All About Autumn // t a g

Autumn is my absolute favorite season. The smells. The Feels. The colors. Everything about it makes my insides warm as the chilly air nips my nose.
Now, I know that the first day of Fall doesn't officially begin for a few weeks now, but I am so ready for this time of year. Who else is with me?

I thought it would be fun to do a little tag about Autumn so here we go.

All About Autumn 

T A G

1. What are your plans for this fall season?

As many of you know, I am due to have a baby in mid November. Right smack in the fall time. Thanksgiving will be nearing and the cold weather will have settled in for a spell. 

My "plans" are to be settled in to my own apartment and preparing for my home birth. 

2. Which two things tell you that the Autumn season has begun?

Falling leaves and crispy mornings. How I love those cold mist filled hours. I prefer sunshine and cold but even the rain makes it feel so cozy. 

3. What are three things you love about the season?

The cold. 

I do not like heat. I am much more for the crisp weather and watching your breath drift in to the night. 

Sweaters. 

Who doesn't love a good chunky sweater? 

Wood stove. 

The warmth of a wood stove and the crackling of the flames is the most relaxing sight and sound I have ever experienced. 

4. What is your best memory from Fall?

Oh I have so many of those. 

Picking out pumpkins to paint or carve. Pressing apple cider. Playing in the fallen leaves. Our annual family "Fall Party". 

My most recent favorite memory though is from last season. Living in New Hampshire was extremely hard on me mentally and emotionally. Summer there was miserable for me and I looked forward to Autumn with everything in me. Finally the time came and I felt so relieved. 

One Saturday, in my big gray sweater and high top boots, Josiah and myself went to lunch at a local restaurant. 

They do one menu each month and of course as it was October, the menu was Autumn themed. It was so fun and romantic. 

Afterwards we strolled through an old cemetery (yes. I love old cemeteries) and took some pictures. 

A day I so needed. 

5. What is your favorite scent from Autumn?

Apple. 

Give me all the apple. 

Spiced Apple. Apple Cider. Apple Pie. 

So tangy and sweet and satisfying. 

6. What is the best way to enjoy the rain of Fall?

Snuggled in a fluffy blanket, sipping apple cider, listening to soft music, and watching the fire crackle. 

7. What is your favorite Autumn color?

Burnt orange. 

8. What is your favorite Fall inspired drink?

Apple cider. Though pumpkin spiced latte's may come in at a close second. 

9. What is your favorite food from Autumn?

Hmm.... probably pumpkin pie or something with baked apple. 

Of course I think that our family recipe of pasty is quite delicious and perfect for a cold autumn day. 

Oh! And stew! Roast dinner! 

I think perhaps I am hungry? But, what else is new. 

10. Which place would you love to visit in the Fall?

To be honest, probably *wait for it* New Hampshire. As much as I disliked living there I will admit that they have lovely Autumns. So much color. So crisp and clear. 

They also tend to have more Fall inspired activity options around like corn mazes and Apple Cider Donuts. Which, sadly, I never got to try. *sniff*

I  T A G 

Daminika @ Walking in the Sonshine

Liberty @ The Elegant Cowgirl

Emily @ Living Through Jesus

Elisa @ Pioneer Girl at Heart

Unique Blogger Award // T A G

I was tagged by a dear friend for the Unique Blogger award. You can read Shantelle's over at Between the Pages of this Bookish Life. Thank you for thinking of me!

Q U E S T I O N S

1. What are you passionate about? Tell us all about it! 

Are you sure you're ready for this? *laughs* 

My mother is passionate about many things, and I suppose some of her passions, or her strength in what she believes, was passed down to me. 

I am passionate about the Biblical roll of a wife. As well as the Biblical roll of a mother. A woman. What God created us for and what we were intended to do. 

Homeschooling. 

Modesty. 

American History.
Healthy eating habits. 

2. What is one of the best books, novel or nonfiction, that you've read in your lifetime? What is it you love about it? 

Heidi by Johanna Spyri. 

