for lack of anything better

Something blue…

2011-04-29T11:03:00.000-05:00

This cute little blue suitcase caught my eye yesterday at the thrift store. And begged me to take it home. For a mere $0.99…this is the sort of thing I dream about stumbling across, but rarely do.

It's blue. And small.

I kind of love it.

Echinacea

2011-04-07T13:54:00.005-05:00

My family has had a cold/flu virus for at least a month now. Since there are nine of us, it always takes a long time for a sickness to work its way through all of us.

One thing that we've been using to try to combat this sickness is echinacea tea. Echinacea may have been used by Native Americans to combat sickness and strengthen the immune system. It's also very yummy!

"Today, people use echinacea to shorten the duration of the common cold and flu and reduce symptoms, such as sore throat (pharyngitis), cough, and fever. Many herbalists also recommend echinacea to help boost the immune system and help the body fight infections."

Read the whole article HERE

C.S. Lewis

2011-03-18T16:48:00.004-05:00

"I believe in Christianity as I believe that the sun has risen: not only because I see it, but because by it I see everything else."

{picture taken in Santa Fe, NM}

2011-03-15T14:30:00.002-05:00

Procrastination

n. [L. procrastinatio]

1. The act or habit of procrastinating, or putting off to a future time; delay; dilatoriness.

Procrastination is the thief of time.
– Young.

{Webster's 1828 American Dictionary}

Musical Monday is back!

2011-03-14T09:09:00.005-05:00

Since I'm on Spring Break this week, I decided to revive the musical monday feature…at least for this week!

I've been listening to Pandora a lot recently. Somehow it helps me stay focused on my homework, and it's great for discovering new artists and songs! I have a station that has been playing music from the band Secret Garden, which is a Norwegian duo that plays beautiful folksy music.

This song, Dreamcatcher, features their beautiful piano and violin music.

2011-03-02T20:34:00.005-06:00

Well, we've certainly had a lengthy hiatus here at For Lack of Anything Better…sorry about that! That's not to say that nothing's happened, quite the contrary in fact! I figured I'd better post now before school places its unreasonable demands on my time.

Here is a summary of some of our Best of 2010 moments:

May:
Amy turned 21 and one of our bestest friends, Elizabeth, got married!!

June:
Took a trip to Colorado and New Mexico to visit family. We spent some great time with our relatives, got our left ears double-pierced (just Julia and Amy! lol), went to the beach, ate spam, rode the jet skis…I could keep going on! I also took an insane tube ride that left me sore for days. And we both got a sunburn that left us sore for weeks (and semi-permanent tan lines).

Our whole family turned out to see Toy Story 3 at our local theater. It was great.

July:
Amy and I and our friend Kate took a road trip to visit aforesaid Married Friend for the weekend, which also happened to be my birthday weekend! To say we had a great time would be a huge understatement. We convinced them both to get their left ears double-pierced to match ours :)
Also, our family went to the zoo for the first time in a long time. It was our first time at the zoo without a diaper bag!!

August:
I graduated from community college and started classes at the University! After this semester I'll be a senior! [applause]

October:
Another one of our bestest friends, Kate (actually the sister of Elizabeth) got married!! And I was honored to stand up with her and be one of her bridesmaids :D

And guess what, everyone…I FINALLY finished my striped polonaise!! It had been sitting in my room waiting to be hemmed - my motivation to hem it was so I could wear it to a fall costume party. There was dancing and pie, and let me tell you: I really felt some pain before the night was over!! Eating and dancing in fully-boned 18th c. stays is NOT recommended if you're going for comfort. But I survived, and yes it was worth every second!

November:
Amy and I were in on a surprise birthday party for our dear friend Alyssa that involved driving to a city north of here and staying at a lovely B&B. There were seven of us girls altogether, and we had an absolute blast! We went to a big farmer's market, hit some antique shops, went to a fancy restaurant for dinner, and had a celebration with chocolate cake and cheddar popcorn. (And did I mention apple cider?)

December:
Amy, Dan, Ben, and I went to see the Voyage of the Dawn Treader on the 10th. At midnight. In 3D. It took me at least 2 days to recover from sleep deprivation. But it was totally worth it :)

Christmas:
Spent Christmas in New Mexico, where the weather was balmy compared to the frigid midwest! The 3 younger boys even took a polar bear plunge in the lake while we were there…they say it was colder than Lake Michigan in September. We went to see the River of Lights in Albuquerque and spent a day in Santa Fe, where we saw some amazing old churches - one of which is the oldest standing church structure in the US. The San Miguel Mission was built in 1610, and there is a bell inside that was cast in Spain in the year 1356!! We also got to shoot some cool guns off in the middle of the desert and go 4-wheeling up and down the sand hills of the beach.

Floriography in May Flowers

2010-05-07T15:01:00.008-05:00

Floriography, or, The Language of Flowers, assigns certain attributes to flowers. It was very popular during the Victorian era to send a friend or a loved one a non-verbal message by means of a meaningful bouquet.

Apple Blossoms: Preference

Dandelions: Coquetry

Cherry Blossoms: Good Education

Purple Lilacs: First Emotions of Love

Blue Violets: Faithfulness

These pictures were all taken in my beautiful yard :)

Spring Break

2010-03-10T12:09:00.004-06:00

…is happening now! For me, at least. Amy's spring break doesn't happen for another two weeks. I'm enjoying the time off, catching up on things that get pushed back by homework. I've started a new book, The Last Cavalier by Alexandre Dumas. Apparently it's his last work, and as far as the public is concerned it was nonexistent until just recently. I'll let you know how I like it.

Also, I have begun actually sewing on my 18th c. polonaise…I'm so excited about finishing it!! I've promised myself I'll finish it before spring break is over, so pictures should be coming within the next few weeks :)

Musical Monday

2010-03-08T11:11:00.004-06:00

This week's song is the title track from Plumb's new album "Beautiful History." It's about trusting God to always be with you, even when things seem to be going wrong-He always has a plan for your life.

I also found a video that pairs the song with One Night With The King - and I think it's the perfect song for the movie :)

(since the whole thing isn't showing up, you can watch it on youtube here)

2010-02-13T10:21:00.004-06:00

"A well-knotted cravat is the first serious step in a man's life."

- Oscar Wilde

Here are a few gentlemen who have mastered the cravat: John Thornton (North & South), Prince Albert (The Young Victoria), Horatio Hornblower (Hornblower), Frederick Wentworth (Persuasion), and, of course, THE Mr. Darcy (Pride and Prejudice)

Enjoy, Ladies!

(Gentlemen, take note)

Chain Maille…

2010-02-06T13:58:00.004-06:00

……my samples arrived the other day. If anyone needs chain maille supplies, try The Ring Lord. If you're wondering what I'm doing with chain maille samples, stay tuned for updates! Or you can take a wild guess.

Ronald Reagan on modern policy issues

2010-01-30T13:29:00.004-06:00

Here's an excerpt from Reagan's speech supporting Barry Goldwater. Reagan addresses big government, high taxation, and the "war on poverty." He also talks about foreign policy issues including the risk of appeasement, "peace through strength," and the Vietnam War.

His speech is still relevant as a statement of modern American conservative philosophy over forty years after it was delivered.

What is inspiration?

