Aug. 28, 2008 - ~Oliver...the Fuzziest Kitten I Ever Had!~

                 This is Oliver, a kitten who has no idea of his past life. He was abandoned by his mother and left to the mercy of my cousins, who took him in, and decided that he should be given to us. So we took him in, fed him, rocked him, and listened to his pitiful screaming for a few days. And then he decided to like us, and walk with us, and even purr when we held him in our arms. Now, he is happy, warm, and fuzzy. Except for the fact that he is still a young little thing, he needs a little help with his litter box, and getting himself clean. A very long stinky episode this morning!

When we had Sunday meetin', just our family, on Sunday mornin' he laid comfortably by  my side and even fell asleep to the tune of the Scriptures. He looks a little silly when he sleeps like this, but we still love him.


He also has bright blue eyes for now, we are still guessing what he will look like when mature. And his black long hair is smooth and often gets crusty after he has eaten.
His schedule of meals is:

~Breakfast of soft meat
~After breakfast snack of milk
~Nap
~Lunch consisting of soft meat
~Nap
~An afternoon snack of milk
~Supper of soft meat
~Milk just before bed for a little treat
~Bedtime



And this picture, Mom snapped of me while we were fishing. I rather like it; it has my straw hat, bibs, my drawing book, and sunshine. I look rather poetic...

• 7 Comments • Post A Comment! • Permanent Link

Aug. 10, 2008 - ~A New Side of Life~

For a few years, this has been the siding of my bathroom. We added it on to my room, and haven't quite gotten around to completing the outside. Now we have taken another step forward. We have the siding, and now the rest of the outside of the house will need to be done. But for now this is just fine.



Dad and I holding the siding down for a very quick jab with the nail gun. And of course I just couldn't sit still and not try it.


I really didn't do anything but pose for a picture. I look very not- professional.



 It is finished...and looking very new and respectable. We hardly ever get new things, so when something new comes along...look out! We start getting excited as if we were experiencing our first snowfall. It looks very well, does it not?


And what does a homeschooler do with the extra siding? She paints them and turn them into sign! We now have a nifty little sign for our egg production, and the one in the back says, "Maggie's Boudoir"...I am going to put that in my room.

• 5 Comments • Post A Comment! • Permanent Link

Jul. 14, 2008 - What I've Done for the Month...

This year at the fair I entered seven projects in six 'project categories'

Photography-
10 Black and White- Blue Honor
Experimental Salon- State, Champion, Blue, Honor

Weather-
poster on Cloud Seeding- Best of Show, State, Champion, Blue, Honor

Beekeeping-
poster of 10 pressed wildflowers- Best of Show, State, Champion, Blue, Honor

Food Preservation-
canned tomatoes- Best of Show, State, Champion, Blue, Honor

Food-
whole wheat yeast bread- Blue, Honor

Crafts-
Reed Craft- State, Reserve Grand Champion, Blue, Honor


We attended many shows- Beef, Dairy, Poultry, and Swine- my favourite is the Beef show,
and after the Poultry show, a gal we know was selling her very highly placed exhibition Leghorn (you pronounce Leg-urn), and Mom- loving Leghorn eggs- she snapped it up for $5! Our other Leghorn having been distraught for months after a horrendous encounter with a stray dog...but she is well again!
However, there was one small problem...we didn't expect to buy a bird? How were we going to transport it home? Well, Emily Rose volunteered to hold it in her lap all the way. Some people looked into our small car to see three girls, and a chicken!  We even had to stop at the grocery store on the way home, and the bird accidentally got loose in the car...but no harm done- just some fun!


Oh, and the gal who we bought the bird from-her last name is Green, and we wanted to name it after her so we christened her Olive...a form of green!


I also did other things beside 4-H, amazingly :), and I had my spring piano recital in May.
My two pieces were, Tell Me Now by Hans Zimmer from the soundtrack of King Arthur, and Edelweiss by Rodgers and Hammerstein in the musical The Sound of Music. Breezy and Emily also had their two pieces.

