30 Day Blog Challenge Finale

Due to my little blogging break, I wasn't able to complete May's 30 day blogging challenge as scheduled. So here are all my answers for the day's I missed...

not my image

Day 4: A favorite television program.

I have to say that at my house we don't have TV as most of you know it...technically we have a TV, yet it doesn't have any channels or shows/programs, we watch movies on it. =) So I'm going with a good old classic here...Little House on the Prairie! =D  

Day 5: A favorite quote. 

"A woman's heart should be so hidden in Christ that a man should have to seek Him first to find her." 

--Maya Angelou

Day 6: A moment you wish you could relive.

Hmm, tough one, I have lots of moments that I would love to go back to. I'll have to do one that I actually just wrote on for German.

Ich hatte Übernachtung mit meine gut Freundinnen letzten Sommer. Wir haben Brettspiele gespielt. Wir haben gelacht. Wir haben Filme angesehen. Wir haben gelacht. Wir haben Fotos gemacht. Wir haben gelacht. Wir haben Nutella mit Brezeln gegessen. Wir haben gelacht. Wir haben Kissenschlacht gehabt. Wir haben gelacht. Und dann wir haben geschlafen.

in English...

I had a sleepover with my good friends last summer.  We played games. We laughed. We watched movies. We laughed. We took pictures. We laughed! We ate Nutella with pretzels, and we laughed. We had a pillowfight. We laughed. And then we slept. 

Day 7: Five things you couldn't possibly live without.

1.) this may seem cliché, but I really couldn't live without God, His word, and prayer!
2.) books!
3.) my laptop ;)
4.) clocks
5.) cameras!

Day 8: A thank you letter to someone who has changed your life.

Dear Marci,
Thank you for being my sister and my best friend.  Someone who I could always talk to about anything.  Thank you for pushing me outside my comfort zone--even though I didn't appreciate it at the time. Thank you for all the ramblings with me that never would make any sense to anyone else.  Thank you for always making me laugh--even when I didn't want to.  =)

Day 9: A photo you took.

This is the most recent photo I posted on my photography blog

Day 10: A photo of you taken over ten years ago.

hehe!! =D  It is a floating soap boat. =P

Day 11: A photo of you taken recently.

As I'm on my brother's laptop, I can't upload a more recent photo(they're all on my laptop) so here is one that was taken last summer.

Day 12: A song that you want played at your wedding(or was played).

Well, I honestly haven't thought that far...um, I actually don't know.  I guess I'll figure that out when I cross that bridge. =P

Day 13: A guilty pleasure.

not my image

reading during school hours....=D....shhh...(last Friday I had a total lazy day and I read Inkheart all. day. long. --I finished it though! =D)

Day 14: A vacation you would like to take.

Right now I really want to be able to visit my friend in Germany!  Long term, I would love to go to Australia--it is in a completely different hemisphere and it was one of my favorite places to learn about for world history last year. =P

Day 15: A person you admire.

My grandmother! She is always being a servant and is a strong follower of Christ and prayer warrior. Plus she is very real.

Day 16: A song that makes you cry.

You might be sick of hearing me rave about this song but I love it and it never gets old!

Day 17: An art piece.
Going famous here...a portrait of a dancer by Edgar Degas.  (called the Prima Ballerina or The Star)

not my image

I really don't like that portrait of the ballerina, I prefer more flattering portraits like these...

not my image

not my image

Day 18: A time when you felt passionate and alive. 

Working at Miracle Mountain Ranch Summer camp this past summer. =D

Day 19: A talent of yours.

Dance! I take ballet, tap, jazz, and recently started pointe! =D

Day 20: A hobby of yours.
Photography. =D

Day 21: Something you know you do differently than most people.

well, tending the fire. =) hehe! Our home is heated by a woodstove, and when my dad is away on business I'm in charge of it.

Day 22: A website.

this is a fun site: http://savethewords.org/ =P

Day 23: A way in which you want to be remembered.

As some one who lived a life worthy of the Lord (Colossians 1:10) and as the Proverbs 31 woman. =)

Day 24: A movie no one would expect you to love.

well, I guess Mulan ;) although I must add that I strongly dislike the second one.

