Something Beautiful {Lydia's Blog}

Moving on.

2011-05-26T16:35:00.001-07:00

As much as I hate to say it, I will no longer be blogging here. I have been forced to create a new blog, because they will no longer let me upload a photo for my header. I hate to end this blog. I WILL still be blogging, and I WILL keep this blog open. Please everyone-- followers and commenters-- come and follow me to my new site! I will be continuing blogging, just not here. So....

Good-bye Something Beautiful blog @ www.livinglife4jesuschrist.blogspot.com

Come and follow me at www.discoveringsomethingbeautiful.blogspot.com

They Won.

2011-05-16T18:21:00.000-07:00

They did it.

As we sat there huddled under out blankets, and umbrellas we watched as their team won. They won against the completely undefeated team-- and that made them happy. The game started off by the opposing team scoring first. Then the first home run was hit, and their one score was taken quickly taken away, and there were four put up for our team. They whole game went like that- completed with a second out-of-the-park home run.

It felt good to watch them crowded around the tiny table in the middle of Dairy Queen late after their game. They broke out in their muscle arms, and peace signs when the camera came out, and some of them just looked bewildered as to why I was taking the pictures. But I knew. I knew that someday-- maybe in the future, or maybe just in a few weeks ahead-- Gabe will look back at those pictures and remember the feeling of winning... and beating. It was a good feeling.

They now will go onto the field being more sure of winning, because they know their team can win... and they know they can win good.

to my mama

2011-05-08T19:23:00.000-07:00

Happy Mothers day to the most wonderful, loving, and fun mom!

I know that it isn't always easy for her to be a mom to us, but at the end of the day she always has hugged each of us goodnight, and told that she loves us-- regardless of the way the day has gone, or how we have acted.

I remember the night that we moved from our home that we had lived in for seven years, and we arrived in our new town a our new house very late at night, and we were all tired, and extremely sad. She was so positive that night, and comforted me so much. Looking back now I know that she felt just as bad as we did, but she didn't show it. She has always tried to show us the good things that come out of situations, and I really love that about her.

Thank you for being such a wonderful Mama to me. I love you so much, and I thank God that He gave you to our family, and made you my Mama.

Happy Mother's day...

Love,

Lydia

ready or not.

2011-05-02T18:57:00.000-07:00

The morning came too soon today-- yes Monday mornings always do-- but it came. Trying to stop it wasn't an option so I decided facing it with a plastered on smile was the best option.

The beginning of the week is good sometimes. After basking in the weekend and all it's pleasantness, the week is a refreshing new start. You can take the memories created over the last two days, and go forward with them... and trying very hard not to look back.

I fell a sleep multiple times while laying in a chair reading today. I tried not to, at least when any one as around . (I'm sneaky like that). But I ended up falling asleep despite my sneaky intentions, and woke again soon, and that officially ended my afternoon nap.

I'm still in denial that the royal wedding is over. The one that I have been looking forward since November, 16 2010. Yes, that one. It's over. The hoopla, the ceremony, the excitement. All of it... but the wedding spirit still exists. The tea pot (with the tea bags still in it) is still sitting out on the counter, there is still a picture of William and Kate as our screen saver, and I still have "Congratulations William and Kate" as my skype status. Like I said- I'm in denial.

Oh, and by the way... Haagen-Dazs COFFEE ice cream is now one of the things that I have to have if we go to the store after a baseball game on Saturdays. It's the icing on the cake.

The week days have started. One down, four to go.

But even in the midst of that first, busy day of the week, there are the moments that are calm, peaceful, and make all of the chaos 100% worth it. So ready or not...

...here the week comes.

William & Kate: and their Royal Wedding...

2011-04-29T18:37:00.000-07:00

I spent the last hour of my evening last night watching all the hoopla about the Royal wedding... I have to say that my favorite part was when William and Harry came out and shook hands with people! Can you say exciting? I woke up this morning a few minutes before four and shuffled down the stairs to the sofa where I would be planted until eight this morning. Every minute was thrilling and beautiful. Congratulations to Prince William, and the beautiful Princess Catherine!

Beautiful Princess Diana... I am sure she was very missed today...

I thought Carole Middleton looked lovely (below right), Camilla looked as good as she ever will (below middle. I'm sorry I am just not a fan of Camilla), and whoever is on the left wearing the dreadful blue canoe on top of her head with a flower in it, is in a terrible need for fashion help!

Pippa couldn't have looked any more beautiful. I am in love with her dress. So gorgeous!

And the lovely kiss on the balcony of Buckingham palace. That was the icing on the cake!

(all photos from Yahoo! home page.)

Happy Easter!

2011-04-24T14:43:00.000-07:00

Have a wonderful and beautiful Resurrection day remembering what it is truly all about~

Happy Birthday, Gabriel!

2011-04-13T19:31:00.000-07:00

It is the moment I have dreaded... I'm out of photo space! What will I do?
I guess purchase more. :(

I was going to put a picture but I obviously can't. So...

Happy 11th birthday Gabriel!
I love you so much~
Love,
Lydia

Only spring time.

2011-04-08T19:07:00.000-07:00

I learned something new the other day-- they do say that you learn something new everyday-- but this 'something' will actually be put into practice, and not just remain in my head as a fact. No... this new 'something' that I learned is beautiful. It made me happy as I walked through the hallways, and saw "it". "It" being the beautiful golden light. The light that made the perfect silhouettes that were shown in my last post. The light that only comes with spring sunsets- and that is the only way that I would like it. Spring has so many of those things that only it can bring. And beautiful golden light that is perfect for silhouettes is one of them.

Tonight the sun was setting, and a stillness came. The stillness that only spring time brings. It wasn't the stillness that comes when there is a fresh blanket of snow laying on the ground-- but, a quite, warm, and happy stillness. And, again- it was a stillness that only spring can bring.

And as we basked in the happy stillness, we also stood around clapping our hands at the end of the driveway, taking turns singing the verses to one of our favorite songs. It was one of those "This-is-what-I-love" moments. And we enjoyed it.

I can remember several years ago, standing at the kitchen sink and sucking on the seed of a mango. It is tradition that I get the seed-- and since I am all about tradition-- I stand at the sink sucking on the mango seed. Every single time we get a mango. I hope it is always like that, because I would hate to break a tradition- and mango (seeds) are so darn yummy.

But, of course, there are some of us who opt for the actual meat of the fruit. I like that too.

And then there are strawberry's. Big, red, juicy ones that-- you guessed it-- only spring can bring. My last summer held many-a-day in a strawberry field... under the blazing sun that there was no getting away from in the big open field that when on for rows, and rows.

I love Fridays- but, Friday nights are even better. Happy weekend.

Silouettes

2011-04-05T17:49:00.000-07:00

There is something lovely about silouettes. The softness of the golden light outlining the dark shapes and forms. I discovered tonight that our house has wonderful lighting for silouettes when the sun is setting. The sun pours through the windows, and shines through the hallways with a bright happy look.

I love how just a small patch of sun shining on the wall creates such a distinct look know as a 'sillouette'.
The sun is so rejuvinating, and refreshing. It makes me feel inspired, and happy.

You are very welcome here sun.
I am glad you have come.

{here comes the sun}

2011-03-23T00:00:00.000-07:00

Here comes the sun, doo doo doo doo

Here comes the sun, and I say
It's alright
Little darling
It's been a long, cold, lonely winter
Little darling
It feels like years since it's been here

Here comes the sun
Here comes the sun, and I say
It's alright
Little darling
The smiles returning to the faces
Little darling
It seems like years since it's been here

Here comes the sun
Here comes the sun, and I say
It's alright
Sun, sun, sun, here it comes
Sun, sun, sun, here it comes
Sun, sun, sun, here it comes
Sun, sun, sun, here it comes
Sun, sun, sun, here it comes

Little darling
I see the ice is slowly melting
Little darling
It seems like years since it's been clear
Here comes the sun, here comes the sun and i say,

It's alright, it's alright....

And with the sun comes lemonade stands.... You know the kind where they cut a lemon in half and put it in a pitcher of water, with a scoop of sugar. That's the best kind.

Who needs customers when you have a little sister to keep you in business.... She was

definitely the most faithful customer. She spent the afternoon by the stand, relishing every sweet sip. She had a glass in her hand everytime I turned around- she was really loving it!

I paid five cents extra for the incredible service that I got. They know how to treat their customers- maybe that's why Lily Kate kept going back.... they gave her free refills every.single.time. :)

{embracing the imperfections}

2011-03-21T18:51:00.000-07:00

Lately when I have come to write a post the words haven't been forming into sentences.
Now but as I sit down now the words are forming- slowly- but they are forming.

I was in the kitchen this morning. The windows were open, the sun was shining, and there was happiness. As I looked around me I saw imperfections. Everywhere.

Imperfections were cluttering the counters. In the sink. everywhere.
But I was okay with them. For once, I was okay. I wasn't hypervenalating because of the messes that surrounded me. I tried to look over them-- to see the perfectness in the inperfections.

If you asked me if I was a perfectionest, I would probably answer no... until I think about it and see that I am in fact a perfectionest in some circumstances. While there are advanteges to wanting to do things perfectly, there are a lot of down falls- I exspect everyone else to do things perfectly, also. I know... it's so unrealistic. I have come to the realization that a ten year old isn't going to clean a kitchen like I would.

I'm trying to look over all the imperfectnest, and see that there is in fact beauty in the imperfections.

One night I went to take my shower, and walked into the bathroom to find a pile of towels on the floor {clean or dirty, heavens knows} and a mound of soaking wet wash clothes in the floor of the shower. Oh, and there was also stuff piled up on the counters... I can't remember what- it was so crowded.

Part of me wanted to make it right. Put the towels and wash cloths in the dirty clothes basket. Clean the counters off. But another part of me said "Leave it. Don't bother with it. It's not going to be the end of the world if you over look a mess just this once". I did leave it - against my perfectionest instinct- but I left it, and you know what? The world went on, despite that one pig-stye of a bathroom.

My goal right now is to instead of looking at the imperfections and try to make it all perfect, just to leave them and see that a sink full of cups and dirty towels in the floor really won't end the world.

"There is a kind of beauty in imperfection". ~Conrad Hall

Now for something lighter.... how about some sweet sunset pictures?

Run, baby, run... I might try to chase you, but never would I stop you.

"I didn't ask for it to be over, but then again, I never asked for it to begin. For that's the way it is with life, for some of the most beautiful days come completely by chance. But even the most beautiful days eventually have their sunsets."~Author Unknown

{luck of the irish to ya'}

2011-03-17T00:00:00.000-07:00

Today is the day where you wear green, or get pinched~ whatever you prefer. ;)

Today the Irish blood in me really comes out, big time.

We are going to watch Celtic Woman on Good Morning America, and Celtic Thunder on QVC-

I'm hoping that they will have some Irish dancing on the Today show, like they usually do!

"May the road rise up to meet you, may the wind be always at your back. May the sun shine warm up your face, and the rain fall softly on your fields. And until we meet again, may God hold you in the palm of His hand."~ Irish blessing

{I was going to put them sing "Ireland's Call", but they removed the video from YouTube.}

Luck of the Irish to ya'!

something about me and picnics

2011-03-02T17:44:00.000-08:00

Whenever I spontaneously say that we are going on a picnic for lunch something is bound to happen. I'm serious. It's either extremely windy- were the napkins are floating aimlessly around the yard, and the blanket is flying up from underneath you, or something else that is ridiculous happens.

Late this morning I told Levi and Titus that we were going on a picnic today for lunch. I cut up carrots, made cheese toast, and popped popcorn. It wasn't much but enough to be out of the ordinary, and fun for them. I grabbed the camera, and the picnic basket and headed out the door with them.

We sat down in the turning-green grass, and fixed everything up.

Then it happened. The dog got out of his pen and started running towards us. He ran across the food. Twice. If it hadn't been so annoying, it would have been ridiculously annoying. I would have laughed... but I didn't.

