So long, 'till next year

Just for a final 'good-bye' to Christmas....and 2010.....



Oh, yeah: HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!!
Welcome, 2011. (:

~Lily

I'm dreaming......and waiting

Note: I had planned for this post to take place sometime after New Year's, but I was tagged by Eldarwen and couldn't resist posting this. So, enjoy!!!!

I was inspired by Makay's post about her dream wedding. Of course, I don't have my groom/Prince Charming yet, but it never hurts to be prepared!!!!!
(Oh yeah, and this post might give my dad a little scare. Sorry, Daddy!)

A few snippets of my dream wedding, for your enjoyment.

First: the dress

I love the beading on this dress, and the sleeves

This dress is sooooo romantic looking

I love the detailing on the front, and the unexpected pop of color!

GORGEOUS beading....though it looks a bit like a nightgown

I love the sleeves off the shoulder, and the way it's kind of wrapped around the model.

The perfect Irish wedding gown!! A bit too detailed for me, though.

I'm in love with these cap sleeves! Rather modest, yet oh-so-chic

Here's a closer view of cap sleeves

I just wanted to show this off-----it's from a Disney collection. Of course, it's my favorite princess, Belle. If I were truly a princess, I would wear this dress.

Second: the veil and hair

I like how it's on the back of her head, and slightly weighed down by the trim.

I want my hair exactly like this!!!!

This is super fabulous, but my hair wouldn't look good in those curls



I need this in my hair. Absolutely. No compromise on this one.




Third: the shoes

Not too high, not too low......and with just a hint of sparkle. LOVE IT!


Fourth: the flowers

So bright and fresh-looking!




I love wildflowers....and I think they would make a great bouquet!!!



Fifth: the church

I actually found a picture of the exact church I want to get married in!!! Isn't it just darling?



Sixth: the honeymooon

I want to view this Scottish loch......

see this Irish castle.......

and watch a soccer game here!!!!

So there's a little glimpse of my dream wedding. I still don't quite have a groom picked out......though I know he will be:

Fair and kind......like Edmund Pevensie.

Courageous and discerning...... like Faramir.

Atheletic and awesome.....like Tim Tebow.

Witty and faithful......like Mr. Darcy.



*sighs* I know it will be hard, waiting for my prince, when it seems like all around me girls are flitting from boy to boy. But I also know that God already has him picked out for me. All I have to do.................................is wait.

Will you wait with me?

~Lily

In the words of Disney characters..

I absolutely adore Disney movies......and their quotes even more!!!!

~Lily

Wait a minute....did you just say '11?!?

Oh. My. Word.

Today is December 29th, yes? Which means that New Year's Eve is Friday? Which means that.....nah, the first of 2011 could not be on Saturday.

Could it?

Hehe, I was just fooling with you guys. (: But seriously: where has this year gone? It seems like just yesterday I was watching the Winter Olympics with my family, cheering on the USA at the World Cup, laughing with friends at camp, and being sooooo scared to start French!

Now, here we are, at the end of another year. And this year has gone by faster than any other. I cannot really explain why. It could be because I'm getting older. Or maybe it has something to do with what a fun-filled year 2010 was!!!
But, mostly, I'm thinking it had something to do {for me, personally} with Mom-mom's passing. After she died {on New Year's Day} it kind of seemed like the days and weeks just flew by. I believe that was mostly me, trying to will myself as far from that day as I could. Perhaps it worked......or perhaps it didn't. After all, we're right back to New Year's! It's almost been a whole year since she went to be with Jesus. And I don't miss her any less.
But knowing that she is in Heaven, surrounded by people she loves, does lessen the pain and the tears. I will always miss her, but I know she is waiting for my entrance in to Zion.

