Bright and Beautiful

Getting there...

2011-02-26T13:27:00.000-05:00

It seems to me like Spring has been taking a little bit too much time getting here...I just can't wait for

warm days, sunshine, fires in the fire pit, watching this years corn crop grow, running around the yard with my little brother, feeling the soft grass in between our toes, just sitting outside with the family, gardening, cook-outs, swimming, fishing, and all of those other fun things that Spring and Summer bring ...

Yes, I miss all of those things so much. :)

"Sometimes it feels like I am so far away from everything--and then there are times when I feel I am not very far at all.

But in reality--I am so very close. So many different things to look

forward to this year and the years to come...

And I can say that, yes, I am ready."

Snow Storm 2011

2011-02-02T15:27:00.001-05:00

The past couple days have been full of ice, snow, and wind. We are just thanking God that our power line didn't go down last night from the thick ice that was on the lines, and plus the wind. Last night in bed it sounded as if my ceiling was going to crash down on top of us because of all the ice and tree branches that were falling on top of the roof.

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When the ice came, it covered all of the weeds and made them look so gorgeous!

We had about half an inch of ice on top of the porch

And today the sleet turned into snow (which is sooo much better. :)

Jake and Becky running down the ice covered road in the thick snow

Some of the damage from last night plus the inch thick layer of ice

Jake and Becky enjoying the day off of school and playing in the snow

More ice

Some of the drifts

~Tea Time~

2011-01-30T12:00:00.001-05:00

"Yes, that's it!"

Said the Hatter with a sigh, "it's always tea time."

~Alice in Wonderland

Summer Dreams...

2011-01-23T16:04:00.000-05:00

~A Summer Day~

By: Lucy Maud Montgomery

I

The dawn laughs out on orient hills
And dances with the diamond rills;
The ambrosial wind but faintly stirs
The silken, beaded gossamers;
In the wide valleys, lone and fair,
Lyrics are piped from limpid air,
And, far above, the pine trees free
Voice ancient lore of sky and sea.
Come, let us fill our hearts straightway
With hope and courage of the day.

II

Noon, hiving sweets of sun and flower,
Has fallen on dreams in wayside bower,
Where bees hold honeyed fellowship
With the ripe blossom of her lip;
All silent are her poppied vales
And all her long Arcadian dales,
Where idleness is gathered up
A magic draught in summer's cup.
Come, let us give ourselves to dreams
By lisping margins of her streams.

III

Adown the golden sunset way
The evening comes in wimple gray;
By burnished shore and silver lake
Cool winds of ministration wake;
O'er occidental meadows far
There shines the light of moon and star,
And sweet, low-tinkling music rings
About the lips of haunted springs.
In quietude of earth and air
'Tis meet we yield our souls to prayer

Christmas | Song

2010-12-19T14:01:00.000-05:00

This song came from the 2009 Christmas Cantata at my church.

I am playing the piano, and the Teen Choir is singing.

Enjoy!

Merry Christmas!! :)

Its Beginning to Look a lot like Christmas!

2010-12-07T09:59:00.000-05:00

It is snowing a ton right as I type this... and I am listening to Christmas music, which is making me even MORE excited about Christmas!! (which if you can believe...is right around the corner. )

I have gotten most of my Christmas shopping

done, just have a few little things here and there to get. :)

Have a Merry Christmas!!!

**Credits go to Becky for the last photo!! :)

Happy Birthday, Aaron!!

2010-12-05T20:22:00.000-05:00

Happy 3rd Birthday, Little Man!!! :)

(yes, this a late message... :)

~In Christ Alone~

2010-10-26T19:14:00.000-04:00

In Christ alone, my hope is found 

He is my light, my strength, my song 

This cornerstone, this solid ground 

Firm through the fiercest drought and storm 

What heights of love, what depths of peace 

When fears are stilled, when strivings cease 

My comforter, my all-in-all 

Here in the love of Christ I stand

There in the ground His body lay 

Light of the world by darkness slain 

Then bursting forth in glorious day 

Up from the grave He rose again!

And as He stands in victory 

Sin’s curse has lost its grip on me

 For I am His and He is mine 

Bought with the precious blood of Christ

No guilt in life, no fear in death

 This is the power of Christ in me 

From life’s first cry to final breath 

Jesus commands my destiny 

No power of hell, no scheme of man
 
Can ever pluck me from His hand

 Till He returns or calls me home 

Here in the power of Christ I’ll stand

<3

~Just some things I love~

2010-10-13T21:18:00.000-04:00

~Like... hanging laundry out on the line~

~Watching the leaves change color right before our eyes~

~Watching little brothers climb trees~

~Enjoying God's Creations (even if they can be annoying sometimes ;) ~

~Fresh pressed Cider <3~

~Enjoying amazing friendships with siblings <3....~

~...or friends <3~

~Just sitting outside under a tree and enjoying every second of the amazing Autumn air~

~And most of all--spending time in God's Word <3~

What to do with a Beautiful Sunset--

2010-10-10T14:07:00.000-04:00

Here are some photos that I took the other day when I had both the most amazing sunset ever, and then a little dust from the farmer who was at the time harvesting his crop. :)

I mean, come on...I would have been crazy if I didn't pick up this awesome opportunity! ;)

My Little Siblings | Photo Shoot

2010-08-26T16:02:00.000-04:00

Here are couple of photo's from the shoot that I did with Becky and Aaron the other day.

