Photo a Day // March // Weeks 2 & 3

O N E | My favorite candy.

T W O | I was listening to Chris Tomlin sing Chosen Generation and stopped to ponder the verse that the song is based on. 

T H R E E | Chipping nails and a cuppa tea.  It's comfortable.

F O U R | Mom and I have been putting a 1000 piece puzzle together.

F I V E | Steak fries.  So yummy!!

S I X | Leia, Sweet Pea's ewe lamb.  She and her twin brother Luke are a week old now!

S E V E N | On our way to the swing dance last Saturday evening.  The sunset was so beautiful and the moon was out...

E I G H T | Moon.  Taken from a moving car, so not the best.  But I love it.

N I N E | My bottle baby, Maryann, taking a nap in the sun on our back porch.

T E N | Yes.  That's a Duck Dynasty Willie bobble-head!

My awesome Aunt Liz sent me a package of goodies for my birthday.

E L E V E N | The Bonnie dog and Maryann playing in the basement.  Maryann is back outside now, but Bonnie certainly enjoyed having a friend inside. :)

T W E L V E | My cousin Abbie also sent me an awesome package of birthday goodies, including these awesome socks!

T H I R T E E N | The first day of spring, it snowed. Yup.

F O U R T E E N | Birthday Starbucks with the bestie.  Which turned out to be a clever and tricky ruse to get me out of the house so she could throw me a surprise party!  I was never more surprised in my life, I assure you!  And don't let me have coffee again, Kellie.  I didn't stop vibrating for hours.

: :

A busy, exhausting, but rewarding two weeks!  Three of my ewes lambed, giving me six healthy lambs.  Praise the Lord!  Maggie, my new mother, had twins her first time (they typically have a single the first time), but ended up rejecting one after a day.  Maryann is now my bottle baby, and doing quite well.  Her brother, Gilligan, was overeating because his mommy had milk for two, but I finally got that sorted.  They're all doing so well and I love to sit and watch them frisk around in the sunshine!  I'm still waiting for Ingrid to lamb, and I have no idea when that will be.  It's been so nice to have a break, especially after not getting a lot of sleep and being so physically exhausted that I made myself sick.  Joy.  I'm finally feeling like a human being again, and that is a very good feeling, indeed!

And I'll be sharing pictures and video from the most epic-ally awesome Doctor Who Surprise Party EVER sometime soon!  Unless Kellie shares them first. *grin*

p.s.

The next 3 sales get an additional $5 off of their order of $15 or more!  Everything is already 15% off, so you're getting a super sweet deal!  Plus, all orders come with a freed gift!  How can you beat that?!

Dream a little bigger.

Awhile back, I was talking to two very dear sisters in Christ.   We covered many topics, including desiring God's will above all in your life.  And then we started talking farming, and I said, "Someday, when I have my own place, I'd like a covered walkway from the house to the barn!"  It's kind of a joke I have with myself, although it certainly would be nice!  But they responded with, "Be careful not to let your dreams interfere with God's plan!"  They were half joking, half serious.  I know they meant it well, but I kind of felt like someone had pulled the rug out from under me.  Like all of my dreams had just fallen to the ground in a broken heap.

If you are truly desiring His will and seeking Him in your life, then your dreams will line up with that.  Girls, don't let anyone make you afraid to dream big, to hope!  There is nothing wrong with dreaming about your future home, hoping that someday you'll be a wife and mother, wishing for that dream farm, or whatever it is that you're dreaming of.  The danger is not in the dreaming, it's in your focus.  Are you focused on Jesus?  Is drawing closer to Him your hearts desire?  Is He first in your life?  Yes?  Then dream on!  

Trust in the Lord, and do good; so shalt though dwell in the land, and verily thou shalt be fed.

Delight thyself also in the Lord; and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart.

Commit thy way unto the Lord; trust also in him; and he shall bring it to pass.

Psalm 37:3-5

And never discourage one of your sisters from dreaming.  Sometimes, they're doing everything they can just to keep the tears back and that smile on their face.  Don't take away their dreams.  Don't bring those tears to the surface.  I'm just as guilty as anyone of doing that.  It's so easy to tear someone down, even when our intentions are good.

One more thing.  Don't be afraid to let go of dreams when God tells you to.

What are some of your dreams?  I want to know!

Thanksgiving Sale Details + This n' That

There's no one else in the house.  I repeat - there is no one in the house at this moment but yours truly.  We don't have a large family but even so, this is a pretty rare occurrence.  And I am taking advantage of this solitude by typing this post and blasting Glenn Miller Christmas music before I go back to crocheting and Doctor Who.