It was been so long since I read the unabridged and original Heidi but I still remember the warmth I felt as I did. It was such a sweet, simple story. Filled with lessons, heart felt emotions, and beautiful spiritual encouragement. It will always be one of my favorites.

No one seems to be able to write like that any more. Raw. Simple. Truth.

2. What is your favorite holiday? Why? 

Christmas. Always and forever, Christmas. 

As a little girl, the coming of Christmas was so exciting. The cold weather rolling in, with the occasional snow flurry. Oh the excitement you'd feel when you'd awaken to white tree tops. I'd hurry out of bed, awaken my sisters and we'd slip in to our house coats and slippers. Hurrying out doors to catch snow flakes on our tongues. 

Christmas songs sang through the rooms and Mother's baking filled the air. Christmas cookies to decorate and bowls of chocolate to lick. Lights, stockings, presents under the tree. 

Family gathering at Grandpa and Grandma's. Fire's in the stove and squeals of delight as Grandma poured out the Christmas candy. Ham, potatoes, and gravy galore. 

Gathering into one big room, Grandpa pulled out the Bible and gently read the Christmas story. 

 And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.

Luke 2:7 

Everything felt safe and warm. Christmas will forever hold the fondest memories of my childhood. The smell of pine, Grandma's twinkling eyes, and the taste of candy canes. 

sunshine blogger award // T A G

I was tagged by my sister dear - D A M I N I K A - over at Walking in the Sonshine for the

Sunshine Blogger Award. 

I was excited to see that because

#1 I love tags. 

#2 my blog needs a fresh new update full of sunshine.

So, thank you sista!

T H E  R U L E S

Thank the blogger who nominated you and link their blog.

Answer the questions the blogger who nominated you provided

Nominate new bloggers and make up 11 questions for them to answer 

List the rules and have the Sunshine Blogger logo present in your post 

T H E  Q U E S T I O N S

1.  what was the last movie you watched (and enjoyed)?

*wracks brain* Honestly, I am not sure? I haven't sat down and watched a movie in a long time. Usually before bed we watch an episode or two of The Walton's.

 Oh! I remember! It was Snow Dogs.

 2.  favorite summer-y food?

Horseshoe Sandwiches

 3. last adventure you had? 

Clark's Trading Post with my husband for our "Two Year's since we met" anniversary! 

4. road trip or airplanes? 

Road trips! Airplanes can be fun, especially if you just want to get to one place, but I absolutely love road tripping.
 

5. what is your dream wedding color(s)? 

I had my wedding already! And still love the colors I chose: blush pink and dusty blue. 

6. what song have you had on repeat?

 In Jesus' Name I Pray - Charley Pride

A Place In The Clouds - Joey+Rory 

7.  girly-girl or tomboy?

Um.... I'm not sure. I wouldn't say I am a tomboy, but I also can't say I am a girly-girl. 

I'm just me I suppose.

8. first celebrity crush?

Fess Parker, always and forever. 

 9. top three favorite blogs?

Daminika - Walking in the Sonshine 

LaKaysha - Calico and Lace

Liberty - The Elegant Cowgirl

My sisters are so much fun! Funny, deep, sweet, and simple. It's so nice to see glimpses of home.

10. how long ago did you start your blog?

About 3 and a half years ago!

11. how do you feel you've grown since starting your blog?

I've grown from a shy insecure little girl to a not as shy and insecure wife! I've learned life lessons, how to express my feelings, and how much I need Jesus. 

M Y  Q U E S T I O N S 

1. What one thing always reminds you of your childhood?

2. Secret dream?

3. What is your favorite recipe to make at this time?

4. Favorite quote?

5. What is one thing that makes your skin crawl?

6. Favorite season? Why?

7. What song always makes you tap your feet?

8. Comfort food?

9. Shopping? Yes or no.

10. What would you describe as the "perfect day"?

11. How do you relax when you are feeling anxious?

I  T A G

Liberty 

Emily 

Marissa 

Marita

Baby Name Challenge // T A G

If you know me, you know I love baby names. I always have I guess! In my twenty-two years I have written countless "baby name lists" of names I dreamed/dream of using someday. In fact, I still have the very first "list" I ever wrote in my stash of childhood doodles. I remember sitting at my Grandma's kitchen table with my Auntie Molly and Auntie Wendy as they helped me spell out and write the letters.