And all three of us with our piano teacher, the lovely Mrs. Jones

We are also having fun with those bees! They are so cute, and are helping all of our neighbors' gardens. If you look closely you can see them gathering on the outside of the hive. They truly are busy! I shall have to give a post with information on bees for everyone, for it will certainly help me.

• 4 Comments • Post A Comment! • Permanent Link

Jul. 1, 2008 - A Thought...

I am using a relative's computer to post a thought.

Last night I was laying in bed after I had watched a movie, and then I had a thought about Hollywood. And here it is...

"What is Hollywood, but to assure us the bad guy always loses, the good guy triumphs after saving the damsel, who is never happy unless in distress, and that no matter how tangled characters may get, at the end of two hours, it was only a misunderstanding."

But there is the exception of a few movies. :) 

• 2 Comments • Post A Comment! • Permanent Link

Jun. 22, 2008 - I am begging the pardon of all of my dear fellow bloggers...

      
       I am extremely sorry...my blogging schedule has been thrown to the moon and brought back in a state of confusion. 4-H began in the beginning of June, and then it started, and then it ended, and we are still in the 4-H mode. We went to almost every livestock show; Swine, Beef, Dairy, and the Poultry Show. We are avid farm wanna-be's, and we fantasize every time we go, especially me, but it is a good way to practice my contentment state.
       
        And then to make everything worse, our internet modem was knocked completely senseless by an electrical storm that blew threw a couple weeks ago, and that shut off our internet connexions. And surprisingly, we survived.
   
           In any sense, I am apologizing to all of my fellow bloggers on not returning comments, or visiting anyone's blogs. I have had quite a time with our computer, and will not be posting until the end of June, when we will have updated our internet speed, and we will have a high speed internet! I could, and am screaming with excitement. Which the speed of our internet was also messed up during the storm, and the time could've been beaten ten fold by a snail doing anything! It was lethargic.

       So I shall come back to the cyberpace party in early July. Everyone, have a great, blessed day, and when I return I shall present my 4-H awards.

• 4 Comments • Post A Comment! • Permanent Link

Jun. 4, 2008 - School's Over...What Now?

• 9 Comments • Post A Comment! • Permanent Link

May. 25, 2008 - Recital Shirt...3887

For my piano recital which was a few days ago, I decided last minute that I wanted to wear the shirt that I had chose to make, when I attended. So we went to the fabric store and purchased a pattern by Simplicity. (I must admit that I stole the idea to make this shirt from a friend)


So we came home and sort-of started right away to make it..give or take a week:)
The fabric is cotton with a small floral design...and it is obviously red...for a reason I shall explain. Red colors...certain red colors look strikingly well on darker haired folk. If it is thought unbelievable...might I suggest a trip to the mirror in something red? :)


The shirt would have capped sleeves with elastic, along with a low scoop neckline. We were not expecting it to be so skin-bearing...so I am going to buy some white or red lace to go behind it...but until then I shall wear my hair down my front.
And to the left side of my shirt, a nice bright bow is situated. I personally like that touch, however sometimes it does get in the way.

• 7 Comments • Post A Comment! • Permanent Link

May. 22, 2008 - The Double Rimmed Picnic Basket

A few weeks ago, I went with my cousins Breezy and Emily Rose, to make a basket for 4-H. We went to the 'Basket Lady', where we picked out our patterns and would learn something new.
Breezy had already decided on a Baby Moses Basket, while Emily decided to make up a pattern, which she refuses to say she likes.:)


This is mine, a Double Rimmed Picnic Basket, with a Black Walnut stain. I had never before seen a stain this color, so I went in blindly and came out happily.

I pray that this basket will do somewhat well, and become a great service to me, carrying all of my old books, drawing pencils and books- from which tips I will be receiving from
 The Drawing Blog hosted by Breezy, and everything that is dear to me.
And hopefully Breezy's will be holding her children when older, and Emily's will hold wonderful meals fit for a picnic after a summer's service in church.

• 4 Comments • Post A Comment! • Permanent Link

May. 15, 2008 - The Chronicles of the Big Bad Rooster

This is the rooster that never stops haunting my dreams.