Today has been a bit of an off day.  Nothing really wrong, but I've got that rumply feeling again.  And I woke up with a tummy ache.  That's never a good way to start your morning, is it?  Plus, I had a fun but late night last night.  That doesn't tend to give you a sunshiny feeling in the morning. *wink*

Sometimes, I just have so many thoughts swirling around in my brain, so many emotions welling up inside me.  It's really distracting!  For example, I started this post to share details about Wool & Whatnot's Thanksgiving sale.  And here I am rambling on about rumply feelings and stomach aches.  Hardly inspiring and uplifting!  But, we all have days like today.  Days when it feels like we're not really doing anything, just spinning our wheels.  Days when it feels like nothing is in control.  Very often, I realize that I haven't been in the Word enough when I feel like this.  What I really need to do is spend some time with my Father, count my blessings, and let go and let Him take on my burden.  I don't need to fret or worry.  He has got this all under control.  He holds my world together with His hands.

So, the sale details...

What?  Wool & Whatnot's Thanksgiving Sale!

When?  Black Friday through Cyber Monday! That's November 29th through December 2nd.

Everything in the shop is 15% off!  Plus free shipping in the US!!  Can't beat that, can you?

Well, I must say that I feel better, just typing all of this down.  Not only have the cobwebs cleared a bit, but I've done something productive today!  Hooray for me!! *grin*

We'll be heading to my grandparent's house for Thanksgiving tomorrow.  I can't wait to stuff myself with delicious food, play Chinese checkers with Grandma, and then take a nap on the sofa.  Or maybe I'll take a nap and then play checkers...  Sounds like the perfect day to me!  *smile*

Have a wonderful and happy Thanksgiving, everyone!

What are your Thanksgiving plans?  Do you visit family?  I want to know!

I'm waiting on you, Lord.

For all of us who are waiting as the Lord works in our lives, whether it's for Him to bring that special someone into your life, or for that special someone to stop dragging their feet and speak.  Or maybe, you're waiting for something entirely different.  Whatever you're waiting for, don't give up.
He is able, and He's got this.
And don't stop moving forward while you wait.



P.S. all pics via my Pinterest, collages made by me

Sunday Style // Cameo Appearance

There's a chilly Fall nip in the air, and I'm so excited to pull out my jackets, long skirts, and sweaters again!  Autumn is my favorite season, partially because of layering.  So many more accessory options!

o u t f i t 

denim jacket // thrifted

sea foam tee // thrifted

floral skirt // Coldwater Creek {clearance}

brown flats // thrifted

cameo brooch // gifted

hair flower // Kellie Falconer Design

: :
I'll admit it...I was distracted yesterday and I honestly don't remember much of the sermon.  See, we've all done it.  Don't be afraid to admit it!  Just ask the Lord to help you concentrate and do the best you can.
I do remember that we were in John 17 and this verse jumped out at me...
I pray for them: I pray not for the world, but for them which thou hast given me; for they are mine. John 17:9
This is Jesus speaking to the Father.  He prays for us, folks.  For those who are His.  If you're a believer, then you are His and He prays for you.  Think about that.  I gave up on concentrating on the sermon yesterday and just pondered that verse.  And felt very, very special.  Very, very loved by my Savior.
How was your Sunday?  What was your sermon about?  I want to know!

:grey: & {yellow}

"enjoy today", the Lord whispers to me.

it's not always easy.

but He gives me the strength to choose {happiness}.

Happy Trails, y'all!

Question: What has the Lord been whispering to you?  I want to know!

Peaches N' Cream

When I was a little girl, my daddy sometimes called me Peaches and Cream.

I liked being called that by him.

:smile:

I couldn't resist adding a slight HDR effect to this shot - love the texture!

o u t f i t
jean jacket // thrifted
peach tee shirt // thrifted
floral skirt // gifted
flannel petticoat // made by me
brown flats // thrifted
hair flower // Kellie Falconer Design
: :
About a month ago, one of my friends at church gave me this skirt.  She had bought it at the thrift store, but it didn't fit right, so she gave it to me.  I'm so glad she did, because I LOVE this skirt so much!  It's so delicate and feminine, and just about the best twirly skirt ever.
You're never to old to twirl.

There's no built in slip, but my cream flannel petticoat works perfectly.  I'll have to do something different once the weather warms up, though!
: :

The sermon at church today was titled "What is my attitude?" and focused on letting the Holy Spirit work in our lives.  Acts 1:1-8 was the main text, with a lot from the book of John and some in Ephesians.  The basic point of the message was that "The action of the Holy Spirit in our lives is dependent on our attitude toward the Lord Jesus Christ."  Something that really jumped out at me was that "if we continually reject the guidance and prompting of the Holy Spirit we will become spiritually deaf."  We're still saved, of course, but we won't be as effective for Christ, and we won't be growing in Him.
It gave me a lot to ponder and a new way to look at and examine my relationship with Christ.