It was so much fun, and every time that I see the one with Aaron and his eyes shut I laugh. :)

The reason he did that is because every time you ask him to say "cheese"...that is what you get. A little boy who closes his eyes and gives you the biggest smile he can. :) It basically melts your heart right then and there. <3

Have a wonderful Day!!!

~Chelsea

Stuff from the Garden :)

2010-08-10T14:35:00.000-04:00

Here is just a small sample of what we are getting from our garden. :) We have really, really enjoyed having (eating) all of this fresh produce that we have put so much hard work into growing. :)

-Chelsea <3

Fun Times :)

2010-08-01T21:24:00.000-04:00

I would have to say that I love being the oldest child in my family, and think that I am EXTREMELY blessed to have 4 other siblings that give me joy everyday to be around. Although being the eldest can *sometimes* be hard... God gave me the incredible duty to be someone that my siblings can look up to learn from. And I am thankful for that. :)

<3 Chelsea

Camp | Fun

2010-07-24T22:40:00.001-04:00

Well, I am back after 2 weeks of counseling at Camp P!!! It was a ton of fun, and what was probably THE most exciting for me was that we had a few girls accept Christ as their Saviour, and then several who made some spiritual decisions!! Praise the Lord! It really was a wonderful time, and even though I am very happy to be home...I miss being there...can't wait for next year! ;)

<3 Chelsea

Flag

2010-07-07T08:31:00.000-04:00

| chelsea |

Bee w/ Flower

2010-07-06T16:53:00.000-04:00

This was taken in a small town about 5 minutes from my house.

Cow's|Animals

2010-07-06T16:47:00.000-04:00

Today I am at a very good friends house doing photography related stuff for a local contest that is coming up! :) Here are a few photos that I took while at a cow farm not far from her house. :)

Chelsea <3

Plant

2010-06-24T19:45:00.000-04:00

Here is a photo of Jake "gardening". :)

Garden -*-

2010-06-24T19:27:00.001-04:00

A couple weeks ago we planted our garden. We decided to do lasagna gardening since our tiller is in a storage unit. We actually really like it! It is very simple, convenient, and if you have just a small space to plant a garden, it won't take up a whole lot of space. :)

Ladybug~

2010-05-18T17:35:00.000-04:00

I was out messing with my camera a few weeks ago and got this shot. :)

Mother's Day

2010-05-09T13:34:00.000-04:00

Mom's smiles can brighten any moment,

Mom's hugs put joy in all our days,

Mom's love will stay with us forever

and touch our lives in precious ways...

the values you have taught,

the care you've given,

and the wonderful love you've shown,

have enriched my life,

in more ways than I can count.

I Love You Mom!!!

I hope that all you moms out there have a very blessed Mother's Day!! :)

Love,

Chelsea

A Beautiful Sunset

2010-05-07T10:34:00.001-04:00

Here is a sunset that I took a couple days ago. It was just so beautiful, I couldn't resist not to pull out my camera. ;) The sunsets here are never the same...sometimes we'll have a bright golden one, or maybe even a rainbow colored one! We have such a WONDERFUL CREATOR! A Creator that makes the most beautiful things. :)

Practicing The Piano

2010-04-28T19:59:00.000-04:00

What all has been going on around here...photography style

2010-04-26T16:32:00.000-04:00

Cleaning the camp to get it ready for the season

Photographing old bells...

Being Cute

Having the enjoyment of smiling those cheesy smiles :D

Taking down bears...

Babysitting

Photographing little cuties

Playing in the creek after a hard days work

Enjoying God's beautiful creation

Having those heart felt chats with those you love

Driving Tractors

Eating wonderful food

Enjoying swinging

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Burt at his best

2010-04-08T13:36:00.000-04:00

I got this shot of my cat "Burt" right as he was yawning...I thought it turned out perfect. :)

~Busy Days~

2010-03-29T22:04:00.000-04:00

Well, I know it has been a very long time since I have posted and you could award me the "Worst Blogger of the Year" award if you wanted to. :) Since my last post, we have had 2 birthdays...Matthews and Dads. :) Matthew turned 9 March 1st. It has been such a blessing (and a lot of fun) to watch him grow from a baby to a busy boy running constantly around with a wooden sword of some kind or a toy gun. :)

Things around here have been pretty busy, especially with Easter within days away. I am playing the piano at Church for both Good Friday Service and the Adult Choir and Girls Quartet on Easter. Fun, fun! :) I have really enjoyed playing for the Teen/ Adult Choirs, but I am very ready for it to be over with. :)

I will try to post some pictures here soon of everything. :) We are about to have some awesome weather, so I'll try to get out and shoot some Easter photos. :)

~Chelsea

Even Toddlers Read! :)

2010-02-11T19:56:00.002-05:00

Be afraid...be VERY afraid!

2010-02-11T19:50:00.000-05:00

Our Ohio Snow Storm

2010-02-07T18:52:00.000-05:00

Hello!

Well, we finally had our BIG snow strom of the year! Friday-Saturday we got about 15 inches of snow and drifting that was about 3 ft. deep! We have all been outside playing in it non-stop since yesterday and Becky and I have been able to build a huge snow fort that is 11 ft. long and 5 ft. wide! It has been a ton of fun. :) Here are some photos:

Matthew and his snow fort that he made all by himself

Aaron inside of the fort

Aaron in some deep snow and trying to get out by climbing onto a sled

A random bush

Becky

My cat "Burt"

When you ask Aaron to smile and say cheese...this is what you get. :)Becky hard at work on the fortThe fort

A Little Hair Cut for A Little Boy

2010-02-02T15:08:00.001-05:00

Here he is with mom and his hair all done! :)

T-Tapp - It REALLY Works!! :)

2010-01-26T16:11:00.002-05:00

Hello All!

