Fiddler's Nook

Did you know...

2011-05-17T21:43:00.002-05:00

There are 88 keys on a piano. Even by playing one note at a time more songs can be composed on a piano than all the known atoms in the universe.

I love music!

apron giveaway

2010-12-04T18:47:00.002-06:00

Check out this apron giveaway!!!

Christmas presents anyone?!?!? :-D

Random Question

2010-06-08T08:05:00.000-05:00

What is your favorite color?

Seriously! I want to know!! Please answer!

I don't post here enough, so...

2010-05-18T22:23:00.001-05:00

Let's talk.

What's your favorite color?

Recital Article

2010-05-08T23:47:00.000-05:00

I forgot to mention. The school newspaper did an article on my recital. Which was really nice of them.

I'm copying it here for you slightly modified so that I not posting personal info ;-) I do have a CD and video from the performance. I don't have the video off the tape yet but I will get around to uploading some music one of these days....

On April 27, Katie performed her senior recital at the Center for the Arts. About 60 family members, friends and students attended the violin recital. With help from other student musicians and friends, Katie performed several pieces of music.

Photograph by Jodi Krautkramer

About 60 people filled the CFA April 27 to watch Katie perform her senior recital. Katie began playing the violin about 17 years ago. Katie selected the pieces of music she played after intermission.
The concert showcased the music of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Johann Sebastian Bach, Fritz Kreisler and Luigi Boccherini. Accompanied by student pianist Emily Neal, Katie performed most of the music with only a piano and flower vase on the stage.
“For Katie, everything on stage reflected her personality,” said Emily Neal, junior general and choral education major. “Katie was very well prepared, so when we sat down to put it together, it was easy.”
Guided by her instructor Paul Brenner, Katie selected the first half of the concert music to meet the music requirements. The music after intermission was selected by Katie alone.
“I wanted to do music that would be fun for the audience,” said Katie. “Lover’s Waltz by Jay Ungar and Molly Mason is one of my favorites as is the Boccherini Quintet. Fiddle music is always fun to hear and play.”
During the Luigi Boccherini piece La Musica Notturna di Madrid, four students accompanied Katie on stage. Those musicians included Nathan Manwiller, Hannah Caylor, Brice Lory and Alex Hummel.
“My favorite part of the concert was when Katie was accompanied by the piano,” said Tanya Kammes, sophomore biology major. “She made playing the violin look easy.”
Katie began playing the violin about 17 years ago. At times, she thought about quitting, but she always decided to keep playing.
“I was a very intense child, and my parents knew that I needed something to funnel that intensity into,” said Katie. “So, they prayed and asked God to tell them what to do. God spoke to my mom that I needed a violin.”
Although Katie has been a business administration major with an emphasis in computer information systems, she used to be a music major. Typically, non-music majors do not give recitals, but she changed her major after deciding to do a recital. She is still contemplating a music minor or double major.
Katie is hoping to graduate in two years. After graduation, Katie would like to remain living in the Midwest and have a job in computers or doing computer work from home.
“I love the Midwest and the people that live here. I love the fact that people here care about each other.”
Outside of school, Katie enjoys teaching violin lessons to nine students and hopes to continue teaching the violin wherever she ends up.

2010-05-08T23:25:00.001-05:00

"I would rather be a wretched sinner with a sense of truth, and know that I was made by God for a specific reason, than think that I am a cosmic accident with no sense of guilt, no sense of morality, and nothing to live for."

So...

2010-04-15T21:53:00.000-05:00

my violin recital is in 10 days.....

AH!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2010-03-03T17:00:00.000-06:00

Hey people!!!

I know I haven't updated in a while and this template is hard to read sometimes... I just wanted to drop a line and say "hi!" I might change the template soon... I might not...

Anyway... I miss you all.... I'm doing a violin recital on April 27th. You are all invited, if you want more info let me know and I will email it to you. Otherwise, leave a comment and let me know how you are doing.

*hugs to all my people* I miss you!

My Current Creed

2010-02-27T09:07:00.002-06:00

"Here I stand. I can do no other. So help me God."

~Martin Luther

2010-02-13T11:05:00.002-06:00

Something that made me think

2010-02-01T16:16:00.000-06:00

   ...what American history is truly about - ideas. Ideas such as "All men are created equal"; the United States is the "last, best hope" of earth; and America "is great, because it is good."
   Honor counted to founding patriots like Adams, Jefferson, Washington, and then later, Lincoln and Teddy Roosevelt. Character counter. Property was also important; no denying that, because with property came liberty. But virtue came first. Even J.P.Morgan, the epitome of the so-called robber baron, insisted that "the first thing is character...before money or anything else. Money cannot buy it."
   It is not surprising, then, that so many left-wing historians miss the boat (and miss it, and miss it, and miss it to the point where they need a ferry schedule). They fail to understand what every colonial settler and every western pioneer needed for success, but character was the prerequisite because it put the law behind property agreement, and it set responsibility tight next to liberty. And the surest way to ensure the presence of good character was to keep God at the center of one's life, community, and ultimately, nation. "Separation of church and state" meant freedom to worship, not freedom from worship. It went back to that link between liberty and responsibility, and no one could be taken seriously who was not responsible to God. 'Where the Spirit of the Lord it, there is liberty." They believe those words...............

Random Fact

2010-01-18T21:30:00.001-06:00

I've been doing a speed reading course that is one of the pre-requisites for doing College Plus. I've always been a fast reader. About 450 wpm. Well, I'm about 60% done with the course and I can now read 680 wpm. Just in case you wanted to know.

Inscription of Hope

2009-12-28T08:00:00.000-06:00

I believe in the sun
even when it is not shining.
And I believe in love
even when there’s no one there.
And I believe in God
even when God is silent.
I believe through any trial
there is always a way.
But sometimes in this suffering
and hopeless despair
My heart cries for shelter
to know someone’s there.
But a voice rises within me saying,
‘hold on my child
I’ll give you strength, I’ll give you hope
Just stay a little while.’
I believe in the sun
even when it is not shining.
And I believe in love
even when there’s no one there.
And I believe in God
even when God is silent.
I believe through any trial
there is always a way.
May there someday be sunshine,
May there someday be happiness,
May there someday be love,
May there someday be peace.

Have I ever mentioned that fact that

2009-12-26T22:18:00.002-06:00

I love

CHOCOLATE!
Well, I do...

Thoughts from James Otis (Johnny Tremain)

2009-12-22T08:17:00.000-06:00

"For what will we fight?"

"To free Boston from these infernal redcoats and…"          "No," said Otis. "Boy, give me more punch. That's not enough reason for going into a war. Did any occupied city ever have better treatment than we've had from the British? Has one rebellious newspaper been stopped—one treasonable speech? Where are the firing squads, the jails jammed with political prisoners? What about the gallows for you, Sam Adams, and you John Hancock? It has never been set up. I hate those infernal British troops spread all over my town as much as you do. Can't move these days without stepping over a soldier. But we are not going off into civil war merely to get them out of Boston. Why are we going to fight? Why, why?
There was an embarrassed silence. Sam Adams was the acknowledged ringleader. It was for him to speak now.
"We will fight for the rights of Americans. England cannot take our money away by taxes."
"No, no. For something more important than the pocketbooks of our American citizens."
Rab said, "For the rights of Englishmen—everywhere."
"Why stop with Englishmen?" Otis was warming up. He had a wide mouth, crooked and generous. He settled back in his chair and then he began to talk. It was such a talk as Johnny had never heard before. The words surged up through the big body, flowed out of the broad mouth. He never raised his voice, and he went on and on……..
"…For men and women and children all over the world," he said. "You were right, you tall, dark boy, for even as we shoot down the British soldiers we are fighting for rights such as they will be enjoying a hundred years from now…."

"We are lucky men," he murmured, "for we have a cause worth dying for. This honor is not given to every generation."

"It is all so much simpler than you think," he said. He lifted his hands and pushed against the rafters. "We give all we have, lives, property, safety, skills…we fight, we die, for one simple thing. Only that a man can stand up."

"Hundreds would die, but not the thing they died for. 'A man can stand up…'"

Life Update

2009-12-15T23:14:00.001-06:00

So as of this last Wednesday I am officially a full time college student again. Not at UWP but with College Plus. And I'm not getting a music degree. It's kinda a long-short story. The long story is that I have been trying to finish my music degree for years and pretty much running into lots of brick walls. Which resulted in my getting pretty bruised and discouraged about the whole thing. Ready to forget it all. Except, I'm not the kind of person who does that. So, I spent many hours online looking for a way to do it online. I found a few things but I didn't feel comfortable about them. Then one day in the middle of church a thought dropped in my head. "Why not change your major?" Honestly, it startled me. And then I thought, why not. I wasn't sure what I would change it to. The thought was somewhat foreign. I got home and started looking at different majors, the only thing that was sticking out was computers. But Computer Science involves a lot of math; calculus, trigonometry, etc. EEEK!!!! And well.. computer programming with an emphasis would take me at least 4 year of full-time schooling and requires something ridiculous like 150 credits!!! So... I'm getting off track... I decided to check into College Plus. Mom said that they would look at my transcript and tell me if it was possible to finish music. I figured I might as well try and while I was waiting for my transcript I talked to mom about the computer thing. I had found out that I could do Computer Information Systems(CIS) which is less math but still computer related. Which is more like software programming and networking and such. She was totally ok with it and so was everyone else. It just made since. I felt really good about it because for me it was practically like doing a 180 in my career path. But I was comfortable with it right from the start, I'm been able to switch gears with very little thought. Granted I still catch myself checking out music options but it's habit. Besides with the current economy situation computers is a smarter field to go into than music. Everyone knows that the arts get cut first...

I talked to a lady College Plus and everything seemed great, made sense and seemed possible. I could double major in CIS and Music, but at this point I'm not sure about that, it might just be more work and not really necessary. She said that the credits I already have would all transfer over and I could be done in 2 years easily. It will cost a LOT LESS that a state college. So I enrolled. I am currently working my way through 1 book, 2 audio-books, and a DVD that you are required to do before starting. Audio books aren't my forte but I'm persevering. Then I'm diving into a History course that Debi already has the stuff for. So hopefully in 18 to 24 months tops I will have a degree!! It won't be hanging over my head anymore!!!

