I have seen the movies before, but I really never noticed that. I mean, one shirt was rather low, and the gowns, while long, didn't have straps, everything else was fine. Skirts were knee length or lower and shirts were high. I know I cannot excuse the rest of the faults, but it was refreshing to see some decency on the part of Hollywood. (Now if you could only get rid of the rest of the problems, as well as keep the modesty all the time, perhaps our society would be a little better off?)

I am not sure what else I have to say, aside from the fact that today is the fifth anniversary of September 11th. Wow! That also is hard to believe. I am not sure if it feels longer than that, or just like yesterday. Still, I remember that day vividly. I can recall my brother waking me up, telling me something weird is on the tv and Mom is talking to both Grandma and Dad. I spent the next two days watching all of the unfolding events, and then writing a paper on what I felt of the tragedy. Today, I was mixed with sadness. I felt so sorry for the children who lost parents that day, and for the parents who lost children. So many innocent people lost their lives, and most likely, many went to a place of eternal punishment. Isn't that a sad thought?

However, my feelings are also regretful. I believe that September 11, 2001 was a day that Christ was trying to get our attention. Yet, we didn't heed the call. Sure, we became more patriotic and, briefly, bi-partisan, but we never made Christ the centerpiece of our nation again. We continued on in our ways of moral indecent and money conquers all. I don't believe that was what the Lord wanted us to continue doing. I feel that He wanted us to return to the ways of the Founding Fathers, back to the ways of Him guiding and leading this nation. Now, I fear that we have lost any progress we have made. That thought doesn't make me happy, either.

I love being an American. I love flying the flag, singing all of the patriotic songs, wearing red, white and blue, and all of the freedoms that have been given to me. Yet, I am not proud of the fact that my country did not learn anything from 9/11. I know that in my life, you are given tests and lessons in order to change. That should have happened. The songs go God bless America; they really ought to be AMERICA, bless God.

I am so glad that I have the ability to read directions. After much concentration, I was able to post my profile picture all by myself. That is an accomplishment!! Normally, I can't do things electronically,but I am slowly getting better!! Yeah! That's good, especially because Garrity can't help me all the time.

You know, I am not sure what to post about. If you have read my comments, you can gather details about my trip. They aren't exactly secret anymore, so I don't know what is left to tell. I wanted to have a long post, but why do it if everyone knows? Oh, well. I hope you can gather that I had a great time on vacation. It is nice to be with just my family sometimes. I did miss being out of touch with my "second family" at FBC, not being able to touch my piano, not being able to post, and things like that. However, getting home on Sunday was time enough for all of that to start up again.

Speaking of that, I started piano lessons on Tuesday!! Finally! The summer seemed like forever. You know, it's odd, I used to detest lessons and practice; now, I love it!! Anyway, we discussed my progress on Moonlight Sonata and Pachabel's Canon in D. That was a rather slow start, but by next Tuesday, everything else will get discussed. Mrs. W. just cracks me up with something she said. She said: "Oh, I love being able to talk big things and details with you the first week." That just struck me as funny for some reason.

Now, you are all probably wondering why I haven't talked about school yet. Well, I haven't started. I know the plan was to start today, but Mom and Dad have decided to start Monday. They are talking about having Garrity and I do school during the summer and then take our big break in September and October. That'll be nice, if that's what we decide. It is definitely cooler then! So, two days is two days was their opinion. So, know that I WILL talk about school in the forthcoming week. Also, I might post about September 11th then too.

I was up until ten last night making my "award-winning" cinnamon pecan icebox cookies for a lady at my dad's office. She got hurt falling down a flight of stairs. (Thankfully, she didn't get paralyzed or something.) Anyway, I thought it would be a nice Christian thing to do. I know she will like them; Dad said she raved about them when he brought them into the office a few weeks ago.

Tomorrow I head to Brianne's house for her birthday and a sleepover. I am excited!!! My family isn't big into sleepovers, but they are letting me go to this one. They know the family, and all of the guests, very well. I think the plan is to watch movies, play games, and then go bowling Saturday morning. I wonder how that will go; I am super bad!! :-)

(Oh, speaking of wondering, elk steak is very good. I was surprised I liked it, but I had two small size pieces. I would eat it again.)