I am just writing to tell you about T-Tapp-the most amazing (and I mean amazing) workout ever!

It seems so simple, yet while you do it, you feel like you have been working out all day...and it has only been

15 minutes. :) My mom and I have been doing it now for 1 month and have seen the most amazing results that we have never seen before using other workout DVD's/ Diets. I have lost a total of 20lbs. and have lost about 1 (almost 2!) clothes sizes. (And this working out only 15 mins. a day) It is SO amazing! :) I have more to lose, but I am just so very excited about the progress that I have made in just one month!! After I have lost a little more weight, I will post some before and after photo's. It really is amzing and my Mom and I recommend T-Tapp with all of our hearts. Seriously, you have to try it. :)

www.ttapp.com

Chelsea<3

P.S. Click on the link above to see some peoples results in just 60 days! :)

Trying some new things...

2010-01-25T17:23:00.000-05:00

Hello All!

Sorry the blog is a little mess right now...I am trying to fix it up and am currently re-doing it a tiny bit. :) Hopefully I will have it totally done here soon. :) Thanks for your patience. :)

Oh, and sorry for not posting for awhile...been busy. :)

Chelsea <3

A song from our Christmas Cantata--Teen Choir

2010-01-04T11:57:00.002-05:00

-2010-

2010-01-01T00:04:00.000-05:00

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!! :)

Aaron and the snow

2009-12-31T23:58:00.000-05:00

Aaron's 2 Birthday!!!!

2009-12-17T19:28:00.000-05:00

November 29th was little Aaron's 2nd birthday!! We can't believe it!! We had (as usual) a small little family party for him and he opened his gifts. :) It was sooo much fun to watch him open them, but most of all to see his little face...it was priceless. :) God has really blessed us! :) <3

An awesome Photo Video!

2009-11-07T20:42:00.002-05:00

Photography: Shooting the Galapagos from Vision Forum on Vimeo.

Becky's 12th Birthday!!!!! :D

2009-11-06T21:08:00.000-05:00

Sorry for the RED EYE!!! lol but lighting was pretty bad...lol :D
Allllll Riiiigggghhhhtttt....So Becky's 12th birthday was today!!!! YAY!!! We all can't believe that she is actually 12!!! lol But, she said that today was the best birthday she has ever had!! And as you can see from a few of the photos...somebody else can't wait for HIS birthday to come here in a couple weeks! :) He "helped" Becky open a couple of her gifts/ eat them...and when cake time came...he "helped" put his mark on the cake by dipping and eating the candles. Can you tell that he is a little excited???!!?? lol One birthday down for the month...another to go. :)

God Bless!

~Chelsea~

Having Fun with Friends! :)

2009-10-29T00:26:00.000-04:00

A couple weeks ago we had our super good friends over and had a BLAST!!! Here are some pictures of what we did. :) Enjoy!! ( and I MEAN enjoy...some of these photos you can ONLY get HERE) lol :)

Becky's Build-A-Bear B-day Party

2009-10-14T23:13:00.000-04:00

Here are some pictures from when we went to Build-A-Bear Workshop for Becky's 12th Birthday party. She asked her dear friend Halle to come with her and they both had a blast picking out their Bears. :) After we got the Bears, we all went out to eat and Becky and Halle got to play with their Bears after on the way home. :) It was a busy an fun-filled day! :)

Playing with Tractors

2009-09-19T16:41:00.001-04:00

These pictures were taken at our little County Fair that we had a couple of weeks ago. As soon as the boys saw these tractors...they got excited. :) They were the "big boy tractors". :) So, I decided that I would get some photos of them playing on them, and they loved every second of it. :) The tires on the Harvester were soooo big, that Matthew could sit right inside of it! Matthew said that as soon as we are able to move onto bigger property, he wants to get a tractor. :)

Blessings!

Chelsea <3

Lazy Days In Ohio...

2009-09-18T17:45:00.001-04:00

The days just keep on getting shorter and shorter, and the leaves are gradually getting all of their beautiful fall colors on. The animals are getting lazy and the insects are getting ready for the cold weather that is just knocking on our door. I love fall and all of its wonders! :) It is my most favorite season, and I always look forward to it. :) I mean, just the way it smells is wonderful! :) Autumn in Ohio is awesome... especially in Amish Country. All of the bright colored leaves falling from their trees, the smell of someone baking a fresh Apple or Pumpkin pie, walking through a large pumpkin patch, and drinking hot Apple Cider... it is all something to look forward to. :) I just keep on counting down the days until the actual day... :)

Have a Blessed day!

~Chelsea~

Matt and the Turtle...