We ate the leftovers, and basked in the sunshine. Even though it didn't go the way I was hoping- or expecting- it was still fun. We ate popcorn {lots}, and took pictures of the gorgeously blue skies. It was memorable, and nice to do something out-of-the-ordinary.

We kicked our shoes off and felt the grass beneath our feet.

~Lydia

My hair

2011-03-01T18:31:00.000-08:00

Here are the before and after pictures of my hair-cut~ The lighting in our home is atrocious so please try to ignore the blurriness. Despite them being blurry, you can still get a general picture of how long it was, and how triangle-ish it looked at the bottom! ;)

Before::

After::

{I felt so entirely stupid smiling at myself in the mirror!}

{You would think that I would know which way to hold the camera by now. That's why the one above is sideways. I hate taking picture vertical... is that a good enough excuse? ;) }

The hairdresser did this thing to my bangs, so that is why the look all flat!
I don't like flat bangs-- I like mine poofy! ;)

birthday day, and building blocks.

2011-02-28T14:21:00.000-08:00

Happy birthday to my Mom today~ I love her so very much, and am so glad God made her my Mama. She is such a sweet, loving, fun, funny, lovely person. She is so much fun to be around, and we have the best times together! She is my best friend, and a wonderful mama.

I love you Mama~ Have a wonderful year being --. ;)

O.P.I nail~polish.

I am smitten with this nail-polish. For once there is kind that doesn't chip of the first time you touch something. I call that good nail-polish. I might actually paint my nails now, and not have to clean them off because they got all banged up while doing stuff.... amazing.

Building blocks.

The perfect activity to entertain yourself with on a rainy afternoon. When it rains the hours in the day seem to be linked together with sleepy eyes, and coziness. When the ground is to wet, and soggy {unless you have rain-boots... which I don't} to play outside, then pulling out the wooden bocks with brightly colored letters engraved on them, and build and stack till your hearts content. There will be castles built, sstatements made about how you 'wish you could be making a sand castle, and put a flag on top of it', and blocks crashing down to the floor because of a one year olds lack of patience to see the finished product.

Lately I have become a fan of pictures "with motion". {usually called blurriness, but what's the fun in that?} They are more realistic, because really- unless you spend your picture taking time yelling at everyone to "be still! Look at the camera!", then you are very unlikely to get a picture that isn't blurry. Especially on a rainy day, when there is no sunshine coming through the windows to help the lighting out. I prefer to let them do their thing, and if you catch the perfect shot, well then- good for you. If you don't, that means your shutter speed is too low. ;)

"I've got the key to my castle in the air, but whether I can unlock the door remains to be seen." — Louisa May Alcott

Rain~drops.

I like seeing the trampoline and play house on the side of this picture. On rainy-days, when you can't play outside, you can just look out the window and see all the play-places, where many hours of sunshine happiness have been spent. Whether is be the jumping contests that were held on the trampoline, or the mud-pies that were made in the playhouse.

Children's books.

Childrens books... you gotta' love them. I am familiar with the childrens section in the library, because of having younger sibilings. I actually have favorite children's books. I love the one called "Too many pumpkins", oh- that's really a great one. But my #1. fav would have to be "All the places to love". That is my top pick to read when I am putting Levi to bed. The illustrations are gorgeous, and look like someone pulled out a camera and taken the pictures.

I am almost 100% sure that we aren't the only ones who have book baskets with stray toys in them, and toy baskets with stray books in them. We're doing good if the books and toys are in baskets... I'm just being honest.

Foggy Hills.

I snapped the picture below this afternoon. You couldn't see the hill this morning when I woke up. The rain, wind, and dark skies completely put a dark mask over everything. I was lovin' it! ;)

Whether you have sunny skies, or dark clouds hanging over you.. may you find the perfect activity to fill your afternoon. Building blocks are always a good idea, and if you have the key to your castle may you be able to unlock it~.....

{a mix of things}

2011-02-27T18:19:00.000-08:00

Well, Friday afternoon went well and I like my haircut!
I don't have the before and after pictures uploaded yet, but as soon as I can I will post them..
and all about the head massage. ;)

Tomorrow is my Mom's birthday {happy birthday Mama!}, and she and my dad went to the city near us for the afternoon/evening to do some shopping, and go out to dinner.
The town that we live in DOES NOT {i repeat, does not} have good shopping, so we have to go to this city to do it. Which is fine I guess, because you can make a day of just shopping- plus their mall is really good. One of my favorite stores is "William Sonoma"... be still my heart. :) I wish I had the money to spend in there!~

Another one of my favorite stores, is "New York & Co.", love.love.love their stuff~
Something that would make the mall even better, is if they would add a "Anothropoligie" store. I would probably leave the store with a broken heart, because I couldn't afford anything. Oh, but it would be 100% worth it!

Anyways... Mama brought me back a bottle of O.P.I nail polish, from Ulta! I have heard really good things about this kind, and I am really excited to use it!

{Here are my toe-nails painted for Valentines day.}

I was on goodreads.com and found a paragraph from a book, and I thought some of the things that were stated were really good. In the beginning it is talking about how God has so many followers, with so many different backgrounds. He was people that once worshipped gods, and were the worst of sinners. Here is what struck me as really good:

Does that mean," asked Mack, "that all roads will lead to you?"

Not at all," smiled Jesus as he reached for the door handle to the shop. "Most roads don't lead anywhere. What it does mean is that I will travel any road to find you."

Isn't that true? I loved the way it was put.
~.~.~.~.~.~

"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." — C.S. Lewis

{another one that I think is so wonderful.}

-----------------------------------

Abigail made chocolate cheesecake for my mom's birthday tomorrow... we are thinking about diving into it tonight. That wouldn't be so bad, naughty, and wrong of us would it? Nah, I didn't think so! ;)

Have a happy week!

I might go into deep depression tomorrow....

2011-02-24T16:51:00.000-08:00

...But that depends on whether or not I like my hair cut or not. ;)
I am going at 2:30 tomorrow afternoon, to get it cut. I am a bit worried.
I have had the same hair style {if you can even call long hair w/ some layers, a hair style}, for 2+ years, and I think I am going to miss it.... even though I am getting sick of my drab hair.

{sorry it's a bit fuzzy... the original size was rather small, so it got blurred when I made it bigger.}

I am taking that picture to show the hair stylist. I am going to ask for about two inches cut off the end, more layers, and bangs. Eeek. The bangs part scares me. :/

The last time I got bangs, it scared me for life. I looked like a sixties freak.
I think I have already mentioned that in another post, though~ ;)

My mom has been to this salon before, and she said if nothing else the head massage that the lady gives completely is worth it. She has a way with comforting people like that. ;)
I'm just hoping that the hair cut {and massage!} will go well, and I will walk out of the place, with a hair cut that I like~

I will get a before and after picture, and put them on here... that is- if I like the end results! ;)

Fellowship of the Unashamed

2011-02-22T17:25:00.000-08:00

"I am a part of the fellowship of the unashamed, the die has been cast, I have stepped over the line, the decision has been made. I'm a disciple of Jesus Christ. I won't look back, let up, slow down, back away or be still. My past is redeemed, my present makes sense, my future is secure. I'm finished and done with low living, worldly talking, cheap giving, and dwarfed goals.

I no longer need pre-eminence, prosperity, position, promotion, plaudits, or popularity. I don't have to be right, first, tops, recognized, praised, regarded, or rewarded, I now live by presence, lean by faith, love by patience, live by prayer, and labor by power.

My face is set, my gate is fast, my goal is heaven, my road is narrow, my way is rough, my companions, are few, my guide is reliable, my mission is clear. I cannot be bought, compromised, detoured, lured away, turned back, diluted, or delayed.

I will not flinch in the face of sacrifice, hesitate in the presence of adversity, negotiate at the table of the enemy, ponder at the pool of popularity, or meander in the maze of mediocrity. I won't give up, shut up, let go, or slow up until I have preached up, prayed up, paid up, stored up, and stayed up for the cause of Jesus Christ.

I am a disciple of Jesus. I must go until He comes; give till I drop; preach till everyone knows; and work till He stops me. And when He comes for His own, He will have no problem recognizing me, because my banner will have been clear."

-------------------------

I find that so inspiring. The parts that I put in bold-face are my favorites.
My mom printed it off this morning, and read it to us when we had Bible study.
I remember a preacher reading that one Sunday. I had forgotten how good it was!!

I think I might hang it up in my room~ It would be a good thing to wake up and read every morning! I like knowing that my past is redeemed, my present makes sense, and that my future is secure.

-----------------------------------

I am reading "More than a Carpenter", in the morning for my bible study. I was reading something in it one morning, and it said-

"Christianity is not a religion. Religion is humans trying to work their way to God through good works. Christianity is God coming to men and women through Jesus Christ."...

I honestly had never thought of religion in that since before.

I had always thought, and called Christianity a religion; I hadn't really thought twice about it.

another thought from the book::~

"The very name of Jesus seems to bother people. It embarrasses them, makes them angry, or makes them want to change the subject. You can talk about God, and people don't necessarily get upset, but mention Jesus, and people want to stop the conversation.

Why don't the names of Buddha, Muhammad, or Confucius offend people the way the name of Jesus does?"

I don't know the answer to this question. Maybe it is because Jesus is so much more personal than all the other "gods". I seriously doubt you can pray to Buddha, and you immediately feel "his" presence with you.

Josh McDowell had a very interesting story. He tried religion. He went to church every time the doors opened. Religion never did anything for Him. He tried other things that he thought would bring purpose to his life. Nothing ever did.

Religion isn't something that will bring purpose to your life. I don't think anything will be able to fill that certain place in your life, except Jesus Christ.

---------------------------

Do you think that Christianity is considered a religion? Do you believe that Jesus Christ is the only thing that can bring true purpose to your life? Please let me know what you think about this...

a picture is worth a thousand words...

2011-02-20T16:45:00.000-08:00

our Valentines day...

2011-02-15T13:39:00.000-08:00

We had a fabulous day yesterday!!!

We did just a little school and then watched these great history videos, called "America: The story of us". They make you feel so proud to be an American! :)

Sunday night my dad made red-velvet cupcakes for us, and to take some to work the next day. They turned out great! He was very proud- we told him he needed to go to "Cupcake Wars"! ;)

Aren't they pretty?! I thought he did a pretty good job with the piping, considering that it was the first time he has ever done it~

For lunch my mom made brownies, and we had brownies and ice-cream for lunch!
It only happens once a year~ why not go all out?!?! ;)

Our day was filled with sweets! We made up for it by having vegetable soup for dinner!
I was going to start a 75% raw food diet today, with my mom and sister... but when there was still brownies, and other sweets left over today, we decided to just try to eat more raw food, instead of doing a whole raw food diet. ;)

So far all that I have eaten raw today is two pieces of fruit, and carrot juice. I haven't gotten "the glow" like all the raw foodies say they have. I'm not really sure why! ;) haha....

I'm about to go push Lily Kate in the jogger, and walk. Sweets certainly don't make you feel very good about your figure! ☺

hat's off to St. Valetine...

2011-02-13T18:33:00.000-08:00

Who is the reason for the wonderful tomorrow~

We love Valentines day at our house. We always have cinnamon buns for breakfast. Last year we had fondue, and it was simply L-O-V-E-L-Y. This year we are going a little different, but still staying with the chocolate theme, of course! ;)

I haven't even gotten my Valentines made... and I'm sitting here on Valentine's Eve. That's pretty sorry.
I spent a lot of time on extended family Valentine's, that I kind of put my {family's} V-day cards on the back burner.
I'm a sorry Valentine.

I hope you have a wonderful, LOVEly day tomorrow. Eat plenty of chocolate, it makes the day more memorable!

and of course- with all love,

Lydia
xoxoxox

{welcome to our kitchen at lunch time}

2011-02-11T15:19:00.000-08:00

At about 12:30 p.m everyday, a tornado comes through our kitchen. Everything one puts the school books down, and heads to the kitchen to eat lunch. We don't really have a fixed meal...

Everyone just kind of comes in and does their own thing. {besides the younger ones, who can't do it themselves.}

The oven is used, pots and pans are dirtied, and the sink gets filled of bowls, and plates.