So, that's that. Hope it all makes sense...

Do or Don't

2009-12-11T15:15:00.001-06:00

Our Bible Study group has been reading through Do Hard Things. Granted the study is mostly adults, there is actually only one of us who is still technically a "teen". But we're reading it anyway, and applying it to life as an adult. An Adult Rebellion Against Low Expectations :-) I was working through the chapter for this week when I ran across this passage:

Lindsey is a "good girl" who seemingly never does anything wrong. She won't watch R-rated movies, wears a promise ring her dad gave her on her thirteenth birthday, and won't even date (or "court," as she puts it) until she's ready to get married. It doesn't make her highly popular among some of her peers, but she cares more about what the adults in her life think. And they praise her constantly - usually while they bemoan all the "bad stuff" other teens today are involved in.

She loves it when she gets compliments for being such a "wonderful girl," but when Lindsey is honest, she knows she's become exceptional for what she doesn't do. She doesn't attend wild parties, cause trouble, or want a tattoo. But what does she do? Is the Christian life all about avoiding "bad stuff" or is it about doing "good, hard stuff" for God? Deep down Lindsey knows the answer, but she's already praised for being such a godly girl. Isn't that enough?

The words jumped off the page and smacked me over the head. I can completely relate. I know the feeling all to well. So here's the thoughts.. Are you (and me) known for the things we do or the things we don't do? And what kind of things can you or we do to change that? I'm going to leave you with one thing. Just a little encouragement for all of us.

The Music Stopped

2009-12-08T20:40:00.002-06:00

For those who are unaware: At all military base theaters, the National Anthem is played before the movie begins.

This is written by a Chaplain in Iraq :

I recently attended a showing of 'Superman 3' here at LSA Anaconda. We have a large auditorium we use for movies, as well as memorial ser vices and other large gatherings.
As is the custom at all military bases, we stood to attention when the National Anthem began before the main feature. All was going well until three-quarters of the way through The National Anthem, the music stopped.

Now, what would happen if this occurred with 1,000 18-22 year-olds back in the States? I imagine there would be hoots, catcalls, laughter, a few rude comments, and everyone would sit down and yell for the movie to begin. Of course, that is, if they had stood for
the National Anthem in the first place.

Here in Iraq , 1,000 Soldiers continued to stand at attention, eyes fixed forward. The
music started again and the Soldiers continued to quietly stand at attention. But again, at the same point, the music stopped. What would you expect 1,000 Soldiers standing at attention to do?? Frankly, I expected some laughter, and everyone would eventually sit down and wait for the movie to start.

But No!!... You could have heard a pin drop, while every Soldier continued to stand at attention. Suddenly, there was a lone voice from the front of the auditorium, then a
dozen voices, and soon the room was filled with the voices of a thousand soldiers, finishing where the recording left off: "And the rockets red glare, the bombs bursting in air, gave proof through the night that our flag was still there. Oh, say does that Star Spangled Banner yet wave, o'er the land of the free, and the home of the brave."

It was the most inspiring moment I have had in Iraq and I wanted you to know what kind of Soldiers are serving you. Remember them as they fight for us!

Pass this along as a reminder to others to be ever in prayer for all our soldiers serving us here at home and abroad. Many have already paid the ultimate price.

Written by Chaplain Jim Higgins
LSA Anaconda is at the Ballad Airport in Iraq , north of Baghdad

2009-12-03T23:17:00.000-06:00

I know a blog isn't a blog if you never update....

Let me just say this past weekend was one of the best Thanksgivings ever.

I love and am very thankful for these people (and the ones that aren't in the picture)

2009-11-21T13:24:00.000-06:00

Hey everyone!!! I know it's been forever since I updated, bad me.... anyone life has been good, normal. Got a new computer about a month ago. I'm LOVING it! It's so nice to be able to do something without the computer freezing up every 10 minutes.

Susie, Debi, Lydia and I went to Tyson and Shannon's for 3 days the last weekend in October. Which was lovely and reminds me that I have an unfinished email for Tyson in my drafts box... Of course on the way home we had a little car trouble because I hit a huge raccoon on the way to David and Kristi's. Which wasn't fun, but thankfully the car isn't damaged. Then on the way home mom called and informed us that Rebecca and Stephanie had H1N1. Which resulted in my moving to Mom and Dad's house for a week to avoid getting the flu. The result was successful, for the most part. I came down with a REALLY nasty cold instead. It lasted 2 weeks followed by a sinus infection which gave me monster headaches for a week and I took lots of nap which was odd. But taking it easy was a nice break.

Since then I've done a concert and am currently up to my ears in music for the University's Christmas concert in 2 weeks. Otherwise life is pretty normal. Debi and Lyd are coming to pick me up. We are going shopping... See you all later.

Sorry I didn't forget

2009-11-07T17:58:00.000-06:00

These are my new dishes!!!!! Steph and I found them at Goodwill. I think I paid $15 for this stack. 8 dinner plates, 8 salad plates and 3 bowls. I'm hoping to find more someday... Ebay maybe?

Cause I'm in the mood for a quiz....

2009-10-22T23:20:00.001-05:00

So..... I bought something at Goodwill the other day... any guesses???

2009-10-20T21:50:00.001-05:00

Recent Projects

2009-10-15T22:11:00.000-05:00

I'm afraid I've haven't had much time to sew the last year. Recently I was able to squeak out a few projects. It felt good to be at my sewing machine again.

I made new curtains for the bathroom.

Bad lighting, sorry....

A few years ago I promised Luke a quilt of his own. I FINALLY got around to making it. I finished it at 2 a.m. the day of his 8th birthday.

I think he likes it :)

Just a couple song that have been bouncing around in my head

2009-08-26T17:46:00.001-05:00

No embedding for the last two. Sorry.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aGleoK9oevA

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GO67xEESp1M

This is a good one too.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aGleoK9oevA

2009-08-24T22:17:00.002-05:00

Wickedness is always wickedness, but folly is not always folly. It depends upon the character of thos who handle it.

~Jane Austen

Thoughts?

Boston pictures part 1

2009-08-23T23:00:00.005-05:00

You can see more pictures here. If you have facebook. I will try and post some of those pictures here. They are on a different computer at the moment... These are in a random order... and I'm tired so they are staying that way...

Inside Faneuil hall

The Town Hall Meeting Hall and marketplace. More on that in the next post

Sarah "sleeping" in a hammock. Upstairs in the museum at Boston Harbor they had a hands on display about life onboard a ship in the 1800. (USS Constitution home port is Boston)

This was in the workroom onboard the USS Cassin-Young. It's a retired vessel in the harbor for people to tour. It says. U.S. Government Philosophy If it ain't broke fix it till it is.

We visited the Longfellow Museum. The house was closed for the day but the gardens were lovely. And I LOVED the house! I've always wanted to live in a house that looked like this. I like shutters and wrap-around porches :)

Luke coming up from the barracks. The one we were in slept.... 50 guys... I think.... something like that.... The USS Cassin-Young has quite a story to tell. It just barely survived many battles and saved the lives of 120 people when the USS Princeton was sinking during WW2 battle.

Sarah is cooking dinner for all the men on the ship. Look a stove just her size...

THE USS Constitution. The oldest floating vessel in the world still in in service. The HMS Victory which is in permanant drydock is the oldest still commissioned, in service whatever the term is, vessl. As far as I can tell the Constitution never leaves Boston Harbor. They are currently in the 2nd of a 3 year restoration project.

This picture is the one hanging in the front of the meeting hall in Faneuil Hall

Bunker Hill monument - 294 steps to the top, and not very well ventilated. I highly suggest not doing it when you are hungry, dehydrated and chasing a 7 year old. You will feel like collapsing and your legs will feel like wet noodles for an hour afterwards.

Us in front of the Longfellow House (told you they weren't in order... I love this house!)

LOOK!!!!!

We really wanted to go inside, but there wasn't time, we only drove through Harvard and MIT. Instead we looked longingly out the window.

The Art of Classical Music

2009-08-22T00:04:00.004-05:00

Classical music is a lost art. A form of entertainment that our generation has labeled old fashioned and in some cases boring. It's not upbeat and compelling enough for high action entertainment. Well, I must admit it took me awhile to appreciate it myself. You see except for the standard pieces that everyone knows and recognizes, classical music is not understood or appreciated. You know how people say that coffee is an acquired taste, well... classical music is like that. Not necessarily acquired but definitely something that once you understand and know what to look for you appreciate it more.

Let me tell you a story. When I was a little girl I didn't know what classical music was. My Dad has liking for it so I would hear it occasionally. Otherwise I was clueless. When I started playing the violin I understood that it was the music that violinists played. I figured I should like it, but other than the fun opening to Beethoven's Fifth Symphony and the Hallelujah Chorus, I cared little for it. I played the violin for about 10 years before I really began to enjoy it. I had a violin teacher that was really helping me to see the fun in classical music when we moved to a different state. Not being exposed to that information made me lethargic. A couple years later I started taking lessons at the local college. It was then that the world of classical music began to unfold. Classical music, to me, is best looked at as a giant, wordless, storybook. If you are willing to listen and use your imagination you will be able to find, in music, a variety of stories.

One of my favorite pieces is Dvorak's New World Symphony. It's called New World Symphony because he wrote it when visiting a Czech Village in Northern Iowa. But the symphony isn't about Iowa. It's a piece heavily seeped and influenced by Czech Folk Music. If you listen to the piece you can follow the story of a peasant man who leaves home to fight for his country. It follows his tearful goodbye to his wife and children, his journey through the countryside passing a wedding, a funeral, and the distant thundering of cannons as he nears the army camp. It ends as a battle rages and the man thinks of his family and ultimately gives his life for his country. You didn't know that, did you? I didn't either. After it was explained to me that way it made sense, I understood the piece. When I listen to Dvorak's New World it's like there is a TV in my brain and I can see it all unfolding. A couple years ago we played a piece in orchestra and I swear there was a western part in it. It sounded just like Cowboys and Indians. A couple months ago I brought home a CD of Andre Rieu's Strass Gala. I put it in and the next thing I knew Luke and Sarah were galloping around the house. They thought the music sounded like horses.