2009-09-10T13:32:00.002-04:00

We found this little Turtle in a Library parking lot a couple days ago. We brought it home and Matthew ran up to his room and brought down his book on Turtles, and we all had a wonderful time trying to find out what kind of Turtle it was. Well, he found out that it was a baby 'Snapping Turtle'. Matthew was so proud that he was able to figure out what kind it was all by himself. :) He even went down to the creek that is next to our house (with the handy-dandy book by his side) and found all of the things listed that the Turtle ate, lived in, etc. :) He had a blast and in the end learned a whole bunch on Snapping Turtles! :)

I'm back!!! :)

2009-08-06T12:00:00.010-04:00

***Update*** Hello! Just here to tell you that although I didn't win best of show...I did win 2 1st place ribbons, a 2nd, and a 3rd place ribbon!! I am EXCITED!!!! :)
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Well, I have decided to open up my blog again!! We've been pretty busy these past couple of weeks, and have had very little time for Internet things. We are still going to be pretty busy for the next few weeks with the County Fair coming up, and my brother Jacob and sister Becky are getting baptized at the end of this month! So everything coming up is pretty exciting for us!! I decided that am going to be entering some of my photography in the Fair this year...here are a few of the pictures that I will be entering:

I really want to place Best of Show on at least one of them!! lol :) But even if I don't...it doesn't really matter to me. It is fun to do! :) I was finally able to find a job this summer! I now am an Intern for an Art Studio! I had my first assignment a couple weeks ago at a Hospital. It went REALLY well. :)

Graduation pictures from Church

2009-06-10T13:20:00.002-04:00

Amanda

Abigail

They both did such a wonderful job singing together!

Abigail playing "Be thou my Vision" before church starts

All of the above pictures were from my friends Abigail and Amanda's graduation at our Church. They did such a great job on everything! :)

CONGRATS ABIGAIL AND AMANDA!!!! :)

P.S. Sorry that the pictures didn't turn out very well, but the lighting in the church wasn't the greatest so they turned out dark and fuzzy. Sorry! :)

An awesome sky!

2009-06-04T15:00:00.003-04:00

Here is an awesome picture that I took of the sky! It was just before a big storm, and turned out beautiful! :)

Becky

2009-05-31T18:08:00.003-04:00

--*--Chelsea

Jake

2009-05-31T18:01:00.003-04:00

These kind of pictures are very HARD to get of Jake, but luckily for me, I was able to get them "this one time only". lol :)

--*--Chelsea

Tractor Play

2009-05-30T09:35:00.002-04:00

BBBBRRRRRRR......

::Chelsea

Our Kittens

2009-05-25T16:01:00.002-04:00

-Chelsea-

:::A few things we like to do after school and chores:::

2009-05-25T15:29:00.005-04:00

Football

Catch Butterflies Write short stories

Play Badminton!

..*..Chelsea..*..

Flowers/Dandelion Blowing

2009-05-24T15:36:00.005-04:00

~ ..*..Chelsea..*..~

Our South Carolina Trip

2009-05-19T20:13:00.004-04:00

Here are just a few pictures from our recent trip to South Carolina to visit my Grandpa (Papaw). We had a blast, but are glad to be home. :)

God Bless!!

Becky

2009-05-11T22:53:00.002-04:00

Spring Sunsets

2009-05-02T11:32:00.001-04:00

Hanging Laundry

2009-05-02T11:18:00.003-04:00

We've been able to hang our laundry outside for the past couple of days and I can't even tell you how nice it has been! There for awhile we were having summer like days that were in the 80*!

It was nice. :) And as crazy as I am about photography, I couldn't help but take a picture. ;)

Nature Pics

2009-04-19T16:26:00.005-04:00

I took these yesterday when a friend of mine who also enjoys doing photography came over. We had a blast and loved looking at all of God's creation! Only God could make something so beautiful!! :)

Photo Creations :)

2009-04-10T21:21:00.003-04:00

Here are some photography projects that I have been doing over the past couple of weeks.

Hope you enjoy! :)

Sorry! (again! :)

2009-03-28T14:06:00.005-04:00

Wow! I know I say that every time that I don't post for awhile, but this time I mean it! :)

I guess being busy is something that is just a part of being a family! I haven't been able to go on

lately because of school coming to an end and spring cleaning, and special meetings at church all week, (which by the way were SO awesome! :) and so much more!

And speaking of the special meetings, Evangelist Chuck Kempf was able to come to our church and do special meetings all week. He was so good! It was so sad when we had the last meeting last night because everyone was so into his sermons and couldn't wait until the next day to hear more of his preaching! :) The whole church learned something new every night. It was such a blessing. :) They left early this morning so prayers would be appreciated very much for their safety on the road as they travel to Michigan for their next meetings.

Well, I had better go to get ready for church tomorrow and continue to work to get the whole Library room cleaned and done! (not that I'm really excited to get the cleaning done that is... :)

In Christ,

My Photography Blog

2009-03-19T16:23:00.003-04:00

Hello!

Me and my friend Laura just made a photography blog and would love for you to come and see our pictures! Here is the link: Precious Photos.

I hope you enjoy it!

3/19/09

2009-03-19T13:25:00.003-04:00

New Pictures taken with New Camera! :)

2009-03-19T11:04:00.003-04:00

Wow! What a difference in quality than my old camera! I am so happy with my new camera and love the photos that I get from it! I hope you enjoy them as much as I do. :)

In Christ,

Getting a new camera-- finally!

2009-03-13T12:50:00.004-04:00

I am finally graduating from a little digital camera to a really nice pro digital camera! I am so excited and can't wait till I get it in a few days! The camera that I decided to get is a Nikon D60. It is really nice and takes such awesome pictures. I will try to get on and post as soon as I have some new pictures. :)

In Christ,

Just a few March '09 Pictures

2009-03-10T19:03:00.003-04:00

Thinking of those warmer days...