I hope you are all having better weather than we are here. It is terrible! It is sooo hazy and smoky. I think it's coming from all of the fires we have around here. We need rain to blow it all out of the valley!!! I am glad to be home, but not to this icky stuff. I want blue sky and cool weather!!

I had better go. Hope you are all seeing the joy of the Lord in your lives today!!! Know that he is with all of us wherever we are and wherever we go!

Finally!! You get to see all of the pictures. It did go faster this time. I won't do stories now, but I think these will work. A picture IS worth a thousand words. Don't worry! I will tell you in words too, but that will be eventually. Who knows when? But I will! :-)

I just love my Dad!!! (He looks goofy in this picture because he was taking it at the same time ;-)

Finally!! Our favorite chuck wagon dinner and Western Show!

The entertainment. The guys you can see : Scoot second from right playing the guitar, Jerry on the guitar, and Brian on the big bass

Timmy on the fiddle. Boy is he good! He is one of the fiddle champions from Weiser.

Brian as Granny. This part of the show was definitely hilarious. You had to be there to see it!

The infamous brown bear. I heard a growling in the night, as I was walking,and I was completely convinced it was a bear. Ow and behold, it was this rv's water pump! Boy, did I feel rather dumb!!

A ferry boat. That was neat when we got to ride on it!

Typical second row people ;-)



Could you imagine attending a church with this as the view? That would be amazing. Poor Pastor Jeff! No one would pay much attention to him

Here are the four of us. I think the plan is to crop the picture and send it in Christmas cards.


The three of us: Mom, Garrity, and me. I kind of like this picture.



Some family pics. The sun is in our eyes; that's why we are squinting.

Wow! Looks just like home! This is the second campsite: Gros Ventres Campground in Grand Teton National Park.

But sights like this weren't too far away!

Ok, this was cool. Here is an old time switchboard that we saw at a hotel/dining room that Buffalo Bill Cody built. I could just picture Mrs. Olsen screaming in to the receiver: "Walnut Grove..uh.. Cody" :-)


Ok, these pics were taken on the way to Cody, Wyoming. These were some really cool rocks. Sounds weird, but it's true! We tried to find shapes, just like you do in the clouds.

What a nice picture!!! Me and my dearest mom!! (Love you, Mom!!)
Isn't it cool! This is a different waterfall in Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone. Whether it is Upper Falls or Lower Falls, I couldn't tell you.

However, in order to get down to that natural wonder, you have to conquer 400 steps (with holes in the backs!!) going down about 1,000 ft. That is a huge test for me each and every time, but I am learning to beat my fear!

I really like this shot; I asked Dad to take it.


This is at the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone. Aren't these waterfalls pretty?

Doesn't this look appetizing? Peanut butter and watermelon on a garden spinach wrap. Yuck, but it's Garrity's creativity!!

Do they ever stop fishing?! Uh, nope! They bought a Yellowstone fishing license.

It is generally known that I am a sucker for flowers. Dad took a picture of these for me, ven though they are in a hanging basket. (Yellowstone usually has a lot of wild flowers, but we were far too late in the season. So, I had to be fine with these.)

Hi everyone!!!! I hope you all enjoy the percious few pictures that I have able to post so far. My computer is driving me bonkers right now. In fact, it has been a great lesson in patience these past two hours to just get these up. So, I need to stop for now. I need to get an e-mail written, and then we are going to Pastor Jeff's house for a barbeque. (I think we are going to have elk steak; I wonder what that will be like?)

Perhaps I am not practicing the fruits of the spirit well enough right now, but I do have other, more important, things to do than sitting st this computer all afternoon. Please know I will try to pst the rest of the pictures before the start of school on Thursday, as well as all the stories of the G's family vacation to Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks!!!

Talk about an interesting bug. I saw this, and I had to shoot i. I promise I kept my distance, in case it was poisonous.

I always seem to take weird, and I mean weird, pictures of Nikki. Dad laughs at this one; he says I should put it in the fair next year.


Dad saw this butterf;y. Isn't it pretty?