I told Mama that I was going to take some pictures of it before I cleaned everything up, and she requested that I also take after pictures! ;) ....just so you know that our kitchen doesn't always look this way!

~*Before...

~*After....

There's just something about a clean kitchen that makes me smile!

No more dirty dishes in the sink- except for the pot that had to soak, because someone burned something in it~ ;)

~

Going to bed on Thursday nights, you think about how tomorrow is Friday, and Friday's are always so much easier than the rest of the week.

Well, it usually goes that way... But not this Friday. Nope.
It wasn't a bad Day at all. It was a good day. Everyone seemed to be in good moods, we didn't have as much school work to do. It was a good day!

But... it was the things that happened that were kind of crazy.
For starters, the phone wouldn't work. {they hadn't been working the day before also, but a little while later they did start working.}

I was up in my room getting ready when I heard this bomb sounding sound go off, and the power goes out. I look out my window to see a little down our street, smoke going up in the air, and a electricity pole on fire.
The fire went out a few minutes before the firetruck came. naturally. ;)
The boys would have loved to see them put it out!

We all ate cereal, and peanut butter & jelly sandwiches, in a dark dining room~ :)
...and then huddled under blankets in the living room during Bible study.
We ended up not freezing too much!

A couple hours later it came back on, so it wasn't too bad... just a little Friday morning chaos!

Here's to a happy weekend, and clean kitchens!

~Lydia

{valentines edition}

2011-02-09T18:01:00.000-08:00

I just had to put up a few of the V-Day pictures from our photo shoot yesterday.
We had been wanting to do them for couple of weeks, but just never got around to it~
So yesterday was the-DAY. I have to be honest and just say that I wasn't looking forward to the photo shoot itself... I never do! I don't think any of us do.

It always takes us FOREVER to get out the door. It was all kind of jumbled mess. Our conversations were yelled, and they went like this~

"Where's your coat?"
"Make sure that you dress warmly it's cold out there!"
"No don't wear that hat. Go brush your hair!"
"Two-minute warning!"
"Did you get Lily Kate's sweater?"
"Where is the dog?"
"No, don't wear those shoes, go get the other ones."
"Everyone come on!"

It was just a little bit of a zoo. ;)

I think the boys go into a state of panic, or something like that, when the camera comes out!
In the car I told them. "Alright, now. Everyone is going to be good! We only have to do this about three times a year, so behave!"

They actually turned out well... Everyone DID behave, and we had a good time. Besides the fact that we were a little chilly~ It was snowing after all. {you just can't tell in the pictures, we have a good 3-4 inches now.}

We have had the same profile picture for... I don't know how long! A long time. It was taken about three years ago. We figured it was time for an update... :)
There were several that ended up looking like the one above... I look like I've been sucking lemons... :/

Have a LOVEly evening~

{going green}

2011-02-06T17:42:00.000-08:00

If you are a Packers fan, go ahead and pat me on the back. ;)
I think you would be very proud to know that I wore green today~
Yes, I know... I don't even watch the Super bowl, but I just *had* to do something!

I've never been one to get into football, or any sports, for that matter...
That's not really my thing. I might just go look at the screen for a few minutes, so I can say that I DID watch a little~ :)
That's not cheating, is it?

The reason that I chose to wear the Packers colors was because::

1.) I knew their colors.
and
2.) I didn't know the Steelers colors.

;)

By the way, if you are going to sing the National Anthem at the Super Bowl, it just might be a good idea to make sure you know the words, before singing it to the country.
That came across as a little tacky, Christina Aguilera.

Have a super Super Bowl Sunday!
Go Packers~ {I never thought I would say that.}

Love,
Cheese head :)

{horses from my window}

2011-02-02T17:14:00.000-08:00

***Pieces from the {day}...

I stepped out onto the front porch today and saw the horses out across the street..
They were finally let back out, after being cooped up for a while with all the cold weather!
It was nice to see them back~ Lily Kate enjoys watching them, when I hold her out there.

I was listening to the radio this morning and heard about all the blizzards/and snow that some people are getting. So glad we aren't getting it- I'm done!! {those last two words remind me of the ending of a veggie tale's song on a CD that we have, said in that quirky accent that one of the veggies has!} ;)

This evening this is what my dad got home with~ it was surprise... to the boys...

everyone but the three boys new about it. They were shocked~ and thrilled.
They've been wanting a dog for a LONG time now, and were completely surprised when my dad walked in with this little guy in is arms. ;)

At night when the boys were in bed we would talk about names for him. We debated about a few... here are some that were one the list, and who suggested them::

-Charlie- Abigail and I.
-Boone- Mama
-Theodore~ Theo- Me {I love quirky names!}
-Roscoe- my Dad {pronounced Raw-scoe}
-John Henry {that was a name that my dad has always wanted to name a dog... he tried to talk my mom into naming one of the boys that, but it never worked!} ;)

In the end, after talking about it, and much pushing from my dad.... ;)
We ended up naming him Roscoe.
Not what I would have picked, but then again, it isn't my dog!!

He is so adorable, and sweet. Very laid back, and gentle. I'm sure he will feel right at home in no time!~ :)

.............................
{written on Wednesday... 2/2/11}

I'm sitting here in the dark laundry room typing this. I look down the hallway and into the boys room to the sleeping puppy covered in a maroon blanket, sleeping. I think he is liking his new home... thankfully!
He slept good during the night, until about 3 a.m, and then Titus got up with him and stayed with him the rest of the night. So glad it wasn't me that had to! :)

He really is a very sweet little thing. It still kind of amazes me that there is a living creature in our house. Not that "we" as a family aren't living creatures but.... you know what mean~

I am not a huge animal person. I would never be one to have a animal sleeping with me. That's not my thing! Now I might allow a cat to sleep at the foot of my bed, but never IN the bed with me. :)

I really wouldn't like to be in charge of an animal.
So, I guess you could say that I like animals, as long as I don't have to take care of them!!
Now, that's not wrong is it? ;)

I hear the boys cheering Roscoe on for "going" on the "going" paper. :)
He has had quite a few accidents today, but the boys haven't complained about having to clean it up too much.

{written Wednesday evening...}

"I saw horses from my window, they were watching all the cars go".....

I found these quotes on love and thought they were worth sharing~::

"Forgive and give as if it were your last opportunity. Love like there's no tomorrow, and if tomorrow comes, love again." ~Max Lucado

"It is not how much you do, but how much Love you put into the doing that matters."
~Mother Theresa

"People need loving the most when they deserve it the least."

I especially loved the last one. How true.
I think about when I have given someone love when they didn't deserve it.
Or, even more, when someone has given ME love, when I haven't deserved it!
It feels good to love, and be loved. When you give love, joy, peace, and patience, get thrown in there too!~

“Though our feelings come and go, God’s love for us does not.” ~C.S. Lewis

Have a wonderful evening!

2011-01-31T18:51:00.000-08:00

I sat here for a minute.. trying to decide what to title this entry. It still doesn't have a name.
I might just leave it like that...

The house if finally quiet for the first time since everyone started waking up this morning.
Mondays are a busy day around here.. I guess it's like that in every home. I read posts about other peoples Mondays, and they sound alot like mine. On Mondays it seems that the chaos, the noise and the stress is multiplied times ten.

Today Abigail has ballet in a town about an 1 and fifteen minutes from home.
At 5 o'clock her and Mama, were running around trying to get out the door on time.
Mama was giving me instructions like::

"The bread is taken care of, the spaghetti sauce is almost finished, and the noodles can be cooked a few minutes before you eat"...

"Make sure that Lily Kate stays with you the whole time, don't take your eyes off of her.
Put this much water in the bathtub when you bathe her. {holds up fingers to show how much.}" ;)

It's a bit overwhelming to be told everything to do, and hope that you don't forget anything!!
I actually kind of enjoy staying with everyone. Tonight we read "Molly: An American Girl", and the boys actually really enjoyed it!~

Sunday was sunny and cool. We went hiking for a while before it got dark. I don't necessarily l.o.v.e hiking. It's just not really my thing. I don't get all into it, and wear my braided hemp bracelet, and bandanna on my head! ;)

{no offence if you do wear hemp bracelets and bandannas on your head. "Be who you are, say what you feel. Those who mind don't matter, and those who matter don't mind". ~Dr. Seuss. I got to give it to Dr. Seuss for that quote. Love the way he put it. }

This picture reminds me of the verse, ..."You have made known to me the path of life, in your presence is fullness of JOY, at your right hand are pleasures forever more."

The woods are a very peaceful place. I loved the river flowing along side them. It really made it even more peaceful.

I tried uploading more of the pictures that I took, but it just wouldn't work. I will try again tomorrow...

may you have a wonderful, and {p.e.a.c.e.f.u.l} Tuesday.

"Tomorrow is a new day, with no mistakes in it."

~Anne Shirley

{I don't know how many times I have used that quote on here, but I never get sick of it!}

my top ten fashion pet peeves

2011-01-27T17:05:00.000-08:00

Alright. Let's talk about fashion, shall we?

When you walk into a clothing store what do you see? Are you inspired by all the many items that are hanging on the racks? Or, are you the type of person that just hates to shop?

I want to share some of my fashion pet-peeves. You ready?

1.} When people call skinny jeans "jeggings". *clears throat*. They are not jeggings. There is a fine line between, jeggings, and skinny jeans! Jeggings are leggings made with the print of jeans. Don't wear jeggings as jeans unless you have longer top that will cover your back-side. If you *do not* have a longer top on, then don't go out in public. Jeggings worn as jeans are not flattering! Don't do it! Save yourself the embarrassment!

2.} Missing and matching stripes and floral print. I recently saw it done, and it's not cute. You may think, "Oh, I'm going to be so creative, and put stripes with floral print together." It is not creative. It looks completely, and totally like you got dressed in the dark! I'm sorry, but it does!

3.} Wearing uggs with shorts. Oh, no. Not cute! When I lived near a college I saw it done a lot by the college girls. The only kind of boots that look appropriate during the warm months, are cowboy boots. They look very cute with dresses, and skirts. But no uggs! Don't do it!

4.} Socks, and sandals. Again- not cute! Enough said~ ;)

5.} Not wearing a tank top under a shirt that needs a tank top. I normally wear a tank top under everything, unless it is a sold print, pull over, or without buttons. Besides tank tops helping with covering up, they can be so cute when you layer them and have them coming out beneath the bottom of your shirt. You don't have to have just plain, solid colored, you can get ones with lace, or beading. There are some very cute ones!

6.} Wearing things that do not fit your body shape. No matter how much you love an item, if it does not fit your body shape don't get it, or wear it! There are certain styles of clothing that are very flattering to certain body shapes. Some things are not made for a certain body shape, and they just will not look good. So don't wear an item that isn't flattering, JUST because you love it!

7.} Over the top make-up. Make-up can be so very pretty, but if you do not put it on right, or put TOO much, than it can really ruin your appearance. I have seen people with over the top eye shadow, and it looks so bad! Blush is also one that you can ruin. If you put to much it will look like you have been slapped, and it isn't pretty!

8.} Sloppy Dress. I hate seeing people out in public, that looked like they crawled out of bed. It really doesn't set a very good statement about yourself. I heard a story about a women who always made sure she was dressed well when she went to work at a dry-cleaners. She ended up getting a job as a secretary for a lawyer, because one of the costumers (the lawyer, that she now works for), was very impressed with how well she dressed, and how business like her attitude was. So even though you may not think that people notice whether or not you are in your PJ's, they do!

9.} Underclothes Showing. Whether it's peeping out of the top of your pants, or bra straps coming out, we just don't want to see these things! Keep the unmentionables hidden!

10.} Un-kept hair. Hair that looks like it needs a cut, color, or wash is not very pretty!
It doesn't take much to keep up your hair. It is extremely easy to schedule a hair appointment to get it cut {or just do it yourself, if you feel that you know what your doing!} , or to buy a box of hair coloring. And don't argue, and say that washing hair is too hard... It doesn't take much to get it clean!

