Miscellaneous

Well, I have quite a few things to tell you, and I couldn't come up with a good title, so miscellaneous will have to do. Now...were to begin.....
I'll start out with the worst news of all. A few months back my mom got an food allergy test done and then my dad did the same thing. So, about a week ago, my mom made Zac (my brother) and I go get tested. So, we went to the doctor to get tested, which by the way was rather painful for me because I have such small veins. Well, to make a long story short, we got the results today and it is okay for me, but really bad for my brother, Zac. Here are my allergies; cantaloupe, egg, rye, sunflower, wheat, and baker's and brewer's yeast. I don't think the brewer's yeast will be an issue, ;) but I am a bread lover so, the baker's yeast, wheat, and rye is definitely going to be an issue. If you want to see my brother's allergies check out his blog, he is going to post them soon.
The other thing I wanted to share is....my Mom and I are going to California next week to visit my sister, brother-in-law, and my two nephews, one of which was born a month ago. They live an hour away from San Fransisco. I am very excited, but the flight is going to be dreadful. It's an eight hour, give or take a little, flight to San Fransisco. Unfortunately, I may have to delay my Purity Part Two post, but I may be able to post will is California. Please be praying that our flights will be smooth. My Mom is really afraid of flying.

Christmas

Christmas. What a wonderful time of the year. My Mom and I have been noticing that our house looks, well..dull. All we had for decoration was a few fake pionsettias, that was it! One of the reasons we didn't have any decor up was because our house is too small. So, we were't able to put our manger scene up, or a tree, or well.....anything. So, I was going to surprise my Mom by putting my 4ft. lime green christmas tree up in the living room for a few days. You see, she was at the store. So, as I was putting it up I was thinking about the importance of it. Why on earth is a fake tree so important to us, when really Christmas isn't about a tree? I was thinking about the true meaning of Christmas. It isn't about a christmas tree, or a man who comes down chipneys, or even an adorable snowman, it's about Jesus! So, this Christmas I'm going to focus on the important meaning of Christmas, Jesus!
Well, MERRY CHRISTMAS everybody! Later on, I'll post about my Christmas day experience, but for now I just wanted to say, Merry Christmas!

A Recipe and A Farewell

Reese's Squares

~Ingredients~
1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
1 lb. confectioners' sugar (3 to 3 1/2 cups)
1 1/2 cups peanut butter
1 cup butter, melted
1 (12 ounces) bag milk chocolate chips

~Directions~
Combine graham crumbs, sugar, and peanut butter and mix well. Blend in melted butter until well combined. Press mixture evenly into a 9x13 inch pan. Melt chocolate chips in microwave are in double boiler. Spread over peanut butter mixture. Chill until just set and cut into bars. (these are very hard to cut if the chocolate gets "rock hard.")

As for the farewell, say aurevoir to my recipe blog. I can't seem to have enough time to post on three to four blogs, so I am deleting one of them, my recipe blog. Don't worry, I will be posting some recipes on this blog every now and then. I love the design you made for A Gift from the Kitchen Emily! Thank you for your hard work, I'm very sorry to delete it.

Purity -- Part One

Purity. I have been thinking about this topic for quite some time now, and I haven't really been able to think of a way to communicate it, but I will do my best and pray that it is communicated well.
Their are many different definitions for the word purity. I like the definition of cleanness, spotless, and freedom. What do I actually mean by purity though? Well, let me share a story that, hopefully, will clear things up a bit.
How does that introduction go...ah..yes...Once upon a time, there lived a young girl who loved both of her parents very much, and her parents loved her, so much so that they decided that the mother of the young girl would take her on a weekend called, Passport to Purity. When the young girl heard this wonderful news she was overjoyed! So, she waited and waited for the weekend with her mother, until one day it was finally time. She packed and said her adieus (farewells) to her father and brother, and headed out the door with her Mother. She thought she and her mother were going to stay at a hotel, but she was very much mistaken. A few hours later, after the sun had set, she and her mother were pulling into a magnificent Bed and Breakfast called Roses and the River. The young girl was absolutely stunned by the grandeur of it all, but she had only seen the beginning. As soon as they walked in the door they were welcomed by the owner of the Bed and Breakfast. After their salutations, the owner led the Mother and Daughter to their room which was called Rainbows End. Astonishing, marvelous, divine, and all the words in the world could not describe the beauty in that one room. Their were roses everywhere, and it was quite feminine. The young girl was speechless. Compared to a hotel this place was like a castle. It was getting late so the Mother and Daughter decided to snuggle up in the cozy bed that was beckoning to them. The next morning they began their study of purity. It all seemed a bit odd to the young girl. They were talking about saving your affections and your first kiss for the man God has prepared for you, if God has called you to be a wife. They were talking about choosing your friends wisely, and not running with the worlds ways. Going against temptation, and the world. And yet, among all the oddness the girl felt a peacefulness, that what she was learning pleased God, and so she listened intently. The more the girl heard the more she began to realize that she needed to make a commitment to God and her parents that she was going to be pure for, God willing, the man God was preparing for her life. So, at the end of the weekend with her mother, after making a commitment to purity, she was given a ring that would signify her commitment to all that saw it. She wears this ring on the finger that will, God willing, someday possess a wedding ring. And so, the young girl went home to her father and brother and to this day is still wearing that ring on that finger. So, you see my friends, she has not yet lived happily ever after, but she knows that she will follow Gods "happily ever after" for her life.
Now, you might have already guessed, but that young girl was me, and that father, mother, and brother are my father, mother and brother. I am and will always be eternally grateful for that weekend. You might be wondering why on earth did I make a commitment such as that? And, what commitment did I really make? Well, let me answer the latter first. I made a commitment to save my love for the man, God willing, that God has prepared for me, including my first kiss. Yes, I will save my first kiss for the day I will stand at the alter and say "I Do" to the man God has called me to be with. Why did I make the commitment of purity? That is an excellent question. When I am married, I don't want to be married to a man that has shared his love with other women. I want to be married to a man that has waited to share his love with me! So, if I want a man who has waited for the woman God has prepared for him, shouldn't I wait to share my love with the man God is preparing for me.
Early in the post, I mentioned the word purity as a way of freedom. What do I mean by saying a commitment can be a freedom? You will have to wait for the next post. To explain all of this would take a very long post, so I am going to put it in different parts. I would very much enjoy answering any questions, comments, or concerns that you may have! :) Stay tuned for part two on Purity.
By the way, this is a picture of my purity ring! Let me leave you with a verse about purity. 1Timothy 4:12 Don't let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers, in speech, in life, in love, in faith and in purity.