When I look back on 2010, I don't just see us losing Mom-mom.
 I see the Vancouver Winter Olympics, where American athletes made me feel proud to be an American.
I see myself starting this blog, never expecting to meet so many wonderful and uplifting friends.
I see myself at World Views camp, scared stiff to go witnessing. I can still recall sitting beside the 'bonfire' and singing hymns.
I see the World Cup, where the U.S. men's team worked so hard to make it to the Round of 16. I see Spain {eventually} winning that Cup, and feeling a bit sad that it was all over.
I see myself at Messiah soccer camp, making new friends and renewing bonds with old ones. Despite the heat {and rain} it was a week to remember.
I see myself walking in to my co-op, scared to death about starting French 1. I can see myself sitting in Physical Science, missing some of my old friends from last year,  not realizing that in a few short weeks I would be great friends with some new kids.
I see my 15th birthday, and how wonderful it was. I see Thanksgiving, our first without Mom-mom. Then came Christmas, a joyous occasion. I see all the presents opened, and my family laughing and talking about old times.

And here I am, writing this blog post, making my own history. Here's to 2011.....may it be a wonderful year, for everyone.

~Lily

I'm in awe

I totally do not know where or when I first heard this song......but I love it.





What if I climbed that mountain, what if I swam to that shore

What if every battle was victorious then would you love me more
Would you love me more
What if I were everyone's first choice, what if I went farther than before
What if I stood high above the rest then would you love me more
Would you love me more
You say I belong to you apart from the things I do
You say I belong to you I'm in awe of why you do
Why you do, why you do, I'm in awe of you, ooh
What if I ignored the hand that fed me, what if I forgot to confess
What if I stumbled down that mountain then would you love me less
Lord would you love me less
What if I were everyones last choice what if I mixed in with the rest
What if I failed what I passed before then would you love me less
lord would you would you love me less, oh no oh no oh no
You say I belong to you apart from the things I do
You say I belong to you I'm in awe of why you do
You do you do you do
What have I done to deserve your son sent to die for me
What can I give I want to live give me eyes to see
In a world that keeps changin' there's one thing that I know is true
Your love is stayin' there's nothing else I'll hold onto
You say I belong to you apart from the things I do
You say I belong to you I'm in awe of why you do
Why you do
You say I belong to you apart from the things I do
You say I belong to you I'm in awe of why you do
I'm in awe of you
I'm in awe of you
The way you love me, the way you do
The way you do , the way you love me, you love me , you love me
The way you do the way you do the way you love me,
the way you love you love you love

-'What If' by Jadon Lavik

ps--sorry if two videos in the same day was too much....but I just had to do this one too!!!!

Full of wishes and dreams

Well, thanks to Anna :), I'm becoming quite the Stellar Kart fan!
Here's my newest favorite song by them:



The best part is the chorus:
I’ll be the one who makes you laugh

Make up for the memories
That made you sad
Me and you together forever
We could be someday
You will find me in all your
Wishes and dreams.


I can't wait to find that special guy.......my Edmund, who will make all my wishes and dreams come true. (:

Love always,

~Lily

Sneezing, snow, and Santa!

*grabs tissue*
*coughs*
*sneezes*
*begins typing*

Yep, the fear of every child: I was sick on Christmas. And I still am. Ugggh.
'Course, you all didn't click on this post to hear me complain. So, I'll proceed.
MERRY {belated} CHRISTMAS!!!! Hope Santa was good to ya'll.......he sure was to me! *wink wink*

Here's a rundown on what I got:

1. Books, books, and more books! Including  three from this post, Wuthering Heights, a book on First Ladies {quite an obsession of mine}, a book on Kings and Queens of England {another interest}a version of Crime and Punishment from 1917 {uber old, yet uber great}, the autobiography of Laura Bush,and a semi-fictional book about Nefertiti! I finally have some good books to read. :)

2. A new cellphone! Well, I should say an actual cellphone. It's blue, and super cute. I'll have pictures later.

3. Some various giftcards {mostly clothing stores}, including an iTunes gift card. Which I already used up. ;)

4. An adorable little glass box with my initials on it.

5. A fabulous ring {from my grandparents, not a boy ;)}

6. Our whole family receieved a PlayStation 3!!!! So far it's really cool....and it plays BluRay! By coincidence, my little bro got Despicable Me on BlueRay. Needless to say, we watched it right away. :D

7. Some clothes, including a denim skirt! *cheers*

8. Lots of socks. Kinda random, but they're all different colors, which I am psyched! about.

9. Quite a few cd's, including Wow Hits 2011, Relient K, and Stellar Kart! *sighs* It's amazing how my parents keep up with all my new favorite things!