2010-01-26T09:44:00.002-06:00

the process of being mentally stimulated to do or feel something, esp. to do something creative

This semester in design school I'm taking three design courses, which is a lot of work. I just thought I'd share a little of what this semester is going to hold for me. First of all, my knits class……I'm learning the exclusive art of knit patterning, and will be designing a three-piece ensemble inspired by graphic art. For my wearable arts class, we are creating a flat piece of fabric that can be draped and fastened on the body to create a 'personality' - not a garment. The theme is embroidery, and the inspiration is Militaria. And lastly, my coats class is an intro to the mysteries of tailoring and is inspired by architecture.

I'm very excited about this semester!! I'll probably be posting pictures of my progress as I go, to keep you updated!

Alternative Methods

2010-01-24T17:54:00.004-06:00

Amy tells me that I'll be one of those "Bad Homeschool Mom" types - the one that is always frowned upon by respectable moms because she uses such unorthodox ways to teach her kids.

Recently I have been assisting the twins with their basic addition skills. They somehow outpaced themselves and got all the way to long division while counting on their fingers.

So I decided to take action.

Blackjack, anyone?

Now we play nearly every day, and there is already noticeable improvement in adding speed. Also, it is a good anti-gambling lesson…we use beans for chips, and Jon is already heavily in debt. He insists that there is not the smallest chance that he would ever play with real chips. That is, at least, until he gets really good.

Kate Spade

2010-01-21T16:53:00.005-06:00

I am officially in love with Kate Spade's clothing line……bright color combinations, vintage-y details, adorable shoes. What's not to love?! (except maybe the price tag!) Anyways, I just thought I'd share with you!

I love these cardigans - the short sleeve black one would be perfect for Spring and Summer, when it's warm, but the air conditioning gets a little chilly sometimes. And the hot pink and orange sweater is skillfully paired with a toned-down print dress, so the neon hues remain classy.

These coats are just so fun! Classic, but with two different personalities. The brown is a little more earthy, updated with a yellow dress and chartreuse details on the shoes. The black is elegant and chic, made a bit more fun with polka-dot tights and peep-toed shoes with bows.

Wow, color! Who says bright tights are just for little girls? The full skirts are very current, and the pleats keep them from adding too much volume to your waistline. This model reminds me of Audrey Hepburn.

Summery blue hues, paired with silver and orange accessories. I think it's a great combination, and I love the stripes. I am definitely taking styling cues from Kate Spade this Spring and Summer!

Musical Monday

2010-01-18T08:28:00.000-06:00

It's been awhile, but this is a song I just couldn't pass up. "Haven't Met You Yet" by Michael Bublè is a sweet song with a vintage feel that makes us smile when we hear it.

Chicago!!!

2010-01-17T19:41:00.004-06:00

Yesterday Julia and I went downtown with some of our friends. Shopping, walking, more shopping, more walking, eating, walking again……we accidentally went in the complete opposite direction than we intended, and walked about 10 miles out of the way.

But we found an Anthropologie store, so it was all good! And we had the funniest incident with some gorgeous doors on a Church. One of the girls (who shall remain nameless) wanted to have her picture with them, and pulled one open. And tried to shut it. But it wouldn't shut. So then Jamie ran to the rescue, and then Lauren. But to no avail. The rest of us were dying of laughter, and Ambria snapped a picture. I finally stopped laughing long enough to tell them that I thought it would close by itself. So they stopped pushing. Lo and behold the automatic door closed. By itself. Then we walked back.

It was a lot of walking, but we had so much fun, and several of us found some awesome deals!

I decided I was tired of brown. So I changed the blog around (without telling Julia), and came up with this! Do you like it?!

Also, there's a poll on my Hairstyle blog. I'd love for you to vote on your favorite Historical Heroine. Check it out here!

Featured!!!

2009-12-14T12:03:00.003-06:00

My Marianne Regency Capote was featured in this beautiful Christmas at Pemberley treasury on etsy by TreacleAndInk!!! Take a look!

The 8 O'Clock Frock GROSGRAIN GIVEAWAY!!!!

2009-12-13T17:57:00.003-06:00

A beautiful sheath dress……

……in deep gold.

Just in time for Christmas!!

Enter to win:

The 8 O Clock Frock GROSGRAIN GIVEAWAY!!!!

New Hairstyles!!!

2009-12-01T17:54:00.003-06:00

Just wanted to let you know……I've finally had time to update my Hairstyle blog. Completed are two Marian hairstyle tutorials from BBC's Robin Hood, and one more is almost finished! Check them out!

Marian's Braided Headband

Marian's Hair stick Bun

Marian's Long Loose Waves - Coming Soon!!

Dancing 'til Dawn

2009-11-16T13:38:00.005-06:00

…okay, so it wasn't quite dawn, more like 11:45 or so. Amy & I are now officially hooked on English Country Dancing.

…with our friends Elizabeth & Kate (recognize their dresses?:)

Here's Nicki and me

Kate & me

He was a phenomenal (though rather short) dancer.

Jason & the girls

Design Sketches

2009-10-12T18:26:00.003-05:00

Hello everyone!! Life has been crazy for me recently! I promise I'll get around to posting pictures from London very, very soon!

In school this year we are making 2 dresses - and mine are both wedding dresses! I wanted to share my first sketches with you. The shorter version is going to end up with a one-shoulder design instead of being totally strapless. I don't prefer strapless gowns myself, but I wanted to get the experience of working with the modern strapless foundation.

The Long, Long Trailer

2009-10-06T15:44:00.003-05:00

Nicholas Collini: Been married long?

Park Keeper: About 31 years.

Nicholas Collini: Have many fights?
Park Keeper: Nope.
Nicholas Collini: Then take my advice: don't buy a trailer.

The Long, Long Trailer is a hilarious movie that the whole family will enjoy–and the costumes are simply irresistible!

an awesome find

2009-09-22T17:07:00.001-05:00

I found this 1960's dress at a church sale in August.

Isn't it cute?

A Medieval Fashion Event!

2009-08-19T09:09:00.003-05:00

Mark your calenders!! AmandaBeth Online is having a Fashion event dedicated to Maid Marian and her amazing wardrobe! It will be running October 23-26, and Julia and I will be participating!

Finished dress!!

2009-08-17T15:06:00.005-05:00

So Julia had the brilliant idea to do my face like a doll…

……and this is the result of that brilliant idea!

(I was personally thinking more of a vintage look originally)

But it was fun!

And you can see the ruffle nicely here……

Pretty flowers match my dress!!

Make it over or do without……

2009-08-11T16:09:00.006-05:00

In this case, a new-with-tags converse dress and a vintage tablecloth from the thrift store. I tried the dress on, and it fit me to a T, but I the skirt was a little too short. So, while I would usually not pay $10 for a dress from the thrift store, I felt justified.

I also found some adorable linens, including this printed tablecloth. I got home and was pulling my things out to show mom - eureka!! Combine the $0.90 tablecloth with the $10 dress!

Pictures of the finished product coming soon!!

gypsy girls at dusk

2009-08-05T14:58:00.000-05:00

I know, it's about time…

2009-08-04T09:27:00.011-05:00

Here's a sort of summary of our big trip in pictures:

We had an awesome time at the Summit Student Conference in Colorado…

We learned a LOT (over 70 hours in classroom!),

went paintballing in the mountains,

and met many new friends.

Afterwards, Mom and Lydia flew in to Denver, and we met up with the extended family in Glenwood Springs:

Going rafting,

riding up the tram and into Glenwood caverns…

…then driving west to our grandparents' house. Lydia loved helping Gramps pull weeds out from between the rocks in their yard.

We got to spend some time with our cousin Codie and our Aunt Betty.

They took us riding,

and we did henna together…

And we went to Olive Garden and Cold Stone Creamery on our last evening there…which was also my birthday :)

On the way home, we took a slight detour to drive through the beautiful Rocky Mountain National Park and Estes Park on the way home. It was a wonderful trip!

