Femininity in a Feminist World

Young Maidenhood - A New Season of Life

2011-07-10T13:29:00.000-07:00

Hello my well missed friends! Life has been rather busy lately and I haven't had much time at all to keep my fingers in everyone's pies, but I haven't forgotten about any of you! However, I recently spoke at a friend's "Young Maidenhood Party" and I thought I would share what I presented with you. Love you all!

Young Maidenhood is a new season of life. No longer are we the completely carefree little girls we once were; we are now blossoming into a time when we are beginning to ponder questions of life. We begin to look outside of ourselves, outside of our families and see possibilities of new things, new ways of life. We ask ourselves, why is our family living the way we live? Why do we hold the convictions we hold? Do I agree? And for what reason? The truth is, the world is an ugly, sinful place, as many of you are starting to see as you grow out of that innocent, ignorant stage of girlhood. The apostle John said in 1 John 5:19 that the whole world lies in wickedness. Young maidenhood is a time of preparation for our lives. To thrive as godly women in this world, we need to figure out what we believe and why, and quickly. You see, Satan runs a dog-eat-dog world and will not hesitate to devour you as well. For that reason, we must seek out the truth; for we are growing into the women we will be for the rest of our lives. Let’s continue on in the right way! Ephesians 5:1-2 says, “Be imitations of God, therefore, as dearly loved children and live a life of love.”

So how do we form our own convictions? The first thing we should do is pray, and ask God to guide us to people and things that will push us toward Him. He is certain to help us as he promised in Luke 11:9-10, “Ask, and God will give it to you. Search and you will find. Knock and the door will open for you. Yes, everyone who asks will receive. The one who searches will find. And everyone who knocks will have the door opened. We also need search the scriptures and learn for ourselves what we are supposed to believe and how we are supposed to live. Living for God on autopilot and just going through the motions because we live in a Christian family is not living for God; it is immaturity. Read books on theology, politics and family living. Young people need to know where they stand on these areas too!

To help form convictions, we should also search out people who can help guide us on the narrow path of believers. Our parents are a good place to start. They have only our very best interest in mind, and while we are under their protection and headship we need to be following them as they follow Christ. As we form our convictions and explore different ideas, our parents should be the first people we go to, to seek guidance from and ask for counsel.

In every girl’s life, there are also those who have chosen to walk the path of the status-quo. As we observe them and the choices they make, we should also observe the fruit of those decisions. Instead of just passing judgment and thinking, “Oh, well, I’ll never do that,” try to see what the root of the problem is. Oftentimes, it was discontentment, rebelliousness, a lack of self-control, allowing the enemy to whisper lies into our minds, or simply not pursuing a healthy relationship with God that started the trouble in the first place. Now, we know that every one of us struggles with these things; “For all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God,” Romans 3:23. If we were to allow these actions or thoughts to continue, we would be in the exact same shoes of those who fall into the world’s trap. So, while we observe others who are going down a different path then we are, or those who are starting to stray, let’s learn from their mistakes so we don’t have to deal with the same consequences.

Young Maidenhood is also a season of life we need to cherish. Instead of wishing it away for marriage or other circumstances, we need to embrace this time of life and live it to the fullest. If you died at the age of twenty, and that “special someone” hadn’t yet popped out of the woodwork, what would your later years have looked like? Would you have wasted them away by yearning for doors to open that hadn’t?

Just like childhood, young maidenhood is only a short time in a girl’s life. All too soon our situations will be changing; in life that is one thing which will always be guaranteed: change will come. As I mentioned earlier, this time in our life is for preparation. Along with forming godly convictions, we need to learn homemaking skills which we will use as wives and mothers, roles that God will call most of us to. Read the part of Proverbs 31 which tells of a marvelous woman who certainly knew the ins and outs of her dominion. It might give you a few ideas on where to start!

The best person to learn these skills from is our own mothers, which will mean joyfully spending time at home and helping alongside them. In cherishing this time of young maidenhood, we should really be spending large amounts of time with all our family members. Once we get married and move out of the house, things will never be the same again. Oh, we’ll be able to visit our family and we’ll still be their daughter and sister, but we will no longer be a part of their home life and daily system. Therefore, we need to enjoy the family God has placed us in for this season.

Just like our mothers have a wealth of knowledge they can teach from, so do our fathers. They can teach us many things about life. Our dads love and care about us, they want to help us along in our daily walk offering protection, guidance and security. And I can tell you from experience, they appreciate it when we come to them with questions and problems to solve. Remember, they are our leaders, whom God put in place over us!

We should be spending lots of time with our siblings as well. If you have younger siblings, take advantage of the fact that they look up to you and be a good example for them, because they will follow and copy you whether you want them to or not! If you have older siblings, try to be the good sister who they can come to if they need help or someone to confide in. Either way, we need to make sure we are enjoying this time at home when we can get to know our siblings, because once we are gone we will never have the opportunity to be so close-knit ever again.

According to the Bible, young maidenhood is a season of life given by God, for Ecclesiastes 3:1 says, “To everything there is a season, and a time to every purpose under heaven.” This season of life is no more important than the one before or the next season coming up; it is only the one we are standing in right now. However, the choices we make now will affect us for the rest of our lives, so let’s choose to follow our Lord and His plan and purpose for our lives joyfully and to the fullest!

Patience is a Virtue - So Get Rid of Those Pet Peeves!

2010-06-14T08:00:00.000-07:00

Being a big sister, there are some things you just *have* to chillax about.

Take people running through the kitchen after you've mopped the floor, for instance. That used to seriously get me. Anyone who walked through the kitchen as much as twenty minutes after I had mopped was just too inconsiderate. Didn't they care that I had just spent all that time cleaning all their dirt marks off the floor? Well, anyway, now I've realize that the kitchen floor is there to be walked on, whether it's clean or not. But if you walk through before I'm even done mopping...well, then you'd better watch out.

Another pet peeve of mine used to be finding a bunch of bath toys all piled up at the tub drain when I went to go take my shower. It probably took me an entire five minutes to sit there and hold each candy-colored speed boat upside down to dry, and squeeze all the water out of every single rubber duck, spitting frog and kissy fish. An entire FIVE MINUTES! What are these children thinking? I only have one hour before bed to shower, give myself an organic avacado face mask and put my hair in curlers... and that's pushing it. *Sigh* Now I've learned to pre-make my face mask and lay out my curlers ahead of time, so that I can fit De-Youthing the Tub into my nightly routine. I can't afford an extra five minutes; eight hours of sleep are a girl's best friend!

So I guess you're getting the picture of what we older sisters go through. If you have young siblings, I'm sure you deal with things like this every day! Or even if you have siblings that aren't super young, life can be just as crazy. Either way, it's not always easy to keep a smile on when you have so much insanity going on in the house (toys in the bathtub? Oh my!) But then again, life in general is pretty insane. God probably knows what He's doing... preperation for some future truly hectic time in our lives.

I find it encouraging to know that He will never tempt us with more than we can handle (1 Cor. 10:13). Sometimes I wonder if maybe God thinks a little too highly of me at times, but as you can see I haven't let the bumps get to me yet. Getting rid of my seemingly insignificant, but well-able-to-add-up pet peeves is one of the ways I'm trying to keep it as easy as possible on my part to stay patient.

You know, I seem to be especially weak in this area. Sometimes I can get to the point where the dirty car and the unswept porch just drive me up the wall! I've realized now, though, that caring about every. little. insignificant. thing. is just too much for me to deal with at this point in life. I need to focus on the truly important things in life before I start worrying about immaculate floors and Better Homes and Gardens bathtubs. But maybe you're different. You got this patience thing down in a snap. Well then, I give me some advice, lady! I need some tips! :-)

You know though, achievements get easier to grasp the more you perservere, so maybe I am starting to get the hang of it. ...Waaait a minute. While I was making last night's dinner things did get a little out of control...

After I had stood at the kitchen counter and put some Fiesta Dinner on plates, I turned and started putting whipped cream and strawberries on our Very American Dessert. Over my shoulder I asked two year old Sweetie Pie to put forks on the table (one for each chair, please) and quickly finished my crowning glory. A few seconds later I turned and saw her at the table, picking the cilantro, tomatoes and onions out of her burrito... fork faithfully in hand.

Patience dear sisters, patience.

Baby Announcement

2010-05-31T15:43:00.000-07:00

On Saturday, May 22nd at 1:04 AM my new little sister was born! She weighed in at 8 lbs. 1 oz. and is 20 in. long. She and my mom are doing well and recuperating nicely. We are all very happy! The birth went well for both of them, and for the third time I was able to experience the true miricle of another little baby being welcomed into the world. Thank you for sharing in our joy!

Ten Benefits of Exercise

2010-04-06T07:00:00.000-07:00

Part of our daily list of priorities should be to take care of our bodies. With fast food, pre-packaged snacks and frozen dinners there days, it is ever challenging to keep ourselves phisically healthy. While I am not an advocate for teenage dieting, I do think that we should be wise in what and how much we choose to eat. Making sure to get those calories you consume burned, and working to keep your body in shape is also essential for good health. Here are a few reasons why. Get ready for a healthy dose of motavation!

1. When you force your heart to work faster than it's usual pace, as you do while exercising, it has to find ways to pump extra blood through your vessles to carry the extra oxygen needed to cater to the strain. This means it creates new vessles for your blood to travel to, greatly preventing heart attacks and other respitory problems. Since the heart is the organ that makes all the rest work, it certainly seems wise to try to prepare it for unexpected bumps in the road.

2. Exercising strengthens your bones by the osteoclast and osteoblast cells which work to build up the areas that have the most stress put upon them. A German orthopedic surgeon by the name of Julius Wolff constructed a law that describes the result of exercise on bones. It states that bones adjust their shapes to the physical stress put upon them. This means that if you expose your bones to stress by doing things like biking, running, or other physical exercise, they will build themselves up accordingly to have the ability to withstand weight baring activity.

3. Endurance plays a large part in our lives. For my dad, it means being able to lift heavy cases of inventory without stopping for a long period of time at work. For my little sister, it means being able to climb up and down things continually - about every hour of her waking moment. :) When you exercise consistently, and push yourself to work longer when you feel the work out isn't hard enough, your body builds endurance to cater to the hard working parts of the body it is pushing. This not only makes your daily life easier, but helps your body work more efficiently as well.

4. Calories are anything you eat, whether stored or not. Excercising burns these into energy, which rids us of uneeded baggage. :-)

5. Even after you exercise, your body continues to burn calories. This makes you feel as if you have more energy. My mom works out to excercise videos early in the mornings, and she says it helps her feel ready for the day. I jog on the tredmill in the afternoons, which refreshes me with energy at the time of day I need it most.

6. As one of my former science books said, "Muscles are machines which perform more efficiently when in use." When you engage in physical exercise, you shrink fat cells and reveal what you have of muscle. While cardiovascular exercise doesn't build as much muscle like weight training would, it does train and build them according to the stress you expose them to. When you have good muscle tone, a state of slight tension in relaxed muscle, it helps you to have good posture - an important element in not only a healthy back, but of proper appearence as well.

7. Exercising strengthens your body and helps it to guard it against sicknesses. Thus, it can save your life!

8. Aerobic excercise increases the number of red blood cells in our body, the cells that carry oxygen, hence increasing our oxygen consumption.e all love to breathe, right?

9. When you exercise, you increase the rate of which you burn energy, or in other words, boost your metabolism. This is very healthy because it keeps things running inside you.

10. Lastly, excercising prevents many diseases. Heart disease, type two diabites and osteoporosis, to name a few. Did you know that all of these have their risks slashed greatly when you consistently exercise? Don't forget obesity; remember those fat cells we shrank. No, you do not have to be as skinny as a toothpick, but there are many benefits to not being extremely overweight, either.

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All in all, exercising is extremely good for our bodies. We were created to move! Let's remember that the earlier we start conciensely making good health choices, the easier it will be to stick to them for the rest of our lives. Let's take care of our "temples" not only in a spiritual way, but phiscally as well!

Grace vs. Law

2010-03-26T07:00:00.000-07:00

Enjoy this article from First Fruits of Zion. It digs into whether or not Christians should still uphold the laws of the Torah, now that our Messiah has come. I feel I really benefited from it and hope you feel the same! You can find many more insightful articles on their site: ffoz.org

Thought for the Week:

Things get backward if we start to believe that we must keep God's Law in order to be saved. Instead, we should keep God's Law because we are saved.

Commentary:

This week's Torah portion contains a lot of laws. Exodus 21-23 reads like an ancient legal code. Of the 613 commandments that the sages traditionally derive from the Torah, more than fifty of them are found in this week's portion.

For some reason, many Christian teachers seem to view the laws of the Torah as if they are a bad thing. It is commonly taught that the law is the opposite of grace. You might hear someone say, "We are no longer under the law. We are under grace." The implication is that since we have received the Messiah, we need not concern ourselves with the laws of the Old Testament. We can call this idea "Grace vs. Law."

Let's think about the Grace vs. Law idea. What do we mean when we say that we are not under the law? Does that mean we do not have to keep God's rules? For example, does it mean that we can commit adultery and theft? Of course not. No one would say that. So what does it mean?

The Grace vs. Law concept is derived from the writings of Paul. In his epistles, it seems that Paul pits the two in opposition to each other. He often says things like "Before faith came, we were kept in custody under the law" (Galatians 3:23) and "If you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the Law" (Galatians 5:18). One might misunderstand these statements to mean that Christians do not need to keep God's rules. Of course, that would be absurd. Paul realized that some people might misunderstand his teaching, so he cautioned us not to suppose that grace gives us free license to sin against God.

What shall we say then? Are we to continue in sin so that grace may increase? May it never be! How shall we who died to sin still live in it? (Romans 6:1-2)

Do we then nullify the Law through faith? May it never be! On the contrary, we establish the Law. (Romans 3:31)

If Paul was not teaching believers that they did not have to keep God's rules, what was he talking about? In Paul's day, many of the Jewish believers taught that before Gentiles could be part of the kingdom of heaven, they needed to become Jewish. The idea that a Gentile must become Jewish before being saved is what Paul calls "being under the law." Paul believed that Gentiles became sons of Abraham and part of the people of God through faith in Messiah. They did not need to earn that status by becoming legally Jewish. They did not need to first come"under the law" in order to enter the kingdom.

The Bible does not actually teach the idea of Grace vs. Law. Grace is God's free gift of salvation for those who believe in his Son. Law is His loving instruction for how His people should live. Grace vs. Law is a false dichotomy. They are not opposed to each other. They are meant to work hand in hand.

The Latest...

2010-03-22T07:00:00.001-07:00

As of late, as you probably have noticed, my life has been rather blog-deficient. As we have gotten rid of our Internet connection, I haven't had too much time to blog and comment. So, thank you all for understanding! Really, I'm not trying to be impolite, just not making to the library as often as I'd like to. :)

In the meantime, I've been spending more of my time each day doing school, as I've had a few subjects added to my usual list. One of the "extras" has been reading through the Uncle Eric Series, which is somewhat of a law/economics course. Very good reading material. It's not very challenging reading level wise, but it certainly challenges me in my law and government views! I'm going through the two-book series about the two World Wars, and am feeling like I'm getting a lot out of them. Highly recommended!

Passover is in just one week, and we're hastily finishing up our cleaning. Exodus 12:15 states that we should get all of the unleavened bread out of our home before Passover starts, and my mom likes to make sure that commandment is thoroughly obeyed. :-) Our system is to go through each room in the house; shop-vacing, organizing, Mr. Clean Magic Eraser wiping and ultimately get the room back into tip-top shape. Katherine and I were just talking about how interesting it is that many people are currently spring cleaning. Most likely there's a connection...

I recently participated in a talent show as well, which took lots of preparation time. I had much fun, though, and definitely learned from the experience. The more I sing, the more I love singing. :-)

So what's been going on with all of you? I haven't been able to check up on all the blogs, but it's

nice to hear from you!

How to Make Lip Balm

2010-02-01T07:00:00.000-08:00

Last summer while having some friends stay for the weekend, my mom, the girls and I got the priviledge of hosting a little lip balm party. This is the recipe our dear friend Thema searched out for us. It's not the exact same one we used, but we followed the same steps and used most of the same ingredients. And, although it may sound complicated, it's really not. :) Have fun!

Ingredients and Supplies:

Sweet Almond Oil, or Coconut Oil

Wheat Germ Oil

Beeswax pearls

Lip Balm Tubes or Jars (you can buy them very cheaply online)

The rule of thumb is two parts oil, one part beeswax pearls and a drop or two of wheat germ oil. If you want it thin like cream or Vaseline use a little less beeswax pearls. Want it thicker, like the chapstick in the tubes? Just add a little more pearls.

Heat almond/coconut oil in a saucepan and add beeswax pearls and wheat germ oil. Allow mixture to cool down. If it is too thick, add more oil. Too thin? Add more pearls. Reheat.