My Life

What's been going on lately? Glad you asked! Well, I've been rather busy with school, piano, and other things like that. This Friday we are having a garage sale and we also have choir. Thus, one of our really good friends is going to drive us to choir! (That's going to be really fun!!!!) Ten day later, on December 19th, we are going to run/walk at the Dawson Eagles Run For Toys in Pearland. Then later that day we are going to a Christmas Party in Sugar land. The next day we are going to church, which right after church we will be leaving for my great grandma's birthday party. Five days after that, is Christmas Day! So, among all the other activities we will be preparing for Christmas, which includes baking, shopping, cleaning, decorating, wrapping, cooking, and then after all that's done, sleeping! :) Merry Christmas, and A Happy New Year.
One other thing that I have to share.......my sister, who lives in California, gave birth to a handsome baby boy! He is 21 inches long, 7lb. 14 ounces, and he was born at 5:39 p.m on December 3rd. His name is Aiden Peirce Paone!
Oh, I finally posted on A Gift from the Kitchen.

A Party

No, I haven't skipped three birthdays! This is my brother's birthday cake and presents! On November 28th we headed out the door for a party! My big brother's party. No, we weren't going alone. We invited a few families to join us! We were going to a local park to play soccer and have hot dogs for my brother's 17th birthday party.
This is my dad grilling some hot dogs.
The birthday boy, himself!
Worn out!
It was fun to have a few dad's and a mom playing!

Taking a break and getting some Gatorade.
Come here ball!
Sorry it's a bit blurred.
I think I'll try to take it.
Take it! Get it! Do something, somone!!!
Zac has the ball.......
Oh, Leah's trying to take it......
Yay, Leah was victorious and got the ball!!!!!!! Go, Leah, Go!
This is Josh, one of our really good friends, he is the goalie in this picture.
Zac's homemade birthday cake.
This is me playing with the lighter. mwwwaaahhhaaa!!!! My friends were staying away from me, because I had a mischievous look on my face.
Here is a picture of the birthday boy! 17 years old.

Do You Really Know Me?

I made this quiz that's actually pretty cool! Here is a link. I would love to see your answers!

I'm Dreaming of a White Christmas

Seriously, I am! And for now my dream is coming true. Yes, it's snowing in south Texas today! :) My dad came bouncing in my room this morning declaring that it was snowing. So, half awake half asleep I forced myself to get out of bed and go see the snow. Although it's not sticking, it's snowing! Right know the snow has stopped but it's supposed to snow again. Merry Christmas!

A Forty Question Tag

1- Have you been asked out? No
2 - Where was your default picture taken? University Blvd.

3 - What's your middle name? Gabrielle

4 - Your current relationship status? Single. I'm waiting on God's timing.

5 - What's the first thing you do when you wake up from a nap? I'm fourteen, not four. I don't take naps.

6 - What is your current mood? Energetic in a weird kind of way.

7 - What color shirt are you wearing? Gray

8 - Missing something? My book!

9 - Current Favorite Quote? "My own plans are made.While I can, I sail east in the Dawn Treader.When she fails me I paddle east in my coracle. When she sinks, I shall swim east with my four paws. And when I can swim no longer, if I have not reached Aslan's country, or shot over the edge of the world in some vast cataract, I shall sink with my nose to the sunrise and Peepiceek will be head of the talking mice in Narnia." *Reepicheep in, The Voyage of the Dawn Treader.*
10 - If you could go back in time and change something what would be? More people on fire for Jesus!