Fashion Week……

2009-06-26T15:01:00.002-05:00

It's fashion week over on AmandaBeth Online!

I, for one, am excited to see the great modest styles she's featuring - it's so encouraging! There are great articles, as well as inspiring photos. One of my favorites is Boho Style, and the Giveaway 3 - ELIZA Magazine!!! - check it out!!

circumvention……

2009-06-25T10:50:00.004-05:00

……that is to say, working our way around a problem.

Julia needed a white shrug to wear with her new blue jersey dress. But alas, none of the stores had one that fit her specifications.

So we, *ahem*, stole one of my Dad's white t-shirts, and draped it into this…

…a totally mod white shrug that fits the island-girl look she was going for!

Milo's Demise

2009-06-23T17:01:00.002-05:00

Poor little Milo has been put down. Last Tuesday we found him huddled in the back of the barn, his legs twisted strangely. Our vet said that he probably had a broken pelvis, but cats (especially kittens) mend broken bones very fast. So for a week, Milo lived in the basement, tenderly cared for. He remained in good spirits, purring at everyone who came to pet him, even those who came to give him a horrible bath. Throughout the week, he seemed to improve a little and be in less pain, but when we took him back in the vet was not happy with the outlook. By now, he said, Milo should be hopping around and using his back legs. However, Milo now had no feeling in legs nor tail, which meant that the nerves were damaged, which meant there was spine damage and paralysis. He would never recover. So we sadly but mercifully put him down, and he now rests in our animal graveyard along with a rabbit, a duck, and a baby bird.

Hairstyle Instructions……

2009-06-17T15:09:00.002-05:00

Many of you know that I started a hairstyle blog a while back, and I've been slowly adding to it. I am pleased to announce the first step-by-step tutorial for Elizabeth Swann's hairdo in Pirates of the Caribbean! Take a look, try it out, and let me know if it works for you!!!

Lydia and Tex

2009-06-17T09:25:00.002-05:00

Texas was my horse when I was little, and has been passed down to each of the other children in turn. Now Tex is Lydia's faithful steed……

Ride 'em, cowgirl!

Musical Monday

2009-06-15T16:23:00.004-05:00

Jon McLaughlin's song Beating Your Heart is one of our new favorites, introduced to us by our friend Alyssa. Enjoy!!

Hats……

2009-06-12T17:48:00.003-05:00

……on sale in my etsy shop.

2009-06-11T13:18:00.004-05:00

Alrighty, so I was poking through our archives wondering what I should post about……and I stumbled on this post. I decided to pull out some other photoshop pics that Julia's done. Enjoy!

Our dear friend Kate, dreaming as always! ;)

I love this one of Julia!

Elizabeth and Darcy - a perfect match?!

meet Milo

2009-06-01T11:51:00.004-05:00

Named, of course, after the cat in Milo & Otis.

He wouldn't stay still for the pictures :)

Fonts for everyone!

2009-05-20T11:47:00.002-05:00

One of our favorite sites……

Check out the new fonts, or browse by category.

Enjoy!

Coming (or going) this summer……

2009-05-18T11:38:00.003-05:00

Julia and I are headed to the Colorado campus this year!

another North & South post ;)

2009-05-14T16:55:00.002-05:00

Here is part of a hilarious post on a North & South message board (yes, there is such a thing).

It's called "Life Lessons Learned from North & South"

Enjoy!

• We silly young girls should never be depended on for constancy. (Courtesy of Mrs. Thornton.)

Never spend the afternoon ironing when you are expecting visitors the same evening
You can buy nice wallpaper in the North
Never wave off relatives at railway stations
Speculating is only successful if you're not a nice person
Stew is a much underrated dish
You can bring back marmosets from Mozambique
Whenever your trains stops at a station - get off - just in case!
You don't always need Henry to explain
When the man you are attracted to asks "you're ill?" and looks at you like that, just say "yes" and faint into his arms.
If you are interested in a man offer to invest in his company
When the man you're in love with asks "so you are going, and never come back?" tell him to hang on a sec while you just nip out and cancel the cab.

Milton men, transported to the south, are in danger of rusting.
You have to look hard to find roses in the hedgerow.
Telling someone you wish to marry them because you love them is more effective when you're not shouting and chasing them round a table.
Never take on foreign workers when you're already fully staffed.
Milton men are a little unsure of the mechanics of dabbling.
Don't hang visitor's coats and hats on hallstands - their presence may upset other visitors.
Never ask your mother and sister to visit new neighbours.
You can do more harm than good with a basket.
It's a good idea not to let your head get between a stone and a millowner. It's bound to get bloody.
Be nice to your godfather, you never know when he might leave you all his money.
Smoking is dangerous: you could end up getting your butt kicked in by an angry millowner.
Be nice to cold, bossy women. One of them could end up as your mother in law.
A single woman in search of a husband should always carry a loaded chequebook when travelling by rail.
It is considered bad form to pay a call when a riot is imminent.
It is generally unwise to goad a gentleman with the words, "Act like a man."
Gardeners should take precautions to protect their roses from the boyfriends of former residents.
If your boss is working late, don’t work late as well – the company is probably going under.
Scowling almost always has the opposite effect to the one intended (particularly to the female variety)
Always refuse the first proposal when passion/anger is running high. If he really means what he says he'll be back.
When someone snarls that they're over their foolish passion take it with a pinch of salt.
If he enthuses over Wainwright's wheel he won't mind if you indulge in the odd cat nap.
When Northerners imply that they'd rather not see you anymore, they're always full of beans.
If you're a servant to a family with a well-kept secret scandal, never call out to sketchy-looking men walking down the street.
Steady diets of "smoke and money" can create some mighty fine figures.
If you're not a London Girl, never discuss chapels, walks, or sunny days with anyone, anywhere, at any time.
Don't hesitate to marry a man who's "a little gray," because he'll buy you lovely Indian wallpaper.
Just because she's hugging another bloke, doesn't mean she's his.
Walking through grim grave yards is a great way of soothing the humours.
If he likes Plato then he's got to be worth considering.
When you say goodbye to the man you desire never say you will never be back. Just say "I wish you all be best"....leave doors open by giving him his favourite book.
Dropping the aitch doesn't mean he isn't a gentleman.

Musical Monday

2009-04-13T12:31:00.000-05:00

Today I get to do Musical Monday!!!

Julia and I have been liking a lot of Enya's songs for a long time. She has such a soft, lyrical style - we have a lot of her songs on our "sleepy" playlist. Here is one of our new favorites!!

The Sun in the Stream - Enya

PICTURES!!!!

2009-04-04T12:30:00.004-05:00

After neglecting to post pictures of Lydia's dress, as I promised, I am finally posting them!!!

Sound of Music inspired!

(if you couldn't tell!)

I know, we've been seriously neglecting the blog all around, and for that I apologize!!!

Some juicy tidbits. . . .

1. Julia and I are working on late 18th century dresses with one of our friends - yummy silks!!

2. We are planning on doing a photo shoot with said dresses when completed!!

3. I am working on a lace Easter dress for myself! (Vintage style, of course.)

4. I have promised myself to devote a little more time to blogging again, so as not to let my dear blogging friends down!!

So there you go!! Enjoy, and have a wonderful day!