Another elk, this one in the center of town. In fact, there were a ton of them in cozy, rather boring, Mammoth.
Could you imagine that? A female elk eating the tree in your front yard?!

What is it with animals getting super close to people? Oh, well! Here is a bull elk.

Here it is at dusk....

Garrett and I after it's done


Here is Old Faithful going off in the daytime... (It goes off every 90 minutes)

Our first campsite at Grant Village Campground in Yellowstone National Park.

See what I mean...

Ok, here is a bison, and he's really close!!! (You see a ton of these in Yellowstone!)

This is a test. I am undergoing technical difficulties. I will not be bloging until further notice.

Ok, I won't be able to post long at all this afternoon. I have to finish packing, and then do some last minute cleaning. I just wanted to leave a farewell post. We plan to come home Saturday, but I have no idea when you will next here from me. Life will become crazy once we do get back!!!! The Dy's and piano will be on Tuesday, and then school (my junior year) will start Wednesday!!! Wow!

Oh, on that topic, I am mostly looking forward to History and Language. I will start the year by reading Uncle Tom's Cabin and Pride and Prejudice. How cool is that?! I also look forward to my Consumer Math.

So, everyone may now, conversations can begin right now!! I can't wait to see what you all come up with! ;-) See you when I get back!! Yellowstone, here I come! (Hopefully, I won't freeze. The weather has been in the 50's, and there is no way to plug in our heater. I'll let you know how that goes.)

Sorry ya'll for my neglect of this blog these past few days. I just haven't felt like it. I don't know why! There is much to say, but I am not sure how much time I have to say it. So, I might as well start!

Sunday was church, as usual. I was up working with the kids, as I have been every Sunday this past month. I enjoy it alot. Each child has their own different needs and challenges, but I enjoy learning to master them. I had to do a puppet play, and that was fun. It was hard trying to make my voice sound like a motherly woman, but I did my best. I was also difficult sitting on your knees, while trying to get the puppets over the edge. That doesn't sound terrible, but it is if you are trying to read the script!! I also had my hands full with a mentally disabled girl. I continuely pray that the Lord would give me some way to get through to her so she can pay attention. No inspirations yet.

It was sad to say good-bye to Rachael and Jason, as they left for Bob Jones University that afternoon. I didn't cry, but I still despise seeing people I know leave. I have seen that far too often in my life; I don't desire it to be a normal occurence. The pending departure was getting to Hannah, you could see that. (I discovered she let off the waterworks that night.) You could also tell Grace and Peter were struggling. Even the little girls. In their class, they prayed for safety for Rachael and Jason, "Because she was going back to college and this time, Jason was going with her." Oh, it was heart-breaking to hear it from them. Garrett didn't like saying good-bye to Jason either; no bowling and Taco Bell until at least Christmas break.

I spent that afternoon with Brianne and her family. We went out to eat at Red Lobster, had cake and ice cream back at her house, and played Guesstures. (No, it wasn't her birthday; it was her great-grandma's and they invited me along.) I had a really enjoyable afternoon. That evening, Brianne and I practiced our song with Mrs. S, as Mrs. D. wasn't there. We were the only two, in fact!

The rest of this week has been passed with chores, cross-stitch, watching Lost in Space, and dealing with fruit. It has been a good week, though. I have enjoyed every thing that I have done. Except perhaps the weeding of the huge weed in the backyard last night. I was getting stuff in my hair, and my clothers were all dirty. (I think I should have changed out of my white skirt.)

I have had to learn a lesson in honor this week. Most of you know the details, and I will tell the others personally. But, boy, is a hard lesson?! I love obeying my mom and believeing that she has done things for my good. I just struggled when it involved something that I liked. But, the Lord had to remind me that it doesn't matter what I think to be best; my parents, and He, know what is best for me. Now, the situation did get resolved the next day, and everything is back to the original way it was, but I still needed that lesson. It was something of old, but I guess I needed it anew. (You never can outgrow something, can you?!)

