Merry Christmas!

Merry Christmas everyone!
I hope you all had a blessed day!
I am very tired (had to get up early to get the presents and breakfast over with before church), full of awesome food, and about to watch The Nativity Story with my family. I really like that movie! I got a book called Red Rain from my sister, and David and Annie (especially Annie), you guys really need to read it! I need to go back and read it slower now! I miss you AZ people. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! I will be posting some pictures later.

"The Gift" by Aselin Debison

I remember the day, several years ago, that we heard this song on the Christmas music station in AZ. We enjoyed it and jotted down the artist's name. I have since lost the piece of paper, but her name stuck with me. After hearing a country version of "The Gift" on the radio just now, I finally looked up this version. Enjoy...
Merry Christmas!

YES! I'm Engaged!

On Wednesday, December 14 my life changed forever. At 11:30, the love of my life asked me to be his bride as we stood in a chilly white chapel.

I said, "Yes."

We will be sharing the full story soon on Step by Step (our courtship blog).

"Gavynn"

Previously, I described a character named "Alicia." Looking back over that scribble, I realized it is mainly a static description. Meaning, it isn't narrative. I wanted to do one that would better fit into the flow of a story. "Gavynn" was described under very noisy circumstances, so hopefully he makes some sense and seems ready to take his place in a narrative story...

In the dim corner of the room sat a figure. Firelight played upon his hawk-like face, shadows haunting the many wrinkles and the hollows of his deepset eyes. His silver beard spilled onto the dark green woolen cloak clasped about his shoulders... (Read the rest at http://perryelisabeth.blogspot.com)

Today's the day to spread the word about tomorrow's Scribble Fest. Let's see how many participants we can get this time!
Links that might be helpful:
"Alicia"
http://perryelisabeth.blogspot.com/2011/12/alicia.html
Scribble Fest Video
http://perryelisabeth.blogspot.com/2011/12/does-this-look-fun.html
The First Scribble Fest
http://perryelisabeth.blogspot.com/2011/12/first-scribble-fest.html

You're Invited!

You know how embedding a sliver of wood in your finger hurts? (Commonly known as a splinter.) Well, embedding this video in your blog won't hurt--guaranteed! And you will have my deepest gratitude. If this looks interesting, help spread the word about Saturday's Scribble Fest!

Telling on Tyler

I have not blogged since, maybe, Easter-time, but we just got high-speed Internet so you'll probably be hearing from me more. Well, I have tons to blog about, but I have to start somewhere! One day, when Tyler came over, I was busy making little tiny cookies out of a book of miniature food we had just bought. They were a miniature version of those chocolate kiss cookies made with a tiny ball of cookie dough and a chocolate chip! Anyway, Tyler was teasing me; he wouldn't stop snitching or acting like he was going to, and these cookies are so tiny, that, in one snitch you could eat up a whole cookie! What--you don't believe me that Tyler is a terrible cookie snitcher? Well, we have the evidence. Nice mug shot huh?

Forgive my incredibly unattractive pose. I'm not sticking my tongue out--seriously, I was trying to show a chocolate chip on my tongue to the camera but you can't see it in the picture. Maybe I should stop baking while Tyler is around. He does that every time we make cookies! :) And, yes, the cookies were delicious and contained just the right amount of calories! And really, Tyler, it's okay if you eat the cookie dough; I'll send you flowers (or a balloon or a milkshake) when you're in the hospital with salmonella. ;)

Join the Scribble Fest!

A 10-minute Scribble-Fest

Last night, Aimee, Kate, and I decided to sit down and take 10 minutes to each write as much as possible of a story opening. The idea was to get it written down as quickly as possible instead of getting hung up in technicalities and writer's block. Here is what I came up with. Enjoy, and bear in mind it was quickly written in 10 minutes...

