Musical Endeavors

Over the past month I have had the privilege to be able to play violin at a few events.  Even though I've been playing for over ten years it has pretty much been for just enjoyment - no high aspirations of playing in the Minnesota orchestra or anything like that!  But even for playing in front of small groups I was rather nervous, and sweaty hands are not good for playing the violin! ;)

Christmas program at our church

But over the last few performances I have been reminding myself that it really shouldn't be that big of a deal and I should be only playing for the Lord anyways (so why does it matter if anyone is watching me ;-).  So with lots of prayer I was able to play at our church program while actually REALLY ENJOYING it!  Much better than what it has been and so much more fun!

I also had the privilege of playing for the middle school boys choir (above).  This was probably my biggest audience but it went pretty smooth, except for coming in slow at the beginning..  Oh well, I believe it was a really good experience for me!

We would also like to be part of a little group that would meet every once in a while to just casually play together.  That would be good - not to big, and yet something where I can play with other people instead of always shutting myself up in my bedroom! ;-)  Now just to find someone willing to lead!

So, in concluding, I would suggest to not be afraid to play for the blessings for others!  Have a blessed day and Merry Christmas!

~Amber

Bagging for History

This past summer our poor, dear little historical society was burned to the ground.  So Anna and I were asked to join other West Riverside Museum School kids to pack groceries to earn money for a new building.  We took up the offer and had lots of fun, although, it is rather nerve racking to pack groceries for other people and wonder if you're doing it to their approval.  But I think we got pretty speedy at packing and it went smoothly.

Of course there was lots of giant turkeys and stuffing being sold and we usually put the turkeys in a plastic bag.  But one little oops that happened was I put the turkey in the bag, and as I was lifting it into the cart it fell right through to the floor... *sigh*  Oh well, I'm going to blame it on the week bag! ;-)

One person asked if we were part of a religious group: like Amish, that's twice now that I've been asked if I'm Amish!  It's sad when people see long skirts and our hair in braids or such and right away think Amish instead of my own desire to be modest and feminine!

Thank you for reading, have a blessed Thanksgiving!

Amber

P.S.  A couple parting shots from our first real snow of the season....

Pinterest - Addicting!

Yes, I have joined the wonderful place called Pinterest!  For those who do not know what that is: it is for posting and sharing pictures of what you love!  Instead of cutting pictures from magazines, you can have it all organized at one place online! 

When I was first considering getting a Pinterest I was unsure: it sounded like a good way to become envious of all the beautiful things that I didn't have!!  But actually, I haven't really run into that.  The wonderful part is to find loads of great crafting, sewing, kitchen help, party planning ideas (which I am into right now), and so much more!  Here are just a few of the things I have found:

Find me if you have a Pinterest, or get yourself one! ;-)

Blessings, Amber

Modest Swimwear

Our new modest swimwear has arrived!  Why swimsuits like this? 

In like manner also, that women adorn themselves in modest apparel.. 1Timothy 2:9

We like to be properly covered, and why can it be different when you're in the water!?  People still see you!  As "Raising Madens of Virture" put it: some of those suits are just like colorful underwear!

Of course, swimsuits like these cannot be found in just any store!  We found our's off of ebay and then found her website from there (her swimsuit on ebay).  The thing is, I can't really recommend her.  The swimsuits are great in that the fabric is nice strong - no stretching will happen for some time!  The price was great against other modest suits we had been looking at, and we had lots of fabrics to choose from!  But on the bad side: it took two months for them to arrive, and when Mom emailed the maker, we didn't get any reply.  Our swimsuits just came a while later with no explanation!  And there are shorts under our skirts - we were expecting them to go below the knee!

So I would suggest looking around if you are in the market for a swimsuit (I know, this is the wrong time of year for this post!).  Other places we like was:

Modest Swimwear 4 U

Wholesome Wear

Simply-Modest

Happy swimming!

Amber

Doughnut Seeds!?

Maybe there's no such thing, but the fake is almost just as sweet and fun!



Wouldn't it be such fun to just give this to a few friends!?  All you have to do is go to this site, print out the packet, cut, fold, glue, and fill with O shaped cereal (like frosted cheerios).  How cute and easy is that!?

I get so excited whenever I find cute, vintage, or girly crafts! ;-)

~Amber

Girl-y Do's

Click to see larger at sight (does not endores everything else on sight).

I found this beautiful hair do on another blog, and I couldn't help but repost it!!  The first time I tried, it was ten minutes before we had to leave for church, and the second time ten minutes before school started - not the best for trying a new style!  Both times it didn't really work and I took it out, but with a little practice I am thinking it will turn out as beautifully as is shown!  And I found out I wasn't doing it exactly right, so that was a large part of the problem!

Hope everyone is keeping warm as the fall weather sets in!

Blessings, Amber Nicole



Busy, Blessed, Times

Another post of three subjects smooshed into one - that's what happens when you're busy!

First off, our second little vacation!  It was lots of swimming, and... lots of swimming!  There are three indoor water parks and four outdoor water parks combined into one fabulous time at Wilderness Lodge in the Wisconsin Dells!!  We have been there many a times and it always such fun!!