He is big, white, and the very authenticity of a rooster. In fact, he won champion in the Mediterranean class at the fair.

But there is a dark side to this chipper chicken...he likes to spur us. Now if you are chicken owners you most likely know what this means, but if not, let me enlighten you.

On the back of roosters feet and about halfway into their legs lies a large projection, that is like a 5th toe, except it is for defense, and extremely thick and sharp. It would be like taking a knitting needle, finding the large thickness possible, and sharpening the end until it can easily puncture the skin.

Now, when they spur they will do some sort of karate move and jab the back of the legs into your skin. I, myself, have never been through this painful event, but my parents enjoy taking brooms and shovels into the coop and having a little test hit to his head. Unfortunately, he has not been injured enough to hurt his gumption.

So, when we let the chickens out in the yard, I am on house arrest because I am scared to leave unprotected. And I also refuse quite passionately to go into the coop, because I am sure he will come and pounce on my legs. And sometimes he will do this little Spanish-looking dance around our legs before he sinks his claws in.

Needless to say, I enjoy having birds, and having a rooster to fertilize the eggs, but I must say that I am almost ready for a good whack at his little combed head. But I shall try to get over my fear, and Do Hard Things. :)

• 4 Comments • Post A Comment! • Permanent Link

May. 1, 2008 - My Day

For the past week I have been trying to think of something brilliant to post, but however it is not coming to my mind. So I will just plainly explain my day.

First I woke up around ten, for Mom let me sleep in because I was feeling poorly the day before. We were ready to take two large bags of see through plastic, two large bags of milk cartons, a bunch of Marsh bags full of newspaper to the recycling place. We make our seasonly trip to the enormous recycling center that takes almost anything.

Then after that, we came home, and did some stuff. I did a lesson of science and then we went outside to work in the garden before it rained, yet it never did rain. I can't stand it when that happens. Anyway, we planted a some daisies given to us by my dear aunt, along with some catnip, and then some black eyed susans, and zinnias. Then from dear Susie we received last fall a bean plant-tree thingy-a-bob. I loved gardening and I can not wait for everything to bloom.

Right now Mom has got a homemade pizza in the oven, and we are waiting for Dad to get home to enjoy it! Actually he just walked in the door.

• 2 Comments • Post A Comment! • Permanent Link

Mar. 20, 2008 - I Hear the Signs

Can't you hear that? The sweet fulfilling sound? It runs over your ears like a perfect melody, and yet you can't quite follow the beat. Because it is a living melody that changes with the wind and weather.

Now across the field, can you see it? The blue sky that is the shade of the ocean's bottom, for it too carries the long awaited rain that will coax the buds and trees from their slumber, and call out to the birds, animals, and insects. Underneath the reigning storm, are vibrant colors; the hope filled green grass that is starting to sway with wind...and the browns are starting to fade away with each day.

Can you too feel that? The soft warmth of wind that brushes against your face, bringing your face into a smile. It reminds you of daisies and the joy of swimming.

Low, you can also smell it! The spring winds that carry the scent of rain...nothing can compare. It feels like life starting to awake from the cold body. So let us welcome this new life with our thoughts and bring it into our realm.

Thoughts on Spring...well....Ramblings on Spring

• 1 Comments • Post A Comment! • Permanent Link

Feb. 6, 2008 - One of Those Days...

        As homeschoolers, you all know that you can have those days, where you feel tired and weak right when you reluctantly stumble out of bed.

        Outside, you are surrounded by a dreary sky, and enormous puddles that are still collecting stand on the ground. So you try to make it to the kitchen for breakfast, but you don't have an appetite.

       So you go ahead and get ready for school, and you go to your closet, but all of your favorite clothes are dirty, and the clothes that are in the closet, are old, too tight, or itchy. So reluctantly, you pull on a sweater, and slip into some jean...skirt or pants you fill in the blank...and head to your work area.

       The first thing on your schedule is the subject you weren't exactly lookin' forward to, but you do it anyway, with a little less enthusiasm that you would have had a few weeks ago.

