How can it be possible that yet another month has flown by? I'm telling you, somehow, somewhere, the days have gotten shorter. *sighs*
When I was small, the coming of April was the most exciting month ever. It was the month of my birthday. Now I am thinking that maybe April could wait a little bit?
I am enjoying the warmer tempatures and looking forward to our summer days of sunshine and our cool evenings. Fires, barbicues, bare feet in the dirt.
This month has just been filled with ordinary days. Except for the beginning of the month. We spent some time with my Auntie and Uncle over the river.
School is coming to a close at Mollie's, and spring cleaning is fast approaching. This will be my fifth time spring cleaning there. And it may be my last, as they are slowly building a new house (on the same piece of property) and are hoping it will be done by late summer/early fall.
With the cold weather comes virus'. During this time of the year work for me always slows as either the kids catch a bug, or myself.
This past Monday I came down with... something? I am not even sure exactly what it was or where it came from.
Sunday for lunch we ate out at Shari's. After that, slowly throughout the day, I started just feeling "funny". My chest ached, my back ached. The bones in my legs began to throb. By evening my head hurt and my eyes burned. I thought perhaps I had drank too much coffee. Not enough protien. On my feet too long. Sitting too long. Just all those "perhaps" thoughts.
I crawled into bed that night, every bone in my body just plain hurting. And not a sore hurt. It was a sick hurt. I tossed and turned all night, dreaming strange dreams and feeling half awake until morning.
I crawled out of bed and made my way into the house, heading to the bathroom as I always do. But before I could even comprehend what was happening, I felt my legs grow weak and every ounce of blood drained from my face.
I was passing out.
I have never passed out before, but I have been near it, and this was the same feeling.
I curled onto the bathroom floor while nausea swept through me. After awhile, it passed. Though I felt weak, I began to improve and was able to drink some orange juice and eat a banana. We thought perhaps I had low blood sugar.
After breakfast I decided to take a nap. My eyes burned and I needed to feel fresh for babysitting that afternoon.
I slept for about an hour and once again headed back into the house. Again I nearly passed out.
Babysitting was cancled and I spent the rest of the day on the couch. Aches in the bones, light headed, nausea, chills, tender skin, headache.
By evening I was feeling much better and by the next morning I felt nearly back to my old self, though just a little weak.
It was a weird virus, if it was that? Or perhaps it was a slight reaction to something I ate?
Thankfully, I now feel completely well and am back at working. Babysitting, teaching school, cleaning.
Here are some photos I have taken in this past month!
Salted Brown Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies. Long name, but oh so delicious. Have you ever tried using "brown butter"? It's absolutly amazng! You basically "burn" butter until it turns a dark golden color and begins to smell a sweet nutty scent. It gives your recipes a delicous tang to it!
So this month I kind of was on a "kitchen craze" and cooked/baked several fun things! Salsbury Steak, homemade bread (made by sister) and "Green Fries" (aka baked green beans)
The two sweet kiddies I have recently begun babystting.
How can you not love Jub's long eyelashes?!
One Sunday I found myself at home with no one to be with. So, I scampered onto the chicken coop (or barn) roof, and soaked in some sunshine while the goats cried to join me.
Love that warm light!
Another "first" for me! THM Zuppa Tuscana. Yum!
One morning us girls decided to go out to breakfast together!
The moon one night was absolutly breathtaking.
I had my wires changed a couple weeks ago on my braces, and the "o-rings" changed. They are now a very light purple, rather than teal blue. I like them better. What do you think?
Sunday stroll.
Caleb!
Can you spy the bro?
One evening I joined my brother out in the goat pen and watched him climb trees. Actually, I hid my eyes and exclaimed "be careful!"
Yes Simon, can I help you?
I've been messing aorund with fancy writing. I'm no expert but it's fun anway!
My world has been going, going, going. I never knew there were so little hours in a single day. It seems I am just barely opening my eyes to the morn, when it's time to once again crawl back in.
How did you handle the time change this past Sunday? It wore me out! Sunday morning I slept a whole hour past my alarm. *blush*
My body thought it was the correct time, but the world didn't think so. I booked it out of that bed like my hair was on fire!
Despite that, we made it to church on time. *pats self on back*
I'll be right beside you.
No matter where you travel.
I'll be there to cheer you 'till the sun comes shining through.
And if we're ever parted I will keep the tie that binds us,
and I'll never let it break 'cause I love you.
Johnny and June
I've been on a "Johnny and June" craze. Can you tell?
I have started another babysitting job that I will have until June. On Thursday I met the kids and Mama. Played with the kiddos for awhile and got them used to me.
Friday morning I babysat for the first time. As the kids are shy, I was nervous and not sure how they would react when they awoke after their nap to find me, not Mama. But, to my happy surprise, they did very well! No crying. No fighting.