While letting the mixture cool, add a few drops of essential oils to enhance the healing effects to the balm. Comfry, Rosemary, Tea Tree and Camphor oils are excellent for this. We used more fun oils for yummy scents; like peach and mint, but any will work. After you add the essential oils but your mixture is still warm, carefully pour it into the lip balm tubes or jars. Let cool. Apply to lips as necessary. Enjoy!

Note: 4 oz. Almond/Coconut oil mixed with 2 oz. Beeswax pearls will fill more than enough of 12, quarter oz. tubes and/or jars. Any unused base can be stored for a very long time for future use.

You Are My Sunshine

2010-01-27T16:42:00.000-08:00

While reading a book to the little ones a few days ago, I turned to a page with lightening coming out of the sky. Girly Girl quickly put her hand on the page as if to catch it saying,

"Don't let the sun overflow!"

Songs I've Been Enjoying

2010-01-17T09:00:00.000-08:00

For the past few weeks I've really been enjoying learning these few worship songs for voice lessons. These are great songs to have stuck in your head. :)

Hosanna

Glory Revealed

Desert Song

Being Content While Unmarried

2010-01-13T17:01:00.000-08:00

Lately I've noticed quite a few girls who seem to focus an enormous amount of their thoughts and actions on their future married life. They don't necessarily live for today. They're waiting. Waiting. Waiting. Waiting for a future life that may start, whether within the next year, or the next decade. Most of them just like many of us, do not know.

While it is a good and wise choice to prepare for the probable event of getting married, having a home to take care of and children to raise, I believe that it is also good to enjoy and live out life as an unmarried young lady to it's fullest potential. This means being content with being "single": a helper to our parents, a daughter at home, etc. and being happy, satisfied, content with it. There will always be that God-given longing to be married and enjoy the blessing of children in any girl, but I think it is important not to get carried away with the idea that life will be some sort of perfect fantasy once we get married and have our own family. Yes, we hope God will be good in giving us those blessings, are excited about the prospect of them and can't wait to enjoy the fruit of his goodness, but remember ladies: he has also given us this time of singleness!

During this time, what should we as young girls be doing? Preparing for a family? Yes. Helping others? Yes. Furthering our education and Biblical worldview? Yes. Exploring areas of creativity? Yes. All of these activities are well worth your time. Allow me to expand on what I mean.

Preparing for a Family

Like the ant (Prov 6:6-8), we should be storing up "provisions" of experience in the areas of subjection (1 Peter 3:1), child rearing (Prov 22:6) and those that could be used not only in the role of a wife and mother, but in any lifestyle; love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control (Gal 5:22-23). I'm sure you can think of many other areas of growth that would be helpful to work on.

Helping Others

During the time in a young lady's life that she is unmarried, it important for her to realize the impact she can have on those around her. Whether it is aiding a mother with many little ones, doing yard work for an elderly couple, grocery shopping for a disabled person or encouraging younger girls with a Bible study, one has a chance to greatly bless others than almost any time in her life. She is physically and emotionally capable of being of invaluable service to others, yet does not have a husband and children that would naturally put restrictions on her schedule. However, remember that according to Psalm 144:12, a daughter is to be the corner pillar in her home; therefore her main priority should be to serve her immediate family.

Furthering Education and Biblical Worldview

In opposition to what much of the world thinks, when a girl puts herself in subjection to God's mastermind plan for the family structure, she does not become dense and cooperative as an obedient work horse would. Rather, while she is serving her family and those around her, she chooses to educate herself with books and teachings that further her beliefs in the godly lifestyle she has committed herself to.

Exploring Areas of Creativity

While in this stage of singleness, I believe that it is a good thing to find hobbies that challenge the gifts God has given you, help you figure out areas you need to work on (such as patience :), as well as help you define areas that you enjoy. When I stopped doing gymnastics due to issues of modesty and lack of finances, I needed to find something that would fill up the hole. Over a good amount of time I became more involved in writing to pen pals, took up blogging, dipped a little in cake decorating, tried out scrap booking, learned to sew, started knitting, experimented in art and was enrolled in music lessons. While everything that I tried I didn't always like or keep pursuing, I realized there were areas in which I excelled in more than others, and areas that I needed to work on. Many of the hobbies I am participating in now give me a chance to help and minister to others, while also fulfill my sense of creativity.

As I have tried to cover just the main points of things an unmarried young lady can do, I certainly haven't covered everything. There are many good activites and projects that a girl can involve herself in; however, something to guard yourself against is the typical career that many girls choose to seek out. There are many reasons why. For instance, if you have a typical full time job you would probably be under these circumstances: you would not be spending very much time at home; therefore not be able to biblically serve your father, you would be in an enviroment where there would be much unprotected time spent with the opposite sex, you would meet many people who would not exactly have your best intrests in mind, and you would get used to, and maybe even eventually copy, ungodly attitudes or belifes (such as feministic, relitave truth, etc.) All of these things cater to discontenment of being that stay at home daughter, living out her unmarried years, under the protection of her father.

Remember, ladies, there is freedom in living out your life within God's principles, and though it may be hard at first, the more you live for Him the more joy it will bring you. Pray for me as I pray for you!

Note: While these beliefs are consistent with the Bible, I personally am not anyone's authority. If your authority wishes you to follow a different path, it is not my place to say you are in the wrong. If you are choosing to obey them, the Lord will bless you for it.

A Treat For The Skin!

2009-12-31T21:15:00.000-08:00

My mom recently won an assortment of bath products from the Hick Chicks Soap Barn at a homeschooling mom's party, and I have to say I am silently thanking her for it! Mrs. Dalyn's soaps smell heavenly and are so smooth on your skin. Mmm mmm good.

Courtship Stories

2009-12-29T17:47:00.000-08:00

If you're like me, you really like hearing about love stories that, well, "start" with a happy ending. Here are a few that I've enjoyed:

~Pete and Genevieve's Story

~Issac and Amy's Story

~Chris and Stephanie's Full Story, told by Chris's mom. To see their story up to the engagement, check it out on their blog.

~Shalom and Justin's Story

~Abigail and Taylor's Story (Abigail's younger sister, Hannah, has been my pen pal for about 6 years!)

~Trina and Jeremy's Story

Image Credit

Way Back When...

2009-12-28T09:05:00.000-08:00

In 1908 when my father, Sumner Peter Hailey, was 17, he and his two brothers, Cecil 19 years and Homer 14 years, traveled from their parent's farm near Guild, Missouri to purchase cattle. The three traveled 271 miles by horse back, to Kansas city, Missouri. About the time the Hailey boys arrived in Kansas City, a man was robbed and murdered. There was a witness to the crime who hid under a wooden raised sidewalk. From this hiding place he could only see the killer's boots. My dad was seen in town and arrested for the murder, because the boots he wore were the same color as the man's who commited the crime. The sheriff also thought that the money my father had to purchase cattle was the stolen money.

After the arrest, Cecil and Homer got on their horses and rode back home, to tell their parents what had happened to Sumner, and to get bail money. While they were gone, a sheriff of a small town near Kansas City arrested a man for a minor crime. It ended up that he had the same boots as the murderer and the stolen money on him. The man confessed to both crimes, and my father was set free to go home.

Later in his life, he served in World War 1 and was married to my mother, Pernella "Nellie" Mitchell Hailey, and they were married for 66 years. They had four children: my sisters Thelma and Ilene, and me and my twin brother. My father lived to the age of 94, and was never arrested again.

Story by:

My Great Grandfather Mitchell Dan Hailey, as told to my grandfather, Bud Buckles.

Ways to Minister to the Elderly

2009-12-24T18:00:00.000-08:00

"Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world." James 1:27

"Wisdom is with aged men, with long life is understanding" Job 12:12 (NASB)

"Rise in the presence of the aged, show respect for the elderly." Leviticus 19:32

While working at the retirement center, I met many elderly men and women. I noticed that each and every one had stories to tell, advice to give and knowledge to share. And, each and every one were touched by the smallest kind gesture, word or act. I also noticed that other young people that worked there acted as if their job, whether handling the upkeep of the lawn and gardens, serving food or wheeling a wheelchair, was the most boring and terrible job one could have. There were no smiles, cheery hellos, conversation starters or signs of respect shown. Instead, there were eye rolls, sighs and statements spoken that sounded like they could have been directed to a child who wouldn't know a bird from a fish.

To be honest, I was shocked and saddened. Who do we teenagers think we are? Certainly not smarter than these other human beings who have lived fifty, sixty years more than us? ....I hope not. Out of all the generations living right now, we are the ones that, for the most part, know the least.

You and I, as young people who are aiming to serve the Lord, let's do something a little extra to reach out. It doesn't take much; just a little time and energy. And we, the young and unmarried, seem to have much of that. Wouldn't you agree? I know that many of your families probably already do something for the elderly, but I thought that I'd post a few things that us girls could do.

1. Befriend a sweet, lonely lady you meet (either at a retirement center, or the grocery store :) and become pen-pals. If you're like me, you probably have a good assortment of them already, so you know how letter writing works. The lady I helped loved getting mail, and frequently enjoyed sending out little encouragement cards to her friends as well. Think about how appreciative someone might be if you started writing to them, asking for cooking tips, old stories and childhood memories.

2. Drop off a dessert. If you personally know the person, make sure you know if they have any dietary restrictions. Not everyone does, however, and since many facilities accept donated treats, make a few dozen cookies to drop off (of course being sure to call first).

3. Many nursing homes and retirement centers have chapel times, offered by different churches around town. If you play an instrument, and your church or homeschool group doesn't do this, why not volunteer a little of your time and play (or sing!) for the residents? At the retirement center I was at, a lady would play the piano twice a week during breakfast. Everyone enjoyed it!

4. Offer to visit a lady's home once a week or so, and bring things for manicures, card making or something else she might enjoy doing with you. If you wanted, you could even go big time and volunteer to do it for all the ladies in a retirement or senior center.

5. Have a cards night, either at your house, an elderly person's or retirement home. Many elderly people love playing cards!

And one more idea: Offer to clean once or twice a week for someone. Being young and agile, we're a much better canadite for loading the dishwasher or scrubbing out the shower than a person who has a hard time just walking. One more way to practice our "homemaker" skills!

"Give and it will be given unto you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over..." Luke 6:38

A Young Maiden's Daybook - Entry Number 9

2009-12-22T08:30:00.000-08:00

Today... is December 22, also known as Tuesday, which is also known as the day I need to catch up on school, sweep and mop the hallways and stairs, mail cards for my grandma and write a few thank you notes.

Outside my window... I see ice, ice, ice... and a little sun peeking out of the clouds.

I am thinking... about the big box of homemade cookies and chocolates my uncle brought over yesterday. So nice!

I am thankful for... a quiet, cozy morning.

I am wearing... a tan sweater an a long, princess cut skirt. (I love skirts and dresses in princess cut!)

I am reading... So Much More by Anna Sofia and Elizabeth Botkin. That book is a God-send.

I am creating... nothing at the moment. I just finished putting a new nine patch on a quilt where the other one had ripped for an elderly lady down the street yesterday. Once we get our sewing machine fixed, I'd like to make some headway on my own!

One of my favorite things... holiday tea in the morning to calm down that screaming throat.

For education this week... the usual is in store. I've got to practice extra hard for piano, though! Fur Elise, even the simplified version, is definitely a challenging for me. A E A, E E G#...

A keeper at home skill I am using/learning... how to have patience while sewing things by hand. Ugh!

A spiritual lesson I am learning... to be kind and respectful when someone is speaking harshly or is upset at you, even when it isn't your fault.

A godly character trait I plan to work on... kindness.

Scripture I am memorizing... I've backslid on that for a few months, so this week I am reviewing the verses I had previously memorized.

I am praying for... my cousin Kimmy.

For the rest of the week... I don't have much going on. No music lessons, appointments or places to go until Sunday - my weekly shopping/coffee date with a friend down the street.

A picture I'd like to share...

My brother when he opened his gift from me for Hanukkah - a camo bear. :)

Care to participate? Do so here.

Was There Advanced Technology in Past Civilizations?

2009-12-20T16:00:00.000-08:00

"Popular culture has led us to believe that ancient man was primitive - originating from primates and steadily improving through a process of time and chance. But does that agree with reality? What does the evidence left behind from past cultures tell us? Was ancient man simple and primitive as we have been taught, or did the level of science and technology existing thousands of years ago rival, or even surpass, the level of ours today in the 20th century? ~Donald E. Chittick in The Puzzle of Ancient Man

The above book has really strengthened my faith. I began reading it a couple of weeks ago as my history curriculum, and I've really enjoyed it.

One of the main points that Dr. Chittick makes is that men did not begin living in caves and beating on their chests. Our race began with God. He formed and made us and Adam learned from Him. A little ways down the line: "His brother's name was Jubal: he was the father of all who play the harp and flute. Zillah also had a son, Tubal-Cain, who forged all kinds of tools out of bronze and iron." Genesis 4:21 and 22.

Hmmm... if a couple of men in only the fourth chapter in the beginning are creating things from brass and iron, as well as writing music and inventing musical instruments, people had to have had a high form of intellect. We know that we were created the way we are we did not evolve to the level we are at today. In The Puzzle of Ancient Man, the author gives a very convincing argument toward this end. He sites many different ancient civilizations.

When describing several wonders of the world, things that have stumped people for centuries, he has a whole different view of how they came about. He quotes respected and knowledgeable authors, professionals in those fields of study, Christian and secular. When referring to the huge, mile upon mile sketches drawn on the Nazca desert, he quotes an author,

"Regarding the methods employed, the designs of Nazca prove that their creators possessed a highly developed degree of abstract thought. The task of transferring to a desert the figure of a bird, or any other animal, is one that cannot be carried out by a mere enthusiast. It demands rather complicated geometric methods which alone can explain the extraordinary regularity and symmetry of the drawings as well as the proper proportions among their elements. It is quiet certain that the figures of Nazca were not the result of simple visual ad-hoc method."

This is one of many places that others have seen the anomaly of ancient man exhibiting technology that we never thought possible coming from those times. The tower of Babel, Stonehenge, The Incas and Mayans, the great pyramids and many other things are explained in this book.

We think we have come so far. And, really, the internet alone is an amazing thing. But, who is to say that people before us did not do equally amazing things? We have little of what was here before the flood. Imagine if today the flood happened. Everything was wiped away. Nothing was left but one family to go out and repopulate, reinvent and rebuilt. Yes, someone could have brought their lap top and ipod on board, but what if they weren't computer experts (Noah's family were carpenters, after all they spent their whole lives building an ark) and couldn't replicate them? These things would be lost. What they did have, they'd pass on to their children and their children's children, but each society would become experts at different things. "What has been will be again, what has been done will be done again; there is nothing new under the sun." Ecclesiastes 1:9

It's so easy to go with the flow and say, "Sure, I believe in Creationism." But, you need to able to defend why you believe what you do. This book is a surefire way to build your knowledge and understanding as well as increase your ability to back your stance. It's a good read.

I'm Back!

2009-12-14T20:35:00.000-08:00

After a nice, long break from Mr. Time Sucker, I am happy to say that he is now sucking my time again. These last few months have been crazy busy for me, but thankfully things are slowly, but steadily, starting to slow down.

At the end of August we started back up in school, which was quickly followed by a few breaks due to the Feast of Tabernacles, among other things. In September I started taking voice and piano lessons, which have been rather challenging, but I am thankful for the opportunity to develop in the area of music. It's something I've wanted to do for a while!

For about the last two months I've been working for a lady at a retirement center down the street from our house, for about eight to ten hours a day. When she originally hired me she had recently fallen out of a van and seriously bruised herself, making it hard for her to get around. Thankfully she is now back up and going again, and doing well. While it was a struggle at first to get used to not being at home, I learned to manage the time that I had wisely to get things done when I was.

The whole "job" was rather a large blessing and answer to somewhat of an unspoken prayer. Just the week before my mom was called up about it, a friend and I were talking about how we were in a bit of a hard situation, because while we wanted to earn a little money, we didn't necessarily want to be fast food girls. I mentioned that it would be nice to learn something that I would be able to do close to my home, or if possible, right at home. Then, this temporary caregiver job was dropped in my lap, which in turn has given me the experience to possibly explore the job as one. While I don't think I would choose do a full time job like this, it is a great opportunity to be able to work for an elderly lady once or twice a week, either right down the street, or someplace else.

Something that also took place in November was an Operation Christmas Child party my mom and I put on. About ten girls came with an assortment of moms, and we surpassed our goal of twenty gift boxes by three. We were able to get a few stores to donate money to help with buying the supplies, and the rest were brought by the girls, myself and Grandma. :)

These first few weeks of December have mostly been spent getting back into the roll of things at home. Also, we are currently right in the middle of celebrating the Festival of Lights, which carries the joys of latke making, dreidle playing and gift giving. Yes, it's true. I'm glad to be back!

Comparing and Contrasting Pollyanna and Veruca Salt

2009-08-27T13:56:00.000-07:00

Today while I was picking up the office I came across a little file of some papers I had written for school over the years. I thought you might get a kick out of this one. I remember I had just mentioned that I had finished both books when I was told I needed to have a paper about a character from each book in by lunch time. This just goes to show how spontaneous my mother is on writing assignments! ;)

Comparing and Contrasting Pollyanna and Veruca Salt

This is an essay comparing and contrasting Pollyanna, a character from Eleanor H. Porter's fiction novel Pollyana, and Veruca Salt, from the book Charlie and the Chocolate Factory written by Roald Dahl.

