My Gingerbread Story Part 2:

~C~

Hey y'all! Sorry it's taken me so long to do part 2!! We had a family emergency that has caused me to be out of town for a week. Thankfully everyone is okay!

On to part 2!

So I told you in part one (Click here to read it) that we didn't get anywhere in the competition. Which was okay because... well we didn't have a clue what we were doing. We were just learning. A year past and it was July/August of 2013 and my friend and I decided we wanted to enter again this year. So we decided that we would do "Christmas at Grandma's Cabin". We were going to make a cabin with a front porch, chimney, outhouse, dogs, a pond and snow covered ground. We began working on the project... just the two of us. Two girls, a whole lot of sugar and a whole lot of work can call for a lot of giggling and laughing! That is for sure! I mean you just "have" to test the icing to make sure it's good whether anybody's gonna eat it or not. We worked and worked and WORKED on that thing 3 days a week if not more until the finial week it was everyday of the week! The thought "What it the roof falls in like it did last year?!" crossed our mind more than once! By the last day it was 7:00 and there was still a little work that needed to be done! So we put it in fuller than full gear and got it done! We were so proud of ourselves! "Good job Ole' Pal of mine!" She said patting me on the back. "Yep! Good job Ole' Pal of mine!" I agreed patting her on the back too.  Now... If we can just get this up the mountain without anything going wrong it will be a great day! We got it up there with no trouble at all... other than I was nervous that something would go wrong. Well... everything was going great until it started raining. The gingerbread soaks in moister and can cause harm to the piece. Thankfully we got it inside without anything going wrong! I set it on the judging table and took one last look before I left the room. Because when you set you piece on the table that's it! You don't see it again until the next night around 5:30 and when you enter the room you aren't aloud to go see you piece you have to sit in your seat until you are either called to the top 10 or until around 8:30 when the ceremony is finally over. It's tough because you want to go see your piece and check on but... You can't. Anyway, I left the room and went to eat dinner and finish the rest of the night. The next day (the day of the judging) I do get nervous. I mean there's gonna be at least 450 people at the ceremony, plus local news and people from the New York Times. So that's kinda nerve racking for me. That night we sat through the kids division and they were all so cute! A lot of them dressed in little chefs hats (adorable!) and the little girls with their gingerbread men dresses. Then came time for the youth division... and my nerves start again. Oh dear! My friend was so excited! She was squeezing my arm pretty good too. Haha! :) Then the lady called "Top ten winner Y-608. The Happy Homeschooling Girls!" We got up, went to stand with our piece. The people came to where we were picked up out piece and took it up front to where the "Youth Top Ten Table" was. The rest of the ceremony proceeded... we didn't get in the top 3 that year but we were very happy with the outcome!

So on came June/July/August of 2014 and yet again we were trying to figure out what the plan was for the 2014 gingerbread entry. We deiced on doing a gingerbread tree that soon became known as "Nutmouse Tree House"! We couldn't wait to get started! My friend had gotten a horse since the last time we had entered so she was very busy with him but helped as much as she could! I worked on it everyday from morning until evening! Now some of you might be wondering "How in the world did she make a tree out of gingerbread?" The answer is rather simple.. Very slowly and steadily. Don't rush with anything when you're doing gingerbread. You'll regret it later! Soon I had a tree with two stories on the inside. A bedroom upstairs with a bed, nightstand with a candle on top and a picture of the most famous mouse of all hanging on the wall (Mickey of course!) Downstairs was a kitchen table with a bowl of apple-seeds on it, two chairs, a rug and a side table with a candle. Everything you put in the gingerbread creations has to be 100% edible. The outside of the tree had a tire swing, a pond, a garden, fall leaves, a garden, Grandma Nutmouse, Grandpa Nutmouse and Junior Nutmouse, Grandpa was busy gardening, Grandma had spent her day seed gathering and baking, and Junior was on his was to the pond to do some fishing. Can you imagine the sigh of relief that I heaved when we finally got it to the Grove Park Inn?! I left the room as usual when I set it on the table. I thought about that tree all night, and the whole next day until I got into that room and saw that everything was okay! I was just as nervous that night has I had been the past two years. My friend was right there beside me in her seat. "What's our number again?" She asked "Y-617" I replied a little shakily. They went through the child's division first (as always). Then came time for the youth division. They called out a few numbers including the number right before ours "Y-616". So I thought "Well, we did our best and that's all we could ask for." Then came "Top ten winner number Y-617. Team Happy Homeschooling Girls" Oh my word!! I couldn't believe it!!  We went to the youth top ten table and waited for the top three winners to be announced in our category. They started with third place... I was for sure we wouldn't get in the top three! Just as that thought crossed my mind they called "Fist Place winner Y-617. Team Happy Homeschooling Girls." I couldn't believe it! We just won first place in a national commotion!! We went out to celebrate later with dinner.