It feels soooo good to have my regular layout back, not to mention my regular music! Oh sure, I love Christmas themes and music, but after almost a month of having it, I was really sick of it. So, back to my cute, colorful, patchwork self. Oh, and I added a few new songs to my playlist. Now, I can finally leave my blog up and listen to my music {like I do with other blogs ;)}.

Speaking of my new layout: I'm sure some of you noticed my slammin' new pic of Edmund Pevensie on my sidebar. *gazes fondly at pic* I posted it, 'cause I'm waiting patiently for my very own Edmund! I agreed to do it after Anna posted this post about her waiting for her Ned. If you want to do it, go right ahead! I think it's a great idea, and keeps us teenage girls focused on waiting for our special guy.
Continuing with my rather random post: It snowed yesterday! On Christmas! The first 'white Christmas' my area has had in quite a few years. Of course, it all melted by noon, but it still counts. :)
And now, as I type, there is a mini blizzard going on outside! Looks oh-so-pretty.



Not my photo :)

 Hope all you fantastic, fabulous, festive followers have a day filled with love, laughter, and {perhaps} some snow!

~Lily

'And pondered these things in her heart'

Fast-forward six months. You and Joseph, still betrothed, are on your way to Joseph's hometown, Bethlehem. Caesar's decree that a census be taken has come at just the wrong time, you think. My baby could be born at any time!

During the long journey to Bethlehem from Nazareth, you have plenty of time to think back on all the past months has brought. After Joseph pledged that he would still marry you, the entire town shunned you both. Those who had once been close friends now avoided you and gossiped about you. The only ones who have remained faithful are Joseph, Anne and her husband, and your family. The Lord be praised for my family's understanding. Without them, I do not know what I would have done.

Suddenly, you gasp in pain. Joseph, leading you on the donkey, whirls around.
"Are you all right?" he asks worriedly. You nod, placing a hand on your bulging torso.
"It was just the baby kicking," you assure him. "I am fine."
Josephs nods. "We should stop anyway, just in case. It will be dark soon."

A few hours later, you lay beside a dying fire. Across from you is Joseph, fast asleep. Unable yourself to find sleep, you gaze at your betrothed.
Such a brave and kind man Joseph is. How could I have ever thought he was ruining my life?
Indeed, without him, I would not have as much faith in the angel's prophecy.

Your thoughts are interrupted by shooting pains in your abdomen. You sit up, gasping in pain.
Instantly, Joseph is on his feet.
"Is it time?" he asks. You nod, unable to even get words out.
 Rushing over to you, Joseph helps you to your feet. "We are only a few miles from Bethlehem," he says, bringing the donkey to you. He lifts you on, then hurriedly pulls the donkey on to the path toward Bethlehem.

The two miles to Bethlehem seem like an eternity for you. You make sure to keep breathing, as your mother instructed you. Finally, the pain is too great. You cry out, "Oh Joseph!"

Joseph urges the donkey in to a careful trot. The bouncing increases the pain, but you hold in a scream. I cannot make Joseph any more worried....
You jerk your head back. Oh God, please let us get there soon.

"Mary!" Joseph points ahead, and you see the houses of Bethlehem just ahead.
"We are almost there! Just hang on, Mary. I will find a place for you."
You bite your tongue and nod, concentrating on the houses ahead. If Joseph can just find an inn, then the baby can be born. Oh, he has to find an inn!

You enter Bethlehem. You cannot hold in the cries any longer. Tears pour down your face as the pains increase. Joseph looks at you, then runs to a house. Banging on the door, he cries, "Is there any room?"
A woman opens the door. "Sorry, all full."

Joseph runs back to you. Placing a hand on yours, he stares in to your tear-filled eyes. "Do not fear, Mary. I will find a place for you."
You clutch his hand, and he runs off to another building. "Is there any room?" he yells to the windows. "My wife is in great pain!"
A man opens an upper window. "Sorry, sir, but all the inns are full."
You take a deep breath. "Joseph, we do not have much time!"
Frustrated, Joseph yells, "Isn't there any place we can stay?"
The man points behind Joseph. "Across the way, there is a stable there. 'Tisn't much, but it is warm."