 

Next exciting thing: school started today - 12th for me and 9th for Anna!  So far it has gone really good with some interesting new subjects, and yes, we have extra time to do fun things - like blog! :)  It does not feel like I have started my very last year of school - it probably won't set in until I've really graduated... or later.  One tradition we've started is having smoothies and cinnamon rolls for breakfast - a really good way to start the year!!

One last girly tidbit: my kitten now has a leash! :)  Well you see, we were planning on keeping her as an indoor cat to keep her safe, but she is the kind of kitten that will not live happily that way, she is also the kind of kitten that would walk right up to a fox and try to make friends!  Thus the harness!  So far she will not be led, at all, so at least right now I do not have to be a crazy neighbor walking her cat down the road. :D

Blessings,

Amber Nicole <3

Itasca Camping Trip

Ahh.. we are now home sweet home from our Itasca camping trip - but I really did enjoy our trip, I left satisfied but sad to go!  Though it sure was nice to snuggle my kitten again!!

This was Anna and my first time at Itasca, while of course Dad - the true camper of our family - had been there before and also Mom who wanted us to experience the fun of crossing the headwaters of the Mississippi on foot - thus our camping trip to Itasca!  If you can really call it camping... we stayed in a cushy cabin with all the amenities, even WiFi, but I was a good girl and didn't bring my iPod. :-)  Maybe last year's hard core camping left some people.. wanting a change. ;-)  Just kidding.  But I guess it did have it's advantages to just drive up to our site - last year was a little stressful canoeing with a big dog just ready to jump out and bring you along with!!

So this year went very smooth and relaxing - the area is lovely!  When you're driving on new roads, specially to up north, the scenery is always interesting - we saw lots of quaint, little towns, a couple Amish horse and buggies driving along the edge of the road, and Mom even spotted two horses tied out behind a regular, modern day hotel!

Our cabin - it's so big, I could live in it as a permanent home!

 

One of the first things we did was cross the mighty Mississippi's humble beginning.  That was a really neat experience, and amazing to think that this tiny little thing would become so huge and so far traveling!

 Elsa, our little camper dog!  It only took us five minutes out and about before we were asked what kind of dog she was - the beginning of many!  But Elsa was a very good girl and loved meeting all kinds of new puppy friends! 

Anna, also scooting across the Mississippi! :~)

I had lots of fun hiking the trails, sometimes it was just Daddy and I and that was fun daddy-daughter time!  But along with that we explored many of the historical and geographical interesting sites in the area: including Itasca's tallest White Pine (above) and used-to-be Minnesota's tallest White Pine, until it's top got broken off.

Anna next to Itasca's tallest White Pine.

And Daddy and I braved climbing to the top of....

...the old fire tower - 100 feet up in the air!

The sickening view from the top! :)

But it really wasn't that bad!  You could just feel it sway a tiny bit.

1. We also took advantage of our camping ground's horse shoe game and swimming pool!  2. Schoolcraft Island with Wild Rice growing around it!  3. The owner of this lovely car and others travel around seeing places of interest and to show off their cars!  I drool over them - I would love to have a 40's or older car! :D  4. Exploration!

Well, that was our fantastic family vacation!  But it still left me hungry for a little more... how about a water park!  We will be off on one more vacation very soon!

Blessings,

Amber

Splishing, Splashing, and Frozen

Last week was Anna's second annual water party!  She gathers up a few of her close friends, and they play crazy water games and just have a good time together before school starts up again!

A random picture of Dorcas Elaina while I waited for the guests to arrive.

A few of the wet and wild games we played.

And then just yesterday we went skating!!  Never did we think (until lately) we'd be able to go skating this early in the year, or do all these fun things with our dear friends, 6diamondsintherough!  But it was such a wonderful way to spend the afternoon - I love the feel of the ice! :)  And hopefully this early skating season is the beginning of lots to come!!

Blessings,

Amber Nicole

Adorable Devonshire Shoes

I found these adorable shoes, and they are giving away one pair!  One of the ways to get an entry is to post about their pre-order sale, so this is what I have done.  Don't they look like such fun to have!?!

The Devonshires are a leather 18th century shoe based on museum examples from the 1760s through 1780s.  They're made of top-grade dyable leather, with a beautiful, smooth Italian leather sole for dancing, and are hard-wearing, water- and mud-proof, for even the toughest of outdoor re-enactments.

Pre-Order the Devonshires through August 10, and get the special $100 price.  We're only making 200 of these shoes, so don't miss the chance to own one of only a couple hundred pair on the planet!  Visit www.american-duchess.com to order.

Make Your Books Your Own

I always love crafting, that is why I like "Martha Stewart's Encyclopedia of Crafts"!  Not that I endorse the lady, but I really enjoy her book (and it's a big one!). 

 Every time I flip through I see something that catches my eye.  I've already used it for party decorations and the activity, but now I am trying something else...

stamped - edge books!

Now when someone wants to borrow one of your books - you don't have to just write your name on the inside cover, simply make it all your own with rubber stamps!   You can tell the bottom one didn't work perfect, that's suppose to be a neat, little A - oh well, that was one of the first books I did.

Also in the book they had stamped napkins - what a great way to turn plain napkins into beautiful ones!  I just wouldn't suggest wiping your mouth on the stamped part! :)

Thank you for reading!  Enjoy stamping!

~Amber