So there you have it!~ My top ten pet peeves when it comes to fashion! You definitely have an option on whether or not you are going to keep yourself looking presentable or not. It is very easy to put certain items of clothing together, and form a cute outfit. Try to look your best!

You don't have to be drop-dead gorgeous to look good, and you also don't have to have gobs of money to get cute clothes! I have found a ton of very cute items at consignment shops, for very reasonable prices.

Quality means everything! I got a Banana Republic cardigan at a consignment shop a couple of months ago, and I love it! It is extremely high quality, and is very warm. I also don't have to wash it every time I wear it because it is wool. I also got a J. Crew wool sweater, that I love! It is cream and green striped, so I can wear it with either black or brown, which is very nice. Both of those items where a lot cheaper than they would have been if I had purchased them from the stores at full price, and I can't tell that they had been worn before I purchased them.When you walk into a store go with a open mind. If you don't know about something try to picture it on someone that you know that is very pretty, and put together.

And I am going to have one bonus pet peeve! ;)

11.} Don't let it go to your head! There is nothing that I hate more than someone who thinks they have it all together. Or thinks they know everything about style, and they want everyone to agree with them! Don't be prideful- that is the *MOST* un-fashionable thing that there is!

{ While we are on this subject, I would like to let everyone know that I do not mean to come across as "the fashion authority", or a know-it-all. I can assure you that I do not know it all! Everyone has their own personal style. I understand that not everyone is going to agree with me, and I don't expect you to!}

Have a wonderful, and fashionable evening! ;)

****...Lydia

what I write when I have writers block.

2011-01-25T17:07:00.000-08:00

I have writers block. Imagine that?
I started a post yesterday, and clicked 'save now' as a draft. Thinking that I would finish it later. Obviously I didn't. ;)

I don't know what it is. I have stuff I could write about. Sure- I could tell you about standing in Kroger going through my mom's coupon envelope, looking for the one for tea. {which by the way, my favorite is 'Wild Berry Zinger'- just FYI!}
Or- if you don't want to hear about that, which I highly doubt you do, I could tell you about jumping on the trampoline with my brothers, because they had been begging me to. And, then of course I could tell you about taking the trash to the curb. and getting rid of the pile of boxes that are sitting the garage.

But I seriously doubt that you would want to hear about that~ am I right??

Well, that is really all that I have to tell about, so I will just pick one of the above three topics, and tell away!~

I enjoyed my time jumping on the trampoline with them this evening...
it wasn't too cold, and it was just starting to get dark.
We jumped, and we played ring-around-the-Rosie {mature, eh?}.. and we laughed, and laughed. They are pros when it comes to laughing? yes- even when it isn't that funny!!

I have decided that Levi is still a baby {don't tell Him though.} I know he IS four years old. But still oh, so baby-ish at times! I love it when He wants me to hold Him.
Or tonight, when He started crying because He didn't want me to go inside, when we were jumping. He melts my heart sometimes!

Well, my sister came to me a few minutes ago, and asked if I wanted to watch a movie with her. I have a portable DVD player, and we will sit on my bed and watch movies. It is so much fun. I think she is getting used to me letting her use it, even if I am not going to watch it with her. I told her that I was going to finish writing this post, and then I would be up to watch it with her. She said, "You want me to just go set it up." Which really means, "You want me just to set it up, and start watching!!"

I don't care~ She is extremely careful with stuff like that. Except when she left MY mp3 player in her pocket, and it ended up in the washing machine!! {it worked fine after that, by the way.}

So I am off to watch "Little House on the Prairie"... hopefully it will be an episode with Mrs. Olsen, and Nellie. They are my favorite characters!
Who doesn't just lOVe them. They are the best, and the worst. at the same time~

:)

{funny thing- I started this post with writers block. It didn't last for long!}

Can You see the (L.O.V.E)?

2011-01-22T13:59:00.000-08:00

I love waking up when the sun is pouring through the windows. It had been a while, but finally on Friday morning, the sun appeared again.

The snow had finally melted away. Then on Thursday evening it started snowing again. And we ended up with about 2-3 inches~ I take back what I said a few posts back, about it probably being one the last times that I got to sled this Winter. ;)

=::=::=::=

I love shots that are real life. Not posed. Everything is just like it is. Like when there are toys laying around, and the 4 year old is trying on pointe shoes.

Those are the best shots. They really portray your life well! ;)

I know that I may have been sounding like a broken record in some of my past posts. Complaining about everything.

I didn't mean it like that. I was just telling it like it was. Not sugar coating everything, and making it sound like everything had gone right, when it hadn't. Just thought I would clarify. Oh, and things are going better now~ I guess it was those hard week days that just get to me!~ Hopefully next week will be better. :)

This is my new favorite picture. It's the screen saver on our computer, in my header, and in this post. I love it. Can you see the love? The admiration?

I can~...

Am I being unreasonable?

2011-01-20T15:28:00.000-08:00

No! not at all!
It's just normal that I get frustrated when the two youngest of the boys sit down for lunch, and because one thinks that the other one is trying to hit him with something, and they get into a big fight. No- it's normal. You are going to get frustrated. You are going to want to raise your voice. You are going to loose your temper.

But.... Do you really have to? Is is a necessary to get frustrated, to raise your voice, or to loose your temper.

Can the problem be resolved *without* doing all those things?

Sometimes. Well, Okay~ Most of the time, I want to do all those things. Show them what I think. Get mad, and give them the "raised eyebrows" talk. ;)

These past few days they have been testing OUR (as in my mom, sister, and me) patience. SOME kind of a fight is going to break out when the boys are within two feet of each other.

Just now Titus came in and said that He had poured water into Gabe's face. Seriously?
They can't just can't get.a.long??

I guess not. We all go through fazes. Fazes when we can't, or don't want to get along. Or something completely different. I know I do. ;)

I seem to be asking myself the question, "What would Michelle Duggar do in this situation?"~ ha!

Thank goodness for forgiveness!!

Have fabulous evening~ I'm so happy it's Thursday! or should I say, I'm happy because tomorrow is Friday!

~Lydia

“To forgive is the highest, most beautiful form of love. In return, you will receive untold peace and happiness.”

{so much for my sad song}

2011-01-18T14:56:00.000-08:00

The first thought through my sleepy head when I fell outta my bed is I

Hope the sky is grey I’m gonna write a sad song today.
So I make up my mind, slip on my shoes
I’m gonna pick up a paper and read the news
Cause I’m sure to find enough blues to write my sad song
But when I open the door and the sun spills through
Takes away my breath and I think of you
and the only blues to hit my Eyes are those beautiful blues
in the clear blue sky

So much for my sad song
So much for my sorry attitude
Let’s make this a love song instead
Cause I’m so in love with you
Come on let’s go out and play
Save the sad song for another day
No time for tears
I’m wearing a smile
So much for my sad song, yeah
So much for my sad song

So I pick up the news like I said I would
Drop my jaw right where I stood
Cause the headline reads ‘All the news is good because love is on the way”
And love floods the world right before my eyes
Everybody is dancing and slapping high fives
And such beautiful music fills the skies and we all sing along
And now I snap out of my daydream
And I can’t believe how real it seems
But I keep on dancing anyway
Cause it’s turning out to be a beautiful day

So much for my sad song
So much for my sorry attitude
Let’s make this a love song instead
Cause I’m so in love with you
Come on let’s go out and play
Save the sad song for another day
No time for tears
I’m wearing a smile
So much for my sad song

Sometimes I measure my day by how many things go my way
And when things go wrong I usually get mad
But this time I’m glad my song didn’t turn out sad

So much for my sad song
So much for my sorry attitude
Let’s make this a love song instead
Cause I’m so in love with you
Come on let’s go out and play
Save the sad song for another day
No time for tears
I’m wearing a smile
So much for my sad song, yeah
So much for my sad song
{::Chris Rice~ So much for my sad song::}

Did you wake up with a gray cloud over your bed?? I did~ Literally.
There was nothing but grey clouds outside.

Last night Abigail had ballet in a town about an hour-and-a-half away, and my dad had work off yesterday, so I went with them. My mom and I went to Whole Foods, and the mall.
We had a very good time!!

We got home at about 10:15, and once I had done some stuff, and gotten my shower, is was 11:30.

Needless to say, I was sleepy. ;)

Morning came to early! I was not ready to face the day. I was still tired, and I had a bunch of stuff to do today. More than usual.

I had to::

do school work
do the rest of school that I didn't get to finish yesterday
finish cleaning bathroom
clean living room
and more...

I just woke up with a big frown. I wasn't going to have a good day. I knew it!!!

but like the song says... so much for my sad song. ;)

It ended up not being too bad. Yes, I still had a bunch of stuff to do, which most of it got done... and I ended up having a smile. Just like the song said! See:: ☺
Doesn't my cleverness kill you? Ha!

I hope you have a lovely evening~!

{saying goodbye...}

2011-01-14T14:08:00.000-08:00

...to the snow~

I hate to say goodbye. To good things. ;)
Even if it's just a small thing... Or big. It's always a little sad.

Even though it is good to see the sun shining through the windows after three days of cloudiness, I still don't like seeing patches of grass around the yard.

I went sledding this afternoon. It was probably one of the last sledding times of the year.
Lily Kate joined me for a few turns, and loved every minute of it. At one point when I thought we were going to flip ;), I looked down at her, and saw her face peeping out of her hat, and her big blue eyes were sparkling, and she had a big smile. I then realized that even if we did flip, it would be completely worth it.

As you can tell from the pictures she as pretty enthralled with the snow~ :)

I mean seriously? Who doesn't like to eat snow?

She loved it~

Hope you have a wonderful weekend~

Lydia

{things that make me smile}

2011-01-13T17:26:00.000-08:00

Thanks to those who left the sweet comments on my last entry~
It really made me smile reading them.!.

I wanted to share some photos of my board that I have hanging above my desk.
I collected my favorite pictures, lyrics of songs, and tags~

I wanted to be able to look at it and it make me happy. Happy to see all the things that I love. I wanted it to look peaceful, and it to bring me inspiration.

I have had this Hancock carpet magazine ad folded up, and put away for several years now. I have always loved the beautiful colors that the room had, and the pretty little girl, and her gorgeous curls! ;)

I was happy when I could finally put it out on display~

The above is a beautiful post card that my cousin brought back to me from Chicago! I love it~ It adds the perfect touch. {thanks McKenzie, I will think about your description of Chicago that you shared with me every time I see it!}

I found the above sunset picture from my last trip to the ocean. it makes me feel peaceful.

Also above, New York & Company tag from a recent purchase.

I received these adorable tissues in my stocking for Christmas. I couldn't resist putting one up! ;)

I received this wonderful bar of Burt's Bees body soap. It smells heavenly, and makes my skin feel so soft~ I thought the packaging paper was too pretty to throw away!

Below, one of the many verses of songs that made it to my board. Love that song.

Another phrase of lyrics.

The finished product~ I am pleased with how it turned out. The last time I re-did it I just threw some pictures up. This time around I took my time, and went through my drawers, and stacks of cards, and papers.

Have a wonderful evening~ I love Thursday nights. I stay up a little later since tomorrow is Friday, and Fridays are always more relaxed~ I love them! ;) My mom and sister, and I are going to watch "Road to Avonlea". That is the best series~ I adore them!

xo,
Lydia

{500}

2011-01-12T18:17:00.000-08:00

Yesterday marked a small mile-stone for me, and my blog~

I made it to 5-0-0 posts! in a ways it sounds like a ton...
when you think about every single posts that make up 500!!

Then it doesn't sound like that much when you think about the long-time bloggers that have been going at it for seven or eight years!~

I have loved blogging. It inspires me to be creative, and artistic~

I remember the very first blog I ever got on, I was amazed that there was such a thing as a b-l-o-g!! ;)

I have had mine for about 2 years. I had taken only a hand full of pictures when I first started. I wasn't really interested in photography a ton. But that year I got a camera for Christmas~ From then on I have lOvEd photography.