Day 25: A recipe.
Lemon snow bars! =D

Ingredients:
Crust:
-1/2 c butter, softened
-1 1/3 c all purpose flour
-1/4 c sugar

Filling:
-2 eggs
-3/4 c sugar
-2 T flour
-3 T lemon juice
-1/4 t baking powder

1.) Preheat oven to 350.
2.) Mix crust ingredients in bowl(or mixer on low speed) until blended, about 1 minute. (I usually do this with my fingers as it is faster)
3.) Pat into 8" square ungreased pan.
4.) Bake 350 for 15-20 minutes until brown on edges. (meanwhile, prepare filling)
5.) Combine all ingredients for filling and blend well.
6.) Pour filling over partially baked crust and return to oven for 18-20 minutes or until set.
7.) Sprinkle with confectioners sugar.
8.) Let cool. (don't try to cut or eat while hot...bad, very bad idea! And yes, I learned that from experience because of my impatience!!!)
9.) Eat and Enjoy!

Day 26: A childhood memory.

I can distinctly remember going to get my first 'big girl' bike.  I still remember the house that we bought it at(garage sale!). We actually still have that bike--although it is in worse condition due to being handed down the ranks. I also remember taking the training wheels off that bike-by myself-for the first time. =) I only took them off because my little sister did so and I wasn't going to be bested by her. =P

Day 27: A physical feature you love.
Eyes!--eyes are the window to the soul

Day 28: A scar you have and it's story.

=) oh fun! I have a scar on my elbow from falling off a 'big-girl swing' when I was little. (I had to have been younger than 6...)
I also have  a scar on my chin from falling and hitting it on a rock. According to my mom: My family was hiking and it was getting later in the day.  My Mom was caring my little sister, Marci.  I was getting tired and it was about naptime.  I was getting whiny but Daddy insisted that I was big enough to walk on my own.  Needless to say I tripped on a rock and hit my chin. I would have been 3ish I would think if Marci was being carried. =P

Day 29: Hopes, dreams and plans you have for the next 365 days. 

Oh, I don't know--I don't really plan ahead. I guess to grow and become more Christ-like.  =D

Day 30: A motto or philosophy.

well, this is something my dad told me on the way to work last Saturday (because I forgot my keys so we had to turn around and go back home to get them and I was already late...)

Failing to plan,

is planning for failure.

...a procrastinator's quote--ha!

whew! Kudos to anyone who read through all that!  is has got to be the longest. post. ever. =P


Head on over to May Amelia's beautiful blog--she's having a lovely giveaway right now! 


In Christ,

the Monday Morning Daybook --31JAN11

Date: Monday, January 31, 2011

Starting time: 8:42AM

Outside my window...it is absolutely freezing and snowy...but with icicles all over that are begging to be photographed--what can I say? I've just been too busy...lame excuse, I know...

I’m creating...um, nothing actually...unless school stuff counts

I’m feeling...excited for the second semester of school! (did I mention that I'm taking a photography class?! I really dislike the teacher, but oh well...that is the only negative part...)

I’m hoping to...be able to catch up with dance (I missed a week--it is so hard to catch back up!)

I’m learning...to praise God no matter what happens. 

I’m listening to...my history teacher lecturing...and my little siblings in the background...

I’m looking forward to...practice for the youth-led-service =)

I’m praying for...diligence and that I would stop procrastinating...
I'm praising God for...good grades from the first semester!!! =D =D =D

I’m reading...the Bible, school stuff, and not much else...I finished Inkheart! =D =D loved it!!! (only negative aspect is that one character has a very bad habit of using the Lord's name in vain. Ugh. Why did the author have to include that?...)

I’m thinking...that maybe I should pay attention to my History teacher now... ;)

I’m wearing...jeans, purple shirt, and jacket

I’m wondering...if any of you have a request for tomorrow's Tuesday's Tips??? I'm kind of at a loss for what to do right now--any suggestions would be welcome! 

Ending time: 8:53AM

Grab a button...

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...and link up!


*yes, I changed my link tool--Linky Tools is no longer offering their services for free...=(  

Have a marvelous Monday! =D ...and don't forget to give me any suggestions you have for Tuesday's Tips

In Christ,

Life Defined -Skiing

Joining up with Näna over at By the Way. =)


This is my experience every Friday, so I figured it was appropriate to do today. =D




Busy is
trying to get all my schoolwork done for the day in 3 hours and packing for the day.

Careful is
driving through snowy, slushy, and/or icy roads to get to the slopes.

Confusion is 
sorting out everybody's gear, tickets, and food.

Freedom is
flying down the slopes without a care in the world.