This year 2016 will be my second year competing in the teen category. I competed last year too. I entered "Glamping VW style." It was my first year competing in the teen category and it's a whole new ball game! I didn't get in the top ten or place anything but it was fun anyway!! I can't wait to see how this years project turns out!! I can't tell you what I'm doing just yet but I will when I can!


I hope you have enjoyed my gingerbread story! Have a great week!

~C~

                                                                                 2013

2014

A Day in the Life of a Homeschooler!

Hey Guys! It's ~O~ today! I wanted to share with you what it is like being a homeschooler! Many people think homeschoolers are socially awkward, over protected and missing out on important things in life. It's actually the complete opposite!

This is my 8th year doing homeschool, I enjoy every minute of it! Because I have extra time during the day, I am able to take harp, piano and violin lessons which I am VERY thankful for! Now please don't hear me wrong, I respect Public and Private schools very much! As a matte of fact, I have many, many close friends who choose not to do homeschool....but I love and respect each of the dearly!

My family does a homeschool program called "Classical Conversations." It is very beneficial! Foundations (Pre-K- 6 grade) does 12 weeks in the fall and 12 weeks in the spring. Challenge (7-12 grade) does 15 weeks during the fall and 15 weeks during the spring. Foundations covers Math, Latin, Science, History, Geography and Timeline. They also offer a writing class (4-6 grade) that is very helpful!  I am so thankful that we are a part of Classical Conversations! I have made so many tight friendships and learned so many things and for that I am so grateful!

During a normal homeschooling day, I will get up, start school by 9, cover all my new grammar from CC, do my math workbook, practice music and do writing assignments from Essentials.  I normally finish around 1:30/2:00!

Hope you all learned something about homeschool! ~O~

My Favorite Vacation Spots

Hey! It's ~O~! I wanted to share with ya'll 3 of my favorite vacation spots!

1. Disney Cruise~ Disney Cruise's are AMAZING! It's relaxing, fun, entertaining, family friendly, the food is delicious and well prepared, the shows are appropriate for all ages and you make stops along the way....such as the Bahamas', Disney's private island, Castaway Kay and many more places! Disney has 4 ships: Disney Wonder, Disney Magic, Disney Dream and Disney Fantasy! They are in the process of building 2 more ships as well!

(Disney Dream at Castaway Kay)

 

 

2. Destin, Florida~ Destin, FL is truly breathtaking!  Clear water, white sand and much more! That is one of my favorite places to vacation!

 



 

 

 

 

3. By the lake~ I live on the lake! It's so peaceful yet exciting and fun! My family enjoys jet skiing, water skiing, tubing, eating at our local marina and just relaxing together!

