Crater Lake

Frankly, it is hard to believe all that we have done today. We got to Crater Lake yesterday evening. It was pretty late, as we had been at a, (guess) wood store way longer than anticipated. So, we just set up the camper and slept. It was rather cool; great to wake up to in the mornings. I was surprised that it was cooler there than near the Coast, but perhaps since we were at a higher elevation, it shouldn’t.

Okay, you have to know something about my family. When we go on vacation, it takes us days to see everything. As we had a tendency to remember Yellowstone, I will use it as an example. We are there about five to six days, and going, going, going, every day. Here at Crater Lake, it was a little different. We saw everything in a matter of five HOURS. You can not go down to the water except by one way, yet it was a steep pat, so Dad said no. It is thirty-three miles around the lake, and it is slated that one finishes in about two to three hours. We must take longer than most or something. At any rate, it was lovely. Like Oregon being green, Crater Lake was really blue. God truly uses many different colors on his “creation coloring pallet!”

(Wizard Island on Crater Lake. They say it looks like a qizard's hat. I can't see it, and I think it should have a different name.)


(The Phantom Ship. They say it looks like a pirate ship, so I will call it the Flying Dutchman. Can anyone see the ship?)

The Pinnacles. Crazy looking things, aren't they?

The only waterfall we saw.



Maybe a senior picture...though I am not sure if it is my choice.


Nothing much else after that. We all just took it easy, which was good. We had to change our return trip plans several times, but finally we got it squared away. We are staying near the town of Bend, Oregon for tomorrow night. I remember liking the town when we drove through on our way to the Redwoods

Final Day

The vacation is over. We are heading home now. I do love family vacations, but it will be nice to get changed privately (and not in the dark) and sleep in my own bed, especially after last night.

I did not like the campground in Bend. It was way too much like a fish bowl. There was no privacy whatsoever. When we set up the camper, you walked out the door into a tree. We were right near the bathroom, which is okay, except at night when lights remain on. Now, I like people around me when we go camping; I don’t want isolation like our first Redwoods campground. But I do want space, and we didn’t have it. In fact, we went to Sisters, Oregon, just to get away for a while. That town was pretty busy (I think they were having a bike race or something) Dad and Garrett looked for wood ideas, and I tried to see where Multomah Publishing might be. (Not that I am anywhere near that stage…but more on that at another time.) We also got our tradition vacation ice cream; this year at “ordinary” Baskin Robbins.

I do not want to bat down where I stayed; that isn’t the nicest thing to do. Yet I will be honest. Of all the campground we were at, this one was the worst.

Let's Pack Up and Go To California...

I wanted to do a post that was "uplifting," but I am experiencing what we call writer's block. I don't like when I get that! I tried writing in my notebook; yet I kept crossing things out. My page looked terrible. I have gotten a laptop (or it is on the way) that I hope will create less messiness. Also, I will be able to use it on the road...like vacation.

So, even though I do not leave until Saturday morning, I thought I had better say "good-bye" now. I see myself being super busy these next two days. We have to get groceries, take my bird to where we are boarding her, clean the house, pack, etc. Plus, when I go on the computer, I have e-mails to type.

I am looking forward to our family vacation. We decided to go to Crater Lake, Oregon, and Redwoods National Park, California. I have never been to those places...and this type of change doesn't bother me. (Unlike other kinds:-) We are spending the bulk of our time in California, camping on the coast, and driving every day into the Park. I am so excited to see the Pacific Ocean; the last time I saw an ocean was back in 2001 when we went to Rockaway Beach, Oregon.

I will miss posting on here for ten days, and I will miss ya'lls fellowship. You all will definitely be in my thoughts and prayers. I hope that while I am gone, you might read previous posts and that you will see the Lord high and lifted up. I have high hopes that the Lord will teach and grow me in many ways while I am on vacation. It doesn't have anything to do with learning about trees. Rather, I hope that God directs me in"Doing Hard Things" and beating the "Myth of Adolescence"...and making it clear if I am to write a book and get it published. (More on that later;-) I know that God will make Himself clear to each of us in His time!

I hope you all are looking forward to pictures, because you are going to get a lot of them! Take care and God bless!

School Is Over....Kind Of

While most people are starting back to school, I am just finishing up last year. It is the way we do things in our family. Since we much prefer the fall, we school through the summer, and take September and October off. Well, Monday will be our last day. I won't do the saying, "No more pictures, no more books, no more teacher's dirty looks," since it isn't true at all. I am just going to recap my favorite (and least favorite) things of this year. It will be for my benefit...and if you are interested, that is great too!

My 5 Favorite Books I Read This Year: 1.) Pride and Prejudice
2.) The Scarlet Pimpernel
3.) Uncle Tom's Cabin
4.) Across Five Aprils
5.) Rifles For Watie

My Least Favorite Books of the Year: 1.) The Jungle
2.) Stalin, Russia's Man of Steel
3.) Uh....That is really it

The Most Complicated Thing I learned: The tax section in Consumer Math (I am so thankful
that I have a Dad, who is an accountant, and ready to
assist.)

One of the Happiest Events: When we finally found something that works for science. I enjoy
Ken Ham's lectures....and they are way more interesting than a
boring textbook! :-)

What My Extra-Curricular Events Were: Piano lessons and sewing....and that was enough. Now,
I have all of my editing and writing with magazines.
Busy....at home!