Silence is
the wind in the trees,
skies swishing through the powder,
snowflakes drifting down,
sunshine seeping through the branches,
and my foggy breath through my scarf.

Cold is are
my fingers, toes, and nose after a few hours in the wind.

Warm is
a hot chocolate break inside the lodge. =)

Refreshing is
walking back outside into the wind to hit the slopes once again!

Relief is 
taking ski boots off and walking 'normally' once again. =P

Contentment is
climbing wearily back into the car for the ride back home.

Tired is
watching my little brother fall asleep in the car and wishing I could do the same.



Love in Christ,

Choices

This(without the pictures) is on a poster posted in the store where I work. It is an excellent reminder for us all to keep in mind...

The Choice

by Max Lucado

It's quiet. 

It’s early. 

My coffee is hot. 

The sky is still black. 

The world is still asleep. 

The day is coming.

In a few moments the day will arrive. It will roar down the track with the rising of the sun. The stillness of the dawn will be exchanged for the noise of the day. The calm of solitude will be replaced by the pounding pace of the human race. The refuge of the early morning will be invaded by decisions to be made and deadlines to be met.

For the next twelve hours I will be exposed to the day’s demands. It is now that I must make a choice. Because of Calvary, I’m free to choose. And so I choose.

No occasion justifies hatred; no injustice warrants bitterness. I choose love. Today I will love God and what God loves.

I will invite my God to be the God of circumstance. I will refuse the temptation to be cynical . . . the tool of the lazy thinker. I will refuse to see people as anything less than human beings, created by God. I will refuse to see any problem as anything less than an opportunity to see God.

I will live forgiven. I will forgive so that I may live.

I will overlook the inconveniences of the world. Instead of cursing the one who takes my place, I’ll invite him to do so. Rather than complain that the wait is too long, I will thank God for a moment to pray. Instead of clinching my fist at new assignments, I will face them with joy and courage.

I will be kind to the poor, for they are alone. Kind to the rich, for they are afraid. And kind to the unkind, for such is how God has treated me.

I will go without a dollar before I take a dishonest one. I will be overlooked before I will boast. I will confess before I will accuse. I choose goodness.

Today I will keep my promises. My debtors will not regret their trust. My associates will not question my word. My wife will not question my love. And my children will never fear that their father will not come home.

Nothing is won by force. I choose to be gentle. If I raise my voice may it be only in praise. If I clench my fist, may it be only in prayer. If I make a demand, may it be only of myself.

I am a spiritual being. After this body is dead, my spirit will soar. I refuse to let what will rot, rule the eternal. I choose self-control. I will be drunk only by joy. I will be impassioned only by my faith. I will be influenced only by God. I will be taught only by Christ. I choose self-control. 

Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. To these I commit my day. If I succeed, I will give thanks. If I fail, I will seek his grace. And then, when this day is done, I will place my head on my pillow and rest.

Writing from When God Whispers Your Name Copyright (Thomas Nelson, 1999) Max Lucado

Pictures SOOC by Emily Grace 

What will you choose?

Choosing the fruit of the Spirit for my day, 

Tuesday's Tips -Friend Connect

What makes blogging interactive? Well, duh, followers who comment. How do those followers find your blog?  Lots of different ways other blogs, followers, blog buttons... Friend Connect  What?  Friend Connect.  You know, your profile that people see when you follow their blog.  Never heard of it before... Really? That is where I get most of my visitors on my blog.  Cool, will you show me how to set mine up?  You don't have to set it up, but I will show you how to customize it. 
Here we go...


Friend Connect
Difficulty: Easy

First off, go to one of the blogs that you follow.  Then find the followers gadget.  You should see something similar to this.  Click on 'Options' and then 'Site settings'.  (note: if you don't see your name, click 'follow' and then enter your password when prompted)

Part 1: Basic Information

This will bring up a new mini-window.  This is the part we're going to focus on today. Click on 'Edit basic information' to start.

Which in turn will bring up another mini-window where you can add/edit your name and about me section of your profile.  Click save when you're done.  

If you'd like to add a photo to your profile, click 'Add a photo' on the first mini-window. =P (don't you just love my terminology--so specific! tehe...)

This will bring up another 'mini-window.' =) You will then have the option to choose your photo from a url, Picasa, or to upload it.  I personally have only been able to get it to work using the uploader.

Once you have chosen your photo you will be taken to a new section that allows you to choose what part of your picture you want to show.