I apologize for not getting the recipes up. I will try again when I get back from my trip. If I do not post until I get back, I want to lay down some ground rules. Shifty, Alice, Anna, and Miriam, I want you all to have a conversation while I am gone. (Like I did when you were. Alice.) Let's see how many comments we come up with. You can have some stupid ones, but try to have sensible ones too. (Nothing about ticks:) However, even if I do post again before Saturday morning, this rule still goes.

I promise to take pictures of Yellowstone and get them on here. Have any of you ever been there? It's neat, but I will let the pictures speak for themselves. After all, a picture is worth a thousand words.... (Who said that, does anyine know?)

Oh, piano starts the Tuesday I get back. It's about time!!! I now run the risk of finding out that I have been playing my songs of two months the wrong way. Ouch!

I had to tell everyone about the cookies at the fair. (We decided to go last night, since it was relatively cool; it's going to get hot again by Monday. Heat is not enjoyable.) Anyway, I was going against adults; keep that in mind. I got second place in refridgerator cookies with my cinnamon pecan icebox cookies!!! I was super excited about those. And in the chocolate chip cookie category, I got third place. Not bad!!! (I later found out that if I had used better looking cookies, I would have been placed higher. I found up submitting cookies that I had to cut with the spatula upon removement from the tray. Oh, well! Next year, I know what to do, and who knows how I will place?) I wasn't able to pick up my ribbons yet; I will after we get back from vacation. I also will get $5. Nice!

I did feel sad for Mom. Her stuff didn't place at all. I was bummed, but she said not to worry. She had wanted me to win. Isn't that like a mom?! We don't think she put her molasses cookies in the right division. Next year, we'll try again.

Let me know if you would like me to post the award-winning recipes on here. I might anyway this afternoon:-) I need to let Garrett register something for Dad, so I had better get off. We are going rafting down the Boise River in a little while. Wonder if we will get into trees again:-)

Oh, I looked for Anneliese's poem that she put in the youth divison. She got a blue ribbon!!! I was so happy, especially considering it was a religious poem. (You would have to be a Christian to understand.) It was about how she couldn't be Sleeping Beauty, Snow White, Little Mermaid, Rupunzel, and other princesses, but she really is. She's the daughter of the King! Anyway, it was beautiful! My "little sister" did a splendid job!

This is a really simple card, but I made it with someone in mind. My friend, Rachael, Hann's sister, heads back to college tomorrow. Can anyone see Tinkerbell in the paper? She loves Tink, and that's why I made this card. I saw the paper and instantly thought of her!

These are the typical card I make. They take forever, but I love them. This was a new color pattern I tried. I always try to use colors that correspond with the pocket. I have a pretty good match, don't you think?

Like the other one, except it's purple and pink. Which color scheme does everyone like better?

This is one of my new card designs that I made a few days ago. Isn't it cute? The ribbon is tied on both sides, so you undo that, open it, and write on the inside. I love these colors!

Happy Thursday!! It's about 4 o'clock, and usually, I am doing chores around this time, but I did them all yesterday. That entailed cleaning the bathrooms (showers included,) and dusting the entire house, excepting Mom and Dad's room. I was a little wiped out, but I am glad that I was a help. So, today, I get time to myself, and thus, I am blogging.

The Dy's went very well on Tuesday. I more or less talked to Anneliese. She seemed a little out of it, but maybe it was my imagination. We played Clue with Lindsey, and then Hangman just the two of us. Usually, we play with Polly's, but I think we both needed a change from that. I am so glad that I get this bi-monthly thing with the girls. I feel like the Lord has brought me into their life for a reason. It is hard being someone's role model; there's added pressure to do the right thing, because you know full well that someone is watching you. Yet, I believe the Lord gives me the strength, though I am not perfect. I struggle. I got frustrated with some of Lindsey's behavior, and I said so, respectfully, of course. Yet, despite the logistics of it all, I love being ivolved with the girls. I only pray that the will be seeing Christ in all that I do, and all that I am.

Tuesday night found Dad and I watching a movie. I don't know what it is; we always do that. It might not seem like interaction, but for us, it is. We rented a few episodes of Dr. Quinn, Medicine Woman from the library. We both like that. We also got a few episodes of Lost in Space, but we didn't watch those yet. I think we will on Saturday. What made me get those was a memory of being stuck in a hotel after a flight we were on had problems, and watching a Lost in Space marathon. Rather odd memory, but who cares?