Once you allow yourself to imagine and fill in the lack of words with a story of your own, classical music becomes a whole new world of entertainment. A world where you can site back, relax, shut your eyes and allow the music to tell the story. No reading required.

I love my peeps!

2009-08-13T23:19:00.000-05:00

Praising His Name

2009-07-31T08:00:00.000-05:00

Our annual children's camp was last week and on the second to last day I found myself sitting behind one of the cabins. Just me and nature. We were having a a scavenger hunt and I was one of the "clue-holders". The children had to find me. Well, considering the fact that I was going to camp and am always quite busy I, of course, didn't bring along any busy work. I wasn't expecting to have down time. So I grabbed my Bible, notebook, cell phone, an Austen book that one of my sisters had brought, a chair, and some bug spray and I took off to my assigned cabin hiding spot. I sent a few texts, and wasn't really in an Austen mood so I picked up my notebook and started paging through it. It contains a conglomeration of poems, paragraphs from books, notes from church, songs, and random scribblings and thoughts. Lots of thoughts were running through my head when I turned the page and my eyes fell on these words.

I worship you with singing
I worship you with all of my heart
I worship you I cannot be silent
Lord I will praise your name

For you alone are more than worthy
You are great and you dwell in my praise
I lift you up that you receive glory
I worship you in this place

You see, one of my jobs at camp is choir. I spend a couple hours every morning teaching the children songs in 2 part harmony, tricks to reading music, and I hope a love for music and a desire to serve and worship God when they sing. After I read the words it was mostly all I could think about between groups. You see, that is the cry of my heart, to love God so much to let him be such a part of my life that I cannot be silent. That everything that I do would praise and worship his name.

Good news!

2009-07-16T16:42:00.004-05:00

@???
?Ai7?,w??ix ?????0{?

That's makes perfect sense... right?? I don't know what happened there....

Here is what it is supposed to say...

Good news!! I got an internship!!! YAY!!!! It's with one of the children's choirs in town. Next spring, one night a week for 2 hours. Not a big deal, but it's still and internship. *squeal*

2009-07-16T10:00:00.000-05:00

Sliced Steak with Deconstructed Guacamole - Katie Style, a.k.a with many substitutions or omissions(*) - serves 4

2c. Chicken Stock (*water)
4-5 T. Extra Virgin Olive Oil (EVOO)
1 c. White Rice (*whatever rice is in the house)
4 Scallions chopped (*none)
1 (15oz) can of black beans - drained
1 T. Hot Sauce (*none-see mustard)
1 T. Worcestershire Sauce
2 T. Grainy Mustard (*my brother picked out a spicy grainy mustard and we used it for the mustard and hot sauce, it was really quite good.)
1 1/2 T. grill seasoning (*Spike, or other various spices)
1 3/4 to 2 lbs. Skirt Steak (*checked is less expensive and I actually have it in the freezer all the time, steak not so much :-) )
4 (1-inch thick) slices of red onions
2 jalapeno peppers - halved and seeded (the store was out of Jalapeno peppers so I picked up some Anaheim peppers, they're good, but I think Jalapeno would be better if you like spicy.)
Salt
Pepper
2 avocados
1/2 pint cherry tomatoes - halved (*grape)
4 limes halved (*1)
Cilantro

Bring chicken stock and 1 T. EVOO to a boil in a saucepan. Stir in rice, boil, cover, reduce heat and cook for about 12 minutes over low to medium heat. Stir in scallions and black beans, cover and cook for 6 minutes.

Heat oudoor grill to medium-high. (*we don't have a grill so I did all of the following in 2 skillets) In a shallow dish combine hot sauce, Worcestershire, mustard, 3 T. EVOO and grill seasoning. Coat the steak and marinate for 10 minutes. Stick a toothpick through the side of each onion to keep the rings together. (*or throw them in the skillet) Brush the oinons and jalapeno with a little EVOO and season with salt and pepper. Place the meat, onions, and jalapeno on the grill. Cook the meat for 5 to 6 minutes on each side. After you turn the meat, onions, and jalapeno, halve and pit the avacado. Place the avacados on the grill for 3 to 4 minutes to char and mark. Remove the meat, onions, jalapeno, and avacado to a platter. Let the meat rest for a few minutes, tented with a foil, to settle the juices. (*I cooked everything up in the skillet, didn't tent anything and didn't char the avacados, they were a little overipe, and I didn't want to ruin them.)

To serve thinly slice the steak on an angle. (*I sliced the chicken before I cooked it, you could do it either way.) Divide the steak slices among 4 plates. Serve with an avocado half, a thick slice of onion, a jalapeno half, a sprinkle of cilantro, and a few halved tomatoes. Squeeze the juice of 1 lime over the vegetables and meat. Serve black bans and rice alongside.

*I think my favorite part was the chicken. The marinade was really excellent!! The original (pre Katie-style) recipe was from a Rachel Ray cookbook. I copied it out months ago. With fresh produce back on the market and in garden's everywhere. This would be an easy and fast summer meal. And now just for fun, a few pictures :)

Cake pictures, boy am I glad this is over!

2009-07-11T22:17:00.001-05:00

Sorry they are blurry, the lighting was terrible and Mom and Dad needed Steph's camera. So we didn't have a flash.

The bride and groom were 30 minutes late in arriving. It was melting fast!! It was totally crazy!!! I am never doing one like this again!!

For those of you who don't know what this is. It's a 5-tier ice cream cake.....

Remember Our Heros

2009-07-10T08:58:00.002-05:00

I now this probably seems a week late to you. But it's perfect timing for me. You see right now just a few blocks away stands the Vietnam Moving Wall. A half-size replica of the Vietnam Memorial Wall that stands in Washington D.C. There are 58,228 names inscribed on the wall. 58,228 men and women who died or are POW and MIA's of Vietnam. Men and women who weren't just soldiers, but were civilians, were brothers, sisters, sons, daughters, mothers, and fathers. I heard a story last night about a man who was a financial officer in Vietnam, he died when the "accounting office" was attacked. He wasn't on the front lines, he was a office worker, who gathered the staff and fought back, giving his life for his country and for our freedom. It's not just about the soldiers, it's about the civilians too. I was looking at a quiz a few days ago, and one of the questions was what is most important to you. The options were things like education, security, adventure, love, freedom, etc. My answer, my freedom, because it is important. Where would we be without freedom? Where would we be without the men and women that fight, have fought, and have given their lives for our country and the freedom they have helped secure for other countries? It doesn't matter what you think about war or the current state of politics. All that matters is that we honor and remember them.
Did you know that out of all of those names there are only 8 women. I looked them up, most of them were nurses, nurses who died helping hurt men. One of the woman's story really struck me, First Lieutenant Sarah Lane. She was a nurse, who died when a rocket struck the hospital. She was 25 years old. After her death the hospital she worked at in Denver renamed the recovery room she worked in after her. She was only 25. Anyway... standing at the wall, walking past all the names really humbles you.... Makes you think.... The main thing I came away thinking, never forgot, never... remember those that have fallen, remember those that still fight. Honor the veterans, respect and pray for those that stand up for freedom and put their lives on the line for our country. Remember.

knock knock

2009-06-15T22:22:00.002-05:00

Anybody there?

My favorite place

2009-06-13T17:19:00.002-05:00

The Trying of your Faith Worketh Patience

2009-05-29T08:00:00.001-05:00

I was sitting in the sanctuary at one of the local churches. One of my baby sisters was graduating. (The local homeschool group has a graduation ceremony every year). I was listening to the speaker and trying to not be distracted by the squirming little brother in the seat next to me when my ears pricked up.

"Patience produces answers, answers confidence, and confidence a faith in God which nothing can move." Wow! Patience produces answers... there's a thought.... If we "waited patiently of the Lord, and He inclined unto me and heard my cry." (Psalms 40:1) Patience produces answers. Now, I know from personal experience that patience doesn't always produce the answer we want. But it does produce answers. God given answers.

And now I am sitting here.... staring at what I just wrote...acutely aware of my own failings. Very aware that even today I had a terrible lack of patience. Rarely a day goes by that I don't that I don't ask God for an answer. Every day I fall short of patience, everyday. But the more I think about it. I realized that even though I've been waiting over 10 years for some answers. I'll wait a lifetime for others. Even though I think that the waiting has been long enough and learned my lesson,God still has a lot for me to learn and isn't finished with me yet.

And you know what. It's not just a straight line: patience-answers-confidence-faith. It's actually a circle. A circle that begins with faith, faith to be patience and wait on God for the answers, answers that will bring the confidence that will strengthen your faith enough to be patient and wait for the next answer.

"...If ye have the faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye shall say unto this mountain, Remove hence to yonder place; and it shall remove; and nothing shall be impossible unto you." ~ Matthew 17:20
and
"Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing. If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him. But let him ask in faith nothing wavering:..." ~ James 1:3-6a

2009-05-17T16:36:00.001-05:00

Can it possibly be May? It's been unusually cold this Spring.

2009-05-10T21:36:00.002-05:00

Symphony Picture

2009-04-29T20:49:00.000-05:00

Me during the last symphony concert of the school year. I swiped if off the University's website ;)

I took a few pictures while I was coming home...

2009-04-27T21:42:00.001-05:00

Remember my joy last week coming home from violin lessons.

Check out this week!!

(my apologizes, it was raining a little, I was driving, and it's a camera phone)

It was HUGE!! I don't know if you can see or not but there is a 2nd rainbow off to the left. It's faint. You could see it better in person.

I took this one while stopped at a stop sign. Don't worry, I didn't try to do this one while moving!

2009-04-22T12:44:00.001-05:00

Spring is offically here!! The farmers are plowing the fields!! I tried to take a picture but I was driving and it came out fuzzy, sorry.