Without a word, Joseph runs back, lifts you off the donkey, and carries you to the stable. As he ducks your head to enter the cave, you notice a bright star shining in the sky. What a beautiful star, you think.

The next hour goes by in a flash. Joseph lays you down on a pat of straw covered by his cloak. Holding your hand, he keeps encouraging you as you push and scream.
"Keep going, Mary! You are almost there! Just one more, one more!"

With a final push, you fall back, exhausted. All is silent, save for one small, thin wail.
You open your eyes to see Joseph, cradling a small baby in his arms. He carefully wipes the baby with a cloth, then hands it to you. You see that, indeed, what the angel said as true. You, a virgin, have given birth to a son. And this son will be the greatest king; the Messiah Israel has been waiting for.

"Welcome, little Jesus," you whisper softly. "We have been waiting."

And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night.
And an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid. I bring  you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David, a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger."
Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying,
'Glory to God in the highest,
and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests."

When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds sad to one another, "Let's go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about."
So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said them.
But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart.

-Luke 2:8-19

I'm so pleased at all the positive feedback I have gotten about this 'Mary' series! I was really inspired by the movie, The Nativity Story, which shows all the events leading up to Jesus' birth. It is such a great movie, which you all should see!!!

I had soooo much fun writing these little segments, all from Mary's point of view. It's amazing to think that the mother of Jesus could have been just a little older than me{or even my age}!

God gave Mary wonderful faith and patience, and I for one cannot wait to meet her in Heaven.


Merry Christmas, my dear followers!!!!!


Love always,
~Lily

It's REALLY feeling like Christmas!

I was tagged by Arianna! Thanks girl!!

What is your one favorite dish to see on the table at Christmas dinner?

To be honest, we don't really make a big deal of Christmas dinner. But, I would have to say marinated pork loin. =D

Do you have a Nativity scene or a creche? How many pieces does it have?

Uh.....I don't think we have a creche! But we do have two nativity scenes, with about ten or eleven pieces each.

What is your favorite Christmas movie?

*sighs* So hard. Either 'The Nativity Story' or 'It's A Wonderful Life.'

If you and your family could spend this Christmas in another country, where would you go?

The 'Mother Country': Ireland! It would be quite fun to experience Christ's birth in another country!

Does your grandmother usually knit you something for Christmas, or does she give you something different -- say, a Wii?

My grandma doesn't knit, but she does like buying me clothes!

Have you ever gone out of the house wearing a reindeer headband? What about a Santa hat?

lol, I don't think so. But I do usually wear a Santa hat to our family Christmas party.

Do you usually make or buy your Christmas gifts?

Depends on the person, and how much money I have. :)

When do you put up and take down your decorations?

The day after Thanksgiving; and sometime in January.

What kind of activities does your church usually have at Christmas?

*shuffles feet* Uh, none. Other than Christmas hymns.

Did you ever believe in Santa Claus as a child?

*tear* You mean, he's not real?

Just kidding----of course I did! And part of me still wants to believe he's real. :D Is that weird?

What Gospel gives your favorite account of the Christmas story?

Luke.

Have you ever acted in a Christmas pageant? What part did you play?

No, I haven't. :(

Do you buy Christmas presents for your pets?

Of course! This year, we got Sammy a stuffed dragon. :)

What is your favorite Christmas tradition?

Probably our tradition of watching 'A Christmas Carol' on Christmas Eve. It's a good reminder that Christmas isn't all about presents and such.

I tag..........everyone who wants to do it!!!

Well, that was fun! It's always good to do a tag every now and then.
Have a Merry Christmas, dear followers! Love you all!

~Lily

'Joseph son of David'

Your delight to be home is short-lived, however. As Luke helps you from the cart, your parents rush to greet you. Once they come closer, however, they stop short. You can see the horror in your mother's eyes; the grief in your father's.


"Mother, I can explain." You reach your hands out to her, but she shrinks back.
"How could you? You, who are betrothed to Joseph. My daughter......." she breaks off, sobbing.
You turn your eyes to Father. His lips drawn tight, he shakes his head. "What have you to say for yourself?"