"Rain lashed at the windows and trickled down their faces. It was as if the house was crying. The black tree tops were scarcely visible against the dark night sky, but just visible enough that Adam was staring at them. They waved and tossed, like giant, pine fingers pointing upward with charisma. Footsteps sounded, and then there he was: cold and arrogant and—of course—champing at the inside of his own cheek..."

Read the rest at Perry Elisabeth, my author blog.

"Blessings" by Laura Story

This is one of those delightful songs that have feeling and theology. Several months ago, a mother Aimee and I were helping shared this song with us. Her little boy has been through some really difficult times after an accident earlier this year. This song is special to them because they first heard it while in the hospital with him. I, who don't have a little boy in danger, cried right there in her kitchen (or maybe celery makes my eyes water like onions do...). I think everyone can relate to this song enough to be moved. Enjoy...



(This is the title song from her new album.)

Multi-generational Wisdom

Today, Mom and I were working in the kitchen together.  Preparing me for possible marriage in the future, she handed down a word of multi-generational wisdom: "Perry, electric griddles work much better when they are turned on."

Thank you, Mom.

And thank you for your sense of humor! ;)

Should I? Could I?

From Step by Step, our courtship blog…

 

In response to David's questions:

 

#1. What main preliminary questions did you first work through to establish a ground floor to work off of?

The purpose of these questions is to determine, "Should I (or should I not) marry this person?" In other words, to find out whether the person is Biblically qualified and compatibly like-minded, and if being married to them fits within God's will.

These are examples of main preliminary questions we worked through. Obvious firsts include: whether the person a Christian and is growing in the Lord, discussing views of husband/wife roles, family vision, child education, worldview, financial issues, etc... (Note: worldviews can vary family to family even in a tight-knit community like HBC.)

 

#2. After you establish that you have the same worldview, and are making good progress forward, what next?

Once you have determined that it would be within God's will for you to marry the person, you can consider and answer the question, "Could I marry this person?" and "Do I want to marry this person?" At this point you are learning one another's personalities, likes/dislikes, growing and maturing together in the Lord through various difficulties, working together, creating a friendship, and learning how to be best friends.

In our experience, this one wasn't too hard to answer because we already knew each other for 7 years before the courtship began. Nevertheless, the months we have spent doing these things have been a huge blessing and, we believe, are laying an excellent foundation for marriage.

 

To sum it up,

The main preliminary questions we worked through were those which answered "Should I (or should I not) marry this person?" and after we were making good progress forward we did things to answer the questions, "Could I marry this person?" and "Do I want to marry this person?"

 

Any other questions out there?

 

Be God's and follow Him step by step...

Tyler & Perry

Prayer Request

As you may know, Tyler worked at Intel for about 4 months.  The contract ended in July, and he has been looking really hard for work ever since.  He is interested in using the skills and clean room experience he gained to get a "foot in the door" of the semiconductor industry.  He has applied to tons of jobs, many in this field, others not.  I am very proud of his diligence and hard work, and I hope he will be rewarded soon.

Please pray that God would provide the right job for Tyler even in this difficult economy.  And also that he would not be discouraged, but hope in God.  Thank you for your prayers!

See http://stepbystepcourtship.blogspot.com for our journey, step by step.

What Do We Do for Fun?

This is one of the first questions we received (sorry David, someone did beat you, through an email).
"What do you do for "fun" to get to know each other better?"

Answer:
Doing each other's hobbies together, playing music, reading to each other, pillow fights, going to concerts, going on walks, playing a sport (example: tennis), wash dishes/cook together, listening to music, talking politics, performing music at community picnics, going on Sunday drives (with chaperone), paddle boat riding, picking berries, lobbing small pieces of metal at specific places on a cardboard box, making faces at each other, hiding around corners then jumping out and saying "boo!", having insane conversations (Example: the theology of daffodils - daffodilology), etc.

Great question BTW, it was fun to answer.
~Us

From Step by Step, our courtship blog.  Please visit, comment, and ask your questions!