2009-04-19T23:28:00.001-05:00

So... I guess I will be giving you all a weekly update...

This week

It snowed on Monday
It was 70 degrees on Wednesday
I threw out some of the ribs on my left side. They are back in place now, I'm a little sore though...
Learned the hard way to just ask for help and not just do it all myself.
Ate too much candy
Found out the proper way to say observatory. ObSURRvatory (compliments of Luke)
Played Clue and Life with Luke yesterday, it was loads of fun. Luke wasn't happy until he got to be a computer technician (Life) like David!
Bought a pinneapple ;-)
Went to the mall in D____ to go to Maurices. Remembered Maurices moved outside the mall and went to American Eagle instead. Apparently we walked right by Tom at the mall and didn't see him. oppss...
Bought some new jeans that are actually long enough on me. Do you know how hard it is to find pants long enough for long legs!! VERY! I think we went in 3 stores and only one of them had pants that were long but not a 0!
Only got 50% of the things on my to do list for the week done. So far there is nothing on the list for next week so... maybe I can get the other 50% done.
Went to Borders today. I love book shopping.. now if I only had $1,000,000....

3 random things that have nothing to do with each other

2009-04-14T20:09:00.000-05:00

1) Mom took Luke to sign up for baseball. He came home all excited because and I quote "The field!!!! It has a DUGOUT!"

2) The "change" faze that is sweeping the political arena is bothering me. We had local elections last week and no one I voted for won. Why, well because they believe in the way America was. They vote based on what is moral and right. Not what is different and what needs to change. For instance homeschooling laws...
People!!! Vote for what is RIGHT not what is different!

3) It snowed yesterday, today it was 65.

Last week in recap

2009-04-13T00:16:00.001-05:00

Hurt my back a week ago Thursday. Thankfully it is doing much better

Monday

Work
Back to violin lessons after a month off.
Teach

Tuesday

Work
Chocolate machine breaks... oh well....
Chiropractor (I can now lift more than 8 pounds yay! But no more than 30.... still no holding Sarah...)
Teach lessons in the afternoon
Orchestra
Teach lesson after orchestra (I forgot how much fun teaching beginning students is. They have so much enthusiasm and excitement)

Wednesday

Work
Early release at the Public Schools which means DQ is busy
Teach
Laundry, finally!!

Thursday

Work
Hair Cut
Teach
Orchestra
Bible Study
Finished Laundry

Friday

Long day at work (With Easter this week that means lots of extra cakes. And it was Good Friday so lots of fish and school is out so lots of people out and about).
Dinner at Fiesta Cancun with the roomies, YUMMY!
LOST, yay!
Put clean clothes away

Saturday

Left for DBQ at 11
Dress shopped for a dress for Lyd for Senior Banquet
Target for Bridal shower present
Bridal shower (I forgot and picked Sarah up and turned at the same time. Boy did that hurt... I was in pain for the rest of the day)
Straight home for IDD mod meeting
Shopping at Maurices. (I love finding clothes that actually fit correctly! And are long enough for my long legs!)
Pizza for youth at Mom and Dad's house
Bowling (which was fun! I got 2 strikes and a couple spares. It is interesting when you are hurting though.. I only played 1 of the 2 games. I thought is best to sit out the 2nd.)

Sunday

Church
Out to eat (Tyson was in town, yay!)
Hung out with Kristi at Mom and Dad's for a while
Did nothing!

There... I think that about sums up my week.... I did a couple things for K4K in there somewhere...I've been trying to plow my way through Jane Austen's Emma.. for some reason I just can't get into it. Northanger Abbey wasn't a problem. Next week my goal outside of normal stuff is to get my room cleaned and go through my clothes and get rid of what I don't need before summer comes.

2009-04-04T15:33:00.002-05:00

For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.
For the earnest expectaion of the creature waiteth for the manifestataion of the sons of God.
For the creature was made subject to vanity, not willingly but by reason of him who hath subjected the same in hope.
Because the creature itself also shall be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God.
For we know that the whole creation groaneth and travaileth in pain together until now.
And not only they, but ourselves also, which have the firstfruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves, waiting for the adoption, to wit, the redemption of our body.
For we are saved by hope: but hope that is seen is not hope': for what a man seeth why doth he yet hope for?
But if we hope for that we see not, then do we with patience wait for it.

~ Romans 8

2009-04-02T22:20:00.001-05:00

If we believe in Jesus, it is not what we gain but what He pours through us that really counts. God's purpose is not simply to make us beautiful plump grapes, but to make us grapes so that He may squeeze the sweetness out of us.
~Oswald Chambers

It is my firm belief that

2009-04-01T08:00:00.000-05:00

if everyone lived in a small town the world would be a better place.

BTW, in case you couldn't tell.. I LOVE LOVE living in a small town community. I'm making a list of all the reasons why I love it :)

2009-03-28T19:17:00.002-05:00

Its snowing. Whatever happened to March going out like a lamb?

2009-03-27T23:20:00.000-05:00

Just wanted to let everyone know that I am still alive :-) I'm playing pit for a musical in Lancaster this weekend so I've been gone pretty much 9 am - 11 pm every day this week. So.... busy busy!! The homeschool play is next weekend!!

See you around!

2009-03-21T17:27:00.001-05:00

Apparently you can now post from your cell phone via texting. So this is a test!

2009-03-21T17:24:00.001-05:00

Music Quote

2009-03-16T08:00:00.000-05:00

"Joy, sorrow, tears, lamentation, laughter -- to all these music gives voice, but in such a way that we are transported from the world of unrest to a world of peace, and see reality in a new way, as if we were sitting by a mountain lake and contemplating hills and woods and clouds in the tranquil and fathomless water."
--- Albert Schweitzer

Thoughts??

Quiz for homeschoolers

2009-03-14T21:07:00.000-05:00

The stereotypical homeschooler. X the boxes that apply to you.

[x] Have owned a denim jumper
[x] You were at least 13 when you got your first "trendy" haircut ( I was 20... and 'trendy' consisted of layers. :P)
[x] Everything in your closet at some time was referred to as modest
[] You have tucked things in that shouldn't be tucked in
[] You have been a member of at least 3 co-ops
[x] You were a true sweet 16 and never been kissed
[x] Your mom drives a van of some sort
[] You have at least one childhood picture where you, your mom, and all your siblings matched (noooooo! Thank goodness!)
[] You are/were/will be a PSEO Student
[x] At some point in your life you were more comfortable with adults than kids your own age
[x] Have studied ways to defend your beliefs, debate, and/or create laws
[] Used uber conservative A Beka curriculum
Total: 6

[x] You use big words that most adults could not use in conversation
[x] You can use the words sublime, epiphany, and cognicent correctly (haha it's actually spelled cognizant. how's THAT for homeschooled)
[] You have a favorite word.
[] You have an understanding of Latin root words and how to use them
[x] People from the outside world are referred to as "public schoolers"
[x]You or one of your siblings knits.
[x] You laugh at the decline in literacy in America (or cry)
[x] You score constantly higher than "public schoolers" on standardized tests.
[x] You have no concept of cafeteria food
[x] Family vacations are/ can be referred to as "Field Trips"
[x] Traveling on said vacations have included stopping at historical site markers along the way
[] You have never been in a public elementary school, middle school, or high school during regular school hours (Only to drop off quarterly reports.)
[] You have gone to or been involved in a homeschool convention
Total: 9
Total so far: 15

[x] You read books on a regular basis
[] You have taken part in a political protest
[] You were a Pride and Prejudice fan before the movie
[] You were a Lord of the Rings fan prior to the movie
[] You were a Chronicles of Narnia fan before the movie
[] You speak a language other than English
[x] You dream of dating characters from books instead of celebrities
Total: 2
Total so far: 17

It has been ASSUMED that you:
[]Have won many spelling bees
[x] Have no social life
[x] Have no friends of the opposite gender
[] Are outstandingly smart (where's the outstandingly stupid question?)
[x]Are extremely inept
[x] Only listen to classical music
[x] Play piano or the violin
[x] Do not own a pair of trendy jeans
[x] Have no knowledge of drugs or alcohol
[x] Don't date, only court
[x] Have never been to a "party"
[x] Know no other beliefs other than what your family believes
Total: 10
Total so far: 27

You have been asked more than 10 times:
[x] If you wear pajamas to school
[x] If you get perfect grades because your mom grades you
[x] If your mom teaches you or if somebody else does
[x] How do you meet people
[x] Why you aren't in school
[x] If you get days off whenever you want
[] If you're going to be homeschooled through college
[x] If you have a big family
[x] What your parents are protecting you from
[] To quote something famous
[x] For the answer, because supposedly homeschoolers always have all the answers
Total: 9

Final Total: 36

1-10 You're not really a homeschooler...you just do school at home
11-21 You're a homeschooler, but not what the world expects
22-32 You're a homeschooler
33-? You probably wouldn't have facebook to begin with...but congrats you're the stereotypical homeschooler

2009-03-11T21:34:00.003-05:00

So much for all the updating I was going to do while we were in Florida... sorry about that....
We are home now! And it's cold in Wisconsin. But I'm happy to be back in the state I love.

I got a new template :) I'm trying to help spring along.... :)

@-->-- @-->-- @-->-- @-->-- --<--@ --<--@ --<--@ --<--@

The Whole Clan

2009-03-07T09:31:00.001-06:00

Vacation Pictures - Day 3 (Spring Training - St. Louis Cardinals)

2009-03-06T22:02:00.000-06:00

It's getting late and I'm EXHAUSTED!! So, this will be quick.
Captions above pictures

Luke waiting for autographs. See the new hat dad bought him.

Sarah got a new dress :-) She was quite the hit in it!

Signing Sarah's baseball. (Someone gave Luke a ball they got during practice and he gave it to Sarah.) She wanted to know "Why did that guy write on my ball!"

Albert Pujols was only 20 feet away!!!! (We now expect Luke to do warm-ups like Pujols. ;-) )

National Anthem

Dad asked the pitching coach Dave Duncan for his autograph, Duncan doesn't get asked much so he was very willing to oblige.

During the game.