Like blogging, photography also inspires me to be creative, and artistic... It gives me a feeling of pleasure like nothing else does~

I think blogging has been really good for me. It has been kind of like my online journal.
It will be so much fun to be able to look back at old posts in the years to come, and see how much everyone has changed, and read about what was going on in our lives.

I never thought that I would enjoy it as much as I do. But I really, really do.

It amazes me how many people have blogs!! I would LOVE to be able to read the very first blog post, e.v.e.r. Wouldn't it be so interesting? I wonder how many comments it got? :)

I used to be really worried about how many comments I got on each post. I would worry if my number of viewers would go down, or if I went a while without getting a new follower.
My mom would tell me, "Just treat your blog like your journal. Do it for yourself". I didn't really pay attention to the comment at the time, but now realize that it's a lot easier running it like that~!

Sure, I absolutely love getting comments, and new followers. It makes my day when I see a new face in my followers box, or if I get comments on a post~ But I can't judge how people like me by how many followers, or comments I get.

I don't think that I anticipated getting so into this thing called blogging~
but I guess I did! ;)

I have "met" some really neat people. I love reading about peoples lives. You can find so much inspiration through people, and their blogs.

I have felt like laughing, and crying when reading peoples blogs. It is like you are sitting down, and talking with them. Hearing what is going on in their life at the moment. They can really make you happy, or sad!! ;) believe me~

I have loved my journey in the blogging world so far, and am looking forward to the many posts to come!

Thank you for looking in on my life. It really means a lot to me~ I like knowing that I am getting to share my life with people. It is a lot of fun writing posts.

Thanks for following me up to 500 posts!

~Lydia

{11.1.11}

2011-01-11T14:28:00.000-08:00

Today is the coolest..

wouldn't you just love to be born at 11:11, or 1:11 today.
Or turn 111? or 11!

You would definitely always remember the date and time of your birth! ;)

I was listening to the radio this morning and a man called in who was turning 100.
He was so sweet. The DJ asked Him if He had any tips for young people, and He replied,
"I never drank, I never smoked, and I love the Lord...with all my heart. Amen."
I love to hear about neat people like that. He probably did a lot of stuff to make it to 1-0-0!!
Not only physical things, but spiritual things also.

Today the snow started falling again. still is. I'm debating on whether or not to go out and sled. Should I? ;)

Lily.Kate is walking around in her pj's. Not because she already has had her bath, but because they never made off of her today!! Oh, the joys of wintertime coziness!

Levi just got his Hershey Kisses out of the drawer next to me. I asked him, "Can I have one? Can I have three? Can I have 9?" {I was kidding!.!}

He looked up at me, and said, "I don't want to waste them."

I laughed, and explained. I love teasing that kid~ It's so much fun! ;)

This afternoon I was taking pictures for canvases for the dining room walls...
I just realized that the milk looks green~ really nasty.
It's not..I promise. We aren't ones to keep sour milk in our refrigerator!
I think we need to save this for St. Patrick's day breakfast~ Along with our green eggs and ham!

I'm kidding~ We prefer not to celebrate St. Patty's day with green food!! That's not our thing. ;)

Have a wonderful 11.1.11~ especially if you are born today, or are turning 111, or 11.

Or even if it's just another old day. But it doesn't happen all the time, so just enjoy it!!

have a happy day~

.Lydia.

{joy}

2011-01-10T18:22:00.000-08:00

books read
dishes washed
kisses given & received from little siblings
words written
songs sung
grocery store trip made
pie crust made
cookies eaten

just a short list of things that have happened in my day.. could go on and on listing things that don't really matter, but have happened.

Every morning I dread getting out of bed. I'm not a morning person, okay?
I would much rather stay tucked inside the warm covers, and think about getting up..
It's not an easy thing for me, most of the time I just jump up still half asleep, just so I can get my blood pumping in the chilly air.

I am such a night owl.. if your're an early bird, your're not wanted here! ;)

It's not that I dread stuff that I am going to have to do during the day.
Nope. that's not it at all. It's just getting out of my comfort zone. Literally!
Blame it on the fact that I'm a huge procrastinator. I hate being one, it's just one of my faults.
I try to work on it. I try to be more efficient and get.things.done. That's a biggy for me.. getting things done.

Sometimes jumping out of bed half asleep is due to my procrastination, because I kept putting off going to bed the night before. It is just an endless cycle for me.

Go to bed late one night, get up late the next morning. Go to bed late, get up late. Go to bed late, get up late.

like I said. It's an endless cycle.

Now for some people it comes so easy. Like my sister can go to bed at the same time I do, and get up at 6:30, and it not affect her. I just lay in my bed, and roll my eyes. seriously-- it comes across as that sickening to me! ;)

.... go ahead and call me a selfish brat because I'm envious of her ability of being able to do that!! ;)

Sometimes it takes all of me to just smile. Just a simple smile. Not because there are not things in my life that are not worth smiling about.
That is not it at.all.

It's just that sometimes I don't feel joy, have joy or, for that matter, want joy.
I have a hard time admitting that I don't want joy. but don't we all sometimes not want to accept joy.

99.9% of the time I do want joy, I want to be filled with the joy of the Lord.
And it completely depends on my attitude towards life. If I want to go around with my head down, and if I want to have a smile on my face or not. Or if I want to jump out of bed, ready to face the day with a smile.
It is my choice.

I want to find beauty in my life, and even if it is not something earth shattering, and something worth listing on my blog. ;)

I read this quote in a book, and thought it was beautiful. So inspirational, and simple::

{when I was working on this photo I didn't have the quote handy, but knew most of it so just put it on there, later to find that this is what the quote really says, "The best and most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen, nor touched ...but are felt in the heart."~ at least I was close! ;) }

Remember to have a smile on your face, and joy in your heart when you wake up in the morning. The day might seem long, and the air outside the warm bed might seem cold, but in the end it really is worth it.

Lydia

{the snow is falling}

2011-01-07T17:01:00.000-08:00

This morning I woke up to the ground being covered in snow...again. It snowed pretty much all day, and I wasn't very anxious to get out in it, but my mom told me that I would probably regret it if I didn't. So I put on my snow boots, coat, gloves, and hat, or in other words, bundled up!... and went out. Abigail was making a snow man with the boys so I helped some, and then decided to try out the new sled. And I thoroughly enjoyed myself! :)

I felt like a three-year old sliding down and squealing, with my hands up in the air! {like I mentioned Here...which by the way, feel free to follow me over there!}

I danced with my brother on the driveway. Just the two of us. I sang "Baby, it's cold outside", and danced. Singing both the man, and woman parts of that song is hard, but I still lOvE the song!

...

When we arrived home from the library I had some school to do, so I made a cup of hot chocolate and went up to my room, and put in Chloe Agnew's cd that I had gotten at the library, and did my work, while the snow fell outside my window. It as a very cozy moment~

It's not completely weird that I am eating cranberry sauce in January is it?

Cranberry sauce holds a special place in my heart!... maybe it's because I love Thanksgiving so much! :)

Here are some pictures from the lovely snow this evening~...

{I think she was in mid-throw of a snowball!}

{busily shaping a ball for the snow lady.}

{the snow man that the guys built-- it wasn't looking it's best!}

{Titus and the finished "Snow lady"!}

You don't know what it took for me to get him to pose for this picture! I'm seriously? is it that hard to kiss a snow lady? ;)

I'm off to snuggle up on my bed and watch "Road to Avonlea", with my sister.

Have a fabulous weekend!

{just a few photos}

2011-01-04T18:24:00.000-08:00

Let me start of this entry with one of my favorite pictures from Christmas week~ it's the best picture of my lovely cousin e.v.e.r.

You see when we get together we get a little happy. You can't tell can you?? ;)

Here is a picture of me and my grandma making pancakes together. We do it every time that we come for a visit. It's tradition. and I'm all about that. ;)

Here's a couple pictures from my other grandparents house when we were opening presents. We had a lot of fun getting to visit with them!

I will post more pictures later when I have more time!

happy new year my friends~

{the new year}

2010-12-31T09:53:00.000-08:00

I just had to pop in and do one last post before the new year rolls around!

We have been visiting family all week-- it has been great. We are going to spend the night tonight with our cousins. I'm sure it will be a wild party! ; ) We will try not to get carried away with the pots and pans!!

Happy New year everyone~ May God bless you!

2010-12-25T09:39:00.000-08:00

Merry Christmas! Have a wOnDerFuL Day~ it's a white one here-- first one in my life. Ever! I'm a very happy person~

xo,
Lydia

it really is the most wonderul time of the year

2010-12-24T07:16:00.000-08:00

lily~kate's shots from yesterday.

I can't believe that it is Christmas Eve! Okay~ I'm sorry. I am trying not to be to original here!

Can you just hear the sarcasm coming from me sitting here in my big black spinney chair, and dressed in my bathrobe? ;)

My dad's friend, Wayne, arrived late last night. He and my dad have gone grocery shopping to get stuff for our Christmas Eve dinner. I will make sure to get pictures of that, I'm sure it will be very memorable. In a good way of course! :)

I am very happy. I can not wait for tomorrow, and the next week to come. A whole week visiting with family~ sounds good to me!

Have a wonderful Christmas Eve~

.have.yourself.a.merry.little.Christmas.

2010-12-22T14:24:00.000-08:00

If you came to our house right now~...

You would find.... a cold and windy outdoors, with quiet streets.

pieces of Christmas around the house...

freshly baked Chocolate chip cookies. {they are Chocolate chip, you just can't tell in the picture! :) }

stockings hung on the fireplace with care. ;)

Christmas ornaments being made at dining room table...

a lit up Christmas tree with presents around it...

Here are some pictures from the snow that we had about a week ago...

Today has been spent cleaning house, baking, and watching Toy Story 1. We have been busy the past couple of days.

We are getting ready for my Dad's friend who coming into town tomorrow evening to spend a couple of days with us. We are very happy that he could come~ we always have so much fun with him!

I'm off to help make dinner, and start packing suitcases for the trip to visit family the day after Christmas! I am very happy!

Have a wonderful evening! and stay warm~

{i'm going home for Christmas}

2010-12-20T08:40:00.000-08:00

I can't believe that it is Christmas Week! I am so, so excited!

I am on Christmas break~ it is so wonderful!

I can't wait to go "home". While this is our home, I still consider where all our family is as home. Home is where you have all your family, where you have so many memories inside your mind from the many times spent with them. I haven't seen some of them in several months, I miss them so much, and can.not.wait to see them!! :) I smile just thinking about it!

Here are a few pictures from our shopping spree the other day. We had a fabulous time!

I found these adorable shoes. They fit perfectly, and I loved them to pieces! that's why they are "mine", even though I don't have them at home with them. :)

This is Lily Kate and I when we decorated our tree a couple weeks ago. She loved the snow-globes!

Here is the Christmas tree on the square down town. It was so pretty the night of the Christmas parade.

Well, I'm going to go enjoy myself! Have a fabulous Christmas, and enjoy the break {if you have one!}~

This years songs...

2010-12-16T16:14:00.001-08:00

My sister, Abigail, and I love to sing~ we almost always have a song that we are working on learning. We have a big folder of song lyrics! When we get together with our cousins and aunt we always sing together. It is so much fun! We like a lot of the same music, so it is really fun to be able to find a song that we like, and share it with them, and then learn it together.

This Christmas Abigail, and I are working on these songs~....

"All I want For Christmas is You"~ This song has such a catchy tune. I remember hearing it on the radio one Christmas, a couple years ago, and dancing around in the kitchen with my siblings. Yes, we are a little different!

"2000 Decembers Ago"~ This would have to be one of my top ten favorite Christmas songs. Last year I choreographed a dance to this, and Abigail, my cousin Carrington, and I danced to it at a Christmas play that we did with our cousins. It may be one of my favorites because of all the great memories that it brings back, but I just love this song!

.~.~.~.~.~.

On another note- I am so excited to be on Christmas break! The past couple of weeks have had me very stressed out over school~ I'm so glad that I don't have to do it until 2011! ;)

We are going to the big city :) tomorrow to Christmas shop!