2009-02-28T10:08:00.005-05:00

When it was around 75-80 degrees out, and the birds were singing, and when the grass was green, and those warm summer nights when you could just sit out on your porch, and sit out in the grass with a cat, and just sitting there and smelling all of the sweet fragrances of the flowers all around you! If that doesn't make you want those warmer days, I don't know what else does! :)

A little hello :)

2009-02-23T21:22:00.003-05:00

Well, we finally got all of our computer problems taken care of! The way we did it was to say bye to the old one and say hello to a new one! So far no problems. :) Things here have been going well except for a little sickness here and there, but other than that pretty well! We have finally found another house that we are interested in and are gong to go see it tomorrow morning. All of us really like it a lot, so please pray that it will be the house!
Over the past couple of months God has really taught me a lot about patience. Between looking for a house for over a year and a few other things, God has just really shown me to just give all of my worries to Him and He will take care of it. And it is just so nice to know that He does have everything under control. Well, have a good night! :)

Blessings!
Chelsea

Computer Problems!

2009-02-12T14:51:00.002-05:00

Hello!
Just a quick note to tell you that we are having a lot computer problems on BOTH of our
computers! So I will not be able to post a whole lot for a little while. Pray that we will be able to get everything worked out!! Thanks!! :)

~Chelsea

The Terri Schiavo Story

2009-02-09T23:54:00.003-05:00

I want you to please take a look at: The Terri Schiavo Story .

Thank you!

Our Amish

2009-02-06T22:57:00.003-05:00

Here are some pictures that I took of our Amish houses/land that live close by us. They have a few little stores that my Mom likes to go to, so whenever she goes to one, it is a good opportunity for me to take a few pictures. :)

*NOTE: Most of the things like the house, barns, swing set/sandbox etc. is all hand-made by the Amish. It is really neat how they do it!

Please Pray

2009-02-06T22:45:00.003-05:00

My Grandpa has been in the hospital now for 2 days. We haven't been able to find out what exactly he has going on, but hopefully, Lord willing, we will find something out soon. PLEASE PRAY FOR HIM!!!! Thank you! :)

2009 Family Pictures~

2009-02-01T23:22:00.008-05:00

A Little Time Away... A Good Thing??

2009-02-01T22:18:00.005-05:00

Just today I realized just how long it has been since I have posted something! But because of the normal craziness of a typical large family life, I have stepped out of the wonderful world of blogging for awhile. :) I can't believe how fast time flies! In the time that I have been away we have been able to get a lot of much needed house work and such done. In a way it has been a blessing to be away for a little while. :)

I have been praying that the Lord may open a door to let me start teaching piano. I called a friend of mine to ask if there was any chance that she would like me to teach her 2 children and she said that she wanted to pray and talk to her husband about it, but said that she would really like me to and that there was a great chance that I would! I am so excited and hope that it is the Lords will for me to do so! So please pray for me that I might just be able to do it! I hope that I will be able to post again to you soon!

May God bless you!
~Chelsea

GIVEAWAYS!!

2009-01-29T15:08:00.003-05:00

Miss Jocelyn over at A Pondering Heart is having a great giveaway! You do not want to miss it!

-Chelsea

Chocolate Sugar Cookies

2009-01-12T14:44:00.002-05:00

Chocolate Sugar Cookies

1 1/2 c. all-purpose flour
1/2 c. cocoa
1 tsp. baking powder
1/2 tsp. salt
1 stick butter, softened
1 1/2 c. sugar
1 stick butter, softened
1 large egg
1 1/2 tsp. vanilla

Preheat oven to 375 F. Whisk together flour, cocoa, baking powder & salt. In a large bowl, mix 1 stick of butter & sugar until pale and fluffy. Mix in the other stick of butter. Add egg & vanilla, mix until creamy. Gradually add flour mixture until just combined. Using an ice cream scoop, drop dough onto ungreased cookie sheets. Bake for 15-18 minutes. Cool in pan on wire rack.

**Store them in an air tight container (if you even have any left) :)

A Very Beautiful Ice Storm

2009-01-03T12:40:00.002-05:00

A couple days ago we had a small ice storm come. It was so beautiful to look at when we woke up the next morning.

From My Family to Yours~

2008-12-23T19:32:00.007-05:00

Please remember the real reason for the Season. It is not all about the gifts or food or anything like that, it is about the birth of Christ. May God bless you!

-Chelsea

The Best Pizza in the World!

2008-12-12T18:28:00.004-05:00

This has to be the best pizza recipe in the world! We love it so much that we eat it about 2-3 times a week! :)

God's Beautiful Creation

2008-12-12T18:13:00.006-05:00

Awhile back, my Youth Group went on a hike and these are some of the pictures that we got. :)

A Beautiful Sunset

2008-12-12T18:05:00.007-05:00

Another Year Added! :)

2008-12-12T17:50:00.007-05:00

Yep, it was time for another birthday! (mine this time!) I had such
a good one!
But the gifts of course are the best gifts I have ever had! (Yes, I say that every time, but they are!:)lol The gifts I got were: Slippers, Earrings, 25$ gift Card to Walmart, going and getting my ears pierced, REAL DIAMOND EARRINGS!!! :) (as shown), and a craft. I want to thank my Parents and Grandparents for making my birthday so special. :)

Did Someone Say Chocolate Chip Cookies?