What I Viewed as A Great Achievement: Finishing my 14 page Ronald Reagan research paper!

Okay, that was the bulk of what I did this year. I didn't have any "blood, sweat, and tears" like I did a few years back with Algebra :-) It was a good year this past year. I will enjoy a few weeks off, and then, I look forward to the new subjects (or actually the new books) I will get to read and learn!

There Is More To Modesty

I wanted to share with ya'll this article/essay/entry...whatever you want to call it....that I am doing in a contest sponsored by Modest Hand Maidens. I have known about this contest for a while, but as I wasn't sure of the direction the Lord wanted me to take with this subject, I kept the guidelines on my desk...and left it. However, yesterday afternoon, I felt God's leading, and I wrote it down. So, here it is.

There is More to Modesty

As maidens, it can be very hard not to stereotype what modesty is or should be. We might look at a girl wearing capris and say, "She isn't in a skirt or dress; therefore, she isn't modest." Or we can see a long jumper and say the wearer is modest. We can make these same judgements in relation to hair, shoe height, even length of other garments. However, there is more to modesty than just dress code.

In fact, the Bible never says how long a maiden needs to wear her hair or skirts. To Christ, the dressing of a person's heart is of far greater importance than the dressing of a person's body. 1 Peter 3:3-4 read, "Do not let your adornment be merely outward--arranging the hair, wearing gold, or putting on fine apparel--rather let it be the hidden person of the heart, with the incorruptible beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is very precious in the sight of God." Now this verse doesn't mean a maiden cannot look nice. Esther went through beauty treatments, Ruth anointed herself before going to Boaz, and the Proverbs 31 woman was arrayed in fine linen and purple. The Lord has taken the time to mention these "styling sessions" in the Bible, so it obviously mattered to Him that we know what women wore. However, what was their heart wearing? We find Esther obeying what Mordecai and the king's eunuchs instructed. Ruth cared about Naomi's future, and the Proverbs 31 woman was the picture of servanthood and love. And when we read these women's stories, it is their character qualities that leave an impression, no in what they are clothed.

Besides 1 Peter, these are other verses that show God's instruction for maidens. Titus 2:5 is a good one. Among other exhortations, a maiden was told to be "discreet." So, by using discreet, quiet, and meek in other Bible translations, we can see the maiden is one who does not draw attention to herself. Instead, her actions speak and proclaim who she is. A young woman who might be dressed in decent, not form-fitting capris, and yet is loving, compassionate, and self denying more readily fulfills God's design than a long-skirted maiden who is harsh, lazy, and self-serving.

So, what is modesty? To me, it is a maidens who yes, has certain neckline and length requirements, but is more interested in lining up her life to God's plan and in following His path. It is hard to do the latter, perhaps even harder than finding clothes. =) Our flesh seeks to get its way and get the attention. When in a room of people, it is far easier to be the one whom everyone notices than it is to have a deep conversation with one person. It is a daily, hourly, minutely, battle to die to self, but by God's strength, we can! We have only to ask!

I am far from being a truly modest maiden. Sure, my clothes might be fine, but my heart isn't always "properly attired." Perhaps you feel the same way? I want to encourage you (as I remind myself) that the Lord is only a prayer away. When it seems so difficult to have a right attitude, or to play with a sibling when a book is beckoning us, let's cry to Him. He will take us through the "Refiner's Fire" as we humbly seek His face.

May we become maidens whose outfits, and actions, leave an indelible mark that future generations remember, just as Esther, Ruth, and Proverbs 31 do for us today. May we strife to never stereotype modesty by a person's attire anymore. May we remember there is more to modesty; may we look at the heart before we're quick to judge!

It was hard for me to not bring femininity into this. See, I wear skirts most of the time, but I don't see them as more modest than certain capris. I wear them because I want to show that I am a maiden, and skirts are a tangible way of femininity....but that's a post for another time!

Oh, Too Many Cookies.....

I can't keep up with time. It seems to fly by so quickly.....and it is doing just that again. Well, it is "Fair Time" once more. Since the end last August, I knew what I wanted to enter this year. I wanted to improve my chocolate chip cookies (and even my cinnamon pecan icebox cookies) Plus, I discovered this fantastic recipe for Peppermint Crunch Cookies (on the back of the Andes' mint chips bag) and I wanted to enter them also. Well, even though the fair doesn't begin until Friday, you have to take your stuff Monday or today, Tuesday. I guess it is because they judge tomorrow or something. So, I had to bake my yummy treats today....and I have been ever since 10 o'clock!! =)




The thing I don't get is this. The judges only want 4 cookies, so my family gets all the rest. We get that "mound" you see. Do we really need it?! My stomach is already bugging me....I think I ate one (or two) too many....plus the dough, which I KNOW NOT to eat. Raw egg is not the most healthful thing I could put in my body =) I need to remember the scripture "everything is permissible, but not everything is beneficial!"

What Do You Think About This?

Unlike most teenagers, I enjoy reading about politics, what is going on the world. Yes, it is mostly bad, depressing things, but I want to know. I want to be informed, and not be like the typical people who do not care where their nation is heading. So, when Mom mentioned to me something she read, I was alert and curious.