 

 



My Gingerbread Story... Part 1

~C~

Hey Y'all! I hope you are doing well this week! Today I thought I would post my "gingerbread story". Now some of you might be thinking "What in the world is she talking about?!". Let me explain. A few weeks ago I did the blog post about Easter Cookies. (See it Here) I told you that I LOVE to bake!! Whether it's cookies, brownies, cream puffs, eclairs, cake, etc. I love it! But, I also love entering a gingerbread project in the National Gingerbread House competition every year in November. Ok, On to the story:

So about 4 years ago I was in a home-school history group. There was about 7 kids so it wasn't too big but, we were getting ready to study Germany and of course gingerbread is partly from Germany. One of the suggested projects was to build a gingerbread house. (From the box) I remembered my parents and grandparents taking me to a place called the Grove Park Inn when I was about 4 years old. (I have a very good memory) Anyway, I was absolutely fascinated with all the pieces of art! So when it came time to do the gingerbread house project I told my Mom "Mom, why don't we take it to the competition??"  she said "You mean take the box kit to the competition?" "No, like make it from scratch to the competition!". Now, I am not a competitive person unless it's gingerbread season. (Or I'm playing UNO with my Dad.) I think I shocked my Mom because of the fact that I am not competitive. But, she agreed to talk with the other Moms about it and if they said it was ok then it was ok with her! Now, you have to understand we had NO clue what we were doing! We didn't have a recipe for the gingerbread (unless we used the actual bread kind but that wouldn't work.) So were searched and searched for one until we came across one that we thought would work. Our theme was going to be "The Gift of Christmas" It was supposed to look like a box that had been punched open on Christmas morning with the Manger scene inside. We made multiple, multiple trips to Walmart for fondant, flour, sugar, twizzlers, food coloring, edible spray paint, etc.

We worked so hard on that thing! About two days a week to start with, three days when it got closer and then four days a week and finally on the last week before we had to take it we work from Monday-Friday. When we got that thing done we were SO proud of it!! Well... the MORNING we supposed to take it we got a phone call from the Mom's house it was staying at. She said that her daughter went downstairs to check on it as soon as she woke up and the roof had collapsed. OH NO! What were going to do?! We didn't have an extra roof laying around anywhere! So while the other daughter and myself were trying to keep from loosing our mind we went over to their house at 7:45 in the morning. We got over their and we were going crazy! We don't have gingerbread dough made, we don't have an extra roof, we have to leave between 12:00 - 1:00 in the afternoon and it was already 8:00! That means we have to make more dough, cut out the new roof, bake it, let it cool, put it on the project and cover it to make it look like the rest of the piece! Oh, and did I mention that my Mom and I hadn't packed? Needless to say we probably looked like chickens running around with our heads cut off! Haha!! But it all worked out and we were able to take it that afternoon. Whew! Of course, we didn't get anywhere in the competition but we had a BLAST doing it!


PART 2 COMING SOON......

Things on my Bucket List + My Favorite Holidays!

Hello Everyone! It's ~O~ here! It's been forever since I've posted anything...LOL! Hope you all have been doing well! It seems like the "fast forward" button has been hit on 2016! Is it really almost May?!?? Where oh where does the time go? I thought today I might share a few things on my bucket list and my favorite holidays and why! (I know it's a bit random...HAHA!)

My bucket list:

1. Go on a missions trip~ I'm thinking and praying about going on one to China!
2. Travel to all 7 continents
3. Travel to all 50 states
4. Have lots of kids~ Maybe around 12
5. Go visit the Northern Lights
6. Donate my hair to Locks of Love or Pantene
7. Read the entire Bible
8. Lead someone to Christ
9. Own a grand piano
10. Learn sign language
11. Be a harp teacher
12. Ride in a hot air balloon

My favorite holidays are:

Christmas~ Because we celebrate Jesus' birthday!
My Birthday~ Because I get to celebrate the day I was born!
Valentine's Day~ Because we can show our love and appreciation to people we love.
Easter~ Because Jesus rose from the grave and HE IS ALIVE!

Packing Tips:

~C~

Hi! I hope everyone is having a good week and had a great Easter! Today I thought I would share some packing tips that I have kind of made up. But they work really well!! So here we go!