2008-12-08T19:31:00.004-05:00

Yep! And let me tell you...THEY WERE GOOD!!

Mr. Police Officer

2008-12-08T19:12:00.003-05:00

Our house is now guarded by the best Police man in the world! So, you better watch out!

Somebody Just Turned 1!

2008-12-08T18:27:00.005-05:00

On November 29, 2007 a year ago, Aaron Daniel(my baby brother) was born into this world. It has been such a blessing to watch him grow from a tiny 7 lb. baby, into a wondernose of a toddler! God has surely blessed us!

Please Pray for Me

2008-11-24T16:46:00.003-05:00

Today I've not been feeling good at all. Please pray that I will get better soon so that I won't miss out on going to my Aunts house for Thanksgiving.
Thanks to all of you who pray for me!!
In Christ,
Chelsea

A Thankful Heart

2008-11-22T11:16:00.009-05:00

Okay, so I could tell you a million things that I am thankful for. God has given and blessed me with so much! One thing that is especially important to me is how He sent His only Son to die for each and every one of us on the cross so that we could all go to Heaven if we accepted God's gift. My mom printed this out for us to read. I liked it so much that my brother and I shared it with our Youth Group at Church.
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A Teenager's View Of Heaven--------------------

17-year-old Brian Moore had only a short time to write something for a class. The subject was what Heaven was like. 'I wowed 'em; he later told his father, Bruce. 'It's a killer. It's the bomb. It's the best thing I ever wrote.. It also was the last.

Brian Moore died May 27, 1997, the day after Memorial Day. He was driving home from a friend's house when his car went off Bulen-Pierce Road in Pickaway County and struck a utility pole. He emerged from the wreck unharmed but stepped on a downed power line and was electrocuted.

-----------------Brian's Essay: The Room...-------------------

In that place between wakefulness and dreams, I found myself in the room. Ther were no distinguishing features except for the one wall covered with small index card files. They were like the one's in Libraries that list titles by author or subject in alphabetical order. But these files, which streched from floor to ceiling and seemingly endless in either direction, had very different headings. As I drew near the wall of files, the first to catch my attention was the one that read 'Girls I have Liked'. I opened it and began flipping through the cards. I quickly shut it, shocked to realize that I recognized the names written on each one. And then without being told, I knew exactly where I was.

This lifless room with its small files was a crud catalog system for my life. Here were written the actions of my every moment, big and small, in a detail my memory couldn't match. A sense of wonder and curiosity, coupled with horror, stirred within me as i began randomly opening files and exploring their content. Some brought joy and sweet memories; others a sense of shame and regret so intense that I would look over my shoulder to see if anyone was watching.
A file named 'Friends' was next to one marked 'Friends I have betrayed.' The titles ranged from the mundane to the outright weird 'Books I have Read', 'Lies I Have Told,' 'Comfort I Have Given,' 'Jokes I Have Laughed At'. Some were almost hilarious in their exactness: 'Things That I Have Yelled At My Brothers'. Others I couldn't laugh at: 'Things I have done in my anger', 'Things I have muttered under my breath at my parents.' I never ceased to be surprised by the contents.

Often there were many more cards than I expected . Sometimes fewer than I hoped. I was overwhelmed by the sheer volume of the life I had lived. Could it be possible that I had the time in my years to fill each of these thousands or even millions of cards? But each card confirmed this truth. Each was written in my own handwriting. Each signed with my signature.

When I pulled out the file marked 'TV Show's I have watched', I realized the files grew to contain their contents.The cards were packed tightly, and yet after two or three yards, I hadn't found the end of the file. I shut it, shamed, not so much by the quality of the shows but more by the vast time I knew that file represented.

When I came to a file marked 'Lustful Thoughts,' I felt a chill run down my body. I pulled the file out only an inch, not willing to test its size and drew out a card. I shuddered at its detailed content.

I felt sick to think that such a a moment had been recorded. An almost animal rage broke on me. No one must ever see this room! I have to destroy them! In insane frenzy I yanked the file out. Its size didn't matter now. I had to empty it and burn the cards. But as I took it at one end and began pounding it on the floor, I could not dislodge a single card. I became desperate and pulled out a card, only to find that it was as strong as steel when I tried to tear it.

Defeated and utterly helpless, I returned the file to its slot. Leaning my forehead against the wall, I let out a long, self-pitying sigh.

And then I saw it. The title bore 'People I have shared the Gospel with.' The handle was brighter than those around it, seemed newer, almost unused. I pulled on its handle and a small box not more than three inches long fell into my hands. I could count the cards it contained on one hand.

And then the tears came. I began to weep. Sobs so deep that they hurt. They started in my stomach and shook through me. I fell on my knees and cried. I cried out of shame, from the overwhelming shame of it all. The rows of file shelves swirled in my tear-filled eyes. No one must ever, ever know of this room. I must lock it up and hide the key. But then as I pushed way the tears, I saw Him. No, please not Him. Not here. Oh, anyone but Jesus. I watched helplessly as He began to open the files and read the cards. I couldn't bear to watch His response. And in the moments I could bring myself to look at His face, I saw a sorrow deeper than my own.

He seemed to intuitively go to the worst boxes. Why did He have to read every one? Finally He turned and looked at me from across the room. He looked at me with pity in His eyes. But this was a pity that didn't anger me. I dropped my head, covered my face with my hads and began to cry again. He walked over and put His arm around me. He could have said so many things. But He didn't say a word. He just cried with me.

