JoyGirl

The Great Deer Hunting Escapade!

2011-12-15T15:05:00.001-06:00

ATTENTION!! SOME CONTENTS AND IMAGES OF THIS POST ARE NOT FOR THE SENSITIVE STOMACHED. PROCEED AT YOUR OWN RISK. :)

the three musketeers

As some of you know, I absolutely LOVE deer hunting! The whole anticipation in the months leading up to opening morning (which I believe should be a national holiday. ;)), the inability to fall asleep the night before because you're so excited, or you're worried you'll sleep through your alarm clock (usually a combination of both); the waking up at 5am and guzzling a whole pot of strong coffee with fellow deer hunters around the table as everyone makes their plan of action, recalls previous hunting seasons, and makes bets on who's gonna shoot the biggest deer; the sound of truck engines idling; the usually quiet country roads suddenly alive with vehicles (mostly pick up trucks); "Turdy Point Buck" playing on every speaker system in the area; driving around while it's still dark, to claim a chunk of land before another hunter does; the complete silence in the woods before first light, and then, as it gets brighter out, the sound of the first gun shots to open the season.

Yes, it's a highlight of my year.

My brothers and cousins got me hooked when they would come in from the woods with stories and proof of their endeavors. ;) So, I went to Hunter's Safety, my cousin lent me our late Grandpa's Ruger 243, I bought myself an orange coat, inherited my big brother's Gander Mountain ball cap with a bullet hole through the bill, and got dubbed with the nickname "Big Nah" on my first Opening Day.

That first day was an experience. I didn't get a chance to shoot a deer but we got chased by a paranoid man on a 4-wheeler as it was getting to closing time and we were heading home (no, we weren't doing anything wrong). I don't know about anyone else, but running headlong through thick, short pines at dark, trying to keep up with your brother and cousin, with firearms in tow, while a 4-wheeler roars up the road behind you and not knowing if the man was going to shoot you or just run you down, and all I can think about is how hilarious the whole scene must look but I'm trying to keep my laughter to a minimum, while my cousin is about to hyperventilate from fright, and my poor brother, who is the only one that has a well rounded view of the situation is trying to keep both of us quiet. Yeah, it was enough to get me completely addicted to the whole gun season thing.

And just as a disclaimer, being chased by an angry man on an ATV is quite abnormal and has never happened since. ;)

So yeah, I LIKE the fourth week of November in Wisconsin. :D

But after hunting for two years and not even getting a chance to shoot one. I was starting to think that I would have to break my vow of not shooting anything smaller than an 8 point buck, and put my goal of getting a larger buck than Levi has ever shot off to the side as well. So, this year, on Opening Morning, as we were getting ready to head out to the woods, I decided that the first deer I saw, I was going to shoot.

After getting out into the field with Levi, and Bailey and sitting for a while. And me being my hyper self, couldn't keep quiet and kept complaining about the spot because I couldn't recall any nice deer being taken off this field and wanted to go somewhere else. And my brother telling me to be quiet and sit still, and Bailey laughing at us bantering back and forth.

So about 15 minutes after daylight, we slowly started walking down the edge of the pines (the same ones that we hid from the guy, two years previously) and taking turns with going in front. It had already been decided that Bailey or I would get the first chance to shoot a deer, since Levi had already gotten a nice buck during bow season. And just as Bailey and I traded places to me being in front, and her in back. We spotted a doe running into the pines about 200 yards ahead. And seconds later Levi, who had been spotting through his scope, whispered excitedly "There's a buck coming!!!" I got a glimpse of it as it was standing in the corner of a pasture, but both of us at the same moment said "No, that's a horse, it's too big to be a deer." And, disappointed, we were about to turn around and go to a different spot. But then, the "horse" JUMPED over the fence and we caught sight of it's antlers. Levi had a better view of him at that time and he exclaimed "Hannah, it's a MONSTER!" I started getting excited, and Levi has crazy adrenaline when he's hunting and I was feeding off of that and my adrenaline was sky-rocketing and I could hardly hold my gun up to look through the scope. :P

The buck was only visible for a second or two and then he disappeared into the pines. We started walking down the edge, hoping he would pop back out long enough to get a shot at him. At one point, I looked through my scope, and saw four cloven feet walking along the edge of the pines. Then the buck appeared out of the low branches, and walked towards us as we stood on the crest of the hill, in plain sight. Levi whispered to me to slowly get down on the ground so I could get a better shot-- I was in no shape to be able to shoot standing up as it was. ;P So, I sssssssslllloooowllllly start kneeling down on the ground, all the while keeping my sights trained on the deer and him STILL walking straight towards us! At different points in the LONG seconds to get to the ground, the buck would stop and look at us, and I would freeze mid-squat for agonizing moments until he would start moving again.

I FINALLY got to a prone position, and steadied my sights on the buck. Levi kept whispering "He is SO HUGE, HANNAH! This is the Biggest Deer I've EVER seen!" in between coaching me to wait for a broadside shot. I had gotten a glimpse of the deer's antlers but all I was focusing on now was getting a good shot. The ONLY thing ringing through my mind was "I Can't MISS!!! If I miss, I'll NEVER live it down!!" ;) And with the thick pines being right there, I had to make the shot count or else watch the Monster disappear, only to haunt me in my dreams. lol

At the same instant that the deer turned broadside, he started stepping into the pines and Levi exclaimed "Shoot him now!" just as I was pulling the trigger.

The blast of the gun echoed throughout the valley. And we strained our eyes to see the outcome. The buck had disappeared into the undergrowth of the pines. We all booked the 140 yards over to the area I had shot him to look for blood. And as we neared the place, I saw massive antlers moving in the tall grass next to the trees.

I think I must have floated the rest of the way because I don't remember how I got over to it so fast. ;) I had shot him in the shoulder/spine and he dropped right where he was.

The first thing Levi said to me as he came up to it was "I hate you..." and "You're not allowed to shoot anything else this year." Haha. But all of us kept repeating, "He's MASSIVE!!!! HUGE! MONSTROUS!!!"

We then had to call Dad to come help carry the Beast the 3/4 of a mile to the road. As well as send texts/phone calls to family, announcing my first kill, and then convincing them that I really did.

first cuts and yes that's blaze orange nail polish ;)

I tried gutting the deer. I really did. But I was freaked that the knife was gonna slip and chop my fingers off since I had never done it before. And the deer's body was so large that it was hard to reach with my short arms where I needed to. So Levi took over (yeah, he's pretty nice), but not until some of the buck's blood had been smeared across my face according to the traditional "First Kill" fashion.

Mom took one look at me when I got home and handed me a washcloth... haha

ahh... I can't grow out of being a tomboy... :P ;)

Not 15 minutes after I shot my deer, we got word that Andy shot a real nice 9 pt. buck as well. Mine still out did his in mass and height but not by a whole lot. :P ;)

I'm sitting weird because I couldn't get enough leverage to lift my buck's head right :P

That's just how big he was. ;)

The next day, the three of us again went out to the pines. And not even 200 yards from where I shot my first buck, Bailey got her first deer as well. :) I now know better than to complain about that spot not being good for hunting... :P ;)

So all in all, it was an amazing season this year. I'm so glad that Bailey got to FINALLY get a taste of what hunting was like with my group here. We got to have some fun times just hanging out that week (in between the nights I had to work. :P). And it was nice to not be the ONLY girl in the hunting party for once. ;)

Autumn Hike

2011-11-06T16:11:00.002-06:00

So a couple weeks ago, some Awesome friends came over for the weekend. And, as is usual, chaotic fun was over-abundant the entire time. ;)

We decided on Sunday, after everyone was thoroughly stir crazy from being cooped up inside a small house that we should go hiking. And since we had always wanted to take the O'Briens to this one park, it was unanimously voted upon to go there and run off some energy.

The place? Hoffman Hills. A cool hiking trail that leads up, down, and around hills, through pines and birch trees, and eventually ends up at a 60 foot tower that looks out over the landscape for miles and miles. It's a *gorgeous* view, to say the least!!! :)

So with jackets, hiking shoes, water, and cameras in tow, we headed off. Taking the "most difficult" trail to the tower. And let me tell ya, it sure showed me how out of shape I really am. :-\ But it was a blast!!

*ALL photo credits go to Bailey*

Better get right... or you're gonna get left! :P

We pretend we like each other... ;)

The moms and pops.

Levi just couldn't resist...

And got just the reaction he wanted. :)

Destination in sight!

Told ya it was a pretty view!

Best friends :)

Lego people? :P

"All who wander are lost..." ;)

Twins????

Almost. ;)

JUMP!

A Tale of Two People

2011-10-26T19:13:00.002-05:00

"Gratitude is born in hearts that take time to count up past mercies." --Charles Jefferson

I've been reading this book on and off in the past year, and have been challenged and encouraged by it. But it wasn't until recently that I came to understand it's concept in a very direct way.

It was because of two people I have come to know. We'll call them Gladys and Grace.

Both are confined to a wheel chair and need help with basic things, like putting their shoes on, and brushing their teeth. Both need more than one person to assist them from sitting in their chair to laying down in bed. Both are well acquainted with the pain that racks through their bodies day in and day out. Physically, they have the same challenges.

But their attitudes are far from being remotely the same.

Gladys spends the entire time complaining about the pain, the meal she just ate, the day being terrible, and how hard it is to do anything. She stays in her room the greater part of the day, hardly ever smiles, "thank-you" is said in a tone that denotes any kind of gratefulness, and anyone assisting her, soon dread her requests.

And now for Grace. Her face always has a smile, a sweet word for the nearest passerby, and a childlike joy to any form of assistance given her. She is considerably older than Gladys but yet exudes a joyfullness that makes her seem years younger than her age. Her happiness in every day life is contagious. She rarely demands anything... because most around her offer their assistance before she asks.

See the difference? Both have the same challenges, but the way they react to them changes their attitude. Gladys has a dark outlook, Grace finds something to be glad about each day.

And now here's the kicker. The person who claims to be a Christian, is Gladys.

Surprising huh? You'd never know by seeing how she chooses to act.

The grateful heart that springs forth in joy is not acquired in a moment, it is the fruit of a thousand choices. It is a godly habit and pattern that over time becomes a new muscle in our spiritual makeup.

I never thought gratefulness was that big of a thing. It's always looked at as lower in the goals of achievement in Christian life. But it is a vital part in growing in any other aspect of Christianity.