Yesterday, like I said, was full of cleaning. I did get six cards made. That was also a sign of productivity. I might post pictures of one of my new designs. I can't take the credit for coming up with it; I looked in a book, but I had to follow along myself. I am pleased with how it turned out. After dinner, Mom and I took Nikki for a walk, while Dad and Garrett messed with the fruit trees. Apparently, limbs are breaking because of wind and other causes. Fruit is just falling on to the ground. Yet, we still are getting a huge crop. God is good!

Today, we had to run a few errands. Mothing of excitement, and no Starbucks, either:-) But we got home, I completed one rather messy chore, and then took my internet time. After I am done with this, I will begin writing some articles. (On that subject, I haven't had any direct answer, but I always come back tothe fact that I have learned lessons, and for what? My own growth, yes, but can't they minister to other people? Perhaps they are in a specific boat of life, and a past experience of mine might encourage them through it. So, that's the status right now. I am going to continue to pray about it. I won't send anything if the Lord doesn't want me to.

I found out piano lessons start back up the Tuesday we get back from Yellowstone. I am so excited!!! It has seemed like forever, though I have tried to practice faithfully every day. I did discover, also, that there is no Sonatina festival. Bummer! I was looking forward to that idea.

I don't have anything to say baout the cookies yet. I don't know how , or Mom, fared. I think the plan is for us to go to the fair on Monday night, and I will find out then. I am intrigued to see. I am not nervous, but I do wonder what the judges thought. How they could not like Mom's molasses cookie, her wheat bread, my chocolate chip cookies, and my cinnamon pecan icebox cookies is beyond me!

I am not sur what the plan is for tonight or tomorrow. I think we are finally going to do discipleship tonight, but who knows? Saturday, the plan is to go raft6ing down the Boise River, yet there is the subject of fruit. That can always cause plans to change. I fear it is approaching the final time. Sunday, we have church (of course!) and then I discovered it's the final golf major of the year! You had better believe I will watch it. (I am not talking about the Ryder Cup right now.) I know where people stand on matters on sports, but at least golf has decently dressed men, no cheerleaders, and hopefully, though I don't know of any, no steroid use. Hard to find a sport like that nowadays, huh?

Take care, and I'll be in touch!

OK EVERYONE!!!! I am just going to say something really short, so you'll know that I still exist!! I have been busy today baking for the Western Idaho Fair. I decided upon my chocolate chip and cinnamon pecan icebox cookies. They all turned out really well, and I am excited to see what the judges will say. I will take them by the fairgrounds tomorrow, and I think the judging takes place on Wednesday. I will be sure to let you all know how I did.

Life has been extremely well lately. I have been having great times with my family, and my church family. (No, we didn't stay at church until 11 last night. Bummer:) Garrett and Dad are at aother Boise Hawks baseball game, and Mom and I are just puttering around in the kitchen. Pastor Jeff and his family are coming by to pick up plums this evening, so we are looking forward to that. I don't think making cards will get done. Another bummer, but joyful flexibility! (Not that I struggle with seeing the E's:)

You all can be praying about something that the Lord is directing me about. I am considering writing an article for one of two magazines. Just pray that the Lord would guide me to the right topic, and that I would say the right words.

Tomorrow is the D's. Yippee!! I always look forward to seeing my "sisters," Anneliese and Lindsey. I am sure my time with them will be a blessing.

I had better go finish up in the kitchen. Hope you all are great, and expect me to blog again soon!!!

Here is dumb post #2!