Pollyanna Whittier is a fun-loving, orphaned, ten-year-old girl who lives with her strict aunt Polly. Pollyanna always tries to make the best of every situation and encourages others to do the same. She loves making new friends and taking in all sorts of creatures who don't have any place to stay, much to her dismay, into Aunt Polly's mansion.

Veruca Salt is a rich, spoiled brat who "needs a good spanking". She was the second winner of Mr. Willy Wonka's precious five golden tickets. And, as you can guess, got it purely from whining and screaming her father's ear off (just like she gets everything else).

Here are some of the similarities of Pollyanna and Veruca Salt. Veruca and Pollyanna both live in wealthy households; Pollyanna was adopted into the money and Veruca was simply born raking in the bucks. Bother girls have lovely, blond hair and are somewhat curious.

Though there are very few comparisons between Veruca and Pollyanna, there are many contrasts. First of all, Pollyanna is much more well behaved. In Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Veruca's "Daddy" tells the newspaper that Veruca "would lie for hours on the floor, kicking and yelling in the most disturbing way" when he would come home from work with no Golden Ticket. But when Pollyanna doesn't get something she wants, or has to do something she doesn't want to do, she doesn't throw a fit screaming and kicking on the floor. For instance, when Pollyanna found she didn't have any "looking glass" in her bedroom, she tried to make the best of things and figured that she can look at her freckles. Also, Veruca always wants everything she sees. Pollyanna is much better behaved than that. Thirdly, Pollyanna and Veruca each live in different time periods. You can tell because in Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Mike Teavee, another Golden Ticket finder, watches television. In the early 1900's, the setting of the book Pollyanna, there were no TVs invented yet.

As of closing, my favorite book was probably Charlie and the Chocolate factory; I think it was more exciting. But my favorite character was NOT Veruca Salt, it was Pollyanna! I love all of her Innocent, hilarious ideas. :)

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Okay, so I realize I wasn't the greatest thirteen year old writer on the planet, but it was fun to look back on and remember my ideas on those two books... for the love of reading.

How To Make Your Own Herbal Tea

2009-08-21T20:10:00.000-07:00

I love tea. I could go through the boxed tea section at the store for at least a quarter of an hour looking at this tea and that tea, matching up kinds that would taste good together, noticing one I know one of my pen-pals would love... But although I love the convenience of popping a tea bag or two into a mug with a drip of honey for an easy and soothing drink, I still have wondered what it would be like to make my own tea. I never looked into it because I thought it would be too hard and complicated, but this lady makes it look easy, showing you step by step what to do.

If you'd like to see how to make yogurt, start at the beginning of this video. If you would rather just watch the tea tutorial, skip to 8:55.

Tea making part two.

Anybody up for some pineapple coconut tea? Yum!

Got a Cold? Try Some Natural Ways To Fight It!

2009-08-20T07:00:00.000-07:00

Sadly enough I have become one of the many people that've come down with a common cold this summer. It's kind of funny, because it seems like a lot of friends I've been emailing and chatting with on the Internet have a cold too. Guess I caught the bug off he web. (HAHAHA ahahaha...ha ha.....ahem.)

Anyway, I decided to look up some ways I can help my body fight this thing off, and here's what I found in an article off of Associated Content. It recommended all the things I've heard to do and backed them up with reasonable, well, reasons. And yes, they do work (I know from personal experience).

1. Sleep! Your body right now is in overdrive fighting off the cold and you will need extra rest. More so than normal. That extra added rest will give you a quicker recovery time. You'll be tired anyway from the cold so why not sleep?

2. Drink plenty of fluids. These fluids can include soup, water, juice (for that vitamin c we all need) or tea. No dairy here like milk. This can increase the thickness of your mucus and you do not want that. Keep glass of water always next to your bed. You will need to replenish those fluids that are lost and keep your body constantly hydrated.

3. Eat foods that are spicy! This is my personal favorite and I don't need a cold as an excuse to eat them. What does this do? This forces out the mucus which is a good thing.

4. Now this falls under the fluids category but in particular you should drink ginger tea. I'm not a big fan of it but it does work. It will calm that itchy and scratchy throat that has you up at all hours of the night which can be a nightmare to deal with. It will also help to clear out your nose. Ah relief! You can actually breathe, maybe not smell yet but that will come back in due time, I promise.

5. Eat garlic. Chop up a couple of cloves and put it in your food. If you don't like garlic, you can always take a capsule. It helps to clear things up, gets rid of fluids and is antiviral along with antibacterial. Not bad huh?

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

I know we have garlic and spices (which I'll put into tonight's dinner), and I think we have some ginger tea waaaay back on our tea shelf, so it looks like I'm well on my way to getting better. Sleep is of course a welcome thing too! And besides, whoever said that DayQuil was the only thing that could help ya feel better?

Wanted: Ideas For Encouraging Our Sisters In Christ

2009-08-18T09:13:00.000-07:00

When many parents think of Girl Scouts, they imagine young girls in uniform
selling Thin Mints and Tagalong cookies – not learning about stone labyrinths,
world peace, global warming, yoga, avatars, smudging incense, Zen gardens and
feminist, communist and lesbian role models.
But that's exactly what many of
2.7 million Girl Scouts will learn about with a new curriculum called "Journeys"
released last year.
Read the rest of the article here.

How sad that this huge program with 10 million girls and adults globally is putting out this sort of propaganda! How many parents enroll their daughters in Girl Scouts, thinking that they will be learning good, wholesome life skills, then, most likely, unknowingly expose their daughters to these things?

Okay, so we realize that there is a problem. Not only with Girl Scouts, but with many worldly programs put out for girls. Let's think of some ways that we as young ladies can encourage other ladies in doing godly things, lifting each other up in the Lord, and looking to the role-models He has given us.

Here are a couple of my ideas. If you would like to comment with yours, I'd love to post them here!

- Start up a pen-palship with your friend, sending back and forth a few paragraphs on different inspirational godly ladies each month, focusing in on one godly character trait for a long period of time. Honestly tell how your last few months have been, and keep each other accountable.

- Of course every girl needs a pick-me-up now and then. Put together a small box of treats, whether treats to eat or treats for the feet, it will be sure to put a smile on her face! Tuck in a little appropriately decorated note telling them how special they are. Here is a list of encouraging Bible verses you could add in.

- Start up a group for younger girls, taking advantage of the way they look up to you, directing them to the Lord's way of life. (A great program to use is Bright Lights, which I have used successfully in the past and am currently looking into using for a group for girls I will be starting.)

- Start a Keeper's At Home Group. ~Mrs. Carrie

- "If you know any Missionaries, I really suggest starting to write them...they really enjoy that and it can be an encouragement to them when they are so far from home...we have made SO MANY NEW FRIENDS by doing that." ~Mrs. Carrie

- "reach out to neighbor girls...with the permission of your parents of course." ~Mrs. Carrie

Anyone else have thoughts they'd like to share?

Thoughtfully,

"Enemies List" Denied

2009-08-12T22:33:00.000-07:00

"The white house is asking to be informed about people who are speaking out about health care. Guess we don't dare disagree with the government now? Casual conversation even? This is straight from the White House blog:

"There is a lot of disinformation about health insurance reform out there, spanning from control of personal finances to end of life care. These rumors often travel just below the surface via chain emails or through casual conversation. Since we can’t keep track of all of them here at the White House, we’re asking for your help. If you get an email or see something on the web about health insurance reform that seems fishy, send it to flag@whitehouse.gov."

Go here to view the article." Thank you to Mother Dear for her post I borrowed. :)

Now, go here to check out the White House's response. Very interesting, I must say. Whatever happened to answering questions directly?

I Promise

2009-08-11T08:55:00.000-07:00

I really love this song by Jaci Velasquez, put out when she was sixteen years old on her album "Heavenly Place". Last night I was listening to it as I was falling asleep, and I felt such a peace knowing that God has my life in His hands, that all I have to do is trust in Him and follow His Word, and HIS wonderful plan will unfold.

~ Lord, You know my heart

And all my desires
And the secret things I'll never tell

Lord, You know them well

Though I may be young

I see and understand

That at times like sheep we go astray

And things get out of hand

Chorus:

So I promise to be true to You

To live my life in purity

As unto You

Waiting for the day

When I hear You say

Here is the one I have created

Just for you

Until then, O Lord

I will be content

Knowing that true love

Will come someday

It will only come from You

‘Cause I have seen the suffering

That loneliness can cause

When we choose to give our love away

Without a righteous cause

Chorus

So I promise to be true to you

To live my life in purity

As unto You

Waiting for the day

When I hear You say

Here is the one I have created

Just for you ~

Alive, Well And Goin' Goin' Goin'

2009-08-10T14:50:00.000-07:00

Busy, gotta go. Bye!

Easy Homemade Hamburger Patties

2009-08-02T18:52:00.000-07:00

There is just something about a homemade burger, wouldn't you say? My full-to-bursting stomach definitely agrees. Tonight my whole family raved about the hamburgers for dinner, so of course I'm looking forward to using this recipe again.

2 lbs. hamburger

2 tsp. seasoning salt

2 tsp. Worshtishire sauce

1/2 tsp. garlic powder

1/2 tsp. ground black pepper

1/2 cup chopped onion

2 eggs

Mix all together, mold into about 10 patty shapes and grill. Don't forget adding your fresh-from-the-garden veggies, and even, if you want to go really far, your delicious homemade buns.

Books I Recommend

2009-07-30T21:00:00.000-07:00

Many books being put out right now that are geared towards older children and young adults alike are filled with magic, dating, the "parents are stupid" mentality, animal-human morphism (evolution, anyone?), bad language... shall I go on?

It is for this reason that my mother has searched high and low for wholesome and moral books, and even has made one of our storage rooms into a library to hold them all. To make sure the things she's bringing in are consistent with our family values, every book or series that she isn't familiar with, or isn't sure about, is first quickly run by Dad. If he thinks it might be good, it is then given to me. I read it, tell Mom my opinion, and it either goes into it's correct place in our library, or off to some needy person on Paperback Swap. This system seems to work for us, and has resulted in about six full-to-the-brim book cases of good books!

We have recommended books and gleaned from other's searches with about every family with children we have gotten to know. It's been a large blessing, and of course it's always fun to discuss a book you've read with someone else who has read it too. So, I've decided to share with you our favorites for all different ages. I've put them in categories according to approximate ages I think they're good for, for reading on your own, but play around with it a little. Many of the preteen/teen books are great as read alouds.

Children

The Boxcar Children Series by Gertrude Chalendar Warner. About the adventures of a sibling group of four.

The Cam Jansen Series by David A. Alder. All mysteries in which a girl with a photographic memory ("Cam") solves.

The Dear America series put out by Scholastic. Fictional "diaries" of young girls in different times in America's history.

Her Magesty, Grace Jones by Jane Langton. I read this one out loud to Creative Genius who thought it was absolutely hilarious.

Clancy's Cabin by Margaret Mahy. About some siblings who get to "live" in a cabin on their own for a bit.

All books by Beverley Cleary. I used to looove these! Funny books mostly about a few different children all in the same neighborhood.

Childhood of Famous Americans published by Aladdin Books. A series about, well, famous Americans.

The Moody Family Series by Sarah Maxwell. Very encouraging books about a conservative family's every day life. Great for the whole family!

Preteen/Teen

The American Adventure Series published by Barbour. Many different Christian mini series about different families "way back when".

Lily's Crossing by Patricia Reilly Giff. About a young girl living in the US during WW2 who learns to look at her life in a different way.

The Reel Kids Adventures by Dave Gusaveson. A series about a few missionary kids who travel around the world making videos.

The Nancy Drew Series by Carolyn Keene and the Hardy Boy Mysteries by Franklin W. Dixon. These are ones that I've often found myself still reading at midnight! Warning: Nancy and the Hardy Boys do go on occasional dates with friends, but they are usually with other couples and there is never any infatuation talked about whatsoever, kissing, etc.

The Mandie Books by Lois Gladys Leppard. All about a Christian girl in the early 1900's.

The Cooper Kids Adventure Series by Frank Peretti. Christian mysteries that are always very interesting!

The historical character books put out by American Girl. This is a large series consisting of books about girls in the seventeen to nineteen hundreds. However, since American Girl was bought by Disney, they have put out a couple of new series which you might have to read over before putting them up for free taking (be on the lookout for feminism, etc.)

The Sugar Creek Gang series by Paul Hutchens. About a group of boys and their adventures. My eleven year old brother loves these.

Follow My Leader by James B. Garfield. A book about a boy and his transition to life not being able to see, after being blinded by a firework.

Island of the Blue Dolphins by Scott O'Dell. I read this book a few months ago and found it very interesting. About a girl who gets left behind on an island by herself.

Christian Heroes: Then and Now put out by Youth With a Mission. A large series about the lives of "heroes" of our faith.

Wait For Me, Watch for Me, Eula Bee by Patricia Beatty. I cried at this book when I read it a while back! About a boy and his sister who are captured by Indians.

The Royal Diary Series published by Scholastic. You've got to kind of filter through these, as some are a bit inappropriate, but are mostly good fictional diaries "written by" young ladies who were all royal in some way or another. I really enjoyed these for a long time. I've read all the ones I could find!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Now, as you can see I'm a bit starved on high reading level, but also appropriate books. I need some thoughts on this! Anyone have any good book recommendations for young adults? I'd love to hear them! Hopefully the books I've shared will help your family. :)

I'm Sixteen!

2009-07-27T16:40:00.000-07:00

Yes, it's true. AND I was given the most thoughtful gift ever for it! For the last few weeks Mother Dear has been working on some "secret project"...

...which turned out to be a quilt with squares from special ladies I have known throughout my entire life. Pen pals, aunts, friends, my kindergarten teacher...

I feel so blessed! Thank you to all who took the time to contribute to it, and especially to my extremely creative and hard-working mother.

Invasion!

2009-07-23T07:00:00.000-07:00

The weeds were taking over. No longer!

Gentlemen Are Rare...Can We Not Recognize One?

2009-07-22T15:35:00.000-07:00

Last night my parents decided to go out for dinner. They pulled up to the restaurant they were going to eat at and my dad hopped out and opened the door for my mom. She got out, and as they started to go into the front door, a lady who worked there (apparently on her break) standing by asked them, "Was the door broken from the inside or something?" My parents had no idea what she was referring to, so they just kind of looked at her for a minute. "Oh!" she said, "You were opening the door for her! That is the sweetest thing!"

It just so happened that later that evening she was their waitress, and throughout the night doted on their every "need"; making sure their drinks were always full, giving the free bread sticks and even somehow getting their bill to an extremely low amount for what they had purchased.

All because my dad was a gentleman to his wife.

The Best Chip Dip on the Planet

2009-07-21T15:00:00.000-07:00

Last night I made this extremely delicious dip to go with our practically-free-because-of-a-deal lime corn chips. The recipe doesn't take much, but it always turns out yummy - no matter how many substitutions you have to put in!

Fiesta Dip

1 cup sour cream
1 can refried beans
1 can green chillies
1 envelope fiesta ranch dressing mix
2 cups Mexican blend (or plain cheddar) cheese
olives,tomatoes, lettuce, green onions chopped
tortilla chips

In a shallow microwave-safe dish, combine the sour cream, beans, chilies, and dip mix, along with 1 pound cooked, warm ground beef if using for a main dish.

Stir in 1 cup of cheese. Cover and microwave on high for 2 minutes and stir. Keep cooking in 2 minute intervals, stirring in between, until warm.

Stir until blended.

Sprinkle with remaining cheese and top with olives, tomatoes, onions, and lettuce if desired.

Serve with tortilla chips. Makes approximately 6-7 cups.

First Blogoversary

2009-07-21T13:52:00.000-07:00

Oh. My. Goodness. This shows how bad I'm getting at keeping up with my blog...

I missed my blogoversary!!!

This is a sad, sad day in Serenityopia... Thank you to Teena for reminding me about it!

What a horrible blogger I am... I totally missed planning the greatest online party in all of Blogger history!

What A Diva Looks Like Before She Gets Her Hair Done

2009-07-18T17:14:00.000-07:00

This morning she got outside before I could get to her... Those ribbons were yesterday's decor!

Our Little Trip

2009-07-15T22:09:00.000-07:00

Last weekend we went on a little "vacation" to the Seattle area, visiting friends and family. While we didn't get a million pictures, due to camera batteries going out right before Shabbat (of all days), I'll share part of our little adventure with you.

Please pardon my lack of posting! A four day trip is a lot longer then four days if you count preparing and getting life back to normal. :)

Talk to you soon!

Hairdo Help

2009-07-07T14:23:00.000-07:00

Lately I've been trying to experiment with new hair styles on my hair. Only, the problem is that my hair is so long (to my waist) that it just doesn't work with the ones I see in tutorials or magazines - even the ones for "long tresses". Does anyone have any ideas or suggestions? If at least three people post hair style tutorials on their blogs I'll blog about them. Any comments would be very welcomed too!