Then He got up and walked back to the wall of files. Starting at one end of the room, He took out a file and, one by one, began to sign His name over mine on each card. 'No!' I shouted rushing to Him. All I could find to say was 'No,no,' as I pulled the card from Him. His name was shouldn't be on these cards. But there it was, written in red so rich, so dark, so alive. The name of Jesus covered mine. It was written in His blood. He gently took the card back. He smiled a sad smile and began to sign the cards. I don't think I'll ever understand how He did it so quickly, but the next instant it seemed I heard Him close the last file and walk back to my side. He placed His hand on my shoulder and said, 'It is finished.' I stood up, and He led me out of the room. There was no lock on its door. There were still cards to be written.

'I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.' -Phil. 4:13
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'For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him shall not perish, but have everlasting life.'-John 3:16
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The Newest Sense and Sensibility Patterns

2008-11-09T16:55:00.008-05:00

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Click on my title to go to the website. :)

Giveaway!!!

2008-11-08T14:13:00.010-05:00

Marie-Madeline Studio is giving away a pin cushion party sewing kit!

Here's how to enter--

::Leave a comment with your name and email address at their blog

::If you are a aspiring seamstress, please ask them a question about sewing!

...and that's it! You can click on the title and it will bring you right to their blog where the Giveaway is! :) (this is no longer available)

A Very Special 11th Birthday

2008-11-08T13:37:00.008-05:00

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Becky is oficially 11! She is really excited (who wouldn't be!).As a birthday gift from Mom and Dad,she went to Build-A-Bear Workshop. She had a really great time as you can see.:)

In Christ, Chelsea

I'm back....

2008-11-06T09:57:00.004-05:00

to the blogging world! We have been really busy with the normal family life doing cleaning and school work that I haven't really had the time to blog! (plus our laptop
broke) But I'll try to make up for it. :) Today is my sister Becky's birthday! It is so hard to believe that she is turning 11! The years sure have gone by fast. We are throwing a little family party for her. I'll be sure to take lots of pictures for all of you who LOVE looking at them.:)

Lots of pictures coming!

In Christ,
Chelsea

A Day at the Fair :)

2008-10-30T13:41:00.005-04:00

Ouch!

2008-10-28T10:49:00.006-04:00

Yeah, that's the word that I was saying last Thursday. When I walked into the
kitchen, I didn't see the little puddle of water that was looking up at me.
Well, long story short, I am to be sitting and resting my SPRAINED ankle for
1 whole week! I consider that to be a bigger ouch than the pain! And then of course
I am to wear an air cast for the next 5 to 6 weeks whenever I go walk or do any work.
Exciting right? :) Well, this has been a lesson to remember, WATCH WHERE YOU ARE STEPPING!!! :)

Blessings!
~Chelsea~

Psalm 5:1-3

2008-10-17T22:03:00.004-04:00

Give ear to my words, O LORD, consider my meditation. Hearken unto the voice of my cry, my King , and my God: for unto thee will I pray. My voice shalt thou hear in the morning, O LORD; in the morning will I direct my prayer unto thee, and will look up

Psalm 5:1-3

What I thank God for everyday

2008-10-17T21:48:00.005-04:00

First of all, I thank God for loving us SO MUCH, that He sent His Son to die on the cross for our sins. Without that, we would all be lost with no hope. I thank Him for giving me a wonderful family to love me, a warm home, freedom to worship, a Church, the sun, moon, the stars, all of these things plus a lot more are what I thank God for everyday. God is such an AWESOME God, He gave us so much. Think about it....

What are YOU thankful to God for?

Blessings!

Modest Make-Up?

2008-10-16T19:50:00.005-04:00

I got this post from http://aponderingheart.com/. It is really great! It is so sad to see just how many young people that cover up their natural beauty.

Modest Make-Up?
Is there such a thing as modest make-up? Should we have standards for that as well? If so what are they and how do we determine what we wear?
The Bible does speak on make-up, though I didn’t really know of it until just the other day. Mother Dear read the entire chapter of Jeremiah 4 aloud to us, which speaks to and about Israel and Judah - how they’ve turned away from God and how they follow after the heathen ways. When you get down to verse 30 you find mention of the painting of the face, and it makes me wonder if this means makeup.
“30And when thou art spoiled, what wilt thou do? Though thou clothest thyself with crimson, though thou deckest thee with ornaments of gold, though thou rentest thy face with painting, in vain shalt thou make thyself fair; thy lovers will despise thee, they will seek thy life.”
I find myself, lately, asking “is this acceptable because it’s holy and pure, or because I was raised with it?” Another verse I hadn’t really thought about in terms of makeup was 1 Timothy 2:9 where it speaks about not being made-up in broided hair, or gold, or pearls, or costly array. Perhaps wearing make-up fits right into this as well?
I myself believe that depending on how you wear and for what reasons will determine if it fits in with the above verses and if it is shamefaced. I don’t agree with anyone under 15 wearing make-up, for a few reasons, and I get confused when I see young Christian ladies wearing make-up extensively. Or fashion photos posted on modest-clothing sites with the models completely covered in dark makeup.
When I say extensively I mean more than is necessary, such as eyeliner, eye-shadow, mascara, lipstick/gloss, lip-liner, or blush. Wearing those cosmetics make you look unnatural and immodest. You are much prettier, if anything, without all of that artificial beauty the world has come up with.
I believe make-up is to enhance your natural beauty, and not to cover anything up. I believe you only need to wear the basics, which are simply foundation and powder. Both of these products neither cover-up or “make-up” your face in an immodest way, but enhance your natural beauty and protect your skin.
When Amanda and I were 15 and 16 Mother Dear decided we could wear the basics just to cover up small blemishes and to protect our skin. To this day the only thing I wear is the basics. However, after a little discussion with Mother Dear, I also wear blush as I am quite pale, though you can hardly tell. Usually my makeup is completely gone after several hours because I barely put any on and it is not a big concern of mine to look made up. I only wear it to cover up blemishes, and I spend less than five-minutes doing so.
Honestly, you should hardly be able to tell you even wear make-up it should look so natural, and if it doesn’t you need to reevaluate why you’re wearing the make-up at all. I am still pondering whether the makeup I wear would be consider the painting of the face or not, and then I shall go from there with what the Lord leads me. However, I wanted to encourage you in this area to consider if your makeup is modest.
Christ calls us to be set a part from the world, that includes how they look and dress. Just because our culture says it’s alright for ladies as young as 9yo to wear makeup, extensively, doesn’t mean we should.
Challenge: If you wear any kind of makeup take a before and after photo and see if your makeup is modest or not. *This was written to young ladies.