Drag it around until it is how you want it and then click 'Apply Changes.'

Back to the first mini-window to add links to your profile.  

I would add your blog(s), possibly your blogger profile, and whatever else you'd like to show up on your friend connect profile.

If you decided you don't want a link up anymore, click on 'Remove links.'

Just click 'Remove' next to whatever link you would like to get rid of.

Part 2: Messaging (a very special thank you to May Amelia who helped me figure this one out =D )
On the left you should see several tabs.  Click on 'Messaging.' If you would like to allow other followers of the sites you follow be able to message you make sure the check is selected for 'Allow site members to send messages to your email address.' If this is selected other followers of the blog will be able to send you a message which will be sent to your email address.  They won't see your email address unless you reply to their message.  You can change the email that these messages are sent to.  You can also select the option to receive newsletter for the blog you're following.

I know this post may seem a little 'basic' but when I first started blogging I had on idea how to use Friend Connect. The whole point of Tuesday's Tips to give tips that I have learned that others may not know. =)

Have a terrific Tuesday!

the Monday Morning Daybook --24JAN11

Date: Monday, January 24, 2011

Starting time: 9:35AM

Outside my window...it is freezing cold but sunny!!!

I’m creating...um, nothing--unless you coun't school

I’m feeling...tired, and slightly frustrated with technology--my laptop died! --so I'm on my brother's...grrr --say goodbye to all my photos, school work, etc...

I’m hoping for...a good second semester of school!
I'm thankful for...the first semester finals are done!!! =D =D =D

I’m learning...that God is in control no matter what happens...sigh

I’m listening to...Who is like the Lord, Almighty? by Unhindered --amazing, amazing song!

I’m looking forward to...field trip tomorrow!

I’m praying for...the second semester to go well

I’m reading...Tintenherz...still...

I’m thinking...I'm really liking my History teacher...=D

I’m wearing...jeans, t-shirt, hoodie--comfortable and warm is the way I go when it is this cold!

I’m wondering...if I will be able to save all the stuff off my laptop...

Ending time: 9:41AM

Feel free to grab a button and link up with your answers! =D

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Love in Christ,

Just a short little note to say...

finals are over!!!

(you may not have any idea how exciting and how much of a relief that is to me--so stick with me and just try to imagine it, k?)

  

Yippie! 

Yeah!

Booyah!

Woohooo!!! 

 

*singing and dancing around the room*

 and now for some more exciting news...

 

my photography blog is now open again!

 

many of you have already noticed that it was closed--I was installing a new design
It is now open and I *plan* on posting regularly again. =)  I have several fun posts already in the makings.

I also have a couple fun posts for here including the Monday Morning Daybook, Tuesday's Tips, and more! =D hehe!

well, I'd better be off to work now...

Have an awesomely fantastic day!

Sister in Christ,

Shades of Snow - New Blog Design!

What do ya think?

Me? Personally I love it--of course I'm not biased at all...ahem

I still have a few things that I want to add/tweak, but for the most part this design is finished.  My favorite part is the menu to the left --> try it...isn't it awesome?!! =D 

I'm also loving the name--Shades of Snow--doesn't it just sound mysterious?...kind of like the shade blue I used

the new buttons

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An announcement...I will be taking a short break from blogging.  Eeep-I said it!
Finals are coming up for school and I'm feeling the pressure of getting everything done on time.  So I've promised myself that after I installed my new design and posted this that I would log out of blogger and not log back in until my finals are completed.  *sigh* So I won't be back for a few weeks--21st at the earliest. You're free to still drop by, but I'm afraid that the design is the only new stuff you'll see.  (and I'm sorry that I won't be able to complete your blog challenge each day, May...perhaps I'll post one big post when I come back?! hmm...that is an idea...)
You know what I am looking forward to? Skiing!!!--whoops I meant on the blogging world, but that just had to slip out...*ahem* I'm looking forward to seeing all your comments on my new design when I get back! =) hehe!

Well, you all have a marvelously wonderful day and God Bless! and I'm off to do English--The Taming of the Shrew--*sigh, wink*

Love in Christ,

30 Day Challenge - Days 2 & 3

whoops! I forgot to post yesterday...so I'm doubling up today...

Day 2: Favorite Movie
Well, I'd have to go with a movie series that just had the third movie come out...
Yep, The Chronicles of Narnia!!!