Love,

Fourth of July Cupcake Cake

2009-07-04T10:08:00.000-07:00

Last night I whipped up this fun dessert for tonight's dinner. It was super easy, and stress-free!

Here's what you do:

Bake a batch of 24 cupcakes.
Make a x3 batch of this frosting (just to be safe :). Color about a cup blue, a cup and a half red, and leave the rest white.
Arrange the cupcakes into a shape of some sort.
Fill in all the spaces in between the tops with white frosting, making a somewhat smooth surface to decorate.
Take three decorating bags (or large zip top bags) and put a #18 star tip in one and two round #5 tips in the others.
Fill the star tip bag with blue, and the others with the red and white.
Now, got ahead and decorate! Use your imagination. And remember: it doesn't have to be perfect.

** Have icing left over? Make another batch of cupcakes, cut each in half and ice the middle, putting them together like a sandwich. Wrap them individually, put them in gallon-size zip top bags, then throw them in the freezer. Perfect for Dad's at-work-snacks, or easy afternoon snacks for your sibs! **

Easy Fourth of July Breakfast

2009-07-04T08:01:00.000-07:00

Need a breakfast in a snap? Why not use those leftover pancakes that have been sitting in the bread basket for a couple of days now? Just add whip cream, sprinkles and those cherries that are so bountiful at the moment, and you've got yourself some happy kids. (I know this isn't the healthiest breakfast on earth, but hey, it's the 4th - a good excuse, right?)

Corn Syrup Painting for Preschoolers

2009-07-02T15:02:00.000-07:00

Pour a small amount of corn syrup into a (preferably) disposable bowl.

Then, drop a bit of food coloring or liquid watercolors in.

This gives your preschoolers some color options, or if they like, they can do a little mixing.

Let them paint the corn syrup on some thick-ish paper with a q-tip. When they're finished, lay it out to dry and let them marvel at the hard, colored, shiny spots on the paper!

And there you have it: a fun and easy preschool activity.

Could Some Dinosaurs Still Be Living?

2009-07-01T16:35:00.000-07:00

The science of "cryptozoology" is becoming increasingly respectable with the increased awareness of many thousands of historic "sightings" of mysterious animals that can't help but bring to mind an association with the supposedly "extinct" dinosaurs of the past.

This section on dinosaurs was from one of my fifth grade science books. I still love it!

Sea Monster or Surviving Saurus?

Cadbury may be a familiar name to chocolate lovers, but cadborosaurs is a name for a giant sea serpent often sighted off the cost of British Columbia, Canada. Up to 50 feet long, these creatures have a head like a horse, a long neck and short front flippers. Its credibility increased when in 1937, a ten-foot-long juvenile specimen was found in the stomach of a sperm whale.

The Mysterious Santa Cruz Carcass of 1925

Many people saw it. The press reported it widely. Washed ashore in 1925 just north of Monterey Bay, California, a giant rotting corpse was analyzed. A respected president of the Natural History Society of B.C., Canada wrote:

My examination of the monster was quite thorough. It had no teeth. its head is large and its neck fully 20 feet long. The body is weak and the tail is only three feet in length from the end of the backbone. These facts do away with the whale theory [which had been proposed by a handful of other authorities], as the backbone of a whale is far larger than any bone in this animal... I would
call it a type of plesiosaurus.

Mr. Wallace theorized the monster might have been preserved in a glacier for thousands of years, only to be released and floated to the area before washing ashore.

One can't help wondering why this and other discoveries aren't more widely reported. However, sea monsters and recently living dinosaur types have not been popular among evolutionists who insist on their mythical millions of years of geologic time.

The Modern Japanese "Plesiosaur?"

Off the coast of New Zealand, a Japanese fishing crew hauled an odd catch in their nets in 1977. The giant carcass was 30 feet long and weighed about 4,000 pounds. To avoid spoiling their fish catch, the men had to dump it back in the ocean, but not before a zoologist on board made notes on the animal. Its long neck, flippers and other details were still intact enough to suggest it was some kind of saurian creature rather than a shark.

Is there really a Loch Ness monster?

In the highlands of northern Scotland, people have reported a gigantic swimming "beastie" for the last 1,400 years. Some 3,000 sightings and even some vague photos seem to bear a resemblance to the plesiosaur of dinosaur times. Nessie is said to be 20 feet long with a serpent-like neck and fat body with flippers on the sides. There may be a whole family of them living in some dark submarine cavern.

Scientist Sighting More Convincing?

Natural History magazine reports the 1905 sighting by two expert naturalists aboard the private yacht Valhalla off the coast of Brazil. One wrote:

I saw a large fin or frill sticking out of the water, dark sea-weed-brown in
color, somewhat crinkled at the edge. It was apparently about 6 feet in
length and projected from 18 inches to 2 feet from the water. I could see,
under the water to the rear of the frill, the shape of a considerable body.
I got my field glasses on to it and almost as soon as I had them on the frill, a
great head and neck rose out of the water in front of the frill... the neck
appeared about the thickness of a slight man's body, and from 7 to 8 feet was
out of the water; head and neck were all about the same thickness. The head had
a very turtle-like appearance, as had also the eye.

From Canada's Ogopogo and Champ to lesser-known sightings in Russia and Japan, there seems to be a lot of evidence that sea serpents of one kind or another are real. Can flying reptiles still be alive?

African explorer Frank Melland kept encountering vague rumors about a much-feared animal
called Kongamato that lived in the Jiundu swamps in northwest Rhodesia,
near the Belgian Congo. When asked what it was, the natives told him it was a
bird, but more like a lizard with wings of skin like a bat's. When he showed them pictures of the pterodactyl and other animals, all immediately went for the pterodactyl, excitedly muttering "kongamato!"

What happended to the thunderbird?

The Tombstone Epitaph printed a news item on April 26, 1890, recalled by Dr. Duane Gish in his excellent book, Dinosaurs By Design. The report told how two ranchers were startled by a gigantic flying reptile with huge leathery wings, a long slim body, having claws on its feet and at the joint of its wings. They said its 8-foot-long head was like an alligator's, with a mouth full of teeth and large protruding eyes. They killed it and cut off the tip of its wing for a trophy. Could this have been the last of the legendary thunderbirds? Many American Indian tribes recall the huge size and powerful flight of this strange beast that thundered when its wings flapped.

We know animal like these really did live. The problem is that we've been programmed to think they died off with the dinosaurs millions of years ago.

Article taken from Unlocking the Mysteries of Creation by Dennis R. Petersen (2002).

Check Out My Interview With the Botkin Sisters!

2009-06-29T13:00:00.000-07:00

I'm so excited! Miss Jocelyn gave me the opportunity to ask these girls some questions, and she's posted their answers. This is my very first interview!

To learn the what Anna Sofia and Elizabeth have to say on how they got the idea for The Return of the Daughters, what their devotional times look like and how they've kept their releationship as sisters strong, go to:

Featured Femina: The Botkin Sisters.

Love,

Our Card Playing, Cherry Picking Weekend

2009-06-28T22:19:00.000-07:00

For the last few days we have enjoyed the company of our grandparents and good friend Thema.

We played cards (I love Phase Ten!)...

Thema seems to be having fun.... Grampy must have had a bad hand that round...

In the end, Gram got a pretty good score!

The next day we went cherry picking.

Learning how...

We had lots of eaters,

but many pickers too.

All in all, we ended up with sixty pounds of cherries and a good time.

New Camera!

2009-06-27T19:00:00.000-07:00

Yes, we've got a new one! Ever since Baby MIT dropped our other camera into the water-filled sensory tub, it's been taking and uploading pictures fine, but adding grey-ish 3-D lines on top of them (weird - the camera messes up, but it does it perfectly :b ).

It was old and slow anyway, so we got this one. It seems great so far! It's much faster and high-tec then our other one. :)

I'm lovin' it.

Summer and Spaghetti Straps are Here!

2009-06-25T13:07:00.000-07:00

"Summer is here again – without a doubt, the most 'modestly challenged' season! When I was in the process of changing my style of dress and committing myself to dressing modestly, I was a bit anxious about how I was going to handle the summer. Wouldn't I simply boil if I didn't allow myself to walk around with bare shoulders anymore?"

Interested in reading more? Head over to Domestic Felicity: Modest summer

Freedom in America...

2009-06-23T13:47:00.000-07:00

A while back I saw this on a lovely blog, Amazing Grace, How Sweet the Sound. Carrie mentioned it was pretty timely. I agree.

I think it's also interesting that this was on TV only about sixty years ago. Hm. Now, that certainly wasn't the greatest thing you could let your children watch, but it's a far cry from witch families and talking sponges with underwear, don't you think?

Sponsoring With Compassion

2009-06-23T09:48:00.000-07:00

For about two years I've enjoyed the privilege of sponsoring a girl in Honduras. "What is sponsoring?" you ask? Well, in a word: blessing.

God has given us many things. But, "From everyone who has been given much, much will be demanded; and from the one who has been entrusted with much, much more will be asked." (Luke 12:48)

By looking at the context of the verse, we see that Yeshua was telling the parable of the servant who is entrusted with taking care of all the servants while the master goes away. If the master found the servant fulfilling his duties correctly when he came home, he would be rewarded. But if he wasn't, he would be beaten. Thus, "the one who has been entrusted with much, much more will be asked."

I'm sure you've heard this story compared with the picture of God entrusting us with the earth, and everything in it. Now, there are a million different ways that I could expound on that, but for now let's just touch on M-O-N-E-Y.

Being young ladies still living in our father's house (well, most of us anyway), we don't have bills. We have no house payment, no electric bill, no insurance premiums... not to mention the hunk our families pay for groceries. Despite this, most of us have a little income. For me, it's babysitting for my parents and decorating an ordered cake here and there. I don't earn much, usually about $100 a month, respectively. I know other ladies who clean houses, have little in-home baking businesses, babysit for other families and do garden work. Depending on how much time they put into these things, some girls end up making $500 by the end of the month!

Being girls, most of us can very easily spend all our earnings on shoes, a new purse, makeup, a new addition to our wardrobe, or maybe even a subscription to a magazine. But think about it. What kinds of things should we really be spending it on? Here's an idea that would only take about $35 out of your budget each month: bless a impoverished child who could use a little help, hope and encouragement. Sponsor a child!

" He who is kind to the poor lends to the LORD, and he will reward him for what he has done." Proverbs 19:17

"He who gives to the poor will lack nothing, but he who closes his eyes to them receives many curses." Proverbs 28:27

" He who oppresses the poor shows contempt for their Maker, but whoever is kind to the needy honors God." Proverbs 14:31

Like I said above, I've been sponsoring for about two years now. Oh, it has been such a blessing! I loved corresponding with Sonia Berenice (thirteen years old) for those years, and now that her family has been able to get a bit more on their feet, her mother has taken her out of the program (a little sad for both of us, I'm sure, but very happy too!). Now I'm starting a new friendship with eight year old Dania Lizeth!

Through becoming a sponsor, I've been able to provide Sonia and Dania with the opportunity to

hear the gospel and learn about Yeshua
have regular Bible training and encouragement through the local church in their community
receive an education
be healthy through teachings on how to maintain good hygiene, and be monitored and given additional care as needed
receive food as needed

Not only do I get to help with these things, but I am able to write as many letters as I like encouraging these girls to be strong women of the Lord! What more could I ask?

"Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment. Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, to be generous and willing to share." 1 Timothy 6:17,18

Of course, there are many, many sponsorship programs out there. If you are wondering which one to go with, here are some reasons why I chose, and like sponsoring with Compassion International:

When I went onto Compassion.com to sponsor, I was able to do a search for a specific age, gender and country if I wanted. I like being able to sponsor an older girl!
I am able to communicate through letters with my sponsored child.
Through Compassion.com, I can see what is going on in my child's area, and learn more about their life.
Compassion International is very upfront with their money situations. A financial statement is available at all times.
If I have a question, I can call their number and talk to a real live person in the US, and they will readily give answers.
If I book a trip to Honduras through Compassion, I can visit my sponsored child! This is something that I'd like to do in the next five or six years - definitely on my "before I get married" list!
Compassion works exclusively through the local church. "We want sponsored children to experience the benefits of Compassion sponsorship as a direct expression of God's love for them. We also want to equip the Body of Christ in the countries where we work with effective child development ministries so that church leaders and members around the world can become effective child advocates in their communities." they say in their FAQ booklet.

What a wonderful way to not only put our money to work, but to also personally know and be able to encourage the person you are helping! If you are interested in knowing more about sponsoring a child, go to Compassion.com and check out their Frequently Asked Questions, or feel free to prod me. :)

Help For Removing Blogger's Title Off Your Blog

2009-06-19T19:06:00.000-07:00

**Thank you to everyone who replied so quickly! As you can see, I've fixed my title problem, thanks to some help from Johanna and a little actual "looking" from me. The answer was right under my nose! For future help for you other lovely bloggers, to remove Blogger's title off your blog, so you can replace it with a picture, follow these steps:

1.) Go to your Layout page.
2. Click to edit the box with your blog's name in it.
3. Upload the picture you want to use as your banner.
4. Underneath the photo it will say "placement." Mark the "instead of title and description."
5. Press Save, and you're done!***

As everyone can see, I've done a little changing around on my background here. Also, today I played around with my first banner! That's been fun, although I need a little advice. How do I get Blogger's title for my blog off, so that it's just the banner? Hopefully someone has an answer!

Ways to Spend Quality Time With Younger Siblings

2009-06-18T20:36:00.000-07:00

The other day, after I wrote about being a big sister, one of my friends emailed me this question:

"Do you have any friendly tips or advice... I really want my siblings to think of me as their 'big sissy' who loves them selflessly and who would take time out of her busy schedule to help them."

So, I'd like to expand a little on spending time with your siblings.

Really, it's not hard! Our little brothers and sisters think the world of us. For us to do even the tiniest thing makes their hearts swell and the sunshine come out! Here are some practical things I've included in my schedule, to make sure time with the Darlings is spent wisely each day.

Spend a 1/2 hour: ages 2-5

Start a "preschool" time. Go to the local teacher's store and buy (or make your own) a big calendar set, weather poster and days of the week cards. Use fifteen minutes for "circle time" by talking about the days of the week, the weather, the date, etc. Add songs like the days of the week song, a weather song and any other kiddie songs you'd like to add. Be sure to use all your new stuff! Read a story. Then, spend the next fifteen minutes doing an appropriate activity for the age levels you're dealing with. You can paint, glue, cut, play with sand in a sensory tub... the options are endless! The internet is a great source for ideas and songs, too.

Another good thing to do is to plan a whole (school) week of your preschool times, and theme them. You can use themes like colors, dogs, the grocery store, police men, etc. Here's what one of my half hour might look like if I were doing a color theme:

-Do calendar time like normal -Read a book about colors -Sing a song or two about colors -paint with water colors or play with colored shaving cream at the table

Spend a 1/2 hour: ages 5-10

When my siblings are getting bored with preschool time, they usually get moved up to spending a half hour with me one-on-one. Currently Creative Genius and I are together from 1:30 to 2 o'clock while the little ones are napping. We do whatever he chooses. Sometimes it's a game, a walk, helping him organize something... and sometimes Mom puts us on a job (today we made rhubarb crisp for snack). For the last few months, though, Creative Genius has chosen to read through chapter books. Right now we're about half way through one of the American Adventure books. He likes going through series!

Spend 45 minutes: ages 10 and up

While Active Boy and I don't do things together every day, once in a while we'll go on a long bike ride or walk through our neighborhood. It's a good time for us to talk about personal things, and usually he ends up sharing some of his deep thoughts. These are wonderful times - ones that both of us will fondly remember! We also enjoy jumping on the trampoline and playing board and card games. All in all, whatever we do, it's still one-on-one time spent with one of my best friends.

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I admit it. There are days when I don't want to read, or walk or play a game or be a happy, fun sissy. This is when SELF CONTROL and A GOOD ATTITUDE comes in. These are your siblings. The people who will be a part of your life for the rest of your life, even after you all have families of your own. Let them think of you as a happy, fun Let's-Bake-Cookies-Darling type of sister!

Shabbat Shalom

2009-06-12T19:08:00.000-07:00

Last week I made this cake for our Bible study that meets every Saturday. Spice cake and cream cheese frosting - yum!