Oh the mind of a child.

I seen this tag online (in video form) and thought it would be kinda fun to try out! So, here we go.

R U L E S 

Answer the questions 

Tag three friends to do the same 

1. What are your favorite boy & girl name from the top 100 of the year?

Boy - Gabriel
Gabriel is #33 in the top 100 boy names this year. This name is actually one of my personal favorites for a boy.

Girl - Amelia
Amelia is #10 in the top 100 girl names this year. I have always loved this name and find it so elegant and pretty. If I would actually use this myself, I don't know. But, I love it just the same.

2. What are your least favorite boys and girls name from the top 100 of the year?

Boy - Sebastian
Apparently, Sebastian is #17 in the top 100 boy names. Why? To me it sounds like a little red crab singing "Under the Sea".

Girl - Paisley
Paisley is #39 in the top 100. Not that I think this name isn't nice, it just isn't my style. I prefer more soft and old fashioned, while this has more of a modern feel to it.

3. If you had twins, what would you name them?

Boy & Boy - Gideon and Gabriel
That was easy.

Girl & Girl - Luana and Lucie
This was a little tough. Honestly not sure what I would name twin girls if I ever had them! But, I think it's cute when twins have names beginning with the same letter and I love these two.

Boy & Girl -  Lavinia and David
I couldn't not think of this for the longest time! So I googled it. *hides face* 
These two names came up as male and female versions of the same name. These are also two names I once had on "my baby name list" so figured, why not! 

4. If you could change your name to anything, what would you change it to?

Personally, I love my name. But if I had to change it perhaps I would do something like Katherine.

5. If you had four children, any gender, all with the same letter, what would their names be?

For this question I decided to do two of each. I picked a random letter and found names I liked with it. 

Boy -William

Boy -Wayne

Girl -Willow

Girl - Winter

6. What is your favorite animal inspired name?

I probably would never use these names, but the questions just asked what animal name you liked!

Boy - Hawk

Girl - Fawn

7. What is your favorite color inspired name?

Boy - Blue
I could never name my baby boy, Blue, but I think it's still very cute and unique!

Girl - Lavender

8. What are your top three favorite boys names? 

1. Gideon

2. Gabriel

3. Davy

9. What are your top three favorite girls names?

1. Kate

2. June

3. Colette / Lizette

10. What is your favorite month inspired name?

Boy -

Girl -  June

11. Choose a name from a movie.

Boy - Davy
Davy Crockett: King of the Wild Frontier

Girl -Hettie
Road to Avonlea - TV series

12. Choose a name that is already in your family. 

Boy - Jubal
First cousin.

Girl - Elizabeth
great-great-great-great Grandmother - Nancy Elizabeth
great - Grandmother - Clara Elizabeth
Grandmother - Nancy Elizabeth  
As well as my sister, aunts, and cousins! It's a well used name in my family, but one I find beautiful. 

 13. Choose a name from a book.

Boy - Tell
Sackett by Louis L'Amour

Girl - Marilla / Rilla
Anne of Green Gables & Rilla of Ingelside by L.M. Montgomery

And there you have it! My baby name challenge.

Find any names you like? Dislike? Any surprise you?

I tag:

D A M I N I K A @ Walking in the Sonshine

L A K A Y S H A @  Calico and Lace

E M I L Y @  Living Through Jesus

L I B E R T Y @ The Elegant Cowgirl

by the book // a tag blog

 Hello friends, welcome back!

Okay, who else loves tags as much as me? They are so much fun to sit down and do. Answer questions, think about yourself, and wonder who you truly are inside.
I was reading old blogs this morning and stumbled across some of my old tags I did in the past. This one I first did here in 2016. I thought perhaps it would be fun to get this tag circulating again. What do you think?