Musical Monday

2009-03-16T13:47:00.002-05:00

Phil Wickham has lots of great songs on his Cannons album, and Sailing On A Ship is one of our favorites. It has more of a folksy sound than the others, and the lyrics are vividly expressive. :)

Sailing On A Ship - Phil Wickham

2009-03-03T17:48:00.004-06:00

Wow, it's certainly been a while since I wrote on here! I have been busy with school……I'm only taking 9 hours this semester, but it seems like a lot. I can't imagine being a full-time student and working two jobs, like some of my classmates. Amy has been busy with various sewing projects--Lydia wore her birthday dress last Sunday, and at our church's nursing home service the residents just loved it; she looked just like like a vintage Austrian princess. Pictures will be coming soon!

Unfortunately I'm coming down with yet another cold…I'm sure it's something I'm getting from school :/ Oh, well……

Last week, Amy, my mom, and I watched Under The Greenwood Tree, a 90-minute BBC film set in the 1880's, I think. The filming and production isn't quite up to normal BBC standards, but it's a very cute and enjoyable story.

Emma and Johanna over at A Banner of Crimson have given us this award:

The Lemonade from Lemons award, for those bloggers who have shown themselves to be handy at discovering silver linings and making the best of bad situations.

Rules: Name ten (or less if that suits you better) sites that reflect this silver linings philosophy.

I'll name: Nicki at Hoofbeats of Life

Cassie at Wannabe Cowgirl

Emme at Songs I Sing

Lauren Christine at with humility, thankfulness, and rejoicing

It's that time of the year again. . .

2009-01-29T15:26:00.002-06:00

Lydia's birthday is coming up, and it's time to make her a fourth Birthday Dress!

Here's the inspiration. . .

Here's the pattern. . .

And here is the fabric!!

I had fun using my new Gingher Scissors for the first time! :)

Vintage-ish photo shoot

2009-01-20T09:36:00.004-06:00

This is what two homeschooled graduates do on a Sunday afternoon when they are bored. . . a photo shoot, of course!!

. . .drumroll, please. . .

2009-01-12T11:13:00.003-06:00

Some pictures for your viewing enjoyment!
Finally some pictures of the boy's tunics.
Now technically these are more like surcoats, but these aren't period correct anyways. . . more of a fantasy twist on historical!

Matt, Ben, Dan, and Jon

Matt's device is a stag. . .

. . .Dan's is a gryphon. . .

. . . Ben has an eagle, and Jon has a warhorse.

My handsome brothers!!!

Fun with photoshop ;)

2009-01-10T15:11:00.004-06:00

Here are a few of my more recent "just for fun" projects:

(click on the pictures to see them full-size)

I also have a few that I made with my friends in them......but they haven't seen them yet, so if they like them I'll put them up! :)

2009-01-04T19:30:00.006-06:00

Wow, we really didn't drop off the face of the earth!! I know that's what everyone thought. . . but for better or for worse, we're still here. So what's been going on with Julia and Amy? Let me tell you. . .

. . . Julia and I have been designing and sewing more costumes. This time we made medieval-inspired tunics/vest for the boys for Christmas. Each of them has their own device, and a photo shoot is upcoming!

I have been doing some custom sewing for a lady (not anything as exciting as costumes), which has been a great experience. The remuneration for that has been a welcome addition to my England trip fund! I'm really looking forward to going to London this September!

Julia is really excited about starting school again. . . probably because she gets to see all our mutual friends, and I don't! :( But hey, I can make new friends, right?! I'm looking forward to starting school back up, too. :/

We've also been watching a lot of classic BBC with Mom. . . So much fun!!

We had a great Christmas with our family, and a great New Year's as well! And we hope everyone else did too! And we are going to be putting up some new pictures soon, and we are working on updating the look of the blog. . . but what's new?!

A giveaway!

2008-12-03T15:52:00.002-06:00

Check out this awesome bag over at Caroline's blog.

Another tag!

2008-12-01T12:29:00.007-06:00

RULES:
1. Copy the questions and then answer them
2. Tag 4 people and let them know you have tagged them.
3. Let the person who tagged you know that you have done a post for the tag.

QUESTIONS

What is one place you've visited, can't forget and want to go back to?
Window Rock in Arizona

Do you trust easily?
Sometimes

Do you generally think before you act, or act before you think?
Generally, I think before I act.

Is there anything that had made you unhappy these days?
Homework deadlines!

What is your favorite fruit?
Bananas

What websites do you visit daily?
I'm usually not online every day, but when I am I visit friends' blogs mostly.

What have you been seriously addicted to lately?
Reading--but when am I not? :)

What's the last song that got stuck in your head?
This is a hard one because it seems like there's always some song stuck in my head! The last one was probably the Entr'acte from Phantom of the Opera, with all the different melodies o n e after a n o t h e r !

What is your favorite thing to wear?
Boots

Do you think Rice Krispies are yummy?
Yes, but we don't buy them very often.

What items couldn't you be without during the day?
I'm not really too dependent on anything.

What should you be doing right now?
Getting lunch

I tag:
Mom
Nicole
Amelia
Cassie
Caroline

My turn

2008-11-24T15:45:00.000-06:00

1. pick up the nearest book (of at least 123 pages)
Aww man, why does my Spanish book have to be sitting right here?

2. Open to page 123

3. Find the fifth sentence, which IS:
Juan Antonio y yo pensamos hacer planes para el viernes.

4. Post the next three sentences (Oh no! Here goes. . .)
Nosotros queremmos ir al cine.
Juan Antonio quiere una película de acción pero para mí no son interesantes.
Yo preferio las películas francesas, pero Juan Antonio no entiende francés.

5. Tag 5 people. Well, I'll just tag the same people Amy did :)

2008-11-23T21:24:00.002-06:00

A book meme from Elizabeth !!

Rules:

1. Pick up the nearest book (of at least 123 pages)
Early Thunder by Jean Fritz is lying on the kitchen table. . . one of my younger brothers is reading it

2. Open to page 123.

3. Find the fifth sentence, which is: Daniel shifted his thinking and was trying to send his mind after Beckett's when Ding-Dong Allison's door opened again.

4. Post the next three sentences:

The six boys came out and picked up their buckets. Ding-Dong stood in the doorway.

"Cobweb britches to all Tories," he said.

5. Tag five people. Let's see. . .

Genevieve, Marguerite and Aimee of SisterlyLove
Nicole
Aly
Ella and Elleree

Have fun!!

Yet Another Great Read

2008-11-14T14:07:00.004-06:00

Bleak House by Dickens.

This is a really good book, very suspenseful and hard to put down. It has its dark themes, but also some very funny humor. There are many beautiful word-pictures--Dickens is really a master at those. Amy read it first and wouldn't stop bugging me till I read it. . . . now I'm trying to get my mom to read it, but I don't know if I can. If you've read it and like it, leave a comment to help convince her that it's worth while! If you haven't read it yet, it would be a really good book to cozy up with this winter.

"But why her face should be, in a confused way, like a broken glass to me, in which I saw scraps of old remembrances. . ."

Some news

2008-11-06T09:59:00.002-06:00

First of all, I apologize for the terrible incongruity of our blog right now. . . we have been trying to give it a face-lift, but progress is slow since other things have taken precedence!

Secondly, I have begun developing a blog where I hope to present step-by-step photo instructions of historical, historically inspired, and film hairstyles!! Hooray! I'm so excited - you can view my (small) progress here.

And last of all - I know we need some new pictures here. I promise I will get some of my fashion illustrations up soon for your viewing (hopefully) pleasure! :) Thank you for your patience!

Check this out!