Mom had read this post on Mrs. Stacy MacDonald's blog. Apparently, there is the threat of women going into the draft, if that comes back around again. This isn't the first time the threat has been there; Mr. Doug Phillips had a newsletter on the subject back in 2004. However, another VITAL election is coming up, and this is an important issue for me regarding a candidate.

Unfortunately, women have brought this "threat" upon themselves. Seriously, this post could have gone in my series, because it goes along with it very well. Since our previous generations wanted to be like men, and hold a man's position, it makes sense that the women in the draft would be another step towards doom ;-)

I support our armed forces; I believe our soldiers do a lot to protect our freedoms. However, I really do not believe women should be in the service, regardless if it means being in combat or sitting in a recruiting office. Man and woman were created with different roles. God told Eve to be a helpmeet to Adam, not go out and kill people.

So, I am going to do my homework on this. I am going to pay much attention to not only the Presidential candidates, but with my local representatives as well, to see what their thoughts are on the subject. Mostly, I will pray that the Lord would spare the judgment that comes with women in such positions (like Deborah in the Bible) However, I want to hear ya'lls opinions. What do you think about women being in the military? Do you think they should be included in the draft? Is it okay for them to be there period? Or do you have an absolute problem with it, as I do? I look forward to hearing from you! God bless!

A Thought-Provoking Quote I Read

On my birthday back in February, Mom and Dad bought me a book, entitled, Verses of Virtue, put out by Vision Forum. I try to always read books right when I get them, but that isn't always easy. I put Verses of Virtue in my bedside basket and left it for awhile. Yet two nights ago, I pulled it out. Perhaps I was having creepy thoughts or something, but I wanted to read an uplifting, encouraging, piece of literature....and I wasn't denied that wish. Then last night, I read again, and the same thing happened. I wanted to share it with you (emphasis mine though.)

Home: The Fountain-Head of Society

The household is the fountain-head of society. Both the commonwealth and the church grow out of the family. They both take their character from the family. The real seed-corn whence our republic sprang was the Christian households, which stepped forth from the cabin on the Mayflower, or which set up the family altar of the Hollander and the Huguenot on Manhattan Island or in the sunny South. All our best characters, best legislation, best institution, and best church-life were cradled in those early homes. They were the tap-root of the Republic, and of the American churches.

For one, I care but little for the government which presides at Washington in comparison with the government which rules the eight to ten millions of American homes. No administration can seriously harm us if our home-life is pure, frugal, and godly. No statesmanship or legislation can save us, if once our homes become the abodes of ignorance or the nesting-places of profligacy. The home rules the nation. If the home is demoralized it will ruin it.

There are several essentials to a good home. Wealth is not one of those essentials, for in many an abode of honest poverty contentment dwells. Out of such lowly cottages and cabins have sprung our greatest, noblest men and women. The little clapboarded farm houses of New England have been the nurseries of greatest divines, most useful philanthropists and devoted missionaries. The riches of those humble dwellings were industrious hands and praying hearts. God's Word was the light of the homestead. The Bible, the spinning-wheel, and the family altar stood side by side. The growing refinements of later years have introduced into many rural habitations the piano, the pictures, and the pile of books. But let our people see to it that the increase of culture money and refinement is not attended with any decrease of homespun frugality, domestic purity, and the fear of God.

A truly good home is not only one in which God reigns, but it must be an attractive spot. Even all the conscientious Christian parents do not seem to find this out. The result is that the theatre, the billiard-saloon, the club, the convivial party manage to "out-bid" the home, and to draw away the sons and daughters. It is too often the fault of his parents, that a sprightly boy prefers some other evening resort to the stupid or disagreeable place in which he eats and sleeps. If his home were made more attractive he would not seek the haunts of danger and depravity. And one of the surest methods of keeping out of a dram-shop, or a son out of the haunts of sin, is the "explusive power of a new affection" for their home. Everything that attracts our children to their homes is very apt to be, in the end, an attraction towards Heaven.

I thought this was very good. Whether we have a household now, or are praying for one the future, we have an obligation to fulfill. God views the family as VITALLY important to the success of the nation; we should as well. We should make our home a haven where He is praise, adored, magnified, and lifted up....and that philosophy should carry into public life.

Time With Dad....Watching Pirates

My time with Dad is something to be treasured. Most teenagers can't stand being around their parents, let alone going out with them in public. Me, I love going places with my parents; I am proud to be seen with them.

Unfortunately, Dad and I can't do things as much as we would like. Since we have the family woodworking business, he and Garrett spend a great deal of time out in our wood shop. So, when Mom decided to go to the Boise Hawks baseball game with Garrett, Dad and I were able to do something with each other.

Now, we didn't know what to do. It is a little too hot to do an outdoor activity, and games are much more fun with four people. So, Dad decided,"Let's go see a movie." He and I are movie people....I know that isn't the greatest thing to be, but I would be lying if I said I didn't like watching a show or two. So, okay, we made the decision to see something, but what? Well, we looked online and Amazing Grace, which I had already seen, wasn't playing anymore, so we opted to see Pirates of the Caribbean 3!

I have been wanting to see that for some times, and seeing it with Dad was twice as fun. (Plus, who can beat two tickets, two small popcorns, and a 40 oz. soda for $7?) Yes, Pirates 3 was good; there was only one "part" that could have been A LOT worse...so I was okay. (However, the ending could have gone the way I would have liked :-) Yet, all in all, I enjoyed sitting in the theatre with my dad, burying my head in his shoulder if I got grossed out, and then talking about the film after all was said and done.

