Thursday, December 27, 2012

Christmas, Advent, and popular movies

I apologize for not posting anything in a long while; I have been quite busy lately!

One of the things that my family does every year, is advent.  Not only does advent remind us of what Christmas is really about, but it walks us through the history of the birth of Christ and the salvation that we have through Him; starting in the beginning.  While our advent is certainly not the regular 'advent' that many people think of, it is helpful during the anxiety and excitement of the Christmas season.  In our advent, we start with some of the early patriarchs and prophets of the Old Testament and study the prophesies of Christ's birth.  Then we sing a portion a O Come, O Come Emmanuel that pertains to the subject of that evenings Scripture.  Then, strangely enough, we dip our fingers in 'sand' and vinegar to signify our longing for a Savior and the bitterness of our sin.  Finally, on Christmas day, we do our last advent; this time, we sing Joy to the World and eat mini chocolates instead of 'sand' and vinegar, signifying our salvation from sin.  Thus, as odd as this advent may seem, it is a vital reminder of the value of Christ's birth.  :)

Well, I had a wonderful Christmas Day full of hope and joy.  Our family has many Christmas traditions (some of which include sweet rolls for Christmas breakfast and memorizing/reciting Luke 2).  After a yummy breakfast we retire into the living room where we begin by opening presents (usually in order from oldest to youngest).  When all the colorfully wrapped boxes are torn open and the joyous treasures inside are carefully put away, we relax as a family, reading or simply resting.  So, does your family have any special Christmas traditions?

Oh, and the snow!  Even though it was not a white Christmas, Wednesday was a beautifully grey and snowy day.  Today some of my family took advantage of the fact that we have snow, a quad, a new sled, and daring children...you can imagine the rest.  ;)

Now on to the topic of movies.  Before going to see The Hobbit myself, I heard many mixed reviews from various friends.  However, after going to the theater and watching it, I absolutely loved it.  The music soundtrack was compiled of a balanced amount of songs from The Lord of the Rings and the dwarves theme.  In addition, the superb acting of all the dwarves (and hobbit and wizard:) combined with the superb footage made this film a success.  Even though Peter Jackson added some elements to the movie that are not in the book, I believe that the talented director did a fabulous job of shaping all of the characters in different and unique ways.  As for Le Miserables, I cannot say much as I have not even seen the movie myself :). Have any of you watched either of these movies.  If so, what did you think?

I hope your Christmas was filled with the love and hope of our loving Heavenly Savior!

Merry Christmas and a happy New Year!
Glory to God in the highest!


-Lily






Tuesday, November 13, 2012

Collage Pauge Lamp?

A few days ago my mom found an old faded-pink lamp that I used to have in my bedroom when I was little.  Then an idea struck me...why not 'maudge-pauge' the lamp in the colors of my room?  At first I was doubtful that it would work, but in the end it turned out pretty well!  (maudge-pauge magazine holders out of cereal boxes are creative, as well)  So, I guess this is my first (blog) tutorial!


#1 - Things you will need:
-Lamp shade(s) that you don't like
-One pair of scissors
-Wet glue (not a glue-stick)
-Collage Pauge (we got ours from JoAnns)
-Paper bowl
-A foam brush
-Scrap-booking/patterned paper - I highly rrecommend using thinner paper and not card stock because it (card stock) is too hard to bend around the shape of the lamp and doesn't stick very well
-Daring  :)

This is what the foam brush looks like (web picture)



Sorry - these pictures are not the best...the Vivacious Shutterbug obviously didn't take these ones :)

The things you'll need 

The finished product!


#2 - Paper
Begin by cutting out your scrap-booking paper.  Don't worry if you have jagged edges or curves; this will actually enhance the look and style.  **bare in mind that this will not look perfect...that is why it looks good (if you know what I mean)**  :)  When picking colors for the sheets of paper, I suggest doing print-on-print and don't use too dark of colors because then your lamp won't be very bright  :)  

#3 - This part is sticky
Start by pouring your collage pauge into a paper bowl.  Use foam brushes to dab collage pauge (referred to as 'cp' from here on out) onto lamp cover.  It won't really stick very well if it is fabric (like mine was), but that is okay.  Quickly squeeze glue onto back of paper before sticking to the lamp shade.  Hold in place for about 30 seconds before covering paper with more cp (don't worry: collage pauge dries clear even though it looks white).  

#4 - Repeat
Add more cp and continue.  If the paper won't stick to the lamp shade, be stubborn and keep trying :)  Add more cp (but if you are using thinner paper remember not to use TOO much cp because it will sort of leak through the paper).  Also, if the paper starts to bubble because of the cp, just dip your finger into the cp and smooth out the bubbles with your cp-wetted page. 