We went last Saturday, just the girls, but we are taking the boys this time so they will get a chance to get a taste of the Christmas rush! I will make sure to take lots of pictures, I am sure it will be a very memorable experience! :)

Merry Christmas~ and don't forget to share some Christmas cheer with someone!

{follow me there}

2010-12-15T15:21:00.000-08:00

it has been way to long since I last blogged- for me anyways. I have worked on several posts, but like I have said before, they just haven't made it to my home page!!

.~ the other day I was out in the yard.. it was a very nice day out, about 45 degrees which felt oh, so warm, compared to the 18 degree weather that we have been having~ ;)
anyways. We have a strip of woods in the back of our yard, and then a corn field. Same on the side of the yard too. I had been back there once when we first moved here, but hadn't gone back. So, I asked the boys if they wanted to go for a walk. Of course, they always jump at the chance to go on a walk with their favorite sister. ;) {*wink*}

It is very pretty back there~ especially when the sun started to set.

{me w/ my boys}

I heard this song on "Sarah Palin's Alaska", and really like it. I like a lot of Third Day's music-- this is diffidently one of my favs! .~ make sure to pause music at bottom before listening.

{baby it's cold outside}

2010-12-07T12:41:00.000-08:00

it's been snowing the past four days.. it's very pretty~

one particular member of our family has been depressed by it..{who will remain nameless}.

Despite the one depressed person ;) it has been very fun~

I'm not one of those people that will spend hours and hours out in it-- building snowmen, and making snow angels..

no I'm one of those types that throws a few snow balls, takes some pictures, and catches some flakes on my tongue, and then goes inside and thaws out.

I like to watch it fall outside the window..

yesterday I came inside and was sitting on my bed slowly pulling all my layers of clothing off. listening to Silent Night and watching the snow swirling outside my window.. listening to the words. that tell THE.STORY.

Reminds me of how caught up we get this time of year.

when really..

it is all about that silent, and holy night...

{i'm still eating turkey}

2010-12-04T17:39:00.000-08:00

Well, I guess I am exaggerating just a bit. ;)
although we still do have some dressing~

We had a very good Thanksgiving-- it was different than any Thanksgiving that I have ever experienced..
the cooking was on us. Yes, we felt a little awkward making everything, we had always had other family to share that task with~ so we were a little lost!

Here's my dad-- or that day he was the Turkey-hacker-upper. ;) he's not known for His turkey cutting skills!

the bird

we were laughing about how mean He looks in this picture~ even He thought so!

out by the fire that night roasting marshmallows~ as if Thanksgiving dinner didn't fill us up enough..

the fire~

Abigail, and I by the set table-- She is very creative in that area!

{photo courtesy of Abigail, for some of the above pictures}

Well, I better go see what I'm wearing to church tomorrow~ better be something warm.. It's been snowing the past couple of days, off, and on. It snowed tonight, when we went to the Christmas parade {pictures to come of that another time}. It was very cozy, even though we did start to freeze despite wearing sock caps, and other layers of warmth!

mErY early ChRistMaS!
stay warm~

{preparing for Thanksgiving}

2010-11-24T15:34:00.000-08:00

here we are... already the day before Thanksgiving~ How can that be?

Wasn't it just yesterday that we were making sweet potato casserole, and cutting turkey? ;)

I love spending time in the kitchen this time of year~ here are a few of my best friends that help me out...

How did we ever manage without a mixer? I love this thing!

oh, and we can't forget about the dish washer-- I WOULD BE LOST, in a pile of dishes, that is~ ;)
                       I love wearing aprons, they make me feel very feminine, but also serve a good purpose~

Now for a tour of our Kitchen, and Parlor (a.k.a      front living room).

The above is our chalk-board~ Please ignore the lame message that is written on it... someone was trying to be clever. You know the line in that song about putting a penny in the old mans hat, and where it says, "The Goose is getting fat". Yeah~ like I said- someone was trying to be clever. And for the record, it wasn't me... I was just annoying the person that wrote it. Okay. I will shut up now.

Moving on~

In the picture above you see our kitchen. It looks a lot better in real life! :) We will eventually get window treatments up.

The other side. ^

Next we have the parlor. Or, like I said, it can be called the front living room to. Whatever you prefer-- it's your decision. ;)

The picture below is of my great grandparents when they were young~ Aren't they a good looking couple. We say he looked like Clark Gable~ He really does!

de*tai*l's

Here is our screen saver at the moment-- cute, huh? My creative sister put it up. :)

We have been busy cooking and cleaning. We aren't traveling this year. My grandparents from my dad's family came to our house. We have enjoyed visiting with them. Tomorrow a couple of people from my dad's office will be coming for dinner and visiting. They don't have any family near by, so they will be spending Thanksgiving with us~

I love tomorrow... :)

I wish you and your family a wonderful Thanksgiving~ I certainly have a lot to be thankful for.

[happy thanksgiving,]

..~Lydia

we thought we were going to win it

2010-11-22T13:41:00.000-08:00

Today we took our Christmas pictures~ should I say part 1 of our Christmas pictures. ;)

I don't think we have ever done Christmas pictures when something didn't go wrong. I'm serious. This year it was the tri-pod. It broke, so my Dad rigged it up with duct-tape-- like we do when anything else breaks! ha. ;) It was the tri-pod that gave us problems last year too. what's up with us and tri-pods?

we finally got outside and started taking... after rigging the tri-pod up with duct-tape of course. ;)

this is the typical Christmas picture... everyone is smiling, we look happy to be having our picture taken..

same here... for some of us.

but really this is what 99.9% of them ended up looking like.

This picture has my Dad and I laughing, my mom looking annoyed, and Abigail in mid-blink. I think we need to send this one out-- at least we would be honest. ;)

needless to say-- we will be re-doing them on Friday. ☺

The other day I walked outside to get the mail... I pulled out one of those scratch of winner things from a car place here in town. I went inside and being the gullible person that I am, I start to scratch it off, and match up the codes with the winning code. When I got to the second scratch off, I saw that the code matched the winning one. For a second I just ignored it and then started to think that maybe it was the winning one. I showed my mom and everyone else. We read all the info. about the winning prize. You could either win $17,000.00, or a car. (we all agreed that we would rather have the $17,000..ha!)

My mom was kind of reluctant to believe it, so Abigail called the place and asked the about it. They said that you would have to come by the place and see if the key fit the hole in the car. That afternoon when Abigail and my Mom were out running errands they stopped by there to see if it fit. We were all anxious that afternoon~at least I was. Like I said, I'm a gullible person.

Later the got home and told me the bad news...

We were not the winners!

dern.

There's always next time! :)

when people think your something that your not

2010-11-17T17:47:00.000-08:00

Last Sunday we visited a church. About 20 minutes into the service Mama, and I took Lily Kate, and Levi out, because LK was being loud. Imagine that?! ;) As I was holding her and walking out of the sanctuary, she waved to everyone. Oh the joys of being a big sister! ha!

Well, there was a Man that was showing us the nursery, and Sunday school class that they would be in. Levi went into the class that he would be in with Mama, and a lady showed me Lily Kate's nursery class. First I was called her mother, then the teacher went on to ask me, "So what does your husband do?" {my chin dropped to the floor, my eyes bulged out of my head, and I fainted. ☺} I told her"SHE IS NOT MY DAUGHTER!!! I AM NOT HER MOTHER!!! I AM NOT MARRIED!!!" well, not really quite like that.

Then a few minutes later, when back in Levi's class, Lily Kate was eating one of her crackers, and a little girl tapped me, and said, "Your daughter is trying to give me her cookie!". I smiled at her and laughed~ you have to some time. ;)

I'm off to go watch the Pioneer woman do a throw down with Bobbie Flay now!

Have a wonderful evening!

to the birthday boy

2010-11-16T17:21:00.000-08:00

today is Levi's 4th birthday.

how time flies! I remember the day he was born-- doesn't seem like it was four years ago~

He is a very funny child. Very mature-- esp. his taste buds. ;)

He loves coffee, and sushi... My parents are taking him out for sushi this weekend. Isn't that just like a four year old?! ;)

He made up this thing that he tells all the women in His life when we leave to go somewhere-- "Your gorgeous, and pretty, and beautiful. Your my one star, I love you, your my pink bulldog, I love you. Bye!"
he's got it down pat, and never forgets to tell us. He's a little romeo. {wink}

I love you bud! Happy Birthday!

Love,
Ydia

2010-11-13T15:45:00.000-08:00

I've been saying for a week now, "I'll do a post tomorrow"..and then tomorrow comes, and I don't do it.

..so I am sitting down, and will hopefully will get it posted.

I absolutely l.o.v.e this time of year. It is beautiful!!

I love wearing sweaters, and boots. I love all the colorful trees. I love that Thanksgiving day will be here soon. I love that Christmas will be here right after that~

"The Girl's" (my mom, Abigail, me, and Lily Kate) went to the city that is near us today. We spent the day shopping. It was such a fun time. Our whole family has gone a couple times, and we always feel rushed, grouchy, and it isn't fun. ;) so just the girls went today~

The town that we live in is small. The shopping is horrid. Before we moved up here, my mom was e-mailing a lady that lived here, and she said that you can just about see one end of the mall from the other. Unfortunately, it is very true! ;)

Mama and I went into a consignment shop a couple days ago. It was depressing. We didn't find anything, and the prices where on the higher side.

There were two women that walked in , that reeked of cigarette smoke (I don't mean to sound snotty here!), and said, in a very hick accent, "They've got some gorgeous sweaters here". I felt like saying, "Oh really? I have looked at all racks, and haven't seen a single one!". Ha!

But today we went to a consignment shop, and were expecting it to be really good, and were very disappointed! It was mostly clothes for business woman, and not really what we were looking for. I did end up getting a pair of jeans, a sweater, and shirt, that I really liked. In the last town that we lived in there was a shop that we loved! We almost always left the store with a couple of things. I guess we got spoiled!

(lily kate has finally grown enough hair to have pig-tails!)

Last Sunday afternoon I baked sweet potato pies. They were a hit! I got the recipe off of foodnetwork.com. It was a Paule Deen recipe~ I told my mom that Paula Deen knew what she was doing when it came to sweet potato pie! ;)

On my next post I plan on doing a tour of our house-- now that it is starting to come together. I will try to do it tomorrow~

Have a wonderful weekend!

2010-11-04T10:31:00.000-07:00

Sorry it's been so long since I last did a real post.

I have been to busy climbing mountains of brown moving boxes. I couldn't seem to find my way to the computer~ ;)

we have gotten a lot done~ The 5,000 boxes of books are finally narrowed down to about 3-- that took a while.!.

The man who packed them, said that it was the biggest amount of books he had ever packed-- at least by himself. That's saying a lot, considering that he packs up houses all the time!

We are really liking our house~ it's extremely homey.

One of the many things I love about it is that most of the house has all the original doors from when it was built in 1954. Old doors are so much prettier than new doors. I love the doors knobs-- even despite the fact that on some of them they will only open, if you turn it a certain way; and the doors knobs will fall off if you shut it to hard... I still love them! ;)

I painted an old book shelf that the owners left. It was wood, but I painted it black. When I first started to paint it, it looked dark blue. Everyone thought so~ I was a little worried there for a minute. Then it started to dry and it looked black. Wheeh! ;)

It now resides in the living room holding our books, and DVD's. I'm going to have to touch up on the places where the paint chipped off when I was loading books on it. The paint person at "Lowe's" told us the wrong kind, so it's not holding up to great.. oh, well!

It's supposed to snow here tomorrow..(or so they say), snow already? I mean it is November, but still-- doesn't seem like it could possibly snow already! The year has flown by, wasn't it just yesterday that we were watching the ball drop?

Then when I think about all that has happened this year, it does seem possible.