Pujols (and Braun) are Luke's favorite players. So, we got LOTS to action shots of him.

Sarah was such a good girl!!

Definitely Spring Training. Some of the pitchers were practically sitting with the fans!! You can't tell from this picture but some of them were sitting on the wall.

I forgot to upload the picture of all of us in front of the stadium....

But here is me with our future hall of famer ;-)

Wedding is tommorrow so I'm not sure I will be posting anything....

Vacation Pictures - Day 2 Part 2 (Beach and Jupiter Lighthouse)

2009-03-06T10:30:00.005-06:00

captions above pictures

Off we headed to Jupiter Beach!!!

I knew Luke would want someone to go in and get wet with him, so I came prepared. He wanted to jump in, but I wouldn't let him. I was holding him back from the undertow.

The water got you Sarah!!

She thought it was great!! For about 2 minutes and then she was hollering for mom. (I'm keeping an eye on the waves, they were HUGE and I didn't want to put my baby in any iffy situations...)

I'm trying to convince Sarah to let me put her down so she can get wet. It didn't work. Notice the hold she has on my shirt....

The boys (and I) built a reserviore. You should have seen there faces when a huge wave came and didn't destroy it!

I just like this picture....

We stopped by the Jupiter lighthouse. Which is on Coast Guard property. It was designed by George Meade and the land was surveyed by Robert E. Lee... interesting, huh?

Beautiful isn't it!!

105 steps to the top!!! 140 some feet to the bridge!

View from the top.

The lens is so powerful that is only needs a 1000 watt lightbulb but has a range of up to 24 miles.

Day 3 - Cardinals Spring Training - stay tuned!!

Vacation Pictures - Day 2 Part 1 (Turtles)

2009-03-05T22:09:00.000-06:00

DAY 2 - Turtles, beach and a lighthouse

A little R&R with a book in the warm Florida sunshine

Driving in one of our 2 Toyota Siennas

We stopped here to learn about turtles

The big black turtle on top is the biggest turtle called a leatherback. All the way to the left is a Hawksbill and then the green. You can't see the loggerhead in this picture.

They had some REALLY awesome aquariums!!!! Steph took all these pictures. She got a bunch of great ones!

They were cleaning this turtle. I don't remember his name but he weighs 110 lbs!!

Taking a picture on the fake turtle!! (The surface was hot so Sarah let me hold her.)

Our turtle wrangler

Sarah B. is bigger than one kind of turtle.....

Tune in tomorrow for pictures of the beach and lighthouse.

Vacation Pictures - day 1

2009-03-05T22:07:00.000-06:00

Captions above pictures

DAY 1 - traveling

Waiting in the airport in Milwaukee

Joshua came with us

Staying entertained during the flight

What is your style

2009-02-25T18:36:00.000-06:00

So, Susie posted this quiz so I took it, and wasn't too surprised.

Traditional Country

Even if your backyard isn't acres of farmland and you don't actually have a cow out in the barn, your house sure brings you back to a time when that was the case for many.
You love spaces that feel casual and lived in. Furniture is practical and comfortable, and yet at the same time its very stylish. The best part of country style is how much it highlights collection and found objects. Antiques here, garage sale finds there and Aunt Milly's hand-me-downs throughout. Unique items that used to serve very practical purposes are now on display, and their history seems to permeate the home. Each space in the home seems to invite friends and family to come in and stay a while. There is a true sense of home felt throughout.

I took it twice. Just to see what happened.

50%

Wine Country Style

Tuscan sun, here we come! The Wine Country style reflects the feelings evoked by the seaside regions of Europe such as the South of France, Spain, Italy and Greece. The style manages to be both refined and casual, such that you can mix beautiful antiques with more rustic wrought iron or wood and the result is both sophisticated and cozy.
Furniture is large and comfortable, colors are bright and cheery, and regardless of the color palette the spaces almost always feel warm. You can easily translate the style into the perfect family environment but you can just as easily emphasize the more formal pieces and make your room the perfect adult getaway.

50%

Nantucket Style

Oh how you love the beach! Who doesn't, right? And so your dream home is either perched in your favorite beach town, or you've brought that favorite beach town into your house.
Your art and accessories speak directly to the activities that are found at the beach. Pieces of driftwood you found here, pictures or paintings of the amazing views there. Things that remind you of the coast - surf boards or fishing boats - are found throughout the house. The feeling of the seaside is both abstract and literal in the design of your space. The fabrics are natural, cottons and linens and are light in color and touch. Much of the furniture is wood or wood framed (the lighter the better, think driftwood!) and wicker, when done right, is a must.
And since your true inspiration is the sea, the colors and textures in your home are the same that you would find at your favorite beach: white, light beiges and grays of the sand and driftwood, a variety of blues for the ocean and sky, and greens and vibrant blues of the sea glass� but the key is white! Your space should feel light and airy and give off the mood one has when at the beach: laid back!
Your furniture is comfortable and the layout is cozy. The more it reminds you of actually sitting on the warm sand, the better! And what do you do at the beach? Hang out with family and friends - and your home is just an extension of this play place. And though the space is filled with large white furniture, it somehow manages to feel both durable and casual

Here's the quiz

Thought you might like to see pictures of my new hair cut.

2009-02-21T23:47:00.000-06:00

My Week is Done!

2009-02-15T22:30:00.002-06:00

So, tonight is the end of a VERY long week.. I'm tired... but the fact that the week is done somehow gives me energy.

VDay cakes were INSANE!! I dreamed about them for HOURS Friday night and didn't get much sleep... I think 3 hours, maybe...

Company was fun, even though I didn't get to spend much time with them.

Chocolate is marvelous

I love teaching!

I LOVE my mother! I don't know what I would do without her.

I actually had a good attitude during cakes. I was in pain and exhausted and stressed but I come out with a good attitude. Probably because I went in with a good attitude. Check my previous post for what I was thinking.

I didn't make the YouTube Symphony, I'm telling myself it's because the 2nd video didn't upload in time. I'm not upset about it.

I love my siblings.

I saw some people from Dubuque Symphony Orchestra leaving the restaurant we went to after church. I had a twinge of guilt, regret, I don't know what....

Went bowling tonight. I actually played pretty well.. for me anyway... I bowled 2 80-something games and a couple strikes. I usually do gutter balls. Last time I bowled, probably 5 years ago, we were with some friends from church. Sue's family owned a bowling lanes place when she was growing up and she is quite good. She said I was doing terrible and showed me some tips... it must have worked and that was 5 years ago! It was fun!

Didn't get my IDD chocolate swap chocolate...maybe it's coming on Monday...

Had a good Bible Study on Thursday for a change. I can't wait till we are done with this book. I really like it! And the S____s seem to be enjoying it, but.. everyone else wants to do something that umm... doesn't require thought on their part.. I think... anyone no one is really putting any effort into it... Which is annoying....

Did I mention I love teaching.

I'm going to start planting soon. I dont' really have a green thumb... but it makes me feel accomplished.

Oh and I love my mother!

Valentine Thoughts...

2009-02-14T12:08:00.001-06:00

Today is Valentine's Day, or what we on IDD call Singles Awareness Day, and frankly it's one of my most dreaded days/times of the year. I don't know about you but I don't like VD and it's not just because I am single. Yes, all the love in the air and happy couples everywhere makes single people feel lonely, after all the holiday is all about love. Every year I spend Valentine's Day stressed out and lonely... why?? Well, I work at the DQ that my parents own, I am the main cake decorator. Over Valentine's Day we sell more cakes than any other time of the year. So after days on end of red and pink frosting, and piles of work to do, I'm stressed and exhausted and well... not someone you probably want to hang around :-) I decided once that I was going to figure out how many things there were that I could not like about Valentine's Day.

Red and pink everywhere! I mean honestly!! They don't even match!!
Hearts hanging everywhere, red lights, and lace, it can be a little overbearing!
Everyone running around looking for the special gift for their special someone.
And then there is the inevitable thought that I get home there is no roses, chocolate, and a special dinner waiting for me. Just a normal house and a stomach that needs to be fed.

Well.. and years of crummy and stressful Valentine's Days... I decided this year I would try something a little different. For starters I am trying to not dwell on the things that I don't like. I am concentrating on the things I can be thankful for!

That I am single and can serve God in the capacity I am in.
Sunday marks 364 wonderful days till Valentine's Day comes around again.
I'm making cinnamon bark with chocolate and cinnamon candies. YUMMY!
Hugs and "I love you's" from my younger siblings.
Chewy cinnamon hearts go on clearance!
I have extra help this year and I don't have to make and decorate over 100 cakes all by myself.
Beautiful roses, even if they aren't mine.
I'm even thankful that some shades of red and pink DO match :)
I'm thankful that today is Valentine's Day and that God loves me everyday.

2009-02-11T08:00:00.000-06:00

Truth crush to earth will rise again because no lie can live forever.
~ Ben Stein - Expelled

2009-02-10T10:00:00.000-06:00

http://www.southernplate.com/

Is doing a whole month of giveaways! Be sure to stop by and see if there is something for you!

Random Facts About Me

2009-02-09T21:58:00.003-06:00

1) I love socks with something on them, anything cute or funky will do.

2) I am not a girly-girl, I don't like the color pink, never have, probably never will.

3) I am an overachiever and I enjoy it.

4) I like names and their meanings, they intrigue me.

5) I used to want to name my future children original names like Nathan, Elisabeth, etc. I didn't like any of the recent popular names. I am now leaning towards old-fashioned and practically extinct names.

6) I always have a pile of clean clothes on the floor at the end of my bed, it's part of my closet :)

7) I have trouble finding pants that are long enough.

8) I am teaching myself html, xml, ccs, and bbccode through trial and error.

9) I pretend to know more than I actually do.

10) Contrary to popular belief, I do know how to cook, and I do enjoy it. Sadly it doesn't fit into my hectic schedule.

11) When I have a violin concert I am rarely nervous and don't have trouble performing. When I have an audition, it is the complete opposite.

12) I have pitchers syndrome in my wrist, I am not a pitcher.