#5 - Let dry
Let the cp dry for about 15 minutes before putting the lamp shade back onto the lamp.  Enjoy!


~~~*~~~


Hoping you'll use your creative abilities for the Lord in unique ways!  :)

~Lily

Do you have questions about this post or previous ones?  Have you come up with any fun ideas for sprucing up a dull room?  PLEASE SHARE them in the chat box below:

  

Saturday, October 20, 2012

Fall Photos

This post is credit to the photos of the Vivacious Shutterbug a.k.a. my sister's photography :) 

We thought we'd define vivacious
Vivacious:
Lively, bubbly, cheerful, spirited, or animated


The Vivacious Shutterbug and I went out into the woods today to capture some pictures of me and the beautiful fall colors. Even though it was wet outside, we got some really good pics, so I thought I'd share some with you:


(This photo was taken and edited by The Vivacious Shutterbug)
 (This photo was taken and edited by The Vivacious Shutterbug)
  (This photo was taken and edited by The Vivacious Shutterbug)
(This photo was taken and edited by The Vivacious Shutterbug)
(This photo was taken and edited by The Vivacious Shutterbug)
(This photo was taken and edited by The Vivacious Shutterbug)
The Photographer
 
 
 
About the Vivacious Shutterbug:
 

 Hey there!  I am a natural light photographer which means when I go to take a picture it is only me and my camera.  :)  My favorite types of pictures are un-posed action shots of my animals, friends, and family.  Just give me a Pumpkin Spice Latte and a camera and I will be a happy girl.  Thanks to Lily for allowing me to share my love of photography with you all!

Do you all like to take pictures around the home?  What interests you?  Message us through the chat box



Friday, October 19, 2012

The Little Whispering Birdy - a guest post

Charlotte and I decided to Guest Post each other on our blogs.  Here is her post:

............
 
Hi there, readers of Day to Day Journey!

Lily was so sweet in letting me guest post at her lovely blog, and I'm happy to be here! :)

My name is Charlotte Boyer, and I blog at my family's online journal The Boyer Family Singers {boyerfamilysingers.blogspot.com}.

Today I'm simply here to share with you all a little about myself, so here goes...





(photo credit: Joanna Dell {joannadell.blogspot.com} edited by me)


I don't like chocolate. *gasp*. Yes, yes I know. Weird isn't it? :P
 
My favorite month right now down by the ol' Ohio is October. Just gorgeous weather, and oh! Who could forget the colors??
 
I am an avid beginner in HTML and CSS web design, besides being an avid graphic designer in training
 
I am the youngest in my family (people wise) ;)
 
I sew my own clothes. I'm even working on a skirt drafted by moi, and hope to post it on the ol' blog when I'm finished with it- so keep your eyes out!
 
I'll eat popcorn every night not get tired of it for a whole week. It's de bomb! ;)
 
I sing in a trio with my two older sisters, and I sing the alto part (to anyone musically knowledgeable)
 
I love vintage fashion and silhouettes
 
At our blog, I'm known as "The Little Whispering Birdy"
 
My favorite flavor of milk shake is Strawberry
 
A few of my favorite blogs (besides this one) are: Chapter Thirteen {chapterthirteen-haley.bogspot.com}, I Love... {joannadell.blogspot.com}, and Casey's Elegant Musings {elegantmusings.com}

Thanks so much, Lily, for hosting me!
Be sure to check out our blog soon!
 
.............

Thank you, Charlotte!  The Boyer Family Singers is a wonderful blog.  By following the link to her blog, you can read my guest post.  Have a great one!


~Lily 

Friday, October 12, 2012

A Beautiful Colorado Wedding and a Mini Vacation

          Hi there!  Sorry I have not posted in such a long time...School and horses have kept me quite busy over the last couple of weeks! 

          Can you believe how cold it is?  Its like we suddenly had a cold spell!  I am definitely NOT motivated to get up in the morning when it it cold and dark outside, but animals cannot wait and neither can my school  :(  The vibrant colors seem to pop from the trees before they fall to the ground; at least that is one good thing about the weather!  I love Autumn, but usually it is not this cold!   

...............
         
          A few weeks ago my family and I got to fly out to CO for my cousin's wedding and a few days of vacation.  We had a great time.  We went to Estes Park and got a small little hotel near a lake.  Until then, I didn't realize how much I miss the mountains of California!  We went hiking as a family to several lakes...the elevation really had me out of breath at the last lake!  Also, the weather couldn't have been better: it was consistently in the 70's and was sunny and warm.  After a few days in Estes Park, we drove to Fort Collins for my cousin's wedding.  We arrived the day before the wedding so that we could help set up everything.  Yes, my aunt and cousin are brave.  They organized the wedding so that it would be at their house!  How cool is that?  They love to go to 'junk jaunts' and buy vintage/old fashioned furniture and home decor.  Then, they spruce it up to look fresh but rustic...I absolutely love their style preferences!  Anyway, they made most ALL the decorations for the wedding, from the chalk-board menus to the table decorations!  It was all perfectly thought out and very organized.  So, all in all, I thought I'd share some pictures with you.  I apologize ahead of time for all of them...but they are all so pretty!  :)  Enjoy!