2008-10-31T21:55:00.003-05:00

New e-patterns from one of my absolute favorite pattern companies, Sense and Sensibility! You can download them and print them whatever size you need and whenever you want. Right now Mrs. Chancey, the owner of the company, has her whole Regency collection and her Edwardian apron pattern available. And because there is no printing and shipping costs the e-patterns are considerably less expensive than the printed versions. Hope you enjoy!

By the way, I used this pattern when I worked with Kate and Elizabeth to make their lovely Regency Ball Gowns!

2008-10-24T13:33:00.004-05:00

RULES,

BY THE OBSERVATION OF WHICH
A MAN OF WIT
AND LEARNING MAY
NEVERTHELESS MAKE HIMSELF
A DISAGREEABLE COMPANION
_______________________________

Your business is to shine; therefore you must by all means prevent the shining of others, for their Brightness may make yours the less distinguish'd. To this End.

1. If possible engross the whole Discourse; and when other Matter fails, talk much of your-self, your Education, your Knowledge, your Circumstances, your Successes in Business, your Victories in Disputes, your own wise Sayings and Observations on particular Occasions, &c. &c. &c.;

2. If when you are out of Breath, one of the Company should seize the Opportunity of saying something; watch his Words, and, if possible, find somewhat either in his Sentiment of Expression, immediately to contradict and raise a Dispute upon. Rather than fail, criticise even his Grammar.

3. If another should be saying an indisputeably good Thing; either give no Attention to it; or interrupt him; or draw away the Attention of others; or, if you can guess what he would be at, be quick and say it before him; or, if he gets it said, and you perceive the Company pleas'd with it, own it to be a good Thing, and withal remark that it had been said by Bacon, Locke, Bayle, or some other eminent Writer; thus you deprive him of the Reputation he might have gain'd by it, and gain some yourself, as you hereby show your great Reading and Memory.

4. When modest Men have been thus treated by you a few times, they will chuse ever after to be silent in your Company; then you may shine on without Fear of a Rival; rallying them at the same time for their Dullness, which will be to you a new Fund of Wit.

Thus you will be sure to please yourself. The polite Man aims at pleasing others, but you shall go beyond him even in that. A Man can be present only in one Company, but may at the same time be absent in twenty. He can please only where he is, you where-ever you are not.

THE PENNSYLVANIA GAZETTE,
NOVEMBER 15, 1750

North & South

2008-10-21T13:48:00.009-05:00

"I am sure we will always wear linen"

When the whistle sounds for break

"What would we want with a basket?"

"Our staircases are wider than the whole width of this room"

"Not all of them, surely"

[Fanny singing]

"They'll break down the door and murder us all!"

"Would you join a strike?"

"I'm not afraid. But can't you pacify them?"

"Mr Thornton, go down this instant and face them like a man"

"I was not there"

"You're coming home with me"

. . . six random things. . .

2008-10-17T21:10:00.003-05:00

Okay, I know Julia already did this, but I had to do it too!

We already listed the rules, so I'll just go ahead and post! :)

1. No one in my family, besides myself, has a name that starts with a vowel - I have two, Amy and Elizabeth!

2. I have a small collection of silver and silver-plated bud vases, which will hopefully grace my own home some day

3. I ironed a really cool foil transfer on the back of one of my sweatshirts today - it's from JoAnn fabrics and says "Jesus is Lord"

4. I love wearing knee socks, especially in the winter

5. I love cherries!! Cherry print fabrics and bing cherries in the summer

6. Yesterday my new pink Klean Kanteen came in the mail!! Hooray for stainless steel!

Oops, I almost did #7!!

Now I tag Clare, Trina and the girls, and Lauren Christine!

Tag!

2008-10-14T16:19:00.008-05:00

Caroline and Paris both tagged me for "Six Random Things". The rules are: Link to the person who tagged you, list the rules, write six random things about yourself, tag six-ish people by leaving comments on their blogs and let the person who tagged you know that you've written the post.

1. I am generally not a very sympathetic person

2. Though I don't often show my feelings, I LOVE reading books & watching movies that make me cry, the harder the better

3. I love pistachios, but they have to be the good, fresh ones - we get ours from Eagle Ranch in Alamogordo, NM(side note :)

4. I used to play organ for church, and I like to play really, really loud and dramatically

5. Right now I'm going for a degree in animal science and then would like to go for law

6. Hmm, lets see......I like to drive big &/or fast machines, for example:

Can't find a picture of our own truck, but this one's pretty much exact

And, of course, Rosie - you can see pics right below :)
I tag:
- Mom at Mama Sewing
- Nicole at Hoofbeats of Life
- And I see that someone beat me to tagging Emma & Johanna!

Lots of Pictures

2008-10-07T10:36:00.005-05:00

The pattern is from the 3/2007 issue, #122.

These are really silly.......sort of embarrassing. But they were lots of fun! (Check out my earrings :))

Burda skirt

2008-10-01T09:19:00.001-05:00

Here are a couple pictures Amy took of my skirt that I made from Burda. I don't remember the pattern # right now, but when I post the rest of the pictures I'll put that in. Warning: we had lots of fun taking these & there's some kinda crazy ones ! ;)

Excessive Hunger Linked to Sleep Deprivation

2008-09-29T10:44:00.003-05:00

I have never been a morning person, which has caused my mother to doubt whether I could survive on a schedule of getting up for school at six-thirty on Tuesdays and Thursdays. I am doing alright so far, but occasionally I too have my doubts, especially when I have to rise at 5:00 AM on Wednesday to drive over too hours to the car auction between school days. (Incidentally, Amy's at school til 10 PM Wednesday night, so I don't get to sleep till pretty late) Last week found me in this situation, and as I rolled out of bed at 5, I almost lost my balance on my way to the dresser. I could tell by a loud sigh from the other side of the room that my stumblings had woken Amy up as well. Once in the Tahoe, which I was to transport SAFELY to the auction, I turned the radio on loud to clear my foggy head. After an hour of driving through swirling mist and fog (it made me sleepy), my stomach felt like a vast cavern that was growing bigger by the minute. I was glad to follow my Dad's car into McDonald's for my customary bacon-egger (which in my family's argot signifies bacon, egg, and cheese bagel). As we waited for our order under the bright light, Dad took a second look at the purple circles under my bleary eyes and the paleness of my face and asked if I was alright. Stifling a yawn, I answered that I was just a little tired, but that the food (I hoped) revive me. We climbed back into our separate cars and continued on our journey. The sun finally came all the way up, sending me scrambling for my sunglasses. After the first few bites of breakfast, my cavern was suddenly filled and I finished the bagel halfheartedly, swerving slightly as I grinned into the mirror to map the location of the troublesome brackets that had caught bits of bread. By the time we got to the auction, I felt pretty much awake. I sat in the cafeteria, in the coveted corner table (more about that some other time) and finished my math homework - a bunch of troublesome word problems. Then, picking up Les Miserables, I finished fighting at the barricade (Ah, Eponine! Gavroche! :( ) and had descended into the sewer with Jean Valjean and Marius, when my eyelids began to droop over the lengthy description of the sewers of Paris. (As yours are no doubt drooping over this lengthy narrative) I laid the book down on the table and my head followed. I don't know how long I slept, but when I woke up it was past noon and I was ravenous. Before too long, Dad came back in and we sat for a while, debating whether or not to risk getting cafeteria food. We were both very hungry, so we decided to zip over to Cracker Barrel, only 20 miles along on the way home, then if we still had room we'd hit the next town for our customary cup of Starbucks. So we got to Cracker Barrel and I started on my food with enthusiasm. By the time I was halfway finished with my steak fries (I hadn't even started on my sandwich yet) I was beginning to lose free space. I don't know how but I ate the whole meal, barring one fry that my dad ate for me - one fry! Some help he was! The three glasses of sweet tea didn't help things along, either. As I waddled out to the door, Dad asked hopefully if I still had room for coffee. I said yes. I sincerely thought by the time we got over there I would have enough room. Well, I didn't have much, but I drank it r e a l l y slowly and somehow managed to get it all down. I thought, this can't be healthy. Alternating all day between starving and stuffed is not only extremely uncomfortable, it's definitely not good for you. As I was feeling the fullest I'd felt all day, I happened to look down at the radio, and you know how on the info thing it gives you the song, artist, and station? Well, my eyes just about popped out of my head. I blinked, but the word was still there. I had to look at the road, but I kept glancing down and wondering if I was just sleep deprived or if I was really seeing what I thought. The radio said Heave. I suddenly felt rather sick. Finally I dared to turn the volume up, and it turned out to be the song "Heaven". The silly info thing didn't have room for the N.