Ladies, Behave Yourselves

2009-06-11T09:18:00.000-07:00

Okay, I admit it. Our family actually has a Bathroom Reader. There. Now you know what my life is really like. *exhale*

And I was reading it. BUT not in the bathroom! ~The living room, actually~ And in it I found some interesting quotes on etiquette... thought they were quite insightful. :)

"It's a great idea to file your fingernails in the street car, bus, or train. It's certainly making the most of your time. The noise of the filing drowns the unpleasant noise of the wheels. But it is the act of of an ill-bred person. Who but an ordinary person would allow her epithelium to fly all over? I think that one might as well scatter ashes after a cremation, around the neighborhood."
-Manners for Millions (1932)

"The perfect hostess will see to it that the works of male and female authors be properly separated on her bookshelves. There proximity, unless they happen to be married, should not be tolerated."
- Lady Gough's Etiquette (1863)

"No matter what the fashion may be, the gloves of a well-dressed woman are never so tight that her hands have the appearance of sausages."
-The New Etiquette (1940)

"A lady-punster is a most unpleasing phenomenon, and we would advise no young woman, however skilled she may be, to cultivate this kind of verbal talent."
- Collier's Cyclopedia of Commercial and Social Information (1882)

"Girls, never, never turn at a whistle, to see if you are wanted. A whistle is usually to call a dog."
- Good Manners (1934)

"A beautiful eyelash is an important adjunct to the eye. The lashes may be lengthened by trimming them occasionally in childhood Care should be taken that this trimming is done neatly and evenly, and especially that the points of he scissors do not penetrate the eye."
- Our Department (1881)

"Still less say of anything which you enjoy at the table 'I love melons,' 'I love peaches,' 'I adore grapes' - these are school-girl utterances. We love our friends. Love is an emotion, but not one of the palate. We like, we appreciate grapes, but we do not love them."
- The American Code of Manners (1880)

"Sending out a letter with a crooked, mangled or upside down stamp is akin to letting your lingerie straps show."
- Good Housekeeping's Book of Today's Etiquette (1965)

"Fingernails are another source of feminine excess. The woman who goes about her daily avocations with blood-red finger-nails is merely harking back to the days of savagery, when hanks smeared with blood were a sign of successful fighting."
- Things That Are Not Done (1937)

"Immoderate laughter is exceedingly unbecoming a lady; she may affect the dimple or the smile, but should carefully avoid any approximation to a horse-laugh."
- The Perfect Gentleman (1860)

"Large hats make little women look like mushrooms."
- Everyday Etiquette (1907)

Sisters In Christ - Lovely "Things!"

2009-06-10T17:26:00.000-07:00

I've been awarded! Thanks so much, Hannah. I'm enjoying our growing friendship.

I'd like to pass this on to Akeret HaBayit. We've recently started emailing, and through the few emails and chats, I've really liked getting to know her! We've got a lot in common, I think. :)

Bible Verse Idea

2009-06-09T11:17:00.000-07:00

Sometimes you're having a tough time, feel like you're in the "dooms of despair" and really don't know what to do about it. Of course turning to the Bible always helps, but reading the first few verses of Genesis probably won't make you want to rise and shine again (get it, shine? God made light? Tee hee. :) Sarah Mally has come to the rescue. In the "Bible Study" section of the personal Bright Lights notebook (you can check out the Bright Lights group she started here), Sarah shares a testimony from a Bright Lights girl.

"One time in Bright Lights, Sarah shared with us that when she was 11 years old, she started to read her Bible everyday. She gave us a study idea that has been very helpful for me. She suggested that we get a stack of 3x5 cards, and write verses on the cards which we found in our daily Bible reading. Then, she said to label each card with a topic, such as "Patience," "Baptism," "Greed," etc. This would be our own topical index system. I was about 11, and I thought this sounded like such a good idea. I went home and set my alarm clock for 7:00. The next morning I got up and read my Bible. I found a verse and wrote it on a 3x5 card. Then I put the card in a box and set it on my dresser. Now when I need a verse on a specific subject, I go to my box and find a card on that topic. This system has benefited and encouraged me a lot."

I like this system too! Whenever I need a quick lift up, I can go to my little verse box and find a verse on the subject I'm struggling with. If it's not there, I make it a mental note to be on the "special" lookout for specific verses addressing the subject.

Also, this is good for praying scripture back to the Lord. When you're happy and you know it, grab a card filed under "Joy" or "Thankfulness", try to quickly memorize it and continuously pray it to Him throughout the day.

Joyfully (Psalm 9:2),

Little Girlies Are Oh So Fun!

2009-06-07T20:40:00.000-07:00

Challah Time!

2009-06-05T10:47:00.000-07:00

Challah is the braided bread used in the Friday evening ceremony that is done to sanctify the Shabbat, and I am currently the "Official Challah Bread Maker" of the family. Here is the recipe our family has used since we started celebrating the Sabbath on the seventh day (as commanded in the Bible) and held the little Sabbath ceremony in our home.

1 T active dry yeast
1 3/4 cups lukewarm water
3/4 cups sugar
1/2 oil
4 eggs
9 cups flour
2 T salt
poppy or sesame seeds for sprinkling (optional)
1 additional egg for the glaze

1. In large bowl, dissolve the yeast in the warm water. Add the sugar and oil and mix well with a whisk or wooden spoon. Beat in four of the eggs and gradually stir in 8 cups of flour and salt. When you have a dough that holds together well, it's ready for kneading. Kneed about 10 minutes on a lightly floured surface. You can work in up to another 1 - 1 1/2 cups of flour as needed.

2. Place the dough in a large, oiled bowl and cover with plastic wrap. Let it rise in a warm place for about an hour, until it's about doubled it's size.

3. Remove it from the bowl and punch it down. Be rough! The dough loves it!

4. Return to bowl and let it rise again for 30 minutes more.

5. Take it out of the bowl and make six equal balls of dough. Make each ball into a rope about 14 inches long. Pinch three together on one end and braid. Do it again for the second loaf. (Want to make a six-stranded braid? Go here for a great tutorial.)

6. Let the challah loaves rise another hour, uncovered. Fifteen minutes before putting the loaves in the oven, beat the remaining egg and brush it gently over them. Five minutes later, brush them again. Sprinkle with the seeds.

7. Preheat the oven to 375 and bake for about 30 minutes. Remove and cool on a rack.

Enjoy!

To Freeze: Stop at #5. After braiding your bread, but before letting it rise again, double wrap it in plastic wrap and place on a cookie sheet in the freezer. When you are ready to use it, take it out 5 hours before you want to glaze and bake.

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Want to learn more about the Sabbath ceremony? Check out my uncle's blog for an in-depth study in parts one, two and three of the simple steps to go through.

Shabbat Shalom!

Today I am a Big Sister

2009-06-03T22:41:00.000-07:00

Early this afternoon I decided to make Snicker doodles for afternoon snack. I found the recipe, tripled it and started to mix the batter. Half way into the dough making Active Boy comes in:
"Seren, it's time to go over to Tom's so he can show me how to care for his pond while he's on vacation. Let's go."
"Okay, hold on. Just let me get this dough in the fridge, then we can go."
So we go, learn how to take care of the neighbor's pond, see where to put his mail for the ten days and hear all about how his fish almost died the night before. Mission completed, I returned to my cookies.
Right after that 'Lil Active Boy comes in, apparently up from his nap. "I'm awake. What are those? Are you making cookies? Can I help you?"
At the same time, Creative Genius comes asking the same questions.
Now, I'm really trying to get at least one pan done before the whole family awakes, so I reply with, "No, I'm just going to do these by myself today. Thanks though."
Then I hesitate, thinking of what a bad sister I sound like, and how baking cookies are supposed to be bonding and memorable... and I'd really like them to think of me as nice sister, so I say with a little sigh, "Wait, no, you can help me. Here, see these balls of dough? Roll them in the cinnamon-sugar and put them on the pan like this. No, no, don't lick your hands. You can do that when we're done. Good job. Yep, that's the way!"

Today I was a big sister. But I would have been a big sister whether or not I went with Active Boy to his job consultation, or let the little boys help with cookies, or helped with phonics, or read a chapter book out loud to someone, or helped with baths... or complained about putting the littles to bed. You see, being the big sister is a big job. We have responsibilities whether we like it or not. We can do them happily, or with an attitude. We can show our siblings we love them, or give the impression that Rilla of Inglside or an email or *gasp!* getting that day's to-do list done is more important than their lives, feelings... or even them themselves.

Did you know that how you treat your siblings is how you will eventually treat your children? A little scary to think about, I know. To be honest, I'd like to go into marriage and mothering with as little issues and bad habits as possible. That means I've got some work to do. Reversing bad habits and dealing with issues isn't easy and quick! Learning to be patient, loving and really, truly interested in my siblings (and my future children) is something I've decided to put a lot of work on during my single years. And it IS HARD! They're not always kind and loving (sometimes they can even get downright bratty) or sweet and helpful, and sometimes I've just got things to do. But that's when I, and you, have to challenge ourselves to keep being that nice, "Shall we bake cookies, darling?" type of sister.

But it won't always be so hard as the beginning.

In Galatians 6:9 it says, “And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.”

Pursuing these good habits, if we don't let up, will be rewarding! After a while your siblings will see that pushing Sissy's buttons won't make her lights flash or sirens scream, so they'll stop the little game (You know they're only trying to get your attention - they crave it.) Instead, they'll discover their sister doesn't react to those types of things. She only gives attention to kind, thoughtful and polite things, and psst! did you know she she's even good for book reading, school help, listening to adventures and hey! even participating in them??!! Let's put it plainly: kids are smart. They pick up on things quite fast. If you act loving towards them, and overjoyed to be with them, they'll do the same and give you lovely results. Savannah Grace proves my point beautifully,

"We have discovered that if you treat boys (even little ones) like men, and tell them that you look to them for protection, then suddenly they will act like men and will want to be your knight in shining armor." [Read the rest of her post here.]

Let your siblings know you love them and want to make them happy. They'll start to do the same.

Today I am a big sister. Yesterday I was a big sister. Tomorrow I will be a big sister. I'd like to make it count.

Maybe I'll bake Gingersnaps next.

Extreme Devotion

2009-06-03T07:00:00.000-07:00

I just read this on My Savior's Perfect Will and thought it was an awesome story! Please take the time to read it. You'll enjoy it, I'm sure!

RUSSIA: HYPOCRITES

They were singing choruses when the two soldiers entered with rifles. The service came to a halt as the Russian soldiers stared at the believers with wild eyes.
"What are you doing here?" They shouted. "Worshiping your imaginary God?" The church members cowered in their pews, wondering if there were more soldiers outside.
"All of those who are faithful to God, move to the right side of the church," said one of the soldiers, his face a mask of hatred. "You will be shot for your faith. You who wish to go home and keep your life, stand on the left side. You must decide to live or die. Those who are faithful to this 'God' will die. Those who deny Him can live freely."
Ten minutes earlier everyone had sung praises equally. Now it was a question of life or death. Some stood to the left, looking sadly or waving apologetically to those on the right. Some stood on the right, their eyes closed in last-minute prayers.
"You on the left are free to go," one of the soldiers said moments later. Those people filed out, taking one last look at those who would soon be dead.
When those on the right remained, the soldiers put down their weapons. "We, too, are Christians," they said, "but we wish to worship without hypocrites."

Story taken from Extreme Devotion, Voice of the Martyrs

Home Sweet Home

2009-06-02T19:02:00.000-07:00

Well, we arrived safely, although tiredly, home on Sunday at about four in the afternoon. We had been up since three o'clock in the morning (midnight at our house) driving, waiting, flying, waiting, flying and driving... I can assure you that I'm ready to have a nice non-driving and flying time here at home!

Something that I really enjoyed at the end of our trip was meeting a distant cousin whom I've never met - the last World War One Vet, Frank W. Buckles at the Buckles reunion. For the last three or four months he has been famous in our house... really! Even my six year old brother likes to be at the computer when we see he's the ABC news "person of the week", featured on the Yahoo homepage or mentioned on some other "big" place. I was able to talk to him for a little while, which was really neat, and get a few pictures with him.

I definetly enjoyed our trip! It was most certainly an amazing experience.

Out and About

2009-05-30T07:32:00.000-07:00

We are six days into our trip, flying back to Washington tomorrow. Obviously I haven't blogged, due to the fact that every time the laptop is out it's being used by someone else. :)

You can read about our adventures here. I know I'm cheating, but we've got to go now!

A Little Joy ~ A Little Oy

2009-05-23T19:15:00.000-07:00

Avram went into church, took out the tallis and yarmulke and dressed himself, and proceeded to pray.

The clergyman entered to start services, saying, "Will all non-Christians please leave." Avram continued davening.

Again the clergyman said, "Will all non-Christians please leave."

Again, nothing.

Finally, the distraught clergyman moved to Avram. "Will all JEWS please leave. "

At this, Avram removed his yarmulke, packed up his tallis, then went to the altar, picked up a statue of the baby Jesus and said, "Come bubbela, they don't want us here anymore."

******************

Today at Bible study our study leader passed this story around for everyone to read. Everyone loved it. It is so true!!! So many people think of our Saviour as Jesus with blue eyes and brown/blonde hair, wearing a Roman toga... sitting peacefully in some meadow blessing little European children.

When really, it was a man named Yeshua (Joshua in English, did you know?) looking something like this (in the outfit, anyway):

Interesting, isn't it? Just thought I'd post a little controversial post, there. :) Feel free to ask any questions or challenge what I've said. I'd love to hear your opinions!

Story taken from A Little Joy, A Little Oy 2009 Desk Calendar by Andrew McMeel

East Coast Trip Preparations

2009-05-19T14:12:00.000-07:00

This week has started off to be a bit busy! We're getting ready for our trip to the east coast that's starting on Sunday night, cleaning and organizing for family who's coming to stay this same weekend, running every morning to get our miles in for a run the boys are participating in and on top of that doing our usual daily doings! Here's what's on my to do list before we go on our trip:

Tuesday:

Run.

Make list of people to send post cards to. Place in labeled Ziplock bag along with stamps.

Decide which clothes to wear on the trip, and get anything in the laundry that needs to be clean for packing.

Wednesday:

Run.

Do thorough cleaning of kitchen.

Pack purse with books, CD player, etc for flight and car rides.

Wipe down the shoes I'll wear on the trip.

Thursday:

Run.

Sweep and mop living and dining room, hallways and stairs.

Pack clothes, shoes and any toiletry items I won't need for the rest of the week.

Friday:

Run.

Help with the general cleanup of the house.

Get beds and rooms ready for company, set up temporary beds for our family's children.

Make dessert for Bible Study.

Saturday:

Family arrives.

Bible study here at our house at one PM.

Shabbat Shalom!

Sunday:

Pack toothbrush/any other toiletry stuff. Have bags ready to go on porch.

Be with the fam.

Leave for the airport at around three PM.

There's a full schedule for ya! I'm not sure how much I'll be posting until I get back, if at all, but you can always check my sidebar for recommended blogs if you're in need of a good read. :)

Love,

An Easy and Free Way to Organize Your Hair Stuff

2009-05-15T22:11:00.000-07:00

Lately I've been having problems with keeping my hair accessories under control. It's time to do something about it!

Start by taking all of your hair stuff, separating it into different piles: clips, bands, scrunchies, pins, claw clips, etc. As you're sorting, weed out anything that is broken, stretched or that you don't like/never wear.

Next, organize all your hair bands. Since we didn't have any small plastic baggies, I put most of mine on leftover cardboard pieces that the once-new hair stuff had come on. Then, I strung my thick colored hair bands on binder rings.

I did the same with my small clips. Since I don't wear them a lot I don't have a ton, but the ones I do have I clipped to a piece of cardboard. Clip your large clips (the kind that can hold half or all of your hair) onto a few wide strands of ribbon. If you have any "decorative" pins, slip those on too.

Since I like claw clips, but don't use them too often, I keep them in a large Zip lock bag, stored under my bathroom sink. Easy enough for me. :)

Now it's time to make your Hair Accessories Organization Box. Cut some pieces of sturdy-ish cardboard to snugly fit into your container (or shoe box). If you don't have a lid to put on (like me), you can make the tops a little higher than your box so you can easily see the labels you're going to put on. Make enough separators to label each section of hair stuff, depending on how organized you want to get and how much room you have.

It's time for the fun part! Find some cute wrapping paper (or make your own with paper and markers) and wrap the cardboard squares. Label them, using solid strips of light paper and a dark marker so you can easily see what they say.

Then, place your wrapped cardboard pieces back in the container in the order you want them. Using packing tape, tape edges with long strips of tape. I have a picture here of the tape, but you can't see it very well. I just started a long piece of tape at the bottom, putting half on the container and half on the board, stopping at the top of the container.

Now all there is to do is put your hair stuff in it's correct spots! I had a little room in the front of my box, so I put my brush and a comb in for easy access.

And there you have it, your free and easy way to organize your hair stuff.

A Chance To Meet You?

2009-05-13T21:36:00.000-07:00

Guess what? In exactly twelve days I am going on a trip.

"Where to?" you ask?

Washington D.C., my friend!

My grandparents, Mom, Active Boy, Baby MIT and I are going on a week-long trip to Washington, Philadelphia, PA; Cape May, NJ; Williamsburg, VA; Charles Town, WV; and Baltimore, MD. I can't wait!

The main reason we're going is to go to our family reunion in Baltimore. Apparently we (from my grandpa on Mom's side) have a lot of family over there, so my grandparents were interested in meeting them; and in turn invited Mom to go, who decided to take my brother and I for the sake of a good homeschool field trip. :)

Now my question is this: do any of you blogger friends live close enough to those cities that we might be able to meet? I would love to get a chance to see you in person!! Please, please comment and tell me you do! I could give you my email address and we could set something up.