13) I do not speak a foreign language but know a few phrases in Czech and German. I am trying to teach myself sign language.

14) I have 3 jobs.

15) On Friday after making some sweethearts for Valentine's Day I went to the bank and signed my check, Catherine Sweetheart. *headdesk*

16) I need a new purse.

17) I have very little fashion and makeup sense. Everything I know, do and wear I copy or learn from my sisters.

18) My favorite violinist is Isaac Stern.

19) Someday I WILL play Stern's solo from the overture of Fiddler on the Roof.

20) I LOVE bright colors and enjoy wearing them.

21) I enjoy studying and learning.

22) I wish I lived in the 1800's or 1940's and 50's.

23) Everything bizarre thing that has ever happened to me in the car has happened on a road trip when we were following our parents.

24) I talk about myself in the third person.

25) I LOVE to travel!!! But hate car trips, planes on the other hand...

26) My first plane trip was a 8 hour flight from Chicago to Amsterdam.

27) I have nieces and nephews but none of my siblings have children.

28) I want to learn how to ballroom dance.

29) I didn't have the patience to sew until I learned to quilt. Now I quilt and sew.

30) When I need to zone out or relax I sew.

31) I have costumed or helped costume 5 plays and another coming up.

32) My sister says I'm overachieving and I should stop now.

33) But I thought of another one: I have trouble saying no when people ask for help and I volunteer to help with too many things.

34) I'm stopping with the memes now, I promise.

another... what can I say it's winter, people are bored...

2009-02-06T21:26:00.011-06:00

[]short,under 5′4
[ ] 5′4″-5′5″ (im 5′5 and a half)
[ ] 5′5″-5.6″
[ ] 5′6.5 - 5′7 ”
[x] 5′7″ - 6′0
[ ] tall, 6′1 and up

NATURALLY
[] blonde
[ ] redhead
[]brunette
[] dirty blonde
[] brownish
[x] dark brown
[ ] black
[ ] indian red/light brown

[] blue-eyed
[x] brown-eyed
[] black-eyed
[] green-eyed
[] hazel-eyed
[] gold/brown-eyed
[] silver/gray- eyed
[] blue/gray-eyed
[] green/gray-eyed
[] they change colors
[] amber

[x] glasses
[x] contacts
[ ] neither

[] short hair
[x] medium hair
[] long hair

Your favorite colour(s) are?
[x] red
[] khaki
[] aqua
[] pink
[] hot pink
[x] yellow
[] black
[x] green
[] lime green
[x] blue
[x] white
[ ] silver
[] purple
[] brown
[] orange
[] grey
[] fuschia
[] maroon
[] gold
[] teal
[] coral
[] clear o.O
[] bronze
[] I don’t really care
[] rainbow

Your personality is sometimes…
[x] talkative
[ ] shy-
[x] funny-
[x] serious-
[] laid back-
[] hyper-
[x] sarcastic-
[ ] slow-
[] all of the above-

You like listening to:
[] pop
[] country
[] christian
[x] orchestral/classical
[] techno
[x] oldies
[x] opera (depending)
[ ] 80’s
[ ] disco
[ ] rap
[ ] classic rock
[ ] punk
[ ] pop punk
[ ] metal
[ ] hip-hop
[] rock
[] alt/indie rock
[] emo
[] foreign rock
[] skate
[] lots of different stuff

The pets you have/ had?
[x] cat
[x] dog
[ ] lizard
[] rat
[] ferret
[] bunny
[x] fish
[] horse
[x] bird
[] frog
[ ] hermit crab
[ ] turtle
[] hamster
[] snake
[] gerbil
[] guinea pig
[] pig
[] goat
[] chinchilla
[] tarantula
[] geese
[] baby chicks
[] baby ducklings
[] none
[] hedgehog
[] snail
[] pirahna
[] sea gull
[x] newt
[] pigeon
[] Donkey
[] other

Your confessions:
[] I’m afraid of silence
[x] I am really ticklish
[] I’m afraid of the dark
[] I’ve collected comic books…
[] I open up to others TOO easily
[x] I read the newspaper (sometimes)
[] I love Disney movies
[x] I am a sucker for gorgeous eyes
[x] I am a sucker for a gorgeous smile
[] I don’t kill bugs
[] I have “x”s in my screen name
[x] I bake
[] I have worn pajamas to class
[] I love Martha Stewart
[] I am guilty of tYpInG lIkE tHiS
[x] I am self-conscious
[x] I love to laugh
[ ] I can’t swallow pills
[x] I bite my nails
[x] I play computer games when I’m bored
[x] I have gotten lost in the city
[] I have gone out in public in my pajamas
[] I have made out in an elevator
[] I have been skydiving
[] I have been bungee jumping
[] I have bitten someone
[] I have egged or rolled a house/car
[] I have smashed into a car
[] I have been fired
[] I have been skinny dipping
[x] I do notes when I'm bored

Have you ever…
[x] seen a shooting star
[ ] joke proposed to anyone
[ ] eaten Sushi
[x] gotten the chicken pox
[ ] ridden in a taxi
[ ] been on a cruise ship
[ ] driven over 400 miles in one day
[ ] been on a plane by yourself
[ ] had surgery
[ ] seen a movie more than 2 times in the theater in one day
[x] been on stage
[x] gotten a black eye
[x] memorized all the dialogs in a movie
[ ] watched an entire baseball game

Do you like…
[x] old movies
[x] musicals
[] blasting music in your car
[x] foreign foods (some)
[] gameboy Pokemon
[x] Christmas time
[x] animals (some)
[x] coffee
[x] tea
[x] summer
[] winter
[x] fall
[x] spring

2009-02-05T08:00:00.000-06:00

Hi everyone!!

How are you today???

Clips from Pres. Bush's Welcome Home Rally

2009-02-04T08:00:00.000-06:00

One thing that didn't make this clip is he said, "We worked to instill freedom and liberty as an alternative to the tyranny and terror. Whether or not you agreed with my decisions or not on thing you have to agree with, we have not been attacked for the last 7 years,"

The whole speech is good if you can make time to watch it.

Photographing the President

2009-02-02T08:00:00.003-06:00

Two white house photographers look back on the last 8 years.

About Me Meme

2009-01-31T22:50:00.004-06:00

1. WERE YOU NAMED AFTER ANYONE: Yes, Catherine Ilene after my Grandmas' middle names.

2. WHEN WAS THE LAST TIME YOU CRIED? Umm..don't remember... I wanted to on Thursday... otherwise it's been a while..

3. DO YOU LIKE YOUR HANDWRITING? As long as I'm not writing too fast.

4. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE LUNCH MEAT? Turkey

5. DO YOU HAVE KIDS? No, hopefully someday...

6. IF YOU WERE ANOTHER PERSON WOULD YOU BE FRIENDS WITH YOU? Maybe

7. DO YOU USE SARCASM? Who me?!?!

8. DO YOU STILL HAVE YOUR TONSILS? Yes

9. WOULD YOU BUNGEE JUMP? Maybe...

10. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE CEREAL? Cinnamon Toast Crunch

11. DO YOU UNTIE YOUR SHOES WHEN YOU TAKE THEM OFF? Depends on the shoe.

13. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE ICE CREAM? Peppermint Chip or Chocolate Chip

14. WHAT IS THE FIRST THING YOU NOTICE ABOUT PEOPLE? Height... I know... it's weird...

15. RED OR PINK? Red, I'm not a girly-girl

16. WHAT IS YOUR LEAST FAVORITE THING ABOUT YOURSELF? Umm... I try not to think too long about that stuff...

17. WHO DO YOU MISS THE MOST? My mom and Sarah B.

18. DO YOU WANT EVERYONE TO COMPLETE THIS LIST? Only if they want to.

19. WHAT COLOR PANTS AND SHOES ARE YOU WEARING? Khaki pants and brown shoes with green accents.

21. WHAT ARE YOU LISTENING TO RIGHT NOW? Rebecca and Stephanie are watching Pride and Prejudice.. and my computer burning a CD.

22. IF YOU WERE A CRAYON, WHAT COLOR WOULD YOU BE? Red or Green

23. FAVORITE SMELLS? Fall.. bread baking

24. WHO WAS THE LAST PERSON YOU TALKED TO ON THE PHONE? Mom

25. DO YOU LIKE THE PERSON WHO SENT THIS TO YOU? Well... I actually swiped this off Mike's Facebook.

26. FAVORITE SPORTS TO WATCH? Cooking!!!........... Baseball

27. HAIR COLOR? Brown

28. EYE COLOR? Brown

29. DO YOU WEAR CONTACTS? Not usually.. I should get back to that...

30. FAVORITE FOOD? hmmmm... that's hard... I love food!!!

31. SCARY MOVIES OR HAPPY ENDINGS? Happy endings! Always happy endings!!

32. LAST MOVIE YOU WATCHED? We are in the middle of Bleak House.. otherwise...Poirot... which is technically a TV show...

33. WHAT COLOR SHIRT ARE YOU WEARING? Green

34 SUMMER OR WINTER? Summer!! Winter in WI is FOREVER!!

35. HUGS OR KISSES? Hugs... I might feel differently when I am married... who knows...

36. FAVORITE DESSERT? This is a hard one!!!

37. IF YOU COULD MAKE A WISH... Less stress and a God-fearing president

38. WHAT (in general) IRRITATES YOU? hmm... slackers... decisions based on not enough information!

39. WHAT BOOK ARE YOU READING NOW? The Feast of Tabernacles and Northanger Abbey

40. WHAT IS ON YOUR MOUSE PAD? Nothing, it's just boringly black... I used to have a yellow smiley face.

41. WHAT DID YOU WATCH ON TV LAST NIGHT? umm... I think there might have been a ball game on at Mom and Dad's. But I didn't watch anything...

42. FAVORITE SOUND(S)? Classical music, children playing... peace and quiet!

43. ROLLING STONES OR BEATLES? Neither!!!

44. WHAT IS THE FARTHEST YOU HAVE BEEN FROM HOME? The Czech Republic... but the summer in Mahomet felt farther away... it lasted longer..