When we got home we found that Mom had made spaghetti and meatballs for dinner. I had to take a very small serving, which was a bummer because it was delicious. When Amy got home at 11:00, I had been nearly asleep, but this time Amy woke me up with HER stumblings. Grr!! The next day I almost fell asleep during my lecture on "Supporting the Thesis with Evidence." (Which calls my attention to the fact that this post is really random, horribly organized, and probably doesn't even have a thesis! Oh well!)

What I've Been Doing

2008-09-28T17:01:00.002-05:00

I'm a full-time college student for my second semester now, and let me tell you. . . I am so busy!! Because I'm studying an art there is an awful lot of cutting, pasting, drawing, sewing, and drafting going on right now. And on top of it, I'm usually writing at least 1 paper a week and doing assigned readings. Whew!!

But, I'm having a marvelous time! Right now I'm working on designing two ensembles; the first is a skirt and fitted blouse, and the class inspiration is Classic Hollywood! Yeah! So, if you have any really great vintage images, please let me know! The second is a pants and blouse, and I've already started working on the patterns. The pants pattern is actually due this Wednesday (yikes!), and we're beginning to draft the blouse pattern next class as well.

I promise I'll post pictures of some of my illustration projects soon, so you can see what I'm doing. But don't get too excited, for I'm afraid I'm not a genius with paper and pencil!!

Oh, and Julia needs your sympathy - she's having apprhensions about visitng both the orthodontist and the dentist tomorrow. Ouch!!

Yours truly,
Amy

A brand new look!!!

2008-09-26T19:41:00.002-05:00

........ In progress. We finally got tired of the pink lemonade theme (you all are sighing with relief, I know) and messed around with our medieval pictures till Amy came up with this great banner. If you've got any ideas or input, we'd love to hear it!

Shoes!

2008-09-16T11:40:00.000-05:00

The other week I was lured by an ad into browsing Nordstrom's shoes online. I am not much of a shoe person (ask my mom or Amy!) but when I like shoes, I LIKE them. Here are some of my finds:

Marc by Marc Jacobs '683966' pump - only $425! Aren't they beautiful?

And some adorable rain boots by Chooka:

I saved the best for last - flat boots by BC Footwear. They look kind of medieval, I think.

and in black:

Nicole's Horse Show

2008-09-15T10:30:00.004-05:00

This weekend Julia and I were able to go to one of our friend Nicole's horse shows. It was so much fun, and although we had to leave early, we stayed long enough to see her win a ribbon!!

Number 467

Go Nicole and Spock!

Nicole, Spock and Julia

Livy, Nikki, Spock and Julia

Nicole with her Dad, sister, and ribbon!!

Nicole, let us know when you have pictures up on your blog!!

Finished ballgowns!

2008-09-10T14:12:00.002-05:00

After long last I'm posting a few pictures - descriptions and such shall come later - I'm really busy right now!

Musical Monday

2008-09-08T12:52:00.001-05:00

Yes, I know, it's been a while, but I decided that there is NO way I can do this every single week. So it will be occasional, but it's still happening!

This is a very pretty song by Josh Groban: You Are Loved. For the longest time, Amy and I would hear about him and see his CD's in stores, and we were always saying, "What's the big deal about this Josh Groban?" Then we heard some of his songs, and ...... well, we think he's got a great voice & we like the style of most of his music; very lyrical and enjoyable to listen to.

Lydia's Hair

2008-08-28T13:02:00.010-05:00

Ok, I'm at school and I have about 10 minutes do do this in between classes........Here goes!

Lydia loves it when Amy and I do her hair. And we love it that her hair is finally at the length that we can actually do things with it!

I gave her a bath and couldn't resist doing something out of the ordinary. I put glow-in-the-dark beads on the end of each one, and Lydia thought it was the coolest thing to go in the dark bathroom and shake her head.

Before:

We called it "pineapple head", for obvious reasons

And after:

P.S. - I just found out that I can't upload photos on the school's wireless :( Bummer!

Oh, and we finally finished Elizabeth and Kate's ball gowns, and they're GORGEOUS!! Amy will put pictures on her sewing blog soon, so keep checking!

Random Happenings

2008-08-18T09:43:00.003-05:00

This blog has been so dull lately that I thought it might interest you to hear what's been going on around here.

First of all, our house is being overrun (or so it seems) with vermin. There are mice in our kitchen yet again (what's new?) and our dogs - well, our dogs have fleas. Yes. It's terrible, I know; it's never happened before. Last week I was petting Roxie and I noticed these little bugs crawling around on her stomach. I picked one off to show my dad, and he confirmed my fears. I felt very like Henry Huggins, picking fleas off of Ribsy. :/ So I went to the store and bought some flea shampoo, and we looked online to see about getting rid of the ones where Roxie sleeps - which happens to be my bedroom. I put out a dish of soapy water on the floor and prayed that it would be full of fleas in the morning. Morning came - no fleas. The next night I was getting ready for bed when a cricket hopped out from under my dresser and headed straight for the shelter of my skirt. I was hopping around, half dressed, trying to evade this insect who persistently hopped after me. Now, I'm not afraid of crickets (far from it!) but it was rather alarming when I kept almost stepping on it. The next morning, there was the cricket, drowned in my flea trap - and there was a single flea sharing his watery grave! Bad news is, the flea shampoo is not working, so we are getting some sort of special treatment from the vet for the dogs. I really hope it works.....

Talk about embarrassing - this last Monday I was mowing the lawn when I noticed a UPS truck with its flashers on slowing down to a stop in the middle of the road. Apparently that black shape behind it was a tire that had blown. I didn't think much more about it, except when I had to mow in that area, with the UPS man sitting in the truck watching me. It was sort of nerve-wracking. I was mowing past when the mechanic's truck came, and there was a pickup truck passing in the other direction. I glanced at it and thought the passenger waved at me and Matt (who was sitting out there watching the proceedings), so I waved back. Imagine my consternation when as the truck went past, I saw two landscape guys in there, looking at me like I was from another planet. Oops!

Our next girl's trip car!

2008-08-16T12:34:00.003-05:00

Check this out: a 2001 Ferrari 360 Spyder. The only catch is that there's only room for Amy and I, so we'll just be driving around to visit you all. Well, I guess there's another catch...... we can't exactly afford the $114,500 that it sold for! My dad got the pictures on Wednesday while Amy and I were in the cafeteria; too bad we weren't out there to pose in it! :)

Check out my sewing blog

2008-08-12T13:46:00.001-05:00

I actually updated it!

I know, quite the accomplishment!