I want to encourage ya'll...Enjoy spending time with your parents. Don't be ashamed to be seen with them. Love the times you can spend together....even if it is just going to see a movie. Make some memories that you will remember for a long time.

Truly, Great is His Faithfulness

Great is Thy faithfulness, O God, my Father

There is no shadow of turning with Thee.

THOU CHANGEST NOT; Thy compassions they fail not.

As Thou hast been Thou forever wilt be.

Great is Thy faithfulness! Great us Thy faithfulness!

Morning by morning new mercies I see;

All I have needed Thy hand hath provided.

Great is Thy faithfulness, Lord unto me!

I owe a lot of thanks to Mrs. Beverly. When I did my latest post, I wasn't remembering my blog title and my blog "bio." I was more like, "Okay, bring on the pain....but..." I wasn't thinking of the fact that God promises to be faithful ALWAYS, in whatever situation I might find myself. Even though my situation is always changing, He never does! He promises to give me "strength for today and bright hope for tomorrow."

On my profile, I say that "wherever I am in life, and regardless of my emotions, you will be able to see the Lord high and lifted up in my blog." I don't think I did that as much as I should have. Yes, MercyMe's Bring the Rain ministered to me, but I was still feeling sorry for myself. I just need the constant reminders of who He is and what He promises. I need to remember that He is holding my life's script, and that He is faithful to see it to completion. That (the knowledge that He is in charge of the situation) needs to be "more than enough" for me.

I do want to thank ya'll for the prayers. I greatly appreciate them. I believe in the power of prayer, and it is so wonderful to be able to lift fellow believers before the Throne. I will keep ya'll posted on how the Lord leads my parents...and on how He is growing me and teaching me more and more about His Great Faithfulness!

Bring It On

It often is amazing what God uses to speak to me. My family has been going through a difficult time with a lot of things. Our church situation isn't getting any better; it seems to be getting worse. So, there is that and a few other problems....I feel like life is on another roller coaster. (Dad says that is basically the case with our existence :-) Yesterday, I was brought to the breaking point, and before I had a crying session, I turned on the radio. I am not usually a MercyMe fan, but their newest single, Bring the Rain, spoke volumes to me.

I can count a million times

People asking me how I

Can praise you with all that I've gone through

The question just amazes me

Can circumstances possibly

Change who I forever am in You

Maybe since my life has changed

Long before these rainy days

It's never really ever crossed my mind

To turn my back on you, oh Lord

My only shelter from the storm

But instead I draw closer through these times

So I pray

Bring me joy, bring me peace

Bring the chance to be free

Bring me anything the brings You glory

And I know there'll be days

When this life brings me pain

But if that's what it takes to praise You

Jesus, bring the rain

I am Yours regardless of

The dark clouds that may loom above

Because You are much greater than my pain

You who made a way for me

By suffering Your destiny

So tell me what's a little rain

This song brought tears to my eyes. I was so convicted of my feelings and thoughts I had been having. I want to be like Christ and to bring Him glory. However, pain is often a big way for that to happen. Thus, even though I would rather have things easy and a cake walk, I care about developing my character more. So, Lord, bring on the pain; You promised to give me the strength and grace to handle it.

I would appreciate your prayers for my family and myself. Please pray that God would guide my parents to the decisions that need to be made. Also, pray that the Lord would be glorified in what is going on. I want Him to grow me more and more into the likeness of Himself!

My Western Life Coming Out :-)

Okay, I meant to do this a while ago. Yet with Uncle Scott's visit, and Blogger not working at the time, I could not post pictures of the rodeo we went to July 17th. Since I have spent the majority of my live in the South (though it's getting to not be that way anymore) I am more like a Southern belle. I probably am much more at home reading a book and sipping iced tea than I would be roping cattle. Now, I applaud those who do such things, and I can enjoy watching "The Western Lifestyle" that is pretty big this side of the Mighty Mississippi. So, for the second year, my family has attended the Snake River Stampede! It truly is a lot of fun. My favorite event, which we didn't get pictures of, was the Snake River Stampeders. Girls and horses decked out in lights doing figure eights and things. It's neat. However, there also was:

bronco bustin'

And more bronco bustin'

And the steer roping, which I do not like. How would you like to be clothes-lined and then thrown to the ground...only to get you feet tied!




Yeah!! He got away!!




There were chuckwagon races. (Probably it is only done here in Idaho)




And then, the big event: the bull riding. (Okay, this picture is fuzzy. Let's try another one.)




Okay, this one was better. So, that is the gist of the rodeo. It was fun, and we will go again next year! God bless ya'll! :-)

Redeeming the Times

It is hard being a young woman today. Let's use a simple deduction process: You are a Christian homeschooler (the group probably gets cut in half,) one who isn't dating (slightly smaller) and tries to dress modestly and femininely (gets even smaller) and for the defining moment...staying home in her father's house until marriage as opposed to college. If you try to figure it out, probably only a tenth of girls, if that, go into this "circle." I find that so sad! What used to be the vast majority is now a small minority.

Mom likes to say," What is considered normal today wasn't considered as such until around fifty years ago!" She's right. However, while I don't know the exact date of the change, I do know where to place the blame. It is we women who are responsible for what we have now. Yes, the lack of gentlemen, the drastic changes in dress, feminism....it is all thanks to us.