Interested Suitors

We had a question about the early stages of courtship with a scenario of:
"What does a girl do if she tells an interested guy to talk to her father and the guy is planning on doing so, but in the meantime he keeps talking to her?"
Here are our thoughts to avoid heartbreak and maintain innocence. This is just some practical advice; again we aren't necessarily the experts in 'relationships', but we do enjoy discussing it.

Response:
What should the girl do? First of all, she should talk to her dad! It is for her protection that the man should first speak to her father. She should avail herself of this protection (emotional as well as physical) and both parents' wise counsel about the situation. This, if she has not already given her heart away, should keep things from getting to a heartbreaking point.
Secondly, she probably needs to get unimpressed with the guy. At first it would be exciting that a guy was interested, but it's weird that he spoke to her first and then delayed in doing what she asked. Why is he messing with her heart while waiting to speak to her dad? That doesn't speak well of his ideas of "courtship," and it seems like he cares more for himself than for the girl he says he cares about! If she keeps her heart to herself and accepts wise counsel, she will be able to see that he may not be a great candidate to consider for a lifelong commitment.

And things that the guy could do is;
1. He needs to just go have the talk with the father, if he's ready.
2. If he has to wait, then keep conversations 'business like' to the girl.
3. If he becomes bothersome to the girl, she shouldn't hesitate to tell her father as previously mentioned.
4. She or preferably her dad could explain to the guy why they're protecting her heart and can persuade him to 'back off'. Girls can have a fair amount of influence on men, and if the man interested in her cares like he expresses, he should take 'it easy' for her sake and start practicing sacrifice, wisdom, patience, and true love.

From Step by Step, our courtship blog.  Please visit, comment, and ask your questions!

Art by Aimee

Shhh… this is actually Perry.  Yes, Aimee might tickle the daylights out of me for doing this, but I'm doing it anyway.  Lately, she has been referencing photographs for her drawings, and I'm impressed with the results.  I keep telling her she should scan in her work and blog it (since she's doing more drawing than writing), but she is shy about it.  She also doesn't like how the scanner makes the drawing look a little muddy.  So, look past the scan quality and enjoy!

Picture #1 – "Girl blowing bubbles"

Picture #2 – Girl in headband

Picture #3 – "Hay, daisies, and cowgirl thoughts"

Courtship Questions

From the beginning of our courtship, we have desired that it be a blessing and encouragement to others.  One of the ways we wanted to accomplish this was to blog about our courtship for everyone who can't observe it firsthand.  Unfortunately--and surprisingly--we have found it puzzling to know what to write, and we realize this is why we have written so few inside-look posts.  We would love for you to ask your questions about our courtship, because answering them will solve our problem of knowing what to say.  It will give us crystal-clear ideas of what would be most interesting, helpful, and encouraging to read.

 

You can direct your questions to both of us or specifically to either Tyler or Perry.  We will post our answers on our respective blogs and on Step by Step, our courtship blog.

 

So, what do you want to know??

Ever So Pink Background

Abstract Swirly Background

And if that Man You Married Goes to War…

During her bath tonight, my little sister, Emma, was making up a song.  It was along the lines of "Hush Little Baby" in which mama will buy the baby this or that.  Well, I really tuned in when she paused for a moment to think of the next line, and then sang:

 

"…mama's gonna buy you a man to marry.

And if that man you married goes to war,

Mama's gonna buy you a… [long pause] …sewing machine…"

 

!!! ;)

Croonin' Together

What are Your Favorite "Living Books"?

"Living books" can be terrific additions to any method of home education.  What is a "living book"?  

 

According to simplycharlottemason.com, living books are "… usually written by one person who has a passion for the subject and writes in conversational or narrative style. The books pull you into the subject and involve your emotions, so it's easy to remember the events and facts. Living books make the subject "come alive." They can be contrasted to dry writing, like what is found in most encyclopedias or textbooks, which basically lists informational facts in summary form…"

(http://simplycharlottemason.com/basics/faq/livingbook/)

 

Think through your bookshelves: what living books do you own?  You may be reading and enjoying these gems without realizing it!