So go here to see a preview of Kate and Elizabeth's ballgowns!

On a Sunday Afternoon

2008-08-12T13:02:00.008-05:00

Mother had a sore throat on Sunday, so Dad took all us kids for a drive to get us out of the house!

We went to visit a Civil War museum, but the main exhibit was closed. :( So we walked next door to the public museum and saw a mastodon and all sorts of interesting things like that. Next we drove down to the beach, a nice sandy one with clean sand and clear water. With the chilly air, the lakefront wasn't very crowded, which was so nice. Unfortunately, we failed to bring along swimming gear, so we had to content ourselves with wading (and for some of us, swimming with our clothes on!) We also saw some men (of Eastern European origin) trying to force a little Seadoo into the high waves - what a riot! We could hear their rumbling communications as we watched.

So without further ado, pictures!

Julia, on the Museum balcony

A view of the lake from the museum

The Mastodon!

Let's go, everyone!!

Lydia's not sure about going barefoot in the sand

Come on, Amy!

Big waves

Running. . .

. . . a lot!

Beach pebbles

Dad, Dan and Ben

Jon, Dan, and Matt

Hehe

That's more like it

"I'm cold, Daddy!"

"Wow!"

Watch out, Ben!

The Poles (or Russians) ;)

Ahh, warm sand on my toes!

Update on my condition!

2008-08-08T10:07:00.004-05:00

I'm okay!!!!!!!

The pin came out this morning, and I experienced no pain whatsoever throughout this, ahem, ordeal. God is good!! But let this be a warning to you who sew - never, NEVER put pins in your mouth!!!!

With much love,

Amy

A Request

2008-08-07T21:42:00.003-05:00

I did something really, really stupid today. . . I swallowed a sewing pin.

Yeah. I had it with the head in my teeth, like I always do when I sew. Like everyone I know who sews does - even my fashion design teachers at school do, though they warn you against it, when they forget themselves.

Then I somehow sucked in a little breath, and had the unpleasant feeling of a pin going slowly up and over the first curve of my throat. I stopped what I was doing, and looked across the table at Elizabeth, telling her that, "I have a pin in my throat!" I tried grabbing it, but it was too far down, and I had to swallow or else I'd choke.

Well, Mrs. H. came rushing in with a banana, and rubbed my back while I ate it. She said I'd probably be fine, and that it should just go right through.

So. I ate dinner, and am feeling mostly fine. But I'd really appreciate it if you would pray that everything would be okay, and that the pin wouldn't get stuck or tear anything up. And that I'd find it when it does pass, so that I don't have to worry about anything!

Thank you so much,
Amy

P.S. Please don't put pins in your mouth when you sew. . . it's a very, very bad habit.

Vintage Lydia!

2008-08-06T13:51:00.004-05:00

Phew, we're finally done with the Girl's trip posts. . . bet you're all heartily tired of hearing about it! Well, check this out over at my Mom's blog, and be sure to leave a comment for her!

Coming up soon: Pictures of Elizabeth and Kate's Regency Ballgowns!

Girl's Trip, part 5

2008-08-06T09:30:00.000-05:00

This was our 2nd (and MUCH better) view of the Mississippi. Isn't it beautiful? We found a different entrance and were able to drive up to a lookout point. It felt like we were on top of the world!

Don't fall!

A kind lady offered to take a picture of all of us together

Julia & Ambria

Alyssa & Amy

The End.

Girl's Trip, part 4

2008-08-05T16:47:00.001-05:00

The Mississippi River - we stopped on the way home. We were going to stop at the Mississippi Palisades and climb to one of the lookouts, but the roads in the park were closed for construction.

No, she's not dancing. . . there were a lot of mayflies. That's why Alyssa and I stayed in the car.

Self-portrait.

Amy and Alyssa: Come on, girls! Let's go!

Amy and Alyssa: What took you so long??

Girl's Trip, part 3

2008-08-04T09:53:00.001-05:00

After walking around downtown, we went to Walmart and bought some, ahem, healthy picnic food. The first two pictures are the ones we showed our parents so they know how responsible we are. :)

Confessions.

I know my mom's going to kill me when she sees these pictures! And yes, the last picture is worth a thousand words...... I don't even want to think about it :/

Girl's Trip, part 2

2008-08-02T16:08:00.002-05:00

Amy: Are you coming, girls?

This bead store was new since last time we came. They had incredible stuff!

An amazing book store with everything from 18th century manuscripts to modern books. My family always stops here when we go.

Oh, dear, which store to go to next?!

Alyssa: Let's find a place to eat!

Yep. We got a parking ticket. We didn't discover it until after Julia and Ambria moved the car, we all got back in it, and drove to Walmart for food, and then back over the bridge to the riverside park to partake of our, ahem, meal.

Being the only girl with a checkbook on her, I had the privilege of paying the ticket.

Exhausted, after tramping miles and miles and miles. . .

Girl's Trip, part 1

2008-08-01T09:42:00.000-05:00

A couple of weeks ago, Amy, Alyssa, Ambria, and I finally went on our first 'girl's trip'!! We've been planning this for a long time - Alyssa & Ambria kept re-scheduling. That's ok though, we love them anyways! :) Next trip on our list . . . cross-country to visit relatives out west.

Only two more hours to go! Of course, this all happened right before gas prices went down. It wasn't too bad splitting four ways, though.

Amy

Ambria and Julia - why do the little sisters always get the backseat?

Alyssa

More pictures coming in Part Two!!

Pray for China

2008-07-30T10:34:00.000-05:00

This morning on the way to the auction, I heard on the that Voice of the Martyrs is giving away "Pray for China" prayer bands. Here is a link to their website. I'm going to try and get mine today!!

Renaissance Costumes are HERE!!

2008-07-29T12:54:00.004-05:00

Camille (Amy) and Rosemary (Lydia)

Marguerite (Julia) and Rosemary (Lydia)

Marguerite

Camille

Musical Monday

2008-07-28T11:51:00.000-05:00

Today's song pick is True Love from Phil Wickham. We also like Cannons and After Your Heart, from the same album.

Have a laugh!

2008-07-25T11:49:00.005-05:00

He who laughs most, learns best. - John Cleese

In polite society one laughs at all the jokes, including the ones one has heard before. - Frank Dane

Nothing shows a man's character more than what he laughs at. - Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

American people have the ability to laugh at themselves. It is one of the things that makes this country the great country that it is. - Desi Arnaz

For what do we live, but to make sport for our neighbors and laugh at them in our turn? - Jane Austen

Always laugh when you can. It is cheap medicine. - Lord Byron

I have seen what a laugh can do. It can transform almost unbearable tears into something bearable, even hopeful. - Bob Hope

Never laugh at those who suffer; suffer sometimes those who laugh. - Victor Hugo

And my favorite:

Laugh at your friends, and if your friends are sore; So much the better, you may laugh the more. - Henry Ward Beecher :)

Blueberries!

2008-07-24T09:48:00.003-05:00

It's blueberry season!

Yesterday our family got to go pick blueberries, and Dad was able to leave the office and come with us!
We were at the farm for maybe two hours, and picked over 26 pounds!!

Here is our favorite recipe for blueberry muffins. Usually we double it, because 1 1/2 dozen doesn't go far with nine people!