With love,

Mother's Day Apron

2009-05-10T21:35:00.000-07:00

This year my Happy Mother's Day Gift was this cutesy reversible apron. Mom was thrilled! I won't bore you with the whole story (since it's kind of long), but she picked the materials out herself about two years ago, never knowing I would use them.

************************************

************************

Well! Since you seem to have some time, I might as well tell you what happened...

A while back Mom decided she wanted to sew herself an apron. Now, you must understand, my mother is not one who sews very often, doesn't like patterns and would rather do it her own way. But of course, she found a apron she liked; and to make it, she needed the pattern. So she bought it and the fabric for two aprons and put them away until my grandmother came on her once a month weekend visit.

Well, Gram came and they cut and sewed the first apron with success! The cherry apron looked (and still looks) adorable. Mother Dearest cut out the floral fabric for the second apron... and that's about as far as she got with that.

Now it's been two years and the apron cut outs and pattern have been sitting in a plastic bag... Mom has lost a significant amount of weight, so they'll probably not be used again.

But wait! Her very favorite daughter gets a wonderful idea. Why not size the cutouts down to the size that would fit her, since the patterns for the other sizes are still in the bag, and present to her the finished apron for Mother's Day?

So, the MIT re-cuts the fabric pieces, sews up the apron (with a little help over the phone from Gram on the shoulder straps) and packages it up for her Very Favorite Mom Ever.

Mom receives the gift and is very happy and surprised. She loves it! En fait, even as she sits and reads Hobby Farm Magazine at 8:48 PM, she is wearing it still. :)

Great Giveaway & Fun Blog!

2009-05-09T08:27:00.000-07:00

In honor of their 50th post, A Basket of Flowers is having a Blue and Pink Set giveaway! In each set there are three coordinating cards, five magnets, one headband and a cutesy crocheted flower. Hurry and enter! The giveaway ends May 23, only a couple weeks away.

Before this I had never visited Laura and Elizabeth's blog, but now that I've seen it (through Rachel and Jessica), I love love love it! The ladies have a super cute page going, and seem to like a lot of the same things I do. Happy 50th post girls!

A Different Kind of Beauty Pagent

2009-05-08T10:55:00.000-07:00

Ever heard of the "Miss Beautiful Morales" contest? No? Well, that's probably because it's in Saudi Arabia. I know Islam is a violent religion if practiced zealously, but some adherents are definitely living closer biblical standards than we in the decadent west.

"RIYADH, Saudi Arabia (AP) - Sukaina al-Zayer is an unlikely beauty queen hopeful. She covers her face and body in black robes and an Islamic veil, so no one can tell what she looks like. She also admits she's a little on the plump side.
But at Saudi Arabia's only beauty pageant, the judges don't care about a perfect figure or face. What they're looking for in the quest for "Miss Beautiful Morals" is the contestant who shows the most devotion and respect for her parents.

"The idea of the pageant is to measure the contestants' commitment to Islamic morals... It's an alternative to the calls for decadence in the other beauty contests that only take into account a woman's body and looks," said pageant founder Khadra al-Mubarak.

"The winner won't necessarily be pretty," she added. "We care about the beauty of the soul and the morals."

*****

I can't help but feel a little ashamed of my culture's view of beauty when I read this."

Read the rest of this article here.

** I am not endorsing the Islamic religion. Just giving everyone some thoughts on how lefty our culture has gotten. **

Home Again, Home Again, Jiggety Jig

2009-05-05T11:20:00.000-07:00

Well, us girls got back safely from the retreat... and had tons of fun! We enjoyed chit chatting, playing games, eating some delicious food and snacks and chatting some more. I won't tell you too much, as I don't have the pictures yet, but I'll be sure to share more once I get them.

For now, I'll share a little happenin':

Earlier as I jumped out of the front door of the van, Active Boy eagerly jumped down from the side door to help me out. When he saw that I was already on the ground, he said disappointingly,

"Seren! It is an honor to touch your hand. You should wait for me to help you! Next time I'll just have to kiss your hand to make up for this."

A Relaxing Retreat

2009-04-30T19:53:00.000-07:00

So long, farewell, Auf wiedersehen, good night, I hate to go and leave this pretty sight. So long, farewell, Auf wiedersehen, adieu, Adieu, adieu, to yieu and yieu and yieu.

This weekend Mother Dear and I get to go on a retreat! We're both pretty excited, as we'll get to see some ladies from our old homeschool group. It's really a mother's retreat, but since I am a MIT (Mother In Training) I have to go along to practice having fun. :) I'm taking the makings for lavender sachets to do with the few other girls that will be there, so I'll have some good pictures to share with you when we get back!

Mom and I, as well as the babe, will be leaving at two o'clock on Friday for Leavenworth (a small Bavarian town), and get back by three on Sunday. A nice retreat if you ask me!

Free Treats on Your Birthday!

2009-04-29T16:16:00.000-07:00

And who wouldn't want those? Check out Free Birthday Treats.com for a list of stores and restaurants near you that give out free stuff for your special day.

Enjoy!

My First Pillowcase Dress

2009-04-28T21:05:00.000-07:00

Guess what everyone??? I have just made my very first article of clothing: a pillowcase dress! While I had to work out a couple of kinks in my sewing skills, the dress was pretty easy and turned out super cute.

One vintage embroidered pillowcase + two yards gross grain ribbon

+ this tutorial from EverythingSewing.net

=

~ One Lovely Pillowcase Dress ~

Allow Me To Re-Introduce the Christ...

2009-04-27T15:39:00.000-07:00

Bloggy Questionnaire

2009-04-26T21:26:00.000-07:00

I've been tagged by Miss Hannah Paige for this questionnaire. Pay close attention; there are questions at the end!

~Your Favorite:~

Color? Pink

Candy? Reese's Peanut butter Cups

Main dish? It varies... right now, a BBQ-ed hamburger with EVERYTHING on it!

Dessert? Warm pie

Drink? Cream Soda

Veggie? Olives

~Do you?~

Go to Starbucks Coffee Shop? Not very often.

Go to the mall a lot? Yeah, every once in a while.

Talk on the phone everyday to someone who is not family? Yes. It seems like someone is calling every five minutes. :)

Read your Bible everyday? YES!

Do lots of reading period? Well, it's certainly spaced throughout the day, but yes. :)

See your grandparents everyday? No.

Bake a lot? Usually.

Clean your room everyday? Well... I really should....

Have to say your sorry to someone everyday? Sometimes.

~A Certain Thing You Dislike Of Each Category~

Veggie? Purple spinach

Color? Pukey Green

Drink? Hawaiian Punch - it's about as fake as you can get

Animal? Rats

~Do You Have A~

Pet? No. Last time I had one it was a fish and accidentally I killed it.

Gift card at the moment? Yes; for Ross.

Sewing machine? Yep... well, it's Mother Dear's.

Big mess under your bed? No. There might be a couple hair bands and a couple more dust bunnies, but that's it!

Pack of gum in your bag or purse? Yes. I'm on my last piece..

Computer in your room? No.

~Have you ever~

Been on a plane? Yes. Only a few times though.

Been out of state? Yes.

Out of the country? Yes. One time I stepped over the border to Canada then stepped right back.

Been in a eight-teen wheeler? No!

Been in a car accident? Yes.

Read about a hundred and fifty page book in about and hour? Probably.

~Your Favorite Place to?~

Go shopping? Hanna Anderson... and the thrift store. :)

Eat out? El Porton.

Go visit? Friend's houses.

Read a good book at? On the homeschool room couch or my bed.

~Random~

What color is your room? Pink and white.

Do you share a room with anyone? Yes. MIT #2.

Have you ever went swimming in a pond? Um... don't think so.

How old are you? Fifteen.

What year were you born? 1993. In the lovely month of July. :)

Are you related to anyone important or famous? Yep. Frank Buckles, the last known World War One Veteran, through my mom's family. Google him. There's tons of info you can find!

Have you ever met a vice president? Yeah. Of like, the school board. :)

Are you getting bored yet? No.

What are you thinking? That I am sick of my playlist songs. I think I'll change them!

Ok, I was kidding. No questions. :) Thanks for reading! If you'd like to do it, go ahead. Just tell me so I can check it out!

I'm Now Transferring You to the Laundry Room

2009-04-24T19:50:00.000-07:00

We have been extra busy this week, so I apologize for not posting as much as I should! Mother Dear posted our week in pictures, which you can see here. I know I'm cheating, but it's as good as it's gonna get at the moment. :)

Shabbat Shalom!

How Does A Cavity Happen?

2009-04-22T17:15:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I went to the dentist. I wasn't worried because I take pretty good care of my teeth, and as a result, have never gotten a cavity. Well, as you've probably guessed, I've got one. While yes, I was pretty horrified that I am going to have to go and get a shot in my gums (I'm not too worried about the rest - it's not supposed to hurt), I really wanted to know what exactly happened in there.

Then, low and behold, in today's Biology lesson guess what I found? A little article on tooth decay! As a good homeschooler should be, I was pleased. :) I have never really known exactly how the whole cavity thing worked, and it was pretty interesting! Now that I know what exactly happens, and exactly what brushing and flossing does (although I wasn't oblivious to the reasons, I didn't know the bulk of it), I'm much more motivated to take good care of my teeth! On those nights when I just feel "too tired" to brush, or when I reach for a chocolate or candy I'll definitely be thinking twice about how I'm treating my teeth.

And now, the article I read this morning at 11:15 out loud to Creative Genius who was doing his handwriting beside me [which is half one size and half another - sorry about that. Blogger problems]...

The Life and Death of Teeth

God designed permanent teeth to last a lifetime; therefore, with proper
nutrition and good dental hygiene, your teeth can remain strong and
attractive. The ages from thirteen to eighteen are a critical time for
oral health because decay, which occurs most often during these years, causes
the permanent teeth to be damaged. Tooth decay, or dental
caries (commonly known as cavities), is the most common disease in
man. The decay process begins when sugar mixes with plaque, a sticky, colorless film of bacteria (Streptococcus
mutans) that is constantly forming on and between the teeth. Bacteria
in plaque break down the sugars in foods to produce energy, forming lactic acid
as a byproduct; the acid is trapped against the surface of the teeth by the
sticky plaque. (Starches such as breads and crackers can also cause tooth
decay if left in the mouth for long, because the mouth's digestive enzymes
break down the starches into sugars that the bacteria can use.) After many acid
attacks, tiny holes may be formed in the enamel, allowing the acid to attack the
much softer dentine beneath the enamel. Once the protective enamel is
penetrated, cavities may be formed relatively quickly. A toothache will
occur when the decay reaches the nerves at the core of the tooth.

It is not primarily the amount of sugars consumed which causes
dental caries, but rather how often they are consumed and how
long they remain in the mouth. Each time sugar-rich foods are
consumed, more acid forms on the teeth. Sweet foods which remain in the
mouth for long periods of time - such as hard candy and sugar-sweetened chewing
gum - allow acid to remain on the teeth even longer. Sticky sweets such as
raisins and other dried fruits, mints, toffee and caramel desserts, and peanut
butter and jelly sandwiches are very harmful if they are allowed to remain on
the teeth; acid could be attacking the teeth all day long. If
sugar-sweetened soft drinks are sipped in small amounts throughout the day, the
sugars may likewise allow bacteria to attack the tooth enamel all day.

Plaque is even more harmful if allowed to remain on the teeth for
twenty-four hours; extended neglect or improper oral hygiene can result in periodontal [gum] disease. Any plaque which is not
removed by daily brushing and flossing begins to build up and form a hard
deposit called tartar (known medically as calculus). When plaque and tartar accumulate, the gums become
tender and inflamed and are likely to bleed easily when the teeth are
brushed. This periodontal disease is known as gingivitis;
if left untreated, the infection can cause periodontitis, as
disease in which the gums detach from the teeth and eventually the boned
supporting the teeth are destroyed.

Healthy teeth and gums are important for good nutrition, and good nutrition
is important for for healthy teeth and gums. A poor diet can weaken the
gums and bones which support the teeth, making them more susceptible to
periodontal disease. If sugar-rich foods are limited to mealtimes, the
saliva which is flowing readily by the end of a meal helps to dilute the acid
caused by bacteria. Brushing your teeth immediately after every meal to
remove acid-forming plaque will also help preserve your teeth from decay; loss
of teeth from periodontal disease can be prevented by regularly flossing your
teeth and visiting the dentist periodically to have any tartar buildup
removed. If you remove plaque daily, eat a balanced diet, and reduce or
eliminate the consumption of sugar between meals, your teeth can last a
lifetime.

Taken From Biology - God's Living Creation

Written by Gregory Parker, Keith Graham

Delores Shimmin & George Thompson

Published by A Beka Book

Rag Curls

2009-04-20T21:38:00.000-07:00

The other night I decided to try a hand at rag curling my hair. I'd never done it before, so I wasn't sure how it would turn out with my hair-that-hates-to-stay-curled. :) Well, I gelled it up and gave it a whirl, and this is how it turned out!

*Sigh*

It's fun to be a girl!

Airplane Cake Tutorial

2009-04-14T19:58:00.000-07:00

Remember when I made those three cakes in March? Well, this airplane cake was one of them. It was a fun and very easy cake to do, so I thought I might use it as a tutorial for any ladies who are interested in cake decorating, have the basic supplies, but aren't quite sure how start. This cake is very simple and doesn't take a ton of time, but also gives you good practice and, of course, a cake you can blog about in the end. :)

Here's what you're going to need. I suggest you make the cake and icing and set out your supplies a day ahead of time just so you don't get overwhelmed, and so that when you go to decorate you'll have a nice clean area to work in. :)

A cake - I used a 9 in. one
Icing - Go here to get the icing recipe I use.

Make one recipe in thin consistency (It says do milk or corn syrup, but I suggest you do both.) Color it light blue.

Make another recipe of icing, this time doubling it and making it medium consistency. Take about a cup and a half out of the bowl and set it aside, labeling it "medium consistency". Now, add 3 1/2 Tbsp. more milk to your icing in the bowl and blend it up. Take about a cup and a third of icing out of the bowl, setting it aside and labeling it "thin consistency".

Now, take out a cup and a half, color it dark blue. Lastly, set aside 3/4 cup of icing, and color it orange. You'll have some icing left over, but it'll be good to have for Just in Case. :)

As for supplies, you'll need

A spatula for spreading frosting
A decorating bag (four would be great, but not needed)
Star tip number 21
Star tip number 18
A number 3 tip (two of them would be nice, but again, you only need one)
A number 5 tip
A paper outline of an airplane, the size of how you'd like it on your cake. I printed an airplane coloring page off the internet, then cut the airplane out.
A clean, small paint brush
Some wax paper
Piping Gel
A toothpick

Start with your cake.

If you want to keep the icing off the plate while you decorate, put down some strips of wax paper on the plate, then place the cake on top. Frost it, using your recipe of thin, light blue icing.

Let the cake stand for a little bit, letting the icing form a little crust. While you're waiting, make your airplane "stamp". Cover your paper airplane outline with wax paper, and tape it to the table so it doesn't move. Put your tip 2 in the decorating bag, then fill it with about 1/4 cup of piping gel. If you like, you can use the clear decorating gel that comes in the tubes from the store.

Now, carefully trace the airplane onto the wax paper, using the gel.

Your cake should now have a little crust over it (meaning you can lightly touch it and not mess up the icing). Carefully turn over the wax paper with the gel outline on it, and place it in the middle of the cake. Take your little paintbrush and lightly trace the gel, putting a little bit of pressure as you trace so that the gelled outline is applied to the cake.

Slowly peel the wax paper off the cake, revealing your clear airplane outline.

With your dark blue icing and tip 5, pipe icing lines over the places where you want it to be blue. Then, do the same with the orange icing.

Using your small star tip and dark blue icing, start filling in your airplane.

Do the same with the orange icing.

Now it's time to do the clouds. Trace some cloud shapes all over the sides of your cake. You can do it like I did and strategically place them, to cover up any messy spots. :)

Start filling in your clouds. I traced the edge first, and then filled the whole thing in.

You're almost done! Pipe a reverse shell border, using your star tip 21, onto the bottom of your cake (if you were using wax paper underneath it, now would be the time to take that off). Before I started on the cake, I did a few shells on a plate just to give myself a little practice before actually putting them on the cake.

Now, with your smaller star tip (you can use the bigger one if you don't have one that's smaller), pipe another reverse shell border on the top of your cake, right on the edge.

You're done!!

If you want to, you can use your leftover thin, white icing to write a message.

Enjoy your cake!

Love,

Anti-Feminism... A Lovely, Godly and Feminine Thing

2009-04-14T12:55:00.000-07:00

Beware Feminists... there is a whole army of women out there effectively fighting against you! Go here to see what Miss Lizzy has to say about them.

Coconut Macaroons - Perfect for Passover!