 

Leave a comment at www.lightoftheworldbook.net sharing the titles, authors, and brief synopses of your favorite living books.  Others will benefit from your favorites, and you can benefit from theirs!

 

Join us next Tuesday for a once-a-month excerpt from the new living book: "Light of the World."

Courtship: 9-month Update

Before I go into what's been up in my courtship, I want to mention that no two courtships will be alike.  Aside from differing standards/concepts, there will always be differences arising from the personalities of those involved, the length of time the couple have known each other, and how like-minded they already are.  To put it briefly, nobody's courtship will be--or should be--just like mine! :)

Anyway, on to the fun stuff...

        Tyler is working full time (plus sweet overtime when he can get it), but still manages to call me nearly every day.  We usually talk for a bit during his lunch break, and oftentimes again after he's off work.  As they live 45 miles away (drive is about 50 mins - 1 hour) and gasoline is $$$!!!, visiting usually consists of Tyler driving up here one day out of his weekend.  The K's attend our church, so we get to see one another on Sunday.  We enjoy sitting together in church, and sometimes, like this Sunday, we get to play music.  Many times, we have invited all the K's home for lunch since they drive so far.

        I would say, generally, that Tyler and I don't talk about the typical courtship topics these days.  We covered most of them in the first couple weeks of the courtship.  This is where our like-mindedness and having already known each other for 7 years come into play.  These days, we learn the more subtle things about one another as we discuss what goes on in our daily lives.  We are best friends, and our talks go deeper than trivial goings-on into the blessings and struggles.  Most often it's terrific; sometimes it's hard.  All that to say: being best friends, we talk about everything!  (Or nearly, anyway.) ;)  We have so much fun doing it too!  We have discussed "daffodilology" (the theology of daffodils), ended up naming our hypothetical dogs, talked history and politics and music (I know, terribly surprising), theorized and theorized some more about impacting the culture, and recounted God's blessings.  One of our favorite things to do is to 'remember when...' because we have 7 years of memories about which to remind one another.  We also write letters, although they are more often hand delivered than mailed these days.  We each save them, knowing that, if we get married, we will really treasure these letters that last as phone calls and emails cannot.

        I'll share a few recent examples of activities we have enjoyed together.  We have played whole-family games of Skip-Bo and Apples to Apples Bible Edition (very hilarious, let me tell you!), and taken a walk around our neighborhood with two super-goony chaperones.  Paul and the two of us walked up a logging road and shot Paul's BB gun and Dad's pellet rifle.  It was great, and my fabulous brother got the only bull's-eye!  We attended "The Biblical Apprentice" put on by The Nehemiah Project.  It was an all-day conference for students 11-18 yrs. to learn the principles of Christian business and entrepreneurship, formulate business plans, and compete for cash prizes.  Very good day.  Even though Tyler and I were too old to compete, we enjoyed the teaching and the opportunity to work together on a project.  Teamwork!!  (Oh, yes, and I was the guest speaker during the lunch period.)  Saturday was fun!  Astoria, OR was founded as a fur trading post 200 years ago this month.  The city is having a celebration, and Saturday, we went up there, bringing Tyler, Zane, and "adopted grandma" Deedee.  We all toured a tall ship, watched a US Coast Guard water rescue demonstration, wandered around the booths, and ate some dinner.  Astoria is probably 50 miles from our place, so Tyler and I had plenty of time to talk and listen to music while riding in the van.  Once we got home, I read him the first chapter of "Animal Farm," and then everyone ate ice cream and played a game of Apples to Apples, which Tyler won.  (Yes, it's a favorite right now.) :)

        Today, Tyler has been courting me for 9 months, exactly.  This time has been a huge blessing; it is giving us the opportunity to learn about one another in the reality of our lives and spend time becoming best friends.  God has really been growing us these past months: teaching us about ourselves, one another, Himself and His Word, etc.  It is such a blessing to be growing TOGETHER!