Genesis 3:16 reads,"...And though your desire will be for your husband, he will be your master." My translation can also read, "And though you may desire to control your husband." Well, women didn't like that! So, over a period of decades and centuries, women began to change things. Slowly, women began working outside the home, began desiring to be viewed like a man and so began dressing as one. Now, we have a full fledged feminist movement.

I don't want to appear as one who holds its gender in low esteem. It is SO EASY to listen to the voice of Evil and follow its sugar-coated lies. That is just what my previous generations did. Yet as with Adam and Eve, one's sins and mistakes can affect all of mankind. God, in His death, made available the ability to confess our sins, turn from them, and try to change out lifestyles.

God has placed a desire in my heart to redeem my time and bring back Biblical Womanhood. Would you join me? We will be considered weird, for the voice of feminism is loud and its ideals far reaching. Yet "God bless you who are hated and excluded and mocked and cursed because you are identified with me, the Son of Man. When that happens, rejoice! Yes, leap for joy! For a great reward awaits you in Heaven." (Luke 6:22-23) I want to redeem the times for my future generations.

It might appear that I will be making baby steps in changing the world. However, God can use anything, big or small, for His glory. I choose to leave, with God's help, godly "footsteps in the sand," marks to guide my children and their children in the way of femininity and grace, However, may they be footsteps that always point to the Savior!

Intro, Part 1 , Part 2, Part 3

My Weekend Thus Far

"Then God said,' Let the land burst forth with every sort of grass and seed-bearing plant. And let there be trees that grow seed-bearing fruit. The seeds will then produce the kind of plants and trees from which they came.' And so it was....And God saw that it was good."

We have had a wonderful time with Uncle Scott so far; the visit has gone way better than I anticipated. He came in on Wednesday night, actually ahead of schedule. Isn't that rare? However, we didn't get home until 11:00 or thereabouts....and we left to go to McCall around 9 the next morning.

God is so good; He does far more than we anticipate. As we have been having so many fire in Idaho, I thought we would have a lot of smoke. Yet up until yesterday, smoke was a non issue. We had spectacular views!

(The photo isn't smoke; Garrett tweaked the color, I think it is cool.)

(Garrett's camera also has good zoom. These rich houses were on the other side of the lake. I will admit, they have a beautiful view!)

As usual, they guys did a ton of fishing. Unfortunately, for Uncle Scott (and Dad and Garrett) only two fish were caught....and Uncle didn't get them. So, for the time in McCall, they didn't have much to show for it. Mom and I, on the other hand, read a lot of books. (I finished Wives and Daughters and Mozart's Sister.)

Though we don't have any pictures of it, we took a drive up to Brundage Mountain, the ski resort in McCall. It was really nice up there. It was then that we could see plumes of smoke, evidence that there were fires around.

I have done something during Uncle Scott's visit that I have never done before. I went to a bike race in downtown Boise. Personally, I don't care if I go ever again; it's a lot like Nascar. However, it is what my uncle is into, and I wanted to spend time with him and the guys....since they were going camping the next day.

So, that's the current status of everyone. All of the guys are at Bruneau Dunes State Park, trying their hand at catching the bass. (Normally, there is a lot of success, but McCall is usually that way too. I guess we'll find out when they get home.) As for Mom and me, well, it's Girl's Night/Day. We went to church this morning and ate at P.F. Chang's for lunch (their lettuce wraps are sooo good.) For the rest of our time together, we are watching girly movies, Sense and Sensibility among them, and going to the tea room tomorrow. Oh, I love spending time with my Mom!!!


I hope you liked knowing about my weekend. I did think about ya'll a lot; you can ask Mom!! God bless!!

Not The Post I Wanted To Do!

I am really disappointed: I was trying to post pictures of the rodeo my family went to last night. However, you know Blogspot...there is always an error. Under normal circumstances, I would sit around on the computer forever if need be, but I don't have the time for that today. My uncle is coming for a visit; his plane is arriving late this evening. I am looking forward to seeing him, since it has been three years. I have still so much to do...I have made cookies and dusted some of the rooms, but there are still bathrooms, more rooms, packing...busy!!We are heading up into the mountains to go camping, and then Mom and I will be having a girl night on Sunday to Monday.

So, this is the way I will do things. I will be off the computer for the weekend, and then, when I come back, I will post pictures of the time in McCall. Probably after Uncle Scott leaves, and after I have done pictures of our fun, that is when I will talk all about our Snake River Stampede fun!

I will be praying for all of you while I am away. I will greatly miss posting on here, but I will be thinking of you!! Have a fabulous weekend! God bless!!

May God Get the Glory

Treasure of Jesus, by Steven Curtis Chapman

What can I do

How can I live

To show my world

The treasure of Jesus

What will it take

What could I gain

So they can know

The treasure He is

And if I can sing

Let my songs be full of His glory

If I can speak

Let my words be full of His grace

And if I should live or die

Let me be found pursuing this prize

The One that alone satisfies

The treasure of Jesus

I have always had this love for writing. Ever since I was little, I was writing stories, and when asked what I was going to be when I grew up, I said, "a writer and a mom."

However, I am a firm believer in lining our beliefs and plans up with God's. He, after all, is the director of our lives; He already has our life's script written out for us. Well, he has transformed my desires and I pray for the better.