I am singing Christmas carols, and listening to a Christmas CD. I guess it is that time of year again~

I am listening to "The Best Day" (Taylor Swift), and when I scrolled down to the picture above, she sang, "Now I know why all the trees change in the Fall", kind of appropriate, don't you think? ;)

i'm going to go head over that mountain of brown boxes now...

long time..no blog

2010-10-30T20:01:00.000-07:00

I know I haven't posted in a while..things have been extremely busy. My Mom fell and broke her arm on Monday! Yes, you just read that correctly-- she broke her arm!! Who would think that between her and her six kids, she would be the one to get hurt~ Kind of surprising, isn't it? ;)

We got all of our things back Thurs.~ It's so good to see everything again-- my clothes esp. {smile}

I won't be able to post again until Monday, when we get our computer hooked back up, at our house.

bye~

ladybugs on the wall

2010-10-23T17:03:00.000-07:00

Today was a long day. We headed over to the house after Mama, and Daddy got home from getting paint. We finally have all the colors picked out. Hallelujah!
Anyways~
We got over there and started painting. And that is what we did all day. Abigail, and Daddy are still over there painting. I came home to help Mama with the boys, and fix supper. I snuck down to the computer, while I was eating! ;)

It wasn't necessarily a bad day, just long, and tiring. My back hurts from bending over a lot-- I can't imagine what I'm going to feel like when all of this is over... mentally and physically. ;)

I think it is ladybug season. They were everywhere at the house. We had the windows open, and they would come inside, and get stuck in the paint. ugg!

I was looking at the wall just a few minutes ago, and counted three crawling around. I have no idea how they got in. but they did... ;)

Lily Kate is laying her head down on my arm as I type. She fell asleep that way this morning. She has her blanket that she is attached to, and we are listening to music. I think shes feeling cozy~

Now she's dancing. Now she's laying down. Now she's spreading out.. making herself at home. Now she's looking around. Now she's humming to herself. Now he is headed to bed.

She's got it pretty simple. ;)

.......
goodnight,
Lydia

Giveaway~

2010-10-23T08:36:00.000-07:00

Well, I'm not giving it away, but Carlotta from "Pastor's Girl's Ponderings", is! She is giving away an "Organic Bloom" picture frame. It is very unique, and so pretty!

All you need to do is go to her blog, (just click on "Pastor's Girl's Pondering's, above.) and read how to enter!

Good luck!

Lydia..

P.S) Her blog is great, and one of my favorites! I'm sure it will be one of yours, too!

i'm not her mother

2010-10-20T16:58:00.000-07:00

alright~ i'm going to share a funny thing that happened to me and my mom yesterday at Wal-Mart.

We were standing in line at the photo center, a lady walked by and accidentally dropped a small, light-weight, card board box on Lily Kate.
She didn't get hurt--I promise. ;) But when the lady started apologizing to her, she busted out crying, (she hates strangers!), so I picked her up, and was comforting her. Well...

A lady in the line, asked my mom, "Are you her grandmother?".
seriously?
I guess that makes me the mother. :/

A lot of people mistake Abigail and I for her mother, when we are out with her. I guess it doesn't help that I push her stroller. :)

You should see some of the looks that we have gotten. ha!

..~**..~**..~**

Last night my Mom, Abigail, Lily Kate, and I went to "Lowe's" to pick out paint colors.
Before we left I went up stairs to my room, to get ready.

You know how your hair looks on the second day without washing it... well, I had "second day hair", yesterday. ;)

I hate second day hair-- it looks awful!

Mine didn't look good yesterday-- at all. So I took out my "Paper Boy" hat, and put it on.
It looked fine, but not really appropriate to go to a hardware store in. You know what I mean? ;)

So I took that off, tried a couple of different things with it. Then finally decided to wear my sunglasses on my head. I always wear my sunglasses on my head, whenever I go out.

Yes, I know that there wasn't any risk on the sun being in my eyes at seven o'clock at night, but you know-- those bad hair days, you've got to do something to cover it up! ;)

My hair is officially down to my hips. This coming Thanksgiving it will be a year since I last cut it.
I can't decide on weather or not to cut it a little below my shoulders like it was when I first started growing it out or not. What do you think?

The last time I cut it is when my mom gave me bangs. I remember it was late at night, and we sat in my bedroom, and she cut them.

Don't asked me what possessed me to get them, the week before Thanksgiving, when everybody would see me.

But lets just say that I looked like a freak 60's freak. I hated it. Abigail, is the only one that liked them. My mom didn't. I hate it when my mom doesn't like something. After that I told her not to let me make such a quick decision next time! ;)

But they have grown out to where they look more like layers now. It only took a year! ☺

I think I will probably leave it long, and just trim a little at the bottom.

..~**..~**..~**

It didn't work out to close on our house last Friday, but we are tomorrow! Yay! We are super excited~
we have to paint the whole house, so that is a lot of paint colors we have to pick out...
my mom just can't seem to make up her mind. She had them picked out, and we were going to get samples of them. She changed her mind, standing in the store, looking at the 500 colors they have to chose from. :/

We might just have to settle on ti-died. All the colors in one! ;)

..~**..~**..~**

We also went to wal-mart to pick up some cleaning supplies, after we went to "Lowe's". The house hasn't been lived in for a while so, it has collected a lot of dust, and nasty stuff, so we will also be cleaning a lot.
We decided to stock up on some groceries, and just take them over to our house, once we close tomorrow. There is this syrup that we get. It's all natural, and is really good.

We got like six bottles of it. It will take us about a year to use it all, considering that we don't have pancakes very often!
When we were checking out a lady said, "Is this good Maple Syrup?". I guess she noticed! :)

We also got some Starbucks coffee, that comes in the big bags, and you just brew it yourself. I really love coffee. We never get coffee, but we just decided to last night. So this morning I decided to have some.

I don't know how to work a coffee machine. I'm not "in" like that. :) So my mom and I were standing there, trying to figure it out. We ended up pouring the water over the ground coffee, not knowing that's not the way you do it. Bright, huh? :)

Once we saw the water drain through the filter, and it come out a yucky gold, we knew that we did not do it right, we started over, and re-did it, this time successfully!
{of course once we finished, I found the instruction booklet!}

I took the first sip.

It was SO strong. We didn't have any milk, or cream so all I could add to it was sugar. My little brother suggested putting maple syrup in it, I declined. :)

Later, after my mom had gone to the store, and gotten some milk, I heated it back up, and added milk.
I loved it!

I could really get used to it. That might not be a good thing! :/

Levi (3) lOveS coffee!! It is super cute to watch him drink it~

..~**..~**..~**

Someone asked where we were staying until we moved into our house. We are living in a vacation home, until our house is ready.

When we were packing our clothes to bring with us, my dad kept saying, "Pack light, Pack light". So guess what I did? I packed light! ;)

I really regret it now. I am getting really sick of the pieces of clothing that I brought! God was really good to us, and hasn't made the weather get to cold!!

We are supposed to get our things back next Thursday, and I can't wait!

I miss my stuff!

..~**..~**..~**

I will try to post again soon~

..~**..~**...Lydia

make me laugh

2010-10-15T13:45:00.000-07:00

For mine and Abigail's birthdays, my parents gave us a visit to the spa!

It was heavenly. wonderful. relaxing. peaceful. and perfect.

We had a wonderful time~
We got a back and shoulder passage, a facial, and pedicure.
my dad specifically asked for women to do everything-- I wouldn't feel very comfortable with a man doing it! ;)

on the way home Titus had this little conversation with me~

Titus: "Did the men do anything?"
me: "no".
Titus: "Good-- I don't want any men touching on my sister!"

he never ceases to make me laugh!
if you think he is protective now, you can just imagine what he will be like in about six years, and Lily Kate is bigger! ;)

By the way~ Today is Titus 7th birthday!!
He is so cute, when Mama asked Him if He was having a good day, He said, "Yes! I love this day!".
He is so sweet~

Love you Buddy! Hope you have a great Birthday!!

.~**.~**.~**

We have had four birthdays in our house, in the last two months-- I will just do one big birthday post soon!

Lydia

t.o.d.a.y

2010-10-10T15:57:00.000-07:00

the past few days have been, beautiful.

It's been perfect~ the air is breezy, warm. The sky is sunny, and the trees are gold. perfect.

I love the evenings. The sunsets are beautiful.

Lately we have been going to a park down the road from us, and playing in the big field. After a long day it feels pretty good to go running through it, and playing on the swings and playground with the boys. :)

I know--

i'm a big baby at heart!:)

I've been using these past few days to wear flip-flops for the last few times-- feel the sun on my legs for the last few times-- and wear my summer clothes for the last few times~ Saying goodbye to summer is a little sad, but I love the coziness of autumn/winter.

The sunsets, and open area, are also perfect for shadow pictures~

I love how the sun reflects on the lens.

The sunset, a couple nights ago~

The sky has been so blue the past few days. Not a cloud in the sky. :)

{Levi one afternoon, when I was taking some fall pictures of him-- he loved the bucket!}

and... the biggest news...

we found a house!! and we really LOVE it!

We are, Lord willing, going to be closing on it this coming Friday~ Please pray that everything goes through!!

I will post pictures of it soon...~

fALl is HEre~

2010-10-05T17:33:00.000-07:00

it's been kind of lonely around here lately... not much posting~
I have worked on posts, but they just can't seem to make it to my home page. :)

fall is here and I am really happy about that--

even though I hate having to get up in the mornings because of the cold, I guess once I get up, and get warm, it isn't that bad~

I hate hearing Levi come up the steps, he comes to the edge of my bed, and whispers "Ydia, it's time to get up". He's always so chipper- un-like me. :)

He came there one morning, when I was having my Bible study. He was munching on a carrot. Yes, at 7:30 in the morning. I'd say he likes carrots. What do you think?

Levi's been, a challenge lately.

There. I said it. You would have never guess from those innocent blue eyes standing back at you in the pictures would you? Oh, bet, your wrong. He has an attitude. A big one. :)

He is so sweet, when he is sweet. But oh so ugly when He is being ugly. Aren't we all? :)

He doesn't like change, poor guy. He has gotten a lot of it, with the move and all.
I think it will pass.
..~**..~**

I better go now-- tonight's "19 Kids and Counting", one of my *favorites*.

I have a lot to catch up on... but it will have to wait!

..~**......Lydia

a night with my boys

2010-10-02T16:43:00.000-07:00

tonight I am babysitting the boys.

it is not an easy job. our conversations go a little like this~

"you are really making me mad, PLEASE stop!!!"

"i'm not going to tell you again!"

"eat every bite of your salad."

"do I have to eat all of it?"

"Yes! All of it!!!"

yeah, we really have a fun time. :)

no, seriously it isn't that bad. usually. {grin}

I asked Gabe to give Levi a bath. Levi was doing something, so Gabe was in Mama and Daddy's bedroom, playing with a balloon while waiting for him to finish whatever he was doing. (He uses his time very wisely, don't you think? ☺}

He was bopping the balloon back and forth which makes a very annoying sound. So~

me: "Can you please stop doing that?"

gabe: "Yeah, do you want me to shut the door and do it?"

okay. can you tell me, (beacause I have yet to find out), why it is so hard to stop. Just stop. When someone asks you to. Why would I want him to shut the door and do it. Even more, why would I care?!?! I wasn't mad.. I thought it was a little funny.

My brothers are funny. They are weird. They are gross. They make me mad. They make me laugh. They make me cry.

I love them.

We are now happily residing on the couch, watching "Little House on the Prarie"~ All is well that ends well.

..~ the promised post..~

2010-09-28T17:59:00.000-07:00

I realize that I didn't do that post that I promised to do. I tried. I have worked on it. But I never got it finished, and ready to post. So. Here I am. Ready.to.post.