The rules are simple. Just answer the questions and tag a few friends to do the same! On your mark, get set, go!

// What is on your nightstand right now?
The Complete Tales and Poems of Winnie-the-Pooh by A.A. Milne
Here is Edward Bear, coming downstairs now, bumpy, bump, bump, on the back of his head, behind Christopher Robin. It is, as far as he knows, the only way of coming downstairs, but sometimes he feels that there really is another way, if only he could stop bumping for a moment and think of it.

Little House in the Big Woods by Laura Ingalls Wilder
Once upon a time, sixty years ago, a little girl lived in the Big Woods of Wisconsin, in a little gray house made of logs. The great, dark trees of the Big Woods stood all around the house, and beyond them were other trees and beyond them were more trees. As far as a man could go to the north in a day, or a week, or a whole month, there was nothing but woods. 

More Than Petticoats: Remarkable Oregon Women by Gayle C. Shirley

 The Path of Loneliness by Elizabeth Elliot

// What was the last truly great book you read?
It has been so long since I sat down and truly read. I am not certain what I would say was the last great book I picked up?
Perhaps it was The Magnolia Story by Chip and JoAnna Gaines.

// If you could meet any writer - dead or alive - Who would it be and what would you want to know?
Louis L'Amour. He was such a fascinating character. A seamen, cowboy, soldier, boxer, and of course, a writer. If you could do it, he did it.
He traveled around the world and met many people of all kinds of lifestyles.
I would love to just sit and listen to his tales of yesterday. 

// What books might we be surprised to find on your shelves?
Perhaps you would be surprised to find that I own many biographies and autobiographies. Books on facts and history. I have story based ones as well, but I seem to love the true stories of people who really live/lived. 

// How do you organize your personal library?
By author, sizes, and kind of writing. The classics here. The biographies there. The fictional series here. Someday I would like a bookshelf but for now they sit in the "pantry' my husband built. This is the first time my books have been out of a box in about three years!

// What book have you always meant to read but haven't gotten around to it yet?
*wracks brain*
Honestly, I have no idea. There really isn't any book out there that I am "dying to get my hands on". 

// Anything you feel embarrassed never to have read?
Well... I am not embarrassed for never have reading this but, I have never read the Narnia books. Growing up, those were not allowed and I honestly never had the desire to read them. I remember going to Christian school from 4th-6th grade and everyone gasping with shock when they found out I wasn't allowed/never had read those books. Now that I am married and an "adult", I personally still have no desire to read them *shrugs*. Fantasy just isn't my thing.

// Disappointing, Overrated, Just not good: What book did you feel you were suppose to like but didn't?
I remember stating this in my entry two years ago, but the only thing I can really think of was Stepping Heavenward by Elizabeth Prentiss.
It was far to sad for me during that stage of my life. Perhaps if I read it now I would feel differently.

 // Do you remember the last book you put down without finishing?
Sadly, yes... It was
This Life I Live by Rory Feek.
I thoroughly was enjoying this book! Life just got super busy (dating, engagement, and marriage) and I never was able to finish it.

// What kind of stories are you drawn to? Any you stay clear of?
Anything historical with mountain men, Indians, and pioneers. As well as classics like Anne of Green Gables, Heidi, and Little Women.
I usually steer clear from "self help" books, fantasy, or modern day stories. Just not my thing.

// If you could require the president to read one book, what would it be?
The Bible.
And perhaps Lives of the Signers of the Declaration of Independence by Benson J. Lossing.
Written in 1848, it talks about each of the signers who fought to make this a free nation. Stating how almost all were followers of Jesus Christ.

// What do you plan to read next?
Hmm.... I think perhaps if I ever finish the books I have already started, I would like to re-read the Anne Shirley books by L.M. Montgomery.

Anything surprise you? Do you know any of these authors or books? What kind of reading material do you prefer?

