The Awkward and The Awesome

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THE AWKWARD

Having my room look a complete mess only to find that when I fix it, a pile of clothes was the only problem. Really?

Video taping myself while baking these cookies. I don't know if I've ever laughed so hard at myself:)

Realizing that baking soda is necessary in that recipe! The cookies came out rock solid and went to the trash can.

Making a funny face and mom says, "What was that!"

THE AWESOME

Little sister praying before we start home school saying, "Heavenly Father, I come before your presence Lord. I thank you for this day. Please help Kianna to sit still while she does her work." She is just too, cute!

Alone time with mom to talk about whatever my little heart desires.

Figuring out how to center the pages tab below the header on my blog

Rockin' my natural curls. For so many years, I've doused my hair with gel and hairspray to get that wet look but now, I'm okay with leaving it out naturally. 

Catching up on reading the Bible. I am due to finish the entire Bible next month!!!

Warming Luna in my Scentsy plug-in.

Having fish for dinner. My mom's not a real seafood gal, so I am thankful that she's making it for the family. 

Syncing some songs and videos onto my grandma's iPod.

Guest Book Review: Little Angels Bible Story Book

My mother's review:

"As soon as I took the book into my hands, I was excited to show it to my daughter.  It is a sturdy padded hardcover book that looks like it will stand the test of time.  The cover is brightly colored  which immediately drew us both in.  As I thumbed through the book I noticed beautifully drawn cartoon characters and vivid pages.  I am very impressed with the appeal this book has visually.

This children’s Bible story book outlines 100 Bible stories both Old Testament and New Testament stories.  When my daughter asked me to read to her the story of Jonah, the table of contents was very helpful in being able to find the story without having to skim throughout the book.

For each Biblical story there is the book and verse in the Bible that it corresponds with.  Each story has an “I learned that…” which is the main idea of the story and “I can…” segment involves the children to participate in a challenge to encourages them to live out the Word they just received, a short prayer asking the Lord to help them to apply the lesson learned to their own lives, and a verse that correlates with the story.

At the end of the book I found it helpful that they have outlined a section for Bible verses to remember and the miracles of Jesus.

My daughter and I are enjoying reading this collection of Bible stories together."

I received this book from Bethany House Publishers in exchange for my honest review.

Organized: A Start

I'll admit it: Getting and staying organized is hard sometimes. Pretty calendars and neat lists sound exciting and those alone keep me going for a few days but then what?

I've made a three-columned list that helps me take organizing one day at a time.

I laminated my list so that each day, I can write down my tasks (in dry erase marker) and erase them the next day and start all over again.

How do I categorize and prioritize between the three columns?

The must do column is pretty self-explanatory. Here I write down the tasks that I must complete for the day such as homeschooling, Bible reading and such.

The should do column is comprised of the things that, if I have extra time, I should do (to get a head start on the next day's must do list.) It is not mandatory to do the things on this list.

The can do list is a free time list. If I complete my must do tasks, I can indulge in using my iPod or some other extra privilege.

So far, this method has helped me manage my time better. Before, the day would go by and I didn't have time to fully complete my important tasks with excellence. Now, I prioritize and everything gets done.

How do your stay organized? What method(s) help you? I'll take all the help I can get:)

What I'm Warming + A Product Review

A few months ago my mother and I were introduced to a brand of wickless, wax candles called Scentsy. After attending a launch party, we were both sold on the warmer designs, over 80 scents to choose from, and the other products Scentsy offered. (Do you like a scrumptious smelling hand sanitizer?)

For my room, my mom and I decided on getting a plug-in warmer. I liked that the plug-in warmers were compact but still featured many of the beautiful designs on the larger full and medium size warmers. Another bonus feature is the swivel base that fits in any outlet, even if it’s horizontal.

I chose the plug-in warmer “Bud.” It’s delicate pattern of kite tails and bows reminds me of lace stockings and the color scheme was effortless yet elegant.

Luna was the first scent I warmed and was a winner from the very beginning. I popped one cube into my warmer and after just a few minutes, a floral yet tangy smell tingled my senses. I also caught a hint of berries. Luna is definitely a fresh scent and I welcomed the crispness of it each time I entered my room. During homeschooling, I’d walk into my room for no other reason than to smell it! After the warmer was switched off, the delightful aroma still lingered. It battled the smells of dinner and won a decisive victory.

Luna, Perfectly Pomegranate, and Sweet Pea and Vanilla are on my list of favorites but that list is sure to grow as I experiment with new fragrances. No matter your scent palette or mood, you are sure to find something for you in the Scentsy fragrance lineup.

Counting My Blessings

He has made everything beautiful...

Ecclesiastes 3:11

Yes, He sure did! All around us there are manifestations of the beauty God created! In the simplest things, I see God's hand and see His impeccable attention to detail. 