45. DO YOU HAVE A SPECIAL TALENT? Wouldn't you like to know! (wouldn't I like to know...)

46. WHERE WERE YOU BORN? Wisconsin

47. WHOSE ANSWERS ARE YOU MOST LOOKING FORWARD TO RECEIVING? Any

48. WHERE DID YOU MEET YOUR SPOUSE/SIGNIFICANT OTHER? TBD

This is me

2009-01-30T09:00:00.000-06:00

In pictures (just for the fun of it):

This is me playing Bach

2009-01-29T08:00:00.001-06:00

That was me butchering Bach...
*runs and hides*

I love

2009-01-19T21:50:00.001-06:00

My violin!! I mean it. I really truly do.

This is me today

2009-01-16T22:51:00.000-06:00

2009-01-15T21:57:00.000-06:00

We just threw boiling water out the door to see if it would freeze before it hit the ground...

it didn't.. BUT it almost worked! It was quite fun though :)

You Know it's Cold Outside When...

2009-01-15T14:30:00.000-06:00

1) Half the cars in the grocery store parking lot are left running.

2) I'm wearing leggings.

3) You are cold working over a fryer because there is cold air seeping down through the fryer vents.

4) I've had 2 cups of coffee already and it's only 2:30.

5) People run everywhere.

Knock, Knock

2009-01-09T23:03:00.001-06:00

Anybody there??

WOW!!

2009-01-03T23:37:00.000-06:00

2 of the greatest violinists of all time

Recent Sewing Acquisitions

2009-01-02T18:12:00.000-06:00

I thought you all might like to see some sewing items I inherited when my Gr. Grandma passed away this August.

The first took me a few seconds to figure out what it was:

It's a pin cushion :) If you hold it with the open part facing towards you it kinda looks like a microphone.

The second we found up in the attic. When I found out it was up there, I asked my uncle if I could Please have it!! If no one else does. He said I should just take it because no one else would want it. So, I got a dress form!!!

I haven't used it yet. I'm making a dress right now, and when I get back to working on it I'm going to use it.

Things I learned over Christmas

2008-12-26T17:46:00.001-06:00

1. I'm old.

2 .Don't give children presents in come in boxes bigger than the child.

3. Be sure to supervise aforementioned child, especially if child is excited.

4. Don't play Apples to Apples with a bunch of cousins that are 10 years younger than you. You will answer a lot of: what's this, who's this, and can you simply questions.

5. Don't plug too many crock-pots into one outlet.

6. Aforementioned action will result in a fuse being blown sending the entire basement into darkness.

7. If aforementioned fuse blows it is a good idea to have a flashlight.

8. Since most people don't carry flashlights around with them it is helpful to be in a room with 30 people. 20 of which have cell phones.

9. Singing "Silent Night" with 30 people while holding up aforementioned cellphones is fun.

10. Cousins grow up too quickly...

11. It takes 3 cousins to figure out how to get the DVD player to work when there are 3 remotes.

Questionarre I was talking to Debi and Lydia about

2008-12-25T21:41:00.004-06:00

1. Put Your Itunes on Shuffle
2. For each question, press the next button to get your answer.
3. You must write that song name down no matter how silly it makes you look.
4. Tag Your friends! (or not.)
(I found 2 of these quizzes so I put a quiz together with questions from both. I know som e ofthe questions are goofy, but it's just for laughs...)

1. How are you feeling today?
Suppe - Poet & Peasant - Overture - Janos Sandor - Hungarian State Opera Orchestra

2. Will you get far in life?
Silver Arrow - Robin Hood Soundtrack

3. How do your friends see you?
She'll Be Coming Around The Mountain/What Shall We Do With The Drunken Sailor/Yellow Rose Of Texas/It's A Long Way To Tipperary/ Glory Glory Hallelujah/ Oh Susanna (medley) - Andre Rieu Orchestra

4. Will you get married?
Will Of The People - Amazing Grace Soundtrack

5. What is your best friend’s theme song?
Auld Lang Syne - Chris Bathgate

6. What is the story of your life?
Just In Time - Bobby Darin

7. What was/is high school like?
10,000 Miles - Mary Chapin Carpenter

8. How can you get ahead in life?
Live - Nicole Nordeman

9. What is the best thing about your friends?
Violin Concerto in E Minor Movement 2 - Felix Mendoelssohn

10. What is in store for this weekend?
Pirates of Penzance Finale - Simon Gallaher (boy am I going to be tired by Monday morning....)

11. To describe your grandparents?
Parliament - Amazing Grace Soundtrack

12. How is your life going?
You Raise Me Up - Josh Groban

13. What song will they play at your funeral?
Marian's Punishment - Robin Hood Soundtrack

14. How does the world see you?
When I Look At You(reprise) - Scarlet Pimpernel

15. Will you have a happy life?
Act 3 Prelude - Richard Wagner

16. What do your friends really think of you?
The Sheriff's Plan - Robin Hood Soundtrack

17. How can I make myself happy?
He Hideth My Soul - Kathryn Carpenter

18. What should you do with your life?
Overture - Scarlet Pimpernel (I should become the Scarlet Pimpernel, COOL!!!)

19. Will you ever have children?
It Is Well With My Soul - Kathryn Carpenter

20. What does your mum think of you?
Completely - Ana Laura

21. What is your deep dark secret?
How Beautiful - Twila Paris

22. What’s your personality like?
He's My Brother - Robin Hood Soundtrack

23. Which song will be played at your wedding?
Courting - David Arnold (Amazing Grace Soundtrack)

24. If someone says "Is this okay?" U say

What Ought We To Do? - Pirates of Penzance

25. How would you describe yourself?
No More - David Arnold (Amazing Grace Soundtrack)

26. How do you feel today?
A Dance Around Memory Lane - Oren Lavie (Prince Caspian Soundtrack)

27.What is your life's purpose?
Stay Frederic Stay - Simon Gallaher (Pirates of Penzance)

28. What do your friends think of you?

Amazing Grace - Kathryn Carpenter

29. What do your parents think of you?
I've Got the World On a String - Michael Buble

30. What do you often think about?
My Shepherd Will Supply My Need - Anne Martindale-Williams

31. What is your life story?
Blaze Away - Andre Rieu Orchestra

32. What do you want to be when you grow up?
No Way Out - Robin Hood Soundtrack

33. What will you dance to at your wedding?
Butterfly Kisses - Jeff Carson

34. What will they play at your funeral?
Just A Closer Walk With Thee - Kathryn Carpenter

35. What is your biggest fear?
Where's the Girl? - Scarlet Pimpernel

36. What is your biggest secret?
Marian's Theme - Robin Hood Soundtrack - (Apparently I am Maid Marian and I should be the Scarlet Pimpernel.... interesting....)

39.What do you think of your friends?

All Houses Have Secrets - Northanger Abbey Soundtrack

Why do I live in Wisconsin again??

2008-12-15T00:59:00.002-06:00

Today the high was 44. It is currently 10. But with the wind chill, it feels like -10. They are predicting it to get as low as 1 overnight with a wind chill of -21 and only up to 9 with a wind chill of -7 by tomorrow night. On the bright side, a lot of snow melted, on the not bright side. The ground is frozen solid and there are puddles of ice everywhere....

This one is for David

2008-12-09T14:17:00.000-06:00

Overcoming Discouragement Part 3

2008-12-05T21:29:00.001-06:00

I thought for the final article instead of doing small segments on a few different things I would just list out things that helped me.

Let's start with:
Don't lose the paper with the notes for your article on it. Yep, I lost my notes.... so... I'm going to leave you with 2 things I remember off the top of my head.

1) Don't keep it all to yourself. If you are struggling, talk to someone about, encouraging yourself is not always the answer. Don't hold it in! Talk to someone, it does wonders!

2) Know and remind yourself that people care about you. This was actually a pre-overcoming one that I realized. A few days after I really had victory over the discouragement, we went to my grandparents house. I had posted part 1of Overcoming Discouragement on my regular blog as well as IDD. And my grandparents had read it. My grandpa was of course worried about me. But then, he started talking to my sisters and I and just encouraging us to keep doing what we are doing, and walking with God, etc. I tell you what. I love grandpa so much, he encouraged so much in those 30-some minutes. When we left, I felt so loved, appreciate, taken care. I was so... hyped is the best word I can come up with. Know that someone loves you. It makes a world of difference in your life. I love going to my parents house, cause you see, the second I walk in the door at least 2 people say "hi", 2 little children from all corners of the house shout "Katie's here!" and throw themselves at my legs and I get a kiss, hug and an "I love you" from mom. They care about me, think about me, love me, care what is happening in my life. And you know what, for what it's worth. Not only does God love and care about you, but we care you. My fellow Bloggers and myself care about you. Each and every single person who reads the blog. That's why we are here. If we didn't care, we wouldn't be writing.

2008-12-04T23:59:00.000-06:00

I found this today and thought it was adorable. So, I thought I would share.

Words on a Page - Meme

2008-11-30T22:28:00.000-06:00

I've been tagged by Emma and Joanna at A Banner of Crimson

Here are the rules...

1. Pick up the nearest book (of at least 123 pages)
2. Open the book to page 123.
3. Find the fifth sentence
4. Post the next three sentences
5. Tag five people.

The top book on the closest stack of books is Vienna Prelude by Brock and Bodie Thoene. I highly suggest their books.

6. For a long time, Murphy stood alone on the wet cement and stared off where he had last seen the aircraft bucking and rocking on the air currents.

7. He expected to see the bright burst of an explosion as the conclusion for his news dispatch.
8. Instead, a more distant bolt of lightning arched toward the ground, and for an instant, Murphy thought he spotted the tiny aircraft as it but a wake through the tempest.

End of the chapter, that worked out well...

I tag:
1) Rebecca at flowershopgirl
2) Lydia at A Walk in the Rain
3) Joe at SouthPaw in the House
4) Moriah at My Wacky Blog
5) consider yourself tagger :)

2008-11-27T11:31:00.001-06:00

afore mentioned song

2008-11-22T17:58:00.001-06:00

I have no idea what happened to the song that was supposed to be in the last post. Here it is again.