{notice Titus looking at me, like I'm an idiot, and Lily Kate looking like, "I cannot believe she is doing that!"!}

these were taken a few days ago of Lily Kate, and Me, by Gabe. Thanks Bud! ;)

this is Lily Kate sittin' pretty, before falling off. She didn't get hurt. :)

..~**..~**..~**

This week has been so busy. Not because we did a ton of stuff, and were gone everyday, it was just the time that school took, then doing things around the house, and all the that other stuff. There are times that I just wanted to run into my room, and dive under the covers-- which, realistically, you can't. So, I just take a deep breath, and...screamed. Well, I don't scream, but I feel like it sometimes. So I just try to be kind, and not scream. Which it usually goes better that way. :)

well~ One morning I was laying in bed one morning, reading my Bible, when I heard Titus screaming for me downstairs. "LYDIA, LYDIA, LYDIA". {it wasn't because he was hurt or anything, He just needed me for something. yes, at eight o'clock in the morning, when I was still laying in bed. I know eight o'clock sounds pitiful to some of you early birds out there, but I am not an early bird. *wink*}. So, I finally yelled back to him, and asked him what he wants. He said that Mama wants Me. So I climb out of bed, and ran down two flights of stairs, and wnet out side in my lepord print pajama shorts, and "Homeschool Rocks" T-shirt. {I like to sleep in style *wink*.} Mama says wants to take my birthday pictures. So-- if you think my eyes look like my eyes look sleepy, it's because they are. :)

{Me trying to make Lily Kate happy-- Don't I look corny? :) }

..~**..~**..~**

A couple of days ago we went to a farm to pick apples. It felt very fallish~ which I loved. Fall time is such a beautiful and cozy season!

..~**..~**..~**

I have a bunch of pictures from my cousin Emily's wedding, my birthday, and some others, that I need to post, so I will put those in another post~ But for now, I am going to read blogs before "19 Kids & Counting" comes on.

Have a wonderful evening!

because

2010-09-22T18:00:00.000-07:00

because yesturday was the last day of summer..

beacause today was the first day of fall..

because leaves are starting to change..

because I love fall time..

because I love barns..

because there are a lot of barns where I live..

because I have 1 lb. of "Bob's" soft peppermint candy sitting by my bed..

because tomorrow is the last day of school-- the next day I get off to celebrate my birthday..

because I have a little sister that smiles a lot..

because I am a night owl..

and because I am going to drink a cup of tea tonight..

I am going to do a long post tomorrow~
stay tuned..

birthdays, Levi, and things that make me laugh.

2010-09-17T06:43:00.000-07:00

Tomorrow is my birthday. It kind of just hit me. It has been so busy lately, I haven't thought much about it, unlike, when I was younger, I would start planning my party two months before. :)

I love birthdays. Mine, and others. It is such a happy time~ when there are birthdays around our house, it's a big deal. My family always make me feel so special on my birthday, and goes all out. I've got a good family. ☺

Yesterday Mama told me about a conversation that she had with Levi. He had gotten a balloon from the Library the day before, and he was playing with it, and said, "I think I will give my balloon to Lydia for her birthday." Mama said, "Levi that is so sweet of you!", then Levi said, "Uhh, Nah". ;) He'd rather keep it to himself-- that's okay. As long as he keeps me laughing, he can keep his balloon! :)

Levi is playing "Dog" with the boys. Titus just asked Him if he could be a dog. Levi said, "Nope, your my son"... somehow that just doesn't sound quite right.. what do you think? :)

Lily Kate is sitting in my lap eating a whole piece of toast-- I think she is feeling a bit overwhelmed.. or maybe independent!? {grin}
Have a great Friday!

finally...

2010-09-11T09:30:00.000-07:00

sLowInG dOWn.

The last week...wait? How long has it been exactly?

I guess it has been about a week and a few days but anyway.

They have been crazy. We have been living out of suit cases and boxes. I am officially sick of it. I have spent the spent the past the nights in the past week in six different places. :/ If you think about it, that's a lot of unpacking, and packing up the car. We have packed and un-packed the car a total of 13 times. I am officially sick of that too. :)

I don't even really know where to start. so much has happened.in.so.little.time.

I feel like I have been gone for *weeks*.

There has been ups and downs. Leaving our little house that we lived in for less than a year was sad. {Yes, that is also the house that we hated the first time we saw it, and vowed we would never cry when we left it. :)} Our dearly loved, cat Lizzy, ran away. When my dad opened the door to his truck to turn in the keys of our house at the rental place, when we were about to leave, she jumped out, and ran away. He tried to get her back, but she didn't want to come, and ran off. We loved her while we had her, and hopes she finds a nice new home with another family. We Love you, Lizzy!

~*~*~*~*~*

There was this fabulous public swimming pool there. It was so fun. I felt foolish doing my high school musical jumps off the bouncy diving boards. Or even those, great frog jumps, but it was to much fun to think what others thought of me. But I have this thing for public swimming pools, with life guards. I don't like life guards. I feel there eyes watching me, and every move I make, even through their sunglasses. I had a bad experience with a life guard when I was little. I think it ruined me for life. :) But to my great relief I didn't get called on, or yelled at. And I didn't forget to not run. I was proud of myself. ☺

We didn't get any pictures of us swimming though... I guess we were having to much fun! :)

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

i'm finally going to post this post~ it's been sitting in my drafts box for a couple of days now. I've just been to lazy not finish it up, and post it. Sorry~ I know it's been a little lonely around here lately. :)

I will probably just put a few pictures in the next several post. But for now here are some that I took~

{the two little boys by the river splashing.}

These pictures are taken when we were riding down the long country roads. Can you tell I like barns?

This one picture is just a random one that I took when we were down by the falls and the sun was setting. I added a little piece fo lyrics from the newest song on my playlist {first song on there}. And, yes, I realize that you are not supposed to spell 'to' like that, when using it like this. Does that make since?? I meant 'too', sorry about that!

I will post some more later~

Thanks for reading...

Lydia

Giveaway!

2010-09-10T17:39:00.000-07:00

Well, I'm not giving it away, but Amber from Hutch5 is, and you can go to here blog to enter! She is giving away some great things~ pretty baskets filled with some really cool things, like Apple lotion from Bath & Body works, and an iTunes gift card. Be sure to check it out, and enter!

love,
Lydia

p.s I will be doing a long post about the past week hopefully tomorrow. :)

packing up, and moving out

2010-08-25T14:33:00.000-07:00

The movers are here, and I am surrounded by boxes~

Once we had all of our stuff that we wanted to keep with us together, it was relatively easy..
Mama, Abigail, and I even went shopping yesterday.. and we went again today! Wow- who new moving could be so easy?! *wink*

There isn't really anything to do- you kind of feel lazy. Haha! You can just sit back and watch the movers pack everything up.. or go shopping. {grin}

I might not be able to post for a little while- but I may be able to post when we stop by my grandparents.
I will miss you all!
Until then...

..~**...~**...~**..Lydia

{This is a picture of Levi and I with the huge train that he built around the living room...I know it is not the best!}

"can you watch me run?"...

2010-08-22T18:48:00.000-07:00

tonight Abigail and Mama went to a kids consignment sale. As they left I was standing on the front porch with Levi and Titus waving. When they drove away I felt this hand on my leg, and a little voice say, "Ydia {his from of Lydia☺}, can you stay out here, and watch me run?"...

so he ran around in circles, in the rain. Around in around in circles..

and I sat there watching him run...

and I never wanted the moment to end....

but there was a dirty kitchen, a crying baby, and two baskets of laundry calling my name. :) But I watched Him run. He enjoyed it.. so did I.

..~**..~**..~**Lydia

since when...

2010-08-21T13:48:00.000-07:00

We are cleaning today, so it will be ready when the movers get here Tuesday..
I have used 1357 paper towels {okay maybe I am over acting just a bit.☺}
I have smelled Clorox way to much.

my our world is slowly but surely flipping upside down..

i'm feeling like this like this. ^
{they were doing a flip *wink*}

I need to go use more paper towels... and smell more clorox... {grin}

..~**..~**.Lydia

why God gave me brothers..

2010-08-18T18:07:00.000-07:00

God gave me brothers to understand the fascination for sticks and snails, and puppy dog tails, that's why God gave me brothers.

I don't think I would have believed you if you told me ten years ago that I would have three younger brothers.

They add all the spice and excitement to life, that even a dozen sisters couldn't give me.

They scream {too much}, they laugh {too loud}, they make me want to pull my hair out {a lot}. But they make me scream {too much}, laugh {too loud}, and I make them pull their hair out {a lot}. :)

But that what makes me love them..

They are so different from sisters.

I have always been the one that they expect to dress up with, and play cowboys, and indians. I'm the one that they want to run around the playground with and play tag. And, yes, I have had the best times playing cowboy and indians, and running around the playground playing tag. :)

~tonight I was sitting on the swing on the front porch. I was holding Lily Kate, and Levi was sitting next to me.
There is this song that Levi has been singing for weeks, it is called "He never lets go" {Matt Redman. It's on my playlist somewhere. ☺} He doesn't get the words quite right sometimes, but He doesn't care. :)

So I started singing it, and He joined in, and that set Lily Kate off dancing. And clapping.

We sang to the top of our lungs, swinging back and fourth. We enjoyed ourselves, even if the neighbors didn't!

We had fun, we laughed. {too much!}

It was fun.

I love my brothers. I sure couldn't imagine life without them. It would be too quiet!

Love you boys!

...Lydia...

2010-08-17T16:56:00.000-07:00

one little...

two little...

three little...

Indians!

It's not everyday that someone has three little indian's living in their back yard... that's why I consider it an honor. :)

Really I do~

{post inspired by Levi's pants ☺}

tag, I'm it.

2010-08-16T17:24:00.000-07:00

~4 Things Found In My Bag/Purse
1. wallet
2. big bug-eyed sunglasses {grin}
3. lipstick
4. vintage pocket mirror

~4 Favorite Things In my Room
1. portable DVD player
2. my shabby-chic bed
3. clothes
4. books

~4 Things I've Always Wanted To Do
1. sing really well
2. visit Ireland, Scotland, and England
3. surf
4. be in a flash mob

~4 Things I'm Currently Into
1. fashion
2. vintage/shabby-chic
3. photography
4. the color white {i.e decorating}

~4 Things I Bet You Didn't Know About Me
1. I laugh a lot.
2. I can be extremely corny..{grin}
3. I sing in the shower. ☺
4. I was born at home. My aunt says that I am "Home Grown"! Haha. :)

~4 Songs I Can't Get Out Of My Head
1. "Lead Me", I'm not really sure who sings it.
2. "Beautiful Ending", Barlow Girl
3. "Get back up", Toby Mac
4. "The Untitled Hymn", Chris Rice

Well, that sums it all up. Thanks again Samarah for tagging me! I tag anyone who read this~
Happy Monday!

...Lydia...

Something Beautiful {Lydia's Blog}

Moving on.

They Won.

to my mama

ready or not.

William & Kate: and their Royal Wedding...

Happy Easter!

Happy Birthday, Gabriel!

Only spring time.

Silouettes

{here comes the sun}

{embracing the imperfections}

{luck of the irish to ya'}

something about me and picnics

My hair

birthday day, and building blocks.

{a mix of things}

I might go into deep depression tomorrow....

Fellowship of the Unashamed

a picture is worth a thousand words...

our Valentines day...

hat's off to St. Valetine...

{welcome to our kitchen at lunch time}

{valentines edition}

{going green}

{horses from my window}

my top ten fashion pet peeves

what I write when I have writers block.

Can You see the (L.O.V.E)?

Am I being unreasonable?

{so much for my sad song}

{saying goodbye...}

{things that make me smile}

{500}

{11.1.11}

{joy}

{the snow is falling}

{just a few photos}

{the new year}

it really is the most wonderul time of the year

.have.yourself.a.merry.little.Christmas.

{i'm going home for Christmas}

This years songs...

{follow me there}

{baby it's cold outside}

{i'm still eating turkey}

{preparing for Thanksgiving}

we thought we were going to win it

when people think your something that your not

to the birthday boy

long time..no blog

ladybugs on the wall

Giveaway~

i'm not her mother

make me laugh

t.o.d.a.y

fALl is HEre~

a night with my boys

..**~ the promised post..**~

because

birthdays, Levi, and things that make me laugh.

finally...

Giveaway!

packing up, and moving out

"can you watch me run?"...

since when...

why God gave me brothers..

tag, I'm it.

..~ the promised post..~