Blueberry Lemon Muffins

2 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup sugar

1 tablespoon baking powder

1/2 teaspoon salt

2 eggs, lightly beaten

1 cup half-and-half cream (or whole milk, or buttermilk)

1/2 cup vegetable oil

1 teaspoon lemon extract

1-1/2 cups fresh or frozen blueberries

In large bowl, combine flour, sugar, baking powder and salt. Combine the eggs, cream, oil and extract; stir into dry ingredients just until moistened. Fold in blueberries. Fill greased or paper-lined muffin cups two-thirds full. Bake at 400* for 18-20 minutes or until golden brown. Cool for 5 minutes before removing from pan, and cool the rest of the way on wire racks. Makes 1-1/2 dozen.

It's somebody's birthday. . .

2008-07-18T14:07:00.002-05:00

happy birthday, Julia!!!

Julia is now 17 years old

As we've been having computer problems, I can't post a picture of the birthday girl - but I will soon!!

surprises

2008-07-16T17:21:00.003-05:00

Guess what we found hopping around our yard the other day!

Yep, these baby wood ducks jump out of trees after they hatch - supposedly up to 290 feet off the ground!!

There were three of them yesterday, and then Dan found two more today. They are so adorable!!

A Savvy Banker

2008-07-16T16:50:00.005-05:00

A couple weeks ago Julia took Jon and Matt to an event at our local library. There happened to be some representatives from the Citizen's Bank in town there as well. As Jon and Matt were getting ready to leave the event with Julia, the lady handed them each an orange Frisbee with 'Citizen's Bank' printed in bold, white letters on the middle.

Then last week Mom took them to another event (both being held for the summer reading program). The same Citizen's bank representatives were there, dressed in their office clothes with Citizen's Bank tee-shirts over it all. Looking slightly bored, they were handing out blue porcelain piggy banks to the kids. The man looked at Jon and Matt as he handed them their banks.

"You know," he said, bending closer, "Maybe after you fill up those banks with money, you could come open a savings account at Citizen's Bank!"

"Oh," said Jon. "We already have savings accounts at National Bank & Trust."

This stumped the worthy rep, but only for a moment. Leaning even closer, he said impressively, "But we'll give you tootsie rolls if you come to us."

"NB & T gives us dum-dums," was Jon's prompt reply.

The rep could obviously tell he wasn't getting anywhere with this smart kid, so he stood up and said, rather austerely, "Well you tell your mom that we're having a family night with brats and hotdogs and stuff, and that's way better than dum-dums."

Jon was just about to tell the man how our bank has a customer appreciation day every week, and that they serve McDonalds' hamburgers and popcorn, but, thankfully for the unfortunate rep, Mother came up and told the twins it was time to go.

This week, the twins came home from the new grocery store with, not two, but three plastic pigs wearing baseball caps and riding surfboards. They generously bestowed the third one on Lydia, who is quite enthralled with her new possession. I've got to say one thing for them, those bankers just don't give up!

Author of the Week Revealed!

2008-07-12T13:46:00.000-05:00

Otis Spofford by Beverly Cleary is a funny story about a mischievous boy who loves to make excitement. From being the front half of a bull for a school fiesta to playing 'unfriendly indian', Otis certainly does just that.

I know, I know, kid's books again! Well, our little country town library has a whole shelf dedicated to Beverly Cleary's works, and so whenever the boys bring some new ones home, the rest of the family has to read them, too! After all, it's a little tiring to have to listen to 2 nine year old boys' renditions of all the amusing episodes in the book - if you read it yourself, then you can all discuss the funny parts at the dinner table!

Some other books by this author include Henry Huggins, Henry and Ribsy, Beezus and Ramona, Ramona the Pest, and Ellen Tebbits. Check them out, at least for your younger brothers and sisters!

Author of the Week

2008-07-11T12:34:00.002-05:00

"Hey, fellows!" Stewy whooped. "Did you see his undershirt? It's pink!"

"Aw," growled Otis, taking hold of the rabbit's foot on his zipper and zipping up his jacket.

"Pink underwear! Whoever heard of a boy wearing pink underwear?" someone wanted to know.

"It isn't really pink," said Otis.

"It is too," contradicted Stewy. "I saw it."

"Well, it isn't supposed to be pink," protested Otis. "My mother put one of my new glow-in-the-dark socks in the washing machine by mistake, and it faded and dyed everything pink. Sheets and towels and everything."

The boys laughed. Otis's explanation did not change the color of his undershirt. They were not going to let him forget it.

Guess who!

Is There Meaning in Dreams?

2008-07-08T17:10:00.005-05:00

Alright, those of you who know me are groaning. For all you unfortunates who aren't bosom buddies of mine, well, I have a reputation for dreaming the most odd and fascinating and scary and brainless things - and then telling them to anyone who'll listen. I mean, if dreams are supposed to mean something, I'm not sure sometimes I'd want to know what . . .

The other night I dreamed that I got caught in a rainstorm in the desert (Yes, I know. Rather unlikely circumstance). I sought refuge in a cave with ancient Aztec pictographs on the walls and soft, clean sawdust on the floor (like in Bonanza).

Then, as if in a movie, I saw two men on horseback. One of them was saying, "But, how are you going to find the right one? I mean, how can you be sure?" And the other answered, "I'll just know when I see her." (Can anyone guess where this is going??) Then, back to me: The rainstorm stopped, and I stepped out of the cave into the vibrant evening sun. And then I saw him. Blond, muscled, perfectly golden-tan. My heart began to pound - he was coming right towards me!! The most beautiful palomino horse in the country. . . and then the tall stranger who happened to be riding this magnificent animal tipped his hat and said politely, "Will you marry me?"

"Are you kidding? Of course not!" I answered, hardly glancing at him. "I don't even know you!"

"We-l-l-l . . ." he looked up suddenly (cunningly?), "I'd give you this horse."

"Deal!" I said quickly, and went home to tell my parents that I'd just agreed to marry a stranger for his horse. (I didn't happen to notice the man's looks, but I have a distinct impression that he was young and handsome :)

My mom was rather alarmed when I told her the next morning. My dad said, "Well, I guess all we have to look for is a palomino horse, and we'll know it's owner is the right guy."

But a few months ago it was a Navy FA-18 pilot that flew into my dreams. . . Goodness, what will it be next?

Poor Amy hasn't had any interesting dreams lately.

Musical Monday

2008-07-07T08:56:00.000-05:00

I'm back, folks! (Temporarily) This week's song is Repair Blues by Alan Jackson. Amy and I have a weakness where talk-songs are concerned. Anyone who knows musical or mechanical terms will appreciate the humor in this. :)

Song lyrics | Talkin' Song Repair Blues lyrics

Computer problems

2008-07-05T17:44:00.002-05:00

I guess the title is pretty self-explanatory! Our home computer has had some issues, so we haven't been able to post very regularly. Hopefully we'll get it up and running soon. Just thought I'd let you know! :)

Chief Lawn-Mower

2008-07-02T13:34:00.000-05:00

Julia wasn't very happy when I ran outside and snapped these pictures of her mowing the lawn. I thought she looked pretty cute, and that it was high time to recognize our Chief Lawn-Mower! (Dan is Second in Command)

Visiting Laura

2008-07-02T10:05:00.001-05:00

Last Friday Julia and I got to go visit our dear friend Laura, whom we hadn't seen for over 6 months! She only lives about 45 minutes away from us, but we've all been busy with school and stuff. You know how life goes! So we had a lovely little luncheon on her porch, complete with chicken salad, snack plates, and French berry lemonade from Trader Joe's. . . after which we talked, played music, showed off our Renaissance dresses (still in progress), and did hair. What fun we had! And for once, I took pictures. . .

2008-07-02T09:57:00.003-05:00

our new toy

2008-07-02T09:37:00.003-05:00