 

P.S.- Tyler has written a couple posts called "Courtship Encouragement" here: IrishRagamuffin.

Hurry, hurry, hurry!!!

Giveaways at www.heavensdeclare.info and www.lightoftheworldbook.net end the day after tomorrow.  Increase your chances of winning by entering as many times as possible!

Speaking this Saturday

"The Heavens Declare" and "Light of the World" will be traveling with me to a ladies' brunch in Dayton, OR this Saturday.  I will be sharing my testimony and meaningful excerpts from "The Heavens Declare."  Both books will be for sale.

The Biblical Apprentice Class

Saturday, May 7^th, I attended and spoke at the Nehemiah Project's First Annual Biblical Apprentice class for youth in Portland, Oregon.  All together, there were 29 students (from private Christian schools and home schools) between the ages of 11 and 18.  Both "The Heavens Declare" and "Light of the World" were for sale at the event.  I spoke at the end of the lunch time, sharing testimony about my experiences writing and publishing.  To make my testimony more memorable and encouraging, I made a PowerPoint presentation with my four points.  (Notice they form the acronym "IDEA.")

 

I have learned to…

- Identify calling

- Develop skills

- Earnestly seek counsel

- Always stay focused

 

I was able to both give and take, because not only did I have opportunity to share my story, but the Biblical entrepreneurship training was invaluable.  Being guided in actually formulating a business plan from scratch was terrific, and the vision for a particularly Christian approach was clearly and motivationally cast by both Mr. Tsague and Mr. Madore.

 

More about the Nehemiah Project here: www.nehemiahproject.org.

"Light of the World" Released!

That's right; "Light of the World," my new book, was released for online sale yesterday at noon.

 

To celebrate, take 15% off your orders at www.lightoftheworldbook.net and www.heavensdeclare.info with this discount code: 5LNVH8DM

 

Can't decide?  That's okay; it's quick and easy to enter in our giveaways for a free autographed copy of "Light of the World" or "The Heavens Declare"!  See www.lightoftheworldbook.net and www.heavensdeclare.info to enter the giveaways, and read excerpts and reviews.

Photo Shoot

Sorry I haven't blogged in a long time.  I'll get back with something more interesting later.  Here are a bunch of pictures Perry and I took on Easter Sunday, and then had fun 'fancy-ing' up.

Countdown to release of "Light of the World"!

Visit www.lightoftheworldbook.net to read more and enter our giveaway!

"Light of the World" Proof Arrived!

It is always exciting when a proof copy arrives safe and sound.  I enjoy holding the finished product in my hands and the motivation it gives me to complete the next project.  Today, the proof copy for "Light of the World" arrived.  I am pleased with it, and am enjoying fresh motivation to finish "Girl against the Blank Page" a booklet about my journey as a young author.

Like the looks of my book?  Visit www.lightoftheworldbook.net to read more, enter in a giveaway for one of the very first copies, and subscribe to the site's feed so you don't miss the announcement when it is released for online sale.  The countdown ends soon!

Button, Button-Who's Got the Button?

We do!  Do you?  Both "The Heavens Declare" and "Light of the World" have handy buttons to place on your blog or website.  Just copy the code in the sidebar, and show your support for these books.  Oh, yes, and if you use our buttons, you're eligible to enter our giveaways for a FREE autographed copy of either "The Heavens Declare" or "Light of the World."

"Light of the World" Proof Copy Ordered

"Light of the World," the new living science book about light is complete, the files have been sent to the printer, and the proof copy is on its way.  In other words, the book will soon be available for purchase! 

Visit www.lightoftheworldbook.net to read more and enter our giveaway for a FREE autographed copy of "Light of the World."  While there, subscribe to our feed to be notified when the book is released and to receive updates and discounts!

