March 21, 2013

A Wedding (Austin & Claire)

Earlier last week my family and I headed up to Ann Arbor, MI to prepare for, and attend a cousin’s wedding. It was a fun filled week, catching up with “old” friends, seeing relatives and meeting new faces.

We left last Thursday and arrived back home late, late yesterday evening :)   Friday was the rehearsal, and Saturday they spoke their vows. Sunday was Church and recuperation, and Monday we departed. -It was a quick trip, but I always enjoy going away and this trip was no exception! -


Here are some pictures!

Rehearsal Night 

Ring bearer & Flower girl...
Uncle Arne, Austin (groom) & Aunt Rachel 
The Church  

Wedding Day!


Groomsmen 
Bridesmaids (& Flower girl) 
Saying their vows ! 
: D 
cuteness!
Peterson Family

 

The Reception

Austin & Claire  "The Happy Couple" 
Cutting the cake 
lol 
Bethany 
Serenity 
Enoch, Bethany, Audrey & Zachary 
Hadassah & Audrey 
Bethany & Lilliana 
Chloe, Lilliana, Grace & Hadassah 
Lydia & Jordan 
yours truly

 

Decorating...

Paul adding some color
-And the older shall teach the younger (see the boys observing in the background?)-
Finished product!

Spending Time With Friends

...talking... 
playing games 
-A Group of Us-
Left to right: Hannah, Andrew, Zachary, Anthony, Sis Lucille, Lincoln, Levi, Justin, Justus, Uncle Russell, Aunt Elizabeth, Seth, My dad, Bro Brian, Me, Serenity, Abigail & Wesley


It's sad saying goodbye to such good friends & family! But we got to bring Seth (a cousin) home with us, so that made parting with everyone a little easier :) Also, we had some "little presents" waiting for us when we got back home (I'll be posting about them soon!)....



TTYL,



Notes: A huge thank you to the Erickson's who were very hospitable to us. Thanks to Hadassah for sending me so many pictures. And Congrats to the happy couple: Austin & Claire :)           ::::Click to enlarge pictures::::

March 1, 2013

The Doctors' Toolbox

Earlier this morning, my Mother and I were having a little “heart to heart” chat. I was sprawled out on the floor and she was reposing in bed. (These past few days have been rough on my Mom. She caught some type of virus or got food poisoning (not sure), and she hasn’t been able to keep anything down)
Well, we were talking about random things in life :) Then Lincoln walks in with his toolbox….
Lds: It’s time for your operation Ma’am
Mom: I’m nervous about that toolbox.
Lds: It only carries my doctors tools.
Mom: What you do have in it?

Lds: Well this goes over your mouth…
Mom: What???
Lds: To put you asleep…what flavor would you like to smell?
Mom: Uhum, cinnamon I guess.
Lds: Well, lemon is all I have.
Mom: Oh, Okay.
-(Lincoln exits to go prepare sleeping potion)-
Me: So, what’s the sharpie for?
Mom: Probably to mark the lines where he cuts me.
Me: Aren’t you even worried? Is he even out of school yet?
(Lincoln comes back)
Lds: I’m going to chain you to your bed now.
Mom: Okay, but don’t really chain me….
Me: Wait, I haven’t signed the consent papers yet. I think that needs to happen first.
-(Everyone ignores me; apparently Mom is impatient for the operation to get underway)-
-(I exit for camera)-
Mom: Doc’ how are you going to sew me back up?
Lds: That’s what the screwdrivers are for.
---------------------

Aren't imaginations a wonderful thing? Hope that little repertoire brought a smile to your face...
Have an awesome weekend!  Oh, and just in case you wondered, the operation was successful!

February 14, 2013

YP Winter Retreat

---This past weekend I got to go upstate with our youth group!---

Our youth group had a 2 day getaway (only those of us, which are 15+, got to go though). It was a blast…

It all started at 7:00am when we gathered in our church's sanctuary for Quiet Time. (Reading our Bibles and praying) Then we listened to ½ hour of a Message. At 8:45am, we had breakfast and loaded up the van and truck with all our belongings. (It was bitterly cold!) Then we joined hands and prayed for traveling mercies. Finally… we were on our way!

The van was full of excited teenagers, and we talked (and laughed) the entire 3 hours to our destination! After arriving, getting settled and eating lunch, we headed out for some fun in the snow!