I absolutely loved the first movie, The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe.  It stuck very close to the storyline of the book and I could overlook small differences.  I really loved everything about this movie--especially the contrasting colors. =P

I have to say that I was very, disappointed in the second movie, Prince Caspian. I strongly disliked how it seemed like they took the characters from a story and ran with them, leaving the story to the wind. I hated how they took Aslan's character and made him unimportant and removed the strong character/position that he had in the book.  I could go on and on but I'll stop ranting now...on to the newest release!

The Voyage of the Dawn Treader was a big improvement from Prince Caspian yet it lacked oh, I don't know the strong feeling from The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe.  Caspian was much improved. ;) Eustace was perfectly obnoxious. =P  Repecheap was just as charming and entertaining as usual.  Lucy just as believing and relatable as before.  Aslan had his powerful position back.  

I actually liked the addition of the seven swards.  It added an accomplishment to the movie since they took away the 'sailing to the end of the world' goal.  

The green mist was okay. 

I disliked how they changed the islands and combined them, but I understand that it would make for a very long movie otherwise.  However, I think that part could have been done better. 

I loved the dufflepuds!! =D That part was one of the best parts in the whole movie. =D

The scene with the painting was absolutely amazing! 

                                                   ...alright, I'll stop rambling and get on to today's topic

Day 3: A Favorite Book

Oh, dear! I have way to many 'favorite' books...I could give you an almost neverending list...

I could go back to books I read over and over when I was younger...Trixie Belden, Nancy Drew, The Summerhill Secrets, Elsie Dinsmore, Dixie Morris, Mandy, The Cooper Kids, Dear America, The Seven Sleepers etc...

or I could go more recent to The Hidden Hand, This Present Darkness & its sequel Piercing the Darkness, Ishmael & its sequel Self Raised, Anne of Green Gables, etc...

but I think I'll go with the book that my friend just suggested to me and I'm reading now...Tintenherz(Inkheart) by Cornelia Funke.

If you read my previous post, you know that I've only made it partway through this rather large book.  However, I've already noticed that this book has a very unique plot--which is something I really enjoy--and because I'm reading it in German it is a stretch for me. I normally(by normally I mean books in English) read books very quickly. Even though I'm whizzing through I still catch all the little details and that way I can read more/longer books.  Let's just say that reading in German is a very different story. To say the least.
Read a sentence in German.  Pick up all that I can recognize.  Read the same sentence in English then reread the sentence in German.  Pick up anything I missed. Writing down questions or words to look up later as I go along. Etc...
It is a very time consuming process.  But I'm enjoying it. =D The only thing I'm really having problems with is not reading to far ahead in the English version...haha!

Anyways, I'm not going to give you a summary as I haven't finished the book yet--but I'm sure you'll get one once I do. =)


To join this blog challenge check out May Amelia's blog!

Love in Christ,

P.S. I have this awesome poster of Aslan on my wall staring at me right now...

...aren't his eyes awesome?! =D

the Monday sort of-Morning Daybook --03JAN11

Date: Monday, January 3, 2011

Starting time: 6:43PM--so today's isn't so much of a morning daybook...whoops!

Outside my window...it is gently snowing and yet the sun is out--making the snow looks like glitter!! =D

I’m creating...Thank you cards....I overestimated how many little squares I would need for the design so I have a ton of extras--any good craft ideas for 1" squares of coordinating patterns and solids? 

I’m feeling...extra annoyed with my procrastinating self, and slightly stressed about how much I have to do in so little time(which is why I'm blogging now--ha!)

I’m hoping for...to get rid of the lingerings of whatever icky-sicky-ness I caught last year

I’m learning...not to be selfish--a hard lesson let me tell you!

I’m listening to...my iTunes is on shuffle so random songs

I’m looking forward to...the second semester for school!!! ---my schedule will be so much better than this semester

I’m praying for... diligence and selflessness

I’m reading...Tintenherz by Cornelia Funke(in English it is Inkheart) let me tell you this book is huge(573 pages) and it is taking me forever just to read what little I have read(erm...3 chapters...*cough cough*) But it has an awesomely unique plot

I’m thinking...that I really need to quit procrastinating

I’m wearing...jeans, purple shirt layered over a white long sleeved shirt, socks, and slippers

I’m wondering...if I will actually get everything done on time...eep!

Ending time: 6:46

I know this is really late, but if you have time and still want to do it go ahead and grab a button and link up below! =D I'd really love to see your answers.


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Love in Christ your procrastinating perfectionist,