I tag:

Daminika at Walking in the Sonshine

LaKaysha at Calico and Lace

Liberty at The Elegant Cowgirl

Shantelle at Between the Pages of this Bookish Life

The Liebster Award // T A G #3

I know, right. This tag again? *shrugs shoulders* What am I to do? I am just so popular.
Thank you, LaKaysha, for tagging me in this tag once again!

I am sure you all know the rules, but if not, you may read them here.
Today I shall just answer LaKaysha's questions and leave it at that. Here we go!

1. If you had a day that you could relive, what would you do with it?
Hm... probably one more day with Grandma. I would sit beside her and tell her how much I love her.

 2.  Do you prefer dogs or horses as companions?
Dogs! I love horses but I can bond with dogs easier.

3. What is your biggest fault, according to you?
I can sometimes be overly sensitive. 
I also often try to do things too quickly and can mess things up.

4. If you could talk to a past president, who would you choose?
George Washington - Father of our country.

5. If you could witness an historical event, what would it be?
 The Corpse of Discovery (Lewis and Clark Expedition)

6. You find a hidden staircase in your Grandpa's house, and when you enter, you discover something amazing. What is it?
A chest full of old letters, diaries, and photos of my ancestors!

7. If you could live one day as a fictional character, who would you be?
Anne Shirley.

8. What is one thing that makes your family unique and special? 
They are musical and love to sing and play instruments. 

I also have many unique ancestors: an English queen. An outlaw. An Oregon Trail Pioneer. A cowboy. A governor.  

9. Which flower: Lavender or Lilac?
*smiles* the Lilac.

10. Salty or Sweet?
Salty!

11. What music genre do you listen to the most?
It is a pretty good tie between 1970's country and 1950's/1960's Rock and Roll/Pop

Well, there you have it! Another tag done. *bows* 
Thank you.  

The Liebster Award // T A G #2

I did this tag once before, actually not to many posts ago, but I have been tagged again! Thanks to my sister, Daminika, over at Walking in the Sonshine. 

R U L E S 

Thank the person who nominated you 

Answer the 11 questions they gave you

Name 11 facts about you 

Nominate 11 bloggers to do this tag, and let them know

Give them 11 questions to answer 

D A M I N I K A ' S  Q U E S T I O N S 

1. What are five "little" things that always make you happy?

My husband coming home each night. 

Letters in my P.O. Box 

Sunshine

Special Coffees 

Pictures of Leah and Chrissa 

2. The first book that made you cry? 

Elsie's Impossible Choice by Martha Finley 

I read this at 11 years old, sobbed my heart out, and have never dared look at it again. 

3. What song describes you? 

4. If you were to play in a movie, who would you want to be your co-star?

Fess Parker. Duh 

5. As a child, which Disney prince made you wish you were his princess?

"The Prince" in Cinderella. Perhaps because I just simply loved Cinderella. 

6. One funny thing that happened to you so far this month?

I was babysitting the twins and I had to use the bathroom. I hear a 2 year old conversation going on in the kitchen:

Cormick: "Ana. Ana. Where Ana?" 

(at this time he called me Ana. I have now graduated to "Tee-Tee") 

Callen: "Uh-no"

*I holler from the bathroom* "I'm in here, buddy!"

*Cormick comes and knocks on door* "Ana? Ana, you pooting?"  

7. Favorite Disney soundtrack?

Oh dear. This is a hard one... 

Pete's Dragon (1977)

The One and Only Genuine Original Family Band

Brother Bear

8. What movie have you been wanting to watch?

 

9. Who is your favorite author? 

Louis L'Amour, A. A. Milne, and Laura Ingalls Wilder 

10. What time do you usually go to bed? Get up?

We usually say goodnight and go to sleep between 11-11:30. 

And we are up between 7-7:45

11. Do you like sweet pickles?

Goodness, no!