(It had snowed the night before, so we had plenty of snow for sledding and snowball fights!)

We layered up got our sleds and scouted for a good sledding hill. Although our search was basically fruitless, we did find a moderately good sledding hill and a couple of us had fun rolling in the snow (a couple of us). Tromping though the snow, and sledding some, we made our back to the lodge.
Trying to warm up, us girls played a game of “ninja” and snuggled in blankets on the couch. The guys took shovels and went and rescued a snowbound latecomer and her vehicle :) (Us girls had such a blast playing "ninja" and I'm sure the guys had fun too!) After the "rescue", some of the guys decided to go shopping (thought that was a girl thing?) to Walmart for pop guns and balls (to play dodge ball).
We stayed at the lodge and played "detective" and more of "ninja".
Supper time came and went, (dessert was delicious)... Then we were divided into 4 teams for Bible Trivia. After our team won we listened to another part of the Message. Then we played more games, followed up by talking late into the night! ....By bed-time we were all so ready to sleep! (We were really tired after such a wild and crazily fun day)


----The alarm clock was set for 8:30 am...but (unfortunately) we were all already up by that time! (We were so excited to begin another day) After a yummy breakfast of omelets and muffins, we had our church service.
Then, lunch was eaten and (can't you guess?) we headed out into the winter wonderland for more fun in the snow! After having a *epic* but, crazy snowball fight, everyone hopped into the vehicles to go look for the perfect sledding hill. We drove around town, until we saw her.... right behind an apartment building/complex. After sending out a scout to check out the hill, (and getting a positive report) we all piled out and dragged our sleds up the hill. Some of us sledded (or tried to snowboard) and the rest of us watched and ate snow. (That snow tasted amazing) Then Zach decided to build a snow ramp and we all watched as the guys tried to ramp it! They put on an impressive show J Sadly, it was soon time to leave and we headed back to the lodge. After eating a quick supper and packing our bags we got back into the vehicles for the ride home.

We had such a wonderful time of fellowship and fun, a huge thanks to everyone who made our trip possible (Especially Will and Renee)!!!

Now for y'alls most favorite part of the post....Pictures! Even though I (ahem) didn't take as many pictures as I should have... Rosie and Joanna kindly let me have some of theirs  -I love you girls!-

note: click on picture to enlarge it!
almost there!
the kitchen 
living room 
eating area 
our bedroom :) 
unpacking! 
On the staircase (top to bottom) Joanna, Chantel, Me, Grace, Emily & Abigail 
The Lodge!
Some of us girls...(top to bottom): Elizabeth, Chantel, Emily, Grace, Me, Joanna & Abigail
Rescuing Rosie! 
"ninja"...
snack table...yummy! 
Game time...
 
{Laughing} 
Boys and their pop guns...  
Gracie, Emily and Abigail 
The Oreo Queens! (Chantel, Joanna, Me) 
Calebs' balancing act! 
 
Playing with the snow! 
Nathan  
 
Mr. Snowman 
"Snowboarding" 
Sledding (Travis, Nathan & Jason) 
...Watching... 
Emily & Grace 
 
Boys will be boys... 
Kaitlyn , Abigail, Grace & Emily



Well, doesn't it look we had fun???


Thanks for stopping by and.... Happy Valentine’s Day!



February 2, 2013

Award Ceremony

Recently (and uhum, not so recently) I’ve been awarded and tagged a few times.  Its only now that I’m finally getting around to posting about them though! ...procrastination....
I have 12 awards/tag's to hand out to day...so be prepared for a lengthy post! (Though I will try and keep my answers on the shorter side)  ..........Oh, and also, for being such a wonderful group of followers  (and because I have such a hard time choosing), I'd like you to pick an award or tag you want!
(note: Here are the rules for tagging...
-You must answer the eleven questions the tagger has given you and make eleven questions for the people you are going to tag.
-Next, tag eleven more bloggers
-Tell the people you have tagged that you tagged them
-No tagging back!)


