Wednesday, May 31, 2017

May 2017



May is over! Onto June and beautiful summer, folks! And my monthly recap, of course. While this month wasn't all full of adventures like April, it was still a good month.  


\\ HAPPENINGS \\

\\ Garage sales at the military base (link to post)

\\ Hanging out at family get-togethers, with friends, and at a Bible study my family, relatives, and friends have started. 

\\ We bought a house! It was built in the 70's, and needs fixing up. We've  already done some hard labor there. We tore all the carpet out, pried up tack-strips, hauled carpet and carpet padding out to the dumpster (carpet is heavy), pulled screws and nails from the wall, and vacuumed some of the rooms. Or maybe they're all done? I didn't go the last time "everyone" went. My mom sanded the kitchen ceiling, then decided to test for aspestus, so we haven't been working on it lately. But we'll be back at it this month. And working on houses makes you sweat like crazy, and it's dirty, and sometimes you have to wear oppressive, human-muzzle masks. :P Those things. But being our house, some of it is fun. Like tearing up the carpet- that wasn't bad. Have you ever wondered what it would be like to destroy your house? Well, buy an old house and you can cut the carpet with a utility knife. ;P That makes it easier to haul. And you can pry those tack strips up and get your thumb cut by a splinter. Such fun stuff. *cheesy grin* It will be fun to get MY room done. Paint over the black walls with green faces on it. xP So anyhow, after I write this huge long thing you probably aren't interested in... we have lots of work ahead.

\\ I have over half of my driving hours in. Now I need to focus on learning everything I'll need to know on my test. 

\\ 11th grade is coming to a close, though I'll probably have to do Chemistry into June until I'm done. Not too bad.

\\ I took my little sisters down to a big storage\shop building by our house for pictures. The dramatic lighting in there was fun to experiment with. :)

  

\\ READ \\



The Chapel Car Bride by Judith Miller

Wasn't my favorite. See my review here.



A Love So True by Melissa Jagears

A wonderful book! <3





\\ WATCHED \\




King's Faith

   I liked this movie. It's kinda a redemption story, and it was interesting. There was some intense parts (creeepy drug guys), so not for young children. 




Hardflip

    Not really my favorite, though it was interesting enough. Also for an older audience.


Heart of the Country

   Me and my sister re-watched this movie last night. The end is really cute. ;) 





\\ MADE \\




Mint Oreo No-Bake Cheesecake! I found the recipe on Pinterest. It was really good! We had to 1\3 the recipe because we didn't have enough cream cheese... and it was soft. It looks perfect in the pictures with the recipe, of course. Need to figure out what brand of cream cheese is best.




\\ BOUGHT and RECEIVED \\


\\ Well, all the things from garage sales.

\\ A 16 oz container of sour gumi worms, on sale for $1.49. Yes, a pound of gumi worms, unless it's in volume. *laughs* I take deals when they come. ;P



\\ Oh, another deal! I bought a package of double stuffed Oreos from an Amish store for... it might've been the same amount as the gumi worms. Oreos are usually at least $3, and I got it for $1 something. *smug look* They tasted good, but they were a little softer than the ones that probably aren't expired. ;P Oh! And they're especially good after being in the freezer for awhile. *winks* Tips for when you buy likely-expired cookies.

\\ I got three books this month! 


Bethany House sent me A Love So True to review, and I got Whisper on the Wind from Tyndale Rewards. I'm thinking I got that this month? And I bought Whirlwind from Goodwill.



\\ THE POSTS \\

I did eight posts this month (counting this one). That's a recovery from last month. ;P












\\ THE MOMENTS \\

\\ When you're numbering your paper for a chemistry quiz and you write: 1, 2, 3, 14... What?! Where did that come from? ;P *rips the page out and starts over*

\\ When the parking spaces are diagonal and you can get in easy. Ahhh... or when you park crooked at church. Hehe. Not so good.

\\When you take a break from working on your house (5 people) and eat about a whole jar of salsa and bag of chips. *grins with no shame*

\\ When the shear amount of pictures you have overwhelms you. In a not-good way. Help. xP

\\ When there's a firefly in your room one night.

\\ When you go to the dentist and they ask you if you want a prize. *blink blink* UM, uh, no thank you. ;P You do know I'm 16, so...??

\\   When you're writing a review and... *can't remember the main character's name* The guys name is David. What's her name? (of course I remember the guys name and not hers! xP) But I did remember it after. *winks*

\\ When all the mosquito eaters plaque your house. And a moth flies up from the crack in between your bed and the wall. Ew, no bug comes into my bed! *smacks it with my book*

\\ You tell your little brother he should eat his food and then he'll get big muscles and be able to peddle his bike up the hill. 