F A C T S  A B O U T  M E 

1. I love hot Southern Pecan Coffee with cream and Truvia.

2. I have a passion for homeschooling, the old fashioned way.

3. I love American History.

4. I had braces.

5. I graduated from high school at the age of 15.

6. I have double jointed fingers.

7. I have the same middle name as my great-great Grandmother (Hulda Marie) who migrated from Sweden as a young girl.

8. My great-great-great Grandmother was of the Crow Nation.

9. Both my husband and I were born in April, two years and 5 days apart.

10. I don't like spaghetti. 

I  N O M I N A T E:

Shantelle @  Between the Pages of this Bookish Life

Marita @  When I Hear Music 

Marissa @  Hidden Treasures 

Natasha @ Simple Things  

 Damara @ Through My Eyes 

Kylie @ Kylie's Simple Life

Liberty @ The Elegant Cowgirl 

M Y  Q U E S T I O N S 

1. What was the name of your first pet and what kind of animal were they?

2. Where is your dream vacation?

3. What are you wearing right now?

4. What is your favorite meal?

5. Do you prefer dark or white chocolate?

6. Raspberries or Strawberries?

7. What is your biggest fear?

8. If you were about to have a baby, what would you name them?

Boy and Girl.

9. Who is the last person you spoke to?

10. Name one person in American History you admire.

11. Disneyland or SeaWorld? 

The Liebster Award // a tag blog

Hello, all you lovely people! I pray this day finds you well.

I seem to have been tagged for another "tag blog" by my sweet baby sister, Liberty, over at

The Elegant Cowgirl.

Thank you, dear.

Check her blog out if you haven't!

RULES

Thank the person who nominated you

Answer the 11 questions they gave you

Name 11 facts about yourself

Nominate 11 bloggers to do this tag, and let them know

Give them 11 questions to answer

QUESTIONS

1. What would you prefer? Snow or Rain?

I am not completely sure. I don't mind the rain, but I also don't mind the snow. Perhaps I would prefer snow, if it is a dry snow, and doesn't leave everything wet and sloppy.

2. Would you be able to live without technology for a whole week?

Well... yes, and no.

Yes, I could live without Facebook, YouTube, etc. for a week.

No, because that would mean no contact with my family for too long.

3. Do you like cowboys?

You bet!

4. Who's your favorite singer?

Female - Patty Loveless

Male - Charley Pride

5. If you could live anywhere, where would it be?

Somewhere with all my loved ones nearby.

6. Hot or cold weather?

Cold.

7. Do you like cats?

I don't mind them, though I would prefer they stayed kittens forever.

8. Do you have a puppy or dog?

No. *sad face* But I want to get one someday! Perhaps when/if we ever have our own land.

9. What's the weather like today?

*pulls curtain open*

Gray and cold. Snow flurries here and there.

10. What did you do when you first woke up today?

Turned my alarm off and kissed my husband good morning.

*wink*

11. How many siblings do you have?

I have four siblings. Three sisters and one brother we call "the bro".

ELEVEN FACTS ABOUT ME

1. My aunt and I are married to brothers. Hence, we are sister-in-laws.

2. I don't like corn. In any form.

3. I am 5'3 1/2 feet tall

4. I love to sing.

5. I am a cleaning addict. I clean everything, all the time, and love things to be neat and tidy.

6. I was married on January 20, 2018, at the age of 21.

7. I once had a puppy named, Paws, who was my best friend until she went missing. I still miss her though I was just three years old when she went away. Unless, I was four?

8. My husband is a sign maker.

9. I love shopping. I could buy clothes, décor, etc. all the time if I had the money!

10. I am the oldest granddaughter.

11. I am extremely insecure about my chin, skin, and nails.

I am afraid I don't have anyone to tag! But, if you are reading this and feel the urge to let your fingers fly, feel free to answer these eleven questions!

1. What was the name of your first pet and what kind of animal were they?

2. Where is your dream vacation?

3. What are you wearing right now?

4. What is your favorite meal?

5. Do you prefer dark or white chocolate?

6. Raspberries or Strawberries?

7. What is your biggest fear?

8. If you were about to have a baby, what would you name them?

Boy and Girl.

9. Who is the last person you spoke to?

10. Name one person in American History you admire.

11. Disneyland or SeaWorld? 

I hope you enjoyed this fun little tag! Now, TTFN, ta-ta for now!