They are the cutest things I have ever seen! A boy almost three, and girl almost two.
I am looking forward to a small amount of more income, and getting to know the little ones better.
Mollie's family took sick last week, so I did not end up working. But, I am back at it this week.
I have said it before, but I am so very thankful for Mollie having me come help her out. I enjoy it very much! It's so hard to believe its been four and a half years since I started going there.
I was just a young, round faced, sixteen year old girl. I am now nearing my twenty-first birthday.
Recently the girls dug out old Christmas cards and found photo's of me when I first started coming.
"Wow. You look so different."
It's amazing how much your appearance can change from sixteen. Of course, I also have had work done on my teeth which changed the structure of my face. So, I got a double dose of "changing"!
Speaking of teeth, I am now in the end stage of my work! My last appointment I was told I could have the braces off anytime in May-June. Just two-three more months! And I am done!
Friday I go back in to have the wires changed, and possibly the color of them too.
I am now used to the braces, and no longer cut my lips or cheeks, but still don't feel very attractive. I look in the mirror and see some strange nerdy girl. Soon!
I am nervous but excited to see the end results of all this work!
Life for me has been scary, but exciting, recently with many different changes coming my way. Every day is a new adventure and filled with questions. "What will happen today?"
A year ago I was another person. Full of discontentment and frustration.
Today I am the happiest I have ever been.
Though those days were hard, I thank God daily for them.
For, if I had not lived through those days, I would not be where I am today.
I was tagged by LaKaysha at Calico and Lacefor "The Songs, Movies, and Books Tag". This is a lot harder than you think people!
1 // A Song That Describes You In Some Way
The words to this song express so much of me. How I was living my life. The struggles I was having and the revelation I came to that God does know best. He knows "better than I". His way is perfect. I must simply give up. To stop living for myself and trust that my pathway is already paved.
You Know Better Than I - from the movie Joseph King of Dreams
2 // A Movie That Inspires You
Temple Grandin
3 // A Book That The Main Character Is Like You
The only book I have ever read that I thought "wow. That's like me!" was The Magnolia Story.
It isn't a fictional book, but Joanna Gaines reminded me so much of myself.
Her love for babies. Her obsession with cleaning. Her love for decorating and organizing.
The fact that she is shy, and never wanted to bend the rules as a teen. Someone who liked to live on the "safe side" of life.
Most books I read, like my sister stated, are guys. Ones about girls annoy me beyond anything.
The Magnolia Story - Chip and Joanna Gaines
4 // A Song That You Love Who can pick just one?!
Good Morning Beautiful by Steve Holy
Why Didn't I Think of That by Doug Stone
The River by Garth Brooks
5 // A Movie That You Love
Really, guys? I talk way, way, way too much about "The Shadow Riders".
I suppose I'll pick another movie. This one is a childhood one that has a special place in my heart:
Sarah, Plain and Tall
6 // A Book You Love
I'm going to notname a Louis L'Amour this time.
Beyond the Quiet Hills (The Spirit of Appalachia book 2)
Gilbert Morris and Aaron McCarver
I'm not a huge fan of the style this is written in. They tend to describe the clothing far too much for my liking. And the girls (except one) are... annoying. But! I enjoy this book just the same.
Rilla of Ingleside - L. M. Montgomery
7 // A Song You Do Not Like
This song is just stupid.
Goodbye Earl - Dixie Chicks 8 // A Movie You Do Not Like
I read the "Love Comes Softly" series when I was around twelve. I loved them! I was so excited when they began making movies. Imagine my disappointment when they ruined them. The first four movies are "okay" and I can look past the "wrong" story line. But after that? Ick. This one is the worst. How could you kill Willie?!
Love's Unending Legacy
9 // A Book You Do Not Like
I have read the entire series about the town of Blessing. In fact, it is completed in four (or is it five?)separate series! That's a lot of reading.
Though sometimes the characters can just simply annoy me, I became attached to them and enjoyed watching them grow from babies to having babies of their own.
This series has three books in it, and though I just "had" to read them, I didn't actually "enjoy" this part of the series.
The main character, the daughter of the original character, leaves to become a doctor. I don't like how she is so strongly for "women's rights". For stating so boldly she can live and work in a mans world. Without a mans help. She's arrogant, stuck up, and rude.
And, to top it off, she marries who I say was "the wrong person"!
I wouldn't say I "hated" this book. But it is certainly one I did not "like". Along with the other two books.
A Measure of Mercy - Lauraine Snelling
10 // A Song That Makes You Happy
Forever and Ever, Amen - Randy Travis
That'd Be Alright - Alan Jackson
Chains - Patty Loveless
This song is just super catchy. *shrugs**blush* I annoy my sisters so much by playing it every night!