Two hours later, you sit in front of your parents and Joseph. Your sweaty hands are clasped in your lap as you try to convince them of the angel's message.

"....and then the angel said that Elizabeth would be having a child!!! He told the truth, Mother." You pause, overcome by emotion. "And so have I."
Mother rises, her hands raised to the ceiling. "Do you realize, Mary, that you could be stoned for this? If Joseph chooses to, he could press charges against you." She presses her hand to her mouth. "I cannot believe you would be this thoughtless."

"But Mother, I'm telling the truth! You have to believe me----you have to believe the angel!"
"That's enough, Mary." Your father's voice is stern.
You fall silent, waiting. Finally, Joseph stands.
"Mary, you have indeed hurt me. However, I will accept this child as my own." He looks down at you, his eyes calm. "You need not fear, Mary. I will not press charges."
You breathe a sigh of relief. "Thank you, Joseph."
He nods, then leaves. You watch him go, thankful for such a righteous man.

The next day, you walk to the well alone. By this time, word has gotten out. Your friends walk away from the well once they see you, and even women you love turn their backs on you. Fighting tears, you begin to draw the water.

Suddenly, you hear someone yelling your name. Turning, you see Joseph sprinting toward you. Oh no, has he changed his mind? Does Joseph really want me stoned?

Joseph finally reaches you, his breath short. "Mary, I must speak with you. Alone," he adds, glancing at the other women.
You nod, pick up the jar, and lead him to the olive grove. "Will this do?" you ask.
Joseph nods. "First, I must apologize for not believing you yesterday."
Your heart leaps. "What do you mean?"
Taking a deep breath, Joseph begins.

"I was in bed, thinking over all that you had said. I decided that I would marry you, then quietly divorce you."
You gasp, and he grimaces. "Please, wait. I have more to say.
I had decided all of this when, out of nowhere, comes this flash of light. I look up, and there is an angel standing at the foot of my bed. I could not speak, I was so shocked. Then, the angel said, 'Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.'"

Your head spinning, you grab Joseph's hand. "Then you believe me?"
Joseph laughs. "How can I not? An angel appeared to me in a dream! I'd say that is pretty good proof."
You can feel tears beginning to form in your eyes. "Thank you, Joseph. Thank you so much."
He squeezes your hand. "We will be married, and we will name our son Jesus, just as the angel said."

Your heart feels light as air. Joseph said our son. He is not going to divorce me! He believes me!


to be continued.....

'Blessed are you among women'

A hand presses your shoulder. "Mary, Mary! Wake up----we have arrived at your cousins'."
Raising your head, you face your friend, Anne. She smiles at you. "We'll miss you!"
You hug her, then jump from her cart. She waves goodbye as her husband turns the cart and heads back to Nazareth. You thank God for friends like Anne.

Taking a deep breath, you walk toward Elizabeth and Zechariah's home. "Elizabeth? It's your cousin, Mary!" you call out.
Elizabeth appears in the door, her hand on her belly. You can see it is swelled with child. In a loud voice Elizabeth exclaims: "Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the child you will bear! But why am I so favored, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? As soon as the sound of your greeting reached my ears, the baby in my womb leaped for joy. Blessed she who has believed in what the Lord has said to her will be accomplished!"
You run to embrace Elizabeth.

For three months you stay with Elizabeth and Zechariah, helping them prepare for their baby. You share with Elizabeth your fears and doubts.
"What will happen," you ask, "if no one believes what the angel told me?"
Elizabeth lays her hand on yours. "My child, not everyone will believe. But God has a plan for everything, and especially for your son. Let God have your worries, and He will make them disappear."
At the end of the three months, you are beginning to show signs of your pregnancy. Anne and her husband return to take you home.
 You give Elizabeth a last kiss goodbye. She grips your hand. "Have faith, dear Mary."