The Favorites Tag

I was tagged by Emily at Living Through Jesus for the Favorites tag. Thank you dear!

1. What is your favorite thing to do at home?
These days, sit and FaceTime my boyfriend. *blush* The other day we talked for 6 hours straight!


2. Which is your favorite, cats or dogs?
I love kittens. Watching them tumble and jump. Waddle around and learning to explore. Cats on the other hand? Not a huge fan. I would prefer a dog!


3. If you could live anywhere, where would it be?
If I could live anywhere? Taking out the realistic things like needing a job, family, etc.? If none of that mattered to me, I would probably live somewhere like Eastern Oregon or Idaho. Somewhere in the hills with pine trees and snow capped mountains. *sigh*
At this time of my life, I am not sure where I will be living in a year. I may be moving 3,000 miles away, or I may still be right here. God only knows. And where He sends me, I will go.


4. Do you love to travel?
I think I do? To be honest, I have not done a ton of traveling in my life. When I was real young we did make yearly trips to visit family on the East Coast, and I always loved it. Occasionally the family would take a vacation like to the beach or a once in a lifetime trip to Disneyland. Best. Vacation. Ever. I'd go back there in a heartbeat.
We did take one vacation road trip to Idaho and I really enjoyed that.
I was privileged to take a road trip with my Grandpa one year and it was amazing!
So yes, I do enjoy traveling. Though I have never do much of it. And the little I have has not been very far traveling, except to the East Coast.

Crater Lake

5. What is your dream job?
To be a wife and Mommy. Never have dreamed of another.


6. What is you dream vacation?
Let's see...
I would absolutely love to travel to Malone, New York and see the childhood home of Almanzo Wilder. Travel the Midwest and see the homesteads of Laura Ingalls Wilder.
I'd like to take a road trip and see historical sites like Mount Rushmore, Tombstone, Deadwood. Western towns, boot hills. Rugged places. Graves like Jim Bridger's, Calamity Jane's, Jesse James', and Billy the Kid's. Remember, growing up I loved anything to do with cowboys and mountain men.


7. Do you have a favorite drink? What is it?
Coffee.


8. What is your favorite home-cooked meal?
Growing up, it was chicken pot pie. Now? Too many to truly choose one.


9. Which do you prefer: pop or water?
I do enjoy pop occasionally. I probably would even prefer it. But I know it isn't healthy so for the most part, I stick to water.


10. Who is your favorite singer?
Who is? Don't you mean who are? It's way too hard to pick just one singer!
As a teen, my favorite singer was Loretta Lynn, and although she still is special to me, I have come to love many others just as well:
Charley Pride, Buck Owens, Patty Loveless, George Jones, Tammy Wynette, Lynn Anderson, Keith Whitley, Crystal Gayle, Merle Haggard, Alan Jackson, Randy Travis, Alison Krauss, Lionel Cartwright... ok. I'll stop now.


Out of all those singers, if I was forced to pick only one it would be Patty Loveless.


11. Ice cream or milkshakes?
Ice cream!


I tag:
Shantelle at Between the Pages of this Bookish Life

blue sky tag

Quite awhile ago, a friend and fellow blogger tagged me for "The Blue Sky Tag". I was on vacation at the time and did not see it until just recently. I am sorry I took so long, Shantelle, but thank you so much for tagging me!

The Rules:

Thank the person who tagged you

Answer the 11 questions

Tag 11 people

Give them 11 questions

Questions:

1. What would you say is the hardest season that God has brought you through so far? Looking back, what did He teach you through that lesson?

I recently wrote about my personal "life changing" experience here on my blog. It happened about a year ago, and I came out, in my heart, a different person.

You can read the full story here.

It was a very dark time for me, personally, inside. I was full of fear and anger. My world was turning dark and I didn't know what to do, or where to go. So I fell to my knees and pleaded with God. Begging Him to help. Change my heart. Show me where to go. And He did.