7 things I would like to do before I die:
1. Get married
2. Have a baby or babies.
3. Visit Europe
4. Go to Washington D.C.
5. Complete a novel and get it published--Like it'll happen
6. Go see a major golf tournament
7. Follow the Lord's will for my life in everything

7 things I cannot do very well:

1. Algebra (hehehe).
2. Knitting or crocheting of any kind (I am illiterate)
3. Obey 100% of the time.
4. Sing (I do ok, but I am not Award winning material)
5. Play piano in public without getting extremely nervous.
6. Sports of any kind
7. not cheating on a book by reading the end

Top Favorite Movies:
1. Seven Brides for Seven Brothers
2. Anne of Green Gables (1 and 2)
3. Sabrina
4. Emma
5. Pride and Prejudice
6. Gods and Generals
7. National Treasure (Whew! That was hard, and I didn't even list them all. The Sound of Music is there someplace, as are others)

Things that I say often:
1. Oh, my goodness!
2. Dude! ( I don't know why I say that!)
3. Yes
4. No.
5. Why?
6. I need help!
7. I don't know

Things that I would like in a husband:
1. a Christian (Multi-generational)
2. Is good with children.
3. Loves the Lord
4. Loves me and the kids unconditionally
5. Is somewhat of a romantic (gives me flowers, that sort of thing)
6. Shares the same interests, goals, and dreams as me, basically
7. Someone like my own dear dad

7 of my favorite books/authors:
1. Little Women
2. An Old-Fashioned Girl
3. Eight Cousins
4. Sense and Sensibility ( Though I will love all of Jane Austen)
5. Rose in Bloom
6. Martha Finley and her Elsie Dinsmore Series. (They're definitely a favorite)
7. Left Behind Series

7 people that I tag to write their 7x7's:

Please comment them if you do not have a blog.
1. Mom
2. Dad
3. Garrett
4. Alice
5. Shifty
6. Anna
7. I don't know. Who else comments?!

Change them as you need to.

Here is the first of some mindless posts for today. I felt that you could get to know me better through them. Enjoy!

Lace or Ribbon? Ribbon~ Lace is too scratchy
Mountain or Beach? I am partial to the mountains. Maybe it's because I live there.
Reading or Writing? Ooh, both!! I love to read any book, but my gift from the Lord is writing, or so I think. Isn't that way I started this blog?
Cookie or Cake? Cookie, either chocolate chip or peanut butter. (Or does cheesecake count as cake?)
Baked or Mashed Potato? I am a fan of garlic mashed potatoes. However, I have no objection to a good old Idaho potato with sour cream, cheese, and chives
Side or Back? Side, but lately, it's been the back
Shrimp or Steak? Shrimp w/tartar sauce. I donh't think I like steak. Can't say I have tried it.
Scrambled or Fried? Scrambled
Orange or Apple? Granny Smith apple, oranges break my mouth out
Spring or Fall? While fall with the turning leaves is breathtaking, I love spring. Flowers are blooming (lilacs!!) and baby animals are being born
Roller Skating or Bowling? Bowling, though I am terrible at it
DVD or Theater movies? DVD's, unless an appropriate movie is playing. (Yet, I won't pay those kind of ridiculous prices.)
Wood or Glass? Uh.. for what?
Blue or Green? Blue (It's my favorite color. Yet it is light blue that I like.)
Chocolate or Vanilla? Vanilla
Quilt or Knit? I am illiterate to both (Ha Alice!) I wish I knew what to do. I think I would prefer quilting. I have one on my bed from my grandma (the Montana one)
Early Morning or Late Night? Late night. As much as everyone hates it, I am a night owl. Bad habit, but it's true!
Coffee or Tea? Tea. I don't like coffee. When camping, sometimes I have a half a cup with a ton of flavored cream poured in
Watermelon or Strawberry? strawberry, I think, but watermelon is yummy too
Lunch or Dinner? Dinner
Cold Cereal or Oatmeal? If forced, it would be baked oatmeal. There's a difference
Song or Dance? OOHH.. both!
Carpet or Hardwood Floor? Maybe hardwood, but it gets too scratched up. Carpet is fine, provided there are no stains
Red or Pink?pink
Cat or Dog? Dog. That's what Nikki is. I like cats, but Mom is allergic, so I am fine with a dog!
Pretzels or Chips? Chips, unless whe're talking gooey doughy pretzels with cheddar cheese. Yum!
Iced Tea or Lemonade? Lemonade, but I can't have too much; it also can break my mouth out. So, tea is an ok alternative
Non-Fiction or Fiction? Fiction
Rose or Daisy? Rose
Sunrise or Sunset? Sunset
Comb or Brush? Brush
Pottery or Basket? Basket~ I use them alot in my room to put "stuff" in
Bracelet or Necklace? bracelet, but I don't wear jewelry. I think my wedding ring will be an exception. I do like anklets
Pen or Pencil? Pen (Black)
Couch or Chair? Couch...big and inviting!
Country or Victorian? Victorian, but in a cozy sort of way
Farm or Ranch? Ranch
Braid or Ponytail? Ponytail, unless Grandma can do a French braid
Cash or Check? Cash (I don't have a checking account:)
Chocolate Bar or Jelly Bean? Does a Reese's peanut butter cup work?
Coke or Pepsi? Neither~ I am not a soda fan
Hot Dog or Cheeseburger? cheeseburger~ hotdogs are disgusting!
Blinds or Curtains? blinds with sheer panels over them. That's what I have
Dress or Skirt? Skirt
Sun or Moon? Sun
Adventure or Comedy? How about girly romantic? I don't know between the two. Adventure is ok, provided it's not "a plane crash and people have to survive in the wilderness" (Sorry Mom) Comedy is ok, but it can't be stupid like the Three Stooges
Cloud or Star? Stars
Lake or River? Priest Lake was beautiful, but I also love the Boise River.
Half Full or Half Empty? Half full
Truck or Car? Car
Bath or Shower? Shower~ I don't take baths
Clothesline or Clothes Dryer? Clothesline
New or Second Hand? New, unless I can find a neat, like new, second hand
Gum or Lifesaver? Neither
Email or Handwritten? Both are fine with me
July or October? October
Barefoot or Shoes? Barefoot