After I went through the traumatic losing/misplacing of my story notebook where I had my ninety page novel, I really began to wonder if writing was what I was supposed to do. I was content with the fact that God had other ideas. Perhaps it is when we let our dreams die that the Lord has room to work.

I think God still has writing in store for me, but not in a fiction realm. Not only has it been harder to recreate the story I lost, or even come up with new ideas, the Lord has brought non-fiction opportunities into my path. I have been able to write an article for HopeChest Magazine, plus working with them in a position. I am praying about sending in a motherhood poem to Above Rubies and it appears as if another magazine is coming into my life. I am really excited about all of it.

However, it makes me want to be even more diligent to always give God the glory. He has given each of us talents, like Paul wrote in one of the New Testament books. Therefore, we ought to use them to glorify Him!

So, may ya'll realize that though the Lord might not use your abilities in the way you originally thought, ultimately it will be even better than you possibly could've imagined! To God be the Glory...and great things you will do!

Zucchini Pie, yes I said Zucchini Pie

I don't know if ya'll have the same problem we do. We have so much zucchini!!! We are at that stage where you have to find a ton of new recipes, and that doesn't even make a dent into the plants! Now admittingly, we were worse off last year; Mom planted nine plants, and this year three. However, it seems like zucchini has been growing out our ears! Well, I want to share a very yummy recipe with you. People can't tell it is that "wonderful" green vegetable, and it is a great way to eat it. Presenting, drum roll please....the pie that tastes like apple, but wait, is that zucchini?!

8 cups zucchini--peeled, seeded, and cut into small slices. Cover with water and cook until tender. Drain and pour cold water over. Let stand 5 minutes. Drain 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 and dash of nutmeg

Mix and pour into pie shell. Put on top crust, or a Duth apple pie topping works well too. Bake at 400 degrees for 40-45 minutes.

Go ahead....try this recipe on your family. Do it when they aren't noticing what you're doing. (That way the vegetables can get in without their knowing.) And I bet in the end, you will have an empty pie pan, a happy family, and vegetables in their bellies.

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!

An Introduction

If you could go back in time, to what time period would you go? Like my mom, would your destination be "little house on the prairie" days? Would you go back to a particular nation, as my brother would with pre-Soviet Russia? My personal choice, if I had the option, would take me to Regency England.

I love that time period. I mean, the book I am currently reading is Wives and Daughters. North and South is the next movie I plan on adding to our family's inventory. One of my favorite authors is Jane Austen....see, I am crazy about it!! Yet why does the Regency era appeal to me so?

I believe the answer to that question lies in the general make-up of women. Though some seek to remove femininity, beauty, elegance, and grace from their lives, those yearnings are in each and every women, or so I think. I will even go as far as to say that I believe God put those desires in us for good reason; they set apart from our male counterparts.

So, if I remember those traits, I see why I love the Regency era so. The modest gowns, the tea times, the functional family relationships, the courting, the protection of men....all of it "soothes my soul." Perhaps if I lived in a time and place where my desires were fulfilled, I wouldn't crave Regency England and my world of certain entertainment so much. However, I do not live in a different time and place; I am firmly rooted in 21st Century America, and my love of "old-fashioned womanhood" is probably considered really weird by people.

Many would say that we have come far from horses and buggies, slow forms of communication, and the days of man-powered machinery. Okay, maybe we have. After all, e-mail is a great way to keep in touch! :-) However, when it comes to women, their role, and the way that they are perceived, I do not believe progress and change has been good. In fact, I believe we have missed out on a lot.

I do not want to appear as if Regency England is the greatest thing as sliced bread; I know it had problems. Yet, if you would allow me, (and even if you won't) I want to try to communicate why I think the way I do. But more importantly, I want these next posts to glorify God; that is my main goal. So, here we go! (Yet remember this: what I will write about is my opinion only. You are not in sin if you don't practice or follow what I think. PLEASE bear that in mind!!!! And God bless!)

Way Out of My Comfort Zone

Getting out of our comfort zone is a good thing. Sure, it is scary, nerve wracking, and difficult. However, one thing I mention a lot on this blog is that we can feel a sense of accomplishment when we try something new. Well, I did. Have any of you cut your dad's hair?!

Dad has been cutting Garrett's hair ever since he was four....I think. Well, Garrett was in the shower, and Mom wasn't too keen on the idea. So, I offered to do it. Now, I have never done anything like this before.

When I get my haircut, I go to a "salon" where a person uses scissors. With Dad, I used razors and a seventeen year old, rather inexperienced, girl. Dad was sure brave to trust his head to me! :-) It wasn't easy for me to do this. I was a perfectionist regarding this, even though it was my first time. I did cry with frustration, but somehow, I stuck with. (Perhaps it was because I didn't want Dad to go around with a half-done haircut!)

And here is the finished product. Doesn't look too bad! I have made up my mind; I will continue to learn the art of cutting Dad's hair. It is a way to honor him, and I definitely want to do that!! Plus, who knows, my husband want me to do his hair too!

So, I have some "encouraging wisdom" for ya'll. If you are faced with an opportunity to honor your dad, take it! He will be pleased and happy, and you will be a servant...just what our Lord was to us!