Hardhats!

Sooo… while Tyler was over today, we decided to take a "hardhat picture."  He has a hardhat because he works at Intel, and I have one because I am the volunteer photographer for our fire district.  So here we are looking equally funny in our hats.  And in the second picture Dad says it looks like Tyler is the "boss."  I'm good with that!  I like it when he leads. :)

 

P.S.- anybody who has noticed Aimee hasn't blogged in FOREVER, feel free to pester her about it.  (Okay, maybe encourage her instead.)  She'd probably enjoy it, and then she would know people wanna hear from her! ;)

Courtship: Real Time!

Taken about an hour and a half ago...

A Peek inside My Courtship - Learning Patience

So, with the courtship topic on Tyler's blog being patience, I thought I would share how the Lord has been teaching me patience over the past 7 months.

It all began one day in September when Tyler got on a plane and flew to Scotland.  We had been in our courtship for about a week, and had talked many, many terrific hours on the phone each day, getting through lists of topics at a furious pace.  Now for a couple weeks, he would be 8 hours ahead, on a rigorous schedule with "Little Bear" and Faith and Freedom Tour.  Besides, 4 hour conversations would be a mite expensive done internationally. ;)  Anyhow, for the first few days, I felt like I was starving (to put it dramatically).  Short calls, and not necessarily every day, were a little difficult to adjust to.  But I did.  That was step one for me.

 

When he got home to AZ again, it became apparent 4 hour conversations were impractical.  So, especially since Tyler was working HARD to complete his bachelor's degree, we talked for about two hours every other day.  Again, that was difficult at times.  I would just be struck in the middle an in-between days by really wanting to talk with him.  But it was good.  And I learned I could 'live' (to be dramatic again).  That was step two.

 

When his family began packing to move up to OR, Tyler became extremely busy.  No longer could I expect to possibly find an email from him at any time in the day.  Nor could I expect a reply in the daytime.  It wasn't until the evening that he had a chance to call or email for the first time in a day.  Which, again, was hard.  But good.  That was step three.

 

And step three was very important (so were steps one and two, since they built me up to number 3) since it got me used to what it was like to have him working all day, and coming home/being available in the evenings.  And it is something I will be continuing to practice since he'll be working full time now!  I'm just grateful at the way the Lord has led me along. ;)

Family-Minded Children's Books

It is often hard to find family-minded books for any age group, but perhaps especially for little ones.  Amongst all the angst over a new baby arriving (because you're not the youngest anymore) and the portrayals of every role-reversing, feminist ideology, we have found three Little Golden Books that really are golden in their portrayals of the value of fatherhood, motherhood, and children.  Enjoy…

 

"Little Mommy" by Sharon Kane

(a Little Golden Book Classic)  Beginning with the words, "This is my house and I am the mommy.  My children are Annabelle, Betsy, and Bonny," this sweet book shows a little girl playing with her dolls.  It depicts obedient dollies, the mother (little girl) doing domestic tasks, home educating (!!!), visiting with another 'mommy,' and the serving dinner to the 'daddy' (played by her brother).  Overall, the book has a fabulously sweet nurturing tone.

 

"The Bunny Book" by Patsy Scarry, illustrated by Richard Scarry

(a Little Golden Book Classic)  "'What will our baby be when he grow up?' asked the daddy bunny."  Super sweet book with super sweet pictures.  The whole bunny family takes turns guessing what that baby bunny would like to be when he grows up.  But the baby bunny doesn't agree.  Although he can't articulate it yet, the baby bunny knows just what he wants to be.  "The baby bunny will be a daddy rabbit!  That is what he will be—with lots of little bunny children to feed when they are hungry."  The book goes on to spend 5 pages describing with words and pictures what a wonderful joy it will be!