*drum roll*

Lets start out with the most recent tag, Miss Dahlia Reyes from Life of a Princess of Christ tagged me yesterday :) Thanks Dahlia!
  Here are my answers to the questions she asked:

1. What is your favorite book? A book with pages :)
2. Do you play an instrument? Yes! I play both the violin (and am working on) the organ.
3. Reading, writing or drawing? Totally reading!
4. What is your favorite ice cream flavor? Sherbet, yummy!
5. What's your favorite bible verse? John 3:16
6. Last movie you watched? Where the Red Fern Grows...It always makes me cry!
7. City or country? For sure the country!
8.What is your favorite fruit? Pomegranate
9. Are you crafty? It really depends, but "yes", I like to think so!
10. What do you do when you're bored? Get on Pinterest. 
11. Stickers or stamps? Stamps :)
And here are my questions for you:

1. Where is your favorite place to travel?  2. Do you have a dog?  3.What is the “wildest” meat you ever ate (example: frog, kangaroo, lizard)? 4. Have you ever been in a hot air balloon? 5. Do you like rain or sunshine? 6. Favorite season? 7.What is your favorite make of car? 8. Do you carry a purse? 9. Do you like cooking or baking? 10. Do you have a favorite flower? 11. How high can you jump?


I was also tagged by Miss Journey from A Writer's World. Thank you Journey!
(note: the same rules from above apply to every tag!)

Here are the questions she asked me:
1. Do you like math? If I know the system to figure out the solution, then “yes” I do actually enjoy it!2.If you could go anywhere in the world, where would you go? Europe
3.What is your fav colour? Sky Blue
4.How do you overcome writers block? I usually read a book or turn on some music.
5.If you could have one superpower, what would you have? The ability to be invisible ;)
6.What was the longest book you ever read? (Write the page number if you know it) I really don't know! All the books that I read are at least over 200 pages long.
7.What is your favourite genre of fiction novels (fantasy, romance, historical fiction etc.)? Historical Fiction!
9. If you were on a deserted island what three things would you bring with you? Some candy bars, a good book to read and a cell phone!
10. Up or down? Up
11. Right or left? Right
And here are my questions for y'all!
1.Do you like squirrels or chipmunks? 2.What is a vegetable you absolutely hate? 3.Do you go to public school? 4.Do you like rings or bracelets best?  5.What is the last dream you had? 6.Are you an early bird or a night owl?  7.What is your favorite keepsake from childhood?  8.Have you ever done a back flip? 9. What is your dream pet? 10.Have you ever driven a car? 11.Do you like the color pink?


This next one is an award, that was given to me by Ireland from A Pearl of Great Price, it was also given to me by Britt over at Encouragement for Everyday Struggles, Myra from My World. and Chasity from A Home Beyond the River...                          Thanks Ireland, Britt, Myra and Chasity!!!

 Rules: Answer the questions! 

What is your favorite Christmas/Holiday movie? The Nativity Story
What Is your favorite flower? A peony J
What is your favorite drink? Chocolate milk
What is your passion? Goats and music!
What is your favorite time of the year? Summer!
What is your favorite time of day? When the mailman comes.
What is your favorite physical activity? Swimming, for sure!
What is your favorite vacation? When I go to Arizona!



My next award was given to me by Miss Evangela Grace from Proclaiming Grace. Thank you Evangela!
Its called the Liebester Award!
The Rules:
1. List 11 facts about yourself
2. Answer the 11 questions the blogger who nominated you left
3. Ask 11 new questions for those you nominate
4. Choose 11 bloggers with less than 200 followers to nominate
5. Go to each blogger's page and let them know about the award
6. Thank the person who nominated you and link back to their blog

Here are Evangela's questions:
1. Would you rather live on a deserted island a country farm or in a busy city?
Country farm, because I love animals!

2. If you were to write a story what time frame would it be in?
Pioneer days, that’s also my favorite time period to read about!
3. What is your favorite name and its meaning?
I actually really like my name :) Which is Zoë, and I love the fact that it means “God’s Life”.
4. Which do you like best, Skittles or M&M's?
Ohhh, that’s a tough one! I guess I will have to choose Skittles (the sour kind), because I have a lot of awesome memories that are associated with them.
5. What person has inspired you most?
There are a lot of people that have inspired me over the years, but my Mom would have to be at the top of my list :)
6. Which person would you rather meet, Adolph Hitler or Barrack Obama?
Well, could I say neither?
7. If you had 1000 dollars what would you do with it?
 Start a goat milking operation.