Another Sweet, Family-Friendly, Decent Movie Review

"....Fix your thoughts on what is true and honorable and right. Think about things that are pure and lovely and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise."--Philippians 4:8

This is a very well-known, often recited, verse. Most people use it as a reminder about guarding yourself from something bad. While that is good (and what I do) I think it is find to compare this verse with something good as well.

Perhaps you struggle the same way our family does: you can't find any good movies that are decent and not hokey. Well, my family watched North and South last night. (It's based on an Elizabeth Gaskell novel...NOT the Civil War mini-series with Patrick Swayze.) What a wonderful movie that I am sure we'll add to our collection. If I say that my brother watched it, you can rest assured that low dresses are hardly existent. In a society where (pardon the expression) sex sells, it is wonderful to view a film where there are no issues. Sure it's predictable; it's like a Pride and Prejudice, sort of, during England's Industrial Revolution. However, I appreciate that the romance parts of the story involves characters courting....and all their clothes are on. I like that much better than the nudity scenes that are out there today, don't you?

So, I have spent time this morning comparing North and South with Philippians 4:8. Purity is evident and not compromised. The main guy is honorable and true to the main girl, even when she doesn't appreciate or even like him. There are good functional family relationships, especially between father and daughter, mother and son. Basically, it is a film I can watch and remember....and not feel dirty as I do so. Refreshing!! If you look hard enough, there ARE great movies out there!

If you want a "better" review, check out this article from Ladies Against Feminism.

Cleaning My Closet

I feel that I have had a very productive day. Not only did I do schoolwork, but I did something Mom has asked me to do for quite awhile. I cleaned my closet. Now, I am a pack rat....I don't like getting rid of anything. However, as a future wife and mother (Lord willing!), my house cannot be run that way!! So, I finally decided that I had to go through the closet...and my drawers.



How do I choose what I need to get rid of. Well, I used these guidelines. If I haven't worn it in several months or years, GET RID OF IT! If it was too short, GET RID OF IT! If it's too tight, GET RID OF IT! Or, if I just plain old don't like it, GET RID OF IT!!!

So, after going through my closet and all of my drawers, this was the finished result. Typically, the items I removed from my wardrobe showed my midriff to much. (I definitely don't want to go around wearing something like that!!)

Here is plenty of proof that I "spring cleaned...or summer cleaned:" all of the hangers!!!


I know that the closet might still look full, but trust me....I finally have everything hanging up that needs to be. Yeah!

Unfortunately, I had to get rid of some outfits that were favorites. After all, you can't keep everything! I think this was Christmas 2004's Christmas dress. I loved it...mainly because it had a full skirt that was perfect for twirling in:-)






I really don't like getting rid of this one. It looks homemade, but I didn't do it. Anyway, Mom and I have matching dresses. She can still wear hers obviously, but for me, it is too tight. Boo hoo! I am going to have Mom put this one away for another time.








Can you tell this dress is gold? I don't think so, but this one has a memory behind it. In 2003, our family went to my grandparent's 50th wedding anniversary. Well, since 50 is supposedly the "golden anniversary," I fit the occasion.

I love yellow and I love lilacs...need I say more? However, again, TOO TIGHT!

So, I have this advice...take some time and clear out the closet. We shouldn't be slobs or pack rats. Also, you will find outfits that bring back memories, and that is always good!

Changes...Changes!

Normally, I am not into change!! Having my whole world spin out of control is not a highlight for me :-) However, I have really felt like making some changes to my blog. So, with my parent's approval and backing, I did.

Besides a new template, that took me a day or two to get set up, I have been allowed to make my blog semi-available to people. I have been given permission to put my blog on a few select sidebars, as long as comment moderator is up and running....and the comments are sent to my family e-mail! Why did I decide to make go this way? Well, I have really been wanting to minister to other like-minded young ladies. In today's society, we need to know that there are others like us. So, I have viewed my blog as a ministry. Lord willing, I hope girls will look at it and be ministered to through it.

Changes are also going on in life. Some of you know that church situations are far from what they used to be. I don't know if we will be leaving the church sometime soon or what the deal is. It is HARD to watch things I loved dearly change, or maybe it is me who has changed. Regardless, this has been difficult on the whole family. Yet, Praise God; He has proven sooo faithful!!! He is teaching me that it doesn't matter what others think of me. It is only His approval that matters!

That is a slight brief update into my life at the moment. I am sure that you all were wondering at what I have done! :-) I am praying for ya'll!

2nd Annual Memorial Day Picnic

As everyone knows, we celebrated Memorial Day this past weekend. We remember those who have died (or fallen in war) and give thanks to those who are in harm's way for our sake. Well, as March and April approached, our family wondered if we were going to have another BBQ and who we'd invite. Mom really wanted to shake it up this year. "Why have the exact group that we always socialize with? Let's invite people that we don't really know or who have younger children! It doesn't mean that we don't like the usual crowd; I just would like a change." So, that's what we did. Despite my hesitation, I thought the idea was a good one....and I definitely think so now. Just because I am seventeen doesn't mean I have to hang with just teenagers. Various age groups are loads more fun!!! We had less people this year (maybe 30 something) we had far too much food, and a great time of fellowship. I will post some pictures of our happenings. (Knowing blogger, it might end up in two posts:-)

All the yummy food....potato salad, chili cornbread salad, vegetable salad, another potato salad, condiments, meat....yum!