Happy Wednesday to all of my blog readers. I hope this day finds you all well and in the arms of our Heavenly Father. I have had a great past two days, and I want to share the highs with each of you.

Yesterday, we ran a whole bunch of errands. Mom had a chiropratic appointment, followed by checking at Barnes and Noble for a book. (Usually we avoid that store, excepting Christmas, but I was looking for a harback edition of all Jane Austen books. I found one in softcover, but that was it.) Then, we went to the mall for some baby outfits. (There are many prolific families at our church, it is nice to have backup baby shower gifts.) I picked my edition of As Time Goes By at the music store. Yippee!! Then we went to Winco for some groceries. Nothing was much exciting that morning. Though we did get a rare treat of going to Starbucks for a blackberry green tea creme frappichino. It is really good; I recommend it highly.

Next on the excitement meter was going to a Boise Hawks baseball game. Garrett brought a friend,and I hung out with Dad for a while. During the National Anthem, a huge dust storm came up, and it was sooo hard to see. It got in my eyes. I felt rather bad for the girl singing. Then, the rest of the D.'s showed up, and watched the game with us. They made it in time to watch Garrett and Jim shug Pepsi in a contest. (Rather disgusting. If you want to read the full rundown, go to Garrett's blog.:) After the Hawks won 6 to 0, we went to Dairy Queen. I didn't eat any ice cream; I had enough sugar and junk food that day.

This morning, I got to have Ivy, Ashley, and Brianne over. I was semi-nervous at first. I wanted Brianne to meet the girls, yet I was afraid that she would be silent as a rock, just like when I first met her. She wasn't; she was extremely talkative. She told me afterwards that she does well when there is at least one person that she knows. We played Apples to Apples, Cranium,and Taboo. It was so much fun. That's not to mention having a picnic outside under the apricot tree. I only wish Meghann could have been there; she had a cold and canceled:(

I stand amazed at the Lord again this day. He did above and beyond what I asked or thought. I believe that has happened alot lately. It truly has been cool. He always reveals himself when I least expect it. That is one of the things that makes life soo exciting. It always leaves you wondering: "Ok, Lord, what are you going to do today?!" Yet, I also realize that he doesn't just have to do big things; he can even show off in the small things. Another day of being alive is just as important, maybe even more so.

I had better get of for today. Dad just got home, and dinner is almost done. I am not sure what I will do this evening. Maybe I will work up the courage and call Alice. Maybe.

I am going to post a rather short one today. I just wanted to reveal to you another truth that I have seen the Lord fulfill this past week. He always does above and beyond anything that you can ask or think. I saw that plain as plain yesterday at church.