Blessings!

WARNING! VERY CUTE

2008-10-13T09:31:00.006-04:00

Tippy our cat gave birth to 5 kittens. (anyone want a kitten??:) ) We have tried not to get too attached to these kittens so that when we go to give them away, we don't get all upset. But it is very hard because they are so cute! Hope you enjoy them as much as we do!

Blessings!

A beautiful day at the park

2008-10-13T09:14:00.006-04:00

Blessings!

What we've been up to...

2008-10-04T17:27:00.008-04:00

Taking pictures for School

Playing with kittens
Pulling teeth out
Being cute

Making skirts
Being cute some more
Eating dinner
Taking a picture of the cutest baby in the world
Taking bike rides

Fixing bikes
Playing with leaves

Watching the leaves turn color
Bike riding some more

Baking pies Enjoying fresh baked pies (Mmmmm!)

Blessings!

Making Herself Beautiful

2008-10-04T14:08:00.009-04:00

I'm Reading this book called 'Beautiful Girlhood'. It is a really good book so far and has really made me think about things different. Here is something that I just read and think that it is something that all girls should read.

Sometimes, much to my amusement, I read in the magazines those comical letters that girls write to the beauty specialists. If these letters could all be put together into one it would read something like this: "How am I to make myself pretty so that I shall be admired for my good looks? I want to be rid of all my blemishes, my freckles and pug nose and pimples and stringy hair. I would have my hands very white and shapely and tender, and I would be neither too fat nor too lean. Tell me, Miss Specialist, how to make myself beautiful." The wise man of old has answered this question in words that are most appropriate: "Favour is deceitful, and beauty is vain: but a woman that feareth the Lord, she shall be praised."

Every girl is a lover of beauty. Beautiful homes, beautiful furnishings, beautiful flowers, beautiful fruits, beautiful faces--anything wherein beauty is found, there will be found girls to admire it. From the time her little hands can reach up and her baby lips can lisp the words, she is admiring "pretty things". And when a little of that beauty is her own, her pleasure is unbounded.

Every girl longs to be beautiful. There is in a woman a nature, as deep as humanity, that compels her to strive for good looks. There is no more forlorn sorrow for a young girl than for her to be convinced that she is hopelessly ugly and undesirable. Oh, the bitter tears that have been shed over freckles or a rough and pimply skin! and the energy that has been expended in painting and powdering and frizzing and curling herself into beauty!

A desire to be beautiful is not unwomanly. A woman who is not beautiful cannot properly fill her place. But, mark you, true beauty is not her face, but of the soul. There is a beauty so deep and lasting that it will shine out of the homeliestface and make it comely.

This is the beauty to be first sought and admired. It is a quality of the mind and heart and is manifested in words and deed. A happy heart, a smiling face, loving words and deeds, and a desire to be of service will make any girl beautiful.

God made you the person that you are. Don't cover it up or try to make yourself any better.

Blessings!

Sick Days And More

2008-10-04T13:48:00.006-04:00

I haven't been on here for a while because everyone (including myself) has been sick with the nasty flu.

Now the only one that is still sick is Mom. (poor Mom!) Please pray for her. She is going through a lot right now, a stiff neck, flu, headache, asthma, and a lot of pain. We would really like your prayers.

We found out about a week ago that we could move and buy our own house. God is so good! We've been looking at a lot of house's and have found 2 that we really like. One that is close to us and one that is farther away. Both are really nice and have barns and quite a few acres. (which are two of the things we really want.) I would also appreciate your prayers again that we would be able to find the house that God wants us to have.

Thanks for all of your prayers!

Blessings!

School Pictures (Here at last!)

2008-09-28T21:17:00.002-04:00

Here are some late taken pictures of Matthew, Becky, and Jacob for school. I was going to take them the first day of school, but never got around to it. So finally, I took the time today to do it!

Hope you enjoy them!

*Note: Although Aaron has quite a few years ahead of him before he starts school, he was just too cute to pass up. :)

Blessings!