I can't love if I'm not grateful. I can't have joy without being grateful. I can't have peace without gratitude... I can't worship without gratitude...

It all comes down to a choice. I can choose to be unhappy. Or I can choose to be grateful.

Will you join me in choosing gratitude?

Is the gratitude that flows out of your life as abounding as the grace that has flowed into your life?

"Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be *thankful*, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe." -Hebrews 12:28 NIV

--Note: All italicized quotes are taken from the book "Choosing Gratitude" by Nancy Leigh DeMoss

Grace by Laura Story

2011-08-01T16:14:00.000-05:00

My heart is so proud. My mind is so unfocused.

I see the things You do through me as great things I have done.

And now You gently break me,

then lovingly You take me

and hold me as my father and mold me as my maker.

I ask you: "How many times will you pick me up, when I keep on letting you down?

And each time I will fall short of Your glory, how far will forgiveness abound?"

And you answer: " My child, I love you.

And as long as you're seeking My face,

You'll walk in the pow'r of My daily sufficient grace."

At times I may grow weak and feel a bit discouraged,

knowing that someone, somewhere could do a better job.

For who am I to serve You?

I know I don't deserve You.

And that's the part that burns in my heart and keeps me hanging on.

I ask you: "How many times will you pick me up, when I keep on letting you down?

And each time I will fall short of Your glory, how far will forgiveness abounds?"

And you answer: " My child, I love you.

And as long as you're seeking My face,

You'll walk in the pow'r of My daily sufficient grace."

You are so patient with me, Lord.

As I walk with You, I'm learning what Your grace really means.

The price that I could never pay was paid at Calvary.

So, instead of trying to repay You,

I'm learning to simply obey You

by giving up my life to You

For all that You've given to me.

I ask you: "How many times will you pick me up, when I keep on letting you down?

And each time I will fall short of Your glory, how far will forgiveness abounds?"

And you answer: " My child, I love you.

And as long as you're seeking My face,

You'll walk in the pow'r of My daily sufficient grace."

At this Time of Writer's Block, We Pause For A Brief Moment of Inspiration!

2011-06-01T16:53:00.001-05:00

You know, sometimes I wonder why I even have a blog if I never update it. Seriously though, if I had time to post something, I DEFINITELY would have. I almost think there should be two of me so I can get everything done that needs to be done and still stay sane. lol. But thats not gonna work so I must resolve to the fate of acting like a chicken with its head cut off (or else hire a secretary).

Right now, I'm working two jobs (as well as other odd jobs), which keep me quite busy. It seems like all I do is work... so when I do get a day off (like today), I could never be happier. :) To all of you who don't have a job yet, I would advise not working weekend hours. It seems like all of the fun things your friends/family have planned always land on the weekend you have to work. :-/ Oh well, that's life, eh?

I really miss this growing, growling, little guy... I don't get to see him nearly enough.

I know it's blurry but I like this pic anyway. :)

I wish I could steal him, but wouldn't get away with pretending he was my own because he looks *nothing* like me at all. Darn.

Someday, when I have time, I'm gonna actually ride my horses. Until then, they're getting fat and lazy in the pasture.

So anyway, that's my random moment of blogging. Congratulate yourself if you were able to decipher it.

Until next time (whenever that may be)...

Randomness Of My Nebraska Trip

2011-03-31T17:54:00.000-05:00

I really love that kid.

Flying is incredibly fun!!!

When you have a niece who happens to be almost as crazy as you are, you tend to have funny moments together. :)

Lego cities are lots of fun to make!

Sliiiiiide!!!

Her Chubby Cuteness

Janae and her babies

Look out below!

Meeting a new friend is awesome! Especially when you have so much in common with them!! Love you Bekah!! :)

Love

A Post That Doesn't Have a Title ;)

2011-03-24T16:14:00.003-05:00

Here I sit, staring at a foreboding blank screen that is screaming at me to write something. And it's not that I don't have anything to write, I just don't know where to start!

I could write about my time in Nebraska (which happened to be three, very short months)... or the eventful months leading up to that... or about how to make a Wooden Spoon Splintered Milk Shake --compliments to my brother... or how after months of playing the piano day after day, I randomly forgot which end of the keyboard had the higher notes or lower. DUHH!! :)

So before I lose all of my readers (if I haven't already :P), I just wanted to let you know that I'm still alive and am, in fact, trying to get a post or two ready!! Until next time!

I Love Being An Aunt

2011-03-09T16:02:00.002-06:00

Baby nieces and nephews are the best! :D

Well all of them are great fun! :)

2010-10-05T18:59:00.001-05:00

"Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed

by the things that you didn't do, than by the ones you did do."

--Mark Twain

I Miss My "Diwty Diwty Diwty Boy"

2010-09-17T20:16:00.005-05:00

Note: Face painting is a registered trademark of Diwty Boy's father. ;)

Saddle Up & Ride Out

2010-09-13T11:34:00.000-05:00

One of the things that Anna had requested before even coming to the States-much less to WI-was that I teach her to ride horse. So, the day after she got here, we got the horses saddled up and put her on one that would teach her the "ropes". Then, once she was comfortable and confident, (plus the horse she had, was too slow for her) we put her on... Amigo. The coolest (and well aware of that fact) horse in the herd. They became good friends and soon they were cantering all over the countryside like old pros. :)

Here are some pics from our many trail rides we went on. :D

Anna & Amigo

Wanna-be, Would-be, & Could-be Cowpokes. =)

Anna & Levi

"Wanna chip?"

A few of the equines

Doesn't she look like a Cowgirl?! :D

Yep! =)

A Nifty Long Hair Trick

2010-09-09T13:31:00.004-05:00

Did you know...? If you have long hair... you can do some funny things with it. :)

Yeah, we were just weird that way. :)

"Thwing, thwing, thwing-a-thwing..."

2010-08-26T14:29:00.007-05:00

Need a recipe for crazy fun?

Take three girls, all with hilariously random imaginations
a tiny park
& three swings.

Put it all together on a beautiful, summer day.

The results may vary but in our case it was: lisping w/ British accents, making up a lisped song about swinging, and laughing, and scheming about-well... nevermind. ;)

The final product may look odd to a normal person, but when you happen to be the kind of girl with a funny imagination, you will understand perfectly. Right, Bailey and Anna? ;)

Besides... "Being normal is weird, but being weird, is normal."

New Posts Coming Soon!

2010-08-24T12:53:00.010-05:00

Lastnight, I came on my blog and realized it had been a while since I posted that last entry. :P Time completely gets away from me. :/ Anyway, I do have a really good reason (not that I need one or anything. ;) ) for the lack of posting

It is because...... *drumroll*

... I was busy...

...Duh, I'm always busy...

... but this time it's a different kind of busy...

...it's...

...busy...

...with company...

And not just any company either! Try.... Spanish company. All together, non-american company. International company. You get the point?

Let me tell you the story...

Anna is a dear friend that I met through blogging. We have been penpals for the past 3 years or so. We have always dreamt of meeting each other in person, but never really thought it would happen since Spain and the U.S. are a fair distance apart, and the chances of one of us getting to travel that far were very slim.

Well, early, last winter, we had been IMing -or something- when Anna announced that there was a possibility of her coming to the USA in the summer to visit her friends and she wanted to visit WI while she was here! I couldn't believe it!

After talking it over with my family, it was unanimously decided that Anna could come and stay for a whole, entire month! I really couldn't believe that! I wondered HOW in the world we would fill up the time, but I was excited that it was so long. :)

It took forever for July 20th to get here, but it did. And now, the month that seemed like it would last forever, ended so suddenly that it took me a couple days to get used to Anna's absence. I still miss her "thomthing tewwible." :(

Anyway, to get to the point of my title... As time permits, I hope to write a couple blog posts about her memorable visit. So... stay tuned!

Nebraska Memories

2010-07-02T13:58:00.004-05:00

I went to Nebraska the week after Gabe's wedding, and spent three fun weeks with my sister and her family. :) It was nice to set aside the regular routine and do something different for a change.

I'm in Wisconsin now, but missing the Nebraskan folks. I'll be back soon though! :)

They Did It!

2010-06-29T13:51:00.007-05:00

Gabe & Anna

May 22nd 2010

It's been over a month since that beautiful day when they said their vows and were pronounced husband and wife, and I'm still just trying to get used to the fact that my brother is, indeed, MARRIED!! ;)

It's all good though. :)

Some News

2010-05-06T19:37:00.008-05:00

Well since it has been several months since I've posted anything, I guess I could update you on my life. ;)

So the past couple of months, we have been busy getting ready for my brother's wedding that is now 2 weeks away. **That reminds me... I need to finish my dress for it. :P Don't worry, I might get it done in time. ;)** Anyway, there have been some *interesting* situations that I was involved with. Like helping to sew Tabby's jr. bridesmaid dress almost to the completion before realizing that the fabric was supposed to be turned "inside-out" before stitching. :P And forgetting to put postage on the rsvp cards until after I had sealed most of the invitations for our side of the guest list (No, I am not blonde. But some days I act like I am :P).

In other news, I am almost done with school!!! Woohoo! :D Yep, I am super excited! :)
It's just weird to think that in less than a week, I will be done with high school. :P When I was younger, I used to think that graduates were so old and mature and it would be a long time 'til I would ever be at that stage. Suddenly, here I am at that stage, feeling young and immature. :/ But the idea of being finished for good is enticing enough to make me grin and work harder. :)

Looking ahead to this summer, there are some things that aren't completely "written in stone" yet but, once they are planned out, I will try to post about it. :) At any rate, it's already threatening to be a busy summer. ;)

Until then, you people that are in a warmer climate (we're supposed to get snow tonight :/), Happy Spring!

***Oh, and I think this template is going to stay for a while. ;)***

different look

2010-02-04T20:15:00.000-06:00

Ok, so you may have noticed that things are looking different here. It's not going to stay this way... I'm trying to tweak some stuff and my lack of computer savvy-ness is painfully obvious. Please be patient! :)

He's Home...

2010-01-20T22:27:00.002-06:00

(Gabe and his fiancee, Anna)

...and we're all very glad he is back! :D

Eight Legged Ugliness

2009-11-04T17:58:00.007-06:00

I found this picture while perusing the September photo files in my computer and just had to share it...

---

That day, Tabby and I were picking tomatoes in the garden and she found it rudely sitting in her container. After she had put several tomatoes in it. You should've heard her scream! Actually it's a good thing you didn't; it was very loud!