8. Which is your "love language"?   3 and 4 would be my answers.
1. Physical Touch (Hug, kiss, etc.),
2. Words of Affirmation (Words of encouragement, affection, endearment),
3. Quality Time (Going out with that person, spending time with them)
4. Gifts (I think this is pretty easy to understand)
5. Acts of Service (Someone doing your chores for you, helping you with your school)

9. Which of the four personality types are you?       Oh dear, a Golden Retriever?
1.Lion-Needs freedom/Craves authority, Goal setter
2.Otter- Energizer Bunny/Entertaining
3.Golden Retriever - More interested in relationships than goals, a good time, or tasks
4.Beaver- Perfectionist, cautious, high standards

10. What number are you in your birth order? (First child, second child, third child, etc.)
I’m the oldest at home :)
11. What is your favorite game?
Apples to Apples… I laugh so much when I play this game!



Here are my questions for you:

 1. Have you ever been on a roller-coaster?
2. Is food ever in your dreams?
3. Do you have a favorite gem stone?
     4. Pancakes or cinnamon rolls?
     5. Do you know anyone who has been (or is) in military service?
     6. What does your last name mean?

     7. Do you like Holidays or Birthdays better?
     8. Camera or cell-phone?
     9. Dream job?
    10. What do you do when you are nervous? (example: chew your nails)
    11. What fictional character would you most like to meet in real life?


This is the Artsy Award from Storyteller over at Dragonmaster (she made it herself)! Thank you Storyteller!

Rules:
1.Thank the person who gave you the award and leave a link to their blog.
2. Answer the five questions asked you and make the next five questions for the people that you nominate.
3. No Tagbacks!
4. Award 5 people (at least) or more!

Storytellers questions:
 1) What would be your idea of the perfect book? One that keeps me hooked the entire way through!

2) What's would be your ideal home? A cabin :)
3) If you could go anywhere in the world, what would you do? I would go to the open markets in France or the places in Italy where you use a boat to get around!
4) Elves or pixies? Um, I guess Elves!
5) Pegasus' or unicorns? Unicorns. It would be very interesting to see one!

My questions for you:
1. How many books do you read a month?
2. Color or draw?
3. Favorite musician?
4. Do you like to correspond via email or snail mail?
5. Fictional person you think about most?


My next award was given to me by Miss Lindy from Leave it to Lindy and Ireland from A Pearl of Great Price :) Thanks Lindy and Ireland!

Rules:
1. You must award 10 to 15 blogger
2. If you are awarded you must award other bloggers, too
3. You must post some information about your blog

My blog is a place where I post about the latest happenings in my life, its a great way for me to keep faraway family and friends up-to-date. Blogging also counts as school for me!
I've been blogging for almost 3 years now!


And just 25 minutes ago, I was tagged by Chasity from A Home Beyond the River!
Thanks Chasity J 

Here are her questions for me:

1. What was the last book you read and last movie you saw?
The last book I read was a biography on Billy Graham and the last movie I saw was, "Where the Red Fern Grows"
2. If you nails are painted what color are they?
I actually prefer the au'natural look :)
3. What is your favorite hairstyle?
A fishtail braid
4. Oreos or Chips Ahoy cookies?
Oreos, totally!
5. Are you doing anything special on Valentine's Day?
My parents usually go out on a date and us kids do cheese crisps and games at home!
6. Are you closer to your Mom or Dad?
Both?
7. Is your hair naturally straight, wavy or curly?
Naturally straight
8. How many states have you been to?
Roughly 25?
9. Cocoa or apple cider?
Apple Cider!
10. Favorite type of movie?
Comedy
11. Favorite type of book?
Historical Fiction


Here are my questions for you:

1. Do you like sour or sweet candy?
2. Have you ever been to a castle?
3. What would your dream bedroom look like?
4. Have you ever ridden in a limousine?
5.  Do you prefer fast or slow driving?
6. What was the largest puzzle you put together?
7. Cupcakes or Cookies?
8. Have you ever dived off a high dive?
9. What Bible character would you most like to meet?
10. Name one zany hobby you have.
11. Science and Math or Grammar and History?




Thank you everyone for thinking of me, when you tagged or/and awarded me! I appreciate it J
Now, tag you’re it!