2009-04-12T20:39:00.000-07:00

For snacks we like muffins and cookies, fish crackers and Fig Newtons, snack mix and granola bars (of course all of them always pared with something fruitish :); So you can imagine that it is somewhat a challenge for us to find good Passover snacks. For the past few years, along with trail and dried fruit mix, macaroons have been a delicious snack staple. They're great because they contain no flour (which has natural leavening ingredients) - so they're perfect for Passover! If you've never made them before, or maybe aren't even celebrating Passover, you should definitely try them out! Here is a wonderful, melt-in-your-mouth recipe that we've been using for a few years now.

Coconut Macaroons

2 egg whites

1/2 tsp. vanilla

Dash of salt

2/3 cup sugar

1 1/3 cups flaked coconut

Grease a cookie sheet. Beat egg whites, vanilla and salt till soft peaks form. Gradually add sugar, beating till stiff peaks form. Fold in coconut. Drop from a teaspoon 1 1/2 inches apart onto a greased cookie sheet (they'll grow!) Bake in a 325 degree oven for about 20 minutes. Cool on a wire rack. If you like, you can drizzle them with chocolate, but we like them plain! Makes approximately 20 cookies.

The Kings Firecrackers - Jump Roping Taken to a New Level!

2009-04-11T20:39:00.000-07:00

Ever seen the Firecrackers before? Pretty cool jump roping team if I do say so myself.

(To see the video in a better form, go here.)

Our Big Passover Dinner

2009-04-10T21:59:00.000-07:00

Well, I can hardly believe it, but it's already been two days since our Passover Sedar! It was a lot of work, but it all payed off when we sat down to a beautifully set table and immaculately clean house. :) Of course after all the talking I've been doing about it I've got to share pictures! I credit these to Mother Dear and Active Boy...

There were a good amount of children at the Sedar this year, eleven in all. Of course, we were six of them, but it was nice to have some other little ones there too.

Here is a friend and I who got to sing Kadosh together at dinner. It was a hit. :)

Some more Kodak moments...

At the end we had dishes up to our eyeballs! Every counter in the kitchen was full. Still though, we're enjoying our leftovers. :)

If you'd like to hear more about our Sedar, you can see what Mom had to say about it here and here.

Enjoy your weekend!

A Young Maiden's Daybook... a Little Late!

2009-04-07T10:57:00.000-07:00

Today… April 6, 2009. Today we are cleaning the kitchen for Passover and getting ready for the sedar we're having tomorrow.

Outside my window… It's sunny and in the 60's, Praise the Lord! Perfect for sending children outside while we "olders" clean. :)

I am thinking… That I'm sorry this is late! Yesterday was just way too packed to blog. :) But lots of other laides have done it! Go here to see and do it yourself.

I am thankful for… My mom, who keeps this house in order and is so organized!

I am wearing… A dark jean knee-length skirt with a light cotton white paisley designed shirt and pink tank underneath. :)

I am reading… All-of-a-Kind Family by Sydney Taylor. Very cute! About a family of girls.

I am creating… at the moment, nothing. I really should get some headway done on that quilt, though!

One of my favorite things… A picnic.

For education this week… Nothing!! We've been taking school off the past couple of weeks and will start back up next week after all the Passover hubabaloo is over. :)

A keeper at home skill I am using/learning… Spring cleaning.

A spiritual lesson I'm learning... Submission.

A godly character trait I plan to work on… Hospitality.

Scripture I am memorizing… None at the moment, although I really need to get back on that.

For the rest of the week… Cleaning today, practicing a song tonight with a friend she and I are singing at the sedar, sedar preparations tomorrow, the thirty person sedar tomorrow night and from then till next Thursday night - no leaven!

A picture I’d like to share... Baby MIT and I. Lately she's been really cuddly towards me... especially when she's gotten an owie. :)

Quotes From REAL Ladies

2009-04-05T20:23:00.000-07:00

"I am most anxious to enlist everyone who can speak or write to join in checking this mad, wicked folly of 'Woman's Rights', with all it's attendant horrors, on which her poor feeble sex is bent, forgetting every sense of womanly feelings and propriety. Feminists ought to get a good whipping. Were women to 'unsex' themselves by claiming equality with men, they would become the most hateful, heathen and disgusting of beings, and would surely perish without male protection." -England's Queen Victoria 1870

"Why do women want to dress like men when they're fortunate enough to be women? Why loose femininity, which is one of our greatest charms? We get more accomplished by being charming than we would be flaunting around in pants and smoking. I'm very fond of men. I think they are wonderful creatures. I love them dearly. But I don't want to look like one. When women gave up their long skirts, they made a grave error..." -Tasha Tudor

"Home ought to be our clearing house, the place from which we go forth lessoned and disciplined, and ready for life. " -Kathleen Noris

"There is nothing like staying at home for real comfort." -Jane Austen

A Shabbat Outing

2009-04-04T15:50:00.000-07:00

Here at our house the day is sunny and warm. Of course we had to take advantage of the nice weather, so we packed up some meat loaf sandwiches and headed off to the park.

Looking at the ducks... there were lots today!

Best friends!

Playing...

Eating...

Last year in April we came to the same park and took this picture:

Here we are now!

Mom and Dad got their picture taken too. To see them, look to the right on my sidebar.

Well, the littles are getting up from their naps, so I'd better go. Shabbat Shalom!

The Screwtape Letters

2009-04-03T00:04:00.000-07:00

Right now I am finishing up this wonderful book by C.S. Lewis. It's about a "wise" demon, Screwtape, instructing his nephew Wormwood in tempting and deceiving Wormwood's "patient", a young man, and ultimately keeping him out of the clutches of "The Enemy" (God). It has been so eye-opening to me! The book has definitely helped me think of temptations and That Little Voice in the Back of Your Head in an easier-to-understand way.

Of course, The Screwtape Letters is a human's idea of what it might look like in the Satanic world, so you certainly can't "believe" what you're reading is how it all actually works. But it is definitely a great, imaginative idea of how it might be! For instance, here's Screwtape explaining to Wormwood a way to misguide his young man:

"Another possibility is that of direct attack on his faith. When you have caused him to assume the that trough is permanent, can you not persuade him that 'his religious phase' is just going to die away like all his previous phases? Of course there is no conceivable way of getting by reason, you must rely on. The mere work phase will very likely do the trick. I assume that the creature has been through several of them before - they all have - and that he always feels superior and patronising to the ones he has emerged from, not because he has really criticised them bus simply because they are in the past. (You keep him well fed on hazy ideas of Progress and Development and the Historical Point of View, I trust, and give him lots of modern Biographies to read? The people in them are always emerging from Phases, aren't they?)"

So you see, while this book is all fiction, it can surely be used to the Christian's advantage point by unveiling very real lies of the devil and encouraging in resisting temptation, big or small, in whatever form. A wonderful read!

Delicious and Easy Chicken Pot Pie

2009-04-02T07:39:00.000-07:00

Thanks for coming back! Today we're going to use up the rest of that pie crust mix and make some chicken pot pies, just like Mother used to make, only this time it's Sissi. :)

1 16 oz. package frozen peas and carrots

3/4 cup chopped onion

1/4 cup butter

1/3 cup flour

1/2 tsp. salt

1/4 tsp. ground sage, rounded

1/4 tsp. tarragon

1/8 tsp. pepper, rounded

2 cups water

3/4 cups milk

2 Tbsp. instant chicken bouillon granules

4 cups cooked, cubed chicken

1/4 cup snipped parsley, rounded

Pastry for 2 Double Crust pies

Cook peas and carrots according to package; drain. While you're waiting for them to cook, combine the flour, salt and spices in a small bowl. In another combine water, milk and chicken bouillon granules. When the veggies are done, combine them with the chicken and parsley in a large bowl (all this makes the cooking process easier so that you don't have to yell for someone to stir the flour and onions while you're looking for the sage :).

In a large sauce pan cook onion in butter until tender but not brown. Stir in flour and spice mixture. Add the liquid mixture. Cook and stir until thickened and bubbly. Cook and stir 1 to 2 minutes more. Stir in chicken and veggie mixture. Heat till bubbly.

Dish out into two pastry lined pie plates. Cover with top crust. I didn't have enough mix to do the second top crust, so I covered it with three cups herb-seasoned stuffing mixed with 5 Tbsp. melted butter (just for the record, I didn't bake that! Someone else put it in for lunch :). Flute edges and cut slits in top for escape of steam.

Bake in a 450 degree oven for 10 to 12 minutes or until crust is golden brown. Slice and serve!

Care For A Slice of Pie?

2009-04-01T08:00:00.000-07:00

A couple weeks ago we received two free boxes of apples. Even though Active Boy seems to constantly have one in his hand and we've been trying to use them in every snack, they just haven't disappeared yet, much to our dismay since they are going to go bad pretty quick here. Thankfully, I love to make pies, so I whipped up a couple yesterday. They are delish! A bonus? I got to use up most of the pie crust mix that's been sitting in our leaven box waiting to be used up! I've never used one before, and it made the pie process much easier, I must say. :)

Here's my new favorite apple pie recipe, straight from our old, falling apart Better Homes and Gardens cook book with a few variations:

12 cups thinly sliced, peeled apples (2 pounds) soaked in watered down lemon juice

2 cups sugar

4 Tbsp. flour

Approximately 1 1/2 tsp. Apple Pie Spice (or 1 tsp. cinnamon and a dash or two of nutmeg)

Pastry for two Double Crust pies

2 Tbsp. butter

Combine sugar, flour and spices. Add sugar mixture to the sliced apples; toss to coat fruit. Fill two pastry-lined 9 inch pie plates with apple mixture; dot with butter. Put on top crust. Seal and flute edge. Brush a light coating of water on crust and sprinkle with sugar to make a nice looking top. Cover edges of the pies with foil. Bake in a 375 degree oven for 30 minutes. Remove foil; bake for another 15 minutes or more or until crust is golden. Enjoy!

*Come back tomorrow for another pie recipe - this time to be used for dinner!*

A Homeschool Art Class

2009-03-31T21:29:00.000-07:00

At the moment, all school-book school is at a temporary stop. Instead, we are starting a garden unit, and I've been having art class up in my bedroom. It's been quite fun!

Here's my *ahem* "quarter bath" that's off my bedroom, in the beginning:

It's needed some work for a while now, and being that we're having a little time off from school, it seemed the perfect time to give the little room a cheap face lift - a couple coats of paint. While Mom and I were at Home Depot getting supplies for the garden, we picked up a gallon of "Cloudy Dream", aka Melon-y Pink, to bathe the walls in.

Of course before painting the little room needed some prepping. Thanks to Active Boy the ugly towel rack was removed.

Then I primed the walls and cupboard white...

While I was at it I primed a little rocking chair we've had for while that Mom and I thought would look so cute white!

After priming I painted the trim white. I also took a little while to quickly get the chair done, which looks great in the corner of my MIT #2's bedroom holding the teddy bears Mrs. Noa has made for us girls now (Thanks so much!).

Painting the color was the fun part. By then I pretty much had it down and was whippin' through. Here is my finished master piece!

Blink Blink...

2009-03-27T16:35:00.000-07:00

Along with learning new words practically every day, Baby MIT has a new trick - she now plays "The Blinking Game"! I caught her on camera the other day... and as you'll see I tried to get her to say "diaper", her new word, but alas, she would not perform. Anyway, her is Baby MIT playing The Blinking Game. :)

**For some reason, the sound and picture are off, so bear with me!**

Ambassador of... What?

2009-03-25T14:51:00.000-07:00

I think it's really easy for young ladies to get into the mindset that if so-and-so isn't as modest, pure or has "got-it-together" like they do (and really, do any of us have it together?), then they're instantly in some sort of position to critisize the girl within every inch of her life. This story gives us a little heads up on the topic, and reminds us what really matters.

Ambassador of… What?

By Sarah H. [a blogger at Destiny of One]

“Have you met Tracy?” Rachel asked one of the five girls standing in a little huddle in the fellowship hall.

“Tracy who?” Karen asked

“Tracy Smith,” Rachel replied.

“I think I have,” Hannah responded. “Isn’t she the one that is always wearing the really low cut dresses?”

“That’s the one,” Rachel responded.

“Oh, so she was the girl sitting in front of me who couldn’t keep her hands off her boyfriend. Didn’t that girl hear the pastor’s sermon on purity last week?” Karen asked, shaking her head.

“Well, she does go to public school,” Emily said with a knowing tone. Emily looked over at Bethany, who remained silent with her arms crossed.

“Public school is ruining that girl,” Karen agreed. “Did you see her this morning? She had on so much make-up I don’t think you could see her face.” This brought giggling from all the girls; all that is, except Bethany, who sat just listening.

“I sat behind her two weeks ago, and she kept talking through the whole service. She has a horrible mouth. Well, she didn’t say that many bad words, but she was disrespectful to her mom and she was criticizing every one,” Hannah said.

“Oh, I know it,” Rachel said with a nod. “My mom says that she is a manipulator and can get her mom to do anything.”

“Maybe her mom needs to learn who is in control,” Emily interjected. “Why, if Tracy were my child she would be leaning a few of life’s hard lessons right now.”

“That girl needs to be out of the public school system and in her home or she will end up getting her self in jail or something,” Karen remarked.

“I don’t think Tracy would …” Bethany started to say but was interrupted.

“And to think that she signed that pledge of abstinence a year ago,” Rachel said shaking her head.

“It is sad, but she is running her life,” Hannah said. All the other girls agreed, and there was a pause for a moment.
“
Excuse me, girls, but whose ambassadors are we?” Bethany asked, and four sets of eyes turned to her with questioning looks. “I mean, listen to yourselves! You are all going on and on about how bad Tracy is and what she needs to do, but not one of you is even close to fixing the problem.”

Hannah, Rachel, Emily and Karen looked blankly at Bethany. Bethany sighed.

“It would seem from this conversation that Tracy’s crime is that her parents have not chosen to home school her and that her greatest issue in life is that she has chosen to date. But is that her real issue? The four of you are so busy looking at her make up, low cut dresses, and her boy friend that not one of you sees the real problem.

“Rachel, whose ambassador are you? Or for what? Homeschooling? What about you, Hannah? Are you now the official advocate for modesty? How about you, Emily? Are you now part of the purity police force? And you, Karen, when did you begin to listen to what was going on behind you instead of the sermon?

“Really, you girls you ought to be ashamed. Whose ambassador are we supposed to be? Homeschooling’s? Courtship’s? “Respect’s? Well, I don’t know about you, but I am not an ambassador for homeschooling, courtship, honoring your parents, or even the pastor. I am not even the advocate of abstinence, prayer in schools, modesty, or any of the other things that you have mentioned. I am an ambassador for my lord Jesus Christ, and nothing else, I hope.

“You guys, Tracy has issues, I know. But you are talking about masking symptoms of a disease, not finding a way to cure it. Tracy’s problem is not that she is going to public school, or that she is dating, nor even that she is wearing revealing clothes. Tracy’s problem, Tracy’s disease is that she doesn’t have God.

“Which one of you has tried to be her friend? Which one of you has tried to love her and show her the way to God? Until you lead her to the point were she is broken at the feet of the cross, nothing will change Tracy. It isn’t that homeschooling isn’t a good thing. It’s not even that I wouldn’t like to see her stop dating and start having godly relationships. Rather, it’s that until you give her God it won’t make any difference.

“We have been sent to this earth to bring salt and light to a world that desperately needs it. We have been called to live radically different lives to be a witness to a country that is going downhill. But if we start preaching step sixteen before we have even said anything about step one, they are going to be confused and not listen to us any more.

“Have we forgotten that we are the privileged few? Not many kids are raised in radical churches and radical homes. We have been given much but we must remember that to whom much is given, much is expected. God did bless us with believing, homeschooling parents, not so that we would walk around with a holier-then-thou attitude. He gave it to us so that we could be his lights in a dark room.

“Tracy does not need to hear a sermon from you on how to dress; she needs to know that there is a white robe waiting for her in heaven if she will believe in Jesus. She doesn’t need us to tell her about how she is being brainwashed in school; she needs us to tell her that there is a God willing to wash her sins away and make them white as snow. She doesn’t need to be told that her love life is wrong; she needs to be told that there is a God that loves her and will fill the emptiness that is obviously in her heart.

“We will have many Tracys in our lives, girls, and they need us to be ambassadors from God to them. In order for us to do that, though, we have to deicide whose ambassador we are. I am my Lord and Savior’s, for even though I have never been ‘as bad as most,’ I killed Jesus with my sins, and he spilled his blood for me as much as he did for the murderer and the adulteress. It will be hard, I know. I don’t like Tracy and girls like her, but Christ spilled his blood for them, and he wants her to know that. Can I despise one to whom God extends his love?

“Let us decide today, girls, for whom or for what we are ambassadors.”

"Who Will Speak Up For the Little Ones?"

2009-03-23T08:05:00.000-07:00

My dad recently shared this video with me... it almost made me cry! Here's Phil Keaggy with "Little Ones":

Our Passover Preprarations

2009-03-21T22:55:00.000-07:00

As many of you know, Passover is creeping up quickly. This year it starts April 8th - less than three weeks away! For our family, that means eating up all the leaven in our house before having to chuck it all out, in accordance to Exodus 12:15:

"Seven days shall ye eat unleavened bread; even the first day ye shall put away leaven out of your houses: for whosoever eateth leavened bread from the first day until the seventh day, that soul shall be cut off from Israel."