Does anyone know what kind of spider this is? I think it's some harmless sort of barn-spider but could be wrong.

Etsy Shop Link

2009-11-03T09:53:00.002-06:00

For those of you that would like to see my shop, here you are! http://www.etsy.com/shop/joygurl

Random Samples of My Life

2009-11-02T16:33:00.014-06:00

It's hard to believe that we're already into the month of November! October fairly FLEW past! Lots of events happened last month... one of which I wouldn't have wished for in the whole entire world!
On the fateful day of October 16th 2009, Archie, my dear, smart, loving, raised from a puppy, awesomest dog ever, disappeared!!! We have no idea what happened. He just vanished. :'(
Now, I think that it is really dumb when people who make a huge deal when their little, bratty, yapping dog died or got lost, as if it was a human being. But my dog is NONE of the above sentence. He is incredibly smart, was good with little kids, knew many tricks (he taught us most of them), very obedient (under most circumstances) and even had an uncanny sense of reading your emotions-- if you were sad, he would sit near you, offering his comfort; if you were happy, he would be beside himself with joy. Life is not the same with out him. I miss him terribly! I'm still holding on to a hope that he will come back, although he has been gone over 2 weeks without anyone seeing a sign of him. :'(

But I will move on before I make you (or myself) start crying. :P :/

In other news... I have set up an Etsy account! I've been looking for ways to make a little money and I'm hoping that I will be successful! :) Wish me luck!

As I was posting an ad on Etsy for a baby afghan I had made, I realized that the blanket was TWO toned!!! Waaaaaaa. But, I decided to go ahead and post it but just price it lower than I was intending.

...it looks very nice here ^^...

Because it is only noticeable on pictures. That's how I found out, while I was editing a pic-- I honestly couldn't tell in person.

...but, if you will notice, the top half is a darker shade than the bottom...ugh

On to the next subject... My (not so little) little brother shot himself an 8 point buck last week. His first deer, as well his first one to get with a bow. He was very happy to say the least! He's still talking about it a whole week later! I was kinda bummed though, I was planning on getting a deer before he did, but he beat me to it. Oh well, I'll just have to get a bigger one. :)

Note: the following picture may not be for the sensitive stomach or the tender hearted person who hates to see a dead animal... my apologies. Proceed at your own risk.

Okay so maybe it's not TOO horrible looking. Though I assure you, it's the best looking pic out of the dozen or so taken of the ill fated buck.

On a happier note, we have a new puppy. A wiggly, joyful, little blur of energy called LeBeau (as of this moment, some family members are threatening to change it). He is named after the little French man on Hogan's Heroes. Mom, Levi, and Tabby found him and his 2 brothers while they were visiting a friend's thrift store in our home town.

They only took LeBeau (amazingly) and when I saw his cute little self, I couldn't help but fall in love. When you hold him, he's adorably cuddly, but the second you put him down, he's bouncing around as fast as his short feet can carry him, with his tail a blur of motion. :)

So there you have it... my life of late... sortof. I might be missing out somethings but I don't have time enough to tell you as I have a whole stack of supper dishes to load into the dishwasher... and, we are going to watch Little Women later on!!! :) Toodloo!

Mall of America Trip

2009-09-14T13:17:00.009-05:00

Like I said before, last Wed. we went up north to the Z's house because plans were to have a get-together at their house with a bunch of people and have supper, a celebration for Lucy Z. and her fiance, Matt (they were engaged on Labor Day), a bible study, and a bonfire --with lots of volleyball in between!! ;) -- and then the next morning we would go to the MOA.

That evening was a lot of fun. Quite a few people brought instruments and we jammed around the fire for a while. Then, as midnight wound around, people began dispersing to their homes and others finding their beds.

Most of us that were crazy enough to still be up (we had to get up in 6 hours!) stayed outside talking. Actually, it was mostly us listening to Sid tell us about how much he loves people. lol.

But anyways, after that we all trooped off to bed. Us girls were staying up at the cabin set back in the woods a little ways. Kaylene, Kelsey, and I were sitting on the bed talking and what not, when suddenly we heard this crunching/rattling noise at one of the doors; the one that isn't used very much.

Kaylene exclaimed, "THERE'S A HUMAN OUT THERE!!! Quick! Lock the other door!"

Kelsey flew off the bed, locked the door and then plopped right down in front of it with this terrified look on her face. We all held our breath, waiting for something to happen. When it didn't, we started giggling and laughing at our reactions. All the rest of that night and the next day we kept saying "THERE'S A HUMAN OUT THERE!" :D We're not sure what made that noise, first we thought it was one of the guys playing a trick on us, then maybe it was a bear, but then we agreed was that it was probably a falling branch right outside the door. haha! :) We're such girls. ;)

Anyways, the next day we had a BLAST at the Mall! We went on the rides SO many times that I got dizzy and nauseous at the end. But it was lots of fun anyways. :)

Kaylene and I went looking for Areopostale but they were moving to a different floor and both the old and new stores were closed off so we gave up. We kept an eye out for Hollister too but never found that one either. :P But then, right before we left, Levi came over and showed us all the things he got at Areo! He wouldn't tell us where it was because it was "too hard to find". Ugh. Sorry Deborah! AE. was all we could find. lol! :P

cool gurlz!

forever friends

Happy Birthday Zack!

2009-09-13T10:12:00.007-05:00

Zack's Birthday was on Labor Day this year and he got a small celebration on that day (because we were up North) and then, on Tuesday, he got his cake, and presents.

19 yr. old birthday smile

a tool box for building his "cabin"!!

he got just what he wanted!!! (after much HINTING and talking about getting a "radio, and cd player, and then I can listen to Big George!")

Labor Day Weekend

2009-09-12T18:14:00.007-05:00

We met the O'Brien family about 4 months ago at some mutual friends' house. We saw them a couple different times throughout the summer and then, about the middle of last week, they called us and invited us to visit them the coming weekend (Labor Day wknd). They were putting on a little variety show for the campers that weekend and they asked us to sing a song or two for it. Sadly I didn't get any pictures of the different acts (I've kicked myself for not doing that ever since), but it definitely was a VARIETY! The Director's family, the Klawitters, sang two songs as the opening act. There was a guy who acted out/sang different scenes to the Wizard of Oz, he could sing extremely high but go very low too! A standup comedian. A couple different singing skits. A family of three sang "Standing on the Promises". Shane O'Brien solved the Rubiks cube. Last year he got 33 seconds but this year, because of late notice and lack of practice, he was hoping to get under 40 seconds. He got 30. lol. The O'Brien and Klawitter kids (pro. name: The O.K. Wingnutz) sang their "version" of I Saw The Light. ;) We sang two songs. Then, as a Grand Finale, the Northwestern College Choir blessed us with two beautiful accapella songs.

Here is a small glimpse of the GREAT rest-of-the-time we had with the O'Brien family up at Wilderness Fellowship. Enjoy :)

Mr. O (middle) was our tour guide... "Let ME tell the story!" ;)

best friends

swinging with big sis is always a fun thing

Charlie O. and carpet ball. He beat me a couple times at it!

one of the many beautiful, wooded trails

the menfolk visited outside

while Mom gave Mrs. O a piano lesson. :)

The O.K. Wingnutz (minus two band members)

"Man of Constant Sorrow"

from left to right: Shane, Caitlyn, Bailey, & Ethan

jammin' is most fun with friends!

see what I mean? ;)

The Klawitter family plus Bailey O. filling in on the bass.

You May Think That My Life Must Be Pretty Boring But It...

2009-09-12T17:21:00.008-05:00

...just doesn't seem to be slowing down at all!!! I haven't even had time to write about this Summer's activities and here we are at the beginning of Fall! And I thought this summer was busy, but I figured surely September would slow down a bit. WRONG! It's about as hectic. Ahhh!!!!!

But it's a nice kind of busy. :) I wouldn't trade it for the world!

I'm gonna do some separate posts just to make things easier. But to give you a brief overview of this past week...

We stayed 3 days, last weekend, with the host family of a Christian Retreat/Camp, came home late Monday (Labor Day) night.

On Tuesday, we had a close family friend over and had another late night having our perpetual grass/corn silk/and-whatever-else-you-can-find-to-throw-at-someone's-hair fight and watching a movie.

Then on Wed. we went up north to another family's house and that night we played volleyball, had a bible study, played more volleyball, sang and jammed with a bunch of other people around the bonfire, played more volleyball, went inside and everyone sang "Happy Birthday" to me at midnight (if I would've known that they were going to sing to me, I would'n't have even gone in the house. :P), and then everyone went off to bed.

Then on Thursday, we all left in the morning and drove 3 hrs. to the Twin Cities to the Mall of America. We were there all day and it was a BLAST! All of the fun rides we rode a couple times and after a bit, I got pretty dizzy and sick to my stomach which was really sad because I LOVED the rides. :( But all in all, it was a great way to spend my 17th birthday. :D

Yesterday, Aunt and cousin came over because Levi and Jo (cousin) are hunting this weekend. Jo brought his big, goofy, not-quite-full-grown-Black Lab and he keeps things really interesting around here.

And today, well it wasn't really busy but I took 115 pictures this morning of just random, COOL (well, I thought they were cool at least) things outside which I don't normally do that. lol.

Now I'm working on getting all my pics uploaded and edited. A large feat considering the fact that this computer is running really slow. Grrrr. One of these days my ship is going to come in and I'm going to get a laptop for my own personal stuff. Not sure when it'll happen but hopefully soon! ;)

Until then, be on the lookout for some pics and more news... hopefully I'll have time to post before something else comes up and steals all my time away. ;P :) I'll leave you with a picture that sorta kinda didn't turn out but with a lot of photo editing, it turned out sorta kinda cool. whatcha think?

Wayyy Tooo Tired......

2009-08-15T11:58:00.006-05:00

;)

Announcing!

2009-07-22T18:35:00.005-05:00

My photo blog!

Brunette Perspective

A friend of mine suggested that I make a separate blog for my pictures and after much begging and pleading on her part, I consented. ;) Let me know what you think of it! Please. :)

Untitled Post (for lack of a better name)

2009-06-26T15:11:00.007-05:00

There are some days when I have more respect for animals than I do for people. Last Friday was one of those.