11 // A Movie That Freaked You Out
Maybe this is cheesy, but when I was young I was terrified of:
The Adventures of Tom Thumb and Thumbelina
It was just so creepy with its weird graphics and freaky bugs. And the fact that Thumbelina was taller than Tom Thumb. Come on people, that's dumb.
I DID watch it dozens of times, but always felt like someone was creeping up from behind me as I did.
12 // A Book That Made You Cry
If you know me, you know I'm not a crier. I wracked my brain for something that made me actually shed tears and it took awhile. I think this book I came pretty close to it!
The story of the Romanov family just breaks my heart.
The Romanov Sisters by Helen Rappaport
13 // A Song You Listened To A Lot When You Were Younger
Probably around the age of fourteen, I found an old tape of my parents that I absolutely fell in love with. I played it on repeat every day, all day long. It was the album:
Heartsongs - Dolly Parton
I loved it for the old traditional mountain songs she sang! One song was:
I also grew up listening to:
Drive - Alan Jackson
And how can I forget my childhood "favorite singer" and "favorite song"?
Coal Miners Daughter - Loretta Lynn
14 // A Movie You Watched A Lot When You Were Younger I watched a lot of movies when I was younger *wink* But I guess my "regulars" would have to be:
Davy Crockett
Winnie the Pooh
Swiss Family Robinson
The Many Adventures of the Wilderness Family
15 // A Book You Read A Lot When You Were Younger
I received the first five books on my eighth (I think) birthday and fell completely in love with these books:
The Boxcar Children series
16 // A Song That Irritates You
Goodness, hands down that would be:
Swingin' - John Anderson
I apologize to any John Anderson fans! Just my own personal opinion.
17 // A Movie That Kept You On The Edge Of Your Seat
*Phew* This movie was intense.
Erased (2013)
18 // A Book That Left You Breathless
*Scratches head* A book that left me breathless? Hm. That's a hard one. *More scratching*
I suppose I could say:
The Jefferson Lies by David Barton
It was an exciting read! One that left me saying "Wow". I was surprised to discover that the "lies" we've always been told have no grounds to stand on.
Last week, last minute, it was decided the family would take a quick weekend trip to the "dry side" of the state. A quick trip to Auntie and Uncle's hometown. We sort of like our cousins, and my brother was floating on air when he heard he was going to see Shiloh. *wink*
Much to my sister's disbelief, I love the four hour drive. It's so rugged and big and western. My kind of country. *smiles*
I enjoy just sitting back, watching the world zoom by. Letting my mind wander (when does it not?) and just plain, relaxing.
And of course, it is impossible to not stop at my very favorite place. "The last one". As I heard a woman explain to her small child, "After this, you're on you're own." I feel sorry for the rest of the world who can't enjoy this place!
Finally, we made it! Chase ^^ apparently needed to see what was going on better. *wink*
The parents, and baby sister, planned to stay at a hotel. The rest of us stayed at Auntie's.
Kirsten had a delicious supper planned for us that night. Lamb Chops. I even helped! Rubbing seasonings on the meat is helping, right?
I'd never eaten lamb before and was quite skeptical. But let me tell you, that was the best meat I have ever ate. ever. She's one snazzy cook.
Yes, I got some snuggles with baby Kaaren while waiting for supper to get done. Isn't she the sweetest? Look at that little smile! Ok, I'll stop now.
Us girls slept in the trailer, and what a waking that sky was when I opened the door in the morning!
And please, what is cuter than my brother holding his sweet baby cousin bright and early?
Later in the day, us girls decided we wanted Chinese for lunch, so on the road we went!
Yum! It was so good! I have not had good Chinese since my childhood restaurant closed. This place was very similar and satisfied a very long craving. Thank you Kirsten Jean for taking us!
Has anyone ever heard of "Gelato"? I never had until last weekend. It's an Italian version of ice cream! Very creamy and sweet. We were strolling the town when Kirsten remembered this little shop she wanted to try. It was fun just popping into little places that we happened to pass.
We found an antique shop and we spent a good two hours there looking at all the neat things! LaKaysha was in her absolute glories and tried every hat on in the place.
An antique Davy Crockett dish! *gasp*
Okay, isn't this the coolest thing you've ever seen? A vintage movie!
Kirsten planned a fun night of bowling as neither me or my siblings had ever gone. Much to our surprise, the bowling alley was closed when we reached it! But, we ran to McDonald's and enjoyed milkshakes and iced tea while giggling like we always do.
I love these people!
The next day we walked to the town store and the girls bought pops and V8. It was cold, but absolutely beautiful! The birds were so loud.
Kaaren and I matched that day!
After a lunch of pizza, we hit the road back home. I had a very nice time visiting family and can't wait to see you all again! Thank you for putting us up for a couple nights!