Overcoming Discouragement Part 2

2008-11-22T08:30:00.000-06:00

The very first lesson I learned about overcoming discouragement happened on Sunday morning during praise and worship. I can't remember what we were singing, but I was feeling down and couldn't bring myself up to a place where I could truly glorify God and praise Him. Then we started singing a song, and I feel something in me leap. And a little bit of light shown into my darkness. And I got excited, I reached out to God and he poured strength into me to give me the ability to truly praise him in song. I distinctly remember standing up front with the musicians and playing my violin and this joy just filled my soul and I could only think about God and his love and mercy, and everything that He had done for me. I was happy I wasn't discouraged and all I could think about was praising God. For days afterward if I at any point felt discouragement creeping in I would just start to sing, or hum, or if I was at work or somewhere like that, just think the song. The discouragement will flee. Why, well... because when you are praising God and your thoughts and totally turned on Him, there is no opportunity for the devil to get his foot in the door. This is what I wrote during that time.

God never wants us to be down trodden.

It's amazing to me how you can go for a day, or days, or a week or even weeks on end feeling down trodden and searching for answers. Pleading with God for somethig; and anwswer, encouragement, whatever it is that you need. And then you get to a place where you start praising the Lord, giving Him the glory and honor, and just telling Him that you love Him. And in that moment of time all your cares go away. You suddenly no longer care about the problems, the searching, the pleading for an answer. Suddenly, you no longer care. It flees your mind and all you care about it God.

This song has really been an encouragement to me during my recent struggle. It reminds me to press on and thank God all the time even when things aren't going the way we want or wish they would. To thank for Him life, food on the table, friends and family. You get the idea.

Another Question, a green question

2008-11-21T08:15:00.000-06:00

Why do think encourage you to "bring your own bags! Save the environment!" And then hand you a receipt a mile long??

What's wrong with that picture?

Yes, I'm in a random, wierd mood... sorry....

2 random things one of which I need you to answer for me :)

2008-11-18T22:22:00.000-06:00

#1 - There is a guy who comes through Drive Thru at DQ about 3 times a month. When we greet him he always responds by saying "Stand By". And every time I smile and try not to laugh. It completely tickles my funny bone! I want to answer, DQ flight 14847 standing by! I don't, but I want too :) On the bright side of it. No matter what kind of day I'm having it never fails to make me smile :-)

#2 The one I want you to answer.

Joe started telling me this morning about a CCM song he wanted me to listen too. I said o.k. and then somehow we got talking about how I don't really like CCM. To me it's mostly all on one plane and there isn't much depth to it. Not ALL CCM, just most of it. Then he decided to tell me that he thinks classical music is only pretty music and there isn't much depth to it. I just stared at him. He didn't just say that to me! Yes, he did and he meant it. So I asked him:
"What about Handel's Messiah?"
"Well,... that's different Mozart wrote music with depth to it."
"Joe, Mozart didn't write Messiah, Handel did, and you know that!"
"Oh, right Handle."
"No Joe, Handle."
"Anyway, Mozart wrote Operas. Messiah is like that."
"Messiah is not an opera!"
"But it has words!!.... Oh, and I like Minuet in G."
"Messiah is NOT an opera. Minuet in G, huh, o.k. who wrote that?"
"ummm.. .Mozart?"
"No, try again."
"Ummm..........."
"Bach. Is Mozart the only composer you know!"
"No! I know Mozart, and Handle, and Bach."
"Classical music has lots of depth to it! What about Beethoven's 5th Symphony! Or Dvorak's New World Symphony!! Everything Bach wrote has LOTS of depth to it!!! You don't know what you are talking about! And I think you are just egging me on so we are done with this conversation!"
"I'm not egging you on Katie! I'm serious. I don't think classical music has depth to it! It makes for good sountracks!"
At this I told him he would understand more when he got older and that classical music does have depth and is real music!
Classical music not have depth! Pshw!

But then I started thinking... does classical music not make sense to people because it doesn't have words??? So, here is the question, and I would REALLY appreciate any answers. Do you think classical music is merely pretty? Do you think is has depth? Do you know really enjoy/understand it because it doesn't have words?
O.k. guess I meant questions... anyway... answer away!

TEA BASKET GIVEAWAY!!!

2008-11-18T13:36:00.000-06:00

Click picture to be redirected to giveaway

Wanna win a quilt??

2008-11-15T16:52:00.002-06:00

No, I didn't make it... haven't had much time for that reecently...

Click below!

Memory Verses per a 2 year old

2008-11-14T22:54:00.000-06:00

Sarah Beth was over this evening for a while. After I while I decided I would try and teach her a memory verse. She has so many things memorized, things like songs on songs on songs (which is good), books, people's first and middle names, what town and state she lives, stuff like that. Then she has other things memorized, the Indiana Jones Theme, the names of Major League Baseball players.... So, I decided why not try a Bible verse! She could memorize Bible Verses. So, I started with an easy one, "In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth." That didn't go over to well, to many big words, it started coming out as In the beginning, umm... earth!" I figured "Jesus Wept" wouldn't make much sense so we did "Rejoice Always" instead. That went over fine. So we went on to something a little harder, "Little Children keep yourselves from idols, Amen." She caught on to that one right away, she go the "Little Children" part and the "Amen" part. The middle part went like this:
"Little Children... umm.... buy candy!"
"No, try again."
"Little Children... umm... keep your tomatoes, Amen!" Followed by a huge smile cause she was SURE she had it right. She still says tomatoes, but sometimes she says idols... we'll just have to keep working on it.

Overcoming Discouragement Part 1

2008-11-14T08:30:00.000-06:00

The last few weeks have probably been the most roller coaster-y weeks of my life. You see, the devil decided that I should take a long walk down Discouragement Lane. The only thing is, God didn't want me down there and frankly I wasn't to happy about it either. So, I've been up and down, in and out of discouragment quite a bit lately. Now, you are probably wondering why on earth I'm telling you all this. Well... I'm telling you this because through those weeks God gave me some wonderful tools to overcoming discouragement. I'd learn the lesson, use the tool and be happy for a few days, successfully using the new tool I'd received. Then a few days later the devil would figure a way around my new found happiness and I'd head down Discouragement Lane again. After repeating this a few times I began asking God why? "Why are letting me go through this? Why didn't the first tool work for good?" God felt so far away and I kept asking why? "Why were you so close some may times recently only for me to turn around and wonder where you went? I know you didn't leave me, but why am I going through this. Where are you this time, I need the next tool, I'm trying to learn what you have for me, but I'm lost I need your help!!!" For a while, I didn't have an answer, then one day a quote popped into my head, and I didn't understand it. It just kept coming over and over thinking "It was then that I carried you." My finite mind didn't understand that that was my answer. God was telling me that he was there, in fact he wasn't far from me at all. He had scooped me up in His strong arms and was safely and securing carrying me back to happy territory :-)

So, hopefully over the next few weeks I will be imparting those tools to you. God gave me the opportunity to learn and have the experience of using the tools, and hopefully they will be an encouragement and tool for you to use as well. Not that you should be discouraged, but just in case, I'll give you a few tips to help you along the way.

So until next week I'll leave you with the last thing God gave me.

"It was then that I carried you."

and all I could do was grab ahold of that and say "O.k. Lord I'm trusting that you are carrying me."

Lover's Waltz

2008-11-14T00:18:00.000-06:00

*sigh* This is gorgeous! I'm buying this music ASAP! Now I just have to find someone to play it with me....

Whatever you do

2008-11-10T22:25:00.000-06:00

Don't buy these.

There are terrible!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Terribly addicting that is......

Did you know?

2008-11-08T15:54:00.001-06:00

The Bâtiment des Forces Motrices (Swiss Opera House) is situated in the middle of the River Rhône. Constructed in the 19th Century, it was originally meant to be a water pumping and hydroelectric station. One can still spot two turbines in the lobby of the establishment.

Fiddler's Nook

Did you know...

apron giveaway

Random Question

I don't post here enough, so...

Recital Article

So...

My Current Creed

Something that made me think

Random Fact

Inscription of Hope

Have I ever mentioned that fact that

Thoughts from James Otis (Johnny Tremain)

Life Update

Do or Don't

The Music Stopped

Sorry I didn't forget

Cause I'm in the mood for a quiz....

Recent Projects

Just a couple song that have been bouncing around in my head

Boston pictures part 1

The Art of Classical Music

I love my peeps!

Praising His Name

Good news!

Cake pictures, boy am I glad this is over!

Remember Our Heros

*knock knock*

My favorite place

The Trying of your Faith Worketh Patience

Symphony Picture

I took a few pictures while I was coming home...

3 random things that have nothing to do with each other

Last week in recap

It is my firm belief that

Music Quote

Quiz for homeschoolers

The Whole Clan

Vacation Pictures - Day 3 (Spring Training - St. Louis Cardinals)

Vacation Pictures - Day 2 Part 2 (Beach and Jupiter Lighthouse)

Vacation Pictures - Day 2 Part 1 (Turtles)

Vacation Pictures - day 1

What is your style

Traditional Country

Wine Country Style

Nantucket Style

Thought you might like to see pictures of my new hair cut.

My Week is Done!

Valentine Thoughts...

Random Facts About Me

another... what can I say it's winter, people are bored...

Clips from Pres. Bush's Welcome Home Rally

Photographing the President

About Me Meme

This is me

This is me playing Bach

I love

This is me today

You Know it's Cold Outside When...

*Knock, Knock*

WOW!!

Recent Sewing Acquisitions

Things I learned over Christmas

Questionarre I was talking to Debi and Lydia about

Why do I live in Wisconsin again??

This one is for David

Overcoming Discouragement Part 3

Words on a Page - Meme

afore mentioned song

Overcoming Discouragement Part 2

Another Question, a green question

2 random things one of which I need you to answer for me :)

TEA BASKET GIVEAWAY!!!

Wanna win a quilt??

Memory Verses per a 2 year old

Overcoming Discouragement Part 1

Lover's Waltz

Whatever you do

Did you know?

knock knock

Knock, Knock