Have you taken time to just sit and admire the lovely things God has created all around you. Having fun, smiles and giggles are another form of beauty that I like to enjoy along with the beauty of nature. I am so grateful for all of the little things as well as the big things that I get to enjoy on a day to day basis.

I'm thankful for  my new Scentsy plug-in warmer. I'll be reviewing this little beauty very soon:)

Want to know what I'm warming? Stay tuned for my product review and favorite scents!

I'm thankful for shopping excursions with my mom and grandma. We have so much fun together, especially when we are bargain hunting!

For the record, my grandma is a really great shopper! We did some serious clothing rack sweeping!

I'm thankful for autumn trips to a farm. Spending time with my family in Christ is so precious!

Some are born to be chicken wranglers... I was not.

After petting the animals, we each got to pick a pumpkin.

Ali and her prized pumpkin.

I'm also thankful for getting to spend time with my little sister. The other day she told me, "Kianna, you're the best." She, even though she may not know it, encourages me with her sweet comments.

I'm thankful for my mom giving me more opportunities to prove that I can be responsible. 

What are you thankful for?

Book Review: Taming the Wind

About the Book:

A young widow nursing the wounds of her past...

A cowboy with demons of his own...

Though grateful for the blessing of her daughter, Carissa Lowe has accepted that widowhood is her lot in life. Bound by fear and mistrust, she feels incapable of opening her heart again.

Tyler Atherton has never forgotten Carissa. When he discovers she's living with her sister on a nearby ranch, his life becomes intertwined with the lovely widow's. And Carissa's daughter, Gloria, seems determined to wrap herself around his little finger. But while Tyler longs to provide a home and future for Carissa, he is haunted by an obligation he feels unable to fulfill.

Challenged by mounting hardships, can Carissa and Tyler preserve their fledgling love in a land as unforgiving and vibrant as the people who call it home?

My Review:

Taming the Wind is my type of Western! Tracie Peterson is a wonderful story teller and having read her books before (House of Secrets) I knew that this read was sure to please! I didn't read the two preceding books in the Land of the Lone Star Series but I felt well acquainted with everyone.

I loved the two main characters, Carissa and Tyler. Both have had painful, traumatic pasts that have embittered their hearts, but are working toward embracing their present and enjoying their future... together. I enjoyed reading of Carissa's past and seeing how she slowly overcame the fears she had about trusting her heart to the hands of another man. She sought the Lord and asked for his help. Tyler, also embittered, asks for help from on high, recognizing that he, alone, can not forgive without God's help.

Even though this is a fictional tale, it does shed light on forgiveness, overcoming fears and internal struggles. The plot was very Christ-centered and included many references to scripture.

I can complain about only one thing: The dialogue in this books was a bit off and didn't flow.

If you love Westerns, historical fiction, or just a good ol' fashion love story, then you should give Taming the Wind a try! The character are all believable due to the flaws they posses. Facing fears, danger, adventure, hope and love are all a part of this story, leaving you fully satisfied! The plot is well-written and historically accurate with mentions to the civil war and the savage Indians that roamed the Texan plains.

I'd rate Taming the Wind 5 out 5 stars! I received this book in exchange for my honest review.

Goal Setting: October 2012

Wow! I can't believe that it's already October! Each month seems to past faster than the one before and if you ask me, this year has gone by way too quickly!

I don't remember setting any major (or minor) goals last October, but I have a few that I hope to check off before this month ends.

What is goal setting?
Goal setting involves establishing specific, measurable, achievable, realistic and time-targeted goals. I am pretty sure that I can complete these goals... with the help of Jesus, of course!

My Spiritual Goals: 

But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and forever! Amen. 

2 Peter 3:18

1. Stay on track with my Bible reading calendar and my She Reads Truth Study

2. Pray for at least 30 minutes each day.

My Physical Goals:

Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God--this is your spiritual act of worship. 

Romans 12:1

3. De-clutter my room and my closet. 

4. Work on my etsy shop. (I'll be adding new items soon... so stay tuned to my blog for updates)

My Homeschool  Goals:

So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.

1 Corinthians 10:31

5. Clean out homeschool binder.

6. Study... really study the subjects that I'm having trouble with.

My Mental Goals:

Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is--his good, pleasing and perfect will.

Romans 12:2

7. Remember that I am made in the image and likeness of God.

8. Try to remember and pay attention to instructions and follow them properly.

My Social Goals:

Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves.

Romans 12:10

9. Befriend at least one person this month and tell them that Jesus loves them.

10. Some people say that I'm timid and shy at times, so I want to breakout of my shell.

My Stewardship Goals:

Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.

Luke 6:38

11. Be sure to tithe from everything the Lord puts in my hands.

12. Manage my time wisely. Try to cut the hours I spend blogging and using my iPod.