       Finally, you get done with the assigment for that subject and rush to the next, which you thought you were prepared for. SCIENCE, a test is going to be dealt you, however you are not prepared, but you did study! So you spend some time worrying what you will get, because the module didn't appeal to you at all.

        At the end of the test, you eagerly yet unprepared-ly give it to the hands of your mom. And after the finally grade has been written, you look upon it with eyes of confusion.

       A 96%! You passed, and finally a smile dances across your face. Hey, maybe this wasn't such a bad day after all...

    That was our school day yesterday, and it wore me out. I like the days that you start off feeling excited to learn, and not mopey. I will try to do better on applying myself to my work, and excell!

   Toodle-loo!

• 2 Comments • Post A Comment! • Permanent Link

Jan. 25, 2008 - The Dog Everyone Knows..Around here!

   This is the face, of our small town's most notorious dog. She is wanted by many.

    Jenna Hope, is our 5 year old Border Collie. Her energetic spirit and intelligent mind make her an enjoyable dog to have. We include her in conversations, she watches movies with us, she stays in the house mostly all the time, she helps us herd the chickens, and she is small and cuddly.

    Weighing at around 40 pounds, she is not a real comfy lap dog, however she can be stubborn until you just let her get up on your lap. Escpecially when a thunderstorm comes up. WOOWEE does she get scared, it is the most frustrating position! You can't move her off of anything; the bed, under the couch, or on your lap. Which must explain why she is camera shy. She will not look into a camera for anything! My cousins and family has proof of that. It seems that lightening has rearranged her entire thinking process.

   But after all the dirt, bathes, and a little brush, she is still our most beloved animal here on our homestead.

• 2 Comments • Post A Comment! • Permanent Link

Dec. 28, 2007 - The Little Country Bumpkin Amongst the Bold City Dwellers

    Today, my mom and I, went to a large town to exchange some Christmas gifts that were too small or not my 'type'.  I  enjoy traveling, so I didn't mind the trip, but I dreaded the long walks. 

    So, we walked innocently into a store that was one that we were going to exchange, and the first steps brought a whole new look of the world into our view. Everywhere was gaudy dresses, flashing lights, loud hip-hop music, tight pants, low shirts, body glitter that reflected like the moon, and boisterous women everywhere.

   I turned to Mom with a uneasy smile and we headed in with our arms locked. Do not get me wrong, but I was terrified, and couldn't wait to return home. The fashions were grotesque and nothing was flattering.

   All the women seemed desperate for flattery and attention. They had the latest fashions, bold hairstyles and make-up that screamed for something other than the "the neglect of their parents". We had to avert our eyes several times in order to maintain our sanity.  Their hips swung with selfishness, their eyes mimicked with disgust, their mouths that were blood red scoffed at others, and their bare arms were strung over their boyfriends' waists. And I won't even go into the detail of the boyfriends!

   I do not know what the girls had in mind, or even if they had good guidance to follow, but I stopped and prayed for them silently, that they would find some comfort in their family, stop and look at themselves with love, or to speak with a gentle tongue and kind words to the person.

   When in public, continue to pray for the women without the Lord, or those who have Him, but disregard His love.

  Have a Great Day

  Maggnolia

• 6 Comments • Post A Comment! • Permanent Link

Dec. 5, 2007 - Let it Snow, Let it Snow, Let it Snow!

    Oh the weather is gorgeous!

    Last night I watched the snow start to pile up on the ground, and then when I woke up this morning...we were tranformed into a winter wonderland! Of course our chickens aren't that thrilled! But the dog loves it. :)

    All of the bushes, hedges, and trees are covered in a few inches of pure white snow.  'It rests gracefully, with its pure exsistence untouched by the world'.

    Our tree is also set up, as we do on Thanksgiving, and the lights twinkle a Christmas harmony. On our house, the lights are strung, making our small village become tranquil. This is our first year decorating the house, and I really think it helps! I always enjoy looking at the lights on Christmas Eve and when we are driving home on Christmas night from my Granny's.