If you know me you know that I LOVE packing! I don't know why but I do. Anyway, I make a packing list just about wherever I to stay somewhere. Ok, that might be a little over organized but I like to make lists. Haha! So if you seem to always forget what you want to take or just forget to put something in your bag.... a check list might be helpful for you. For me I get really excited about going and usually make my packing list two weeks ahead of time print it off and then... Of course forget where I put it but usually remember everything on it. But just to be sure I make another one about three days before we leave.

If it's a big trip and I'm going to be gone about a week then I start packing or pulling my stuff out about three days before. If we're only going to be gone a couple of days I just pack the day before I leave. I would suggest that you pull everything that you are going to be taking (clothes, shoes, socks, jackets, coats, ect.) out and lay the stuff on your bed or near your bed that way you have everything in one central location and don't have to go running around your room or house to find everything. Or thing you're absolutely finished with your suitcase, zip it up and then remember "Oh! I didn't put shoes in there!" Pull it back out and try to find room,to cram them in. (I've done that way to many times!!) If you're going to do a lot of walking take comfortable shoes!

I would also check the weather before packing your clothes. I'm sure that is something most everyone does but just in case... It's very helpful!

It's also helpful to check how long you're flight, train ride or car ride will be. If it's a long ride wear comfortable clothes! If you are going on a plain check for thing you can and can't take! If you're going out of the country check the date on your passport. In some countries if your passport expires in six months they won't let you in. So to be on the safe side make sure it expires in over six months.

When I am going on a trip I always try to take snacks, If I get hungry and don't eat I can get weak. So I always try to have something to snack on to keep the hunger at bay. (Peanuts, almonds, cashews, ect.) But remember if you're going to museums some of them might not allow food/water.

Take lots of pictures! I personally always take my camera on trips. I'm sure most people do, but it's so fun to look back on the pictures!

Be sure to pick a hotel that you will be comfortable in and that meets what you will need during you stay. But also make sure you stay within your budget. :)

Most importantly HAVE FUN!!!!!

So in summery:

• Make a packing list if you need one or just want to (for me I just want to I don't necessarily need one)  
• Pull your clothes out so you don't have to chase them down 
• Pack comfortable shoes
• Check the weather of where you will be going and pack accordingly
• How long is the ride? (car, train, plane) 
• CHECK THE DATE ON YOU'RE PASSPORT! 
• Snacks (crackers, nuts, ect.) 
•  Take pictures! 
• Pick a hotel that will be comfortable for you. But don't brake your budget.
• MOST IMPORTANTLY HAVE FUN!!!!!! 

I  hope you have enjoyed this weeks blog post! See ya next time!
~C~

Favorite Board/Card Games

Hey Everyone!! It's ~O~ here! This week I thought I'd share with you my favorite board/card games!!

So.....I enjoy playing card wise:

Phase 10


Russian Rummy (A twist on Phase 10)


Racko


Apples to Apples:


Swish


And for board games....I enjoy:

Monopoly


Battleships


Thank you for viewing my blog post! Have a blessed week!

Easter Cookies:

Hi y'all! I hope you're having a great week! It been super nice outside where I live recently! Anyway, I personally love to cook and bake!! I decided that since it's near Easter I would post an Easter cookie recipe! I hope you enjoy!!


You need:

• 1 cup whole pecans
• Mixing bowl
• 3 egg whites
• Wooden spoon
• 1 cup sugar
• 1 tsp. vinegar
• Zipper baggy
• 1 pinch of salt
• Wax paper
• Cookie sheet

Preheat oven to 300 degrees.

Place pecans in the baggy and  beat them with the wooden spoon to break into small pieces.

Put 1 tsp. vinegar into mixing bowl. Add egg whites to the vinegar. Sprinkle the salt into the bowl. Add 1 cup sugar. Beat with mixer on high speed for 11-15 minutes until stiff peaks are formed. Fold in broken nuts. Drop with a tsp. on to the cookie sheet with wax paper.

Put cookies sheet in the oven. Close door and turn oven OFF.  Leave cookies in the oven overnight and on Easter Morning give everyone a cookie. 

Enjoy!! 