Some people came out to see FaLize, (you can read other stories about her here, here, and here) for their daughter who had seen her ad on Horseville and really liked her. So the Lady (I can't even remember her name) and her Fiance come out and immediately this big, red, warning sign starts blinking on and off in my mind as I notice their foot gear (anyone who is around horses knows that tennis and sandals are NOT safe for riding--and for all the rest of you who didn't know that, please take note) and the Lady's show-offy-"horse-expert (NOT)" attitude, but what could I do? I knew that, laid back, patient FaLize wouldn't act up and try to buck her off so I just decided to not say anything but make sure that the next prospective buyers at least bring some riding boots.

Anyhow, without hardly a how-do-you-do to me or FaLize, Lady is going to get on right away. Ok, no big deal, FaLize is saddled and ready to go. On she goes and almost before she's fully seated she's kicking to go. FaLize stands there, blinking, probably wondering who in the world was on her back and how they suddenly got up there. Lady finally gets FaLize going (at a walk) and then gets nervous because FaLize is getting "annoyed" at her.

...Um, question, since when does a mild swish of the tail--at a bug-- mean she's getting mad?...

So she gets off and Levi gets on to show that FaLize is cooperative and does, in fact, move. Ok, all's well, and Lady gets back on and has a little more success with getting the horse moving.

Now, I could tell FaLize was unsure of this lady and really didn't blame her when she kept wanting to come back to us. Most horses can read your personality, and confidence-level very well and react likewise. FaLize is no exception. She is the type that if she knows her rider is timid or overbearing, she will start worrying, scared that this person won't take care of her. So she tries to stay in her comfort zone; usually where ever she is familiar with, or knows she will be safe. And in this particular case, it was by Levi and I because she trusts us.

Anyways...

The lady kept talking about how she used to ride horse when she was little and broke her arm after getting bucked off, and broke her tail-bone another time. After two seconds of meeting her, I couldn't help but wonder how those were the ONLY times she got hurt!

Then the Lady's fiance, a calm, laid back, dairy farmer, got on (second time on a horse in his life) and rode FaLize around fine. Even had her trotting!

Well, then Lady had to get back on saying "Oh, well she's better now that she's warmed up." and got her to canter (and just about fell off).

Finally, she said "Well, I don't think FaLize will work for my daughter because she needs more training if she's going to show (I agree with that) and I don't know how to do that."

After they left, Levi looked at me with a half-bewildered-half-relieved look on his face. I just laughed, rolled my eyes and gave FaLize an extra pat and hoped that whatever horse that family got, it would be a complete dead-head for it's own safety as well as the owners!

Tagged Again!

2009-06-21T22:05:00.004-05:00

I have been tagged once again.

Here we go...

What is your favourite song? I have lots!!

What is your favorite thing to do in your spare time? Hang out with friends, or my horses. :)

What is your favourite animal? Hmm...take a guess... a WILD guess!

Do any family members follow your blog? Yeah, I think so.

Do you like to sing? Yeah, at home.

What is your favourite YouTube video? Oh, I have lots of favs. :P

Do you play an instrument? Yeah, I play mandolin and piano. And I'm trying to learn Cello too.

What grade are you in? Finishing up 11th grade (yeah, I'm late).

Do you get a lot of comments on your blog? Depends. It's usually pretty decent. :)

Do you like nature? Of course!

Do you believe in fairies? Yeah, in fairy tales. ;)

Are you crazy? Oh, yeah! Just ask my brother! :P ;)

Do you have a playlist? Uh-huh! A couple actually. :)

What are your three favorite books? ONLY three???? Do Hard Things (Alex & Brett Harris), any of Jane Austen's novels, and Eric and Leslie Ludy's books too.

What are your three favorite movies? Pride and Prejudice, Boys Next Door, and Anne of Green Gables.

Do you like to listen to music? Oh my, no way!!! lol. I love it!

Do you have a cell phone? No....sad face. Not yet anyways!!

Do you have an iPod? No.

What is your longest post? Probably my Joygurl Excerpts posts (several years ago)

How many times have you started a tag? lots!

How many time have you been tagged? lots!

Have you ever ridden a horse? Yeah, I just rode one today.

Do you like your blog signature? I don't have one.

Are you hungry? Not at the moment, I just had lunch.

What's the weather? Cloudy, and really humid.

What is your favorite song on your playlist? Any of the Josh Turner ones. ;)

When is your birthday? September 10th.

Are you tired? Sortof.

Are you on vacation right now? No.

Are you bored? Not right now.

What is your name? Hannah

What time is it right now? 12:47 p.m.

What is your least favorite book? I dunno.

What is your least favorite movie? Napoleon Dynamite

How are you feeling right now? Happy. :)

And now I tag: Deborah and Becca

For Laughs

2009-06-03T13:43:00.003-05:00

kittens are so photogenic... ;)

Spring!!

2009-05-23T15:41:00.004-05:00

Ok...this ^^ doesn't have a whole lot to do with Spring time but I just couldn't resist... ;)

Belated Blog Birthday

2009-04-20T20:44:00.004-05:00

I have had my blog for over 3 years now and have never once "celebrated" its birthday! Every year I try to remember what day it's on but usually I forget till a couple weeks after. :P Anyways my blog is 3 years, 1 month, and 13 days old today! :)

Here is a poem I wrote and posted the first day I had my blog. It's kinda cheesy and stupid but I had to chuckle after reading it and thought you would too. :) I kinda fixed the spelling and rhythm but here goes...

I Need Help
I have my own blog now,
But I don’t know what to write.
It really is boring,
When there is not a post in sight.
That’s why I need your ideas,
So I can figure out
How to make this interesting

Without making you wanna pout.

How Could You Say No?

2009-04-20T14:58:00.004-05:00

A very beautiful, thought provoking song. Sorry it doesn't fit right on my blog. :P I tried to fix it but it wouldn't get any smaller. :( It's worth a listen anyways. :)

...random pics...

2009-04-15T16:07:00.002-05:00

...my best friend <3...

...the rooster who thinks he's a horse...

...one of our many barn-cats...

...we got 6" of snow the night of April 4th. it was heavy and wet, but I did have to admit that it was gorgeous :P ;)...

...a couple days after the snowstorm... ;)

Hints of Spring

2009-03-31T12:09:00.004-05:00

...^^lilac buds^^...

That's all I can show for Spring as of this week. The rain hasn't started yet so until it does, Wisconsin will be brown. :P This is the *only* (and I mean the ONLY) time it is brown here. The rest of the year, it is really colorful and gorgeous!

Horses

2009-03-30T17:58:00.006-05:00

Some of our equines. Enjoy. :)

So...Spring?

2009-03-30T17:41:00.005-05:00

...the first day of Spring...

We don't have any snow now but I hear that it's in the forecast for this week. :( Happy Spring! :P ;)

Several Things

2009-03-20T12:51:00.011-05:00

:: I can get the giggles really easily-- esp. when I'm bored.

:: Going to Hunter Safety is really boring.

:: Putting the above scenarios together is not a good combination--but I did just that.

:: Sitting in the car in a grocery store parking lot can be quite entertaining

::I saw someone working at said grocery store that looked like a Napoleon Dynamite character (wish I would've taken a picture).

:: Overheard conversation about the news:

my brother: "Dad,..." (something) "..AGI?"

Dad: "You mean AIG?"

brother: "I said 'AIG' last time and you said it was called 'AGI'."

Dad patiently responds: "No, you said 'IGA' last time."

:: Wisconsin can get as windy as Nebraska.

:: I am almost done reading "Do Hard Things" by Alex & Brett Harris. If you are like I was and haven't gotten it yet, I highly recommend you buy this book!

:: I like my horses!!!!!

:: You're probably wondering what in the world has gotten into me to say such random things. Don't worry, I am too.

:: I think this guy is cute and has an interesting way of doing things! vv

:: I love the above mentioned guy!! <3

:: I need to stop so people don't think I'm a mental case.

:: They probably already do think I'm a mental case!

Photo Tag

2009-02-08T11:52:00.007-06:00

I've been tagged by Gem.

All you need to do is:

1. Choose the 4th folder where you store pictures on your computer.
2. Select the 4th picture in the folder.
3. Explain the picture.
4. Tag four people to do the same.

5. No cheating (cropping, editing, etc.)

Ok... this is an...um... interesting... picture. lol ;) It's of my big brother, Gabe, last April. I can't believe that this picture was the one that came up because I don't have very many pictures of him! :) I'm glad it worked out this way (even if it's not the best pic. lol), especially because he is going to Iraq very soon! We have 12 more very short days to spend with him before he goes to TX for final training and he'll be shipped out from there. :'( It's now starting to hit me that he is REALLY going. :P :'(

And now I tag...

Becca
Deborah
Noelle
Lydia

In Loving Memory

2008-12-22T16:27:00.005-06:00

APHA stud colt
Majics Black Shadow

barn name: Starbucks

June 9th 2007-Dec.21st 2008

died suddenly of a mysterious sickness

Tabby-isms :)

2008-12-22T15:21:00.006-06:00

Spoonerism: Some of us kids are looking out the window at a cat stalking a bird when Tabby suddenly exclaims "Look at all those trees on the bird!"

Self Diagnosis: Tabby comes up to Mom and declares, "Mom, I think I have cabin fever, could you check my temp?"

Polite Garbage Can
Tabby was shocked at how many appliances were in the lunchroom at my Dad's work. "There's 2 refrigerators, 3 coffee pots, 2 dishwashers, a stove...oh, and here's a Thank-you Garbage!!!"

Note: Tabby posted on our family blog about her horse. It's just a short one but I think she'd appreciate it if she received some comments about it. :) Go here to see it.

3x6

2008-12-03T13:51:00.003-06:00

I was tagged by Gem so here we go. :)

Six Things I Value
Being saved through Jesus' blood.
Loving family and friends.
Horses!!!!
The military.
My country.
Books (even school books :) )

Six Things I Don't Support:
Abortion.
Non-resistance.
The Purpose Driven Life doctrine
Controlling people.
The Slaughter ban on horses in America.
People who think they're good horsemen/trainers and beat the lights out of their horse when it does something wrong.

Six People I Tag:
Becc@
Deborah
Lydia
Noelle
and whoever else wants to do it.

What My Flip Flops Say About Me

2008-11-23T10:12:00.002-06:00

What Your Flip Flops Say About You

You live to have fun, and your sense of humor is downright goofy.
You are a big kid on the inside, and you have a very open heart.

You try to make every day feel like a vacation, even if you have other responsibilities.
Each day, you make a little bit of time to play and let loose.