If you had told me a year and a half ago that I would attend a church where I would absolutely love it, stay there until 11 at night eating pizza and wearing Little Caesar's crowns, I would have said you were crazy!!! Yet that is exactly what happened. It is hard to imagine, but it's true. I just had a splendid evening with my church family, though only 3 families, excluding us, did this goofiness. All throughout the evening, I was just thanking the Lord that I attend a body such as this, that the oppression of my former church is lifted, and that this is where the Lord has brought my family. Leading us to FBC was all Him; I can see His fingerprints in every single step, and I am every so grateful to Him. I cannnot imagine not attending there. My prayer is that the closeness we have will always be there, and that nothing and no one can destroy that. "To God be the glory, great things You have done!!!"

I also found out at church that I will be singing in a grils' ensemble. I told Mrs. D. that I didn't sing well, and she said that did not matter. A long as I am doing my best, and singing for my Lord, that is all that matters. I am excited about this. The plan is for me to sing soprano, but we'll see how things go. The other girls miught be better singing that pitch, and I will move to alto. (I do love some of the notes of the soprano, though.) I think we will sing the last week of September or something like that.

In other news, we watched Spellbound, an Alfred Hitchcock movie. It was intriguing, as well as tense in a few parts. The music creeps me out! I did like it, though, and it was entirely decent. (I always will mention that. I would never say a movie was good if there was something morally wrong with it.)

I will close now, but I just wanted to tell you of the Greatness of our God. Now, I think I will read, finish something that needs returned, clean bathrooms, and help prepare dinner. (It's Russian cabbage soup. I wonder what that will taste like?)

Ok, I know it has been several days since I have been on this blog. I have been busy cleaning out the garage. Yuck! It has to get done, but it's not on my list of "things to do." We have made progress, but there are still boxes out there. Whether we get them done by the start of school remains to be seen. I am not going to guess either way.

Life has been good lately. I don't know what to say about it. It's great being alive in this day and age. (Not that I like what's going on morally, though.) I made a chocolate zucchini cake last night. I had wanted to use Alice's recipe, but I didn't have chocolate chips, so I found a different one. It tasted really good; you had no idea zucchini was even in it. However, I wish the frosting I had used turned out better. It was a browned sugar frosting. (We had it at Grandma's house, and it was yummy!) Mine was too hard. When you take a forkful, the frosting would come off. Oh, well, it still tasted fine. It might not win points for presentation, but who cares?

I also have been working on a poem for my friend's birthday. It is hard to come up with words that rhyme, yet sound good together. Sometimes, you can make rather dumb stanzas that don't make sense while using rhyming words. This time, I think it went very well, though it took a couple of days. Yesterday, I printed it on some pretty pale green and blue paper, framed it, and then I gave it to Ashley today. I think she liked it. (I wonder what Mrs. C. will think of it?!)

Yesterday, Friday, we had movie night. Normally it is game night, but Dad's back was bothering him. So, we headed down stairs. Before we started, I got a BIG surprise phone call from Alice!!!!! I was not expecting that!! It totally made my day! Then, we watched two movies, one of which was Key Largo, with Humphrey Bogart and Lauren Bacall. It was good. Tonight, we will, again, have movie night. That's what we usually do on Saturdays.

Today Melody got her nails clipped. I found out that she is underwight, again. I don't know what to do about that girl. I have tried, but I guess I have to keep at it! Candice gave me some ideas of what to do, so I will give them a try.

Oh, on Thursday, we had a youth thing at Tully Park. Dad stayed and did things with us. We played soccer, and I didn't do too bad. I went after the ball, and just focused on doing my best. I did not demand perfection, and thus, I had nothing to worry about. Then, some played volleyball, which I sat out and just talked with Grace. That was better, much more so than making a fool out of myself. We ended the evening with some of the visiting team giving their testimonies and singing. It was a nice evening. I thank the Lord that I go to that church, where the youth are not like the typical youth that you find in mainstream churches today!!

I don't think there is much left to say. I need to eat some lunch, and then I might read or something. Take care!