Some of the little ones on the trampoline



People, my brother included, relaxing in the shade

Some of the men playing Blongo Ball...it's a really cool game. (I think it's 'the thing' now.)

I was so glad that the Dy's came to our picnic. That made it a whole lot of fun!

Some of the women doing what they do best: talking! :-) (I shouldn't mock! I talk too:-)

Lindsey, my little sister, and Cassandra. Aren't they cute?!
Dad, relaxing. I believe he deserves it, and he definitely loves the hammock! :-)

This was a sad sight. Anneliese and Lindsey's little sisters, Elizabeth and Isabelle, weren't happy at all. Here is Elizabeth frowning behind Garrett's pitchback:-(

And he is Isabelle, crying on the hammock:-(

Well, it took three daysm but I got all of the pictures up. I hope you can see that we had a lovely time. God provided absolutely beautiful weather, unlike last year, when we thought it would pour on us! Truly, God was good to us this past Memorial Day. I pray that He was to ya'll as well.

Cinnamon Banana Wake-Up Cake

I love trying out new recipes. I won't deny that I am hesitant at times. What if they taste terrible? However, I try to make cooking an adventure. It would be pretty boring cooking the same things all the time. So, when Mom bought this cookbook, Keeping Good Company, I discovered this recipe. It's really good, so I thought to post it. I hope you enjoy it. (Our family has made it slightly healthier, by using wheat flour and a natural sugar, but you can definitely use what it calls for.)

1/3 cup softened butter
1 1/3 cup sugar
2 eggs
1/4 cup water
2 bananas, coarsely mashed (not pureed)
1 2/3 cup flour
1 tsp. baking powder
1 tsp. baking soda
2 tsp. cinnamon
1/4 tsp. nutmeg
1/4 tsp. ground cloves
1/2 cup chopped pecans
2 TBSP. suagr mixed with 1/2 tsp. cinnamon

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Beat together first four ingredients until well-blended. Stir in bananas and next six ingredients. Mix well. Spread batter into a greased bundt pan and sprinkle top with pecans and the cinnamon and sugar mixture. Bake for about 40 minutes (or until tester comes out clean.) Allow to cool in pan.

If you can't tell, this recipe is super easy to make!! In fact, I have to go whip one up for a food fellowship tomorrow. I love finding simple, yet satisfying, goodies! Enjoy!

God IS Our Protector

(Hope you all enjoy the post. Sorry....I can't get my paragraphs to work. I have tried to fix it several times!! So, I think, unless I can keep working on it, you will have to handle this post this way for now!)

As many of you know, we went camping over Mother's Day weekend. Mom really likes to do that, and since we are to honor her, we honor her request. Going to Bruneau is the easiest place to go; it's only about an hour and a half from the house. Plus, since it is in the desert, we can only go there in April and May. (The mosquitoes are terrible in the summer!)

The weekend started out great. The guys went fishing a lot. Mom and I read books and I worked on my editorial some more. If you don't think we had family time, we did. It took us all weekend to play one round of Pinochle. I have never had that happen before!

Well, our family wanted to go hiking up the big sand dune. It has always looked fun to climb, but we finally set to tackling it this year. Now, as I said the mosquitoes get bad, so we opted to start hiking in the evening, around sunset. Garrity had done the hike before, and he said it was only going to take an hour. So, we didn't think there would be an issue. We were in for a surprise.

It took us longer to get up the dune than we thought. But it was a great view, with the sunset and everything! Then, instead of walking the way we had come, we decided to walk the spine of the dune until the end of it. However, it was getting dark fast. By the time we got to where the "trail" ended, it was dark....and we couldn't find the way we needed to take. Oh, did I mention that we didn't have a flashlight? We were stranded; we knew where we had to go, but we couldn't get there. We tried to find a way around water, but to no avail. Finally, Dad determined that we had to go back the way we had come. That meant we had to hike the dune again.

Now, we were all tired, it was about 11 at night, and our bodies were just aching (that's not including our parched throats.) We were without a flashlight, there wasn't a moon, and I could hear coyotes in the distance. I paint a dreary picture, don't I? Well, we totally realized that we couldn't make it back to the car apart from the Lord...so we prayed A LOT!!!! We also had to stick together as a family, trusting that Dad knew he would get us back to where we needed to be and not lose the other members of the family.

Amazingly, I wasn't too scared. I didn't like the prospects of sleeping out on the dune; I wanted to get back to the safety of my camper. However, I kept looking up in the sky, and I kept seeing this one bright star. Every time I did, I felt encouraged for some reason. I just felt the Lord was right by my side; He knew the number of the stars, surely He knew where I was. Plus, I was always by my dad. All of the books I am reading talk about girls being in submission to their fathers, trusting them and believing them. I think played a big part too.

Well, after plenty of stops to catch our breath, not to mention plenty of prayers and uplifting songs, we made it back to the truck at 12:15 Mother's Day morning. We all praised the Lord that we got back safely!! It could have been a lot worse. And God, in His amazing mercy, didn't let bad weather (by this, I mean wind) pick up until we were back at our camping spot.

I learned a lot while on this camping trip. I learned 1.) that God is ALWAYS watching over me, 2.) good family cooperation is absolutely vital, and 3.) when you go for a hike at sunset, make sure to carry a flashlight. :-) Truly, this Mother's Day weekend camping trip was one we'll never forget!!

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!