Your ideal warm weather place: Disney World

Take the Flip Flop Test

Chantilly Lace

2008-10-30T10:13:00.006-05:00

...Chantilly Lace had a pretty face and a ponytail hangin down...

...A wiggle in her walk and a giggle in her talk...

...Make the world go round...

...Aint nothing in the world like a big eyed girl...
...To make me act so funny, make me spend my money...
...Make me feel real loose like a long necked goose...

...Like a--oh baby, thats a-what I like!

Update on Lesson

2008-10-29T14:19:00.005-05:00

Ok...so yesterday was another riding lesson and we did trot over some standards (jumps that are very low). I thought that was going to be the biggest highlight of the lesson for me but I was in for a surprise!

Things changed when the my lesson horse didn't want to go faster than a walk and I couldn't make her change her mind! :P lol. So Mrs. D. gave me her mount, THE PERCHERON! (refer to previous post and last picture) and told me to ride her.

Now this horse is MASSIVE! She's 17 H.H. high and absolutely HUGE (I know I already said that but if you would have seen her that would be all you could say ;))! Her hooves were the size of dinner plates! When I got on her from the mounting block I had to reach higher still to put my leg in the stirrup! She is really well trained and extremely gentle. If she did a wrong maneuver it wasn't her fault 'cuz I must have pushed the wrong "button". After the lesson (that went really good b.t.w.), we rode back to the barn and Mrs. D. gave the okay to dismount and let me tell you, getting off a 17 H.H. horse takes a while till your feet finally touch the ground! lol :D

Riding a big, tall, black horse made me decide that if I couldn't get a Fresian (another big, tall, black horse) I could be very satisfied with a Percheron. lol :) I'm already keeping an eye out for one. :D

Riding Lessons

2008-10-28T11:20:00.005-05:00

As some of you may know, I have been taking English riding lessons at a christian ranch. For those of you who didn't know, I will give you a simplified version of my life of late. ;)

I have always had a dream to run a horse ranch and give lessons to kids--specifically at-risk children. I thought I wouldn't be able to even start till I was an adult, but God laid some things directly in my path that told me to get ready now! I already knew how to ride horse but the first thing I would need to know is how to give lessons to other people. So taking formal lessons myself would be the best way to go about it.

I found The Promised Land Ranch & Ministries over the Internet in July/August, but we were so busy at that time that I couldn't start taking lessons till after summer was over. So I impatiently waited... ;)

Finally in September, we were able to go there, take a tour, and talk about what kind of lessons I would need. Our schedule was still pretty busy at the time so I had to wait till October to begin the lessons. Now I am halfway through the six-week lesson program and loving every minute of it! :D ...sorry this one is so blurry...:P

My instructor is always teaching me ways to parallel spiritual things with situations that happen around the horses. The other two girls I ride with are lots of fun and we all learn from each other as well. Last week, we all oohed and aahed over the coolest and most "ginormous" (as one of the girls said) Percheron horse the 'Mrs. D' had staying at her place.

...Tabby got to sit on the Percheron...

I've gotta go get ready now, we are going to be jumping standards today!

First Snow of The Season!

2008-10-27T10:44:00.003-05:00

Thank God it will melt right away but here's two pics of our first snow. It had gotten really cold and windy this past weekend and today, when we woke up, the ground was covered with snow. I hope we won't get anymore for at least a few more weeks. I am definitely NOT ready for winter! Anyways, enjoy the pics. :)

Britt & Andy's Wedding Day

2008-09-29T21:23:00.004-05:00

at the bachelorette party

loading up the limo to go to the church

anna getting her hair done

the row of bridesmaids sandals (that's not all of them!)

the bridesmaids feet (court was missing for this picture)

britt getting her hair done

martha ironing britt's dress

the bride and her flowergirl

britt and grandma norma

the wedding party in the limo

the gorgeous cake

the couple cutting the cake

dancing
awww

Good Times - Part 2

2008-08-17T21:23:00.004-05:00

Good Times - Part 1

2008-08-17T21:08:00.004-05:00

Spike

2008-08-05T17:05:00.004-05:00

here are the pics that were requested of a spunky lil' pony at our house. :) enjoy!

Flowers and Hummingbirds

2008-07-13T21:22:00.004-05:00

...there is a green bee in that picture ^^...

Random Pics :)

2008-06-27T14:02:00.006-05:00

An Early Evening Walk

2008-04-24T20:27:00.010-05:00

...budding lilac...

...oh look! a footprint! time to track its owner down...

...wait a minute what's that?! ...

...oh it's just him. ;)...

"...now, how do I cross this river?..."

Busyness

2008-03-16T20:39:00.011-05:00

Oh boy! Busy just keeps getting busier. :P Once again I must say that I’m sorry for not updating recently. Believe me; if I could have, I would have!

I’m kind of beginning to think that spring may be on its way but I’m not going to plan too much on it; as it is the month of March and its probably my least favorite month because of its unpredictability. ;) :P Anyways the weather has been warming up and that pulls me out-of-doors at every free moment into the mud and melting snow to go play with my horses. Right now, I have a bright red, wind-burnt face from being out there so much! ;)

Well I should give you a peek at what has kept me busy lately.

The end of February, I went with Britt to help her photograph a wedding 1 ½ hours away. It was really fun and neat to see people we hadn’t seen for over a year or more!

Then we changed all the bedrooms in our house. We still aren’t done organizing two rooms but the rest are finished. :) That was a HUGE project! But it will be nice to have the entire house cleaned out and organized. :) Success… 76 empty hangers.

There’s another “new” horse on our funny farm! Spike is going to be Tabby’s pony. He’s quite the spunky guy and when he first got here, he went for a walk into the back woods. It was pretty exciting until we finally found him (several miles from our house!) But now we have him in a secure enclosure and he hasn’t tried to runaway again. ;) Ponies are so much fun; they sure keep you from having a dull moment. :D Sorry I don't have a very decent pic of Spike. I'll try to get one up here soon. :)

Just this last weekend, Britt and I went to Green Bay. It was a really fun, busy, and; when we got home I realized it was very tiring as well. ;) Britt recorded two CDs and I played a little bit on one. When I was playing a song I suddenly got really lightheaded and would’ve passed out if I hadn’t stopped and rested for a minute or two. It was pretty weird. Something else I did was to “forget” my sunglasses twice (they were actually on the top of my head)! And then, when we were at McDonalds, I didn’t notice that when I put a cover on my water that I had grabbed two lids. I didn’t realize it until we were about done eating. ;) I need blonde hair so I can have an excuse for my “blondness”. :D ;)

The rest of these pictures are just random.

Okay so that’s my life of late. Who knows what will happen next?! :D

Winter Randomness

2008-02-19T16:35:00.001-06:00

Where did the time go?! I thought I just posted a few days ago…but it was actually almost a month ago! This month has been pretty busy for us, with Britt and I at a wedding right at the beginning of Feb, painting the living room, a southern gospel concert, a Valentines party, and snow, snow, and more snow. I’m not complaining though (except for the snow part ;)), I like to stay busy. :)

I have a feeling some of you may be wondering where I am. Well, I’m still around; I just haven’t had too many opportunities for computer time. I have lots of pictures to show you, but dial-up has issues with loading photos. :P :S

I guess to keep things updated; I could repeat the last post again. It hasn’t warmed up very much and my latest one-liner is “I WANT SPRING!!!!!” Like Scott Fowler of Legacy Five Quartet said at the concert “I am ready for Global Warming!” ;)

But despite the knee-high snow and freezing temperatures, I’m starting to notice a few hints of spring. Like leaf buds on the trees are beginning to swell, and I hear more birds singing everyday, oh, and some of us are beginning to get cabin fever. ;)

Hey, what have you kept yourself busy with this winter? I’d love to hear about it! And then once I get this dial-up connection to work long enough to load a few pics; I’ll show you what I have been doing. ;)

It's COLD!!

2008-01-24T21:51:00.000-06:00

I am thinking of going to Florida! ;) This frigid weather just does not appeal to me. :P 0 degrees is the normal temperature right now, and you better have a pair of extremely warm pj's or you'll freeze to death under those five quilts on your bed. Last night was the coldest night of the year. BRRRRRRR!!!! I know; I'm a chicken when it comes to cold weather. :P

Spring would be so welcome right now! LOL ;) This weekend is going to start getting warm again so that might persuade us Wisconsinites to crawl out of our snow covered homes, run around to get the circulation flowing back in our veins, and get on with our lives. :) Maybe once things start getting more active I can post something interesting. :P ;)

Blog Color

2008-01-18T19:57:00.000-06:00

I know I did this a while ago but, because it was a while ago and my color has changed; I just thought I could do it again. :) I don't know if it is all true, but you decide. :D ;)

Your Blog Should Be Purple

You're an expressive, offbeat blogger who tends to write about anything and everything.You tend to set blogging trends, and you're the most likely to write your own meme or survey.You are a bit distant though. Your blog is all about you - not what anyone else has to say.

What Color Should Your Blog or Journal Be?

Canon PowerShot A570 IS

2008-01-15T18:47:00.000-06:00

Okay, I know that my sister just posted something like this on her blog but that's what happens when you both have just got Canon cameras and are trying them out. :) I'm sure Britt's has a bit more you can do with it; but I'm still quite happy with mine. :D Enjoy the pics.

Note: No photo editing was done on any picture whatsoever (except for the resizing but you knew that right? ;)).

...a used basketball...;)

...one of the many guitars (to the naked eye, it was hard to see any dust on it. Now are you convinced about the capabilities of Canon?! ;))...

...motto on a shirt...

I have more pictures but alas, my computer is not cooperating :P :( . So these will have to do. ;)

7 Random Facts About Me

2008-01-06T18:17:00.002-06:00

Here are the rules:*Link to the person that tagged you, and post the rules on your blog.*Share 7 random and/or weird facts about yourself.*Tag 7 random people at the end of your post, and include links to their blogs.*Let each person know that they’ve been tagged by leaving a comment on their blog.

1:: Some say that my eye color is hazel, while others say brown, and I have had someone tell me that they were orange (and then * ahem * that person doubled over laughing). Now that is really weird!