I came through that trial more confident and content. I'm still human, but those cold feelings have vanished like the sun melting away the winter snow.

2. What is one book/verse from the Bible that has inspired you lately?

I have always loved the 23rd Psalm. It has always held a special place in my heart, but just recently it became near and dear to me. I was walking a hard road, but the Lord picked me up, and carried me through. He stored my soul.

The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.

He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.

He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake.

Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.

Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.

Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever.

Psalm 23

3. Do you prefer tea or coffee? And what kind? (black or with cream and sugar, herbal tea, lattes, etc.?)

This is a hard question.

I love my coffee, but I also love my tea! I am more of a coffee in the morning-tea at night kind of girl. Course, they both taste good in between those times, too. *wink*

For coffee, black with Truvia. No cream for me. Occasionally I will get a "special" coffee from a coffee shop and will have cream, but for the most part I like my home brewed black.

For tea my favorite flavor is "Honey Vanilla Chamomile" with Truvia. But I also like black teas, green teas, and other herbal teas. Usually I drink them all plain or with Truvia. Except black tea with cream is delicious!

4. What is one sermon/talk that you think every Christian should listen to?

Hmm... I am not one who listens to special sermons or talks. I love the old time sermons at church on Sunday mornings, especially when I feel as though God had them spoken specifically for me to hear.

5. What is one (or more) book you think every Christian should read?

Oh boy. Honestly, I can't think of any. I don't really read anything besides westerns and biographies these days. Can't say I believe those are a absolute must for Christians. *wink*

I like my King James. Nothing in this world beats those beautiful words.

6. What is your favorite way to relax and de-stress?

Watch a movie.

It's true, I love my movies in the evening. Curled on the couch in my pajama's, sipping tea, and being swept away into another world of no worries for one short hour. TV-Shows are usually my "go to". They are short, sweet, and fun. Favorites for me would be The Andy Griffith Show, The Dick Van Dyke Show, Father Knows Best, and I Love Lucy.

I also enjoy listening to music, sitting (or walking) outside in the fresh air, and baking/cooking.

7. Was there a time in your life that God answered a prayer in a really amazing way? (share the story!)

I have to say, it would be the same as the first question. I prayed for years and years to find "that special someone". Until I finally gave up and truly allowed God to control my life, it never happened.

Then out of nowhere, someone walked into my life that changed it forever. It has been far more beautiful than anything I ever created in my mind.

8. What is one childhood hobby that you wish you'd kept pursuing?

Childhood hobby? *wracks brain*

I remember collecting rocks. I don't think I care to start that hobby again.

I did start to teach myself to play the piano several years ago. It would have been nice if I had continued in it and could play as my sisters do.

9. What do you dislike most? Spiders or Snakes?

Both are disgusting, but I have to say snakes.

10. What is your favorite hymn?

He, The Pearly Gates
Shall We Gather At The River

11. What books do you really want to read this summer?

Uh... read? Who has time to read?! *sweat drips from forehead*

I do know I would like to be able to finish one book this summer!

"This Life I Live" by Rory Feek. It is the first book I have picked up in a long time that I actually have been able to thoroughly enjoy. I am over halfway finished so that's a plus! *pats self on back*


There is no way I can tag 11 people, sorry folks! So I'll tag 3.


I tag:
Marissa at Hidden Treasures
Daminika at Walking in the Sonshine
Liberty The Elegant Cowgirl

Your questions are:

1. Do you prefer tea or coffee? And what kind? (black or with cream and sugar, herbal tea, lattes, etc.)


2. What is one childhood hobby that you wish you'd kept pursuing?


3. What is one book/verse from the Bible that has inspired you lately?


4. What season of the year is your favorite, and why?


5. Favorite childhood memory 


6. What is your favorite way to relax and de-stress?



7. What quote/verse has inspired you the most, and why?


8. What would you say is the hardest season that God has brought you through so far? Looking back, what did He teach you through that lesson?


9. Where would you like to be in 10 years? 


10. What is your dream vacation?


11. Why did you begin blogging?