 

"The New Baby" by Esther Wilkin, illustrated by Eloise Wilkin

(a Little Golden Book, formerly titled "Baby Dear")  I don't know if this one is in print.  The copy we have is from 1990.  This is a VERY pro-baby, pro-motherhood book depicting a little girl emulating with her doll her mother's caring for the new little one in the family.  Multi-generational and sweet.  Both mother and daughter are dressed modestly and femininely (gotta' love the mother's hairstyle!)  "We smile at our babies and talk to them.  Mommy says this is the way our babies know they are the most wonderful babies in the world."

Courtship Encouragement Part 1

Posted by Tyler to his blog: IrishRagamuffin.  Excellent!!

 

 

"Throughout the courtship Perry and I have realized how much influence our courtship has upon others. As well as how many are watching it, seeing it's outcome, but maybe more importantly, what we and our families do throughout the process. Also, God has used it so that people I don't even know are wondering what 'courtship' is, and asking questions/talking about it. Anyways, I've been throwing around a couple ideas in my head for awhile now to blog about. And, Perry and I decided that we would both blog about our courtship, or courtship related topics on our blogs now and then. Especially for our Arizona people, who aren't here to to see it firsthand. If by chance you have a question relating to what are doing, feel free to comment. Also, for a disclaimer: Just because we are in a courtship, does not automatically makes us the "Courtship Gurus", but rather, we just like to talk about what God's been doing in our lives.


-Encouragement for the Young Men- (which also will encourage the Young Ladies) :)
So for us young men, we have the big question of when am I ready? A lot of times, we are afraid to being the topic up, or even (gulp) ask a Father about courting his daughter. Obviously, there is a season where we are preparing (like, our whole childhood and teen years, especially the latter) to be a Priest, Prophet, Provider, and Protector to a young lady and a future Family. I'm not going to necessarily tell you when you're ready, or give you a check list right now. But more of an encouragement, that when you are ready, don't be afraid to ask (even if you don't have the 50k job or are 'young') a father of someone you're interested in (God leading you to that person). Fathers can seem intimidating, but in one sense, they're on your side. What I mean is, they would love to have their daughter's' court and marry in life. Of course the big question fathers have is who and what makes him worthy? Making initial contact is the scariest thing of the whole process, but when you are to that point of being ready, be yourself, stay humble, and be bold. I wasn't to nervous when I did this, but I did lose some sleep over it, fortunately Mr. W was very gracious, lighthearted in a way, and just about as excited as I was. Fathers should be very careful and serious, but also not be so intimidating to potential young men that they're afraid to even ask.
Always strive to be an approved workman who is not despised because of his youth. Meaning not despised because he is an approved workman (or suitor). :)"

Our Beautiful February Snow

Looks lovely on the trees, looks lovely coming down, looks lovely as an igloo fort (according to Paul), looks like I'm way shorter than I am, looks like a snowball fight (but it was rigged for the picture).

The New Book

Coming soon!  See www.heavensdeclare.info for updates.

It is Finished!

Hooray, hooray!  After a long road, my very first pair of socks is finished.  The hardest part was, of course, the heel, but once I figured out that the instructions were very unclear and understood what they SHOULD have been saying, that wasn't a problem.  The heel went without a hitch on the second sock.  They are 'yummy': a lace design made in heathered grey alpaca wool.  Very warm, slightly itchy, but not too bad.  I can't wait to start my next pair!

Mowing the Prairie

Cutting Paul's hair today was fun!  He was getting kinda shaggy, and it was decided I could whack away at it for practice.  I started with a two in the back, but he said it was pulling, so I used a three first and finished with a two.  I used an 8 and then a six on the top.  All in all, it looks just fine (blending/tapering went well), except for a little spot behind one ear.  The line is a little ragged right there.  But, hey—not too bad for my second time doing a men's haircut, and the mistake will grow out in a week or two!

Aimee's Roses

Here are some pictures of my coffee filter roses, aren't they kinda purty?