Him: *back in the house* *eats his food* *excitedly* I ate my food! Now I can do it! *goes as though to try*

Uh... well, not that fast! 

\\ You and your sister home alone. Someone knocks on the door. We hide... and get the wasp spray. xP

Yep, that's a lot of moments.




HOW WAS LIFE IN MAY? RELATE TO ANY OF THOSE "MOMENTS"?



Monday, May 29, 2017

Book Review: A Love So True



ABOUT THE BOOK


 Evelyn Wisely loves working at the local orphanage, but her heart can't ignore the women of Teaville who are also in need. Her boss is willing to help build a shelter for them, but only if she gains the cooperation and financial support of other local businessmen. 

While David Kingsman plans to stay in Teaville just long enough to get his father's business back on solid ground, he's intrigued by Evelyn's cause and finds himself more invested with each passing day.

Will their plans and partnership fall apart when confronted with all that is stacked against them, or can they trust in God's plan despite it all?


MY REVIEW

My second review book from Bethany House, and I greatly enjoyed it! It was interesting, somewhat humorous, sweet, and with a secret you wonder about until it's revealed! It also has a definite share of heartache as well, which just makes it a good book. 

I really like Evelyn. She is caring to those around her, but she is standoff-ish and any man who tries to steal her heart doesn't try for too long. I like when the character's don't fall in love right away, or when there is something in the way. And also when the female character isn't the typical spunky independent lady. *rolls eyes* Evelyn is fairly independent, but she's still different than the normal historical romance heroine.

David Kingsman. *heart eyes* The charming grin, melt-your-heart guy. He's just so amaazzingg! He's so kind-hearted, kinda funny, and so sweet to Evelyn. <3 I just... love David. And yes, this paragraph was quite "unprofessional review" sounding, but I'm taking about the guy here, it's to be expected. ;P

I loved the part at David's mansion. The party, the dancing, the garden... so intriguing. :) And plus that part... that was like so perfect. *hugs it* 

The romantic elements at the end were described a little too much in my opinion. I don't really need to know about all their feelings when they kissed and all. Or how much they kissed. But whatever.

Also, there was one thing in the story I'm not quite sure about, and it put a little bit of a damper on the story. If you want to read the big spoiler, see my Goodreads review here. It might be OK, but I'm just not sure.

All in all, it was a lovely read, and I have a beautiful paperback copy for my shelf! *smiles*

I would recommend A Love So True to ages 15\16 to adult.


DOES A LOVE SO TRUE SOUND LIKE A BOOK YOU'D ENJOY?

Saturday, May 27, 2017

12 Book Recommendations for Various Preferences

  
I am going to recommend to you twelve books today! They are of various genres and settings, so hopefully I have a book for a wide variety of preferences. I must warn you though. All of these books have at least some element of romance (at least within the whole series), so if you don't like romance... well, don't look for book recommendations from me. ;P Plus I don't read ALL genres, so I obviously can't guarantee you'll like any books I do. *winks*

You've also probably heard me gushing over some of these plenty, so... you'll just have to endure seeing them again. Or you can read them and join me in the fandom. *grins*

Anyhow, here are twelve lovely books!



~ MEDIEVAL, NON-MAGICAL FAIRY-TALE~



The Golden Braid by Melanie Dickerson

~ So lovely and fairy-tale... 
for those who want 
sweet Rapunzel romance ~


~ MEDIEVAL TIMES FAITH ADVENTURE ~


The Viking Quest Series by Lois Walfrid Johnson

~ Exciting and meaningful adventure... 
for anyone, from 10-year-olds to teens alike~



~ CIVIL WAR, HEARTWARMING STORIES ~


The Bonnets and Bugles series by Gilbert Morris

~ A heartwarming Civil War series... 
kind of a coming-of-age, 
with all that that brings along. 
I read these a long time ago, 
and I need to read them again! ~



~ VICTORIAN ERA ROMANCE~


The Lady and the LionHeart by Joanne Bischof


~ So magical and exciting... 
Mysterious, heart-rending, and sweet ~



~ INSPIRATIONAL HISTORICAL ROMANCE ~


A Love So True by Melissa Jagears

~ Such a melt-heart, both sweet 
and meaningful story. 
Secrets, orphans, 
and second-chances ~



~ WORLD WAR 2, FAIRY-TALE MASH-UP~


Cinderella's Dress by Shonna Slayton

~ Fun and sweet, with the 
magic of both fairy-tale 
and times gone by ~


~ SWEET FIFTIES ROMANCE ~


Love Me Tender by Janice Hanna

~ Soda shops, heartthrobs, 
and a sweet and 
tender romance ~ 


~ CONTEMPORARY, CHARMING SPY ADVENTURE ~


Ashburn by Julia Erickson 

~ Exciting and big adventures, yet 
with charming spy feel 
and a cute, clean romance ~