 Instead of having a cake, some people (who didn't have to fly to CO) made a wide variety of yummy pies!
 This is where some of the tables where.  I loved the vintage-looking frames!
 I tied the burlap and yarn to more than half of these flowers with the help of some friends
 The "Bride & Groom" tent.  The whole wedding party ate and lounged in this tent
 All the table settings were handmade...notice the burlap on the mason jar and on the table
 This was a great twist and added the 'vintage' feel.  I heard a lot of "How do you use this?"  :)  Is type-writing an old skill already?
This is where they got married 
 So pretty!
 These were some rustic looking doors that they hung some artwork (gifts).  On the table there was a vintage suitcase that people would drop their letters into
 
I guess I should have put this picture first  :)
 
Is that enough pics? Oh, I have to add one (I promise, just one) more picture:
 

I took that this one while we were hiking...pretty amazing (at least for Ohioans), right?!  :)
 
 
Well, bye for now!
 
~Lily 

Sunday, September 9, 2012

People and Their Animals

     Think about it.  Everywhere you go you seem to see animals.  Whether you're at the local park or taking a tour in the zoo, some creature happens across your path.  Lots of people own animals, big or small.  When you meet people and ask them what their favorite animals are, you will get a variety of different answers.  But there are only two types of 'animal people' in the world, the animal lovers or the people who just can't stand 'em.  I happen to be one of the 'animal lovers'.

     When I was younger, I used to love any type of animal.  However, if you asked me what animal was my favorite I would say "a dog".  After a while, though, I began to change my answer to something like "well, maybe a dog, but I really like horses, too".  Yes, I loved horses.  Of course, I couldn't take lessons because I was allergic to horses.  I would break out in minor hives all over my body if I came in contact with any horse hair, dander, and essentially, any horse at all.  After we moved to CA, my sister started taking horseback riding lessons (these lasted only about 3-6 months as we moved to a different house).  I was basically heartbroken with sadness.  I had come that close.  But still, I was not even allowed to touch a horse, let alone ride one. 


     When I was about nine years old (we were still in CA), I had a blood test to see, once and for all, if I was truly allergic to horses.  Hoping and praying, I rolled up my sleeve and surrendered to the needle.  :)  The tests came back indicating that I was only slightly allergic to horses. 

     After that, I began taking lessons.  I absolutely loved every moment I got with the lesson horses.  When I had my first grooming lesson (this was at a different barn than my sister had taken lessons at before), I remember smiling and throwing my mother triumphant looks.  I wanted to prove how much I loved horses and that I wasn't going to get hives.  I know that it is impossible, but I would have willed myself not to break out in hives if I could have.  I didn't care that I came home grimy, dusty, and horse smelly.  I cleaned out my trainer's horse stalls while my sister was taking lessons.  Now that I look back on that work, I know that it was for the better since I now have to clean out two stalls daily!  Anyhow, I loved those lessons!  After about a year or so, I moved up a level and took more advanced hunter/jumper lessons from a different trainer for about a year.  Then, of course, we moved back to OH.  Since then we have found several wonderful trainers who have helped me excel in my horsemanship skills and I now own a bay Quarter horse gelding. 

Even if they are separated somewhere along the way, true horse lovers will treasure their horse experience forever.


     Recently, I got to participate in the Warren County Fair.  My 'project' was to read part of a book on horses and record my horses' feed & tack costs.  Fair lasted one week.  I competed (on my horse) everyday except for novice day since I was in the junior events. 

     Well, I know who I can thank for my horse experience!  God for providing the animals and my mother and father for paying for them!  :)






 



"And I looked, and behold, a white horse!  And its rider had a bow, and a crown was given to him, and he came out conquering, and to conquer."

-Revelation 6:2


~Lily





Friday, August 17, 2012

Home Dec

This post is, obviosly, about home decor.  I took some pictures of unique/homemade things that have made their way into our house.  Most of them are cheap and simple.  Enjoy!

1.  Kitchen