2:: I am left-handed. But there are some things that I can do with my right hand that I can’t with my left. Like throw a ball. Or play hockey with a left handed hockey stick (just doesn't work for me :P )

3:: I used to be dyslexic when I was younger; I can still write backwards without to much effort. ;) It’s fun to write somebody a note and then see if they can read it. :P

4:: I like animals. Horses especially. I guess you guys already know that huh? :P I’d like to get a Great Dane puppy someday, but don’t tell Archie I said that. ;)

5:: I want to go to college for Equine Science. For some reason I kinda like giving shots and bandaging wounds on horses. But any other animal I detest doing stuff like that to. I know; that is really strange but hey I like being unique. :)

6:: I have an annoyingly low voice. Sometimes when I answer the phone (which isn’t that often when you have 5 other people clamoring to get it as well) people will think I am Levi. :P He can sing higher than I can, but I can sing lower than him, so I guess it’s not all that bad. :D ;)

7:: I love rust-orange vehicles!! I think it would be fun to get a big Dodge pickup, or a Ford Mustang that is that color ;) A lime green VW Beetle would be fun but it’s not really horse related. :P ;)

Now, I tag
::Becca
::Gem
::Britt
::Rachel
::Court
::and whoever else wants to do it :) I know that wasn't seven people but I couldn't think of anyone else. :P

Okay, that was kinda fun. :) I'm gonna do a real post soon though. I'll be getting a Canon Powershot A570IS camera in a few days so maybe that'll inspire some posts too! ;)

Sorry!

2007-12-29T13:36:00.000-06:00

I am sooo sorry about not putting anything new on here for a while. :( I wanted to write something before Christmas but never did. The excuse? The same but has never been more true! Busy. And that doesn't even explain half of it! You may have guessed from reading a little bit of Britt's blog that it's been really hectic around here. I'll try to do better. And maybe, just maybe, after the holidays things will slow down a bit so I can post more. But you never know! :P
Happy New Year!

I Am A Quarter Horse

2007-11-19T16:45:00.000-06:00

Wow, how fitting. :P

Ah, the Quarter Horse. The most common breed of horse owned in America, noted for its calm disposition and sensible attitude. A famous quarter horse played Black Beauty in the movie based upon Anne Sewell's book. You don't let life's problems bother you, and you deal with them in the most practical manner. You are quite intelligent, and it wouldn't hurt to use your talents to have a little more fun, to walk a little more on the wild side, like your ancestors.Your owner will most likely be either a cowboy or a young person learning to ride. You also stand a high chance of becoming a school horse.Your colour will most likely be: Anything, but most likely chestnut.

>
What breed of horse are you? Find out

Horsey News

2007-11-05T17:57:00.000-06:00

On the tail of the Miniatures departure came two other horses to fill the empty pasture and our hearts. I traded my mini stallion for this three month-old little girl, sight unseen (meaning; I bought her before looking at her) and I was a little nervous about that because I’ve never done that before. But when she came off the trailer all my qualms vanished as I saw the prettiest bay Haflinger/Quarter Horse filly with all the correct markings that bays’ are supposed to have.
Lexus was not halter broke at all and if we pulled on the lead rope to go forward she would go backwards—FAST! But by the next day, she was leading without any pressure on the halter.

Now she thinks I’m her surrogate mother and when the other horses start antagonizing her, she’ll come and hide behind me. LOL :)

...Tabby and Lexi...

Then a day or two after Lexus came, we drove 60 some miles to see a weanling Paint colt, which stole our hearts the second we saw him. Levi, Dad, and second cousin, Larry Lee went over the next day to pick him up. It took four hours to get him in the trailer as the owners tried to force him in when he got scared and backed off. But finally he was in and they all came home, dog-tired. :P Starbucks got over his frightening experience and soon was buddies with Lexus.

...Starbucks...

So if you’re wondering where I am and why I’m not blogging, it’s cuz’ I’m out in the pasture playing with the sweet little babies. :D

Goodbye Neighs

2007-10-26T22:02:00.000-05:00

I didn't ever think I would sell these sweet little creatures but being too busy to really take good care of them, and the only person that was able to ride them was beginning to out grow now the biggest one of all, it was more of a must than a want. So I put an ad for each miniature on dreamhorse.com (a great, reliable place to sell or buy horse related stuff) and received many responses back! Within a week or two, the two mares were in great, new homes, and the stallion will be in one in the near future. :D I didn't dream that I would sell those guys sooo fast!!!!

It's Done!

2007-10-24T14:48:00.000-05:00

Well my quilt is finished! I was almost sad to knot the last thread and pull the basting out. But enjoy the pics!

SURPRISE!

2007-10-09T15:43:00.000-05:00

Last weekend, Toby and Courtney came up for a surprise visit. Only a few trustworthy people (namely Britt, Gabe and myself) knew of their plans and they kept it a secret right up till the front door opened and Landon walked in with a "Hi Grampa and Grampas!". Needless to say Grampa and Grampas were very surprised and happy to see the Nelsons! :D

Time flies when you're having fun and all too soon the weekend was up and my cute little neice and nephews had to go home. But here is a little glimpse of that weekend...

...my adorable 3 1/2 mo. old nephew...

...Zack and Alex...

...Janae...

...Landon playing the Djembe (doesn't he look like a pro?;))

...Alex fell asleep after a very bumpy ride ;)...

A New Fad of Mine

2007-09-24T16:08:00.000-05:00

I told you that I was going to try to keep this updated and I didn’t keep my word. :( It wasn’t that I didn’t want to, I was just quite busy and it was a feat just to be able to get online once last week! Another reason for my absence was this… <<
I started peicing this quilt the beginning of last week and by Friday I was quilting the border. It’s the first quilt I’ve ever made and that’s one of the reasons it’s small (31 ½" x 30 ½"). The pattern is called Tulip Basket and I wouldn’t recommend it for a first quilt :P.

I had a few challenges with sewing angles and squares together. Next time I’ll pick something a little more basic :).

When I started quilting, I was literally "all thumbs" but now I think I’m getting the hang of it (barely) ;). And it’s starting to get addicting!

My friend also is working on a quilt. We didn’t know that the other was making a quilt at the same time the other one was (talk about great minds thinking-er sewing- alike)!

So if you all are wondering where I am, I’m probably sitting on my bed, pricking my fingers, and making chicken tracks all over my quilt. Happy Seams! :D

My Personality

2007-09-14T20:21:00.000-05:00

Well, I think that's correct. :P ;)

Take the 100 Acre Personality Quiz!

Oops!!

2007-09-14T20:01:00.000-05:00

Dear me! I have neglected this blog terribly!!! I am really, really sorry! I don't have any excuse whatsoever, but I'll try to keep this up and going from now on. And I mean really try!!!

WRITER'S BLOCK! :( :P

2007-08-19T18:58:00.000-05:00

I have been attacked by writer’s block AGAIN (or maybe I’ve just always had it :P)! :( I’m sorry for lack of life around here. I’m not even going to make up an excuse because there isn’t any logical one :P.

In 3 days I will see my new nephew (and everyone else in the Nelson household for that matter)!! I CANNOT wait!!!!! 72 hours seems like a long time to wait, but a short time to get ready for them :P. Pray for me so I don’t lose my head in all my excitement. ;)

5 Reasons Why I Love God

2007-07-25T09:20:00.000-05:00

My sister tagged me. I wish these rules said you could tag back, but they don’t. :P ;) Anyhow, here goes.

I love Him because of His redeeming love. "Its not that He died for the whole world; that humbles my heart, brings me to my knees, but that He died for me!" It is hard for me to comprehend why such a perfect, all-powerful God would love such a one as me!

His wonderful grace. Wonderful!! Unending!! Greater than MY SINS!!

He first loved me, how can I help but love Him?

I love Him because He said that He would never leave me or forsake me.

He is holding me in the palm of His hand and will guide me in the path that I must go.

Okay so now that I did it, I’ll tag…
Gem from Gem’s Little Corner
Bethany from Bethany’s Blog
My bro. in law Toby from The Metaphysical Winged Sand Monkey.
And Dustynne from Dustynne’s Journal
Tagged, you’re it!! :D

"Watch Out! I'm Going to Cast!"

2007-07-02T13:28:00.000-05:00

We had some friends over last Thursday with a night of fishing in mind. Right after they got to our house, the guys left to check out a fishing spot. When they got back with word that the fish weren’t biting there and they were going to a lake with a promised supply of fish. They invited anyone who wanted to go and so us three girls (Gabrielle, Stephanie, and I) went with (we are slightly the fisher-woman types :)).

We get to the lake, the guys take the best spot, so us girls find some other place to fish. We get set up (grossing out at the worms on our hooks ) and cast out. Oh, somebody’s bobber just disappeared! After a series of jerks, reeling, and squealing, the line is wound back up and we look earnestly for the fish on the hook. Aw, it’s just a piece of seaweed (or is it called lake weed in our case?).

Okay cast back out; making sure you don’t hook yourself or anyone next to you. Or that you don’t fall in the lake while you’re casting (and there were a few close calls to both of those precautions! ;)). I hooked Gabrielle’s shirt sleeve!!! And once she came close to falling in the lake when she cast!

Despite our novice beginnings we caught a few fish between us girls although none of them were big enough to keep. But we enjoyed the scenery; setting sun, fog slowly drifting over the water, fish jumping at the bugs, and sounds of the warbling of bull frogs. It was quite peaceful and we had a nice time.

In fact, everyone had such a good time that we want to do it again. I just hope that none of us really hook each other or fall into the snapping turtle infested lake next time :D!!

More Gabe Pictures

2007-06-26T17:13:00.000-05:00

Okay, for all of you (Britt included ;P) who have wanted to see more pictures of Gabe, here they are. Everytime I see him I take advantage of the opportunity to use the camera. :)

Need I say that he missed the ball? :) ^

Pictures

2007-06-18T21:26:00.000-05:00

Okay here they are. Sorry for the delay. I've been extremely busy this last weekend and didn't even have time to be online. So enjoy the pictures and little story! :D

Gabe's plane was scheduled to come in at 7:30 Friday evening, so we left at an hour safe enough to stop at the zoo for a little while. We got to the zoo and found out they had closed about ten minutes before we had gotten there. Well then lets go see what the amusement park has. We drove around the corner and stopped in front of the park and went in to see what was going on. We weren't in there for more than 20 minutes just looking around and not seeing anything interesting enough to ride, we went back to the van. Everybody piled in and Dad turned the key, the engine tried to turn, but something wasn't kicking in. We all looked at each other with bewildered looks; our great van was turning on us!!! And of all places to break down (60+ miles from home!)!! After waiting ten minutes or more, Dad tried the key again. No luck. Just then, a family was walking past the van, on their way out of the park. They stopped and tried to help. We were quite amazed (this was in the Twin Cities) but we welcomed they're help.