Today was one of those days where all I want to do is run around yelling "Best day EVER!!" to anyone who will listen.  And then spin around in my twirly skirt.  I resisted both urges, at least while I was at church...well, sorta. :grin:
Such sweet fellowship after church at our monthly potluck.  My church family blesses me so much and I'm so thankful that the Lord led us to this church.  After this month, we will have been attending for a year.
Wow! how time does fly!

Have a fantastic week, everyone!

Question: who or what has been blessing you lately?  I want to know!

p.s.
this song.  i like it.

Miscellany

The question is, is it "grey" or "gray"?  I've always wondered.  Finally, I looked it up on Wikipedia, and what-do-ya-know?  Both are correct.  I prefer "grey", though.  Always have.

I'm lovin' this song from the film Fireproof right now...the lyrics speak to my heart.

The 1 1/2 or more feet of snow we got last week is now melting again.  Hello, ice!  Hello, slush!  I missed you...not.

Oh, here's my updated blog button.  

There was a slight error in the blog address at the bottom previously.
Tis' fixed.

<center><a href="http://natashamarieh.blogspot.com" target="_blank"><img alt="Day by Day" src="http://cedarspringsranch.org/tasha/blogbutton-daybyday.jpg"/></a></center>

Got some yummy books from the library and I can't wait to dig into them!  Historical fiction rocks. =D

Ok, so I don't know anything about her and I haven't really liked any of the movies that I've seen her in, but I think Anne Hathaway is absolutely gorgeous.

But you know something?  My best friend is even more beautiful...

Kellie is beautiful clear through - both inside and outside. 
I've said this many, many times, dear, but I so treasure our friendship. 
You are so, so special to me and I love you more than I can say.

And that's all of the little thoughts that have been bumping about in my head this week. :)

Happy Trails y'all!

Adult-isms

Growing up is a normal, everyday thing that happens gradually. 

You don't just wake up one morning, all finished -  grown up.

You probably knew that already...

I sound like I'm going to go off into a long boring talk about growing up, but I'm not.

Trust me. 

I'm not.

What I am going to do, is tell you something that I've noticed about myself lately.

It made me laugh when I realized I was doing this...

I remember when I was younger I would see some of the things grown-ups did - what they said, how they acted, how they talked to little kids, like me - and I would think to myself, "When I'm a grown-up, I won't do those silly things".  

Like, for example, putting on a different voice when you talk to a child.

I always detested being talked down to.

Or how about when a child is talking to you, listening, but not really listening.  Zoning out...thinking about other things, important things - like zucchini, or thumb tacks, and why leaves are green and not purple - when really the important thing is to listen to what they have to say.

But, the peculiar thing is, I find myself doing, and saying the things that I used to say I would never do.

I try not to talk down to children, simply because I really don't want to, and I think it's a bad habit to get into, but sometimes I catch myself doing it.

What really gets me, is when I catch myself saying, what I call "adult-isms"...actually, I just made that up, but that's what I call it now.  It's official.

"Are you alright?"

"Be careful!"

"Don't do that, you might get hurt!"

"Look both ways before you cross the street."

"Stay right there.  Don't go anywhere."

"Never spank your child on an empty stomach."

Oh, except for not that last one...sorry, that's from an old black and white movie...popped into my head just now...

Ahem, to continue...

Or, saying things during movies like, "That little boy isn't very nice", or "That wasn't a very smart thing to do!". 

And when I stop and think about it, it just makes me laugh.

It seems that grown-ups just can't help it - it comes naturally.  It's part of being an adult, and, someday, a parent.

And while I'm on the subject, when exactly do you become "grown-up"?

Have you ever wondered that?

Since we're always growing, it doesn't seem as if anyone is really "grown-up"...

Sure, there are adults, but some adults aren't what I would call "grown-up".

Maybe I'm not even as grown-up as I think I am...  Hmm, I think I'll ponder that one...but later, not now.

Hmm...well, anyway, I was just cracking myself up thinking about all of the adult-isms I've acquired that I promised I'd never do.

However, one thing that I absolutely WILL NOT do, is take bare-bottom pictures of my babies.

I refuse.

It may seem cute at the time, but it's certainly not appreciated by the future generations!

Diaper pics? Yes.

Bare-bottoms?  No!

Believe me, my children really will arise up and call me blessed because of my noble sacrifice!

There, now that that's off my chest...

Sorry if that bothered anyone, but, well, it had to be said.  It's written down now, so I won't forget as I get sucked farther along in this strange malady called adulthood. 

Happy Trails, y'all!

P.S. On a side note: I wonder why the voice in my head - you know, the one that's saying the words as I type them...wait, that sounded strange...oh, you know what I mean!  Anyway, I wonder why it has a British accent?  It generally has a British accent, but tonight is sounds like Hayley Mills.  I think I've been watching too many movies with her in them...Pollyanna...That Darn Cat...Parent Trap.   Hmm...