Her words stay with you the trip home, as Anne chats about all that you have missed from home. "....and more Roman soldiers have been passing through, each day. Your little sister has missed you something fierce. When I told her we were bringing you home today, she--" Anne's voice drops off, and she gently moves your shawl away from your torso. Your face burning, you cover it again. You meet Anne's gaze. Her face shows surprise and hurt. "Mary.....I don't  understand. How......"
You take her hand. "Anne, I don't expect you to understand. But please, hear me out."
With lots of pauses and tears, you explain to Anne (and her husband, of course) all the angel told you, and what happened to Elizabeth. When you finally finish, you wait for Anne's reaction.
She still looks confused, but the hurt has left her eyes. She hugs you, then says, "Well, I suppose God has it all figured out then. And don't you worry," She gently touches your belly. "Luke and I will be right here with you, even if the others don't believe you."

As you enter the town limits, you smile. It is good to be home. Besides, if Anne and Luke believed me, surely my parents will!

to be continued

Merry Christmas to you, too!

My dad showed this to me......and I was amazed. These guys are real pros!!!!




Seriously! Was this planned? or was it just a really good coincidence? What do you guys think? And would you ever do anything like that?

If it meant bringing good cheer to a crazy, hectic mall, then I would most certainly get up there and start singing! But only if I had some other people with me.....my vocals aren't the best. ;)


HALLELUJAH!


~Lily

ps--And, if you want to see a better view *darn this skinny layout* just click on the video and watch it on YouTube.

My favorites----Christmas music style

Here are my three favorites of Christmas music: A carol, a song, and a hymn.

First off: A carol



Next: A song



And last: A hymn



Hope you enjoyed them!
Merry Christmas,


~Lily

'I am the Lord's servant'

Some hours later, you enter your home. You can hear the sounds of your family, laughing and talking. How can they be so happy?

Over the next few days, the realization of what will happen sinks in. Your friends smile at you, but keep their distance. The older ladies joke with you, assuring you of Joseph's standing in the town. You try to appear happy, though inside you are still fearful of the future.

A few weeks after the announcement of your engagement, you slip out of the house. Free for a little while, you wander through the town, finally resting under an olive tree. Why, God? Why must I marry Joseph? I hardly even know him!
Suddenly, a flash of light blinds you. You shield your eyes from the glare. A voice says, "Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you." Frightened, you look up. There, standing in front of you, is a man. His clothes are bright white, his hair golden, and his eyes blue. You throw yourself to the ground, quivering with fear.
The man gently helps you to your feet .Something inside of you realizes he is an angel.  He speaks again: "Do not be afraid, Mary, you have found favor with God. You will be with child and give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father, David, and he will reign over the house of Jacob forever, his kingdom will never end."
"How can this be," you ask, "since I am a virgin?"
The angels answers, "The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the holy one to be born will be called the Son of God. Even Elizabeth, your relative, is going to have a child in her old age, and she who was said to be barren is in her sixth month. For nothing is impossible with God."
Your mind is whirling with all the angel has said, but a great calm settles on you.
"I am the Lord's servant," you say. "May it be to me as you have said."
The angel nods, then vanishes. Now left alone, you ponder all that has happened. How can I have a child, without a husband? And what about Elizabeth? Surely she is too old to have a child! Looking up to the sky, you whisper the angel's words: "Nothing is impossible with God."

That night, you ask your parents' permission to visit Elizabeth. Though they seem puzzled, they give their permission. As you settle on your sleeping mat, you ask God for his blessings, and for a safe trip tomorrow.

To be continued......

~Lily

So many to choose from....

I love names. All names. Well, maybe not all names. Some I just shudder at........Edna. That I just cannot seem to love.

In honor of names (and the fact that I'm kinda bored) here are my top five girl names and top five boy names, in not particular order. Enjoy.

Girls Names I Love

1.Anne *

 Hebrew; 'graceful'

why? Well, Anne Shirley is one of my most favorite book characters. And it's my grandmother's middle name. (:

2. Bridget *

 Irish Gaelic; 'strength' or 'protecting'

why? I have always loved this name.....I'm  not sure why. I guess I just love the Irish sound of it!!! And it's meaning is pretty cool too.

3. Margaret *

 Latin; 'a pearl'

why? Well, Mom-mom's name was Margaret. And she truly was a pearl; she was such a treasure to us.