    Another village down the road a few miles, has gallon jugs that are lit with candles, and are on all the streets on both sides. They are beautiful!

   Well I must be going, beginning school and learning more things! I hope!

   Have a Great Day, with or without snow!

   Maggnolia

• 8 Comments • Post A Comment! • Permanent Link

Dec. 3, 2007 - Seeking Service

      I have always dreamt of attending a small country church, where you knew everyone, their names, and their cousins' names. Recently the old 116 year old church opened again right next to our house and we have started to attend every sunday night, because the church does not do Sunday mornings at present and we do "homeservice" in our living room.

      So now I've had my dream church start to unfold, but I also dreamt of everyone being homeschooled, and wearing skirts and blouses. Also approving of being a 'stay-at-home' mom and homeschooling through highschool.

      And as we are sending out invitations to homes all around our small town, I began to feel a little uneasy. This was not how I wanted it to be! Homeschoolers needed to come and fulfill my dream.  Ashamed I suddenly began to realize that this was not my church, not the owners' or the government's. This was God's church, and He has the best plan to see his kingdom come to glory. My idea was not for his kingdom, but for my satisfaction! I repented and asked for his forgiveness, and am still constantly praying for homeschoolers to also come.

      Also pray for me, because I am doing a small piece of Christmas music at our recital and am shaking violently!

Have a Nice Day!

Maggnolia, guilty as charged:) (but forgiven)

• 1 Comments • Post A Comment! • Permanent Link

Nov. 28, 2007 - About Me...A Little Closer

I like reading  blogs and seeing what I have in common with other people and what I don't. So I thought that I would give more details about myself so you will know me better.

1. I enjoy being by myself and fantasizing about my next story and pretending to be a maiden in the 13th century.

2. I can not stand hearing someone else chewing, with their mouth open or closed.

3. I have a Border Collie named Jenna and I plan to shelter Border Collies when I am older.

4. I am an only child, but I have 4 half siblings and 2 step siblings.

5. When I am grown I want to marry a family-integrated pastor or rural country living farmer.

6. My cousins and I plan to tour England, Ireland, and Scotland when we are out of high school.

7. I plan to be a writer of historical fiction, fantasy, or medieval novels, all showing God's grace in the lives of people.

8. I wear glasses, have walnut hair, and mahogany eyes (These are the closest comparisons that my family could come up with)

9. My strong point in school are not Algebra. I enjoy everything else.

10. My favorite books are the Chronicles of Narnia, The Scottish Chiefs, Jane Eyre, and The Bible.

Have a Great Day!

Maggnolia

• 2 Comments • Post A Comment! • Permanent Link

Nov. 11, 2007 - Catching Up

I have been catching up on some books for while we were camping, my aunt asked me what books I had read this year and my mind struck a blank. I mean I had read Before You Meet Prince Charming and Men of Iron, and a few Ballad books. But I realized that I needed to dig into some more thrilling books and adventures.

So I picked up where I left off on the Chronicles of Narnia. I had only read up to Prince Caspian and I needed to finish the last three. So I checked out the books I wanted and headed home. On the subject, I have always wanted to go into a library, with the brisk wind behind me, and I walk into the warm air, smelled with new books and old books. Then I would walk upstairs with my cup of hot chocolate (if I was allowed), and read my enchanting story while the snow fell wildly outside....ah...unfortunately that has never happened yet.

So I have finished the Voyage of the Dawn Treader, and then I skipped in between those two books to read Eragon, for my cousin suggested it. She thought that the writing was birlliant and so descriptive...and it was...that I had to read it. So I did, and I thoroughy enjoyed it. But for my taste the storyline is just a little intimidating, and a little creepy.

So now this morning, I am starting The Silver Chair, and hopefully then the The Last Battle. And I will be able to say that I have read all of the chronicles and some more. Reading stimulates the mind. Since I begaan reading good books again, I have gotten an A+ in every subject! I am just kidding, however if that were true I would be reading a whole lot faster!

Have a Great Day!

Maggnolia

• 2 Comments • Post A Comment! • Permanent Link