This cost-effective kitchen 'ladder' is rustic and fits well into any french-country looking kitchen.  I found this small ladder tucked away in the corner of an antique shop in downtown Waynesville.  Upon seeing it, a brilliant idea struck me; why not use a ladder as a pot/pan holder!  The price was a steal: $40 for a stylish way to organize the kitchen.  Soon after we found ourselves walking out of the store with a greenish/grayish rustic colored ladder to hang from our kitchen beam.  Mounting the ladder was as easy as anything.  We bought black hooks from the same store that we bought the ladder from.  After we got the ladder up, we used more of the same hooks (in a larger size) to hang the pots from.  Vwal-ah!  To finish it off, we wound a vineish mantel piece decoration over and through the wrungs of the ladder.     
#2 Mantal Additions

Here are a few tips to finish off that early-american country look.  First, a vintage iron given to my mom by her grandmother makes a great book holder!  Stack up a few old/collectible books (in the picture I use the Lamplighter books) and place the iron in such a way that it will support the books. 

 Secondly, add a picture above your mantel.  This helps the fire-place regain the center spot of the room.  If you would like to make the fire-place the focus of the room, keep your furniture facing the fire-place.  In the winter a nice warm fire makes any room feel cosy








3.  Tree Jewlry Holder
                                      






At just $14, this beautiful jewelry holder adds a unique twist to any bedroom. (I found this one at Joann's.) Its size is nearly perfect; while being small enough to put on a dresser, it is also big enough to fit lots and lots of necklaces!


Well, that's all for today!  :) 

To God be the glory.








Of Animals & Vegetables

Gardening

In spite of the late planting of our garden this year, our plants have been growing tall and healthy.  Gardening is one of those necessary time consuming things that, at the end of its season, proves itself useful.  We planted a variety of different plants such as cucumbers, strawberries, rosemary, basil, beans, tomatoes, carrots, etc.  My sister made some Zuchini chocolate chip bread.  Apparently it did not turn out the way that she had wanted it to, but it sure looked tasty!  (I didn't try any because it had wheat in it.)  Similarly, we had the joy of finding two apple trees in one of our pastures.  We had known they were there, but it was still exciting to find the apples ready to pick.  About a week ago, we found a huge Zuchini: it measured 17 inches long!  It probably won't taste very good because it is so big, but it is still amazing to look at! 


Animals




All of our animals are doing great!  Ranger, our Great Pyrenees puppy is now 27 lbs at 13 weeks old!  At 8 weeks of age (when we got him), he was only 11 lbs!  It is amazing how fast animals can grow!  Our goats, on the other hand, grow a lot slower than Ranger.  They were both born in Febuary (they are sisters) but they are not fully grown yet.  Our 19 chickens are producing about 15 eggs every day.  We are trying to sell them to cover the cost of the chicken food...  :)  The whole of our farm seems to be going pretty well thus far.  It is an adventure! 

 

         Ranger
 Molly
Patches


"Not that I have already obtained this or am already perfect, but I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me his own."
-Philippians 3:12


~Lily

Wednesday, August 8, 2012

Summer 2012

Even though this is my first blog post, I decided that I'll write as if it isn't.  Summer is upon us!  Who would have thought that 2 or 3 months of summer vacation could go by so quickly.  The business of school is right outside of our doors.  Unfortunately, some of us are ignorning those probing thoughts; "get ready for school", "Organize your old school folders", "Do 4 math lessons".  So, for this post, we will concentrate on the good stuff of the summer and forget our business for a little while.  :)

In June, we went down to FL to see family...we all had a great time and the weather wasn't too hot for us!  After we came home, we got into the schedule of summer and the activites that come with it.  I had to get used to taking care of the horses again since I hadn't had to when we were in FL.  Daily feeding, cleaning out of stalls, and watering them soon became normal to me, though. 

On the night of July 3rd, we went into downtown Lebanon to see the fireworks; they were great and lasted for about 15-20 minutes!  The next day was my brother's birthday (we used to tell him that they set off the fireworks just for him).  My sister and I put together a scavenger hunt for him with clues in his room, the kitchen, the porch, the garage, and in the woods.  The final clues led him to his bigest gift...........a red ATV quad!  It is still a little big for him, but fits me perfectly.  He got a red/gray/white/silver helmet to go with it, too.  Thus, I can now enjoy wrecking around our property; sometimes it just helps to release some of my extra energy.  :)

                                                                   driving the 4-wheeler
                                                             opening gifts/scavenger hunt
                                                      Calvin & Hobbs = From the girls


All in all, its been a really nice summer thus far!  More to come later.

"Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer." 
      -Romans 12:12


~Lily