4. Charlotte *

 French; 'little womanly one'

why? I love it's meaning, and the fact that the name can be shortened to 'Lottie.' So cute.

5. Emma

 Old German; 'strong' or 'all embracing'

why? First off, it's my little cousin's name! And I love her soo much. She is truly all embracing. (: And, I just think it's a cute sounding name.

 

Boy Names I Love

1. Robert *

Old English; 'shining with fame'

why? Cool meaning, and it's my grandfather's name!

2.Martin *

Latin; 'warlike'

why? Martin the Warrior, of course!!! Oh, and Martin Luther, and Martin Luther King Jr. So yeah, I'd say it's a pretty good historical  name :)

3. Kenneth *

Old English; 'a royal oath' or Irish Gaelic; 'handsome'

why? The two totally different meanings are really cool! Plus, all the Kenneth's I've ever met have been super nice.

4. Joseph *

Hebrew; 'God will increase'

why? Besides being a great biblical name, it's also my dear father's name!!! Gotta love that. ;)

5. Jesse

Hebrew; 'wealthy one'
why? Again, not quite sure. Although, being David's father is pretty cool.....oh, and whenver I think of this name, I think of cheese. Go figure.

Oh, and just as a side note: Anything marked with a * is a name I would certainly bestow upon my children. I pray God gives me enough children to use all the names!!!

Love always,

~Lily

Mary, did you know?

Imagine yourself as a teenage girl, 15 or 16 years old. You live a rather normal life: going to the well with your mother, harvesting food with your entire village, or giggling with your friends. You might even have your eye on a certain boy.

With your light, olive skin, long black hair, and brown eyes, you are pretty, but not beautiful. You dream of falling in love, having a family, and living in a fine house. Life seems just about perfect.

One day, you and your friends are playing tag. Just as you are about to get tagged, you hear your mother's voice. Her tone is sharp and her voice tense. Puzzled, you follow her home.
As you cross the threshold into your house, your father and another man rise to greet you. As you walk toward them, you see it Joseph, the town carpenter. Your heart stops. Joseph has been coming around quite a bit lately, you realize. And sometimes he would just happen to be at the well with you, where he would insist on carrying your jug. you can feel your face get hot as you remember the old women pointing and whispering.
Surely Father would not betrothe me to Joseph, you think frantically.
Mother pushes you forward, toward the men. Josph smiles at you, but you keep your eyes fixed on Father. Please God, you pray, do not let Father say it!

Your worst fears are soon confirmed.
'Mary, Joseph has asked for you to be his wife. And I have accepted his offer."
Time seems to stop. You raise your eyes to meet Joseph's. Dark and majestic, they stare at you from beneath thick eyebrows. His mouth opens. "I do hope you will have me, Mary." His voice is deep and warm, but you cannot stand it. This man wants to snatch you from your happy home and make you his wife?
Your turn and run from the house.

To be continued.....

I love ya + challenge!!!!

Awww....you guys are the best follwers ever!! I wish I could give you all personally a cookie, but I can't. So I'll just post pictures of cookies soon and award them all to you. Sound good? :D

Carlotta is doing a "Favorite Shot" photo challenge!!!! While I have quite a few favorites, I will be entering this photo:

I took this while Mom and I were at Monticello. I was so pleased with how it turned out!!!! Doesn't it actually look like a professional picture?

And now, I'm hopefully off to make those cookies.


~Lily

Updated.........and a surprise!

I spent quite a bit of time last night cleaning my room, in preparation of my little cousins coming this weekend!!!
And, since you girls haven't seen my room for a while, here are some updated pics!!!

My Sammy :)

My perfume.....the one on the left is a CVS knockoff, but it's HEAVENLY

Pretty same as the first pic, just from a different angle

My Aunt Deb made this box....so pretty! I keep all my 'vintage' jewelry in there

Table right beside my chair. Holds notebooks, iPod dock, and Emmy. Yeah, that's right----I have  doll on my table. Pretty sweet, right? :D

My dresser....and my torso ;)

Marguerite and Jean-Pierre
They were my mom's, but she gave them to me. Aren't they fab?

And now.................THE SURPRISE!!!!!!!!!!

YAYAYAYAYAYAYAYAYAYAY!