~ MEANINGFUL, NON-MAGICAL FANTASY ADVENTURE~


Resistance by Jaye L. Knight

~ Meaningful fantasy with the theme 
of standing up for your faith. 
Exciting adventures, and amazing 
characters you will love ~


~ BIBLE-TIMES-INSPIRED FANTASY~


Prophet by R. J. Larson

~ Inspiring and exciting with a
 Bible-times mashed with medieval feel. 
Plus those endearing characters! ~  


~ MAGICAL, FAIRY-TALE-INSPIRED FANTASY~


The Ryn by Serena Chase

~ Such a magical fairy-tale fantasy. 
Mysterious, adventuresome, and romantic ~

note: there is some telepathy in these books that I'm not entirely sure about. It's like a gift to the people with that ability from the one who represents God in the story, though, so it doesn't seem witch-y or anything. 



~ ADVENTURE AND FAITH-FILLED DYSTOPIAN ~


A Time to Die by Nadine Brandes

Rising to courage and fighting for justice
 in an intriguing futuristic world ~



HAVE YOU READ ANY OF THESE BOOKS? DO ANY INTEREST YOU?


Wednesday, May 24, 2017

An Interview with My Siblings


   
   

Hello lovely readers out there! I have a different sort of post today. *grins at my accomplishment* I interviewed five of my siblings with random questions, and you get to read their answers! 
  
    My ten-year-old sister T's answers will be in blue, and my five-year-old sister K's will be in red. My 12-year-old brother C's answers are in the color green,  my 14-year-old sister S's will be in yellow, and my sister Shantelle's (you all probably know we're sisters already, so... ;P) will be in pinkMy words, and the interview questions, of course, will be white (and these are not all their exact words).

  Okay, let us get started!


QUESTION #1: What is one of your favorite things to do?

T: Playing outside and riding horses when I can.

K: Umm, go down to my fort and pretend I'm riding a pig. 

S: Hang out with my friends.

C: Going to my aunt and uncle's house.

Sh: One of my favorite things to do is blogging.

QUESTION #2: What is your favorite animal and why?

T: My favorite animal is a horse because they are beautiful and amazing.

K: My favorite animal is a pig because they are so cute.

S: Tigers because they're one of the most powerful animals in the world and they're awesome.

C: A dog. Why? I don't know.

Sh: My favorite animal is a horse because they're fun to ride.

QUESTION # 3: If you were forced to eat only 2 foods for the rest of your life, what would they be?

T: Fried chicken and strawberry rhubarb pie. 

K: A whole cake and a hamburger.

S: Sweet tarts and hamburgers.

C: Hamburgers and spaghetti.

Sh: Um, sweet potatoes and... only two?! Salmon.

QUESTION #4: If you lived anywhere besides America, where would it be?

T: Switzerland because there's cool castles and stuff.

K: Florida (we changed it to states for her)

S: Finland

C: I'd live in Australia (after I argue with him about him NOT wanting to live in Syria. ;P)

Sh: I would live in... *contemplates* Probably Ireland because it has old castles and no snakes.

QUESTION #5: What is your favorite book?

T: Silver Rose

K: I'll say Bambi.

S: What kind of question is that?! I'll just say Deliver by Tricia Mingerink 

C: Pillbok. That is not a book! The Homelanders series.

Sh: Uhh! *laughs* Impossible question! One is Starflower by Anne Elisabeth Stengl, Courting Marrow Little by Laura Frantz, and Waking Rose by

QUESTION #6: Favorite movie?

T: The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe and How to Train Your Dragon. (she added that last one later) 

K: Frozen

S: How am I supposed to answer that?! 23 Blast, King's Faith, Hardflip, The Hobbit... 

C: Walker Texas Ranger (a TV show)

Sh: One of my favorite movies is... *thinks* The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe, Love's Enduring Promise, Pride and Prejudice (2008), and... Belle, and The Magic of Ordinary Days. (That's five. tsk, tsk)


QUESTION #7:Would you rather swim in the middle of the ocean with only an inner tube, or sky-dive with only a big tarp to catch air with?

T: Probably sky-diving with a tarp.

K: Airplane with tarp.

S: Skydive

C: Uh, I'd go out in the ocean 'cause you'd actually survive.


Sh: Both are terrifying. I might choose the ocean with an inner tube.


QUESTION #8: What do you want to do for a job one day?

T: Horse-back-riding teacher

K: How 'bout... um... I wanted to be a ninja. (she changed it to gymnast, which is probably what she meant all along. *winks*)

S: Taxidermist
C: Plumbing

Sh: Accomplished author


QUESTION #9: Do you like photo shoots? (*winks*)

T: AH, no.

K: Sometimes

S: No!