Mrs. T  had taught us how to make them awhile ago, but we hadn't ever really gotten the hang of it (at least I didn't) and so we were glad when they were this month's craft project at church! You just cut the petals out of flat (not the muffin cup kind) coffee filters, tape them onto a wire with floral tape, soak it in paint, and curl the edges when they are dry!

We have all been making them. I like the shape of Perry's, mine are a little more wild and carnation-like, but I really like how I painted mine. I enjoy making the edges of the petals darker than the rest of the flower; it gives it a realistic look. There are all sorts of things you could do with them: make little ones into wreaths for flower girls' hair, make them into one of those heart-shaped wreaths that are in the stores around Valentines Day, put them on hair clips, twist them on tulle and Christmas lights for a wedding, or just put them in a vase!! Anyways, sorry to any guys reading this for 'girling out' on you but this is the sort of thing I do.  I don't kill animals very often...I don't think I actually have ever killed anything, maybe a spider?

Our Latest Project

Guess: roses are real or artificial?

Artificial, W-made, and made of coffee filters.

What a home-beautifying new craft!  These are some of the ones I've made, and I'll have to get Aimee to post some of hers.  They are stunning!  I tend to make mine somewhat uniform in color and size, but Aimee's are like a watercolor garden.

Tyler and Perry are Boring... 3 Crazy Girls in 3 Crazy Days

Okay, it's me, Aimee, back after a long blog absence! Our friends the K's were up here last month, and Sadie, Kate, and I decided to write down what we girls did.

So here it is (finally):

 

Watched home videos

Played a lot of cards

Went on a walk

Teased Tyler and Perry a little bit (or a little more than a little bit)

Cut and buttered bread twice

Made cookies

Made Mr. K a cookie with Tapatio in it (he actually sort of liked it)

Dressed up weird while making cookies (see pic)

Almost put puffed rice in the salad (I thought they were slivered almonds)

Played chess

Drew pictures on the backs of our paper plates

Did math

Beaded

Watched Perry and Tyler "fight" over Perry's scone

Watched the movie "UP"

Got teased by Mr. K

Broke a cup

Drank out of someone else's cup and spit water all over the table laughing when it was pointed out

 

So there it is; we probably did something else I just don't remember what!

I have been making coffee filter roses lately.  I will have to blog some pictures of them some time; painting them is the best part.

Over and out.

Whoohooooo!!!

(Of course, that title was said in the most lady-like fashion.)

Tyler took his final on Tuesday… he's so totally done with college!!!

Hopefully I won't wear out the exclamation point on this keyboard, but I'm awfully happy for him.  What an accomplishment to get a Bachelors of Arts in History at 19.  

Thank you, God!  And, good job, Tyler!

Emma and Elizabeth

Anna takes pretty good pictures; doesn't she?!

Praise!

This beautiful Toyota 4Runner is the Lord's answer to prayer!  God provided it for Tyler on Saturday, and he is quite happy as you can see in the picture.  So am I because, once again, the Lord has shown Himself faithful and good and able to do beyond what we ask or think. ;)

Thank you all for your prayers.

Prayer Request

Tyler and I (and our families) are praying that he will soon be able to purchase a vehicle: specifically, an automatic Toyota 4Runner, in good shape, and within his price range.  I have also been praying that the Lord will give him wisdom when he looks at a vehicle (there are so many variables), and for patience in waiting for God's will.  If the Lord lays his need on your heart, your prayers would be very much appreciated!

Vote! Vote!

If you've read my book, you might be interested in the poll that is on the website right now.  In the sidebar, you can vote for your favorite chapter. You might consider subscribing to the feed by email, so you will receive the announcement about which chapter wins.  Just thought I would let everybody know.  I would love to have your opinion!

Some Christmas Pictures

A couple notes:
Aimee made two gorgeous cedar wreaths... see them on our porch in the family picture. And, in case it’s hard to figure out what I’m holding to my ear: it’s a long sparkly Christmas ornament that would make an outrageous earring! ;)