11 - If you must be an animal for one day, what would you be? Some kind of bird... I'd have to think about what kind though.

12 - Ever had a near death experience? Yes, but it would take to long to explain.

13 - Something you do a lot? Read

14 - The song stuck in your head? White Christmas

15 - Least favorite household chore? Sweeping

16 - Name someone with the same birthday as you. Many people... I just don't know them! :)

17 - When was the last time you cried? I cried the other day, and I knew that I would be asked this question sooner or later! Awkward.

18- Have you ever sung in front of a large audience? Yes, in our choir and and our church.

19 - If you could have one super power what would it be? ????

20 - What's the first thing you notice about the opposite gender? Weird question. Hmm. I would have to say hair and eye color.

21 - What do you usually order from Starbucks? Tall caramel frappachino extra caramel sauce

22 - What's your biggest secret? if I told you it wouldn't be a secret know would it!

23- What's your favorite color? If I had to pick one I would say................

24 - Do you still watch kiddie shows or TV shows? No

25 - What's on your walls? Lots of Eiffel Tower pics.

26 - What are you? A child of the King of kings.

27 - Do you speak any other language? I'm learning Spanish.

28 - What's your favorite smell? An old book.

29 - Describe your life in one word! Saved!

30 - Have you ever kissed in the rain? No, No, No, No, No a million more times!

31 - What are you thinking about right now? The stupid question above this one.

32 - What should you be doing? Doesn't really matter. I just finished School.

33 - Who was the last person that made you upset/angry? Don't remember.

34 - How often do you talk to God? Not often enough. I'm trying to get in the habit of talking with him every morning.

35 - Do you like working in the yard? I like being outside.. most of the time. Depends on the day.

36 - If you could have any last name in the world, what would you want? I have no clue.

37 - What is your natural hair color? Light brown with natural highlights.

38 - Do you have many friends? Yes.
39 - Who is your role-model? Jesus.

40 - Do you like your life? Yes.

I tag,

Taylor
Celede
Eldarwen

Books........Again

I finished Sir Dalton, by Chuck Black!!!! It was very good, but unfortunately it's a cliffhanger.... for those of you who don't know what a cliffhanger is, it's a book/movie/etc. that leaves you in suspense or leaves you with no clue as to what's going to happen yet. A cliffhanger and a bookworm do not go together!!!
Fortunately, I don't have to wait a whole year for the next Chuck Black book to come out, only 5 months... It will seem like an eternity though! I have thought about it everyday since I finished Sir Dalton, that's about 5 or so days! :/ Lady Carliss is the next book, after Sir Dalton.
Meanwhile, I'm reading Twice Freed by Patricia St. John. Twice Freed is about a slave boy named Onesimus. So far it's been pretty good...who knows what will happen???????

*Happy Reading!*

Maiden Moriah

The dress is soooo flowy!
The water is so blue in this pic!
Well, I said I'd post pics of me in my dress that my amazing Mom made! There are a lots of 'em!!! This pic was taken right after I was spinning.
While I was spinning.
Smile for the camera! I love my dress!
Running......
Actually, I was getting ready to jump right at my brother in this pic! :)

I like these!
Look to the sky!
I love the mischievous look on my face! Priceless!!!
Spinning...
About to spin.....

Now I'm a wood elf..... yippie!
Hello!
You don't see me! No, you don't!!!!
I was hoping my Mom wouldn't see me so that I could jump out and scare her, but that didn't work out! Love ya Mom!
I really like this one.


Well, that's all the wood elf pics, back to the maiden one's.

My Mom wanted me to do some peaka boo pics so that's what this pic and the pic above are.

This one looks medieval to me!
So does this one.
And this one, except for the houses in the background.
This one was actually rather interesting. The medal globe thing that I'm in was really dirty so it was difficult to keep my dress some what away from it. My Mom suggested that I stand in the back and pretend I was shooting a bow, as Susan Pevensie. That's a big arrow.
The blasted sun was right in my eyes!
Walking.....
Posing.....
This was on accident. I was supposed to have my eyes open. Oh well, I like how it turned out!
I actually started getting wet from the over spray of the fountain. Oh, what we'll do for good pictures! Sorry about the freeway in the background. Just imagine it's not there.
I look so sad! :(
The grass was a bit wet that afternoon!
I'm trying not to laugh at my Mom in this pic.
Zac and Mom said something about me in this one, I forgot what, though.
Looking at Mom....
Laughing at Mom.....
Aw......
Sitting around....

Nature, Concrete, Girl in medieval dress...
My photographer brother, Zac, took most of these pics, including this one, and he almost fell off the narrow thing he was standing on.
Hi!!!!
We..eee......
Serious.... Zac kept telling me to look serious and Mom kept telling me to look happy. *SCREAMING*
Many thanks to my Mom for making this gorgeous dress, Zac for taking the pics, and the many bystanders who stared at a weird girl walking on the sidewalk, in a medieval dress, in the 21st century, good times, good times!!!!