C: Hatred (that means no *rolls eyes*)

Sh: Yes. (finally! *aplauds*)



QUESTION #10: What's the worst chore ever?

T: The worst one would be probably loading. (dishes)

K: Floors. I hate floors. (cleaning them up)

S: Probably cleaning the kitchen.

C: Dishes

Sh: Weeding the garden



QUESTION #11: What is one thing you want to own one day?

T: A horse!

K: A pig.

S: A pistol.

C: A gun

Sh: More books. 


QUESTION #12: If you could travel back in time to one famous event, what would it be?

T: When Jesus made the blind man see.

K: When Jesus was on earth.

S: Noah's ark when the flood was.

C: The Revolutionary War

Sh: I would travel back to... the signing of the Declaration of Independence.


QUESTION #13: What's the most fun thing you've ever done?

T: Going to the West Coast (last summer *winks*)

K: Playing with my best friend last summer.

S: Hanging out with my friends.

C: Spying on a wedding. (*chokes on laughter and rolls eyes*)

Sh: Going camping with friends.




   Well, that concludes my random-questioned interview of my siblings! Perhaps I'll have my siblings interview ME now. *grins*

  This was a pretty fun post to create, so I hope you enjoyed! 


IF YOU WANT TO ANSWER ANY OF THE QUESTIONS IN THE COMMENTS, FEEL FREE! *winks*






Wednesday, May 17, 2017

May 2017\\ Currently


Another month is flying by. *gasps for breath* Life is going by too fast, guys! 

Okay, time for the currently post of May. ;)


HAPPENINGS SO FAR\\

\\ Strawberries! 



\\ My grandparents came for a little while, so we had a family get-together. A barbeque, ice cream, talking walks down the road, you know. That came with some interesting adventures, but it was fun. *winks*

\\ Pruned bushes... so exciting.

\\ Got up early in the morning to go garage-saling! I found an amazing deal on a nice tri-pod!


\\ Hanging out...

\\ I attempted to curl my hair (why do I even try?) using this method I found once (the link- it's the first pin on there). You put your hair in a ponytail and curl that, but I ended up curling it more after taking the ponytail out. It still wasn't very curly. *glares at my straight hair* It makes it look so easy, but maybe that's because the person doesn't have as thick of hair as me. However, it wasn't all a loss. 



I still got waves. *winks*


\\ On Sunday my family, relatives and some other people started a Bible study. I helped with all the kids. ;) It was fun seeing people.

\\ We haven't done much this month, so far, but there is ONE big thing happening. We bought a house! After living in a rental for almost three years, we are finally going to move into our own place. Pretty exciting, even though I'm sure I'll miss this place. ;)


CURRENTLY READING\\


A Love so True by Melissa Jagears


CURRENTLY EATING\\

\\ Today we ate potato salad, baked beans, and hot dogs (no buns) for supper. Isn't that just the perfect summer dinner? *sighs*

\\ And then yesterday (I think) I made some fries for myself, with salt, pepper, and thyme. ;D



\\ Sorry for not ceasing to put pictures of Chick-fil-A. You guys are probably rather annoyed. xP But we went there again, and I got... what I get, and it was so good, once again. *winks*


\\ CURRENTLY LOOKING FORWARD TO

\\ Summer

\\ Finishing 11th grade

\\ All the good days to come.  The sibling town outings and everything else. ;)


This was probably driving to Chick-fil-A. ;)


\\ Getting my license already. I want to get it like, next month. I can dream, right? ;P


SO, HOW IS MAY GOING?




Friday, May 12, 2017

Book Review: The Chapel Car Bride



MY REVIEW


This book tells the story of a chapel car preacher and his daughter, Hope, who travel to a mining town to minister to the people there. They make new friendships, and face hardships and danger, some involving moonshiners who might shoot first and ask questions later if you stumble upon their illegal operation.

So... this book really wasn't my thing. Most of the book wasn't all that interesting to me. Building a church, fixing up the miner's homes, the scoundrel telling huge lies and doing scoundrel things... Plus the story skipped through time a bit. You don't really get to see Hope and "her guy" first get to know each other. It just tells that it happens. 

I didn't really care for the romance. Some of it felt kind of cheesy to me. I'm kinda picky about how the romance is in books. ;P

The end was probably my favorite part, maybe because what most of the book was about was over with, and we got more of Hope and Luke's relationship? 


So I'm not saying I didn't enjoy any of it. All in all, it just wasn't for me. You might love it, so don't let my review keep you from checking it out! :)



*I received this book from Bethany House publishers in exchange for my honest review


Kind of a cheesy review, but that's that.  All the "maybe's" and "kinda's". ;P This review might be a little late too...
 It's too bad I didn't love the book, because the cover is pretty. :)