Like Missi's family, we put all our leaven in boxes so we can make sure to use it up! Here's what we had when we first put the boxes together...plus about 50lb of flour, and a good amount of crackers and granola bars in the van as "emergency snacks" to be used.

Now we've used up a good amount of the pasta and crackers and some of the cereal. Of course, we don't eat cereal, granola bars and pop tarts very often (actually the pop tarts are Dad's), but now that we're getting closer to Passover we're eating them a lot more, which of course everyone likes. :)

Another thing we do is clean. Although many of the rooms in our house probably don't have any leaven in them, it's a good time to do a good thorough cleaning of the WHOLE house. Even the storage closet that holds toiletries is on our clean-up list!

Of course, after all the preparation comes the actual Passover part. This year we're having a large Sedar dinner at our house with many Messianic friends. Then, the next day, my dad is going to do one for us children. That's usually pretty fun. :) We have an uncomplicated skit of the story using homemade oversize masks, a decorated table with frogs, flies and so on and lots of explaining. It usually takes about a half hour to forty five minutes, which is good for the littles!

Like it says in Exodus 12:15 (above), you're not supposed to eat leaven for seven days. Sounds easy, no big deal. Just don't eat sandwiches and spaghetti, right? He he, well don't we all wish it were that easy. If you've ever gone without leaven before, you know how hard it is! You feel like you're practically living on matzah. :)

Last year, Active Boy's birthday fell on Passover so I made him a non-leavened apple cake. It turned out all right, but as soon as the leaven-fast was over I made him a real one!

Another time, our family took a trip to Costco on Pesach (Hebrew for "Passover"). It turned out not to be such a good idea because they were sampling a ton of bread products that day...not that we remembered it was Passover or anything. Yep! I remember I was on a little blueberry muffin when Mom quietly said to us to quick throw our samples away - it's Pesach!

So yes, we are still learning, but are thankful to be celebrating the Lord's appointed feasts!

You can read more about what we do for Passover on Mother Dear's blog here: Getting Rid of Leaven and Preparing for Passover.

Love,

March Cakes

2009-03-21T21:50:00.000-07:00

Well, our computer is back in the game, so here I am! Here are the promised cake pictures I've done.

'Lil Active Boy's fourth...

Now, for some reason I can't move the pictures anymore, hence the two in a row above. So, I'll just tell you about each one down here.

The evening right after I finished the airplane cake, I stayed up doing the dolphin cake, my second one ordered! (To see my first cake-for-money, a wedding cake, go here.) It definitely got my creative juices pumping as I had to work around some difficulties, but in the end I think it turned out pretty good. The little nine year old who's birthday it was for liked it, anyway.

Then, today I did Mom's cake for her thirty-fifth birthday! She didn't really want anything fancy, I just had to be sure it was chocolate mint - her favorite. :)

Love,

A Little Life Update

2009-03-15T12:44:00.000-07:00

Well, here I am, at the library, loving the use of this computer! Our internet has been down for a few days, and I haven't really been on the computer much at all for the past week altogether. This month, I've got cakes galore to make! Well, at least more than I'm used to. :) Like you saw, the second was Baby MIT's birthday, then last Tuesday was 'Lil Active Boy's, then on Wednesday and Thursday I had a cake order to do, then this Saturday I've got a chocolate mint cake to make due to Mom's birthday... Anyone else have a birthday I need to bake and decorate for? I think I've got some leftover blue and orange icing in the fridge... :) Unfortunately, I can't share any pictures from here, but as soon as I'm able I certainly will!

Some other things going on in the Darling Household?

- Baby MIT is working to master running (too cute!)
- The boys have a multitude of clubs going on in various parts of the house. One of them is a spying club. I think Creative Genius has been delegated the Serenity (my favorite sister) Case.
- We are preparing for Passover. More on that in a future post.
- Mr. Darling will be sanding and refinishing the hardwood in the kitchen, living and dining room. Yahoo!

Ok, well Mother Dearest is standing impatiently behind me waiting to g-o. Hopefully more soon!

Happy Purim!

2009-03-09T21:30:00.000-07:00

As some of you may know, today is Purim, the celebration of God working through Queen Esther to save her people! Unfortunatly, I'm (hopefully) getting over a bad headache that seems to keep moving to different places, so this won't be too long!

Here's MIT #2 as our little Esther all dressed up for our family Purim play.

At the bottom here I've listed some places you can visit to learn more about the holy day...

To read the Purim story from the Bible, go here, to the Book of Esther.
Want a sixty second version? Head on over to aish.com.

Growing in Grace Magazine put out lots of articles on Purim this month from a few different laides. Read Purim, The Holiday of Joy.

Purim Sameach,

The Monstrous Regiment of Women

2009-03-08T17:43:00.000-07:00

A few nights ago Mom and I snuggled up in some warm blankets to watch a documentary that our good friend Alena lent to us. We didn't know quite what to expect, only that it was "really good".

Not only was The Monstrous Regiment of Women good, it was wonderful! It was such a blessing to my mother and I by not only encouraging us in our views as feminine, godly ladies, but by also (at least to me) exposing what feminist actually are. Very interesting. Definitely worth the watch!

Note: I would suggest that parents watch the documentary with children, older children, at that. There is a good amount of screen time that talks about abortion and promiscuity, as well as a clip of a baby being aborted.

Another First Birthday!

2009-03-06T16:31:00.000-08:00

Monday was our little Baby MIT's first birthday. I can't belive she is already this old!!! It seems like yesterday that she was born in our living room. I remember that evening very clearly. The midwives came at about two o'clock, I watched the children until they went to bed, and by eleven PM that night we had a little new born baby to love on. And now...well, now we have a talker, walker, climber and another member of the little's gang. She doesn't seem like our teensy-weensy babe at all! It's amazing how much babies change in such a short amount of time.

Of course, with the birthday came cake. It was a super fun one to do! I love the scrapbook-y look to it. :)

What is it About a Boy and his Treehouse?

2009-03-05T00:06:00.000-08:00

You've gotta love 'im. :)

10 More Things All About Me!

2009-03-04T13:40:00.000-08:00

1. When I was about seven or eight, I had "days of the week" panties that I loved. I was always one who loved matching, so of course wearing my panties that said "Monday" with a pink sparkly cupcake underneath on Monday seemed perfect.

2. One time when I was about three I was standing on our deck off our apartment. I remember looking down at a boy who was pointing a gun at me, and really freaking out. A few years later I
learned from my mom that it was a water gun. :)

3. I enjoy sending my friends packages for birthdays and holidays. My favorite part? Decorating! Cute wrapping paper, paper stripes, sparkles, stickers, marker polka dots, swirls, stars and vines have all been on one package or another.

4. I do not like it when someone comes up behind me and scares me. Lately Creative Genius has been hiding behind and popping out of things at the moments when I least expect it, letting out a banshee scream. So, if you were worried about all those piercing screams coming from our house in twos, don't worry. It's only him, then me. :)

5. I love Taco Bell's chalupas.

6. Since we only eat kosher meat, I have a mental list of the food places I want to go when I one day go to Israel where practically everything is kosher. My number one food? A spicy chicken sandwich from Jack in the Box.

7. I hate cleaning out the fridge.

8. MIT #2 and I have the same middle name, practically. Mine is Elissa, which is derived from Elizabeth. Her's is Elishava, which is Elizabeth in Hebrew. They both mean "God's oath".

9. I love the rain. There is just something about being in your warm and cozy house while it is dark and wet outside.

10. When I was little, I loved playing dress up!

If you would like to share ten things about yourself, please do so! Write a post on your blog with them, then copy and past the URL code for it in the bottom space, with your name on top. We'd all love to learn more about you!

Busdriving Stories to Make You Laugh

2009-02-28T16:36:00.000-08:00

My grandpa just wrote a hilarious post on busdriving antics that happen to busdrivers day after day. Many of the stories I hadn't heard yet, so I greatly enjoyed them! Head on over to to do a little "LOL"-ing on Bull Frogger Blogger!

Yours truly,

15 Things About Me... #1

2009-02-26T17:00:00.000-08:00

I have been tagged for sharing fifty things about me. While I could probably spout off that many in an hour or so, eventually things would get pretty boring. So, I've decided to do my fifty in chunks. Feel free to join me!

1. While I hate writing reports, stories, reviews or anything of the sort, they haven't bugged me near as much since I started blogging.

2. I went to a Christian school from kindergarten through fourth grade. Ever since, I've been home schooled.

3. I love pink! My coat is pink, my nails are currently painted pink, even my bedroom is painted the color.

4. My favorite books to read are mysteries.

5. I have read nearly every single book in the Boxcar Children series, due to the fact that it was my first chapter book series I started reading in second grade (Mrs. Dejong let me borrow the books from the third and fourth grade room, such a treat).

6. I have sang in Hebrew at a few talent shows before.

7. I have two grandmas, one grandpa (not counting the greats :), four aunts, two uncles and twelve cousins.

8. I like to keep my shoes in tip-top shape. I have one pair of grungy tennis shoes, but the rest have been baby-wiped an innumerable amount of times.

9. The ladies in the house, due to my dad's request, have been skirts/dresses only since I was twelve.

10. We have a little homemade burgundy sign held up by cream ribbon on our office door that says "Happiness is Homemade".

11. I have four pen-pals.

12. I love Butterfinger Mcflurrys at McDonalds. Last Sunday, Mom and I went there to have some fifty cent ice-cream cones, and to find some free papers, so you could imagine my delight when Mom came to our table bearing two Butterfinger Mcflurrys. Apparently the girl didn't really know what she was doing, and for some reason she couldn't serve us the cones, so she gave us the Mcflurrys instead at the same price. Score!!!

13. I'm not very fond of wearing purple. While I do have a few shirts and skirts in the color, I don't wear them much because I don't think that they're one of "my colors". I look the best in fall colors.

14. One time while cleaning up our table after dinner at a retreat, I noticed someone hadn't drunken all of their milk. I was sort of embarrassed to give the people the half-full cup for them to dump down the drain, so I decided to drink it myself. Well, I took one big gulp and discovered why that person hadn't drunken it. The milk was filled - and I mean filled - with salt. Must have been one of the little kids. I have never been able to comfortably drink milk since.

15. I have been blogging since July 20, 2007.

Anne of Green Gables - A Work of Art

2009-02-26T08:00:00.000-08:00

Anne of Green Gables was published in 1908, making Lucy Maud Montgomery almost instantly famous. She had had a few of her poems published in her local Prince Edward Island newspapers, but this was much bigger. Anne of Green Gables would go on to be translated into more than a dozen languages, and have nineteen thousand copies sold in the first five months of publication.

For over a century readers of all ages have enjoyed irresistible Anne, with her unpredictable, delightful, outgoing personality, and captivating story. I must admit, before reading the book I expected an unbelievable story filled with pink, sparkly “fluff”, but afterwards couldn't wait to read the next book in the series.

The story starts off with middle-age, almost elderly siblings, Matthew and Marilla Cuthbert wondering how on earth they are going to take care of this little eleven year old orphan they received by mistake. The book goes on through Anne’s childhood, sharing with us her trials, temptations and achievements, all in the setting of Prince Edward Island, Canada with her friends, foes and in-betweens.

Starting out, the book was a bit slow, in my opinion. But, the more I read, the more I loved. I really like Anne’s poetic way of talking, peculiar speeches and her love of all things beautiful. My favorite thing about her though, is her romantic thinking. While some may call it ridiculous, I think it’s lovely that she is so girlish, even in spite of, or maybe out of necessity, her hard and painful childhood. I also liked how Anne, and all the P.E.I. ladies really, encouraged me in my femininity, helping to show what a real lady is like, inside and out. Outwardly, she is modest, yet feminine in her dress, and inwardly she is gracious and kind, joyful in all things, yet serious in the Lord.

While many “kindred spirits” have enjoyed Anne of Green Gables, I believe any girl twelve or thirteen and older would appreciate the story the most. I know that when tried to read it when I was younger, around ten, I found Anne’s chatter and all the sentimental aspects of the book hard to understand. But, now that I’m older and have grown in my vocabulary and understanding a bit, I have found the book to be a real treasure.

In closing, I have to agree with all the critics when they said that Anne of Green Gables was beautifully written. When Montgomery published her manuscript, she truly blessed young ladies by sharing with us the little gangly, red haired Anne-with-an-E.

Enjoy Your Day!

2009-02-25T13:49:00.000-08:00

What did the green grape say to the purple grape?

"Breathe!"

"A merry heart doeth good like medicine..." Proverbs 17:22

A Young Maiden's Daybook Entry...

2009-02-23T18:54:00.000-08:00

Today...

February 23rd, 2009. We took a Costco shopping trip (where I noticed the Jelly Belly container got smaller and the price went up...sigh) and had lunch in the food court. I made spaghetti and salad for dinner, and now Mother Dear is organizing the pantry. The excitements of today. :)

Outside my window…

I see the night sky, and a very wet yard. It rained all last night and all today - something that is very rare here.

I am thinking…

that I'd better hurry up with this post because it is my night to get the littles ready for bed.

I am wearing…

a khaki skirt, olive green shirt, blue hoody and my blue slippers.

I am reading…

Anne of Avonlea.

I am creating…

a Dick and Jane quilt, a knitted wash cloth and an embroidered pillowcase (which I am almost done with!)

One of my favorite things…

a well-stocked pantry.

For education this week...

I'm writing a review on Anne of Green Gables (something I'll share with you all :), and doing my usual daily studies.

A keeper at home skill I am using/learning…
cooking.

A spiritual lesson I’m learning…

submission.

A godly character trait I plan to work on...
perseverance.

Scripture I am memorizing…

reviewing for one more week!

I am praying for…

a pregnant friend of the family. Get well soon, Sharon!

For the rest of the week…

my grandparents are coming over for a three day weekend on Friday so my parents can go to a marriage conference all day Saturday, and to visit. :) I can't wait!

A picture I’d like to share… Mommy and I. Look at that perm! :)

Care to participate? Do so here.

Blessings!

Femininity in a Feminist World

Young Maidenhood - A New Season of Life

Patience is a Virtue - So Get Rid of Those Pet Peeves!

Baby Announcement

Ten Benefits of Exercise

Grace vs. Law

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How to Make Lip Balm

You Are My Sunshine

Songs I've Been Enjoying

Being Content While Unmarried

A Treat For The Skin!

Courtship Stories

Way Back When...

Ways to Minister to the Elderly

A Young Maiden's Daybook - Entry Number 9

Was There Advanced Technology in Past Civilizations?

I'm Back!

Comparing and Contrasting Pollyanna and Veruca Salt

How To Make Your Own Herbal Tea

Got a Cold? Try Some Natural Ways To Fight It!

Wanted: Ideas For Encouraging Our Sisters In Christ

"Enemies List" Denied

I Promise

Alive, Well And Goin' Goin' Goin'

Easy Homemade Hamburger Patties

Books I Recommend

I'm Sixteen!

Invasion!

Gentlemen Are Rare...Can We Not Recognize One?

The Best Chip Dip on the Planet

First Blogoversary

What A Diva Looks Like Before She Gets Her Hair Done

Our Little Trip

Hairdo Help

Fourth of July Cupcake Cake

Easy Fourth of July Breakfast

Corn Syrup Painting for Preschoolers

Could Some Dinosaurs Still Be Living?

Check Out My Interview With the Botkin Sisters!

Our Card Playing, Cherry Picking Weekend

New Camera!

Summer and Spaghetti Straps are Here!

Freedom in America...

Sponsoring With Compassion

Help For Removing Blogger's Title Off Your Blog

Ways to Spend Quality Time With Younger Siblings

Shabbat Shalom

Ladies, Behave Yourselves

Sisters In Christ - Lovely "Things!"

Bible Verse Idea

Little Girlies Are Oh So Fun!

Challah Time!

Today I am a Big Sister

Extreme Devotion

Home Sweet Home

Out and About

A Little Joy ~ A Little Oy

East Coast Trip Preparations

An Easy and Free Way to Organize Your Hair Stuff

A Chance To Meet *You*?

Mother's Day Apron

Great Giveaway & Fun Blog!

A Different Kind of Beauty Pagent

Home Again, Home Again, Jiggety Jig

A Relaxing Retreat

Free Treats on Your Birthday!

My First Pillowcase Dress

Allow Me To Re-Introduce the Christ...

Bloggy Questionnaire

I'm Now Transferring You to the Laundry Room

How Does A Cavity Happen?

Rag Curls

Airplane Cake Tutorial

Anti-Feminism... A Lovely, Godly and Feminine Thing

Coconut Macaroons - Perfect for Passover!

The Kings Firecrackers - Jump Roping Taken to a New Level!

Our Big Passover Dinner

A Young Maiden's Daybook... a Little Late!

Quotes From REAL Ladies

A Chance To Meet You?