Here it turns out that these people are from Kenya, Africa, and they are Christians!! We exchanged names and they took Dad to a gas station to buy some starting fluid to see if that would work. They tried it and the van started but it was only running on the fluid and then shutting off after they stopped spraying it. It was then that we realized it was the fuel pump that wasn't working.

In the meantime we had gotten a call from Britt saying that we were aunts, uncles, and grandparents for the third time! We all were thrilled and couldn't wait to get out of this predicament so we could make plans to go down and see him. :P

We had been calling around to our friends to see if they knew anyone that lived in the Cities and knew about mechanics and such. Someone gave us a number for someone who would help us atleast get us to the airport to get Gabe.

We got a hold of them and they said they would be happy to help and would be right over. We figured out who would go and who would stay and then left with this couple (Alan and Joan). We got to the airport right on time with Gabe's flight and we met him right by the baggage carousel.

Oh, it was soooooo good to see him! We at first didn't recognize him (his back was turned and he looked like the other soldier next to him).

Until we got right in front of him did we realize who it was! Sorry about the bad lighting :(.

After retreiving his belongings, we headed back. Dad called us on the cell phone and said that he had got the van going (something about pounding a hammer on the gas tank while turning the key) and to come straight back to the park!

We made it safely home, and stayed up a few hours talking, watching a dvd of the boot camp, and talking some more :D. So that was our night. I hope we don't have any more of that kind of excitement for a little while! :)

He's Home!

2007-06-16T16:36:00.000-05:00

I guess I should let you all know that Gabe made it safely home last night! ;) I'll get a real post up with pictures and all as soon as I can! So stay tuned!! :)

Slight Change of Plans

2007-06-14T14:40:00.000-05:00

Gabe called us last night and he told us that he would be coming in tomorrow night!!! All the better I say! :D

Verse & Quote

2007-06-13T09:47:00.000-05:00

“Is thy God… able to deliver you from the lions?” Daniel 6:20

Strengthen yourself in the Omnipotence of God. Do not say, “Is God able?” say,
rather, “God is able.”
Andrew Murray

Never A Dull Moment

2007-06-12T14:49:00.000-05:00

The other week, on a bright Sunday morning, I looked out my window and saw the Quarter horses in the round-pen. That was weird, they were supposed to be down in the pasture. And why did they go in there? Well whatever the reason they could still get out of the round-pen, so Levi quickly ran out and put them into a secure pen.

We were busy the rest of the day with church and things so I wasn’t able to go out and see where they had gotten out. The next day, Levi and I went down to the pasture and received quite a surprise. One whole side of the pen was down, wooden posts were busted, and the T-posts, still in the ground but very loose! Either a pretty large deer or one of the horses charged through the fence but whoever had done it had made a huge mess! Groan. :(

We set to work right away. Me driving T-posts in, Levi digging holes for the wooden corner posts. He finished before I did and came over to help with the last of the T-posts.

While pounding one in, we noticed how it quickly and easily pierced the dirt. Levi reached down and pulled on the post to test how sturdy it was and it came out! Then he pushed the post back in with his hand and went in as far as that post-pounder had drove it! We had gotten A LOT of rain in the past few weeks and the ground where we were was pretty soft. We think that must have made the fence give so easily to whatever animal that ran into it. Needless to say, we put that post in a dryer part of the ground! ;)

I’m still puzzled as to why the horses didn’t run away, but went into the round-pen that BTW, has no food whatsoever in it! But I’m very glad they did! :D

Five Days Left

2007-06-11T15:55:00.000-05:00

...and I see my soldier bro! I'm getting so excited! Can't wait to see him, and hear his voice teasing me incessantly (yeah, I've missed that too :)).

Saturday is just not coming as soon as I'd like it. The clock has never seemed slower :P.

It’s Someone’s Special Day!

2007-06-11T09:38:00.000-05:00

My best pen pal, friend, and fellow blogger, Becca has turned Sweet Sixteen today! Although the miles separate us for long periods of time, I’m so thankful for the W.W.W. to make it possible to wish my friend the happiest birthday ever. So would you all join me in a Happy Birthday Cheer?! All together now, ONE…TWO…THREE… HAPPY BIRTHDAY BECCA!!!! Love you dear! God Bless!

It's also my late Gramma Gayle's birthday. If you haven't already seen what Britt wrote about it. I'd advise you to go over and see it.

A Few Favorite Verses

2007-05-04T21:56:00.000-05:00

Trust in the LORD, and do good; so shalt thou dwell in the land, and verily thou shalt be fed. Delight thyself also in the LORD; and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart. Commit thy way unto the LORD; trust also in him; and he shall bring it to pass. And he shall bring forth thy righteousness as the light, and thy judgment as the noonday. Rest in the LORD, and wait patiently for him.
Psalm 37:3-7a.

Horsy Moments

2007-04-13T11:01:00.000-05:00

Naptime

“Hannah, You Need To Update!”

2007-03-21T19:55:00.000-05:00

Those were some of the first words my big sister said when I answered the phone today. It has been a while since I’ve posted and I’m really sorry.

I told Court that I was nursing a severe case of writer’s block and she advised me to take some vitamin C and apple cider vinegar with garlic :). I wish that was all it would take to cure it.

What do you when you have writer’s block? If you have any suggestions please comment. I love comments!

Hahaha

2007-02-26T18:47:00.000-06:00

Such a sweet couple!

Joygurl Excerpts

2007-02-06T21:49:00.000-06:00

(…something to keep my blog methodical, and more congruous…)

Well, this is the second Excerpts post. I’ve added a few more things to it. Enjoy.

An Inside Look

(…a peek into my very ordinary and sometimes exciting life…)

Hello, between chattering teeth, from freeze-your-toes,-nose,-and-everything-else-off WI where the warmest the thermometer says is –5 F, and the wind-chill is –20 F to –30 F. Brrrr! It’s cold. This morning we woke up to no water. The pipes froze. :( :P. But now the problem is fixed and I’m counting running water in my blessings list. : D I hope spring comes early. It probably won’t but I’m still hoping it will. :)

So all I’m trying to do right now is to get warm and stay warm ;). Plus keep up with Tabby’s quirks and sayings. Lately she’s been trying to act grown up and it’s been quite amusing to watch her behavior.

A few days ago she told me she was going to act like a 19-year old, so later on that night (when she was supposed to be in bed sleeping) I found her on the computer in the livingroom.
"Aren’t you supposed to be in bed?" I asked.

"I’m looking something up Hannah." She rolls her eyes at her "childish" sister and keeps clicking away.

I guess that’s what she thinks a 19-year old does at night. :). Where does she get her ideas?!

Inspirational
(…quotes, bible verses, things that have inspired me…)

Psalm 103:1-5,22b
Bless the Lord, O my soul: and all that is within me, bless his holy name.
Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits:
Who forgiveth all thine iniquities; who healeth all thy diseases; Who redeemeth thy life from destruction; who crowneth thee with lovingkindness and tender mercies;
Who satisfieth they mouth with good things; so that thy youth is renewed like the eagle’s.
Bless the Lord, all his works in all places of his dominion: bless the Lord, O my soul.

Horsing Around
(…anything to do with horses…)

The other day I went out into the horse pen and started brushing Amigo. Tinker, who was about thirty feet away, saw what I was doing so he went over to the dirtiest spot in the pasture, and rolled, and rolled, and rolled! Then he came over and waited patiently for me to work on him. Grrrr!!! Guess he wanted to make sure he got enough attention that day. :P :)

Around the Web
(…other bloggers, websites, ect…)
This family just experienced a horrific accident but they were reminded of the mercifulness of God when no one was critically hurt or killed. Go check it out.

Laughs
(…jokes or facetious scenes that I have heard, read, or done…)

I was acting really blonde the other day. This is one of the things I did.

I was trying to get my school done, and my pencil was getting dull (I like to keep my pencils needlepoint sharp all the time so I sharpen it quite often). So I got out my sharpener, and to keep my desk from getting full of shavings, I squeezed between Brittney and her desk to reach the garbage bin (to catch the little slivers of wood), and sharpened my pencil. That’s done so I migrated back to my desk; while putting the sharpener away, I noticed that it already had a little garbage container attached to it.

I started laughing at how dumb it was to get under a desk and hold a pencil and sharpener over the garbage can when there was nothing for it to catch. And of course Britt wanted to know what was so funny, now she won’t let me forget it. : - P

Photo of the Day
(…pics…)

Britt and I with Landon and Janae last October(laughing at my photography abilities or lack thereof)

Who?

2007-01-30T12:46:00.000-06:00

My sweet, darling sister is the intruder of private domains. I advise all of you to watch out for her! You never know what she's going to do next.

TRESSPASSED!!

2007-01-27T10:04:00.000-06:00

Sneaking in on somebody else's blog, violating the geneva convention and making a mock of privacy laws. I just wonder, who is the culprit??

Joygurl Excerpts

2007-01-23T14:08:00.000-06:00

Sorry to keep you waiting. I’m not sure how this will go or if it will work but please bear with me. If you have any ideas, please let me know.

Not much has happened lately. Toby and Courtney have been gone for 2 weeks now and I miss the kids a lot. Oh, and I do kinda miss picking on Toby :P

At the moment it is cozy and warm in the house, but it’s not that way outside. We’re going through a very cold snap, and a few days ago we received a little blizzard, so now it’s not only feeling like January, it’s looking like it too.

We are down to two puppies (sold one, gave one away, and a car hit one :(). Does anyone want an adorable, sweet, playful, very smart, lovable, puppy? They have their dad’s love for the green tennis ball.

I started making an old-fashioned cloth doll the other day and now it’s finished. Well I have to touch up on a few things but the main part is done. I’m not an avid sewer but once in a while I like to make little pillows and dolls. The pattern I’m following is in a book called Make Your Own Old-Fashioned Cloth Doll & Her Wardrobe by Claire Bryant. I like the patterns in it, but I made a couple alterations to suit my preference for instance I sewed hair on it rather than painting the hair, face, and hands. I still might paint the face but I want to look around for other ideas first. This is my second doll I’ve made from that book. I want to get a few more cloth doll patterns to have a bit of variety. Do any of you have suggestions?