(There are other recipes out there but this is just the one we use.) 

My Story Of Playing Harp

So, I wanted to share with everyone the (long) journey of finding a harp and a harp teacher!!

So I always attend FASA (Fine Arts Summer Academy) and one of the harpist there had always inspired me to play harp and I literally thought..."I'm never going to be able to play such a big and hard instrument!"

One day I told my mom "I really want to play harp one day." and she said "Ok." So, we prayed for over a year for a harp teacher where I live (we live in a small town).  I continued waiting and then it was time for FASA and I was able to have a private lesson with the harpist. That made my motivation level to play harp go WAYYYY UP! Haha!

So, after another whole year of praying and looking.....we found a harp teacher!! PRAISE THE LORD! I met with her and she was super sweet and was amazing at harp!

Now the search for a student rental harp...they are so expensive to rent so the search was on....and the Lord was good and ended up sending a lever rental harp that was in pretty good condition...for a good price!! Harp was SO much fun! I was progressing and enjoyed it lots! Then....I needed a bigger and nicer harp!

So, here we go again praying and looking! We looked for about 5 months.....and I saw many beautiful ones that were WAY too expensive or too far away.  I finally find two good priced harps about 5 hours away! Yay! Well, have you ever heard the saying "Its too goof to be true?" that was the case for me....yes, they sold the week before we were planning to go and look at them!

Theres still hope....one more about 4 hours away!! It again sold two days before we were going to look at it.....so now im pretty upset! So the plan for this trip is to look and learn more about harps....not buy one.

We arrive at the harp center and low and behold a used pedal harp (the kind I needed) for a good price and almost brand new sits there. Im speechless....we ended up buying it the next day! Im so thankful for my parents and mostly to God who made this harp playing dream possible!

Thank you for reading today's post! God Bless You!

(I haven't had time to download pictures of the harp....but here's the same model!)

March Monthly Post

Hello Everyone! Hope you are all doing great! Hope you enjoy the March monthly post!!

Chapter 6~

 Vivian’s POV~

Oh my goodness! So much has happened lately! Natalie, Taylor and I are ALL expecting at the same time! On top of that, David is recovering from his broken arm and Nicole will be turning 5 this month! WHERE HAS THE TIME GONE??? I remember when my sweet Nicole was first born! Now, I have 3 precious kids and 1 on the way! I am a blessed lady! Taylor and I need to think of  some ideas for our “Baby Announcement Party!” I’m trying to think of some ideas….I should call Taylor because she is the most crafty person I know!

Taylor’s POV~

Wow! I can’t believe that Vivian and I’s due date are only 1 week apart! It’s so fun being pregnant at the same time as your sister! We are both 3 months along now! Next month we find out genders! Ahhhhhh!! I can’t wait till our precious babies make their way into the world! I wonder if Vivian has any plans made for our “Baby Announcement Party?” I know I do!! Haha! A WHOLE list!

 Vivian (Calling Taylor): “Hello!”

Taylor: “Hey Viv!! How are you feeling today?”

Vivian: “Great! What about you?”

Taylor: “Good!”

Vivian: “I was just calling to see if you have any ideas on our “Baby Announcement Party?”

Taylor: “Yes! I do have quite a few things in mind!”

Vivian: “Awesome! I knew you would have some good ideas! Unlike me! Haha!”

Taylor: “Well…we could pick up some shirts that can announce the newest additions!”

Vivian: “That’s such a cute idea! I love it! We can have the family over for dinner this coming Saturday!”

Taylor: “Thanks! And…let me check my calendar really quick to make sure I’m free this Saturday! Yes! I don’t have anything!” 

Vivian: “Okay! Sounds like a plan! How about 6:00?”

Taylor: “That’s great! Do you want to have it at your house or mine?”

Vivian: “I would be happy to host it at my house! The kids always like having company over!”

Taylor: “Ok, sounds great!”

Vivian: “Love you! Bye!”

Taylor: “Love you too!! See you soon!