Sure, it's only a dusting....and sure, my brothers' footprints kinda messed it up. But it's still beautiful!

:)

^^^^How I feel about ya'll......thanks Anna :) for the idea!!!

So that about ends that post. Have a great day!!!! Oh, and if it snowed/has snowed at your house: Take some time to get out there, play in the snow, and be a kid again. Lord only knows how fast we're growing up!

I'll stay, I'll keep you from sinking......down

Here's one of my favorite Britt Nicole songs...




Today, today, you wanna run away now,

You break, try to keep it together,
love, Love is all you need,
You're a queen but you're never known it
Life has come and left you blinded,
Stole your smile and left you crying,
It's not your fault, shame is all you've got now,
Your heart's tangled up in silence,
It's time to let go,
Feel the light,
I know it's easier to hide,
But you gotta let go,
Feel the light,
Let go and feel the light,
Brave, brave, the water's all around you,
I'll stay I'll keep you from sinking down,
Love is on your side,
It's stronger than you'll ever know,
So many years of quiet,
Building up like a fire inside,
You're feeling like you gotta let it out now,
Just let it out,
Your heart's tangled up in silence,
It's time to let go,
Feel the light,
I know it's easier to hide,
But you gotta let go,
Feel the light,
Let go and feel the light,
How did you get here,
You're locked inside of all this fear,
Inside you're crying out,
Your mind's a war,
Get out, get out and live for more,
There's so much more,
Live for more,
Your heart's tangled up in silence,
It's time to let go,
Feel the light,
I know it's easier to hide,
But you gotta let go,
Feel the light,
Let go and feel the light,
Brave, brave the water's all around you,
I'll stay, I'll keep you from sinking down



*sighs* This girl just sings great stuff!!!!!!
Hope ya'll were encouraged by this song.............I know I was!

lyl,


~Lily

All randomed up and nowhere to go....

27. 5

^^^^^That's how cold it is at my house right now. Oh, and did I mention we have had zero snowfalls?!? *sighs* I'm dying here!!! Seeing all my fellow bloggers' pictures of snow hasn't really helped either....though I feel very happy for them!

This post will be made up of lots of rambles.....proceed at your own risk.

1. We just bought a Casting Crowns Christmas cd, Peace on Earth. It rapidly becoming one of my favorite albums!!!

2. I am ready to start baking numerous batches of cookies for my co-op. Have to make enough gingerspice cookies for THREE classes!!!!

3. Wrapping gifts is hard work!! Our family Christmas party is this Saturday, and I got Mason. He's five, and soooooo cute!! Our family does something called Pollyanna (no idea why it's called that) where all the cousins' names are written down, and we pick a name out of a hat (or basket, or whatever). Then, whoever's name you got, you buy a gift for them! It keeps our family pretty close, and it's really fun.

4. My camera battery has been reeaaallllyyyy slow lately, so Mom said she'd get it replaced for me. Hence the lack of photos lately. Oh, and the fact that my camera is about five years old doesn't help any either. And that it was a rather low-budget camera. But my baby has taken many good photos over the years....and I still love her. I just wish she could magically transform into a Nikon!!




my camera.....



.....and what I wish she were!!!

5. I'm seriously considering getting bangs soon. Not straight across ones, but nice, long side-swept ones. And I want to get a few inches taken off. I'm soooo sick of what my hair is like right now! I really need some change.......though my grandma doesn't want me to do anything to my hair. =) She says I should keep it just the way it is, 'cause it's gorgeous! (her words, not mine) And yeah, I love my hair, but it's just so blah right now. So, bangs are my next new adventure. Probably not until after Christmas, though.

6. I really need a denim pencil skirt. And I mean really bad. Me and Emily were discussing this matter last week....and I've looked and looked, but I just can't seem to find one! Well, I found one here, but it's a little bit way out of my price range. So, if any of you girls know where I can find a nice denim pencil skirt for under $40, I would love to know!

7. Ham and cheese sandwiches with cucumber are my favorite lunch. Then again, so is macaroni. And leftover pizza isn't so bad either.


I promise, I'll be out of this random-post-rut soon!!!


~Lily