Inspirations
(…quotes, bible verses, ect, ect…)

Eternal Light! Eternal Light!
How pure the soul must be
When, placed within Thy searching sight,
It shrinks not, but with calm delight
Can live, and look on Thee!
The spirits that surround Thy throne
May bear the burning bliss;
But that is surely theirs alone,
Since they have never, never known
A fallen world like this.
Oh how shall I, whose native sphere
Is dark, whose mind is dim,
Before the Ineffable appear,
And on my naked spirit bear
That uncreated beam?
There is a way for man to rise
To that sublime abode,---
An Offering and a Sacrifice
A Holy Spirit’s energies,
An advocate with God:
These, these prepare us for the sight
Of holiness above;
The sons of ignorance and night
May dwell in the Eternal Light,
Through the Eternal Love.
Thomas Binney (1798-1874)
Taken out of The One Year Book of Poetry (January 12)

Funnies
(…jokes or funny scenes that I have heard, seen, or done…)

Tabby informed me the other day that her favorite song Signature Sound sings is (in her words) "I Grant My Allegiance" or the real name " I Pledge My Allegiance".

Recent Readings
(…a review of the many books I am reading…)

The Man Who Listens To Horses
The Story of a Real-Life Horse Whisperer
By Monty Roberts
It is the story of Monty’s life and how he learned the silent language of the horse through watching wild mustangs near his California home. I have learned a lot. His stories can be funny, sad, or exciting. If you are a horse lover or an avid reader on the subject of horses, I suggest you read this book.
I am reading a few other books but I’m not very far into any of them to be able to give you a thorough review.

That’s all I have for now, I’m thinking of posting Joygurl Excerpts bi-weekly. Like I said before if you have any ideas, please let me know.

Special Post Soon!

2007-01-17T18:05:00.000-06:00

I am working on a weekly/bi-weekly (I'm not sure yet how often I'll do it) post. Hopefully it will be up soon.

If you have any ideas for blogging, I'll certainly appreciate it! You can either comment or email me your ideas: joygurl92@gmail.com

Genesis 8:22

2007-01-12T13:16:00.000-06:00

"While the earth remaineth, seedtime and harvest, and cold and

heat, and summer and winter, and day and night shall not cease."

Vote Results

2006-12-19T17:12:00.000-06:00

Thanks for all the votes on Otter Tracks. Go over there and check out the winning name.

Letter From Jesus Christ

2006-12-10T22:35:00.001-06:00

Dear children,

It has come to my attention that many of you are upset that folks are taking My name out of the season. Maybe you've forgotten that I wasn't actually born during this time of the year and that it was some of you're predecessors who decided to celebrate My birthday on what was actually a time of pagan festival. Although I do appreciate being remembered anytime.

How I personally feel about this celebration can probably be most easily understood by those of you who have been blessed with children of your own. I don't care what you call the day. If you want to celebrate My birth just, GET ALONG AND LOVE ONE ANOTHER. Now, having said that let Me go on.

If it bothers you that the town in which you live doesn't allow a scene depicting My birth, then just get rid of a couple of Santa's and snowmen and put in a small Nativity scene on your own front lawn. If all My followers did that there wouldn't be any need for such a scene on the town square because there would be many of them all around town.

Stop worrying about the fact that people are calling the tree a holiday tree, instead of a Christmas tree. It was I who made all trees. You can & may remember Me anytime you see any tree. Decorate a grape vine if you wish: I actually spoke of that one in a teaching explaining who I am in relation to you & what each of our tasks were. If you have forgotten that one, look up John 15: 1 - 8.

If you want to give Me a present in remembrance of My birth here is my wish list. Choose something from it.

1. Instead of writing protest letters objecting to the way My birthday is being celebrated, write letters of love and hope to soldiers away from home. They are terribly afraid and lonely this time of year. I know, they tell Me all the time.

2. Visit someone in a nursing home. You don't have to know them personally. They just need to know that someone cares about them.

3. Instead of writing George complaining about the wording on the cards his staff sent out this year, why don't you write and tell him that you'll be praying for him and his family this year. Then follow up. It will be nice hearing from you again.

4. Instead of giving your children a lot of gifts you can't afford and they don't need, spend time with them. Tell them the story of My birth, and why I came to live with you down here. Hold them in your arms and remind them that I love them.

5. Pick someone that has hurt you in the past and forgive him or her.

6. Did you know that someone in your town will attempt to take their own life this season because they feel so alone and hopeless? Since you don't know who that person is, try giving everyone you meet a warm smile it could make the difference. Also, you might consider supporting the local Hot-Line: they talk with people like that every day.

7. Instead of nit picking about what the retailer in your town calls the holiday, be patient with the people who work there. Give them a warm smile and a kind word. Even if they aren't allowed to wish you a "Merry Christmas" that doesn't keep you from wishing them one. Then stop shopping there on Sunday. If the store didn't make so much money on that day they'd close and let their employees spend the day at home with their families.

8. If you really want to make a difference, support a missionary, especially one who takes My love & Good News to those who have never heard My name. You may already know someone like that.

9. Here's a good one. There are individuals & whole families in your town who not only will have no "Christmas" tree, but neither will they have any presents to give or receive. If you don't know them (and I suspect you don't) buy some food & a few gifts & give them to the Marines, the Salvation Army or some other charity which believes in Me & they will make the delivery for you.

10. Finally if you want to make a statement about your belief in and loyalty to Me, then behave like a Christian. Don't do things in secret that you wouldn't do in My presence. Let people know by your actions that you are one of mine. P.S Don't forget; I am God and I can take care of Myself. Just love Me & do what I have told you to do. I'll take care of all the rest. Check out the list above & get to work; time is short. I'll help you, but the ball is now in your court. And do have a most blessed Christmas with all those whom you love and remember,

I LOVE YOU

JESUS

It’s Time to Vote!

2006-12-05T12:14:00.000-06:00

We need your opinion on this matter. Go here, and give us your answer.

Now Thank We All Our God

2006-11-22T08:06:00.000-06:00

Now thank we all our God

With heart and hands and voices,

Who wondrous things hath done,

In whom His world rejoices;

Who, from our mothers' arms,

Hath blessed us on our way

With countless gifts of love,

And still is ours today.

O may this bounteous God

Though all our life be near us,

With ever joyful hearts

And blessed peace to cheer us;

And keep us in His grace,

And guide us when perplexed,

And free us from all ills

In this world and the next.

All praise and thanks to God

The Father now be given,

the Son, and Him who reigns

With them in highest heaven,

Then one eternal God,

Whom earth and heaven adore;

For thus it was, is now,

And shall be ever more.

Snow

2006-11-15T20:43:00.000-06:00

On Monday morning we woke up to a winter wonderland. It was gone by Tuesday but we enjoyed it for a day.

We got about 3 inches; just enough for the kids to attempt sledding down the hill out back (they managed to get a few trips down before they rubbed all the snow away). Sorry I don't have a picture of that :( .

Cessna (the cat,) enjoyed the kerosene heater's warmth that day. She really isn't supposed to be in the house, but she manages to get in everyday.

Levi, didn't want a picture taken but he got one anyway. He tried to throw a snowball at me but I managed to escape it--somehow.

Just some other pictures I took of the snow that day.

They're Here!

2006-11-01T10:36:00.000-06:00

Finally! After waiting several weeks, we managed to fit going down and picking the goats up into our busy Saturday afternoon. Yeah, it was that long ago and I never got around to posting till now :(.

Peaches and Cream; that's their names, are so sweet and friendly. Right after we got them, if I would go into their pen and then leave after a little while, they would go nuts, maybe they were thinking I wasn't going to come back or something! :) But now they are settling into their new life. And I'm finding out how much time I don't have now that we got them--but I'm not complaining, I'm just stating a fact. I'll just have to wake up early enough to be able to do all the things that I do every day.

Something I’ve Been Up To.

2006-10-22T15:40:00.000-05:00

There wasn’t a thing I could think of to do. I was really bored (and that doesn’t happen very often with me!). Maybe it’s the cold weather and dullness around here that made me want to do something drastic. Like getting a big dog or some animal or project that I’ve never taken on before. Then I remembered something.

Now that the cow idea didn’t work, we needed some animal that would be a tax reducer (horses are not, for some reason). And since we had done pretty well with goats a few years ago, someone suggested that we get one or two. I was quite interested in that (I’ve wanted goats ever since we got rid of them ;)). But Mom and Dad didn’t want to invest in another animal and then find out it won't work out. So I asked if I bought the goats and they were totally my responsibility and Mom and Dad didn’t have to pay a cent for them, if they would let me do it, which they consented to.

I was quite excited and went to the library and got some books about goat keeping. Then I got to the hard part; figuring out how to get a pen, shelter, and milking place set up. When we got the miniature horses a year ago. We didn’t think we’d be getting back into goats so we tore out the big four goat stanchion, put the minis’ in the goat pen, and made it look like we’d never had a goat step foot on our soil.

But since I didn’t have near enough money to buy a goat, not to mention buying the feed and vaccines’, I asked Levi if he wanted to pitch in his money and we would both buy a goat. Of course he was all for it (as I figured he would be). So we worked out a deal with Mom and Dad that if we did a bunch of work around the house for a certain amount of money that would go to the "Goat Fund" (so they were paying for the goats, but it wasn’t without a little bit of labor).
I looked around on the Internet for goat ads in Wisconsin, and found a place that was selling Saanen/Alpine cross doelings for a very good price. Then I figured out how much the goat feed, vaccinations, and ect. would cost and added that to the price of the goats. Then I added the money that Levi and I had and found out it will cover the cost of everything with a bit left over! I was quite happy about that!

Now all I have to do is go get the goats and they are about 2 hours south of us so I’m not sure when we’ll be able to make a trip down there.

So if you’re wondering why there’s not much going on around this space of the web, it’s because there’s other things going on in my corner of the world. And if it bothers you I’ll try to update more often.

New Template AGAIN!

2006-10-12T22:08:00.000-05:00

I'd like to thank Brittney for the "horsey" look to my blog.

I wanted an original, personalized look to my blog,something that showed what I really like. So when Britt asked what I wanted for the theme I told her horses.

Horses have always been my very favorite animal ever since I can remember. I don't know what I'd do if there weren't any horses in the family's ownership.

And now even though I'm in Nebraska, having the best Auntie time with my niece and nephew, in the back of my head there's that lingering thought of "I wonder how the horses are doing".

But now all I have to do when I get horse-homesick, I just go to my blog and that feeling leaves.

Still Havin Fun

2006-10-12T10:36:00.000-05:00